This one shot was inspired by Marcus the Kane's most recent story.
In Karakura Town, Ichigo was walking the streets after an encounter with a group of strange heroes known as the Hero Coalition as their words still echoed through his mind.
"Piece won't be achieved as long as there's evil." Ichigo repeated to himself as he dialed a number. "I need to talk this over."
His phone rang for a bit before someone answered. "Hello?" a familiar voice asked.
"Hey, Aelita. How's it going?" Ichigo asked.
"Oh, Ichigo! Its been awhile." Aelita said. "Things are going fine. Though some of the people here are playing in a tournament right now."
"I know. I saw Sunset's match on TV. Listen...I gotta talk to you about something." Ichigo said as he explained what happened with the group.
"I see. So you're considering whether or not you should leave and join them." Aelita said.
"Yeah. So, what would Jexi say...if he knew about this?" Ichigo asked.
"Well, its not really my place to say...but I would think he would want you to do what you think its best." Aelita said.
"I thought so. Thanks again." Ichigo said.
"Okay, just don't be stranger. We're all still friends." Aelita said as they hung up.
Ichigo sighed as he headed on home where Orihime stood there waiting him. "Welcome home darling." she said.
"Hey. So, is he asleep?" Ichigo asked.
"Yeah, I just put him down for a nap a few minutes ago." Orihime said.
"Orihime...can I ask you a question?" Ichigo asked. "If I were to leave to join somewhere...how exactly would you feel?"
"You mean like how you disappeared to that strange warlike world?" Orihime asked.
"Sort of. But this would be of my own choice." Ichigo said.
"Well, I'm not planning to restrict where you go but I don't want you coming home in a coffin or bodybag." Orihime said.
"Heh. That's not gonna happen." Ichigo said smiling as he walked away upstairs and entered a small room where a little baby rested in a crib with Sewaddle was cuddled with him. He smiled at the child before heading to his room.
"Where is that box?" he wondered before seeing a small box with a lock on it. He picked the lock as he opened the box as it was filled with pictures and mementos. The first he looked at was a battle between him and Groudon. The next was a photo of the warring region of Ransei and Ichigo with the heroes. Finally, he looked at an old berry stem as well as a photo of him with Luffy, Aelita, Dan, Sonic and Jexi.
"I've led quite a life with you guys." Ichigo said smiling. "I guess now's as good as time as any to make new memories. But...I'll never forget meeting you guys."
The next morning, Ichigo was packing some of his things as well as the box as he headed out the door. Orihime ran up to him as they both kissed as he headed off.
"Don't forget to come home once in awhile." Orihime said.
"Promise." Ichigo said smiling as he headed off towards a docking station for world travelling ships. "But for now...I still have a job to do." he said as he donned his Soul Reaper uniform and held Zangetsu over his shoulders as he smiled.