Survivor

A week has passed since Kuroi, Rukia, and Ichigo crashed the "Ghost Bust" live broadcast. Ichigo now walks down a quiet street. He turns onto another street and walks up to the Hono residence. He jumps over the wall and walks towards the dojo. He opens the door and sees Kuroi meditating on the floor. Kuroi opens his eyes once he hears the door open.

"You came. I'm kind of surprised," said Kuroi.

"Why wouldn't I? You live down the street," said Ichigo.

"Come and sit. You need to know why I asked you to come," said Kuroi.

Ichigo walks over to Kuroi and sits down in front of him.

"Why am I here?" asked Ichigo.

"Your training is going well. You know how to use a blade and you know some basic kido attacks, but you aren't strong enough," said Kuroi.

"I'm not strong enough? What does that mean?" asked Ichigo.

"You're strong enough to face Hollows, but you're not strong enough to become a captain. Hell, you may not be able to become a lieutenant," said Kuroi.

"I don't want to become a captain or lieutenant," said Ichigo.

"I know, but what if there's a powerful threat? There hasn't been one for a long time, but that doesn't mean that there won't. If you're not even a lieutenant-level fighter, how would you be any help?" said Kuroi.

"How would I become strong enough to face a threat like that? We've only been facing fodder Hollows," said Ichigo.

"Do you know your Zanpakuto's name?" asked Kuroi.

"No," said Ichigo.

"That's good. I was fearing that I brought you here for no reason. Today, you will achieve Shikai," said Kuroi.

"What's that?" asked Ichigo.

"Shikai is the first released stage of a soul reaper's Zanpakuto. To learn this release state, you have to learn your Zanpakuto's name. This is what it looks like," said Kuroi.

Kuroi pulls out his Zanpakuto and holds it out in front of him.

"I would advise you to stand back. I'm about to make a mess," said Kuroi.

Ichigo stands up and walks towards the door.

"Good. Now, watch. Burn this world to ashes, Kurayami Nokoribi!" said Kuroi.

Kuroi's spiritual pressure explodes. Ichigo flies back and nearly flies through the door. When the smoke clears, Kuroi stands in the center of the dojo with his Zanpakuto in his right hand. His Zanpakuto is now a completely black blade and his blade is covered by fire, but it's black instead of orange.

"This is my Shikai and you can access this power as well," said Kuroi.

"How do I do that?" asked Ichigo.

"First, you have to be in your soul reaper form," said Kuroi.

Kuroi picks up the Gokon Tekko and puts it on his hand. He walks over to Ichigo and rips out his soul.

"I should tell you about my Shikai because your Shikai could have special abilities. My Shikai has two abilities called embers. The first ember is called Kuchiku. It allows me to destroy anything at a molecular level if it's weaker than me. The second ember is called Shokyaku. It allows me to cast eternal burning to anything until I seal my Zanpakuto," said Kuroi.

"That sounds pretty cool. Now, it's time for me to achieve this power," said Ichigo.

"It's good to hear that you're so eager to gain this power, but it won't be easy," said Kuroi.

"What do you-," said Ichigo.

Ichigo is unable to finish speaking before Kuroi tries to cut him down. Ichigo barely dodges a quick death.

"What the hell was that?" asked Ichigo.

"This will be the fastest way to gain the ability to use Shikai. If your Zanapkuto cares about you, it will give you its name when you're close to dying. We don't have much time, so let's get started," said Kuroi.

Ichigo pulls out his Zanpakuto and charges at Kuroi.

"First Ember: Kuchiku," said Kuroi.

Ichigo tries to cut Kuroi, but Kuroi's Zanpakuto hits Ichigo's Zanpakuto and nearly destroys it. The only part of the Zanpakuto that remains is the hilt.

"Next time, focus on what I'm saying before you charge like a bull," said Kuroi.

Ichigo jumps back in fear.

"Your sword is gone. How will you beat me now?" said Kuroi.

"I'll find a way," said Ichigo.

"If you won't be able to fight me, I will have to kill you. You're too weak to protect this town," said Kuroi.

Kuroi blitzes Ichigo and tries to slice him, but Ichigo barely dodges his blade. Ichigo tries to run, but Kuroi cuts his leg, preventing him from running. Ichigo falls to the ground. Kuroi tries to bring down his blade on Ichigo, but Ichigo rolls out of the way. Ichigo gets up and tries to run until a middle-aged man with black hair, a long coat, and glasses appears in front of him.

"Why did you run, Ichigo?" asked the man.

"Who are you?" asked Ichigo.

"You still haven't called me. Why is that?" said the man.

"You're my Zanpakuto?" asked Ichigo.

"Good. You can hear me now. Your hearing was covered by the worthless emotion of fear. There's only one enemy in front of you, so why are you afraid? Forget that fear and look forward. Walk forth and never stop. Turning back will only get old. Cowardice leads to death. Now, say it. My name is-" said the man.

"Zangetsu!" exclaimed Ichigo.

Ichigo's spiritual pressure explodes and a smile grows on Kuroi's face. The smoke clears and reveals Ichigo kneeling with his Zanpakuto in his right hand. It now resembles a giant butcher's knife.

"I thought that your Shikai would be smaller than when it's sealed, but it looks cool," said Kuroi.

"Your's is cooler," said Ichigo.

"We don't know the abilities of your Shikai yet, so we can't compete yet," said Kuroi.

Ichigo stands up.

"Let's test out Zangetsu's abilities then," said Ichigo.

"Not today. We've already messed up the dojo enough," said Kuroi.

"You're just saying that because you're scared," said Ichigo.

"Don't get too cocky. You can die if you let your arrogance blind you," said Kuroi.

"I know. I know. I just want to test out my new power," said Ichigo.

"I said no. I don't feel like cleaning up the dojo," said Kuroi.

"I guess a powerful soul reaper like yourself is just a big chicken," said Ichigo.

"I would usually just ignore you, but I have some anger issues. I could use you to deal with them," said Kuroi.

"Oh really? Come and get some," said Ichigo.

Ichigo and Kuroi charge at each other and their blades connect, creating a shockwave that nearly destroys the dojo. Their blades connect a few more times in a matter of seconds. Each connection creates a shockwave. Kuroi jumps back a few feet.

"Second Ember: Shokyaku!" exclaimed Kuroi.

Kuroi charges at Ichigo. When their blades connect once again, Zangetsu is covered in black flame.

"So, that is what Shokyaku does. This battle won't go on long enough if you decide to use the first ember," said Ichigo.

"What are you trying to say?" asked Kuroi.

"Let's use our special techniques," said Ichigo.

"We can't. I don't want to trash the dojo," said Kuroi.

"Your dad can fix it later. Let's finish this," said Ichigo.

Ichigo raises his blade and his spiritual pressure enters the blade as he charges his final attack.

"If you want to finish this, don't expect to leave here conscious," said Kuroi.

Kuroi raises his blade and the black flames on it increase as he charges his last attack. They charge their final attacks for a few minutes.

"It's time, Kuroi!" exclaimed Ichigo.

"Fine! Let's do this!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"Getsuga Tensho!" exclaimed Ichigo.

"Jigoku Piasa!" exclaimed Kuroi.

The two soul reapers bring their blades down and release their final attacks. The golden wave of energy and wave of hell flame collide and create a huge explosion, destroying the dojo. The entire neighborhood hears the explosion and rushes to the Hono residence. Before their secret can be revealed, Rukia arrives on the scene.

"What happened here?" asked Rukia.

"Rukia," said Kuroi softly.

Rukia looks down and sees Kuroi lying down next to her.

"Kuroi, what happened here?" asked Rukia.

"I taught Ichigo how to unlock his Shikai," said Kuroi.

"He's gained Shikai already?" asked Rukia.

"Yep and it's all thanks to my teaching," said Kuroi.

"Don't flatter yourself," said Rukia.

"I have to pat myself on the back sometimes," said Kuroi.

"Now, I have to get you both out of here before the entire neighborhood gets here," said Rukia.

"Don't complain, soul reaper. This is easier than fighting Hollows," said Kuroi.

"Shut up. You owe me," said Rukia.

As Rukia picks up Kuroi, someone stares at her from the shadows.

"All you do is cause messes, stupid soul reapers," said the boy.