The Substitute Shinigami
A/N: Welcome everyone to my next story. Karakura Town and Soul Society enter the fray of war. This story takes place in the same universe as 'The Red Fox, The Golden Fighter, and The Saiyan Warrior.' In addition, it occurs after 'The Saiyan Warrior.'
Furthermore, this story occurs seventeen months after the defeat of Aizen.
I hope that everyone enjoys the first chapter of 'The Substitute Shinigami.'
Ichigo, now an ordinary person, continues his daily life, but he feels empty inside. He misses the days as a shinigami, but he knows he can never return to that life. However, unknown to Ichigo, a new darkness lurks around the corner, but hope is not lost.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Bleach.
*SC* = Scene Change
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Chapter 1: Another Day in School
"What is this place?" asked an orange hair man.
The seventeen-year-old walks through an abandon village. The homes are in ruins with pieces of wood scattered throughout the village. Not a single person is in sight. The night sky darkens with a red moon showering the ground below.
"Ichigo," said a voice from the shadows.
Ichigo Kurosaki stops in his tracks. He looks down and notices that he is wearing a white kimono. The orange hair man starts looking around trying to find out where he is. Suddenly, Ichigo stops, as he watches a man in a black coat brutality slam his fist into somebody.
"Hey!" shouted Ichigo.
The man in front of Ichigo turns towards the orange hair man. Ichigo gazes at the other person on the ground. His eyes widen when he notices the person on the ground. Orihime remains on the ground dead and with her eyes wide open. Ichigo turns his head and notices Uryu and Chad on the ground.
The black coat man approaches Ichigo.
"You don't belong here," said the man.
Ichigo feels pain surge through his stomach. He looks down and notices a tonfa with a blade through his body.
"Who are you?" asked Ichigo before darkness over takes him.
*SC*
Ichigo falls to ground. He breathes heavily as he wipes his eyes. He looks around and realizes he is in his room. The orange hair man sighs in relief. It was a nightmare. Ichigo feels his sweat roll down his body. The nightmare seemed so real. Regardless, it is just a dream, nothing more.
"Ichigo! Breakfast is ready!" shouted a voice from outside Ichigo's door.
Ichigo sighs hearing his younger sister's voice.
"I'm coming down Yuzu!" replied Ichigo.
Ichigo turns towards his window. It is another day of school.
Around twenty minutes later, Ichigo appears fully dressed in his school uniform. The shower was a great idea since it removed all the sweat he gained during the night. The orange hair man notices his sisters sitting at the table enjoying their breakfast. Both of them are wearing their school uniforms.
"Ichigo!" shouted a familiar voice to Ichigo.
Ichigo bends down to tie his shoes as his father, Isshin, flies over him and hits a wall. Ichigo stands back up, ignoring his father and heads to eat his breakfast.
"Ichigo," said Isshin. "It's good to know your skills are still in great shape!"
"Yeah, yeah," replied Ichigo.
Ichigo continues to eat watching his sisters, Yuzu and Karin, finish their food.
"So, Ichigo," said Yuzu. "What are doing tonight?"
"Dunno," replied Ichigo. "I do have to go to work. Afterwards, nothing I suppose."
"Okay," replied Yuzu. "I just need your help in repairing something for me."
"Sure," said Ichigo.
"I'm going," said Karin.
The black hair girl picks up her dish and washes. She then prepares to head to school. Yuzu follows her soon leaving Ichigo and his father alone.
Isshin stares at his son. Ever since Ichigo lost his powers, he has not been as loud as before. In fact, Ichigo seems calmer, but the type that will explode if necessary.
"Dad, I'll be going," said Ichigo.
Isshin nods in response as Ichigo leaves the house.
*SC*
Ichigo left his home almost thirty minutes ago. He left early to walk slower to school. For the past seventeen months, he has stopped a numerous location, where he had once seen the souls. He misses his time as a soul reaper. He remembers his time as a shinigami, when he would fight against Hollows and save the world. However, his time fighting is over.
The orange hair man sighs. This life is peaceful, but he does feel useless. A few minutes later, Ichigo finally reaches Karakura High School. He notices many students wearing the same school uniform. Ichigo grabs his gray jacket, making a few adjustments.
"Kurosaki-kun!" shouted a familiar voice.
Ichigo stops walking and turns around to face Orihime. She also wears the gray school uniform.
"Inoue," said Ichigo.
Orihime runs up to Ichigo grabbing his arm and she begins to drag him towards the school.
"You take too long to come to school," said Orihime with a big smile.
While Orihime drags Ichigo, he smiles at her. This woman has been at his side ever since the day he lost his powers.
"Kurosaki," said another familiar voice to Ichigo.
"Ishida," replied Ichigo.
Uryu Ishida stands next to Yasutora Sado. Both of them wear their school uniforms.
"You are never alone," whispered Orihime to Ichigo.
"Thanks," replied Ichigo.
*SC*
Lunchtime has arrived as Ichigo walks towards the cafeteria. As Ichigo enters the big room, he notices Orihime talking with Tatsuki. Tatsuki is another old friend of Ichigo. She understands his childhood and is happy she does. Ichigo turns to the right noticing Keigo and Mizuiro already eating their lunch. Ichigo walks towards them and sits down.
"Ichigo!" shouted Keigo.
Keigo charges at Ichigo, but the orange hair man side steps Keigo and puts Keigo into a headlock.
"I give, I give!" shouted Keigo.
Ichigo releases Keigo and returns to his lunch. Mizuiro sighs after witnessing the small skirmish.
Meanwhile, across the room, Orihime watches Ichigo from the distance. She notices his plain expression, but she can tell something is not right with him.
"What's wrong Orihime?" asked Tatsuki.
Tatsuki turns her attention towards Ichigo. She raises an eyebrow at him before returning her attention to Orihime. Tatsuki smiles a bit. For a while now, Ichigo and Orihime has spent a lot of time together. Tatsuki suspects something growing between them even though Orihime seems to express it more than she should.
"When are you going to say something?" asked Tatsuki.
Orihime breaks out of her trance and turns her attention to Tatsuki.
"Hmm, about what?" asked Orihime.
Tatsuki sighs. Orihime always tries to ignore her when it comes to this subject.
"Your feelings for Ichigo," replied Tatsuki.
"I don't know what you are talking about," said Orihime while whistling.
Tatsuki sweat drops. Orihime is not the best of liars.
"Stop trying to lie. I can see it your face," said Tatsuki.
Orihime pouts hoping to get Tatsuki to stop speaking on the subject, but her friend's hard stare forces Orihime to spill.
"Fine, but I already did," said Orihime.
Tatsuki instantly gives Orihime all of her attention.
"Well, what did he say?" asked Tatsuki.
"He didn't reply," said Orihime.
Tatsuki's eyes begin to twitch. How can Ichigo ignore Orihime like that? She is going to beat some sense into him. Suddenly, Orihime places her hand on Tatsuki's wrist.
"He was asleep," added Orihime.
Tatsuki's eyes stop twitching, but her hand turns into a fist and begins to twitch as she raises it above the table.
"That does not count as telling!" shouted Tatsuki.
Ichigo watches from the distance wondering what Orihime said to cause Tatsuki to yell out like that. He shrugs his shoulders and returns to his lunch deciding it is not important.
*SC*
The rest of the day was uneventful for Ichigo. School has ended, which is a good thing for him. Tatsuki has spent most of the day glaring at Orihime and then glaring at him. What could he have possibly done to deserve such a glare?
Ichigo rubs the back of his head. Whatever happened is between Orihime and Tatsuki. For now, he should head to work before Ikumi gets on his nerves.
A few minutes later, Ichigo reaches Unagiya Shop. The moment he opens the door, Ikumi appears and grabs his ear.
"You're late," said Ikumi in a dark tone.
"Yeah, whatever," replied Ichigo.
"A customer called wanting aid in moving," said Ikumi.
Ichigo sighs, but the job is better than the day before. He rather move objects around instead of cutting grass.
Ikumi gives Ichigo the address and the orange hair man takes off to the job.
"Mom!" shouted a voice as Ichigo leaves.
Immediately, Ichigo sees Ikumi change into her motherly figure and grabs an apron. Ichigo sighs while leaving the building.
*SC*
In about twenty minutes, Ichigo finally reaches his destination. He stares at the small house wondering if the person inside is friendly or just another annoying person. Kurosaki approaches the door, knocks, and waits for the customer to open the door. Soon, a man opens the door. Ichigo raises an eyebrow at the person's attire.
The man wears baggy yellow pants, a blue shirt, black shoes, and two blue wristbands. The most notable clothing is the big wrapping around the man's head and the pair of sunglasses.
"Are you from the Unagiya Shop?" asked the man.
"Yes I am," answered Ichigo.
"Good, you can start now," said the man. "Follow me."
*SC*
"Such an unproductive day," said Kisuke Urahara as he walks into his shop.
Kisuke decides to rest in his room. There has been little Hollow activities for the past few months, which is a good thing, but it has caused Kisuke to wonder why there is little Hollow activities
Kisuke opens the door as his green coat moves in the wind. Kisuke enters the shop noticing Jinta, Ururu, and Tessai keeping the shop up and running.
Jinta wears a sleeveless blue shirt and grey pants. His rubs his red hair while sighing. Ururu wears a school uniform. Tessai wears his usual clothing including a white shirt, dark gray pants, and a blue apron.
Kisuke looks around for Yoruichi, but he does not see her. Urahara scratches the back of his head, but decides not to search for her.
Urahara decides to call in the day. He heads towards his room to enjoy some rest. It has been a while since he meditated. Now should be a good time to do so.
Just as Kisuke is about to enter his room, he stops suddenly. He turns around as if he is searching for something.
"What is this darkness?" inquired Kisuke.
It was only for a second, but Kisuke felt a tremendous power. It could be just him being bored, but he knows better than to let such an event slip. It is best to contact Yoruichi as soon as possible.
"Something is wrong," said Kisuke. "I only hope this darkness is just Hollows."
*SC*
A/N: All right, this is the end of the first chapter. As usual, it is another slow start to the story, but it will pick up in the future. Thanks for reading and please review.