Believing that White Ichigo had actually killed Yhwach, the Shinigami were all elated.
Of course, Kyoraku Shunsui wasn't blindly optimistic, but spoke objectively: "However, killing Yhwach is only the most optimistic scenario."
"It's still unknown whether Yhwach truly exists within Kurosaki Ichigo's body."
"In fact, it doesn't seem very realistic to say his true self is inside Kurosaki Ichigo..."
"But it's possible that part of his soul was damaged."
Captain Yamamoto nodded: "As long as we can weaken some of Yhwach's strength, that's already beneficial enough."
Kurotsuchi Mayuri delivered a sobering statement: "Don't be overly optimistic."
"Although Yhwach is problematic, how simple can this Hollow that supposedly devoured Yhwach be?"
"This truly validates what the Three Realms Projection declared—it can indeed be called the most powerful Hollow!"
Mayuri's words hit the mark. Even if the threat of Yhwach was eliminated, this White Hollow couldn't be ignored!
Captain Yamamoto frowned: "If he can devour Yhwach, wouldn't he possess the power of Shinigami, Hollow, and Quincy combined?"
The Shinigami shuddered at the thought! Such a mixture of three species... too terrifying!
These Shinigami didn't know the truth about the power within Kurosaki Ichigo. But to some extent, it was accurate. The Kurosaki Ichigo they were facing was indeed a mixture of multiple species. The power he'd display in the future would exceed their imagination!
Ukitake Jushiro raised another question: "However, can the Yhwach we're thinking of actually provide Quincy power?"
"In fact, so far, we haven't seen Kurosaki Ichigo display any Quincy abilities. We've mainly witnessed Shinigami power or Hollow power."
"If Quincy power truly appeared, we definitely wouldn't miss it, right?"
For such a complex question, the Shinigami could only offer various contradictory opinions.
Perhaps the so-called Yhwach power was still dormant... or Yhwach had been devoured by White at some point, so it would no longer manifest...
Or maybe Yhwach couldn't immediately grant Kurosaki Ichigo Quincy power, and Ichigo couldn't adapt to it yet, so Yhwach had to disguise himself as a Zanpakutō spirit...
For the moment, the Shinigami held divergent views.
While everyone debated, the battle between Kurosaki Ichigo and White Ichigo was intensifying.
Kurosaki Ichigo acted like a broken record, constantly asking White Ichigo where he'd hidden Old Man Zangetsu.
White Ichigo on the other side was equally repetitive, roaring impatiently: "How many times must I repeat that I AM Zangetsu!"
However, Kurosaki Ichigo's expression clearly showed disbelief!
White Ichigo could only continue explaining earnestly: "Ichigo! Zangetsu and I are one. I am the spiritual power within your body."
"Zangetsu is also part of me."
"We're just different aspects of the same being."
"Like a person! When alive, you're a body—when dead, you become a corpse."
"If my power increases, I'll be able to control this Zangetsu."
"Whoever can dominate within the body will have their form emerge!"
"As long as I can make you use Zangetsu continuously, then your soul will be controlled by me continuously!"
The truth spoken by the honest White Ichigo completely stunned both Kurosaki Ichigo and countless viewers.
What the hell? How could this guy actually be Zangetsu? This seemed impossible! No matter how you looked at it, he appeared to be a bloodthirsty, violent Hollow.
How could he be Zangetsu, the spirit of Kurosaki Ichigo's Zanpakutō!?
The Shinigami, who understood Zanpakutō very well, were all confused. As a Hollow, White should be fundamentally opposed to Shinigami identity!? He definitely wouldn't want any connection to Shinigami power!?
Even if he used a Shinigami's Zanpakutō, he wouldn't claim his essence was Shinigami power!? So why did White say this?
Kurosaki Ichigo naturally didn't want to believe it.
[Kurosaki Ichigo]: He's lying! Can you hear me, you bastard? Can you see this broadcast? I won't believe your nonsense!
Of course, White Ichigo and Kurosaki Ichigo were essentially the same person, so how could they speak in the chat group?
The Shinigami also complained frantically in private:
"Why do all these guys want to masquerade as Ichigo Kurosaki's Zanpakutō...?"
"This Yhwach is clearly connected to the Quincy. It's impossible for him to be the spirit of Zanpakutō Zangetsu."
"And this white guy who's obviously a Hollow shouldn't be one either!?"
After Zaraki Kenpachi vowed to understand his own Zanpakutō, he became increasingly concerned about Kurosaki Ichigo's inner world. He also noticed many inconsistencies.
"So where is Kurosaki Ichigo's real Zanpakutō spirit?"
Kusajishi Yachiru also had many theories and said cutely: "Wow! Was the real Zangetsu devoured by those two?"
"Or was it hidden by these two guys?"
"They both want to possess Kurosaki Ichigo, so they temporarily united to drive away his real Zanpakutō spirit first?"
It truly took a Zanpakutō to understand a Zanpakutō... Yachiru and Kenpachi's words made the Shinigami fall into deep thought.
Was this really the case? Then this Yhwach was truly a devious old man. The Quincy King actually wanted to deceive poor Kurosaki Ichigo?
For a while, debates about Kurosaki Ichigo's power continued one after another. If they kept watching, these Shinigami would probably be completely confused.
On the other side, in Hueco Mundo, even Aizen—who was closer to the truth—felt somewhat puzzled.
Although he knew the specific source of Hollow power in Kurosaki Ichigo's body came from his mother, Kurosaki Masaki—that his mother had been corrupted by a powerful experimental creation of his, White Hollow.
If this White Ichigo was truly Kurosaki Ichigo's Hollow power, why was he so obsessed with pretending to be a Zanpakutō? Could he also have some unknown purpose?
Ichimaru Gin continued squinting like a fox, asking with doubt: "Captain Aizen, do you fully understand the current situation?"
"Although you created this White, it exceeded your control later, right?"
"It doesn't seem reasonable to simply regard him as this White Ichigo."
Aizen smiled and nodded: "Indeed. To be honest, when White self-destructed on Kurosaki Masaki, it exceeded my expectations."
"So it's normal that we can't understand this White Ichigo at the moment..."
"Could it be that, as a Hollow, he believes he can gain Ichigo Kurosaki's trust by disguising himself as a Zanpakutō?"
"This White is truly too clever. He's worthy of being the strongest Hollow I worked so hard to create."
"What an actor!"
As he spoke, Aizen looked at Ichimaru Gin with a seemingly meaningful gaze. Gin appeared slightly uncomfortable, simply shrugging to indicate his confusion. His gaze also shifted aside.
Then Aizen continued watching Ichigo on screen, his smile growing deeper.
Could Kurosaki Ichigo finally defeat this Hollow? Who would control his body in the future? Would the tug-of-war between Ichigo and the Hollow continue for a lifetime?
Aizen was becoming increasingly curious and anticipatory about Ichigo's future.
In fact, if White Ichigo knew what these people thought, he would definitely cry out his innocence!
I really did this for Ichigo's own good! I am the real Zangetsu, right? Why won't you believe it?
This truly wasn't the fault of the Shinigami and Kurosaki Ichigo. The main issue was that White Ichigo's previous misleading had been too severe! He repeatedly expressed intentions to devour Kurosaki Ichigo and replace him.
And his laughter and tone were so sinister—he didn't look like a good person at all... If he was the embodiment of Kurosaki Ichigo's Zanpakutō Zangetsu, he definitely wouldn't harm Ichigo!
So no matter how you considered him, he seemed villainous. Therefore, countless audience analyses missed this correct answer.
In reality, White Ichigo was indeed the real Zangetsu. In essence, he was actually a combination of Shinigami and Hollow power, so he was also part of Kurosaki Ichigo's Zangetsu. Simultaneously, he possessed Hollow power.
If he'd behaved more normally and treated Kurosaki Ichigo better, there wouldn't have been so many misunderstandings later.
Kurosaki Ichigo had been tortured by various riddlers his entire life—no wonder he always collapsed so easily!
At this moment, the scene continued playing!
Kurosaki Ichigo remained obsessed with Old Man Zangetsu. After hearing White Ichigo's explanation, he said stubbornly: "In that case, I just need to kill you, and Old Man Zangetsu can reclaim dominance and reappear in my spiritual power center, right?!"
White Ichigo was furious hearing this! Why was Kurosaki Ichigo always obsessed with that thick-browed uncle? Why couldn't he believe that White was the real Zangetsu?
He was genuinely jealous! Didn't anyone believe what an honest person said? He looked so much like Kurosaki Ichigo, yet still couldn't gain his trust.
White Ichigo sneered: "Ichigo... you? There's absolutely no way you can defeat me."
Though suppressed by White Ichigo, Kurosaki Ichigo's momentum couldn't be lost: "Is that so... Take a look at this move first!"
To prove himself, Kurosaki Ichigo directly used Bankai. He didn't believe it! This was a secret technique given to him by Old Man Zangetsu—only he could use Bankai! Even with his Bankai, he couldn't beat a fake Shikai?
Unfortunately, to his great surprise, White Ichigo performed exactly the same moves.
"Didn't I tell you that you can't beat me!?"
White Ichigo glared arrogantly, gripping his blade with both hands! The tip pointed forward!
Both posed together, holding their massive swords, and shouted in unison: "Bankai!"
BUZZ!!!
Both sides activated Bankai simultaneously, their power suddenly soaring.
White Ichigo's form was almost identical to Kurosaki Ichigo's, except the colors had changed to white, and he held a small white Tensa Zangetsu.
One white, one black—as if good and evil formed a sharp contrast!
This shocked Kurosaki Ichigo again! This guy could actually copy techniques? He must have spied on his training with Old Man Zangetsu! He truly was a sinister character with malicious intentions!
During battle, Kurosaki Ichigo remained defiant, asking: "You bastard, when did you learn Bankai!?"
White Ichigo replied proudly: "Of course we learned it at the same time!"
How dare this kid Kurosaki Ichigo question his strength? He must be severely punished! Your Master White is still your Master White!
After witnessing this scene, the audience was naturally even more shocked.
It was surprising enough that a Hollow used Zangetsu, and now he could use Bankai like Kurosaki Ichigo. This was outrageous!
Although Arrancar could also use Shinigami power, it was called Resurrección, not Bankai! Was White really a being with Shinigami power?
Who would believe a Hollow could use Bankai?
In the projection, the battle intensified.
Under White Ichigo's attacks, Kurosaki Ichigo's clothing became increasingly damaged, meaning his spiritual power was being consumed more and more.
When Kurosaki Ichigo used Getsuga Tenshō, White Ichigo expressed dissatisfaction and taught him the correct way to use it. He rushed directly in front of Ichigo and released Getsuga Tenshō at point-blank range!
BOOM!—————
This sent Kurosaki Ichigo flying, covered in wounds!
This was the proper way to use Getsuga Tenshō!
White Ichigo became even more proud and disgusted: "Ichigo! You're such a weakling! Have you forgotten?"
"I was the first to use Getsuga Tenshō in Bankai state."
He was referring to when he helped fight against Byakuya.
"You're just following and imitating me, and you're not even good at it."
Afterward, White Ichigo grabbed Kurosaki Ichigo's Zanpakutō and turned it white. It kept dissolving under White Ichigo's control!
Seeing this, Kurosaki Ichigo despaired even more: "My Zangetsu..."
Kurosaki Ichigo had completely lost his fighting spirit! White Ichigo was such a powerful enemy! He knew all the moves Ichigo knew! He had all the weapons Ichigo possessed! He was even better at using them!
What was the point of this!?
Seeing Kurosaki Ichigo lose his fighting spirit, White Ichigo felt somewhat dissatisfied: "What do you mean 'your Zangetsu'... Didn't I tell you? I AM Zangetsu!"
He used his favorite headbutt finisher! He knocked the weaponless Kurosaki Ichigo far away, crashing into a building.
BANG!!!
White Ichigo was disgusted with Kurosaki Ichigo. Hmph! Ichigo wasn't only a fool but also a coward!
To wake up Kurosaki Ichigo, White Ichigo began spinning his sword and staring at him with imposing presence. He explained his theory of king and mount to Ichigo with every word:
"Ichigo! Do you know the difference between a king and a mount?"
"I'm not asking about the difference between a human and a horse, or between two legs and four legs, or some childish riddle like that..."
"If two people look exactly the same, with identical abilities and attitudes, who will be the dominant one between them?"
"During battle, who will act as the king to command, and who will serve as the auxiliary mount to increase combat power?"
"What is the difference between the two?"
Seeing that Ichigo had lost his fighting spirit, White Ichigo—disappointed with him—began teaching him harshly! He didn't want Ichigo to remain as weak as he was now, losing his fighting spirit like this.
He hoped to awaken his fighting instinct.
After a pause, White Ichigo declared loudly: "There is only one answer..."
"It's instinct!"
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