Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach, nor am I affiliated with it's creator, Tite Kubo. However, my OC's and the new plot-line are in fact my own creation. Don't use Kai without my permission please, or give me some credit. You wouldn't like it if I stole your OC's, would you?
Pairings: Minor OrihimexOC but mainly IchiRuki throughout. Ichigo and Rukia were made for each other, I think.
Brief: After the Winter War comes to a conclusion, Ichigo and the gang are in for some all new shocks to come!
Warnings: Romance (if you hate the odd spout of fluff, I urge you not to continue), strong language and potential gore.
Note: In this Fanfic, Kai has taught Ichigo the ways of the Neo-Vizard, just to clarify that!
Bleach After the Winter War
Chapter 2: Aftermath, The Ruined Town
No one could believe the state of their home town. Barely anywhere was untouched by the carnage that had torn through the town. The Hell-Hole was crushed, the Kurosaki house was splintered, Karakura High now had a new entrance straight into the ground floor from the roof, and, for the most part, every house and building was damaged or flattened.
Orihime's house had miraculously survived with the exception of her kitchen, which had been shaken by the shockwaves of crushing pressure. Surprisingly, Uryu's house was also intact, no doubt due to some kind of Quincy technique. Unsurprisingly, however, the Urahara shop was intact for the most part, now missing half of the shop front and the back store rooms. The underground segment, however, was fully intact.
For now, we'll pay a visit to the Urahara Shop, where Isshin, Yuzu and Karin sat with Kisuke, Yoruichi in her human form, Tessai, Ururu and Jinta. Isshin finished explaining the situation to Urahara, who listened intently.
"Well, you're welcome to stay here for as long as you need, old friend." Urahara said. "I'm just glad that none of you were hurt."
"Thank you, Kisuke." Isshin said. "Have you heard from Ichigo since Aizen vanished?"
"No, actually. I can still sense his spiritual pressure, so he must be alright."
"I know, and I know Rukia will keep him out of trouble."
It wasn't long before Ururu and Yuzu began talking to one another, Jinta left to get some of the hollows that were swarming over Karakura since the battle ended and Karin disappeared, looking for Captain Hitsugaya.
River Path
Chad, Uryu, Orihime, Kai, Ichigo and Rukia sat on the bank of the river, looking out to the sunset over the wrecked town they called home. They had found out about how Orihime and Uryu's houses were still intact for the most part and that Urahara was using the underground area for those who helped the Soul Reapers defeat Aizen and the Espada. Ichigo had his left arm wrapped around Rukia's shoulders, the worst of their wound patched up.
"We'd better go to Urahara's soon." Ichigo said, breaking the peaceful silence. "Dad, Karin and Yuzu will be worried about us, Rukia."
"I have to say, that seems like an idea." Rukia said, her head leant against Ichigo's chest.
Ichigo looked to his right, facing Kai and Chad.
"You two gonna come with us?" he asked.
Chad nodded, knowing that he'd be more help with Urahara. Kai frowned.
"I'll let you guys do whatever you like." he said, standing up. "But I've got other ideas for accommodation."
"Don't tell me you're going to use that warehouse again, are you?" Orihime asked. Kai looked to her with an of-course-but-don't-worry look on his face. Orihime shook her head. "I've got a spare bed at my house, you can stay there if you like."
Kai frowned.
"I'm not so sure that'd be a good idea..." he said, but Orihime looked at him, her large grey eyes throwing a puppy-dog look. He sighed. "Alright then, if you're sure you're ok with it."
Ichigo laughed.
"You really stood your ground there, Kai." he smirked. Kai glared at him, but said nothing.
Ichigo, Rukia and Chad stood and bid their friends farewell, leaving for the shop, Ichigo and Rukia walking with intertwined fingers. Chad made an effort to stay a few feet ahead, so as to not disturb them.
Kai and Orihime left for Orihime's apartment as Uryu picked up the phone as his father called. It was quite a way to Orihime's house, so Kai picked her up bridal-style after a few minutes (despite the girl's protests) and used his Shunpo to get there faster.
Underground Training Area
Chad found himself a place a way off from the rest of the gathered Soul Reapers and their homeless allies, laying out his roll-mat and sleeping bag behind a pillar of stone. Ichigo quickly found his father, who was in a more serious mood than usual. Undoubtedly, the man would become his childish self in a few days at most.
"Well done bringing that evil son of a bitch down, son." he said, patting Ichigo on the shoulder. "Do you know about the casualties?"
Ichigo shook his head.
"The 4th Squad are still searching for those missing and totalling the loses." he replied. "We won't know for some time."
A pitch black butterfly flew down from the hatch and rested on Ichigo's head, the telepathic voice speaking into everyone's head.
"Attention all; the Head-Captain has requested to speak with the following people in the Soul Society; Rukia Kuchiki, Kisuke Urahara, Kai Friel, Orihime Inoue, Sado Yasutora, Yoruichi Shihouin, Ichigo Kurosaki. That is all."
Isshin chuckled.
"Well, so much for a reunion." he said. "Go on, it's rude to keep the Head-Captain waiting."
Ichigo smirked and shook his dad's hand, before disappearing into the Soul Society with the rest of the group. They were met by Captain Soifon. She led the group into the Head-Captain's office and bowed.
"The Soul Reapers and their friends you requested, Head-Captain." she said.
"Thank you, Captain. You can go now."
Soifon left. Ichigo frowned when he realised it wasn't Yamamoto's voice. In fact, it sounded more like...
"Captain Ukitake?" he said as the Head-Captain faced the group, a smile on his face. "Where's Old-man Yamamoto?"
"I'm afraid the ex-Head-Captain has been promoted to the Zero Squad for his efforts in the war. He requested that I take his place."
"That's good news, Captain- Er, Head-Captain." Rukia corrected herself, bowing her head. Ukitake chuckled.
"Indeed it is, Rukia. Now then, I've called you all here for different reasons, but I'd like to thank you all deeply for Yamamoto since he can't himself. You all put a great deal into the war." He cleared his throat. "Now then, if you two would like to go anywhere at all, that'd be quite alright." Orihime and Chad nodded and left the room. "Ms. Kuchiki, would be so kind as to report to the 13th Squad barracks?"
"No problem, Ca- Head-Captain." Rukia caught herself, bowing before turning to the door and leaving.
Later, Squad 13 Barracks
Rukia sat before Ukitake intently, waiting for him to explain why she'd been called to the Soul Society.
"Rukia," the Head-Captain said softly. "As you known, there are currently five unfilled Captain and Vice-Captain slots in the 13 Court Guard Squads." Rukia nodded. "I'd like to offer you the position of Vice-Captain for the 5th Squad. I've spoken to Byakuya, and he approves... I think, I never could work him out."
Rukia couldn't believe her ears.
"Isn't that Momo's position, sir?" she asked.
"It was, yes. But Hinamori is now the 3rd Squad Vice-Captain, after Kira was promoted to Captain."
Rukia processed the information before asking who was the Captain of 5th Squad. Ukitake smiled.
"An old friend." That was all he said. Rukia thought a moment more.
"I'll do it, sir." she said, hoping she's see Ichigo again before her promotion.
"In that case, you'll need to take this," Rukia slipped the armband she had been given onto her arm. "And head to the meeting hall."
Rukia and Ukitake walked to the hall in silence. When the doors opened, she saw the Captains and their Vice-Captains lined up like they usually were. Urahara stood in the 13th Squad Haori, with a green lining inside. Behind him stood Kiyone and Sentaro.
As she walked to her designation, Rukia saw Yoruichi in a white-lined Haori with the 2nd Squad logo on the back, Soifon with the armband of the Vice-Captain, Ikkaku in the orange-lined Haori of the 9th Squad and an empty space where the 5th Squad captain should stand.
No sooner had the raven-haired girl taken her place, the doors swung open again and a man walked inside, the charcoal-black lined Haori with the 5th Squad logo on it. His zanpakuto was sheathed on his back in a white bandage and his orange hair stood out hugely. He smiled at Rukia.
"Hey, midget." he said, grinning.
"I-I-Ichigo?" Rukia stuttered.
Oooh! Yes, finally done a second chapter after much business this past week.
I hope you're enjoying both this and my other Fanfic.
Remember, review and tell me what you want to happen!
These are the current squad captains and vice-captains;
1st Squad – Captain Jushiro Ukitake, Vice-Captain Chojiro Sasakibe
2nd Squad – Captain Yoruichi Shihouin, Vice-Captain Soifon
3rd Squad – Captain Izuru Kira, Vice-Captain Momo Hinamori
4th Squad – Captain Retsu Unohana, Vice-Captain Isane Kotetsu
5th Squad – Captain Ichigo Kurosaki, Vice-Captain Rukia Kuchiki
6th Squad – Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, Vice-Captain Renji Abarai
7th Squad – Captain Sajin Komamura, Vice-Captain Tetsuzaemon Iba
8th Squad – Captain Shunsui Kyōraku , Vice-Captain Nanao Ise
9th Squad – Captain Ikkaku Madarame, Vice-Captain Shuhei Hisagi
10th Squad – Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya, Vice-Captain Rangiku Matsumoto
11th Squad – Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, Vice-Captain Yachiru Kusajichi
12th Squad – Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Vice-Captain Nemu Kurotsuchi
13th Squad – Captain Kisuke Urahara, Vice-Captain Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentaro Kotsubaki
Vizard Squad – Captain Kai Friel, Vice-Captain Shinji Hirako
I'll elaborate on the 'Vizard Squad' next time.
Now though, it's just gone 01:30am and I'm gonna hit the hay.
Good night, Bleach fans!