Ch18
Netto felt the power of his zanpakuto course through him but it quickly faded as it came. The spirit of his zanpakuto saw the weakness and attacked. He swore as he blocked Taiyo's attack. Damn it, I still can't do it.
The dragon in front of him lashed out with its tail making him fall off balance. Come on I can this. He swung his sword and blocked the attack and tri
Apparently in order to gain the power of his bankai he had to fight Taiyo. His teacher gave him some dummy which managed to materialize the dragon for him to train against. Each day he would try and obtain bankai but the path wasn't easy.
The past few months had been excruciating. Toshiro, Yoruichi, and even Urahara had all been pushing him to the limit and that didn't include the various hollow attacks that he had to deal with. Each night he went to bed exhausted and each morning his body was a bit stronger.
Damn it. Taiyo shot rays of light at him which he barely reflected with his sword. The weight of the attack pushed him back further.
"Focus harder," Taiyo said as he swung his sword sending a wave of icicles at him.
"I'm trying," he grunted as he swung his shikai and a ray of light broke the ice.
The clash of light and steel reverberated throughout the vast expanse. His eyes narrowed, his senses sharp, as he deftly evaded Taiyo's searing attacks. But the dragon's ferocity only grew, his flames burning brighter, testing his resolve.
Sweat trickled down his forehead as he pushed his limits, feeling the scorching heat of Taiyo's flames inching closer. Can I really do this? His heart faltered as doubt crepted in.
Taiyo unleashed a roar that rattled the very core of their shared world. "Is this the extent of your determination, Hikari Netto?" Taiyo's voice echoed, a blend of challenge and concern. "Are you truly prepared to bear the weight of Bankai? Are you worthy of my power!"
He gritted his teeth, his grip on his sword tightening. "I am! I won't falter, Taiyo! I've come too far to give up now!"
Taiyo's flames intensified, encircling Netto like a fierce inferno. The dragon's voice took on a more resolute tone. "Prove it, then! Show me your unwavering resolve! The resolve to defend yourself and the ones you love!"
I have to do this. He swung his sword and met Taiyo's tail. I won't give up. If I do others will be hurt.
His heart surged with determination as he leaped into action, his movements a flurry of calculated strikes and nimble dodges. Each clash of sword and flame echoed through their shared realm, a testament to his unwavering spirit.
The battle waged on, his every strike fueled by his desire to protect his friends and prove himself worthy of Bankai. I can't afford to lose. He blocked Taiyo's attack and fired a beam of light at him. The dragon effortlessly blocked the attack.
His movements became more fluid, blending his digital expertise with the grace of a Soul Reaper his mind began to act on its own as he continued to struggle against the spirit of his blade.
"That's more like it," Taiyo said his eyes shining with interest. "You must push yourself harder and harder in order to vanquish the darkness in this world."
His body ached as he gripped his sword with his shaking arms. "I've fought and saved many people in my life." He coughed and spat out blood. Gripping his heart he looked up at the dragon. "The bonds I made and formed I hold them all dear to me, I'll defend them all with all my strenght."
Taiyo laughed. "Then prove it here."
A smile spread across his face as he gripped his sword tightly. Light danced around him as he charged at the dragon.
I won't let anyone get hurt. He charged at the dragon as if his life depended on it. Blocking the dragon's attacks he charged with his resolve.
In that moment of self-discovery, his attacks became imbued with a newfound purpose. Each strike became a testament to the trust he had forged with Taiyo, an unspoken understanding between wielder and spirit. The flames that once threatened to engulf him now bent to his will, merging with his determination rather than seeking to overpower it.
"Show me your power!" Taiyo roared as he fired a blast of light at him.
With a final surge of power, he summoned every ounce of strength within him. His blade, now wreathed in a fusion of fire and energy, collided with Taiyo's scorching form. A blinding explosion of light filled the inner world, bathing the battlefield in radiance.
I won't fail I swear. He thought of all of his friends and family and Saito. I won't let anyone harm them anymore.
As the brilliance subsided, he found himself standing before Taiyo, his Zanpakuto spirit. The dragon regarded him with a newfound respect, his fiery gaze softening.
"You have surpassed my expectations, Hikari Netto," Taiyo spoke, his voice filled with amusement and pride. "Your determination and unwavering resolve have proven your worthiness."
A sense of accomplishment swelled within his chest as he looked into Taiyo's eyes. "Thanks, that means a lot." The struggles and doubts had forged a bond, one that would guide them toward the path of Bankai. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with Taiyo by his side, their shared strength would overcome any obstacle that lay in their way.
The luminous dragon regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and concern, his radiant scales pulsating with ethereal light. "I look forward to working with you more in the future."
"Taiyo, we've come a long way," He began, his voice tinged with determination. "But there's something I need to discuss with you."
He swallowed as he looked at the dragon. "You see, Taiyo, my goal in obtaining Bankai isn't just about power or personal achievements," He explained earnestly. "It's about protecting the ones I hold dear—the friends I've made in both the digital and spiritual realms."
A flicker of doubt flashed in Taiyo's eyes. "My bankai a tremendous power, and not to be taken lightly. Can you handle it?"
He nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I understand the weight that Bankai carries, Taiyo. But I've grown throughout this journey, both as a Net Saver and as someone who values the bonds he shares with others. I believe in my abilities and the strength of our partnership."
Staring at the dragon his body rigid. "I'll save Saito's soul, I'll purify it so it will never harm anyone again."
He looked the dragon in the eyes as he swung his blade. "I will protect everyone I love." His blade made contact with the dragon's arm. For a second he feared he injured Taiyo but no blood came out.
Taiyo remained silent for a moment, contemplating his words. Slowly, a smile crept across his dragon-like features. "Your determination never fails to impress me, Netto. Your commitment to protect your friends is commendable."
His face lit up with a bright grin. "Thank you, Taiyo. I know we just met but I feel our connection runs deep. We can achieve even greater heights."
Taiyo's eyes softened, reflecting a newfound trust. "Very well, Netto. If you're truly resolved to protect those you cherish, then I will stand by your side and guide you through the trials ahead."
A smile spread across his face as his body shuddered under the weight and stress. He laughed as his vision began to blur. I did it. He blinked a few times before collapsing on the ground.
He woke up in his room in the tenth division his body aching and his mind fatigued, a gentle breeze carried the soft whispers of the wind through the open windows. Rangiku Matsumoto, the carefree and vibrant lieutenant of the Tenth Division, entered the room with Toshiro.
Rangiku's eyes softened with concern as she approached Netto's bedside. "You've been pushing yourself too hard, Netto. It's time to rest and allow your body to recover."
Toshiro nodded in agreement, his cool azure gaze fixed upon Netto. "Rest is essential for growth and progress. Your determination is commendable, but remember to take care of yourself."
He managed a tired smile, "Thanks guys. I'll try take it easy for a while."
Rangiku fetched a cool cloth and gently dabbed it on his forehead, soothing away the remnants of exhaustion. "Don't overexert yourself you'll tire yourself out if you aren't careful."
His face reddened. "Th-Thanks."
Toshiro nodded. "You can't fight while exhausted. Rest well then we'll go."
He nodded. "Sounds good."
With that he closed his eyes and rested. Days turned into nights as his body slowly regained its strength. The restorative powers of the Soul Society and the tender care of Rangiku and Toshiro worked their magic. With each passing moment, he felt his energy replenishing, his spirit rejuvenating.
"Netto-kun how are you doing?" Rockman asked.
He picked up his PET and smiled at his navi. "I obtained bankai but now the harder part."
Rockman nodded. "When are you leaving?"
"As soon as I heal up," he muttered. "Probably a few days."
"Promise me you'll come back," Rockman said his voice betraying worry.
"Don't worry I will," He said firmly. "I'll save Saito's souls and come back to everyone."
"I know you will," Rockman said with a soft smile. "Everyone will be awaiting your return."
With that he mainly rested until he was fully recovered, he even checked on how things were at home for a bit before getting ready to leave. One night when he was awake he found Toshiro resting outside looking up at the moon. "You're still up?" He asked.
Toshiro looked at him with his calm eyes and nodded. "Just making sure everything is alright."
He smiled and sat down next to him. "Thanks for everything. You've been a great friend."
Toshiro avoided his gaze, he swore he saw a blush creep on his face. "It's nothing."
"I know I don't know much about this world but I'm glad to have met you," he said. "I know it won't be easy but I'll do all I can to win."
Toshiro sighed his expression darkening. "Hueco Mundo is a dangerous place, filled with formidable adversaries."
"A know but it's a risk worth taking," He said. "I'll do all I can to win and save my brother's soul."
Toshiro's lips curved into a rare smile. "I've seen your growth, Netto, and I believe in your potential. We're friends, and friends support each other."
He stared at Toshiro in shock, the white haired boy rarely showed such displays of emotion. "Thanks." He wanted to say more but he couldn't form the words.
Toshiro got up. "Rest well we'll leave soon."
After he was fully recovered he found himself in an abandoned part of the soul society. It was time for the next phase of their adventure, if you could call it that.
His grandfather and Yoruichi stood beside them with Rangiku. "Netto good luck," his grandfather said with a warm smile on his face.
He looked at him and nodded. "Thank you. I'll make you proud and save Saito's soul."
"I know you will," his grandfather said as he came over and patted his back.
"Remember your training," Yoruichi said. "Be safe."
He nodded only to be hugged by Rangiku who shoved his face in her bosom. "Netto you better come back safe ok!"
"O-Ok I promise," he said noticing Toshiro's frown out of the corner of his eyes.
"Well lets get going," his grandfather said as he drew his sword and thrust it in the air. A black line appeared that opened up into a dark abyss.
Toshiro, ever composed and resolute, stood beside him, his presence offering a sense of reassurance. He turned to face him, his icy gaze meeting his determined eyes. "Netto, this is our moment. Are you ready to face whatever lies ahead?"
He took a deep breath, steadying himself against the surge of anxiety that threatened to overwhelm him. With unwavering resolve, he replied, "Yes, Toshiro. I'm nervous, but I won't let it hold me back. I'm ready to face the challenges that await us in Hueco Mundo."
Toshiro nodded, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "Good. Remember, Netto, your training has prepared you for this. Trust in your abilities, and trust in the bond we share. Together, we can overcome any foe."
His grandfather came up to him and handed him a small device. "Use this, it may help defeat Saito."
"Thanks. What does it do?" He asked.
Tadashi Hikari's eyes flickered. "Just shove it in his body somewhere and plug Rockman into it. It should help in the final battle."
He raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Fine. Thank you, Grandpa."
"Go now," Yoruichi said. "I'll await your return."
He smiled and nodded. "Thank you sensei."
His grip tightened around his Zanpakuto, his knuckles whitening with determination. He drew strength from Toshiro's words, his resolve hardening like tempered steel. He refused to let fear dictate his actions. With a newfound determination burning within him, he took a step forward, ready to face the unknown.
With synchronized steps, Netto and Toshiro charged forward through the gate.
