Prepare for War

The next day, Ichigo didn't bother going to school. Instead, he stared up at the ceiling from his bed, scowling as he thought about the Vizard. He'd not gotten a satisfactory answer to his question, which frustrated him to no end.

Flashback

"What do you mean, you haven't decided?" Ichigo demanded incredulously. "You must've known this was coming since Aizen forced you to transform into Vizard, and that was a hundred years ago!"

"In our defense," Love began, "it took us quite some time to figure out how to use our Hollow powers."

"We were sure that Soul Society was going to come and try to execute us," Hiyori continued bitterly.

Lisa set aside her perverted manga. "We trained for decades, moving around the human world to stay hidden," she added matter-of-factly, though her tone also held notes of remembered weariness.

"We maintained contact with Urahara-san, who had elected to stay here in Karakura town. He provided frequent updates on the inner happenings of Soul Society," Kensei reported, military-style.

"After we grew accustomed and comfortable using our Hollow powers, it occurred to us that we weren't on Soul Society's list of priorities. Maybe they wrote us off? Thought we'd been eaten by Hollows? Or perhaps we hid our existence too well…" Rose murmured.

"Even if you spent a few decades training, you still would have had at least half a century," Ichigo pointed out in a low, non-threatening voice. "What could have held your attention for so long?"

"We had the opportunity to live as humans," Hachigen said simply. "The human world is so rapidly changing, and there is so much to see. It proved too tempting for us to resist."

"We had lots and lots of fun, and there was always something new!" Mashiro chirped.

"We spent time training, yes," Shinji said with a sigh, "but as Soul Society no longer seemed interested in us, we didn't bother with them."

"They deserve whatever they get," Hiyori scoffed. "They kicked us out without even a fucking trial!"

"I'm inclined to agree with that, to an extent," Ichigo conceded. "Problem is, I've made some friends there, friends who have no idea the wrong their government has done to you. They are innocent of the Council of 46's crimes, or even those of Yamamoto."

"Are you asking us to save Soul Society, when they would rather eliminate us?" Kensei inquired with narrowed eyes.

"Yes… no… I just don't know anymore," Ichigo admitted with a sigh. "Listen, all I want, is to protect Karakura town." He gestured outside the warehouse. "It's my home, with my family, and a lot of my friends. Won't you at least help with that? All you would have to do is play some defense if my friends and I are in over our heads."

Shinji glanced around at the varying looks of his comrades. "Looks like that decision needs to be discussed, Ichigo. I'm afraid that until we come to a decision, I'm going to have to ask you not to visit for a while. We'll contact you one way or another once we make that decision. You deserve that much for being one of us."

Flashback end.

Ichigo's scowl descended into a sigh. If I can't count on the Vizard, then I need to get stronger, and quickly. He sat up and focused, attempting to call forth Zangetsu's spiritual form.

Instead, he got his Hollow self. "Hey King," Hollow Ichigo said, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms, his nigh-insane smile never wavering. "What's up?"

Ichigo blinked, then sighed and put his head in his hands. "I don't even know why I'm surprised anymore."

"Come on, you had to know it was gonna happen this way," Hollow Ichigo countered with a smirk. "Zangetsu and I share the same spiritual body. Since I'm in control of that, I got brought out instead. So, why'd ya call me out? Not that I mind being out of your boring-ass head." He glanced around. "Nice place you got here. Bit small, though."

Ichigo shrugged. "It's home. As for why I called you out, I need to get stronger quickly." He paused, recalling how his mule-headed stubbornness in getting stronger by himself had almost cost him Zangetsu. "We need to get stronger quickly," he corrected himself. "We managed to fight the Sexta Espada to a draw. That means we have five more Arrancar above him, plus Yammy's Resurreccion form."

"Well, King, the way I see it, ya got three ways, and each has a cost," Hollow Ichigo said seriously, losing the insane look. "First, you could let me take over fully. You do that, you become a Hollow, we go to Hueco Mundo and kick some ass, do some evolution until you can re-assert control. If you do get that control back, your masked form would be incredibly stronger. But it'd be much harder to suppress me, with our Hollow form having evolved."

Ichigo frowned. "That's an option, though not one I like."

Hollow Ichigo grinned. "Option two. You figure out how to summon out my Zangetsu, and master dual-wielding. If you can master using both in Bankai mode, then you'd be even faster and stronger than you are in your current Bankai, which should be enough to handle just about anything thrown in your way, especially when you toss in our mask."

"Downside is, it'll tear up my body as I use it until I condition my body for it, so it'd be good only for created opportunities to overwhelm my opponent. Since the Arrancar have their Hierro, I get the feeling that some of my battles are going to be a bit long and drawn out," Ichigo pointed out. "Nevertheless, a good option, and one I'll work on. What's your third option?"

The bleached version of Ichigo shrugged. "Use what you know. If you're not fast enough, make your opponent predictable. If you're not strong enough, make your opponent waste his energy until he's weak enough to be killed." He saw Ichigo's blank look and laughed. "Create a new technique dumbass, one that enhances your speed or strength, or creates a nifty effect that gives you an advantage! I swear, for the King of your Inner World, you're certainly as slow as a peasant! You really should let me take over; I'd love to fight those strong opponents!"

"Shut it," Ichigo growled. "You'll take over if, and only if, you beat me in one of our fights. Until then, I'm King of my body." He narrowed his eyes. "And I'll kick your ass as many times as it takes for you to get the picture. You will stay as my horse for as long as I exist!"

"Bold words, King." Hollow Ichigo's maniacal grin belied his tone – he was clearly looking forward to the fight. "Be ready to back it up. You only have a few days left before our next fight, and I expect to see a marked improvement from last time!" With that final parting statement, he dissipated, back into Ichigo's Inner World.

Within Ichigo's closet, Rukia's eyes were wide. She'd heard from Byakuya-nii-sama that Ichigo had an Inner Hollow, and the orange-haired Shinigami had practically admitted it the previous night, but actually seeing a conversation between Ichigo and his Hollow side had really made it sink in. "Ichigo?"

Ichigo looked up – he had forgotten that Rukia was there, but wasn't worried that she had likely heard the whole conversation. She won't tell anyone. "Yeah?"

Rukia swallowed. "That was your Hollow side just now?" She received a solemn nod as an answer. "And you have to fight it regularly to keep control of your body?" Another nod. "How many days until the next one?"

"Four," Ichigo replied after a moment. "After I beat him, he takes several days to recover, and I can speak to Zangetsu properly." He shook his head. "I'm not sure I have enough time to wait that long, though." He fixed a serious look at his Shinigami friend. "I'm not going to school anymore. I have more important things to worry about now." He dressed quickly, attaching his Shinigami badge to his belt, just in case.

"Where are you going, if not to school?" Rukia asked sternly, trying to mask her inner worry.

"To train." Ichigo jumped out the window, landing on his feet easily, and softening the blow with some reiatsu to his legs. He took a moment to materialize spirit ribbons around him, and quickly located Renji's. Ichigo followed the thread with a sight akin to tunnel vision, his mind only on the goal. He'll make a good opponent. Fighting against him while I'm in human form will mean that he's stronger, and faster than I am. He picked up his pace. Not only will I gain valuable experience, but that should give me some good ideas on what sort of techniques I can create to make up the difference.

Meanwhile, in Soul Society, Chad got up to continue his trek through the sectors of Rukongai. Yoruichi had offered to pull some strings to get her protégée, Soifon, to use her power as the leader of the Onimitsukido – a special forces military group typically led by the Shihoin clan, of which Yoruichi was the heir to – to quickly locate Chad's grandfather, but the gentle giant had turned her down. "I need to find him myself," Chad had said.

The previous day, the duo had trekked through the first ten districts of each cardinal direction, Chad quietly putting up posters asking about his grandfather and inquiring at the popular locations. They had set up camp when the sun set and Yoruichi spent a few hours training him.

Flashback

"Here's how it's going to work," the cat had begun. "You're going to try to evade me. We will train until you can evade me three times in a row tonight."

Chad's sole visible eye widened. He had heard of Yoruichi's title from Ichigo – Goddess of Flash. "I can't use Shunpo," Chad confessed. "How am I supposed to dodge someone famous for her sheer speed?"

"Don't worry, Chad. I won't be using Shunpo, and my speed in this form is greatly limited."

I have a bad feeling about this… The predatory smile on Yoruichi's face did nothing to soothe his worries.

End Flashback

Chad shuddered as he put up the next poster, recalling the previous night's many injuries. It had taken him a few hours, but he'd accidentally discovered a way of using his reiatsu to increase his speed for short bursts, which made him just fast enough to avoid the speedy cat. Yoruichi confirmed that it wasn't Shunpo when he'd asked her about it. Chad was thinking about calling it Paso Del Viento, or Step of the Wind.

He again brought up his reiatsu and, after a moment of concentration, managed to disappear and reappear at the next place to put up a poster. This was Yoruichi's training for the day.

Flashback

Chad breathed hard, tired and weary, but finally having managed to evade the fearsome feline the required number of times for him to get some rest. However, he forced himself to pay attention to what his new sensei was saying.

"Now that you've discovered your high-speed technique, you need to make it come naturally," Yoruichi had ordered. "So instead of walking or running, every time you need to move more than a meter, you are to use it, over and over, until you're proficient in moving short distances. Don't worry about me keeping up. Tonight, I'll start using Shunpo. I expect you to avoid me for five strikes this time."

"Yes, Yoruichi-sensei." Inside, Chad sighed, wondering if he'd get any good rest before leaving for his friends.

End Flashback

Chad shook his head, once more using his Paso Del Viento to move at high speed towards his next destination – a bar. "Excuse me, has anyone seen this man?" he asked the bartender, holding up a picture. "He has a rose tattoo on his left shoulder."

"Name?" the bartender asked, bored.

"Oscar Joaquin de la Rosa."

"I know that name," a new voice piped up to Chad's left.

The giant of a teenager turned and saw a grizzled middle-aged man, unshaven and slowly sipping his drink. "Where, sir?" Chad questioned as politely as he could.

The man frowned. "Who wants to know?"

"I'm his grandson, Sado Yasutora" Chad informed him. "He raised me when my parents died, and taught me a very valuable lesson when he was alive, and I need his guidance once more."

The man lowered his head slightly, his eyes scanning Chad, searching for something. His frown deepened as he leaned back in his chair. "What was this lesson?" he asked.

Chad recognized it as a test. "He said that I had been gifted with strength, and he taught me to use my strength to protect others."

The stranger nodded. "That is his way, yes. Alright then, I saw him in North District 56, protecting a hungry orphan child from being beaten for stealing a fruit. We talked for a while, and he told me he was heading further north. He was talking about possibly creating a safe haven for children there. I accompanied him till North District 62 or so before I realized I needed the peace of civilization closer to Seireitei. This was about a year or so ago."

Chad bowed his head. Even in death, your will to protect is so strong! "I thank you, sir. You have been most helpful."

"Before you go," the stranger interrupted. "Tell me… what could you possibly need his guidance for? I find myself curious, as you seem to have learned his lesson well."

Chad paused. "I made a vow at my Abuelo's death to only use my strength to defend others, and I have never once broken it." He raised his right hand and formed a fist. "But now, in order to grow stronger, I need to find my will to attack, to enjoy fighting for its own sake as I once did, before my Abuelo taught me how much more fulfilling it is to protect instead of crush those weaker than I." He shook his head. "I fear I cannot reconcile my Abuelo's teachings with a passion for violence. I need his wisdom."

The stranger whistled. "I can see why you need him – that is one devil of a problem. I wish you luck, Sado Yasutora." He took a long drink from his glass.

Chad nodded. "Good day." He turned and used Paso Del Viento again to go outside the bar. Not surprisingly, Yoruichi was there, waiting in her cat form.

"Where to?" she asked.

"North District 62," Chad responded strongly. "Lead the way, Yoruichi-sensei."

Yoruichi nodded, and the two flashed out of sight in tandem.

Back in the living world, Ishida Uryuu's customary frown deepened as he noticed Kurosaki's lack of attendance at school. Feeling out with his spiritual sixth sense, he could tell that that Kurosaki was at Urahara's. Training, Uryuu realized. Something I should be doing. Why am I wasting time here? His eyes narrowed as he looked outside. Hollows, Arrancar could arrive at any moment. I'll be fighting for my life again soon.

He sighed and gathered his books. It's not like I won't be studying in my breaks, he rationalized. And I'm one of the best in the school, despite my absences.

"Going somewhere, Uryuu?" the teacher asked with a frown on her face.

"Yes," Uryuu nodded, continuing past the teacher.

"Just where do you think you're going?"

"I have family business to attend to," the Quincy informed her. Not exactly a lie. My Quincy heritage is definitely related. "I apologize for not letting you know before class."

"Whatever, Uryuu," the teacher sighed. "First Sado, then Ichigo, and now you? One of these days, I'm going to want to know what's going on."

Uryuu gave her a piercing look. "Pray you never find out," he advised. "You'd never sleep again." And with that, he turned swept from the room. The minute he was out of sight, he disappeared using Hirenkyaku.

Inoue Orihime's eyes widened as she sensed his high-speed technique. Well, I should get some training of my own in. "Hey, Tatsuki… wanna spar later?"

Tatsuki, Orihime's best friend, grinned. "You're on!"

In Hueco Mundo, Grimmjow kneeled before Aizen. It was time for his report. This ain't gonna turn out well, Grimmjow thought to himself.

"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez," Aizen began, "you invaded Karakura town with your Fraccion yesterday. Why?"

Grimmjow knew that nothing but the truth would satisfy their leader. "I wanted to fight Kurosaki Ichigo and destroy all resistance in the human world. I wanted to see if Ulquiorra's report was accurate."

"And your answer?"

"Accurate to a point, Aizen-sama" Grimmjow stated bluntly. "Kurosaki Ichigo has a weird power that allows him to boost his strength, speed and power by quite a lot while he's in Bankai, and has a very strong attack he calls Getsuga Tenshou. With these, the Shinigami was able to keep up with my Resurreccion form. Ulquiorra's report held nothing regarding the Getsuga Tenshou, or the weird power-up."

Aizen looked interested in Grimmjow's words. "It appears that I may have to stay your punishment," he mused. "Anything else?"

"My Fraccion are dead," Grimmjow added bluntly. "The other Shinigami there killed them, but I wasn't there to see which Shinigami were there. I was a bit focused on Kurosaki."

"Very interesting…" Aizen murmured. "They must have sent at least one taicho… They just weakened themselves further, spreading themselves thin." He paused for a moment. "And you say that Kurosaki Ichigo was able to match your Resurreccion form?"

"Yes, Aizen-sama." Oh, how Grimmjow hated saying that bastard's name. One day, he swore, I'll rip your still-beating heart from your chest and say, 'Enjoy your stay in hell, Aizen-sama!'

Aizen took several seconds to consider. I had not expected Ichigo to progress so quickly… It is possible that his Bankai is responsible for his 'weird power' as Grimmjow put it, as it appears to be a primarily melee-oriented Zanpakuto. However, there is also a chance he has acquired Hollow powers. "This power of Kurosaki's… did it involve a mask of some sort?"

Grimmjow blinked. How did he know that? "It did, Aizen-sama."

Aizen chuckled. "Oh you clever man, Urahara Kisuke." So, Kurosaki has acquired, and presumably begun mastering, his Hollow powers. No matter. Kurosaki is still only at the level of my Sexta Espada. There are still several who can kill him if need be. "If there is nothing else, leave me. I shall overlook your excursion, as you have brought me useful information."

"Thank you, Aizen-sama." Grimmjow got up to leave, a scowl upon his face.

"Aizen-sama!" Tousen protested. "He went against your direct orders! He should at least have some punishment!"

"I feel that Grimmjow was merely overexcited in his loyalty to me, to take out all potential threats to my authority," Aizen demurred as Grimmjow left. As soon as the doors shut, and Aizen was assured of their privacy, he continued. "Besides, he has developed a one-sided rivalry against Kurosaki Ichigo now, and he can only grow stronger from here. He will never be powerful enough to kill me, but he will certainly occupy and injure the Shinigami taicho we fight, so we may perform the masterstroke."

Tousen nodded, a frown on his face, but deferring to his master's judgment. "Should we not attack Kurosaki then? He can only grow stronger."

"Perhaps… No," Aizen decided. "The forces we would need to invade the human world and kill them all would be too great – the battle would destroy a large amount of Karakura town and kill a number of its citizens, whom I need to sacrifice for the King's Key. Further, most of the Shinigami taicho would then interfere, and it would cause our battle to begin before we are ready." He smiled again, a simple smile of a predator knowing he's won. "Besides, time is on our side, my friend. We can take Adjuchas from Hueco Mundo and create more Arrancar for our army, making effective soldiers quickly. The Shinigami, to be worth anything, need to train for many years."

"But what about the Hougyouku's deterioration?" Tousen challenged quietly. "We cannot create endless Arrancar."

"We won't need to," Aizen stated firmly, his smile remaining. "Have faith, Kaname. We won't attack Kurosaki Ichigo directly, but nothing stops us from attacking his friends, and therefore his morale. It is only a matter of who, and when, to strike."

Stalking the halls, Grimmjow scowled. "I need to grow faster, stronger! No Shinigami fights me and lives to tell the tale!" He stormed out of Las Noches, into the open sands of Hueco Mundo, to go eat more Adjuchas. Little did he know that Nnoitra, Espada 5, was watching with glee, and chose to follow at a distance.

"And now, the two great predators shall fight to the death, and determine who is stronger between them," Nnoitra murmured to himself excitedly, a bloodthirsty grin on his face as he stalked his prey.

Back in the human world, Ichigo and Renji prepared to fight within Urahara's training basement. "Bankai!" Renji yelled, a plume of reiatsu and smoke covering him for a few moments. When it faded, his shoulders were covered in red fur, and he wielded a bone, the end fragment of his Bankai, a giant segmented bone snake whose head had a top of a red fur sticking out. "Hihio Zabimaru!" Renji announced the name of his Bankai. "So, what do you think, strawberry?"

"It's impressive," Ichigo agreed, looking up and seeing the extremely large foe. "But something of that size must make it difficult to maneuver."

"It would be," Renji admitted, "but I've been working on my Shunpo to compensate. Now come on, Ichigo, let's fight!"

Ichigo grinned, calling out Zangetsu silently. "Alright, let's go."

"What?" Renji asked, astonished. "You want to fight me with only your Shikai, while you're in a gigai?"

Ichigo frowned. "This is my actual body, not just a gigai. But yes, yes I am."

"Um, Ichigo, you do realize that unless you go Bankai, you don't have a chance of beating my Bankai in that body of yours?" Renji questioned slowly.

"I don't know about that," Ichigo replied with a cocky smirk. "I nearly beat one of the Espada with only my Shikai."

Renji shook his head. "You can't expect me to do this, Ichigo. Neither of us is good at healing techniques, and you know just as well as I do that Shinigami bodies are more durable. You can't even use your power to its full extent while you're stuck in there! I dare you to try using your most powerful move, right now. If you manage to seriously damage a segment of my Bankai, then I will concede."

Ichigo nodded before performing a reiatsu-enhanced jump and focusing his energy. "Getsuga Tenshou!" he cried, swinging his blade down onto one of the bone segments so Zangetsu and the blue Getsuga blast were both digging into the same spot. Yet, when it faded, the segment was hardly damaged at all.

"See what I mean?" Renji asked pointedly as Ichigo landed on the ground unharmed. "Now turn into a Shinigami and fight me!"

Ichigo sighed and slammed his badge against his chest, freeing his soul from his mortal body. Quickly moving it to a safer area, Ichigo returned to Renji, preparing his Zanpakuto. "I'm not going to go Bankai," Ichigo insisted seriously.

"That's fine," Renji replied with a grin. "I know you can do Shunpo, and you're stronger now. So let's go!" He swung with his bone fragment, and Hihio Zabimaru roared as it lunged at Ichigo.

Ichigo dodged easily, Shunpo-ing out of the way and towards Renji, who used Shunpo as well. Ichigo sensed Hihio Zabimaru coming at him from the side, and slammed Zangetsu against it, snake head against cleaver. "Getsuga Tenshou!"

Instead of cutting through it like Ichigo had hoped, his Getsuga interacted with Renji's reiatsu, which was running through his Bankai, holding the segments together. It caused an explosion, throwing Hihio Zabimaru's head back. However, the segment behind the head collided with Ichigo, the spike on it cutting deeply.

After a few more minutes, it quickly became obvious to Ichigo that he was fighting a losing battle. Renji was almost as fast as Ichigo when it came to Shunpo – the redhead had obviously been practicing quite some time. Ichigo couldn't seem to damage Renji or Hihio Zabimaru. He was fast enough to avoid most of the damage, but not all of it. Think, Ichigo, think! Use what you know! Zangetsu's special ability is to absorb my reiatsu, condense it, and release the power, magnifying my slashes' strength, and is known as Getsuga Tenshou. It can only absorb and condense the reiatsu if it's in the process of slashing, even if it's only cutting the air. A metaphorical light bulb went off. Wait, what if I have a longer slash? It'll absorb more of my reiatsu, creating a stronger attack! But wait, how do I create a longer slash? Ichigo dodged yet another attack, and saw the white cloth at the end of Zangetsu flutter in his wake. He smirked. A circular loop has infinite length!

Shunpo-ing far enough back that it would take a few seconds for Renji to attack, Ichigo gripped the white cloth at the base of the hilt with his right hand, and began to swing Zangetsu around his head, feeding his Zanpakuto his reiatsu. To his immense satisfaction, he could feel it working – Ichigo could sense the growing Getsuga Tenshou within his blade.

Ichigo gave Zangetsu one last spin before gripping a section of cloth lower down with his left hand, and using his right to throw Zangetsu straight at the now-charging Hihio Zabimaru. "Getsuga Tenshou!" All of Zangetsu suddenly erupted in dark blue reiatsu, appearing as though it were on fire. Ichigo fed reiatsu to the cloth instinctively, allowing it to lengthen indefinitely for as long as Zangetsu could fly.

To Renji's surprise, Zangetsu pierced through Hihio Zabimaru's head, dead center in the bone snake's forehead, upon which the Getsuga once more interacted with Renji's reiatsu, the explosion halfway destroying the snake head. He called his Bankai back to circle around him protectively, as Ichigo pulled Zangetsu back into his hand. "What the hell was that?!" Renji bellowed, pumping reiatsu to repair the damage.

"My new technique!" Ichigo replied with a smirk. Although, credit where it's due, I did get the inspiration from you, Hollow me.

Heh. See, not that hard to use Zangetsu like that, even for an idiot like you! Although I am surprised you remembered me doing that, what with you almost dying less than three minutes later! Hollow Ichigo taunted.

Hey, I was facing off against a Shinigami taicho! And to be fair, I almost killed him too. Cut me some slack!

Meh, if I'd been in control, I would've just cut Kenpachi's head clean off instead of going for the shoulder, you fucking pansy. Almost killed him? Ha! I would've completely killed him!

I wonder if that would've made me the new taicho…? Ichigo mused.

"Oi, Ichigo! Head out of the clouds!" Renji yelled, irritated at Ichigo's ignoring him. "What were you thinking about anyway?"

"My fight with Kenpachi, back when we were rescuing Rukia," Ichigo answered honestly before grinning. "At least he could keep my attention while we fought, and he didn't even have Bankai, or know the name of his Zanpakuto!"

Renji's blood boiled with anger at the implication. "Hihio Zabimaru!" he bellowed, unleashing his Bankai once more upon Ichigo.

"That's more like it!" Ichigo grinned, looking forward to the battle. My last attack was good, but the charge time is a big drawback. There's got to be another way to use the Getsuga!

Wait, that big snake is very large and easy to predict, right? Can you think of a way to repeatedly hit him with Getsugas, one after another? Hollow Ichigo suggested.

How fast are we talking here?

As in, non-stop, no ability to retreat. Taking full advantage of our reserves!

Ichigo frowned as he used a silent Getsuga Tenshou – and therefore slightly weaker than normal – to deflect Hihio Zabimaru's next attack, Shunpo-ing away. He began spinning Zangetsu again to charge up another flail-toss, but then it occurred to him. I've got it!

Continuing to spin Zangetsu, Ichigo's eyes narrowed in concentration. I've got to get the timing right on this…

If you can't do it, King, then budge over and let me have control! Hollow Ichigo demanded.

"Getsuga…" Another Kami-forsaken word and I'll carve the word "Horse" into your fucking forehead using your own sword! Ichigo snapped savagely, fueling Zangetsu with even more reiatsu as Hihio Zabimaru lunged once more at him. "…Tenshou!"

Still feeding more reiatsu to Zangetsu, Ichigo released the Getsuga right as Zangetsu's arc was in Hihio Zabimaru's direction. The Getsuga Tenshou managed to not only carve deeply into the Bankai's bone, but also knock it back quite a ways. But Ichigo wasn't done yet; he was still spinning Zangetsu for another one. Every time Zangetsu's arc aimed towards Renji and Hihio Zabimaru, another Getsuga was released. Given Ichigo's spinning speed, there were nearly a dozen Getsugas released, one after another, in the space of about two, almost three seconds.

When the smoke cleared, Hihio Zabimaru was broken in many places, barely holding together even with Renji's reiatsu supporting it. However, Ichigo hardly in better shape – the sudden drop in his reiatsu levels from sending so many Getsugas in such a short amount of time made him feel extremely woozy, and combined with his preexisting injuries, he was about ready to faint.

Barely managing to steady himself, he saw Renji reseal his Zanpakuto completely and sheathe it, looking dizzy from reiatsu depletion himself. "Good match," Renji admitted, breathing hard. "Even though my limiter was on, to be able to damage Hihio Zabimaru like that… that's impressive."

Ichigo stuck Zangetsu into the ground and dropped to one knee, supporting himself on his trusty Zanpakuto as he took several deep breaths to recover. "Well, damn, didn't know you still had the limiter on." Fuck… Kenpachi can defeat Bankai with just his Shikai… And Renji's Bankai is relatively new… and I almost lost to a limited form?

"Hey, you didn't lose, and that says something, don't it?" Renji commented on seeing Ichigo's scowl. "Even with the limiter on, while I'm in Bankai I'm still about twice as powerful as when we fought in Soul Society. So since you fought me on even grounds with just your Shikai, I'd say you've improved pretty damn quick! I'm glad you didn't go Bankai on me!" Especially if the rumors are true, and you beat Kuchiki-taicho… I fought him too with my new Bankai, and failed…

Ichigo quickly did the math. Bankai is roughly ten times as strong as Shikai. Limiter makes the wearer about one-fifth as strong. Assuming Renji's gotten any stronger at all, still at least twice as strong as that last fight. He finally nodded, losing the scowl. "Yeah, you're right." He smirked. "Maybe one of these days I'll be able to beat you in my Shikai."

"Keh! Yeah right, strawberry!" Renji scoffed. That would be quite the humiliation… "Next time, fight me, Bankai to Bankai! I'll kick your ass!"

"In order for you to beat me while I'm in Bankai, I'd have to still be in my human body!" Ichigo taunted. "Is all that hair getting in the way of your common sense, you pineapple-haired idiot?"

Renji scowled. "You're just lucky Yamamoto-soutaicho told us to stick around as backup, or I'd leave you here high and dry."

Ichigo laughed derisively. "Yeah right, Renji, I can see right through you! You'd have come here anyway to fight and grow stronger! And you know Rukia would have stayed to help protect her friends, and you would never let her go."

"You're right," Renji admitted quietly. No, I could never let her go into certain life-threatening danger without me.

"Oi, Renji, you still there?" Ichigo queried. His eyes, used to high-speed movement, had detected a strange look in Renji's for that brief second.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm alright, you orange-haired retard. Let's go get some food, I'm hungry!"

Ichigo smirked. "Now you're talking." He quickly ran to get back in his body.

Climbing up the ladder back into Urahara's shop, Renji's face turned sorrowful. If I could only know for sure… Rukia… Is he who you want? Or are you just comrades? He shook his head. I gotta stop thinking about this. A war is no time to try for a relationship with her… Not when we are both on front lines. He clenched his fist around one of the rungs of the ladder for a moment before he continued up. We need to focus on getting stronger. Love lives can wait until the crisis is over… if we both live that long.

Ishida Uryuu was a very even-tempered young man, calm and analytical in even the most trying situations. However, he found himself nervous as he approached his father's office. Urahara said Tou-san was a powerful Quincy… but Tou-san has always disapproved of my following the Quincy ways. He steeled himself. He will likely say no, but I must try! He knocked.

"Enter."

Uryuu entered, closing the door behind him. "Tou-san."

Ishida Ryuuken was a middle-aged man, with premature silver-white hair that framed his face. His dark tan skin provided an interesting contrast with his hair, while his height was nothing to sneeze at either, at approximately 5 foot 10 inches. Ryuuken looked up from his paperwork. "Uryuu, what a surprise." His already calculating eyes narrowed. "Why are you here?"

"I come for training in the Quincy arts," Uryuu answered swiftly, coming straight to the point. He looked his father straight in the eye. "I know of your distaste of my choice to follow in my grandfather's footsteps. But he was your father, and if I am right, he must have trained you as well, even if you dislike your heritage."

Ryuuken stood up and looked out the window, his hands clasped behind his back. "You know I reject my Quincy heritage, as it does not provide a way to mete out a living. I would have you focus on worldly pursuits, rather than follow the old ways. Your intellect is not unimpressive; you could succeed in any career you choose. Why do you insist on remaining a Quincy?"

Uryuu scoffed, pushing his glasses up his nose a bit more, making them flash. "What career could I follow if I were dead, Tou-san? Would you have me be a Shinigami? There are rogue Shinigami who have stolen a very powerful item that allows them to create powerful Arrancar, and they have created an army with which to invade."

"I would advise you to leave the threat to the Shinigami," Ryuuken answered calmly. "Let the dead take care of the dead, and the living the living."

"Do you honestly believe that they will be effective at all?" Uryuu challenged. "I, along with some allies, successfully infiltrated Soul Society less than a year ago and escaped with our lives! Not only that, but Aizen Sousuke and two other traitors escaped together in front of the entire Gotei 13!"

"Even if the Shinigami lose, the living and spirit worlds will remain separate," Ryuuken stated, assured of his belief. He turned around and met Uryuu's defiant gaze. "What reason would this Aizen interfere with the living world?"

This, Uryuu had an answer for immediately. "The enemy wishes to sacrifice Karakura Town to create an item known as the King's Key, which will allow him to assassinate the Spirit King. And if it fails, he'll try again and again in all of the major cities of the globe, or he'll find more ancient rituals. He has no problem sacrificing others to his plans, Tou-san." He let his arm rise, letting his Quincy cross fall as he channeled reiatsu through it, creating his Quincy bow, which he gripped firmly. "I must embrace my Quincy heritage, Tou-san, if I am to ensure my survival, and that of my friends." He shot a piercing look at his father. "Is my logic flawed, Tou-san? It is quite simple. For me to have the life you wish me to have, I need to live. The Shinigami may win or lose, but if I am a trained Quincy, my chances of survival are at their highest. Besides, this way I am protecting the living, so who are you to look down on my choice when you do the same thing in a different way? How is money more important than life?"

Ryuuken's face flashed a look of pain for a brief instant, as though Uryuu had shot an arrow instead of logic. "Your logic… is sound. Before I train you, however, I require an oath, sworn on the Pride of the Quincy."

"What oath?" Uryuu asked, on guard.

"I want you to swear that unless it is to save a life, you will not use your Quincy powers, and that you will focus your energies on truly living in our world, instead of merely existing as you have been." Ryuuken peered down his glasses at Uryuu.

"You mean finding a job, maybe a girlfriend, finding hobbies and activities to do here in the living world instead of exclusively training," Uryuu clarified.

"Yes."

Uryuu took a moment to consider. When he finished, he did not take a deep breath. He merely looked at his father. "I swear, on the Pride of the Quincy, that unless it is to save a life, or to maintain my skills, I will not use my Quincy powers. I further swear that after the current crisis is over, I will focus my energies on living my life as any other non-spiritually-aware human would. Is that sufficient, Tou-san?"

Ryuuken frowned. He had noted the addition of skill preservation to Uryuu's list of reasons to use his Quincy powers, but he could not truly fault his son on it. The "after the current crisis is over" meant little, as they both knew Uryuu would count training himself to survive the coming onslaught as saving his own life, allowing him to train as much as he wanted until then. "It is. Tonight, meet me at the doors to the hospital, and I will take you to train."

Uryuu let his spirit bow dissipate and bowed shortly. "Thank you, Tou-san." He turned and strode from the office, leaving his father staring off into space.

Back at the school, Inoue Orihime ducked under one of Tatsuki's punches, grabbing her arm and twisting to throw her long-time best friend. Tatsuki rolled upon impact with the ground, relatively unscathed as she bounced back up and attacked. "So, who were those two people out by the school the other day?" Tatsuki asked nonchalantly, attempting a sweeping kick, which Orihime jumped over, spinning around for a mid-air kick.

"What two people?" the busty girl queried as Tatsuki ducked underneath and pushed Orihime's leg up, trying to throw off her balance. It almost worked, but Orihime turned it into a variation of a back flip, landing on her feet.

"Oh, I'm sure you know the two. One of them was beating up Chad for a while? And then you cut his arm off with some projectile!" Tatsuki replied, her tone changing into an accusing one towards the end.

Orihime was so shocked that she tripped in her next attack. "You saw that?" she asked incredulously, before wincing in pain as Tatsuki took advantage of her shock and pinned her.

"Of course I did!" Tatsuki answered angrily. "And then Ichigo wielding some giant-ass cleaver? And then it turned into a black long sword? And he cut off the guy's other arm?! What the hell is going on, Orihime?!"

"…" Orihime sighed. "Alright, Tatsuki. Let me up, and follow me. I might need some help with explaining some of it, so we're going to the normal meeting place…"

By the time both girls made it to Urahara's, Renji and Ichigo had finished lunch. Renji had gone to take a nap to replenish his reiatsu, while Ichigo was back in the training basement in his human form, experimenting with new techniques, wanting a better feel for them.

Ichigo began spinning Zangetsu above his head again, trying to get a feel for if his trusty blade had a limit to the amount of reiatsu he could charge. There didn't seem to be, but after several rotations, he could feel Zangetsu converting only some of the reiatsu into the Getsuga Tenshou. He narrowed his eyes, but then caught a thin blue sheen to his sword. An inkling suspicion wormed its way into his head, but he had to be sure…

Just to be sure, the rest of the reiatsu is being used to temporarily strengthen Zangetsu's durability so the Getsuga doesn't shred my sword to pieces?

Yeah, Hollow Ichigo said after a moment of inwardly consulting with Zangetsu. Just remember that the more you use Zangetsu, the stronger he gets.

Ichigo frowned as he continued swinging Zangetsu over his head. Looks like charging up a Getsuga is only really effective for a relatively short charge time. At least until we've been together longer. Using his free hand to grip a section of white cloth lower down from the blade, he used his stronger right arm to fling Zangetsu a direction that had several consecutive boulders. "Getsuga Tenshou!"

Zangetsu appeared as though it were covered in black flames as the Getsuga engulfed it, and it carved through each of the boulders as though they were made of butter. Not only that, but the force of the throw split the boulders in half cleanly.

Ichigo tugged back, and Zangetsu returned to his hand quickly. I can only imagine how powerful that attack will be if I use it in Bankai, using the chain instead of cloth. He shivered as he sat down to think, letting his Zanpakuto dissipate. Or if I did it with the mask on…

See, King? Now we shouldn't have any problems with not being able to pierce an Arrancar's Hierro, and even an Arrancar will die if it is pierced in the head.

Assuming we can catch it, Ichigo reminded him. Remember, Grimmjow matched our max speed, and he is only the sixth Espada. We still need to beat Yammy's Resurreccion form.

If it's speed you need, I'd start working on mastering my sword. The extra speed and strength of a dual Bankai would be perfect for what you want.

Ichigo nodded absently to himself. The only question is… how?

His Inner Hollow cackled insanely. Ichigo, Ichigo, you can't honestly expect me to give it away that easily! You can figure it out yourself, or I can tell you for a price.

What price?

Give me control until our Hollow form evolves into a Gillian.

Ichigo's scowl deepened. Fuck no! I'll figure this out myself! As he got up, he sensed two familiar signatures. One's Inoue… Ichigo turned, and saw Tatsuki with her, at the base of the ladder. With a flash of Shunpo, he was a couple of meters away from them. Ignoring the stress in his legs, he questioned the newcomers. "Inoue? Tatsuki? What're you two doing here?"

Tatsuki fell over. "What the hell? You were just over there a second ago!" she bellowed, pointing at Ichigo's former location a fair distance away.

"I'm fast," Ichigo merely told her. "Inoue, what's going on? Why did you bring Tatsuki here?"

"She can see spirits now," Inoue said simply. "And she saw us fighting Yammy during their first invasion. Tatsuki wanted an explanation, and I feel she deserves one. She's our friend!"

Ichigo sighed and nodded. "What do you want to know?"

Over the course of the next hour, Tatsuki was brought up to speed. Inoue had begun with overexcited enthusiasm about her best friend joining them, jumping all over the place with her explanation. Thankfully for Tatsuki's understanding, Ichigo interrupted and gave the barebones version, starting from his gaining Shinigami powers to the current predicament with the Arrancar. He completely skipped everything that wasn't necessary, including his own Inner Hollow. After several moments' hesitation, he included the requirement to create the King's Key, to which Tatsuki was understandably horrified.

However, she didn't seem to understand just how powerful their enemies were, and wanted to join in. Even Inoue could see how that could go terribly wrong, especially without any evident powers of Tatsuki's own.

"You don't get it, Tatsuki, these aren't human beings!" Ichigo tried to explain, his frustration getting the better of him. "Martial arts aren't going to cut it!"

"Then make me understand, Ichigo!" Tatsuki challenged. "Show me how powerful these monsters are!"

"Fine!" With a swift movement, Ichigo slammed his Shinigami badge against his chest, letting his human body fall to the ground. "You asked for this Tatsuki…"

"The only thing I'm seeing is you in a strange robe with a big-ass sword!" Tatsuki responded, chilled despite herself at Ichigo's tone.

Determined to make his friend see reason, Ichigo jumped back and brought his sword up to horizontal level with his right hand, his left gripping his right forearm. "BAN-!"

Tatsuki could suddenly sense a feeling of deep foreboding. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…

"-KAI!"

The sudden rush of reiatsu would have blown Tatsuki clear across the training room if Inoue hadn't brought her shield into place, protecting her friend. When the reiatsu cleared, Ichigo was in Bankai mode, Tensa Zangetsu held tightly in his hand.

"So you had a costume change," Tatsuki said, trying for a confident tone but failing as her voice cracked. "So what?"

And then Ichigo was gone, wind billowing in to take the place of where he had been. Tatsuki looked around frantically, trying to find him, but then Ichigo reappeared, right where he was, his back turned towards Tatsuki, but his head turned to the right, eyes downcast. "I'm sorry," he murmured.

"Sorry for what?" Tatsuki questioned before feeling something warm and wet sliding down her forehead. She brought her finger up and dabbed at it, bringing it to her eyes. It was blood, leaking through a very thin cut on her forehead. Tatsuki wasn't stupid; she knew the significance. If Ichigo wanted to, he could kill her at any given moment, and she wouldn't even see it coming until she was already dead. Tatsuki looked at Ichigo in newfound horror. Was my training… my achievements… all for nothing? "Is… Is this… the power of the Arrancar?"

"No…" Inoue said sadly. Tatsuki was confused. That's good, right? Why does Inoue sound depressed?

"…they are even more powerful." Ichigo finished grimly. "Faster, stronger than me."

"You've got to be kidding!" Tatsuki blurted. "How can anything be faster and stronger than that?"

Ichigo turned away so Tatsuki could only see his hair and back. "I only wish I was kidding… No do you see why I want you to stay back?"

"Is there anyone else on your team nearly as fast as you are?!" Tatsuki demanded, her embarrassment turning to anger as she fought to join the team.

"Ishida Uryuu," Ichigo replied easily. "But the others have powers that protect them. Inoue?" He leapt back raised his sword. "Getsuga Tenshou!"

"Orihime!" Tatsuki exclaimed, trying to move her best friend out of the way of the wide, black crescent-shaped attack, but was startled to see a determined look on Inoue's face as she steadied her stance and brought her hands to her hairpins.

"Santen Kesshun!"

The Getsuga collided with the shield, fighting it, trying to break it, but Inoue held firm, and the Getsuga exploded. When the smoke cleared, Inoue's shield was still in place.

"What?" Tatsuki gasped, seeing the golden shield.

"That was my Santen Kesshun," Inoue explained quietly. "I have two other powers… healing, and attack. My primary purpose is defense and healing, though, as I'm bound by my physical limits. Until I figure out a way to fix that, I'm going to be on the sidelines as well."

Tatsuki collapsed to the ground, sitting with her knees in front of her and her feet to her sides. "I think I see your point, Ichigo," she said weakly. "I may be the second strongest girl in Japan, but my martial arts wouldn't do anything to either of you, let alone your enemies." She looked down sadly. "I'd just get in your way…"

Ichigo merely nodded. "Yeah…" It was harsh, but that was the truth of the matter. He decided to try to cheer her up a bit. "Don't feel too down, I know you'd have my back if I got into a fight with any human being, but these guys aren't human…"

"Yeah…" Tatsuki looked up at Inoue. "Don't worry; I'll keep your secrets. Still best friends?"

Inoue wiped away a tear as she smiled at her friend. "Of course we are, Tatsuki." She extended a hand and helped Tatsuki up, the two of them hugging as they renewed their bonds of friendship. "Oh!" Inoue said suddenly, "You need to meet the Shinigami who are here to help out! I'm sure you and Rangiku-san will get along great!"

With the spontaneity of a girl thoroughly enjoying ADHD, she quickly dragged a half-heartedly protesting Tatsuki up the ladder before Ichigo had time to say a word.

Ichigo blinked. "Ok then…" Releasing his Bankai, he sat down, crossing his legs, and set Zangetsu down in front of him, on the sword's side. "How do I summon the other you…?" the orange-haired Shinigami murmured, light flashing on the sharp edge of his precious Zanpakuto.

I wonder if you can figure it out before our battle, Ichigo! Hollow Ichigo taunted. Remember, only four days until our fight to see who is King!

Yeah… Ichigo knew that quite well. Being able to use his Hollow self's sword could make or break his fight, as he had little doubt Hollow Ichigo could already dual-wield.

Aizen is plotting, Ichigo and the gang are training, and is it possible we get to see Nnoitra and Grimmjow fight to the death?