White: A Bleach What-If

by Getsuga Goon

What if Rukia arrived too late at the start of Bleach? You'd be surprised. The fates of the Kurosakis would be forever changed by this one event.

7. Chapter 7

Author's Note:

There is a longer Author's Note at the end of this chapter, addressing some concerns people may have for this fic going forward.

Chapter 7: Fullbring

Karakura Town

Bambietta and Candice continue their search for Yuzu Kurosaki, as the latter groans, "Ugh! We're getting nowhere!"

Bambietta regards her companion, "Quiet!"

The woman points towards a white-haired man walking down the road. "That's Ryuken Ishida. If we follow him, we'll likely find clues about Yuzu Kurosaki."

They use some ability to hide in the shadows undetected, following Ryuken as he walks through the town.

The man stops in front of a two-story building, walking to the front door and picking up a letter. The man sighs and pulls out a pen before writing out a note of his own on the other side and putting it back where he found it before walking away.

The women notice that the building has a sign out front that reads 'Kurosaki Clinic' and realize that this is the place they are looking for. Bambietta uses Hirenkyaku to enter the house, Candice following after. They search the place briefly and determine that no one is inside. The two notice a giant picture of a woman smiling is hanging on the wall, which the women find to be quite weird.

Candice remarks, still taking in the picture, "Either her mother was truly something special, or her dad's a total weirdo…"

Bambietta casually remarks, "It could be both…", as she continues to observe the room.

Bambietta notices another picture of two young girls, an older man, and a teenage boy. She picks up the picture to eye it more carefully, prompting Candice to walk over before looking over the other woman's shoulder to see what has her interest.

Candice points to Yuzu in the picture, "That's her."

Candice's eyes shift to the teenage boy in the picture as she adds, with a hint of lust, "That boy in the picture looks like quite the catch. It's times like these I wish I was younger…"

This causes Bambietta to slap Candice upside the head, "We are not here to talk about how attractive the Kurosaki relatives are! Get your head out of the gutter for once in your life, woman!"

Bambietta then places the picture back, "We'll need to find a place nearby and wait for Kurosaki to return home. It is only a matter of time before she does."

Candice nods in understanding as the two leave the house.

Elsewhere in Karakura Town

"This is the place." Ginjo states, opening a door to a shabby-looking apartment for Yuzu and Chad to walk through.

The young girl lets out a gasp as a room far larger than what should be able to fit inside this small apartment greets her. Chad is also surprised and notices the cockatiel shifting uncomfortably in its cage.

To the right of the entrance there is a bar with an old man standing behind the counter.

"Welcome back, Master Ginjo.", the man states while polishing a wine glass.

Ginjo skips the pleasantries, "I need the others to come out here. I want to introduce them to our new recruits."

The bartender looks in the area behind the trio, "That won't be necessary."

Yuzu turns around to multiple individuals staring at her and Chad with interest. Taking the cue, both Yuzu and Chad introduce themselves.

"I'm Yuzu Kurosaki. It's nice to meet you all!" Yuzu bows in greeting.

"And I'm Chad." Chad raises his hand to wave at the group.

The members of Xcution look at each other briefly before responding in kind.

First a tall, dark-skinned woman with short black hair steps forward, "My name's Jackie Tristan. Before either of you ask, no, I don't want anything to do with your Fullbring training. Leave me be, and we'll get together just fine."

Yuzu raises a brow as the woman immediately walks towards the couch in the back, exiting from the conversation.

Both Yuzu and Chad have their attention grabbed by the next person. A loud teenage girl with long red hair worn as pigtails steps forward, "Don't mind Jackie, she doesn't like getting close with anyone! My name's Riruka Dokugamine by the way, and I LOVE cute things!"

Riruka's eyes widen as she examines Yuzu, "Ugh! What is THAT?!"

The teenager points at Yuzu's cape, causing the younger girl to follow her gaze.

"My cape? Pretty cool right?!" the young girl asks with quite a bit of enthusiasm.

Riruka scoffs, "The cape isn't cute at all! Totally unfitting for a cute girl!"

Yuzu almost pouts in protest, but a young blonde boy wearing a black overcoat and matching hat steps forward, earning her gaze.

The boy lets out a sigh, "Don't listen to what this idiot says—the cape looks pretty cool."

"Idiot, huh?! Says the video game addict! What would you know about fashion?!" Riruka barks in protest, although her comments are ignored.

Yuzu notices the boy looks about her age and that he had been doing nothing but playing video games in the corner since the trio arrived.

Now wearing a smile, Yuzu enthusiastically agrees with the boy's take, "I thought the cape looked cool too! I'm glad I brought it—I just knew somebody would appreciate it! By the way, I think I recognized some of the noises from the game you were playing. If I'm not mistaken, my sister and I play one just like it."

The boy's eyes widen slightly, "I can't believe it… finally, another Fullbringer with actual taste…"

After a breaking out of his momentary shock, the boy introduces himself, "My name is Yukio Hans Vorarlberna. You can just call me Yukio, though."

Chad and Yuzu glance back at the bartender, who notices their gaze.

"Ah yes, where are my manners? I am Giriko Kutsuzawa. I'm eager to work alongside you—new friends of Master Ginjo."

Chad nods, before turning to look at Ginjo. "How exactly is our Fullbring training supposed to work?"

Ginjo looks like he is about to explain when the cockatiel starts freaking out.

"Oh no, he's found us!" the cockatiel squeals, earning a look of shock from most of the members of Xcution, not expecting the bird to be able to talk.

Ginjo, for a split-second, wears a malicious expression before shifting to one of urgency. Just then, the door at the entrance explodes, and green vile creatures come in through the blasted wall. Ginjo looks outside and sees a green hollow with wings hovering in the sky.

The beast calls down to them, "Return my cockatiel to me, foolish humans, and I may let you live!"

"Oh, the nerve of this guy! Blowing a hole in our hideout—he'll pay!" Riruka shouts, looking ready to go out and give the beast a piece of her mind.

Ginjo stops her, "This isn't your fight Riruka! Fall back!"

The girl begrudgingly does as commanded as Ginjo gives Chad a look.

"Is this a part of my training?", the boy asks.

Ginjo merely nods in confirmation.

As Chad begins to walk out of the building, with the cockatiel in hand, Ginjo follows, but not before regarding the rest of Xcution.

"Jackie, Riruka, and Yukio: you guys take Yuzu with you to the backup hide out. Start training her without me. Giriko, you stay here and settle things with the authorities."

Giriko bows, "As you wish."

Jackie sighs as she walks out of the hideout, followed by Riruka and Yukio. Yuzu looks a bit worried about Chad before he gives her a reassuring thumbs up, prompting her to begrudgingly follow the trio of Fullbringers.

Chad approaches the hollow, prompting Ginjo to call out to him, "Focus on something that gives you great pride! That's the only way you'll survive."

Chad is confused on how that's supposed to help, as the hollow laughs, "Moron! There is no way a mere human can defeat a hollow like me!"

The hollow rushes at Chad, attempting to take the cockatiel, but Chad retaliates, striking the hollow in the jaw, sending it crashing backwards.

"No! Impossible! A human shouldn't be able to do this!" the hollow shrieks.

The cockatiel begs, "Just let me go, Mr. Chad! You'll just keep getting hurt!"

Chad looks down at the bird, "I can't do that. Don't worry about me."

Chad then gently places the cockatiel on the ground, freeing up both of his hands.

The hollow growls, "The time for games is over!"

The slimy green creatures begin to climb on to Chad. He tries to take them off, but they won't budge. The hollow laughs and opens its mouth, releasing a dreadful shriek, causing the green creatures to explode, forcing Chad to the ground.

"Chad!" Ginjo cries.

Realizing that it was foolish to try and pair a normal human against a hollow, Ginjo grabs his cross getting ready to attack before the hollow waves its finger at him.

"You don't want to attack me when I could so easily destroy little birdy there."

Ginjo's eyes widen, and he looks to see the bird cage surrounded by those green creatures. For a split second, Ginjo cracks a malicious smirk, as if, perhaps, the bird dying would do him a favor, before noticing Chad getting back up.

The hollow explains, "I will enjoy teaching you a lesson, human!"

The hollow punches Chad, sending him rolling along the road.

The hollow laughs, "I was named Shrieker by Soul Society, due to my ability to make my leech minions explode when I shriek! A nasty ability, isn't it?"

Ginjo raises a brow, "Why is a hollow like you so obsessed with this cockatiel anyway?"

The hollow laughs evilly, "You may have heard of me—I was a big-time serial killer around here when I was alive. My targets were mainly women—one of which was the bird's mommy. I killed her—that was all good and well, but the brat baby grabbed ahold of my leg, sending me plummeting to my death from multiple stories up! So, I stuck the boy's soul into a cockatiel to get back at him! He's the bait I use to catch any unsuspecting humans and Shinigami kind-hearted, or rather, stupid enough to fall for it!"

Ginjo growls in disgust, "You're fucked up…"

This earns a laugh from the hollow, taunting Ginjo, "If you attack me, both the human and birdie are goners! So just stay put and wait your turn!"

The hollow continues to beat Chad around, laughing gleefully all the while. Chad can't help but be reminded of when he was younger and more violent. Fathers of children he had beat up had come to take their revenge on him, but his Abeulo came and took all of their beatings, telling them to do what they will with him. He protected him. Chad remembers his Abuelo's words well, when he told him he was blessed with a strong body and that he should not abuse it by taking advantage of those weaker than him. Chad was inspired by this, still having the coin his Abuelo gave him on that day worn proudly around his chest. On the day his Abuelo died, he vowed to never again use his fists for violence. That vow was altered after he met Ichigo, the two of them taking on their own vow—to watch each other's back and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

By this point, Chad is beaten and bruised over his entire body, but still stands regardless. Both Ginjo and Shrieker are amazed at his endurance.

The hollow calls out in disbelief, "How?! How can you still stand, let alone move?!"

Chad looks down at his right arm, clenching his fist as he realizes what Ginjo was talking about, as his arm begins to glow. "To honor both my Abuelo and my best friend Ichigo, I will use these fists to protect the weak and punish the evil. This is my pride as a warrior!"

Chad then jabs towards the hollow, send a blast of reishi at it, blasting it hard against the side of a building down the road. Chad's right arm has changed shape to take on a black and red color, with two wedges protruding from his shoulder. The green blobs start to dissipate, along with the hollow.

Shrieker roars, "Curse you, human! Once I return, it's over for you!"

The hollow doesn't get the chance to escape, however, as a giant gate opens and chains shoot out, grabbing it and pulling it in before slamming shut.

Chad looks at the cockatiel, "Are you alright?"

The cockatiel makes a nodding motion, "Yeah, thanks to you!"

Chad turns to Ginjo, "What was that just now?"

Ginjo scratches the back of his head, "I think those were the Gates of Hell, but I'm not sure… I've never seen them before, only heard rumors."

Chad wonders aloud, "So Hell does exist… Do you know if everyone goes to Hell when they die?"

Ginjo shakes his head, "From what I know, most people go to the Soul Society via the use of a Shinigami's Konso after they die. I've heard that Hell is the place that only truly evil people are sent to after they die—which would fit the bill based on what the Hollow just told us."

Chad then looks down to his arm, "So, is this my Fullbring?"

Ginjo shrugs, "Probably, but only you can know for certain. Special Fullbring abilities only manifest within objects the user is proud of or loves."

Chad nods, "Well in that case, this is definitely my Fullbring."

Ginjo stares off in the distance with a somewhat urgent expression, "It's time to get out of here. Shinigami will be here soon…"

Chad shakes his head, "I'll stay… this cockatiel's spirit must be sent to the Soul Society."

Ginjo looks somewhat anxious at the bird before looking at Chad with a soft understanding expression, seemingly resolving any internal conflicts he had. "Fine. Just don't tip them off to your abilities. If the Shinigami find out about us, they'll kill us all."

Chad flinches from how casually Ginjo said that, as if it were a truth as plain as having to breath to survive.

The bird starts to protest at this, "I'd like to stay with Mr. Chad! I don't want to leave him with those Shinigami!"

Ginjo gives the bird an empathetic look, "Listen, kid, as much as my kind dislike Shinigami, they are helpful for most spirits—yourself included. You'll be able to be with your mom again in the Soul Society. And one day, when Chad and I pass on, you'll get to see us again too."

The cockatiel considers this briefly and then gives him a nod, agreeing with Ginjo. By this point, Chad has deactivated his Fullbring, beginning to feel strong presences approaching.

Ginjo leaves, "Good luck Chad, you're gonna need it. Hopefully we'll see each other again soon."

Shortly after Ginjo leaves, Ukitake and Isshin arrive to check out what happened. Chad gasps, recognizing Isshin.

"Mr. Kurosaki?! …Are you a Shinigami?" Chad asks in confusion.

Ukitake mutters to himself, "It is odd that so many humans in this town are spiritually inclined…"

Isshin approaches Chad, "Yes, I am a Shinigami. Given the fact that you can see me, can you tell me if anything weird happened in this area? My co-worker and I sensed strong spiritual energy…"

Chad explains, "There was some kind of monster here trying to take my cockatiel, but I was able to scare it off."

Ukitake gasps, "It should be impossible for a normal human to defeat a hollow by themselves…"

Isshin shakes his head, "Nah, Chad could do it. This boy is one of the strongest people I've ever met when it comes to raw physical strength."

"I see…" Ukitake remarks, still not entirely convinced.

Isshin observes the cockatiel, prompting Chad to ask, "Mr. Kurosaki, are you able to put this boy's spirit to rest?"

Isshin gives Chad a look before nodding, "I can… you'll want to step back so I can perform the Konso."

"Wait." The cockatiel states, causing the two captains to wear mildly surprised expressions.

The bird continues, "Before I go, I want you to know my true name, Mr. Chad. I am Yuichi. Yuichi Shibata. Hopefully this will make it easier for us to find each other when you come to the Soul Society too!"

Chad nods, "It's a promise, Yuichi."

Chad and the cockatiel give each other one last farewell before Isshin performs the Konso with his Zanpakto.

Isshin regards Chad once more, "You may be strong, Chad, but please avoid fighting any hollows from now on. The Shinigami are here to do that to protect the normal people—it kinda defeats the purpose if the normal people get themselves killed trying to fight hollows…"

Chad nods, "I understand, sir."

Ukitake uses a healing Kaido spell to heal Chad's wounds before both captains leave the area.

Regrouping with the other captains, Byakuya addresses the duo, "What was that weird reiatsu?"

Ukitake explains, "It was just a spiritually aware human trying to protect a whole form a hollow. The issue was mostly resolve by the time we arrived."

Aizen steps forward, "Pardon me, but I don't think it wise to use so many resources on such trivial matters, especially not when the hollow White could appear at any moment."

Byakuya nods, "I agree with captain Aizen. Even just one captain for any one normal hollow is unnecessary."

Aizen continues, "Precisely. I propose that one of us handle all non-White related occurrences in Karakura town. I volunteer myself and Squad 5 for the task."

Kenpachi snorts, "Fine by me. One less person I need to worry about getting in my way when White does come back…"

Byakuya follows up, "I also have no issues with this arrangement."

"I don't see anything wrong with it. What about you, Isshin?" Ukitake questions.

Isshin is about to protest, but decides against it, not wanting to potentially raise suspicion to the questionable connections he has in Karakura, Kisuke Urahara chief among them.

"I… I'm fine with it." Isshin half lies.

"Then it would seem we are all in agreement. We'll leave everything not relating to White to Squad 5 then, Sosuke." Ukitake states with finality.

Aizen nods graciously, "Very well. I shall send for my Vice Captain immediately."

Urahara Shoten

Underneath Urahara's shop, Orihime and Tatsuki continue to try and fight Ururu and Jinta with great difficulty. Ururu lands a punch on Tatsuki, sending her crashing into a boulder. The girl grunts in pain as she tries to get up from the ground.

Orihime notices her friend struggling and instinctually runs towards her, "I'm coming to help Tatsuki!"

However, before Orihime can make it to Tatsuki, Jinta appears next to her and bats her away with his club.

"YOU thought you could outrun ME?! I'm Jinta Hanakari and I won't lose to a girl!" Jinta boasts proudly.

As Jinta is laughing loudly to himself, Urahara approaches, earning the attention of Ururu, who shifts from her fighting stance to a passive one. Jinta notices Urahara as well, prompting him to become quiet.

"Looks like these kids are putting you two through the ringer… I'll take pity on you and give you a break…" Urahara declares as both teenagers struggle to rise to their feet.

Tatsuki huffs, "Wait… I can… I can still fight!"

"No." Urahara remarks, "Having these two continue to beat down on you wouldn't help either of you whatsoever. Clearly, we'll have to take a different approach if you're to unlock your powers."

Tatsuki looks ready to argue before Orihime cuts in, "Where's Karin? You didn't answer me last time…"

Urahara is silent for a long moment, earning worried looks from both girls. Before either of them can inquire further, Urahara uses a half-truth to elaborate, "Miss Kurosaki is undergoing private Shinigami training with the help of Ms. Kuchiki. It would be best if you gave them their space, as the Shinigami like to keep their traditions to themselves."

Meanwhile, at the top of a nearby hole, Rukia laments the progress made during the last day. Karin has been attempting, and failing, to get out of the hole by methods such as running up the wall. The girl tries doing this once more and falls down on her butt, earning her a scolding from Rukia.

"You can't get out of the shaft like that! I told you that you need to focus inward!" Rukia tells her.

Karin snarls, "That's not helpful when I don't even know how to do that!"

Rukia sighs, "That's not something I can simply explain to you… if you can't figure this part out on your own, then you're not cut out to be a Shinigami!"

Rukia then turns her back to the hole and walks away, which leads Karin to think to herself, "What would Ichigo do in this situation?"

Hueco Mundo

White wakes up from his slumber, hearing a group of Adjuchas pass the cave he was in. The only indication of the nap he took having any real length to it being that the pain in his chest from Barragan's attack is less painful, taking less of his reiatsu to continuously regenerate his wounds from the miasma constantly eating away at him from the inside out.

The dragon manages to get up and fly after the Adjuchas that just passed. The group stops, recognizing him, and attack him.

"It's the white Dragon! Lord Barragan will reward us for sure if we kill it!", one of the Adjuchas yell.

White is surprised to find that despite these Adjuchas being far weaker than himself, he is still struggling to take them down.

He curses himself, "Damn! I should've taken Grimmjow's advise! This damned wound is holding me back!"

White nearly drops to the ground, which makes one of the Adjuchas believe they can safely go in for the kill, but is sorely mistaken, as White's instincts are in overdrive, slashing the Adjucha's head clean off before immediately pouncing and devouring its body as the head flies through the air. The other Adjuchas back away as this gives White the second wind he desperately needed to get back in the game, and rushes towards the rest of the Adjuchas, devouring all of them without mercy.

White lets out a sigh, "I can feel my power returning… but it won't be enough. I'd better stay grounded for now and take refuge in the caves. I'll rest until another group of Adjuchas find me and then devour them too… hopefully then this accursed wound will close."

White then walks off to a nearby cave before once more drifting off into slumber.

Elsewhere in Hueco Mundo

Miles away from White's cave, Grimmjow and his followers find themselves cornered by Las Noches' resident hollow hunters—beings known as Arrancar. However, that's not all, as two of the five hunting them are Espada—elite Arrancar who likely were once Vasto Lordes. One of them is Nelliel Tu Odelschwank, a rather tall woman with long turquoise hair and a Capricorn mask worn like a hat on her head. The other is Nnoitora Gilga, an extremely tall yet skinny man with long, shoulder length black hair. Nnoitora also wears a white eyepatch over his left eye. The remaining Arrancar include Dondochakka Birstanne and Pesche Guatiche, Nelliel's ever faithful followers, who she in all honesty treats more like brothers. The last one is Tesla Lindocruz, a hollow who follows Nnoitora out of respect for his strength.

Edrad curses out the hollows before them, "You Arrancar are traitors to your kind! Abominations! You fakers achieved power by becoming like the Shinigami, it's disgusting!"

Grimmjow snaps at his companion, "SHUT UP EDRAD! I don't care how they got powerful—the fact is that they are powerful and worthy of killing!"

Shawlong regards his leader with a worried tone, "Grimmjow, please! I urge you not to antagonize them. We barely escaped Barragan after fighting that dragon, White…"

Grimmjow ignores him, continuing to provoke the Espada, "C'mon Arrancar! I'll show you how weak you really are!"

Nnoitora scoffs, "A piss ant like you fight us? You've no chance in hell… but I'll gladly kill you anyway, fool! A mere Adjucha like you ought to feel honored!"

Grimmjow and Nnoitora begin to clash, as Nelliel ignores the two entirely, instead choosing to take note of what Shawlong said, "White…? Could that be the same dragon who wounded Barragan?"

Tesla engages Yylfordt, "You were a fool not to join the Arrancar, like your brother. You will die here along with the rest of your rabble."

Yylfordt snorts, "That's where you got it wrong, brother, you're the fool for not realizing that Grimmjow's gonna be King once he becomes a Vasto Lorde!"

The remaining of Grimmjow's followers attempt to attack Nelliel, but are cut off by Pesche and Dondochakka, who summon a giant worm hollow who was hiding in the sand until now. The worm thrashes about, sending Grimmjow's minions flying.

After about a minute of quarreling, it is obvious to see that Grimmjow and his followers are losing badly. Nnoitora pins Grimmjow to the ground with his giant circular scythe Zanpakto, regarding the panther with a bored expression, "I'd like to say it's been fun, but fodder like you couldn't even amuse me. Begone!"

The Espada is about to deliver the fatal blow when Nelliel uses sonido to appear in front of her peer, knocking his oversized weapon away with a single stroke of her own.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Nnoitra questions with anger in his voice.

Nelliel wears an expression of disapproval, "We have no reason to kill these Adjuchas. They present no threat to us. Killing them would only prove that we have failed to evolve beyond them… you would be no better than them if you go through with this."

Nnoitora growls at her, "Idiot! I AM better than them because I am stronger! That's how things are here! Survival of the fittest! Now get out of my way, this is my kill!"

The three other Arrancar watch as their masters debate over their opposing world views for what feels like the millionth time. Shawlong takes this opportunity to pick up Grimmjow and carry him away, the rest of the group following him as they make their covert escape.

Nnoitra notices this too late, and curses, "Damn you Nelliel! You let my prey escape!"

Nelliel sighs, "The fact that you view them as pray prove my point—you are just a beast…"

This prompts Nnoitra to start walking away in frustration, "That's it! Tesla, follow me."

Nelliel raises a brow, "Where are you going?"

Nnoitora tilts his head back to glance at the woman, "I'm fed up with you and your bullshit! Nothing but spitting off platitudes! That has no place here in Hueco Mundo! Tesla and I are hunting on our own from now on—you'll clearly only get in the way!"

Pesche and Dondochakka approach Nelliel after the other Espada leaves.

Pesche inquires, "What should we do now, master Nel?"

Nelliel turns back to face her followers fully, "Go back to Las Noches. If anyone asks, I split off from Nnoitora to hunt on my own and sent you two back to report."

The two Arrancar give a light bow to their master before jumping on the back of the giant worm.

"All right Bawabawa, let's get outta here!" Dondochakka declares.

As Nelliel watches the Arrancar leave, she thinks to herself, "Now… to find this White."

Nelliel then uses Sonido to vanish.

Author's Note:

I realize I may not have been clear enough when I said that the original "White" was merely a source of inspiration for this fanfiction, rather than being some sort of Holy Gospel to pull from. I will 100% prioritize being consistent to how certain things are presented in the source material—the manga, as opposed to another fanfiction. "White" offers many cool ideas, which may be adapted into this fic, but it also has many things that I personally found problematic, especially when looking at the Bleach manga and overall, how Tite Kubo, genius that he is, writes his stories.

The following are a general list of things I plan to change being as spoiler free as possible:

Heavier inclusion of characters not focused on or even included at all in the original fanfiction, the most egregious example being the Fullbringers

Heavier focus on the relationships the Kurosakis build with other characters.

White is initially less powerful than in the original fanfic… but he WILL snowball later on into becoming easily one of the top tiers (should go without saying to be honest).

Speaking of, let's talk about White's character. I'm trying to balance raw hollow Ichigo (the Zanpakto) with actual Ichigo, so I'm sorry to say this but White isn't going to be quite as savage in this fic but will still definitely have his moments. At the heart of Ichigo is being a protector, so having him kill everyone in sight, even those in pain/who need help is a no go for me, no matter what the context!

Ichigo will not have a harem.

Lastly, the next several chapters will focus heavily on Yuzu and Karin's development, so White won't appear as much. He will get his own arc later on which I have already started writing (as of May 2023). I will really start to dive into the character of White at that point, but for now he'll be a minor character, just as a heads up.