What's up everyone this is my first publish fanfic story.I hope everyone enjoys the story. I would like to send a shout out to my awesome beta Abyss thank you again. I appreciate everything you done to make this story sound better. Review if you want and let me know what you think. Let's get on with the story!


Rise of the Shiba Clan

Chapter 1

Revelations and Confessions

After the defeat of Aizen, and the death of a thousand shinigami and arrancar, it took months to get everyone organized to fix the damages made to Soul Society. The chaos and carnage that occurred during the war— traumatizing many to the point of insanity. Forcing Squad Four to open up emergency shelters all over the Rukon District.

Since Central Forty-Six members were all killed, that left the remaining captains to take charge of any situation that required their attention. The Thirteen court guard were short handed with the loss of the traitors, captains, and lieutenant.

Now the problem has become the need to recruit new shinigami, and following the war, it seems not many souls wanted to become one nowadays.


Squad Four Barracks

"How is his condition so far?" Rukia asks, worried. "Do you think he will be waking up soon?"

"I'm not sure," responds captain Unohana. "It's like his body is going through internal changes." She pauses. "It seems that Ichigo doesn't have any reiatsu. At this rate, he won't be able to remain a shinigami."

"You've got to be shitting me," Renji cursed. "Life must have a bone to pick with him. To lose all his power a second time... It's going to send the kid into despair."

"Oh, no. This won't be a good situation," said Orihime.

"Tell me about it," Rukia said. "When the strawberry goes down the chappy hole, it doesn't become a very nice place."

"Yes, I have to agree with Rukia," said Uryū.

"I think it's time for everyone to leave," Captain Unohana said. "I'm sure Ichigo could use some peace and quiet to recover." Her innocent evil smile made the room drop a few degrees. Everyone felt a shiver run down their spines. They quickly turned to walk out the door.


Captain Unohana did some tests on Ichigo, then a check up to make sure that all his injuries were healing well. As Captain Unohana finished up to leave, Yoruichi came around the corner.

"What is his condition, Retsu?" Yoruichi asked.

"He is in stable condition, but there is no sign of his reiatsu anymore," Retsu said

"I see... I guess he won't be a shinigami anymore. He had so much potential, could have been one of the greatest," Yoruichi said.

"For a boy to have accomplished so much while being so young, it's inexplicable that he's gotten this far without the academy training," said Retsu

"I once said the same thing, but he does have noble blood running through his veins," Yoruichi said.

"What do you mean by noble blood?" Retsu asked with a puzzled look.

Yoruichi, with a serious look on top of a serious attitude, told Captain Unohana. "He is from the Shiba Clan."

Captain Unohana went wide eyed with this revelation. "But how can this be? His surname is Kurosaki," said Retsu.

"For his family's protection they took the maiden name of his mother," Yoruichi said.

"Who is his father then?" Retsu asked.

"Isshin Shiba, former captain of Squad Ten," Yoruichi said.

Captain Unohana's mouth fell agape.

"This needs to be kept quiet Retsu, I'm trusting you with this delicate information," Yoruichi said.

"I see. That explains a lot about this young man, and how his power as a shinigami has grown leaps and bounds in a short amount of time." Retsu said

"Oh yes. I've been impressed since day one with him, now nothing seems to surprise me. Plus he doesn't overcompensate with his huge sword," said Yoruichi with her cheshire cat grin.

"Ah, I see. You seen his little Zanpakuto then?" asked Retsu with a sly smile and twinkle in her eye.

"Of course, I have on more than one occasion, and I would go as far to say that he isn't little either; bigger than most grown men I've seen in the past one-hundred and fifty years," yoruichi said

They both started to giggle with this admission of guilt being perverts.

"Okay, I have to go make my rounds, and see if everything is going smoothly," Retsu said.

"Okay, I'll see you later then, Retsu," Yoruichi said.

And like the goddess of Shunpo she was gone and off to see her best friend Kūkaku.


Ichigo's Inner World

Where the hell am I at? Ichigo thought it looked so peaceful here. Shoot, at this rate I might just go find a tree and fall asleep again. Ichigo was walking around, checking out the landscape and scenery. I guess I've died and gone to heaven. I wonder if I'll be able to see my mother again? He pondered on this before he heard a soft voice speak, but it was too low for him to hear exactly what it was saying. He kept walking till he saw a vast lake, and decided to inspect it. When got close enough the sight was enough to send him into a total mental shutdown.

In the water he beheld the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was naked in full glory for everyone to see. Regaining consciousness, his nosebleed finally stopped when he turned his back to her.

"Who are you?" He asked. "What is your name? ...by the way my name is Ichigo Kurosaki, substitute shinigami." He received no answer. "Hey, who are you?" Still nothing. "Are listening to me, or just ignoring me?" He asked, exasperated.

The naked girl stood, and started to walk up to the orange haired teen. He heard her walking closer, and decided to play it safe. He doesn't know her, and didn't want to lose his life already after gaining some sort of freedom.

"Who are you?" asked Ichigo. "Where are we?"

"We are in your innerworld, and as for my name, you know me as the Hōgyoku," the young woman said.

"Wait, what did you just say? And how could this be my innerworld? I thought I lost all my powers after I did the final Getsuga Tenshou," said Ichigo.

"Well, you did lose all your powers in a way, but when you struck Aizen with the final Getsuga Tenshou I saw him not worthy of the power, and saw you fit to wield me. You showed the desire to protect, not destroy life." The Hōgyoku said. "You have been through alot in your young life that I wish to be yours forever if possible."

Shocked from this revelation, Ichigo tried to let all the information sink in— before realizing that the Hōgyoku was a gorgeous woman naked right in front of him. Turning red as his namesake. Ichigo covered his eyes and turned around to yelled out, "dammit! why are you naked? I'm sure you could have made some clothes out of nothing." Said a flushed Ichigo. "Why do I keep getting beautiful exhibitionists?"

"To answer your questions; one, I wanted to know if you would turn red like a strawberry. Two, I could have imagined clothes, but then, I answer that question with my first answer. And three, it's because you're a very handsome young man."

"Have you looked in the mirror lately?"

"From what I gather from your memories, you have a lot of female friends looking for your attention. Yet you're too dense to notice anything."

"W-what the f- I'm not dense! They are just my friends, that's all. It's not like they want to be my girlfriend or anything," Ichigo said. "Plus, I was too busy trying to become stronger to defeat Aizen. I didn't have time to look for a girlfriend. I was trying to protect them all from the evil cast upon Soul Society and the human world god damnit."

"Yes, you might have a point there. It would be foolish to have a mate during those trying times. Either way, I'm going to be here to guide you in the right direction. You will protect everything that you come to know, Ichigo Kurosaki. You hold the key to the survival of humans, shinigamis, and arrancars. I will make your greatest desire come into a reality," said the Hōgyoku.

"So, does this mean I have my shinigami powers back?" asked Ichigo.

"I'm sorry. Right now you're too weak to regain any powers. And it might kill you if I activate my power," said the Hōgyoku.

"I see..." Ichigo said. "Where am I in the outside world?"

"Hmm, let me see. You're in Soul Society at Squad Four barracks. They should be ready to transport you back to the human world. You're not in any real danger anymore and since you don't have any reiatsu, there's no real reason for you to remain in Soul Society," said the Hōgyoku. "Although, you shouldn't worry yourself being about being powerless. Simply try being a young man, and finish your schooling. You still have all your human friends. Don't worry Ichigo, I will train you in your innerworld. Also remember we are going to have to take baby steps, but I will make you stronger than you could ever imagine. When the time is right, will you accept me, and bond with me Ichigo Kurosaki?" asked the Hōgyoku.

Ichigo remained silent to ponder what the Hōgyoku said. Letting everything sink in to his dense skull. Thinking of the promise he made after the final Getsuga Tenshou to protect everyone dear to him. He made his choice.

"I made my choice. But first, I have a question for you" Ichigo said

"Okay, go ahead," she said

"Do you have a name? Is there a name you prefer or want besides Hōgyoku? Or would you like me to give you a name?" Ichigo asked.

"I've never thought about that. I'll think on it. While in the human world, maybe I will find something to my liking," said the Hōgyoku.

"Sure, that's fine with me," Ichigo said.


Somewhere in the Rukon District

Yoruichi was on the hunt for her best friend, Kūkaku. It was time to drop some vital information of her family.

I wonder what's going to run through her mind when she finds out her uncle is still alive, and with kids. To top it off, she's already met one of her cousins. She smirked before realizing, better make it sound like I just found this out, otherwise I might end up getting my tail burned. From what I hear, the Shiba nobles want her to produce a heir and maybe in a hundred or more years they could become great again. Dammit, but she's too stubborn for her own good. And not to mention her loose canon of a brother Ganju won't ever meet a female with the way he acts and looks. A woman would have to be blind or stupid to even settle with him. Yuck, Yoruichi thought.

Well, let's see what will happen when the fireworks start to explode.


At Kūkaku's Place

In another part of the Rukon District the Head of the Shiba Clan received a letter from the Shiba nobles. Giving the letter a disgusted look, Kūkaku began to drink some sake to numb the headache she was about to get once she opened up the letter. I hope it's not another arranged marriage proposal. Man, they need to get it through their heads that I don't need them to find me someone. I could do that for myself, geez. I wish my brother was better suited for this, but no he's loud, ugly, and acts like a kid for being a grown ass man, ugh! He makes me so mad, I could beat him down right now for the hell of it. Shit! Lets see what this letter has to say, hopefully the news isn't so bad:

Dear Ms. Kūkaku Shiba

We have arranged a party in a few weeks to find a suitable suitor for you. We will allow you to pick someone of your own free will— for a time. You will have six months to find someone fit to be your husband. If within that six months you are able to find one, then you will have a one year grace period to get to know him better, and we will allow the both of you to get your things in order. If, by any chance, you or him decided to not continue with marriage. The Shiba Clan nobles will pick the best possible suitor for you. As for Ganju Shiba, if he is able to find him a suitable noble woman within that same time, then his offspring will become the next head of the Shiba Clan when he is of a proper age. Failure to comply will denounce you from being Head of the Shiba Clan.

Sincerely,

Hiro Shiba


Back at Squad One

"I wonder what is so important right now that head Captain Yamamoto would need to call a captains meeting right now. I could be doing something better, like sitting by a lake, and drinking some good quality sake." Captain Kyoraku said.

"I don't know about sitting by a lake, but if you're willing to pay for some sake, then I'm willing to go to a bar to drink all night long. It doesn't have to be good sake either." Captain Kenpachi said.

"Don't you fools have anything better to talk about other than getting drunk? Damn neanderthals. Why don't you do us a service and donate your brains to me. Maybe I'll be able to engineer you buffoons with some intelligence," said Captain Kurotsuchi.

"Is there a way for this conversation to stay civil?" Captain Ukitake asked.

The doors from the head captains room opened up. The head captain strode to the front of the other captains, and banged his staff to the floor.

"Let us begin this captains meeting. First, I want to commend everyone for your efforts in getting Soul Society back in order. I know it hasn't been easy, but if we all pull together we can reclaim the peace we once knew," head captain Yamamoto said.

"Head captain Yamamoto. What is to become of Ichigo Kurosaki now? Are we to engage him? What about his family; I feel they might need protection from hollows since his sisters are spiritually aware," asked Captain Hitsugaya.

"Ichigo Kurosaki will return to the human world. Another thing, I don't want anyone that has become his friend to engage him in any type of way. Captain Sui-Feng will send three groups of her men, and rotate them in supervising the Kurosaki family. Does anyone else have any concerns?" asked head captain Yamamoto.

"Head captain, by any chance, was anyone able to find the Hōgyoku?" asked Captain Kurotsuchi.

"Unfortunately there has been no trace of the Hōgyoku at this moment. The speculations are that the Hōgyoku was destroyed," said Head captain Yamamoto.

"What if it was not destroyed, then what?" Captain Kurotsuchi said.

"Get it back, if need be, by force. No one should wield such power. They will be overwhelmed, the same as Aizen," said head captain Yamamoto.

"Have new members been appointed to Central Forty-Six? And what are we going to do about the remaining arrancars? Ask Captain Ukitake.

"There has been no word from Central Forty-Six, and by that, we are still in control of things. As for the arrancars, they must be put to death," said head captain Yamamoto.

"What about the children? When I went to Hueco Mundo I met a little girl; arrancars that just wanted to play and have a good time. Are we to put kids to death, even if they haven't done anything wrong?" Captain Ukitake asked.

"I see your point, captain Ukitake. We will send scouts to Hueco Mundo, and if we are able to find children who are willing to be peaceful, then I will spare them. However, if by chance they only wish to kill, we would execute them on the spot. Is that clear to everyone?"

"Yes, head captain," everyone said.


At Urahara place

"Mr. Urahara, do you think Ichigo will be alright? Why hasn't he woke up yet? I'm getting a little worried," asked Orihime

He flipped his fan open, covering half of his face with a twinkle in his eye as if he already know the answer. Everyone waited for him to reply.

"Actually, I'm not sure when our hero is going to wake up. I wish he'd hurry up! I need to ask him some very important questions. He sleeps like I have all the time in the world to wait on sleeping beauty to meet his princess," said Urahara

Everyone in the shop sweatdropped at his response.

"I'm surprised you're only a little impatient. Usually you don't bother sticking around when others have fallen Injured. Well, I expect this when the ladies are injured. You tend to stick around longer than you're supposed to," Uryū said.

"I told you he was a pervert," Tatsuki added.

Everyone laughed at Kisuke's expense.

Without anybody noticing, Kisuke was in the corner sobbing fake tears. After composing themselves, Tessai and Orihime began to make everyone lunch. While the rest of the group was busy with their own little conversations.

"Orihime, has Ichigo ever been this severely injured in a battle? And how come you never told me the truth about everything that goes on around here?" Tatsuki said.

"To answer your first question the answer is yes, he has. The scary truth, Tatsuki, is that he's died twice before. I've seen him killed right in front of me. It was like a nightmare. It broke my heart," said Orihime.

"W-what. The. Hell!? you can't really mean that! He died? Then how is he still here, alive in front of us?" Tatsuki asked.

"The first time was when I was returning from Soul Society, and I encountered an arrancar that decided to play a mind game on me. He told me if I didn't come back with him to Hueco Mundo that he would go after all my friends, and everyone I love." She shivered. "During that time Ichigo and the others were losing, nearing death, and in that moment of despair I gave in to the arrancars demands. He then gave me twelve hours to say goodbye to only one person. It was a tough decision, but I chose Ichigo. In that moment I realized that I love him."

Tatsuki gave her a sad smile. "Then I won't hold it against you that you didn't come see me."

Orihime smiled gratefully in return, "Ichigo, Uryū, and Chad came to rescue me anyway. In the end, Ichigo had a fierce battle, and lost. He died. The arrancar put his arm through Ichigo's body. Yet I saved him with my power, and was taken from him. A few hours later Ichigo fought the same arrancar. This battle was more intense than any I'd ever seen. I still have nightmares, Tatsuki. Ichigo almost defeated the arrancar, but... he was blasted in the center of his chest. I could see his eyes turn lifeless. It was truly a horrible moment... Then his inner hollow saved him, transforming him into a crazed beast. He brutally annihilated the arrancar to pieces, and almost killed Uryū before I cried out for him to stop." Orihime took a second to breathe. "To answer your second question, I never told you the truth because I love you too, Tatsuki. I wanted to protect you, that's why," Orihime said.

Tatsuki was left speechless from the story Orihime told her. She was trying to process every mind blowing detail that, of all people, pixie girl Orihime relayed. Orihime, with a wild imagination, and an iron stomach. Who, with all the weird food she makes, she hasn't died from food poisoning. However on top of that, she's beautiful, and smart in her own way. She's become brave, having seen battle far worse than what humans know of. On top of that, she has god-like powers to bring back people from the dead, and return them to their former selves.

"I understand now, Orihime, but I would like to be apart of your, and Ichigo's new world. It seems that you guys have become a lot stronger," Tatsuki said.

"Okay," said Orihime.

Everyone began to eat their lunch, having a good laugh here and there. Some spoke of training to become stronger in the future, in case anything were to happen. Someone else mentioned college, and getting a job. Others such as Keigo, Mizuiro, and Tatsuki didn't have a clue what to do after becoming aware that there's more than meets an eye.

Orihime sat beside Ichigo to spend some time alone with him. She grabbed his hand, holding it with loving care, and began to speak to him.

"Oh, Ichigo I have so much to say to you, but every time I try to express myself it never comes out right. You are my light, my hope, and my dreams. I wish to be around you all the time. Whenever I am, I get this butterfly in my tummy. I know I can be pathetic sometimes. If only I could muster the courage to be honest with you. I might have a chance to become your girlfriend. So ichigo, I beg of you, please come back to me soon... because I love you," she whispered.


Back in Soul Society Kūkaku place

"So, Yoruichi, what brings you to my lovely place? Is it the outdoor scenery, or maybe some fresh air? Or might it be a favor for you once again? Because if that's the case, I'm going to say no. I have other problems that require my full attention. I don't have time to play. I'm in a bind that I need to get out of -or delay- whichever comes first," said Kūkaku

"Okay, I'll cut to the chase. For starters, I found some intel regarding your family. In the winter war there has been a new development. A person that was believed dead is very much alive." She paused, letting the implications sink in. "The person is former captain of Squad Ten, Isshin Shiba!


A/N: Review and leave a comment!