On Day 5, (Y/N) was in the middle of a deep sleep, however...

You're wasting your time, being all buddy buddy with these Shinigamis. You should've been using this time to get stronger. We need to get back at Aizen!

Oh, it's you. I don't think we've actually talked since the day of the execution. So, why are you suddenly so interested in talking to me?

Because you're slacking off! You saw the difference between us and those Captains. Most of the captains here outclass us! You think we'll be a guest here for all eternity? They could choose to turn on us at any moment.

Okay, now you're just overreacting.

Am I? Why did they suddenly decide not to kill you guys after Aizen decided to betray them? You don't truly believe that they had a sudden change of heart did you?

Well not every captain agreed with the execution. What are you trying to get at?

They saw how we handled the first two captains. They're going to use us to kill Aizen and discard us afterward.

I don't buy it.

You're too naive! You should be using them to strengthen yourself and study up on their weaknesses!

Let's say everything you said was true, do you truly believe every single captain in the Seireitei would turn against us the moment this entire situation is finished? If they see us as a threat, there's no way they would risk allowing us to get anywhere near Aizen's level of power.

You're too kind! You keep giving them the benefit of the doubt that they wouldn't betray the trust that you put in them! I have to be the selfish one out of the two of us just so we could be safe! I told you before and I'll tell you again. If you die, I die! And I'm far too selfish to sacrifice my life out of kindness. So if you falter once, I WILL take over, you got that! Never forget, you're the Emperor! If you can't lead, someone stronger will!

I get what you're saying. I don't want to stay weak forever. But I don't think they're the people you think they are.

...

...

...

He's not responding. *sign* Of course he isn't.

(Y/N) woke up immediately, but the conversation had put (Y/N) in a bad mood. (Y/N) understood his "other half" had their best interest in mind but he didn't like the methods he suggested. (Y/N) found it hard to call that particular individual his "other half" considering his attitude and outlook. (Y/N) had come to the conclusion that this other (Y/N) was his "hollow" powers however he had never confirmed it within the three conversations they had. However if (Y/N)'s theory is correct, it might be the reason why he was so hostile.

Getting out of bed, (Y/N) decided that he should face his fears and meet up with Captain Kurotsuchi. The guy freaked him out by appearance alone. It doesn't help that the guy doesn't have the best reputation. He heard how crazy the captain was in passing but decided he shouldn't take rumors at face value. If anyone had good information on Hollows that (Y/N) could learn from, it's him.

(Y/N) felt a bit stupid not really doing his own research on Hollows considering one of his core abilities allows him to summon Hollows. It doesn't help that he now recently found out he has Hollow abilities himself.

After asking some passing shinigami for directions, (Y/N) made his way towards the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. After almost thirty minutes of walking, (Y/N) made it to his destination. The Shinigami gulped before mentally preparing himself to enter the building.

(Y/N): I hope I don't regret this.

(Y/N) walked through the door and was overwhelmed by how different the atmosphere was in the institute compared to the outside world. Just then (Y/N) was approached by a man with short, spiky black hair and three small horns protruding from his forehead.

???: Greetings. You're (Y/N) correct? One of the Ryokas?

(Y/N): Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you...

Akon: My name is Akon. What brings you here?

(Y/N): Oh, well, if I'm being honest I was a bit curious about learning a bit more about hollows. I thought this would be a good place to learn from.

Akon: Hollows? Oh, you must be the Ryoka that summons them. That makes sense. I recalled the Captain saying he wanted to meet with you at some point.

(Y/N): R-really?

Akon: Yes, he's quite curious on how such a Shikai ability works. After all, Shinigami's usually purify hollows, not work with them.

(Y/N): Well if the captain wants to meet me, I think that works out for both of us.

Akon: I'll notify him about your arrival.

(Y/N): *thinking* I have a bad feeling about this.

(Y/N) was brought out of his thoughts as he heard the footsteps of two individuals. One was a female with black hair, tied back in a long braid with slightly parted bangs.

The other one was who you could've easily identified as the captain of this division: Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

Mayuri: Well well, I didn't think a Ryoka would willingly come to me. The last Ryoka didn't leave the best impression.

(Y/N) wasn't sure which one of his friends had to encounter Mayuri but he felt bad for them.

(Y/N): It's nice to meet you Captain Kurotsuchi, my name is-

Mayuri: I know who you are. Hurry it along, what are you here for?

(Y/N): I want to know what you know about Hollows.

Mayuri: Oh? And what do I get in return?

(Y/N): Huh?

Mayuri: I'm not running a charity here. If you want information from me and need something in return for said information and my time.

(Y/N): Was there something in particular you were looking for?

Mayuri: I wanted to run some tests involving your shikai abilities. Tell me, have you heard of a Gigai? Actually nevermind, of course you have. That Rukia girl you came to rescue was using one to become visible to those in the World in the Living. But that's besides the point. There's a few theories I would like to test...

(Meanwhile) Soi-Fon POV

Soi-Fon was done with her work for today, and quite frankly, she was bored. She hasn't found any new hobbies yet and so she used her new allotted time for extra training. However, today in particular she was fiending for a challenge. The problem was who to fight.

Omaeda wasn't a challenge.

Byakuya was still recovering.

Kenpachi was not an option and neither was Unohana.

Yoruichi was probably elsewhere doing who knows what.

There weren't many options. The only person she could think of was-

Soi-Fon: (Y/N). He should be around right?

Once again, it seems as though Soi-Fon will have to search for (Y/N) once again.

Soi-Fon: *sign* Why can't he keep still? This makes things much more tedious.

(Back with (Y/N))

(Y/N) was currently regretting meeting Mayuri. At first the tests were tame (surprisingly), however things went south fast. Mayuri went from experimenting on (Y/N)'s hollows to attempting to experiment on (Y/N) himself.

(Y/N) was currently trying to make his escape.

Mayuri: Nemu, restrain him would you. I can't have such an interesting test subject get away so easily.

Nemu: Understood.

(Y/N): Hey, you said you wanted to test out theories on my hollows, not on me!

Mayuri: Well it's only natural that I would need to run a test on you to understand how you have such an ability now isn't it?

(Y/N): Well forget it, I don't wanna die! We can call the deal off!

However Mayuri wasn't listening and Nemu continued to chase (Y/N).



(Y/N): Stay away from me!

Nemu: Negative. I was told to capture you and I shall.

(Y/N): I should've just stayed away from this place!

(Timeskip)

(Y/N) Lost track of time. He didn't know how long he was running for, but he eventually was able to lose Nemu. (Y/N) felt like he wasted a lot of time. He didn't get as much information as he wanted, but not all hope was lost. He was able to learn something new about his Shikai ability. It also bred a new idea that he could possibly use while in Bankai.

It had to do with the actual biology of the hollows he summoned. (Y/N) knew they were only copies of the hollows he's defeated in the past. They do not contain the soul of the person that originally turned into the hollow in the first place. However the Hollow he summons does have an anatomy, and a perfect replica of the hollow they were copied from at that. This means (Y/N) could have his Hollows devour one another to potentially evolve into a higher class of Hollow. (Y/N) this means he could potentially acquire multiple Menos Grande level hollows without actually having to fight one himself. After enough thinking, (Y/N) had an idea that he wanted to try.

What if he could share his Bankai's ability of immortality to his Hollows. It would definitely cost tons of spiritual energy but if it's possible he could potentially have an immortal army of hollows at his beck and call.

(Y/N): I have to say, despite his crazy tendencies, the few tests he did run was helpful information. But I can't see myself possibly going back to meet someone as crazy as Captain Kurostuchi.

???: So that's where you've been this whole time?

(Y/N): Huh?

(Y/N) turned around after hearing the voice of Soi-Fon standing behind him.

(Y/N): Hey Soi-Fon. You were looking for me?

Soi-Fon: Y-yeah...

(Y/N): Well that's a pleasant surprise. Usually you would tend to avoid me.

Soi-Fon: S-shut up. Listen I just came to find you because I had nobody else to ask.

(Y/N): You need my help with something?

Soi-Fon: Well, I just needed a training partner, that's all.

(Y/N): Well sure, I don't mind.

Soi-Fon signed in relief. She would've hated to hear him reject the offer after she spent so much time looking for him.

Soi-Fon: Well, follow me.

(Y/N): Sure. Where are we heading?

Soi-Fon: To the Squad 2 training grounds.

As the two walked, Soi-Fon decided to speak up.

Soi-Fon: I'm surprised you actually agreed to this.

(Y/N): What do you mean? Of course I would accept.

Soi-Fon: Why?

(Y/N): Do you remember what I said at the end of our first fight?

Soi-Fon: I think it was...

(Y/N): "I'd love to fight you again". I was serious when I said it. Sure it won't be as crazy as it was last time but I don't think that undermines it by any means.

Soi-Fon: R-really?

(Y/N): Yep! Besides, I only have 2 more days in the Soul Society. We won't be able to see each other for a while I leave.

Soi-Fon: Huh?

Soi-Fon actually forgot for a moment that (Y/N) wasn't from the Soul Society. Of course he'd have to eventually return to the World of the Living. For the first time, Soi-Fon was actually feeling sad that she couldn't see (Y/N) for a while.

Soi-Fon: R-Right, you'd have to leave eventually.

(Y/N): Huh? Something wrong?

Soi-Fon: No. If you're going to be leaving then I'll make sure you leave with some bruises.

(Y/N): *chuckle* It felt like you were about to revert to your grumpy mood again.

Soi-Fon: I am NOT grumpy.

(Y/N): Right, right...

The two continued their silly squabble as they made their way to the training grounds.

To be continued