White Ichigo gave a dismissive snort at being called "White Zangetsu," but didn't argue.
Instead, he got straight to business.
"Hey, brat. You know how Shinigami fight?"
Ichigo blinked and shook his head. He was a total blank slate when it came to this stuff—whatever kind of fighter he became would be entirely up to his teacher.
And who better than the living embodiment of his Zanpakutō?
"Listen up. Shinigami combat is built on five core aspects," White Ichigo said, counting them off with his fingers.
"Zan. Ken. So. Kido. And finally—your Zanpakutō itself."
Ichigo looked completely lost. He opened his mouth to ask, but White Ichigo cut him off.
"Yeah, yeah, I know you don't get it. I'll explain."
"Zan—'Zanjutsu'—is how you fight with your sword."
"Your swings earlier? Pathetic. Full of holes."
"That's not how you swing a blade!"
Suddenly serious, White Ichigo summoned his own Zanpakutō—mirroring Ichigo's in shape, but inverted in color.
He grabbed the white cloth tied to the hilt and started spinning the blade like a windmill.
"I don't give a damn about traditional swordsmanship. All I care about is teaching you how to use this blade to cut down your enemies!"
Ichigo, nodding seriously, unsheathed his own Zangetsu and began mimicking the motion.
White Ichigo grunted in approval.
"Keep spinning it. Get used to the weight. Now listen up—"
"Ken—'Hakuda.' That's hand-to-hand combat infused with spiritual energy. Spiritual pressure—'Reiatsu.'"
"So—'Hoho.' Movement techniques. Shunpo."
"Kido—basically spell-casting. Offensive and defensive spiritual techniques."
Ichigo lit up at the sound of "Kido."
Magic? Spellcasting? That sounded cool!
But White Ichigo shut him down quick.
"Too bad, kid. I don't do Kido."
"What I can teach you is cutting, running, and how to use the power in your blade."
Ichigo kept spinning his blade, asking as he went,
"Wouldn't it be better to have more tools? If I learned Kido, I'd be able to handle more situations, right?"
White Ichigo sneered.
"Typical noob logic. Let me tell you something—being a good fighter doesn't mean you have to be good at everything."
"I don't know Kido. I don't know Hakuda. And still— most of those so-called 'all-rounder' Shinigami couldn't last a second against me."
"Why?"
"Because by the time they cast a spell or throw a punch— my blade's already carved their face in half."
"There are no perfect fighters—only ones who are perfectly suited to their strengths."
To be honest, White Ichigo had his own complaints.
With your monstrous Reiatsu, you want to play with spells? Just rush in and delete them.
You're a stat monster, not a finesse build. Don't waste your natural advantage!
And just like that, a seed was planted in Ichigo's heart.
"No all-rounders. Only what suits me best."
White Ichigo saw the thoughtful look in Ichigo's eyes and nodded, pleased.
Now we're getting somewhere.
Even the original Zangetsu, standing silently behind them, didn't comment.
As a Quincy, he wasn't exactly a combat expert in Shinigami arts—this part was better left to White Ichigo.
"Ughhh, I'm beat…"
Ichigo collapsed back onto his bed, eyes fluttering open in the real world.
Even if that training took place in his inner world, he felt physically exhausted.
But knowing he was getting stronger… that brought a smile to his face as he drifted into sleep.
...
The Next Day
"Why is there a third wheel on our date again?!"
Ichigo complained inwardly as he stared at Orihime standing beside Tatsuki.
Yep. Tatsuki had brought Orihime along today too.
Noticing his sour expression, Tatsuki leaned close and whispered with a cheeky grin,
"I originally planned to visit Orihime today anyway. I'll make it up to you tonight~"
Ichigo groaned, but sighed in defeat.
"…Fine, fine."
Tatsuki giggled.
Meanwhile, Orihime stared off into space—her imagination running wild.
Is Tatsuki trying to set me up with Ichigo again?
She thought so. After all, she'd confessed to Tatsuki long ago that she had feelings for Ichigo.
Little did she know… Tatsuki had already sprinted ahead of her.
"—Orihime?" Tatsuki waved her hand in front of her face.
"Eh? Oh, sorry! What were we doing again?"
"We're going shopping, remember?"
"Oh right!" Orihime snapped her fingers. "I need onions, tofu, potatoes! I'm gonna simmer them with curry!" she beamed.
Ichigo shivered.
That… sounds like poison in a pot.
Tatsuki also broke into a cold sweat. "Uh… I said I'd cook dinner, remember? Let me choose the ingredients."
Ichigo nodded vigorously.
"Yes. Please. Save us, Tatsuki. I've never had your cooking before."
"Ohhh! That sounds great!" Orihime clapped.
"I'll leave it to you then!"
Tatsuki wiped her brow. Phew… crisis averted. No food poisoning tonight.
...
That Night
After dinner at Orihime's place and a heartfelt goodbye, Ichigo and Tatsuki walked home side by side.
"Ahhh, I'm stuffed," Ichigo said, patting his belly.
"Tatsuki, your cooking is amazing! You're totally gonna be a great mom one day."
Tatsuki laughed, cheeks pink from the praise.
Before she could respond, Ichigo reached out and gently took her hand.
"…What are you doing?"
"Collecting my payment," Ichigo said with a cocky grin.
Caught off guard by his boldness, Tatsuki tugged him down and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"That enough for you?"
"Nope!" Ichigo smirked.
"I want my turn too!"
He leaned in and kissed her right back on the cheek.
Tatsuki froze for a moment—then smiled softly, her fingers gently tightening around his.
(End of Chapter)
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