Guidance on Bankai

In the dimly Underground Space, swords flashed and shadows danced. Renji Abarai was engaged in a fierce battle with the materialized form of Zabimaru, while Ichigo Kurosaki was fighting an even tougher battle against Zangetsu.

Liu Ziyun stood to the side, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the two, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he were pondering some important question.

[Should I tell Renji the real name of his Bankai?] Liu Ziyun silently pondered. [If I tell him now, he might master it faster, but with his current strength, even if he knows the real name, he won't be able to truly control that power.]

He shook his head and finally gave up the idea. The accumulation of strength is never achieved overnight; forcibly giving power beyond one's capacity will only backfire.

On the field, Renji Abarai's fighting style was quite unique. His Zabimaru materialization form was divided into two parts—the tail was a snake's body, which transformed into the form of Zabimaru Shikai, constantly engaging Renji Abarai in ranged combat; while when close, it was a baboon form that launched fierce punches.

Renji Abarai was clearly aware of his weaknesses, and he skillfully maneuvered between the two, sometimes keeping his distance to deal with the snake's ranged attacks, and sometimes engaging in close combat to clash head-on with the baboon. Although he was occasionally hit, he was not at a disadvantage overall.

In contrast, Ichigo Kurosaki's situation was much more difficult. Zangetsu's attacks were fierce and domineering, each strike carrying a world-destroying force. Although Ichigo Kurosaki tried his best to defend, he was always suppressed and new wounds kept appearing on his body.

Blood flowed down his arm and dripped onto the ground, but he gritted his teeth and showed no sign of backing down.

Time ticked by, and the entire morning passed in this intense battle.

Liu Ziyun glanced at the sky and raised his hand to stop the two of them. "Alright, you two rest for a bit, and continue your cultivation this afternoon. Right now, you need to recover your Reiatsu and energy."

He led the two to the edge of the Hot Spring, then formed hand seals and cast Kaidō Barrier, enveloping the entire Hot Spring. Pale green light swirled above the Hot Spring, accelerating their recovery.

Renji Abarai soaked in the Hot Spring, feeling his Reiatsu and injuries recovering at an incredibly fast pace. He couldn't help but exclaim, "As expected of the Fifth Seat of the former Fourth Division, his healing skills are truly amazing."

Liu Ziyun glanced at him, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, "Renji, what are you trying to say?"

Renji Abarai, then scratched his head. "Um... I was just saying, your healing skills are really high."

Liu Ziyun's smile became even more meaningful, "Really? Then would you like to know my combat level?"

Renji Abarai's expression changed instantly, and he quickly waved his hands, "Uh... this... I might not be your match."

Liu Ziyun raised an eyebrow. "Why deny your own strength so quickly?"

Renji Abarai shrank back. "Um... the trouble you caused at the Tsunayashiro Branch Family alarmed the entire Seireitei. Three captains witnessed it, and you even fought each other..."

Liu Ziyun couldn't help but laugh. In that laugh were helplessness, relief, and an indescribable complexity. "Oh, that matter! I'm sorry, I have many people who can prove it wasn't me. At that time, I wasn't in Soul Society. So, you see? I'm not that strong."

Renji Abarai froze, his eyes filled with disbelief. "How could it not be you? The three captains saw it with their own eyes..."

Liu Ziyun shook his head, his eyes filled with a profound meaning. "Seeing is not always believing. However, you will soon find out. Now, you should start cultivating Bankai as soon as possible."

Renji Abarai moment, then asked, "Do you know Bankai?"

Liu Ziyun nodded. "Yes, I will. However, my Bankai is incomplete because I haven't yet grasped its full power."

Renji Abarai was even more surprised. "How could this be? Isn't Bankai the ultimate technique of Zanpakuto? If you've learned it, how could you not have grasped its essence?"

Liu Ziyun looked at him with patience and instruction in his eyes. "You said it yourself, Bankai is the ultimate technique of Zanpakuto. Since it's the ultimate technique, how could its essence be so easily mastered?"

Renji Abarai was speechless.

Liu Ziyun concluded, "Once your Reiatsu and injuries have recovered, let's continue."

During their recovery time, Renji Abarai and Ichigo Kurosaki talked about why they saved Rukia Kuchiki.

When Renji Abarai spoke of this, his eyes were filled with deep nostalgia and determination. "Rukia and I were childhood friends. In Rukongai, we grew up together, went hungry together, were beaten together, and survived together. Later, we made a promise to enter the Shin'ō Academy, wanting to become Soul Reaper together and change our destiny together."

His voice deepened. "However, this good fortune didn't last long. A year after entering the Shin'ō Academy, Rukia was adopted by the Kuchiki Clan. As one of the Four Great Noble Clans of Soul Society, the Kuchiki Clan family naturally looked down on people from Rukongai. Therefore, as the younger sister of the Kuchiki Clan head, she naturally couldn't have too much contact with me, someone from Rukongai."

He clenched his fist, but then relaxed it. "I also deliberately distanced myself to avoid inconveniencing Rukia. I believe that no matter if we meet, no matter how far apart we are, no matter what our identities are, we are always companions, and that has never changed."

After listening, Ichigo Kurosaki remained silent for a moment, then said, "Rukia is my savior. Because of Rukia, I gained the power to protect my family. Therefore, no matter the reason, I will do everything in my power to save her."

They exchanged a glance, both seeing the same unwavering determination in each other's eyes.

After recovering, the two resumed their cultivation.

This time, their battle was exceptionally fierce. Perhaps it was the renewed energy after their rest, or perhaps their strengthened resolve after their conversation, but both of them moved with even greater speed and agility than in the morning.

Renji Abarai the first to defeat Zabimaru's physical form, completing his Bankai training. Standing in the center of the arena, gripping his swords with both hands, he uttered a low shout, "Bankai — Baboon King Zabimaru!"

A massive skeleton rose from the ground, coiling around Zabimaru's blade, forming a terrifying and awe-inspiring shape.

Liu Ziyun walked to his side, looking at his Bankai with a serious expression. "Renji, be careful when you use your Bankai in battle. Your Bankai is very fragile, and damage to your Zanpakuto after Bankai is irreversible. So, you need to take good care of it in your future battles."

He paused, then continued, "Although you have defeated Zabimaru, it seems you haven't gained its approval. You'll need more training and communication in the future."

Renji Abarai, somewhat puzzled, "Has Zabimaru not accepted me?"

Liu Ziyun shook his head. "It's not that it doesn't acknowledge you. It's just that it doesn't fully acknowledge you."

Renji Abarai pressed, "Why?"

Liu Ziyun's gaze deepened. "Your potential is sufficient, but your strength is insufficient. You urgently need power to accomplish your task, which is why it's willing to lend you power, but that doesn't mean it acknowledges you."

Renji Abarai moment, then asked, "How can I make it acknowledge me?"

Liu Ziyun slowly said, "Increase your strength, fully master the power it lends you, and open your heart to it. Perhaps, you'll still need to fight."

Renji Abarai nodded solemnly. "Okay, I understand."

He looked at Ichigo Kurosaki was still locked in a fierce battle with Zangetsu: "Can he finish today?"

Liu Ziyun glanced at Yoruichi Shihōin: "Let Yoruichi tell you."

Yoruichi Shihōin at him. "Why me? Why didn't you just tell him directly?"

Liu Ziyun shrugged. "Just trying to make you feel important. I've noticed you seem to have had a lot more free time since I arrived. All this trouble was clearly caused by you and that guy Kisuke."

Yoruichi Shihōin protested, "You're the one who made us do this! And you even have the audacity to say you saw us doing it."

Liu Ziyun sighed helplessly, "Sigh, you wouldn't believe me even if I told you. But after everything that happened before, are there any discrepancies between what I said and what you've said? Why don't you believe me?"

Yoruichi Shihōin looked at him with a complicated expression. "Because you might tell us things to gain our trust, and then trick us into doing something."

Liu Ziyun was utterly speechless. He waved his hand, "Sigh, never mind. I'm going to rest."

He turned and walked towards the corner.

Renji Abarai turned to Yoruichi Shihōin: "Miss Yoruichi, what is it?"

Yoruichi Shihōin cold glance. "If it's not something you should know, then don't ask."

Renji Abarai shrank back, then asked, "Um... will that kid be able to complete his Bankai training today?"

Yoruichi Shihōin's gaze fell upon Ichigo Kurosaki, who was engaged in battle, her eyes filled with a profound meaning. "Renji, do you remember the first time you stood up and took your first steps?"

Renji Abarai was stunned. "Huh? Who would remember something like that?"

Yoruichi Shihōin slowly said, "I don't remember because I wasn't aware of it. Why wasn't I aware of it? Just like birds know how to fly and fish know how to swim, everyone is born knowing to stand up; it's an instinct."

Her voice deepened. "Because they know it's instinct, everyone will pursue that power without hesitation. I think the reason Ichigo had no doubts was because of that instinct. He instinctively believed he possessed that power. Therefore, I believe he can achieve Bankai."

Renji Abarai fell silent. He looked at Ichigo Kurosaki, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.

After a while, he stood up. "Okay, I'm leaving then."

Just then, Liu Ziyun turned back. He looked at Renji Abarai, his tone tinged with helplessness. "What's the rush? Go to the Hot Springs to recover your Reiatsu and stamina."

Renji Abarai panicked. "Time is running out! I need to go back and prepare!"

Liu Ziyun his hand. "What difference does it make where you prepare? Once you've recovered, I'll leave with you. The rest is up to Ichigo."

Renji Abarai looked at him, finally nodded, and returned to the Hot Spring.

After recovering, Renji Abarai walked up to Ichigo Kurosaki and said, "Ichigo, I'm going now. You... good luck."

Ichigo Kurosaki didn't turn to look at him. He was still engaged in fierce combat with Zangetsu, all his attention focused on the battle. He simply nodded slightly to indicate that he understood.

Renji Abarai looked at him, a complex emotion welling up inside him. Then, he turned and followed Liu Ziyun out of the Underground Space.

The gate to the Underground Space slowly closed, leaving only Ichigo Kurosaki, Yoruichi Shihōin, and the ever-increasing number of Zangetsu entities.

As time passed, Zangetsu increased the difficulty of the training. One entity after another emerged from the void, surrounding Ichigo Kurosaki. They wielded Zanpakuto and launched attacks from all directions.

Ichigo Kurosaki was covered in blood, but there was no fear in his eyes. His sword trembled in his hand, but his heart was more resolute than ever before.

[Instinct... I believe I possess that power.]

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

When he opened his eyes again, they were filled with light.