Italics: Flashbacks, Thoughts.
Italics with underline Zangetsu
Bold= Inner Hollow
Chapter 2: Orders From Central 46
Ichigo never really enjoyed crossing the Dangai. It looked creepy. It had weird sucking sounds that most likely came from the walls and whatever sort of goo that fell over them. And to make things worse, the stupid, homicidal bullet train just always seemed to come just as Ichigo was making his entrance. The only thing that Ichigo remembered that he was actually grateful for was when he and his father came and Ichigo learned the 'Final Getsuga Tensho'. It caused him to access immense power and defeat Aizen shortly after. Once Ichigo and Rukia exited the Dangai and entered the Rukon District, they flash-stepped over to the gate. They weren't really conversing, and Ichigo, getting tired of the silence, tried to find a topic to start a conversation. He couldn't really think of anything, so he started to look around. Nothing he saw really struck the inspiration for him to start a conversation. Running out of options, Ichigo looked at Rukia to see if she changed any in the last 17 months. She still looked the same, more or less. Short stature, midnight black hair, deep violet eyes, the new Lieutenant badge on her left arm, the sheath for her zanpakuto still in the same spot…wait. Lieutenant badge?
"Hey Rukia, where did you get that badge? It looks like the ones lieutenants wear. Did you get promoted or something?", Ichigo asked while pointing at the badge. Rukia was so shocked at his stupidity, she literally stumbled on her own collected spiritual pressure under her feet. She regained her balance and looked at Ichigo. After a few moments, she motioned with her hand for him to come closer. Ichigo leaned closer to her gesture, and once in range, got a strong fist straight in the face that launched him to the ground.
In the shallow crater that resulted with Ichigo slamming into the ground, Ichigo was holding his nose and looking at the irate Rukia with wide eyes. How the hell did she get so strong? And what the fuck was that for? A flash-step that was faster than Ichigo remembered Rukia ever performing was heard and Rukia materialized in front of him. She had a vein slightly popping out the side of her skull.
"I know you're dim, Ichigo, but how in the world are you so stupid as to not recognize a Lieutenant badge?", she said with clenched fist and grinding teeth.
Raising his hands up in defense, he replied, "I just thought that you wouldn't get promoted, that's all. I-", Smash! to the face. "What the hell?", Ichigo said, though it was muffed with his two hands covering his face.
"Oh, so now I'm weak, eh? You know, I can keep this up all day.", Rukia started cracking her knuckles menacingly. Ichigo paled.
"No, that's not it. Just, after what I heard what Byakuya was doing, I-"
"What my brother was doing? What was big brother doing?" Ichigo gulped. How was he to get out of this? With the situation that Ichigo was in at the moment, he's just choosing his poison. Tell and get shredded to ribbons, or don't and freeze for eternity. Ichigo was desperately thinking of a solution while Rukia was eyeing him suspiciously.
"Play to her sense of pride. Remind her of the task at hand and maybe she will drop her suspicions, at least temporarily.", Old Man Zangetsu said. Ichigo mentally thanked him while relaying the message.
"Oh, you're right! I'm not making a good impression by being failing a simple escort mission. We must hurry to make for lost time. Get up.", she said with a worrying look.
"Why so nervous? It's just a few minutes…", Ichigo said while getting up. There are times when you talk, and time when you don't. This was one of the latter times. Poor boy.
"What kind of question is that? I was just recently promoted to Lieutenant about a month ago, and this is my first assignment. I can't fail my first one!", Rukia said with a look like she was about to go and clobber him. Ichigo just backed down with hands raised, muttering 'alright, alright…' After this little incident, they again resumed flash-stepping to The Seireitei.
When they got to the gates, Judonbo was there, have a casual conversation with some of the Rukon District folk. The gentle smile showed just how much Judonbo really appreciated their company. He looked up and his gentle smile grew almost double. "Ichigo Kurosaki? What a pleasure! How are you?"
"I'm fine, thanks.", Ichigo answered with a smile in return.
"And Lady Rukia, always an honor.", Judonbo said with a slight bow. Most would think it fake, but Judonbo isn't that kind of guy and it was literal. Rukia blushed at the show of respect. Being around Ichigo for all that time made her forget what family she belonged to. She quickly regained her dignity though, and gave a small smile in return.
"Please, it's just Rukia. And thank you.", she said.
"Well, if you ever got the time, come see me sometime, it's been awhile.", he said, stepping to the side. Ichigo and Rukia nodded and went through. When Ichigo thought about it, it has been awhile since he saw Judonbo. And Kukaku and Ganju. He hasn't even heard from Hanatoru since the situation with the Bounts. Maybe before he left, he would drop by and give them a visit. Shrugging off the thoughts, he focused back on why he was here. A lot of different things went through Ichigo's head as he tried to figure out what the Soul Society could want of him this time. The Soul Society didn't look like it was in a state of distress. In fact, it looked as peaceful as ever. Like when Rukia first described it to him when they first met. A peaceful, beautiful place.
"Either of you have any ideas?"
"None."
"Nope.", the two embodiments of Ichigo's power stated. After Ichigo finally recognized the hollow was as much his partner as Zangetsu, the hollow finally agreed to stop forcing control and the two over time built a fleeting trust, but a trust nonetheless. Though he and Zangetsu once shared a body, they decided to bypass that and let him exist on his own. This didn't mean the hollow was less battle hungry or sane. It was awkward at first, since every time he entered, he automatically tensed upon seeing his darker half. After a while, he finally could enter without suspicion, but was still alert.
"Try deciphering what Kisuke Urahara said before you departed the living world. 'Welcome Ichigo. I look forward to seeing you in my office.''
"He doesn't really have any other shops around the Soul Society. I don't remember there being an office at his shop either, and I doubt that he would be organized and care enough to even set one up."
"You have a point. But what was he welcoming us to?"
"No point in trying to figure it out now, we're here. Might as well just find out the old-fashioned, getting told.", the hollow said while walking to no particular part of the skyscraper that filled his inner world. He stopped, removed Zangetsu from his back, and opted to lay down. Zangetsu just stayed on his flagpole, per usual. Ichigo focused back on the outer world, noticing the buildings that were slightly smaller the last time he checked now practically rip the sky in half.
"Hey Ichigo, we're here.", Rukia said as they flash-stepped to the front door. Nodding, Ichigo started walking through the doors when he noticed Rukia staying behind.
"You coming?"
"My orders were to send you here and escort you to the Squad 1 barracks. I'm not authorized to-", she was cut off when Ichigo threw her over his shoulder and started to walk through the doors again. Fumbling over her wordsfor a moment and blushing madly, she finally let out a very loud, "What do you think you're doing! Put me down now!"
"If I can literally break just about every rule and law the Soul Society has in 1 weeks time, than you can at least break 1 damn rule once every hundred years and damn it, it's today. Hell, I'm breaking 2 laws just being here; being human and being a Vizard. So shut up about 'authority' and come inside already.", Ichigo said while walking to Head-Captain Yamamoto's office. It was comical really, to see a slightly taller-than-average guy walking with a shorter-than-average girl, who was struggling with no progress, draped over his shoulder and walk and seem as though she were weightless. Finally realizing how fruitless her struggle was, Rukia just sighed and sagged on his shoulder. The last time she was in this position, he threw her across Sokyoku Hill from the remains of the execution pillar at Renji. Though she was understandably pissed at the time, she could only smile at the memory now. Rukia heard the creaking of doors opening and realized that Ichigo was going to walk in Head-Captain Yamamoto's office without permission with her over his shoulder. And if the familiar spiritual pressure were any indicator, this was only going to get worse. She tried desperately one last time to get out of Ichigo's clutches to no avail.
"Hey gramps, what you need me for?" Rukia could've facepalmed at the obvious disrespect.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, what do you think your doing with Rukia?", Byakuya questioned, face stoic thought he couldn't stop the narrowing of his eyes, however slight.
"She was giving me some bullshit about not having 'authority' to come in here and I asked her to come with me. She didn't answer so I just grabbed her."
"You didn't ask me anything! You just threw me over your shoulder like a towel and took me against my will!"
"Same thing."
"Kurosaki, I'm going to ask only once. Put Rukia down.", Byakuya said threateningly.
"Fine. She's here, that's all I wanted to do." Ichigo put her down, just for Rukia to immediately drop to her knees and bow deeply.
"Head-Captain Yamamoto, Captain Kuchiki, please excuse me for my interruption. I was abducted and taken here by force. I will face whatever punishment you give me gracefully.", Rukia said formerly, working very hard not to kill Ichigo where he stood and working even harder when she saw Ichigo look away, cross his arms and mutter 'Girl Scout.'
"Rise, Lieutenant Kuchiki.", Yamamoto's voice stern and business-like. "Return to your squad, you are excused of your action." Rukia nodded and before flash-stepping away, shooting a pissed off glare at Ichigo which only doubled as he noticed it and smirked.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, what possessed you to barge into my office unannounced with a hostage?", Yamamoto asked though his voice made it seemed like he demanded an explanation. Ichigo mentally scoffed at the word 'hostage'.
"Hey, you're the one that asked for me to travel between realms just to talk. As for Rukia, she was uncooperative." Yamamoto scoffed himself, this one audible. Same old Kurosaki. That's good. It was relieving to know that the war hasn't changed him. Though as for his manners, that was something he wouldn't mind changing. While Yamamoto was thinking this, Ichigo decided to ask Byakuya, "So what are you doing here?"
Byakuya mentally cringed at the disrespect and had to fight the impulse of reaching for his zanpakuto. He would never get used to the disrespect that this human dealt to him. He remained silent for a moment before finally sighing and said, "Reporting on the condition of the 6th squad and it's affairs. Normally, I would have lieutenant Abari report, but he was injured in sparring and I had to transport both him and his sparing partner to squad 4 for treatment, and had to report myself.", Byakuya stated in one breath. Ichigo wasn't even surprised anymore when Byakuya made long statements in just one breath.
"Who was he going against?"
"3rd seat of the 11th squad Ikkaku Madarame." Ichigo nodded in understanding. Those two weren't ones to go easy and knowing them, they just kept egging each other on until they exhausted themselves. The head-Captain cleared his throat to get their attention.
"You are dismissed Captain Kuchiki.", said Captain just nodded and flash-stepped away. "You are correct in stating that your presence was requested, Kurosaki. Out of all your accomplishments as a substitute soul reaper over the pass year, there is one thing that even substitutes must complete to carry out any soul reaper duties. Without this requirement, you are not allowed to carry out the duties of a soul reaper. In fact, it's against the law. What is required, is The Soul Reaper Academy Sign of Approval. Due to recent events, we never had the time to enroll you to go through the academy. We would have enrolled you after Sosuke Aizen's betrayal, but the defections of three Captains and a weaken military force among other things were a more pressing matter than the education of a substitute. Now that there isn't anything threatening the welfare of the 13 Court Guard Squads and the World of the Living, and everything is in order, your education and enrollment can now be taken care of and we can move on. Any questions?"
Ichigo just had a blank face. That went way over his head. Yamamoto gave a silent sigh through his nostrils. "You must go through the Academy to continue your duties as a substitute, otherwise, you would be breaking another law. I shall ask again, any questions."
The shocked look on Ichigo's face was enough to tell the Head-Captain that he indeed have questions. Go through the academy? What kind of bullshit idea was that? What could he possibly learn from the academy that he didn't already know? What about his home? He can't let Kon run his body forever. What would his friends think about this? Surly this has to be a joke.
"Do I have any questions? Hell yeah I have some fucking questions! Wh-"
"This is an order by the newly instated Central 46. With them in control now, Martial Law is nullified and we have to obey their whims. If I still had the power, we wouldn't bother seeing you're as strong if not stronger than most of the Captains. But orders are orders and we will not disobey. Allow me to explain the situation. They have agreed to drop you of all transgressions you and your friends have committed over the year. We have already played our hand to avoid your immediate termination as a Vizard and the other Vizards, as well as Uryu Ishida for his status as a Quincy. We also were able to talk them out of removing your human friend's powers and erasing their memory of ever having them. This also includes sealing the building spiritual energy inside of your two sisters. They will never have enough spiritual pressure to sufficiently become substitute soul reapers, but their ability to see hollows and soul reapers will be taken away." Ichigo stiffened at the mention of a new Central 46. As he heard all the things that they were willing to do until the 13 Court Guard Squads spoke in his defense, he was getting ever angrier. It wasn't like he did it by choice, he had to. All the actions that Ichigo did were for the greater good and rightfully justified. Before Yamamoto could continue his list of actions, Ichigo spoke.
"So they want me to go to this school, and after I do that, then they'll just act like it never happened?"
"That is the best we could get. If you do not accept these terms, you will have your spiritual powers sealed forever. When compared to all of the other things that would be needed to nullify these consequences, this is a very generous offer." Ichigo wasn't a lawyer or a bargainer, but even he could see that to have all of the catastrophe of the past year blamed on him, and all he has to do is go to school to take it off, that this was indeed a very good offer.
"Go for it King. You don't really have much to lose. Hell, with all the stuff we did this year, I'm surprise by how lenient they were.", said with a bored tone. Looking inside, Ichigo noted that he was still laying down with his eyes half open and his hands under his head, Zangetsu an arms length away.
Zangetsu gave an affirming nod. "And I'm sure your friends wouldn't want to be hunted down and sealed as well." Come on, it's Zangetsu. Where else do you think he would be?
Even his two powers realized this. Guess it was made official. And Zangetsu had a point. He and his friends wouldn't want to be hunted down by some crappy order. No, Ichigo wouldn't stand for that at all. For that to happen, it would be another way Ichigo failed to protect the ones he cared for. "Fine I'll do it. But I still have some questions as to the conditions of this agreement and the details of my enrollment.", Ichigo said as he rubbed the sides of his temple to ease the oncoming headache that was bound to set in. "Did the Central 46 already enroll me?"
"No. You will have to enter as if you are from one of the Rukon Districts and participate in the entrance exams. The Academy is recruiting new students tomorrow. You are allowed to go back to the World of the Living to describe the situation to your father, but you will need to return immediately. You will need to present yourself before the Central 46 to give oath that you will commit yourself to this agreement." Yamamoto answered Ichigo's second question as to when he would start. But that just lead to another question.
"Why do I have to go like a person from the Rukon District? Can't I just go like myself?"
Is this boy serious? "I will not answer that question. You will find out for yourself soon enough." Ichigo was annoyed at that but didn't say anything. He then had a question that wasn't really revolve around the actual conversation, but it was curiosity.
"How are you and the rest of the Captains?", Ichigo asked. Yamamoto was caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. Not only that, he didn't expect him to harbor any concern for them. He guessed he could tell him, it wasn't vital information.
"Me and my squad are fine and running. Squad 2 is already training new recruits and carrying out recovery missions for missing soul reapers. Squad 3 is still without a Captain and Lieutenant Izuru is acting captain for the squad. With the possible chance of Gin Ichimaru returning to his position as Captain, we still are unsure about the situation. Squad 4 is still receiving patients and more or less running. They are still rebuilding, but shall be done soon. Squad 5 is still without a Captain. Lieutenant Hinamori was recently released from the Squad 4 barracks, but is still unreliable. Though she officially has control for the moment, we shall monitor her condition. It has been a rough number of months for the youth, but I have confidence she'll pull through.", Yamamoto said and paused.
He was still thinking about her and her wellbeing. Ichigo too thought about her. Only he saw the Captains and Lieutenants attack her relentlessly when Aizen had them all thinking she was him. The physical and mental damage she suffered was unimaginable, and to hear that she was still working after all that was unbelievable. He also thought that, with some time, she would pull through, but if she was to ever trust someone, and for that someone to betray her, would ultimately break her. Yamamoto continued with,
"Based on recent reports, Squad 6 was fully recovered until Lieutenant Abari was injured during sparring. Once he recovered however, Squad 6 will be returned to it's normal state. Squad 7 hasn't fully recovered yet, but will be soon. Squad 8 is also recovering but would already be fully recovered if their Captain would actually perform like a normal Captain should instead of lounging around. Squad 9 is without a Captain, with Lieutenant Shuhei as acting Captain. They are progressing slower than others, and will need time to fully recover. But it shall be done. Squad 10 is lagging behind paperwork, but is still fully functional. If the Lieutenant would actually do her job then they would be caught up. Squad 11 is as it was." Ichigo didn't have to know what that meant.
"Squad 12 received plenty of samples and are busily working on projects that I will not indulge either you or myself on. Finally, Squad 13 is as functional as it could be, despite Captain Ukitake constantly being sick. Overall, we have 9 Squads fully functional with the other 4 close with having repair completed. Why do you ask such a question?", Yamamoto finished.
"Well, I thought that was the polite thing to do. And, I was curious.", Ichigo said. Yamamoto had time, time to turn the tables.
"Is that so? How are you and your allies conditions as of now?" Ichigo was also caught off guard. He quickly did a memory check and answered,
"Well, I'm fine, beside my stupid father attacking me every morning." Yamamoto raised an eyebrow. "Everyone else is fine, and the number of hollows have decreased. Urahara and the others haven't changed. The Vizards…" Ichigo didn't really know how to answer that question. He hasn't really talked to them after the War. As far as he knew, they were all stable and alive so…, "Well, fine, I guess." Another question popped up.
"What do I have to bring? Or do I just go?" Yamamoto quickly replied with, "Nothing. Most to all Rukon District residents have little possessions. We supply them with all they need. You are not to bring much, two objects at the most."
"What do I have to do to enter the Academy?" Yamamoto followed immediately after with, "Report to the front entrance. The Receptionist shall direct you to the main courtyard. You shall wait there for further instructions." Then Yamamoto had a thought. "Kurosaki, please try your hardest to not exceed the expectations of your examiners. They do not know of your arrival, and we would like to have it remain that way." Ichigo nodded to that.
"Where do I place Zangetsu while I'm there?", Ichigo asked. This very question was one of the first concerns for Yamamoto when he received the orders to place Ichigo through the Academy. "We shall place your zanpakutou with Yoruichi Shihouin. She claims to have an area where no one shall be able to discover and knowing her, it is true. From my knowledge, you do trust her, do you?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I?" Yamamoto just nodded. Ichigo gave a sigh. Having no more questions, Ichigo turned around and was about to leave when he thought of one thing.
"Who stood up for me against the Central 46?", Ichigo questioned. Though he couldn't see his face, Yamamoto could hear that the answer would mean a great deal to the youth. Yamamoto weighed whether he should answer or not since it was none of his business. And he was a substitute. An unseated officer technically outranks him. But…
"Every available Captain that could've attended spoke out on your defense. Even the injured Captains stated their support over kido." Ichigo's eyes widen at the support. "Even the traitor Gin Ichimaru supported you, though he wasn't as influential as the rest." Unwanted flashbacks of a near-dead, one armed, bloody Gin came uninvited. He didn't really like the man, but after being told what his motives were and how he wanted to kill Aizen before the war started did release him of Ichigo's hatred. Even when they were fighting, when Ichigo thought about it now, he never tried to kill him. No, Ichigo didn't like him too much, but he couldn't hate him either.
"How is Gin, if I may ask?" Another few seconds passed as Yamamoto again tried to weigh the pros and cons of releasing such information to the teen.
"He is stable enough to be ushered out of the 4th squad and into the penitence hall. He suffered a great amount of damage by Sosuke Aizen. There is a debate whether Gin should be imprisoned for his actions for the next 5,000 years, or allow him to retake his position as Captain with sever penalties and limitations." Yamamoto opened his eyes to study Ichigo for a moment as he judged what his reaction would be. He may not be able to see his face, but he could read body language good enough to accurately judge someone's reaction. But it wasn't his body language that gave his reaction away, it was his voice that did. To the untrained ear, his voice would sound like it would if you were having a simple conversation. But Head-Captain Yamamoto had centuries over him to tell if any expression was there. There was one. Sympathy.
"Whether or not it counts, tell them that I say he should get the position back.", Orhime should be able give him back his arm, but if she doesn't want to, then I won't pressure her. With that he flash-stepped away.
"That boy,", Yamamoto said to himself as he easily tracked the large spiritual pressure of Ichigo Kurosaki. He honestly didn't think Gin should deserve the privilege of being placed as a traitor. He could've left some sort of evidence of his intents, but that was not the case. But, the concept of the act was what made the entire thing contradictory. It failed in the end, but it was a well thought out plan that seemed foolproof. In all the centuries that he served, he never had to deal wit this sort of decision, but this boy seemed to sway him over to the forgiveness side. The only thing that held Yamamoto back was the law. It is never wrong, and in the end always delivers justice. But that's what the traitor Tosen thought as well, and when the law seemed to fail, he was broken. No, the law is always right. But… this seemed to be very easy and very difficult all at once. "That boy, he's one of the very few that I've seen in my life that can make friends and allies as easily as taking a breath."
"But Captainnnnn…", whined Rangiku as Toshiro ordered some squad members to move the sake out of the office.
"That's enough Rangiku. You have paperwork to do and this time, I'm not going to do it for you. Learn some responsibility for a change.", said a very annoyed Toshiro Hitsuguya.
He walked into her office to check on her since she hasn't bothered him for a change and though he enjoyed the peace and quiet, he knew something was up. His hunch proved faithful as he walked in to find Rangiku passed out on her desk drooling over all the paperwork with the smell of sake in the air. Sighing, he picked her up bridal-style and brought her to a couch outside of the office and laid her down. Once she was moved, Toshiro proceeded to organize the paperwork and look for the stash of sake that was bound to be hiding somewhere on her desk.
"You looking for something?", a gentle, almost angelic voice asked. Toshiro paused his search for the sake to see who walked in. It couldn't be Rangiku for she would cause an argument followed by apologies and false promises the second she awoke from the couch. Looking up to see who walked in, he noticed the ex-Espada Nel was standing there watching in amusement. She wasn't trusted at first solely due to the fact that she was an arrancar, but with Ichigo's encouragement and repeated guarantees that she wasn't dangerous, they gave her the benefit of the doubt. It was a good thing too, because she was one of the kindest people Toshiro, or anybody, had ever met. After much debating and strong support from Ichigo and his friends, she was accepted into the 13th squad with Rukia showing her the ways of the soul reaper. Due to her personality, they deemed her safe to be alone, and just recently stopped spying on her, proof that she was now finally accepted without suspicion.
"Oh, it's you. Yeah, Rangiku's sake stash. I came in earlier and found her sleeping and drooling on top of the paperwork. I'm sure you can smell why.", Toshiro replied. Nel pinched her nose and nodded. "Would you have any idea where it might be?"
"Check under the floorboards underneath the desk."
"Under…the…", a vein popped on Toshiro's forehead as he ripped apart the floorboard to see a mountain load of sake bottles of different shapes, sizes and brands. At this very moment, Rangiku woke up and immediately jumped up to argue and ready to give an excuse when she noticed the lifted floorboards and her stash revealed.
"…It's not what you think."
"Enough.", Toshiro said firmly, stopping any complaints or explanations. Or so he though.
"But Captainnnnn…"
"Nel, take control of this operation while me and Lieutenant Matsumoto have a talk." Nel nodded, smiling at Rangiku while Rangiku shot an angry glare at her. She couldn't believe one of her friends sold her out! Before Rangiku turned to follow Toshiro, she caught a wink by Nel, and heard her mutter, "Uh oh, 'Lieutenant Matsumoto'. He must be serious.", she said in a playful tone.
Toshiro and Rangiku walked outside and stopped by the doors. They flash-stepped on the roof to have their 'conversation'. The whole way, Rangiku was thinking of possible excuses that weren't already used and thinking of how she can convince him let her slide just this once. If she were dealing with anyone else, she would've just resorted to using charm and wink and smile her way out, swaying her hips as she walked away. But she was dealing with a Captain, and Toshiro at that. As they stopped on the roof, Rangiku was preparing for the verbal assault that was bound to come.
"Rangiku…" Any second now, he ears would be blown out by the loud chastisement of an irate Toshiro.
"Rangiku?" It's coming, she can feel it, all the boring lectures of responsibility and work ethic that bore her to tears.
"Rangiku." She can picture it, passing out due to pure boredom and Toshiro getting louder once he realizes that she's sleeping. Had she paid attention to the outside world instead of having a mental breakdown, she would realize that she's freezing.
"Rangiku!" She was brought back to reality as she saw a boiling Toshiro with a vein popping out on his head and his arms crossed.
"Ah, yes Captain?", she asked sheepishly. Here it comes.
"…Would you like the rest of the day off?" …? Rangiku was at a lost for a moment as to what just took place. Toshiro was about to ask again when her hand suddenly slapped on his forehead and stayed.
"Huh…", then she lifted one of his eyelids and looked into them. "Hm…", then she grabbed the sides of his jaw-line and forced his mouth open and looked into it. Toshiro finally caught on and yet another vein popped on his forehead. "You seem to check out fine, but something must be wrong…"
"What do you think you're doing?", he asked in a voice low enough for a growl. Rangiku heard the growl and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and her eyes widen; not in fear, but hormones. She never heard Toshiro growl, but she was going to make sure that it wouldn't be the last. That was a sound Toshiro should make more often. Definitely.
"Rangiku, are you zoning out on me again?" With a hard shake of her head, she was able to reply with, "No Captain, I'm listening."
"Would you like the rest of the day off?", Toshiro said after a sigh. Rangiku again was surprised, but to a much less degree and recovered quickly.
"Um, may I ask why?", she didn't know what she was doing, this was a once in a lifetime deal, and she was risking it at an explanation!
"Because it's obvious that you're not going to finish the paperwork and would rather hang out with friends. I'm giving you this opportunity so you can do that, because tomorrow, you're going to do every last sheet of paperwork of today, tomorrow, and the day after." That was definitely a lot of work. She's going to need a lot of sake for that. Well in that case…
"Yeah, sure!" Rangiku pulled Toshiro in a tight embrace, making sure that his head was positioned in-between her huge chest. "You sure know how to please a woman." Rangiku said seductively. Rangiku made it a personal goal to make Toshiro blush as much as possible, with poor results. Tricks and gestures that would kill an average man by nosebleed had little to no effect on Toshiro. She could count the number of times she did make him blush on one hand. Now, though, she can add an extra finger to it, for the combination of head, chest, and seductive comment got him cherry crimson. "See you later Captain!", Rangiku yelled over her shoulder as she flash-stepped to her favorite bar.
She was so caught up in the past 5 minutes that she didn't see a certain strawberry flash-stepping the opposite direction. Said strawberry was also caught up in thoughts and didn't see a very 'gifted' woman flash-stepping the opposite direction of him. They both ran into each other mid step and crashed to the ground, rolling across the walkway for a few meters and finally stopped with Rangiku straddling Ichigo.
"Ah damn that hurt.", Ichigo said, looking down.
"What was that?", Rangiku said, looking up.
Their eyes met at the same time and they both froze. Rangiku froze because she didn't recognize the man, and Ichigo froze as he realized that Rangiku was straddling him. As Ichigo was still shocked, Rangiku thought he looked familiar and leaned in to get a better look at him, not bothering to get off his hips. Ichigo could feel the tell tale sign of a nosebleed as he witnessed Rangiku lean over for some reason, revealing more of her magnificent cleavage. Then Rangiku suddenly figured out who it was and exclaimed, "Ichigo!", not noticing what the quick movement and slight bounce of her body on his hips were doing to Ichigo. "What did you do with your hair, you look hotter then ever!" All Ichigo could mutter was 'uhhhh' while Rangiku still talked energetically, periodically bouncing on Ichigo's hips. Mercifully,(depending on your opinion), she got off of Ichigo with a slight bounce and pulled him up.
"Uh, nice to see you too?", Ichigo managed to say at last, forgetting his slightly more mature voice.
"Don't act like that silly, come on let's talk over some sake!", and as she started to pull him along, her brain was going into overdrive. Today just keeps getting better! First, get wasted in the morning, then make Toshiro growl at me, making Toshiro blush, get the day off, and then running into Ichigo! And he looks so freaking hot! And then the way he sounded when he talked! He's already giving me shivers. She never noticed Nel around until she tapped her on the shoulder. Looking over, she saw Nel and stopped.
"Rangiku, who's that?", she pointed at Ichigo, who was out cold on the ground.
"That's Ichigo! But I wonder what he's doing on the ground?", put a finger to the corner of her mouth as she thought.
"Maybe it has to do with the fact that you were dragging him through the Seireitei by his neck and he passed out due to oxygen depletion.", offered Nel. "And that can't be Ichigo, this guy's to hot to be him." Rangiku just raised his head and after a moment, Nel blushed as she realized that it was indeed Ichigo.
"I see you're thinking the same thing I was! I know, he looks hot doesn't he?"
Stuttering, Nel was finally able to say, "Th th that's not what I was thinking!", but her blush increased as Ichigo moaned as he came to.
All Ichigo can remember was intense pain and no air until the blackness grabbed him. He heard a few voices, two probably, most likely female. Sitting up, Ichigo rubbed his neck and finally looked up. Rangiku was immediately recognizable, but it took a moment to recognize the other woman though. She looked like…
"Nel?", in reaction, Nel blushed even more when she heard his slightly more mature voice. Even Rangiku was still adjusting to it. Nel took a few deep breaths, and then did something that Ichigo remembered and wished to forget.(Or remember, depending on your opinion.)
"Ichigo!", and Nel tackled him to the ground, giving him a 'hug'. He remembered this all to well. After a few seconds, she released him, much to Ichigo's lung's delight. After taking a few breaths Ichigo asked, "So, how's Soul Society?"
"It's great. I don't have to keep looking over my back like I had to do in Las Noches. There's even this club in Soul Society called Shini-", Nel was cut off by Rangiku as she put a hand over her mouth.
"Yeah, me and Nel are buddies and it's great having her here!", said Rangiku quickly. Ichigo just raised an eyebrow.
"That's great to hear. Look, it was nice seeing you two again, but I got to go home. I'll be back tonight though. See ya.", and Ichigo flash-stepped faster than normal. If all that happened over hair, than I've got to cut this pronto.
As they watched Ichigo flash-step away, Rangiku looked back at Nel and yelled, "You almost told him of the S.W.A.! What's wrong with you!"
"Okay, I slipped up, sorry!" Sighing, Rangiku said, "Fine."
"What does it matter anyway, doesn't just about everyone know about the S.W.A. already?"
"Yes, but he doesn't. And we could definitely use him as the cover for the next calendar for our next fundraiser."
"That's genius!", exclaimed Nel as she thought about it. After a few moments, Nel asked with a knowing smile, "Hey, you want to get wasted?"
"I thought you didn't drink enough to get wasted.", Rangiku said while craning her neck to see the other. She really did know Nel pretty good and knew that though she did drink sake every now and again, she never did consume enough to get wasted.
"I don't, but you do. That's why I asked if you wanted to get wasted."
"Yeah, I would. But somebody, told Toshiro where the sake was."
"Yeah, and that somebody has access to all the sake he took today and all the other days.", Nel grinned when Rangiku eyes widen in realization. "So I ask again, do you want to get wasted?"
Best day ever!, Rangiku thought.
Ichigo went to the gate to go back home. The encounter with Rangiku took long enough that it would be night soon. He had a lot to think about. It seemed the Central 46 was back and as bad as ever. It seemed as though they weren't even up and running for long when they already wanted to go after him and his friends over something that happened a year ago when they stormed the Soul Society. Then they were going to target Ichigo and the other Vizards just over the fact that they have hollow powers, despite the fact that they were a big help during the Winter War. Then target his friends for having powers and Uryu for being a Quincy. Obviously, they haven't changed at all.
"Maybe we should kill them all like Aizen, huh?", Ichigo could hear the smirk in his tone.
"No, I would actually like to not fight the entire 13 Court Guard Squads. I'll just deal with it."
"And why not? Just go in and massacre them all and then put the blame on someone else. Solves all of your problems, doesn't it?"
"The answer is no. I'll just deal with it. And what about the next line-up of 46? We couldn't keep performing repeated massacres over and over again."
"Of course we could! There's enough soul reaper nobodies to spare, and they all want to be somebodies someday, and we could give them that. Make them all seem strong."
Ichigo proceeded to ignore his hollow and continued on thinking of what he was going to say to his father when he got home. After prolonged thinking, Ichigo made it to the gate and within seconds, it was activated. Before Ichigo went through it, a man he didn't recognize came over and gave him a cell phone.
"When you're ready to come back, just text RSS. It means 'Return to Soul Society'.", after the man was finished explaining, he walked away. Putting the phone in his pants pocket, Ichigo rushed through the gate to get home. He had to go in, explain and leave sooner than he would've liked. Oh well, the sooner we start, the sooner we finish I guess… Good thing it's the start of summer-vacation.
Kon layed down on Ichigo's bed, tired. It was 10:30 p.m. and Ichigo still didn't come back. From what Isshin told him, it was a shitty situation. It was thoughs same bastards that ordered the 'termination' of mod souls like Kon himself. And now, they were not only targeting him, but everyone else. Yeah, it was bad.
What's taking him. Kon thought. Kon didn't think that he would be out for this long. Ichigo wasn't the kind of person to just loiter around like this when a situation such as this arises. After another 30 minutes, he was about to just try to fall asleep when he heard a knocking on the window and saw Ichigo motioning to the lock on the window. Kon unlocked it and opened the window for Ichigo who climbed in. Kon was prepared to give up the body for Ichigo, and was surprised when he just asked Kon where his father was. Before Kon could answer, Isshin walked in and said, "So, how'd it go?"
Caught by surprise, Ichigo asked, "Wait, you knew this was going to happen?"
"No, before you were called, rumors around the Captains were spread and Urahara caught wind of it and relayed it to me and the Vizards. But that's as far as we got, fill me in on the details. I'll fill in the others tomorrow." And Ichigo repeated what Yamamoto told him earlier that day. "I see. Well, at least a year of school undercover will be all it takes."
"What do you mean 'undercover'?", Ichigo asked.
"What, do you think that you can invade the Soul Society, beat a 3rd seat, a Lieutenant, and two Captain class soul reapers while simultaneously saving the Soul Society, achieving Bankai in just 2 days, beat the Bount leader, invade Hueco Mundo and defeat two Espada on the same day, then come back and beat an enemy that no other soul reaper could even touch and not be famous? Not to mention your other exploits like unraveling a Royal Family conspiracy and save the Soul Society yet again, fight against all these different zampakoutou, be a big help in the retrieval of a royal artifact, eliminate a hollow that can erase memories, all in the course of a year! Face it Ichigo, as far as reputation at the Academy goes, you're already an unstoppable force that can't be stopped."
"Hey, I helped with the hollow that erases memories.", Kon stated.
"All you did was ride Ichigo's shoulder the whole time.", replied Isshin. Ichigo was just at a lost for words. Yeah, he had to admit that the things that he did were incredible and amazing, but he didn't think he would be regarded as some sort of god. If what he said was true, Ichigo already didn't want to go to this academy.
"Don't be so modest, Ichigo. They are not acts that you should be ashamed of. When you are complimented, don't deny the action. But be wary of the amount of praise you allow yourself for it may negatively affect you."
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to serve a King who was another arrogant prick like Byakuya. If that happens, I'm gonna have to beat you with an inch of your life."
"Like you could. Trust me, I would hate that as much as you."
"Alright then Ichigo, hurry and go back to the Soul Society to say that stupid oath and get this thing over with.", Isshin said.
"Yeah, your right. See you guys when I got time. Kon, don't screw around with my body, I want it the same as it was when I left it.", Ichigo said. Kon just nodded, while he inwardly smirked. If only he knew. Ichigo turned to leave when Isshin said, "Oh, and one more thing…"
Smack!
Ichigo dodged the punch and punched Isshin in the face, sending him to the floor in a bloody heap. "That's what you get for trying to sneak me dad! Jeez, it's really getting annoying.", and Ichigo stepped out into the air. He pulled out the phone and texted RSS, and a short time later, a gate opened and Ichigo went through it to start heading back to the Soul Society.
"Well, since Ichigo's gonna be gone for a while, you and me are gonna have to talk about how to be like Ichigo.", Isshin said to Kon.
"Rule #1, never smile…"
And that's another chapter. R&R!