Grimmjow walked through the 11th squad barracks. Kurosaki is in the living world visiting those friends of his. I can't find Ulquiorra. That leaves Captain Zaraki as my only choice he thought. "Hey, I wanna fight you," Grimmjow said as he approached Kenpachi.

"Sounds like fun," Kenpachi said with a grin. All the other squad members quickly cleared the area. Grimmjow rushed forward and attacked. Kenpachi blocked him easily. Grimmjow swept his sword towards Kenpachi's head. He lazily raised his sword to block. Suddenly, Grimmjow changed direction and went for one of his legs. Kenpachi moved backward before it made contact. "That was a nice move. But you're too slow!" Kenpachi yelled as he lunged forward. They continued to fight for several minutes.

"I'm tired of this. I want you to fight at full strength," Grimmjow demanded.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. But I will use more of my strength. Remember, you asked for it," Kenpachi said with a menacing grin. He attacked quickly and fiercely. Grimmjow barely got his sword up in time to block. They fought for about two more minutes before Kenpachi knocked him down and raised his sword to strike him.

Will you accept my strength? Grimmjow's Zanpakutō asked.

Not yet! I can still fight! Grimmjow said. He rolled to the side and dodged Kenpachi. He lept back up and swung his sword at him. Kenpachi deflected his blow and then swept his sword under Grimmjow's and sliced him across his side. Grimmjow stumbled back while holding his side.

How about now? his Zanpakutō questioned.

It's only a flesh wound! Grimmjow snarled.

You can't beat him. The only point to this was to put you in a situation where you truly needed my help it pointed out.

Well, I don't need it yet Grimmjow said. They continued to fight until Kenpachi knocked Grimmjow down again and raised his sword for the finishing blow.

It's now or never Grimmjow's sword warned.

Fine! I'll accept your help! Grimmjow said.

My name is Pantera. Now let's have some fun! Pantera said.

"Lacerate, Pantera!" Grimmjow yelled. His sword transformed into a pair of long, thin claws attached to each hand. The metal claws themselves were silver, but the parts attached to his hands were a deep blue. He examined them for a few seconds. I couldn't have asked for a better Shikai he thought with a grin. He lunged forward and sliced at Kenpachi. Kenpachi blocked, but the claws nicked his blade and put a scratch on it.

"This will be more fun than I thought!" Kenpachi said. They fought for a while until Kenpachi knocked him down again and held his sword at his throat. "You're strong, but it will take you years of training before you can beat me," Kenpachi said. Grimmjow growled and pushed himself up.

Now I can finally beat Ulquiorra! He won't stand a chance without knowing his Zanpakutō's name! Grimmjow thought excitedly as he left the room.

Aren't you glad you accepted my help? Pantera asked.

Yeah, you were right. It didn't feel like outside help at all Grimmjow admitted.

Now we will be able to fight together in many more battles to come. I am looking forward to it Pantera said.

Me too Grimmjow thought with a grin.


Sometime Later


"Check this out, Kurosaki!" Grimmjow said as he released his sword.

"That's cool. I've never seen a Zanpakutō like it," Ichigo said.

"You never showed us yours, Stark," Grimmjow said.

"Fine, I'll show you. Howl, Lilynette," Stark said lazily. His sword transformed into a pistol that looked very much like the ones he had as an Espada. The main differences were that there was only one, and it had a blade attached to the handle. The blade curved down from the handle and then curved back up so that the tip of the blade was right below the tip of the barrel. The blade couldn't be used for stabbing, but it was great for slashing.

"Cool. What kind of bullets does it fire?" Ichigo asked.

"They are made of my spirit energy, so I'll never have to reload or worry about running out of ammo," Stark said. Grimmjow glanced at Ulquiorra.

"So, trash, now do you see the power of a Shikai? Even if you did learn your sword's name, mine would still be better," Grimmjow bragged.

"Did you just call me trash?" Ulquiorra said.

"No, I called you princess," Grimmjow replied sarcastically. Ulquiorra glared at him for a moment, then walked out of the room.

"I thought he was moody before, but now..." Ichigo muttered.

"That guy needs a hobby," Stark said.

"Are you saying you have one?" Ichigo questioned.

"Yeah. Sleeping," Stark replied. Ichigo laughed and shook his head.

"You really are hopeless. And so is he..." Ichigo said. Grimmjow was standing in front of a mirror admiring the reflection of him wielding his Shikai. "Yes, it does make your butt look big," Ichigo said. Grimmjow spun around and growled at him before leaving the room with his head hung in embarrassment. Stark and Ichigo laughed.