Before The Blade Was Swung Down

Chapter 1- The Morning That Our Fates We're Sealed

Isshin Kurosaki sighed as he made his way down the quiet streets of Seireitei; too quiet for the loud mans liking. He was currently in a very bad mood, which was extremely rare for him. He was currently on Yamamoto's personal top list of Seireitei troublemakers, he was now on his way to see the old fart concerning a 'special mission' which was just another way of punishing him for being a 'lousy fukutachio', and his former flame had just dumped him for his somewhat 'goofy scientist' friend.

"Isshin-san, your up bright in early, did hell freeze over?" A man asked, casually walking over to the said man. Well speak of the devil; Isshin let out an even longer sigh, he really didn't need this person to make his morning even more hectic. "Good morning Kisuke…wait I take that back, there ain't nothing 'good' about this morning." "Oh? Humor me, Isshin-san." Kisuke teased, well aware of what was troubling his friend. "Oh shut up Kisuke, I already know what you're thinking and I'M NOT UPSET ABOUT THAT DARN CAT WOMAN DUMPING ME!" "Don't speak ill of Yoruichi-san, I might just tell on you!"

"As if I care, the only reason you decided to date her was to become a captain!" "Not so, Isshin-san!" He whimpered, in a mock hurt tone of voice. "Besides, your day is coming Isshin-san, you'll become a captain one day!" "You think." He began, as they continued walking down the street. "I have what it takes to become a captain; I just need that extra push to accomplish bankai!" Urahara Kisuke looked over his distraught friend intently. He truly believed his childhood friend could do extraordinary things if given the chance and right situation. Maybe he could get Yoruichi to put in a good word for his old friend, after all… "Oi Kisuke! Stop looking at me with those cold, calculating eyes! It's freaking creepy!" Isshin exclaimed.

"Hmm…" Kisuke mumbled, losing his train of thought momentarily. "Sorry Isshin-san, I was just thinking about what level of potential you posses." "Well, quit your musing, we're here anyway." He said, glancing up to see the first division emblem above their heads. "Wait Isshin-san…" Kisuke said, reaching out to grab his arm. "What?" "I…I think it would be best if you address Yama-jii-san with more respect than you normally would, after all, this could be the big break you've been looking for." Isshin stared at his friend for a few seconds; sure, he was still bitter about the Yoruichi thing, even going as far to say he would never forgive Kisuke for stealing his girl. However, when he looked into those eyes, all his past feelings seemed to be washed away with that concerned look in his friends' eyes. "It's not like you to fret; but just the same I guess I'll take you up on that advice, maybe today will be a good day after all." He said, with a soft smile. "That's the spirit, Isshin-san; I'm sure whatever Yama-jii-san wants you to do won't be too difficult." He assured him, letting go of his arm. "Thanks…wish me luck!" He said, as he opened the door and quickly scurried inside. Kisuke's smile soon faded; Yoruichi had already filled him in on the details of Isshin's mission. Yama-jii was certainly being cruel, sending him off to do something that many of Shinigami's had set off to do…and never came back. "Isshin-san, I wont let you die…"He said to himself, turning to leave. "When the time comes for you to go to that place, I shall lend you my assistance." He had to. He owed it to him. "Isshin-san, I will help you…. Help you kill the King of Hueco Mundo!"

"What the?" Isshin stammered, he couldn't believe what the old fart had told him. "You want ME, little ole ME, to go to freakin Hueco Mundo and kill the King?"

"I believe that is what I said, I Kurosaki Isshin." The old man calmly responded, not even bothering the bat open an eye.

"Why? I-I'm just a…"

"Scoundrel, troublemaker and a serious pain to the Thirteen Court Guard Squads."

"I was going to go with a nobody from Rukongai, but I think that summed it up…"

"SILENCE!" He yelled, slamming his staff into the floor, causing Isshin to jump back. "Now, let me repeat myself, you Kurosaki Isshin will go to Hueco Mundo on a special mission that only the menaces of Soul Society go on…it's very simple; kill the King or don't come back."

Isshin couldn't believe it; this man was practically sentencing him to death. He had friends; friends who had journeyed to Hueco Mundo…friends he had never seen again. A sharp pain shot through him as he stepped forward, realization dawning on him. Was he scared to die and disappear from his comrade's hearts like his friends had? Or was he just a coward? No way! He had to dismiss that thought immediately. Dismissed, dismissed, dismissed….

"Kurosaki Isshin I believe I said you're dismissed!" Yama-jii roared impatiently.

"Oh….er…right, don't worry sir, I'll do my duty or never show my face in Soul Society again, I swear on the Kurosaki family pride!" He smiled, doing a clumsy mock salute.

"The Kurosaki family has no pride."

"And that's why I'm going to do this and give it some!"

"What's with the change of heart, aren't you scared of dieing?"

Isshin paused, discarding the smile and switching to a more serious tone of voice.

"Yes…"

Yama-jii opened an eye in confusion, what kind of idiot admits that to his commanding officer.

"But…I have to go…to prove to myself…to prove to you….that I'm no coward…I'm…I'm Isshin Kurosaki, the best fukutachio in all of Soul Society and I deserve to be a captain cause I have what it takes sir!"

"Watch your tone of…"

"So just wait! I will finish this quickly and come back! You just better watch out, or I might kill you and take YOUR position." He finished, quickly exiting the room, not wanting to give the man an opportunity to respond.

"Kurosaki Isshin, I admire your courage…we'll see if it's enough to get you back safely."

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Well that's chapter one for you! I know it's, I plan on making the chapters much longer as we progress, this is my first fanfic, so bear with me folks! Hope it wasn't OOC, Please review! No flames and this is not YAOI folks.