The leather saddle creaked slightly as Ichigo's horse moved slightly to the right and adjusted its footing before becoming motionless once again. Even though there was not a sound to be heard other than the wind lazily going by and the sporadic sound of leather creaking or metal clinking, Ichigo could tell that everyone was about at their limit with this supposedly routine inspection.

Five years. Had it truly been five years since he'd first left Rome? Four years since he'd been promoted to centurion? Now, he and the rest of the centuries were home with plenty of plunder, slaves and proof of land acquired in the emperor's name and just now it all started to seem surreal.

Ichigo's back automatically straightened as he heard, "Centurions! Report!"

Immediately, Ichigo spurred his horse forward to meet the small party of palace guards who had been sent out to 'inspect and greet' the newly arrived troops. Ichigo, along with the other three centurions, came to a stop, formed a small circle with the 'palace pansies' (a term given them by the foot soldiers) and then waited to hear what the next set of orders would be.

"Very good, very good," said the apparent leader of the guards as he looked around at the battle-hardened centurions who commanded troops who were just as tough looking, "Well, everything seems to be in order here."

Suppressing the urge to groan and roll his eyes, Ichigo said simply, "So, we shall order the troops to start heading into the city."

"Oh no, no," replied the leader quickly, "The troops will set up camp in this area for the night. Emperor's orders."

Despite the dry heat and shining late afternoon sun, at those words, the air became decidedly more frigid within the compact group.

Taking a few extra moments to make absolutely sure his voice would be calm and level as he spoke, Ichigo replied, "With all due respect to the emperor's orders, the past few days all the men have been walking faster and longer than they normally do so that they might come home sooner."

Cutting in, whether intentionally or unintentionally Ichigo wasn't quite sure, the leader said brightly, "And quite an admirable feat to accomplish at that. Also, a feat to be respected considering they were so eager to return to Rome, the greatest city in the world."

"So surely," continued Ichigo deliberately, "you realize the blow you will inflict upon these men by making them stay yet another night away from home. You must understand the anger and frustration they will feel at being able to see their beloved Rome after years of being away."

Ichigo's struggle to maintain his composure nearly slipped as he finished with, "Think about the sacrifices and hardships they have endured while fighting for the greatest city in the world," he put special emphasis on those five words, "And after you've taken all these things into account, I would appreciate if you could tell me exactly how you expect me to relay that message to the men."

The leader's eyes shifted nervously around the group, but apparently the other centurions' faces reflected complete agreement with Ichigo's words because he had to clear his throat before saying pompously, "Those are the emperor's orders and I have done my duty by giving them to you. Either you can do as you're told or go and speak to the emperor yourself and see what he has to say."

Inclining his head slightly, Ichigo said, "Very well, I shall do that," and before the guard could say another word, Ichigo asked, "Who wants to go with me?"

"Why not?" said Kaien with a grin, "I would challenge you to a race, but I guess we shouldn't leave our escort in the dust."

Turning to the others, Ichigo indicated for them to follow him a ways away and then said in a low tone, "I don't expect that the emperor will change his mind about our orders, but the men will probably be more pacified if they see us attempting to ask questions on their behalf. After Kaien and I leave, have them at least unload the animals, feed and water them and other little things like that."

"All right then," replied Centurion Renji Abarai, "Why don't you and Kaien also take a couple of soldiers along with you? If for no other reason than to send back with whatever information you find out in case you are detained."

Nodding, Ichigo said, "My thoughts exactly. Then, if we're all in agreement…" and rather than finishing the sentence, Ichigo turned his horse towards the motionless soldiers and called, "Jinta! Hanataro! Front and center!"

Soldiers stepped aside efficiently to allow the two young soldiers to quick step to the front, halt in front of Ichigo, salute and then say in unison, "Yes, Centurion Kurosaki!"

"You will be coming with Centurion Shiba and myself to the palace while we make inquiries about our emperor's orders," said Ichigo before he turned to Kaien and asked, "Who's riding with you?"

"I'll take Jinta," Kaien said with an almost inconspicuous wink at Ichigo. He didn't respond, but Ichigo made a mental note to thank Kaien later for taking the high-strung Jinta with him. The kid would obey orders from Ichigo when they were around other people, but he got a bit mouthy and familiar with Ichigo when out of earshot.

After reaching down and pulling Hanataro up behind him, Ichigo turned his horse around and said to the guards, "Ready when you are."

Not doing a very good job of hiding his displeasure and discomfort at this turn of events, the leader attempted dissuasion by asking, "You're sure you want to waste your time? The emperor is very busy today and probably won't be able to see you."

"Won't know until we try," replied Ichigo before he spurred his horse forward at the same time as Kaien. He didn't bother looking back to make sure the guards were following. They had no other option but to do so.

Ichigo urged his horse into a comfortable canter partially so that they could arrive sooner, but also because he enjoyed the cooling effect of the breeze flying across his skin. His horse also enjoyed being able to surge ahead after days of simply walking alongside the troops and maybe trotting every so often.

Soon enough, they arrived in the palace courtyard. Ichigo allowed Hanataro to dismount first, followed suit and casually passed his reigns over to a waiting slave. Waiting only long enough for Kaien and Jinta to come up alongside him, Ichigo confidently strode toward the palace entrance and then passed through the entryway, stopping only when he had reached a table behind which sat a guard who was perusing what looked like official documents and schedules.

As the guard rose to his feet, Ichigo waved aside the man's salute as he said an even, officious tone, "Centurion Ichigo Kurosaki here to request an immediate audience with the emperor."

The guard behind the table blinked twice in surprise and then inclined his head awkwardly as he replied, "I shall go inform the emperor of your request," and then scurried away in a manner that suggested that he had only acted on instinct and not because he actually comprehended what he was doing.

Ichigo resisted the urge to begin pacing across the hall impatiently or glare threateningly at the palace guards standing frozen at their posts all along the corridors. He was positive that the palace pansies were mentally mocking him for daring to come before the emperor travel-stained and slightly sweaty as he was, rather than taking a bit of time to make himself look presentable. They, with their carefully polished armor and black leather, probably felt nothing but contempt for Ichigo and his equally dirty companions standing there and looking so out of place amid such opulence.

The next moment, Ichigo's thoughts were interrupted as the palace guards who had been charged with giving the orders to Ichigo and the others finally came stalking down the hall. Ichigo kept his face a stoic mask as he heard the leader breathing hard with effort and frustration.

Stepping into Ichigo's line of sight, the leader said in an irritated tone, "Like I told you earlier, the emperor is extremely busy and will not be able to-"

In contradiction to those words, the other palace guard returned and said, "The emperor will see you now, Centurion Kurosaki, but your companions are to remain here for the time being."

Turning away from the gaping expression of the leader, Ichigo said, "Lead on then," and followed the guard with his head held high.

Very soon, the guard stopped in front of a closed door, turned to Ichigo and said, "Wait one moment while I announce you," then knocked on the door and waited.

To Ichigo's slight surprise, just after the guard knocked, the sounds of instruments being played filtered past his ears. Then, a few moments later, a voice began to sing and the guard stepped away from the door. Not understanding in the least what was going on, but knowing better than to ask questions, Ichigo adjusted his stance slightly and waited.

Fortunately, they did not have to wait long and as soon as the music stopped, the guard knocked again. This time, a voice granted him entrance so the guard opened the door and went inside. A few seconds later, he returned and bid Ichigo to enter.

Striding into the room, it took Ichigo no longer than a split second to spot the emperor. Even though the only other time Ichigo had ever seen him was from a far distance within the ranks of a century as Aizen had presented the troops to the emperor before they had left on their campaign years previously, there was no mistaking who the proclaimed royal deity was in the room. Even if the slaves surrounding him were not indication enough, the man's whole demeanor practically reeked of self-importance and regality.

For the first time that day, Ichigo bowed low and said deferentially, "Hail Emperor Nero Luppi. May you live forever, Divinity."

"Rise, centurion," said a low and rather oily voice, "You may venture closer."

Immediately, Ichigo did the emperor's bidding and as he did, his eyes scanned the room. It didn't take too long for Ichigo to locate the reason his request to see the emperor had probably been granted. Internally, Ichigo let out a resigned sigh.

"So, my dear senator," said the emperor, to one of the seated men, "here at last is your son, come back from serving his emperor."

"Yes, Divinity," replied Senator Isshin Kurosaki with a polite smile before rising slowly to his feet as he said, "My son left home a youth and has come home a man."

"He has also returned slightly less clean than when he left, I believe," replied the emperor.

Keeping his temper cool and his expression impassive, Ichigo inclined his head and said, "My apologies for my appearance, Divinity. It is a reflection, however, of the long, hard march my men and I have undertaken in order to return home again after faithfully fighting for our beloved emperor."

There was a slight pause before a wide grin spread across the emperor's face as he said to Isshin, "While he may not have your silver tongue, Senator Kurosaki, your son has a most excellent way of speaking that pleases me immensely."

Before anyone could say another word, a knock sounded at the door.

Leaning back in his cushions, the emperor called out, "Enter," and the lead palace guard came into the room.

The guard saluted, but before he could properly give his greeting, the emperor cut him off, saying impatiently, "Yes, yes. What is it, Captain Opie?"

Not at all fazed by the emperor's sudden mood change, Captain Opie answered, "I am reporting back to you, Divinity, after carrying out your orders and informing Centurion Kurosaki that you wished for him and the centuries to make camp where they are outside the city. I am also here to remind Centurion Kurosaki that his place is with his men," here he gave Ichigo a quick, sidelong glance that clearly related to Ichigo exactly what the captain thought of him.

"That is true, Captain Opie," said Ichigo smoothly, "and after my audience with the emperor is concluded, I intend to return to my men."

Turning to the emperor, Ichigo decided to take a chance and lay his case before the emperor without any more delay and so said, "Emperor Nero, it has been my honor to serve you and carry out your orders for the past several years. My men feel the same way, as do the rest of the centuries who returned home with us and also those who are still making their way to Rome."

Inclining his head slightly, Ichigo continued, "While I have no intention of disobeying your orders to remain outside the city, I came here in order to request the reason behind this order. We are all weary and anxious to return home soon and with the city within sight…you can imagine how the men must feel, Divinity."

"Why Centurion Kurosaki," said the emperor in a rather surprised tone, "you mean to tell me that you don't know? That you weren't told?"

"No, Divinity," replied Ichigo slowly, since he was fairly certain that he had just said as much, "I was not told anything more than that we were to remain outside the city."

"Captain Opie!" the emperor snapped, "How could you be so careless?"

Bowing low, Captain Opie replied in as humble and unassuming a tone as possible, "My Divine Lord, when receiving orders, a soldier's duty is to simply obey them and not ask questions."

"While that may be true for the most part in a battle," Ichigo said with slight emphasis on the last word, "in this case, I came to inquire as to the reason for these orders as it is a question of handling the morale and discipline of the troops."

Shrugging his shoulders, Ichigo said, "Now that we are within sight of the city, I wouldn't be surprised if soldiers start becoming restless and unruly because they don't understand why they are being denied entrance into the city they fought to protect."

"Exactly, Captain Opie," the emperor said contemptuously, "You can't even begin to imagine what my children in those armies must be feeling right now thinking that I, their loving father, have abandoned them."

Going down on one knee, Captain Opie said quietly, "I beg for your forgiveness, Divinity. I was careless and thoughtless."

Emperor Nero waved carelessly in his direction before turning to Ichigo and saying in a benevolent tone, "My dear centurion, I wish for you and your men to remain outside the city in order that you should all be part of a victory procession and celebration that will be held tomorrow. By that time, Primus Pilas Aizen and all the rest of the centuries should be returned from abroad."

Spreading his arms wide, the emperor went on saying, "My wish is to give all my faithful and devoted children a wonderful spectacle to enjoy. My soldiers are to be treated as conquering heroes and my citizens will be thankful to celebrate such an occasion."

Allowing himself a small smile, Ichigo again inclined his head as he said, "I understand and appreciate your reason, Divinity. I will relay your message to my men and I'm sure that they will be more than happy to prepare themselves for tomorrow."

"Yes, yes," the emperor said with a smile, "They must have time to make themselves presentable."

Cutting in seamlessly, Isshin said courteously, "If it pleases you, Divinity, I would go with my son."

"Of course, of course," the emperor said magnanimously, "You and your son have been parted for long enough. I will see you both at tomorrow night's banquets and all those following."

"Yes, Divinity," replied Isshin with a grateful smile and bow, "It would be an honor and a privilege to join in your festivities."

Giving them both one final smile, the emperor waved his hand at them in dismissal. Once they were both in the hallway, Isshin grasped Ichigo's shoulders and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Oh, my boy," he said with relish, "welcome home."

Ichigo's first instinct was to protest and say that Isshin's pure while robe was about to be stained, but then he thought better of it and simply returned the embrace. It had been a long time. The next moment, sounds of music came through the door and Ichigo was rather surprised to feel Isshin's entire body stiffen.

When Isshin pulled away, Ichigo was about to ask what was wrong, but Isshin cut him off saying in a rather loud voice, "My, my, we shouldn't just stand here. You need to get back to your troops," and then took off down the hall. Despite being rather perturbed at Isshin's reaction just then, Ichigo decided not to pursue the matter at the moment.

Seeing Ichigo and Isshin coming towards them, Kaien waved and called out jovially, "Why, if it isn't Uncle Isshin."

Reaching out to grasp Kaien's hands warmly, Isshin replied, "Welcome home, nephew."

Turning to Ichigo, Kaien asked, "Well?" to which Isshin answered instead, saying brightly, "Plenty of time for explanations as we go."

Not quite sure why Isshin was acting this way yet understanding what was wanted, Ichigo said, "We'll head back to camp then."

"That's it?" demanded Jinta, "Just like that we're going back to camp? Why'd you bring us in the first place if you didn't really need us?"

Giving Jinta a hard look, Kaien said meaningfully, "Be mindful of the ears around us," and then Ichigo realized why Isshin was so eager to keep their conversation at bay for the time being.

"Well," Isshin said in an obvious attempt to ease the tension, "I will head back to the villa and start preparing rooms for the two of you. Everyone will be so anxious to see you both."

Before Ichigo had time to explain to Isshin that he and Kaien needed to stay with the troops, the senator strode quickly out of the entrance and climbed into a chariot that stood waiting for him in the courtyard. As the chariot pulled away, Ichigo saw that Kaien and his horses were also waiting out front. Without further delay, Ichigo swung himself into the saddle, pulled Hanataro up behind him again and then allowed his horse free reign to speed across the courtyard as fast as he wanted. The horse seemed to fly across the ground and then again after he had passed along the emperor's complete orders to the men and turned the horse towards his family's home.

While Ichigo knew that things would not be the same as when he left, little did he know just how much things had changed. Or how much his family had changed. Or even how much he had changed.

Author's Note:

I had intended to add a little more to this chapter, but I got distracted whenever I had to stop and watch the movie 'Quo Vadis'...for research purposes of course. However, I promised my dear friend to have this chapter finished today and here it is.

Now, I'm a bit tired since it's about my bedtime, but I'll take just long enough to say that originally I had intended to start the chapter with Orihime's capture and the fate of her village...but I didn't like how it was turning out. So, I finally decided to take a bit more time to mull it over and explain what happened either in a flashback when necessary or have Orihime tell it to Ichigo during one of their many conversations that I have planned.

I put Luppi into Nero's name since I've pictured him in that role from the beginning. He's spoiled, childish and has drastic mood swings and as I'm typing out his dialogue and actions, I keep seeing Luppi in my head. Also, for what's going to happen towards the end, I find Luppi to be the best fit for Nero's part.

Anyway, with summer just around the corner, I'm going to try and push myself to put out an update to one of my stories at least once a week, if not once every four days. I really do enjoy writing after I'm finished or when I'm coming up with ideas...it's just sometimes hard to actually have enough patience to sit down, start typing and keep at it until I'm done.

Well, that's all I've got to say about that other than hope you liked it!