Bleach: Resurrected Souls
Chapter 1 A New Decision for a New Life
Two Years later (Ichigo and his friends have already graduated)
(Soul Society-Squad 1 Barracks-Captains Meeting Room)
"As you're all well aware it seems that every Soul Reaper that's worthy of taking on the title of Captain is afraid to do so because of the dark history those positions hold so Central 46 has left it up to us to decide who might be willing to fill the positions" explaind Head Captain Yamamoto.
"Damn it's too bad Ichigo is only a Substitute Soul Reaper he'd fill the captain position nicely" said Shunsui keeping his face hidden under his hat.
"While we all agree Ichigo has the power he lacks the discipline to be a captain" said Byakuya in his usual calm tone.
"Heh what are you talking about Kuchiki, look at me I'm not disciplined in the slightest and I'm a captain, the only thing that's holding Ichigo back is the fact that he's still alive a problem I'd be happy to solve" said Kenpachi tapping his fingers on his sword.
"Hold on Zaraki don't do anything rash he's still a great ally after all" said Sajin in protest to Kenpachi's suggestion.
"I was just kidding relax Sajin" said Kenpachi smiling.
"Considering his track record I don't think it would be wise to let him be a captain, he's such a loose cannon" said Soi Fon in her usual jaded voice.
"To be honest I wouldn't mind if Ichigo became a captain he would bring a lot more interesting topics to these meetings" said Unohana in her kind tone.
"I'm all for Ichigo becoming a captain but his respect does leave something to be desired" said Toshiro in a grumble.
"You're just mad beause he keeps referring o you by your first name boy but I'm all for him being a captain since that would give me easy accees to his DNA" said Kurotsuchi in his usual creepy voice.
"ENOUGH!, It's quite obvious Ichigo has been favoured this argument but in order to make sure he's favoured by all I suggest he be brought before Central 46 and we'll let them decide on Ichigo Kurosaki's fate" said Yamamoto slamming his staff/zanpakuto on the ground.
"Might I inquire why master?" asked Jushiro Ukitake.
"Unless you've forgotten Jushiro, Ichigo Kurosaki has both Soul Reaper and Hollow powers which could cause Central 46 to interfere even when they said they wouldn't, in the meantime let's move on to the decision on the Squad 3 Captain" said Yamamoto.
"Master, everyone here including Byakuya agrees that Squad 3's Captain is to be Rukia Kuchiki" said Jushiro in a firm tone.
"Hm yes she shows all the qualities needed in a Captain however to be safe I would like her to take the Captains Exam, now as for Captain of Squad 9 I have my own preference, so I would like you to devote your attention to tracking down a former student of mine, his name is Kenrichi Yabureme" said Yamamoto.
"Any idea how we'd go about finding him old man?" asked Shunsui.
"Last I heard he's been going in and out between the Soul Society and the World of the Living but I leave him to you and the Stealth Force, Captain of Squad 2" said Yamamoto.
"Yes head captain" said Soi Fon leaving the meeting.
"As for Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki I leave them to you and Shunsui, do I make myself clear Jushiro" said Yamamoto firmly.
"Right" said Shunsui.
"Yes master" said Jushiro.
"Alright then this captains meeting is dismissed" said Yamamoto as the Captains leave.
"Well we got the more interesting job Jushiro" said Shunsui.
"What do you mean Shunsui?" asked Jushiro a little confused.
"Convincing Ichigo to come along quietly I mean but come to think of it if we're lucky it'll be easier than usual because isn't Rukia stationed in Karakura Town right now?" asked Shunsui.
"Ya she got re stationed in Karakura shortly after Ichigo regained his powers" said Jushiro looking up at the ceiling in a daze.
"So the Soul Society is taking action well it's time my pets go test out the abilities of these two potential captains" said a shadowy figure releasing hollows into the living world.
(Karakura Town-minutes later)
"Getsuga TenshÅ" said Ichigo releasing Zangetsu's technique to defeat a large mass of hollows.
"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren" said Rukia freezing a larger group of hollows in place which shattered seconds later.
"Damn there sure are a lot of hollows this time around" said Uryu firing thousands of arrows from his Ginrei Kojaku bow.
"Ya I hear ya" said Chad firing off a blast from his hollow-like arm.
"Tsubaki, Koten Zanshun I reject" said Orihime defeating the last of the hollow horde.
"Man how the hell did this many hollows appear and so suddenly too" said Ichigo scratching the back of his head.
"I don't know but we better leave here before suspicion is aroused" said Uryu pushing up his glasses.
"You might want to retract that statement Uryu" said Rukia as a Senkaimon opened up with Shunsui and Jushirio walking out of the gate.
"Hello everyone it's good to see you" said Jushiro in a serious calm tone.
"Captain Ukitake, Captain Kyoraku what brings the two of you to the World of the Living?" asked Rukia.
"Old man Yama sent us to collect the three of you, he has an important announcement you need to hear" said Shunsui pointing to Ichigo, Rukia and Orihime.
"Okay what was it we did this time?" asked Ichigo in an aggravated tone.
"Ichigo, it's not what you did, it's what you three have been asked to do" said Jushiro taking out a piece of paper.
"What do you mean Captain?" asked Orihime as she saw Ukitake unravel the scroll.
"It is hereby decreed that Ichigo Kurosaki is to be present at a Central 46 hearing to decide whether his promotion to Squad 5 Captain is acceptable, furthermore Rukia Kuchiki is to take the Captains Exam in order to determine if she is capable of accepting the role of Squad 3 Captain"
"Wait let me get this straight the Court Guard Squads have still gone this long without filling in those other three positions" said Ichigo in a hyped tone.
"Yes regrettably, and believe me old man Yama and Central 46 have tried to fill those spots but no one will take them because of the dark history they have" said Shunsui raising his straw hat.
"Okay but why does Orihime have to come?" asked Rukia.
"Captain Unohana has taken a great deal of interest in her abilities and feels that se does have potential to join Squad 4 as a 4th seat" explained Jushiro.
"Alright we'll come along quietly" said Ichigo.
"Good but first I have a feeling you want to come along too right Kisuke" said Shunsui just as Kisuke started walking out of the brush into the group's line of vision.
"Ya, I want to be there during the hearing since I have been working on something to solve the little obstacle that's in Ichigo's way of becoming a captain" said Urahara in his calm and cold tone.
"Very well then we leave immediately" said Jushiro as he and Shunsui left with Ichigo, Rukia and Kisuke following closely behind.
"Well that was unexpected" said Uryu.
"Indeed" said Chad
(Soul Society-Senkaimon)
"Alright so where do me and Urahara go from here?" asked Ichigo as he made it through to the Soul Society with the others.
"First we need to see the Head Captain and then we head down to Central 46" explained Jushiro.
"Good he needs to know I'll be attending the hearing as well" said Kisuke looking up at the sky.
(Squad 1 Barracks)
"Head Captain sir Captain Jushiro Ukitake and Captain Shunsui Kyoraku have returned with Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki and Orihime Inoue In tow" reported a stealth force messanger.
"Well what are you waiting for send them in" said the head captain.
"Well sir there's one more thing it seems Kisuke Urahara is also accompanying them" said the scout.
"What but I thought Kisuke was banished from this place so how did he get back here?" asked Mayuri in a fit of rage.
"Central 46 offered Kisuke a deal, he may return to the Soul Society whenever he may wish under the condition that he's escorted by a Captain or Ichigo when entering the Senkaimon but anyway send them in" said the Head Captain.
"Yes sir" said the scout stepping aside while the group entered.
"Welcome everyone" said Yamamoto.
"Cut the pleasantries old man and lets get down to business when's this hearing supposed to be?" asked Ichigo.
"Immediately and I'm assuming you'll be attending otherwise you wouldn't be here Urahara" said Yamamoto in a demanding tone.
"Ya so we'll be leaving now" said Urahara leaving with Ichigo while Rukia and Orihime stayed behind.
"Now Rukia Kuchiki the earliest exam date I could schedule for you was noon tomorrow so I would advise not going anywhere" said Yamamoto.
"Yes and if you'll allow it sir, if Ichigo is cleared I would like to train him in kido to prepare for his captaincy" said Rukia.
"Approved" said Yamamoto as Rukia left.
"Head captain I was told I would be joining Squad 4 as a 4th Seat but will I need to pass some sort of approval test?" asked Orihime.
"Young lady you will not need to prove yourself for your power is enough proof we need to know you'll serve the title well" said Retsu Unohana approaching the girl.
"Thank you Captain Unohana however there is still one problem that Ichigo and I face Head Captain, and that problem is that we are still technically human and we still have our own lives in Karakura Town so at most do you think you could grant us a small reprieve to say goodbye to our friends" explained Orihime.
"Then let it be so" said Yamamoto.
"Thank you sir" said Orihime leaving.
"And the hands of time continue to turn" said all the captains at once.
(Central 46 Court)
"Ichigo Kurosaki because of your condition we are still debating whether it is safe to let you become a Captain but maybe Kisuke Urahara can persuade us otherwise" said a judge.
"Members of Central 46 as you're well aware you originally banished me because I was helping the Vizards escape and during the time of my banishment I was working on a cure for hollowfication and I've found it" said Urahara which caused murmurs in the crowd.
"So you're saying you can cure my hollowfication Urahara!" said Ichigo in a distressed tone.
"Not just yours but the Vizards as well" said Urahara.
"How soon can you gather the supplies needed for the operation?" asked the judges.
"Within a day but I'll need to work closely with my former subordinate Mayuri Kurotsuchi which he may not like" said Kisuke.
"Then let it be done and let it be known Ichigo Kurosaki you've been approved to take Souskue Aizen's place as Captain of Squad 5 but only after the experiment is complete and only after you have mastered basic kido techniques" ordered the judges.
"Well that was entertaining" said Ichigo as he and Kisuke exited the courthouse.
"I need to go prepare as for you Ichigo I suggest you start preparing" said Urahara leaving for the Department of Research & Development.
"Ya you bet" said Ichigo taking his zapakuto off his back.
"Well here I come Zangetsu" said Ichigo as he found a spot and began meditating with his sword on his lap.
"And prepare for my power soul reaper" said the same shadowy figure who sent the hollow horde to the living world.