83 Itsuki vs Ichigo (1/2)

Ichigo looked shocked at the revelation as a look of denial was seen on Senna's face. However, Itsuki continued despite seeing this,

”That zanpakuto, if I'm correct, its name should be Mirokumaru. The Shinigami who this zanpakuto belonged to was reported missing around a hundred years ago…”

Looking at Senna then at her zanpakuto,

”…in the Dangai.”

Once Itsuki finished, Senna clutched her head,

”No…no…no, I'm a Shinigami…”

Soi Fon had a cold look on her face as she narrowed her eyes,

”Then if you're a Shinigami, what division do you belong to and when did you come to the living world?”

Senna was blank when she heard the question. Looking all fidgety, she hesitantly replied,

”I don't know, I woke up by the riverside yesterday…I've known it since I was young…I'm…I'm me…”

The more she thought, the more chaotic her memories became. Soi Fon's already narrowed eyes, narrowed further as she was about to make her move to capture Senna. She halted her step instantly as Ichigo moved in front of Senna, indicating his intentions on protecting her.

”Move, Kurosaki Ichigo. This matter no longer concerns you.”

”It does now, and it just doesn't sit well with me. No matter what you say, she is currently here, she has emotions, she laughs, she cries…are you going to ignore that and take away her freedom!”

The more Ichigo spoke the more emotional he got. His fear for Itsuki had also subsided, but no one knew if it was temporary or permanent. Seeing this, Soi Fon clicked her tongue as she awaited instructions from Itsuki. Hearing nothing, she turned around which also prompted Ichigo to look in Itsuki's direction.

However, Itsuki wasn't standing there. Rather he was off to the side drawing something with a stick. This shocked the three as they never expected Itsuki to do something like that. Feeling their gazes, Itsuki looked in their direction and got up while swiping his clothes for any dust. Before he stepped forward, Itsuki stomped his foot lightly prompting Ichigo to flinch while Senna took a step back. After making sure that no traces of the drawing were left, he walked towards Ichigo.

”Is that your decision?”

Ichigo held up his sword with a light tremble and nodded with determination.

Looking towards Soi Fon, she stepped back understanding that Itsuki would take it from here. Ichigo had a slight hesitance as he shouted at Itsuki,

”Draw your sword!”

A derisive look was seen in those exquisite yet deadly eyes while a mocking smile was directed towards Ichigo.

”Make me.”

A short sentence yet filled with incredible arrogance. Although Ichigo was reluctant, he knew that the opponent had the right to say that. But he was still filled with some assurance, he knew that captains and the like would have their reiatsu limited to just 20% of their original.

With a resolute gaze, Ichigo first made his move. Running towards Itsuki, Ichigo swung his sword like how he usually does, starting from above the right shoulder and ending past his left leg. Itsuki had already seen through this as he dodged and sent a kick to his chest. This was when Ichigo's plot arm… animal like instincts kicked in and barely moved his sword back, blocking the kick with the handle.

It didn't stop there though, pushing Ichigo back, Itsuki used the momentum to deliver another kick, this time hitting squarely on his face, sending Ichigo out of the cemetery. Senna didn't stand and watch as she shunpoed towards Ichigo. Itsuki watched this and put his hand out, preventing Soi Fon from making a move.

Senna was hurriedly rushing towards Ichigo as the different memories were pushed to the back of her mind. Her thoughts were fully on Itsuki overpowering Ichigo, who had just showed his strength against the people that sought to capture her. Landing next to Ichigo, she saw he was ok as he slowly got up while rubbing his left cheek.

”Ichigo! You o…kay?”

Seeing that Ichigo's attention was not on her, she followed his eyesight only to Itsuki standing there.

'Such speed.'

Senna was sure that she had left before the captain, but he had somehow arrived before her.

'Such speed…'

Seeing the difficulties Ichigo was facing, determination filled her eyes as she unsheathed her zanpakuto. Holding it horizontally in front of her, she released her shikai,

”Call forth the twilight, Mirokumaru!”

Reading her intentions Ichigo hurriedly shouted,

”Senna stop!”