Rukia's Promotion

Chapter I The Surprise

Ichigo, Renji and Rukia walked down the streets of Karakura Town having exited one of the many sushi bars. Ichigo and Renji were involved in a heated discussion.

"I don't see why you have to do that ridiculous thing anways," Renji said.

"For the last time, it's called Dance Dance Revolution," Ichigo said getting a little annoyed, "And I have to practice it, because ever since my dad bought one for the house he's been challenging me. If I lose I have to do his half of the chores while he lies around and does nothing. And if I refuse then Yuzu will take it upon herself to do them and then Karin will get mad at both of us….I really miss the days where he'd randomly attack me."

"So why'd you have to go to a sushi bar to practice?"

"Because he hogs the one at home and the ones at the arcade always have crowds and lines around them."

"Well, big crowds are less likely to notice you I'd think the wait would be worth it, considering how much you embarrassed yourself tonight."

"What the hell did you say?!" Ichigo shouted angrily as he gave Renji a death stare.

"I'm just saying in that small room all those people could see you flailing your arms around like an idiot."

"I'm an idiot?" Ichigo said in disbelief, "The one time you tried it you fell flat on your ass."

"Say that again and I'll make you fall flat on your ass!" Renji shouted raising his fist. Ichigo quickly raised his as well.

"Alright you two break it up," Rukia said stepping between them, "Is this silly game really…worth…kill……" She started to say before trailing off.

"Rukia? Are you okay?" Ichigo asked in concern before he noticed what she was staring at, "Is…is that who I think it is?"

"I think it is," Renji said joining them as they stared.

The trio had stopped outside one of the finer restaurants in Karakura Town and through the large windows on the front of the restaurant they could see Hanatarō Yamada of the 4th squad seated at the table. The medical squad shinigami was dressed impeccably in a full tuxedo. To his right they noticed his table-mate an attractive girl wearing a black backless dress with her long teal hair tied in a pony tail.

"It's Hanatarō…is…is he on a date?" Icigo said still in shock.

"I think he is, but I've never seen her before," Rukia said.

"How'd that mousey little guy end up with a babe like her?" Renji asked.

The trio watched as the girl unwrapped a gift Hanatarō had given her. Though they couldn't see what it was it was clear she enjoyed it by the huge smile that came across her face and what could only be an excited "thank you" that followed. The girl then leaned over and embraced Hanatarō in a hug. Hanatarō's face instantly reddened and he fell out of his chair having seemingly fainted.

"It's defiantly Hanatarō," Rukia said smiling.

"Wanna bet his head would've exploded if she kissed him," Ichigo said.

"I'm glad for him," Rukia said, "Though I always thought he had feelings for Lieutenant Kotetsu."

"I always thought he and Ganju had a thing going," Renji added.

Upon hearing this Rukia and Ichigo recoiled in horror.

"Dammit Renji!" Ichigo shouted smacking the back of Renji's head, "Why the hell did you have to say that? Now that, that image has entered my mind I'll never be able to unsee it."

"I wonder where he got that tuxedo." Rukia said, "The 4th division doesn't make much money and I don't think he had any living world money."

"He got it from us," said multiple voices from the behind them.

"What the…." Ichigo said in shock upon turning to see the entire Shinigami Women's Association emerging from a bush.

"Hi Ichii," Yachiru said greeting him.

"You're helping him?" The trio said together confusedly.

"Well both of them actually," Rangiku Matsumoto said, "Don't the 7th seats of the 2nd and 4th division make the cutest couple."

"I guess," Renji said, "So who's the girl?"

"She is Shigure Takeada 7th seat of of the 2nd division and Master of Interrogations for the Stealth Force," Soi Fon, Captain of the 2nd division responded matter-of-factly.

"So you've set up the biggest marshmallow in sereitei with a professional torturer," Ichigo said.

"Maybe he's into that kind of thing," Renji said.

"Good point. So, what other help are you providing?" Rukia asked her curiosity piqued.

"Well their respective captains gave them passes to the world of the living, and we supplied the funds for the wonderful clothes and tickets to the greatest concert in Karakura Town," Matsumoto said handing them a brochure.

"The London Symphony Orchestra Presents: Video Game Music of the Past Decade?" Renji, Rukia, and Ichigo read aloud in confusion.

"And I brought along something special," Yachiru said happily.

"What?" Ichigo said a little afraid.

"Hey, Ichigo!" Shouted a familiar voice as Kenpachi Zaraki, Ikkaku Madarame, and Yumichika Ayasegawa emerged from a smaller bush beside the one that the girls had emerged from.

"K..k…k….Kenpachi? What are you doing here?" Ichigo said in horror taking a few steps back.

"And how'd you all fit behind that bush?" Rukia asked

."We used the leaves to hide the shine from Ikkaku's head," Yumichika said.

"That didn't answer the question at all," Ichigo said.

"They're here to beat up any super cool guys that try to steal Shi's heart, like what happens in Big Boobs' romance books," Yachiru said.

"But when I was in the 11th division we despised the 4th and would never help a member of them. Did things change?" Renji asked.

"No, but Yachiru threatened to shave Yumichika's head if we didn't do this. We figured it'd be okay to break the taboo just once in order to avoid weeks of Yumichika complaining," Ikkaku said.

"It'd be the greatest sin against beauty ever," Yumichika said visibly shuddering.

"Heh, if she did, you and Ikkaku would be practically twins," Renji said.

"Don't say such horrible things!" Yumichika shouted.

"Which is why the next time we meet Ichigo, you and I will able to fight freely without the threat of annoyance," Kenpachi said.

"But why are you guys going all out to help them on what seems like a regular date?" Rukia asked.

"Because since she is the newest member of the Shinigami Women's Association Lieutenant Matsumoto felt it should be our duty to ensure Shigure Takeada has a wonderful romantic evening with Hanatarō Yamada before she departs on a month long mission to real world to a place called New York," Nanao Ise the 8th division Lieutenant said in a businesslike manner.

"And I said they should go to real world so when Kenny came along he could say hi to you Ichii," Yachiru said smiling.

"Thanks, but it wasn't necessary," Ichigo said his eye twitching.

"Awwww are you upset you and Kenny don't get to fight and have fun?"

"Ya Ichigo he came all this way to see you and it doesn't look like you're enjoying his company," Rukia said enjoying the moment.

"Hey, you don't have a sadistic battle loving super strong maniac constantly wanting to fight you of your own so why don't you butt out?"

"Uh Ichigo, he's standing right there," Renji said.

"He doesn't care. He probably thinks it's a compliment," Ichigo said still a little agitated.

"Why don't you three continue this pointless discussion later," Soi Fon said interrupting, "I'm here for another reason too."

"Oh crap she found that drawing of Yoruichi," Renji said fearfully.

Soi Fon merely responded by kicking him in the face.

"You really are an idiot sometimes Renji," Ichigo said.

"As I was saying, I am here for another reason. I want to see you first thing in the morning," Soi Fon said pointing to Rukia.

"Me? Why?" Rukia asked with a hint of concern.

"Because Shigure chose you as a temporary replacement as Master of Interrogations."

Ichigo and Rukia stood there in stunned silence at this revelation while Renji was lying on the ground from Soi Fon's kick to the head.

"Remember first thing tomorrow," Soi Fon repeated as she flash stepped away.

After a few more moments of Rukia standing in silence Yachiru said, "I think she broke her brain."