Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction (obviously..) that I wrote for my own enjoyment and hopefully yours as well. I own nothing related to Bleach (except for a nifty keychain that I got with one of the dvds), and can only claim the plot as my own.
Also need to start adding:
Hollow Ichigo
Zanpakuto (Both Muramasa and Zangetsu.)
Ichigo's thoughts
==Chapter 4==
Being woken up by his crazy father after spending the night sparring with Zangetsu and him in his inner world was not something Ichigo was looking forward to. Especially considering how he didn't want to have to share Ichigo's mind with yet another being. So after forcefully reminding him just who was the king and who was the horse in their relationship, Ichigo was somewhat surprised when he didn't really complain about it anymore. Sure there was a bit of grumbling but Ichigo had come to understand that hollows only really respected those who were stronger than themselves.
Having set his alarm to wake him early, Ichigo once again quietly went about his morning routine, making sure to eat a large breakfast before leaving to walk to Urahara's store. It was a quiet, peaceful walk and allowed Ichigo the time he needed to think about things on his own, rather than discussing them with Zangetsu and him. Along the way he did his stretching and warming up, and by the time he arrived at the store, he saw that Ururu was waiting expectantly out in front for him.
"Good morning Ururu," Ichigo said cheerfully causing her face to turn pink a bit. "I'm not as early as I was yesterday, so I hope you haven't been waiting out here since then?"
"Good morning Ichigo," replied Ururu with a small smile as she turned slightly to look into the store. "I was waiting, but Jinta was being himself, so I came outside since it's nice."
"If you want, I can ask Urahara if I can borrow him to use as a sparring partner?" quipped Ichigo, watching as she smiled a bit more. "But, as I'm going to be busy for a bit, it might not be until later on in the afternoon."
"No, that's alright Ichigo. He doesn't deserve that kind of punishment," Ururu replied lightly. "Although, if he happens to tumble down the ladder into the training area, then by all means, do as you like."
"Sounds like a plan then," agreed Ichigo with a wink. "So, do you know if what I needed to see Urahara about yesterday morning is ready?"
"Mr. Urahara said that I should tell you to go on down whenever you showed up," Ururu replied as she turned to head back into the store.
Quickly stepping in front of the girl, Ichigo opened the door for Ururu and let her precede him into the store. With a grin and a nod of thanks to the now obviously blushing girl, he made his way to the back of the store and down the ladder into the training area. Finding no one else there, Ichigo shrugged and made his way the workshop where the spiritual power transfer had been preformed.
Entering the room, his eyes were drawn instantly to the unbroken blade lying peacefully on the workbench. Walking over, he was in mid reach to grasp the hilt, but stopped when he suddenly heard movement and voices from out in the training area heading his way. Pulling his hand back quickly, Ichigo turned to see Urahara, Tessai and Yourichi all enter the workshop.
"Ah, good morning Ichigo," Urahara said as they entered. "As you can see, the blade is reforged. All that needs to be done now is for you to do whatever it is you're planning on doing."
"So we can watch right?" asked Yourichi while leaning back against the wall near the doorway. "I'm curious to see just what you intend to do."
"You might not like what you're going to see then," Ichigo replied somberly.
"Oh?" Tessai questioned with a raised eyebrow. "And just what do you plan on doing?"
"Now that," said Ichigo with a smirk, "would be telling."
The trio chuckled as Ichigo reached out with his right hand and firmly grasped the hilt of the Zanpakuto, somewhat expecting something terrible to happen. Feeling somewhat relieved when nothing did, he turned and walked out of the workshop quickly followed by the others. They made their way back to the training area where they all stopped and looked up towards the opening leading to the store upon hearing a loud shout. It was immediately followed by a scream which came from a falling red haired boy.
"Ichigo," they heard Ururu call down as she peeked down through the opening, "it seems like Jinta wanted to be a sparring partner after all."
Urahara and Yourichi just looked on as Ichigo collapsed to the ground holding his sides laughing. Tessai rushed over and helped the boy up off of the ground where he had landed at the bottom of the ladder. Picking himself up, Ichigo made his way to the center of the training area and sat on the ground with his legs crossed and his back straight. The naked blade of the Zanpakuto was placed across his lap with his left hand grasping the hilt and his right resting on the bare blade. Closing his eyes, he allowed his consciousness to sink into his inner world just like Zangetsu had instructed him to the previous night. Urahara and Yourichi looked on curiously while Tessai, who had quickly fixed up the minor injury Jinta had received from the fall, had made his way back over by the other two and was watching Ichigo with a satisfied expression on his face.
Feeling a change in his surroundings, Ichigo took a second to feel the breeze against his face before he opened his eyes and saw the sideways sky and glass skyscrapers that were his inner world. Standing and turning, he grinned as he saw Zangetsu standing in his usual place atop the lone flag pole.
"Can you call him again like you did yesterday old man Zangetsu?" Ichigo asked while making his way towards where Zangetsu stood. "I'd like to ask him if he desires this as well before proceeding."
"Ahh," agreed Zangetsu with a slight nod. "Muramasa, come forth.."
"Ichigo Kurosaki, I didn't ever expect to see you again," a silky voice exclaimed from behind the orange haired teen causing him to turn.
Standing before Ichigo was Muramasa, the spirit of the Zanpakuto that he was holding back in Urahara's training area. Everything Ichigo remembered about Muramasa's appearance was the same - a long white coat held closed at his waist by a wide white sash with a thick ruff of white fur around the collar. His pale skin, dark brown hair with two bangs crossing above the bridge of his nose and creepily long fingernails were all the same too. The thing that Ichigo immediately noticed that was different about his appearance however, was that anywhere his outfit had previously been purple, it was now a light blue.
"Muramasa," Ichigo acknowledged with a small grin and a nod towards the spirit. "It is good to see you again, especially under these better circumstances."
"It is good, yes," agreed Muramasa while taking in his surroundings before focusing on the teen. "Just why are we seeing each other again Ichigo Kurosaki? I was rejected and shattered by my wielder."
"And you know what ended up happening to your wielder because of his actions," Ichigo replied. "I would like to give you the chance to fix your mistakes Muramasa, if you agree to it that is."
"Explain yourself Ichigo Kurosaki," a stunned Muramasa demanded. "How can I fix what I caused to happen?"
"Well, not so much fix as make amends," Ichigo corrected himself. "If you are willing, I would like you to become my Zanpakuto. I would have thought my intent was transferred to you along with my spiritual power before your blade was reforged."
"It was," agreed Muramasa, "but what about Zangetsu? Are you saying you want to replace him with me? What does he think of this idea?"
"Ask him yourself Muramasa," Ichigo replied with a grin, "it was initially his idea after all."
A very surprised looking Muramasa looked towards Zangetsu to see the truth of the matter for himself. Receiving a nod from the other spirit he turned his questioning gaze back upon Ichigo, silently asking him to explain. Understanding what was wanted, Ichigo explained to Muramasa what Zangetsu had explained to him and helped him to figure out two nights ago. Comprehension and understanding quickly flashed in Muramasa's eyes which swiftly changed to one of desire and longing for what the young man was offering.
"Yes!" Muramasa interrupted Ichigo towards the end of his explanation. "If you honestly want me as your Zanpakuto, then I would be a fool to turn down what you are asking and offering."
"Good," a satisfied Ichigo nodded. "Now, since you are the expert on Zanpakuto here, do you have any suggestions on how to go about this, or do I just stick with what I know?"
"That method will work Ichigo," Muramasa replied as the memory of what Ichigo was asking came to him. "It will be painful, but it is the quickest method. And since we all want this to happen there shouldn't be any complications."
"Yeah well, say that again after you've been around me for a while," laughed Ichigo. "Alright, do whatever it is you need to prepare yourself. I'll do what needs to be done out there."
Receiving a nod from both Muramasa and Zangetsu, Ichigo turned and sped off towards the top of the skyscraper they were standing on.
After only a few minutes Ichigo opened his eyes as his consciousness and focus returned to the real world once more. Taking a breath and calming himself, he held the sword with both hands and turned the point towards himself and held it against his chest above his heart. A cry of shock came from Yourichi as Ichigo stabbed the Zanpakuto into his chest, through his heart and out his back. Immediately following Ichigo's action there was a brilliant flash from the blade and he was surrounded by a raging swirl of light blue spiritual energy, causing wind rage through the underground area and stirring up a massive cloud of dust.
Urahara, Tessai and Yourichi could only look on in wonder as they felt Ichigo's already immense spiritual pressure get even heavier and more dense. Urahara was feeling excitement at being able to see such an action take place in front of him. He was one of those who had recorded some of the previous failed attempts and to see another attempt, but this one appearing to be successful, had the researcher in him jumping with joy as he took in everything he was seeing and sensing for further analysis and study later on.
Suddenly, with a final pulse of spiritual pressure that just about forced the three to their knees, the dust was blown away and Ichigo was revealed standing unharmed but without the Zanpakuto he had thrust into his own chest. Grinning in satisfaction, he calmly walked over to the bottom of the ladder while ignoring the others who just stood there watching him and sat down with his back resting against it. Pulling out his Shinigami Representative badge and pressing it to his chest, Ichigo's spirit form was ejected from his body.
The others could only watch as Ichigo calmly examined himself to see if there were any noticeable changes to his appearance. Most everything was the same except for his recently acquired Kuchiki scarf and a new white sash with a light blue stripe around his waist which was holding Muramasa's red scabbard and blade on his right side. Unnoticed by Ichigo, but obvious to the trio observing him was the change to his hair. It was longer and had a more shaggy appearance (much like Muramasa, although they didn't know that, except without the two bangs hanging down over his face) to it. Yourichi smirked as she imagined the reaction his newly changed appearance would cause to those who knew him.
"Well it looks like you were successful Ichigo," Urahara stated unnecessarily. "Do you think perhaps you could call out your new Zanpakuto, or do you need time to communicate with it?"
"Him, Urahara," corrected Ichigo with a scowl at the man. "His name is Muramasa. He is a Zanpakuto, not an it."
"Apologies to you and him then Ichigo, I meant no offence," Urahara apologized sincerely
"Ahh, no worries," Ichigo waved it off and walked back to the small group which now included Jinta as well. Reaching inside his shihakusho he removed Urahara's fan and tossed it back to the surprised shop keeper. "You meant what you said and he and I appreciate it."
"So are we going to begin Ichigo?" asked Yourichi as she began to do some warm-up stretched. "Or do you need some more time like Urahara said?"
Drawing his new Zanpakuto with his left hand slowly so as to get a feel for the motion, Ichigo held the blade in front of him and took a good look at it. The once purple wrapped hilt was now wrapped with a light blue material that was the same color as the stripe on his new sash. The guard was circular with three points protruding from the edge evenly spaced apart. The blade was a standard length just like most other sealed Zanpakuto possessed by other Shinigami. Holding it out in front of him at arm's length, palm down and parallel to the ground out in front of him, Ichigo closed his eyes for a brief second and took a calming breath.
"Whisper, Muramasa," Ichigo said quietly but firmly, causing the blade of the Zanpakuto to glow light blue brightly and release a wave of energy radiating out with Ichigo at the center.
"Ha!" exclaimed Jinta. "That did absolutely nothing! Are you sure you know what you're doing Ichigo?"
"Why doesn't Urahara draw his Zanpakuto and we can find out when he tries to attack me?" Ichigo confidently replied to the boy, looking directly at Urahara to see what he would do.
"Very well then Ichigo, if you're sure," answered Urahara who then held his can out in front of him pointed at the orange haired teen. "Awaken, Benihime."
Everyone present except for Ichigo was expecting Urahara's Zanpakuto to change appearance to its shikai state, but were surprised when absolutely nothing happened. Ichigo however was grinning as he watched Urahara's confusion at his Zanpakuto's non-response to his call.
"Let me try Urahara," Ichigo said with an evil grin. "Benihime, Awaken."
No one expected anything to happen, so when the Zanpakuto in Urahara's hand suddenly changed to its released state at Ichigo's command they were all understandably shocked.
"Come forth Muramasa," called Ichigo after he had rotated his Zanpakuto so that he was now holding it still out at arm's length but palm up parallel to the ground beside him.
Muramasa appeared to Ichigo's left and slightly behind him with his right arm raised and his hand on Ichigo's left shoulder. The four immediately noticed the new similarities between the two - the sash, their hair and their eyes. Muramasa's previously turquoise eyes had changed to be the same as Ichigo's brown eyes.
"Yes, Ichigo?" Muramasa asked his wielder with a note of pride and awe in his voice.
"Can you release Urahara's Benihime now please?" requested Ichigo with a grin at the gawking foursome.
"As you say, so it is, Ichigo," Muramasa agreed, lifting his left hand in front of him and snapping his fingers.
Immediately, Benihime returned to its sealed and concealed form of a cane and was promptly dropped to the ground by Urahara, who was looking down at it with a look of horror on his face. Recovering quickly he swiftly knelt down and, whispering quiet apologies to his Zanpakuto, picked up his cane. Straightening, he was greeted by puzzled looks from Tessai and Yourichi but laughter from Jinta. Looking over to Ichigo and his Zanpakuto's spirit, Urahara began to feel a bit of hope.
"Thank you Muramasa," said Ichigo as he met Urahara's gaze. "Can I have your permission to explain things to Urahara, Tessai and Yourichi?"
"You're asking me, Ichigo?" Muramasa questioned, confused.
"Well, they're your abilities, so I figured I'd let you decide if I tell them or not. Although I'm sure at least Urahara has mostly figured it out by now," replied Ichigo warmly. "I'd keep your secrets if you asked me, and I know you'll keep mine if I ask you."
"Very.. very well then Ichigo," stammered Muramasa, "you may tell those three."
"Aww man!" Jinta complained from behind Tessai, who placed a hand over the boy's mouth.
"Thank you, Muramasa," replied Ichigo. "After that, we'll talk for a bit inside."
Nodding in understanding, Muramasa vanished as suddenly as he had appeared. Ichigo sheathed the blade before walking over to the group with a shit-eating grin on his face. Tessai immediately sent Jinta away surprisingly without a complaint from the boy. They were just sitting down when they heard Jinta yell from the top of the ladder into the store "He made the owners Zanpakuto obey him!" Followed by the slamming of the door behind him.
"So tell me what you think first Urahara," requested Ichigo, "and then I'll fill in the rest and tell you how it's different than it used to be. You can probably figure out why on your own as well."
"Well," began Urahara.
"Deep subject!" said Hollow Ichigo from within Ichigo's head.
"Shut up!" Ichigo growled, drawing startled looks from the other three.
"Sorry. It wasn't directed to you Urahara," apologised Ichigo. "He didn't like the idea of bringing Muramasa 'into the mix' as he said, but I beat him into submission on the idea. Now after seeing just how good of an idea it was, it feels like he's dancing around doing a drunken excited dance or something."
"Oh, no matter then," calmly replied Urahara. "As I was saying, It appears that Muramasa's power, one of them at least, is to completely take control of the opponent's Zanpakuto and give that control to Ichigo. But at the same time, the target Zanpakuto's wielder doesn't know that he's lost control, or rather lost all way of communicating with his Zanpakuto until he experiences Ichigo commanding it."
"It's a good thing you're so modest Urahara," whistled Ichigo, drawing amused laughter from Yourichi, chuckling from Tessai and a sheepish look from Urahara which he hid behind his fan, getting a grin from Ichigo. "And it's losing all communication with the Zanpakuto, not losing control. A Zanpakuto can always refuse to do what it's wielder requests it to do, even if it is difficult."
"It's no wonder that another Zanpakuto chose to allow a bond to form between himself and another soul. Especially after what we heard happened with him and his former wielder," observed Tessai, getting a nod of agreement from Yourichi. "Giving it choice and doing what EVERY Zanpakuto desires most of all, even if it is very deep down. To be wielded. Skillfully and properly, with confidence and control."
"What you may not know is that Muramasa's power has changed from what it used to be when Koga wielded him," continued Ichigo. "it used to be that he could force a Zanpakuto to turn upon its wielder and attack them or to manifest the Zanpakuto's spirit and compel it to attack it's wielder. It's similar, but different because when used by Koga, it was powered by him and his spiritual power along with his powers over illusions, which were his own separate from Muramasa's abilities."
"Whereas you and your power is more direct so overpowering and taking absolute control sounds more in line with you than tricking the target Zanpakuto into compliance," added Urahara, receiving a nod from Ichigo. "But I must say, it has a very subtle twist to it."
"What can I say," replied Ichigo with a shrug and a smirk, "I've had to grow up a bit."
"You said powers didn't you?" Yourichi asked Urahara as she poked him in the side.
"He did and there are," answered Ichigo, cutting Urahara off before he could begin to answer. "But that's why I have to talk to Muramasa after we're finished here to see if he'll fill me in. I also want to discuss Bankai with him too. I mean, we communicate pretty well and he did choose to become my Zanpakuto. And I've already defeated him in battle at his absolute most powerful."
"...Bankai?!" Urahara, Tessai and Yourichi all gasped at the same time, getting a smirk from Ichigo.
A/N: I'm going to get a cookie. Three chapters in three days. I don't know if I can keep it up, but I'll try. At most, the next chapter will be within a week. I'm feeling the urge to write this and I'm not getting bored doing so yet. :-P I hope you like the few changes to Ichigo's wardrobe and appearance, along with the same to Muramasa. I just thought it would tie them together a bit more properly as Shinigami and Zanpakuto. Conversation and training next chapter. Sequel idea already formed. I'm not planning on this being too long of a fic. Ten chapters at most, six at least. And I'd like to do another fic of a similar and related but different nature following this. Thanks for reading and reviewing, that's what's really kept me going mostly.