Swallow Your Pride

While Kuroi and Ichigo fought the Sixth Espada Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Captain Hono and Tatsuki trained intensely throughout the night in the Soul Society. The student and teacher run out of the Senkaimon before the cleaner catches them. They are both sweaty and tired, but progress was made. They walk through Kisuke's training ground and walk up the stairs. Expecting only Kisuke to be there, they walk into the shop but find their allies being healed by Orihime.

"What happened here? I doubt you guys were training as well," said Aoi.

"Aizen's Arrancar attacked earlier than expected. We defeated nearly all of them, but an Arrancar named Grimmjow beat Kuroi, Ichigo, and Rukia and escaped with the help of Kaname Tosen," said Kisuke.

"He beat both of them at the same time? He must be pretty strong to beat their immaculate teamwork," said Aoi.

"He said he was the Sexta Espada. If they're people stronger than him, then this will be a hard war to win," said Ichigo.

"Where's Kuroi?" asked Aoi.

"He went to brood somewhere, but he didn't tell me where he was going," said Ichigo.

"I know where he's at, but I need to go alone. This is a private place that he only told me about," said Tatsuki.

"If he only wants you to come and find him, then just go and find him," said Aoi.

"Thank you, sir," said Tatsuki.

Tatsuki walks out of the Urahara Shop and runs through the streets of Karakura Town. She continues to run until she reaches a riverbank. She sees Kuroi sitting on a large rock, skipping pebbles across the river.

"My mother loved this place. She used to always tell me that this is the most beautiful place on Earth during the summer. She was wrong because it's beautiful all year long," said Kuroi.

"Your father sent me to find you. He wants to see you," said Tatsuki.

"On my mother's deathbed, she told me that she wanted me to become strong. She believed that I had potential, but how could I have potential if I always lose? How can I be strong if I always get beat? How can I be strong if I rely on my inner Hollow to save me all the time?" said Kuroi.

"Listen, Kuroi. We've been friends for a very long time. You have shown me through all of the years that we knew each other that you never let anyone stop you from becoming better, faster, stronger. You wouldn't let one loss stop you from achieving your goal. I hate to admit it, but you're a better fighter than I could ever be. Your work ethic is amazing and I love that you care about everyone and want to protect them, but you can't just brood every time you lose. You told your father to train me because you want me to become strong. You can't surpass that Grimmjow guy or Aizen if you just sit here all depressed," said Tatsuki.

"I want to win fights with my power. I'm not strong enough to beat my enemies without Ichigo, Kisuke, my father, Yoruichi, Chad, Uryu, or Orihime. My inner Hollow is the only reason that I'm still alive. I'm a disgrace," said Kuroi.

"You always refer to your inner Hollow as a separate being. It's called your inner Hollow for a reason. You and your inner Hollow share the same body and the same soul. You guys are the same. There's no need to prevent it from helping you. Swallow your pride and focus on winning. If you allow your pride to control what you do, you'll never be able to protect this town," said Tatsuki.

"Seven years ago, my father began to train me to become a soul reaper. A soul reaper's job is to protect souls from Hollows. I know that you already know this, but you don't understand. I was the first soul reaper who had the responsibility to protect this town, but I can't. I'm too weak to do my job. You wouldn't understand what it means to be a failure," said Kuroi.

"It's not only your responsibility. I want to become strong to protect this town as well. Uryu, Chad, Ichigo, and Orihime also want to do that. You're not alone in this fight because your friends want to assist you. Stop shutting us out and let us help you," said Tatsuki.

"Shinji wanted me to join his gang of Visoreds. I declined because I didn't want to be part of a gang of weirdos. He told me that he can help me control my inner Hollow before it takes over. What should I do?" said Kuroi.

"Are you asking me for advice? That's a rarity," said Tatsuki.

"Just answer the question. I don't feel like listening to your sarcasm," said Kuroi.

"If training with Shinji can help you acquire the power to protect everything that you want to protect then go and do it. Shinji may be a weirdo, but he can be helpful to your progress," said Tatsuki.

Kuroi stands up and hops off the rock. He walks up to Tatsuki and puts his hand on her face.

"Tatsuki, you're a very good friend. I don't deserve you. I'm a perverted cocky jerk and you're a nice compassionate girl. I know that you would want to love me, but you deserve better. It would be selfish for me not to tell you this. Find someone else because the feelings aren't mutual," said Kuroi.

Kuroi kisses her on the forehead and starts to walk away.

"Also, tell my dad that I'll return home when I'm strong enough," said Kuroi.

"I'll make sure he gets the message," said Tatsuki.

"Thank you," said Kuroi.

Kuroi flash steps away from the riverbank. He flash steps to his house and finds his body. He enters his body and grabs his Substitute Soul Reaper badge. He then opens his window and jumps out of it. He lands on the ground and starts to walk through the town. He continues to walk and walk and walk until he sees somebody with an afro standing on a rooftop watching him.

"Are you part of Shinji's gang?" asked Kuroi.

The afro man doesn't respond and just runs across the rooftops.

"I guess I'll just follow you," said Kuroi.

Kuroi runs in the same direction as the afro man. They run for a couple minutes until the afro man jumps through an open window of a warehouse. Kuroi runs up to the large gate and lifts it by its handle. He enters the dark warehouse and sees multiple people sitting on broken floors.

"It looks like you found our hiding spot, Kuroi. The expression on your face seems different. You must be determined to become one of us. So, are you here to join our crew?" said Shinji.

"No," said Kuroi.

"Huh!" exclaimed Shinji.

"Do you believe that I want to join your gang of geeks and weirdos? I came here to use you all to help me become stronger," said Kuroi.

"You're talking so big. Who's going to teach you how to control your Hollow? We don't like to be treated with disrespect," said Shinji.

"I guess that I'll just rip it out of you," said Kuroi.

"What did you say?" asked Shinji.

"I'll force you to train me by defeating you," said Kuroi.

"Don't make me laugh," said Shinji.

Kuroi pulls out his Substitute Soul Reaper badge and taps it on his chest. His soul escapes from his body and darts towards Shinji. Shinji pulls out his Zanpakuto and clashes with the young soul reaper. Shinji and Kuroi continue to clash for a few minutes, but it's obvious that neither of them is taking this fight seriously.

"Kuroi, you're-," said Shinji.

"Out of my way!" exclaimed the small woman.

The small woman punches Shinji into the wall.

"Kuroi, let me tell you something. You're going about this all wrong," said the small woman.

"What am I doing wrong?" asked Kuroi.

"We were considering allowing you to join our ranks, but you have to realize that it was never your choice. It was always our decision. We saw your power and wanted you to join our squad. There's nothing to it. Think carefully about where you stand currently. You have no right to make the decision. If you have the power to become one of us, you will and then we'll teach you how to seal your inner Hollow. If you don't have the power, then take a hike and allow your inner Hollow to take over and die a dog's death. If you understand what I'm saying, turn into a Hollow and let's see what you got," said the small woman.

"Before we fight, tell me your name," said Kuroi.

"Why would I?" asked the small woman.

"I would like to know the name of the opponent that I'm about to destroy," said Kuroi.

A Hollow mask starts to materialize on the small woman's head.

"The name's Hiyori," said Hiyori.

"I would expect you to have a cooler name, but Hiyori will do. Prepare to be embarrassed by a tookie, Hiyori," said Kuroi.

"I don't like this girl. Let's destroy her," said Seishin.

"We can't kill her, but we can beat her up. Will that be good enough for you?" said Kuroi.

"We guess," said Seishin.

"Good. Now, let's go," said Kuroi.

A Hollow mask appears on Kuroi's face. Hiyori pulls her Hollow mask over her face.

"Let's get started," said Hiyori.

Before Hiyori can even react, Kuroi appears in front of her and grabs her by the neck. Kuroi rockets towards the wall and slams her against it. Kuroi releases her neck and smacks her away. Hiyori flies into the other wall. Kuroi speed blitzes Hiyori once again and punches her mask, easily breaking it. He then grabs Hiyori by the neck and lifts her, starting to choke her.

"You're not all tough and strong after we showed you how we're leagues above you. Now, will you teach us how to control our inner Hollow?" said Kuroi.

"Fine," said Hiyori.

"That's not good enough! We want to see the life fade away from your eyes! We want to see and feel your body go limp! We want to destroy you, Hiyori! We want to-," said Kuroi.

Before Kuroi can continue to choke Hiyori, the rest of the Visoreds jump onto Kuroi. Shinji uses the hilt of his Zanpakuto to break the Hollow mask.

"Was that a good enough exhibition for you Hiyori? Does he pass?" asked Shinji.

"Sure," said Hiyori.

"You heard that, Kuroi. We will pound the Hollow suppression technique into your soul," said Shinji.

"So, what do I do first?" asked Kuroi.

Ten hours pass. Kuroi has been using a walking machine for the last ten hours now. The annoyed expression that sits on his face explains his mood.

"Hiyori, it's nearly breakfast time. Can you make something?" said Shinji.

"Why should I create anything? Even if I did, why would I share it with you baldy?" asked Hiyori.

"How long do I have to do this crap?" asked Kuroi.

"You'll do it until I tell you to stop," said Hiyori.

"You're just being petty. I already apologized for nearly killing you," said Kuroi.

"Being sorry will not prevent you from exercising, so keep walking," said Hiyori.

"How will this help me control my inner Hollow? I do this every day," said Kuroi.

"It's an essential step," said Hiyori.

"How? I've been on here for ten hours," said Kuroi.

"Stop complaining, baldy! You will be finished when I tell you you're finished!" exclaimed Hiyori.

"First of all, I'm not bald so stop calling me baldy! Second of all, you're not the leader of this little gang! You're just doing this to punish me for destroying you in front of your friends!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"You didn't destroy me! I let you win!" exclaimed Hiyori.

"Listen here, little girl! I don't have to deal with your bullshit! I'm going to hop off this machine and you can't stop me!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"Oh really! I dare you to-," said Hiyori.

Kuroi hops off the walking machine.

"You fucking bastard! How dare you disrespect me! Hop back onto the walking machine right now!" exclaimed Hiyori.

"If you want the damn machine, then take it!" exclaimed Kuroi.

Kuroi picks up the machine and throws it at Hiyori. Hiyori ducks and dodges the machine, but it hits Shinji instead.

"I was aiming for you, little girl. You should be glad that your head is so small," said Kuroi.

"What the hell do you think you're doing! Don't make me kick your ass, baldy!" exclaimed Hiyori.

"Do you have short-term memory, you dumb bimbo! If we fight, the result would stay the same! You're not on my level!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"I will be on your level after I make you my bitch!" exclaimed Hiyori.

"I came here to learn how to control my inner Hollow, not to go mad arguing with someone as dumb and pathetic as you!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"You should be glad that I took time out of my busy schedule to train you, so get back on the machine and keep walking until your legs and arms fall off!" exclaimed Hiyori.

"I knew I should have just declined Shinji's offer! I must be a god damn retard!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"Thank you for finally acknowledging your retardation!" exclaimed Hiyori

"Shut up, you dumb bit-" said Kuroi.

Kuroi is unable to finish speaking before he's kicked in the face by Hiyori. Hiyori then grabs the walking machine and slams it on Kuroi's stomach.

"You're fucking dead!" exclaimed Kuroi.

Kuroi instantly gets up and tries to grab Hiyori, but Shinji punches him in the face. Kuroi flies to the other side of the warehouse.

"What the hell was that for!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"That walking machine is essential for your training. I know that it seems stupid for basic exercise to be your foundation, but it's an important step. You have to last three days on this thing if you want to move on to the next level," said Shinji.

"Three days! With my current amount of spiritual pressure, I could easily go for an entire week! That's why this step is pointless!" exclaimed Kuroi.

"If you believe that Hiyori's walker is so useless, then let's move on to the next level," said Shinji.

Shinji jumps down and places his hand in front of Kuroi's face.

"We wanted to give you three days to adapt to how we work around here, but you achieved Bankai in three days when it should have taken ten years. You became such a strong combatant in only six years, so you're used to working and moving quickly. So, why don't we go straight to teaching you about the Hollow transformation? You better not regret this, Kuroi," said Shinji.

Shinji places his hand on Kuroi's face and he passes out. He opens his eyes and sees that he's no longer in the warehouse. He looks around and sees a perfectly clean lake that disappears and becomes a waterfall. He stands up and starts to walk around until he sees someone standing thirty feet away from him.

"So, the time has come to claim control over us hasn't it?" asked Seishin.

"Yeah and I won't fail," said Kuroi confidently.