A/N: Unusual, yes, but seeing as IchiRuki, IchiHime, and Yaoi is everywhere, I tried to be creative.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or it's characters, in any way, shape, or form.
It was a brisk morning in the Seireitei, and one Ichigo Kurosaki was making his way towards the first division barracks. Today was the day he would be inducted as a captain of the Gotei 13. The war with Aizen had taken its toll on everyone, and Ichigo decided that he would become a full-fledged shinigami after tying up some loose ends in the world of the living. After reflecting on everything that happened since he met Rukia Kuchiki, he was glad his friends were there to help him through it.
Renji Abarai, a good friend of both Ichigo and Rukia, and had been promoted in the following months after the Winter War, had advised him that the promotion ceremony was mostly ceremonial, and he was such a legend that it was killing the Gotei 13 not having him among their ranks. Despite this, he still had a bit of nervousness for his first formal meeting.
"You're pathetic, king. You're one of the strongest beings alive, and you pause at a stupid meeting?" His inner hollow spoke to him. During and after the Winter War, for their mutual survival, Ichigo and his inner hollow had begrudgingly drawn closer for better understanding of one another. Although the banter still existed, the threats to take over, while still existent, had reduced noticeably.
'Shut up, you stupid horse!' Was his reply. All he heard was maniacal laughter before Hichigo decided he was content. Although he would never admit it, that brief pep talk had made him forget about his nervousness.
When he finally entered the barracks, Ichigo noted that 10 captains were flanked on either side of Head-Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Looking around, something, or someone to be specific, caught his eye. He noticed Yoruichi Shihoin, in a Captain's haori. For their service in the Winter War, Yoruichi, along with Kisuke Urahara, Tessai Tsukabishi, and the Vizards, had their banishment repealed, although it was believed that they didn't plan on living within, or working for, the Seireitei. He'd figure that it would be explained during the meeting.
Yamamoto made his presence known.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, step forward."
"Normally when one wishes to join the Gotei 13, they must graduate from the academy and be accepted into one of the 13 squads. You are a special case, being a shinigami for such a short amount of time, yet proving your worth time and again. You have been nominated by some of the finest captains in the Gotei 13, and I shall honor their decision. However, should you pose any threat to the Gotei 13, Soul Society, or the world of the living, I will personally dismantle you. Do you wish to proceed?"
"I do, Head-Captain." Ichigo responded, fighting the urge to call him gramps.
After Ichigo was through with the formalities of the promotion ceremony, he was given his captain's haori with the symbol for Squad 3.
"Congratulations, captain Kurosaki." Yamamoto added solemnly. "You may now choose your lieutenant, as lieutenant Kira has already transferred over to Squad 6."
Ichigo now realized that he had nobody to choose for lieutenant. His first choice would have been Rukia, but seeing as she was already taken by Renji when he had been promoted to captain of Squad 5, he had to reconsider. Said red-head was giving him a congratulatory look. He couldn't think of anyone who would be willing to fill the job without causing outrage throughout the Seireitei.
"Head-Captain, I do not have a choice made for my lieutenant, may I be granted some time to think about it?" the new captain asked of the old one.
"You may, but it is recommended that you decide sooner rather than later due to you being required to fulfill the duties of both yourself and your lieutenant in the meantime." Yamamoto answered. "Now take your place among the captains, captain Kurosaki."
Ichigo complied and stood next to Yoruichi, who was smirking at him as usual. "Wow, Ichigo, you grow up so fast. You're the youngest captain in the history of the Gotei 13."
"Yeah well I- wait, why are you dressed up like at captain, and attending a captain's meeting? I thought-" But before he could finish, Yamamoto called the captains to attention.
"Today, we have made changes concerning the leadership of Squad 2. Currently, captain Soi Fong has been relieved of her position as leader of that division, as well as the Onmitsukido, and for now has been replaced by Yoruichi Shihoin."
'Yoruichi has some explaining to do, after this meeting is over at least.' Ichigo thought to himself.
"As far as disciplinary actions go, this morning captain Shihoin suggested that she be demoted to lieutenant of Squad 3."
"What!?! She can't be my lieutenant!" Ichigo remarked rather loudly. He just became a captain; he didn't want to die yet. After the Winter War, the young war hero had become personally acquainted with the captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13. After Yoruichi used her "ways" to convince him into meeting her previous protegee, to say his meeting with the petite captain was less-than-friendly was an immense understatement.
Normally, Yamamoto would have disciplined anyone so rude on the spot, but seeing as it was Ichigo's first time, he chose to let it slide. "Why not, captain Kurosaki? Clearly you have no lieutenant of your own in mind, and having a captain helping you to adjust to your duties should be invaluable for someone who just joined the Gotei 13."
"As an added plus, Squad 4 is right next door, so you shouldn't worry about injuries." Retsu Unohana added, with a smile on her face. She made a mental note to prepare for frequent visits by members of the third division, as well as their captain.
"Fine, but how long will she be serving as my lieutenant?" Ichigo asked, acknowledging his defeat.
"As long as it is deemed necessary, captain Kurosaki."
"One more question," he uttered. "Will I be able to return to the world of the living?"
"Yes, you will have the privilege of visiting the world of the living for a set amount of time, regarding the fact that the action is cleared with the Seireitei. Dismissed," the aged Head-Captain announced, and the meeting had come to an end.
"Captain Kurosaki, if I may have a moment of your time." the Head-Captain spoke up.
After the room was cleared, save the two who stayed behind, the elderly shinigami chose to press on. "As you know, all captains are required to have some knowledge of Kido. While you're skills in Hakuda and Hoho leave something to be desired, they are proficient enough for your position. However, you must eventually learn to use Kido at the very least expert level to retain your title. Do you understand?"
Ichigo knew it was coming. While he wasn't a Kido type, he knew that it was needed for the job. He realized that there were certain advantages of learning Kido, such as being able to heal others. He accepted the fact that he still had a lot to learn, but something popped into his head.
"Who will be teaching me Kido, and for how long?" Yamamoto remained stern as ever.
"I have organized for captain Unohana to teach you for now, and from what i'm told, it shouldn't be very long. You will be verified when your requirement has been fulfilled."
"Thank you, Head-Captain." The orange-haired captain left the barracks to look for his old mentor.
Ichigo was searching for Yoruichi after he was free. Luckily for him, she wasn't hard to find. He found her in the second division barracks, apparently through with reintroducing herself to her squad. From the look on her face, the leader of the Onmitsukido had been expecting him.
"Okay, what happened that put Soi Fong in this situation?" Ichigo asked Yoruichi, who looked away. Clearly she wasn't happy to be replacing her.
"I'll tell you, but not here. We need to head to the secret training ground, I'm not supposed to tell you, or anyone for that matter, but you should know." Yoruichi said in an urgent tone.
With that, both captains went to their destination.
Soi Fong lay in wait in her detention cell, waiting for the verdict that would decide her punishment. She felt a pang of regret for what she did, and hoped that Lady Yoruichi didn't look down on her for it. Just as she was about to reminisce, her gatekeeper approached her.
"Captain Soi Fong, the punishment for your crimes has arrived. Until further notice, you are demoted to lieutenant of Squad 3." And with that, she was let out. Already stripped of her captain's haori, she was given the lieutenant's armband for the third division. Taking it with disdain, the demoted captain strapped it around her waist, knowing that Flash Cry would blow it off her arm.
After leaving her prison, Soi Fong then turned to find Yoruichi and her "temporary superior" who, Soi Fong believed, would soon find out who wore the pants in the third divison.
After a quick race, which Ichigo lost, followed by a game of tag, a game that Ichigo won only by using his hollow powers, and quite a bit of teasing on Yoruichi's part, both captains were relaxing in the hot springs. While it irritated the new captain that Yoruichi would try to flash him, it didn't bother him now nearly as much as it did when he was fighting against the Gotei 13.
Returning to the place he learned Bankai, the orange-haired shinigami reminisced about his adventures when he was younger. He recalled fighting hollows alongside Rukia, fighting Aizen and his Espada, and storming the Seireitei. He was amazed when he saw so much had changed since that night when he met Rukia.
"I like the more mature you, Ichigo. This makes it so much easier to have a conversation." The purple-haired captain told him. "I can still remember the hilarious look on your face back when you were such a prude."
"I didn't come here to ogle you, Yoruichi." Ichigo stated coolly. "About Soi Fong..."
"Well, it happened last week..."
Flashback:
Soi Fong had finished her paperwork and was ready to retire for the day. After drilling the men to new limits, she felt proud of herself. Before she could rest, a Squad member entered her office.
"Captain Soi Fong, Captain Kurotsuchi has sent word that your package is ready." The man said.
"I will see to it at once. Dismissed."
Once the petite captain made her way to the Twelfth division barracks, she was greeted by Nemu Kurotsuchi, who stated that the captain was busy discussing "future test subjects" which earned her a look of disgust from the well-mannered captain. After Nemu turned to leave after Mayuri had called for her, Soi Fong prepared to retire for the evening, but she overheard something that piped her interest.
"So the way I see it, we just need to convince her to transform into her cat form, knock her unconscious, and restrain her, and we can study how she shape shifts."
"Hm, Yoruichi Shihoin would be a great boon to the Research Institute. Think of the possibilities! We just need to find a plausible excuse and to avoid detection..." This man, she was sure, was the infamous Mayuri Kurotsuchi himself. How dare he plan on doing such malicious things to lady Yoruichi? This, combined with the stress she had today, tipped her over the edge.
"Sting all enemies to death, Suzumebachi!" and with that, Soi Fong had bolted straight into the barracks with the intent of murdering that twisted scientist once and for all.
Unfortunately, Mayuri is quite perceptive, and as soon as he sensed Soi Fong's Shikai, he prepared for it, and evaded her assault. The petite captain attacked furiously, but failing to strike the grinning maniac. Soon enough, captains Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku appeared to end the quarrel, barley restraining Soi Fong.
End Flashback
"...and she's been in the detention cell ever since."
This was unexpected for Ichigo. For someone so uptight and law-abiding as Soi Fong, he'd never in a million years expect her to break the law. Despite that, he knew where she was coming from, seeing as how protective of Yoruichi she was. 'She must be in love with Yoruichi,' he thought. "I sort of feel bad for her, but she could have at least gone to you and talked about it. I think we both know that you could have outmaneuvered Mayuri."
"I don't need your pity, captain Kurosaki."
Both captains turned to face Soi Fong, who was looking at the newer one with disgust. While Ichigo was surprised and turned away from her, Yoruichi was not, giving her a smug look.
"Why hello there, my little bee. Couldn't resist meeting the new captain of Squad 3, could you?"
Soi Fong gave her a look filled with confusion, embarrassment, and rage. "Lady Yoruichi, I was merely ensuring that captain Kurosaki wasn't taking advantage of you." It was then that she finally noticed that both the goddess of flash, and the soon-to-be new outlet of her aggression, were in the hot spring, dressed immodestly. She turned bright red, but chose to conceal it with anger.
"HOW DARE YOU, KUROSAKI! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" That was all Ichigo heard before narrowly escaping the crazy woman. Unbeknown to him, and the rest of the world save the goddess of flash herself, Soi Fong actually wasn't in love with Yoruichi in a romantic sense, or lesbian at all, she was merely her biggest fan, and would kill for the chance to get closer to her.
'This is better than I thought it would be.' Yoruichi thought. 'Wait until Kisuke hears what else I have planned, if he got a kick out of this, it should tip him overboard.'
After a few hours of an orange-haired captain being chased around the secret training ground, in nothing but a towel, by his new lieutenant, Ichigo calmed down and pulled on his Shihakusho. Soi Fong, however, was still watching him intently, daring him to make a mistake.
"Look," he began, "Since you're my new lieutenant..."
"If you think that rank gives you any semblance of authority over me, than you are mistaken." Soi Fong had decided to interject. "Let's get one thing straight: we don't like each other. The only reason that I am a lieutenant is because that bastard Mayuri was planning on doing something malicious to lady Yoruichi. Never forget the fact that I could kill you in an instant. Do you understand?"
Ichigo gulped and nodded. "Good, i'm glad we could agree on something. Now if you will excuse me, I will be heading off."
"And where would you be heading off too, my little bee?" Both parties had realization dawned on them that their resident shape shifter was listening to the entire conversation.
"L-lady Yoruichi! I..."
"The third division is aware of Ichigo's promotion, but it has no clue as to it's new lieutenant." The goddess of flash grew her Cheshire grin. "You're going to need your new 'superior' more than you think, unless being the commander-in-chief of the Onmitsukido isn't that big of a deal..."
"L-lady Yoruichi, please forgive me, I promise that I will behave." The braided lieutenant admitted begrudgingly.
"It's getting late, we should get back to the third division barracks. I want to introduce myself to the squad before dark." The youngest of the three finally stated. With that, the duo were off.
When it was clear that they were outside the training ground, Yoruichi sighed. "You can come out now, Kisuke." Suddenly, a blonde man, draped in a green garment and green and white stripped hat, stepped out with a fan covering his face.
"Well well, Yoruchi, I see your scheme is coming together quite nicely. I didn't think Seireitei would demote one of its captains, the leader of the Onmitsukido no less. So now that getting her to cooperate with Ichigo has been a great success, what do you plan to do now?"
"An idea popped into my head during their 'confrontation.' If it works out for the better, not only will Soi Fong calm down, but she won't feel so obsessive over me." The purple-haired noble told her old friend.
"I'm all ears, i'm dying to know." Urahara replied while fanning himself.
A/N: This is my first story, so please review.