In Urahara Shop

The sound of an explosion echoed through the training grounds of Urahara Shop. Once again, (Y/N) failed to activate Shunko. (Y/N) laid on the floor, breathing heavily.

(Y/N): Another failed attempt...

Soi-Fon: You're pushing too much spiritual energy through your body. Thankfully your body is strong enough to handle it.

(Y/N): Pushing too much?

Soi-Fon: Yeah, the moment your spiritual energy reached its highest, you had almost no control. That's why you're dealing damage to yourself when you try to activate Shunko. At least, that's what I've been able to pick up on so far.

(Y/N) took the time to think about what Soi-Fon said. (Y/N) was good at managing how much spiritual energy he used but actually controlling it was completely different. (Y/N) would expend a lot of spiritual energy and make up for it by stealing it back with his reishi absorption ability. In short, (Y/N)'s good management of his spiritual energy was not because of his control of spiritual energy, rather his ability to absorb the amount of reishi he needed to recover what he spent.

Training in Shunko was now exposing his lack of skill in controlling his spiritual energy. He thought back to the many times he was left exhausted or fainted after one use of a high level kido spell.

He then remembered how many high level kido spells Urahara was able to use in rapid succession without even a breath against Aizen.

Originally he thought it was just a difference in experience, and a bit of that is true. But at the end of the day, a huge part of it was (Y/N)'s horrible control of spirit energy.

This could also explain why Quimera Parca has been a flop this entire time.

Soi-Fon: What are you thinking about now?

(Y/N): Huh?

Soi-Fon: You're spacing out again. You always do that when you come to a realization about something. What is it?

(Y/N): Well... I think I know what the problem is.

Soi-Fon: Really?

(Y/N): Yeah. The problem is that it's a fundamental problem.

Soi-Fon: What do you mean?

(Y/N): You've brought to my attention that I have horrible control over my own spiritual energy. I've been using my Shikai as a crutch to cover this up for a long time. This Shunko training is an eye opener for me. If I want to become better, I'll have to overcome this flaw.

Soi-Fon: You were able to get all that from one piece of criticism?

"That's what makes him a quick learner!"

Urahara had said as he climbed down the ladder to the training grounds. Yoruichi was following closely behind.

(Y/N): Oh, Good morning Mr. Urahara. Yoruichi.

Yoruichi: You're at it early.

(Y/N): Yeah, well...

(Flashback)

(Y/N) was having as close to a peaceful sleep that he could possibly have. Knowing that someone was after his life didn't allow (Y/N) to sleep as comfortably as he would like, but he eventually got to sleep, knowing that there were people out there willing to protect him in his time of need.

It took some time but (Y/N) was finally able to get some shut eye. However, it didn't last long as (Y/N) heard the sound of something hitting his window. More specifically, someone tapping on his window.

(Y/N) looked at his digital clock and saw that it was 5 o'clock in the morning. (Y/N) opened his curtains and saw Soi-Fon floating in front of his window.

(Flashback End)

Soi-Fon: It's important for us to get an early start.

(Y/N): I understand that, but I'm still feeling a bit sleepy.

Yoruichi: Why don't you take a break. You won't make any strides if you're working on fumes.

(Y/N): Sure thing.

(Y/N) went back to lying on the hard rocky training ground as he caught his breath.

(Meanwhile) Kenpachi's POV

Zaraki and Azashiro were at a stalemate. Zaraki had no way of inflicting damage on Azashiro as Azashiro made himself invincible by fusing himself with his surroundings. No matter what Zaraki did, all of his strikes phased through Azashiro.

Zaraki simply let out a frustrating grunt.

Zaraki: This ain't working.

Azashiro: This is futile. You cannot cut me down.

Azashiro then looked over towards Ikkaku and Yumichika and spoke.

Azashiro: Know this, members of Squad 11. There's no point in pursuing me. I have no interest in playing along with your arrogance. If you turn back and refrain from obstructing me further, I would have no reason to harm you.

Azashiro then looked back to Zaraki.

Azashiro: So,what will you do? You should know you cannot kill me now, after that attack.

Zaraki simply stared at Azashiro before stating the obvious.

Zaraki: Huh. It looks like you really can turn into air.

Azashiro: If you understand, then why even bother?

Zaraki: Well, cutting the air into pieces sounds like it could be fun, too.

Azashiro sighed at Zaraki's stubbornness.

Azashiro: It seems you don't understand after all. It's not just the air. Aside from living beings, I've already fused with everything in the Seireitei. I seem to recall Head Captain Yamamoto telling you this when you received your orders.

Zaraki: Yeah, so all I have to do is cut up everything in the Seireitei to kill you, right?

Azashiro: The existence of you people truly does nothing but harm the Soul Society.

Azashiro then started an incantation.

Azashiro: "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring...

Ikkaku and Yumichika noticed the incantation.

Ikkaku: Huh? Is this jerk planning to fight our captain with Kido?

Yumichika: That's the incantation for Raikōhō.

Azashiro: "...Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle!"

However, that wasn't the only incantation that could be heard.

"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man..."

Yumichika: *thinking* What is this? I can hear other incantations coming from all directions.

Ikkaku then noticed something.

Ikkaku: Hey, what the hell's goin' on?! There are Gigai popping up all over the place!

Just as Ikkaku said, the Dangai was suddenly filled with Gigai.

Yumichika: No, this can't be! Did he fuse every Gigai in the Department of Research and Development with the Precipice World?! This is insane!

With the ability of his Bankai, Azashiro was able to command the Gigai like puppets, using them to cast multiple Kido spells.

Both Azashiro's Hadō #63. Raikōhō and the Hadō #31. Shakkahō casted by the army of Gigai caused a massive explosion that enveloped the Dangai.

(Timeskip) (Y/N)'s POV

After taking his 30 minute break, (Y/N) and Yoruichi have had multiple sparring matches with the purpose of helping (Y/N) control his spiritual pressure at its highest while in battle.

Sparring went on for about 2 hours before (Y/N) took another break. Progress was slow but (Y/N) believed he was experienced enough to expedite the learning process. He just needed to get a grasp of not letting his power pour out too much when he decided to use Kido or enhance his body with spiritual energy.

As (Y/N) sat on the ground as he took deep breaths.

Yoruichi: You're getting better.

(Y/N): It's not like I don't know how to control spiritual energy... I'm just really bad at controlling it at its highest.

Yoruichi: Well Shunko requires a high level of control. If it was as simple as being "average" the technique would've been discovered ages ago.

(Y/N): Maybe I should've taken another approach to fighting against Azashiro... I don't think I'll be able to make any significant progress at this rate.

Yoruichi: Don't tell me you're giving up.

(Y/N): I'm the last person that wants to give up on this. I'm just looking at this logically... How likely are the chances that I'll improve at controlling my spiritual energy to an absurd level to pull off Shunko before Azashiro makes his way here?

Yoruichi then pulled on (Y/N)'s cheek in annoyance.

Yoruichi: With the determination and hard work you used to achieve your Bankai in two days. Seriously, why are you even doubting yourself right now?

(Y/N) wasn't expecting Yoruichi to scold him.

(Y/N): I have doubts about myself sometimes... It's natural for anyone to have doubts from time to time.

Yoruichi: But this shouldn't be one of them. If there's anyone who can make the hardest task look like child's play, it's you. There's no doubt that you already meet most of the requirements to use Shunko.

Yoruichi's words of encouragement sparked some motivation in (Y/N).

(Y/N): Now I can't give up after you placed so much expectations on me.

Yoruichi: You seem ready to get back into it.

(Y/N): Yeah. We don't have much time.

Yoruichi: If that's the case... Soi-Fon, I'm tagging out! You're up next!

Soi-Fon: H-huh? Oh, right...

Soi-Fon seemed to have spaced out and that didn't go unnoticed by either mentor or student.

Yoruichi: What's got you spaced out?

(Y/N): Yeah. I hope my habit of spacing out hasn't been rubbing off on you.

Soi-Fon: It's nothing important. I just realized, for someone who opts to take a lot of hits for his allies, you don't have many scars.

Because (Y/N)'s Shihakusho wasn't backless or sleeveless like Soi-Fon's, (Y/N) decided to remove the top of Shihakusho to prevent it from being collateral damage from the effects of Shunko. The more (Y/N) thought about it, it probably didn't matter since his Shihakusho was connected to his Shinigami powers, similar to Ichigo's. Because of this choice, (Y/N) was shirtless.

As Soi-Fon pointed out, (Y/N) didn't have many scars, surprisingly. Though there were some 2 prominent scars that stood on (Y/N)'s chest.

(Y/N): Oh... Well, I think it's a combination of both my regeneration of my hollow powers and a lot of Kaido. Most hollows regenerate nearly flawlessly. An attack must be extremely brutal if they leave a scar on a powerful hollow.

(Y/N) thought back to the scar that Baraggan had over his right eye, the scar located on Grimmjow's chest and the scar located on Nel's head from where she got her mask cracked open.

Soi-Fon: I see... Then how did you get the ones you have now?

(Y/N): Well, with the two exceptions of when you killed me, these came from two battles where I was close to death. The first one was from Captain Unohana during our invasion of Soul Society. I got distracted and she made use of it.

(Y/N) still remembered that day like it was yesterday. Even until this day, the fear he felt in the battle against Aizen still came second to his encounter with Unohana.

~~~~

Unohana: Your attention is directed to the wrong person~

*Slash*

~~~~

(Y/N) then pointed to a scar that was located extremely close to his heart.

(Y/N): I got this one from my first encounter with Harribel. During that time, I was still wrestling with my inner hollow. We got into an argument mid battle and Harribel used that chance to land an attack that almost reached my heart.

~~~~

*Stab*

Harribel: Please stay focused. Whatever is distracting you is preventing me from completing my task.

~~~~

(Y/N): Back then, the difference in our power were leagues apart. I had to use Kaido to heal that wound since my body didn't learn how to heal itself until after I learned hollowfication. The only other time my body had healed itself back then was when my inner hollow healed it for me after I went unconscious with my battle with Unohana. But I guess at that time, my hollow powers were n't strong enough to cover up that wound.

Soi-Fon: I see...

(Y/N): Were you hoping that one of them was caused by you? I didn't know you were a sadist, Soi-Fon.

Soi-Fon: Say something like that again and I'll make sure you have a third scar.

(Y/N): Noted.

Yoruichi then jumped in.

Yoruichi: If you're done staring at (Y/N)'s body, you two can get to training.

Soi-Fon: D-don't make it sound so provocative!

Yoruichi: But you were staring for so long. I thought you were admiring him.

Soi-Fon: I-I wasn't doing anything of the sort.

Yoruichi: We both saw you staring, you can't deny it.

(Y/N) was watching Yoruichi tease Soi-Fon endlessly. He couldn't help but see parallels between how Ichigo and himself teased each other about each other's respective crushes. But as the two argued, a new voice entered the conversation.

"Well, while you two bicker, how about I take a swing at it?"

(Y/N) turned around, recognizing the voice.

(Y/N): Dad?

(F/N): Yo! So this is where you headed off without telling me? If you were planning to skip school to hang out with girls, you could've at least taken them to a better spot.

Yoruichi and Soi-Fon stopped fighting as Yoruichi decided to respond to (F/N)'s comment.

Yoruichi: You're asking your son to ruin his chances of a relationship if he takes any kind of advice from you.

(F/N): Bad advice? From me? That's unheard of.

Yoruichi: *snicker* Sure "Casanova", whatever you say.

(Y/N): All jokes aside, how did you know I was here?

(F/N): Calavera told me, obviously. How could you forget to tell me something as important as "Someone's out to get me"?

(Y/N): Uh...

(F/N): Don't answer that. Anyway we're training right now

(Y/N): I feel like things are escalating too quickly... What happened to "being on vacation"?

(F/N): I've done plenty of relaxing. I need to stretch my muscles a bit.

(Y/N): We just dealt with the fullbringers not even a week ago?

(F/N): And yet that hasn't stopped you from training. Now, get up. I never trained with you before, haven't I? Let's make this the first time.

(Y/N) never actually thought about it, but his father was correct. He's never trained him before.

(Y/N): A-alright...

(F/N): Good. You've been working on control of your spiritual energy right? Good, this wouldn't be the first time I had to help someone in this department.

(Y/N): It isn't?

(F/N): Yeah. Your mom's Shikai and Bankai manipulated energy. I was her test dummy but I picked up on some stuff during her learning phase.

(Y/N): Right... Aizen's experiments... Can you tell me mom's abilities about it?

(F/N): Sure. But only once we're done training. Now let's start. Let's not waste anymore time.

(Y/N): Right.

To be continued.