The Soul Warrior.
Chapter Three: The Transport (Part Two)
Previously in the last chapter.
"Alright, that's enough talking, Kurosaki," The Hollow stated emotionlessly, not wanting to think about the painful memories it had endured when locked away. It took a breath to calm itself. "It's time to start our fight I always dreamed of when I first got created and learned much about you. I hope you're not planning on holding back your power, otherwise this fight will become boring." To make sure the point across, the black mask Hollow released its Spiritual Pressure.
"Oh, I have no intention of holding back at all, Hollow," Ichigo said, releasing his own Spiritual Pressure that surpasses the Hollow, but he could tell it was holding back. "Especially since you were created by the same person I defeated a year ago but the cost of defeating him was my Soul Reaper powers. However, I gained them back because of my mentor and I'm much stronger than before. Before we start our fight, Hollow, I do have a question for you."
"And what exactly is this question?"
"The question, are you ready to fight me?"
(In the Present)
While Ichigo and the strange Hollow were getting prepped up for their epic fight that's about to convince, a group of individuals inside a candy shop were having a serious conversation.
"Kisuke, are you sure it's a good idea having Ichigo fight that Hollow alone without any backup? I'm worried he might not be strong enough to face it, despite the training I've been helping him with."
The person who asked that question in a worried tone came from a beautiful, well-endow, average-height, slender but athletic young woman. She had waist-length, purple hair with chin-like bangs framing her face, dark skin and golden eyes. Her attire consisted of a long-sleeve orange shirt with two white straps on each shoulder, a black sleeveless shirt underneath, a beige sash around her waist, black stretch pants and lightweight brown shoes.
This young woman was Yoruichi Shihouin, former Captain of Squad Two, former commander of Stealth Force and the Flash Goddess.
"I intend to agree with Yoruichi on this one, Kisuke. While young Ichigo may be strong now, thanks to the training he received after gaining his powers back, it has been a while since he last faced a powerful opponent. Ginjo was the exception."
The person who agreed with Yoruichi came from a tall, muscular man who had a serious look on his face. He had black hair styled in a cornrow, lightly tanned skin, a large mustache and blue eyes hidden behind a pair of rectangular-shaped glasses. His attire consisted of a white muscle shirt with a blue apron, blue pants and brown shoes.
This man was Tessai Tsukabishi, former Capitan of the Kido Corps, Yoruichi's friend and the candy shop's employer.
"Now, guys, don't you think you are underestimating Ichigo a bit? Despite this Hollow having a strong and dark Spiritual Pressure, much darker than normal Hollows, Ichgio's Spiritual Pressure is strong as well. He can handle anything. After all, he did prove himself last year with all those battles."
The person who scolded Yoruichi and Tessai came from a tall, lean shady man who was the final individual of the serious conversation. He had messy, light-blond hair with strands framing his face, light skin, a chin stubble and gray eyes. His attire consisted of a black haori with white diamond patterns on the bottom, a dark green robe shirt underneath, green pants and traditional wooden sandals. He also wore a strip dark green and white hat that was shape like a bucket, which shadowed his eyes, and had a wooden cane on his lap.
This man was Kisuke Urahara, former Captain of Squad Twelve, former founder and President of the S.R.D.I – Shinigami Research and Development Institute – and the owner of this candy shop. He was also Yoruichi's and Tessai's friend.
Kisuke, Yoruichi, and Tessai had been drinking some sake in the living room after a rather boring day when they sensed the Hollow's darker Spiritual Pressure, making them pause as they never sensed such a dark pressure before, except the Espada. Not long after they sensed it, they sensed another Spiritual Pressure, a familiar one, moving towards the dark one and they instantly knew it was Ichigo.
"Kisuke, we know Ichigo has proven himself last year," Yoruichi said, trying not to become annoyed at how unconcerned Kisuke was becoming. She knew her friend can be serious whenever there's a serious situation, but since there is one right now, she wanted him to be focused, not unconcerned and laidback. "But this is quite different. We're facing a Hollow that has a much darker Spiritual Pressure, one we have never sensed before, except the Espada. The best choice is to send me out and help Ichigo fight against the Hollow, maybe even capturing it."
"No, I want Ichigo to handle the Hollow by himself," Kisuke said, his voice serious and firm, causing Yoruichi to stare at him in disbelief. He wasn't going to allow her to help Ichigo? The Flash Goddess looked at Tessai for help, but he didn't say anything. "Come on, Yoruichi, you know full well he can handle himself and fighting this Hollow would be a good thing for him to see how much he has improved with his training. Do you really want to deal with him complaining all night when he has a chance to face a strong opponent?"
As much as Yoruichi hated to admit it, Kisuke had an excellent point. Ichigo has improved so much with the training she gave him the last few weeks after gaining his Soul Reaper powers back and she could tell he wanted to face a strong opponent whenever he finishes his Hollow patrols; the annoyed looks were clearly obvious. As for the complaining part, well, Yoruichi will admit she didn't want to deal with it because it would greatly annoy her. She may like messing with Ichigo, but dealing with his complaining is something she doesn't enjoy.
But still, Yoruichi didn't really want to let Ichigo fight against the Hollow with the darker Spiritual Pressure alone, despite improving so much with the training. He was special to her like her little Bee, Soi-Fon. He was her little Strawberry.
Kisuke noticed his friend still wasn't happy with his decision of letting Ichigo face the Hollow by himself without any backup and tried to cheer her up. "Yoruichi, I know you're worried about Ichigo, but have some faith in him. He battled against the most powerful Captains in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, took down some of the most powerful Espadas and defeated Aizen and Ginjo. I'm sure he can handle the Hollow by himself."
"And if he doesn't?" Tessai asked, the serious expression on his face never vanished.
"Then I'll send Yoruichi to deal with the Hollow. But until then, no one leaves."
"Kisuke, I really hope you're right about Ichigo facing the Hollow by himself," Yoruichi said, releasing a big sigh and turned her head towards a nearby window, her eyes filled with worry. "I can't imagine him losing or worse, getting killed. I just hope nothing bad happens to him."
If only Yoruichi knew this would be the last time she sees Ichigo.
Alright, I'm ending the chapter there because I want to get this story up and running. I know its short but I promise to make the next part chapter long and enjoyable.
I'm very sorry for the lack of chapter updates in this story; I didn't mean to make you guys wait that long. I've been focusing on playing Tomb Raider and trying to platinum it. I have been thinking about doing Tomb Raider stories, both crossover and regular, and I already got some ideas. But sadly, I'm not going to do those yet until I at least complete some stories.
I'm very sorry for the lack of chapter updates in this story and I hope this chapter makes up for it, despite being short and a part chapter. Next part chapter will be the fight.
Write a review if you like this story and enjoy the chapter.