Chapter 12

"What do you mean you can't train me?" Ichigo asked Kisuke, who hid his face behind his fan before replying.

"I can only help you in your Soul Reaper training, and you've already got your Bankai down. However, you've barely scratched the surface of your Quincy and Hollow powers since you're an enigma of all three species, meaning you only have mastered a third of your power. For your Hollow and Quincy powers, Im afraid you'll need help from others to assist you there." Kisuke explained before Ichigo asked for a suggestion that the shopkeeper had in mind.

"You mean Uryu's dad?"

"Sadly, no. He's not interested in assisting even if you are Misaki's kid since he wants to no longer be part of the supernatural world. And Uryu is doing his own training," Kisuke said, which annoyed Ichigo before Kisuke offered a suggestion.

"However, I do know of a group that can assist you in your training for your Hollow powers."

"Really? Who?"

"They're known as the Vizards. Soul Reapers who have the powers of a Hollow like you, unfortunately, your Hollow is different from theirs."

"How so?" Ichigo asked before Kisuke pulled out a whiteboard and drew an image of Ichigo and another person.

"Now your Hollow is basically part of your being, just like how your two Zangetsu reflect all three of your powers. The small one represents your Quincy powers, while your larger one is a reflection of your Hillow and Soul Reapers powers that are mixed. For Vizards, however, their Hollow is more of a beast that is trapped inside of them, and they had to tame it in order to get them to use their Hollow powers in the first place." Kisuke explained that Ichigo was amazed by the differences between his powers and the Vizards.

"So they'll help me?"

"Well, it's hard to say since they're a wild bunch and are not big fans of the Soul Society, though some of them did get along with Issei when he was doing patrols." Kisuke pondered since he did recall the leader explaining that some of the Vizards knew Issei, so at least they were on neutral terms with him.

"So Issei can give me some info on them?"

"He would be your best bet, though I am a bit curious when you're going to ask Rukia out on a date," Kisuke said with a smile hidden as Ichigo stuttered a response.

"W-What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

"Oh? You mean you haven't asked her out yet? And Issei even gave you those tickets as well."

"S-Stop it! Rukia and I are just freinds! Just like me and Tatsuki!" Ichigo shouted with a red face, which made Kisuke enjoy this more.

"Aw, well, I recall when I first went out with my first girlfriend. Oh man, was she a beauty? Now, if you are concerned about talking to women, then just let Uncle Kisuke help you out," Kisuke said while offering a hand of brotherhood in dating women.

Ichigo groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration. "This isn't about me and Rukia! It's about my powers and getting stronger!"

Kisuke raised an eyebrow, his grin never faltering. "Sure, sure. But if you don't take a moment to focus on other things, you might miss out on the good stuff that comes with training. A little balance never hurt anyone."

Ichigo shot him a glare but said nothing. He was too tired to entertain Kisuke's antics anymore. "Fine. I'll deal with Rukia later. But for now, tell me more about the Vizards."

Kisuke's expression grew more serious, a rare shift from his usual playful demeanor. "The Vizards… They're not like anyone you've met before. Some of them are older than even I am, and they've been through hell to control the Hollow inside them. They're not just stronger than regular Soul Reapers; they've had to endure immense pain to bring their powers under control. So, while they can help you, don't expect a walk in the park."

Ichigo nodded, taking in Kisuke's words. He already knew that strength didn't come easy, especially with the mess of powers inside him. "I understand. But if they can help me control my Hollow powers, I need to find them."

Kisuke tapped his fan against his chin, his eyes narrowing. "There's a catch, of course. Most of them are scattered to the wind. Some are in hiding due to them being hunted down by the Soul Society for so long they can't stay in one place for very long; some don't want to be found, so they hide in plain sight and others...well, let's say they aren't exactly the talking type."

Ichigo sighed, already feeling the weight of the task ahead of him. "Great. So where do I start?"

Kisuke smiled again, this time with a knowing gleam in his eye. "There's a place deep in the mountains just outside of Karakura Town. It's a former training ground for the Vizards, but it's abandoned now. If you can find your way there, you'll be able to track down some of them. But remember—don't go in unprepared. These are people who have fought to survive against their instincts, and they won't hesitate to test yours."

Ichigo stood up, determination in his eyes. "Then I'll make sure I'm ready."

Kisuke chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "I hope you are, Ichigo. I really do. Because once you step into that world, there's no turning back."

Ichigo nodded, already feeling the weight of what was to come. "I'll be fine."

Before he could leave, Kisuke called out to him, his voice slightly softer than usual. "And Ichigo… about Rukia…"

Ichigo froze, his face turning red again. "Kisuke! I swear to God if you don't stop—"

But Kisuke was already waving him off, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Alright, alright. But don't say I didn't warn you."

As Ichigo stormed out of the shop, Kisuke leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing on his lips. He knew the boy would find his way—and whatever came of it, Kisuke couldn't help but be curious about how Ichigo's journey would unfold.

Ichigo was relieved to have some direction to get stronger, but then he recalled what Kisuke said. He wasn't wrong, but since Ichigo had never been on a date before in his whole life, he was worried he'd not only mess up but make a complete fool of himself.

It wasn't like Ichigo had never thought about it before. He knew he had feelings for Rukia, but with everything that had happened—the battles, the threat of the Soul Society, the weight of responsibility- it had been so great that he had always pushed it to the back of his mind.

But then he recalled something Issei Hyoudou had told him after the Karakura War.

"Ichigo. Life is too short always to be constantly thinking about getting stronger just because it's your name, but don't you think you deserve to have some happiness in your life? I get it: duty, honor, all that heroic stuff, but what's the point if you never take a second to enjoy life? So man up already and ask out Rukia or Tatsuki since, let's be real, you totally have a type. Tomboys who can kick your ass. Just ask one of them out already."

Ichigo had brushed Issei off at the time, but now, walking alone with nothing but his thoughts, it hit differently. Maybe Issei had a point.

He pulled out his phone and stared at Rukia's name in his contacts. His thumb hovered over the screen. Would she even want to? What if she says no? Or worse—what if she says yes and the whole night is a disaster?

"Dammit," Ichigo muttered, running a hand through his hair. He had faced down Hollows, Soul Reapers, well, only Rukia and Soifon when sparring with them, even Fullbringers, but sending a single text felt way harder than any of those fights.

Finally, after a deep breath, he typed out a message.

{Hey Rukia, I was wondering… do you want to go out tonight? Like, on a date?}

He stared at the message for a solid minute. Then, before he could overthink it any further, he hit send.

Almost immediately, panic set in. Crap. What if Rukia thinks it's a joke? What if she laughs at me? What if—

His phone buzzed.

{…A date?}

Ichigo's heart nearly stopped. His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he tried to think of how to respond. Before he could, another message came in.

{You finally grew a backbone, huh? Took you long enough.}

Ichigo's face turned red. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?!"

Then, another message.

{How about six tonight?}

Ichigo blinked. He read the text again. And again.

She said yes.

A mixture of relief and terror flooded him at the same time. He had no idea what he was doing. He needed a plan, a place to take her, something cool, something fun.

…Maybe he should call his dad for advice.

...What was he thinking!?

Immediately, he shook his head. 'No way. That perverted old goat would tell me to take her to some love hotel or something.'

Ichigo groaned, already regretting this. But at the same time… he felt excited.

[Look, Ichigo, your romance skills suck balls since all your good at doing is fighting, and when it comes to women who aren't your family, you seriously trip balls, so ask Issei since he's clearly got more game than you since he dated those fine women no doubt.] Hollow Ichigo said as he cackled in his partner's head, which made Ichigo grumble until he gave in.

Ichigo let out a heavy sigh, staring at his phone. He really didn't want to do this, but there was no getting around it—Issei had way more experience with girls than he did. As much as he hated to admit it, the guy actually knew what he was talking about when it came to dating.

After a deep breath, Ichigo scrolled through his contacts and tapped Issei's name. The phone rang twice before he picked up.

[Yo, Ichigo! What's up?] Issei's voice came through, accompanied by the smooth sound of jazz music playing in the background. [You finally calling me for some real guy talk? Or did you accidentally text Tatsuki something weird that needs damage control?]

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "First of all, rude. It was one time and second no. Now shut up since I need some advice."

There was a pause. Then, Ichigo heard Issei take a deep, dramatic breath.

[Wait… wait, wait, wait. Are you—are you finally going on a date?]

Ichigo sighed, already regretting this. "Yeah. With Rukia. Tonight."

There was a loud sniffling noise, followed by Issei blowing his nose. [I'm just… I'm so proud of you, man. My little bro's growing up! I was starting to think you really swung the other way!]

"WHAT?!" Ichigo shouted, his face turning red. "Why the hell would you think that?!"

[Well, you spend all your time either training, fighting, or hanging out with a bunch of dudes. I mean, no judgment, but—]

"I'M NOT—! Just shut up and help me, okay?!"

Issei laughed. [Alright, alright, chill. So, what's the plan? Where are you taking her?]

Ichigo hesitated. "…I don't know yet."

There was another pause. Then, Issei groaned. [Oh, come on, man! You can't just ask a girl out and not have a plan! But lucky for you, your big bro's got you covered.]

Ichigo heard some shuffling on the other end before Issei spoke again. [Remember the summer festival tickets I gave you? Use them. Rukia's never been to a festival before, right? So why not show her a good time? Take her to some food stalls, play some games, and maybe win her a prize. I know some rabbits Rukia may like in that bed she made in your closet.]

Ichigo frowned. "That… actually doesn't sound like a bad idea. Wait, how did you know about Rukia sleeping in my closet?"

[Well, it was thanks to Rukia going to the group chat, and Of course, it doesn't sound like a bad idea! I'm a pro at this since I have a lot of experience, thanks to dating the girls. Candice loved mall dates but believe it or not, she's a sucker for idol concerts, so when one was in town, she begged me to take her when I won those tickets in a grocery store contest. Minnie is a huge sucker for romance novels and enjoys being spoiled but doesn't take it too far since she likes small things rather than large extravagant things. Lily was a huge foodie, so whenever I was testing a new recipe, going grocery shopping, or even just checking out a new bakery or restaurant in town, Lily would join me to enjoy their specials. Bambi loved to go to fun little areas to cool down when she had a really bad day. She also enjoyed coming over to my home and asking me for help in tutoring or as her therapist. Now Giselle, on the other hand, was a crazy one since she almost reminded me of the Yandere trope but less crazy and stab happy and more kinky.]

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck. "Anything else I should know?"

Issei hummed. [Yeah. Two things. One: make sure to let her have fun. You tend to be a little… intense, bro. Don't turn this into some training mission. Just enjoy the moment with her.]

Ichigo sighed. "Alright, got it. And two?"

[…Never, under any circumstances, go to a love hotel on the first date.]

Ichigo nearly choked. "WHY THE HELL WOULD I—"

[Hey, I'm just saying! Women have been crazy like that since. I learned that the hard way when Giselle tried to drag me to one after a zombie movie marathon. I thought I was gonna get turned into an undead love-enslaved person.]

Ichigo grimaced. "I did not need to know that."

[I'm Just looking out for you, bro.] Issei chuckled. [Anyway, you got this. Just be yourself, have fun, and—oh! Wear something nice. No one wants to date a guy who looks like he just walked out of a street fight.]

Ichigo sighed again, but this time, it was more relaxed. "Yeah. Thanks, man."

[Anytime. Now get ready, Romeo! And if you screw this up, I'm disowning you as my bro.]

Ichigo rolled his eyes but couldn't help smirking. "Yeah, yeah. Later, Issei."

He hung up, staring at his phone for a moment before shoving it back into his pocket.

Alright. Ichigo had a plan now. It was time to get ready after he checked out the area where Kisuke told him that the Vizards would train.

'Can you track it down?'

[What do you think I am a bloodhound? I can sense it, but you'll have to use Sonido to get there faster so you can get ready for your date.] Hollow Ichigo said as Ichigo focused and thanked his partner. He used his training from Xcution to get to the mountain range outside of town, which was really nice until Ichigo sensed a strange aura in the forest that seemed to be going fast.

"Wait, is this guy one of them?" Ichigo asked himself before he chased after it. The figure was really fast, and they ran on all fours until the figure vanished into the mountains, which made Ichigo give chase.

Ichigo landed on the ground as he walked around cautiously until he saw an opening in the cave that led to an arena of sorts. The arena almost reminded him of a cartoon he saw as a kid since it wasn't a barren wasteland like Kisuke or a blank area like the Xcution but looked more like a meadow with many trees, rocks, and a lake in the distance. This made Ichigo feel at peace until he noticed something was under the giant cherry blossom tree.

Ichigo walked closer to the tree and saw it was a marker of sorts on top of a lump of dirt until he saw a name that was etched into the wood.

Rest In Peace, Mashiro Kuna.

A crazy but kind extrovert who dealt with a stubborn old man like me.

"This almost reminds me of when my family and I would go see Mom," Ichigo said as he was about to head out until the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He turned around to see the figure he was chasing was right behind him.

"RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The beast roared before it delivered a right hook that seemed to be condensed of wind as Ichigo was blown away by the force of not just the punch but also the wind into the distance until he landed and slammed into some of the rocks that made his descent a bit more bearable until he was able to stand back up to see the one who attacked him. Ichigo was shocked by what he saw.

The Vizard, if he could call him a soul reaper, was a large, muscular, and bulky humanoid with armored hands and skeletal feet, with a number of thick cylindrical protrusions on his back and forearms. His eyes were pure red with no visible pupils. The cylinders on his back make him hunch over as they release steam as if it was built up in them.

Ichigo clenched his fists as he took in the monstrous figure before him. The sheer pressure of its reiatsu was suffocating, a mixture of Hollow corruption and raw, unrestrained power. But what struck him the hardest wasn't just the overwhelming force—it was the grave behind him.

"Tch… Just what the hell are you?" Ichigo muttered, eyes narrowing as he steadied his stance.

The creature let out another deafening roar, its hunched form twitching as steam hissed from the strange cylinders on its back. Then, in an instant, it vanished.

Fast! Ichigo barely had time to react as the monstrous figure reappeared right in front of him, swinging its massive, armored fist. Instinct kicked in, and Ichigo brought up his blade just in time to block, but the sheer force behind the strike sent him skidding backward, tearing up chunks of earth beneath his feet.

Ichigo winced as he felt the impact rattle his bones. It's strong… and it's not just mindless rage, either. That attack was precise. His grip tightened around Zangetsu as the creature hunched forward again, steam billowing from its back like an overheating engine.

Then, with another roar, it launched itself at him once more.

[MOVE, YOU IDIOT! GET OUT OF HIS WAY OR YOUR DEAD!]

Hollow Ichigo's voice roared inside Ichigo's mind like a blaring alarm, the sheer urgency making Ichigo's instincts scream at him. The monstrous figure was already upon him, its massive, armored fist pulling back for another devastating blow.

"Tch—!" Ichigo bellowed, raising his blade just as the creature's fist came crashing down.

A surge of black and red energy erupted from Zangetsu as Ichigo instinctively poured everything he had into a Getsuga Tenshō. The force of the blast clashed violently with the creature's attack, creating a shockwave that tore through the arena. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered as Ichigo was forced back again, barely keeping his footing.

The beast let out a distorted, guttural snarl, its hulking frame sliding back as the impact sent it skidding across the meadow. Steam hissed violently from its back, the pressure releasing in sharp bursts like a wild animal shaking off a wound.

Ichigo's breath was ragged as he wiped a streak of blood from his lip. "That thing… it's not just attacking wildly. It's analyzing me."

[Oi, King, you better get serious right now] Hollow Ichigo growled in his head. [That thing ain't just some wild beast. It's using instincts and battle experience. You hold back, and you're a dead man.]

Ichigo gritted his teeth, leveling Zangetsu in front of him. "Yeah… I figured that much."

The creature exhaled sharply, its red eyes locking onto Ichigo as its muscles tensed. The cylinders on its back whined as they built up pressure once more, steam pouring out in bursts.

Then it lunged again.

This time, Ichigo was ready.

Ichigo barely had time to brace himself before the creature was on him again, moving with terrifying speed for its size. He swung Zangetsu, aiming for a clean strike, but the beast twisted its body mid-lunge, dodging with unnatural reflexes.

'What the hell? It's fast!' Ichigo thought, barely bringing his sword up in time to block the incoming strike.

The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the air, forcing Ichigo back. He retaliated instantly, slashing forward and unleashing a powerful Getsuga Tenshō. The black-and-red crescent of energy screamed toward the creature, tearing up the ground as it traveled.

But instead of taking the hit, the creature reacted.

With a sudden, precise motion, it slammed its armored forearm into the attack, splitting the Getsuga in two. The energy dissipated as the separated halves carved deep trenches into the meadow behind it.

Ichigo's eyes widened. 'It deflected it?!'

Steam burst from the cylinders on the beast's back as it tensed its muscles, shifting into a low stance. Ichigo barely had a second to process before the monster drove its fist forward—except this time, there was no direct impact.

Instead, a hurricane-force blast of wind erupted from the strike, howling toward Ichigo with enough pressure to crack the air itself.

"Shit—!" Ichigo tried to brace, but it was useless.

The violent windstorm slammed into him like a freight train, launching him high into the sky. His body twisted through the air uncontrollably, the force making it impossible to stop his ascent.

Then, from below, a deafening roar tore through the battlefield.

Ichigo's breath hitched as he saw the creature leap from the ground, propelling itself with explosive force. It shot upward at breakneck speed, pulling back its arms, and its entire body locked onto him like a missile.

"Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me—!"

Before he could recover, the beast was there.

The moment Ichigo's feet left the ground, the creature—Hollowfied Tensei—followed with brutal speed, its skeletal feet crashing down in a thunderous thud. The air around it rippled with raw, untamed power, and Ichigo knew immediately that he was no longer just fighting a monster. This was something else entirely.

With an eerie roar, Hollowfied Tensei's arm shot forward like a lightning bolt, its fingers locking into a fist as it closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. The creature let out a guttural growl and, with a sudden motion, launched a devastating Bakudantsuki (爆弾突き, Bomb Thrust).

BOOM!

A concentrated burst of energy erupted from Tensei's hand, its force shattering the air with an explosive shockwave. The blast surged through the atmosphere like a living thing, converging on Ichigo with terrifying speed.

"Shit!" Ichigo cursed, his body moving on instinct. He tried to react, but the pressure of the blast was overwhelming. No way to dodge in time—

His muscles burned as he used Flash Step, vanishing in an instant with a burst of speed that sent a ripple of wind behind him. But the creature was already prepared. Tensei's crimson eyes locked onto Ichigo, following his every move like a predator anticipating its prey.

The monster launched itself at Ichigo in an instant, faster than Ichigo could even react.

"Gahh!" Ichigo grunted as Tensei's massive, armored fist slammed into his chest mid-Flash Step. The punch hit with the force of a freight train, crushing Ichigo against the hard, unforgiving ground.

The ground cracked beneath them, and Ichigo was thrown backward like a ragdoll. He crashed into the lake with a deafening splash, the water exploding outward as the impact sent shockwaves across the surface.

Ichigo gasped, his body sore and disoriented. He barely had time to regain his bearings before he saw a shadow looming over him, blotting out the sky.

Tensei, still radiating power, flew down toward him like a missile, rocketing toward the lake with enough force to create a shockwave that sent water splashing in all directions.

Ichigo's instincts screamed for him to move, but his body felt sluggish, weighed down by the last hit. His sword trembled in his hand as he tried to get to his feet.

But the creature wasn't done.

Tensei slammed down into the water with a devastating roar, its massive fist glowing with reiryoku as it charged up again, the pressure building. The ground around Ichigo buckled beneath the beast's weight, and Ichigo barely dodged to the side just as Tensei's arm came crashing down.

The water exploded into a massive geyser, flooding the area around Ichigo as the beast's attack created a tidal wave of force. Ichigo barely had time to catch his breath before the beast was on him again, its fists pounding down like two massive wrecking balls.

'Damn it… I need to get out of here.' Ichigo thought, pushing himself to his feet with a growl.

Tensei's red eyes glinted with cold, calculating hunger. It didn't speak, but there was no doubt the creature was savoring every moment of this. Every blow, every hit—each one a brutal reminder that Ichigo was fighting a force of nature.

Ichigo had no choice. He couldn't let himself be crushed here, not when there was still a chance.

The sword pulsed with energy, resonating with Ichigo's desperation. With a scream, he raised Zangetsu above his head and unleashed a massive Getsuga Tenshō, the black-and-red blast roaring toward the beast.

The energy crackled with raw fury as it shot toward Tensei.

But Tensei, unaffected by the blast, moved with blinding speed, avoiding the attack with a tilt of its massive form.

Ichigo's eyes widened. The creature was now charging up an orb of glowing reiryoku, its entire body radiating with overwhelming power. The sphere began to expand rapidly, and Ichigo knew exactly what was coming next.

"Tachikaze…" The creature's voice was barely a whisper, but Ichigo could feel its weight in his bones.

In a flash, Tensei hurled the orb forward with immense force, like a cannonball fired from the depths of hell. The energy blast surged through the air with overwhelming speed, leaving a trail of distortion in its wake.

Ichigo's heart skipped a beat. No way…

He couldn't evade it in time.

The energy hit him dead-on, the explosion ripping through the landscape with a force that shattered the water's surface and sent Ichigo flying through the air like a ragdoll once again. His body crashed into the trees beyond the lake, snapping branches and tearing through the forest before finally crashing into the ground.

For a long moment, Ichigo didn't move. His body was battered, bloodied, and bruised, but his chest still rose and fell with shallow breaths.

And then, the roar of Tensei echoed through the sky.

It was only a matter of time before the creature closed in for the kill.

'I can't let it end like this…' Ichigo thought, struggling to rise. I still have to protect everyone…

As the battlefield seemed to spin around him, everything in Ichigo's body screamed for him to move, to fight back, but the weight of the creature's power still held him down. His mind raced, the overwhelming pressure of the battle clouding his thoughts. Hollowfied Tensei was just moments away from finishing him off, and Ichigo could feel the cold, oppressive presence of the beast closing in. But his limbs felt heavy as if something was holding him back.

Suddenly, everything stopped. The world around him froze in place.

Ichigo blinked in confusion as time itself seemed to hold its breath. The sounds of battle—the roar of Tensei, the rushing of the wind, the crashing of the waves—everything became silent. In that stillness, a voice pierced through his thoughts like a razor.

"Why aren't you fighting back, Ichigo?" Hollow Ichigo's voice rang out, sharp and mocking. "This isn't like you. You're about to die, and yet you hesitate. Pathetic."

Ichigo's body twitched as Hollow Ichigo's voice echoed in his mind, the taunting tone making him grind his teeth. "What the hell…?"

"Is this what you've become?" Hollow Ichigo continued, his voice dripping with scorn. "A weakling who can't even protect himself? You were supposed to be a warrior, and now you can't even raise your sword. You're just like everyone else. Nothing but a failure."

Before Ichigo could respond, another voice cut through the tension. It was calm and patient, yet filled with a weight of years of wisdom.

"Enough, Hollow." Old Man Zangetsu's voice echoed, firm and steady as always. "Let him speak."

The Hollow Ichigo's laughter died down, but the tension in the air remained thick and crackling with power. The old man's voice was different now, like a calm breeze in the midst of a storm.

"Ichigo," Old Man Zangetsu said softly, "Why are you hesitating? Why aren't you fighting with everything you have?"

Ichigo's brow furrowed as he looked around. The stillness of the world was a sharp contrast to the chaos he had been in moments before. He could feel their eyes on him, the weight of their words pressing down. The hesitation he felt wasn't just from the monster—there was something deeper, something that made him question everything he was doing.

He closed his eyes, his voice barely a whisper, "I… I don't want to hurt him. I want to help him."

The words hung in the air, soft but heavy with meaning. Hollowfied Tensei was no longer just an enemy. He was someone who had been lost, someone who needed to be saved, and Ichigo couldn't bring himself to destroy him. The thought of killing what might still be a person—a Soul Reaper who had once been part of the Vizard, someone like him—was unbearable. The anger, the bloodlust, the fight—it all seemed so pointless in that moment.

Old Man Zangetsu's voice cut through the silence again, this time with a more solemn tone.

"Ichigo, listen to me," he said, his words deliberate, heavy with the burden of truth. "You want to save him, I understand that. But you can't, not like this. Tensei's soul is no longer that of a Soul Reaper. It's been consumed by the Hollow within him. If you continue to hesitate, you will die here today. He has become something else. His soul is Hollow now, and it's too late to save him."

Ichigo's heart tightened at the words, but deep down, he knew they were true. The creature he faced was not the person he once was. He could still see the traces of humanity in his eyes, but those traces were buried beneath the Hollow's monstrous form. It wasn't just a fight for survival anymore; it was a fight for his soul.

"If you want to live," Old Man Zangetsu continued, "if you want to protect those you care about… you need to stop thinking like this. You need to use your Bankai. You need to stop holding back."

Ichigo's eyes widened at the mention of Bankai. It had been so long since he'd truly relied on it, so long since he had been able to unleash his power fully. The memories of the intense battles and the raw energy of Zangetsu—both of them, the Hollow and the old man—came rushing back to him in a flood of realization.

"You're telling me… that the only way to stop him is to go all out? To use Bankai?" Ichigo asked, his voice full of uncertainty but also a rising sense of determination.

"Yes," Old Man Zangetsu replied, his tone unwavering. "Your Bankai is the key. It's the only thing that can match his power. You cannot defeat him without it, and you cannot hesitate. If you continue like this, you will fall, and the consequences will be more than just your life."

Ichigo's fists clenched around the hilt of Zangetsu. His mind flashed back to his past, to his training, to everything he had fought for up until this moment. He had always tried to protect people. He had always hesitated, though—hesitated to kill, to cross that line. But now, the truth was clear.

If he didn't stop this monster, if Ichigo didn't use everything he had… he would lose. And everyone he cared about would suffer because of it.

"I don't have a choice. Do I?"

Old Man Zangetsu shook his head as Ichigo sighed, and his resolve hardened like steel.

"Then… it's time," Ichigo muttered, his voice rising with the weight of the decision.

Old Man Zangetsu's presence grew more powerful in his mind, and for a moment, Ichigo felt the fusion of both parts of his soul—Zangetsu and Hollow Ichigo—synchronizing in perfect balance. The energy in his body surged, his reiatsu flaring like a storm about to break free.

"Bankai," Ichigo said, his voice steady with purpose.

A pulse of spiritual energy erupted around him as he summoned the true power of his zanpakuto, and in the next instant, the world seemed to tremble in response. The air became dense with power as Ichigo's Bankai manifested, Zangetsu's blade now crackling with a dark energy that resonated with both the Hollow and Soul Reaper inside of him.

The beast known as Hollowfied Tensei stopped mid-air, sensing the sudden shift in Ichigo's aura. Ichigo locked eyes with him, his body ready for the fight of his life. The hesitation was gone. There was no turning back now.

"It's time to finish this," Ichigo said, his voice fierce as his sword glowed with power.

As Ichigo's Bankai fully manifested, his form began to change. His once black and white shihakusho was now a combination of tattered black fabric and a dark, almost metallic-like energy that swirled around his body. His zanpakuto became a massive, jagged blade, its edge gleaming with a ferocity that mirrored the storm building within him. The air around him seemed to crackle with raw energy as the duality of his power—the Hollow and Soul Reaper—merged into something that felt unstoppable. His spiritual pressure surged, causing the very ground beneath him to tremble.

Hollow Ichigo's voice reverberated in his mind. "That's it, King! Let it all out! Don't hold back anymore! You've got the power now—use it!"

Ichigo, now fully in control of his Bankai, locked eyes with the creature across from him—Hollowfied Tensei. The beast, sensing the shift in Ichigo's power, let out a deep, guttural roar, its eyes burning with a feral intensity. In response, it dropped to all fours and lunged at Ichigo with the speed of a predator closing in on its prey.

Ichigo didn't flinch. He steadied himself and gripped his sword tighter. In a blur of motion, the creature was upon him in an instant, throwing a massive punch toward Ichigo. The force was immense, and the air itself seemed to compress as the blow collided with Ichigo's blade, sending shockwaves throughout the battlefield. The sheer strength of the punch caused Ichigo to slide back, his feet digging into the ground, but his sword held firm.

The pistons on the creature's back hissed violently as it adjusted its position, its body seemingly augmented with steam and raw power. The creature's fists pulsed with an unnaturally charged energy, and in the next moment, it blasted Ichigo away with a super-charged punch. The sheer force of the blow sent Ichigo crashing through the air, his body slamming into the ground and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

"Ugh…" Ichigo grunted, struggling to get back up as the impact had nearly knocked the wind out of him. But before he could regain his footing, the beast was already charging at him again, its mouth beginning to glow as it prepared to unleash a deadly Cero.

[Think, Ichigo!] Hollow Ichigo growled in his mind. [This guy's relentless. If you don't fight back with everything you've got, you're done for. Use it. Use that power you're holding back!]

Ichigo's eyes narrowed as the Cero charged up in the creature's mouth, an orb of crimson energy swirling within. He gripped his sword tighter, his reiatsu building around him as he prepared to face the incoming attack.

"GETSUGA TENSHO!" Ichigo shouted, releasing a massive wave of energy from his blade. The blue crescent-shaped blast rocketed toward the creature.

The two forces collided in an explosion of energy, the resulting shockwave sending debris and dust flying in every direction. The creature was sent skidding back, the ground beneath it cracking as the force of Ichigo's attack pushed it away. The beast roared in pain as the blast struck it squarely in the chest, leaving a gaping wound. But it wasn't enough.

Ichigo watched as the creature's left arm—damaged from the blast—hung limply at its side. However, the beast didn't seem to care about the injury. Instead, it let out an enraged roar, its eyes glowing brighter with fury as it charged at Ichigo once more, this time with a Cero charging in its mouth.

[Get ready, Ichigo] Hollow Ichigo's voice rang out again. [It's time to turn the tables. Do the same thing, but add a twist. Mix that Cero with your blood, and then Getsuga Tensho. It'll make the technique even more powerful.]

Ichigo hesitated for only a moment. Hollow Ichigo's words were simple, but they carried the weight of the truth: he had to push beyond his limits. He couldn't just rely on his normal techniques anymore, not with this monster.

He closed his eyes for a split second, centering himself in the storm of his emotions. "Alright… let's end this," Ichigo muttered, his voice steady despite the chaos around him.

Ichigo's sword pulsed with energy as he focused his reiatsu, combining the dark, destructive power of the Hollow with the precision and control of the Soul Reaper. As the creature charged toward him with its Cero blazing, Ichigo raised his sword high, channeling the energy of his Bankai into his blade.

"GETSUGA GRAN REY TENSHO!" Ichigo roared again, but this time, the blast that erupted from his sword was different—stronger. The blue energy mingled with a dark red, swirling black energy from the Hollow side of his power. The result was a devastating hybrid attack, a monstrous wave of spiritual energy that fused the raw, destructive power of Getsuga Tensho with the pure, unrelenting force of a Cero.

The two attacks collided in mid-air, creating a massive explosion of power that created a shockwave so intense that the surrounding landscape seemed to warp and twist from the force. The creature let out a final, guttural roar as the hybrid attack hit it head-on, the force of the blast knocking it backward. The energy carved through its body, leaving deep, charred gashes along its form.

Ichigo watched as the creature was sent flying, its body crashing into the ground, its left arm completely severed by the impact. The beast struggled to get up, its movements slowing, but its eyes still burned with that same savage fury.

It wasn't done yet. Not by a long shot.

Ichigo stepped forward, his sword still crackling with power, his body aching from the brutal battle. "This ends now," he said, his voice filled with determination.

Ichigo, his body still throbbing with exhaustion, gathered every ounce of energy left in him. His sword, now radiating with a fierce, almost blinding energy, was held firmly in his hand. With a deep breath, he dashed toward the beast, his form a blur as he closed the distance in an instant. The ground beneath him cracked and shattered from the sheer speed and power of his charge.

The creature, Hollowfied Tensei, snarled and tried to retaliate with another Cero, but Ichigo was too quick. With a roar, he forced the beast back, slashing through the air with a brutal swipe of his sword. The force of the blow sent the creature stumbling backward, its massive form lurching as Ichigo pressed the attack. He moved like a storm, his Bankai-enhanced speed and strength overwhelming the creature.

In one fluid motion, Ichigo swung his blade downward, severing the creature's remaining arm. The beast let out a bone-rattling scream, the stump where its arm once was dripping with blood. But it wasn't finished yet. Despite the loss of its limb, the creature's mouth began to glow as it charged up another Cero, a desperate, final attempt to turn the tide.

But Ichigo wasn't done. With a decisive movement, he leaped forward, his sword raised high. The creature fired the Cero, but Ichigo was already upon it. He thrust his sword forward with all his strength, plunging it deep into the creature's head, right between its glowing eyes. The force of the strike caused the creature to stagger, its body jerking as a burst of blood erupted from its wound.

For a moment, the beast was still, the glow in its eyes flickering. But then, with a low growl, its broken arm began to regenerate at an alarming rate. The creature's body shifted, the gaping wound in its head beginning to heal as well. A final, frenzied roar escaped the beast's throat as it reared back, preparing to land a final, deadly punch.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening around his blade. He wasn't about to let this monster recover. The creature tried to bring its massive fist down upon him, but Ichigo was faster. He spun around, moving in an instant, and with a powerful slash, he severed the top of the creature's head. The blade sliced clean through, severing its skull and splattering the area with dark blood.

The creature's body went limp; its regeneration halted in its tracks. The severed arm dropped to the ground with a heavy thud, and the beast let out a final, pitiful whimper before collapsing. The once-mighty Hollowfied Tensei slumped in defeat, its body now nothing more than a crumpled, broken form on the ground.

Ichigo stood over it, panting heavily, his sword still glowing with the last remnants of his power. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared down at the fallen beast, the weight of the battle finally catching up to him.

He had won.

The arena, once filled with the tension of battle, was now silent. Ichigo's breathing slowed as the adrenaline began to fade, leaving only the ringing of his heartbeat in his ears. He looked down at the defeated creature, the ghost of Hollowfied Tensei's former self still lingering in the air, but it was clear now—Ichigo had emerged victorious.

But this wasn't just about defeating the creature. This was about Ichigo coming to terms with his strength and the duality inside him. The battle had been brutal, but it had shown him what he was capable of when he fully embraced both his Soul Reaper and Hollow sides.

"Looks like I've still got a lot to learn," Ichigo muttered under his breath, sheathing his sword as he took a moment to steady himself.

Behind him, Hollow Ichigo's voice echoed in his mind, tinged with a hint of approval. "Not bad, Ichigo. You did well."

"Thanks," Ichigo said quietly, glancing around the battlefield. He was exhausted, but there was a strange sense of peace within him. He had faced down a powerful enemy, overcome his hesitation, and emerged victorious.

"Damn," Ichigo said as he collapsed on the ground until a voice snapped him out of almost passing out.

"You did well, kid. You saved him," Yoruichi said as she helped Ichigo rest on the ground before healing him with Kido.

"Y-Yoruichi. Y-You knew him?" Ichigo asked before Yoruichi replied.

"Yes. His name before he became consumed by his Hollow was Kensei Muguruma. He was a captain in the Soul Society who was forced to flee after being turned into a Vizard." Yoruichi said as she picked up Kensei and carried him to the giant tree where the grave marker was untouched before Yoruichi tapped the tip of her foot on the ground.

The earth opened up as a grave was dug for the body, and Yoruichi placed Kensei into it and covered it back up until she placed a self-made grave marker on it for Kensei.

Ichigo was silent until Yoruichi spoke to him as she looked right at him.

"There are nine Vizards, but sadly, only four of them are alive, while the other five are dead. Love Aikawa, Kensei Muguruma, Mashiro Kuna, Rojuro Otoribashi, and Hiyori Sarigaki. Two of them are in hiding since they sealed themselves away so they wouldn't bring harm to others, while the other two are still in contact with me, but if I do call them and tell them you wish to train with them, then that means you'll be facing two powerful former Captains, that is if their Hollows don't possess them." Yoruichi said, shocking Ichigo since he would've assumed there were at least ten or twenty of them, but he was shocked to hear that there were so few now.

Ichigo was about to ask about them until Yoruichi stopped him from asking.

"I know you want to ask me about the others, but I cannot. I'm doing this to protect them. For now, go back and get ready for your date. Enjoy your life now because if they do accept the call, then no doubt they're coming tomorrow," Yoruichi said as she left Ichigo with him. She had many questions about what happened between her and the Visoreds before deciding to trust Yoruichi and see if one of the two would come tomorrow.

However, one is already aware of Ichigo's existence as they step out behind and enter the cave holes.

"Hm. The Son of Light that was born in darkness. So this is the idea that Ywach fears as one of the Special War powers. Perhaps it's time to step out of the darkness and into the light." The figure said as they retreated deeper into the tunnels, but not without looking back at the two graves before bowing in respect for their fallen comrades.

Later...

"For the last time, Kon. No! You can't take over Ichigo since we both know you'll only cause more trouble! We're not busy today, so we might as well enjoy ourselves. Issei gave Ichigo tickets to the carnival, so I wanted to see it for myself. Which means….No. Perverted. Lions." Rukia yelled as she jabbed a finger into Kon's eye, making him yell in pain made sure her dress was nice before seeing her left hand twitch.

"Dammit. I've been in this Gigai for almost two months now and still have trouble transforming into my Soul Uniform. Dammit." She cursed her state until she gasped, seeing a butterfly at the window before it left, making a small sweat leave her forehead.

'It can't be…..They're here already?' Rukia shook her head as she saw that it was an ordinary Monarch Butterfly.

'No, it couldn't be.' She said in her mind until she heard the door being knocked on by a certain strawberry.

"Hey Rukia! You coming?!"

"I'll be out in a moment, Ichigo!" Rukia said as she rushed downstairs to see Ichigo in casual attire. She looked in the living room to see both Karin and Yuzu smiling at the two—well, the latter rather than the former, as Karin took a picture of the two and smirked at them both.

"Don't stay out too late, or Dad will think you're doing adult activities," Karin said wickedly, and Ichigo blushed at his nickname as he yelled back at her.

"I am not like that old goat!"

"I didn't say anything like that bro. Get your mind out of the gutter, though. I can't blame you since you are King of the Prudes while Issei is the Lord of Lust." Karin said with a mischievous tone as Yuzu blushed at her sister.

"Karin! Be nice to Ichigo, okay? It's his first date, and it makes me so happy that he's dating women and not men." Yuzu said with a happy tone as she wiped her eyes while Rukia and a certain lion, who stifled his comment, laughed at Ichigo's misfortune until the Substitute yelled with a red face.

"Let's just go already!" Ichigo then pointed at Karin. "And don't make me tell Issei of the crush you used to have on him."

Karin turned to glare at her brother. "You wouldn't dare!"

Ichigo smirked back at her as if he was challenging her.

"Try me."

Yuzu got between the two as she spoke to them both like a mother would. "Now that's enough, you two. Ichigo, have fun on your date, and be sure to come back before 11 pm. I know it's Saturday, but you still have a curfew. And Karin! Be sure to finish some of your summer homework, and don't play any of those games that you took from Issei's yard sale. I found your stash. And none of….that in the bathroom, okay? I just cleaned it." Yuzu said as she glared at the two, making them nod at her.

"Okay, Yuzu."

"Got it, Mom."

"Hey! I cook and clean this house while you two lazy bums hardly do any of the real work. Be grateful I don't let you starve to death. Hmph!" Yuzu shouted as she stomped out of the room, leaving the trio alone. Then, Ichigo and Rukia left the Karakura household and snickered at him.

"You three really like to mess with each other. And is it true that Karin had a crush on Issei?"

Ichigo nodded to Rukia as he explained how it came to be. "It was around the time he first arrived in Karakura town. Apparently, Karin was hanging out with her friends when she saw Issei. Karin came home all happy that day, and well, Yuzu and I got curious. It was then I learned of Issei and met him at my school two days later."

Rukia nodded as Ichigo continued to explain how Karin liked to hang out with Issei when he said they lived near his house. That led to some house visits, study nights, and sleepovers until Karin began to mellow out of her crush. However, Ichigo said he had a suspicion that Karin still had feelings for Issei since he still saw the picture that Karin held dear to her inside her wallet.

"So after Karin's team won the soccer finals, she kissed Issei's cheek and thanked him for his support. He was a very inspirational assistant to the team, as she said." Ichigo said as he paid for the tickets while Rukia smiled at the story.

"Wow. That's amazing. Still, it's weird. Your sister kissed Issei, and you didn't kill him?"

"Well….That was mostly my dad, but he knew that it was a harmless one—not a real one," Ichigo said, making Rukia nod in awe.

"Ah. I see. Still, thanks for bringing me out here. It's a nice change after all of the battles we've been through. Back at the Soul Society, we don't have this kind of events to relax. We mostly just party in the squad rooms."

Ichigo chuckled lightly at this information until he recalled how Issei would be out with his old man while he was the only one of his friends who stayed behind, not counting Uryu, that is. "Still, it was a shame that both Issei and Captain Soifon couldn't have come along with us. She would've enjoyed challenging Issei to these games.

Rukia raised a brow with a smile as she replied to him. "Why? So we could have a double date?"

Ichigo nodded. "Issei always wanted to try going on a triple date with his friends Motohama and Matsuda back at Kuoh Town, but since schooling didn't go well at Kuoh Academy due to... certain reasons, Issei's parents thought it would be best to move here."

"Are you and Issei close? Like friends?"

"Depends what you mean by that."

"Do you see Issei as a brother?" Rukia asked as Ichigo paused for a moment before speaking again.

"Honestly, I'm starting to see Issei that way. Issei already looks at Chad and me as his best friends, even though the big guy doesn't talk much."

Rukia nodded at this as Ichigo continued.

"To be honest, I saw Issei as an acquaintance or a neighbor than a friend at first until I got to know him a bit more. Eventually, I began to see him as my brother. The way things are now, it's hard to tell, but I think he considers me a brother of sorts. He's….never had a sibling before, so it makes sense he sees me as a brother." Ichigo said as he shook his head lightly before smiling a bit at Rukia.

"Come on. Issei wouldn't want us to let his tickets go to waste now, would he?"

"Hell no. Let's go have some fun!" Rukia yelled as the two went on the rides and tried many different foods. Rukia smiled as she tasted the corn, grilled chicken, and squid after she got a bit hungry after some of the rides.

"Damn. This is amazing." Rukia said as she enjoyed the taste of the corn and meat she was eating in her hands until Ichigo chuckled at the normally serious girl before remembering how she loved to eat foods she'd never tried before.

"Heh. Or maybe you're just starving," Ichigo said as he smiled at her, making Rukia blush a bit.

'Wow. He's actually a bit handsome when smiling.' "You know you should smile some more and maybe people won't call you a delinquent as much."

Ichigo blushed lightly at this before he sighed. "Sorry, I guess I just haven't been able to smile as much since..."

Rukia's eyes softened as she knew the reason why. "Since your mother passed?"

Ichigo merely nodded until Rukia put her food down and patted his back as she got closer to him. She put her head on his shoulder, making him jump a bit at the contact.

"H-Hey! What's the big idea?"

"It's chilly out here, and you're so hot."

"F-Fine. But no funny stuff."

"Oh? What kind of funny stuff? Want me to demonstrate some stuff?" Rukia asked with a coy smile as Ichigo could see that he was a rabbit in front of a carrot hanging from a stick.

"P-Please don't tell me you're turning into Issei?" Ichigo asked as Rukia giggled lightly at his reaction before she looked into his eyes.

"Want to find out, Ichigo-Kun?"

Ichigo stuttered a bit as Rukia laughed at his face before patting his back.

"Lighten up! You're always so serious. Learn to relax a bit. Isn't that why we're here on a date instead of hunting Hollows?" Rukia asked, looking at him a bit smugly. Ichigo was shocked at the 180 before Rukia sighed at his dense head.

"I was trying to get you to relax. You've been stressed out lately and have been so restless. Do you deserve some relaxation? You don't always have to be battle-ready."

Ichigo remembered Issei telling him something similar. 'Look, dude, just take the fucking tickets. You like Rukia, and she clearly likes you. I know the whole Hollow War had you on edge but take a load off, man. And who knows, maybe being with Rukia will give you some stress relief. Don't you dare take that out of context!'

Ichigo then looked at Rukia as something clicked in his brain. "You two were in on it, weren't you?" he asked as Rukia made a so-so motion.

"Well…..More or less. Issei was the mastermind behind the whole thing, while I was a mere follower who helped him. And he was right about one thing. Stress relief. That's why I wanted to bring you out here and relax. Did it work?"

Ichigo went into thought; he truly did have fun. Ichigo, for once, felt calm before he gave Rukia a soft smile. "Yeah, it did." Rukia smiled at that before she suddenly felt a malicious presence for a moment.

Rukia turned around to see nothing, making Ichigo raise a brow. "Huh? Is there something wrong, Rukia?"

"Hmm? Oh, it's nothing; I just thought I heard something." 'What was that malicious intent just then?' Rukia asked herself as she shook it off. They both enjoyed the rest of the carnival before they headed back home, or else Yuzu would be waiting for them and go into Mother Yuzu mode. Still, as Rukia let Ichigo take a shower, she looked out the window and saw that it was going to rain soon.

"Heh. A rainy evening for a sad ending." Rukia said as she took a piece of paper and wrote something on it before stopping to write until she tore the paper up.

"No. Just a little more time. Just a little more time with Ichigo and his family until you take me. Please." Rukia said with a sad tone as she saw a red butterfly fly away before hearing a small voice in her mind.

'Very well, Little Sister.'

"Thank you, Big Brother," Rukia said, not noticing two people watching her from afar.

Scene!

Next Time: Rain Hides The Tears

And now, since Ichigo will be training, he'll be clashing with Shinji and a special OC since Lisa and Hachi are the only others left, but they're sealed away, so they can't go on a rampage.

I hope you all enjoyed it. See you next time!