Context for this chapter



Whenever I write (Y/N) in bold, it means I'm referring to Hollow (Y/N)

And when I write (Y/N) in Italics, it means I'm referring to Shinigami/Human (Y/N)

On to the chapter

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(Y/N) had a smug grin on his face, finally being able to have a 1 on 1 with his shinigami counterpart. (Y/N) looked around his inner world, and saw Ankou standing (or floating in this case) to the side.

(Y/N): Ankou? You're here too?

Ankou: Yes, however I'm not getting involved in this fight. This between you and your Hollow side.

(Y/N): Just as he said, he's sitting this one out. It's just you and me.

(Y/N): We've got some issues to settle.

(Y/N): That, we do. While we're here I'm going to beat some sense into you.

(Y/N): You took the words right out of my mouth.

(Y/N): Ankou. Pass me your scythe.

Ankou simply hovered over to (Y/N), handing him a scythe that resembled (Y/N)'s own.

https://youtu.be/0PKg7A8SwcA

The two scythe wielders stared each other down one last time before (Y/N) activated his full power.

(Y/N): BANKAI!

(Y/N) entered Bankai and both (Y/N)'s chased each other down, successfully parrying each other's attacks.

(Y/N): If you want to beat me, you'll need to get rid of that goody two-shoes attitude of yours!

(Y/N): I'm not going to stoop to your level!

Just like in his fight with Ichigo, (Y/N) started wielding his scythe with finesse that (Y/N) has never done before.

(Y/N): What's the matter? Surprised that I actually know how to use "your" weapon!

(Y/N): I'd be lying if I said I'm not, but I won't lose!

(Y/N) overwhelmed (Y/N) with his superior skills with the scythe. (Y/N) was trying his best to start a counterattack.

(Y/N): Get real! If you don't start fighting to kill, you'll be killed!

(Y/N): Why do you believe everything should be solved with murder?

(Y/N): Because most people in this world do not have your best interest in mind!

(Y/N) landed a slash that sent (Y/N) flying. (Y/N) then continued his assault with a spinning attack with his scythe.



(Y/N) desperately blocked the attack.

(Y/N): Mindlessly killing everyone would just spell doom for both of us! All we'd do is attract more enemies!

(Y/N): Then simply become stronger than all of your adversaries!

(Y/N): We weren't born on earth by ourselves! People exist for a reason! When we're having a hard time, we lean on others for help, and vice versa! Humans wouldn't have gotten as far as they have without each other's help!

(Y/N) went on the offensive, starting to push (Y/N) back with a flurry of swings. (Y/N)'s face started to grow wide with a grin, enjoying the fight he was in.



(Y/N): That's the kind of fighting I like to see!

(Y/N): I just don't understand. What's your goal here?

(Y/N): I want you to be able to take on the world! You're the Emperor! However, you're not thinking or acting like one!

(Y/N): So killing and being selfish is what an Emperor does?

(Y/N): You don't seem to understand what being the Emperor means!

(Y/N) then charged a Cero and shot it at (Y/N). (Y/N) dodge the Cero but (Y/N) used that opportunity to cut off (Y/N)'s escape with a punch that sent him flying.

(Y/N): You are the ruler! It should be obvious that we wouldn't want the Empire to crumble! You need to be selfish!

(Y/N): How would thinking of only myself help anyone in this situation!

(Y/N) swung his scythe but (Y/N) hardened his skin to block the attack.

(Y/N): You're thinking too narrow-minded! Being selfish isn't inherently bad! Do you think that helping other people is selfless? I'd argue it's just as selfish as it is selfless! After all, helping people brings you joy, doesn't it? Is it a bad thing that you feel good for helping people?

(Y/N): Of course not!

(Y/N) casted Hadō #1. Shō, sending (Y/N) back a few feet. (Y/N) then continued his assault, digging his scythe into (Y/N)'s neck. Despite this, (Y/N) was still able to talk.

(End Song)

https://youtu.be/Y5k4RKgZiM8

(Y/N): Then stop thinking that acting in your own self interest is a bad thing! Do you think being a sacrificial lamb is going to make your "friends" happy?

(Y/N) gave his counterpart's question some thought.

(Y/N): They'd be upset...

(Y/N): Then start treating yourself with respect! If someone comes after your life, protect it! If someone throws away your act of kindness then don't show them mercy!

(Y/N): You're right about one thing... I've been narrow-minded. However-

(Y/N) removed the scythe from his Hollow's neck.

(Y/N): Being the strongest doesn't mean trampling upon others.

(Y/N): You've given me a lot to think about. Everyone's always saying I'm too kind for my own good. Perhaps because they were afraid I'd be manipulated. I always thought that if I chose to protect myself, then that would mean forsaking others. But that's not the case.

I need to preserve my life in order to protect theirs.

(Y/N): Now you're catching on. Guess I can't change your mind completely though. I can at least respect how much you stick to your values.

(Y/N) stuck out his hand for a handshake, which the other (Y/N) returned in kind.

(Y/N): You very well have what it takes to become the Emperor... After this, all my skills will become yours.

(Y/N): Thanks... And I'd prefer it if you didn't call me an "Emperor". I think I'm more of a guide or Overseer.

(Y/N): Heh, I guess it does.

(End Song)

In the real world

The Vizards had split Ichigo and (Y/N) into two barriers, splitting the Vizards in half to take on both at once. Hachi was the only one not fighting, as he was the one maintaining both barriers at once. It was a daunting task for Hachi. The Vizards that were currently supervising (Y/N) were Hiyori, Rojuro, and Mashiro. On the other hand, Lisa, Love, Kensei and Shinji were supervising Ichigo.

Things weren't looking too good for either group.

Ichigo's hollowfied state was an absolute beast in strength while (Y/N)'s hollowfied state showed insane intelligence in its madness.

Shinji: Maybe we should've trained them one at a time... This could get out of hand fast...

However, the first person to tame their Hollow was actually Ichigo.

Shinji: How do you feel?

Ichigo: Not bad.

Shinji: I see.

Ichigo: What about (Y/N)?

Shinji: He's hollowfying faster and faster. His time limit is coming up. If he doesn't tame himself in the next few minutes...

We'll have to kill him.

Ichigo: He'll tame it.

Shinji: Huh?

Ichigo: I believe (Y/N) is much stronger than I am. I believe he could tame the Hollow, no matter the time limit.

(Meanwhile) Soi-Fon POV

Soi-Fon quickly realized how much school in the living world sucked now that (Y/N) wasn't there to distract her from how boring the lessons are. Sure, she was quick on the uptake on everything. Heck, if anything she considered herself a prodigy. But the amusement wasn't there for her.

She also felt weird looks coming her way from that one girl (YN) was talking to the previous day. Tatsuki was her name. Soi-Fon made sure to remember it. She wasn't sure what her deal was but she was getting quite annoyed. Soi-Fon wasn't sure how (Y/N) became friends with her, though she could say the same thing for herself.

Speaking of (Y/N), Soi-Fon found out from Renji that (Y/N) apparently "lost control" of his powers after he felt guilty after letting one of his friends get hurt during the battle due to his negligence to go full power from the very start. Soi-Fon felt like the reason had to be deeper than that. (Y/N) has seen his friends hurt before, so this one instance shouldn't be the reason why (Y/N) went missing. Either Renji didn't tell her the full story or she was asking the wrong question.

Soi-Fon: *mentally sign* I didn't want to do it, but I guess I'll have to visit Kisuke for answers.

Since school was done for the day, Soi-Fon made Urahara Shop her first destination, getting Renji to direct her to his location. Upon reaching the shop, she slid the doors wide open, being greeted by Ururu.

Ururu: O-oh, Welcome! How may I help you?

Ururu then saw Renji, who was standing right behind Soi-Fon.

Ururu: Oh, you were the Shinigami who fought with Big brother (Y/N).

Renji: Big brother? You two don't look alike...

Soi-Fon: She's not. I've met (Y/N)'s sister and that's not her.

???: Cut her some slack. She looks up to (Y/N), you see? That's why she always refers to him as such.

Just then, Urahara walked out of another door, cane in hand.

Urahara: Soi-Fon! Long time no see!

Soi-Fon simply scoffed.

Renji: Come on now, you came all this way here to find out information from him.

Urahara: Let me guess... It's in reference to (Y/N)?

Soi-Fon: That makes this conversation a lot easier. Where is he? I'm sure you know.

Urahara: I have a good idea where he is, but I don't have concrete proof. Nor do I have the exact location.

Soi-Fon: And what do you mean by that?

Urahara's expression went from his usual happy go lucky self to a more serious expression.

Urahara: How much do you know about the Hollowification incident?

Soi-Fon: The incident that you caused? Yoruichi left helping you after that incident!

???: What you really should've asked was "Do you know the truth of the Hollowification incident?"

Soi-Fon heard the voice and immediately turned her head towards it. There stood Yoruichi covered in bandages that resulted from her fight with one of the arrancars.

Soi-Fon: Yoruichi? Are you alright?

Yoruichi: I'll be fine, I'm almost all healed up. Now, back to the conversation at hand.

Soi-Fon then recalled what she knew about the incident.

Soi-Fon: Our "acquaintance" here was responsible for the Hollowification of multiple Captains and Lieutenants, which resulted in him fleeing the Soul Society to prevent execution.

Urahara: Which I should note is false. Especially now that the real culprit has exposed himself.

Soi-Fon was originally confused for a second before her eyes widened in realization.

Soi-Fon: Wait a minute, Aizen had the hogyoku since then? It would line up with the events that are happening now?

Urahara nodded.

Urahara: As a matter of fact, we both did. Aizen used his Hogyoku to hollowfy those shinigami. Of course nobody would've believed me if I said otherwise, so I fled.

Soi-Fon: Okay, putting that aside, what does this have to do with (Y/N)'s disappearance?

Urahara: Those captains and lieutenants that were hollowfied are still running around. In fact, they controlled their Hollows. They call themselves the Vizards and they've been seeking to recruit not only (Y/N) but Ichigo as well.

Soi-Fon: Huh? For what reason?

Urahara: *signs* Because (Y/N) also has a Hollow inside of him.

Soi-Fon stood still, frozen in shock.

Soi-Fon: W-What do you mean? Surely you're joking, right?

Urahara: I'm very serious. Have you ever questioned why (Y/N) has been able to summon Hollows? How he was able to take on two captain class shinigamis by himself. He's more than just a Shinigami. He's slowly trespassing the domain of both shinigami and Hollow. Something that Aizen is working to achieve.

Soi-Fon: So that's why Aizen has his eyes on (Y/N) and Ichigo?

Urahara: Indeed. They've both started showing signs of Hollowfication. (Y/N) showed a change in personality last night after he saw Ururu here get injured by the arrancar he and Renji fought.

Soi-Fon: If what you're saying is true, then the Vizards are trying to get more power on their side by recruiting (Y/N) and Ichigo. They want to secure their lives against both the Soul Society and Aizen.

Soi-Fon could only theorize what the Vizard's plans were but she couldn't think it would be anything good. She also couldn't think of why (Y/N) hid something so important from her.

Soi-Fon: So what are we going to do?

Urahara: What do you mean?

Soi-Fon: I mean, how are we going to find (Y/N)? If what you said is correct, either the Vizards are on the hunt or they already have (Y/N)!

Urahara: No, you've got it wrong. The Vizards had plenty of time to capture (Y/N) and Ichigo before you and the rest of the Soul Society even got here. If (Y/N) went missing then that could only mean that (Y/N) went to them voluntarily-

Urahara got interrupted by the sound of Soi-Fon hitting one of the shelves in the store out of frustration.

Soi-Fon: DON'T TELL ME YOU ACTUALLY THINK (Y/N) WOULD SWITCH SIDES LIKE THAT!

Urahara, still calm and collected, responded.

Urahara: When did I ever say (Y/N) went to them to join them?

Soi-Fon: Huh? You said-

Urahara: -that (Y/N) went to them voluntarily, yes. But remember what I told you about the Vizards earlier? They learned how to control their Hollowification. They became stronger. If I had to guess, (Y/N) and I assume Ichigo as well, went to the Vizards for training. I doubt either of them would willingly change alliances.

Soi-Fon: So you assume they went to the Vizards specifically to use them?

Urahara: Precisely!

Soi-Fon: *signs* Damn it, you should've just started with that... Still, not knowing his location isn't good. Who knows what could happen if things go wrong. How would 2 substitute shinigami fend off multiple Shinigami captains and lieutenants.

Yoruichi: We just have to have faith in those two.

Soi-Fon: I guess you're right...

...

...

...

"(Y/N), I'm kicking your ass the next time I see you. For making me worry so much..."

To be continued.

Next chapter, (Y/N) finally gets his hollow mask.