Alright guys I'm back! i really hope you guys like this Chapter it has more action!
I have always wanted to see what would happen if these two sparred each other.
Thank you guys for your continued support I have gathered a number of followers and reviews!
Thank you so much!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own bleach. If I did soi fon wouldn't be so grumpy
_Chapter 8_
Captain Kurosaki
Ichigo smiled as he felt his power flowing through him. Ready for anything that the Captain Commander could throw at him he stated simply, and smugly.
"You guys ready for this."
During the time that Ichigo had been battling his inner hollow an idea had formed in the Captain Commander's mind. Let's see what this boy can do.
"Ichigo Kurosaki are you ready to be judged on if you are ready to become a Captain of the Gotei 13?"
"Yes sir, Whatever you got bring it on." Ichigo replied confidently. Earning a few smiles from those that knew him best.
"Very well. Your test will be to stand up against one of my Captain's and prove your worth."
"Is that all? I have already defeated two of your Captain's before is that not enough?" Ichigo replied before thinking his thoughts through.
"Do not be arrogant. While it is true that you have bested Captain class shinigami before that is not the purpose of this test. I want to see that, unlike those times you now have complete control of your ability. You bested Captain Zariki out of sheer desperation and luck, the ferocity of you attacks and pure raw power is what bested Captain Kuchiki. I want to see that you are now in control of every aspect of your power. Do not be mistaken, although power and fighting skill is a large part of what it takes to be a captain. Control and the ability to lead is a larger part. You have shown time and again your ability to lead. Your friends and the shinigami that have allied with you look to you when times are at there most desperate. The one thing you have seemed to lack is control. The hollow inside you has been a chaotic wild card in your power. I must see that that wild card is no longer a threat before I offer you Captaincy."
Ichigo's eyes widened at this and he lowered his head in humility.
"Sir, I apologize for my brashness. Allow me the chance to prove my worth."
At this comment the 6th division's captain's eyes widened. Never before had he heard the boy have so respect in his voice. Smiling to himself Byakuya thought
"It seems the boy has begun to grow up. He has learned humility. Well done Ichigo."
"Toshiro Hitsugaya, step forward."
"Captain Commander, sir." Toshiro replied as he moved in front of his commander.
"You shall duel with Ichigo Kurosaki. You are not to hold back. Do you accept?"
"Yes sir." Toshiro smiled as he got into position across from Ichigo.
It is true that the two of them were friends. However, both was a prodigy in their on right. They had never had the chance to duel before. With the shear power that both of them controlled this should a interesting match. The assembled captains all stepped back in order to give the two plenty of room. There was a noticeable excitement in the air. All present were looking forward to this show. Toshiro drew Hyorinmaru from scabbard on his back wearing his zanpakuto much like his friends. The air in the room instantly dropped several degrees and a icy steam could be seen dispersing from his blade.
This couldn't have been a better test Ichigo thought to himself. He had always wanted to cross blades with Toshiro. The Ice Dragon should make for a very good sparring partner. Ichigo walked forward and drew Zangetsu. Looking at his friend he smiled.
"I'm not holding back Toshiro."
Toshiro let out a deep sigh, truly his friend would never learn.
"It's Captain Hitsugaya, and if you hold back I'll kill you." he replied with a grin.
The Captain Commander stepped forward and hit his cane against the floor with a resounding crack signaling to all that attention should be on him.
"This duel is to be in Bankai only, anything less would be an insult to your opponent. You may begin."
Sparing no time. Toshiro proceeded to thrust his sword forward as he yelled it's release.
"Bankai"
The temperature in the room dropped to below freezing as Toshiro's light blue reiatsu exploded around him. Swirling around the young captain like a twister it finally dispersed after a few moments. There were several wide eyes at what was standing before them, truly Hitsugaya had been training his bankai.
"Daiguren Hyorinmaru"
Ichigo stood in awe at his friends true bankai. The wings that were usually less articulated were spectacular. They completely resembled those of dragons in the old fantasy books he used to read. The tail that was usually just part of the look was no longer inert it was much longer and moved around just like a lizard's would. It was tipped with four long scythe like blades of ice that looked truly devastating. His ice had also extended over both his arms and his chest. Instead of just the one arm of his previous Bankai form. All in all he truly looked like his name The Ice Dragon.
"Very impressive Toshiro! I see you have been training your Bankai! It looks really good man." Ichigo said excitedly he was going to have fun in this duel.
"Thank you. I have been training with it ever since Aizen's downfall. This is the true form of my Bankai." Toshiro replied with a grin.
"Well I guess it's my turn." Ichigo smiled
Getting into stance he thrust his sword forward.
"Bankai"
Darkness, nothing but pure darkness.
The assembled Captains were more than surprised by the sheer force of the reiatsu flowing from Ichigo. His black spiritual pressure had completely enveloped them in darkness. Slowly at first than steadily increasing until it was the speed of a twister it swirled around Ichigo. Like a strike of lightning it was gone and all present waited for the smoke to clear. The pressure from Ichigo was like a hand pressing down on everyone present trying to force them to bow before his power. When the smoke cleared all eyes widened at the warrior before them.
"Tensa Zangetsu.." his voice was a mix of his and his hollow's
Ichigo stood with his eyes lowered then slowly raised his head. Toshiro was in momentary shock when he saw his friends eyes. They had lost their brown color and now were completely black with striking yellow pupils. His shihakusho was largely unchanged from his previous Bankai with some small exceptions there was a another pure white shihakusho under his black one that was lashed together near the neck with black straps in the pattern of an older tunic. The black one was more of an overcoat with frayed strips at the bottom. Tensa Zangetsu was still black as night with Ichigo's signature backwards cross hand guard. The blade however had changed it was thicker and slightly more curved than his previous blade. Along the top edge three fangs rose up like sharks teeth flowing seamlessly down the blade. It resembled a scimitar only not as wide. The chain that attached to the end of the blade was wrapped up his arm and disappeared beneath hi shihakusho. It truly was a devastating weapon to behold.
"Captain Commander, may I have permission not to call forth my full hollow power. I have completely synced with him so I have access to most of his power at all times. However, I fear that if I call the full power forward I may inadvertently kill my friend. Not for the lack of control the attacks would be at a power level on par with mugetsu. The same level of power that was used to defeat Aizen. I humbly request to show you personally at a later time that power." Ichigo said grimly.
"Do not underestimate me Ichigo!" Toshiro yelled
"I do not. Yours is a sword that I would have by my side at any time. The simple fact of the matter is that if I pulled my full hollow powers out right now my power would increase ten fold at least. You wouldn't have a chance my friend. It wouldn't be fair to dishonor you like that."
Toshiro was stunned by his brutal honesty. He could sense where his friends power level was now. It was above his, but he relied on his experience to even up the table. If Ichigo's power would truly increase that much upon hollowfication his friend was right. He wouldn't stand a chance.
Having sensed how much farther the depths of Ichigo's power went and noticing that even now he was not at his full strength at Bankai. The boy was intentionally lowering his to give his friend a fighting chance. The Commander deliberated internally for a moment then stepped forward.
"Very well. As Captain Hitsugaya does not have an inner hollow of his own that would be an unfair advantage. Your request is granted Kurosaki. I will call on you at a later date to demonstrate you TRUE power to me."
He looked directly into the boy's eyes and he knew that Ichigo understood that he knew that he was holding back.
"Now no more distractions. Begin!"
Toshiro took stance and thrust his sword forward " Rain against then frosted Heavens! Hyorinmaru!" Four identical ice dragons shot forth from the blade. Roaring as they flew toward Ichigo with killing intent. Smiling Ichigo slashed upwards through two of them. Immediately disappearing and reappearing above the other two.
"Getsuga Tenshou!"
The blast tore through the remaining two dragons of ice. Disappearing instantly Ichigo sought to gain a hit by appearing behind Toshiro and bringing his blade down. Blocking before a vital area was hit, Toshiro winced in pain as he looked at his shoulder and saw Zangetsu cutting into it. He didn't even see Ichigo move that time. Whipping his tail behind him he heard Ichigo grunt as his ice scythes bit into his leg. Thrusting his free hand behind him Hitsugaya yelled
"Hado number one : Sho!" A blast of hurricane force wind hit Ichigo square in the chest and blew him back into the wall. Recovering instantly Ichigo and Toshiro both disappeared. The explosive concussions as they flash stepped around the room in battle were deafening.
"Come on Toshiro is that the fastest you can go! I'll show you speed!" Ichigo taunted
"Ha! Someone like you could never match my speed!" Hitsugaya answered
Both warriors were smiling this was as good as they thought it would be.
"Let me show you the true power of my Bankai Ichigo! Sennen Hyoro!"
Countless ice pillars erupted from the floor around the room. Ichigo found himself in the very middle of the room. Glancing at his friend he notices him stab Hyorinmaru into the ground. At that instant every pillar sprouted vicious spikes and rushed at Ichigo.
"Got You!" Toshiro screamed
Everything in his vision slowed to a crawl. In between the pillars Ichigo sees Zangetsu walking toward him.
"Ichigo do you want to survive this attack?"
"Of course I do what kind of question is that? I'm not done yet and I don't want to call forth anymore power and overwhelm Toshiro."
"Very well. Allow me to take control as I show you a new defensive maneuver."
Ichigo let his zanpakuto spirit take control of his arms.
"Ichigo this will protect you if you are being assaulted on all sides at once. However, it can only be used once at max twice during a battle until you master it."
Ichigo's eyes glowed an eerie yellow as he swung his sword in a circle in front of him by the chain attached at the end.
"Now repeat after me"
"Getsuga Kame Dangan!" the words flowed through Ichigo as if he had always known them.
A black shell formed around the young shinigami crackling with bolts of white reiatsu. As the pillars inched their way toward him the shell exploded outwards.
CRASH!
Every pillar was obliterated. Shards of ice fell down like frozen rain upon the battlefield. Stunned Toshiro grinned.
"I guess I have no choice Ichigo...I didn't want to use this." he added hesitantly
"Bring it on Toshiro." the orange haired shinigami grinned while preparing for anything.
"Zanhyo Ningyo." Toshiro whispered as he disappeared.
Around the room numerous copies of Toshiro appeared all encircling Ichigo.
"Lingering ice puppets, I can control them completely and the all have my power." Toshiro's eyes glowed a deep blue as he and all his clones swung their swords forward. Countless ice dragons erupted forth from the blades all hurtling toward Ichigo.
"Nice...let me show you my power." Ichigo laughed
Disappearing with flash step Ichigo used his increased speed to appear behind all of his opponents at the same time. With his speed he was able to literally be in multiple places at once. Ichigo and all of his own clones raised Zangetsu high in the air. Not having time to compensate Toshiro braced for what he knew was coming.
"Getsuga Tenshou!"
The sound was deafening as the attacks ripped through every opponent shattering all the ice clones and rushing towards Toshiro.. The blast tore up the very fabric of their battleground throwing up massive amounts of dust.
All eyes waited for the dust to clear to see the outcome. Slowly appearing through the haze you could just make out a profusely bleeding young captain laying in the middle of the floor. His ice armor had been shattered in several places and he was missing half of one wing. Toshiro had seen what was happening and with the seconds he had wrapped his wings around him to take the blunt of the damage. Ichigo was kneeling beside him smiling at his friend.
"That last attack was awesome man."
"Thank you. I have to say crossing swords with you lived up to my expectations, Ichigo." Toshiro said through gritted teeth. Unohana was already at his side to begin the healing process.
Standing tall Ichigo looked at the assembled Captains most of which were smiling. One in Kuchiki noble in particular had a completely impassive look on his face. The head Captain stood and walked forward. Matching his movements the other Captains followed suit as they all made a circle around Ichigo and the still healing Toshiro. Toshiro smiled up at his friend he always knew that he would go far.
"Ichigo Kurosaki your test is complete."
Ichigo braced for the aftermath of whatever the decision facing him was.
"You have passed. You have shown the utmost control of your power during this duel. You even were able to communicate with your zanpakuto during the match to learn and utilize a new skill."
Ichigo's eyes widened. It seemed that he couldn't hide nothing from that man. Just how much did he know?
"Ichigo Kurosaki. I offer you the Captaincy for squad 5"
Holding his hand forward a white haori appeared in his hand with the emblem of squad five on the back.
"Do you accept this position and all the power and responsibility that comes with it. From this point on you will be accountable for all those under you. As a Captain you are charged with training and protecting your men to the best of your ability. You are expected to be a beacon of inspiration to all around you to what all should strive to attain."
Humbled by the man's words Ichigo stepped forward with his lowered. Raising his head all could see the fire of determination in his eyes.
"I accept it. I will strive to uphold the honor that this position holds."
Taking the haori Ichigo pulled it on surprised that it fit perfectly. After adjusting Zangetsu to accommodate for his new attire Ichigo looked up and smiled.
BANG BANG BANG
"This Captain's meeting is dismissed!"
Several of the Captain's came to congratulate Ichigo.
"You have no excuse no Ichigo!1 I want another fight!" Kenpachi laughed
"Great Job man!" Shinji said as he walked towards the door "If you ever want to train those hollow powers with someone you know where I am."
"Thanks Shinji."
Byakuya walked by and simply nodded to Ichigo. Ukitake and Shunsui walked up both with large grins on their faces.
"That was some show Ichigo!" Shunsui smiled "I think we should celebrate by opening a new bottle of sake."
Smiling at his friend Ukitake looked at Ichigo. It seemed like just yesterday he had given the young man the substitute soul reaper's badge. Now the man before him had obtained the highest position you can strive for in the Gotei 13.
"Congratulations! Captain Kurosaki! What do you want to do first? Feel free to come to me anytime if you have any questions on the duties of a captain."
"Thank you Captain Ukitake. I think first I have some friends who probably are wondering why I have taken so long to get back to them."
Smiling Ukitake knew that Ichigo wanted to tell a certain someone what had happened. It won't be long before he had a transfer request on his desk. Maybe he should go ahead and fill out the paperwork. It seems he was fated not to have a lieutenant.
"Very well Captain go to your friends. Come to me tomorrow and I will show you your new barracks and introduce you officially to your squad. As this is your first day in Soul Society and you have done so much today already I will give you the rest of the day off."
"Thank you Captain Ukitake."
"Don't mention it Captain Kurosaki."
There it is guys!
Couple of things
Getsuga Kame Dangan- I translate it as "Black moon tortoise shell"
Sennen Hyoro- Thousand year ice prison
Zanhyo Ningyo- Lingering ice puppet/doll
I hope you liked Ichigo's new look and his new ability. It's not going to be his only one I just thought that he should have one soon.
Thank you guys for your support...Please Review I read every one you send!