Chapter 32: Training For Bankai Part 2 And A Visit From Ichigo!
Itachi proceeded to the second division the following day to further develop his bankai, as Brooke had offered to assist him in expediting the process in a secluded location. Despite his curiosity about Brooke's abilities, he presumed her strength as evident from her position as the 3rd seat.
An enthusiastic grin appeared on his face when he spotted the brunette awaiting him at the entrance of the second squad's gates. Informing Toshiro of Brooke's role in his training prompted a concerned look from the captain of the tenth division, though he ultimately consented.
'Having assistance is not unwelcome, but I will remain cautious,' Toshiro remarked. 'Are you prepared to begin?' Brooke inquired with a smile upon Itachi's arrival. 'Yes, indeed,' he confirmed, allowing Brooke to guide him to their chosen location to continue his bankai training.
Brooke led Itachi to an underground training ground, causing the raven-haired man to express surprise as he observed the large clearing filled with rocks and dirt.
"This is the secret underground area, known only to Captain Soifon, Ichigo, Yoruichi, Kisuke, Renji, and myself," Brooke stated with a grin, pausing at a sharp rock before turning to face him. Itachi acknowledged this information and observed Brooke's smile and sparkling green eyes.
"And now, you," she said happily, pleased to share the secret location with someone new. Itachi inquired about their activities, scanning the area and expressing surprise at how such a large space could be kept hidden.
Brooke turned serious as she gazed at him and summoned a large flat human-like statue, maintaining direct eye contact with Itachi. "Firstly, this is referred to as externalizing," she explained, effortlessly holding the statue at shoulder height, despite it being slightly taller than her.
Brooke explained that the tool is a crucial spiritual instrument utilized by the Onmitsukidō (stealth force) for training purposes and is also instrumental in expediting the acquisition of Bankai for certain captains. Brooke also mentioned Yoruichi's assistance in helping Ichigo attain his Bankai using the same tool.
Itachi, showing interest, attentively listened to Brooke's instructions. 'To initiate the process, you must first wield your shikai to slice the tool, thus prompting Kaze Megami to manifest before you, signaling the commencement of your Bankai training,' Brooke elaborated.
Following the instructions, Itachi drew his Zanpakuto from its sheath, activated his shikai, and swiftly sliced the tool, causing it to emit a burst of light and summoning Kaze Megami beside Brooke.
'Good morning, Itachi,' Kaze Megami greeted her master with a serene smile, to which Itachi responded with a nod. 'Morning, Kage Megami,' he replied respectfully.
Dark Kage Megami and Itachi stood facing each other as she appeared, ready to resume their training. 'Are you prepared to continue from where we left off?' she inquired, meeting Itachi's gaze with a stern look in her blue eyes.
The young Uchiha nodded in response. 'I am prepared whenever you are,' Itachi replied as Dark Kage Megami summoned the swords once again. She informed him that this time there would be no breaks and instructed him to find the right sword as before. Itachi indicated his understanding and received a nod from Brooke.
'I suggest you begin if you wish to avoid staying here all night,' Brooke advised. Itachi agreed and turned to Brooke, asking about her role in the training. 'What will you do, Brooke?' he inquired, curious if she would be assisting.
'I am here to observe and support you in achieving your bankai quicker. Once you attain it, we can test your progress by facing each other,' Brooke explained with a grin.
Itachi concurred with an understanding nod. 'That is comprehensible,' he stated as he paused to take a breath and extend his arms. 'And you should refrain from activating your Sharingan unless absolutely necessary,' Kage Megami remarked.
The Uchiha acknowledged that it might have been simpler if he could utilize the Sharingan, but he chose not to rely on it unnecessarily, hoping to avoid such situations.
( Ichigo)
Meanwhile, an orange-haired boy strolled through the Seireitei in search of Rukia, Renji, and even Yoruichi, as it had been a while since he last saw them.
'I wonder why Yoruichi is taking so long to return to the world of the living, and it has also been quite some time since Rukia and Renji were there,' the orange-haired boy murmured.
He hoped that nothing unfortunate had occurred to them, knowing that Kisuke would have informed him if that were the case; however, even the blond shopkeeper was puzzled by Yoruichi's delayed return.
'Ichigo!' a voice called out to him, and he turned to see Shuhei and Izuru approaching.
Stopping in his tracks, Ichigo waited for the two lieutenants to catch up to him. 'Shuhei, Izuru,' he greeted them with a nod as the two Soul Reapers approached him.
'Hey,' Shuhei replied calmly, while Izuru gave Ichigo a gloomy nod in greeting. 'What brings you to the Seireitei?' Izuru inquired, running his fingers through his blond hair.
Ichigo looked at the blonde man. 'I'm here to check on Renji, Rukia, and Yourichi to see if they are doing well. It's been a few days, maybe even a week, since they returned to the world of the living,' he explained.
Izuru and Shuhei exchanged glances before turning back to the substitute Soul Reaper, unsure whether to divulge the details of their mission or just mention that they were on an extended assignment.
'The last we heard, they were on a mission, so we're not sure when they'll be back. However, we can take you to the Head Captain, and he might have more information for you,' Shuhei offered.
Ichigo expressed his agreement, stating, 'That information will be beneficial. I am mainly concerned about the well-being of Rukia, Renji, and Yoruichi, as they visit the world of the living occasionally.' Shuhei and Izuri acknowledged this and escorted Ichigo to meet with the captain of the first division.
As they walked, Ichigo's thoughts drifted to the events unfolding in the Soul Society, sensing that something was amiss but not necessarily ominous since the absence of hurried Soul Reapers indicated a lack of immediate threat.
Sorry for the long wait for a chapter, I had just finished moving into a new place, and just got Internet again.