Fate in Bleach: Unlimited Blade Works!

Under the "Limiting Seal," captains and lieutenants entering the World of the Living had eighty percent of their spiritual pressure sealed. In other words, until the seal was lifted, Renji Abarai could only utilize less than a fifth of his true strength.

This placed him on roughly the same level as Ichigo Kurosaki.

In fact, Ichigo's swordsmanship was no less than Renji's. After his battle with Ikkaku Madarame, Ichigo's combat instincts had significantly enhanced his swordsmanship. Even Ikkaku, with his superior spiritual pressure, hadn't gained much of an advantage.

It was the same for Renji. As the battle progressed, Renji found himself on the defensive.

Ichigo gripped his Zanpakutō with both hands, bathing his body and his sword in a white aura. Then, he swung down.

Boom!

The force of the blow sent Renji staggering back. Ichigo's massive Zanpakutō slammed into the ground, carving a deep furrow.

Ichigo had instinctively replicated the attack he had used against the Gillian earlier that day, the one born from his surging spiritual pressure. Of course, this attack was weaker than the one he had used against the Gillian, but it was more than enough to push Renji back.

"Not bad, human."

Renji looked at his trembling right hand, no longer viewing Ichigo as a mere lucky survivor. This was an opponent worthy of his full attention.

"Human, tell me your name. You've earned the right to be remembered."

Ichigo gripped his Zanpakutō in one hand and said, "Ichigo. My name is Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Ichigo Kurosaki, is it?" Renji's eyes narrowed. "Now, I'm going to get serious. Roar, Zabimaru!"

He drew his Zanpakutō. It transformed into a broad, serrated blade.

Boom!

His spiritual pressure exploded, several times greater than before, red reishi particles radiated from his body.

With a casual swing of his blade, it extended, segment by segment, like a serpent, lashing towards Ichigo.

Ichigo watched, astonished by the transformation. That weapon could change its shape?

Clang!

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

"He's strong!"

The force behind the strange blade was far greater than before. Ichigo was sent crashing through a nearby wall.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Having struck Ichigo, Renji retracted his Zanpakutō, segment by segment, returning it to its serrated form. While he had injured Ichigo with a single blow, he wasn't pleased. Instead, he frowned.

"Hey, Ichigo Kurosaki, are you looking down on me? Do you truly believe you can defeat me in your current state? Call upon your Zanpakutō's name! Release its power and fight me! Otherwise, you'll never be my match."

"That's enough, Renji!"

Shino Madarame stepped forward, spreading her arms, blocking Renji's path.

"Ichigo has only been a Shinigami for a few days. He hasn't received any training. How could he possibly know how to release his Zanpakutō?"

"Huh?"

Renji's fighting spirit vanished. She was right. This human had only been a Shinigami for a few days.

"Shino, get out of the way."

But before Renji could say anything more, Ichigo emerged from the rubble, pulling Shino aside. His shihakushō was torn, and there were cuts on his face and hands, but his eyes shone with an unyielding light.

"While I don't understand what you're talking about, if you think this is enough to defeat me, you're mistaken."

"Ichigo…"

"Sorry, Shino. This is my fight."

Ichigo waved his hand behind his back, signaling Shino to run. He had just arrived and didn't fully grasp the situation. He only knew that this man was strong and that he had to get Shino out of there.

Then, he looked at Renji. "Sorry, but I'm not like you. I don't bother remembering the names of those I defeat."

"Is that so? How arrogant, Ichigo Kurosaki."

Renji's Zanpakutō extended, segment by segment, as he swung it towards Ichigo.

Boom!

Ichigo, channeling his spiritual pressure, met Renji's attack head-on.

Clang!

He managed to block it, but Zabimaru's blade wasn't easy to defend against. Like a segmented insect limb, it lashed out, striking again and again, leaving cuts across Ichigo's body.

Shhh!

Blood splattered.

"Haaaa!"

The pain triggered a roar. Ichigo instinctively channeled his spiritual pressure into his Zanpakutō, replicating the slash he had used against the Gillian.

The force of the attack sent Zabimaru reeling back and pushed Renji back several steps.

Boom

"Ichigo…"

"Renji…"

Shino Madarame watched the dust settle in anticipation. Both of them were her friends, one her brother's student, the other her savior. Should she stop their fight, or should she honor Ichigo's wishes and flee?

Her dilemma was short-lived.

She saw a figure emerging from the shadows, clad in a white captain's haori.

It was Byakuya Kuchiki!

"Captain… Captain Kuchiki…"

Byakuya's arrival halted the battle.

"He's… so strong!"

Just looking at him, Ichigo felt a surge of tension. The pressure emanating from Byakuya was far greater than the Gillian he had fought earlier.

"Apologies, Captain Kuchiki."

Renji emerged from the gap in the wall, bowing his head. Ichigo's attack had been powerful, but not strong enough to injure him. However, having blocked it directly, Renji was somewhat disheveled.

"That human is quite strong. It took longer than I anticipated. Please wait a moment, Captain. I will eliminate this Ichigo Kurosaki…"

"There's no need."

"What?"

Renji looked up, confused, but before he could comprehend Byakuya's words, his captain vanished.

Renji whirled around to see Byakuya standing behind Ichigo Kurosaki.

"Impossible!"

Ichigo's pupils constricted. He looked down at his Zanpakutō.

Clang…

His massive blade, gripped firmly in both hands, had snapped in two. Half the blade clattered to the ground.

Shhh…

Blood spurted from two wounds on his body. His legs buckled, and he collapsed, falling face-first onto the ground. Blood pooled around him, staining the pavement red.

"He's so fast!"

Renji watched in awe. It seemed Captain Kuchiki's strength had increased. He had been able to see Byakuya's sword movements before, but this time, he hadn't even seen him move.

"Ichigo!"

Shino Madarame rushed towards the fallen Ichigo. She knew nothing about healing Kidō. She could only watch helplessly as he bled.

"Don't worry."

Byakuya Kuchiki stood beside her.

"I merely destroyed his Saketsu and Hakusui, reclaiming his Shinigami powers. Once they fully dissipate, he will become an ordinary human soul. He won't die."

"Thank you, Captain Kuchiki."

Shino wiped away her tears and bowed deeply. She knew what the Saketsu and Hakusui were. Renji had explained that one of their objectives was to eliminate the human who had received Shinigami powers.

But Byakuya Kuchiki had merely disabled Ichigo's connection to his powers. He had spared his life. This was practically defying the Seireitei nobles' will.

Of course, as the head of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the four great noble families, Byakuya's actions wouldn't be questioned. Having personally retrieved the stolen spiritual power, no one could fault him.