Random ideas topic
Yumichika: If he achieves bankai, it's possible that the true nature of his zanpakuto might get exposed especially since it's likely that this training will be observed to try and avoid casaulties. The fallout of this could lead to him getting ostracised from his divison and perhaps result in a different divison taking him in since he
is powerful. Alternatively, the tops dogs of the 11th probably won't give a shit and anyone who causes problems would just get beaten up. This way Yumichika doesn't have to weaken himself like a moron and actually be useful in the upcoming war.
Rukia: The training would be good for her personality since she has a few issues that really seem to hinder her progress, imo. Even if she doesn't achieve it through this method, it could have a positive effect which could result in changes in the future (notable her Espada confrontation). It's possible that this training would help more shinigami get on the right track for developing the zanpakuto in the first place.
Zaraki: It's iffy whether he would actually achieve bankai or not since he's so lacking when it comes to zanpakuto stuff. His zanpakuto spirit is probably gonna be far more violent and aggressive due to the suffering its undergone thanks to Zaraki. At most, I think this would at least result in them coming to an accord and Zaraki finally learning his zanpakuto's name after it kicks his ass. That alone would be a big boost to his reiatsu and have him able to use whatever his zanpakuto's ability is.
Or it could go the Yachiru route for a WTF moment. Either way I'd make his zanpakuto a woman. :snigger:
Hisagi: Based on his comments about his shikai, it's likely that Kazeshini's potrayal in the zanpakuto arc is probably quite accurate. I think Hisagi could grow here in a similar way to how Ichigo did when confronting his inner hollow, with him learning and accepting his true nature. I think it'd be a good sign of him choosing his own way instead of following Tousen's piss-poor methology (imo) and having bankai could make him more significant in the eventual confrontation.
Hanatarou: Served as obvious character development for him and likely a big boost his confidence. I'm not sure how much canonical info we have about his zanpakuto so you'd probably have to rely on how it works in the anime. Which is pretty unique really makes him an ideal healer. Perhaps he's a part of the group sent to living world to act as a medic or maybe Unohana takes him under her wing as an apprentice.
Another potential could be Hinamori which could actually backfire horrible if she starts thinking that Aizen didn't take her because she was weak. Possibly Matsumoto if you wanted her to have a confrontation with Gin.
Well, that's depressing.
He would likely take Rukia's form and then try to eat the rest of her friends to increase his own power. Not sure how well that would work if everyone actually senses Rukia's reiatsu disappearing. He might go for various arrancar like the Privaron Espada depending on the timing. Could be interesting if he stays off the radar and eats the defeated arrancar, getting more abilities and power each time. Regardless, he's gonna get murdered by Ichigo in the end.
Orihime could be a factor here since she might be able to bring Rukia back. That actually relates to one of my own ideas where Ichigo finishes Grimmjow faster and they go to heal Rukia. Once that's done and they hear about the fight, Orihime could attempt to bring Kaien back properly using Aaroniero's frozen remains.
Ichigo and his sisters will probably be the start of a whole new race. The Hogyoku dissolves the barrier between Shinigami and Hollows <s>because fuck that wish-making bullshit</s> so it's possible that Ichigo is actually born without that barrier in the first place. He's be a natural born fusion of the two races so his development go in an entirely new direction. Whether or not that effects the events that take place between his birth and the start of canon would depend on the writer.
Potentially, Urahara and company could involve themselves in Ichigo's life at an earlier point. I wouldn't mind seeing Yoruichi taking Ichigo under her way at a young age like Stray Cat Strut. It could also effect the powers his friends develop too.
Urahara trolling Aizen is a definite possibility but it's strange how he didn't consider Isshin a candidate. It's possible that Aizen has limited knowledge on the Royal Guard (assuming Isshin was a part of them) so he wouldn't be aware of Isshin becoming human. It's interesting to consider what Aizen might do if we end up with a failed attempt to retrieve the Hogyoku from Rukia, assuming Urahara doesn't put a fake in there. Hell, it could even be a bomb or seal designed to take out Aizen which could put an end to him there on the hill.
Then we have a group of powerful arrancar chilling in Hueco Mundo. Maybe Tousen manages to make it back and attempt to take charge which would undoubtedly end up failure. Gin would be screwed unless he puts the finishing touches on Aizen. Anything could happen really.
The Hogyoku being a trap could be an interesting divergent point in itself.
Random ideas:
- During the SS arc, Chad makes a turn in the right direction and ends up meeting up with Ichigo and Ganju instead of heading towards Shunsui.
- After seeing Chad's torn-off arm, Ichigo returns the favour and proceeds to cut off Yammy's head before his reiatsu goes crazy.
