Author's note: Hi there everyone. I hope you are all doing well. I am sorry this is coming to you so very very late, but I have been having a difficult time thinking up the right story line for this Brothers plot. Not many people have created fiction with Renji and Ichigo as siblings. I had to make sure that while I am creating a new story line of my own, that I did not destroy the integrity of the existing story line and arcs already created for Bleach. This was a challenge, as you all know, and I am honored to be writing it. I think now, I have decided on the right story for this challenge and I hope I haven't disappointed anyone. I have tweaked the original story a bit, but only a bit and forgive me if I have changed character perception too much in my endeavor. So please enjoy and know that the next installment is coming soon. I am typing it as we speak. Please don't forget to let me know what you think. Thank you

Chapter 2

A few months passed after Aizen's betrayal. The Soul Society was just about back to normal. Wounded were healing nicely. Construction was underway and right on schedule. The dead were buried and memorials were served. Though the entirety of the Soul Society was still in mourning even months later, they were starting to deal with their losses. The Head Captain was in the process of filling the now empty positions within the Gotei Thirteen. There were quite a few to fill and he was concerned about making certain he placed the right people where they were needed.

Squad Six was probably the most well off squad to date. Very few losses, their Captain was healed and back at his post, and luckily their barracks were one of the first to be reconstructed. They were back to normal, working hard and training. Renji and his Captain had everything running as smoothly as before.

As for Ichigo, he was returned to the World of the Living, but not before receiving the combat pass and the offer to return whenever he liked, so long as he asked permission first. The Head Captain made it very clear; there were to be no more surprise visits unless there was absolutely no choice: a matter of life or death.

Currently, life in the Soul Society was returned to normal, unless you count a very grouchy Lieutenant. Byakuya was very aware of Renji's growing impatience. He was spending more time with the humans, but as of late, hadn't had many opportunities to go to the World of the Living. What with all the repairs, the training of new recruits and their increasing workload, he'd been stuck in the Soul Society for quite some time with little to no contact with Ichigo Kurosaki. Byakuya knew that Renji wanted to involve himself in Kurosaki's life again, even if it meant simply being his friend, though the end result was to be much more.

The noble didn't even really mind. He could admit Kurosaki was powerful and noble. Both good qualities in a soul reaper and a human, never mind that he was only a substitute and a lower being. He was admirable, but he also felt that the human was reckless and unpredictable. It took him years of training to instill discipline and obedience into Renji. He feared Kurosaki's brazen behavior would start to rub off on his esteemed Lieutenant and he couldn't have that. Not to mention, his hollowfication worried him. Vizard was it? Leave it to Kisuke Urahara to throw a wild card into the mix. That inner hollow of his was untamed, violent and dangerous...and strong. Very, very strong. Too strong.

However, no matter what Byakuya thought about that, he still felt compelled to protect and support the man. It turned out there were several reasons. He wanted to support the man who protected and saved his sister. He meant a lot to Renji and that in turn made Kurosaki important enough to want to protect. Renji's brother...seriously, what were the odds? That they would find each other after Renji's death and fifteen years later? Small world.

"Captain..."

"Yes, I know. You have my permission," Byakuya said, continuing his paperwork.

"Heh, that obvious?" Renji chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

The noble looked up and nodded, grinning at the similar behavior. He'd seen Kurosaki do that very same nervous gesture as well. Renji was right. They were similar in some ways.

"Thank you, Sir."

"There have been rumors of Arrancar returning to Karakura town. There is a small scouting party going to investigate and support Kurosaki in his endeavors to protect his home."

"The Head Captain know about this?" Renji asked, surprised.

"Of course, you know nothing happens around here or in the World of the Living that he doesn't know about. He approved the mission. After the attack on Kurosaki by the Arrancar Ulquiorra, he said it was imperative we know everything we can about them. He believes it has something to do with Aizen."

"I see. You said to help Ichigo protect his home."

"The Head Captain isn't stupid. He is well aware of Kurosaki's strength. He knows we'll not be able to keep him out of it and that we'll probably need his help in the future."

"Ah...so we're ensuring that if we help him, he helps us when the time comes. He'll owe us...that it?"

Byakuya studied him a minute. It was clear Renji didn't like the idea of using Ichigo Kurosaki or treating him like some sort of puppet.

"I'm not going to sugar coat anything for you, Renji. The Head Captain isn't as on board with trusting him as some of us are. He feels there are potential dangers in allowing him access or free reign given his rash behavior, emotional response when it comes to his friends and his increasing power. Let's not even to begin to count the potential dangers of what would happen should his inner hollow take over."

"He would never allow that to happen." Renji said, his eyes determined and sure.

"Believe it or not, I share your faith in Ichigo Kurosaki. I don't always agree with his tactics and he can behave a like a reckless teenager with no regard for his own safety, but he is just that, a teenager. So I understand he needs training and discipline, much like you did. He is your brother and I know that he is important to you. I have faith in him because I have seen what he can do. I can feel his power and his instinct to protect. He acts when innocent people are in trouble, which is noble."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Captain Hitsugaiya will be leading the team. He is already expecting you."

"Yes, Sir."

"Be careful, Renji."

"Hai!"

"I'm home!"

"Ichi-ni!" Yuzu and Karin yelled, meeting him the door.

"Who's your friend?" Karin asked, nodding at the red haired, delinquent looking man in the door way.

"Where's Rukia?" Yuzu asked, looking around her brother.

"Rukia's with Orihime. She'll be staying with her for awhile. This is Renji."

Renji waved as Ichigo introduced him to his sisters. This was the first time he was meeting Ichigo's family as his friend. He was a little nervous. He died before the girls were born. He was meeting his half sisters for the first time, even if he was the only one who knew that piece of information. He was more nervous about seeing his father again. Would he even remember him? Would he look at Renji and know who he was? Or would he greet him as new friend to Ichigo and not have any idea how much this meeting really meant to Renji? How much it was going to hurt to see him and not be able to tell him all the things he meant to say to him while he was still alive? He teared up a little as he gazed at his sisters, wishing he'd been able to know them as their brother while he was alive.

"Renji, this is Yuzu and Karin."

"Nice to meet'cha."

"Hi there. Welcome." Yuzu said cheerfully. She always liked meeting Ichigo's friends.

Karin tilted her head to get a better look, "Are you crying?"

"Nah, the cold just makes my eyes water a little."

They let it go at that and he wiped his wet eyes quickly.

Half sisters. God, he'd missed out on so much. They looked a lot like Masaki. He wondered when her and his father would be home. He looked around as they walked further into the Kurosaki home. It was just as he remembered it. He saw the door that connected to the clinic. He remember exactly where the stairs and bathroom were. He assumed the upstairs layout of bedrooms was the same as well. He gazed into the kitchen as they passed, a memory of Masaki, him and Ichigo baking a surprise for his father together came to the forefront of his mind. He looked at every picture he could find. He wanted to see all the things he'd missed. There were pictures of the girls as babies. Turns out they were twins even though they seemed very different. He saw a picture of Ichigo in karate gear. He wished he could have been around for him then, to help teach him. He saw photos of the family on picnics and in playgrounds. He saw a few of just Masaki, but they seemed professionally done. The only thing he didn't see were pictures or any reminders that he'd ever been a part of this family. That made him a little sad and even more convinced that his father had forgotten all about him.

Ichigo looked to his sisters as they sat at the dining room table, "Where's dad?"

"He's..."

"Son! You're home! How's my beautiful boy!" Isshin shouted and came at his son enthusiastically.

Just as he was jumping to tackle hug Ichigo, he caught sight of his son's guest. He froze mid-jump, eyes tearing. Renji caught his recognition and let out the breath he'd been holding the second he heard his father's voice. He remembered.

"Grr...knock it off ya crazy, goat-faced lunatic!" Ichigo hollered, embarrassed by his father's behavior and kicked him into the opposite wall.

Ichigo crossed his arms and scowled at his father. Why did he have to be like that all the time, even in front of other people? So embarrassing. Renji and his father locked gazes for a moment. Isshin could hide his tears behind his strange, fatherly antics, but he could see Renji was holding in a flood of emotions. He wouldn't have any excuse for his tears if Ichigo inquired.

Renji sucked in a breath and hid what hadn't been noticed yet behind laughter. Isshin smiled proudly, beaming at the group in front of him.

"You are strong my son."

Renji wasn't sure who that was meant for: Ichigo for his reflexes and power, or Renji for not caving into his emotions.

"Sorry about that." Ichigo apologized.

"Don't sweat it. Parents, right?"

"Yeah," turning to his father, who was still crumbled on the floor, "Dad, Renji's a friend of mine. He's gonna be coming around a lot. In fact, I was kinda hoping you wouldn't mind him crashing here for a while. Long story, but kinda don't wanna get into it. It's complicated."

Isshin untangled himself and stood, approaching his children, finally all together in one room. He never would have imagined this would happen again. If only Masaki was here to see her family all together, even if they didn't know how they related to each other.

"The more the merrier. This house has been so quiet since Masaki left us," he turned to whine at her oversized poster on the wall, "Oh, Masaki, If only you could come back to us!"

Karin smacked her forehead, "Dad...you're so embarrassing."

Renji took the hint his father gave him. Masaki wasn't around anymore. That was unexpected.

"I didn't know you're parents were divorced."

"No. She died when I was eight. As I said, the old man's a lunatic. We've begged him to take down that stupid poster."

Ichigo explained this as he ran over to pull his father away from the wall he was currently hugging and try to tear it down for what must be the hundredth time. Renji paused. Dead? How? She was still so young and when he had known her, she never had an illness or anything like that. Accident? Murder, like him?

"I'm sorry, Ichigo." Renji was truly sorry. First his berry lost him, then his mother only a few years afterward. Kid had it rough.

"Thanks. Listen, I'm gonna go change. Then we'll meet the others at Urahara's. He says he's got another surprise for us."

"Do I even wanna know?"

Ichigo grinned, "Probably not. Be right back. Make yourself at home."

He clapped his buddy on the back and turned to dart up the stairs to his room. Yuzu and Karin said goodbye, then left to go see a movie, kissing their father as they took their leave. Only Renji and Isshin remained in the living room.

"Renji...oh, my Son."

"Pop..." Renji choked as his father came to him, his own eyes tearing up once more. This time Renji didn't stop the flow of emotion. He let the tears fall as his father pulled him into a crushing hug.

"I missed you too, Pop." Renji hugged his father back tightly. He had missed him very much. He never thought he would see him again.

Images of Renji's death flashed to the forefront of Isshin's mind. Ichigo and Masaki's sorrow gripped his heart. He remembered there was so much blood. He remembered feeling powerless as his son died right in front of him.

He pulled back, "Ya look good, Son." He looked him over, taking in every strand of fiery red hair, each new tattoo, the new fire in his eyes. He wanted to memorize his face once more.

"You too, Pop," he nodded toward the poster Ichigo had been unsuccessful in removing from the wall, "I'm sorry about Masaki."

"It's okay. She lived a good life. She succeeded in everything she set out to do in her life. Ironically enough, she died protecting your brother, just like you did."

"You're kidding?"

There was silence, then Isshin changed the subject.

"So, you've become a soul reaper and a Lieutenant no less."

"Yeah. Wish I would've known you had been a soul reaper before I died. I might have visited before now if I'd known."

"You're time here was done. It was never supposed to get out and you're not to tell your brother either," he eyed his son, "Which division did you end up in?"

"Squad Six. I serve under Captain..."

"Captain Kuchiki."

"Yeah."

Isshin nodded, "You work hard. He can be a bit of a tyrant, but he's a good man."
"I know, Pop." he said, then, "I'm glad we ran into each other. I wanted to talk about Ichigo. What do you think I should do?"

"I was surprised he introduced you as a friend. You haven't told him?"

"Not yet, but I really want your opinion."

"That's up to you, Son."

"How did this even happen, Pop?"

"What?"

"Ichigo...his power?"

"You don't know? I only know because Kisuke has been keeping me updated."

"I know Rukia gave her power to him when she was wounded and he needed to defend his sisters, but that power has since returned to her. I mean, I more or less understand what the hollowfication process is...but don't you have to be a soul reaper to begin with for that to happen? He's still human."

Isshin thought about it. He knew his son would someday follow in his footsteps, but only after he'd left his world for the other.

"I mean, Pop, he's good. Too good for a human. He's really, really powerful. He wiped out everyone who stood in his way when he invaded the Seireitei. Soul reaper, seated officers, myself...Captains. Each fight he got stronger and stronger still. I trained years and years to achieve bankai. He managed it in three days."

"I have to admit, I was surprised by his strength," Isshin looked up at the ceiling as though he could see his son moving about, "Kisuke's been a good teacher. Yoruichi Shihoin as well, plus that hollow thing of his is crazy or so I'm told."

"So that hollow is for real."

"Yeah, Kisuke says its power exceeds that of his own, though he'd never admit that aloud to anyone else. Kid has a lot of potential."

Renji grew quiet.

"Something wrong?"

"The Captain saw it. I didn't believe him. Said it took over for Ichigo briefly during their battle while he was wounded. Claimed it was out of control. Turned Ichigo into a completely different person."

Isshin nodded, "They're working on it. He's going to be getting help from other vizards. I know keeping that hollow in check has been exhausting for him. He's been coming home looking like he's ready to fall over, like he hasn't slept in weeks when I know he's been getting plenty."

Thumps and footsteps were heard overhead. Ichigo would be coming back down soon.

"You protect him, ya hear? Ichigo seems to be in the thick of something dangerous. Kisuke's been keeping me up to date on his progress, but hasn't been telling me everything."

Renji grit his teeth, "Captain Aizen betrayed us."

"Sosuke Aizen?"

"Yeah."

"You be careful. Aizen is strong and no one really even knows what his powers are. Watch each other's backs. I...I love you, Son."

Ichigo entered the room just as Isshin said those words, "Ah geez, I'm gonna be home for dinner ya old goat. Don't get all mushy on me."

Renji grinned at Ichigo's grumbling and nodded so his father knew he felt the same way as he followed his berry out the front door.

They walked toward Urahara's shop side by side.

"So...what d'ya think his surprise is?"

Ichigo chuckled, "With hat and clogs, you never know."

"True. Say, Ichigo..."

"Yeah?"

"Got any plans this weekend?"
"Just training and patrol. Those arrancar have been coming around a lot lately."

Renji watched the berry closely. His baby brother was so grown up. He could clearly picture the little toddler he used to know. Now when he looked at him, he saw a grown man. His honey brown eyes were mature now. He could see he had experiences. He was becoming like a best friend to him. He just needed to get a little closer.

"Thought maybe you'd like to visit the Soul Society, in a more casual capacity this time. Last time was not exactly relaxing. I can actually show you around now. Introduce you to the gang."

"Why doesn't that surprise me?"
"What?"

"That you got a gang."

"Sorry, old habit. Used to lead a gang before I went to the academy."

"Heh, I'm having a hard time picturing you at academy. Seem more like the trouble maker type who would skip class."

"Hey! I was a good student. I made Lieutenant didn't I?"

"Just seem the type to get into fights."

Renji growled, not that he was mad at Ichigo or even insulted. He was hoping Ichigo would look up to him. He wanted his brother to rely on him...to come to him if he ever needed anything.

Ichigo shook his head, " Sorry, just figured those tattoos and fiery red hair would start some fights."

Renji looked at Ichigo curiously, "Why?"

"My hair always caused problems with upper classmen and street thugs. Guys picked fights with me all the time. Said I was trying to call attention to myself. Teachers kept insisting I dye my hair back and stop showing off."

"Your hair is natural," Renji remarked.

"You're one of the few to notice that."

Crap! Renji forgot to phrase that as a question.

"I mean, come on Berry, I can't see you taking the time to dye your hair. Plus, I get the impression you'd rather be left alone."

"At school, absolutely."

Ichigo became pensive. When the silence dragged on, Renji spoke up again.

"What's eaten ya, Berry?"

"I haven't been called Berry in awhile. Not as an endearment anyway."

"Oh?"

Was that a glimmer of recognition? Was Ichigo remembering something?

"Guess your mom called ya her little berry. What a cute wittle boy you musta been." Renji teased.

"Cut it out, will ya? Besides, it wasn't my mom. Someone I knew when I was little used to call me that, but I haven't been able to picture their face in a long time, or remember their name."

Renji deflated, "Mustn't have been very important to you then."

Ichigo searched his dejected face, "Not true. I might not be able to remember them, but I know in my heart, in my soul that they were very important to me. Ya see this?"

He reached into his shirt and pulled out the necklace he was wearing. He fingered the symbol dangling on it and showed it to Renji, "It was given to me by the same person. I close my eyes and try to picture that person every day. I wish I could remember them. I don't know why, but I miss them and I don't know where that feeling even comes from. It's strong and I try, but I can't remember. I asked my old man about it once, but he just gets sad and quiet. So I stopped bringing it up. I didn't want to keep hurting him. Whoever it was clearly meant a lot to him too."

Renji watched him as he stowed the trinket and started to walk again. He wanted more than ever to tell him who he was, but he wasn't sure how he would take the news. Would he be happy or feel betrayed? He followed his brother and decided now was not the time. For now, he would just be satisfied knowing that his Berry still thought about him every day even if he didn't remember him.

"So, anyhow, I'll introduce you around the division. How's Saturday?"

"Yeah, sure," Ichigo agreed as they reached the shop.

They walked in, wincing immediately when they saw the manic smile on the former Captain's face. They gave each other a pained look and braced themselves for a hell of a training session.

Renji was anxious as Saturday finally came. Ichigo would be arriving by noon. He kept checking the clock on the wall in the dojo. Byakuya noticed his Lieutenant's behavior.

"Renji!"

"Yes, Captain." he jumped and saluted, startled out of his thoughts.

"Is there any particular reason you are unable to focus?"

"I'm sorry, Captain. Ichigo should be here soon...around noon. Just...anxious I guess."

"I understand. You have been spending a lot of time with him."

"Yeah, but usually while Rukia and his other human friends are around. This time it will just be us."

Byakuya nodded, "I'm sure you have everything well in hand. Word of caution. I still expect you to conduct yourself as a highly respected officer of the Gotei Thirteen."

"Of course, Captain."

Renji checked the clock again and let out a sigh.

"Something wrong?"

"I kinda wish Rukia was going to be here."

"She has duties in the World of the Living. I have no doubt you'll forget all about your nerves once he is here."

"Lieutenant Abarai, Sir! Captain..." the man saluted Byakuya then turned back to Renji, "You have a visitor in your office."

"Seems Kurosaki is early. Can't say I expected punctuality from him," the noble commented.

"Yes, Sir." Renji said, though he sort of resented it. Why would his Captain expect any less?

"Bring him to us. I believe Renji has plans for him here."

Minutes later, after the soul reaper bowed and left to retrieve Ichigo, he returned with Kurosaki in tow. They were surprised to see him in bankai form.

"Hey Renji, "he nodded at the noble, "Byakuya."

The noble made an irritated noise, "Such insolence."

"So you keep telling me. How ya doing?"

"You expecting trouble?" Renji asked, eyebrows raised.

"Huh?"

"Your bankai."

"Oh...no. Nothing like that. I can't seem to change it back. I release my soul from my body and this is the form it automatically takes."

Byakuya watched him. The boy was getting more powerful by the day. His reiatsu was more controlled in a way, even if his power still leaked out like crazy. It was, steady. No longer fluctuating. He felt stable and sure of himself in a way he hadn't felt when he first invaded the Soul Society. To be able to remain in bankai form continuously without getting tired was new for him.

"Anything new, Byakuya?" Ichigo asked again.

Byakuya ignored his inquiring question and turned to continue his squads training, "I shall leave you to your visit. Remember what I said, Renji. I expect you to uphold the integrity of this squad."

"Of course, Captain."

Ichigo watched the noble as he resumed drills and pretended they weren't there.

"What a stick in the mud. What's his deal anyway?"

Renji gave him a smack on the back, "Come on, Berry."

Ichigo nodded, giving the noble one last glance then followed his best friend out the door and into the hall. Renji showed him around Squad Six, then they ventured out into the Seireitei. He was introduced proudly to his gang of friends, which was a mix of soul reapers and people from the Rukon District. They met outside the gates so he could meet them all. Only soul reapers were allowed in the Seireitei. They took to Ichigo quickly, after all, they'd been dying to meet him. Renji talked a lot about him and he had shared his secret about him with them. They all knew Ichigo was his brother and they all decided to accept him into the fold and treat him like family. To protect him like a part of it too.

"Hey, why don't we go to the bar. The Snake Pit should be open by now."

"Good idea. Let's go."

Renji bought the first round of drinks. The group asked Ichigo all about the World of the Living and about his life there. He talked about his friends and family a bit. They told him stories about Renji's gang days before he joined the academy. They told him about silly things he'd done in academy and during his first years with the squad. They all laughed and got on very well together.

They were just starting to discuss their next course of action, when the front door to the Snake Pit burst open and a group of rowdy people entered, all of them wearing soul reaper uniforms.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Renji Abarai and his squad six losers."

Renji's face turned bright red. He clenched and bared his teeth as he turned to address the insulting party.

"Watch it, Toru!"

Toru's group laughed, "That all you got, Abarai? That your best comeback? That noble Captain of yours has made you soft. All he cares about are manners and maintaining that library. Seems to have rubbed off on you as well."

"His family is tasked with maintaining and protecting the history of the Soul Society. That takes discipline and commitment. Something you idiots know nothing about!"

Toru bared his teeth in kind, "My squad is all about being the best. The strongest. At least my Captain wasn't bested by that ryoka trash like yours was." Toru pointed to Ichigo as he raved, "Such a disgrace! Wish I'd been around to see it."

Annoyed by his attitude and insults toward his best friend, Ichigo stepped forward, "I can rectify that for you now, if you like."

Toru looked at Ichigo. He sized him up and wasn't at all impressed by this human.

"Don't bother; you wouldn't stand a chance. Our Captain would wipe the floor with you. You're only human after all."

Ichigo realized he completely missed the point. He'd been talking about showing him his strength, not his Captain, whoever that was.

They were head to head when another voice from a neighboring table chimed in.

"That's enough, Toru!"

They all turned to see Ikkaku and Yumichika, seated officers of squad eleven, sitting and watching their confrontation with amusement. Ichigo recognized him. He was the first person he went up against once he was inside the Seireitei. He belonged to the big guys squad. Captain Zaraki. The crazy powerful Captain who carried around that tiny Lieutenant with bubblegum pink hair. He liked them all. Crazy bunch of people, but fun.

Ikkaku grinned, then resumed, "Better to quit while your ahead."

"And why would I want to do that? Just because he beat a Captain, doesn't mean he could beat ours. I mean, come on, it was Byakuya Kuchiki. Not much of a challenge."

"You take that back!" Renji barked, his friends holding him back from attacking the blowhard.

"It's really simple actually. He already has."

"What?" Toru gasped incredulously, looking back at the human wretch.

Ikkaku rose, hands clasped behind his neck, inclining his head at Ichigo in greeting, "Heya, Strawberry."

"How ya doing, Baldy."

They grinned at each other.

"Don't tell me you're friends with this trash too, Sir?"

"Better be careful, Toru. Wouldn't go around braggin about things you know nothing about. Your were off on assignment during the ryoka invasion. He already fought Captain Zaraki...and won."

"Impossible!"

"Don't believe me, ask the Lieutenant. She witnessed the entire thing."

Toru growled. Impossible. How could human ryoka trash best their super strong Captain? He turned around to face his rivals again.

"What is that ryoka doing here anyhow?" He demanded, changing the subject while he processed the information.

"Visiting as our guest."

"Really Renji you should have better sense than to hang with trash like Kurosaki. Not only will people lose respect for you, Abarai, but you'll tarnish your precious Captains noble reputation as well."

"I'm gonna beat you to a..." Renji lunged at Toru angrily.

No one talked about his Captain or his brother like that. His Captain had a solid reputation and was one of the strongest in the Seireitei and Ichigo was anything but trash.

Ichigo stepped in front of Renji, stopping him from doing something stupid.

"Easy, Renji. He isn't worth it."

"Aww, you're such a sweetheart, Kurosaki. You'll make someone a fine little woman some day."

Renji lost it, seeing red. He lunged once more, this time dodging Ichigo and linking his hands around Toru's neck.

"Lieutenant!" his friends yelled.

"Toru! That's enough!"

"Stay out of this, Madarame!" Toru bellowed over his shoulder.

Both groups were fighting now and Ikkaku and Yumi watched as war broke out between the squads.

"You will obey your superior officer, Toru Hashimoto!"

They all became suddenly aware that a new and very powerful presence had joined them.

"I had it under control, Captain Kuchiki." Ikkaku bowed respectfully.

"Indeed," The noble was standing right behind Ichigo Kurosaki.

He could see Ichigo was uncomfortable, but dying to get his licks in. It seemed he was the only one who hadn't joined in the fray. Interesting.

"Lieutenant Abarai, you and your men are to return to squad six immediately. Toru Hashimoto, you and yours will return to your squad as well. I'll be sure to report your conduct to your Captain."

"Looks like I get off easy," he snickered at Renji.

Byakuya raised an eyebrow, for he knew differently. Clearly this man knew very little about his own Captain. Ikkaku squashed Toru's thought completely.

"You won't get off scot-free. The Captain happens to like Ichigo. You know how much he values strength. Ichigo Kurosaki has proved his tenfold."

Toru cowered at that realization. If the human really bested Zaraki, that would be the greatest show of strength.

"Sorry for the trouble, Captain. We'll be going now." Yumichika said quietly, bowing and wrangling the rest of their squad members out the door.

Renji watched them leave, then turned to face his very irate Captain.

"Sir, I can explain."

Byakuya held up a hand, "I don't want to hear your excuses. I believe I made myself very clear."

Renji hung his head, "Yes, Sir."

"You are hereby confined to squad six barracks for the remainder of the weekend."

"But, Captain..." Renji looked to Ichigo, then back again.

Byakuya knew what he was saying, and that was exactly why he was punishing him. He wanted his right hand to be able to spend time with his brother, but he also wanted him to present himself as a respected member of the Gotei Thirteen. It was like being a parent. You take away something the child wants into order to ensure the bad behavior wasn't repeated. It was for Renji's own good. Plus, it would instill some restraint in Ichigo as well. If he knew what this behavior would result in, then he would also be less likely to cause trouble.

"I'm afraid Kurosaki will have to entertain himself, or return home."

"I'll stay if that's alright. I'll talk to the Head Captain about extending my stay so you and I can hang Renji."

Byakuya nodded, "I'll prepare a room for you at the manor."

Ichigo did a double take, "Really?"

"I would never hear the end of it if I turned you away."

Ichigo grinned knowingly, "Rukia?"

"Indeed."

"Hey, you're not so bad after all. You'll be the perfect big brother yet, Byakuya."

They all turned to leave, both Renji and Byakuya hiding small smiles. Ichigo certainly was one of a kind.