Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter was originally 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.
Hello everyone, Thunder here. I hope everyone is staying safe.
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot.
Please support the official release.
"Hello." – Normal talking
"Hello." – Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Chapter 59:
Akasha opened her eyes.
"Ow, my head," she thought as her eyes slowly focused. She realized she was in bed. "What happened last night?" she wondered. She glanced over at Ichigo, who was bare-chested. Her eyes widened when she noticed his neck and upper chest covered in love bites. "Did I do that?" she wondered to herself.
Her subtle movements woke Ichigo.
"Good morning," he said, turning to look at her.
"D-Did I do that?" Akasha asked, pointing at the love bites on his body. Ichigo chuckled.
"You were very hungry for dessert after we left Evanescence," he teased.
Akasha's face immediately flushed bright red.
"D-d-did we go all the way?" she stammered.
"No," Ichigo replied. "You just decided to mark your claim for the rest of the car ride."
"I-I see…" Akasha said, her face still flushed. "I need to take a shower." She pulled the blanket off herself, only to freeze when she noticed even more love bites on his body. She quickly ran to the bathroom.
Ichigo chuckled as he stood up, allowing his body to heal from all the love bites Akasha had inflicted on him. He dressed in a simple white shirt and black sweatpants, then walked out of the room. Just as he stepped into the hallway, someone slammed into his leg. He looked down to see it was Kunou.
"Morning Papa!" Kunou shouted.
"Good morning Kunou," Ichigo said, bending down to lift her up. "Have you seen your Mama?" he asked.
Kunou looked behind her.
"Mama was chasing me earlier," Kunou said. Suddenly, something grabbed her and lifted her out of Ichigo's arms.
"Huh!?" Kunou cried in confusion. The invisibility spell faded to reveal Yasaka.
"Mama?" Kunou said.
"Yes, you little sneaky brat," Yasaka said with a smile. "I knew you were trying to hide from me to avoid lessons."
"No," Kunou lied, "I wanted to say good morning to Papa," she said innocently.
"She did do that," Ichigo defended with a grin.
"Fine," Yasaka said, rolling her eyes. "After breakfast, you're having classes with me."
"Fine," Kunou sighed in defeat.
Ichigo, Kunou, and Yasaka made their way to the dining room.
"Yasaka," Ichigo said as they walked.
"Yes, Ichigo?" she replied.
"I need to have a private conversation with Amaterasu-sama," Ichigo said.
"Give me a moment," Yasaka said.
They arrived at the dining room, where Yasaka and Kunou took their seats. Ichigo sat at the head of the table.
"Good morning, Ichigo-sama," Sakuya greeted as she handed him his breakfast.
"Good morning, Sakuya," Ichigo replied. "Is there anything important for me?"
Sakuya shook her head.
"There are no matters of importance at this time," she said.
"Thank you. Carry on with your morning duties."
"Very well, Ichigo-sama," she said, then disappeared. Ichigo began eating his breakfast.
"Ichigo?" Yasaka said, breaking his concentration.
"What did Amaterasu-sama say?" Ichigo asked.
"When you finish eating, feel free to open a Garganta to her office," Yasaka said.
"Thank you for asking her."
"No problem," Yasaka replied with a smile.
Ichigo finished his meal and stood up. After saying a quick goodbye, he opened a golden Garganta to Amaterasu's office.
Scene Change: Amaterasu's Office
Ichigo appeared in Amaterasu's office. He saw her sitting at her desk, reading some scrolls.
"Hello, Ichigo-kun," she said with a warm smile.
"Hello, Amaterasu. Thank you for seeing me," Ichigo replied.
"No problem for my favorite son," she said affectionately. "What do you need?"
"I was wondering if you could help me find a God or Goddess of Death."
"Hm…" Amaterasu hummed thoughtfully. "I assumed you've already talked to Odin, Ankou, and Hades."
"And Osiris," Ichigo added.
"Wow. I thought Osiris faded," she said.
"A fragment remained to help with Atem," Ichigo clarified, recalling his brief visit to Egypt.
"I see…" Amaterasu mumbled. "I think I know someone. Stay here." She stood up and left her office.
"While Amaterasu-sama is gone, let's deal with the gift Gilgamesh gave you," Yhwach said from within Ichigo's mind.
"You wish to use it as a Schrift?" Ichigo guessed.
"Indeed," Yhwach confirmed.
"Very well," Ichigo replied. Yhwach appeared, holding an unnamed Schrift and Bab-ilu. Ichigo took Bab-ilu and stabbed it into the unnamed Schrift. He twisted Bab-ilu as if unlocking a door. Red lines shot around the Schrift as Bab-ilu was slowly absorbed into it. When it was fully absorbed, Ichigo placed the Schrift on his chest.
"I, Kurosaki Ichigo, bestow this Schrift upon myself," Ichigo declared, pushing the Schrift inside him. He didn't feel any different.
"Did anything happen?" Ichigo asked.
"A giant golden temple appeared in your mindscape," Kyōka replied.
"Ok thank you," Ichigo said.
"I name this Schrift: Schrift G: The Gate of Babylon," Ichigo announced.
"Very well," Yhwach said as he returned to his mindscape. Amaterasu returned to her office, but she wasn't alone. She was accompanied by two beings.
The first was a large, white, quadrupedal creature with a black-toned underbelly and a golden wheel-like cross attached to its torso.
The other was a long, platinum-colored, segmented creature with six legs, ghostly wings with red spikes, and six rib-like yellow rings encircling its neck, with a pale yellow ornament on its head resembling a human collarbone.
"Ichigo, meet Arceus and Giratina," Amaterasu introduced.
Arceus and Giratina nodded in acknowledgment.
"Hello," Ichigo said, taking them in with a curious gaze.
"Ichigo have you heard of Pokémon(1)?" Amaterasu asked.
"I have…" Ichigo said, smirking. "Let me guess, Pokémon are real?"
"He's much smarter than he looks," Arceus commented, and Giratina nodded in agreement.
"In another universe, Pokémon are real," Amaterasu said.
"How informed are you about the Pokémon Universe?" Giratina asked.
"I'm aware of the general plot from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh," Ichigo replied, recalling the storylines of their respective games.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself," Arceus said. "I am the creator of the Pokémon Universe."
"And I am Giratina, ruler of the Reverse World where the souls of dead Pokémon and humans reside (2)," Giratina added.
"Nice to meet you," Ichigo said.
"Have you heard of Ash Ketchum?" Arceus asked.
"Isn't he the protagonist of the Pokémon animated series?" Ichigo guessed.
"Indeed," Arceus said. "Can you recall the first episode of the series?"
"Hm… Ash Ketchum started his journey with a Pikachu. He was in a forest when he was attacked by Spearow. The sky turned into a lightning storm, and Pikachu defended Ash. Soon, the lightning storm parted, revealing a rainbow and Ho-Oh flying through the sky," Ichigo recalled.
"Correct. That is what was supposed to happen," Arceus said. "But it didn't happen in our universe."
"What happened?" Ichigo asked.
"One of the lightning bolts destroyed Pikachu's Poké Ball. Pikachu quickly ran off to save itself. Ash fell unconscious. The Spearow continued to attack the unconscious boy, ultimately killing him," Arceus explained.
"I see…" Ichigo said. "Let me guess, you want me to replace Ash Ketchum."
"Indeed," Arceus replied. "While you're there, try not to use your powers as much as possible. The only abilities humans have there are aura manipulation and psychic abilities."
"I'll try," Ichigo said. "What do I get in exchange for my help?"
"When you return, you can keep any Pokémon you capture, as long as they know the truth about you," Arceus said.
"As for me," Giratina interjected, "I will grant you the opportunity to earn my blessing."
"Clarify what you mean," Ichigo asked.
"On your journey, I will send you a test. If you pass, I will grant you my blessing for the Death Quest."
"And if I fail?" Ichigo asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Hopefully, you don't fail," Giratina said with a glare.
"How long will I be on my Pokémon journey?" Ichigo asked.
"Hm… time dilation…" Arceus muttered. "A year in our universe is about a week in yours."
"I see… but how long will I be in your dimension?" Ichigo asked.
"Maybe three or four years," Arceus guessed.
"Do you want me to visit every region?" Ichigo asked, recalling that the Pokémon series has multiple regions, each with its own plot.
"No," Arceus replied. "You'll only be required to visit Kanto, Sinnoh, Kalos, and Alola. The other regions are optional."
"Wait… what's Kalos and Alola?" Ichigo asked.
"Ah, my mistake," Arceus said. "Unova, Kalos, Alola, and Galar are the future Pokémon regions after Sinnoh."
"And you want me to visit four of them," Ichigo said, processing the information.
"Yes. The issues with those regions are not as detrimental as the situation in Kanto, Sinnoh, Kalos, and Alola," Arceus explained.
"Will I be allowed to bring any companions with me?" Ichigo asked.
"Unfortunately no," Arceus replied. "We already know that having you enter our dimension will cause some repercussions. We fear that if anyone else enters, the consequences will be much more severe."
"I see…" Ichigo said.
"Can I have a few hours to speak with my peerage before going?" Ichigo asked.
"Better yet, I'll return in a day. It will give me time to create your background," Arceus said.
"Thanks." Ichigo opened a golden Garganta and stepped through.
"I will be preparing my test for Ichigo," Giratina said, as a violet portal appeared in front of it.
"Are you sure about this?" Arceus asked.
Giratina glared at Arceus. "You dare show concern now, Father?"
Arceus sighed. "Giratina, how many times do I—"
Giratina dove into the portal, and it closed behind it. Arceus sighed once more.
"So, will you keep your end of the bargain?" Amaterasu asked.
Arceus let out another sigh. "Are you sure you want me to do that to him when I'm done?"
Amaterasu nodded slowly.
"While it's something I hate doing, I need him there… to replace him," Amaterasu said.
"I hope he isn't angry with us if he finds out about this," Arceus said, before stepping into a golden portal.
Amaterasu let out a long sigh. "I hope you forgive me, Ichigo."
Scene Change: Ichigo Estate
Ichigo appeared in his office and sat down. Sakuya entered, carrying a pot of tea.
"Thank you, Sakuya," Ichigo said as he drank the tea. She stood silently, waiting for his orders.
"I will be having a full peerage meeting. You, Yuri, and Saeko will also attend," Ichigo said.
"Very well, Ichigo-sama," Sakuya said. "Will it be in the throne room?"
"We have a throne room?" Ichigo asked.
"We do. Allow me to show you," Sakuya said. Ichigo followed her out of his office.
Eventually, they arrived in a large, spacious room. Ichigo noticed that the walls were lined with statues of himself, each depicting him wielding one of his many Zanpakutōs or his Symbol of Authority. In the center of the room sat a single throne, a metallic black chair with crimson leather.
Ichigo sighed and walked over to sit on the throne. He felt a connection to the entire estate.
"To the entire peerage, we will be having a full peerage meeting in the Throne Room," Ichigo broadcasted.
He pulled out his phone and called the crew aboard the Uzushio.
"Hello, Captain," Marvelous answered. "Need something?"
"I'll be having a meeting at my location. Can you and your crew show up?"
"Sure. It'll take a few minutes," Marvelous said, before hanging up.
Slowly, his entire peerage entered the throne room.
Artoria and Gilgamesh kneeled before him. Ichigo mentally groaned as the other members of his peerage followed suit. Behind them, Sakuya, Yuri, and Saeko entered the room, but they weren't alone. All the homunculus maids and Damasen entered behind them. Ichigo watched as Damasen shrank himself to about two meters tall (roughly seven feet) to fit inside the estate. They too joined the peerage, taking a knee before him. Ichigo sensed seven beams of light approaching the wards. He allowed them entry, permitting them to phase through the roof and floors. The beams landed on the ground and dissipated, revealing Marvelous, Joe, Luka, Don, Ahim, Gai, and Seekvaira. Upon seeing the others kneeling, they immediately followed suit.
A Garganta opened, and Tier and Nel stepped out. They calmly joined the others, kneeling as well.
"I think that's everyone," Ichigo thought.
"Rise and listen carefully," Ichigo commanded. Everyone stood and gave him their full attention.
"I will be going on a journey alone," Ichigo began. "Due to time dilation, I'm not sure how long I will be gone. Based on the math, I should be gone no longer than a month."
"Akasha, Artoria, and Gilgamesh will oversee things in my absence. Yasaka, Tamamo, Tier, and Nel will handle foreign affairs with our allies. Raikou, Zealot, Sakuya, Yuri, and Saeko will manage the estate's defenses and maintenance. Marvelous will continue to run the Uzushio and will inform Akasha of any anomalies."
"Yes, Sir," Marvelous said.
Ichigo scanned his audience. "Any questions?"
"I do," Yuzu said. "Why are you acting as if we won't be able to communicate with you, Ichi-nii? The Peerage Connection allows us to communicate across dimensions." Tier and Nel nodded in agreement.
"Excellent question, Yuzu," Ichigo said. "I'm not traveling within our universe."
"The Uzushio should be able to establish contact with you while you're in another universe," Don said.
"That's true," Ichigo acknowledged, "but there's also a time dilation between our universe and theirs."
"How big of a change?" Karin asked.
"A week here is about a year there," Ichigo explained.
"I… see," Yuzu said.
"Will the Shinigami be informed of your disappearance?" Masaki asked.
"Hm…"
"Should I?" Ichigo wondered aloud.
"Well, I believe we should… just as a courtesy," Kyōka suggested.
"Based on what Arceus said, we won't be able to let them loose for a long time. Maybe we should test those Taichō and Fukutaichō to make sure they haven't gotten weak on us," Zangetsu proposed with a grin.
"While I like Zangetsu's suggestion, how far should we take it?" Ichigo asked.
"Maybe one ability per person," Yhwach suggested. "That would make it more challenging."
"Depending on the combatant, you could show off more," Suzumebachi suggested.
"We should also make them sign a contract not to reveal anything they saw," Hōgyoku added.
"Great," Ichigo said. "I'll let them know and let loose for a bit."
"What do you mean?" Akasha asked.
"I've decided to test the Taichō and Fukutaichō before I leave," Ichigo explained.
"Will we be allowed to watch… if we want to?" Karin asked.
"Sure. It will be in the Trainer. I'll make a separate dimension for us, the Shinigami spectators, and all of you," Ichigo said, pulling out the Trainer. "Those of you who don't wish to spectate are free to leave."
The members of the Uzushio waved goodbye before they disappeared in a beam of light. All the maids and Damasen quietly filed out of the throne room.
"Sorry, Ichigo, I've been trying to help Tier enter Resurrección: Segunda Etapa," Nel apologized before leaving the room.
Ichigo turned to the remaining peerage. "All of you wish to spectate?"
They all nodded in agreement.
Ichigo pressed a few buttons on the Trainer, creating three pocket dimensions. The first one was for the fight, the second one for the Shinigami spectators, and the last one for the peerage. The second dimension could only see the first one, while the third could see both. Ichigo pointed the Trainer at them and began sending them into the designated dimensions.
"Ichigo," Yhwach called out.
"Yes, Yhwach?" Ichigo replied.
"I finished it," Yhwach said.
"Great," Ichigo replied. "Will I retain the ability to shift into them?"
"You still do," Yhwach confirmed.
Soon, Akasha was the last one outside.
"Before I send you in, Yhwach informed me that he finished it," Ichigo said.
"I see," Akasha said.
"Come, Nemean Lion," Ichigo called as he raised his left arm. The space around his arm rippled as the Nemean Lion leaped out. Akasha looked into the lion's soulless, red eyes.
"Yep. Exactly like my Noble Phantasm," Akasha said.
"Great," Ichigo said, recalling the Nemean Lion.
"I decided to rename the Schrift from Schrift S: The Shifter to Schrift O: The Oversoul," Yhwach added.
"I'm going to send you to the Trainer," Ichigo said.
"Sure," Akasha replied.
Ichigo sent her to the Trainer. After that, he pulled out his phone and called Urahara.
"Hello Ichigo," Urahara greeted.
"Hello, Urahara. Just letting you know I'm opening a Garganta to Genryūsai's office," Ichigo said.
"Is it a private meeting?"
"Nah. I'll likely call for a Taichō and Fukutaichō meeting about it."
"That's convenient. We're having our monthly meeting right now—without the Fukutaichō, though," Urahara said.
"Great. Please call for them, and I'll add my thing at the end of the agenda," Ichigo said before hanging up. He opened a Garganta and left.
Scene Change: First Division Office: Taichō Meeting Room
"Urahara-Taichō, I assume Ichigo is coming?" Genryūsai asked as soon as Urahara ended the call.
"Yep. He asked us to call our Fukutaichō. He'll add his thing—whatever it is—at the end of the agenda," Urahara replied. Ichigo casually walked out of the Garganta that had just appeared.
"Hello, everyone," Ichigo said as he sat down in his seat. "Carry on with the meeting," he added.
"We were about to finish when you showed up," Genryūsai remarked.
"I see... I'll take the floor when the Fukutaichōs show up," Ichigo said. Slowly, all the Fukutaichōs entered silently and took their seats. As soon as the last one arrived, Ichigo stood and addressed the Taichōs and Fukutaichōs.
"Tomorrow, I will be gone for at least a month," Ichigo began.
"But you're usually gone for longer and haven't informed us," Genryūsai noted.
"This time, I will be in another universe," Ichigo replied.
"A-another universe?" Urahara asked, taken aback.
"Indeed. I won't be able to be contacted at all," Ichigo said.
"So, you decided to contact us just to inform us of this?" Genryūsai asked.
"Partially," Ichigo acknowledged. "I also wanted to see if all of you have improved since then," he added.
"So, we're going to fight you?" Kenpachi asked eagerly.
"Correct," Ichigo confirmed. Many of them exchanged shocked glances. "Now, now," Ichigo said, attempting to calm them. "We'll be in a safe pocket dimension. You're free to go all out on me," he assured them. Ichigo began handing out sheets of paper.
"A contract?" Genryūsai asked, eyeing the papers.
"Yes," Ichigo said. "This will prevent any of us from revealing our secrets to others." He paused, looking at Shinji. "You also have the option to hide it from others if you truly don't want anyone to see," Ichigo added. Slowly, everyone signed the contract. Some were excited, while others hesitated before signing.
Ichigo pulled out the Trainer and sent everyone inside.
"Hōgyoku, if you could," Ichigo asked. Hōgyoku appeared beside him.
"Good luck," she said as she sent Ichigo to the Trainer.
Scene Change: Trainer: Pocket Dimension 1
Everyone looked around and saw they were standing in a flat clearing under the bright sun.
"So, who wishes to go first?" Ichigo asked.
"I do!" Kenpachi yelled eagerly. Ichigo smiled.
"You no doubt will be an excellent fight," Ichigo said. "However, in a real fight, you don't know when you'll enter the fray." Ichigo snapped his fingers, and a man in a light pink suit appeared. He wore a small headset on his right ear and held a hat in his hand.
"He is the Announcer. He'll draw a number from his hat," Ichigo explained. The Announcer gently shook the hat. The sound of paper rustling filled the air. "There are 14 sheets of paper inside, each corresponding to a division. The Announcer will draw a number, and the Taichō of that division will decide whether the Taichō or Fukutaichō will go first. The number is removed once both are selected," Ichigo continued.
"Lame," Kenpachi grumbled as the Announcer drew a sheet of paper.
"Number Two," the Announcer said.
Everyone turned to Yoruichi.
"Yoruichi-sama," Suì-Fēng said, her voice filled with anticipation. Yoruichi glanced at her Fukutaichō.
"Yes, Suì-Fēng?" Yoruichi replied.
"Please, let me go first," Suì-Fēng requested.
Yoruichi studied her Fukutaichō, seeing the burning desire in her eyes.
"Fine," Yoruichi said. Ichigo snapped his fingers, sending everyone to Pocket Dimension 2. He turned to Suì-Fēng.
"Do you want everyone to see our fight?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes," Suì-Fēng growled.
"3… 2… 1… FIGHT!" The Announcer yelled as he disappeared.
Suì-Fēng shunpō'ed in front of Ichigo, landing a punch to his gut. Ichigo stood still and absorbed the hit. With a smirk, Ichigo returned the favor with a punch aimed at her head. Suì-Fēng quickly shunpō'ed away. Ichigo smirked and shunpō'ed right in front of her, landing a punch to her face. She was sent flying several feet away before doing a backflip and landing on her feet. She glared at Ichigo, who stood waiting, taunting her.
"SHUNKŌ!" she shouted, charging at him. Waves of reiatsu flowed around her like a cyclone, making her attacks much faster than before.
"Looks like you're starting to get serious," Ichigo observed as a wave of reiatsu surrounded him. He stared at Suì-Fēng, who glared at him with intense hatred.
"Don't blink," Ichigo warned. He suddenly appeared in front of her and landed a sidekick. "Or you'll miss me." Suì-Fēng was sent flying over 100 feet. Ichigo dashed toward her.
"Dammit!" Suì-Fēng yelled, using her reiatsu to stop herself in midair. She saw Ichigo closing in and quickly drew her Zanpakutō. "Sting all enemies to death, Suzumebachi!" she cried, charging at Ichigo and attempting to stab him with her blade.
Ichigo smirked, summoning Suzumebachi and wielding them as a single sword. Suì-Fēng shunpō'ed directly in front of him.
"I got you," she thought as she stabbed him with Suzumebachi. To her shock, the tip of Suzumebachi failed to penetrate Ichigo's skin. Ichigo smirked, taking advantage of her surprise. With swift precision, he raised his butterfly sword and slashed downwards. Suì-Fēng quickly pushed herself away from him, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Gah!" Suì-Fēng cried out in pain as Ichigo's blade cut through her Onmitsukidō uniform and into her body. She looked down and saw blood starting to seep from the wound.
"Come on, Suì-Fēng-Fukutaichō. I know you have Bankai. Show me," Ichigo teased. She glared at him, fury burning in her eyes.
"You want to see?" Suì-Fēng growled, yellow reiatsu beginning to glow around her. "Then here it is! BANKAI!" she screamed.
A pillar of light-blue reiatsu shot up, kicking up dust in all directions. When the dust cleared, Ichigo saw a large gold-armored missile launcher base encasing Suì-Fēng's right arm, reaching above her shoulder. The Bankai was a massive pointed golden cylinder with black markings, twice the size of Suì-Fēng herself.
"Jakuhō Raikōben," she growled, pointing it at Ichigo. Ichigo could see fins pop out from the golden missile.
"TAKE THIS!" Suì-Fēng yelled as she fired her missile. The golden projectile launched from Jakuhō Raikōben toward Ichigo. He cracked a smile as it soared toward him. With a swift motion, Ichigo threw the other butterfly sword into his hand and dual-wielded them.
"Sting all Enemies to Death, Suzumebachi," Ichigo said as the missile made an impact. The explosion engulfed him. Suì-Fēng stabilized herself with Shunkō.
"Wait… what did he just say?" she thought, eyes wide in confusion. As the dust settled, Ichigo stood there, his right palm facing outward. His right arm was covered in a black-and-gold gauntlet.
"How do you have that?" she questioned. In the blink of an eye, Ichigo appeared right in front of her.
"I'll tell you later." Ichigo began to attack with rapid punches. Suì-Fēng struggled to defend herself, wielding the now-empty Jakuhō Raikōben.
"This is why I hate this thing," she thought as she desperately tried to defend herself.
"Ichigo," Suzumebachi suddenly called out.
"Yes, Suzumebachi?" Ichigo replied.
"I want you to use my Bankai on her. Show her how weak she is," Suzumebachi said.
"As you wish," Ichigo responded. In an instant, he jumped away from Suì-Fēng, golden reiatsu swirling around him.
"What is he doing?" Suì-Fēng thought, maintaining her guard.
"Since you showed me your incomplete Bankai, allow me to show you what could have been your Bankai," Ichigo said, his voice calm but heavy with intent.
"What?" Suì-Fēng questioned, confusion spreading.
"Bankai," Ichigo declared.
A massive explosion of golden reiatsu erupted, momentarily blocking Suì-Fēng's line of sight. As the golden reiatsu settled, Suì-Fēng's eyes widened in shock at the sight before her. Ichigo stood in a sleek, black armored suit with golden highlights. Two large automatic rifles were strapped to his waist, and two missiles, reminiscent of Jakuhō Raikōben, were mounted on his shoulders.
"Konzetsu-sha Suzumebachi [Eradicator Hornet," Ichigo said. "As you can tell, this Bankai is similar to Jakuhō Raikōben." Ichigo drew the automatic rifles and began firing. Yellow bullets rained down toward Suì-Fēng. She shunpō'ed away, narrowly avoiding the barrage.
Ichigo smiled, continuing to fire. But then, Suì-Fēng felt something strike her. Looking down, she realized what had happened. The yellow bullets, upon impact, exploded, releasing smaller golden bullets that scattered in all directions. Suì-Fēng's momentary distraction allowed Ichigo to fire again. The golden bullets pierced through Jakuhō Raikōben's armor, and she winced as blood began to drip from the wounds.
Ichigo, aiming his rifle directly at her, spoke with chilling calmness.
"Suzumebachi hates you for what you did," he said before firing his final shot. The bullet flew straight at her forehead.
"Winner. Ichigo Kurosaki," the Announcer declared.
Suì-Fēng's body healed instantly and was sent back to Dimension 2. A screen appeared in front of Ichigo. He turned to the spectators in Dimension 2, sealed Suzumebachi, and sent her back to his mindscape. The others stared, shocked by Ichigo's actions.
"This is a warning," Ichigo said, his voice firm. "When the battle begins, treat me as your enemy. Any questions will be answered in the end." The Announcer appeared and drew another sheet of paper from the hat.
"Number Seven," he called out.
Everyone looked at Love.
"I will go," Love said, stepping forward. The screen vanished, and Love appeared in front of Ichigo, having left his haori behind in his seat. All the damage from the previous battle was restored. He drew his Zanpakutō and pointed it at Ichigo.
"You ready?" he asked.
Ichigo got into a fighting stance.
"3… 2… 1… FIGHT!" The Announcer yelled before vanishing.
"Crush Down, Tengumaru!" Love yelled as his Zanpakutō transformed into an enormous black kanabō, covered in bladed protrusions. He swung it down toward Ichigo. Ichigo swiftly countered with an uppercut to Tengumaru. The recoil surged through Love, temporarily stunning him. Ichigo appeared in front of him and began launching quick strikes.
Love spun Tengumaru above his head, using the blunt end to slam it down on Ichigo's forehead, sending him flying away. Love pointed Tengumaru at Ichigo, and fire surrounded the weapon.
"Hifuki no Koduchi!" Love shouted, sending a massive fireball toward Ichigo. Ichigo raised his hand and sliced through the fireball, splitting it in two. As the remnants of the explosion flew past him, Ichigo noticed Love had disappeared.
"Hifuki no Bō! [Fire-Blowing Club]" Love called out. Ichigo looked up just in time to see Tengumaru, now engulfed in flames, slam down toward him. The resulting explosion shook the ground. Love hovered in the air, watching as the fire consumed the earth below.
"I know this isn't enough to keep you down," Love said, his tone confident.
"You're right," Ichigo responded, shunpō'ing in front of Love. He stood there, bare-chested in his Hakama, unaffected by the storm of fire.
"Good job," Ichigo said, his tone shifting to one of respect. "But now, it's time for me to get serious." Ichigo activated Schrift K: The Kataigída. The sky darkened as storm clouds gathered. The wind howled as rain began to pour, dousing the fire around them. Ichigo extended his hand, and a lightning bolt exploded behind him.
"I summon the Wrath of the Heavens, Bringer of Storms, Rage of the Earth; Stormbreaker!" Ichigo yelled. Another bolt of lightning shot down to his hand. Love squinted, momentarily blinded. When his vision cleared, he saw Stormbreaker crackling with energy in Ichigo's grasp.
Ichigo pointed the weapon at Love, and a massive lightning bolt shot toward him. Love dodged, but before he could react, another bolt struck him in the back. He turned just as more lightning bolts rained down toward him.
"RAH!" Love roared, swinging Tengumaru in an attempt to block the bolts. Ichigo, appearing behind him, swung Stormbreaker's hammer side, striking Love in the back. Love crashed into the ground, groaning in pain. Ichigo stood tall, unfazed by the storm.
"Is this it, Love? Is this all you can do after all your training with the other Vizards?" Ichigo asked, his voice low and mocking.
Love swung Tengumaru around him, parting the dust. His glasses lay broken on the ground, and his eyes were filled with a burning rage.
"You might not know this, but none of the Vizards retained our Bankai," Love said, his voice gruff.
"Oh?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow.
Love nodded. Black and green reiatsu surged around him.
"Instead, we have this… Resurrección!" Love shouted as he was engulfed in his reiatsu. Ichigo stood his ground, watching calmly.
With a roar, Love dispelled the reiatsu, revealing his transformed state. He had grown much larger, his skin pale, and he now stood over ten feet tall. His face was obscured by a Hollow mask, and his clothes were shredded, leaving only remnants of his Hakama. Blue prayer beads wrapped around his wrists, ankles, and waist. In his hands, he gripped Tengumaru, now an even more terrifying club.
"Ikari Hakki Oni," Love growled. "Now let's see how you handle this!" He sonído'ed away in a blur. Ichigo smirked as he turned to face him. Love appeared behind him and swung Tengumaru at Ichigo's back. Ichigo blocked the attack with Stormbreaker, then quickly punched Love in the face with his left hand, sending him flying.
Love halted his flight with a burst of reiatsu and pointed Tengumaru at Ichigo. Black and green reiatsu gathered at the tip of the massive weapon.
"CERO!" Love growled as the large blast shot toward Ichigo. Ichigo smirked and threw Stormbreaker at the incoming attack as if wielding it like a tomahawk. The two forces collided in a massive explosion. Ichigo raised his arm and flicked his wrist. Stormbreaker shot out from the dust, slicing through the smoke, and returned to his hand.
Ichigo shunpō'ed in front of Love and struck him with an upward swing with the hammer side of Stormbreaker.
"GAH!" Love yelled as he was sent flying backward. Ichigo raised Stormbreaker once more. The sky rumbled, and another lightning bolt shot down, striking Love.
"GAHAH!" Love screamed. Ichigo shunpō'ed above him and slammed the hammer side of Stormbreaker into his back again.
"GAH!" Love coughed as he crashed into the ground. Ichigo shunpō'ed down, landing beside Love, and saw that he had collapsed, his Resurrección fading.
"Winner, Ichigo Kurosaki," the Announcer declared.
Love was fully healed and sent back to Dimension 2. Ichigo sealed Schrift K: The Kataigída. The screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared. He reached into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number Ten," he called.
Everyone turned their gaze to Toshiro, who stood up.
"I'll go," Toshiro said, stepping forward. He was teleported out and appeared before Ichigo, drawing his Zanpakutō. Ichigo nodded and summoned Kōsetsu. Both fighters pointed their respective weapons at one another.
"Three... Two... One... Fight!" The Announcer yelled before disappearing.
Toshiro and Ichigo shunpō'ed toward each other, exchanging powerful blows. Both utilized pure Zanjutsu, each strike met with a block and a counterattack. Neither could land a solid hit.
Toshiro swept Ichigo's legs, knocking him off balance, and went for a downward strike, but Ichigo countered with a kick to Toshiro's chest, sending him several feet back. Both combatants paused, sizing each other up.
"Who taught you Zanjutsu?" Toshiro asked.
"I'm not telling," Ichigo cracked a small smile.
"Reign over the Frozen Heavens, Hyōrinmaru," Toshiro said, releasing his Zanpakutō.
"Dance, Sode no Shirayuki," Ichigo replied, releasing his own Zanpakutō. The sky darkened as snow began to fall.
"Hyōrinmaru!" Toshiro shouted as ice began to form around his blade, taking the shape of a Chinese Dragon. The dragon roared loudly before soaring toward Ichigo. Ichigo slashed through the dragon, splitting it into two.
"Juhaku," Ichigo muttered, stabbing the ground. The earth trembled as ice stalagmites shot up from beneath them. Toshiro leaped into the air to avoid them.
"Tsurarada!" Ichigo yelled as large icicles formed and shot toward Toshiro.
"Hyōrinmaru!" Toshiro countered, summoning more Chinese Dragons to destroy the icicles. Ichigo appeared behind Toshiro, ready to strike.
"Hakuren!" Ichigo shouted, releasing a blast of ice toward Toshiro. Toshiro shunpō'ed away just in time. The two stood, facing one another.
"Looks like we're in a stalemate," Ichigo said.
"Indeed," Toshiro agreed.
"I think we should kick this up a notch," Ichigo suggested.
"Agreed," Toshiro replied.
"BANKAI!" They both shouted in unison.
Ice quickly covered Toshiro's body, and a dragon's head formed around his right hand. Large wings sprouted from his back, and a long tail formed, encasing his left arm in ice that ended in a claw. His feet also became encased in ice, ending in sharp claws. Three ice flowers floated behind him, each with four purple petals.
"Daiguren Hyōrinmaru," Toshiro said.
Ichigo's appearance shifted as well. He wore a white, ankle-length kimono with intricate patterns and a collar that had ornate edges. The long, wide sleeves flowed with his movements. A small half-crown of ice formed around the back of his head, and his shoulder-length hair turned white.
"Saigo no mai, Eien no Shirayuki," Ichigo said.
The blizzard intensified, howling violently around them. Suddenly, Ichigo disappeared from Toshiro's sight.
"Where is he?" Toshiro thought, trying to sense Ichigo's reiatsu.
"AH!" Toshiro suddenly shouted, his head pounding.
"It seems Ichigo's reiatsu is spread throughout the blizzard," Toshiro thought. He caught a subtle movement in the corner of his eye and quickly turned to face it. Ichigo was already attacking.
"Ryūsenka," Toshiro said as he slashed at Ichigo. A massive burst of ice surrounded his attack, but Ichigo ignored the blast.
"I am the ice," Ichigo said, pointing his Zanpakutō at Toshiro.
"Hakuren!" Ichigo shouted again. Toshiro raised his winds in defense, but Ichigo's other hand grabbed his Zanpakutō, stopping him. The Hakuren blast erupted, and Toshiro was trapped in an ice pillar that sent him crashing to the ground. The ice shattered, but Toshiro shook off the excess ice, noticing that an entire petal of the ice flowers behind him had already melted.
The ground trembled again, and Toshiro quickly flew into the air to avoid the next attack. Ice stalagmites shot from the earth, heading straight for him. Toshiro blocked the attack with his tail and sword, but suddenly something slammed into his back. He tilted his head and saw Ichigo standing on his back.
"You should be paying attention to your surroundings," Ichigo warned.
More copies of Ichigo leaped at Toshiro, grabbing him and attacking. Toshiro, seeing the final ice petal melt away, smiled.
"This is when the true battle begins," he said.
In an instant, Toshiro and all of Ichigo's clones were trapped in a massive ice sphere. The sphere cracked and shattered, revealing a new figure.
Standing tall and imposing, the figure had ice-like armor on his shoulders, forearms, and knees. In his right hand, he wielded Hyōrinmaru. Ichigo appeared before Toshiro, smirking.
"Looks like Toshiro isn't short anymore," Ichigo said.
Toshiro chuckled. "It's temporary."
He shunpō'ed in front of Ichigo and stabbed him. Ichigo immediately turned into an ice statue, but Toshiro quickly pulled Hyōrinmaru out. The statue crumbled instantly, and Toshiro turned to find more clones of Ichigo rising from the snow.
"You may represent ice, but we are the cold winter," they said in unison. "As long as there is ice, we will remain." Another clone rose from the icy remains of its predecessor. They all charged at Toshiro. Any clone that touched Toshiro or was struck by Hyōrinmaru was instantly frozen and shattered, but two more would appear in its place.
"My god. They don't end," Toshiro thought as he continued to fend them off. But slowly, his movements began to slow, his attacks growing more sluggish. Eventually, he collapsed onto the snow-covered field. Daiguren Hyōrinmaru sealed itself as the clones of Ichigo disappeared. The real Ichigo walked to Toshiro's side and sealed Saigo no mai, Eien no Shirayuki. Ichigo snapped his fingers, and the field reset itself. The screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared. He reached into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number Five," Ichigo called out.
Everyone's eyes shifted to Shinji, who stood up and teleported to the battlefield.
"I don't want the spectators to see us," Shinji said.
"Very well," Ichigo replied.
"The challenger has requested this match be private," the Announcer announced before closing the connection to Dimension 2. He turned to Shinji. "It has been done."
"So, what trick will you be using?" Shinji asked, drawing his Zanpakutō. Ichigo cracked a smile.
"It wouldn't be a good trick if I told you now," Ichigo replied, summoning Tsuki no Hansha.
"3... 2... 1... GO!" The Announcer yelled before disappearing.
Ichigo and Shinji charged at each other, their Zanpakutōs clashing with powerful strikes.
"You've improved so much," Shinji remarked.
"Thanks," Ichigo said with a grin. He swept Shinji's leg, but Shinji quickly lifted his leg to dodge the sweep. Suddenly, Ichigo swung upwards and managed to land a hit.
"Good job, Ichigo," Shinji complimented.
"Thanks."
"Now let's see how you deal with this," Shinji said, his voice turning serious. "Collapse, Sakanade." The pommel of his sword transformed into a large white ring, and the blade became straight and slim with five holes along its length. Shinji began to spin Sakanade, releasing a cloud of pink smoke. Ichigo stood firm as the smoke reached him.
"Looks like you're trapped," Shinji said.
"Oh?" Ichigo questioned. Suddenly, he disappeared from Shinji's view and reappeared behind him, swinging his sword. Shinji barely managed to dodge in time.
"How are you not affected by Sakasama no Sekai?" Shinji asked.
"My body overpowered it," Ichigo answered. "You were there when Suì-Fēng tried to use her special technique on me." Shinji's eyes widened in realization. Ichigo shunpō'ed to Shinji and resumed attacking him. Shinji was forced to go on the defensive, blocking Ichigo's relentless strikes.
"Dammit," Shinji thought. "What can I do?"
"There is only one thing you could do," Sakanade grumbled.
Shinji sighed in frustration. "Are there any other alternatives?"
"Why are you being stubborn?" Sakanade growled.
"Fine then," Shinji muttered.
"Are you done talking with Sakanade?" Ichigo called.
"I am," Shinji said, lifting his hand. Sakanade began to spin rapidly, and Shinji glowed pink as the transformation began.
"Resurrección!" Shinji roared as he was engulfed in a surge of pink reiatsu, kicking up loose dirt and dust. The reiatsu settled, revealing Shinji now several feet taller. His bare chest was exposed, and his face was covered with a hollow mask, with golden hollow eyes glowing ominously. Six arms, each with three claws, floated around him, detached from his body. White spikes protruded from the elbow portions of his arms, and golden rings adorned his wrists, the base of his arms, and his chest, which bore a golden ring around his hollow hole.
"Mugen no Kanōsei Sakanade [Limitless Possibilities," Shinji growled, his voice now deep and beast-like. Shinji sonído'ed away, leaving behind six golden rings. The rings soared toward Ichigo, who stared at them. Suddenly, Shinji's arms emerged from the portals created by the rings and began to strike him. Ichigo immediately sent Tsuki no Hansha back to his mindscape and began punching back. Four of the six arms disappeared.
"Where did they go?" Ichigo thought as he dodged a punch.
"King behind you," Zangetsu warned.
Ichigo shunpō'ed away just in time to avoid four pink ceros. He appeared and saw the rings turn toward him. One of them showed Shinji's face.
"Dang it. I thought I managed to distract you," Shinji said, his face disappearing as pink ceros shot from the rings. Ichigo expertly dodged them.
"Can anyone sense Shinji?" Ichigo asked.
"He is behind those boulders, using a kidō to hide himself," Mysteria informed.
"I see it." Ichigo summoned Rebellion and blocked the incoming ceros with his sword, redirecting them toward Shinji.
"Shit!" Shinji thought as he leaped away, revealing himself in the process.
"I got you now!" Ichigo yelled as he pierced through Shinji's skin with his sword.
"Ghah!" Shinji coughed, and the golden rings surged toward Ichigo. Ichigo shunpō'ed away from Shinji, leaving Rebellion embedded in Shinji's chest. Shinji grabbed the sword, trying to pull it out, but to his shock, it wouldn't budge.
"What's going on?" Shinji thought as all six of his arms gripped Rebellion. Despite their efforts, the sword remained stuck. "Why does it feel so cold?" he wondered.
Suddenly, a massive glacier of ice erupted from Shinji's chest.
"GAH!" he screamed in pain. Ichigo appeared, calmly pulling Rebellion free from the remnants of Shinji's chest. Before Shinji could react, Ichigo stomped on his head, knocking him unconscious. Shinji's Resurrección dissipated, and his sealed Zanpakutō appeared beside him. His body was sent back to Dimension 2.
The screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared. He reached into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number Eight," he said.
Everyone looked at Lisa, and Nanao's face showed clear fear as Lisa stood up and was teleported out of Dimension 2. She drew her Zanpakutō and stared at Ichigo, who summoned Longinus.
"I didn't know you had a spear," Lisa remarked.
"I'm full of surprises," Ichigo replied with a grin.
"3... 2... 1... GO!" The Announcer yelled before disappearing.
"SMASH, Haguro Tonbo!" Lisa yelled as she slammed the hilt of her Zanpakutō into the mouth of its scabbard. Turquoise reiatsu surged around her weapon as she began to swirl it.
"It reminds me of Ikkaku," Ichigo thought.
Lisa's Zanpakutō quickly transformed, elongating into an exceptionally long polearm with a blade resembling a Monk's spade on one end and a heavy ball on the other.
Ichigo and Lisa each held their respective weapons, and pointed directly at one another. Without warning, they rushed forward, weapons raised, each attacking with rapid thrusts and strikes.
"When did you start learning?" Lisa asked, narrowly dodging one of Ichigo's swift jabs.
"A few months ago," Ichigo replied.
Lisa's eyes widened as she barely avoided another of Ichigo's strikes. "Really?" she questioned, countering with a strike of her own.
"Yep," Ichigo said casually, dodging her attack.
"Jesus you are a monster," Ichigo smirked. The tip of Longinus began to glow golden as bolts of holy energy, shaped like spears, flew toward her.
"Fuck!" Lisa yelled, swirling Haguro Tonbo to block most of Ichigo's attacks. A few stray bolts left small cuts on her. She charged at Ichigo, retaliating with spear strikes.
"No energy-based attacks?" Ichigo asked, dodging her strikes.
"Not in Shikai," she grumbled.
Ichigo feigned a strike, then fired an energy blast at her chest.
"GAH!" Lisa screamed as the blast sent her flying. She slammed Haguro Tonbo into the ground to stop herself. Ichigo twirled Longinus casually in his hand.
"Come on, Lisa. Show me your Resurrección," Ichigo challenged, firing more bolts of holy light at her. "Show me that you deserve to be the Taichō of Eighth Division, instead of Kyōraku."
Lisa blocked the attacks with Haguro Tonbo.
"Fine then," Lisa said as she put away her glasses. Black and turquoise reiatsu surged around her. "Resurrección," she said, enveloped in her reiatsu. The energy was blown away by a powerful swing. Her Shinigami robes were replaced with a black sleeveless haori, black cargo pants, white bandages wrapped around her chest that exposed her stomach, and black boots. Her face was now covered by a lozenge-shaped hollow mask with a cross-shaped opening. In her hands, she wielded a giant three-part polearm—each part longer than Ichigo's body. The left part resembled a Monk's spade, and the right part was a Guandao with deep serrations along the back edge, resembling barbed teeth.
"Tetsu Tonbo Otome [Iron Dragonfly Maiden," Lisa declared, sonído'ing towards Ichigo and launching an attack. She used the Monk's spade for lightning-fast jabs while the Guandao made surprise slashes.
"Man, she's fast," Ichigo thought as he was forced onto the defensive, blocking her strikes with Longinus. Ichigo suddenly smacked the Guandao away instead of blocking it and charged toward Lisa. She shrank the Monk's spade toward herself and pointed it at Ichigo.
"Fire," she ordered. The Monk's spade quickly grew and shot toward Ichigo. Ichigo dodged the attack, but then he felt something hit him in the head, sending him flying. He stopped himself in mid-air.
"Choque de vibración [Vibration Shock]!" Lisa yelled as both the Monk's spade and the Guandao were engulfed in fire and soared toward Ichigo. He shunpō'ed away just in time. Appearing behind her, he raised Longinus, glowing with holy energy.
"HOLY JUDGEMENT!" Ichigo shouted, throwing Longinus at Lisa. She grabbed the Monk's spade portion of her weapon and turned to face him. Her entire Zanpakutō reconnected, forming a giant Guandao. The giant weapon blocked Longinus, slamming directly into Ichigo's chest.
"GHU!" Ichigo groaned as he was sent flying through the air. He eventually stopped himself, coughing up blood into his right hand. He saw it and broke into laughter.
Lisa had her Zanpakutō wrapped around herself, with the Monk's spade and the Guandao pointed at Ichigo.
"Why are you laughing?" Lisa asked.
"Sorry," Ichigo apologized, raising his right hand. Longinus shot up and returned to his grasp. "It's been a long time since I've coughed up blood," Ichigo admitted. Longinus began to glow golden, radiating holy energy. "I think it's time to take this to the next level."
"Azrael, are you ready?"
"Yes, Ichigo. Let them witness… your holy ascension," Azrael answered.
The holy energy swirled around Ichigo, awaiting his command.
"BALANCE!" Ichigo raised Longinus above his head. "BREAKER!" he shouted as he slammed the spear down to his feet. A massive pillar of holy energy engulfed Ichigo, parting the clouds and kicking up dust. Lisa raised her arms to shield her face. The pillar dissipated in golden feathers. As the dust settled, Lisa lowered her eyes in awe.
Ichigo stood there in shining platinum white armor, a golden cross embedded in the middle of his chest plate and a coattail flowing down to his ankles. Twelve silver wings extended from his back. His orange hair had turned golden, and a golden halo hovered above his head.
"Longinus Azrael, Envoy of Holy Requiem," Ichigo said. The sheer amount of holy energy radiating from him was overwhelming. His wings spread, and he flew above Lisa. Holy energy, shaped like spears, formed around him.
"Attack," Ichigo commanded, pointing Longinus at Lisa. The spears launched through the air, heading straight for her.
"Choque de vibración!" Lisa growled, using the Monk's spade and Guandao to block the incoming barrage. Ichigo raised Longinus above his head, and holy lightning began to gather around it.
"HOLY LIGHTNING'S JUDGEMENT!" Ichigo shouted, throwing Longinus down toward Lisa. She instinctively raised her Zanpakutō, attempting to block the attack. But Longinus pierced through the weapons and embedded itself into Lisa's chest.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" she screamed as the holy lightning surged through her body, electrocuting her. Ichigo flew down to her and pulled Longinus out of her body. Lisa's armor instantly began to reform itself, no doubt attempting to heal her.
"Lisa, do you wish to continue?" Ichigo asked.
Lisa didn't respond. Ichigo deactivated his Balance Breaker and snapped his fingers. Lisa was sent back to Dimension 2.
The screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared. He reached into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number Nine," he said.
Ichigo watched as Kensei stood up, having been teleported from Dimension 2 to the battlefield. Kensei drew his Zanpakutō and got into a fighting stance. Ichigo smirked and activated Schrift B: The Battle Booster. A pair of red gauntlets materialized around his hands. He slammed his fists together before getting into a fighting stance.
"3… 2… 1… Go!" the announcer shouted before disappearing.
"Blow it Away, Tachikaze!" Kensei growled as his Zanpakutō glowed light blue. Air currents swirled around Kensei, enveloping Tachikaze. The wind settled, revealing Kensei now armed with a combat knife featuring a bronze guard, light purple hilt wrapping, a gray leather grip, and a small ring on the blunt side of the guard. Kensei stared at Ichigo.
"RAHAHAH!" Kensei roared, light blue air currents swirling around him. "Resurrección!" Kensei was engulfed in light blue reiatsu, which then formed into a large, muscular humanoid figure with armored hands and skeletal feet. Six thick cylindrical protrusions extended from his back and forearms, causing him to hunch. His Hollow mask resembled a flat hockey face guard, with six slitted eye holes arranged in two columns and three extensions on either side that covered the sides and back of his head, including his ears.
"Puño Hierro Enfurecido [Enraged Iron Fist," Kensei growled.
"I didn't expect you to jump straight to Resurrección," Ichigo said, watching as Kensei leaped toward him. Ichigo could see craters from Kensei's feet as he rushed forward.
"Puño Tormenta [Storm Fist]!" Kensei roared, gusts of wind circulating around his fists as he aimed his punches at Ichigo. Ichigo responded with his own punch, and large shockwaves shook the area as their fists collided.
"How's the counter coming?" Ichigo asked.
"It's going well. We're at seven counters on each arm," Vermillion replied.
Ichigo and Kensei continued exchanging powerful punches, with rocks and dirt flying as neither one managed to land a hit. "We're at ten counters on each arm," Vermillion reported.
"Good. Get ready to use them on each punch," Ichigo instructed. He saw one of Kensei's fists coming toward him and took a step back, dodging the attack instead of blocking it. The sudden movement caught Kensei off guard, leaving him open for Ichigo's counterattack.
"Buster Shot!" Ichigo and Vermillion yelled as Ichigo sent a boosted uppercut to Kensei's jaw, sending him flying into the air. Ichigo shunpō'ed above Kensei as he soared toward him. "Buster Shot!" Ichigo landed another boosted punch to Kensei's gut, sending him flying once again. The sequence continued for another eight punches, with the tenth being another uppercut. Ichigo appeared higher than before.
"We're going to use all remaining counters," Ichigo said.
"Yes, Master. Five counters on each gauntlet," Vermillion confirmed.
Ichigo glanced down and saw the number 5 on the green gem of each gauntlet.
"Overload," Ichigo and Vermillion said in unison. Ichigo saw Kensei soaring toward him. He tightened his fists, and the Battle Booster glowed red as green seals began to appear around the gauntlets. Ichigo raised his arms.
"Explosion!" Ichigo shouted as he slammed his tightened fists into Kensei's head, sending him crashing to the ground. Upon impact, the entire field was covered in dust, obscuring Ichigo's view. Ichigo snapped his fingers, and the dust instantly disappeared. He floated down and saw that Kensei was knocked unconscious, and his Resurrección had been sealed. Ichigo deactivated the Battle Booster and returned it to his mindscape.
The screen for Dimension 2 appeared, and the Announcer stepped forward. He dug his hand into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number six," he announced.
Everyone turned their attention to Byakuya.
"Taichō," Renji called, looking at Byakuya. The two stared at each other for a moment before Byakuya nodded. Renji stood up and was teleported to the battlefield.
"I see Rukia is starting to show signs of pregnancy," Ichigo remarked.
"Indeed," Renji replied, drawing his Zabimaru and pointing it at Ichigo. Ichigo summoned Yorugetsu and pointed it at Renji.
"Is that Zangetsu?" Renji asked, eyeing the weapon.
Ichigo smiled. "Come and find out," he said.
"3… 2… 1… Go!" The announcer shouted as he disappeared.
"Hoero… Zabimaru!" Renji yelled as he shot Zabimaru in its whip form toward Ichigo. Ichigo calmly blocked the whip and walked toward Renji as if he were taking a leisurely stroll. Renji repeated the attack. Ichigo continued to walk toward him, casually blocking the strikes. Ichigo let out a yawn.
"This is getting boring," Ichigo said, firing a nameless Getsuga at Renji.
"Shit!" Renji shouted, shunpō'ing away to dodge the attack.
"That was definitely a Getsuga Tenshō," Renji thought as he saw the damage. Ichigo fired a few more nameless Getsugas at Renji, who continued to shunpō away from them.
"Is this it, Renji?" Ichigo asked, yawning again. "I heard you got a new Bankai," he said, firing another nameless Getsuga at Renji. "Show me it. Let me see if you're strong enough to protect your family."
"Fine," Renji replied, blocking the nameless Getsuga with Zabimaru. Red reiatsu began to swirl around him as Zabimaru returned to its sword form.
"BANKAI!" Renji yelled. There was an explosion of red reiatsu, kicking dust around them. Ichigo stood his ground with Yorugetsu.
"Sōō Zabimaru," Renji declared.
Ichigo cracked a small smile and fired another nameless Getsuga.
"Hihiō!" Renji shouted as the green cowl on his left shoulder transformed into a large, skeletal arm. Renji waved the arm in front of him, and the skeletal hand blocked the Getsuga.
"Orochiō! (3)" Renji shouted. The skeletal snake on his right arm rose and shot toward Ichigo.
"It's like his old Bankai," Ichigo thought, blocking the attack with Yorugetsu. Despite not taking damage, Ichigo was pushed back a few feet.
"Looks like I need to get a little more serious," Ichigo muttered, his reiatsu swirling around him. Renji summoned Orochiō back to him as he shunpō'ed away, creating some distance.
"What does he mean… He's already in Bankai?" Renji thought.
"Stride forth to the gates of Heaven and use your might to tear the Heavens asunder. Charge forth to the gates of Hell and destroy the chains of the damned. Enter the doors of your Humanity and use your strength to shatter fate… ZANGETSU!" Ichigo chanted.
Renji was blown away by the force of Ichigo's Shikai.
"He was using his sealed blade!" Renji realized in disbelief.
"Allow me to remind you what this attack is supposed to look like," Ichigo said, pouring his reiatsu into the longer Zangetsu. "Getsuga Tenshō," Ichigo said, swinging the blade. Renji's eyes widened as he dodged the Getsuga Tenshō.
"What the actual fuck!" Renji thought. The Getsuga Tenshō Ichigo had released was much larger and more powerful compared to the nameless Getsugas Renji had blocked earlier. As the Getsuga Tenshō finally dissipated, it left a large fissure in the ground. Ichigo glanced at Renji.
"Well? Not going to attack!?" Ichigo taunted.
Renji shot Orochiō toward Ichigo. Its mouth was wide open, resembling a snake about to swallow its prey.
"Looks like a good opportunity to try out that new attack," Ichigo thought, once again pouring his reiatsu into the longer Zangetsu.
"Getsuga Tengeki!" Ichigo yelled as he stabbed Zangetsu. A narrow, concentrated blast shot out of Zangetsu, heading straight toward Orochiō's open mouth. Before Renji could react, the Getsuga Tengeki pierced through Orochiō's mouth, impacting Renji's red reiatsu that held Orochiō together. The force caused a massive explosion. Renji was sent flying away, and all of Orochiō's bone segments were scattered across the battlefield. Renji eventually stopped himself and glanced at his right arm, seeing the sleeves completely burned away, exposing his severely burned arm. Orochiō reverted to its snake gauntlet form.
"Shit. What do I do now?" Renji asked.
"Baka," came a reply.
"Just like Hebi said," another voice added.
Renji instantly recognized the voices. The one who had called him an idiot appeared as a small boy dressed in white with a long tail. The other voice belonged to an adult woman covered in green fur.
"Just because your Bankai is called Sōō Zabimaru [Twin King Snake Tail] doesn't mean Hihiō Zabimaru [Baboon King Snake Tail] disappeared," the boy, Saru, said.
Renji looked at his right arm and realized what Saru and Hebi meant. Ichigo walked toward him, ready to continue the fight.
"Getsuga Tengeki!" Ichigo said as he fired another attack. Renji barely managed to dodge to the side in time.
"Higa Zekko!" Renji roared. The missing bone segments slowly rose from the ground, glowing red. They shot toward Ichigo, their pointed edges aiming at him. Ichigo stood calmly, waiting. At the last second, Ichigo shunpō'ed away, and all the bone fragments collided with each other, creating a loud crash. Ichigo reappeared above them.
"Getsuga Jūjishō!" Ichigo yelled. His attack soared downward, destroying the bone fragments in its path.
"THAT HURT!" Hebi complained.
"That was smart of Ichigo," Renji admitted.
"It was," Saru agreed.
Ichigo shunpō'ed in front of Renji, resuming his attack. Renji tried to counter with Hihiō and his sword, but Ichigo ended the fight with a point-blank Getsuga Tenshō. With the fight over, Ichigo sealed Zangetsu, and Renji was sent back to Dimension 2.
The screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared. He dug his hand into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number One," he announced. Everyone turned their attention to Genryūsai, waiting to see what he would do.
"I shall have—"
Hello everyone. I am aware that many of you have questions about why I did certain things in this chapter. This is an explanation of why I decided to do certain things or how certain fights went:
Ichigo VS Gotei 14: I decided to do this for a few reasons. First, it allows Ichigo to test the Gotei 14 to see how powerful they have become compared to Ichigo's allies. Second, it gives me, the opportunity to show off more of Ichigo's powers since the majority of them haven't been used in this story. Third, in the next arc, Ichigo will not use the majority of his powers.
'Fake/Incomplete' Bankai: I believe that certain Bankai that are prematurely obtained will not be their complete Bankai. There may be various ways why a Zanpakutō gives their partner a 'fake/incomplete' Bankai. It could be the Zanpakutō believes their partner may not be ready for their full power but knows that their partner needs some of their power, so they give them a part of their complete Bankai to help them hold on until they grow strong enough to use it. The Partner has doubts or incorrectly assumed the Zanpakutō's power.
Ichigo VS Suì-Fēng: Konzetsu-sha Suzumebachi [Eradicator Hornet] This Bankai is based on Seras Victoria and her Harkonnen II. I believe Suzumebachi is an excellent tool for assassins. Her Shikai is good for single target assassinations. While the Bankai revolved around indiscriminately killing a large group of people at once. I believe that Jakuhō Raikōben is another example of an 'incomplete' Bankai. When Suì-Fēng achieved Jakuhō Raikōben, she admitted that she despised it since she believes it contradicted her views of assassins as silent killers. This is why it appeared she hasn't mastered her Bankai, as she struggled to properly shoot the missile, requires a long time to reform the missile. If she mastered the Bankai, then it's possible Suzumebachi would've reveal to Suì-Fēng her 'complete' Bankai.
Ichigo VS Love: Love's Hollow mask is described as an Oni Mask while his Shikai is described to be an enlarged version of a kanabō, which Oni typically wields in Japanese myth. With these things in mind, it would make sense that his Resurrección is turning him into an Oni.
Ichigo VS Toshiro: This is an interesting battle since it is a common debate in the Bleach fanbase, Sode no Shirayuki vs Hyōrinmaru. In my story, Sode no Shirayuki represents the cold winter while Hyōrinmaru represents ice. Toshiro in complete Daiguren Hyōrinmaru gained Shikai Hyōketsu, which completely freezes the target in four seconds. It didn't work with Ichigo for two reasons. The first reason is that he is technically frozen already due to Saigo no mai, Eien no Shirayuki. The second reason is that Toshiro never stabbed the real Ichigo, he stabbed a copy made out of ice. When Ichigo uses Saigo no mai, Eien no Shirayuki, he typically stalls out his opponent, slowly weakening them down, like a normal blizzard. While Toshiro has never fought someone, who can bypass Shikai Hyōketsu.
Ichigo vs Shinji: Shinji's illusion requires the target to breathe in the pink smoke. Ichigo's abilities from the Hands of the King of Souls allowed him to instantly counter the pink smoke. I thought of Shinji's Resurrección based on Hoopa, from Pokémon. Hoopa is a Pokémon that can manipulate space with its rings. In Hoopa's movie debut, Hoopa/Unbound Hoopa was able to summon other Pokémon and was able to control them to fight. In the "Can't Fear Your Own World' book, it reveals Shinji's Bankai which can force allies to attack each other. In Shikai, Shinji manipulates his Zanpakutō with a ring instead of a handle. While I never mentioned it, the rings can release the pink smoke for more illusion. Shinji didn't use it because he knew that it wouldn't affect Ichigo.
Ichigo VS Lisa: Lisa is interesting since there is barely anything for her on the wiki, except her Shikai and her mask description. Her weapon is an upgraded version of her Shikai. It is similar to Ikkaku's Bankai in shape but instead of the ax blade in the middle, it is another pole. I allowed it to have the same abilities as Ruyi Jingu Bang, from the Chinese novel 'Journey to the West' or the Power-Pole from the original Dragonball. Due to her Hollow Mask being similar to a knight's helmet, I decided to give her light armor to accompany the knight's helmet, but not too much armor to resist her fast movements.
As for Ichigo, he hasn't used Longinus in an actual battle. He only used it in spars with Scáthach and to purify corruption. Lisa was able to push Ichigo into a corner, something Ichigo hadn't experienced in a while. The feeling of being pushed into a corner, a desire to win, and the realization that he still has much to learn were the feelings Ichigo needed to push into Balance Breaker. I haven't revealed any abilities that Longinus Azrael Envoy of Holy Requiem has. The only hint is that it is related to the 10 Commandments, heavily inspired by the 10 Commandments from Nanatsu no Taizai.
Ichigo vs Kensei: There isn't much to explain since Kensei is the only Vizard that we see enter their hollow form. Kensei's Shikai and Bankai significantly increased the power of his punches. So, in his Resurrección form, it should follow the same idea. The downside to Puño Hierro Enfurecido is that he lacks speed unless he kicks himself off the ground.
Ichigo vs Renji: There isn't much to explain besides the fact that Renji hasn't seen Ichigo's true Shikai or Bankai so he assumed that Ichigo's sealed blade, which does look like Ichigo's original 'fake' Bankai, was his Bankai and underestimated Ichigo's power.
Author's notes:
I will be using English names for everything Pokémon-related instead of Japanese names.
According to the source material, Giratina is the ruler of the Reverse World and Yveltal represents Death. I am twisting it to be similar to Hades and Thanatos.
This version of Kojirou Sasaki is from Fate Stay Night.
This version of Miyamoto Musashi is from Fate Grand Order.