Chapter 24: Inner Demons

"You seem to be doing well, despite your situation in Hueco Mundo" Captain Unohana commented

"Thank you, I was in a tough situation"

"No problem, but we do need to run some more tests to be safe" she explained

"Captain" Vice-captain Isane said coming in

"Yes?"

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto, he wants us to attend a demonstration of Sosuke Aizen with Zanpakuto abilities" she explained

So he's finally doing I don't know what he has planned, but I'm going to fall for his trick.

"Captain Unohana? Could I stay just because I don't to faint in front of a crowd if I need tests" I explained

"That is wise, I'll inform Captain-Commander Yamamoto" she said leaving

As I was left alone to my thoughts, I looked down at my black hand. It felt heavier than it should, dangling from it: the silver cross Soken me. Again the question of who I was came. Time and time after I was able to use Hollow techniques. Not just due to my arm, but my Zanpakutos name even had a Hollow name.

"I see you're troubled"

"Yes, and I can't figure it out"

"Well it hasn't been particularly easy for me either"

"Why?"

"I have a new resident with me, you will have to deal with him sooner or later" she explained disappearing before I could ask

After Demonstration

I needed to figure out what Lobo meant by another 'resident'. Cancelling my Bankai training with Toshiro, retreating to a secluded forest area. I was far enough to go unnoticed.

"Alright, let's get this over with"

Sitting down getting into a meditation position.

Inner World

I stood in the battlefield walking through the burnt hillside. I didn't see any change or even Lobo anywhere. Til came over a hill seeing a man sitting on pile of ruble.

"Were you expecting her?"

I stopped a few feet away, as turned his head. Stood in shock at who I saw, it was...me.

"What's the matter? Cat got you tongue?"

He looked completely strange as if void of all color. Gripping the hilt of my Zanpakuto, he did so too. Relaxing my form I stayed ready, as he mimicked my every action.

"Who are you?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm you, well not exactly but close enough"

"Where is Lobo?"

"She doesn't like me very much, so we have boundaries"

"Now answer me this? What are you?"

"That's the real question isn't it?"

The moon in my Inner World changed to a blood red. As the stranger flashed to a tree branch, crouching staring at me.

"I've been here since the beginning Kakashi, before she even got here"

"If that's true, why am I only seeing you now?"

"Because you didn't bother look deeper"

"Are you the reason why I'm able to use Hollow techniques?"

He remained quiet pulling out his blade. It was completely black as the hilt was white. He examined it in the blood moonlight, looking at his own reflection.

"I'm not like the others, not some deranged animal not focused completely on instinct"

I glared hard at him, looking for some sort of tell.

"I look for reason, if you prove to be beneficial I will help you, but prove weak..."

He turned quickly slashing at me, I blocked as our blades clashed together.

"And I won't be hesitant to cut you down"

I struggled against his strength, but didn't let up.

"Now stay strong and we won't have a problem"

Next Day

I stood outside the Captain Counsel Chambers, as meeting was just finished. After my unnatural friend made himself known.

"Kakashi!"

Two voices called out, I turned to see two rookie Soul Reapers. One with black hair and purple eyes who looked uncannily like Hisana, and another with bright red hair with tattoos.

"Kakashi! You're alive we thought you were dead!" The shorter said with a smile

"Yeah, and look we became Soul Reapers bet you're impressed huh?" The taller asked with proudly

I just stared at them as I had never met them before.

"Um sorry, but who are you?"

The both of them stood shocked like I was joking.

"C-come on quit joking it's us, Rukia and Renji! Don't you remember?" Rukia asked sadden a bit

"I don't recall, if we met before I'm sorry for not remembering" I apologized

"Kakashi!"

Turning I saw Shunsui waving towards me.

"I'm sorry again, but I must be on my way see you at training" I said leaving

"Wait! Training!? Hey wait!"

Making my way to Captain Shunsuis side he looked at the new recruits behind me.

"Chatting with the new recruits?"

"Yes, but I'll talk to them again at training" I reassured

"Alright let's go before Nanoe comes after us"

A Few Hours Later...

The class was coming along nicely, they were improving. Rukia and Renji had joined reluctantly, but fell in line.

"Renji! Don't focuse on power! Use your speed and movement!" I shouted at the red headed swordsman

He growled as he stuck at Rukia who dodged it, she put some distance between them. As she was about to use a spell I had to stop her. She told she had gotten high marks on her Kido skill which was why I needed her to focuse on swordsmanship.

"Don't just Kido Rukia! Work on your footing!" I shouted

She looked nervous showing some lack of confidence. Til she fell to the floor with Renjis blade pointing at her. He grinned as she lay on the grass, and Rukia was a good Soul Reaper. She just needed to figure that out, with a little help.

"Good, Renji again use your speed it could help more than your strength" I advised

"Yes, Kakashi-sensie"

"And Rukia don't rely on you Kido so much you need to have confidence in your blade just as much" I suggested as I helped her up

"Y-yes, Kakashi-sensie"

"Good, now take a break"

"Kakashi! I'm sorry I'm late!" Kaien shouted as he came in

"Vice-captain Kaien? You train here too?" Rukia asked in shock

"Yes, many of the new recruits here train under Vice-captain Hatake" he answered

Toshiro approached me away from the group.

"Kakashi can we do my Bankai training tonight?" He asked

"Yes, but we'll have to do twice the work since we missed a day" I warned

"Very well"

"Okay, class dismiss!"

At the entrance was Byakuya, he seemed to be colder than used to. His face showed less emotion, and his face stoic. Rukia rushed to his side leaving immediately.

"Byakuya"

Night

Toshiro had been in his Inner World for a two hours. As he started to show symptoms from his first time. Shooting open his he got up quickly again holding his chest.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes!"

"Good, because you still have a few days"

"And do you think I'll get him to come out?" He asked

"Maybe, if you keep trying"

"I will"

"You're wasting time on weaklings like him"

I just ignored the voice, as Toshiro regained his composure. At this moment it felt like there was a civil war raging inside of me.

"Get some rest we'll try tomorrow night"