Devilish Gaming: Ch.30

“Chad, you're wasting time here. Do you know Sosuke Aizen or not?” Yoruichi asked with a frown and Chad took deep breaths while flaring his own Reiatsu as he looked at her and slowly shook his head.

“I don't.”

“Then how are you able to replicate the abilities of Hollows?”

“I have a Hollow inside of me as a result of something that happened to me while my mother was still pregnant.”

“Is this something common with this other group you've been hanging out with?” Yoruichi asked, her eyes narrowing as Chad nodded before the teen in turn frowned as the cat let out a soft sigh and nodded.

“Apologies for the harsh questioning, but I just needed to make sure you weren't in cahoots with the man that was the cause for Urahara, Tessai and I being exiled a century ago.”

“I understand. If I can ask, who is this Sosuke Aizen?” Chad asked and Yoruichi sighed as she she sat down and shook her head.

“He's a Shinigami and a Captain of the Gotei 13's Squad 5. At least, he was before he along with the captains of Squad 3 and 9 declared war upon the Gotei 13 and the Soul Society right after the battles ended.”

“And how did you think I know him?”

“Aizen got his hands on a certain object and this object…allows him to give a Shinigami the powers of a Hollow or a Hollow the powers of a Shinigami.”

“In other words, you believed that I met this Aizen and he's the one that gave me my abilities.” Chad finished and Yoruichi nodded in agreement as she laid down.

“Considering we have heard rumours of these Fullbringers but no way to determine whether their powers were given by him or not, Urahara suspected that Aizen had something to do with it, but now you've just told us how it happened. That is unless you were lying.”

“I was not.” Chad spoke with a nod and Yoruichi simply hummed before she stood up and nodded.

“Good. Then I apologize once again for my harsh questioning. We'll be leaving in two days for the human world.”

“Got it.” Chad nodded and the cat smirked as she leapt out of the window, the teen smirking as both her name and her spiritual energy simpy vanished from his sensing abilities.

'It's a good thing she didn't ask about these.' Chad thought with a hum as he lifted his shirt, staring down at the numerous tribal vines running around his upper body that were throbbing and pulsating with spiritual energy under his skin.

He had seen her looking at the ones that were visible on his arms, but she seemed to have more important things on her mind which is also most likely why she didn't want to ask about them.

“Diablo, are these because of the healing?”

“Yep. You went overboard with just tanking those blows and it's a miracle your arms aren't that of a Hollow's right now.”

“Will they be visible in my human form?” Chad asked before letting out a relieved sigh at Diablo's answer.

“For an hour or so when you get back into your human body. After that, the tattoos will vanish but they will now always be visible on your spiritual body. Remember that I warned you that the more you use your powers, the more your body will adapt to survive.”

“I see.” Chad muttered as he dropped his shirt, laying back down while taking a deep breath.

“One thing I will add, though. While you were asleep, we were in close proximity to that Aizen guy thanks to that Lieutenant helping us up onto the hill and he had this little spherical orb he called the Hogyoku. That seemed to resonate with the system and your body, which is why your skills shot up in rank.”

“Could that also be why Yoruichi questioned me?” Chad asked and Diablow hummed before responding.

“Definitely. You'll have to keep an eye out for any changes that would occur in the coming days.”

“Do you think there are going to be any?”

“Most likely, not, but you just need to keep an eye out.”

“You know, you're really supportive right now.” Chad spoke with a smirk and chuckled as Diablo huffed.

“Simply because I can't have you dying before I kill you myself.”

“Sure.”

“Before I go, if you want, you did learn a new skill.” Diablo spoke and Chad blinked as he activated his Status screen once again, looking through it only to raise an eyebrow as he didn't see one whatsoever.

“What skill? It's not here.”

“Because you yourself have not activated it. Just gather the energy you would use to activate your Fullbring and then claw across your face.” Chad frowned at the explanation from his Hollow before shaking his head as he lifted his hand towards his face.

The corrosive Hollow Reiryoku flowed to his hand like nothing and covered it in a potent dark red aura, the teen raising his hand towards his forehead before clawing down.

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New Skill has been acquired: Hollowfication (Novice)!

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“What?” Chad spoke and his eyes widened as his voice sounded like a mixture between his and Diablo's, sitting up and looking in the small mirror to his right only to be surprised by what he saw.

Instead of his usual tanned face, he found himself staring at the pale white mask, three claw-like markings scratched over his left eye and blood red markings drawn around the mouth to look like blood as his left horn was a deep black with magenta markings while his right horn was a snow white with scarlet red markings.

It was not just the mask as he stared at his Reiatsu exuding from his body, surprised to find it being almost twice as potent as it was earlier on top of having this eerie and unsettling aura to it.

“Diablo, what is this?”

“Like the screen, it's Hollowfication. You essentially remove the barrier dividing your human Reiryoku from my Hollow Reiryoku for a limited time and thus, our powers fuse together. However, like I said…” As Diablo trailed off, Chad frowned as he felt his energy diminishing instantly while watching the mask crack and shatter.

“It's only for a limited time. For now, that limit is ten seconds, but the longer you train, the more you get used to it.”

“So, if I can get it to Intermediate, it's going to be 2 seconds?”

“Try a minute. The time limit increases exponentially so at Adept, it's going to be about two minutes. Then, four and so on. Another thing is that while the power is dependant upon both of ours, the time limit can keep increasing even if you do reach a Master Rank in it.”

“…Well, that's…great.” Chad couldn't even find the words as he heard and Diablo chuckled before he spoke.

“Exactly. For now, though, you need to rest. I can't have you destroying my body before I can get a chance to kill you.”

“Of course, that's what you're concerned about.” Chad spoke and felt Diablo's presence fading, shaking his head as he laid back down before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

After all, he's still a bit injured so a bit of sleep was needed.

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A knock on his door made Chad turn as he finished putting on the new clothes that Uryu had made for him, adjusting the black tank top and his white pants before speaking.

“It's open.” The door opened and Chad hid his surprise as best as he could when he watched the lieutenant he had fought walking in, the Shinigami raising an eyebrow and humming as he saw Chad standing.

“I had visited earlier, but your friends told me that you were still asleep.”

“I guess our battle left me more exhausted than I expected, though I don't see that's the same case for you.” Chad spoke and the man smirked slightly before gesturing towards one of the two chairs at the foot of the hospital bed.

“May I?”

“Be my guest.” Chad nodded as he took the other chair, sitting down and watching as the Shinigami sat down before the two stared at each other in silence.

“…You two just going to sit and stare at each other or what?”

“What exactly am I suppose to talk about?” Chad asked and Diablo snorted before the boy blinked as he heard the Shinigami speak.

“During our battle, I couldn't help but notice that your power is unlike that of the regular ryoka I've had to battle. It carries the corrosive essence of a Hollow and yet, it seems as if you are in control of it.”

“It's a trait I've had since I started helping Ichigo take care of the Hollows in Karakura Town. I've learned that unlike a Hollow's energy, mine also helps purify the energy of Pluses like that of a Shinigami's Konso ritual.”

“I see. It is quite the incredible power then, but you should be aware. If that is the case, your power will draw attention from certain individuals that wish to have it under their control.”

“You mean this Aizen guy everyone is telling me about?” Chad asked and Chojiro frowned slightly as he nodded.

“Indeed. Captain Aizen was seen as one of our stronger fighters, but if what he has shown us is only a fraction of his powers, I fear that only the Captain Commander and perhaps one of our older captains are going to be a match for him.”

'I see. Well, then I guess I need to keep an eye out for any mysterious characters that want to search for me.'

“Also, if I may tell you one thing before I forget.” Chojiro began as he stood up, Chad doing the same before the teen's eyes widened as the Shinigami have a small smile.

“The Captain-Commander is aware of you and he does not waste time acknowledging those who have potential.”

“What?”

“That said, potential is meaningless without control and direction. If you truly wish to be seen as something more than a threat, you must prove that your power is more than just a weapon.” Chojiro spoke and Chad looked at me before a smirk spread across his face as he nodded.

“I am more than a weapon, Mr. Sasakibe. I am the guardian that protects my friends from the darkness and makes sure they can flourish.”

“…Then let us hope that your strength is enough to help us protect the innocent from the darkness.” With that said, Chojiro gave a nod before he left the room, Chad watching him leave before looking down at the tattoos on his arms.

'The power that repels the darkness and illuminates the unknown, huh?'

“If that's what you're aiming for, then you have a lot more ahead of you.” Diablo spoke and Chad frowned as he nodded.

This…this was only just the beginning.

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“Hey, Chad!” Ichigo spoke up as the tall teen walked out of the 4th Division's building, looking over to the side to see Ichigo and Orihime walking towards him.

“Hi, Sado! Is it okay for you to leave?” Orihime asked with a frown and Chad smiled as he nodded while pulling his hands in his pockets.

“The captain in charge said that I had a clean bill of health as long as I take it easy.”

“Cool. Wanna come hang out with us, Tatsuki and Rukia?”

“What about Uryu?” He asked even as he followed the two and Ichigo rolled his eyes as Orihime gave a sheepish giggle.

“We tried inviting him, but he said that he was going to be hanging out with a Chojiro guy since that was the only Shinigami he could tolerate.”

“That's the old guy you fought, right?” Ichigo asked, humming as Chad nodded while looking at his friend.

“Did you manage to win your fight against Rukia's brother?”

“Eh, he said I won, but it's more of a draw. What about you?”

“It was a loss.” Chad spoke bluntly and Ichigo couldn't help his chuckle as Orihime gave her friend a sympathetic pat on the back.

“It's okay, Sado. Your first loss always hits the hardest.”

“Eh, if you're counting your loss against me, then this would technically be your second loss, but if not, it is your first.” Diablo chimed in and Chad simply hummed at both his Hollow's and Orihime's words before blinking as he looked to Ichigo.

“With that said, why are you two walking alone? On a date or something?”

“W-What?!/ W-W-W-W-W-W-Wha…What?!” Ichigo and Orihime squeaked respectively, the latter looking as if she was about to faint while the former was as red as his namesake.

“N-No, we're not! W-We're simply two friends that were concerned about another friend, right Hime?”

“U-U-Um, r-right!” Orihime nodded and Chad just rose an eyebrow as he heard the ever-so-present hesitance in her voice before shrugging.

“Just saying. Tatsuki would usually accompany you two and since she's not here, it looked like you two were on a date.”

“W-We're not…I think?” Orihime sounded unsure as she looked at Ichigo, who blinked before shaking his head as Chad smirked.

“Sounds like one of you want it to be a date.”

“Chad, you're seeing stuff. This is like me asking when you and Riruka are going to start going out more.”

“I don't know. I want to ask her out, but now's not the right time.” Chad spoke with a frown before looking at his friends to see both of them standing still with shocked looks on their faces.

'…That wasn't in my head, was it?'

“Hahahahahah~!!! Ahahahaha!” Diablo's laughter was all he needed for an answer and the teen readied himself as Orihime squealed before rushing over.

“You like Riruka?!”

“You wanna ruin best friend Karaoke days?!” Ichigo was more upset for a different reason and Chad just looked at them before turning and continued walking.

“Oi, traitor! You get back here and you explain this betrayal!”

“Ooh~!! Riruka is going to be so excited!”

'Why did I have to open my mouth?'

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“Chad! You woke up?” Rukia asked with a smile as she hopped up from the porch she was sitting on, Tatsuki standing up as well as Chad nodded while ignoring Orihime poking at his arm.

“Uh, did you take something from Hime?”

“Worse, he's keeping something secret and he won't tell us.”

“What secret is that?”

“That he's going to-!”

“Ichigo, say something and I'll start talking about you and a certain someone again.” Chad cut in before Ichigo could finish and his best friend glared at him while Rukia and Tatsuki smirked at Orihime's blush.

“Ooh~ Do tell.”

“As long as Ichigo doesn't, then I won't.”

“Urgh~ Fine, but I still want a reason.”

“You'll have to wait until we get to the Human Realm.” Chad answered with a smirk as he sat down, Ichigo rolling his eyes as he sat down besides the teen while Orihime squeaked as Rukia and Tatsuki dragged her off to the side.

“Think they're going to…?”

“Orihime breaks the easiest out of us three, so that would be a yes.” Chad nodded and Ichigo sighed before shaking his head and leaning back on his hands.

“…You really like her enough to ask her out?”

“That depends. You really like her?” Chad asked and Ichigo snorted as he nodded.

“You know I do, but with what's happening…”

“You don't feel like it's the right time? Same here, but I'd rather just do it instead of wasting time thinking about what could have been.”

“Well said, young Sado.” A new voice spoke up from behind them and both Chad and Ichigo blinked as they turned right as the new addition sat down behind them.

His white hair fell down like a curtain behind him and despite the potent aura coming from him, the comforting energy radiating from his Reiatsu and the warm smile on his face made the two boys relax their guard as Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

“You're Rukia's captain, right? Ukikake or something like that.”

“Hahaha! Ukitake. Jushiro Ukitake at your service and from the way you mispronounced my name, you must be Ichigo Kurosaki, yes?”

“I am, but how do you know my name?”

“Considering you invaded our city, it would be rude of me not to.” Ukitake spoke with a chuckle and Ichigo just hummed before the white-haired man turned his gaze to Chad.

“As for how I knew your name, it's quite simple after Rukia's description and I must say she was not exaggerating when she said you're nearly as tall as Captains Zaraki.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Ukitake.” Chad spoke with a bow of his head and Ukitake returned it with a smile before looking at Ichigo as the teen spoke up.

“So, what does a guy like you want with guys like us?”

“I simply wished to thank the warriors that could do what I could not. Thank you for saving my subordinates. I wish I could have done so, but unfortunately, my illness did not give m-Urgh! Orgh! Orgh!”

“Whoa, you okay?” Ichigo asked as both he and Chad rushed over to the captain only to stop as the man shook his head with a chuckle while taking out a handkerchief to wipe off the blood at the corner of his lips.

“I-I thank you for the concern, but I am quite alright. It's just that I am pushing myself to come here and thank you both.”

“W-Well, you didn't have to, right Chad?” Ichigo said and the tall teen nodded as they both sat back down.

“If you're pushing yourself, you need to get some rest.”

“I…am quite alright. Besides, a few hours of simply chatting with the friends of my subordinate would do me some good.”

“Maybe we can get our friend to look at your sickness. She's a pretty good healer.” Ichigo spoke and the man looked at him before shaking his head.

“Thank you, but numerous healers have tried and failed to provide a cure for my disease.”

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Name: Jushiro Ukitake

Age: ???

Race: Soul(Shinigami/ !*%#^)

Reiryoku Levels: Ime-!

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

IF YOU WISH TO LIVE, CEASE YOUR GAZE INTO MY SOUL

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Chad's eyes widened as he quickly deactivated Pesquisa, watching as the warning vanished immediately while watching as Ukitake frowned.

“You can see it, can't you?”

“See what?” Ichigo asked with a frown, feeling left out as Chad took a deep breath and nodded.

“I was only warned.”

“Hmm, a word of advice, young Sado. If you gaze too long into the abyss, it will soon look back and when that happens, it won't be long before the abyss seeks your soul.”

“I…I thank you for the advice.” Chad spoke and Ukitake smiled as he nodded.

“It is simply the words of one friend to another.”

“Okay, what the hell is going on here?!” Ichigo spoke with his frown having deepened and Ukitake chuckled as Chad smirked.

“Nothing to be concerned about.” Chad answered and Ichigo looked at him before shaking his head.

“Fine, keep your secrets. I won't tell you about the secret karaoke bar I heard about in the shopping district.”

“Wait, here?” Chad asked and Ichigo gave a smug smile as he nodded before turning to Ukitake as the man spoke up.

“If you wish, I can perhaps show you in exchange if you would join me for a song or two?” The two boys looked at the man and then at each other before turning back to the white-haired man with matching smirks.

“Where?”

A/N: This one is also a shorter chapter as I have a meeting in ten minutes so I decided to just upload it and make sure it is done.

Anyway, Chad and the others are bonding and next chapter, we return to the Human Realm where the next arc is starting, i.e. the Bounts~!!

Don't worry, this is going to be a three chapter arc at least and five chapters at most, but it is going to be important for the following Arrancar Arc as I'm going to be doing some canon manipulation here… hehe~

But enough for that. You'll have to wait until next week to see.

As always, read, enjoy, review and until the next one…

Ba-Bye~!!