Nurturing the Black Blade


 * A special add-in chapter...!

Meeting
The face of an orange-haired man clad in black expressed feelings of bubbling annoyance, staring at the silver-haired man standing in his way.

"I was asked by Rukia to meet her in the Soul Society... So I have no time for whatever business you have with me, old man." the orange-haired teenager stated.

This caused a chuckle to form in the silver-haired man, crossing his arms as he bore a rather amused expression. "That telegram was sent by me, Kurosaki Ichigo. I don't believe we've been properly introduced. My name is Seireitou." he answered.

Ichigo's brow furrowed. "And for what reason did you trick me into coming...?" he would cautiously ask, his hand reaching over to grasp the hilt of the Zanpakutō on his back.

"Don't bother. I've not come here to fight you. Even if I did, you wouldn't have stood a chance anyways. However, the reason I've summoned you here is solely to commence your real training." Seireitou explained.

"...Training? You must be suffering from some kind of tumor, idiot. A stranger who lies about his identity and then offers to train me, that looks extremely suspicious! Am I supposed to just go along with that?" the orange-haired teen retorted.

Seireitou closed his eyes for a brief moment. "It isn't an offer, it's a demand."

With that, Ichigo's expression calmed down slightly, his anger replaced with a look of surprise and confusion.

"The fact is, you play a role in the conflicts that are to pass that can't be overlooked. But as you are now, you're just a weak shitstain." Seireitou began making his way toward Ichigo, whom in turn appeared disgruntled by the silver-haired man's words. "The power you possess... or rather, the potential within you, is something too great to be allowed to be squandered. Urahara Kisuke succeeded in awakening only a small part of that strength, but I'm here now to help you fully realize the power you possess. Don't make me force you to come with me..." Seireitou added.

Ichigo narrowed his gaze, his eyes slightly twitching as he finally closed them, breathing in and then out. Opening his eyes, he stood tall and faced Seireitou... but remained silent.

"You have... people you want to protect, right?" asked Seireitou, causing Ichigo's eyes to widen slightly.

"If you lack the correct form of power to do so... what good are you to them? You owe it to them... to realize your true powers." the silver-haired man expressed.

"...Fine... I will go with you and train." Ichigo finally admitted, albeit in an almost defeated tone of voice.

"Excellent!" answered Seireitou joyously, something that quickly and comically surprised Ichigo, as the silver-haired man approached him, grabbing hold of his shoulder.

Almost instantaneously, with nothing more than an echo of force to signify their departure, the duo vanished...