Protector and The Hornet

A Offer

Ichigo reclined under a tree in the forest below Sokyoku hill. Recovery at the fourth division had been a rough ordeal for him with squad eleven around.

He was glad that he could finally have a peaceful summer. His friends had decided to stay in the soul society for a few weeks. They didn't have anything better to do when they got back, seeing as how they had all finished their summer projects early.

He heard a rustle of leaves in the trees before a figure dropped to the ground in front of him.

He sat up and looked at the figure carefully before registering who she was.

"Suì-Fēng?" He was confused as to why the 2nd division captain would pay him a visit.

"It's captain Suì-Fēng to you Ryoka. I've been meaning to speak with you for a while."

"Why?"

"For starters, I want to know how you were able to defeat Byakuya Kuchiki. He was one of the strongest captains of the 13 squads. How could you defeat him?"

"I used my Bankai."

Suì-Fēng raised an eyebrow. "As if you could know Bankai. I'll bet it was nothing more than luck."

Ichigo stood up with a smug look on his face. "Want me to prove it?"

The moment he finished that sentence, Ichigo was sent flying by a roundhouse kick to the face.

Suì-Fēng stood over him with a smirk. "You're not used to hand to hand combat are you Ryoka?"

Growling, Ichigo stood up and dusted himself off. "What the fu-"

He was sent flying again by another kick.

"Show it to me Ryoka. Show me this Bankai of yours…if it even exists."

Ichigo drew Zangetsu and prepared for battle. "If you wanted to fight you could've just asked. But I'm not using my Bankai unless I need to."

"Your zanpakuto is always in its shikai form. I doubt someone with that lack of control could even hope to attain Bankai. Care to prove me wrong."

Ichigo charged forward and started swinging at Suì-Fēng. The captain was easily able to evade his cumbersome blade and countered with a few punches that caused Ichigo to double over.

Ichigo used Zangetsu to support himself as he straightened himself out. "Is that all you got?"

"You're more stubborn than I thought Ryoka. I guess I'll turn up the heat to coax out this so-called Bankai of yours. Sting Suzumebache!"

The katana she had shrank to a stinger-like blade that fit onto her finger.

Ichigo smirked, "what are you going to do with that tiny thing?"

Suì-Fēng grinned at his ignorance. "You'll see soon enough Ryoka."

Ichigo leapt at Suì-Fēng and swung at her with Zangetsu. Soi Fong easily dodged that attack and stung Ichigo's shoulder, placing a butterfly mark on it.

Ichigo examined his shoulder with a shocked expression. "What the?"

"That's Suzumebache's power. If I can sting you there again, you'll die for sure."