Chapter 2

"Did you hear what I said Ichigo? You have been asked to become Captain of the 5th Division."

Ichigo stared blankly at Toshiro for a moment. "Yeah, I heard you," he came into focus. "I just can't believe it. Me? A captain? Why me? I am still alive, how will that work?"

Toshiro sighed. "I am afraid you will have to leave your home and everything behind. As you know, your soul must be removed from your body and then your body will be cremated. Only then can you become a permanent resident of the soul society."

"What? How can you expect me to leave everything behind? What will happen to my dad, my sisters, and—" Ichigo had forgotten what happened earlier. He thought for a moment and then continued, "I'll think about it."

"I understand, but I am afraid that I can only give you a week to decide."

"A week? that's it?" Ichigo shouted.

"I'm sorry, but those are direct orders from the Head Captain."

Ichigo sighed. "I guess I understand."

"I'll return in a week to hear your decision. But keep this in mind; last time you lost your powers, you were no help to anyone."

Toshiro was about to go until Ichigo spoke again. "Hey wait a second, isn't the 5th squad Aizen's old division?"

"Yes, it was. If you take over for him, Momo Hinamori will be your lieutenant."

"Momo Hinamori? Hey wait a minute isn't she the girl you accidentally sta—?"

Toshiro quickly interrupt him. "Don't remind me. It's painful enough to even think about what I did."

"Sorry, you know it wasn't your fault."

"Yeah it was, I should have been watching Momo better and she wouldn't have gotten hurt." Toshiro started to get mad and squeeze his fists. He quickly snapped out of it. "Anyway, think about my offer. I'll be back in a week for your decision." and with that, he flash stepped out the window.

Ichigo dropped himself back down onto his bed and began to think about it. "Wow, I can't believe it! Me? A captain? It would be pretty cool to be a captain, but then if I go I will have to leave everyone behind.? Ichigo began to cry a little. "Chad, Orihime, why?"

Ichigo spent the next few days thinking about the proposal. He decided to

ask his dad what he would do in that situation.

Isshin sighed. "I am afraid, son, that I can't give you an answer. It's your life and you have to make your own decisions."

"I know. Something is telling me I should go, but everything I know is here." Ichigo was torn.

"I will support you either way. However, I would try to settle your affairs before you go, if I were you."

Ichigo sighed "You want me to call Orihime and Chad?"

"Like I said, it's up to you."

"Yeah," Ichigo released a heavy breath. "I know."

Ichigo thought about everything for a few more days and finally made his decision. He glanced over at his phone and slowly picked it up. His fingers were heavy as he dialed. The phone rang and he waited for an answer.

"Hello?"

Ichigo sighed "I need to speak to you. Meet me at the spot that we usually go to."

Ichigo waited nervously in the shade of a tree. "I hope a made the right decision." He thought to himself.

"Ichigo!" He spotted Orihime running up the hill. "Ichigo," she began again, with tears in her eyes. "Ichigo, I am so sorry." She put her arms out to hold him.

"Sorry isn't enough," he shrugged away from her. "Look, Orihime, what you did was really hurtful. I never could have thought that you would be capable of doing something like this."

"I am sorry." She pleaded.

Ichigo looked down. "The reason I asked you to come here is… I was asked to become a Captain in the Soul Society."

"That's great Ichigo!" Orihime chirped. "I am so happy for you! But don't you have to live in the Soul Society? Or will they let you stay here?"

"No I wouldn't be able to live here anymore; I would have to live in the Soul Society."

"Oh," Orihime sounded nervous. "So what are you going to do?"

Ichigo turned away from her. "I am going to take the position."

"What? Ichigo you can't! Please, don't do this because of me! Don't run away, please. We can work through this." Orihime begged in desperation.

"No!" Ichigo glared at her. "You don't get it! I was thinking about how boring my life was before I met Rukia. I was thrown into a new world of chaos and at first, it seemed to me like fighting was the only way that I could protect my friends and family, but I actually enjoy it. I like being a soul reaper. Kenpachi told me once that I am like him and that I thirst for battle, and in some way, he is right."

"So that's it then? You're just going to abandon everyone?" Orihime was crying now.

"I'm not abandoning anyone. I'm just following what my heart is telling me to do."

"And what about your friends? And me, Ichigo? I love you."

Ichigo put his finger on her mouth. "I will never forget what you did, but I forgive you, Orihime. You will always be my friend. If you search your heart, I think you will find that you really don't love me either."

"Ichigo, I am so sorry, don't go I want you to stay! Please!" She begged.

"I am sorry, Orihime my decision is final."

"Please!" She looked into his eyes desperately. "Don't go! I don't want to lose you again!"

"Don't worry, Orihime, I promise that I'll come back and visit." He tried to reassure her. "I must get ready for tomorrow. Please don't cry. Everything will be okay, I promise. Take care of yourself. Goodbye." Ichigo started to walk away.'

"Goodbye, Kurosaki-kun, thanks for saving me."

When Ichigo got back to his house, Toshiro was waiting in his room. "So, Ichigo, have you made your decision?"

"That's Captain Kurosaki, to you." Ichigo said with a smirk.

"Very well," Toshiro laughed. "We will leave tomorrow."

The next day Ichigo and Toshiro met at Urahara's shop to travel back to the Soul Society. His family was there to say goodbye.

"Goodbye, brother." Yuzu cried as she hugged her brother.

"Don't cry," He patted her on the back. "I'll come back and visit real soon. I promise."

Even Karin was about to cry. She hugged her older brother. "You'd better come back on holidays, you jerk."

"Don't worry, I will."

Ichigo then turned to his dad, who tried to head butt him. However, he was countered by Ichigo flipping him over and pinning him to the ground.

"What is wrong with you? Is that how you say goodbye to your son?" Ichigo shouted.

Isshin smirked. "My son, I have nothing left to teach you."

Ichigo then helped his father up off the floor and hugged him. "See you later, Old man."

"So, Ichigo," Urahara interrupted. "Now you're a big shot Captain. I must say you've come a long way since I found you dieing on the road."

"Thanks, Urahara, I'll remember everything that you taught me." Ichigo hugged him.

Urahara was a little shocked, but hugged Ichigo back "Now, now, Captain, don't want to be too soft." Urahara said with a smile.

Ichigo finally turned to Yoruichi. "Thank you, too, Yoriuchi. I would have never obtained my bankai and defeated Byakuya if it wasn't for you."

Yoruichi smiled. "No problem, Ichigo, I am sure I am going to have to pull your dumb ass out of another bad situation soon."

"I am sure you will." Ichigo smirked and leaned in to hug her.

"If not," she whispered in his ear. "I'm sure you'll want to see me naked again."

He began to sweat and shake nervously.

"Come on Ichigo, we must go." Interrupted Toshiro.

Ichigo bowed to them, and then started to head to the door which would take him to his new home.

"Take care of yourself, Ichigo. And remember don't be a stranger and if you ever need info or a Gigai, you know where to find me." Urahara shouted after him.

"Thanks, I'll remember that." with that Ichigo and Toshrio jumped into the portal.

As Urahara watched him disappear, he couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride.

"Did I see a tear, Urahara?" smirked Yoruichi.

"Our little boy is all grown up." Urahara began to sob.

Yoruichi rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's go. Some sake will cheer you up."

Urahara's head shot up. "I think that will do, Yoruichi." he said with a smile.

When Ichigo and Toshiro came out of the gate they were greeted by Jushiro. He smiled and greeted them.

"Welcome, Ichigo Kurosaki. We must hurry so we can start the ceremony."

They all flash stepped to the ceremony. When they got there all of the Captains and Lieutenants were lined up with Yamamoto standing at the end in the middle.

"Come forward, Ichigo Kurosaki, and bow in front of me." Head Captain Yamamoto called out.

Ichigo walked forward and stood in front of his new head captain.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, do you accept the role of Captain of the 5th squad of the Gotei 13? Will you also protect and follow the laws of the Soul Society?"

"Yes, Head Captain, I will."

"Now rise, Ichigo Kurosaki. Based on your mastery of bankai, as well as recommendations from several captains, including myself, I now bestow upon you the title of Captain of the 5th Division." Yamamoto then gave Ichigo his long sleeved white captain's robes with the symbol for the fifth division.

Ichigo started to shake the other captain's and lieutenant's hands as they gathered around to congratulate him. Momo stood back with her head down as she began fuming with anger. Ichigo saw beyond the crowd that Momo was standing alone.

He walked away from the celebration to his new partner. "Hello, you must be my new lieutenant, Momo. My name is Ichigo Kurosaki. It's very nice to meet you." He put out his hand.

Momo didn't answer. She didn't even look up at him.

"Anyway," Ichigo nervously dropped his hand back down to his side. "I look forward to working with you and—"

"Excuse me," Momo interrupted without even looking up at him "but I have paper work to do, so I must go. I'll send someone to escort you back to the barracks." She quickly flash stepped away.

Everyone was shocked at how Momo had treated Ichigo. The others watched as Ichigo stood scratching his head in confusion, staring at the empty space where Momo had just been.

Shunsui decided to break the uncomfortable silence. "Let's go, Ichigo. I have some good Sake just for this special occasion. Come on, let's celebrate our new captains." He led Ichigo and the others outside to the main court of the head captain's chambers.

Within minutes of pouring her first drink, Rangiku was drunk and singing with Shunsui. Nanao just shook her head and thought, "Great, now I'll have to drag his drunk ass back to the barracks again."

Ichigo looked around, fascinated at how drunk some of the other captains were getting. He was especially amazed at Jushiro, who was now dancing with himself. His thoughts were interrupted when Toshiro put his hand on Ichigo's shoulder and motioned for him to join him for a private walk.

When they were alone, Toshiro began, "Excuse Momo, she's still hung up on Aizen. You see, Momo did everything to be with him. She idolized him and worked so hard to become his lieutenant. When he betrayed her, it crushed her. She still holds on to every bit of good memory with him that she has."

"I see. Poor girl. She looks like a very kind and caring person."

"Yes, she is. So please look after Momo for me. She has been through so much. She needs some one like you; a person with a strong heart."

"Don't worry. I'll do my best to help her." Ichigo reassured him.

"I know with you she is in good hands. I've tried everything to help her, but nothing seems to work. I know you will find a way to help her."

"You don't have to worry Toshir—I mean Captain Hitsugaya."

Toshiro smirked. "You're a Captain now. You can call me by my first name."

The two captains returned to the party.

By the end of the night, Ichigo was pretty drunk and was struggling to stand. Out of nowhere, a shimiagmi appeared. He looked like he was in his twenties. He had long black hair with blue highlights.

He bowed to Ichigo and said, "My name is Kyou Igarashi, I am the 3rd seat of the 5th division, it's an honor to meet you, Captain."

"It's an honor to meet you, too." Ichigo stumbled. "Sorry, I am a little drunk."

"It's alright, Captain." Kyou steadied Ichigo. "Allow me to guide you to the barracks." He put his arm around Ichigo and began walking.

'Thank you." Ichigo turned back as they walked away from the remnants of the party.

There stood Nanao, sighing over the naked and unconscious body of Captain Kyoraku. Ichigo faintly heard her say, "Not again," As she scooped him off the floor with his pink kimono.

Ichigo turned back as Kyou dragged him back to his new bedroom. After what seem liked forever to Ichigo, they finally arrived. Kyou pointed him to his room.

"Good night, sir." Kyo said. "Oh, I just wanted to tell you that the squad and I are really looking forward to formally meeting you tomorrow, so sleep well, Sir." With that, he left and shut the door.

Ichigo stumbled into his bed. "I shouldn't have drunk so much. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.. I hope that I can handle this." He quickly fell asleep.