Zanpakuto: The Alternate Tale, Part 1, 4-1

(What am I gonna do?)

(I am too weak. Is this the end for me?)

(All this time... What have I been doing?)

He's beat. So what now?

Go ahead. Just finish him off.

(I kept boasting about becoming stronger, but all I did was move forward without actually thinking. Is that it?)

(What about Ichigo?)

(Ichigo has told me the only reason he fights is to protect others.)

(That's what makes him strong. But what about me? What do I have?)

(What do I fight for?)

Ahh!

You may have been right about me being weak. I had forgotten.

But my mindset's different now. I don't have the time to waste arguing about stupid things like that.

Stupid, you say?

Facing the two of you is what reminded me.

There is still someone that I must surpass in battle. That is why I have this goal to become even stronger!

And I know, in order to achieve that goal...

...I can't afford to lose! I must win!

Roar, Zabimaru!

I have had enough of this! Zanpakuto are supposed to be used by their masters. That's the way it is!

What did you just say?! What kind of arrogant garbage is that?

That's a pretty bold thing to say. I suppose that means you've finally found the will to take us on.

Oh, I have more than will. I'm going to destroy you with everything I've got!

Hmph. Don't get ahead of yourself, Renji.

If you think you can beat us with just the will to fight, you've got another thing coming.

Yeah! No matter what you try, we're still stronger!

Bankai!

Renji, you look surprised.

We are Zanpakuto, after all. Surely, you must have known we were capable of this.

Hikotsu Taiho!

Guh.

The game is over.

Our Bankai is nothing like the one you know. No matter what you do, your Shikai cannot match my Bankai.

(Damn it.)

(She's right. My Shikai can't hold up against their Bankai.)

(They're reading every one of my moves before I make them.)

(I guess it makes sense. After all, more than anyone, they know my usual pattern of attack.)

Don't bother trying to think your way out of this.

Of all your weaknesses, Renji, your lack of intelligence might just be the most pitiful one of all.

(My weakness...)

(It's worth a shot.)

Hado 31: Shakkaho!

Someone's getting creative. Too bad your level of Kido is so weak.

Shakkaho!

What are you doing?! Your Kido is dangerous to everyone, including you!

Shakkaho!

Oh, please!

Higazekko!

What?!

It's true, I may have some weaknesses.

But as long as I continue to strive for greatness, I think I'll become stronger.

No, I know I will.

Well, isn't he full of himself?

That last hit kinda stung, didn't it, Snake?

You're actually pretty good, Renji.

You guys.

We came to our senses.

It's time we ended this ridiculous rebellion.