20 Shikai (2/2)

”No” responded Shiba Aiko as she surveyed the surroundings.

”Wha…” The sixth year was suddenly cut off as his head flew through the air. The other three quickly backed off as Itsuki turned his mystic eyes on. From the reactions of the three, it could be seen that they didn't sense the attacking party in any way. Looking around, Itsuki could see a group of lines of death getting closer to them as light distorted behind them. Realising it is a hollow, Itsuki immediately thrust his sword into that direction hoping to hit the hollow. Feeling his sword entering something, the space in front of Itsuki distorted and a hollow appeared before disappearing.

Seeing this as some sort of signal, the other hollow rushed at them before another round of chaotic fighting ensued. Shiba Aiko then slipped up as an opening appeared, which the confronting hollow noticed. Taking advantage of this the hollow punched her causing her to fly towards another group of hollows. Before the group could attack a voice was heard.

”Shoot to kill, Shinso”

A flash of white was seen, as the hollows were cut in half. Itsuki took this chance to quickly catch Shiba Aiko and bring her to the shelter where the first years were. Noticing Itsuki enter, the first years regained some hope which quickly diminished once they saw Shiba Aiko's injured form. Itsuki quickly put her down and turned around to leave once more when he felt someone tug his sleeve

It was Rangiku and Itsuki could see the worry evident in her eyes. Itsuki just gave her a small smile before he gave a reassuring nod. Turning back around he left a shocked group of students.

”So that's what he looks like”

”Ye...”

A sudden grunt was heard as their attention was once again on the newly injured. They quickly moved her to where the injured were before someone came and started to treat her.

Returning to the place, Gin could be seen struggling against a few hollows. Once Itsuki joined in, it laid off a load on Gin before they wiped out the remaining hollows. Taking a breather Itsuki started speaking,

”Awakened your Shikai, huh?”

”Just did. Seems like I one upped you in this aspect”

They started laughing as they slowly regained stamina.

While resting, Itsuki suddenly stopped what he was doing and started to look in a direction. A single hollow could be seen there. It looked completely normal, but alarm bells were ringing inside Itsuki's head. Seeing the serious look on Itsuki's face, Gin also got up and pointed his sword at the other party. This stalemate lasted for some time before Gin made the first move,

”Shinso”

Once again, a flash of white appeared as his blade expanded to the intended target. Seeing this Itsuki made his way to the hollow appearing right behind it. Just as he was about to swing his sword three sharp claws came flying out impaling Itsuki thorough his torso.

”Itsuki!!!!” A worried shout came from Gin, trying to once again attack the hollow. A smile could be seen on the hollows mask as it suddenly appeared behind Gin and backhanded him. Gin continued to struggle with the hollow while the other party continued playing with his prey.

Back to Itsuki, he could be seen lying there with three gruesome holes in his torso. His right hand was still holding a zanpakuto as he refused to let go. Perhaps due to fate, another asauchi could be seen next to him peacefully lying there, having clearly lost its previous author. For some reason, Itsuki got the sudden urge to grasp the sword. Struggling to move his hand, Itsuki was able to grasp the sword albeit with difficulty.

Holding the sword, Itsuki felt complete. As if his soul was now one. All traces of fog had vanished in his inner spirit world as he finally entered it. Itsuki was there standing, on the top of a mountain while wearing a tattered school uniform and traces of blood here and there. Feeling two pairs of eye baring into him, he turned around and was immediately shocked. Two monstrosities were behind him. One was hidden in a cluster of thunder clouds, and with the faint scales that appeared, Itsuki could tell it was a dragon. The other was a massive white tiger majestically looking down at him as it sported the symbol of wind on its forehead. They slowly moved forward as they came in front of him, both having an apathetic look masking their expressions. Something they must've got from Itsuki. Three apathetic faces confronted each other while faint voices were heard in Itsuki's ears. A smile appeared as he started disappearing.

Opening his eyes, Itsuki slowly got up as he stared into Gin's direction. It seemed only an instant had passed when he was inside his spirit world.

Itsuki's reiatsu just spiked up as he instantly attracted the attention of Gin and the Hollow. There was only one reason in why he hadn't made progress on his zanpakuto. It was one simple reason, how could one asauchi hold two zanpakuto spirits.

Itsuki stood sideways while holding one sword in a backhand grip behind him and holding one properly in front of him. His reiatsu continuously grew stronger until it broke through to the lower great amount of reiatsu. While this was happening, a faint voice left his mouth

”Reign from above…”

”Shred to pieces…”