1-2 Overcome Your Limits!

What's with the weird looking cutout?

It's Tenshintai, an important spiritual tool used by the Stealth Force.

It's specifically designed to draw out the Zanpakuto and manifest its true form.

Huh? I don't get what you're saying. How's that supposed to help me complete my Bankai training?

The Shikai must establish a dialogue and a harmony with the Zanpakuto.

The manifestation and submission of the Zanpakuto is necessary for Bankai.

Manifestation refers to summoning the Zanpakuto into our world.

Normally, it requires several years of training to do this.

But you, even though it ended in a draw, you fought on equal footing with Kenpachi Zaraki. So, as unlikely as it might seem, it appears you've actually reached manifestation, or a comparable level, already.

If you stab this with Zangetsu, it can forcibly bring it into the manifested state. In other words, we can bring the Zanpakuto into this world.

Huh?!

However, with this method, the manifestation is limited to three days.

During that time, you must defeat the manifested Zangetsu and force him into submission.

If you're unable to do that...

You don't have to go into the details.

If you're saying there's no other way it can be done, then I've got to do it!

It seems you've recovered quite nicely, Ichigo.

So, it's you.

I take it you heard our conversation.

Of course.

Then I'll leave the method of fighting up to you. I assume that you can start right away.

Of course.

Wh-What the heck did he just do?!

Somewhere amongst these swords, there is one that is the true me.

That is the only one that can defeat me. The others are useless.

If you wish to force me into submission, you'll have to find a way to locate it before I can kill you.

And then, try to defeat me... if you can.

Stand up, Ichigo.

Urgh...

Stop stalling. How much time do you plan on wasting?

Never mind. If he hasn't the strength to stand on his own...

...then I'll just grab his scrawny neck and drag him to his feet!

No... Wait!