The sunrise, like always, was beautiful. That beauty was magnified in the Soul Society. It painted the sky in hues of gold and deep crimson with a dominance of orange. For a few minutes, the stars would still be shining, standing out against the multitude of colors, and it all mashed together to create this image that everyone had to experience at least once. On days where we knew things would be more intense than normal, my friends and I would wake up early just to take in the sight and relax. We'd all meet up somewhere for an unobstructed sight, usually either on one of the many towers dotted around the Seireitei, or on Sokyoku hill. Orihime would bring picnic supplies, though we made sure Uryu made the food. It would be this quiet, pleasant affair where none of us would talk, to absorb the gentle atmosphere together.
Whenever they'd ask, I'd manifest Shiro and the Old Man, who would relax in their own ways. Old Man would stand there silently, usually next to the equally stoic Chad, and soak it all in as his cloak billowed about (whether there was a breeze or not). Shiro would lay his head in someone's lap, and once everyone got used to it, no one minded. He would never lay on the same person's lap twice in a row, it made me smile how he always remembered who the last person was. Orihime and Rukia would weave their fingers through his hair, and he would damn near fall asleep. Uryu, with the hollow's permission, would sew designs along the sleeves of his shihakusho. Renji would play games, like tic-tac-toe. When Unohana started joining us, she would bring tea. Whenever it was her turn with Shiro, she would read to him. Her reading voice was soothing, and everyone would end up listening in.
More often than not, those mornings would be the only good part of the day. During the worse points of the Blood War, they'd be the only good things we'd be able to experience for weeks at a time.
A yawn pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked over to the source, a rising Isane. She had a nightmare last night, and entered Unohana's abode for comfort. The gentle woman allowed the silver haired lieutenant to join her in her bed, probably because I was on the spare and she didn't want to deal with our crap at 1:30 in the morning. Isane wasn't told I was there, so she was probably going to freak as soon as she opened her eyes.
"Thank you, Unohana-taicho. I'm sorry for-AAAAHHHHHH!" Called it. A pillow hit my face, with barely any force behind it so I merely blinked from the cotton hitting my eye. "Unohana-taicho, there's a man in here with us!"
"Mm, yes, I know. There's nothing to worry about, Isane-chan." Trusting Unohana to deal with this, I looked back out the window to continue watching the sunrise.
"W-w-what?! But he's-he's the Ryoka from Kuchiki-san's execution!"
"Indeed he is. Isane-chan, this is Kurosaki Ichigo, a time traveler who came to warn us of a war, and my patient." Without shifting my gaze, I waved in greeting. "…This is no dream, Isane-chan. You can stop pinching yourself."
I was mildly intrigued by the fact that Isane had yet to notice the still sleeping form of Yoruichi on the spare futon.
"B-but-" She stopped talking when I rose from my position in the far corner of the room.
"You two can chat in here, I'm gonna go have breakfast."
"This shouldn't take too long, Kurosaki-san. I trust you know my preferences?" I nodded as I strapped the sealed Zangetsu to my left hip.
"Yeah. Should I make a plate for Isane, too?"
"I believe that would be too much for her right now."
"Got it. I'll be off, then. Yoruichi will wake on her own, grab some water, and then do her own thing, so just leave her be." I shut the door on my way out, and began lazily sauntering to the 4th Squad cafeteria. I passed by a good number of faceless Shinigami, and responded in kind whenever one greeted me. The majority of the division seemed either wary or outright afraid of me, which kinda made sense. I was an invader suspected of murdering one of the most 'gentle' captains of the Soul Society up until yesterday, after all. One who went toe-to-toe with Kenpachi of all people and won(albeit barely). As well as one who prevented the execution of a 'criminal', manhandled three lieutenants, beat one of the stronger captains, and slaughtered two more captains with ease after they had been revealed as traitors. Add on the rumors that were no doubt running around, and there was a good chance half the people in the Seireitei probably thought I was some sadistic murderer that could overpower Yamamoto and enjoyed eating children.
Wait, Rangiku definitely saw me standing up while covered in fatal injuries and soaked in my own blood. Rumor mill might actually be painting me as a relentless immortal demon that leaves a trail of destruction wherever he goes.
'Not really wrong, there.'
'Only in my Hollow Form. And only when I'm really pissed off.' Oh, Hanataro was leaving a patient's room a few feet away.
"Oi, Hanataro!" The timid guy jumped almost a foot in the air at my voice, before turning with shock and relief in his tired eyes. Damn, nearly forgot the guy probably gets less sleep than I do.
"O-oh, Kurosaki-san. It's so nice to see you're healthy." I smiled. He was always so tired, he never had the energy to raise his voice when he was excited. "Wait, if you don't mind, why are you in the 4th Squad? Are you hurt?" I chuckled, it was nice to see he never changed.
"No, not at all. Unohana has assigned herself to be my personal nurse, and I didn't have a place to stay, so I spent the night on her spare futon."
"Oh, that's good. W-wait, actually, it's a really big deal for someone to get a personal nurse, and Unohana-taicho has never assigned herself. What happened?" I tilted my head. Hanataro was usually caught up on gossip, people never bothered to censor themselves around him because he was so timid and meek.
"You haven't heard?"
"A-are you talking about the rumors? Oh, I've heard them, but I don't believe any of them. They're saying you're this evil monster, and I know you aren't, so I just assumed they were just rumors."
"Actually, I was curious about what people are painting me as. Why don't you join me for breakfast, you can tell me all the rumors and I can tell you what are true and what aren't?"
"Oh, I'd love to. I just finished checking up on my patients for now, so this is actually a great time."
"Well then, come on!" I grinned, waving for him to join me as I continued walking towards the cafeteria.
"Yes." He jogged a couple steps to walk by my side. Idle chat filled the short journey to the mess hall, which was mostly filled with recovering Shinigami and random squad members on break. Funnily enough, despite the fact that Squad 4 was as the bottom of the Shinigami food chain, everyone acknowledged that they had the best food. Most spent their breaks in the 4th Squad's cafeteria just because they had the best chefs, including Squad 11 members that didn't want to go all the way to the Yellow Flag halfway across the Seireitei. Hanataro and I each grabbed a plate before filling them up, as the food was buffet-style. I grabbed a piece of bread and a cup of coffee for myself as I filled a plate for Unohana. I was more of a tea person, but coffee was the better drink during the war. Tea was a gentle wake-up call that softly warmed up the body and mind, while coffee was more of a violent slap in the face. Considering the enemies we faced could literally pop up out of our own shadows whenever they damn well pleased, we couldn't exactly go with the luxuries.
We took our seats at one of the few empty tables, and spent a few minutes eating in pleasant silence. My bread was gone pretty quickly, but I treasured my coffee as long as I could. Unohana and Isane came in when Hanataro was nearly done with his rice, and joined us at the table. I was sitting in the center, with Unohana to my right, Hanataro across from me, and Isane to the meek fourth-seat's left. The only delay was from the silver-haired woman grabbing her meal. It was when she sat back down with her food that the eternally exhausted medic began.
"So, um, Kurosaki-san, where would you like me to start?"
"Wherever you want."
"O-okay, then, uh, the most popular rumor going around is that you're a bloodthirsty demon sent from Hell to bring about the apocalypse."
"Hm, expected worse." I drawled.
"Th-they also say that you can survive any injury, and that you could beat all of the captains at once if you so wished."
"Not all of them. A fair amount of the captains would be easy for me to deal with, but Yamamoto, Kyoraku, Ukitake, and Unohana here would be pretty difficult to beat at the same time. First part's pretty close to true, though. I'm tough to take down." I took a sip from my coffee, pointedly ignoring the horrified look from Isane.
"With the level of power you're describing, wouldn't combatting Kyoraku-taicho be rather simple?" Unohana asked.
"Well, yeah, if his Shikai wasn't so fucking annoying to deal with." The raven haired captain giggled into her tea.
"While I wouldn't use such crass language, I do agree his Katen Kyokotsu would be rather irritating to fight. Always changing the game."
"I don't care what Kyoraku says, his zanpakuto cheats. Hanataro, I'm sure that ain't it. Keep it coming."
"O-oh, yes, some rumors also mention that you are a creation of the Soul King, a hybrid of all three races."
"Well, I was made by a guy that wanted to be the Soul King, but that's a confusing mess we're not gonna get into right now." Shiro started cackling.
'Amazon's face is twitching.' A quick glance to my right showed that the zanpakuto was right, and it was a hilarious sight. Shiro had a nickname for almost everybody, with the only exceptions being people he truly respected. He called Isane 'Amazon' because she was so tall and was surprisingly muscular.
"O-oh, I, um." Aw, shit, I think I broke Hanataro. I smacked him lightly on the head, and he got a hold of himself. "Ah, sorry, sorry, um, yeah, there's also word going around that you're a time traveler." I nodded into my cup.
"Oh, yes, I can confirm that, Yamada-san." Unohana announced. The timid medic blinked in shock.
"Does-does that mean the rumor saying he came to stop a war is true?"
"Yeah. I already did that, actually. Now I'm here to help you guys prepare for the second war."
"S-s-second w-war?!" Came Isane's frightened response. I nodded again.
"Yup. Anything else, Hanataro?"
"N-nothing comes to mind."
"Alright, then." I stood up, grabbing the empty plates of the other three. "Let me know if that changes. In the meantime, you two have jobs to do, and Unohana and I have to go shopping."
'Isane is unresponsive. It would've been best to wait before informing them of the Blood War, what with them still coming to terms with your time traveling.'
'Yeah, probably shouldn't have done that. They'll recover.' Unohana was on it, anyway, rubbing her lieutenant's back soothingly and talking her down. I turned away to give one of the waiting chefs the dirty dishes for them to wash. When I came back, Isane was kinda dazed, but was getting ready for her shift. Hanataro was gone, and Unohana was waiting patiently with her hands in her sleeves in front of her.
"Shall we go?" she asked.
"Lead the way." It was still early, the sun barely having been up for an hour at this point, but just about everything was open. The only exceptions were the bars, which usually opened at around noon. We passed by more than a few Shinigami, and around half ether gave us (me) a wide berth, or fearfully pretended they didn't see us(me). Outside of that, the walk to the East Gate was pleasant, mostly silent save for some small talk. It was when we exited the Seireitei, and the only people around to listen were Rukongai citizens, that Unohana began with the serious conversation.
"I pray you didn't think your actions last night went unnoticed." Shit. It was near impossible to hide something from the First Kenpachi, but this one wasn't used to my behavior, so it's possible she was talking about something different.
"Just to be clear, what actions are you talking about?" I felt her glare stab me in the side of the head.
"Why, your remaining awake all night, of course." Fuck.
"Well, you've gotta cut me some slack. I just time traveled after going through two of the bloodiest wars in Soul Society's history."
"Yes, I've acknowledged that. Based on what you've told me, the version of me you're accustomed to was forced to permit your insomnia due to those same wars. I have no doubt that you were one of, if not the most, vital fighter on our side, and so I assume I did not interfere with your sleeping habits."
"Yeah, pretty much. Couldn't have me sleeping in the middle of an attack." I sighed.
"By your own account, the Quincy will not begin their attack for another three years."
"That's right."
"Then we have three years wherein we will suffer no consequences if you were to sleep more." I nodded, resigned to my fate.
"No point in arguing against this." I could beat her in a fight, but I never won an argument.
"Good. Now, are you going to pick a bed, or should I?"
"Go ahead, I would just grab whatever's cheapest."
We were browsing the stalls for food, my new futon being carried over my shoulder and a couple bags of groceries held in my opposite hand when a Hell Butterfly floated up to us. It landed on Unohana's finger, and informed us of a captains meeting to be held in an hour and a half regarding my powers. We agreed to continue the trip afterwards, and returned to Unohana's home in the Squad 4 barracks. At her request, I organized the beds so that Unohana was in the middle with me on her left and Isane on her right, whenever the lieutenant joined in. The nurse watched in amusement as I placed all the food we had gotten in their proper places without her input before we began on our trek to the 1st Division for the meeting. When we got there, the doors weren't opened yet, and a couple captains and lieutenants were waiting on us. Ukitake, Kyoraku, Byakuya, and Soi Fon were waiting with their lieutenants, and Isane immediately left to mingle with her sister and Nanao. Ukitake and Kyoraku walked over to us with gentle smiles across their faces, and the four of us sat down at a bench. The flowery captain and I sat on the outside while the First Kenpachi and the silver-haired captain sat on the inside.
"Didn't expect you to be so punctual, Kurosaki-san." Kyoraku without his eyepatch would have to take some getting used to. I sighed, faking irritation.
"As much as I look it, I'm not a delinquent. My hair is naturally orange, and I get into a lot of fights because gangs think I'm one, but I'm almost always near the top of my class in my studies and I enjoy reading literature. I missed a lot of school because of my Shinigami duties, so my teachers assume I cut class, but I never miss assignments and I'm somehow rarely late to class despite hollow attacks. Yeah, I'm a little rough around the edges, but just because I can't always think before entering a situation doesn't mean I'm dumb." That got the lazy captain laughing.
"Well, color me surprised! Aren't you the definition of 'don't judge a book by its cover'?" I laughed.
"Yeah, I get that a lot, doesn't help that I used to scowl at everybody and Rukia and I played around by getting into fights with each other." Now Ukitake and Unohana joined us in laughing. "Even I have to admit, it's tough to picture me as a nice guy when most Shinigami remember me as the guy who invaded their home, kicked the asses of two of the strongest captains, and prevented the execution of someone seen as a criminal!" Unohana hid her giggles behind her hand, and Ukitake rested a hand on his stomach as he chuckled.
"Yes, I imagine that would make things quite difficult!"
"Oh, you don't know the half of it! According to the rumors going around, I'm a 'demon sent from Hell to bring about the apocalypse'! I haven't even used my hollow powers yet!"
"Oh, dear me, how did that come to pass?" Kyoraku's mouth was agape, with the corners curled up in clear amusement. I shrugged.
"I think it started when Rangiku saw me stand up with two giant gashes across my chest and covered in more blood than should reasonably be outside the body. She probably told someone, who told someone else, who told someone else, and it probably got lost in translation at some point."
"Well, now I'm interested: what else are people saying about you?"
"Oh, that I can survive any injury and can beat all of the captains at once. Not too far off."
"Not too far off? What do you mean?" Ukitake asked.
"At my strongest, I can regenerate from nearly any injury. As for fighting the captains, I can easily fight most of them as they are, but you three and Yamamoto are those that would give me some trouble." Ukitake raised an eyebrow.
"Kenpachi-taicho and Kuchiki-taicho would be easy for you?" I nodded.
"Zaraki is an animal, one that shrugs off any and all injuries, will prolong the fight if he's enjoying it, and goes off instinct alone. He can't recover from his wounds, doesn't pay attention to where he's getting hit, and his habit of prolonging the fight can bring about his undoing. Moreover, while instinct is great, you can't just fight mindlessly. Byakuya is the opposite, relying on skill and his zanpakuto's ability to overwhelm his opponents. He prefers to stand off to the side and let his zanpakuto do all the work, but don't let that confuse you into thinking he can't fight up close and personal. Out of the two, I'd say Byakuya is more dangerous because he knows what he's doing and can fight in various ways. Honestly, the only reason I can beat him is because I have pretty unfair abilities myself."
"I see, but the three of us would prove a hassle even with your 'unfair abilities'?" Kyoraku asked.
"How can you not? None of you three have abilities that are easily dealt with. You have your games, you can reflect any energy attack back at the enemy and you usually have the advantage physically because of your dual blades, and once you start letting loose, you're Zaraki with a brain, without morals, and in possession of an insane healing factor." The trio slowly nodded in acceptance, before Kyoraku chuckled lightly.
"Well, well, I thought I could catch you off guard with that question, but I see you truly aren't a delinquent, if you can understand power isn't everything." I snorted.
"Yeah, power can do a lot, but it barely means crap if you don't know how to use it." Our conversation was cut off by a wooden cane striking the ground and the double doors of the meeting hall opening up. Looking around, I realized all the captains were here, excluding Gin.
"I do believe that's our cue." Ukitake announced before climbing to his feet. I smirked and followed the captains inside. Not having any proper place to stand, I went to where I was last meeting. This was about my powers anyway, so I was probably saving time. Yamamoto slammed his cane upon the ground a second time once everyone was in place.
"As the Hell Butterflies informed you all, this captains meeting is focused on the topic of Kurosaki Ichigo's powers. At the end of yesterday's meeting, you informed us that you had access to both Hollow and Quincy powers. Explain how you got them, what they are, and what level of control you have, in that order." Wow, there was no bullshit today. Okay, then.
"That's gonna be a little complicated of a story, so make sure to follow along. And if you can, don't interrupt." There was a nod from the aged Shinigami. "Alright, so: my powers, Hollow, Quincy, and Shinigami, I got from my birth. My mother was a pureblood Quincy noble, and a pretty powerful one at that. My father," My eyes flicked to Toshiro for a moment, "Captain of the 10th Division, Isshin Shiba." Well, that was quick. The room dropped 10 degrees as soon as I finished speaking.
"What?!" The white haired prodigy nearly screamed. Yamamoto held a hand up to silence the short captain.
"By his account, he left to the World of the Living on an investigation, and my parents met facing a Vasto Lorde-class hollow created by Aizen. The hollow infected my mother during their fight, and with the help of Kisuke Urahara, my father sacrificed his powers to seal it and stop it from killing my mother. When I was born, the sealed hollow transferred over to me. I was born with latent Shinigami and Quincy powers, which would've been fine if the hollow hadn't joined in. In order to prevent my soul from killing itself, the hollow and Quincy powers fused with my forming zanpakuto, creating Zangetsu. In my Shikai, I have access to the basic powers of Hollows, Quincies, and Shinigami. Using them, I have incredible defense, blistering speed, overwhelming strength, powerful regeneration, and immense destructive capabilities. As for control, I don't use more than I need."
"And what of your Bankai, if you have one?" The fire-user asked.
"Oh, I've got one, but up until I need to use it, I'm not gonna describe it. All I will say, is that out of every Shinigami currently in the Seireitei, no one other than you are or become strong enough to make me use my Bankai." I could feel the incredulousness and disbelief seeping from most of the captains.
"Arrogant Ryoka, no Shikai is powerful enough to take on a Bankai, let alone that of a captain's." Soi Fon growled. I rolled my eyes.
"I can demonstrate my Shikai in a spar." I wasn't sure if it was because I knew him so well or what, but I could feel Zaraki grinning.
"Hehehe, I'll take you on." The captain of the 11th accepted.
"Wasn't an offer. I already know who I'd want to spar with if Yamamoto accepts." The bearded man in question leveled a heated glare my way, probably due to my casual use of his name.
"And where would this spar take place?"
"There is a large cave that I originally trained for Bankai in, it was made by Kisuke Urahara with assistance from Yoruichi Shihoin and has a healing spring."
"Hm. Then you are permitted. Who is it that you chose to spare with?" I threw my thumb over my shoulder, pointed outward towards the one person Yamamoto would probably prefer I didn't fight.
"Unohana." Immediately, those who didn't know the truth behind the raven haired medic expressed their disapproval. Byakuya silently sneered.
"She is merely a medic!" Komamura roared.
"You buffoon, you can't display fighting capabilities against someone who doesn't fight!" Kurotsuchi hissed.
"Lowly Ryoka, how-"
"Do you know what you are getting yourself into, Kurosaki?" Yamamoto's heavy voice silenced the rage of the uninformed. It was clear to me that he was indirectly asking if I knew the truth behind her mask. I nodded, my face hardened.
"I do, more than you'd probably believe."
"Then lead us to this training cavern." A baffled Soi Fon and Kurotsuchi turned to the ancient captain.
"What?!"
"You will understand why I made such a decision in due time." With that, Yamamoto stood up, and the doors opened. "Go on, Kurosaki." I nodded again and turned to leave the room. Almost immediately upon leaving the room, Renji and Rangiku popped up on either side of me.
"What the hell are you thinking, you damned carrot top!" Renji whisper-shouted.
"Yeah, Unohana-taicho can be scary at times, but that doesn't mean you should beat up the best medic we've got!" the blonde protested.
"Do either of you know the full meaning of the name 'Kenpachi'?" I asked, completely at ease.
"Uh, it's the last name of Kenpachi-taicho." The pineapple answered like it was obvious.
"Zaraki doesn't have a last name." I responded. Renji nearly tripped. Rangiku used that as an excuse to grope my arm. "'Kenpachi' is a title, not a name. It is given to the most powerful and vicious fighter in the Seireitei, and Zaraki is the 11th holder of the name."
"Interesting history lesson, but why is that important right now?" The blonde woman asked.
"Unohana was the first." Now Renji did trip. Rangiku, meanwhile, was so shocked that she froze, her grip loosening on my arm until it slipped out. From the sound of it, it took Toshiro elbowing her to snap her out of it. She then ran back up to me at the same time Renji picked himself up.
"Wait, wait, wait, what?!" The lieutenant of the 10th yelled.
"Yep."
"You can't expect me to-" she looked over to the gentle medic for a moment before looking back at me. "Actually, that kinda makes sense. Why doesn't she fight anymore? Not that I'm not grateful!"
"When Zaraki was a kid, she fought him. He had such overwhelming power, and his instincts were so incredible, he nearly beat her, though she wasn't in her Bankai. He realized he was about to win, and sealed off his own power so they could keep fighting longer, which lead to his defeat. Unohana was so depressed over indirectly being the reason Zaraki sealed away his power, or more specifically, the reason that he was no longer powerful enough to be a good fight, and quit being a Kenpachi to become a healer. Where I come from, we needed his power, so she and I nearly murdered him for a week, to chip away at his self-imposed seal until it broke. Once she, quote 'undid her sin', she returned to being a fighter, one that met all the requirements to be one of our front-liners." Renji gulped before speaking.
"And what does it take to be a 'front-liner'?" I snorted half-heartedly at the question.
"Hit like a truck, be able to fight for days on end, tank like a motherfucker, and be able to heal yourself. Our job was to keep the small fry at bay while everyone else recovered, planned, or both."
"Who were the front-liners?"
"Unohana, Zaraki, my friend Chad, my dad and I. Unohana's specialty is healing, Yachiru learned how to use Kaido to heal Zaraki mid-fight, Chad learned a few tricks I don't really understand, my dad is like a brick house, and I'm built to fight."
"You're gonna need to explain that last one a bit more." The redhead prompted.
"Eh, you'll see when I break Unohana out of her shell." I blinked. "Do gotta warn you though; when we really get into it, our spars get really bloody." There was a moment of warry silence where Rangiku and Renji exchanged a look before they retreated to chat with the other lieutenants. I sighed in relief when I felt Isane's glare leave the back of my head. Since I announced I wanted to spar with Unohana, she had begun to try to kill me with her eyes, and didn't let up until just now. We entered the cave relatively quickly, only took about half an hour. All the lieutenants save for Renji stared in awe, and I could feel how smug Renji got as he explained this was where he got Bankai. Most of the captains gave it a passing glance, save for Kyoraku, who immediately saw the healing spring.
A single glance towards the collection of captains was all I needed to understand how uncomfortable most of them were. Yamamoto, Kyoraku, Ukitake, and Zaraki acting so serious was certainly worrisome if one didn't know why. I pointed to a cliff overlooking where I wanted the fight to start.
"Go over there if you want to watch. You'll still be able to hear us clearly, and you don't run the risk of getting caught in the crossfire." All was silent as almost everyone moved over to where I had asked. Unohana and I stood a little ways away from each other and in clear sight of the spectators. Without hesitation, I drew Zangetsu, but Unohana didn't respond in kind. I rolled my eyes, but I knew this was going to happen. Breaking her out of her shell wouldn't be easy, what with how long she had been hiding in it.
'Oi, I wanna watch from outside.'
'I do as well, though I wish to discuss some matters with Yamamoto.' I shrugged before looking up, specifically at the bearded captain.
"Yo, I'm about to manifest my spirits. Yamamoto, one of my spirits looks like Yhwach, don't attack him." The fire-wielder was silent for a moment, before nodding. Immediately, Shiro and the Old Man were behind me. Because he probably didn't give a shit, Shiro hopped up to join the spectators without hesitation. The Old Man followed, but used Hirenkyaku instead of jumping.
"Hollow!"
"Shut yer trap, Bumblebee. I ain't gonna hurt any o' ya. Unless ya give me a reas'n, at least." Even from down here, I could hear the ensuing growl from Soi Fon. "Oi, Lungs!"
"…U-uh, me?" A confused Ukitake asked.
"Ye, you! Siddown, imma lay my head in yer lap!" And now Kyoraku was laughing. Throughout all of this, Unohana was blinking in surprise in front of me.
"Shiro likes laying his head in people's laps." I explained. "Old Man, or Ossan for short, like to stand around with his cloak flapping around."
"Odd traits for an odd zanpakuto, I presume?"
"Not as odd as you might think. Shiro likes that because when our Mom was alive, I would lay my head in her lap to relax. Ossan likes the cloak flapping thing because I liked to play Kamen Rider when I was a kid and I felt most invincible then. He says that's when my inner world would look its best, meaning when I was mentally best." Her eyes widened at my words. I adjusted my stance so I was holding my sealed blade with both hands. "Moving on!" I felt the attention of all the captains and lieutenants focus on me.
"You've all heard part of my release phrase. In case you haven't put the pieces together from Kyoraku and Ukitake, dual wielders have two halves of their release phrases. For those two, at least, they can't release their swords without speaking the complete phrases. I can individually release my blade by speaking only half my release phrase, which limits me to only the set of abilities I release. When I speak my full release phrase, I have access to all of my abilities, but I change physically due to my hollow powers. I say this in warning, don't attack me because of how I look, or I throw you across this cave." I could've sworn I heard Soi Fon growl again, but it was quiet enough I wasn't sure. My reiatsu skyrocketed, and my triage of colors encircled me.
"Now, Shatter Fate and Tear the Heaven's Asunder, Zangetsu!" There was an explosion of power that kicked up dust in its wake, as per usual when I released my complete Shikai. It was helpful for distracting enemies on the battlefield, in addition to serving as a good warning of who they were up against. At some point, I got into the habit of rushing out from the cloud and beginning my assault before anyone could recover, so it was uncomfortable just standing still after my release. I could feel a storm of emotions centered around me manifest as soon as the cloud dissipated. A lot of suspicion, uncomfortably prying interest that was probably from Kurotsuchi, general disgust from Soi Fon, and gentle curiosity I immediately placed as from my three favorite captains.
The intense focus on me wasn't all that surprising. My power, while not flashy, wasn't exactly subtle, either. Just as with my incomplete release, my blade separated into two, and in the same shapes, only Shiro's blade was white. I also had the markings from our Hollow Form spreading out from where my hollow hole normally sat, though only the left side reached all the way to my head. My left eye also hollowfied, the white of my eye melting to black and my brown eye shifting to a shining gold. One of my horns also grew out of my head, sharp, long, and curved. Unohana stared at me in curious fascination.
"Quite the display." She breathed. I shrugged.
"Eh, I don't really care about being flashy. I'd say I could go without, but it's a good distraction." I readjusted my grip on my blades and shifted on my feet. "You're gonna wanna draw Minazuki."
"Is this really all that necessary? As your nurse, I'd much prefer to not be one of the reasons you require increased care." I narrowed my eyes.
"For most of the war, Yhwach sent out near-endless waves of foot soldiers to keep us exhausted and unable to properly recover. Our tacticians formed a group of fighters who served the purpose of keeping those foot soldiers at bay, so everyone else could heal, plan, and conserve their energy. That group, the front-liners, were the most important people in the war, and the selection process was unforgiving. With our job, we couldn't afford to have a weak link. At our best, you and I made up two-fifths of that group, so yes, you deciding to join the fight is necessary." She drummed her fingers along the hilt of her sword.
"You came here to change that outcome, didn't you?"
"You keep throwing excuses, and I'm gonna start swinging whether you've got your blade out or not."
"You're an honorable man, surely you wouldn't-"
"You taught me to fight dirty." She blinked, and I watched as her mouth repeatedly opened and shut in an effort to refute that. I rolled my eyes and cracked my neck. This is going to be irritating.
"Alright, I'm starting." She was right, I was honorable, so I gave her the warning she was too ruthless to give. Deciding to start things off easy, I shot forward in Shunpo. Her eyes widened and she backed out of the way of my first swing. The medic retreated as fast as she could while raising her arm for a Kido spell, and I smirked before following her. A crimson orb manifested in her hands, and I watched the shock fill her eyes as I kept charging forth.
"Hado #31: Shakkaho!" The crimson orb exploded in my face, and I burst through the smoke without so much as a scratch with Ossan's blade rushing forward towards her neck. My smile grew when she leaned back, my experienced eyes tracking the way she kept herself from instinctively punching out. A twitch of my arm, and Ossan's blade was rushing towards the ground, edge down in hopes of striking the woman. It was like seeing hairline fractures form in her shell, the way she rolled to the left and came up with another spell ready.
"Hado #58: Tenran!" Shiro's blade snapped out, the wind pressure from my slash canceling out the tornado coming at me. I was in front of Unohana in an instant, with my hollow blade cutting across the air with the intent to kill. "Bakudo #81: Danku!"
As soon as the wall formed, it was cut down, but the delay was enough for the medic to retreat a couple steps, not like that would do much.
"Bakudo #4: Hainawa!" The bright yellow rope flew at me, and I didn't even have to think, black reiatsu leaking off of Ossan's rising blade. I decided to cut her some slack for now, leaving the Getsuga nameless. The Bakudo spell vaporized anyway, but the slash was weak enough for the experienced captain to shunpo to its right. I heard a few unfortunate rock formations take the brunt of the heaven-piercer, but I didn't care. I swung out horizontally with my Quincy blade, brilliant blue arcing off of it as a splatter of Heilig Pfeils.
"Bakudo #39: Enkosen!" The shield of reiatsu blocked two arrows before breaking, and I was right behind them with Shiro's blade hurdling towards Unohana in a diagonal slash. She barely managed to roll to the left without injury, only to come up with my cero pointed at her from my horn. "Bakudo #44: Sekisho!" She was smart enough to keep on running to the side as the red blast tore the shield apart like paper. I sonido'ed in front of her, and my smirk grew minutely when she was unable to stop herself from socking me in the jaw. My head snapped to the left, but I brought my right blade inward. She shunpo'ed in retreat, and I followed with Shiro's blade brought back for a heavy swing. "Bakudo #30: Shitotsu Sansen!" My hollow blade shattered two of the triangles, and the final one broke apart against my Hierro.
"Come on! I'm built to fight, just indulge yourself!" Her response was a silent Sokatsui to my face that tussled my hair. "I've told you before, you and I used to fight all the time! Even Zaraki couldn't keep up!" She flinched, and shunpo'ed away, leaving Ossan's blade to cut a stalagmite in half.
"Perhaps Zaraki is the answer!" The Old Man called from his perch next to an unhappy Yamamoto.
"Oh, yeah, thanks Old Man!" I shouted back as I leveled his blade at Unohana. "Licht Regen!" A hurricane of arrows flew out of the blade, forcing the woman to hide behind rock formations. "Remember our chat last night? You 'undid your sin'!" I canceled the storm of light and began treading towards the pillar the medic was hiding behind. "Yeah, it's kinda still there right now, but that was gonna be one of the things we needed to do to prep for the war anyway. You've got no reason to hold yourself back, and you told me yourself I'm the best fight you've ever had, so just let loose, Yachiru!" I cut the base of the pillar, only for something to smack it into my face and send me stumbling back. I gathered my bearings just quick enough to block the blur of silver, and my grin grew unhindered on my face, mirroring the one upon the face of the First Kenpachi.
"Bankai,"A substance eerily similar to blood soaked her blade, changing the shape while still held against Shiro's sword. Her reiatsu exploded, but it wasn't even enough to make me shift my feet. "Minazuki." Ossan's blade lunged out at her throat, only striking air as she leaned out of the way before she tore into a frenzy of slashes that I matched with glee.
Atop the cliff overlooking the battle-turned-slaughter, Abarai swallowed the lump in his throat as a drop of cold sweat trailed down the side of his head.
"What the hell?" he shakily asked. Unohana's lieutenant was next to him, just as frightened.
"I've never seen Unohana-taicho like this…" She shivered. "It's so scary…"
"What did that Ryoka do to her?" Soi Fon snarled.
"He broke her out of her shell, Soi Fon-taicho." Yamamoto gravely informed. The announcement shocked nearly everyone atop the cliff.
"What?" The Captain of the Stealth Force breathed.
"Years ago, when the Gotei 13 was still forming," Kyoraku began, just as serious as his mentor, "Retsu Unohana, or as she's really called, Yachiru Unohana was one of the most vicious, bloodthirsty, and ruthless fighters in the Soul Society. She slaughtered anything and everything in her search for a good fight, but unlike Kenpachi-taicho here, she wouldn't hold herself back or prolong fights to enjoy them."
"Indeed." Ukitake confirmed. "In her mind, if you had to restrain yourself or make an effort to lengthen the fight, they weren't good enough. The closest she ever got, ironically enough, was when she encountered Kenpachi-taicho. I don't know what happened, but after she won, she swore off fighting and became a medic. Until now, at least." Yamamoto gripped his cane harder.
"This war Kurosaki is preparing us for must truly be terrible if he is going to such extents."
"Ya didn't get that from the 'I'm all that's left' speech?" Kurosaki's hollow drawled, his head in Ukitake's lap with the sick captain analyzing the designs woven into the sleeves of the spirit's shihakusho. The head captain's eyes flicked to the bleached copy of the hybrid fighting below, before returning to watch the fight with a troubled look in his gaze.
"May I speak, Yamamoto-soutaicho?" Hisagi asked.
"You may."
"While the truth behind Unohana-taicho is not something to ignore, I believe the more pressing matter is Kurosaki-san's capabilities."
"I can't help but agree with Hisagi-fukutaicho." Ise spoke up. "He brushed off each Kido spell Unohana-taicho sent his way without any apparent effort, and as difficult as it is for me to watch, he is matching her in her Bankai blow for blow."
"He did tell us that he could beat nearly any captain without his Bankai." Kyoraku smirked.
"Kurotsuchi-taicho, give us your analysis." Yamamoto grunted.
"So far, he has displayed sufficient strength to generate gusts of wind powerful enough to cancel out a captain's Tenran, and cleave through pillars of rock without apparent effort. He mentioned that he would throw any who attacked him across this cave, and based on this information, he can do just that. He's ran headfirst into both a captain's Shakkaho and Sokatsui without taking any damage, his attacks have either shattered or vaporized every Kido used against him, this includes the Danku she cast, which is supposed to be unbreakable to any Kido below it. I can't follow him with my eyes, despite the many modifications I've made to them, and he has regenerated multiple severed limbs since Unohana has released her Bankai." Came the screechy response.
"Does his claim hold true?" Kuchiki monotoned.
"I cannot speak for the captains who have yet to release their Bankai's, but my calculations state that the Bankai's of those I know about would be ineffective for defeating the time traveler. Even my own, as the reiatsu levels Kurosaki has demonstrated is more than enough to cancel out my poisons."
"Including my Senbonzakura Kageyoshi?" The mad scientist barked out a laugh.
"Ha! Based on the defense he has demonstrated, your blades would be as effective as a gust of wind." At those words, the noble shifted his gaze over to the bloodbath below and remained silent.
"We've confirmed Kurosaki-san's claim. Should we tell them to stop?" Komamura boomed.
"Let them enjoy themselves. This is the first time Ichigo has allowed himself to relax in months." The Quincy spirit announced.
"Ev'n if ya don't, they can't hear ya and its suicide ta jump in there."
"That's fine, I wanna join!" Kenpachi bellowed as he unsheathed his sword.
"I jus' said its suicide, Spikes. That includes you. You ain't built fer their type o' fight." Confused, eyepatch-wearing captain peered over the edge of the cliff just in time to watch Unohana smack Kurosaki with his own severed arm as the orange haired time traveler cut a chunk out of her right side with his white blade.
"Shit." He breathed.
"Kusajishi-fukutaicho learned Kaido to help you last longer in your spars with Ichigo and Unohana, but her abilities were unable to keep up with them." At the disappointed look that appeared on Kenpachi's face, the cloaked spirit continued. "Do not despair. Unohana specializes in healing, Ichigo's strength is in his overwhelming power, while your specialty is in your cutting power." The rugged captain looked back at the Quincy manifestation.
"Eh? Cuttin' power?" 'Ossan' nodded.
"Indeed. Your ability to cut is so incredible that not even Ichigo's Hierro or Blut Vene can stand up to it."
"How's that special? She's cuttin' him up right now!"
"Ichigo isn't using his defensive powers, instead exercising his regenerative capabilities. He did mention that this was a spar, after all."
"Yeah, if King were usin' his Hierro 'r Blut, Unohana wouldn' ev'n break skin."
"Oh, yeah? As far as I can tell, there's nothin' I can cut that the others can't." There was and excited shout from Unohana, before the tip of Kurosaki's horn flew up onto the cliff. The item bounced across the ground a couple times before settling, wherein Nemu picked it up at her captain's request.
"That is due to your efforts to enjoy battle. You have sealed away your power to combat weaker opponents for so long that even when removing your eyepatch, a large portion of your power is still sealed. In your last battle with Ichigo, if I recall correctly, you understood the power of a Shinigami fighting with their zanpakuto."
"Thought I'd give it a try. Ain't workin'."
"That's 'cause yer sealin' yer power away, an' yer zanpakuto with it. Ya break that seal ya got on yer power, ya can use yer zanpakuto."
"Then how do I do that?"
"Don' worry 'bout it. King'll help ya out, just like ev'ryone else." A beam of crimson fired out below, tearing through four cliffs before it cut out.
"Captain, we could stop him, if we wanted to, right?" Marechiyo asked hesitantly.
"Of course." The short woman scoffed. The bleached spirit's gaze locked onto said woman's form with uncomfortable seriousness.
"Keep talkin' like he's against ya, and I'm rippin' yer head off."
"Silence yourself, Hollow. He is still a Ryoka, one stronger than most, but a Ryoka nonetheless. We have entertained his crazed notions for no other reason than curiosity. If we so much as doubt that he is on our side, we will execute him, simple as that." Before anyone could speak to the contrary, the pale zanpakuto was in front of the assassin. His left hand was gripping the back of her neck, and his ivory blade was held reverse against the hollow of her throat, blood already trailing from the shallow cut. He glowered down at her with fiery rage, and a silent promise of death.
"Crazed notions?" The zanpakuto's other half began, his tone dark and threatening. "How naïve can you be, to still believe Ichigo is speaking the words of a madman? Have you not noticed the difference in power between when he first invaded and now? Did you not hear the information he gave that even you were not aware of? Were you not present to experience the Head Captains' rage at hearing that an enemy thought dead for a thousand years has returned? To still believe his warnings of a shattered future are blasphemy is to both live in childish ignorance and to spit upon his experiences. Continue with your threats at your own risk, Captain of the Onmitsukido, Ichigo trusts that we would not kill you without good reason." Without prompting, the hollow's blade disappeared in a crimson flash, and he let go of the woman by shoving her harshly into her overweight lieutenant. As the short captain held a hand to the wound on her throat, she glared at the manifestation that nearly decapitated her. He responded in kind, before growling and stalking over to where he previously laid.
The Quincy spirit shifted his harsh gaze onto Yamamoto, who seemed nearly as furious as the zanpakuto. A silent agreement passed between them before the ancient captain turned away from the fight below.
"Soi Fon-taicho, even I had my suspicions at hearing Kurosaki's claims. However, he proved to be knowledgeable about information never documented and never passed by word of mouth. I can recognize the horrors of war weighing him down, and he has described many things that were previously unexplainable. He has come with a warning of war, as well as means to prepare for it we previously thought impossible. Already, he has returned one of the Gotei 13's greatest fighters to the battlefield, has indirectly begun assisting Kenpachi Zaraki in gaining access to his zanpakuto, and has promised much more. It would do you good to both believe him, and understand he is on the side of the Soul Society."
"…Understood, Head Captain."
"This impromptu meeting is adjourned. You all are free to do as you wish." Having said his piece, Yamamoto and his lieutenant disappeared in shunpo. Without comment, Kuchiki, Komamura, and Iba left on foot. Kenpachi found a rock and sat upon it, watching as Yachiru snacked on candy. With a face set in anger, Soi Fon grabbed her lieutenant and dragged him off to train. Kurotsuchi pulled a silver cube from his coat, placed it on the ground, and ordered his 'daughter' to collect any and all of Kurosaki's severed limbs for testing as the cube folded out into a portable lab. Toshiro sat down next to Ukitake, Kyoraku, and the currently resting Hollow. The leftover lieutenants huddled together to maintain privacy. The Quincy remained standing at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the ongoing spar.
"Hollow, would you mind if I asked some questions?" The prodigy asked.
"When he is unable to battle it out, Shiro sleeps off his rage. You may ask me those questions, if you wish."
"I see. Then starting off with what has risen to the forefront of my mind: why do you refer to that hollow as 'Shiro'?"
"Ichigo gave us the names 'Ossan' and 'Shiro'. We cherish them greatly, despite critiquing him for his lack of creativity, and much prefer to be called such."
"You share a strong relationship with your wielder."
"Most Shinigami forget, in their long lives, that zanpakuto are forged from their very souls. The more powerful relationship between Shinigami and zanpakuto, the more powerful both become."
"And how did you learn this?"
"Ichibei Hyosube and Nimaiya Oetsu, captains of the Zero Squad."
"What else did you learn? That you can tell me, that is."
"I can tell you much, but as for what is relevant to you, I say this: you are correct in that your young body prevents you from using the full power of your Bankai, but there is much about your Bankai that you believe that is incorrect."
"Based on your phrasing, I am left to presume you will not give me a straight answer?"
"Learning the truth on your own will benefit you the most. What held you back previously were your assumptions. Now that you know to question them, your growth will continue where you previously plateaued."
"I see. Thank you for your assistance," An uncomfortable look formed upon the ice-wielder's face. "Ossan-san." Luckily for the boy, the spirit remained silent, his cloak flapping in the nonexistent wind as he gazed upon the bloodbath below. A limb flew up and flopped onto the ground a little ways away from the trio. Both Nemu and Kurotsuchi looked at the hand for a moment before returning to their business. The two white haired captains blinked in shock.
"Shunsui, correct me if I'm wrong, but that is Unohana's hand, is it not?" Ukitake asked.
"Indeed it is. Those two must really be enjoying themselves." A hail of arrows pelted a nearby cliff to rubble. "Mr. Ossan, how long should this last, if you don't mind my asking?"
"If uninterrupted, they could go on for days. Worry not, Shiro and I can stop them without fear of injury whenever we wish. We have already decided to cut their spar short in time for them to be proper for dinner. Would any of you like to join them?"
"I don't mind. Juushiro?"
"I'm sure my appetite will return by then. What of you, Hitsugaya-taicho?"
"I have a feeling it would be an enlightening experience. Count me in."