AN: Hey everyone! Sorry for the long wait! Midterms and such. Anyway, enjoy the next chapter!
Old man Zangetsu talking
Inner Hollow/Zangetsu/Other Vizards/Other non-arrancar Hollows talking
Chapter 4: Right Arm of the Devil
ICHIGO P.O.V.
"What the hell are you doing here, Grimmjow?" I ask.
"Ol' Getaboshi saw fit to send me back to join you, considering the fact that I was bored as fuck and you left. Now I'm here and I want a spar," he informs me. Great.
"Can this wait Grimmjow?" I ask. It's too soon to reveal myself to Aizen.
"Why the fuck should I wait? I waited for 2 weeks!" he asks, clearly pissed.
"If you come inside, I'll explain why we should wait on our spar," I reply.
"Fine," he grumbles. "Let's talk."
I lead him inside Getaboshi's shop. "Sit down, Grimmjow," I command. He complies, grumbling.
"Now, as to why we can't spar openly, it all comes down to one word: Aizen," I begin. He growls at the mention of Aizen. "I just don't want him to know about me so early on in the game. Otherwise, he'll change all his plans, and our knowledge of the future will be useless," I say, pausing to observe his reaction. He nods in understanding.
"Never knew that you could be one to think things through like this Kurosaki. Getting soft?" Grimmjow muses, grinning maniacally. "Though I have to say that I agree with you; that bastard is definitely worth more waiting."
"Mizuki and I will be leaving for the Soul Society soon; we have to rescue Rukia and reveal Aizen as the traitor he is," I begin.
"And with him come Foxface and Tosen, right?" he asks.
"Tosen we can leave to Komamura; but about Gin, he actually double-crossed Aizen, and Aizen killed him for it. He was never really supporting Aizen; rather, he was working from the inside to stop Aizen. So I'm going to try to convince him to abandon his crazy, suicidal plan and openly support us instead," I inform him.
"Kurosaki-san, the senkaimon will…take…who might you be?" Urahara asks, suddenly appearing and noticing Grimmjow's presence.
"He is another person from the future by the name of Grimmjow Jaegarjacquez. I told you about the alternate future, right? He was formerly one of Aizen's Espada, Rank 6. Later, after Aizen's defeat, he became my rival and ally in the war against the Quincies. So yeah, I trust him. Though he is like an Arrancar version of Kenpachi most of the time," I say, smirking slightly.
"If you trust him, Kurosaki-san, then I shall as well. As I was saying before though, it will take me ten days to get the senkaimon with the spirit converter up and running," he informs me.
"Oh, I knew that already. Now, Mizuki, go continue your training with Yoruichi-san, OK?" I tell her, getting up. "Oh, and Grimmjow? Stay here. Do NOT, under any circumstances, leave this building. If you do, the Soul Society, or worse, Aizen, could catch wind of your presence, and that would be BAD. Plus, I'm the only one strong enough to spar with you, so just stay. If you're bored, do some Jinzen, like I showed you, remember? Mizuki's not the only one who can train in that area," I command him.
"Fine," he grumbles, getting up. "I'll do some Jinzen," he says, walking over to the trapdoor leading to the training area.
As I leave the Shoten, I think back to the day Urahara-san told me of this theory concerning Vizoreds and Arrancar.
FLASHBACK
"Kurosaki-san, I have a theory about Vizoreds and Arrancar. I believe that with enough training, a Vizored could achieve Resurrecion like an Arrancar, while an Arrancar could achieve Shikai and Bankai like a Shinigami," Urahara-san tells me.
"That doesn't really sound believable, Urahara-san. What's your proof?" I ask.
"My proof? Simple. Both types of beings have Zanpakutou, correct?" he begins. I nod. "Well then the only difference is that Vizoreds perceive the Zanpakutou as the Zanpaukutou spirit, while Arrancar perceive it as containing their original Hollow-like appearance and powers. But because both are parts of the soul, it is theoretically possible for a Vizored or Arrancar to perceive the Zanpakutou in both ways. Thus, they would be able to achieve Resurrecion by focusing on the Hollow aspect, or achieve Shikai and Bankai by focusing on the Shinigami aspect. A perfect example of this, although slightly unorthodox, is you, Kurosaki-san," he explains, pausing.
"Me? Why me?" I ask in confusion.
"Zangetsu is also the manifestation of your Hollow powers, is he not? If so, then he can definitely use Shikai and Bankai, as he most definitely used them in your battle with him. But when you fully Hollowfy; when he takes control of your body to save your life, I've noticed that it seems similar to a Resurrecion in that he seems to rely more on Hollow techniques, like Cero, Bala, and Sonido, in that state, using Zangetsu's blade as nothing more than a sword," he explains. I quickly think back to my fight with Ulquiorra, where Zangetsu took control of my body. He did seem to fight more with Hollow techniques in that state. Maybe Urahara-san is right…
TIMESKIP – 10 DAYS LATER
It's been 10 days since Grimmjow arrived, since Rukia left. I know she'll be fine, but I can't help but worry about her. I call for Mizuki, and after saying goodbye to Oyaji and Kaa-san (who both give me a thorough lecture about how I should make sure we both come back alive), we head to the Shoten.
"Ah…Ishida-kun!" I hear Mizuki yell. So everything is going according to plan, huh?
"Mizuki-san," he says, greeting her. "Kurosaki," he says, greeting me.
"Ishida," I reply back.
"Mizuki-chan! Kurosaki-kun!" I hear a yell. Inoue, huh?
"Hime-chan!" Mizuki yells back.
"Yo, Inoue," I greet her.
She smiles at me. "Oh! Gomen, Ishida-kun, I didn't notice you there!" she yells, noticing Ishida.
"Mizuki. Ichigo," I hear a small voice.
"Hey Chad," I say, turning to him. Before Mizuki can greet him, however, we are interrupted by a familiar voice.
"And just where do you think you guys are going? Especially you, Mizuki?" Oh shit. This is NOT good. Why is Tatsuki here?
"Tatsuki-chan? What are you doing here?" I hear Inoue ask.
"I was worried about you Orihime, so I followed you. You've been secretive for the past ten days. Where are you guys going?" she asks. Fuck. This changes things, doesn't it?
"Tatsuki," I call, getting her attention.
"What do you want, Ichigo?" she asks me.
"We don't have enough time to explain this to you Tatsuki. To put it simply, we are going to rescue someone, and the people guarding her are WAY out of your league. All of the others here have been training for it. You think you're the strongest person here? You think you could beat Mizuki, or even me, in a REAL fight? Don't even think that for a moment. Of the people here, I am UNDISPUTEDLY the strongest. Even Mizuki doesn't hold a candle to me. If I really had my way, it would only be Mizuki and I going on this rescue mission. The others have to come along for certain reasons that I don't have time to explain. We're already running out of time. But you're not included in that group. You're simply not strong enough," I tell her, releasing my control on my reiatsu by just a little bit to add weight to my words.
"Who do you think you are Ichigo? I'm the second strongest girl in the country. You, stronger than me? Heck, Mizuki could never beat me at the dojo. So again, what are you talking about?" she asks. Sigh. She really is persistent isn't she?
"Tatsuki-chan," Mizuki calls her. "Onii-chan is right; if this were a real fight, not a spar, I would demolish you in a second. I have to hold back for various reasons. But again…"
"Ah, you're all here…who is this young lady, if I may ask?" Urahara-san interrupts with impeccable timing.
"Ah, Urahara-san, this is Arisawa Tatsuki-chan!" Mizuki tells him, grinning.
"Mizuki, who is this guy? He looks shady. Is he some kind of rapist?" Tatsuki asks. I can't help but crack up.
"A…A…A rapist? Hahahahaha! Man, Tatsuki, you are hilarious. But seriously, he's not shady at all. I trust him. And if you ask Kaa-san and Oyaji, they trust him too. He's an old friend," I say.
"A-Alright, Ichigo, I'll believe you when you say he's not shady, but don't believe for a second…" she continues ranting to me as I tune her voice out. I nod briefly to Getaboshi.
"So anyway Ichigo, I'm coming…with…you," she finishes as Urahara-san puts her to sleep.
"Urahara-san? While we're gone, train her would you? If she keeps this up, we'll never get anything done," I ask him, to which he nods.
"Come then, all of you, the senkaimon is in the training room," he says, motioning for us to join him. We follow him through the Shoten, down the ladder into the training room.
"Heading out, Kurosaki?" I hear a voice ask. Turning to my left, I see Grimmjow sitting in the posture for Jinzen.
"Just finished up your meditation for the day, Grimmjow?" I ask. He nods, and then grins.
"I think I've got this down, but I want to test it against you when you get back, deal, Kurosaki?" he asks, grinning.
"If you've achieved what I think you've achieved, then Urahara-san's theory is indeed correct, and I'd be happy to help you test that," I reply. Looking around, I see everyone but Urahara-san and Mizuki give me strange looks.
"A-Ano…who is that guy, Kurosaki-kun?" Inoue asks.
"Him? He's Grimmjow. Don't mind him, he's an ally and a rival of mine," I say.
"Hey, Kurosaki, isn't that…" Grimmjow begins. Seems like he's recognized Inoue. Well of course he'd recognize her.
"She doesn't know about that yet, Grimmjow. I'll explain it after we get back. Oh, Grimmjow, I was wondering, if you came here, why didn't Nel join you?" I ask. He immediately blushes.
"N-None of your business Kurosaki!" he snaps.
"Ahem…" I hear Urahara-san say. "If everyone, expect you Grimmjow-san, you're not going, is ready, I'll explain how you'll be getting to the Soul Society." Oh great. I'm just going to tune out his explanation, seeing as I've heard it one time too many. I eject my soul from my body, and as Urahara-san begins his explanation, I turn to Mizuki and do the same.
INSERT LONG-ASS EXPLANATION ABOUT SPIRIT PARTICLE CONVERTER HERE
After Urahara-san's long-ass explanation, I look around to see Mizuki zoned out, Inoue in a daze, Chad looking like himself, and Ishida…well…is unreadable behind his glasses.
"Ahem…" I hear Urahara-san say. "Now remember, you only have four minutes to get through, so get ready to go in 3…2…1."
As he finished his countdown, I see the archway fill with an ethereal white light.
"Go!" I shout, bursting into the Dangai in a blast of Shunpo. Mizuki follows behind shortly. As we are running through the Dangai, I hear it. A deep rumbling.
"Kurosaki-kun what is that?" I hear Inoue ask. I sigh. Briefly slowing down to keep pace with her, I mumble an apology before picking her up and throwing her over my shoulder.
"K-k-k-kurosaki-kun!" she stammers. Silently, I motion for Mizuki to get Chad. Ishida is using Hirenkyaku, so he'll be fine. To my surprise, Chad doesn't really protest at all when Mizuki picks him up; rather, he must understand that I have my reasons.
"We don't have time to explain right now Inoue, the Kototsu is behind us," I tell her, grabbing Ishida with one hand as he protests. His Hirenkyaku just isn't as fast as our combination of Shunpo and Sonido. Even Yoruichi-san was impressed with its speed. Just as we reach the exit, I signal to Mizuki to jump.
"Santen Kesshun, I reject!" I hear Inoue yell as her triangular shield forms behind me. Behind me…OH crap, the Kototsu must've caught up with us. As the Kototsu makes contact with the shield area, we are hit by a huge burst of its reiatsu that sends us catapulting through the exit and crashing into the ground.
"It-te-te-te…Owie!" I hear Inoue yell."
"What the hell were you thinking girl! You're lucky the Kototsu only made contact with the shield area. If it had touched any of the flowers…We're lucky to be alive!" Yoruichi-san yelled, headbutting her.
"Yoruichi-san, that was supposed to happen. Inoue ensured that we would get here a few days early," I inform her. I turn to Inoue. "Good work Inoue," I praise. She blushes, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.
"I-I-It wasn't that big of a deal, K-K-kurosaki-kun," she stammers.
"Now then, time for things to change. Chad, you're battling Jidanbo. I want to see what level you're at," I command. He grunts, and summons his armor. I notice that it looks different from the armor I saw in Hueco Mundo, but that's probably because he hasn't mastered it enough yet.
"Chad, hold on a minute," I say, walking up to him. As I do so, I gently touch his armor.
"Zangetsu, can you feel the Hollow within him?" I ask.
"Sure thing, Kingy. Just so you know Kingy, this guy's Hollow power is sealed behind a spiritual barrier. The only way to break it is to expose it to a massive amount of Hollow miasma, usually only found in Hueco Mundo. That's why he didn't awaken until then last time," Zangetsu informs me.
"Give me a sec, Zangetsu. I've got an idea," I tell him mentally. I draw on his power slowly, imagining the sensation of calling up a Cero. As the Hollow energy accumulates, my reiatsu begins to rise. But I rein it in, keeping it within me, restricted to the regular level. Then, when the reiatsu feels like it's about to burst, I suddenly force it all into Chad's armor, chock full of Hollow reiatsu and Hollow miasma. As I do so, Chad's arms are engulfed in a dark black shroud of Hollow reiatsu. When it clears, I see something that I did not expect to see, but yet am very glad to see. Both his arms are transformed. His left arm is a large red shield, and his right arm is a white, Hollow-like arm. But what surprises me the most is his face; specifically his eyes. His eyes are not brown with white sclera; they are gold, with black sclera. It's a similar phenomenon to when Zangetsu took over my body, or when I used my mask.
"Ichigo," he asks me. "What…happened to me? What did you do?"
"What I did was awakened more of your power," I begin. "Your power, I realized, is like that of a Hollow. As such, I simply channeled Hollow-like reiatsu into your arm until your true power awoke. This should help you take on more powerful enemies," I conclude.
"Thanks, Ichigo," he tells me. "Now I can use this power to protect people, like I promised my Abuelo."
As he walks off toward the gate to face Jidanbo, I next turn to Inoue.
"Inoue," I call her.
"Y-y-yes, Kurosaki-kun?" she asks, stammering.
"I know that you have offensive capabilities, Inoue," I begin. She nods nervously. "What I'm trying to say, Inoue," I say, "is that I know you don't like violence. I know you don't like hurting people. But at the same time, you've got to be able to defend yourself. If you don't counterattack, then people will get hurt trying to protect you. Your powers are dependent on your will; the stronger your will, the stronger your powers will be. I'm not asking you to become a monster like me; in fact, I'm telling you not to be like me. What I am asking is for you to have the strength to fight back so that you can walk away from dangerous situations alive. Besides, my cute little sister over there," I say, pointing to Mizuki, "would be very, very upset if you died. And I, as her older brother, have a responsibility to make sure she doesn't cry. Ok, Inoue?" I ask her.
"Onii-chan! Don't say such embarrassing things!" Mizuki shouts, blushing. I grin at her briefly, and then turn to Ishida.
"Ishida," I call.
"Kurosaki," he replies.
"As for you, Ishida, don't be stupidly overconfident. If you know you can't win a fight, or you know that even if you do win, you might not make it back, then don't try to win. Try to run away. If you cannot, surrender. The only time you shouldn't is if your opponent is Kurotsuchi. If he's your opponent, run the hell away. Most of the other captains are honorable people who wouldn't harm a prisoner. Ishida, I know about your pride as a Quincy, but it's better to swallow you pride once and live to fight another day than to die. I know your dad doesn't really like the fact that you are using your powers so much, but even a stoic like him would be upset if you died here. Not to mention the ribbing I'd get from him. We're family, Ishida. Don't die on us,' I say gently. "Besides, if you want to uphold the legacy of the Quincies, you need to be alive to do that, right?"
"You make a good point, cousin," he says finally, stressing the word cousin. "Very well, I promise you to not die."
As he finishes, I look briefly to where Chad has beaten Jidanbo, and he is about to open the gates.
"Come on! We've dillydallied enough! Let's go!" I shout, bursting over to where Chad is standing in a burst of Shunpo. As the gate opens, I look on the other side and see the person I was hoping would be there: Ichimaru Gin.
AN: And...that's the end of the chapter! So here you see that I'm beginning to change canon (like Chad facing Jidanbo instead of Ichigo or Mizuki) to make sure that people are more balanced earlier on in the story. I feel that characters like Chad, Orihime, and Uryu don't really get much fighting at all. Hell, even when they do, the characters they fight are either ridiculously underpowered, or the win is through sheer dumb luck. I plan to fix this by making the fights fairer. Oh, Ichigo's fights will still be one-sided (for now), but he too will struggle.
Anyway, after this I plan on finishing up Chapter 2 of Saiyan DxD (finally!), while outlining the next couple of chapters for Unlimited Spell Works and Harry Potter and the Power of Destruction. I'll also try to fit in a chapter of Bleach Stay Night in before the end of the year.
There's a poll up on my profile page. Go vote on which new story I should write first. The winning story will be released probably in February of next year or something like that. The poll will be open until December 31st.
Anyway, arrancarkuriboh logging out for now. See you later!
