A/N: The first part of this chapter is a very short spar between Akuma vs Ichigo and some other bits. Next chapter we move onto the Memories of Nobody ARC! (Which will span one chapter). Also I will reveal Karin's Shikai in a quick sparring match, but Karin and Yuzu WILL NOT have GETSU type Zanpakuto, because I is bad with translating shit. If you wanna be logical lets just put the blame on 'only men get GETSU-TYPES'.
Another thing I wanted to point out is that all filler arcs (except the invading Gotei 13 arc) will be classed under 'Alliance arc'. The Aizen arc will begin after we finish Zanpakuto unknown tales (i know it officially comes halfway through the Aizen arc, but lets ignore that).
Italics + ' = Thoughts (Etc. = 'What is that?')
Bold + '' = Inner Hollow/Secondary Spirit (Etc. = ''Fucking Quotation marks!'' He roared) (Or Zangetsu in Ichigo's case).
Italics + '' = Zanpakuto Spirit (Etc. = ''Do not hesitate, Ichigo'' Zangetsu said) (Quincy part of Zangetsu for Ichigo's case).
I DONT OWN BLEACH!
Chapter 22: Spars and Power Transfers - Alliance ARC
After my Shikai split into my trench knife and larger Khyber knife I immediately blurred behind the red-clad man and swung my larger blade in a wide arc, only for his hand to reach and catch the blade with ease, making my eyes widen.
''I'm a god for a reason, Ichigo-kun'' He teased lightly, I grunt and jump back and narrow my eyes, trying to find a hole in his defence ''Though I can see why Asami called you powerful, even the captain commander would flinch from the force of the impact''.
''Thanks'' I return and raise both blades above my head in an X shape ''Getsuga Jujisho!''.
The X shaped energy attack flew at the man, who watched on with his same casual smile. He raised a hand to block the attack and upon the Getsuga making contact with his hand it contorted and fluctuated as it tried to explode but was restrained by Akuma.
''You leave yourself open when performing this technique'' He commented merrily, as if he wasn't holding back one of my strongest Shikai attacks. He pulled his arm back slightly and jabbed it skywards, making the X shaped attack change path and go upwards before exploding. I Shunpo beside him and jab the trench knife but he contorted out of the way, even avoiding my follow up slash.
''You're a little slow, Ichigo-kun''.
My eyes widen as the after-image in front lf me fades, the real one behind me. I tried to turn to avoid the blow but something poked me and sent me tumbling away, righting myself as fast as possible I was confused by the lack of weapon on him. He raised a finger and did a poking motion, clearly indicating what weapon he used.
''Then it looks like I'll have to be a little faster'' I retort and blur away, appearing behind him and ducking under his block, jabbing at his abdomen with the trench knife and only succeeding in making a small hole in his clothes.
''Nice try, Ichigo-kun'' He said ''But as I have said...''.
He was suddenly in front of me, fist racing to crash into me ''...I'm a god for a reason''.
His fist stopped in front of me but the shockwave destroyed the land behind me, easily twenty metres behind me. He grinned and patted me on the head like a child, his hands fell to his side and smiled good-naturedly.
''It was fun Ichigo-kun but, I have other business to attend to'' He said merrily ''Bye, Bye!''.
He blurred away, his presence gone in a second. I blink in surprise and observe the area behind me, the land torn up and stopping just short of the barrier. I re-seal my sword with a sigh and sling it over my back, heading back over to Lilynette and Asami.
'Dammit... was he really that powerful?'.
''Do not worry, Ichigo. He is a god after all, you cant be expected to match him after a few months of training - not to mention it ended quickly and you did not use all your abilities''.
''Ya should have used ma power at least, kingy''.
'Tch, still...'.
''You did well'' Asami said, breaking me out of my thoughts ''It's rare for Akuma to raise his hand against anyone, that proves he finds you strong''.
''Still'' I grunt, disappointment on my face ''I managed to land a hit but all I did was cut his clothes''.
She scowled and flicked my forehead ''Don't go and get all depressed or I will knock some sense into you''.
I roll my eyes and return the action, flicking her in turn ''I'm not getting depressed''.
''You were'' She jabbed ''Besides I need to round up some of my friends to help us deal with this group, so come on''.
Lilynette jumped back on my back ''Mush, Mush!''.
''I'm not a horse'' I grumble despite the smile climbing onto my face from her childishness.
Asami blurred ahead towards one of the smaller building, Lilynette chirped on about how boring it was in Las Noches and how nice it was here while I followed in my own blur. I landed beside Asami and Lilynette jumped off, running into the smaller building in front of us. I walk, at Asami's rather forceful example earlier, beside her as we enter the building. It had the same white-based colour scheme but also held dozens of tables like a canteen.
Lilynette had run over to a table where a lone girl around Yuzu's age sat, she had chin-length blonde hair and large purple eyes, a trench coat that turned into a skirt at the bottom, striped leggings, white cap with gold trimmings and a gold heart buckle belt. She sat with a bored look on her face, rolling an apple across the table.
''Liltotto!'' Lilynette cried as she ran up to the table, drawing the blondes attention and making her smile.
''Lilynette!'' Liltotto cried in turn as she hugged the equally small girl, both giggling as they spoke at high speeds like all children.
I turn to Asami ''They're friends, both of their names start with L and are both kids?''.
She chuckled ''Yeah, its kinda funny. Liltotto Lamperd; Quincy, Captain-class, dietary problems''.
''Dietary problems?'' I frown.
''Her Unique skill is... eating, I guess is a way to phrase it'' At my confused expression she elaborated ''She can consume other living beings, except hollows, and replenish her own reserves or simply for eliminating an enemy... don't judge her is all, she was born with it after all''.
Nodding we head over to the pair, who both perk up - the blonde more so.
''Hey Liltotto'' Asami greets.
''Hey Asami'' She greets with a wide smile, her mood doing a complete 360, she turned to me with a curious look ''Who's this?''.
''Ichigo Kurosaki'' She said and gestured between us ''Ichigo, Liltotto. Liltotto, Ichigo''.
''Nice to meet you, Kurosaki-san'' She smiled at me remarkably like Yuzu.
''Same, Lamperd-san'' I reply with a small smile.
''So, what brings you here?'' Liltotto asked innocently.
''I got a mission tomorrow, I'll need some help and I was wondering if you'd like to tag along'' She shrugged casually.
''Mm!'' Liltotto hummed excitedly ''Is anyone else coming?''.
Asami scratched her chin in thought ''Hm... Kaien can come too as well as Sado''.
''Sado?'' Liltotto tilted her head to the side in curiosity.
''A friend of Ichigo's'' She said, nodding her head in my direction ''You'll meet him''.
''Is Kurosaki-san coming?'' She asked, looking at both me and Asami who nods.
''Be at the entry gate at... 10 tomorrow morning'' Asami said/asked and the younger girl nods happily ''Oh and Lilynette? Make sure Starrk doesn't sleep for too long''.
Lilynette grinned ''Aye, Aye''.
Asami nodded and turned, gesturing for me to follow and I do. We walk away from the childish duo and Asami blurred forth with me following suit, she lead us to the gate that had yet to disappear, if it did disappear. Without a word she walked into the fancy gate and I obediently follow, walking into the light as we return to her Jikan Yari.
''Calm down Ichigo'' Asami said soothingly as we burst through the evening forest towards Karin's position.
''How can I? My old man isn't one to hold back, not even against Karin'' I grunt.
Not a moment after they reappeared they felt Karin's and my fathers Reiatsu flare as they sparred, but Karin's was far lower. Not a moment after that I took off in a burst of Shunpo, with Asami catching up with apparent ease.
Just as I was about to bolt into the clearing where they fought, Asami gripped my arm and yanked me back. It completely halted my momentum and flung me onto my back, leaving her to skid to a stop.
''Watch'' She said in her listen-or-I-will-hit-you tone, reluctantly I creep to the treeline with her to watch the following battle. Karin was panting, down on one knee while my old man stood above her with a goofy grin. My sister had several large cuts and a dozen smaller ones while my old man had only a few in his side and chest.
''Better try harder honey'' His father teased and turned, prepared to walk away.
''Wait...'' Karin called as she stumbled to her feet ''I... have one trick left''.
''Your Shikai?'' His father questioned and the girl nodded, making him nod seriously and fall into stance.
She raised her sword in front of her with the blade pointing down, similar to Byakuya's Bankai ''Fade into Darkness, Shoshitsu Yami''. (Tran: Vanishing Darkness).
Her blade shifted to a Nodachi with a pitch black guard with a red trim, the grip pitch black with a short chain dangling off the edge. She fell into stance, nothing else apparent happening. My father smiled faintly before disappearing in a blur, appearing at her side and slashing. To my surprise the blade dug into Karin's stomach before her entire form became black, the real Karin behind their father and dealing a long slash along his side and back.
Isshin grunted and attempted to swing at his daughter, only for her to turn pitch black like before and melt away. My father blurred back to prevent a follow up attack, though none came. He frowned slightly and scanned the clearly, his eyes noticing us but not lingering or verbally indicating it. He let out a sudden yelp as Karin's sword came out of his shadow, impaling his lower leg.
Karin's blade retracted into the darkness and Isshin jumped away, his shadow facing him now. Karin slowly rose out of the shadow with a victorious smirk on her face before her blade returned to its sealed form and she fell to the ground from Reiatsu exhaustion. In an instant Yuzu was by her side, likely watching too. She began a healing Kido and berated their father, who sheepishly defended himself.
''You can go reunite with them, I'll be checking on everyone else - come see me in a bit'' She said quietly, nudging me forward and disappearing in a silent blur.
Tracking Asami's Reiatsu signature wasn't too hard.
Though it wasn't easy either.
I spent a good hour with my family and also followed Asami's train of thought and checked out the others, who were training and had progressed remarkably well. I had seen Inoue use a Sokatsui and hit a target fairly well, though it clearly taxed her. Sado and Ishida were sparring against Urahara, who while was on the defensive was dealing remarkably well considering he was up against two captain-class fighters. Chiro and Toshiro were lounging about in the forest, though showed signs of battle from the destroyed trees and massive slashes in the ground.
It had become night-time now and as quietly as I could I land on the grass in a burst of Shunpo, a calm breeze blowing through the artificially created world. Asami sat on a rock and her gaze was at a small pond where several Koi fish could be seen in the moonlight.
''Yo'' I greet casually, quietly walking over and taking a seat on a rock as well.
''Hey'' She returned the greeting ''Remember that talk we had, about ways of dealing with Aizen?''.
''Yeah; cut off his arm, don't touch the sword or use some power transfer thing'' I say as accurately as possible.
She nodded ''I believe this is the best time for that, the power transfer''.
''How is this the best time?'' I raise an eyebrow.
''Because we have almost half a month in J.Y (Jikan Yari) time before the mission tomorrow, giving us some time to recuperate and if enough time remains, train'' She explained calmly ''If you do not want to, we do not have to. It will be painful beyond anything you have ever felt due to our Reiryoku mixing, though in exchange for the mind-shattering pain you can attain the power to avenge your mothers killer''.
I clench my jaw and look at the ground 'What do you guys think?'.
''Go for it kingy!'' His hollow-Zanpakuto supplied 'helpfully' ''Who cares about a little pain?''.
''I agree, it may be wise to go through with it despite the evident pain'' Old man Zangetsu agreed.
I raise my gaze to meet Asami's ''Hell Yeah''.
She smiled and got to her feet and I follow, she drew her most-used blade, Tsuki no Megami (I think), and pointed it at me ''Draw your blade''.
Following her order like an obedient dog I draw my much larger blade as she relays her next command ''Let the tip of your Zanpakuto meet mine''.
Nodding, I heft up my large sword with palpable ease and let the tip touch hers as another cool breeze blows through the area around us and sung natures song. Water rippled, leaves fell, grass tilted to the side.
''Now flare your Reiatsu to its limits without releasing... and prepare for unimaginable pain'' She said in a soft tone as she closed her eyes for the inevitable, her body glowed purple before it flared viciously, transforming into a spire of purple power that went high into the sky. Closing my own eyes I flare my own, blue energy transforming into a spire as well.
Then all I felt was pain.
Anguish, Pain, Loneliness, Suffering, Loss, Despair and Defeat.
They were not my emotions, though I unconsciously knew who they belonged to.
Buried deep beneath a mask always lies a persons true colours, but below that were the emotions that plagued the persons subconscious at every turn.
Why she felt such negative, painful emotions were unknown to me... I'll ask Zangetsu later - he might know.
My eyes fluttered open, though they felt a heavy as bricks despite me now being tired. I tried to move but when I do I almost cry out in pain as the nerves in my arms and back muscles were set ablaze, only to be soothed a moment later but unconsciously making me not retry that. Dried blood stained my lower lip, teeth marks engrained into it.
''You're lucky I know healing Kido, since it acts like a painkiller'' Asami chuckled dryly from beside me, I crank my head painfully to see her seated on a rock with the faint glow of a healing Kido fading.
''Did it work?'' I grunt and she nodded with a tired smile.
''Try entering your inner world, you'll find some differences'' She said, her tone slightly cracked. She closed her eyes herself but did not enter Jinzen, I close my own eyes and take a shaky breath and wait. For almost a minute nothing happens before a familiar falling sensation engulfs me, quickly replaced by slight pain as my back crashed into what I assume to be the ground.
My eyes flutter open to the familiar grounds of my inner world, but a sudden cool breeze was not here previously. Struggling to my feet, thanks to my body now not being as sore, and scan the area around me. It looked like normal, which can't be right. Going on a whim, I take off in a burst of Shunpo vertically and reach the top of a building in seconds, and now I could see the differences.
My inner world was now situated on a large island, possibly a small country, that was in the middle of the ocean. In the not-so-far distance I could see a beach with multiple familiar and unknown Reiatsu signatures on it. Behind the beach was a cliff-face that led to a forest, the moon hung above the middle of the oceans and the cool breeze originated from the beach area.
''So that's where you are'' I muse to myself as I take off in a blur towards the place, it took almost a whole minute to reach the beach and when I did, I was met by an odd sight.
Quincy Zangetsu and a pale-dressed woman were sat at a table playing chess, Hollow Zangetsu was bolting it away from a small, yellow-themed girl who was giggling and throwing lightning bolts at my hollow and Asami herself was lying on her back on the sand, eyes closed. As per usual she opened her eyes moments before my feet even touched the sandy ground, likely sensing me.
''Hey'' She greeted her usual greeting ''See what I mean by difference? Both of our inner worlds have merged together''.
''So your inner world was a night-time beach?'' I question and she nods.
''By the way, how you feeling?'' At my confused look she elaborated ''From the power transfer''.
''Oh'' Remembering the pain I wince slightly ''Hurt like hell, I couldn't even think''.
''Same'' She winced also ''But the pain should be gone in about five minutes in here''.
''Hopefully'' I say, taking a seat on the sandy ground ''So what has the power transfer done besides merge our inner worlds?''.
''Well for starters we've both gained the ability to wield the others Zanpakuto'' She said, demonstrating by summoning my large blade but needing both hands to hold it upright, before she dismissed it in a blue glow ''Our Reiryoku reserves have increased by half and because mine is more controlled, yours is also more calmed and requires less effort to contain, which is good considering how you struggle controlling it 24/7''.
''You noticed?'' I say flatly.
''Yeah, most people who are proficient at controlling their Reiatsu have a 'calm' feel to it, only by sensing them in particular can you get a rough feel of how strong they are. On the other hand people like you, who aren't as good at Reiatsu control, have a more suppressed feeling and makes it hard to determine how strong they are, other than that they are powerful'' She explained ''Though I will need to make us both special seals, considering we have yet to fully adjust to our Reiatsu''.
''Sure'' I sigh, running a hand through my hair and wincing from the motion, only for another soothing feeling to wash over, courtesy of Asami using a healing Kido with one hand with the other behind her head as she watched the moon ''...Thanks''.
''No problem'' She replied casually as the light faded away and her hand went back behind her head ''The other thing we can now achieve is what most call and transcendental state. Have I already explained it?''.
''I can't remember'' I shrug.
''A Transcendental state is when a Shinigami-based Hybrid - Shinigami who possesses Hollow Reiryoku, Quincy Reiryoku and Hell-bound Reiryoku - becomes one with their powers for a limited time. From the limited amount of information I could gather it lasts anywhere from less than a minute to several, but regardless it is a very short time period'' She said in a semi-serious, semi-casual tone ''When in this form a person usually only has one or two techniques or attacks, but they are powerful enough to strike down even the captain commander in a single hit''.
''Normally said person who used this transcendental state will lose all their powers, however if two beings use a power transfer it negates that. The logic, as far as I understand at least, is that one usually combines with their spirits and completely absorbs them, using them as a one-time catalyst. However if another persons Reiryoku is mixed in it cannot consume another persons Reiryoku, even if that other person is using the same or similar form at the same time. In essence, if two people have stabilized Reiryoku mixed in with another persons it cancels out any chance of losing their powers'' She finished.
''Doesn't that mean its possible to just put in a small amount of Reiryoku?'' I frown ''I mean if somebody slipped some into someone else by accident?''.
''It wouldn't work, the soul by default will reject any foreign Reiatsu - that is one of the main causes of soul suicide, because a foreign Reiatsu entered the soul and caused death''.
''Eh?'' I say flatly ''Doesn't that mean the same would happen to us?''.
She blinked before shyly looking away, scratching her cheek ''Yeah... there was a chance it could've happened... nothing major''.
''Nothing Major...'' I say dryly.
''Sorry for not telling you'' She said somewhat awkwardly, avoiding my gaze.
''Its fine'' I say dismissively ''I still would've done it''.
She let out a quiet puff of air in what I assume was relief ''Knowing you, you probably would've''.
''I'll take that as a compliment'' I smirk.
''Take it either way'' She returned the smirk.
''You're lucky you're out of elbow reach, Asami'' I joke and she chuckled.
''Same goes for you, Ichigo'' She smiled ''Same goes for you''.
''...focus...'' I instruct as I watch the orange-haired protector meditate.
''I'm trying...'' He grumbled.
Currently, without their new restriction seals (which limited 90% of their power when worn), I had Ichigo try and create his own Kido. It was something I have done hundreds of times and I wanted him to try his hand at it, since it could help with his Kido. Creating a Kido wasn't as hard as they made it out to be, you just had to understand how to do it and after a few failed attempts it works. You force your Reiryoku to take on a non-sentient, pure manifestation which usually results in a blob of pure energy floating in front of you. You then shape it with your hands while mentally going over what you want it to do and bam, there you go.
Or at least that's how I did it.
It was the same reason I didn't mainly use incantations with Kido, nor did I teach people the incantations; it was more difficult but once you got past that it was stronger than someone who learnt by using the incantation. I think.
The ball of blue Reiryoku morphed abruptly, splitting into three smaller blobs that became more circular. Each blob grew a hole in the middle and became a ring but around the same length as a Bala. He removed one hand from the air where it was morphing the energy and held out that arm, the other guiding them down to the appendage. The rings, all of equal size and the same look as a Bala but a darker shade of red, floated up his arm and stopped at three points; his wrist, forearm and bicep.
The rings abruptly began spinning, the ones on his wrist and bicep going clockwise and the one on his forearm going counter-clockwise. With the spinning came a high-pitched screeching like a power drill, I wince and unconsciously take a step back and try to use my Reiryoku to block out the noise. I raised my Reiatsu slightly and it muffled it slightly but I try and ignore it.
A red smoke-like gas slowly poured out from inside the rings, spreading like wildfire to the area around us. Due to the distance it only took seconds for the gas to spread past me, covering an area of (guessing) fifty metres around us before slowing down slightly, fully stopping at 125 metres. I take a sniff of the gas out of curiosity, though it lacked any scent.
''What does it do?'' I mutter.
''Getsumen Hansha'' Ichigo whispered. (Tran: Lunar reflection).
Suddenly Ichigo disappeared and was replaced by... a butterfly?
Said insect was also the size of a large shrub, which was slightly concerning. It flapped its wings and looked around, but did not move.
''Did it work?'' Ichigo's voice came from behind me, making me spin on my heel to face him.
''You meaning summoning a giant butterfly?'' I say flatly.
''Not per say'' He smirked as the rings stopped emitting the weird gas and the irritable screeching sound, the sound of shattering glass draws my eyes back to the butterfly only to see shards of coloured glass fading into Reishi.
''That's...'' My eyes widen ''Kyoka Suigetsu...''.
''Yeah'' Ichigo confirmed as the rings dissipate ''You told me what it does before we invaded soul society, so I just tried to replicate it''.
I blink 'He's smarter than he looks...'.
A beeping in my Hakama pocket alerts me to a message, digging it out and flipping it open in a single swift motion and clicking the message tab open. My eyes scan over the message in seconds before I turn back to my male companion.
''We should get going, Liltotto and the others will be waiting for us'' I say and gives a nod, turning to leave in a burst of Shunpo.
'Here goes nothing...'.
Moving forwards slightly, I wrap my arms around his chest and awkwardly hug him. He stiffened in surprise and a moment later I let go, my cheeks felt like a wildfire.
''Asami?'' Ichigo asked, his tone simply suggesting he was confused.
''That was my thanks for going through with the power transfer'' I say, finding a tree interesting all of a sudden.
''No problem?'' He shrugged, my phone beeped again and I flick it shut before gesturing in the direction of the house. Ichigo nodded and took off in a blur with me following behind slightly.
''Aw, Queenie is so Tsundere~'' Kuro snickered.
'I will burn you alive if you say that again'.
''...harsh''.
Myself, Sado, Ichigo, Kaien and Liltotto all exit the fancy portal, using Reishi to make platforms under our feet. I close my eyes and reach out with my senses, the Shinenju was near the shopping district with hundreds of unknown figures - presumably blanks. The Shinigami advanced team was rapidly approaching them as well.
Due to a change of heart, so to speak, none of us were wearing masks. For Liltotto that usually wasn't an issue, but myself and the others are known by the advanced team and it will no doubt be a surprise to see Kaien. Ichigo, as he had previously said, was wearing the black trench coat with the tails flying in the gentle breeze. None of us wee concealing our markings either, since it would be irrelevant to do so.
''Alright, conceal your Reiatsu and move out to each corner of the graveyard. The last thing we need is the Shinenju being captured and used to destroy the universe. Kill on sight orders for each member of the fallen clan'' I order ''Move out!''.
''Hai!'' Kaien and Liltotto cried while Ichigo and Sado nodded, all four taking off in separate blurs as I follow.
STORY FACTS!
1) In the original story Asami had black hair tied into a ponytail and glasses.
2) Since Chiro is permanently fused with her hollow, her natural power is equal to somebody having a mask on 24/7 and thus she can usually match a Bankai with only her Shikai.
3) In the original story, Chiro was captain of the 5th division.