Shinigami in the Ninja World

The "Volcán Bestia" struggled, trying to rise and resist once more.

But...

Spiritual pressure surged, and in an instant, strips of cloth flew out, binding all three Hollows—one dead and two alive. Cursed seals spread, inscriptions etched themselves, sealing them completely.

On the other battlefield, the fight between Kurama and Grimmjow had just begun.

The fox drew its blade, releasing its power.

The blue panther unleashed its Resurrección, its ultimate form.

Compared to the enemies that had previously surrounded him, Grimmjow was of a completely different caliber. His strength was extraordinary, far beyond the level of a typical captain, possessing at least the rank of "Second-Class Spiritual Power." His combat instincts were equally astounding.

His battle with Kurama was evenly matched.

Their combat styles were bold and aggressive, exchanging blow for blow.

Both possessed remarkable regenerative abilities beyond the ordinary.

The real world "squeaked" under the pressure.

The intensity of their spiritual pressure clash was overwhelming, causing the world around them to tremble.

"Kurama," Naruto spoke up.

After years together, they shared an unspoken bond. With just the mention of a name, Kurama knew what Naruto was thinking. Without looking back, the fox responded, "I don't need your help, Naruto."

"I can handle him."

Kurama was confident.

Even in its earlier, weaker state—before reaching its full potential or merging—it had been sure of its ability to defeat an opponent like this.

And now, having regained all its power and mastered the "Shinigami's power," it was even stronger.

"The real world won't be able to withstand this," Naruto said, looking down.

The shockwaves of their battle had already destroyed several towering buildings.

In his perception...

A group of ordinary humans was approaching, holding cameras and microphones. They were too far away for their words to be heard, but it was clear they were trying to report on this "strange" event.

Kurama clicked its tongue.

Grimmjow sneered, "Caring about a bunch of humans?"

"How noble of you."

"But this..."

Naruto raised his hand, and golden chains shot out, wrapping around Grimmjow.

However, the effect was less significant than it had been with the previous masked foes, since Naruto was only using twenty percent of his spiritual pressure.

Grimmjow struggled briefly.

The chains snapped, sending spiritual energy scattering.

But in that fleeting moment, Kurama seized the opportunity, driving its blade into Grimmjow's chest.

"That's nothing," Grimmjow sneered, raising his hand to his abdomen, palm facing upward, fingers slightly curled, his spiritual pressure surging violently. "You're too hasty, leaving yourself open."

A red light burst forth.

"Cero!"

The most powerful attack of the Hollows.

Kurama tilted its head, retracting the blade and retreating as the red light narrowly missed its ear. With a grin, the fox taunted, "Looks like you're the one being hasty."

Grimmjow spread his arms, releasing five sharp beams of blue spiritual pressure from his fingertips.

"Oh, really?"

"If I just kill you..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence.

Kurama opened its mouth.

"Tailed Beast Bomb" shot out, aimed directly at the blue-haired Hollow.

Several were launched in succession.

Grimmjow scoffed, unconcerned.

But at the perfect moment, chains coiled around him.

A series of explosions followed, the Tailed Beast Bombs crashing into his face and body, causing spiritual energy to ripple. The blasts nearly pierced through his body.

Staggering and swaying.

But, as one of the strongest in Hueco Mundo, he took the hits head-on. His spiritual pressure weakened, his life hanging by a thread, yet he was still capable of resistance. As the final attack knocked him off balance, he gritted his teeth and twisted his body, attempting to break free of his restraints just like before.

However...

His spiritual pressure had weakened, no longer as strong as it had been.

And the seals on him weren't just limited to Adamantine Sealing Chains.

There were also the Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō (六杖光牢, Six Rods Prison of Light), Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku (鎖条鎖縛, Locking Bondage Stripes), and the Four Symbols Seal.

When had these been placed?

Grimmjow was stunned, looking down at his body in disbelief.

A sudden realization hit him.

Was it...

When the Tailed Beast Bombs struck?

"Are you capturing him too?" Kurama sheathed its blade and shrank in size, leaping onto Naruto's shoulder.

"He's a valuable research subject." Naruto continued casting the seals, layer upon layer, binding the blue-haired Hollow. "He's different from the other Arrancars."

Kurama chuckled.

Grimmjow gritted his teeth, his gaze filled with hatred and defiance.

This was information he hadn't gathered.

Even in the Seireitei, in front of his fellow Shinigami, had Naruto kept this secret?

Or...

Had Grimmjow realized something?

He raised his head.

The last thing he saw was a crescent moon, then darkness enveloped his eyes.

Naruto looked up as well.

His gaze lingered on the crescent moon for a moment.

Then he sealed the four Hollows into a scroll and vanished with Kurama in an instant.

In Hueco Mundo, in the throne room of Las Noches.

Aizen sat alone, high above on his throne.

Below the platform, several figures stood in silence.

"Grimmjow is missing," a Hollow with short, messy black hair spoke. "He likely disobeyed Aizen-sama's orders and acted on his own."

Aizen smiled slightly, unconcerned. "I know."

"Shall we..." the Hollow asked.

Aizen shook his head. "No need. He's been gone for half an hour."

The Hollow turned his head.

Half an hour?

To humans, this might seem like a "long" time, but to beings like them, who lived for ages, this unit of time barely registered. Only weaklings from the human world thought in such terms.

The rise and fall of a day was the smallest unit of time they recognized.

"Grimmjow has already been dealt with," Aizen said, raising his hand and waving it lightly.

The black-haired Hollow showed no change in expression.

One of the others was shocked. "But Grimmjow... he's NO.6."

Ranked sixth among the Espada.

Half an hour?

How was that possible?

Most of them wouldn't be confident they could defeat him in such a short time.

"Shinigami are not all strong, but there are exceptions," Aizen said softly. "Naruto is one of those exceptions."

"Grimmjow has given us the best example."

"Our enemies are not ants; they are tigers."

"Our chances of victory are great, but..."

"One careless mistake, and we'll lose a chunk of flesh."

He stood up from his throne.

With a lofty stance, he gazed down at the Hollows.

"I appreciate your loyalty."

"But now, let us prepare more thoroughly for what is to come."

No one responded.

Aizen turned and headed deeper into Las Noches.

"Has Grimmjow really been discarded?" Gin Ichimaru emerged from the shadows, grinning slyly. "He was so loyal to Aizen-sama."

Aizen turned and locked eyes with Gin. "You're mistaken."

"Loyalty is important."

"But he wasn't loyal to me—he was loyal to power."

Gin squinted and smiled.

Aizen waved his hand. "When snow falls, we always need to clear the road."

"Will those things trouble us?"

"They're just an eyesore. Let them disappear."

Gin chuckled. "How ruthless, Aizen-sama."

"It's merely using a tool when it's needed." Aizen raised his hand, pressing lightly into the void. "Grimmjow proved his worth."

"The Seireitei won't be able to resist."

"The Captain-Commander is a decisive man."

He paused and uttered a name.

"Kurama."

"A Zanpakuto capable of wielding another Zanpakuto."

"Naruto never ceases to surprise me."

"Gin, what do you think his secret is?"

Gin remained silent.

In the real world, at the Visoreds' base.

Lisa tilted her head, surprised. "You're back so soon?"

She turned to glance over.

Ichigo Kurosaki was still in combat with Shinji Hirako.

"That guy wasn't too difficult," Naruto said, creating a shadow clone and handing the scroll to it. "Seems like he acted on his own, not directly under Aizen's orders."

"How did Ichigo do?"

"You just fought him."

The clone formed a seal and disappeared.

Naruto looked over toward the barrier.

Ichigo frowned, his expression sour.

"That kid's strong," Lisa muttered, visibly displeased. "And he can use Bankai."

"But..."

"He's even more resistant to the power of Hollowfication than we are."

"What a complete idiot."

Naruto smiled. "If you're calling him an idiot, then he must really be one."

"Exactly." Lisa nodded in agreement, then suddenly realized something, turning to glare at Naruto. "Wait! Are you calling me an idiot too?"

Naruto blinked. "Did I?"

Lisa eyed him suspiciously.

She had every reason to believe that he was indeed calling her an idiot just now.

Just as she was about to say something.

Naruto used Shunpo, lightly tapping the barrier and slipping inside.

Hachigen Ushoda's eyes widened.

This was a spatial barrier he had meticulously set up, designed to prevent battle fluctuations from affecting the real world.

But just now...

Naruto had barely spent any effort to break through.

Had Captain Uzumaki's binding techniques improved this much?

Inside the barrier.

Ichigo Kurosaki had lost control, his last shred of reason devoured. His face was covered by a Hollow mask, his eyes inverted, his expression fierce, holding "Tensa Zangetsu."

Hollowfication and Bankai.

His most powerful form.

Shinji Hirako whispered, "So it's finally happening?"

He wasn't surprised.

But...

Naruto suddenly appeared, raising his hand.

"Rasengan!"

Spiritual energy and air currents swirled, shattering the Hollow mask.

Chains and seals burst forth, binding Ichigo tightly.

"What are you doing, Naruto?" Shinji was stunned, grinning after a moment. "You don't need to worry so much. Hollowfication is just like that."

"We help him burn through that chaotic energy during the rampage."

"So he can defeat the Hollow in his inner world."

"Before we had the Four Symbols Seal..."

"We all went through the same process."

"If Ichigo can't use that technique, he'll just have to follow the old path like the rest of us."

Naruto shook his head, looking down at Ichigo, whose aura was gradually calming. "Shinji, Ichigo is in pain. It seems like there's something he hasn't quite figured out yet. I feel I need to talk with him."

Shinji shrugged and sheathed his sword. "I don't see how a conversation could help."

"But if that's what you want, Naruto, go ahead and try."

Pain, confusion, and bewilderment.

Ichigo Kurosaki rubbed his forehead as he came to. "What just happened?"

"Awake?" Naruto asked. "What was that all about?"

"I've told you before not to resist the power of the Hollow, yet you resisted so much."

The orange-haired boy shook his head.

He was silent for a while, staring at his hands. "I tried not to resist, but..."

"After Hirako-san made me use that power, I entered my inner world."

"And I saw that 'Hollow.'"

Naruto listened patiently, as did Shinji Hirako, who moved closer.

"That Hollow looks exactly like me," Ichigo continued, his tone grave. "It can use Zangetsu's power, and even like me, it can use 'Bankai.'"

"It's just like..."

"Another version of me."

"I can feel that it wants to devour me, to replace me..."

Kurama raised an eyebrow. "Naruto, it sounds like you were right."

Ichigo Kurosaki froze and looked at the fox.

A guess?

What guess?

"Explain your situation first," Naruto said, lightly pinching Kurama's ear. "We'll talk about that after you're done."

Ichigo nodded. "It said it's a horse and calls me the king."

"It also said it's part of Zangetsu."

"When Uncle Zangetsu's power is dominant, it's Uncle Zangetsu who appears in my inner world."

"But when its power takes over, it appears in my inner world."

"And..."

His brows furrowed as he recalled the last scene before being sealed.

"It seems it can make my powers disappear."

"Tensa Zangetsu shattered in its hands."

Ichigo raised his head and looked at Naruto.

Shinji Hirako frowned in thought.

This situation...

It was quite different from what they had faced when dealing with the Hollowfication inside them. At the very least, none of them had encountered a case where their inner Hollow could use their own Zanpakuto.

"Why don't you trust it?" Naruto asked him.

Ichigo was startled. "Trust it?"

"But it's a Hollow..."

"Is it really a Hollow?" Naruto grabbed his wrist and moved his hand to his chest. "No matter which power is talking to you, it's all within your inner world."

"The one talking to you is, in essence, part of your own heart."

Ichigo looked down. "But Uncle Zangetsu..."

The one talking to him is part of his own heart?

But isn't "Uncle Zangetsu" the spirit of his Zanpakuto?

"About that guess Kurama mentioned earlier..." Naruto paused and turned to Shinji and the others. "It concerns other captains' secrets, so I'll set up a barrier. Apologies."

Shinji pouted. "I can't listen in?"

"There'll be a chance for you to ask personally in the future, Shinji," Naruto replied with a smile, casually setting up a simple soundproof barrier.

He continued, "A Zanpakuto reflects the power of one's inner world."

Ichigo nodded. He knew that much.

"You've probably noticed that I and two other captains wield dual blades?" Naruto asked.

Ichigo nodded again.

"Uncle Shunsui's case is special, so let's set that aside for now." Naruto took both his swords in hand. "Captain Ukitake and I possess a second sword because we have another force within us."

"This one is Kurama's power."

The fox poked its head out and jumped onto Ichigo's forehead. "That's me."

"And this one is mine." Naruto shook the Ashura blade but didn't mention its name.

Ichigo frowned.

So, if both "Uncle Zangetsu" and the "white version of himself" were his own powers...

"Do I have a second blade too...?"

Kurama plopped down, sitting on his head to stop him from finishing his sentence.

Ichigo scowled and pushed him away.

"Naruto's already explained everything clearly," Kurama wagged his tail, patting Ichigo's head and hand. "The reason for having a second blade is because of an external force."

"Your powers, though complex..."

"They all belong to you and are not external."

"And most importantly, hasn't that... whatever it is inside you already explained everything? Even I understand it now."

Ichigo appeared deep in thought.

Naruto waved his hand, releasing the barrier. "Your sword may not yet be in its true form."

"It's just that your desire for power made your inner strength manifest accordingly."

"No matter the form, it's all you."

Ichigo nodded.

Shinji peeked over. "I'm curious about what you talked about. The confused look on his face seems to have disappeared."

"It's just like what you did for me back then, Shinji," Naruto smiled.

Shinji pouted. "I'm not as gentle as you."

"Since there's no problem now, let's continue," Shinji said.

Ichigo nodded and stepped back into the barrier.

This time went better than before.

His combat style became more refined, and after Hollowfication, his power didn't spiral out of control as quickly.

The results were immediate.

"He's maturing quickly, Naruto," Yoruichi Shihōin commented, coming closer.

Naruto smiled and nodded.

"By the way... Urahara wants to see you later," she said, hesitating slightly.

Naruto turned his head.

"Urahara had Captain Mayuri investigate something and has obtained some results," Yoruichi said quietly. "It involves the Soul King, Soul Society, and the human world."

Naruto looked up toward the warehouse door.

Raising his hand, he pointed forward.

The barrier opened, revealing the scene outside—a man with a hat and wooden sandals stood at the entrance, with a bearded man behind him.

It was Kisuke Urahara and Isshin Shiba.

"Come in then," Naruto called out.

"Naruto-kun, long time no see." Urahara tipped his hat, walking in slowly while urging Isshin not to follow him too closely.

Naruto nodded. "Long time no see."

"Such a cold response," Urahara smiled.

Naruto shook his head. "I once told someone that among the scientists I know, there was one normal person."

"But now..."

"I have to take that back."

They're all crazy.

Willing to overlook certain things for their goals.

Urahara only showed more restraint in comparison...

Urahara chuckled without responding.

"Isshin, regarding Ichigo's situation..." Isshin tried to explain.

Naruto shook his head. "No need to explain. I understand you."

"And you've given Ichigo enough family support, making you a qualified father. That's already something."

Isshin sighed with relief.

"Let's not dwell on that." Naruto shook his head, turning to Urahara. "So, what is this matter involving the three worlds?"

Urahara opened his mouth and then shook his head. "Naruto, have you ever heard of the Ōken?"

Naruto shook his head.

"It's the key to the Soul King's palace," Urahara explained. "Aizen's next target is that key."

Naruto asked, "Where is it?"

"It's in the hands of the Royal Guard," Urahara replied, "and they reside in the Soul King's palace."

Naruto pondered. "Is there another way?"

It sounded like a "deadlock."

To enter the Soul King's palace, one needed the Ōken. But to obtain the key, they needed to find the Royal Guard, who were inside the palace.

"Though no one has ever done it before," Urahara nodded and replied softly, "according to my research, the Ōken can also be created from scratch, using a spiritually dense area and all the souls within it."

Naruto was taken aback, frowning.

A spiritually dense area? Souls?

Karakura Town was clearly a prime candidate, but it wasn't the only one.

"Are you planning to use Aizen's target as bait again?" Naruto whispered.

Urahara nodded, then shook his head. "Sort of, but not exactly."

"Using Karakura Town as bait..."

"You won't agree to it, and neither will the Captain-Commander."

He paused.

Even though their reasons for disagreement would be different.

Naruto wouldn't agree because he wouldn't sacrifice innocent people.

The Captain-Commander wouldn't agree because he wouldn't risk the balance of the three worlds.

"But it has to be done," Urahara said softly. "That's why I plan to have Naruto take the risk himself."

Naruto looked at him, his expression softening slightly.

"Didn't you just capture an Arrancar?" Urahara asked.

"That can serve as a catalyst."

"Aizen will likely think the same."

"I hope the Seireitei will agree to send several captains to launch a raid on Hueco Mundo," Urahara continued, lowering his voice. "Let Aizen believe he has a chance to capture Kurosaki-san, luring him out of Hueco Mundo and into the human world."

"I've developed a technique. If we recreate Karakura Town in the Soul Society..."

"We can swap the city when Aizen enters the human world."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, staring at him intently. "You're saying I should take the risk."

"But in the end, you're still using Ichigo as bait?"

Urahara shook his head.

Isshin sighed. "As a father, I don't like it either."

"But this is the best plan, isn't it?"

"I believe in my son, and I trust the Seireitei and you, Naruto."

Naruto's stance remained unchanged. "If Ichigo agrees, then I agree."

Of course, Ichigo had no objections.

He was even eager and excited about the plan.

His growth in strength had also boosted his confidence and sense of responsibility.

Naruto created a shadow clone and returned to the Soul Society.

In the 1st Division barracks.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi tossed out a scroll, holding one end while the other unraveled slowly.

With a puff of smoke, four figures were released.

"Such good specimens, and I didn't even get to start researching them," he clicked his tongue, shaking his head. Unlike usual, he appeared at this meeting with spiritual pressure at the level of a third or fourth seat, indicating the importance of his research.

"Are these Arrancar?" The Captain-Commander scrutinized them.

Grimmjow was fully sealed and unrecognizable.

But the other three...

Their appearances were clear, though their spiritual energy and legs were bound.

"What's their strength like?" Kenpachi Zaraki leaned forward, curious.

The Captain-Commander didn't stop him.

This was indeed the most important question.

"These Arrancar could probably be handled by strong lieutenants like Ikkaku Madarame from the 11th Division or Renji Abarai from the 6th Division," Naruto said, pointing at the ones who had attacked him.

The captains narrowed their eyes.

Ikkaku Madarame? Renji Abarai?

The two examples Naruto gave...

Had almost reached the level of captains.

Ikkaku could already use "Bankai," though he tried to keep it a secret. Most of the lieutenants and captains knew.

As for Renji, he didn't hide it—his Zanpakuto had materialized, and he was just a step away from achieving Bankai.

"As for this one..." Naruto pointed at Grimmjow. "He's very strong."

"Even younger captains would have difficulty dealing with him."

The Captain-Commander squinted and nodded. "So, Arrancars are this powerful."

Naruto crouched down, touching Grimmjow lightly. He loosened part of the seal, revealing Grimmjow's waist, near the "Hollow hole," which had a neatly printed number "6."

"And he has this mark."

"The other two Arrancar have numbers as well."

"11, 13, 15."

The Captain-Commander's narrow eyes opened slightly, his expression deepening. "Even in the best-case scenario, there are still eleven Hollows with captain-level strength?"

"I killed two," Naruto added.

The captains frowned.

Even so, there were at least nine left. The real number might be higher. Adding Aizen and Gin Ichimaru, their forces could be stronger than the Seireitei.

"This puts us in a passive position," the Captain-Commander declared, raising his cane and striking the ground forcefully. "Repeated provocations, incomplete intelligence..."

"We must take the initiative."

Naruto looked up at him.

"Captain Uzumaki, do you have any suggestions?" the Captain-Commander asked.

Naruto nodded. "I just spoke with Urahara and discussed some matters..."

He relayed their conversation in full, including Ichigo's own opinion.

"Sacrificing a spiritually dense area to achieve Aizen's goal of entering the Soul King's palace?" the Captain-Commander's voice grew stern as his eyes opened wide. "Unforgivable!"

"What audacity."

"A selfish desire that disregards the balance of the three worlds."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the captains, finally resting on Naruto.

"In that case..."

"The 12th Division and the 2nd Division will handle the construction of 'Karakura Town' in the Soul Society."

"Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division will provide technical support."

Both Mayuri and Soi Fon acknowledged.

The Captain-Commander continued, "Captain Unohana of the 4th Division, Captain Kuchiki of the 6th Division, Captain Uzumaki of the 7th Division, and Captain Zaraki of the 11th Division—you four will lead an assault on Hueco Mundo."

"The remaining captains, prepare for battle."

"If Aizen's spiritual pressure appears in the human world, the recreated 'Karakura Town' will be transferred into the human world, and we will engage that unforgivable enemy."

The captains voiced their agreement.

Constructing a replica of the town was not difficult for the 12th Division. They had ample experience rebuilding structures, skills honed through the challenges posed by the 11th Division.

Three days later...

A portal opened in the skies above Hueco Mundo.

~~~

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