5-1 The Power of the Visored

Ichigo! Ichigo!

It's time for breakfast! Let's eat... Huh?

He's not here! I don't know where he's gone!

What's all the fuss about?

We can't find Ichigo! Do you know where he might've gone, Rukia?

Ichigo is missing?

(I know...)

(It can't go on like this...)

Good job finding this place, Ichigo.

My, so serious. I wonder what that means. Wait, have you finally decided to join us? I'm sort of impressed you found our hideout.

I don't mean to put you down, but it is a surprise, considering how much you usually suck at detecting Spiritual Pressure.

The fact that you're here convinces me that you've finally decided to come over to our side. Am I right?

Bite me!

Huh?!

I have no intention of joining up with you people. I'm not that desperate, so don't kid yourself.

I'm here to use you, Shinji.

Oh, is that so?

I came here with one purpose in mind and I'm not leaving until I get it. I want you to teach me how to control the Hollow inside me. After that, I'm out of here.

You must think we're just a bunch of pushovers.

I'll make you teach me. I'll beat it out of you.

Shinji! Tap out!

Ichigo, let me tell you something. You've got the wrong idea about this.

Oh, is that right?

It's true we've been playing around with the idea of letting you become one of our comrades.

Problem is, it's not your choice. You're not the one who makes the decision.

What do you mean, "not my decision?"

It means the power to choose is entirely our choice.

The bottom line is, whether you want to join us or not is completely up to us.

We look at your power and after we determine your strength, we decide whether we want you or not. It's just that simple. End of discussion.

So stop coming in here and making empty threats. You don't have any choice in the matter. Do you understand?

If you're powerful, we'll let you join us and show you what it means to be a Visored. We'll even teach you how to control your Hollow.

But if it turns out you're weak, then you can forget it. We'll leave you to become a Hollow and eventually, you'll die a pathetic death.

Hmph...

Now you get the picture. Let your inner Hollow out. Let's see how powerful you are.

I won't do it.

You still don't understand, do you?

As I told you, it's not your choice!

Her inner Hollow!

If you're just too much of a wimp to Hollowfy, then it appears I'll have to go to Plan B.

One way or another, I'll get it. I'll drag your Hollow out, even if I have to end up...

...beating it out of you.

(Think...)

(How is she able to Hollowfy without losing her sanity? How can she just take her mask off and put it back on like that?)

(I have to pay more attention, watch her every move, find out how she does it. That's why I came here.)

(I refuse to let him control my soul... Never again!)

Rrrryaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Gh-ah!

Okay, that's enough.

Well, Hiyori? Are you satisfied?

You understand now, don't you, Ichigo?

Your Hollow can't be suppressed just by simply focusing your mind on stopping it, and it can't be stopped with your body either.

You pass.

We'll teach you control. You'll learn how to deal with that Hollow inside of you.