You woke up to the sound of bickering. Your body was already covered in stinging pain and the bickering just made your headache worse.

???1: M-maybe we should have Mr. Tsukabishi do the check up.

???2: Don't be such a scaredy cat, we can do this by ourselves. Don't you wanna help (Y/N)?

???1: O-of course!

(Y/N): What's with all the commotion?

(Y/N) finally got the sleep out of his eyes and looked towards the two voices. Ururu and Jinta.

Jinta: Huh? So you're finally awake. Damn you got your butt kicked.

Ururu: J-Jinta, maybe you shouldn't bring that up.

Jinta: What? I'm just telling the truth.

Ururu: But it would hurt (Y/N)'s feelings.

(Y/N): ...I could win...

Jinta: Huh?

(Y/N): I think I can win against the lieutenant guy. One on One. I just need a few more days of training. *signs* But then there's the Captain. He's the real problem.

Jinta: You sure, you came here pretty banged up.

(Y/N): Me and Ichigo put down the Lieutenant before we went down. I think reaching that level is within reach.

???: And you would be right.

Just then, Urahara walked into the room.

Urahara: You can't beat them as you are now, but if you train you can reach their strength.

(Y/N): The problem is the deadline for Rukia's execution. We don't know how long it is. We might be too late to stop it. Say Mr. Urahara, does the Soul Society have an estimated deadline for this kind of thing?

Urahara: One month. You have one month before her execution comes to fruition. So here's the plan.

Ten days to get you and Ichigo in shape for the fight

Seven days to open the gate to the Soul Society

And thirteen days to save her.

(Y/N): I'll take whatever I can get.

Urahara: You're at least more level headed than Ichigo was.

(Y/N): I try to be the best of the two of us.

Urahara: Anyway, you should head home for the day. Your sister is gonna have a fit seeing you come home late and in bandages.

(Y/N): Yeah... she's going to give me hell. As long as my dad isn't home I should be fine. By the way, which room is Ichigo in?

Urahara: You just missed him. He left a few minutes ago.

(Y/N): And Uryu?

Urahara: Thankfully, he wasn't out for too long. After I healed him, He got up and left.

You were relieved that your two friends (well Uryu was debatable) were at least recovering.

(Y/N): Then I'll see him tomorrow at school. I'm coming straight here after school for training. We're on a strict timer.

Urahara: You read my mind kid. Don't be late.

(Y/N) left the store, sending a text to his sister about the events that transpired that night. He didn't want her to be surprised about the state he was entering the house in. (Y/N) body felt broken, but his spirit wasn't.

(Timeskip) Next day

School felt completely different since the incident yesterday. Rukia returning to the Soul Society essentially erased her from everyone's minds. Nobody remembers that she existed.

(Y/N): Nothing feels real right now.

Ichigo: Yeah I get what you mean.

Both Shinigamis were whispering to each other as their friends talked about vacation plans. Just then Keigo got hyped up.

Keigo: School's out for summer, and summer means the sea. And the sea is where we're all going because I, Keigo Asano, have planned a super trip for us to the beach. Ten fun-filled days of sunbathing, swimming, fireworks and lots of unsupervised and questionable activities, right?

Ichigo: Sorry, but I'm afraid I've already made other plans?

Keigo: Huh?

Orihime: I'm not too keen on the ocean either, Keigo.

Tatsuki: I've got the nationals tournament to go to.

Michiru: Well, if Orihime and Tatsuki aren't going, then neither am I.

Chad: Sorry, but I have some things I have to take care of.

Mizuiro: And I'm flying to Hawaii tomorrow.

Keigo: What could possibly be better than going on vacation with me, you jackass?

Mizuiro: I'm going on this great trip to Hawaii with my girlfriend and nine of her friends, so that's like 11 of us.

Keigo: Hawaii? Just you and 10 girls? So how'd you forget to invite me? How dare you leave me out of a sweet deal like that.

Mizuiro: It wasn't my idea. I promise.

Keigo: (Y/N) you're my last hope. We have to make this summer a good one. One filled with smoking hot babes and ocean waves!

Just then, Tatsuki took a glance at (Y/N), curious to hear his answer. Secretly, Tatsuki wanted (Y/N) to watch her matches at nationals.

(Y/N): Sadly, I have plans too. Sorry Keigo.

Keigo: Alright Mr. Lady's Man #2, are you secretly on Mizuiro's Hawaii trip or do you have plans with another girl?

(Y/N): I'm serious, I'm gonna be caught up with some serious business.

Tatsuki was relieved to hear (Y/N) wasn't going on a date with a girl but still a bit disappointed that he wouldn't have time to watch her matches at nationals.

(Timeskip) After school

(Y/N) and Ichigo were on their way to Urahara Shop to start their training, however they were stopped by Orihime.

Ichigo: Orihime, what are you doing? Is something wrong?

Ichigo, (Y/N), where is Rukia?

Ichigo: Huh?

Orihime: Why has everyone forgotten about her like she never even existed. I need you to explain what's happening around here.

(Y/N): *signs* It's gonna sound crazy and even a bit complicated, but hear us out.

(Y/N) and Ichigo gave Orihime the full explanation about the Soul Society and how was forced to return.

Orihime: So you're saying Rukia went back to this other world she came from?

Ichigo: Yeah.

Orihime: I gotta admit. I am surprised.

Ichigo: I really had no idea you've been able to see us, Orihime. For how long?

Orihime: Ever since the incident with my brother. And (Y/N) saved me when the school was attacked.

Ichigo: Oh, makes sense.

Orihime: I don't think I've ever properly thanked you for everything you did for him. By guiding his spirit on the other side,he's finally in a place where all he knows is peace and happiness now. Somehow I can just feel it.

Ichigo: Is that so?

Orihime: Mm-hm. I imagine Rukia is happy on the other side as well. She probably has friends and family waiting for her.

(Y/N): We have to go and bring her back.

Orihime: But why should you bring her back if she's happy there.

Ichigo: Because I know she's in serious trouble, and they just might kill her if I don't get her out in time.

Orihime: Here's what the Ichigo I know would do. Hmm, he'd make a mad face and tell Rukia she can always visit with friends and family later if she lives, but she won't have that chance if she's dead. I bet you've already made up your mind, haven't you?

Ichigo: Yeah. Thanks a lot, Orihime.

(Y/N): We'll make sure Rukia comes back safely.

With that, (Y/N) and Ichigo ran off.

(Timeskip) At the Urahara Shop

(Y/N) and Ichigo were in the training grounds of Urahara Shop.

Ichigo: No way, this place is amazing.

Urahara: Who would have guessed that all this time, there was a huge subterranean training ground under my store? Oh, forget the acting. Obviously, you knew this place was down here. I'm sure (Y/N) would've told you by now. So then, you wanna get down to business?

Ichigo: Yeah, let's just get on with it, this training session or whatever you call it.

Urahara: Always be careful what you ask for.

Urahara took his cane and separated both Ichigo and (Y/N) from their bodies. The difference between the two was that Ichigo lost his powers during the fight with Renji and Captain Kuchiki, while (Y/N) kept his. Because of this Ichigo was just a normal soul while (Y/N) was in Shinigami form.

Ichigo: What's the big idea of knocking me down like that, you--

Ichigo was interrupted by the sound of a chain, specifically a chain coming from his soul that was directly linked to his body.

Urahara: It's hard to breathe when you're in the form of a soul, isn't it, Ichigo? Right now, your Soul Sleep, which is the wellspring of your spirit energy, and your Soul Chain, the booster, have been destroyed. So now, your soul is like any ordinary human with no spiritual power. And so before we can proceed, we must first restore the spiritual power you have lost.

Urahara: As for you (Y/N), your power is still intact so we'll move immediately to the next step. You'll be learning the name of your Zanpakuto.

(Y/N) was taken aback. He remembered Renji talking about Zanpakuto names. If he remembered correctly, Renji's Zanpakuto was called Zabimaru.

(Y/N): Okay how do I do that?

Urahara: We'll get to that in a moment.

Urahara turned to Ichigo.

All right, let's bring out your opponent, and then we can start. Warrior, are you ready for battle?

Urhara's warrior in question was Ururu. (Y/N) was in awe at Urahara's choice. Even as a Shinigami, (Y/N) struggled staying alive against Ururu. Having to do it without Shinigami powers was basically a death wish. Was the situation so bad that Urahara felt it necessary for this?

Ururu: Nice to see you again, Ichigo.

Ichigo: Huh?

Urahara: Here's your first lesson. You must go up against Ururu one on one.

Ichigo: Huh?

Urahara: The rules are quite simple. Lesson one is over when one of you is no longer able to continue the match. If you can, I suggest going for the knockout punch.

Ichigo: Are you kidding? You expect me to punch a little girl?

Urahara: It's always dangerous to underestimate your opponent, Ichigo.

(Y/N): Ururu has almost killed me a few times before. Don't hesitate to protect yourself for any reason.

Ururu: Please put on all this protective gear, Ichigo and heed big brother (Y/N)'s advice. I don't want to kill you.

Ichigo: This whole thing's ridiculous. I'm not fighting her.

In an instant, Ichigo was sent flying from a punch that could've possibly killed him.

Urahara: We tried to warn him, didn't we? So where'd he go?

(Y/N): I don't see him anymore. Do you suppose he's dead?

Urahara: Hard to say. Well enough of that, Ichigo's already started his training. Let's begin with yours. Now, sit down and start meditating.

(Y/N): Huh? Meditation? I've never done meditation before. You sure I won't fall asleep?

Urahara: I'll guide you through it.

(Y/N) sat down and attempted to meditate. It took (Y/N) nearly 2 hours to let go of any thoughts he had lingering. Before (Y/N) knew it, he was no longer in the training grounds of the Urahara Shop. (Y/N) feet weren't touching the floor but he didn't feel like he was flying either. The scenery was just the sky and clouds with floating rectangular structures scattered around.

(Y/N): W-Where am I?

???: This here is your inner world. Your mind so to speak.

(Y/N) turned around and met face to face with a cloaked figure with a skull for a face.



(Y/N): Are you my zanpakuto?

???: Sure am. It's nice to meet you (Y/N). My name is Ankou, also known as the Grim Reaper. It's nice to meet you.

Ankou put out his huge hands for a handshake which (Y/N) did his best to reciprocate (His hands are about the same size as (Y/N)'s body). As soon as both (Y/N) and Ankou hands touched, many different weapons materialized around him.

Ankou: Well you've learned my name, now you have to discover my identity. When you think "Ankou", which weapon here speaks to you the most?

(Y/N) looked around, sizing up all of the weapons. Long Swords, Katanas, daggers, but one stood out to (Y/N).

(Y/N) walked up to a scythe and grabbed the handle.



Ankou: Well done. Why did you choose this weapon in particular?

(Y/N): It just felt right and it reminded me of you for some reason.

Ankou: I see. Well now that we have the name and the identity, I will tell you what my power is.

(Timeskip)

(Y/N) snapped out of his trance and got up. Urahara, who was taking a nap, suddenly woke up.

Urahara: Wha- *checks the time* Twelve hours huh? That's pretty impressive.

(Y/N): Wait, I've been meditating for twelve hours?

Urahara: If we wanted to be specific, your total estimated time would be fourteen hours considering it took you two hours to actually start meditating.

(Y/N): I see. What's Ichigo's progress looking like?

Urahara: Don't worry about Ichigo, right now I need to know. Did you learn the name of your zanpakuto?

(Y/N): Yes.

Urahara: Then call it, because Lesson 2 is starting right now. Now that you have the name of your Zanpakuto, you should be able to activate your Shikai. Like this...

The handle on Urahara's cane then detaches, revealing a blade. His cane was actually the sheath to his Zanpakuto this whole time?

Urahara: Wake up, Benihime.

Urahara's Shikai took the form of a sleek, medium-sized sword with the tip ending in a slanted razor-like edge.



Urahara: Now call on your Zanpakuto.

(Y/N): Right.

...

...

...

Oversee, Ankou.

(Y/N)'s zanpakuto transformed from a sword to a scythe.

Urahara: What a weapon. The juxtaposition of your kindhearted personality and your hostile weapon is an interesting one. Now onto lesson two. Knock my hat off of my head. However don't expect this to be an easy task.

"The lesson starts now."

In a blink of an eye, Urahara was face to face with (Y/N). (Y/N) reacted at the last second to block the attack headed his way. (Y/N) pushed the shopkeeper off of him and retaliated with a scythe swing that he dodge by ducking. Urahara started his counter attack with two simultaneous swings which (Y/N) decided to block.

(Y/N) didn't want to give Urahara the benefit of space, so he chose to block attacks instead of dodge them. (Y/N) then used Shunpo to move behind Urahara and catch him off guard, but Urahara was ready for him.

Urahara: Blood Mist Shield

A hexagon-shaped crimson barrier appeared, blocking the attack, but (Y/N) just smiled. Urahara was confused until he saw the strength of the shield waning, cracking in the process. With a final push, the shield shattered, leaving Urahara to jump back. However this was all a part of (Y/N)'s plan. Urahara senses a completely different spiritual energy behind him, multiple in fact. A multitude of small hollows heading in his direction.

Urahara was confused on where the Hollows came from and attempted to take them all out in one fell swoop.

Urahara: Sing, Crimson Princess-

(Y/N): You're distracted.

(Y/N) moved in with Shunpo, knocking the hat off of Urahara's head. The Hollows, after seeing this, stopped their hostile attack.

(Y/N): Surprised?

Urahara: Sure am. What did you do? Tame Hollows.

(Y/N): Not quite. My Shikai came with 2 abilities. One passive and another active. My passive ability allows me to drain the spiritual energy from anyone that my zanpakuto touches, this includes kido and magical zanpakuto abilities.

(Y/N) explained and Urahara listened intently.

(Y/N): When you used the shield ability, I knew it had to be made from spiritual energy so I attacked it aggressively to drain the shield of its energy and replenish mine.

Urahara: My, that's a rather interesting ability. But you said that's only the passive ability, what of the other one.

(Y/N) gave a cocky smirk.

(Y/N): Well you saw it first hand. The main ability of my shikai is to summon Hollows. More specifically, I can summon a copy of any Hollows I've defeated in the past. The ones I used against you were the smaller Hollows that were a part of the much bigger Hollow that was attacking Chad.

Urahara was actually in shock to hear the extent of (Y/N)'s ability. A Shinigami that can summon Hollows sounded extremely farfetched.

Urahara: What a peculiar ability.

(Y/N): Trust me, it's not what I really expected, but this ability can be extremely versatile if I can gather a lot of hollows. However it does come with some drawbacks. The amount of spiritual energy required to summon the hollows isn't anything to scoff at. In order to use that ability I'll need to fight aggressively to take the opponent's spiritual energy to fuel it. But fighting too aggressively is reckless.

Urahara: I see, A difficult ability to use but a strong one nonetheless. Well I can safely say that Your lesson is finally complete.

... Huh?

(Y/N): What do you mean it's complete?

Urahara: I'll be completely honest, I thought you'd need more than just a measly 12 hours to unlock your Shikai. I even took the time limit off of the second lesson because I thought you'd take the other 9 days fighting me.

Urahara then turned his back while walking off.

Urahara: But you're a smart kid (Y/N). You used an ability that you've only just unlocked to put together an ingenious plan and outwit me. The only thing you can do now is polish that ability and discover more about it. Heck you can even learn more kido from Tessai. What you do now is up to you to get stronger.

Urahara stopped and turned one last time.

Urahara: Or we can have a more serious fight. It's your call.

(Y/N) gave it some thought. Urahara wasn't wrong about anything he said, he just needed to find out which one was the most beneficial to him.

(Y/N): How about all three? I can fight you, learn kido and learn more of my Shikai ability all at the same time. There's nothing stopping me but my own limits.

Urahara smirked at the comment (Y/N) just gave.

Urahara: You're one strange kid... Alright then. Let's get started.

To be continued.

We finally got (Y/N)'s Shikai reveal and ability. Of course he would have a scythe, that much was obvious. Now to explain the elephant in the room, the actual shikai ability.

Of course I'm going the Grim Reaper aesthetic. The ability to summon hollows was in reference to Grim Reapers being necromancers in a way, being able to summon the dead.

The reference is even stronger with (Y/N)'s shikai command being "Oversee". There's a common misconception that Grim Reapers actively go out to kill the person who's soul they've come to collect. However that's false as the Grim Reaper only appears when the target is already dead. The Grim Reaper's true motive is to guide the soul safely to the afterlife. An Overseer so to speak, hence the command "Oversee".

Another reference I made was (Y/N)'s ability to passively take spiritual energy with his zanpakuto. It was my way of referencing Grim Reapers "reaping souls" so to speak.

The last reference is (Y/N)'s Zanpakuto spirit itself. The name Ankou comes from the figure in Breton myth who collects spirits of the dead and brings them to hell.

But that's all for now. Up next is the Soul Society Arc. Hope you guys are excited.