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.
Zanpakuto
Hollow
Thoughts
==Chapter 5==
"Welcome Ichigo," announced Muramasa when he noticed Ichigo appear standing on the side of the glass skyscraper far above him.
It was right at that moment that Ichigo felt that something was different. He had arrived in the same place he normally did whenever he entered his inner world, standing on the side of the glass skyscraper. Normally, the building was beneath him and the world was tilted sideways. Now however, while Ichigo was still positioned with his feet against the glass it was no longer beneath him. The vast ocean of water that the skyscrapers rose out of was far below him. With a startled scream Ichigo began to fall, but before he had fallen too far he righted himself and stood calmly in mid air and took a look around at things. He saw the ocean beneath where Muramasa stood calmly upon the waters and far above standing on the end of the lone flagpole as usual was old man Zangetsu.
"Well this is different," Ichigo commented while he continued to look around, "can anyone explain why all of a sudden things are the right up way in here?"
"That would be my doing," answered Muramasa from far below.
"Should we go down and get an explanation then?" Ichigo asked as he looked over to Zangetsu.
Receiving a nod, two black blurs flew through the air down towards the ocean below and were shortly joined by a white blur that seemed to tag along behind them almost reluctantly. Reaching the water which was clear enough to reflect the blue sky and white clouds, the surface was disturbed suddenly as the three suddenly stopped upon its surface and then redirected their motion towards the lone distant form of Muramasa. And, as if by some unspoken agreement, the three individuals were off at the same time, racing. Ichigo with his new Shinigami look and longer orange hair leading the way was followed by Ichigo's Hollow, who was still the same white reflection, with old man Zangetsu closely bringing up the rear.
"So why the shift in orientation?" quipped Ichigo's Hollow as the trio came to a stop by Muramasa.
"Your soul is now properly a Shinigami's soul," answered Muramasa with a nod of greeting at his new wielder, completely ignoring that the question was asked by Ichigo's Hollow, "it is no longer purely a human soul. Although you are still human and still have their capacity for growth and expansion."
"Hey," Ichigo's Hollow said heatedly towards Muramasa, "don't ignore me. I asked why everything is right side up instead of sideways like it usually is?"
"And I thought I answered," replied Muramasa who was still looking at Ichigo. "But to put it as simple as possible for you can understand," he added looking directly at Ichigo's Hollow, "the reason everything is straight is because I will not allow myself to be wielded by someone who's bent."
"Well it's a good thing you came along and fixed things then, eh Muramasa?" Ichigo asked with a snigger at the look of horror that had appeared on his reflection's face.
"It is," agreed Muramasa with a small smirk. "Now, you wish to discuss and learn to use my powers, do you not?"
"Ahh," Ichigo replied as he brought himself back under control. "Urahara figured out your main ability quickly, but I think I threw him off a bit. I don't think he knows you retained a portion of Koga's spiritual power within you which allowed you to keep him unaware of his loss of communication with his Zanpakuto."
"I hope that it is alright for me to keep that aspect of my former wielder's power?" questioned Muramasa who received a small nod from Ichigo in response. "Then you should also be aware of the other ability which I possess which you have also witnessed and experienced. Simply command me to 'Hold' him, her or them and I shall bind them with your power so tightly that they will be unable to move at all."
"But there has to be a difference though, right?" Ichigo asked.
"Indeed," agreed Muramasa with a smile. "Where before I had to use a reflective surface to conceal and transmit my ability, now that you are my wielder as long as the sky remains clear and no rain falls I shall be able to hold anyone who you can see that stands beneath it."
"Awesome!" Ichigo exclaimed with a grin and a look of pride directed at his new Zanpakuto. "Can you tell me anything about your Bankai or is it still too early for that?"
"I will tell you about that, but only after you do one more thing for me along with something for yourself," countered Muramasa. "You need to learn all you can about using my power to take control of another Shinigami's Zanpakuto and master its use."
"And I suppose you have a method in mind for just how I can accomplish that?" Ichigo inquired.
"Sorry Yourichi," apologized Ichigo as he suddenly opened his eyes and hopped up from where he had been sitting with Muramasa's bare blade held across his lap. "I have to go back to see Byakuya again today but you're welcome to tag along. So are Urahara and Tessai if they'd like to."
"I thought we were going to train?" Yourichi asked with a pout. "Don't you need to learn how to use Muramasa's abilities?"
"I do," agreed Ichigo, "but I need to use him against other Zanpakuto. And since I've already used his ability to control Urahara's, all I'd learn is how to overpower an unwilling Zanpakuto."
"I thought that once control was released that particular Zanpakuto couldn't be controlled again," observed Urahara. "Are you saying that has changed as well?"
"Ahh, it has," agreed Ichigo with a grin, "and I'd appreciate that fact staying a secret. I only plan on telling the three of you along with Byakuya and the Captain Commander. All anyone else will know is that once the control has been broken or released, it cannot be re-established."
"And that's why you need to go back to Soul Society so you can tell them?" Yourichi guessed. "How is that going to help your training?"
"Well I had also planned on asking the Captain Commander if I could challenge the Lieutenants and Captains to sparring matches," added Ichigo, appreciating the shocked looks that response received. "How better to train than against the strongest Shinigami that the Soul Society has to offer. And besides it should reassure them that after the practice is finished, I'll not be able to control their Zanpakuto again."
"Very well then Ichigo," Urahara said as he turned and started walking towards the ladder leading up to the store. "Unfortunately we can't come with you right now but your idea is a good one."
"I'll come with you Ichigo," said Yourichi as she suddenly switched to her other form of a small black cat and proceeded to hop up on Ichigo's shoulder.
Nodding in response to Urahara's retreating form, Ichigo only received a shrug from Tessai before he proceeded to open another senkaimon and dash through.
"That was much quicker that I expected," observed Byakuya as he greeted the pair waiting by the closed Senkai Gate, "and judging by your changed appearance you have succeeded."
"It was successful," agreed Ichigo, returning the nod of greeting. "And I was wondering if you could help me with one more thing. I should speak with the Captain Commander and tell him what I've done with Muramasa and I was hoping that you could help me arrange an appointment."
"That is a sensible request and one I have no problem helping you with," Byakuya agreed as he held his hand out and had a black butterfly land on it briefly before it flew away. "I see you brought the were-cat with you?"
"Ahh, I asked her to come along and help with something I'd like to ask the Captain Commander after I explain things to his satisfaction," replied Ichigo with a small smile as he reached up to lightly scratch the angry looking black cat that was still resting easily upon his shoulder. "Yourichi agreed to help me train and also agreed to help me with my hakuda and shunpo."
"Well, despite my feelings, you've chosen an excellent teacher for those two disciplines," Byakuya said while they began walking towards the main entrance of the Kuchiki grounds. "Have you given any thought as to learning Kido as well?"
"With my poor control over my spiritual power I don't think that I'm quite suited for kido," replied Ichigo.
"Nonsense!" Yourichi exclaimed from up on his shoulder causing Ichigo to turn his head to look at her. "Control can be learned. You've just not ever really had the time for proper instruction or practice."
"Indeed," agreed Byakuya, "and I again offer the Kuchiki Family's training grounds to you if you should so desire to use them. Also, if you do start kido training, might I suggest you ask Rukia for instruction. She might not be the Kido master that Lieutenant Hinamori is, but Kido was her specialty in the Academy, and she is very good at teaching. I also offer my Lieutenant to help with that training as well."
"That's exceedingly generous of you Byakuya," Yourichi observed, "what's the catch."
"Well, I'd say it ties in with his responsibilities that you explained earlier," stated Ichigo before Byakuya could reply. "If I am to be tied to and in some way representing the Kuchiki Family, then it is in his best interest to make sure that I'm not an embarrassment to him or the Kuchiki Family."
"Indeed," Byakuya replied almost in surprise, "it's as you say."
"See Yourichi," quipped Ichigo, "I told you, didn't I?"
Whatever Yourichi was going to say was interrupted as a black butterfly fluttered down and hovered in front of Byakuya, who obligingly held up a hand for it to land on. Concentrating for a second after it did so, he nodded after receiving its message before the butterfly flew away.
"The Captain Commander will see you today just as soon as you make it to First Division headquarters," Byakuya relayed the message to the others. "I'm sure Yourichi can guide you there."
"Actually Byakuya, I was hoping you would come too," said Ichigo as they stopped at the gate separating the Kuchiki grounds from the rest of the Seireitei. "I also wish to inform you of the changes in Muramasa's abilities as well as the Captain Commander, and it would be easier to only have to explain things once. Besides, you helped me and took on the responsibility for my actions, so I figure it's appropriate that you know as well."
"Very well then," Byakuya agreed, "let's not keep the Captain Commander waiting then."
With a flash of shunpo the pair vanished and sped towards the First Division's headquarters, covering the distance extremely quickly. Byakuya and Yourichi were both somewhat surprised that Ichigo could keep up with as easily as he was considering he had only shown the ability to move at such speeds after releasing Zangetsu's Bankai. Upon arriving the pair entered and were met by the Lieutenant of the First Division who escorted them to the Captain Commander's personal office. Knocking on the door before pushing them open, Chojiro Sasakibe nodded respectfully to the pair before he withdrew. Ichigo looked around as he followed Byakuya into the Captain Commander's office before his eyes settled on the tired looking old man sitting behind a fairly simple wooden desk.
"Ichigo Kurosaki," the Captain Commander stated as his eyes opened when he saw the changes to the Substitute's appearance, "please explain to me why you now bear the Zanpakuto Muramasa. And Captain Kuchiki, please explain to me why you gave him the pieces of that blade."
Ichigo began by retelling the Captain Commander everything that had happened in the past few days - his conversations with Zangetsu about his powers, the talk with Urahara, requesting and receiving the blade from Byakuya and finally the process and results of reforging the blade. Byakuya expanded on his involvement where required, but kept quiet and let the teen do the talking.
"I agree with Captain Kuchiki's decision to give that Zanpakuto to you," the Captain Commander replied after fully hearing everything, "and I commend you on coming directly to me and informing me of this development. Since you are aware of the difficulties that particular Zanpakuto caused I trust that you can keep it restrained?"
"Excuse me Captain Commander but while Muramasa might be a Zanpakuto, he is a he, not an it," corrected Ichigo to the astonishment of everyone present. "Also, correct me if I'm mistaken, but I thought it was the Shinigami Koga who committed those crimes in the past using Muramasa's abilities. I know it was Muramasa who caused the recent troubles, but in his defence he was desperate and also filled with power from numerous hollows which also further affected his judgement. It does not excuse his actions, but at the time, he was still Koga's Zanpakuto, even if Koga was sealed away."
"Very well, I stand corrected," agreed the Captain Commander, causing surprise in both Byakuya and Yourichi. "And you are also correct that his recent actions are not excusable."
"That's why he agreed to become my Zanpakuto," Ichigo continued, "to have a chance to make amends for his actions in some way."
Nodding slowly, the Captain Commander observed the youth standing before him for a long time. Standing slowly and moving around in front of his desk, he raised his walking stick and grasping it in the middle, flared his spiritual power a bit causing the wood to melt away leaving his sheathed Zanpakuto held in his hand.
"Show me your resolve Ichigo Kurosaki," commanded the Captain Commander.
"Ahh," Ichigo agreed before handing Yourichi over to Byakuya with a smirk and motioning them to stand back.
Facing the old Captain Commander, Ichigo took his stance and smoothly drew Muramasa from its scabbard.
"Whisper, Muramasa," called Ichigo forcefully, not taking his gaze off of the old man.
With a pulse of light blue energy, the Zanpakuto drew extremely heavily on Ichigo's reserves of power before releasing a wave of energy. Both the Captain Commander and Byakuya looked surprised when they witnessed absolutely nothing else happen.
"Please call to your Zanpakuto," Ichigo requested of the Captain Commander getting a worried look from Byakuya.
"Reduce All Creation to Ash, Ryujin Jakka," the Captain Commander called to his Zanpakuto as he drew it from the scabbard, expecting its blade to be engulfed in flame.
His surprise was no less than Byakuya's or Yourichi's, who had witnessed this with Urahara. None of them really expected Ichigo to be able to succeed against the Captain Commander. Everyone looked at Ichigo and were surprised at the expression of intense concentration on his face.
"Ryujin Jakka," Ichigo commanded firmly, "Reduce All Creation to Ash."
The surprise was complete when the blade of the Zanpakuto held in the Captain Commander's hand slowly and almost reluctantly burst forth in flame which slowly made its way up the blade starting from the guard and finally covering the tip.
"That's enough Muramasa," said Ichigo softly. "Release the Captain Commander's Zanpakuto please."
Far more suddenly than it had appeared, the flame surrounding the blade held by the Captain Commander vanished and the Zanpakuto was immediately sealed into the form of a walking stick again. And just like what had happened when Urahara's Zanpakuto was released, the Captain Commander promptly dropped his sealed sword to the ground and looked at it in shock.
"I'm very glad that you were not really serious," Ichigo said to the Captain Commander as he re-sheathed Muramasa.
"Ichigo Kurosaki," began the Captain Commander as he bent and picked up his sealed sword, "a Shinigami must always be serious when they release their Zanpakuto. Why did you think otherwise?"
"I was surprised because of just how Muramasa's ability now works," explained Ichigo as Byakuya moved to stand beside him once again and hand Yourichi back. "He needs to have more spiritual power to draw upon than what is contained within the opposing Zanpakuto in order to take control of it. And I thought that since it was your Zanpakuto, it might not work. It almost didn't because Ryujin Jakka fought very hard to resist the control."
"I thought Muramasa was an Illusion-type Zanpakuto?" Yourichi questioned for the first time in the Captain Commander's presence, drawing his gaze to her.
"No Muramasa isn't an Illusion-type," answered Ichigo with a bit of a grin. "When he belonged to Koga, he drew upon Koga's spiritual power and also upon Koga's unique illusion abilities, and that affected how his abilities were expressed."
"He is a Command-type," the Captain Commander said as he sat back down at his desk. "His ability used to draw out the opposing Zanpakuto spirit and force it to attack its own wielder, but as you said, that was because of Koga's power."
"Where as my own power is a bit more straight forward and direct," agreed Ichigo with a nod. "Muramasa overpowers the opposing Zanpakuto's spirit and forces it to submit to my command. At the same time he also interrupts the ability of the Shinigami to communicate with their Zanpakuto, but that is not noticed until I verbally command the other Zanpakuto. And before you ask, that little twist in the ability is a result of the lone remaining bit of Koga's spiritual power still held by Muramasa."
"Can you use Muramasa's second Shikai ability as well?" questioned the Captain Commander, drawing glances from Byakuya and Yourichi.
"I can and again it is somewhat changed," Ichigo replied with a nod.
"Bankai?" the Captain Commander asked looking directly at the orange haired teen.
"Almost," answered Ichigo to a look of shock from Byakuya. "I've defeated him in combat at his absolute strongest, even if it was artificially enhanced by the power from the hollows. Our communication and understanding of each other is sufficient, but he says I need to learn everything there is to know about his ability to command another Zanpakuto before I'm ready for Bankai. That's actually the second reason I wanted to speak with you. I have a request and some further explaining to do, if you'll allow."
"My day is more or less free," replied the Captain Commander as he tapped his sealed Zanpakuto on the floor which immediately summoned his Lieutenant. Requesting two chairs be brought into his office for his guests, he motioned for them to be seated before they continued. "Now, what else should I know and what is the request?"
"Before when Muramasa drew upon Koga's spiritual power, if the Shinigami defeated the manifested spirit of his Zanpakuto then that particular Zanpakuto could no longer be controlled," Ichigo explained receiving nods of understanding from both Byakuya and the Captain Commander. "That is no longer the case. Once a Zanpakuto has been released from his control once, it is actually easier for Muramasa to regain control over it in the future if it would ever be needed."
"Easier?" Byakuya asked, surprised.
"Unless the something happens to change the Zanpakuto in some way such as the Shinigami attaining Bankai after the control has been released," added Ichigo. "Then it would be just like attempting it for the first time again."
"You must keep that an absolute secret," the Captain Commander said forcefully. "I believe that you can be trusted not to abuse that power, but if that became known, others might become fearful."
"That's what I thought," Ichigo agreed, "and that's why I've only told five people, and don't plan on telling anyone else. We think it would be best if everyone continued to believe that once Muramasa's power has been released, then they would have nothing further to fear from that ability."
"I understand the difference now," interrupted Byakuya. "Before, when a Zanpakuto was controlled by Muramasa, having that control broken allowed the Zanpakuto to resist it. But with you having Muramasa release the control, he retains the ability to regain control. And the second time would be easier if he already had some established link with the Zanpakuto."
"Urahara didn't guess that part," Ichigo quipped with a grin.
"And your request?" the Captain Commander asked.
"As for the request, it ties in with that mistaken belief," continued Ichigo, "and with my need for practice before Muramasa will allow me to use Bankai. I would like permission to arrange training matches with the Lieutenants and the other Captains after informing them that I've taken Muramasa as my Zanpakuto. Allow me to use Muramasa's ability on them in a controlled environment and then have him release that control, and let them continue to believe that they will no longer be able to be affected in the future."
"Why would you wish to do that without telling them the truth?" Byakuya asked, noting that the Captain Commander seemed to perk up and pay even closer attention.
"Because of Aizen," answered Ichigo simply. "If there is ever a time when one of the other Captains needs to be fought for whatever reason, if I can use Muramasa to take control of their Zanpakuto away from them, then it would greatly reduce the threat they pose to Soul Society and the real world."
"And what if you should ever become a threat, or disagree with an order if I gave it to you to oppose a someone like you say?" inquired the Captain Commander.
"If that was the case do you honestly believe that I would have willingly came here and told you everything and have been as open and honest as I have?" Ichigo responded.
Nodding in agreement, the Captain Commander rose and motioned for the others to do so as well. Moving out from behind his desk to stand in front of the teen, the old man observed him intently for a minute before coming to a decision. With a glance at Yourichi and Byakuya, those two immediately nodded and left the office, leaving Ichigo alone with the Captain Commander.
"Remain standing for as long as you can," said the Captain Commander as he again removed the concealment from his Zanpakuto and stood facing Ichigo.
Without a word or sign, Ichigo felt his throat go tight and winced slightly as breathing became difficult. The Captain Commander had released his Zanpakuto without a word and was flaring his spiritual power causing it to crash down fully on the teen. Recovering in an instant, Ichigo drew upon his own replenishing reserves of spiritual power and could once again stand and breathe without trouble. Receiving a look of approval from the old man, Ichigo felt the weight of the spiritual power increase along with the intensity of the heat from Ryujin Jakka's flames. Drawing on everything he had left Ichigo stood unflinching and returned the Captain Commander's gaze. As suddenly as he had released it, the Captain Commander reigned in his power and again sealed his sword.
"Ichigo Kurosaki since your soul is now that of a Shinigami," began the Captain Commander, "would you consent to becoming one officially rather than being simply a substitute? You would not be part of a squad and you would continue your human life. I would like you to be answerable only to me and free to act on your own initiative if you feel that it is needed."
"Like a special operative," Ichigo observed. "I think I could handle that."
"Very good," the Captain Commander stated with the barest hint of a grin on his face. "You might not be part of a squad, but feel free to assemble any you feel might be useful or helpful to the protection of Soul Society into a squad of your own. Your status while not quite official, will be equal to that of a Captain, but above that of a Lieutenant. You are free to come and go to the Soul Society as you please."
"I only have one real concern though Captain Commander," said Ichigo. "I have been made aware of what Soul Society and the Central 46 think of Shinigami who have sought out and obtained hollow powers in order to increase their own power."
"And why is this a concern?" the Captain Commander asked.
"I might as well show you, since we're getting everything out in the open," muttered Ichigo before raising his left hand to in front of his face and clawing his hollow mask into existence for a few seconds before dismissing it. "I did not seek out that power. It is a result of the method Urahara had me use to regain my Shinigami powers."
"Can I assume that since you have 'been made aware' that you have had contact with certain other individuals who also possess similar abilities?" questioned the Captain Commander with open eyes.
"I have," Ichigo agreed, "and you should know that they did not seek out this power either. It was Aizen and his experiments in increasing a Shinigami's power that resulted in their unwillingly gaining their hollows. They were completely unaware that he had even done anything to them until the hollows manifested and attempted to take control. Thanks to Urahara and their own strength, they were able to master and subdue the hollows that had been placed into them, gaining the hollow's powers as their own when they called upon them."
"You and they are in full control over these internal hollows?" asked the Captain Commander.
"More or less," Ichigo replied getting a concerned look from the old man. "We have defeated our hollows and they submit to our strength. If we were ever to become weak, the hollows would likely attempt to take control, but that is the nature of hollows."
"Then it is of no concern to me as long as you remain strong then," the Captain Commander stated, putting the matter to rest. "Central 46 is not yet restored so they have no say in this, and even after they are restored, I won't let them have any say in it."
"Then," replied Ichigo, "I accept."
A/N: Sorry this was a bit late. I had to take some time to consider where and how I wanted this fic to proceed, and I hope you're happy with it. I am. This chapter is a bit longer too to make up for the wait. Not really any action, sorry, but there will be in the next chapter!
==Omake Part 2==
As the Imperial trooper walked back to his post, his superior waved him over for a report.
"Who were those last three Private?" the Commander asked, looking up from where he was seated nearby.
"They weren't the Kuchikis we were looking for," replied the Trooper dutifully.
"They weren't, eh?" asked the Commander suspiciously.
"No sir, they weren't," the Trooper confirmed. "I let them go on their way."
"By any chance Private," began the Commander as he began to shake his head, "did the one speaking to you wave his hand at you in a sideways motion across and infront of his body while talking?"
"Now that you mention it Sir, I think he did," replied the Trooper. "Does that mean anything Sir?"
"It probably means, Private," the Commander sighed, "those were the Kuchikis we are looking for."