Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter has originally been edited by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story. The next few chapters are considered filler chapters. These chapters are from a few ideas I had received from my readers.
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, Studio Pierrot... and other people.
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
Please support the official release.
"Hello." -Normal talking
"Hello." –Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Kon'nichiwa [Translation of Hello]
Chapter 37:
Ichigo opened his eyes to find himself comfortably buried by his peerage members.
"Should I wake them up or not?" Ichigo thought. Next to him were Yuzu and Karin. Behind them were Akasha and Gilgamesh. Raikou and Scáthach had claimed his legs, and Eu and Ophis rested on his chest. Artoria was positioned between Akasha and Raikou, while Tamamo lay between Gilgamesh and Scáthach.
"King, that's the wrong question. The real question is when you're going to settle down and… well, you know," Zangetsu said. Ichigo sighed.
"Girls, he's yours to deal with," Ichigo said. Zangetsu turned to see Kyōka, Shirayuki, Katen, and Kyōkotsu approaching him. They pointed their fingers at Zangetsu, and their fingers began to glow pink. Zangetsu's eyes widened in fear.
"Don't worry, Zangetsu," Kyōka said.
"We're just going to use a weaker version of this kidō on you," Shirayuki explained.
"You'll be back to normal soon," Katen added.
"FUCK THAT!" Zangetsu yelled as he shunpō'ed away from them. Kyōka, Shirayuki, Katen, and Kyōkotsu shunpō'ed after him. Ichigo chuckled at Zangetsu's misfortune. Yuzu heard the noise and woke up.
"Good morning, Ichi-nii," Yuzu said.
"Good morning, Yuzu," Ichigo replied. Slowly, everyone else woke up. Ichigo got out of bed, took a quick shower, and then went downstairs to make fried rice for everyone. Gradually, the others came down, and Ichigo passed them plates of fried rice. As he cooked, he could hear everyone enjoying the food and chatting about their day. Ichigo sat down to eat his own plate. Just as he finished, the doorbell rang. Ichigo opened the door to see Rias, her entire peerage, Akeno's parents, Azazel, Arthur, and Le Fay standing outside.
"Hello, everyone," Ichigo greeted.
"Hello, Ichigo-sensei," Rias said.
"Hello, Ichigo-sama," Shuri and Baraqiel said in unison. Ichigo sighed.
"We'll start in a bit. Meet me in the backyard," Ichigo said. They nodded and made their way to the backyard.
"What are you planning to do?" Masaki asked.
"I'm going to see how strong Rias and her peerage have become," Ichigo answered.
"And test us?" Karin asked. Masaki sighed.
"Very well. Just be careful," Masaki said. Ichigo nodded. Everyone gathered in the backyard, waiting for Ichigo.
"So, how are we doing this?" Rias asked.
"We're going to fight in a pocket dimension," Ichigo said as he pulled out the Trainer.
"I'll explain what this is once we're inside," Ichigo said as Kyōka appeared. She took the Trainer and sent everyone inside.
Scene Change: Trainer
Everyone appeared in a barren wasteland.
"For those of you who've never been in here… welcome to the Trainer. It's a pocket dimension where we can control everything that happens," Ichigo explained.
"So, are we going to fight you right now?" Issei asked.
"We could, or we could have a little fun," Ichigo said, and a copy of himself, dressed in a butler suit with a tablet in hand, appeared. "Rias, you will create your own dungeon, and I'll enter it." The Butler Ichigo handed her the tablet. "He'll help you design and set up the dungeon and then get me when you're ready."
"What do you mean by 'get you'?"
"I won't be here. I'm giving you the chance to create your own base for me to invade," Ichigo said.
"What about us?" Azazel asked.
"All of you can help Rias plan the dungeon. Once it's ready, you'll be sent to a different dimension where you can watch the battle without being in any danger or interfering," Ichigo explained.
"Good," Azazel said.
"Very well," Rias agreed.
"Any other questions?" Ichigo asked. Rias shook her head. Ichigo shunpō'ed away. He stopped in a nearby forest and sat down with Longinus resting on his lap. He closed his eyes and entered Longinus's mindscape.
Scene Change: Longinus Mindscape
Ichigo opened his eyes to see someone standing in front of him. The person didn't appear clearly male or female, with long black hair and red eyes. On their back, Ichigo could see twelve golden-red wings. They were dressed in a red robe with a gold cross on the front of a white lab, golden shoulder plates, a white sash, and a golden halo set above their head.
"Hello," Ichigo greeted.
"Hello, Ichigo-sama," the person replied.
"Call me Ichigo."
"Very well, Ichigo."
"Who are you?" Ichigo asked.
"I am the Angel that Jesus created and placed within Longinus to help guide you."
"What's your name?" Ichigo asked.
"Azrael," the newly dubbed Azrael answered.
"Are you male or female?" Ichigo inquired.
"I am Azrael," Azrael replied. Ichigo sighed.
"I came to meet you," Ichigo said. Azrael nodded.
"In that case, I believe Longinus must bond itself to your soul before we proceed," Azrael said.
"I thought it was already bonded to my soul from what I did with Longinus earlier," Ichigo said.
"Not exactly. If you were already bonded with Longinus, then Jesus wouldn't have been able to leave your soul," Azrael explained.
"I see," Ichigo said. Azrael summoned Longinus and stabbed Ichigo in the chest. The spear began to glow golden. Ichigo could feel Longinus's mindscape shifting, integrating itself with his own. Suddenly, Zangetsu, Yhwach, Kyōka, Shirayuki, Katen, Kyōkotsu, Suzumebachi, and Mysteria appeared. Ichigo laughed at the sight of Zangetsu, who snarled in response. Zangetsu appeared as a gender-bent version of himself, dressed in a black and blue dress.
"Guys, this is Azrael. Azrael, this is Zangetsu, Yhwach, Kyōka, Shirayuki, Katen, Kyōkotsu, Suzumebachi, and Mysteria," Ichigo introduced them.
"Hello, Azrael," Yhwach greeted.
"Your name is similar to Father's," Azrael remarked.
"I know," Yhwach replied. After a brief exchange, Yhwach disappeared first. Before Zangetsu could escape, the girls grabbed him and vanished together.
"If you wish, we can start training now," Azrael said.
"Sure," Ichigo responded as he summoned Longinus.
"Just like what Jesus said before, you can create Holy Fire, Holy Lightning, or even Holy Water," Azrael explained.
"The Holy Water is new," Ichigo commented.
"It is. The process is similar to creating Holy Fire and Holy Lightning," Azrael said.
"I see," Ichigo said, firing a stream of Holy Water at the wall.
"Good. Have you used Holy Fire or Holy Lightning yet?"
"No," Ichigo replied, before firing a stream of Holy Fire and a bolt of Holy Lightning at the wall.
"Excellent," Azrael said. "Just like before, you can purify anyone who is corrupted."
"I see," Ichigo responded.
"The next part is simple: using Longinus in a fight," Azrael said, summoning their own copy of Longinus. "Spears are known for their stabbing power," they continued, stabbing the air with the spear. "Due to its length and sharpness, you can also use it for minor slashes." Azrael demonstrated by slashing up and down with the spear. "Now, let's spar so you can gain some experience with the spear."
Ichigo nodded, and they both pointed their respective Longinus at each other, charging forward. They spent the next two hours in Ichigo's mindscape practicing with Longinus and all of its abilities.
"Impressive," Azrael said. "I didn't expect you to master all these techniques in such a short amount of time."
Ichigo cracked a smile. "I've always exceeded my teacher's expectations."
"Someone is approaching," Azrael noted. Ichigo nodded and left his mindscape.
Scene Change: Trainer
Ichigo opened his eyes to see Butler Ichigo standing in front of him. "Rias is ready for you," Butler Ichigo said.
"Okay then," Ichigo replied, as Longinus returned to his mindscape. He stood up and shunpō'ed back. He arrived to find a giant medieval gray tower. Standing beside it were Shuri, Baraqiel, Azazel, Arthur, and Le Fay.
"Please do not reveal anything that you see here," Ichigo asked.
"Very well, Ichigo-sama," Shuri and Baraqiel replied.
"Don't worry about it," Azazel said.
Butler Ichigo appeared next to Ichigo. "Rias has instructed me to read you this description before you enter. Do you want me to read it?"
"Might as well," Ichigo replied. Butler Ichigo cleared his throat.
"Welcome, challenger, to Pandemonium, the home of the wretched Lady Gremory!" He yelled. "You are a hero who comes to defeat Lady Gremory and bring prosperity to the people. However, to reach Lady Gremory, you must defeat her royal servants! Will the hero be victorious, or will he lose?" Butler Ichigo cleared his throat again.
"You good?" Ichigo asked.
"I am," he replied.
"How many floors are there in total?"
"Seven."
"I see... Thank you for the information," Ichigo said, entering Pandemonium. Butler Ichigo created a bubble around the viewers, complete with chairs for them to sit and watch.
Scene Change: Pandemonium: Floor One
Ichigo entered the dimly lit floor, torches flickering along the walls. He approached a door and pushed it open. Standing in front of him was Kiba.
"Hello, Ichigo-sensei," Kiba greeted.
"Call me Ichigo," Ichigo replied.
"Very well, Ichigo," Kiba said, summoning a sword. Ichigo entered his Shinigami form and summoned Kōsetsu.
"Impressive blade," Kiba commented.
"Thank you. She takes great pride in her beauty," Ichigo replied. They stood their ground for a moment before charging at each other. Ichigo swung downwards, and Kiba blocked the attack. Ichigo quickly disengaged and swung a side strike. Kiba dodged it just in time. Kiba summoned another sword and counterattacked with both blades. Despite his efforts, Ichigo easily blocked each strike.
"Is this all, Kiba?" Ichigo asked.
"No, I'm just testing to see how I should attack you," Kiba replied. Four more swords appeared behind him, and he fired them at Ichigo.
"This looks familiar," Ichigo thought, easily blocking the four swords.
"Good try, Kiba, but too slow."
"It wasn't to hit you, Ichigo. It was to stall," Kiba said, as the swords changed. Now, Kiba held two swords once again.
"Meet Pyrus Marauder and Storm Savior," Kiba announced. The blade of Marauder was enveloped in a concentrated blaze of blue flames, while Savior's blade was surrounded by the wind.
"Since you brought this out, it would be fair for me as well." Ichigo held Kōsetsu in front of him and turned it in a circle counter-clockwise. The ribbon attached to the hilt began to elongate. "Dance, Sode no Shirayuki," Ichigo declared as his Zanpakutō entered Shikai. He quickly punctured the ground in front of him four times in a semi-circle. "Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!" Ichigo blasted Kiba with a rush of ice-cold air. Kiba jumped to the side, narrowly dodging the attack. Looking back, he noticed that a portion of the floor had frozen solid.
"Can't get hit by that," Kiba thought.
Ichigo pointed Shirayuki at Kiba. "San no mai, Shirafune," he said, and copies of Shirayuki flew towards Kiba. Kiba fired a blast of fire from Pyrus Marauder at the frozen copies of Shirayuki, immediately melting them. Kiba then unleashed a gust of wind at Ichigo, who shunpō'ed to the side to avoid the attack. Kiba charged at Ichigo.
"Daishi no mai, Juhaku!" Ichigo shouted as he stabbed Shirayuki into the ground. The ground began to shake as long, narrow ice stalagmites, each several meters long, shot up. Kiba used both Pyrus Marauder and Storm Savior to break through the ice stalagmites and charged at Ichigo. He smiled, then punctured the ground in front of him four times in a semi-circle.
Kiba's eyes widened as he realized what Ichigo was about to do.
"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!" Ichigo yelled. Kiba quickly pointed Pyrus Marauder and Storm Savior in front of him, firing blasts of fire and wind to propel himself away from the attack and attempt to negate it. But Kiba crashed into a wall.
"Uh," Kiba said as he slowly got back up.
"Oh good. You're still awake," Ichigo said as he approached. "Is this the farthest you've grown?"
"No!" Kiba yelled as he grabbed his two swords. He raised them parallel, both tips pointing at Ichigo. Pyrus Marauder glowed red and black, while Storm Savior glowed blue and white. "Now, the powers of Heaven and Hell, there will be one!" Kiba brought the two swords closer with each word spoken. Soon, the two gems touched, and red fire and white wind enveloped the weapons, revealing a new form. A two-handed broadsword with a silver blade appeared. A black wing and white wing adorned either side of the handguard, with a spinning yin and yang ball in the center. The guard was crisscrossed in red and green.
"Awake, Firestorm!" Kiba shouted. He charged at Ichigo and swung the sword. A large blast of fire shot toward Ichigo. Ichigo dodged the blast, but Kiba struck Ichigo in the gut with Firestorm, sending him crashing into the wall. Kiba took a few deep breaths, holding Firestorm.
"Good," Ichigo said from the rubble. "I was starting to think you were holding out on me." Ichigo chuckled. "Since you decided to use your Balance Breaker..." Ichigo raised Shirayuki in front of him. A gust of cold air blew around them. "I might as well go all out on you." Despite being indoors, it looked as if a storm was about to descend.
"Bankai…" Ichigo said as an ice pillar formed around him, concealing him from Kiba's view. A few seconds later, the ice pillar disintegrated, revealing a completely different Ichigo. He wore a white, ankle-length kimono with lined patterns, an ornate collar, edges, and shoulder designs, along with long, wide sleeves. A small half-crown of ice extended around the back of his head. Ichigo's shoulder-length hair had turned white.
"Saigo no mai, Eien no Shirayuki. [Final Dance, Eternal White Snowfall]." Snow began to fall all around them, turning into a blizzard. Due to Firestorm, the snow didn't land around Kiba. Ichigo disappeared from Kiba's sight.
"Where did he go?" Kiba thought, trying to use his magical senses to find Ichigo. But his senses were bombarded with Ichigo's presence, seemingly all around him. Suddenly, Kiba saw movement from behind. He turned just in time to block an attack from Ichigo. More copies of Ichigo appeared from the snowstorm and attacked him.
"How did he make more copies?" Kiba wondered. He swung Firestorm at the copies of Ichigo, melting some of them. But the others attacked even harder.
"FIRESTORM!" Kiba yelled, raising his weapon above him. Firestorm unleashed a blast of fire that formed into a cyclone, melting all the copies of Ichigo around him. Kiba finished the attack and slammed Firestorm into the ground, using it as a crutch to catch his breath. From the snowstorm, more copies of Ichigo began to rise from the snow. Kiba's eyes widened as his body began to feel weak.
Kiba lost his grip on Firestorm and crashed into the soft snow below him. Ichigo chuckled as he sealed Shirayuki. All the snow around them transformed into reiatsu and was absorbed back into Ichigo. Ichigo kneeled beside Kiba and checked on him using medical kidō.
"Good job, Kiba. You've improved so much," Ichigo said as he continued to inspect him. Ichigo turned to see a bat sitting near a torch. "Let Rias know that Kiba is just exhausted from the battle. A day of rest and he should be good as new." Ichigo said, standing up and advancing to the next floor.
Scene Change: Pandemonium: Floor Two
Ichigo walked up to the next floor, greeted by a giant gate. He pushed the gate open to reveal Koneko standing there in her school uniform with black gloves. Above her head, a pair of cat ears and two cattails swayed on her back.
"It looks like she's now used to her heritage," Kyōka commented.
"Hello, Koneko," Ichigo greeted.
"Hello, Ichigo-sensei," Koneko replied.
"Call me Ichigo." He asked. Koneko shook her head.
"Ichigo-sensei is Ichigo-sensei."
"So, how do you want to do this?" Ichigo asked.
"I want you to use the same ability you used against Sairaorg-san," she requested.
"Very well," Ichigo said as his Shihakushō top disappeared. He assumed a fighting stance, and Koneko did the same. Koneko dashed toward Ichigo. He stood his ground as she punched him in the gut, sending him flying into a wall. She glared as the dust cleared to reveal an unharmed Ichigo. Ichigo pulled himself out of the wall.
"Nice punch. That was way stronger than before," Ichigo commented.
"Thank you," Koneko replied, keeping her guard. Ichigo shunpō'ed away, and Koneko immediately tried to find him. Suddenly, she was slammed into the ground. She looked up to see Ichigo standing there. Koneko quickly got back on her feet as Ichigo charged, landing a series of kicks. Koneko used her short height to dodge Ichigo's attacks.
"I'm not used to fighting someone this short," Ichigo thought as he tried to hit her. Koneko continued to dodge his attacks. She grabbed one of Ichigo's legs and used it to flip over him. Wrapping her legs around his neck, she began to strangle him. Ichigo smiled.
"You shouldn't be there," Ichigo mumbled. He started gathering his reiatsu. Koneko didn't realize the danger until it was too late.
"Shunkō!" Ichigo yelled. A massive surge of reiatsu shot out from his back and shoulders, ripping Koneko off his neck. Reiatsu flowed from Ichigo's back, wrapping around his arms and legs.
"NOW!" Koneko screamed. Suddenly, small bats flew toward Ichigo. He stood still as the bats surrounded him. Gasper attempted to use his Forbidden Balor View on Ichigo.
"You forgot something important about your Sacred Gear," Ichigo said, gathering more reiatsu. Koneko's eyes widened.
"GASPER!" she screamed, but it was too late.
"Someone stronger can ignore it," Ichigo said, and with a shout, he unleashed his fire reiatsu.
"Nenshō Shunkō!" The wave of flame reiatsu scorched the bats as they tried to fly away. Many of them caught fire and quickly reformed back into Gasper.
Koneko rushed to Gasper's side. Ichigo ended Nenshō Shunkō and quickly formed a ball of water, throwing it at Gasper to put out the fire.
"Do you two wish to continue?" Ichigo asked.
Koneko tackled him with her shoulder. Ichigo grabbed her shoulder and threw her at Gasper. She slammed into him, knocking him unconscious. Glaring at Ichigo, she got back up.
Ichigo resumed his fighting stance. Koneko ran at him and tried to sweep his leg. Ichigo raised his leg, dodging her attack, then kicked her in the head. Koneko slammed into the wall.
"Koneko, please stay down," Ichigo said, seeing her finally lose consciousness. Gently, he picked her up and placed her next to Gasper, using medical kidō to heal them as much as he could.
Just as Ichigo was about to leave, he saw a bat above him. He stood up and exited the room.
Scene Change: Pandemonium: Floor Three
Ichigo arrived to find Yuzu and Karin standing there.
"Guess it's our turn," Karin said.
"It is," Ichigo replied. "So, how will this work?"
"We're doing this together," Yuzu responded.
"Very well," Ichigo said. Kaien got into a fighting stance, wearing two silver knuckle dusters. Yuzu summoned her bow. Ichigo noticed that she didn't change her Quincy pendant.
Ichigo charged at Karin, and Yuzu fired Heilig Pfeil at him. He ignored her attack and began attacking Karin with a combination of punches and kicks.
Under Yhwach's training, Karin discovered she couldn't use her Quincy abilities like normal Quincies. She had to fight at close or midrange. Yuzu's Quincy abilities were more typical, relying on her bow for long-range attacks. However, she could draw much more reishi than usual, either using it in her attacks or passing it on to her allies.
"He's fast," Karin thought, dodging each of his attacks. Yuzu fired arrows at Karin, restoring her reiatsu and temporarily boosting her power. Karin tried to counterattack, but Ichigo easily blocked her and forced her back on the defensive.
Yuzu, trying a sneak attack, charged in, but Ichigo blocked her easily and punched her in the gut. Yuzu was sent flying but managed to stop herself using Hirenkyaku.
Breathing heavily, Yuzu thought, "What can I do?" She could tell Karin was slowing down. Despite Yuzu's help, Karin was running out of steam.
"Roar," Yuzu heard from above, turning to see Xīng Chén flying toward her.
"Xīng Chén?" Yuzu said, recognizing the familiar.
"Master, can you hear me?" a soft voice asked. Yuzu looked around, trying to find the source.
"Master, down here."
Yuzu glanced at Xīng Chén. "Is that you, Xīng Chén?"
"Yes, Master."
"You're speaking to me through the Familiar Link?"
"Correct, Master." Xīng Chén replied. "I managed to make something to help you with your battle against your brother."
"Really?" Yuzu thought. Suddenly, a silver wrist bracelet with a green gem appeared on her left wrist.
"What is it, Xīng Chén?"
"It's a bracelet that lets you equip the armor I made for you," Xīng Chén explained.
"How do I activate it?"
Xīng Chén tapped the bracelet, and it absorbed into the green gem.
"Press the gem and say the words that come to you," Xīng Chén instructed.
Yuzu touched the green gem. "Flashing rays that tear through the sea of stars!" The words came to her naturally. A green glow surrounded her, drawing Ichigo and Karin's attention.
"Roar throughout the world and shake the souls! (1)" Yuzu finished. She was engulfed in green energy, which was torn away by green wings. Yuzu stood in armor, a dress with white and light teal green armor, including a headband, shoulder guards, chest armor, gloves, and leg armor. Her appearance reminded Ichigo of Xīng Chén. Behind Yuzu, a tail swayed.
Yuzu dove at Ichigo.
"Oh?" Ichigo said, stepping aside to kick Karin to the side, sending her crashing into a wall.
Yuzu launched a flurry of punches and kicks at Ichigo. Karin, still lying on the ground, felt something licking her cheek. She opened her eyes to see Shēnyuān.
"Shēnyuān," Karin mumbled as she slowly got up.
"Damned girl," Shēnyuān growled. Karin heard a tough female voice.
"Shēnyuān?" Karin thought, still confused.
"Yeah, it's me," Shēnyuān replied. "It's time to show your brother what you've got."
Suddenly, a silver wrist bracelet with a red-orange gem appeared on Karin's right wrist.
"How do I activate it?" Karin asked. Shēnyuān rolled her eyes, tapping her bracelet. The bracelet absorbed into the red-orange gem.
"Press the gem and say the words that come to you," Shēnyuān replied. Karin touched the red-orange gem.
"Rend the obsidian darkness! Scorch Heaven and Earth!" Karin said, and red-orange energy began to swirl around her. Ichigo and Yuzu stopped their fight and watched.
"Let your rage explode! (2)" Karin finished as she was engulfed by the energy. Large red and violet wings shattered the energy, revealing Karin in her red and violet armor. Karin wore a headband with horns, shoulder guards, chest armor, gloves, and leg armor, which reminded Ichigo of Shēnyuān. Like Yuzu, Karin had her own tail. Yuzu flew away from Ichigo and regrouped with Karin.
"It seems your familiars forged both of you your own armor," Ichigo said, summoning Bahamut. "I guess I should summon mine," he added.
"Appear before me." Crimson reiatsu began to gather around Ichigo. "Forged by the Maiden of Light…" White reiatsu joined the crimson. "And the Maiden of Darkness…" Black reiatsu joined the crimson and white. "Glare at all creation and display your ferocious might!" The reiatsu combined to form a giant pillar around Ichigo. "Dragon of Chaos, BAHAMUT!" Ichigo yelled. A pair of large black and white wings broke the pillar, revealing Ichigo in his armor. Two blades shot out from Kisara's and Valiona's heads. The three charged at each other. Yuzu and Karin began attacking Ichigo with their hands and feet. Ichigo easily blocked their attacks with his blades.
"Ichi-nii is too fast. I need to go faster," Yuzu thought.
"Leave that to me," Xīng Chén replied. Yuzu suddenly stopped as she felt her armor change. Her armor now covered her arms and thighs, and her wings reshaped into something like jet engines. She felt her speed increase. She charged in again, finding her attacks now landing on Ichigo.
"It appears your armor isn't absolute," Ichigo said as Yuzu dodged his slashes. Karin dove in, continuing to attack Ichigo.
"I need more power," Karin thought.
"Be careful what you ask for," Shēnyuān replied. Karin suddenly stopped as her armor changed. It expanded, covering her arms and legs, making them larger, while her wings grew bigger.
"Rah!" Karin yelled as she began hitting harder.
"I've had enough of this," Ichigo said, soaring away. The blades disappeared as he aimed Valiona's head at Yuzu and Karin. Reiatsu began gathering around Valiona's head.
"Xīng Chén!" Yuzu shouted.
"Dodge the attack!" Xīng Chén yelled.
"Shēnyuān!" Karin shouted.
"Stand your ground," Shēnyuān said.
"Hellfire Retribution!" Ichigo yelled as he fired a stream of reddish-black flames at them. Yuzu managed to fly away, but Karin wasn't so lucky.
"GAH!" Karin screamed in pain. Ichigo stopped his attack, seeing that Karin wasn't damaged, though her right arm glowed bright red.
"Absolute Powerforce!" Karin shouted as she charged at Ichigo and punched him with her right hand. Ichigo caught the attack.
"Grrr," Ichigo growled from the pain but didn't let go of her arm. He swung Karin toward the floating Yuzu, causing them to crash into each other. Ichigo pointed both Kisara's and Valiona's heads at them and began gathering energy.
"Chaotic Retribution!" Ichigo yelled as he fired his attack. The bluish-white beam fused with the reddish-black flames to create one giant attack. Yuzu and Karin were engulfed by the blast. They slammed into the ground, and the dust cleared to reveal that both Yuzu and Karin were unconscious. Their armors disappeared, and their familiars stood next to them. Ichigo landed beside them. Bahamut sealed itself and returned to Ichigo's mindscape. Ichigo kneeled beside Yuzu and Karin, using Medical Kido to heal them.
"Good job, you two. You've both grown a lot since the last time I saw you," Ichigo said, looking at the two familiars. "Protect them and help them get stronger." The familiars let out a roar as Ichigo left for the next room.
Scene Change: Pandemonium: Floor Four
Ichigo entered to find Xenovia standing in a black, skin-tight, short-sleeved leotard with pauldrons, matching fingerless gloves that extended to her biceps, and thigh-high boots, all adorned with straps.
"Took you long enough to get here," she said.
"I'm assuming this will be a sword match?" Ichigo guessed.
"Right," Xenovia replied, raising her arm and closing her eyes. "Peter. Basil. Denis. And Blessed Virgin Mary. I ask all of you to be by my side." From her right side, a golden ripple formed, turning into a golden-chained seal. From it, a large uniquely-shaped broadsword with a blue blade and a golden edge appeared. The sword had a semicircular guard on the left side of the handle, extending to the bottom just above the pommel, with a small extension on the right side. Silver chains wrapped around the sword. Xenovia slowly moved her arm toward the sword's handle.
"By the imbued powers of all the saints within it, I release this blade!" The chains snapped. "Holy Sword Durandal!"
"Then I'll use these," Ichigo said, summoning Katen Kyōkotsu. "Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar…" Ichigo set the two blades against each other in a cross. "Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer." Ichigo pulled the blades away. "Katen Kyōkotsu!" he shouted as a gust of wind surrounded him. Ichigo slashed through the wind to reveal his Shikai form. Xenovia charged in, swinging Durandal in a downward strike. Ichigo easily dodged the attack.
"Bushōgoma," Ichigo said, spinning both blades in opposite directions before firing two large wind blades at Xenovia. As they flew toward her, the wind blades merged into a giant circle, trapping her in a spinning cyclone.
"Is that all?" Xenovia said, Durandal glowing in her hands. She swung the sword and broke through the cyclone.
"Why do I feel some irony here?" Ichigo thought.
"Black," Ichigo said as he charged at her, delivering aggressive downward strikes. Xenovia blocked as best as she could with Durandal.
"Why are his attacks so strong?" Xenovia thought as Ichigo found an opening and struck her in the side. She winced, trying to block his relentless assault.
"Even though I enjoy seeing you decimate your enemies like this… I'm getting bored," Katen complained. Ichigo imagined Kyōkotsu rolling her eyes at Katen's comment. He sighed as he felt Katen's blade growing heavier.
Ichigo leaped away from Xenovia, who stared at him in confusion.
"Katen Kyōkotsu is a unique blade," Ichigo said. "She doesn't want me to just decimate you outright. She wants to give you a fair chance." Xenovia remained silent, still confused. "One of Katen Kyōkotsu's abilities is to make games real. Right now, we're playing Rooni [Colorful Demon]. Each player takes turns naming a color. If you're wearing the same color as I am, your attacks become stronger. But it also leaves you more vulnerable to damage." Xenovia's eyes widened in realization.
"That's why you said Black before," Xenovia said.
"Exactly," Ichigo confirmed. "Both of us are wearing black, so my attacks are significantly stronger, and you're taking more damage."
Xenovia charged forward, Durandal glowing brightly.
"BLACK!" she screamed, swinging Durandal downward. Ichigo smirked.
"Purple," Ichigo said as Durandal hit his shoulder. The attack didn't leave a scratch.
Xenovia's eyes widened in disbelief.
"I think it's time for a new game," Ichigo said. Suddenly, two copies of him appeared before her.
"The game is called Nijūshin [Doppelganger," Ichigo #1 said.
"You need to figure out," Ichigo #2 said.
"Which one is real?" Ichigo #1 asked, moving to Xenovia's left.
"And which one is fake?" Ichigo #2 asked, moving to her right.
"NOW CHOOSE!" they shouted in unison as they charged at her. Xenovia quickly glanced between them, forced to choose which one to block. She turned and blocked Ichigo #1, but—
"GAH!" she screamed as Ichigo #2's blade sliced into her back.
"Wrong choice," Ichigo #2 said as Ichigo #1 moved next to him.
"Time to..." Ichigo #1 said.
"Try again," Ichigo #2 added. The game continued. Xenovia occasionally guessed correctly, but more often than not, she was wrong. Slowly, the repeated guerrilla attacks wore her down. By the last one, Xenovia was barely holding herself up, using Durandal just to stay on her feet.
Ichigo ended Nijūshin.
"It seems you're at the end of your rope," Ichigo said. "Let's end this with one final game." He faced her, his voice steady. "It's called Kettō [Duel]. The rules are simple: one final attack and the winner takes all."
Xenovia gripped Durandal tightly and pointed it at him.
"FINE BY ME!" she yelled, and Durandal began to glow gold.
"She's pushing everything into Durandal," Ichigo thought, preparing for the final clash. He gathered his reiatsu into Katen Kyōkotsu and charged. The two collided in a fierce clash, each unleashing their full power.
Xenovia swung Durandal in a downward strike, but Ichigo countered, slashing Katen Kyōkotsu right across her body.
They both stood still for a few moments. Then, Xenovia collapsed, exhausted from the battle. Her fatigue, wounds, and drained energy had finally taken their toll, and she fell unconscious.
Ichigo sealed Katen Kyōkotsu and sent it back to his mindscape. He walked over to Xenovia, healed her wounds, and made sure she was safe before she moved on to the next floor.
Scene Change: Pandemonium: Floor Five
Ichigo arrived on the fifth floor, only to find someone unfamiliar to him—a beautiful young woman with long, straight silver hair and aqua-colored eyes. She appeared to be in her late teens, dressed in a white breastplate with gold and pale blue accents, matching fingerless gauntlets, boots, hip guards, and wing-shaped hair clips. Beneath her breastplate, she wore a black leotard, black thigh-high stockings, and a pale blue cloth wrapped around her hips, all decorated with pink lacing.
"You were at the dinner party with Odin," Ichigo recalled.
"I was," she replied. "My name is Rossweisse, a former bodyguard to Odin-sama and currently a Rook in Rias-sama's peerage." She began casting elemental spells at Ichigo.
"Bakudō #81. Dankū!" Ichigo said, summoning a transparent barrier. All of Rossweisse's attacks bounced off the Kidō.
"She said she's a Rook, but her magical abilities are on par with Akeno's," Ichigo thought.
"I've never heard of that spell," Rossweisse remarked.
"It's Kidō," Ichigo explained.
"Kidō?" Rossweisse asked.
"Kidō are spiritual spells that a Shinigami can use," Ichigo clarified as the Dankū barrier faded.
"I see," Rossweisse said, understanding. Ichigo pointed his palm at her.
"Hadō #52. Kongōbaku! (3)" he shouted, firing a large fireball at her. There was a small explosion. As the dust settled, Ichigo saw that Rossweisse had protected herself with a barrier, though it had some minor cracks.
"To think your spell actually damaged my barrier, which was designed to withstand a Balance Breaker-level attack," Rossweisse said. "I need to think of a way to defeat him. Based on what I've seen, Ichigo-sama is incredibly strong, and his magical abilities aren't something to take lightly."
Rossweisse extended both hands, casting a barrage of ice, fire, water, lightning, wind, and explosive spells. Ichigo raised his hand.
"Bakudō #40. Millón Escudo! (4)" Ichigo said, conjuring a light green hexagonal barrier. All of Rossweisse's spells were absorbed into the shield.
Rossweisse stopped, realizing her attacks weren't affecting the barrier. But before she could react, Ichigo redirected all of her absorbed spells back at her. She quickly activated another barrier to protect herself from the barrage. Once it ended, her barrier was still standing, though she was breathing heavily from constantly using her strongest defenses.
Ichigo pointed at her again.
"Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō!" Ichigo said, summoning six thin beams of light that struck Rossweisse's midsection. She struggled to move as Ichigo's Kidō held her in place.
"It's no use," Ichigo said, his voice calm as he raised his arm. Rossweisse could sense the immense energy gathering.
"This is the end…" Ichigo muttered. "Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!" he shouted, releasing a massive blue electrical beam.
Rossweisse stood firm, taking the full force of the Kidō. The impact caused a giant explosion. When the dust settled, Rossweisse was slammed against the exit door, unconscious.
Ichigo approached her, using medical Kidō to check on her condition. Once he was sure she was fine, he moved on to the next floor.
Scene Change: Pandemonium: Floor Six
Ichigo approached, greeted by Akeno in her traditional Miko attire—a white haori with red accents, a red hakama, and a pair of zōri with white tabi. Behind Akeno stood a katana, its presence commanding attention.
"Hello, Akeno," Ichigo greeted.
"Hello, Ichigo-sama," Akeno replied calmly.
"I assume this is going to be a battle of magic?" Ichigo guessed.
"Holy Lightning!" Akeno declared. Yellow and white lightning bolts crashed down toward Ichigo, engulfing him. As the dust cleared, it became evident that the attack had no effect.
"Is that all?" Ichigo asked, his tone steady.
"Let's try something else," Akeno thought, determination in her eyes. She extended her palm.
"Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle!"
"Oh, she knows some kidō," Ichigo mused.
"Hadō #63. Raikōhō!" Akeno shouted, unleashing a massive bolt of lightning. The kidō struck Ichigo, causing an explosion. Yet, when the smoke dissipated, Ichigo stood unscathed.
"My turn," Ichigo announced, raising a finger. "You should remember this kidō. Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi."
A black box began forming around Akeno, and Ichigo saw her eyes widen before it enclosed her.
Inside the Kurohitsugi, Akeno felt the weight of the kidō. Her body was covered in lacerations, blood trickling from the wounds. She gritted her teeth, fighting the urge to collapse.
"I need to get out… I cannot lose… I CANNOT LOSE!"
A voice echoed in her mind. "If you don't want to lose, then say my name!"
Akeno's hand reached for the katana behind her. Slowly, she unsheathed it.
"Now, say my name…"
"PUNISH THEM, RAIJIN!" Akeno screamed. The katana glowed yellow as intricate lines formed along its blade.
Cracks appeared in the Kurohitsugi.
"At least she's trying this time," Ichigo thought, just as a whip-like blade shot out, forcing him to tilt his head to avoid it. The Kurohitsugi shattered, revealing Akeno still standing, though her Miko attire was torn.
In her hand was a segmented katana radiating electricity.
"Do you wish to continue?" Ichigo asked calmly.
"I do," Akeno replied, swinging her katana. The segmented blades shot toward Ichigo, who grabbed one in mid-air.
Akeno smirked. Electricity surged through the blade into Ichigo, but he resisted, using the whip-like weapon to hurl Akeno aside. She hit the ground hard, unconscious.
The katana reverted to its sealed state, the glow fading. Ichigo approached her, placing the katana beside her. With a touch of medical kidō, he ensured she was stable before heading toward the final floor of Pandemonium.
Scene Change: Pandemonium: Floor Seven
Ichigo entered the seventh floor to find Rias seated on a throne, offering Issei a lap pillow.
"So, the hero finally arrives," Rias quipped, maintaining her theatrical flair.
Issei rose from the lap pillow, ready to face Ichigo.
"It's time to end this," Ichigo declared.
"You're forgetting one last obstacle," Rias replied. "My final servant stands before you."
Issei stepped forward, his Boosted Gear materializing on his arm.
"So, Issei, how do you want to do this?" Ichigo asked.
"I want you to use your best," Issei said firmly.
"My best? Are you sure?"
"I am," Issei confirmed.
"Very well." Ichigo summoned Yorugetsu, his twin blades appearing in his hands.
"Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!" Ddraig roared as Issei activated his Scale Mail, encasing him in red and green armor.
Ichigo raised his swords. "Stride forth to the gates of Heaven and tear them asunder. Charge to the depths of Hell and shatter its chains. ZANGETSU!"
"Begin!" Rias commanded.
Issei charged with a punch, landing it squarely on Ichigo's gut. Ichigo smiled.
"Good punch, Issei. You've improved," he remarked.
"Thank you, Ichigo-sensei," Issei replied.
"However…" Ichigo's blade glowed as he swung. "You still have much to learn!"
A nameless Getsuga Tenshō struck Issei, sending him backward.
"Welsh Draconic Rook!" Issei shouted.
"Change Solid Impact!" Ddraig announced. Ichigo observed as Issei's Balance Breaker transformed. The new armor was noticeably bulkier, with two massive rocket-like projectiles mounted on each arm. Without hesitation, Issei charged straight at Ichigo.
Ichigo fired a Getsuga Tenshō toward the advancing Issei, but the attack was blocked as Issei powered through it, closing the distance.
"Solid Impact!" Issei roared, delivering a powerful punch that sent Ichigo hurtling into the far wall.
"Reload," Ddraig stated calmly. The dust cleared, revealing Ichigo embedded in a crater on the wall.
"Welsh Blaster Bishop!" Issei called out. Ichigo extracted himself from the crater, watching as Issei's armor shifted back to its normal form, now equipped with two enormous cannons mounted on his back.
"Change Fang Blast!" Ddraig responded as the transformation was completed.
"Dragon Blaster!" Issei shouted as the cannons began to gather an immense amount of energy. Ichigo's eyes flicked toward Zangetsu lying on the ground. With a gesture, he summoned his blades. They twitched briefly before shooting back into his hands.
"FIRE!" Issei bellowed. The massive energy blast surged toward Ichigo. In a burst of shunpō, Ichigo evaded the attack, reappearing just out of harm's way.
Realizing he missed, Issei wasted no time. "Welsh Sonic Boost Knight!" he commanded. The armor transformed once again, this time becoming sleeker and lighter, designed for speed. Issei began darting around the battlefield at high velocity, scanning for any sign of Ichigo.
Meanwhile, Ichigo stood calmly in the air above him, unnoticed.
"Mugen Getsuga Tenshō," Ichigo said as he raised his sword, launching what appeared to be a simple Getsuga Tenshō upward. The attack ascended before sharply changing course, splitting into countless smaller Getsuga Tenshō that rained down like a storm.
"Armor Release!" Issei commanded.
"Change Star Sonic!" Ddraig responded. Issei's armor began to vanish as he swiftly dodged all incoming attacks. The Mugen Getsuga Tenshō eventually ended, and Issei resumed his search for Ichigo. Without hesitation, Ichigo shunpō'ed directly in front of Issei and attacked with a powerful downward strike. Issei narrowly avoided the blow, and Ichigo pressed the attack, forcing Issei onto the defensive.
As the battle raged on, Ichigo began to gather his reiatsu into Zangetsu. He noticed that Issei was trying to distance himself.
"That form isn't designed for defense. He'll likely try to switch forms again," Ichigo thought as Issei attempted to retreat. "Maybe I should end this now." With Zangetsu now brimming with reiatsu, Ichigo shunpō'ed back in front of Issei. "Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo shouted, releasing his attack at point-blank range. The blast hit with tremendous force, causing a massive explosion.
"ISSEI!" Ichigo turned to see the rest of the group arriving on the Seventh Floor. Through the thick smoke, he could hear heavy breathing. As the dust cleared, Issei was still standing, barely holding on.
"I'm… not… done yet," Issei grunted, glaring at Ichigo.
"Don't give up, Issei-san!" Asia cried out, with the rest of the peerage joining in, cheering for Issei.
"Ready, Ddraig?"
"It doesn't matter if I'm ready. It all depends on you and your resolve to defeat Ichigo," Ddraig answered.
"I, who am about to awaken… I am the Red Dragon Emperor who has discarded the principles of domination… I shall walk the path of righteousness by holding infinite hopes and dreams… I shall become the King of the Crimson Dragon… And I promise you all! I shall show you the future that shines in true crimson light!" Issei chanted, his form surrounded by a brilliant crimson aura.
"Cardinal Crimson Full Drive!" Ddraig bellowed. The crimson light dimmed, revealing Issei's armor, now radiant and crimson, with a pair of majestic wings resembling those of Albion.
"Oh, if you're going all out, I might as well show you my true power," Ichigo said, gripping Zangetsu in both hands. He raised the swords horizontally, blades facing downward and their tips directed at Issei. Taking a deep breath, Ichigo's reiatsu swirled around him, both black and red energy combining into a fierce storm. "Bankai," Ichigo declared, and the energy erupted into a tornado of black and red reiatsu. When the storm subsided, Ichigo stood wielding two black tonfa-like weapons, their sharp blades aligned with his forearms, with knuckle guard-like covers around his fists. His outfit had also changed—black, bandage-like carapace formed around his torso and neck. Bandages wrapped over his nose and mouth, like a mask, with the tattered remains of a cloak covering his lower body. "Tensa… Zangetsu," Ichigo finished, preparing for the next exchange.
Ichigo and Issei locked eyes and then charged toward each other. Their punches collided, each strike sending shockwaves across the room. The sheer force of their blows reverberated, but Ichigo still held the upper hand.
"Ddraig, send out the wyverns."
"Very well," Ddraig replied. Four small white wyverns emerged from Issei's chest, flying toward Ichigo. As they neared, they began using Divide on him. But before the wyverns could affect Ichigo, they exploded in a burst of energy. Ddraig chuckled.
"What's wrong?" Issei asked, confused.
"That man… he's even more of a monster than I thought," Ddraig replied.
"What do you mean?"
"The Dividing Wyvern Fairy wasn't designed for someone who can release that much energy so casually. It absorbed so much that their bodies couldn't handle it—causing them to explode."
Issei was stunned. "To make matters worse, he didn't even notice the wyverns absorbing his power. It reminded me of them."
"'Them'?"
"Gods. Ichigo's power output is comparable to that of many gods from the Age of Gods."
"Don't get distracted!" Ichigo shouted, landing a sucker punch to Issei's jaw, sending him crashing into a wall. Issei retaliated, bursting from the rubble and delivering a punch that sent Ichigo flying back. In the background, everyone watched in disbelief.
"Ichigo-sensei might be as strong as Nii-sama," Rias remarked, her peerage nodding in agreement. Yuzu and Karin stood frozen, watching their brother.
"Ichi-nii is that strong?" Yuzu thought, wide-eyed.
"How can I ever catch up with him?" Karin thought, feeling a mix of awe and frustration.
"Come on, Issei," Ichigo called, shunpō'ing next to him. "Getsuga Tenshō," Ichigo said, punching Issei in the gut with his full force.
"GAH!" Issei gasped, his body slamming into another wall.
"Issei… that punch fractured the Balance Breaker," Ddraig warned. Issei staggered to his feet, pushing himself out of the debris.
"I need you to get Bishop ready," Issei thought, transforming his right arm into Welsh Draconic Rook. He appeared in front of Ichigo.
"Solid Impact!" Issei yelled, landing an uppercut that sent Ichigo flying into the air. His wings transformed into massive cannons. "Crimson Blaster!" Issei unleashed a powerful blast, striking Ichigo mid-air and sending him crashing into the ceiling. After the explosion, Issei's wings and arms returned to normal. Ichigo pulled himself from the hole in the ceiling, landing on his feet with ease.
"Nice combo," Ichigo said, brushing the dust off his clothes. Issei and Ddraig's eyes widened as they saw that Ichigo was barely injured despite everything they'd thrown at him.
"Time's up," Ddraig announced as Cardinal Crimson Promotion vanished, and Balance Breaker deactivated. Ichigo caught Issei as he fell unconscious, cradling him carefully before walking over to Rias and her peerage. He gently placed Issei in front of Asia. Turning to Rias, he asked,
"Are you ready?"
"I am," Rias replied. Ichigo nodded, sealing Zangetsu and drawing Suzumebachi. Rias stared at the twin butterfly blades in his hands.
"Oh, you're using another blade," Rias remarked.
"I am," Ichigo answered, then shunpō'ed away from her.
"Um… start," Yuzu called out from the sidelines.
Rias began to glow with a red aura as she fired rapid, small projectiles made of her Power of Destruction. Ichigo blocked each one with Suzumebachi, but Rias' eyes widened in shock as she realized her attacks weren't damaging the blade.
"Your blade can resist my Power of Destruction," Rias said in disbelief.
"I would be surprised if your Power of Destruction damaged one of my Zanpakutō," Ichigo said.
"Oh," Rias replied, recalling what Akeno's mother had explained about the Shinigami. She continued to fire her Power of Destruction at Ichigo. Ichigo casually blocked the attacks with Suzumebachi.
"It seems she's using her attacks to charge up something," Ichigo thought, sensing Rias gather most of her Power of Destruction.
"Here I go… Extinguished Star!" Rias yelled, launching a small ball of energy. The attack wasn't nearly as fast as her Power of Destruction Bullets, but Ichigo could feel it trying to pull him in.
"It's like a black hole," Ichigo thought, firing a yellow energy wave at Extinguished Star. The two attacks collided, causing a massive explosion. As the dust settled, Ichigo and a slightly tired Rias were left standing.
"Is that it, Rias?" Ichigo asked.
"No," Rias responded, firing more Power of Destruction Bullets. These were bigger than before. As before, Ichigo used Suzumebachi to block them.
"Let's see how you handle this." Ichigo pointed his finger at Rias. "Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi," he said. A black box began to form around Rias. Ichigo saw her eyes widen before Kurohitsugi fully formed. He stood still, waiting to see if Rias could break free. Loud explosions echoed from inside the box, and small cracks began to form in Kurohitsugi.
"At least she's trying to free herself," Ichigo thought. Suddenly, a large blast of Power of Destruction punched a hole through Kurohitsugi. As the box began to break apart, Ichigo saw Rias, barely standing, before she fell unconscious. Ichigo walked over and started to heal her. He handed the unconscious Rias to Asia and teleported everyone away from Pandemonium.
Scene Change: Trainer Classroom
Everyone appeared in a classroom. Ichigo stood at the front, with everyone he had fought sitting in the front row, while the viewers were seated in the back.
"I am both disappointed and impressed by what I saw," Ichigo began. "I'm impressed by how much those who were weaker before have improved," Ichigo said, looking at Issei, Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno. "I'm also disappointed that those I complimented earlier didn't grow much," he added, glancing at Rias. "Let's start with Kiba." Ichigo turned to face him. "You've gotten a lot stronger and learned to use your sword in new ways."
"Thank you," Kiba said.
"The only issue I noticed is that you were very tired when you activated your Balance Breaker. Was that because you were already tired, or is using Balance Breaker too strenuous for you?"
"I'm not sure… probably both," Kiba replied.
"I see… I'd recommend practicing with your Balance Breaker more. Try to reduce your energy consumption and increase your energy reserves."
"Got it," Kiba said.
"Before we continue, may I ask you a question?" Shuri interjected. Everyone turned to her.
"Let me guess… it's about Shirayuki," Ichigo replied.
"Correct. Why do you have Kuchiki-fukutaichō's and Kyōraku-fukutaichō's Zanpakutō?"
"I won't go into detail, but there was a situation, and I was given the opportunity for them to join me," Ichigo explained.
"Could I ask one more question about Shirayuki?" Shuri asked.
"Go ahead," Ichigo said.
"What exactly does her Bankai do?"
"Saigo no mai, Eien no Shirayuki. This Bankai is designed to overwhelm the enemy. The blizzard initially summoned obscures the enemy's ability to see or sense me." Kiba's eyes widened as he recalled what happened when he used his magic senses. "I can then use the snow to create copies of myself and attack the enemy, slowly tiring them out. Eventually, they'll be too exhausted to resist and will fall unconscious from the overwhelming enemies or the cold."
"If Shirayuki was still Kuchiki-fukutaichō's Zanpakutō, would her Bankai still be that?"
"It would not be," Shirayuki replied, appearing suddenly. Everyone gasped at her sudden appearance.
"Everyone, this is Shirayuki's manifested state," Ichigo introduced.
"To answer your question, Rukia would not have Saigo no mai, Eien no Shirayuki. It was designed for Ichigo due to his limitless reiatsu," Shirayuki explained.
"And because he understands the embodiment of each of his Zanpakutō," she added mentally.
"Wait. Does this mean that Suzumebachi and Katen Kyōkotsu also have different Bankai than before?" Ichigo asked.
"They do," Shirayuki replied as she returned to Ichigo's mindscape. Ichigo turned to Koneko.
"As for you, Koneko… congratulations on finally using your heritage," Ichigo said.
"Thank you," Koneko replied, her cheeks lightly blushing. "The only thing I think I need to improve on is using my Senjutsu."
"Okay," Koneko replied.
"As for you, Gasper," Ichigo said, turning toward the trap.
"Meep!" Gasper shrieked, trying to hide from Ichigo. Koneko grabbed Gasper and held him still.
"Gasper, I'm impressed that you were able to coordinate that attack with Koneko."
"Thank you," Gasper whispered.
"However, you still need to train with your Sacred Gear and improve your attack capabilities. Can you do anything else besides transforming into bats?"
"No," Gasper replied.
"You need to develop other ways to attack your opponent. You may face a strong opponent who can resist your bats or your Sacred Gear."
"Okay," Gasper said.
Ichigo turned to Yuzu and Karin.
"Yuzu, Karin. First off, good job with your basic abilities," Ichigo said. "Your attacks are way stronger than before."
"Thank you, Ichi-nii," Yuzu and Karin replied together.
"As for your armor… talk with your familiar to see what else you can do with it," Ichigo continued. Yuzu and Karin nodded. Turning to Xenovia, Ichigo added, "I'm glad Arthur is here. He'll teach you how to use Durandal properly."
"Hey!" Xenovia protested, standing up. "I know how to wield Durandal properly!"
"Oh?" Arthur interjected with a smirk. "Can you use Durandal's holy aura to strengthen your own body?"
"No…" Xenovia admitted reluctantly.
"And what about controlling Durandal's holy aura to attack devils without overkilling them?"
"No," Xenovia grumbled, crossing her arms and pouting as she sat down.
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, Ichigo-sama," Arthur assured him. "I'll make sure Xenovia learns how to use Durandal properly—even if I have to drill it into her head."
"Very well," Ichigo replied, turning to Akeno. "First off, your spells are much faster and stronger than before."
"Thank you, Ichigo-sama," Akeno said with a slight bow.
"I also noticed you used Holy Lightning alongside your normal lightning. I'm glad you've moved past your anger and accepted your full heritage."
"Thank you," Akeno said softly.
"I was surprised to see you perform Kidō," Ichigo added.
"That was my fault," Shuri admitted with a small laugh. "She saw me using Kidō on a Hollow and asked me to teach her."
"Is that also how she got a Zanpakutō?" Ichigo asked, raising an eyebrow.
Shuri gave him a nervous smile. "I won't punish you, Shuri," Ichigo reassured her. "In fact, I'm glad Akeno has the potential to learn Kidō. It gives her a unique advantage. Keep teaching her."
"I will do my best," Shuri promised.
"Besides that, Akeno, work on reducing your energy consumption and increasing your reserves," Ichigo advised. Akeno nodded.
At that moment, Issei and Rias woke up. "Good morning, lovebirds," Ichigo teased. Rias and Issei blushed, quickly looking away.
"Anyways… Issei," Ichigo said, addressing him directly. "I'm impressed with how far you've grown."
"Thank you, Ichigo-sensei."
"The key now is to follow Ddraig's instructions," Ichigo continued. Noticing the fear in Issei's eyes, he added, "Despite his tendency to scold you for your perverted antics, Ddraig is one of the best guides you'll have."
"Okay," Issei sighed, bracing himself.
"Don't worry, Issei. It won't be that bad," Ddraig reassured him.
"Another thing to work on is reducing the energy consumption of your Balance Breaker while increasing your overall reserves," Ichigo advised. Issei nodded as Ichigo turned to Rias.
"Rias, your Power of Destruction is incredibly powerful, but it lacks variety. All I see you doing is throwing it around. Explore new ways to use it."
"Like what?" Rias asked hesitantly.
"I can wrap my body in my reiatsu to boost my physical attacks significantly. Try applying that principle to your power," Ichigo suggested.
"If I may add," Azazel interjected, "ask your brother for guidance. Sirzechs would gladly find time to teach you."
"But…" Rias hesitated.
"Rias," Ichigo said firmly, catching her attention. "Take it from an older brother. If Yuzu or Karin ever needed me for anything—and I mean anything—I'd drop everything to help them. I even broke into Hell to rescue them before I became the Jigoku no Kōtei."
Rias looked at Yuzu and Karin, who both nodded in agreement.
"This is my final comment about your peerage," Ichigo said, regaining the group's attention. "Despite being named after chess pieces, don't let those labels limit your capabilities."
"Huh?" Issei asked, confused.
"Think about it," Ichigo explained. "Except for Issei and Rossweisse, all of you train based on the boost from your Evil Pieces. Kiba, Xenovia—you both rely on your swords. What happens if an enemy disarms you? Will you just stand there and let yourself be killed? Koneko, what if you face an enemy at a distance but can't leave your post? Will you simply wait for someone else to handle it?"
"So, you're saying we should diversify our fighting styles," Rias concluded.
"Exactly," Ichigo confirmed.
"Rias, you can ask Sirzechs about this soon," Azazel said. "I have a meeting with him and Michael shortly—and they've asked me to invite you and Ichigo as well."
"Perfect. I needed to ask him something anyway," Ichigo said as he ushered everyone out of the Trainer.
Scene Change: Outside
Kyōka was lounging in a lawn chair, casually reading a scroll. Suddenly, the Trainer lit up. Setting her scroll aside, she picked up the Trainer as it shot out a large green beam. Moments later, everyone appeared in Ichigo's backyard.
"Welcome back," Kyōka greeted. "Just so you know, it's 3 PM." She handed the Trainer back to Ichigo before retreating to his mindscape.
"Let's head to the meeting," Azazel said. Baraqiel said his goodbyes to his wife and daughter before joining Ichigo and Azazel. A teleportation circle appeared, whisking them away.
Scene Change: Underworld Meeting Room
Ichigo, Azazel, and Baraqiel appeared in a familiar meeting room. Ichigo recognized it as the same place he had met the three Faction Leaders. Sirzechs sat at the table, with Grayfia standing behind him. A hooded figure sat nearby, with Michael standing behind them.
Azazel took a seat, while Baraqiel stood behind him.
Ichigo sat down in the remaining empty seat.
"Thank you, Ichigo, for joining us," Sirzechs said.
"No problem, Sirzechs," Ichigo replied.
"I believe I should address the first of the many elephants in this room," Michael said. Sirzechs and Azazel nodded, while Ichigo could guess who the hooded figure was. "Everyone in this room is aware that the Christian God is dead." Everyone in the room nodded. "Last night, that changed." Michael turned his head to Ichigo.
"I'll take it from here," Ichigo said, attracting everyone's attention. "During my many travels, I ended up encountering this," Ichigo said as he summoned Longinus.
"True Longinus," Sirzechs and Azazel said, realizing the Sacred Gear in Ichigo's hand.
"Correct. Longinus decided that I was worthy of being its wielder. Upon discovering that Longinus was sentient, I entered its mindscape. There, I discovered someone who was thought to have perished with the Christian God." The hooded figure pulled down his hood. Azazel and Baraqiel gasped.
"Hello, everyone. For those who don't know me, I am Jesus, the Son of God," Jesus introduced himself.
"I helped Jesus return home," Ichigo said.
"Thank you, Ichigo. I'll finish this," Jesus said. "Ichigo helped me return to Heaven, where I ascended to my Father's throne, taking control of the Sacred Gear System and God's System."
"This means that you are the current ruler of Heaven?" Sirzechs asked.
"Correct," Jesus replied.
"So, are you planning to void the peace treaties that Michael has signed?" Azazel asked.
"No," Jesus replied. "While I was trapped in Longinus, I managed to see how our war caused absolute chaos not just for our three factions, but for all factions."
"I see," Sirzechs said.
"You know, we'll need to inform the Yōkai and Norse factions," Azazel added.
"I'll let Yasaka know," Ichigo said. "Though when you speak with the Norse faction, could I have a short word with Odin?"
"Sure," Sirzechs said. He turned back to Jesus. "With your ascension to the throne, how are Heaven, the Sacred Gear System, and God's System affected?"
"Heaven is now much stronger than before," Jesus admitted, "but it will not return to its former glory. As for the Sacred Gear System and God's System... it's too early to tell."
"Thank you," Sirzechs said. "Once again, with Ichigo's help, we managed to capture a large portion of the members of Khaos Brigade and the Old Satan Faction. We are currently interrogating them for any information."
"Ichigo helped me see how strong Rias and her peerage are. She may come to you, Sirzechs, for help in strengthening her Powers of Destruction," Azazel said.
"Yay! Ria-tan is going to come to see me!" Sirzechs exclaimed. Ichigo could see Grayfia glaring at Sirzechs.
"I think it's time we call Odin to update him on this change," Azazel said. Sirzechs nodded. Grayfia carried in a giant mirror and gently placed it down.
"Jag ber om att tala med Odin av Asgard. [I request to speak with Odin of Asgard.]" Sirzechs said. The mirror began to darken as they all sat and waited. There was a flash of light before Odin appeared in the mirror.
"Hello, Sirzechs. What do you need?" Odin asked.
"Hello, Odin. We wanted to let you know that there's been a minor change in Heaven."
"A minor change?"
"Yes," Jesus said as the mirror adjusted to face him.
"Ah. The Son of the Christian God has returned and taken his father's vacant throne," Odin said.
"Correct."
"I assume that you still agree with the current peace treaty that Michael has signed?"
"I do."
"Okay then. Is there anything else?" Odin asked.
"I wish to have a private word with you, Odin," Ichigo said. The mirror adjusted itself again.
"Ah, young Ichigo. We'll speak in a little bit," Odin said.
"Is there anything else to add?" Sirzechs asked. Everyone else shook their heads.
"Very well then… this meeting is adjourned," Sirzechs said.
"Follow me, Ichigo-sama," Grayfia said as she picked up the mirror. She led Ichigo to a small private room, placed the mirror down, and left the room.
"What did you wish to talk to me about?" Odin asked.
"I wish to know if you know of any other Death Gods still in existence," Ichigo asked.
"Hm..." Odin stroked his beard as he thought about Ichigo's question. "Hades/Pluto is one. He's located in the Americas."
"I'm aware of him. I have a scheduled meeting with him in a month."
"So, you need three more."
"Correction. Two more."
"Who's the second one?"
"Osiris."
"Didn't know that beast was still alive."
"Anyways… do you know anyone else?"
"Hm... there are rumors of one other still alive," Odin said. "He is located in the northern Europe area."
"Like Britain, France, and Iceland?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes," Odin replied.
"What is his name?" Ichigo asked.
"He goes by many names. He was called Ankou, Arawn, Cichol, Crom Cruach, Donn, Manannán mac Lir, and Morrigan."
"How will I find him?" Ichigo asked. Odin shrugged his shoulders.
"The rumors are that he has already faded, but I have a gut feeling that says otherwise."
"I see… Thank you for the info. Do you know anyone else?" Ichigo asked.
"Hm… I'm not sure. I'll get back to you if I find something," Odin replied.
"Thank you," Ichigo said.
"No problem. Hope you complete the Death Quest," Odin said as the connection ended. Ichigo walked out of the room and saw a maid standing there.
"When you're done, Lucifer-sama has requested you in his office," the maid said.
"Thank you. I'll be there right now," Ichigo said, heading toward Sirzechs' office. Ichigo knocked on the door.
"Come in," Sirzechs replied. Ichigo opened the door and walked in.
"What do you need?" Ichigo asked.
"First off, thank you for capturing all of those devils," Sirzechs said.
"No problem," Ichigo replied.
"Second..." Sirzechs started. He suddenly appeared in front of Ichigo, grabbed him by the collar, and slammed him into the wall. "How dare you harm my Ria-tan!" Ichigo stared back at him.
"It was because of me… Rias is going to come to you for help, which means she'll spend more time with you," Ichigo countered. Sirzechs let go of Ichigo's shirt.
"I hate the fact you're right," Sirzechs replied.
"Grayfia."
"Yes, Ichigo-sama?"
"Can you give me the phone number for the builders who rebuilt my house?"
"Does your house need to be remodeled?" Grayfia asked.
"Kind of. I claimed the Shuzen estate and am considering remodeling it."
"Very well. I will contact our head builder and designer, and they will meet you at your house tomorrow."
"I'll likely not be home tomorrow," Ichigo said. "Have them talk with Akasha; my minor King," he added.
"Very well," Grayfia replied. "Is there anything else?"
"Actually, yes. I need to open several bank accounts."
"I'll help you with that afterward. Sirzechs-sama has one final thing to say." Grayfia motioned toward Sirzechs.
"The final and most important matter is about the return of the Sins," Sirzechs said. Suddenly, a teleportation seal appeared beside him, and the other Maou emerged.
"All of us agreed that we owe you a debt for your actions," Sirzechs continued.
"So we decided to gift you with a weapon," Ajuka said, pulling out an object covered in black cloth. Serafall removed the cloth, revealing a massive silvered steel sword with a heavy double-edged blade, notched on both sides near the tip. The pommel had several spikes that split open. The grip was plain, but the guard was skeletal, with a skull design on each side, leading to a ribcage from which the blade emerged. On one side of the blade was a human skull, while the other side depicted a horned demon's skull. The crossguard was folded against the ribs.
"We decided the best way to repay that debt was to create this weapon," Sirzechs continued. "We contacted Naegleria Nebiros, one of the best blacksmiths in the Underworld, to create it."
"She used mithril to craft the sword," Ajuka explained. "During the forging process, all four of us embedded a part of ourselves into the weapon."
"From me, this sword cannot be destroyed by any means," Sirzechs said. "I briefly entered my Ultimate State, He Who Destroys All, and held the sword. My Power of Destruction wasn't able to destroy it."
"From me, with one swing of this sword, you can unleash ice as cold as Cocytus," Serafall said.
"From me, when you block an attack with this sword, all the energy from that attack is absorbed. You can then fire that collected energy back at your enemy in one large attack," Falbium added.
"From me, it integrates all the Maou's abilities into a single weapon," Ajuka concluded.
"I see," Ichigo said, grabbing the sword. Suddenly, the office began to shake. An orb rose from Sirzechs' office. Ichigo and the Maou recognized it immediately—a Sin. Before anyone could react, the orb shot toward Ichigo. As soon as it touched him, he felt an overwhelming rush of rage and anger flood through him. The Jigoku no Yoroi appeared, and the Sin merged with the armor. The Jigoku no Yoroi transformed. Ichigo now wore a black suit of armor. The suit is decorated with skulls and bones. There is a skull on each shoulder to functions as a shoulder pad and covers parts of the forearm. The rest of the arm is covered in armor which resembles bones. Two more skulls covered each side of his chest. His lower chest is protected with more bone-like armor. There is a spiked skirt around his waist. Ichigo's legs are covered with bone-like armor with another skull on each of his kneecaps. He finally has on a set of bone-like boots with a skull on each toe cap. The skulls on the Jigoku no Yoroi glowed red, and Ichigo's brown eyes gained a crimson glow around them.
"It appears the Sin of Wrath has found Ichigo worthy of the Sin," Sirzechs said. Ichigo nodded.
"Indeed," Ichigo said, looking at his armor. "It also appears that the Jigoku no Yoroi and the Sin of Wrath have combined," he added. The four Maou nodded in agreement.
"Have you thought about a name for the sword?" Serafall asked. Ichigo cracked a smile.
"I do," Ichigo said. "Rebellion, The Sword of Wrath." The skull on the weapon glowed red as the sword transformed with crimson highlights. The blade ignited with Hellfire, merging with the Jigoku no Yoroi. Ichigo quickly dispelled the sword and armor.
"Anything else?" he asked. The Maou shook their heads. Ichigo turned to Grayfia.
"Follow me, Kurosaki-sama," Grayfia said. Ichigo nodded as he followed her out of Sirzechs' office.
Scene Change: Kurosaki Household
Ichigo spent the next few hours with Grayfia at a bank, setting up an account for each member of the peerage. He didn't realize just how much money he had. Grayfia also arranged for a personal banker to assist Ichigo in investing his money in stocks and bonds. Ichigo finally returned to the Kurosaki Household in the evening, where everyone had already returned home from school.
"Can I see everyone in the living room if you're available?" Ichigo broadcasted through the peerage connection, excluding Tier and Nel. Ichigo sat in the living room and waited. A few minutes later, everyone gathered in the living room.
"Thank you for coming," Ichigo said. "I have a few announcements for everyone." He handed an envelope to each person. "In this envelope is a credit card that I set up for you. The credit card limit is 112,000 yen (approximately 1,000 dollars). If you work or need to take care of your children..." Ichigo looked at Masaki and Tearju. "Your credit card limit is 224,000 yen (approximately 2,000 dollars)," he added. "Now then, Hana and Archer, have you considered what you're planning to do?"
"I'm planning to start my own YouTube channel and become a competitive gamer," Hana said.
"I plan to open my own restaurant," Archer added.
"Tomorrow, the head builder and designer will come to talk with Akasha about the new house/compound. After they're done with Akasha, you can talk with them about your restaurant," Ichigo explained. Archer nodded. "Have you decided where you want it?"
Rin nodded. "Yes."
"The other thing is that tomorrow, I am leaving for Europe," Ichigo said. "Artoria and Scáthach, would you want to accompany me?"
"As you wish," Artoria replied.
"Sure," Scáthach added.
Medea raised her hand, and Ichigo nodded at her. "When are you meeting with the Greek Gods?" she asked.
"After I'm done with Britain," Ichigo answered.
"Are you planning to return here or fly straight there?" she asked again.
"I'm not sure…" Ichigo said.
"Can I join you?" Medea asked.
"Sure," Ichigo replied.
"My God. May Zealot attend his Holiness's journey?" Zealot asked.
"If that is what you want," Ichigo replied. Zealot dropped to her knees and began mumbling her thanks.
"Why are you going there?" Karin asked, looking at Ichigo.
"It's part of my duties as the Jigoku no Kōtei. I need to meet with the remaining Gods of Death to reestablish old agreements with them," Ichigo lied, not wanting to reveal the other reason for going to Britain.
"I see..." Karin said, though she seemed unsure.
"Anyone else have anything to add?" Ichigo asked.
"If you haven't already, come see me if you want to add your ideas to the compound," Akasha said.
"Also, all the Servants coming with me, please meet me in my room," Ichigo said. Artoria, Scáthach, Medea, and Zealot nodded in acknowledgment.
"With that, this meeting is adjourned," Ichigo concluded. Some went to Akasha, while others returned to their activities.
Ichigo walked back upstairs, followed by the servants. Once in his room, they discussed the flight arrangements. "So, do all of you want to sit on the plane as we fly to London?" Ichigo asked.
"My God, this foolish Zealot wishes to ask about this plane," Zealot said.
"First off, Zealot… you are not foolish," Ichigo reassured her. "Second, a plane or airplane is a mechanical vehicle that allows us to travel in the air."
"Is it similar to a dragon?" Medea asked.
"Similar," Ichigo replied.
"I wish to experience this airplane," Scáthach said. Medea and Zealot nodded in agreement.
"How long is the flight?" Artoria asked.
"Give me one second," Ichigo said as he checked the flight details. "It's a nonstop flight that will last approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes."
"I wish to also join them," Artoria said.
Ichigo nodded, then proceeded to purchase five one-way tickets to London for the following day. "All right then, tomorrow around 9 AM, we fly to London," he said. "Since it's a long flight, you may bring books or something to entertain yourselves."
"Is it possible for you to send us to the trainer when we're bored?" Artoria asked.
"Sure," Ichigo replied. Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Ichigo called.
The door opened to reveal Yuzu standing there. "Dinner is ready," she said.
"Thank you, Yuzu," Ichigo replied. She nodded and left. "Come on, let's eat," Ichigo said. They all followed him downstairs.
Ichigo noticed Moka and Akasha were in the kitchen, cooking dinner. They had prepared steaks in rare, medium-rare, and well-done styles to accommodate everyone's preferences. Masaki handed everyone a bowl of rice. The group enjoyed the variety of flavors, appreciating the difference in each steak's taste. Soon after, dinner was finished.
Ichigo took a quick shower and headed to bed, choosing to ignore the girls slowly filing in to join him.
Now then, I know that some people are questioning why Ichigo appears to be 'struggling' in most of the fights he's in. The reason he seems to struggle in certain battles is that he is intentionally limiting his powers, similar to Kenpachi. Ichigo doesn't fully unleash his abilities unless he encounters someone who truly deserves a beating, wants to test someone's power further, or seeks an honorable fight. When Ichigo fought Sairaorg, he stuck to hand-to-hand combat because Sairaorg had no special powers, only his combat skills. It was only when Sairaorg entered Balance Breaker that Ichigo released Shunkō.
Author's Notes:
Yusei's chant for Stardust Spark Dragon from Yugioh 5D's manga.
Jack's chant for Jeweled Red Dragon Archfiend/Hot Red Dragon Archfiend from Yugioh 5D's manga.
Raikōhō is a kidō that Kōga Kuchiki used in Episode 252 of Bleach anime. I gave it #52 because of the episode number.
This is a kidō that Aizen used in Chapter 388 of Bleach manga or Episode 292 of Bleach anime. I gave it #40 for no reason.