Chapter 1: Catching up
-Flash Back-
Ho'o sighed laying on top a tree branch looking up at the clear blue sky smiling softly at how easy going his day was. With his hands behind his head, he chuckled and was slowly beginning to close his eyes only to feel the presence of another sneaking up on him.
"Why is it that every time I try and relax..." Ho'o started before rolling off the branch to reveal another had cut it in half.
"You always gotta bug me...Soi Fon?" Ho'o finished with a question standing up while still having a slouched stance. His tanto zanpakuto hanging on his side while his short white hair swayed to the soft breeze.
"Because someone as worthless as you should not be in Division two nor in the fourth seat!" Soi Fon shouted with hatred in her eyes.
"I thought we settled this like...what...yesterday that you can't beat me," Ho'o spoke looking away from Soi Fon annoyed.
"Then I will beat you TODAY!" Soi Fon spoke rushing towards Ho'o holding her zanpakuto in a reverse grip aiming to cut Ho'o down.
"...getting really tired at...YORUICHI-SAMA!" Ho'o shouted in sheer shock to which Soi Fon turned around blushing to find nothing but air. Gritting her teeth, she turned to look where Ho'o was to find again nothing but air.
"HO"O!" She shouted before running off to search for him.
Coming out of the bushes, he could not help but snicker seeing Soi Fon thought he ran off but instead just hid.
"Work's every time," Ho'o said narrowing his eyes.
"Every time?" Another voice asked making Ho'o's snicker fade and look behind him to see Yoruichi standing behind him with her arms under her breasts.
"Yoruichi-sama! What brings you here?" Ho'o asked a little nervous.
"Nothing much. Just catching a mouse." Yoruichi replied with a grin.
"...why me? Why not Urahara-sama?" Ho'o asked with a depressed look.
"He is off doing business, so you will have to substitute for him. Plus, your more fun to spar with." Yoruichi answered with a proud laugh.
"Come on..." Ho'o said in a sad tone.
-Hours later-
"That will do for now," Yoruichi spoke panting heavily before walking off and chuckling to herself. Ho'o laid face first on the ground panting just as heavily while rolling over on to his back.
"Thank Akua…" Ho'o spoke struggling to stand up and dust himself off. As bruised as his body was, he seemed like it was nothing new to him even though others see it as torture.
"Ho'o!" A familiar voice shouted making Ho'o sigh in frustration and turn to see Soi Fon standing meters away from him with her hands by her side.
"What! Do you want Soi Fon?! Can you not see I have already finished sparring with Yoruichi? I am not in the mood nor do I have the time to take your shenanigans!" Ho'o complained looking directly at Soi Fon with tired and annoyed eyes.
"I want to fight you!" Soi Fon shouted getting into a fighting stance.
"You can beat on me all you want but I will not fight back," Ho'o replied turning to completely face her with tired eyes now.
"What? That's not a fight!" Soi Fon complained more before standing up straight getting more and more pissed.
"Well, that is all your getting from me right now alright!" Ho'o shouted back making her grit her teeth but finally stand up straight and calm herself.
"Tomorrow we are sparring. I will not take no for an answer." Soi Fon said in a calm tone now which surprised Ho'o.
"Why not play a game then. If you win then I will fight you tomorrow. No tricks. No running away." Ho'o offered making Soi Fon blink in shock at the sudden change of attitude but nodded her head slowly.
"What is this game you plan on playing against me?" Soi Fon asked crossing her arms under her small breasts.
"Very easy. Withstand my spiritual pressure and you've just earned your chance to fight me." Ho'o said with a soft smile now while Soi Fon only smirked at the game.
"That's it? That is the game you want to play just for me to fight you? Why not simply I let you hit me once and if I fall then I will not challenge you anymore until I know I am on the same level as you?" Soi Fon countered making Ho'o stare at her.
This stare seemed different then Ho'o's more tired or annoyed looks. They seemed more serious and colder than she anticipated from someone like Ho'o. For a second, she felt a shiver up her spine an the hairs on the back of her neck seemed to stand up. In the back of her mind, something was telling her to take back what she said but she was too proud and went with it with a smirk.
"That, Soi Fon, is a dangerous game you are offering. Are you sure about this? Once you agree then there is no going back." Ho'o spoke closing his eyes waiting for her answer.
"I can take anything you dish at me." Soi Fon claimed with a smirk.
"Than do not regret what you said because guess what..." Ho'o spoke before slowly opening his eyes halfway before stopping. "You asked for this."
"You could barely leave a mark on Yoruichi-sama. What makes you think you can harm me?" Soi Fon replied taking a defensive stance.
Ho'o did not answer but instead, he only sighed and began to slow his breathing. She expected him to run towards her at full speed but instead, he walked towards her with his eyes still half open. With every step, Soi Fon felt a horrible dread fall upon her as if she was facing off against a monster in front of her. Once Ho'o was three meters away from Soi Fon with their eyes still locked.
In an instant, Ho'o had completely disappeared from her sight even though they were staring at each other mere moments ago. As fast as he disappeared, he reappeared with his fist thrusting towards her gut. There was no sound when his fist flew towards her stomach until he stopped his fist from her form leaving a one-inch gap. At first, nothing happened until sound shortly caught up followed by the shockwave Ho'o created quickly sending Soi Fon back and crashing into the wall behind her and falling to the ground.
"W-What happened?" Soi Fon asked staring at the small crater Ho'o created with wide and astonished eyes.
"Now do you understand?" Ho'o asked standing up straight while dusting his pants off sighing in disappointment.
"Why aren't you vice-captain? With someone as powerful as you...it shouldn't even be a challenge." Soi Fon questioned as she was struggling to get back to her feet.
"Because I do not want to be. Yoruichi knows this. This is why we spar a lot. It is not to test my strength all the time but because I am one of the few that not only keep up with her but also give her a run for her money." Ho'o explained before turning his back to her and walking off.
"Where are you going?" Soi Fon tried to shout but because of the shockwave, she had little control over her breathing at the moment.
"I'm going to bed. It's late and I am tired. Fight me when you think you are ready. Even I know you are not stupid enough to challenge me right now. Think about it. I was able to produce that much power when I am tired. Imagine how much more power I would have when I am fully rested?" Ho'o asked before stopping and looking over his shoulder. "Are you that stupid?"
"Of course not. I know my limits." Soi Fon replied annoyed and even more so pissed at herself.
"Good. Know your limits. Break past it and soar to the skies." Ho'o said with a smile before turning and continuing to walk off.
"What are your limits? Do you not already soar in the sky?" Soi Fon questioned as loud as she could making Ho'o stop one more time before sighing heavily and turning his body sideways to look at Soi Fon with saddened eyes.
"In time maybe you will find out for yourself. As for soaring? No, I dwell in the shadows." Ho'o answered before flash stepping before Soi Fon could ask any more questions.
-Days later. Central 64-
Urahara was just freed by Yoruichi and ran outside to flee the area. As the three ran past a certain gate, Ho'o stood at the entrance looking at the group of soul reapers trying to give chase. Soi Fon saw this and looked to Yoruichi than to Ho'o. For some reason, as much as she respected Yoruichi, she had to see what Ho'o was going to do.
"Ho'oku'u Aupuni! By order of the Central 64, you are ordered to give chase and capture Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, as well as their accomplice." A soul reaper shouted making Ho'o yawn and dig his left ear as if ignoring them.
"Yeah no. I take orders from no one but my captain." Ho'o replied making the soul reapers surround Ho'o now while others ran past him.
"Than you will be marked a traitor an accomplice in helping the prisoners to escape." The soul reaper spoke making Ho'o look directly at him.
"As if you slowpokes can even touch me. No matter. I have no wish to stay in a broken system." Ho'o spoke pulling out his short zanpakuto.
"You would go against the entire soul society?" He asked widening his eyes in sheer surprise while the others raised their zanpakuto.
"No. Just those willing to abuse their powers over others," Ho'o replied before widening his eyes releasing his spiritual pressure.
The sudden release of spiritual pressure enveloped Ho'o's entire body. Unlike other soul reapers who release their spiritual pressure, they could barely see Ho'o's form at all. In their eyes, all that could be seen was two white eyes staring at the man who did all the talking. Ho'o's spiritual pressure took the form of what seemed to be a humanoid figure towering over them.
It did not take long before the soul reapers that surrounded Ho'o froze in fear. Off on the roof, Soi Fon watched in sheer fear and realization on why he was so confident in the game he wished to play. Once the soul reapers froze in fear, Ho'o quickly flash stepped out of the area to meet up with Yoruichi them.
-Hideout-
"So what now?" Ho'o asked standing behind Yoruichi with his hands behind his head sighing heavily.
"You did not have to help us Ho'o," Yoruichi claimed with a sad tone.
"I do not want to serve under a place that can be manipulated so easily. I heard what happened outside." Ho'o said with a sigh.
"Eavesdropping? I thought you said you stopped that bad habit of yours?" Yoruichi said softly punching Ho'o's side.
"Old habits die hard. None the less, is it true what they found in your barracks that you were experimenting on hollows or a form like that?" Ho'o asked looking directly into Urahara's eyes.
"...yes," Urahara answered making Ho'o nod his head as if understanding the situation before looking to the side.
"Well I already helped you lot so I might as well follow you all as well. I am now marked as a traitor as well. Sure I did not harm anyone but I sure as hell scared the living crap out of those that surrounded me." Ho'o complimented himself bringing his hands to his hips and puffing out his chest with pride.
"I would say that is impressive but it's to be expected of someone like you," Yoruichi said with a chuckle which Urahara joined in on.
"Your no fun you know that?" Ho'o said disappointed at their reaction before looking at the hollowfied soul reapers.
"Well, fun aside. We'll hide in the human world and take our time as we solve this problem." Urahara explained making Yoruichi look at Ho'o with a smile and nod her head.
"Than to the human world we go," Ho'o said with a smile before crossing his arms over his chest.
-Flash Back End-
Ho'o yawned loudly watching as the boy known as Ichigo and his three friends trained under Urahara's shop for days to prepare them for the soul society. No matter how many times Ichigo or his friends asked about Ho'o, the only thing they got in return was 'ask him yourself' deal. The only time they saw Ho'o do anything is when he would be forced to spar against Yoruichi which lasted for hours on end.
With the training finally complete, Urahara revealed what seemed to be a portal leading directly to the Soul Society.
"This gate has a layer of Reishihenkanki, Spirit-Particle Conversion Machine on top of a normal Senkaimon. As you all know, the soul society is a world of spirits. It is impossible to enter that world unless you have the form of a spirit. However, only Ichigo, as a soul reaper, can cross through. So we will use the Henkanki to convert you into spirits." Urahara continued to explain while Ho'o stood beside Yoruichi in her cat form.
"Tell me again why you picked a cat with a deep voice to hide in Yoruichi?" Ho'o asked looking at Yoruichi with a chuckle.
"You always ask me this. I will not tell you any more." Yoruichi answered turning her head away from Ho'o who chuckled and nodded his head.
"Fine. I gotta say though, these kids got promise that's for sure. I did not expect them to train so much." Ho'o said placing his hands behind his head while leaning back a little.
"They have a purpose and mission to save a friend in need. A reason to push past their limit...like how you used to be." Yoruichi explained before looking at Ho'o with a smile.
"Yes. The only reason I have now is to just follow you around and find some form of entertainment." Ho'o whispered followed by a soft yawn.
"Always so sleepy. You sure you can keep up with us?" Yoruichi asked tilting her head slightly.
"Yeah, I can keep up. It should not take me too long to really get into it again. Even though we have been hiding for the past years. No matter what was going on, I would always go out for a little jug. Make a gust of wind here and there. Good workout actually." Ho'o added bringing his hand forward to scratch his chin.
"Better than our spars?" Yoruichi teased with a smirk.
"Yeah, I would take the jug over our sparring any day and time." Ho'o countered looking away from Yoruichi before Tessai prepared to open the gate catching Yoruichi's and Ho'o's attention.
"Run in the instant it opens," Urahara warned making Ho'o straighten up his posture and sigh while Ichigo them nodded their heads ready to move out.
A bright flash took place with Ichigo, Chad, Orihime, Uryu, Yoruichi, and Ho'o ran forward entering the portal.
-In between the human world and Soul Society-
The six were running through a straight line with the walls of the area slowly beginning to close in on them. Ho'o was wide-eyed with his hands swinging back and forth.
"SON OF A BITCH! I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE A WALK IN THE PARK! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!" Ho'o shouted being the behind the entire group.
"You forgot already?" Ichigo shouted looking over his shoulder to Ho'o.
"I wasn't paying attention!" Ho'o admitted before closing his eyes and leaning his head up slightly and beginning to pant heavily as if he was getting tired.
"Ho'o, move it or you are not getting any more Takoyaki!" Yoruichi threatened to make Ho'o's shot open. His eyes lit with a new purpose before leaning forward now and dashing past the group and outside the portal.
-Soul Society-
As he exited the portal, his widened eyes once filled with determination and purpose became blank as he found himself flying straight toward the ground. Once he crashed, he found himself face first in the ground groaning in pain.
"Oww. I better get my damn takoyaki..." Ho'o complained before slowly pushing himself off the ground.
Seconds later, five more beams of light shot from the portal and flew down towards Ho'o who had managed to flip himself over and see the beams going straight for him.
"Well, that's not fair at all," Ho'o commented with half opened eyes before one of the five slammed into Ho'o revealing it to be none other than Yoruichi landing on his stomach knocking the air out of him and so darkness took him.
It did not take long before Ho'o woke from his slumber to find that Yoruichi was sitting on his chest waiting for him to wake up. His felt a stinging pain all over his face before he found that Yoruichi had been scratching his face while he was knocked out.
"Really? You couldn't have had one of these kids to wake me up normally?" Ho'o asked staring at Yoruichi who just chuckled and jumped off his chest.
"We both know, none of them have the strength to wake someone as hard-headed as you up. You're a heavy sleeper." Yoruichi countered before Ho'o sighed and pushing himself off the ground nodding in agreement.
"Your right. So, shall we?" Ho'o suggested before Ichigo took the lead by running past Yoruichi towards the Seireitai seeing it looked nicer than the part they were in.
"Y-YOU FOOL! Don't get to close! You'll die!" Yoruichi shouted making Ichigo pause and look over his shoulder before the gates of the Seireitai fell from the sky and crashed mere inches from Ichigo's position completely encircling the entire Seireitai.
"Welp. I am not going to lie but that was pretty funny." Ho'o whispered to Yoruichi trying to hold in his laughter before seeing one of the gatekeepers fall from the wall and land in front of the gate glaring at Ichigo and his friends.
"Jidanbo. Chosen among the best of the soul society to guard the white road gate, one of the four gates of the Seirei Gate." Yoruichi explained.
"Jidanbo! Dude, long time no see!" Ho'o shouted walking beside Ichigo.
"Ho'oku'u Aupuni-san! What are you doing here? Why are you helping these intruders?" Jidanbo asked almost shocked at the presence of Ho'o earning a questionable look from Ichigo and his friends.
"Well, I came to help out Ichigo here save his friend. For old times sake, can you let us in? Come on." Ho'o begged with a smile on his face before Jidanbo shook his head and pulled out his tomahawk.
"Even if we were friends before Ho'o-san. You are a traitor and are to be captured on sight by any of us guards. Since we used to be friends, I will make it easy for you. Surrender peacefully." Jidanbo spoke raising his tomahawk over his head before he froze completely still.
"Is that what you really want to do Jidanbo? Challenge me? Before you answer my question...think really good." Ho'o spoke with his half-opened eyes.
Ichigo was confused on what was going on before Ho'o slowly raised his right hand up and aimed it at Jidanbo's head.
"I hate to say this Jidanbo but you can and never will be able to beat me or even touch me unless I let you," Ho'o spoke making Jidanbo gulp but grit his teeth and quickly brought his tomahawk down on Ho'o.
At first, Ichigo was going to defend Ho'o but instead, Ho'o stood his ground with his left hand raised to stop Ichigo from interfering in their little battle. As Jidanbo's tomahawk crashed down on Ho'o's position, dust was kicked up from under him blocking Jidanbo's sight as well as Ichigo them. The only one who was not worried was none other than Yoruichi herself.
"You haven't changed a bit Jidanbo," Ho'o commented with a disappointed sigh as the dust cleared revealing Ho'o was completely unharmed while Jidanbo's hand that held his weapon began to bleed. "Do you want to try again?"
At this moment, Jidanbo could not help but let go of his tomahawk as it dropped to the ground. Ho'o sighed and walked up to Jidanbo and placed his hand on his knee patting it softly.
"Now that you know it is pointless, why not open the gate for us big guy. I see no reason to hurt an old friend." Ho'o said with a soft smile making Jidanbo smile and bring his hands to his shoulders patting them.
"Of course Ho'o-san!" Jidanbo answered before making his way to the gate and squat down preparing to lift it. "What if it was the kid I fought?" Jidanbo asked looking at Ichigo.
"Honestly Jidanbo, you are no match for him even with both of your tomahawk's," Ho'o warned before Jidanbo nodded his head in defeat and began to lift it with both hands.
"Ho'o, just who are you?" Ichigo asked before his friends caught up.
"In time you will find out. For now, we have better things to worry about." Ho'o spoke walking towards the gate alongside Ichigo.
Once the gate was completely opened, Jidanbo had completely frozen in place with Ichigo running forward to see what was wrong. What they found was the captain of 3rd division, Gin Ichimaru. Ho'o narrowed his eyes seeing Gin in front of Jidanbo before speaking.
"Oh, this isn't good." Gin spoke before suddenly, Jidanbo's left arm was slit by a sudden attack forcing Jidanbo to lose feeling in his left arm and nearly dropping the entire gate on his body.
"Jida!" Ho'o called out before running by his side as well to look at the captain.
"Ohh. Ho'oku'u Aupuni. The fourth seat of 2nd Division or should I say Vagabond. Long time no see." Gin taunted with a long grin making Ho'o sigh and tilt his head slightly.
"Gin. It has been...ages. Still, have that creepy smile I see." Ho'o countered with a smirk making Gin chuckle.
"You have not changed at all either. Since you are here you know why I attacked this guard don't you?" Gin asked resting his hand over his sheathed zanpakuto.
"Yes. When a gatekeeper loses, they die. Correct?" Ho'o asked with a heavy sigh causing Gin's grin to grow slightly longer.
"Correct indeed. Now, since he lost, we have no use for him now." Gin replied while gripping the handle of his zanpakuto.
Suddenly, Ichigo ran forward and brought his sword down on Gin who pulled out his own sword and blocked it with one hand. The two shared a quick glance at one another before pushing each other back.
"I-Ichigo!" Yoruichi shouted in sheer surprise making Ho'o move his hand and look at Ichigo who had clashed swords with Gin.
"Stupid kid. ICHIGO! YOU'RE NOT READY TO FIGHT HIM! HE IS OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE!" Ho'o shouted while Ichigo ignored him and aimed his sword at Gin.
"What the hell are you doing?" Ichigo asked glaring at Gin.
"That's our line!" Yoruichi and Ho'o shouted before Gin chuckled.
"Ichigo Kurosaki..." Gin asked making Ichigo narrow his eyes.
"You know of me?" Ichigo asked making Gin grin and turn his back on them before walking off a few meters.
"Yes. All the more reason I can't let you pass." Gin spoke turning around and unsheathing his zanpakuto.
"Damn it. Ichigo, we need to retreat now." Ho'o spoke grabbing hold of his zanpakuto with his left hand.
"Impale him, Shinso." Gin whispered before thrusting his zanpakuto forward and causing its blade to stretch towards Ichigo.
Gritting his teeth, Ho'o flash stepped in front of Ichigo at an incredible speed and placed his own zanpakuto forward to block the sudden attack sadly, it launched Ho'o, Ichigo, and even Jidanbo backward allowing the gate to close in front of them. Gin could not help but bend down and wave to them as the gate slammed shut.
Ichigo and Jidanbo slammed into the ground while Ho'o backflipped and landed on his feet holding his zanpakuto still.
"Well, that ended better then I expected," Ho'o spoke putting his zanpakuto away and looking to Ichigo with his hands being placed behind his head sighing.
"Sorry, because of me the gate closed," Ichigo said looking down at the ground than towards Yoruichi.
"No, your opponent was Gin Ichimaru. It could not be helped." Yoruichi said making Ichigo sigh and shake his head.
"You alright Ichigo?" Ho'o asked standing over Ichigo with his half-opened eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Ichigo answered while closing his eyes.
"Really? Good. Then you do not mind if I do this right?" Ho'o asked with a gentle smile making Ichigo look up at Ho'o confused before seeing a blur and suddenly he found himself flat on the ground.
"W-What just happened?" Ichigo asked before trying to pick himself off the ground but the world around him seemed dizzy and shifting.
"Know your limits boy. Just because you trained hard does not mean you can beat anyone and everyone. We all have our limits and going past them when you are not ready will not help you or your friend who is about to get executed." Ho'o lectured while glaring at Ichigo now.
"Ho'o! It could not have been helped! Who would have known that Gin was going to be there?" Yoruichi asked looking at Ho'o now.
"None of us! But still! Being hot-headed and even hard-headed can only get you so far." Ho'o shouted while glaring at Yoruichi. Sighing, Ho'o knelt down and placed his hand on Ichigo's head as to straighten him up and look into Ho'o's eyes.
"Ho'o...san," Ichigo spoke trying to break from his daze.
"Listen here Ichigo. You need to know your limits and break through them bit by bit. You cannot skip them and think you yourself are powerful. In time maybe but right now you are weak. Accept that and continue to grow and soar." Ho'o continued to lecture with a smile before standing up and walking past them.
"Ho'o-san, where are you going?" Yoruichi asked looking at Ho'o as he walked off while Ichigo's friend gathered around him to see if he was okay.
"I am going to Kukaku's place. I'll be sure to meet up with you all there. When you find it at least." Ho'o spoke with a smile before flash stepping out of the area for now.
-Day later-
Yoruichi and Ichigo them arrived at Kukaku's place to finally meet her. Upon seeing who she was, Ho'o could be seen napping to the right of the door without a care in the world.
"No surprise there," Yoruichi spoke with a chuckle before Ichigo them were shocked at finding Kukaku was a woman rather than a man.
"What's with the noise?" Ho'o asked waking from his slumber to find Yoruichi them arrived. "Oh, hey everyone. Took you all so long that I fell asleep."
"Ho'o here and Yoruichi are old friends of mine. Especially Ho'o here." Kukaku commented with a smile before looking to Ho'o than back to the group.
"Ho'o told you what we're here for?" Yoruichi asked looking at Kukaku.
"Yeah" Kukaku answered with a confident smirk.
"How did you find this place? I heard she moves a lot?" Ichigo asked looking at Ho'o.
"Always with the details. I eavesdrop a lot okay. Once you were told where she is, I simply went here. Met with those dudes outside and they let me in. Had to arm wrestle Kukaku to nape a bit but by the time I finally won, I was only able to nap for like...thirty minutes. Not really a lot of time to sleep." Ho'o explained making Ichigo and his friends chuckle nervously at this fact.
While Ho'o explained how he got there, Yoruichi and Kukaku had finished talking in detail what they needed to do.
"Although I trust you and Ho'o, I can't trust these kids. I can have my henchmen watch over those kids," Kukaku stated catching Ichigo's attention as well as the others excluding Ho'o.
"Henchmen?" Ichigo questioned before Kukaku chuckled.
"Well, he is actually my little brother. He is still a brat and not too useful." Kukaku spoke walking toward a sliding door. "Oh, I'm opening up."
Soon enough, Kukaku opened the sliding door revealing her little brother.
"How do you do? I am Ganju Shiba. Please be good to me." Shiba introduced himself before looking upon Ichigo.
It did not take long before the two started butting heads and fighting one another. Ho'o did not mind the two fighting for some reason but that all changed when the two accidentally knocked Kukaku's pipe out of her hand. At first, that was all until Ichigo suddenly stepped on the center of the pipe snapping it in two.
"Oh snap," Ho'o spoke quickly getting off the ground and racing out of the house as fast as he could.
In seconds, the house suddenly exploded before tilting to the left well as the arms outside shifting out of place. As the rumbling stopped, Ho'o sighed and walked back down looking to see if it was safe. All he could hear was shouting in the room making him sigh in relief and enter it.
"What's with you two? Fighting over something stupid?! Now, look at what you've done! You blew up my house!" She shouted while stepping on her brother's head.
"But sis-" Shiba tried to explain before having his sister step on his head more.
"NO EXCUSES!" Kukaku shouted again before Ho'o sighed and walked forward.
"Welp, seeing as everything is somewhat settled. I see we have no other problems right?" Ho'o asked walking up to Kukaku.
"..." Kukaku did not respond before looking at Ichigo who just laid there.
"You understand the rules Ichigo?" Ho'o asked before he nodded while being glared at Kukaku.
"Alright, we're all good. Everyone stand up!" Kukaku ordered causing Ichigo, Shiba, and one of the twins to quickly stand up straight. "Go and prepare. Everyone else be quiet and follow me."
With a nod from everyone, they follow Kukaku deeper into the house from a hidden entrance leading own. They eventually arrive at a dark room with what seemed to be an oven of some sort before Kukaku walked forward and placed her hand on it smirking.
"I am going to fire you all into the Seireitai," Kukaku stated bluntly making Ichigo and his friends widen their eyes in shock.
"WHAT!" They shouted while Ho'o yawned.
While the group was shocked at what was to be done, they were raised up to the hill in place of the house before talking about the soul society as well as what protects it. Ho'o was on the floor napping once more seeing he was not needed. While Kukaku was explaining the situation, Yoruichi took it upon herself to sit on top Ho'o's chest and watch the group.
-Day later-
"Took them some time but it's faster than I expected." Ho'o complimented before looking at everyone gathered into the sphere of spiritual pressure.
"You are welcome by my side any time Ho'o. Just let me know the next time when your coming." Kukaku whispered into his ear making him chuckle and look towards her.
"Hard to let you know when you move all the time," Ho'o replied before bringing his hand up to kiss her cheek softly.
Kukaku only smiled while she had her hand placed over the cheek that Ho'o kissed as he joined the group in their sphere with his hands placed on the core.
"One of the few who helped me along my brothers passing," Kukaku whispered before closing her eyes and placing her hand by her side again before getting into position.
Once everyone gathered, they were loaded into the large cannon before being fired off into the sky over the soul society.
Done for now.
More to come of course.
Please, by all means, leave a review.