(With Ichigo's Group)
Ichigo returned to his meditations, dedicating himself to training for Kyoka Suigetsu's Bankai which was becoming more and more of an uphill battle. Unlike his fight with Aizen, she matched him in speed, power, strength, and he was unable to use the same trick to find her real body as last time. Esdeath was attempting to do the same, determined to dominate her Zanpakuto and gain the power of Bankai, before being talked into giving language lessons to the Sokai teens and blacksmiths while the assassin tried to attain her Shikai. Wave eventually noticed and trained with Akame and Esdeath, whoever wasn't helping teach the Sokai group. Despite the days they spent on training, the furthest they got was simply hearing another voice before entering the Empire's canal system.
Hinowa and her friends thought they were ready to see what the outside world had to offer from stories Esdeath told them about her hunts, from what Mine told them about the buildings, what Akame had said about the food. They were utterly floored by the city they found themselves in. The towering buildings, the crowds of people, the smells in the air, all of it was foreign and they found it amazing. Ichigo remembered that Makoto said something about throwing a celebration in honor of connecting to the Eastern nations. A welcome distraction from the horrors they were subjected to earlier as a somber air still lingered but the festivities still held. The kids enjoyed much of what the Capital had to offer, some attractions holding more attention than others, until finally they got to the palace.
"Welcome, citizens of Sokai," Chouri greeted while Akame handled translation, "his eminence, Emperor Makoto, welcomes you to the Grand Empire." The group were escorted toward the throne room while Ichigo himself started heading for the basement, looking to get some extra work done before returning to his training, when he felt a disturbance in the air.
'I know this presence.' He thought before flashing away and reappearing high above the palace dome, scanning the vicinity before finding a hooded figure in Vandenreich garb riding a Reishi platform. Ichigo immediately tensed, ready for battle and waited for the right moment to strike. The Quincy in question held up what seemed to be an envelope and held it out, like he was giving it to the hybrid. Faster than the Quincy could react, Ichigo took the proffered letter while still glaring at the Quincy.
"It's just a normal letter, if that's what you're wondering." He answered before floating away. "Lord Gilgamesh would never stoop so low." The Quincy then flew away, leaving Ichigo alone in the sky. Gilgamesh certainly didn't seem like the kind to poison anyone, but that didn't mean his underlings wouldn't. He finally took it down to his lab and tested it for any kind of poison or viral agent that would prove any way dangerous. Only after confirming it was safe did he open the letter and read the contents within.
They had one month before Gilgamesh would launch an assault against the capital.
(Underneath the Palace)
"Stylish, since we have long since abandoned the idea that I'm not in constant contact with the Gotei, patch me through to squad 12 with a message to get the Captain Commander." Ichigo ordered as he slumped into a chair.
"Yes sir." The AI responded as it immediately began to enact those commands. Ichigo brought the message to the attention of Budo, Makoto, and anyone else relevant and they immediately began prepping for battle. Scout patrols were sent out to check on every territory of the empire to see if the people outside the capital were still safe and the Sokai smiths were allowed to examine every remaining Teigu in the Empire's possession and told to get to work. Budo sent out an order to the remaining forces around the Empire to return to the Capital while leaving skeleton crews behind to man their respective posts and Chouri, on Makoto's orders, took a gamble in trying to get aid from the other kingdoms. Before Ichigo's team could ask him anything Esdeath demanded that they all get back to training since they had the month to strengthen themselves, giving Ichigo this time to contact Soul Society.
"Hi~ Ichigo~!" Kisuke sang out as he and Yamamoto appeared on screen. "How have you been?"
"The Quincy known as Gilgamesh plans to attack the Empire's capital after a month has passed." The hybrid immediately reported and letting the gravity of the matter sink in for the two senior officers. "How much time do I have left?"
"Our forces are gathering together for the final preparations. A couple of weeks to learn how to work together. Now report what has been going on with you." Yamamoto ordered and listened as Ichigo gave a full report of the past weeks to his commander. "It was agreed that you'd be granted a measure of leniency in your test due to measures outside of your control. Ending up discovered on entry due to the unforeseen severity of change in the beginning, preventing war crimes being done in your name, the Quincy invasion, but it doesn't change this judgment Ichigo. You failed your test, got too involved in the affairs of the world, and permanently altered their course in history due to your actions."
Ichigo stayed his tongue, forcing back the part that wanted to argue that he did the right thing. But it was the right thing of a person, not a Soul Reaper. Shinigami had to be more detached from the world otherwise they'd become direct tyrants and that was something Soul Society was already struggling to fix.
"Still, I'm proud of you my boy." The old dragon said with a smile. "You still acted to save innocent lives and protect as many souls as you could. You failed your test, but failed in a way that any teacher could be proud of." Ichigo felt himself blush at the dragon's praise. "We'll send in a team to aid you-"
"I decline sir." Ichigo interrupted, surprising Kisuke and making Yamamoto raise an eyebrow in question. "This is my war, Gilgamesh wants me. I won't always be able to expect backup and this is something I'm honor bound to finish." There was a silence before the Head Captain nodded, giving Ichigo his consent. "Thank you sir. Now if you'll excuse me," Kyoka Suigetsu manifested behind Ichigo, "I've got a Bankai to attain and Shinigami to train."
(Training: Round 1)
For two days after that call Ichigo dug out a large hole to fill with healing hotspring water for recovery. Esdeath was the first to test its effectiveness with the Sokai teens due to her rough training practices. After they proved that it worked Ichigo called the members of his team to the underground to begin their harsh training.
"Okay, here's what needs to happen," he started, "everyone needs to learn their Zanpakuto's name and gain the power of Shikai. Esdeath, Sheele, Bulat, and Daidara have this power and it's the easier of the Zanpakuto's powers to gain. Gaining this power requires harmonization of yourself and your blade, allowing you to hear the voice of your Zanpakuto Spirit." Ichigo explained in greater detail the relationship of Shinigami and Zanpakuto to his team of fresh reapers. "These aren't random blades, they aren't Teigu, they are YOUR POWERS and you must learn to treat them as a reflection of yourself." Some of the team looked to their swords, understanding Ichigo's advice and determined to earn their power while others looked mainly confused at the concept.
"Everyone that already has their Shikai, get into Jinzen and train with your spirit, everyone else," Ichigo unsheathed his Kido blade, "shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu." The sound of glass breaking echoed as Ichigo disappeared, "Start running." they heard before Leone was sent flying. Suzuka and Mez jumped away, Wave rushed to aid his ally, Akame and Kurome immediately slashed at where Leone was attacked, thinking Ichigo was there. Their blades sliced through the air harmlessly, reminding the sisters of just how fast Ichigo was. Then Akame's every instinct screamed at her to run and she jumped back while blocking and still felt the edge of a blade brush against her skin. Kurome vanished in that instant.
'How!? I blocked- Kyoka Suigetsu's power is based in hypnosis.' The assassin reminded herself. 'He can alter my perception however he-' She couldn't finish as Ichigo immediately appeared before her again, this time she felt her throat get slashed open, forcing her to drop to her knees. There was no cut but now she understood just how terrifying that sword was.
"Aren't you supposed to be the top assassin?" Ichigo was immediately behind her, blade to her throat. "Your mind is in chaos, you've lost your focus, how disappoint-" The hybrid disappeared as Mez and Suzuka attempted to free Akame by attacking from behind and Ichigo appeared in front of Akame with his sword point hovering over Akame's heart. "Too slow." He whispered before slamming his palm against her chest and sending all three flying. "What's holding you back?" Ichigo asked as she rolled to a stop. "You were ready to do whatever it took to win the revolution, even kill your-" He stopped, considering what he was about to say. "Your most precious person." Akame glared at Ichigo before her eyes widened, seeing Kurome struggling with his hand around her throat.
"KUROME!" The assassin cried out before charging again, focused on helping her sister.
"That's it, isn't it?" Ichigo and Kurome vanished from her sight just as she was about to cut him and Akame had to remind herself of the hypnosis again. "You're worried about your sister again, scared you'll lose her just after getting her back. How like a proper older sibling." Ichigo reappeared again, Kurome turning blue in his grip and Akame struggling to focus on finding an opening. "But I can't afford any weakness among my team, not for this battle. If she's holding you back," there was a loud crack and Kurome went limp in his hand, "then I'll remove it. Now try to avenge her." Akame froze as she felt her world shatter, staring into her sister's lifeless eyes.
'It's just an illusion. It's just an illusion.' She kept thinking, telling herself that Ichigo wouldn't be this cruel. 'It's just an illusion. It HAS TO BE an illusion.' Ichigo threw the body to her and Akame caught her sister. 'An illusion. Nothing but an-'
"Too weak to save her, and too weak to avenge her." The hybrid said to her. "You were always too weak to protect her, so you decided to kill her yourself." Akame felt her heart stop, being reminded of how she did give up on her most precious family member. "I wonder if any other friend of yours will fail me too. Spare them the trouble of dying in the war."
"Consign them," She felt the words come to her as the image of a snake-like woman whispered to her, "Chimei-tekina kisu!" The silver color on her katana evaporated and formed a thin black cloud around a red blade. "Eliminate." She whispered before utilizing what little flash-step skill she had to flash toward Ichigo, this time nearly cutting him. She was ignoring everything her senses were telling her and focused on her killer instinct, coming close to her target more and more, and Ichigo allowed it to happen. He had never seen a blade like Akame's and curiosity forced his hand, allowing a small cut on his palm before ripping his arm off at the elbow.
'Time to end this.' "Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu." The sound of glass breaking rang out and Akame was immediately immobilized. "Bakudo #61, Rikujokoro. Congratulations Akame." The assassin continued to struggle before Kurome appeared in front of her.
"That's enough Sis, it's gonna be okay." Akame was so stunned that she fell to her knees when Ichigo undid the binding Kido.
"K-Kurome? But... I saw-"
"Just an illusion sister." She said, wrapping her arms around her shocked family who tightly returned the embrace. Ichigo smiled at the scene, feeling guilty for forcing Akame like that but mostly content with the results. At least one person earned their Shikai, while most everyone else was already beaten and unconscious with Leone struggling to her feet.
"Why do you even want to fight? What drives you?" Ichigo asked the blonde as she rose to her feet. "You have nothing to avenge, no noble cause, everyone and even you yourself admit that you joined this fight less out of a disgust for the injustice of the corrupt empire and more because you love fighting. What is it that's preventing you from harmonizing, from finding balance within your soul?"
"Shuryo Raion told me his name from the moment you started this exercise." She returned.
"...what?" Ichigo growled.
"We're battle fanatics, as you say. I just wanted to see what it'd be like fighting you." Ichigo glared at her. "Activate my Shikai?"
"Yes, preferably before I make up my mind and decide to break your legs."
"Roar, Shuryo Raion!" She held her hands and blade out like claws, forming the aura of a lion's head as the blade flashed and formed into savage looking combat claws. "Well?" Ichigo smiled and walked up to her.
"Better," he then karate chopped her on the head and sent her crashing down, "don't ever waste our time like this again. We're on the clock, get everyone to the healing springs and we'll continue tomorrow. I'm going to do some training of my own."
(Ichigo's Training: round 1)
"Okay... let's do this." The hybrid said, prepping himself for whatever challenges Kyoka Suigetsu might send his way. He had aided in getting the injured to the healing springs, informed the group training in Jinzen to take a break, then left his poisoned severed arm with Stylish to analyze before he went as far from the group as possible to begin his Bankai training. "Are you ready Kyoka?" He asked as the female Zanpakuto spirit manifested.
"Be ready Ich-" She started before a baseball-sized hole appeared in her chest, shocking the both of them. As she fell, Ichigo reached out to her and felt an emptiness in his own chest with a burning pain, finding a smoking hole in his chest as well that was slowly healing.
"What a shame, I actually missed." Ichigo heard a familiar voice, spinning to find a man dressed like a general with long black hair, a thick mustache and muttonchops, and reddish brown eyes. He wore a white Quincy military uniform with a maroon colored cloak around his figure with the Quincy symbol proudly displayed on his chest. A man Ichigo knew and one he vowed to kill. "I was aiming for your spine." Ichigo immediately attacked the man, the dual blades of Zangetsu slamming against a Dadao blade with a bird-shaped crossguard.
"BANKAI!" Ichigo roared, wasting no time in going to his strongest state and disregarding any damage he'd do to the world around him as black Reishi swirled around him. This was Yhwach, the man that almost killed Ichigo's mother, the man that posed the greatest threat to the world as he knew it, the man he was training with his spirits and with Yamamoto to kill. The Reishi faded and Ichigo was in his Vasto Lorde Hell armor, unleashing a black, red, and gold blast at the Quincy emperor, mixing Getsuga Tensho with his Gran Rey Cero and the energy of Hell. Yhwach brushed it aside with ease as it tore a gash into the earth.
"Do you honestly think you could best me?" The Quincy taunted before flashing behind Ichigo and nearly cut into him before Ichigo blocked and was being forced to his knees by the sheer amount of strength. "What do you think I did while you were playing with these weaklings?" He held a hand out in front of Ichigo and dropped an eye-patch, Kenpachi's eye-patch, shocking the hybrid to his core. "It was quite easy actually. They dropped their guard after training and a few quick strikes took out everything." Black portals appeared before Ichigo with some Soldats appearing, bearing his parents and sisters crucified on Quincy crosses.
"...no. NO!" Ichigo roared, slipping from Yhwach's blade and firing a quick Getsuga to rid himself of the horrifying image. "This isn't happening, it's just an illusion, there's no way this happened!" He pointed his blade at Yhwach again but froze when a blade pierced his heart.
"I'm sorry Ichigo." The familiar and remorseful voice of Uryu said as the Quincy in question cut through Ichigo's body with a Jian blade. "I had no choice." Ichigo stumbled and looked to his cousin, who seemed to be trying to prevent his own movements as his blade touched his neck. "No Quincy can defy him." That was the last thing Uryu said before decapitating himself. Ichigo felt his world shatter as the life drained from his body.
"That's enough." Kyoka's voice sounded out before the sound of shattering glass echoed out and Yhwach was replaced by the female Zanpakuto spirit, with the terrified members of Ichigo's team watching and trembling. While trying to process everything he saw, Ichigo became aware of his fading life force as he fell over and blacked out. Esdeath ran over to him as he fell and picked him up, carrying him to the healing springs with intentions of finding out what happened.
(Ichigo's Inner World)
"What was that?" Ichigo asked as he lay on a lake far beneath the sideways city of his world, still bleeding from the injuries with his head resting in Kyoka's lap, numb to everything. "That wasn't what happened when I fought Aizen."
"Aizen only knew a fraction of what my power could do," the female spirit told her wielder while reminiscing on her previous master, "I couldn't show him the true extent of my abilities and he never wanted to know. If he did use the true power of my Bankai, you would not have beaten him." She began to stroke his head while his body began to heal. "But there's the contradiction of Sosuke Aizen; a man who wanted to stand atop all other beings and desired someone able to match him, craved endless power but had no reason for doing, knowing that he needed greater strength yet denying himself that power. In the end he only learned a fraction of my Bankai's ability; reflected reality. Illusions so real, hypnosis so thorough that the mind makes it real."
"So... did you even attack me yourself?" The hybrid asked, trying to understand the potency of this new power.
"No, but I hurt myself pretty badly in the beginning. It requires so much energy and it does not discriminate, putting yourself in as much risk as your opponents. You needed to see and feel the kind of danger that comes from using my Bankai, and you are still vastly inferior to Aizen in terms of control of my blade. This training could very easily kill you, so are you still going to try and force me to submit?" Ichigo thought about it for a moment. Would gaining this Bankai be worth it? Would it ultimately help him in his fight against Gilgamesh and Yhwach? Could he control it?
"I'm too stubborn to give up," Ichigo finally answered, "no matter what you throw at me. I need all the power I can get." Kyoka smiled down at her master and made him fall asleep to return to the outside world.
'It's what drives you that sets you apart from Aizen the most.' She thought to herself as she laid down to rest.
(Outside world)
Ichigo woke with a gasp and a pained grunt as the injuries he suffered had healed but the pain had yet to fully pass. He was in one of the healing springs with both Esdeath and Akame tending to him, one was washing him while the other injected him with a painkiller and soothing his aches. Around him was the rest of the members of his team, looking at him with fear, awe, and concern, unsure of what to really make of the raw power Ichigo had displayed... or whether to tell him of the panic topside that Makoto was trying to quell. Ichigo didn't even need to ask as he knew they were curious and this was the first time he ever brought up Bankai.
"Was that the power of Bankai?" Esdeath asked, making Ichigo look at her in surprise. "Marik said something about it back in Kyoroch. Told me to ask you about it but I never had the chance, we became too busy." Ichigo nodded before pulling himself to his feet.
"Shikai is the initial release, the transformation of the Zanpakuto to a new form with different abilities. Bankai is the full power of a Zanpakuto and far more dangerous. Shikai requires a measure of understanding oneself while Bankai requires you to make your power submit."
"If Bankai are really that powerful, than why aren't we training to get it?"
"Shikai are rather simple to control and Bankai can be just as dangerous to you as your enemy Esdeath. It takes ten years of dedicated training at minimum to attain plus the time to master it. We don't have the time for you all to can that kind of power when we only have a month." There were mixed reactions among the group but Ichigo rose out of the water and started making his way to the staircase. "Come on, let's get some food before continuing our training." Some of the team started to follow, eager to fill their bellies to prepare for the next round of training, but Esdeath didn't move. Instead she looked to her blade and grinned, ready to tackle a new challenge before feeling something tugging at her soul.
"Don't even think about it Esdeath," Ichigo's voice spoke out in her mind, "we do not have the time. Focus on mastering your Shikai only." The pull on her was released and Esdeath was harshly reminded of the leash Ichigo had on her.
(Bols' Restaurant: 3 weeks remaining)
"No. I'm done killing." The former incinerator told the military officers that came to his new place of business while he prepared ingredients. "I quit after coming to terms with the corruption of the Empire, I don't want anymore blood on my hands."
"Sir, this is different than before," one of the officers said, "we are running out of time and they will be invading the Capital. This isn't a revolution or a civil uprising, this is the source of corruption that plagued the Empire." The cover story Ichigo and the heads of state came up with while those that knew the truth kept quiet. "We need all the Teigu users to stand with us in defense of our country and nobody paired with Rubicante like you did. The latest upgrade has made it particularly picky."
"I said that I'm... latest upgrade?" Bols had heard about people coming from not only the East but all over the world as the Western Kingdom and Southern Tribes also reported trouble with the Quincy, barely repelling the attacks that crippled their armies, and that they were the most learned scientists and craftsman to come together to work on new Teigu, but he didn't expect to hear that his former Teigu would be part of that. One of the officers brought out a case and opened it up, revealing thinner tank and the original nozzle was switched out for a pair that seemed to be wrist mounted with a series of cords and tubes that would go ahead the arm. Along with it was a new black gas-mask that Bols could tell was supposed to do more than shield from heat and smoke.
"According to the experts that worked on it, it's supposed to be able to control the burn. Meaning if you don't want to hurt something then it won't." The man said, causing Bols to look skeptical but Teigu were able to do some weird things. So the former pyro-user took up the new Teigu... and he could swear that it felt warm, a happy kind of heat, as he put on the new apparatus. He activated the flame thrower and tested it on some meat, cooking a steak to perfection while the rest of the kitchen was miraculously untouched. He tried again on the officers, most flinching but the man at the forefront withstood it and wasn't harmed. Bols felt something inside and figured that he might've been using Reishi to fuel the new Rubicante. "Please sir. The Empire needs you."
"...This is the last time." Bols said after thinking and donning his new mask. "After this battle, I'm done with the military." 'Time to do something right.' He thought as he bid his wife and daughter good-bye to train with his new weapon.
(School in the Capital: Same time)
Run was grading worksheets for his new class, having joined the academy for if and when the final battle came. His answer finally came with two soldiers carrying a long case, undoubtedly holding his own improved Mastema. Everyone stayed quiet and patient as Run finished the last few papers of his class, setting them aside in a completed pile and clearing his desk for the case. The soldiers wordlessly set it upon the desk, opening it to reveal eight disks with side openings. Run took one and lifted it, with four following it as if connected, and placed it on his back before repeating the action with the other four discs. Without saying anything he unfurled eight pure white wings, each lined with razor sharp feathers. After examining them for a bit they returned to plain discs and Run wrote one last this, a message to the headmaster of the school informing of his obligations to the military.
"Deliver this." He ordered, giving the note to one of the soldiers who set out to his task. "Let's go to war one last time Mastema." Run whispered to his Teigu as he followed the other soldier, returning to one of the military training sites.
(Royal Chambers: 2 weeks remaining)
"How are preparations?" Makoto demanded of his council, consisting of generals Budo and Najenda along with Prime Minister Chouri.
"The former Rakshasa Demons, Suzuka and Mez, that are now part of Ichigo's team made progress." Najenda reported. "Suzuka has this sword whip blade called, 'Kinji Rareta Yorokobi ' while Mez has a pair of claws called 'Kakucho tatchi'. The sword whip has this ability she called 'seductive pain' and I just walked after hearing that and Mez's claws shoot an incredible distance with tremendous piercing power. Also they both figured out how to manipulate their bodies like they were able to in life. Ichigo had a theory about subconscious belief that they lost that ability since they died."
"The other armies are gathering with the hopes that they'll flank the enemy once we've engaged the Quincy." Chouri announced. "The other kings will want proper compensation for their efforts, an equal share in the advancements our combined resources make."
"While we've been unable to make more Teigu, we have improved what Teigu we do have and have been mass producing Meihou and Shingu." Budo continued with his side but seemed conflicted. "There have been no new reports on where the Quincy are hiding... and a lord that makes my job a bit more difficult."
"I told you Budo, I'm not hiding away anymore." Makoto practically growled, irritated of having this argument again. "I'm not going to hide in the palace like a coward while my people fight and die. I will be there with them when the fighting starts. The duty of the generals will be to protect me while providing tactical orders, but I will be standing with my soldiers. I have to be there and I am NOT budging on this." The reactions of the adults were mixed, pride and concern being the most prevalent.
"As you command your highness." They reluctantly said before proceeding with the meeting.
(Training Grounds: 1½ Weeks Remaining)
"Again." Ichigo ordered the last pair of trainees, Wave and Kurome, as they continued their attempts to learn the names of their Zanpakuto. Kurome was panting from the effort of trying and failing to cut the hybrid, who always moved too fast for her to actually touch, while Wave was decorated in cuts and bruises from getting thrown around by Ichigo. Wave growled and charged at him again, trying to get behind the Soul Reaper before getting a foot buried in his gut and sending him flying once again. Kurome did manage to approach from his side, using all her assassin training to hide her presence, only for Ichigo to easily dodge her every strike with minimal effort. "Are you even thinking or do you just always charge in head first and hope you're strong enough?" He taunted as he flashed behind Wave who tried to slash at Ichigo again. The hybrid caught his, but Wave immediately moved to kick Ichigo with both feet and tried to use the sudden weight change to knock Ichigo off-balance. It didn't work as Ichigo tossed him aside at the last moment.
'He doesn't really think but he is adapting quickly.' Ichigo thought as Kurome closed in again and he dodged her attacks again. 'Probably from all the sea creatures he battled while in the navy.' Kurome was getting more and more frustrated with how Ichigo never seemed to acknowledge her presence beyond quick dodges, and he never once looked at her no matter what. "Use your head Wave! You're adapting, but what good is that if your opponent still outclasses you?"
"No advice for me?" Kurome complained while panting. "Why have you been ignoring me?" As she said this, she made for another swing and Ichigo didn't move... resulting in Kurome's hands starting to bleed and freezing her in shock.
"What should I tell you?" The air became heavy as the hybrid let out more and more Reiatsu, slowly suffocating the girl "That you're weak? That you're slow? That you're inferior to your sister? You already know this, you used to dope yourself all the time just to keep up with the rest of the squad. Wave's too stupid to actually listen to his Zanpakuto but at least he can fight on his own. Why should I bother with dead weight?" Wave heard all this and froze, shocked by the harshness of the comment. Ichigo was always rough with their training, but this was the first time he made it seem like he was giving up on one of his team. The shock slowly gave way to anger and he was about to rush again but then he tried to listen, remembering that that was the whole point of this training.
'He... he's right.' Kurome thought to herself, feeling her will being crushed by Ichigo's Reiatsu. 'I... I was never good enough. Not for the empire... not for sis... not for anyone.'
"You always relied on drugs to keep up." She heard a voice say, dragging her away into a realm filled with strings, puppets, and bones, all moving to the whims of a massive cloaked figure with hundreds of thousands of strings leading back to it. "So why not go back?" A few strings went taut and a tray of cookies appeared before her, specifically the ones that were always laced with her drugs. "It's easier. After all, look at all that you killed while on them." The the bones and puppets moved, hundreds of them and only a few she recognized as people she killed and enslaved with Yatsufusa. "You need them... right?" It was so tempting, to go back to being as strong as she used to be, to be able to stand by her sister's side... to fight alongside Wave and not be a liability. She took a cookie and brought it to her mouth, stopping before she could bite down.
"...No." She whispered, dropping the drugged confection. "NO!" She took her sword and slashed the table. "NEVER AGAIN! I'M NOT GOING BACK!" She glared at the figure above her while the puppets slowly fell apart, one by one. "I... can't go back. I won't disappoint them like that. My sister or Wave. If I can't fight in this war, than I'll have to keep training until I can stand proudly by their sides. Without the drugs, even if I have to do it without you, Foru Chita Yakusoku." She then froze, realizing she knew the figure's name and what it was before she was back in the training arena.
"Taidarunaito?" She looked to see Ichigo, looking confused as Wave was swinging around... anchors? One looked like battle ax while the other was more like a hammer, both connected by a chain. "Why am I not surprised?" The hybrid sighed as the blade anchor came flying at him, only to get smacked aside by his bare hand. "Well now that you've got your Shikai, shall you move on to the next part of your training?"
"Not until you apologize to Kurome!" Wave yelled back, pulling the blade anchor and charging at Ichigo with the hammer anchor. The Shinigami got ready to catch the navy man when Kurome thrust her blade forward, making it unravel like strings that wrapped around Ichigo's arm and surprising him. Not enough to be effective as he still punched Wave in the face, sending him flying back.
"Look at you, managing to earn your Shikai after all." The hybrid said with a proud smirk. "Good job Kurome." The black eyed girl smiled at the praise and at Wave who once again tried to bludgeon Ichigo with his anchor, only for it to be caught once again. "Seriously? She has her Shikai, meaning my method worked! Can you focus on your training so I can focus on mine?" Suddenly Akame appeared with her Shikai and tried to cut him, Ichigo flinching away from the blade that he learned had an ever changing poison.
"I heard what you did to my sister," Akame said, glaring at her lover, "and even I think you took it too far." Ichigo tossed Wave and Akame back as all three got ready to attack.
"So I don't get to focus on my training until I pay for this?" The glares from all three followed by their coordinated assault was all the answer he got. "I'll make it up to you after the war." He whispered before knocking them all unconscious with impossible speed. "I don't have any more time to waste."
(Quincy Hideout: 1 week remaining)
Gilgamesh sat in his throne, out of his armor, with a goblet of a fine wine in his hand. He was being patient, knowing that the Empire was gathering its and the world's strength to battle him, but he doubted that he'd be part of that fight. That small skirmish with the hybrid gave him more than enough evidence that their fight would be far away from everyone else. He just hopes that the mongrel would provide enough entertainment. He took a sip from his cup and relished the intoxicating taste of his drink, wondering if he should be so generous as to let the hybrid enjoy a fine wine before killing him in battle.
(With Ichigo: 3 Days remaining)
Devastation. That was the only way to describe the aftermath of the training field. Ichigo insisted that everyone and everything be moved out of the underground base so he and Kyoka Suigetsu could go all out. It was chaos and Ichigo forced himself to weather it all. He drowned, he burned, he suffocated, he struggled through broken bones, severed limbs, earth flattening explosions, the vacuum of space, and yet he still stayed standing. He was missing an arm and a leg, forced to stand on his sword like a cane because his remaining leg was shattered, blind from one eye popping with the other being cut open, half of his body was covered in gaping holes with the rest either frost bitten or charred black, and he refused to fall. Because after all that did Kyoka, still pristine and beautiful, kneel before him in submission.
"My power is yours." She said, returning to his inner world as Ichigo finally collapsed, being caught by Zangetsu and taken somewhere safe while he rebuilt the healing springs.