Sango POV

"The key to unlocking your Shikai's full potential is a deep understanding of your Zanpakuto's spirit." I said as I dodged (y/n)'s strikes, before parrying by striking his training sword with the tip of mine knocking it from his hands. "This is also the first step towards Bankai." I said placing my blade to his throat, "Who said I don't already have my Bankai?" he said, "If you had it, you'd have used it against the Waldenrike. It's not a bad thing you don't have one. My sister and I only just unlocked ours a few months ago." I said.

(y/n) POV

"Eclypse, Shoku." I said as my Shikai formed in my hands. I closed my eyes and began to meditate.

"Master, why are you here?" Akarui Shoku asked coldly as I turned to face her.

"Leave him alone. He is our master. We exist because of him..." Yami Shoku said as she turned me around, forcing me to face her.

"Don't  say it." I sighed, "So it's only fitting to call you daddy." She said, "This is why I don't do this." I said, "I will ask again. What. Do. You. Want." Akarui asked coldly, "I need to deepen our bond. I want to, no, I need to get stronger." I said, "Why?" they asked, "Is it to impress that cute captain of yours?" Yami asked, "Or is it to gain something you lack." Akarui said, "Maybe you wanna take over a squad? That could be fun." Yami said, "Or is it to kill someone you hate? I didn't think you had it in you." Akarui said, "I COULD HAVE SAVED THEM! I could have saved my squad!" I cried as I fell to my knees, "I was a damn coward and ran. I ran to Squad 11, but I was too late! If I had stayed and fought we could have won!" I snapped, "You are only one man." Yami said, "The only ones who speak like that are fools with a death wish." Akarui said placing a hand on my shoulder, "We have never held back our power from you, but you have restrained yourself. Overcome your self-imposed limits and you will have taken the first steps towards Bankai and unlocked the full potential of your Shikai." she said.

"I take it you got some kind of answer?" Sango said as I picked up a training sword. "I did." I said as she picked up her training sword. Then prove it." She stabbed at me, but I deflected and tried to counterattack, but she grabbed my wrist with her free hand. "Not bad. Keep training. I want to see how strong you can grow." she said as we separated.