Author's Note 1: Hey, everyone. It's been a while. So as you can see, I uploaded another chapter to what was supposed to be a oneshot. Quite a surprise, I know. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to add more on this and instead lump this story in with the rest of my collection. However, since I wanted to try and kick start this revolution of mine and add more to an elusive pairing/unknown trifecta that had never been attempted, I figured why not.

Anyway, I'm sure many of you are wondering what's taking so long with the next chapter for "The Hodgepodge Romance of Ichigo Kurosaki." Well to be honest, it's not just because of my studies (though that was a large reason). I have been... watching another series. Yes it's true, I was cheating on Bleach with… Sekirei. Yeah, the freaky harem series blending Pokemon and Tenchi Muyo with bust sizes that would make Rangiku and Kuukaku blush (though admittedly those two still have them ). True it's a new series and the fanfiction department is still trying to get off the ground, but being the great and revolutionary author you know (sorry for sounding narcissistic), I just had to see what was up. So I've been brainstorming a couple ideas for a new story and even wrote most of its first chapter.

Still, don't think that I've given up on my successful story. I've still got plenty of ideas. And with the coming Winter Break, you may see more frequent uploads (unless I get writer's block, but that's beside the point.) So without further to do, I shall light the flames of revolution and hopefully more stories revolving around these three characters being paired with each other and other cracks (along with long-winded sentences) with the presentation of Chapter 2!


Ch. 2

After arriving at a field in Karakura Community Park, the trio found themselves surrounded by a mob of hollows. The beasts' roars and growls of hunger echoed through the area as the enemies tightened the wall. The shinigami knew that escape was impossible. "Enemy units recognized," Nemu droned as she stood in a defensive position.

"Talk about stating the obvious," Rangiku muttered as she and Ichigo drew their swords.

"This should be easy," Ichigo said with a confident smirk, paying no heed to the horde's intimidation tactics.

"Now, now, Ichigo. Don't get ahead of yourself" Rangiku chimed. "After all, we don't want you to overexert yourself too soon now."

Ichigo immediately blushed from the intended meaning of her words. "Sh-shut up!" Ichigo replied as he hid his flustered cheeks while the busty blonde chuckled behind him. "Anyway, is everyone ready?"

"You know I am," Rangiku replied, her face becoming serious given the situation.

"Ready to engage multiple combatants," Nemu replied with a steely gaze.

"Then let's go!" As if on cue, the hollows began charging toward the three shinigami. Saliva hung from their gaping jaws as they approached the warriors. Death gods be damned. To the demons, the three psychopomps were merely a rare meal.

By the time they were in range, many of the foes leaped forward, ready to pounce on their intended prey. Seeing her chance, Rangiku quickly shouted, "Growl, Haineko!" At that instant, her zanpakuto's blade quickly dissolved into sharp granules that formed into a massive twister. While herself and her allies were shielded within the eye, the zanpakuto ability easily sliced apart whatever unfortunate soul was within range. Seeing the wall of razor sharp ash, the hollows began firing ceros. Red spheres of energy sped toward them like missiles at a destined target. While Rangiku's shield managed to absorb the damage, the lieutenant knew that her defensive strategy wouldn't last for long.

"It's my turn!" Ichigo replied as he stepped forward, charging Zangetsu with a large amount of spiritual energy. Understanding her partner's plan, Rangiku nodded as changed her tactics. Now the tornado had dissipated and became a wave of shredding dust. The grains flew radially, thinning out the hollows' ranks as well as weakening many others. "Time to take you all out!" Ichigo growled. "Getsuga Tensho!" The strawberry-haired shinigami released a large crescent-shaped wave of energy that ripped through the ground and into a section of hollows, destroying all in its path. With the ash shield down, the enemy horde charged forward in an attempt to overpower the shinigami. However, Ichigo and Rangiku held the foes off, using their swordsmanship to take out any demon foolish enough to confront them.

Nemu shunpoed through the crowd, tearing open a path full of defeated foes and gravely injured opposition. By the time she closed the distance with her chosen target, the young woman kicked the beast's skull-like mask, eliminating it instantly before punching through another incoming monster with a strong fist. From behind her, another hollow approached, its shadow looming over the lithe scientist. However, Nemu back flipped over the opponent before its attack connected. Now behind her foe, Nemu grabbed it by the tail. Using her inhuman strength, the lieutenant swung the hollow around with ease. As she spun, the enemies body was used as a flail, slamming into whatever beast was in her space. After taking down a good number of foes, Nemu flung her enemy into a crowd of hollows. The strength of the throw and impact was enough to eliminate all who was caught.

From her right flank, a lone hollow fired its cero at Nemu. Unable to dodge or counter, it appeared that she was about to take a direct hit. Luckily for her, Ichigo managed to position himself between the lieutenant and the blast. Using his zanpakuto, the teen shielded his comrade from the energy sphere. He then raised his spiritual energy and sliced the cero in two. The energy bursts flew off to the side and exploded behind them. "I thank you, Master Kurosaki," Nemu said.

"No problem," Ichigo responded.

Seeing how its tactic had failed, the hollow decided to withdraw. Not wanting her opponent to flee, Nemu dashed passed Ichigo and to her attacker. Once she closed the distance, Nemu spun herself like a top, colliding with the hollow's backside before finishing with an uppercut. The demon was now airborne and helpless to retaliate as Nemu jumped after her target and attacked with a series of powerful spinning kicks. After gracefully landing, the hollow crashed onto the hard ground and was soon purified.

With their numbers cut to a measly five, the remaining hollows tried their best to escape. It was clear that they were outmatched by the shinigami trio. However, their contingency plan would prove ineffective as a cloud of ash blocked their path. "Hold on," Rangiku called from behind them. "Where do you think you're going?" The enemies only snarled at the busty blonde. "Hey, Ichigo," she called.

"I got it," Ichigo said after cutting down his opponent. The strawberry-haired teen sped ahead, his blade ripping through the soul like a knife through butter. In a last ditch effort, the remaining force charged toward the substitute shinigami. However, their efforts were in vain as Ichigo swung his massive cleaver's blade and fired another Getsuga Tensho, eliminating them all at once. With the hollows destroyed and the area secure, Ichigo rested Zangetsu on his shoulder. "Looks like we're done here," he said nonchalantly. He then turned back to the lieutenants. "Nice work, you two."

"Isn't it expected?" Rangiku said with a smile as she sealed Haineko's power and slid it in her sheath. "You did pretty good yourself, Ichigo."

"Thanks," the substitute nodded.

"It was quite a decisive victory, Master Kurosaki," Nemu replied. "And once more, I wish to thank you for assisting me."

"Hey, it was nothing," Ichigo said "I'm sure you would do the same thing."

Hearing his response, Nemu lowered her head as she felt her cheeks heating up. "Indeed," she replied in a low tone.

"Well that was a pretty good workout," Rangiku said, stretching her back as she walked to Ichigo. "We make quite a team don't we?"

"Yeah, we do," Ichigo replied. He couldn't help but agree with the blonde lieutenant's statement. While the substitute shinigami was used to defeating hollows on his own (with the exception of Rukia and Renji's visits), he was surprised by how well their chemistry was. Between his power, Nemu's agility, and Rangiku's technique, they were an unstoppable party. Each knew the other's abilities and were able to formulate plans on the fly. "These two might get on my nerves, but I'm glad we're on the same side," he thought with a smirk on his face. "Alright, then. Let's head back to our bodies."

"Okay," Rangiku said.

"Affirmative," Nemu replied. With blinding speed, the three shinigami left the park and backtracked to Ichigo's home.


After a few minutes, the three went to the side of the house where Rangiku and Nemu's gigais were watching over Ichigo's inactive form. After returning to their vessels, the three shinigami began walking down the street, stretching out the kinks in their bodies in the process.

"Now that we've taken care of those pesky hollows," Rangiku began as she stood in front of Ichigo, "we can get back to the important issue at hand."

"Huh? What issue?" Ichigo asked in a raised eyebrow.

"Our little discussion which happened before the hollows came, silly."

"We are still at an impasse, Master Kurosaki," Nemu explained. "You have yet to answer whom you wish to accompany to which destination."

"What? Did you think we'd forget about that, Ichigo?" Rangiku asked.

The strawberry-haired teen blanched in response. He had hoped that the recent attack would have made them loose interest, or forget the issue all together. Clearly, that wouldn't be the case. "So much for some peace and quiet" he thought. "Do I really have to choose now? I mean, I was hoping to get some time to myself."

"Aww," Rangiku whined, acting upset. "Are you turning me down, Ichigo? All I wanted was to spend some time with you."

Understanding Rangiku's ploy, the purple-haired woman decided to play along. "Master Kurosaki must be feeling annoyed by our presence," Nemu replied as she turned her back to the young man, appear dejected. "He must believe we are not worth his time."

"Not worth his time! I'm starting to feel rather abandoned, Ichigo."

"Gyah! It's not like that!" Ichigo replied as he tried to calm the two down. While he had some idea of the girls' plan, he was too worried about looking like a bad guy that he was unable to think clearly. Wanting to maintain some sense of order, the young man thought up a compromise. "Hey, how about this. I'll go wherever you two want. That way neither of you feel left out, alright?"

"You will?" Rangiku replied.

"Y-Yeah!" Ichigo replied as he scratched the back of his head, still unsure what he got himself into.

"While I accept such conditions, their appears to be one minor flow in your plan?" Nemu replied.

"What's that?"

"Whose offer will you appeal to first?"

Ichigo froze from Nemu's querry. While he figured his idea would be enough to keep the two women settled, he still didn't know who to go with. The young man stood with folded arms as he weighed his options and glancing at each woman.

On one hand, he could go to the museum with Nemu. It had been a while since his last visited the building and did enjoy the exhibits that were held. He also remember Uryu telling him that there was an exhibition about the Feudal Era, something that he was curious enough to see. On the other hand, he could spend time with Rangiku at the mall. Though he knew that the bombshell loved shopping more than anything in the world, it was a good place to kill some time. Plus he heard there would be a demo for a new game that he just had to try.

After giving his choices some thought, Ichigo lightly nodded as he came to a conclusion. "Alright. I made up my mind," he said. "Let's go…"


Author's Note 2: Oh no! Another cliffhanger! Yes sad, but true. Or is it? You see, as a fan and author, it's hard for me to choose who Ichigo would go with first. Would it be the busty, sultry, charismatic Rangiku or the cute, mysterious, analytical Nemu. Luckily for me, I'm sure you readers can decide for yourselves. See, after I wrote this chapter, I uploaded a little survey on my profile. Now it's pretty straight forward, choose who you want Ichigo's first pick to be. In the end, the one with the most votes will be that chapter's date. And now, I bid you all adieu. Until next time! And remember we need more stories that aren't simply yaoi or tiring pairing! Bring the noise and ideas to begin a new age of fanfics!lol Oh yeah, and please leave a review after you're done.