Soul Society was plunged into utter chaos. Squads across the board had received messages announcing the shift in Rukia's execution date. This unexpected change stirred a maelstrom of frustration within Captain Jūshirō Ukitake of the 13th Division. His consternation deepened, exacerbated by the seemingly indifferent response from Captain Byakuya Kuchiki.
In the midst of this turmoil, Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, having crossed paths with some of Ichigo's allies, made an unconventional decision. He chose to lend a hand, liberating the incarcerated Yasutora Sado and Ganju Shiba. Now, an eclectic group, including Orihime, Uryū, Chad, Ganju, and members of the 11th Division, sprinted through the Seireitei with a sense of urgency, their destination shrouded in uncertainty.
While all of this unfolded, Ichigo and Tatsuki remained concealed beneath the Sōkyoku Hill, each engrossed in their unique training methods. Yoruichi introduced Ichigo to the Tenshintai, an artifact crafted by Kisuke Urahara with the ability to compel the materialization of a zanpakutō spirit if it pierces the object. The goal was for Ichigo to engage in a battle with his own zanpakutō, Zangetsu, until he could subdue it, thereby awakening his Bankai.
Tatsuki's training also involved combat, albeit in a unique fashion. As a non-shinigami, incapable of attaining a Bankai, Yoruichi devised a distinctive regimen. She tightly bound Tatsuki's arms and legs with an object known as Ginjōtan—a steel sash of considerable weight, severely restricting Tatsuki's movements. To further amplify the intensity of the training, Tatsuki would have to face her mentor, Yoruichi, once again. However, this time, Yoruichi employed a technique previously unknown to Tatsuki.
The aura surrounding Yoruichi crackled like lightning as she donned a revealing uniform, baring her back and unleashing an even more profound reiatsu.
Despite her powers surging to their peak, Tatsuki found herself on the verge of impossibility in trying to match Yoruichi's relentless movements. Yoruichi, devoid of any semblance of mercy, unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks with such astonishing speed that each strike felt like a rapid succession of lightning bolts, leaving Tatsuki engulfed in a storm of relentless force.
The training session between Ichigo and Tatsuki was shrouded in a palpable tension, a lingering aftermath of a heated argument that had unfolded just hours before.
# Hours Earlier #
As they geared up for training, Ichigo approached Tatsuki, sensing that her unease ran deeper than his earlier decision to face Captain Kuchiki.
Ichigo: "Hey, Tatsuki. What's bothering you?" - He inquired, watching Yoruichi secure the girl's arms and legs with the Ginjōtan.
Tatsuki: "... Ichigo, just try to avoid doing reckless things to..." - She hesitated.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow, prompting her to continue.
Tatsuki: "Ichigo... it's just that, earlier I..." - Her voice faltered, reluctant to revisit the recent events. - "Yato... he..."
Ichigo: "What about him? I felt his Reiatsu decrease, but he's probably just hiding..."
Tatsuki: "I saw where he was fighting, Ichigo. Someone... someone killed him. There was nothing left..." - She gritted her teeth, recalling the scene. Her fists clenched, emphasizing the intensity of her emotions.
Ichigo: "Take it easy, Tatsuki. From what little I know about him, he's quite sneaky. He wouldn't get into something he couldn't handle." - He spoke gruffly, his brows furrowed in concern.
Tatsuki: "And how can you know just from that?!" - She turned to him, her eyes revealing the anguish she felt, restrained by the weight of the Ginjōtan. - "Ichigo... I can sense everyone's Reiatsu, no matter how far they are!! Orihime, Ishida, and Sado! I can still feel Ganju's Reiatsu! Yato's Reiatsu just vanished! No matter how hard I try to focus only on his Reiatsu, I feel nothing!"
Ichigo: "It means he doesn't want to be found! You said it yourself, nothing was left. So, if there's no body, why have you accepted that he's dead so easily?!" - He shouted back, frustration evident in his voice, his brows furrowed with concern for his friend.
Yoruichi: "That's enough!!" - Her voice echoed through the training area, a stern expression on her face as she addressed both Ichigo and Tatsuki. - "You two came here to save Rukia, knowing the risks. Focus on one thing at a time!" - She crossed her arms, observing the frustration and tension between Ichigo and Tatsuki as they turned away from each other. - "We only have a few days until the execution. Get stronger by then. When we save Rukia, we'll figure out what really happened to Yato."
# Present Time #
Ichigo, bearing visible wounds on his face and body, faced his zanpakutō, Zangetsu, with a mix of determination and pain reflected in his gaze. Each strike thundered as an attempt to overcome not only his adversary but also his own uncertainties.
Meanwhile, Tatsuki, visibly battered, confronted Yoruichi with an expression of courage blended with a glimpse of frustration. Her body bore the traces of battle, but her determination did not waver, showcased by an intense gaze directed at her mentor.
Previously, Ichigo held the certainty that Yato was unharmed in some way, but after an intense discussion with Tatsuki, his convictions began to falter. Now, Yato's mere survival became a belief he forced himself to sustain.
With each of Yoruichi's strikes, Tatsuki fell and rose, an expression of persistence on her face. However, as the battle unfolded, she wasted valuable time trying to sense Yato's reiatsu, as if seeking to confirm Ichigo's words.
Both trained tirelessly, but the frustration looming over them was reflected in their movements. Each onslaught was charged not only with technique but also with the tension of their own doubts and the will to overcome them.
Suddenly, the entrance to the training area exploded, and a figure leaped in, revealing to be the 6th Division lieutenant, Renji Abarai.
Sensing the reiatsu of a shinigami was enough to agitate Tatsuki.
Renji: "I was wondering what you'd be doing down here." - The lieutenant glanced briefly at the middle-aged man in a coat whom Ichigo was facing. - "So, this is the true form of your zanpakuto. Training Bankai in secret, huh? Looks like you're having fun... Can I join?"
Tatsuki: "What the hell do you want here...?" - Her voice, though hushed, carried the weight of a growl, revealing a deep-seated resentment towards the shinigamis. Her narrowed eyes betrayed a mix of suspicion and frustration.
Renji: "There's not much time... and I need to focus on training."
Ichigo: "What do you mean by that?"
Renji: "The date of Rukia's execution has been changed..." - He locked eyes with Ichigo, a sense of urgency etched across his features. - "The day Rukia will be executed is... noon tomorrow."
Ichigo, Tatsuki, and Yoruichi tensed up, the unexpected news sending shockwaves through their makeshift training ground. Amid their shared disbelief, Tatsuki suddenly felt another presence approaching.
Tatsuki: "This reiatsu..."
As Tatsuki began to voice her observation, a figure swiftly vaulted into their midst, a vivid green glimmer accompanying their rapid movement. The sight alone confirmed for Tatsuki the identity of the newcomer.
Yato: "Hey there..." - He greeted with an air of nonchalance, a subtle grin playing on his lips.
Ichigo: "I knew It..." - Despite the weight of concern for Rukia's abrupt execution date change, Ichigo managed a smile, a mix of relief and surprise in his eyes.
Tatsuki: "You're alive!" - Her exclamation carried a blend of relief and disbelief, her eyes widening.
Yato: "Sorry for showing up like this out of the blue. I kinda had a run-in with a captain, and thought it best to go incognito for a bit, you know, to keep a low profile. Inoue-san, Sado, Ishida-san and Ganju are holding up well too." - He chuckled, scratching his head with a sheepish grin, as if downplaying the intensity of the encounter with the captain.
Tatsuki: "Now I'm starting to regret being concerned about you..." - She grumbled, her tone carrying a blend of frustration and fondness. Observing Yato's nonchalant attitude, she couldn't help but smile.
Yato: "Oh... you thought that... my bad, Tatsuki." - He apologized with a sheepish grin, his hand scratching the back of his head in a gesture of genuine regret.
Tatsuki: "Forget about it... I'll give you a beating once all of this is over." - She grinned, her tone a mix of playfulness and camaraderie. - "But seriously, next time you decide to vanish, at least find a way to give us a heads up..."
Ichigo: "I'll lend a hand in giving him a good beating when this is over." - He spoke with a serious tone, but the glint in his eyes and the slight smirk hinted that he was just playing along.
Yato: "Geez... nice to know you all care so much about me." - He sighed, feigning a touch of exasperation, but a subtle twinkle in his eyes betrayed a shared camaraderie. Soon, the three teenagers exchanged knowing glances, and a light, collective smile brightened the tension in the air.
Renji: "And now comes the guy who talks too much." - He smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he sized up Yato. - "Well...I won't get in the way of your training. I already know how to externalize a zanpakutō." - Suddenly, next to the lieutenant appeared a white baboon with long purple markings along its back and arms and a white snake, which extends from the back of the baboon in the form of a tail with the snake's head at the end. - "So don't mind me. I'll just be doing my thing over here."
As the lieutenant began to distance himself, Yoruichi's countenance shifted, revealing a mix of disbelief and concern upon learning the revised execution date for Rukia.
Yoruichi: 'Noon tomorrow...? There's no way he can master Bankai by then!'
Yoruichi was on the brink of voicing her reservations about Ichigo's training, but the arrival of Yato prompted her to reconsider.
Yoruichi: 'I'm relieved he's okay... and Yato being here might actually be a positive. For some reason, his presence seems to catalyze the development of his peers' powers in a peculiar way.' - Her contemplation was accompanied by a focused gaze on the young man. Soon, she turned her attention to Ichigo and Tatsuki, noticing a significant shift in their expressions.
Tatsuki: "Sorry, Ichigo..." - She suddenly spoke, her eyes reflecting remorse as she turned her attention to the orange-haired boy. - "I should have believed you... so—"
Ichigo: "Don't worry. I messed up too by not considering what you saw. At least the idiot is alive." - He smirked, the playful glint in his eyes showing a combination of relief and camaraderie.
Yato: "I'm still here, you know...?" - Yato interjected with a wry smile, adding a touch of humor to the moment.
Tatsuki: "Yoruichi-sensei!" - The girl's voice pierced through the training area, a mixture of urgency and determination evident in her call. As she swiftly reassumed her combat posture, there was a fire in her eyes that mirrored the commitment she felt. - "Let's keep going."
Yoruichi locked eyes with Tatsuki, the unspoken communication revealing a shared understanding. A quick glance in Ichigo's direction hinted at the mentor's expectations.
Yoruichi: "Ichigo! You know you need to master Bankai today, right?!" - Her voice carried both authority and encouragement, cutting through the sounds of clashing blades.
Ichigo: "You don't have to say it!" - His response was delivered with a determined intensity as he refocused on his ongoing confrontation with Zangetsu. The determination in his eyes mirrored the weight of the task before him.
Yoruichi redirected her attention to Yato, fixing him with a serious and appraising gaze.
Yoruichi: "You can materialize your zanpakutō on your own, can't you? I saw it once after you defeated Lieutenant Hisagi." - Her tone carried a mix of acknowledgment and curiosity.
Yato: "Yeah." - He responded with a nod, a subtle confidence in his demeanor.
Yoruichi: "I would advise you to also work on attaining your Bankai and–"
Yato: "I'm already ahead of that." - He casually remarked, the nonchalant delivery of his words causing a momentary shock to ripple through both Yoruichi and, notably, Renji, who was eavesdropping from a distance. Their eyes widened in a shared surprise at Yato's unexpected revelation.
Yoruichi: "Are you saying you've already mastered Bankai?! When did this happen?!" - Her eyes widened in disbelief, a mix of shock and curiosity evident in her tone.
Yato: "I think it was…"
Before he could finish his sentence, Ōkagetsu materialized gracefully at his side. A faintly arrogant smile adorned her features as she met Yoruichi's gaze with an air of confidence.
Ōkagetsu: "A day after he achieved Shikai… so I don't see the point in him learning something he already knows how to do..." - Her voice carried a composed assurance, emphasizing the redundancy of Yato acquiring a skill he had already mastered.
She was on the verge of delving into more questions, but Tatsuki's call drew her attention once again. Yoruichi decided to shelve those inquiries for a later time, maintaining a focused gaze on her student as she gracefully repositioned herself in a combat stance.
Yoruichi: "True... we can't afford to waste any more time." - Her voice carried a weight of urgency and determination.
Yato: "I'll hang back a bit. What I plan to train requires a bit of silence."
Yoruichi and Tatsuki nodded in acknowledgment, and with a shared understanding, they returned to their intense confrontation.
Unbeknownst to everyone in the vicinity, a small device nestled in Yato's ear as he distanced himself, a subtle detail unnoticed amidst the intensity of the training grounds.
As Yato distanced himself from the group, he settled onto the rugged terrain, finding a momentary respite. The hum of the communicator in his ear signaled Nemu's presence, her voice a discreet presence in the air.
Nemu: [Yasakani-sama? Can you hear me?]
Yato: "Yeah." - He responded in a hushed tone, his eyes flicking over the surroundings to ensure privacy.
Nemu: [It's done.] - Her words were crisp, efficient, carrying the weight of a task accomplished.
Yato: "Thanks... stay hidden there for now."
Nemu: [Yes.] - The acknowledgment held a subtle assurance.
After that, Yato assumed a meditative posture, the contours of his silhouette melding with the rugged terrain. Ōkagetsu, his zanpakutō, sensed his imminent journey into the inner realms and gracefully returned to await his return.
Soon, the transition unfolded, transporting both to Yato's inner world. A perpetual sunset painted the landscape, casting a warm, golden glow upon the verdant grass, while music lingered in the air.
In the tranquil scene, Yato sensed an approaching presence. Soft footsteps echoed, and as he turned, he beheld Rukia, her presence accompanied by the shimmering figure of Sode no Shirayuki. The meeting within the inner world carried an unspoken weight, a convergence of destinies against the backdrop of Yato's timeless sanctuary.
Rukia: "Why am I not surprised to find music playing here?" - A gentle smile graced her lips as the tranquil melody enveloped them.
Rukia, still donned in the flowing white kimono, moved gracefully across the verdant landscape, her bare feet making a subtle connection with the soft grass. However, the once-present red choker that adorned her neck was conspicuously absent.
Yato: "Looks like my theory was right, after all. Now, you can step into my inner world too." - He spoke casually, a hint of satisfaction in his tone, acknowledging the shared connection that transcended the boundaries of their individual realms.
Rukia: "How on earth did you manage to get Lieutenant Kurotsuchi to assist you?" - She crossed her arms, a quizzical expression on her face as she studied Yato.
Yato: "Funny story... the moment I showed up to pry some info from Mayuri, Nemu started calling me Yasakani-sama... saying she wanted a good example of a father figure..." - He recounted the absurdity with a touch of humor, nonchalantly shrugging.
Rukia: "A good example... of a father figure?" - Her disbelief was palpable, eyebrows arching in surprise at the unexpected revelation from the usually reserved lieutenant. - "Anyway...what's your plan now?"
Yato: "Well... at this moment, I was actually about to ask you something."
Rukia: "And what might that be?"
Yato: "Can you teach me Kidō?" - He grinned, a hint of mischief in his eyes.