(Y/N) couldn't see anything. He couldn't feel anything

He didn't know if he was alive or not.

However, he could hear something.

"What do you think you're doing? Why didn't you switch with me? Do you still not know I exist?"

"What?"

"Open your ears! Forget it... Just know this: Next time we're in danger, I'll forcefully take over!"

"Who are you?"

"I'm you! So if you die, I die. Got it?"

"Am I supposed to take that literally? Because you aren't making sense."

(Y/N) got no answer. Eventually (Y/N) woke up with his body in aching pain.

(Y/N): Where am I?

???: Glad you're awake.

(Y/N): Yoruichi?

Yoruichi was in her human form, that would explain how she carried you to, well whatever this place was.

Yoruichi: You took some heavy hits. You're lucky to escape Unohana while you could. Speaking of. What the hell was that light show you put on. When did you get strong enough to take on a Menos Grande?

(Y/N): I wasn't. I got Urahara and the gang to help me take two of them out during training specifically for a situation like that. It was essentially my escape plan if anything went wrong.

Yoruichi: You spend too much time with Urahara. You're becoming a miniature version of him with all these weird strategies of yours.

(Y/N) chuckled a bit, although it caused him some pain to laugh.

Yoruichi: Anyways I know you're injured but we can't stay cooped up any longer, we need you to train?

(Y/N): Train? For what exactly?

Yoruichi: To unlock Bankai.

(Y/N): I'll need some elaboration. What exactly is a Bankai?

Yoruichi: every zanpakuto has a two stage release. The first is a Shikai. You know that very well. However there's a stage that goes beyond that as well. That is a Bankai.

(Y/N): I see.

Yoruichi: If you want to stand toe to toe with a Captain you'll need to train to unlock it. Most training required for a Bankai takes ten years minimum, but I'll be using a training method that will only take 2 days. There's risks involved of course, but considering the time limit we're on, we'll have to take it.

(Y/N): I'll do whatever it takes.

Yoruichi: Good, Ichigo and Renji have already started their training earlier. You're starting a day late.

(Y/N): Ichigo's here too. That's a relief- WAIT RENJI?

Yoruichi: Yes, he's decided to assist us in saving Rukia.

(Y/N) got up from his bed sheets, bearing the pain of his injuries.

Yoruichi: Alright let's get to training. We don't have time. Rukia's execution has been moved to tomorrow so we have until today until tomorrow at noon.

(Y/N): Of course. Also, Yoruichi, can you please put on some clothes?

(Timeskip)

(Y/N) got the concept of the training. Using a special device created by Urahara, which forcibly materializes a Zanpakutō spirit.



(Y/N) will fight his zanpakuto spirit and force it to submit.

As (Y/N) stabbed his zanpakuto into the device, he started to amp himself up.

(Y/N): You got this (Y/N), you've been through worse.

The device starts to shapeshift into a more animated, goofy skeleton with a black robe on. You immediately recognize your zanpakuto spirit, Ankou.

Ankou: What a strange contraption this is. So (Y/N), you wanted to learn Bankai, yes?

(Y/N): I do, I only have 2 days. Rukia's execution is coming up. I can't let her die.

Yoruichi: I'll leave the choice of battle up to you, Ankou.

Ankou: Of course. *turns to (Y/N)* Now then-

Ankou scratches his... skull (I guess?) in confusion. He then snapped his fingers.

Ankou: I got it. For your test, you must find out the secret that I'm hiding. Or rather, the mystery you neglect to face. Every time you guess wrong, I'll hit you. The more wrong guesses you make, the more intense I'll be. The longer you take the more likely this can evolve into a full blown fight. Do you understand?

(Y/N): Uhhh...

(Y/N) had many questions. His secret, (Y/N)'s negligence? This isn't anything near the level that Ichigo was doing. It felt more like a guessing game to be honest.

(Y/N): *exhales* Alright, let's do this.

Ankou: Alright then. Now take your first guess.

(Y/N): A secret you're hiding... You aren't really a skeleton?

*Bonk*



Ankou: Wrong!

(Y/N) immediately took back what he said, this training is going to be brutal if Ankou continues to hit him like that.

(Y/N)'s training escalated as Ankou turned up the abuse with every wrong answer. It went from a bonk to the head, to him actively summoning his scythe to attack (Y/N). (Y/N) was running for his life while throwing out ridiculous answers, hoping he got one right.

(Y/N)'s answer got more and more desperate as training went on. Things like "Are you actually a girl?" to "Are your hands fake? They're comically large."

(Y/N) honestly didn't know what answer Ankou was looking for.

Renji completed his training and headed out to get a headstart on saving Rukia. He's been a Shinigami longer than both humans and had his shikai longer so it was natural he would pick up on it the quickest.

Right before Renji he approached Yoruichi.

Renji: Hey, Miss Yoruichi. Will they really be okay? We're out of time. Can both of them really attain Bankai today?

Yoruichi: Renji.

Renji: Huh?

Yoruichi: Do you remember the first time you stood up and walked?

Renji: Huh? Of course not? How could I remember?

Yoruichi: If you don't remember it, it just means you're not conscious about it. If that's the case, what made you stand up? Huh? Human beings are born knowing how to stand up. All birds know how to fly. And fish know how to swim. That's instinct. Because it is a natural instinct, they all attempt to obtain that power without hesitation. That is what I am reminded of. They probably know instinctively that they have that power.

(Timeskip) Morning of Rukia's execution

Ankou: You don't have much time left, you know.



(Y/N) has been at it nonstop for the entire day. (Y/N) was covered in scratches and bruises. (Y/N) didn't sleep nor eat but he was determined to find the answer the more he fought with Ankou.

(Y/N): I'll find the answer soon.

Ankou: Will you? So far you've been thinking too shallowly.

(Y/N): Huh?

Ankou: When I told you "What secret am I hiding" what did I tell you afterwards?

(Y/N): "What was the mystery I neglected to face?"

Ankou: Exactly, the answer to both questions are one and the same. Think about it, what was something you questioned about yourself ever since becoming a Shinigami.

(Y/N) really had to think about it. Since he was born, he could've seen spirits. He never questioned it.

Then there were conversations he's had with Uryu during his competition with Ichigo.

(Flashback)

Uryu: And you (Y/N). You may be more competent than Ichigo, however the moment I sensed your spiritual energy I knew you were horrid.

(Y/N): Okay, what is it about me that you hate so much? Besides me being a Shinigami? Because it seems to run deeper than that?

Uryu: Simply put, I don't exactly trust you. Even before you got your shinigami powers, you were reeking of a spiritual energy that reminded me of a Hollow's.

(Flashback end)

Ankou: Now you're getting it, now think harder.

(Y/N): That spell I did on the first Menos Grande I fought during Ichigo and Uryu's competition. It wasn't a kido spell. It felt more like a-

Ankou: A Cero that your very own Menos Grande used when they attacked Unohana. Now ask yourself. How did you survive Unohana's attacks?

(Y/N): I-I'm not sure. But there were times where I felt like I was incredibly lucky that her slashes didn't cut deeper into my skin. And then there was the Kido spell she used. I assume it was because she was holding back.

Ankou: It may be true that she was holding back, however she was fighting with the intention of knocking you out.

(Y/N): From what you're trying to imply, Are you saying I may have Hollow powers.

Ankou: Bingo. That was the answer I've been looking for.

(Y/N): B-but how? And if so, that doesn't answer the question of how me having Hollow powers saved me from Captain Unohana?

As much as it started to make sense to (Y/N), he still wanted to know the origin of it.

Ankou: Do you know some Hollows have the ability to harden their skin as a way of increasing their defense? There's a possibility to unconsciously did it to protect yourself from take more damage then you were supposed to. Even down to your abilities. Summoning Hollows? I don't think that's an ability any normal Shinigami would ever have.

And to answer you're other question, I don't think I am allowed to say. There's someone out there who does have an answer to your question. Someone who knows you quite well. But as agreed, you've come to the answer I was looking for. So for that I'll show you how to use Bankai.

(Y/N): I still have some questions, such as why you hid this information when we first met but I don't have the time to get answers for that. Rukia needs help. Let's start.

Ankou: Of course.

(Timeskip) Noon - Rukia's Execution

Rukia was standing in front of (almost) every single captain in the Seireitei. Leading the execution was the Head Captain, Genryusai Yamamoto. He was an elderly man with a bald head, deep wrinkles, hooked nose, and pronounced cheekbones. He had red eyes, long eyebrows, long mustache, and a hip-length white beard.



Yamamoto: Do you have any last words?

Rukia: Well you allow the Ryoka to return home unarmed once I'm dead?

Yamamoto gave it some thought.

Yamamoto: Very well. In keeping with your wishes, I will allow the Ryoka to return home unharmed after the execution.

Rukia: Thank you very much!

Captain Unohana and her lieutenant Isane heard Yamamoto's response and was, in a way, sad.

Isane: How cruel. He has no intention of sparing the Ryoka.

Unohana: It is not cruelty, Isane. It is compassion. If this is the unavoidable fate, the least we can do is ease her of any worries and give her some peace of mind.

Yamamoto: Release the Sokyoku!

From the large naginata that was present at the execution site, an enormous Phoenix emerged, aiming itself at Rukia.



Rukia sat there, accepting her fate. But just as the phoenix was about to make contact with her...

*SLASH*

"Hey."



Ichigo came in at the exact moment to save Rukia. Rukia was stunned at the rescue.

Rukia: I-Ichigo?! You fool! Why did you come back?!

Ichigo: Huh?

Rukia: You should know by now! You can't defeat my elder brother! This time, he'll kill you for sure! I've made my peace! I don't need you to rescue me! Go home!

From the floor, all of the captains were in awe at the sight. One of the captains, Soi-fon of the Second Division, couldn't believe it was possible.



Soi-fon: That's impossible! He stopped the Sokyoku with only a single Zanpakuto? The Sokyoku is said to have the power of a million zanpakuto? Just who is this guy?!

Another captain, Shunsui Kyoraku, was interested in Ichigo's sudden appearance.

Kyoraku: Nanao. Is that boy the Ryoka everyone's been talking about?

Kyoraku's lieutenant, Nanao Ise replied.

Nanao: Yes His description matches all the reports we've received.

Kyoraku: I see. So in the end, the Ryoka saves the day.

While the captains were all watching in confusion, The Sokyoku backed up for a second attack.

Rukia: Ichigo!

Backing up to prepare for a second strike, huh? Fine, bring it on.

Rukia: Stop, Ichigo! Enough already! You won't be able to stop the Sokyoku a second time! You'll be torn to pieces!! Ichigo!

While Ichigo was dealing with the Sokyoku, Captain Ukitake alongside Kiyone and Sentaro, burst on the scene with a shield of some sort.

Rukia: Captain Ukitake?! Sentaro and Kiyone, too?!

Kyoraku: Hey there, Handsome. What took you so long?

Ukitake: Sorry, breaking the seal took a while. But This ought to do it!

Soi-Fon saw the weapon that Ukitake had in his hands and immediately was on guard.

Soi-Fon: That's the crest of the Shihoin Clan! Stop them! They're going to destroy the Sokyoku!

However things were getting much more hectic as Ichigo breaks the Scaffold, successfully saving Rukia. The reunion was short-lived as Ichigo promptly threw Rukia.

Ichigo: Hey Renji, catch!

Renji: Huh?

Renji, who had just arrived on the scene, scrambled but luckily was able to safely catch Rukia.

Renji: What if I dropped her, you idiot?!

Ichigo: Take her!

Renji: Wha--?

Ichigo: Don't just stand there! Get out of here! That's your job! Protect her with your life!

Soi-fon was stunned at everyone just standing around. She then shouted in anger.

Soi-fon: Don't just stand there, you fools! After them!

Three lieutenants rushed Ichigo.

Isane, Unohana's Lieutenant.

Omaeda, Soi-Fon's Lieutenant.

And Chojuiro, The lieutenant of the Head Captain.

And Ichigo defeated all of them in a single strike. Without his zanpakuto.

Just then, Ichigo immediately got into battle with Byakuya.

With the commotion with Ichigo and Byakuya now commencing, Kiyone rushed to Isane's side, trying to make sure her sister was okay.

Sentaro: Stay back, Kiyone!



Sentaro was immediately flung and Kiyone was knocked to the ground in an instant by Soi-Fon.

Soi-fon: You've dishonored the 13 Court Guard Squads! But rest assured I will kill you so that you will not disgrace yourself further.

Before Soi-Fon could land a killing blow, she was immediately knocked away by blur. The person in question took a look around his surroundings to take a long at the situation at hand.

???: Man, Ichigo's fighting Captain Kuichiki already? I wanted to fight him. But I think this works out. Hey Kiyone, you aren't hurt are you?

Kiyone: Huh? (Y- (Y/N)? Is that you?

(Y/N): Yeah. Who else would it be?

Kiyone: But why did you save me?

(Y/N): You ask some odd questions sometimes. It's because you're my friend. Speaking of friends, Sentaro, are you feeling alright over there? You got thrown pretty aggressively.

Sentaro got up, although he didn't feel the best.

Sentaro: I've had better days. But what are you doing here? Don't tell me you're here to take on the captains.

(Y/N): That wasn't the intention but the time I arrived, I saw you two were a target so I had to jump in to help.

Sentaro: Look, I appreciate the help but there's no way you can take on a captain, let alone Captain Soi Fon.

(Y/N): What makes you say that?

Kiyone: H-her Shikai alone is a dangerous ability. It can kill an opponent in two touches.

(Y/N): Really now? That just means she's the perfect opponent to test "it" on.

Kiyone and Sentaro were confused on what (Y/N) meant by that statement. But before they could ask questions, Soi-Fon flew back on the scene, angrier than ever.

Soi-Fon: Another Ryoka! You're all like roaches. I guess I'll need to be the exterminator.

???: I see your temperament hasn't improved.

Just then Yoruichi showed up

Soi-Fon: You're--?! You're Yoruichi!

Yoruichi: Long time no see, Soi Fon.

Just when things we're looking to go in (Y/N)'s favor, Captain Unohana showed up.

Unohana: My, it's nice to meet you again (Y/N).

(Y/N) felt a chill run down his spine, but still held strong.

(Y/N): Captain Unohana, I do hope you're only here to talk.

Unohana: No need to be scared. I've only come to help these two injured shinigamis.

Unohana said, referring to Kiyone and Sentaro.

Unohana: Please, carry on. I'll be taking my leave with these two.

As the trio left, Kiyone and Sentaro gave (Y/N) a thumbs up, giving (Y/N) the courage to fight with all he's got. Soi-Fon on the other hand wasn't having it.

Soi-Fon: Captain Unohana, are you seriously not going to stop these Ryokas?

Unohana: I'm sure you can handle yourself, Soi-Fon.

And with that Unohana took her leave.

(Y/N) sign in relief before taking up a battle stance.

(Y/N): Yoruichi you should go on ahead, I can handle this.

Yoruichi: Oh? So you're going to ruin this precious reunion between me and my old student.

(Y/N) was taken off guard by the statement.

(Y/N): Huh? You mean you had another student before me?

Yoruichi: Yes, Soi-Fon here is your senior disciple so to speak.

Soi-Fon: Y-you have no right to call yourself my master after abandoning me like you did! And this "student" of yours couldn't ever reach the levels I have. I've already surpassed you.

(Y/N): Then let's test that theory shall we? Yoruichi you can sit this one out. I can handle this.

Yoruichi: If you're so confident then sure. I'll be watching from the sidelines just in case things go south.

(Y/N): I think Ichigo will need more help than me but by all means. Watch how I surpass my senior disciple.

Soi-Fon: You talk big, better hope you can back it up.

Soi-Fon and (Y/N) stared each other down before dashing towards each other to engage in combat.

To be continued.