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.
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 60:
The screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared. He reached into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number One," he said. Everyone turned their attention to Genryūsai, waiting to see his decision.
"I shall have Kyōraku fight first," he declared. Kyōraku sighed before standing up. He removed his pink flowery haori and hung it on the chair. Then, he was teleported to the battlefield.
"I assume you got Suzumebachi when we fought in that duel," Kyōraku said, drawing Katen Kyōkotsu. "And I can assume you also have Katen Kyōkotsu as well."
"Indeed," Ichigo replied, summoning the true Katen Kyōkotsu to his hands.
"3…2…1…Go!" The announcer shouted as he disappeared. They crossed their blades in front of each other.
"When the Flower Wind Rages, the Flower God Roars," Kyōraku began.
"When the Wind of Heaven Rages, the God of the Underworld Sneers," Ichigo continued. They pulled their swords from the cross to invoke Katen Kyōkotsu.
"Bushōgoma," Kyōraku said, firing a blast of wind. Ichigo responded with his own Bushōgoma. The two attacks collided, but Ichigo's Bushōgoma overpowered Kyōraku's. Ichigo's attack surged toward Kyōraku, who quickly shunpō'ed away to avoid it.
"Let's try a new game, Yakiimo," Ichigo said. A red ball of reiatsu materialized in his hand. He threw it at Kyōraku, who instinctively dodged it, causing it to fall to the ground. The ball suddenly moved toward Kyōraku, and before he could react, it exploded.
"That's not how the game is played," Ichigo said, tossing another red ball of reiatsu toward Kyōraku.
"So, I'm not supposed to dodge it… Am I supposed to hit it?" Kyōraku thought as he struck the ball. It soared toward Ichigo, who hit it back to Kyōraku. Kyōraku shunpō'ed to intercept the ball and hit it again, but it exploded in his face. The dust cleared, revealing Kyōraku with burns on his face.
"So how did I play the game wrong?" Kyōraku questioned. Ichigo shook his head.
"You played it correctly but still lost," Ichigo said. "The ball of reiatsu has a timer. You need to pass it to another player before it detonates. You can't just hold onto it; it will detonate if you do."
"I see…" Kyōraku said, understanding now.
"I think it's time for a new game," Ichigo said, and suddenly two copies of Ichigo appeared.
"The game is called Nijūshin [Doppelganger," Ichigo #1 said.
"You need to figure it out," Ichigo #2 added.
"Which one is real?" Ichigo #1 asked, moving to Kyōraku's left side.
"And which one is the fake?" Ichigo #2 asked, moving to Kyōraku's right side.
"NOW CHOOSE!" they both shouted as they charged at him. Kyōraku focused on the two copies, trying to determine which one was real. He turned and blocked Ichigo #2. To his relief, he made the right choice. Ichigo #1 and Ichigo #2 jumped away from him and rushed in unison. In the next few rounds, Kyōraku chose the wrong each time and took hits from Ichigo.
"Enough of this," Kyōraku said. He held out his Shikai in front of him, blades pointing downward.
"Bankai. Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū," he declared. Black root-like tendrils spread from his shadow, and a dark aura surrounded them. "Do you notice anything different around us?" he asked.
"It seems more ominous," Ichigo said. Kyōraku nodded.
"The world around us has grown darker, bleak, and gloomy. Others have said they feel despair here," Kyōraku explained. "Let's begin. Ichidanme: Tameraikizu no Wakachiai [The First Act: Hesitance and Apportionment of Wounds]." He said. Suddenly, Ichigo felt cuts appear all over his body.
"Why am I injured? I didn't see him move," Ichigo thought.
"As though to share in his suffering, the wounds upon his partner's body appear upon his own. Yet in a cruel twist of fate, he cannot die from these wounds," Kyōraku recited as if reading a poem.
"I'm on it, King," Zangetsu said, trying to purge Kyōraku's reiatsu from Ichigo's body and initiate regeneration.
"Allow me to explain," Kyōraku said. "Any wounds inflicted by either one of us will appear on the other. The same wound will be mirrored on both bodies," he explained. Ichigo's eyes narrowed.
"So, these wounds are ones that I inflicted on him," Ichigo thought. He noticed some of his own wounds beginning to close. He charged toward Kyōraku. Kyōraku shunpō'ed away, glancing at his own body to see his wounds still present, while the wounds on Ichigo's body were healing.
"Hm… To think his regeneration could overpower the First Act," Kyōraku thought. "Looks like I'll have to go for the Second Act."
"Nidanme: Zanki no Shitone [The Second Act: The Pillow of Shame," Kyōraku said. Black spots appeared all over Ichigo's body. Blood began to drip from the wounds. "Lamenting the wounds he has caused his partner, the man collapses in shame, consumed by an incurable ailment," Kyōraku recited.
"Working on them. They're much stronger than the earlier wounds," Zangetsu grumbled.
"Thanks," Ichigo replied, lunging toward Kyōraku.
"Bushōgoma," Ichigo said, but Kyōraku once again dodged his attacks.
"He's supposed to feel the despair from this," Kyōraku thought, dodging another strike. "Looks like I'll need to proceed with the next act."
"Sandanme: Dangyo no Fuchi [The Third Act: The Severing Abyss," Kyōraku chanted. Suddenly, a flood of water appeared, engulfing both of them. Slowly, they began to sink.
"Resigning themselves to their fate, the two hurl themselves into the gushing waters until no Reiatsu remains in their bodies," Kyōraku recited. Ichigo waved his hands around, trying to manipulate the water.
"It seems the water is made from Kyōraku's reiatsu, which is preventing us from moving or controlling it," Kyōka said.
"This water slowly drains our reiatsu, and the first one to lose all their reiatsu drowns. This body of water is inescapable. Any attempt to swim toward the surface will only push you further down," Kyōraku explained. Ichigo stared at him.
"You do know that I have much more reiatsu than you?"
"No one ever remained calm through the three dances," Kyōraku admitted. "Then allow me to finish the final act." He sheathed his swords.
"Few things are as cruel as a woman's mercy. She has no ears for her lover's desperate pleas. At his precious throat, she spies glistening white threads, damp with regret. Thus, she resolves to sever with her own hands those threads of regret that pitifully entwine him," he recited as a white thread wrapped itself multiple times around Ichigo's throat.
"Shime no Dan: Itokiribasami Chizome no Nodobue [Final Act: Thread Cut Blood-Soaked Throat," Kyōraku chanted as he pulled the white thread. His eyes widened as he felt resistance. He glanced to see Ichigo's hand on the white thread, preventing the completion of the final act.
"Hm…" Ichigo said. "It was a good idea to use the chant as a distraction," he remarked. With one swing of Katen, he cut the thread. "Since you showed me your incomplete Bankai, allow me to show you what could have been your Bankai," Ichigo said. Ichigo pointed Katen up in the air while Kyōkotsu pointed downward. "Bankai," he said, letting them go. Katen slowly floated upward while Kyōkotsu descended. Energy ripples expanded as the zanpakutōs traveled in their respective directions. The blades disappeared, and their surroundings shifted. They appeared in a traditional Chinese throne room. Sitting on the throne was Katen.
"Katen Kyōkotsu: Rengoku no Kōkyo [Imperial Palace of Purgatory," she said. Ichigo turned to her, kneeled, and bowed. Kyōraku turned to her, confused about what was happening. She glared at him and snapped her fingers. A white thread shot up from the floor and wrapped itself around Kyōraku's neck. The thread pulled him down, dragging him to his knees.
"Welcome to my Palace Shunsui," she said. "Both of you are mine to do with." She smirked. "Don't worry about the others in Dimension 2. They won't see what I am about to do with you," she added with a sadistic grin.
"Or in Dimension 3," she added to Ichigo.
"Shunsui, do you know where my power comes from?" she asked.
"It's from games and torturing me?" he guessed. Katen gave him an unamused look. Suddenly, something struck him behind the head. He turned to see Kyōkotsu standing, holding her blade.
"Ichigo, please answer this failure of a partner and tell him the true source of my power," Katen said.
"Yes Katen," Ichigo replied. "Her power revolves around altering reality to entertain herself," Ichigo explained.
"Excellent answer. Ichigo you may stand," she said. Ichigo slowly stood up. "We will have a performance. Whoever entertains me the most will live, and the other will die." She grinned. "The first performance will be the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Kojirou Sasaki." Energy ripples expanded from the center of the temple. Their surroundings changed to a jungle setting. Kyōraku looked around, realizing he was dressed in light purple umanori hakama and kimono, light purple tabi, and black geta, with a purple haori and tekkou. He could feel a sword on his back. Walking toward him was a beautiful woman, dressed in a combination of samurai armor and a kimono, in red and navy blue. She had two swords at her side and a wooden sword in her hand.
"Is that Miyamoto Musashi? I swore he was a man," Kyōraku thought. The woman pointed her wooden sword at him.
"I assume you are Kojirou Sasaki?" she asked.
"I am. And can I assume you are the legendary Miyamoto Musashi?" Kyōraku replied with a joyful laugh.
"Thank you for the title, but I am simply Miyamoto Musashi," she said. "Are you ready for this?"
"I am," Sasaki replied.
"I will provide the countdown," one of the spectators volunteered.
"Sure," Sasaki replied. He looked at Musashi, who shrugged.
"The duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Kojirou Sasaki will begin when I count to three." Sasaki drew his long sword while Musashi pointed her wooden sword at him.
"One. Two. Three!" Musashi and Sasaki stared at each other, waiting for the first move. Musashi ran toward Sasaki and threw her wooden sword at him. Sasaki deflected it with his sword. Suddenly, Musashi appeared at Sasaki's side, grabbed the back of his long sword, and pushed the blade toward him. Sasaki released the sword to escape Musashi's hold. Musashi smirked and grabbed Sasaki's long sword, pointing it back at him.
"Sasaki, I believe this is game over," she said.
Sasaki glared at her. He turned to one of the spectators.
"Give me your sword," he growled.
"You shouldn't take your eyes off your opponent," Musashi said. Sasaki turned to see her long sword pointed at his neck.
"I didn't see her move."
"Admit defeat, or I will end you," she said.
"Never," he growled. Someone from the audience, likely an ally, threw their sword toward Sasaki. He lunged for it, but Musashi sighed. In one swift movement, she swung the sword, decapitating him. As his head flew from his body, the shocked expression on Sasaki's face was visible. His head landed on the ground with a splat. All the spectators stood in stunned silence.
"Winner: Miyamoto Musashi." Musashi walked to the lifeless Sasaki and placed his sword down beside him. She turned and walked away. The world rippled as they returned to Katen's palace. Ichigo, who had played Musashi, turned to see Kyōraku, who had played Sasaki, touching his neck repeatedly, checking that it was still there.
"How were you able to act so naturally despite being a woman?" Kyōraku asked.
"You don't want to know," Ichigo replied.
"See? Those classes were a good idea," Kyōka joked. Ichigo ignored her comments.
"Are you secretly a fan of crossdressing?" Kyōraku asked.
Ichigo sighed as a white thread shot down from the ceiling and wrapped itself around Kyōraku's neck, pulling up and choking him.
"Gah!" Kyōraku croaked.
"Tsk. Tsk," Katen said as she stood up and walked over to Ichigo. "First off, Ichigo. Amazing performance."
"Thank you," Ichigo said.
She turned to Kyōraku. "It seems you couldn't handle experiencing that match again," she remarked.
"Wait, Kyōraku was alive during that time?" Ichigo asked.
Katen nodded. "Did you notice one of the spectators looked like a younger Kyōraku?" she asked.
"I didn't," Ichigo admitted.
"It's fine," Katen said. She turned to Kyōraku. "Normally, we'd have a few more performances before I decide," she said as she walked back to her throne. "But I believe it is time to witness the conclusion." She looked at Ichigo. "Come sit beside me," she said. Ichigo walked over and sat on the throne. Katen sat on Ichigo's lap and possessively hugged him. Kyōkotsu sat at the bottom of the throne, resting her head on Ichigo's knee.
"Shikijō [Theater of the Death," she said. The ground began to rumble as all the lights in the throne room went dark. Above them, they heard a click as Kyōraku's body was pulled upward by the string around his neck. He struggled to free himself, attempting to use his kidō, but none of it worked. His vision began to darken as he approached the brink of death. Ichigo turned to Katen.
"Thank you for your help," Ichigo said, kissing her on the lips.
"It was my pleasure," Katen replied. Kyōkotsu stood up beside Ichigo.
"Thank you as well," Ichigo said as he kissed her. Katen and Kyōkotsu returned to their mindscape as Ichigo sealed his Bankai. Kyōraku 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 Eleven," he announced.
"FINALLY!" Kenpachi yelled, standing up. He was teleported in front of Ichigo as the bingo machine and screen disappeared.
"Enter Resurrección. I want to continue where we left off," Kenpachi said with a bloodthirsty grin. Ichigo smiled, summoning Yorugetsu.
"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 as he entered his Shikai.
"Drink, Nozarashi!" Kenpachi roared, and his sword transformed into its giant war ax form.
"Soy la furia que destruye el Cielo. [I am the fury that destroys Heaven.] Coráge la furia que destruyó los nueve círculos del infierno. [I am the rage that destroyed the nine circles of Hell.] Yo soy el que se atreve a desafiar al destino. [I am the one who dares to challenge fate.] Resurrección Luna Nueva! [Resurrection of the New Moon!]" Ichigo chanted as he entered his Resurrección form.
"BANKAI!" Kenpachi roared. He was engulfed in red reiatsu. The red reiatsu dissipated to reveal Kenpachi in his Bankai. "Chimamire Nozarashi [Bloodthirsty Weather-Beaten One]!" Kenpachi growled.
"3…2…1…Go!" The announcer shouted before disappearing.
Ichigo and Kenpachi shunpō'ed toward each other and swung their respective weapons. The shockwaves from their strikes tore the field apart. Neither opponent spoke, their blades doing all the talking. Ichigo managed to draw the first blood, a wound on Kenpachi's right shoulder. Ichigo watched as Kenpachi's blood floated toward Nozarashi, which eagerly absorbed it.
"RROOAAR!" Kenpachi roared as he attacked Ichigo with even greater ferocity. Ichigo replied in kind, both berserkers pushing each other to their limits. They ignored the battlefield, their wounds, and everything except for the fight.
As the battle continued, Nozarashi drank the blood around it, turning its black surface crimson, and Kenpachi's ferocity grew even more. He held Nozarashi with both hands, using it to enhance the strength of his swings. Ichigo blocked one of Kenpachi's strikes, barely holding his ground.
"The force of that attack almost blew my arm off," Ichigo thought, opting to part Kenpachi's swings instead of blocking them. This created openings in Kenpachi's defenses, and Ichigo immediately countered.
Minutes passed, and Kenpachi was forced to use Nozarashi to prop himself up. His body was covered in open wounds from Ichigo's attacks. Ichigo was also tired but managed to keep his guard up.
"Kenpachi," Ichigo called out. Kenpachi looked at him. "Let's end it like our first match—one final attack with everything we've got."
Kenpachi grinned wildly, raising Nozarashi in the air with both hands. Red reiatsu began to gather around him. Ichigo mirrored him, black and red reiatsu swirling around him.
"RAH!" they both yelled as they charged toward each other. Kenpachi brought Nozarashi down with a two-handed strike, while Ichigo blocked with Zangetsu in his left hand and countered with Zangetsu in his right.
"GAH!" Kenpachi roared as he was sent flying. He collapsed on the ground. Ichigo approached the fallen Kenpachi but then noticed someone standing beside him. It was a young woman with pink hair, dark pink eyes, and a perpetual blush on her cheeks. She wore standard Shinigami robes with a lieutenant's insignia on her arm. She turned to Ichigo.
"Thank you, Ichi-chan. You make Ken-chan have so much fun," she said before disappearing. Beside the unconscious Kenpachi lay Nozarashi in its sealed state.
Ichigo snapped his fingers, restoring Kenpachi, the field, and himself to their original state. Kenpachi was teleported out, and the screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared again. He dug his hand into the hat and pulled out a new sheet of paper.
"Number Thirteen," he announced. Rukia turned to Ukitake.
"Uh… Taichō. Do you think you'll be able to fight?" she asked.
"Don't worry about it, Rukia-san," Ukitake replied calmly as he stood up. He was teleported in front of Ichigo.
"Are you ready, Ukitake?" Ichigo asked.
"I am," he replied.
"3…2…1…Go!" The announcer shouted, disappearing.
"Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!" Ichigo cast. Ukitake's eyes widened as he quickly shunpō'ed away, dodging the kidō.
"That was unexpected," he said.
Ichigo grinned and pointed his hand at Ukitake.
"Gaki Rekkō," Ichigo cast as he raised his hand in front of him. A green circle appeared, and multiple blasts of green light shot out in a cage-like formation.
"Dankū," Ukitake cast. A transparent barrier appeared in front of him, blocking the kidō. Suddenly, yellow chains snaked around Ukitake, binding him tightly. His eyes widened as he struggled to free himself.
"Let's see how you deal with this," Ichigo said, his finger still pointed at Ukitake. With Dankū fading, Ichigo said, "Kurohitsugi." Black reiatsu began to gather around Ukitake, forming the walls of Kurohitsugi. Ichigo observed Ukitake calmly standing, not struggling against the Sajō Sabaku.
Soon, the black walls of Kurohitsugi finished forming, trapping Ukitake inside. Ichigo could see black swords forming around the top of the structure. Then, the ground began to shake. Ichigo waited, still.
The top of Kurohitsugi was torn apart as five white dragons soared into the air. Kurohitsugi disintegrated, revealing a freed Ukitake.
"It's been a long time since I've cast Hadō #99, Goryūtenmetsu," he said, gazing at Ichigo. "So, you've become a kidō master." Ichigo cracked a smile.
"I have," Ichigo replied.
"I can't beat him with kidō alone," Ukitake thought. He drew his zanpakutō and pointed it at Ichigo. Ichigo summoned Mysteria in her staff form.
"He summoned a staff?" Ukitake noticed.
"All Ye Waves, Become My Shield. All Ye Thunder, Become My Blade," Ukitake chanted. The single blade began to peel apart and transform into two blades. A large red rope-like chain at the base of the hilt lengthened, and silver metal square charms attached to the chain began to fall until all five presented themselves. The blade was now somewhat thinner than the sealed zanpakutō, and the tsuba extended slightly up the blade. About halfway along the length of the zanpakutō, a second blade jutted out from the inside of the main blade, extending back towards the hilt, and running parallel to the main blade. The cutting edge of the second blade faced inward instead of outward.
"Sōgyo no Kotowari," Ukitake said. Ichigo pointed his hand at Ukitake.
"Senju Kōten Taihō!" Ichigo cast. Ten pink energy balls soared toward Ukitake.
"Mizubuki [Waterspout," Ukitake quickly fired ten jets of water toward the kidō. The two attacks collided, canceling each other out.
"Inazuma [Lightning Bolt," Ukitake chanted. A large yellow lightning bolt shot toward Ichigo. Ichigo swatted the lightning bolt away with Mysteria. Ichigo began to inscribe runes in the air with his hands. They glowed with energy before transforming into a large fiery tornado, spinning toward Ukitake. Ukitake shunpō'ed away from the attack. More runes appeared around Ichigo, sending more elemental spells at Ukitake.
"Smart," Ukitake thought as he dodged Ichigo's attacks. "By using multiple spells at once, I can't use Sōgyo no Kotowari to reflect the attack back at him. Let's see if he can counter this." Ukitake pointed his right blade at Ichigo.
"Hadō #83. Sōren Raikōhō [Twin Lotus Thunder Roar Sear]!" Two large lightning bolts, much bigger than Raikōhō, shot toward Ichigo. Ichigo parted the two attacks with Mysteria. Suddenly, yellow chains snaked themselves around Ichigo. Ichigo looked at Ukitake, curious to see what he would do.
"Bakudō #79. Kuyō Shibari," Ukitake chanted. Eight black holes with purple outlines appeared around Ichigo, significantly increasing the gravity around him.
"Seeping crest of turbidity. Arrogant vessel of lunacy! Boil forth and deny! Grow numb and flicker! Disrupt sleep! Crawling queen of iron! Eternally self-destructing doll of mud! Unite! Repulse! Fill with soil and know your powerlessness! Hadō #90. Kuroshitsuji!" Ukitake chanted. Ichigo chuckled as Ukitake did the same thing he had done to him earlier. Ichigo smiled as he felt the gravity around him further increase, trying to slam him into the ground. Soon, the black reiatsu spears shot toward him. Ichigo shook his head as the spears shattered upon impact.
"Hm... let's do something interesting," Ichigo thought. "Rokuryūgenso [Six Elemental Dragons]." Ichigo cast, drawing on his Schrifts and Longinus. The ground around Ichigo began to shake as six dragons, each made of a different element, shot up past Ichigo and pierced through Kurohitsugi. Ichigo easily broke free of Kuyō Shibari. Ichigo could see Ukitake's shocked expression upon seeing Ichigo's creation. The six dragons shot toward Ukitake. Ukitake did the only thing he could do in this situation.
"Bankai," Ukitake said. A blue wave of reiatsu surrounded him.
"Stop. Come back," Ichigo commanded. The six dragons moved away from Ukitake. The reiatsu settled down. The cord that was attached to the hilt of his sword disappeared.
Ichigo could see a giant circle floating behind Ukitake. It had eight metal charms attached to it. Ichigo could see the image of two fish swimming in a circle. The tsuba on Ukitake's swords changed shape, resembling the large circle behind him.
"Kanzen'na chōwa Sōgyo no Kotowari [Perfect Harmony Truth of Pisces," Ukitake said.
"Attack," Ichigo ordered. Rokuryūgenso shot toward Ukitake. The circle behind Ukitake broke into eight pieces. Two of the pieces remained floating behind Ukitake, while the other six moved in front of the elemental dragons. The pieces absorbed Ichigo's kidō. Those pieces glowed with energy before releasing a stronger version of Ichigo's attack. The dragons let out a loud roar before flying toward Ichigo. Ichigo pointed his staff in front of him as a large magic circle appeared in front of him. The empowered elemental dragons crashed into the magic circle. The impact kicked up the ground around them, sending dust and debris into the air. The six fragments soared back to Ukitake, reconnecting with the other two fragments.
"I doubt that would stop Ichigo," Ukitake thought as he prepared to cast another kidō, waiting for the dust to settle. He didn't need to wait long. Three stone lions leaped out from the dust toward Ukitake.
"Haien," Ukitake cast as he swung his zanpakutō, sending three fiery purple energy waves toward the stone lions. To Ukitake's shock, the stone lions leaped into the air, dodging the attack.
"Gaki Rekkō," Ukitake cast as he pointed both zanpakutōs at the flying lions. A green circle formed at the tip of each zanpakutō. Multiple green energy blasts shot out from the center of the circle, in a cage-like formation. The stone lions were too large to dodge the Hadō. They were destroyed.
While Ukitake was focused on the stone lions, Ichigo disappeared. Ichigo cast a disillusion charm and a silencing charm on his feet. Ichigo air-walked away from Ukitake. He saw his stone lions being decimated by the kidō.
"We can't have that," Ichigo thought. He silently waved his staff, transfiguring the stone lions into stone falcons, with the ability to fly.
To Ukitake's shock, the stone remnants transformed into stone falcons. They soared in the air and dodged Gaki Rekkō. Ichigo smiled, seeing that Ukitake hadn't noticed his disappearance. Ichigo waved his staff at the nearby boulders. The boulders were sent flying toward Ukitake.
"What the?" Ukitake thought as he saw the incoming boulders. "Defend me from the boulders." Ukitake mentally commanded. Ichigo watched as the giant circle behind Ukitake shot toward the incoming stone boulders. The circle shielded Ukitake from the boulders.
"What about this?" Ichigo thought as he waved his staff. More boulders shot toward the giant circle. The giant circle continued to defend Ukitake from them. Ichigo smiled as he pointed his staff at Ukitake.
"Stupefy," Ichigo silently cast. The red stunning spell shot out of his staff and hit Ukitake's back. He fell to the ground unconscious. Ichigo ended his spells and restored the destroyed surroundings to their original state.
"Rennervate," Ichigo cast, waking Ukitake up.
"Good duel," Ukitake said as he was teleported away. The field reset itself as the screen for Dimension 2 and the Announcer appeared. He dug his hand into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number four," the announcer said. Unohana calmly stood up. Most of the Gotei 14, unaware of Unohana's past, were curious to see her fight against Ichigo. She was teleported to the battlefield.
"Hello, Ichigo," she greeted.
"Hello, Unohana," Ichigo replied. "Are you going to fall asleep?"
Unohana gave him a sad smile. "I am."
"Do you want them to witness this fight?"
"I believe they could handle it," she said.
"Very well then," Ichigo said. "Good night, Unohana."
Unohana untied the ends of her hair. The strands slowly unraveled, cascading around her. "Good night, Ichigo," she replied, closing her eyes. As her hair finished unraveling, revealing the large scar across her collarbone, a wave of killer intent spread across the battlefield. Unohana's eyes snapped open, her demeanor suddenly gloomy and menacing.
"Good morning, Yachiru," Ichigo greeted.
Yachiru turned her attention to Ichigo. The wave of killer intent honed in on him.
"Good morning, Ichigo," she said, drawing her Zanpakutō. "Bankai… Minazuki [All Things' End]." Yachiru's blade turned red and became semi-solid. The red liquid dropped onto the ground, instantly melting it.
"May your light shine down upon the battlefield and bring me victory, Excalibur!" Ichigo chanted, activating Schrift W: The War Lord. Excalibur appeared in his hand, its black and red form gleaming.
"3… 2… 1… Go!" The announcer shouted as he vanished. Yachiru shunpō'ed in front of Ichigo and slashed him across the chest, throwing red acid at him. Yachiru's eyes widened in shock when Ichigo didn't melt from the acid. Seizing the opportunity, Ichigo struck her in the chest with Excalibur, sending her flying a few feet away. She quickly recovered, glaring at him. Her hands glowed green, healing the damage she had sustained.
"How are you able to withstand Minazuki's acid?" she asked.
"It's a part of my powers," Ichigo said. "Nothing but a blade can harm me."
"I see…" Yachiru said. Her Zanpakutō glowed silver as its blade solidified. She charged at Ichigo, launching a series of fast, powerful slashes. Ichigo countered with his own strikes. Their weapons collided, sending shockwaves through the field. The ground was torn apart by their blows. Ichigo managed to land the first strike, tackling Yachiru and stunning her briefly before delivering a downward slash.
"First blood," Ichigo said.
Yachiru waved her hand over the wound, instantly healing it. "What wound?" she smirked, rushing in with another downward slash.
For ten minutes, they fought relentlessly. Yachiru healed with kidō, and Ichigo used his high-speed regeneration to repair his skin. Neither gained the upper hand.
"Are you bored?" Ichigo asked, glancing at Yachiru.
"I am," Yachiru replied.
"Do you want to call it a draw?"
"No, you won," Yachiru said.
"Why?" Ichigo asked.
"Are you seriously going to make me explain it?" she grumbled.
"Well, our audience doesn't have a clue," Ichigo replied.
"Fine," she said. "I considered you won because if we kept going, you'd inevitably win. You have much more reiatsu than me." Ichigo smiled and snapped his fingers. The destroyed battlefield began to restore itself.
"Good night, Yachiru," Ichigo said.
"Good night, Ichigo," Yachiru grumbled as she began to braid her hair. When she finished, she closed her eyes. Unohana opened hers.
"Good morning, Unohana," Ichigo greeted.
"Good morning, Ichigo," Unohana replied. Ichigo snapped his fingers, and Unohana was teleported back to Dimension 2. The announcer and Dimension 2 appeared again. He reached into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number Twelve," he said.
Urahara chuckled as he stood up and was teleported to the battlefield.
"I wish for this duel to be private," Urahara said.
"Very well," Ichigo replied.
"Make sure Dimension 3 doesn't see this match," Ichigo added.
"Very well," Hōgyoku responded. Ichigo summoned Kagamigetsu.
"3… 2… 1… Go!" The announcer shouted as he disappeared.
Ichigo charged at Urahara, delivering a downward slash. Urahara popped like a balloon.
"Really? An inflatable gigai?" Ichigo asked, turning to see the real Urahara standing to the side.
"Awaken, Benihime," Urahara said, his cane glowing red as it entered its Shikai state. "Nake, Benihime." He swung his cane in front of him, releasing a crimson energy blast. Ichigo used Kagamigetsu to cut the energy blast in half and shunpō'ed over, attacking Urahara.
"Come on, Ichigo," Urahara said, blocking Ichigo's strikes. "I know that's another Zanpakutō."
Urahara fired another crimson blast, forcing Ichigo away. "Enter Shikai."
"Are you sure you want to see my Shikai?" Ichigo asked, holding Kagamigetsu in front of him.
"I don't recognize that sealed blade," Urahara admitted. "I want to know which poor Shinigami lost their Zanpakutō."
"Fine then," Ichigo said, taking a calming breath. "Shatter… Kyōka Suigetsu." Ichigo's Zanpakutō glowed green. Urahara's eyes widened as he quickly closed them, hoping to avoid Kanzen Saimin. Ichigo smiled, pleased by Urahara's reaction. He shunpō'ed in front of Urahara and kicked him in the chest. Urahara was sent flying, crashing into a stone pillar.
"Ichigo… is it?" Urahara asked, pulling himself out of the rubble.
"Indeed," Ichigo said, holding Kyōka Suigetsu tightly. "I had Kyōka with me the moment Aizen died." Urahara's eyes widened as memories of the final battle with Aizen came rushing back. "If that green reiatsu was Kyōka…"
"I was also with him," Hōgyoku said, her image appearing on a screen outside.
"Kyōka and Hōgyoku taught me everything Aizen knew," Ichigo said. "Despite being a madman, he was intelligent."
"I see…" Urahara said as the screen closed.
"Am I under the effects of Kanzen Saimin?" Urahara thought. "I can't be certain about anything," he thought again.
"Urahara. You aren't under the effects of Kanzen Saimin," Ichigo said.
"Why, Ichigo? Why should I believe you?" Urahara responded. "It's impossible to determine if someone is under Kyōka Suigetsu's Kanzen Saimin."
"There's only one way," Ichigo replied. "Kyōka's Bankai has a unique restriction. The target must not be under the effects of Kanzen Saimin," Ichigo explained. Urahara's eyes widened.
"Kyōka Suigetsu's Bankai?"
"Bankai…" Ichigo said, and Kyōka Suigetsu glowed green. "Kyōka Eigetsu Koyō [Mirror Flower Reflects the Illusory Moon and False Sun] ," Ichigo declared. Urahara's eyes widened as everything around him flashed green.
Scene Change: Urahara's Mind under Kakimasu Genjitsu: Urahara Shōten
Urahara opened his eyes and sat up from his futon.
"Huh? Where am I?" Urahara wondered as he looked around. He quickly recognized his surroundings. "I'm at the Shōten?" he thought. "Wait… what was I doing before?"
Suddenly, he heard a loud thump. Urahara stepped out of his futon and walked out of the room. He saw Jinta, Ururu, and Tessei there.
"Jinta, be careful with the box," Ururu said.
"Indeed, young man. Urahara-dono is asleep," Tessei reprimanded.
"Sorry," Jinta replied.
"It's fine, Jinta-kun," Urahara interjected.
"Urahara-dono," Tessei said, appearing beside him. He gently guided Urahara back into the room. "You should be resting. Your body hasn't recovered yet from the explosion."
"Huh? What explosion?" Urahara asked.
"I'm not sure," Tessei admitted. "I was moving some boxes when I felt a massive explosion from your lab. I rushed in to find you unconscious and drained of your reiatsu. I carefully carried you to bed," Tessei explained.
"I see…" Urahara murmured.
"Urahara-dono, you should go back to bed. You still haven't recovered," Tessei insisted.
"Come on, Tessei," Urahara protested. Tessei glared at him. Urahara sighed, recognizing Tessei's serious expression.
"It's been a while since I've seen that," Urahara thought.
"Fine. I'll take it easy," Urahara conceded. "But can I at least walk around the town? You know I hate doing nothing."
Tessei cracked a small grin. "Oh, I remember. Whenever you were bored, you'd do even more bizarre stuff."
"Fine," Tessei agreed. "But you're not allowed to use your reiatsu, and you cannot enter any of your labs or do any experiments."
"Fine," Urahara said. "I promise I won't use my reiatsu, won't enter any labs, and won't do experiments until my reiatsu is back."
Tessei nodded. Urahara walked out of the shop.
"It's been a while since I walked around the town without any plans," Urahara thought. As he strolled, he noticed a group of police cars surrounding a house. Two officers were forcibly dragging a woman out. She had porcelain white skin and black braided hair arranged in loops on her head. Her body was covered by a revealing red robe.
"Come on," one of the men grumbled as they continued pulling her thin arms.
"Let go of me!" she yelled, struggling to free herself.
"Why… why does she look familiar?" Urahara wondered. The woman looked directly at him, her eyes widening with recognition.
"Kisuke!" she screamed, attempting to make eye contact with him. Urahara stared at her.
"Kisuke, listen to me!" she shouted. "You have to find the three and speak the truth to them!" The guards had had enough and dragged her toward the car.
"KISUKE!" she shouted, louder than before. "TELL THEM YOUR FEELINGS!" she cried as they shoved her inside the police car. She continued pounding on the window, trying to get his attention.
"What… what is she talking about?" Urahara pondered as he resumed walking, lost in thought. "Talk about my feelings?" He repeated her words. "Why do I feel like that's a major clue?"
Suddenly, he bumped into someone. He looked up and realized who it was.
"Urahara-san."
"Ichigo-kun."
"What are you doing here?" Urahara asked. Ichigo looked puzzled by the question.
"I live here."
Urahara looked around, realizing he had subconsciously walked to Ichigo's house.
"Oh, me and my old age. I didn't notice where I was going," Urahara joked. Ichigo sighed.
"Do you need something?"
"Something is telling me to talk with Ichigo," Urahara thought.
"Actually, I need to talk to you about something."
"I see…" Ichigo said. "Do you want to come inside?"
"Sure," Urahara replied. They walked inside and sat in the living room.
"Do you want anything to drink?" Ichigo asked.
"Tea is fine," Urahara answered. Ichigo walked to the kitchen and returned with two cups of tea. He joined Urahara in the living room.
"What do you want to talk about?"
"I… would like to apologize to you," Urahara began.
"Huh?" Ichigo responded.
"I have many things I need to apologize for," Urahara continued. "When you first obtained your powers, I should have been more serious in your training… but I half-heartedly taught you a few things. I shouldn't have let the others follow you. I allowed all of you to fall into Aizen's plan. In the end, I forced you into a war you shouldn't have been part of, without proper training or knowledge." Urahara finished, bowing his head in apology. "I'm sorry, Ichigo."
"Urahara," Ichigo said, his tone quiet. Urahara looked at him, confused.
"It's been three years since the end of the war," Ichigo said. "And you've never apologized until now." He stared at Urahara. "Why now?"
"I finished creating a method to help you regain your Shinigami powers," Urahara explained. "I wanted to ask if you wanted to use it."
"I planned to attend Tokyo University this semester. If I regained my powers, wouldn't I put the entire city in danger?"
"Normally, you would be right," Urahara acknowledged. "But I'll teach you how to control your reiatsu, even if you move to Tokyo." Ichigo closed his eyes, contemplating Urahara's offer.
"I accept," Ichigo said.
"Good. Follow me," Urahara responded.
Urahara led Ichigo to the Shōten, where he entered his lab and grabbed his reiatsu-filled sword. Ichigo followed him down to the Underground Training Grounds. Urahara unsheathed the sword, its reiatsu crackling in the air.
"Are you ready?" Urahara asked.
"I am," Ichigo replied.
Without warning, Urahara stabbed Ichigo with the reiatsu sword. A massive surge of reiatsu coursed through Ichigo's body. Urahara braced himself for the shockwave. Tessai shot down to the Underground Training Grounds to see a massive storm of reiatsu swirling around them. When the reiatsu settled, Ichigo lay unconscious.
"What did you do?" Tessai demanded.
"I apologize to Ichigo for everything I did to him," Urahara began, turning to face Tessai. "But I also need to apologize to you."
"To me?" Tessai asked, confused.
"A hundred years ago, when we were rescuing the Vizards, I should have used those forbidden kidō. I shouldn't have forced you to abandon the Kido Corps," Urahara explained.
"Kisuke," Tessai said, forgetting to use the -dono suffix.
"I've never told you this," Urahara continued. "But I'm sorry for forcing you to abandon your friends and comrades to help me." Tessai stared at Urahara, who continued, "I appreciate everything you've done for me—from helping with kidō creation to doing all the heavy lifting at the Shōten and cleaning up after my messes."
Tessai began to laugh.
"Tessai, what's going on?" Urahara asked, surprised.
"Kisuke," Tessai said, embracing him in a hug.
"Tessai," Urahara said, caught off guard.
"I never expected you to apologize about that," Tessai chuckled. "I've known you for a long time, Kisuke. We were in the same graduating class at Shin'ō Academy. I know you rarely express your emotions. You were always the quiet and calculating one." Urahara chuckled at the memory. "I accepted that you'd never tell me that you appreciated my help, but deep down, I always knew you did, you just never felt comfortable saying it to me or Yoruichi."
"Thank you," Urahara said, a genuine warmth in his voice.
Tessai suddenly smacked Urahara on the shoulder. "Go tell her how you feel."
"Eh?" Urahara blinked, confused.
A Senkaimon opened beside them. Tessai grinned and nudged him. "Go."
Urahara chuckled, stepping into the Senkaimon.
Scene Change: Urahara's Mind under Kakimasu Genjitsu: Second Division
Yoruichi sat at her desk, doing the most tedious task for a Taichō—reading paperwork.
"Why did I agree to be a Taichō again?" Yoruichi thought as she finished another sheet. A knock on the door interrupted her musings.
"Come in," she called.
The door slid open to reveal Suì-Fēng-Fukutaichō, who entered carrying more paperwork.
"Suì-Fēng, where did you get more paperwork?" Yoruichi groaned.
"Don't worry, Yoruichi-sama," Suì-Fēng replied. "This is my paperwork, and I wanted to do it with you." Yoruichi sighed in slight relief. The two sat in silence, reading and filling out forms.
"What idiot broke all of our thin floorboards?" Yoruichi thought, tapping her pen impatiently. "What I would do for some entertainment."
Suddenly, a Senkaimon appeared in her office. Both Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng stared at it as the door opened, revealing Urahara casually walking through.
"Hello, Yoruichi," Urahara greeted.
"Hello, Kisuke," she replied.
"Dammit, what is he doing here?" Suì-Fēng thought, glaring at Urahara.
"Man, that's a lot of paperwork," Urahara commented.
"Indeed," Yoruichi replied dryly.
"Hideout number one. Now," Urahara said, tossing down a few smoke balls. Upon impact, they exploded, releasing thick smoke that filled the room. Suì-Fēng quickly forced the smoke out with a burst of her reiatsu.
"DAMN THAT BASTARD!" Suì-Fēng screamed in her mind, furious.
Yoruichi and Urahara disappeared in the smoke. The piles of paperwork that had once been neatly organized were now scattered across the office. On the table where Yoruichi had been sitting, a small note appeared.
"Little Bee, good try with giving me the division's paperwork to keep me in my office. Be a dear and finish it. Thanks."
"DAMN YOU!" Suì-Fēng mentally screamed.
Scene Change: Urahara's Mind under Kakimasu Genjitsu: Cave beneath Sōkyoku Hill
Yoruichi and Urahara appeared in the cave beneath Sōkyoku Hill.
"So, Kisuke, what do you need to talk about?" she asked, her expression serious.
"Yoruichi, I'm sorry," Urahara began. Yoruichi stared at him, her eyes narrowing.
"Something's wrong here. Kisuke rarely apologizes," she thought.
"You know I have a hard time expressing emotions," he continued.
"Damn right, I know that," she thought, a small smirk forming.
"But I need to apologize for forcing you to abandon everything to help me. You had to leave behind your family, your division, and Little Bee just to be there for me. I know that was hard, and I want to thank you for being willing to sacrifice so much for me," Urahara said, his voice softening.
"Kisuke," Yoruichi began. "I knew what I was doing when I agreed to help you. I understood the risks when I opened that Senkaimon for you."
"I know," Urahara said, pulling her into a hug. "And I thank you."
"You're welcome," she said, hugging him back. They pulled away and looked at each other, the weight of their words hanging in the air.
"Now go tell the real me the truth about your feelings," Yoruichi said with a sly smile.
"Huh?" Urahara said, blinking in confusion before he suddenly fell unconscious.
Scene Change: Trainer: Sealed Dimension 1
Urahara opened his eyes to see Ichigo sitting in a chair, reading a book.
"About time you woke up," Ichigo said, closing the book with a snap.
"What… happened?" Urahara asked, utterly confused by the strange sequence of events he had just experienced.
"It's simple," Ichigo replied. "Kyōka Suigetsu's Bankai locks you in your mind with a specific scenario. To free yourself, you have to complete the scenario."
"Interesting," Urahara mused. Ichigo snapped his fingers, and Urahara was teleported to Dimension 2. The Announcer appeared, reaching into a hat and pulling out a sheet of paper.
"Number Nine," the Announcer declared.
"Yay, Mashiro's turn!" Mashiro shouted as she stood up, teleporting out.
"Mashiro's going to kick Berry-Sama's butt for hurting Kensei!" she yelled. Ichigo chuckled as he got into a fighting stance, and Mashiro did the same.
"3…2…1…Go!" the Announcer shouted before disappearing.
Mashiro charged at Ichigo.
"Mashiro Kick!" she shouted as she launched a front kick. Ichigo easily dodged the attack and countered with a sidekick. Mashiro jumped back to avoid it.
"Mashiro Punch!" she shouted as she charged at Ichigo, throwing punches. Ichigo swerved to the side, dodging each one.
"Stop dodging! Mashiro Deluxe!" Mashiro exclaimed, launching a combination of punches and kicks. Ichigo continued to dodge them.
"Come on, Mashiro. Kensei's going to be disappointed," Ichigo taunted. Mashiro stopped for a moment. Green reiatsu began to surround her.
"Vuela alrededor, Abejas Asesinas [Fly around, Killer Bee," she said, her reiatsu engulfing her. Ichigo stood still, waiting. Suddenly, something shot out from the green reiatsu and kicked Ichigo in the gut, sending him flying several feet away. He looked up to see Mashiro in her Resurrección form.
Mashiro's face was covered by a white hollow mask resembling a bee, with white antennas on her head. She wore a black bodysuit with green armor on her chest, elbows, fists, knees, and feet. Ichigo noticed her body vibrating in place. Without warning, she shot toward him. Ichigo attempted to block, but Mashiro quickly evaded him and attacked from another angle.
"Damn. Looks like her reaction speed is way faster than before," Ichigo thought.
Mashiro charged again, trying to land more attacks. "These attacks are weaker than before," Ichigo thought, but he remained cautious. Taking a deep breath, Ichigo let his reiatsu from Schrift F: Fengári Neró flow around him.
"Nagare Shunkō [Flowing Flash War Cry," Ichigo said. Mashiro quickly jumped back and observed as Ichigo was engulfed in blue reiatsu. He charged at her, but Mashiro easily dodged all of his attacks.
"Damn. I'm still too slow," Ichigo thought.
Mashiro charged back in, launching her counterattack. Ichigo saw her movements clearly and was able to dodge, even when she changed her trajectory mid-step. "At least I can dodge her attacks," Ichigo thought. "Looks like I need something more." He allowed Schrift V: The Ventus to flow around him.
"Arashi Shunkō [Storm Flash War Cry]!" Ichigo shouted. Green reiatsu shot out and surrounded him. He appeared in front of Mashiro and launched his counterattack. His attacks overwhelmed her. They were too fast. Every time she attempted a counterattack, Ichigo was already prepared, anticipating her every move. Slowly, Mashiro began to tire.
Ichigo landed a punch to her face, breaking her mask. The blow sent her crashing to the ground, knocking her unconscious. Ichigo deactivated Arashi Shunkō. Mashiro was teleported out of Dimension 2, and the Announcer appeared. He dug his hand into a hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number Three," he said.
Rose silently stood up from his seat and was teleported out.
"Hello, Ichigo," Rose greeted, drawing his Zanpakutō.
"Hello, Rose," Ichigo replied.
"3…2…1…Start!" The Announcer announced before disappearing.
"Play Kinshara," Rose said, his Zanpakutō transforming into a golden whip with a flower-shaped tip.
"May my hymns reignite my allies' Will. Let my enemies hear their impending Demise, Revelation," Ichigo chanted, activating Schrift Y: Yokubō no Uta. Revelation, in its piano mode, appeared in front of Ichigo.
"I guess we both have musical weapons of destruction," Rose commented, noticing the giant Khyber knife with piano keys. "Guess I'll make the first move," he said, swinging Kinshara at Ichigo. The whip shot forward, but Ichigo blocked it with Revelation. Rose flicked his wrist, sending Kinshara back toward him.
"Himei [Scream," Ichigo said as he swung Revelation down, releasing a loud screech.
"My ears!" Rose cried in agony, instinctively covering his ears to block out the sound. In the process, he forgot to defend against the attack. Himei slammed into his chest, tearing through his Shihakushō and causing deep gashes on his chest. He stared at Ichigo, shocked.
"That horrid sound came from you?" Rose asked, incredulously.
"Yep," Ichigo replied. "Himei," he said, launching more attacks at Rose. Rose swung Kinshara to block, but—
"What?" Rose shouted, eyes wide, as he saw Himei tear through Kinshara. In a panic, Rose used shunpō to dodge the incoming attack.
"Come on, Rose," Ichigo said, as he began to play the piano. Rose's expression grew clouded as he heard the soft, melancholic melody.
"You've lost this match. Just admit defeat, and it will all be over," Ichigo said, slowly walking toward him. Rose's eyes grew heavy, as the melody seemed to drain his willpower. Suddenly, Kinshara shot up and slapped Rose's face, snapping him out of Ichigo's influence.
"Good job," Rose complimented. "That melody would've gotten me if it weren't for my beloved Kinshara," he said, rubbing the hilt. "Time to step up my game."
Rose pointed Kinshara into the air like a sword. "Resurrección," he said. He was surrounded by golden reiatsu, and Kinshara wrapped around him, obscuring him from view. The reiatsu unraveled into golden thread, revealing Rose in his new form.
Rose's Shihakushō transformed into a white tailcoat suit with black buttons and stitches. His face was concealed by a white hollow mask resembling a medieval plague doctor's mask. In his hand was a golden stick. "Kinshara Dōtai [Golden Sal Tree Conductor," Rose declared.
He raised the golden stick, now a conductor's baton. "Butōdan [Dancing Troupe," he commanded. A golden thread appeared and began to wrap around itself, forming beings that stood 4 meters (13.12 ft) tall with petal-shaped protrusions on their faces and 3-meter-long (9.8 ft) arms.
"Enjiru [Play," Rose said. Music began to resonate from him, and the Butōdan charged at Ichigo, engulfed in fire as they attacked.
Ichigo pointed Revelation at them. "Himei!" he shouted, firing soundwaves from the pommel of the blade. The Butōdan froze mid-step as if suspended in time when the soundwaves collided with them.
"What happened?" Ichigo wondered, noticing that the music from Rose had stopped. He turned to see Rose, struggling and covering his ears. Ichigo shunpō'ed behind Rose and fired a point-blank Himei.
"GAH!" Rose screamed in pain from the intense screeches of Himei. He crashed to the ground. Ichigo stood on his back, the pommel of Revelation aimed at Rose's head.
"Do you want some more?" Ichigo asked.
"WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" Rose shouted, still reeling from the sound.
"I guess I can count this as you admitting defeat," Ichigo said, glancing at the frozen Butōdan. He snapped his fingers, resetting the field and repairing Rose's damaged eardrums. Rose was teleported out as the Announcer reappeared. He reached into the hat and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"Number Eight," he read. Nanao's eyes widened as she was teleported out.
Explanation:
) Ichigo Vs Kyōraku – I felt that Katen Kyōkotsu's power in reality manipulation stems from the idea of entertaining Katen Kyōkotsu. When Ichigo was fighting against Xenovia Quarta, he mentioned that Katen was getting bored, purposely trying to put a penalty on him. The majority of the audience loves it when the hero risks it all to defeat the villain. When Kyōraku used his Bankai, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, he put his life on the line, instilling drama and a big risk of dying, to defeat his target. Ichigo's Katen Kyōkotsu: Rengoku no Kōkyo, acts differently. Ichigo/Katen can impose their will on the world, similar to a Reality Marble. Ichigo/Katen can force the trapped targets to become actors for their entertainment. Since Ichigo and Kyōraku were the only ones in Rengoku no Kōkyo, both of them had to act.
Ichigo vs Kenpachi – Nozarashi does not give Kenpachi any special techniques or skills in Shikai, except for more reiatsu and focusing all of his reiatsu on Nozarashi itself, allowing it to destroy anything. However, in Bankai Nozarashi granted Kenpachi a few things. The first is that it turns Kenpachi into an angry berserker. Nozarashi's size shrunken down and increased its cutting power, similar to the transition from fake Zangetsu to fake Tensa Zangetsu. Nozarashi also drinks the blood around it, growing stronger and increasing Kenpachi's strength. And yes Nozarashi/Yachiru made a brief appearance and said the same line when the match was over.
Ichigo vs Ukitake – Ukitake is a kidō master so it is expected of him to know and use a lot of kidō. Sōgyo no Kotowari is interesting since it absorbs an enemy's attack and fires it back, five times stronger than before. Ukitake would struggle with dealing with a barrage of attacks but blocking one large energy-based attack, a kidō or cero, would be easy for him. Kanzen'na chōwa Sōgyo no Kotowari was designed to give Ukitake a way to defend against physical attacks and the ability to use the energy countering ability against multiple energy attacks.
Hadō #83. Sōren Raikōhō follows the idea of Hado #73. Sōren Sōkatsui where instead of an upgraded Sōkatsui, it's an upgraded Raikōhō.
Rokuryūgenso is an upgraded version of Hadō #99. Goryūtenmetsu. But instead of five dragons made from pure reiatsu, it is six dragons made from elemental reiatsu, one dragon for fire, water, wind, earth, darkness, and light.
Ichigo vs Urahara – Urahara's strength is his intelligence. Yūhabahha made Urahara a War Power solely due to this. Ichigo knew Urahara's Bankai so he decided to do something that would nullify his intelligence. As mentioned in Chapter 2 of Broken Dreams, Kyōka Suigetsu's Bankai is Kyōka Eigetsu Koyō [Mirror Flower Reflects the Illusory Moon and False Sun, which creates a separate reality in the target's mind and traps them in it. The only way to escape Kyōka Kyogetsu Gen'yō o Utsusu is to do an action that would contradict their nature. Reading his personality on the wiki, I believe that Urahara is an introvert pretending to be an extrovert. Everyone around him sees his sarcastic extrovert persona. But not many people see the quiet introvert he is. As seen in the fight, Urahara was forced to show his true emotions as he apologized to Tessei, his friend; Yoruichi, his friend/lover; and Ichigo, his student.
Ichigo Vs Mashiro. There is nothing about Mashiro besides, her hollow mask and her Mastery of Hakuda. I decided that her Resurrección would boost her attack power and speed, similar to Kensei but it doesn't provide her much defense, just like a real hornet.
Ichigo vs Rose. Both Ichigo and Rose use music/sound-based attacks, so it would make sense for them to battle it out like that. Rose is one of two of the Vizards that we see their Bankai, Kensei being the other. I decided to upgrade his Bankai instead of trashing it completely. The idea I had in mind is that Rose is the conductor for the Butōdan who is the orchestra. The music that Rose plays is amplified by the Butōdan, like a speaker. With this, the Butōdan is controlled by Rose. If Rose doesn't play music for the Butōdan, then they can't move or do anything, which is what happened in that fight.