Prologue
The sound of Ichigo's skateboard slapping the concrete echoed through the alleyway near his house. He fell. Again. Rukia called from her spot watching," You should stop Ichigo. You're just hurting yourself."
"Not yet," he growled, determined to land the trick. Ichigo had been trying to land a switch kickflip smith for the past three hours.
Rukia frowned. "Ichigo." The man in question sighed. He knew that tone. It was the tone Rukia used when there was absolutely no way he could worm out of a situation. He grabbed his board and said, "Fine, I'll go take a break." He had no idea his life was about to change forever.
As they walked out of the alleyway, Ichigo stiffened at the sight of a patrol car in front of the Kurosaki Clinic. The threat of recruitment for the war had been on his mind for over a month now. He hurried over and inside.
"I'm telling you, he's out skating!" Kurosaki Isshin said angrily. "Then I'll wait," the officer standing in the hallway replied calmly. "Dad. What's going on?" Ichigo asked. The recruitment officer turned neatly. "Are you Kurosaki Ichigo?" he asked. "Yeah, why?" Ichigo replied cautiously. "You're being recruited. You've got four hours to pack your bags."
Rukia's grip on his hand tightened. Ichigo's only reaction was his eyes narrowing. "Okay." He said.
Four Hours Later
"You can't go Ichigo! You'll die!"
Rukia said frantically. Ichigo had his belongings slung over his shoulder. "Do you really believe I'll die that easily? Trust me." And with that, Ichigo stepped out the door and into the army.