It's been a week since the end of the Winter War and everything is back to normal. Two more weeks lefts till school starts again, much to the misery of one Ichigo Kurosaki. Ever since the end of the Winter War, Ichigo has been hiding away inside his house, not even stepping outside for fresh air. Reason? Because he wanted the peace to last before going back to school, knowing that the moment he steps outside, someone will see him, and rumours fly fast around this area.
Originally he wouldn't have worried, but after the war, a lot more civilians are spiritually aware, which is a huge pain in the ass.
But today, that peace will be shattered by one Kisuke Urahara. Said man has finished his Gigai. But, said man also wants him to come over to pick it up, saying that it's more convenient. Damn lazy bastard.
Ichigo grumbled under his breath as he waited at the door for his two sisters. Originally, he planned to just Shunpo over to Urahara's shop to save time and to avoid being spotted by wandering eyes. But when Yuzu and Karin catch him heading for the door they immediately interrogated him to know where he was going. Of course, now that they're aware of the spiritual world and himself and their father, he couldn't really lie to them; especially seeing as they know why he's been spending all of his holiday time inside.
So, after telling them that he's going over to Urahara's shop to collect his Gigai, they wanted to tag along. They've heard about the mysterious Hat n' Clogs and their brothers adventures with his friends. When he and Rukia finished explaining his second life, after dinner, they'd bugged him into telling them his adventures. Of course, Rukia was no help, instantly being mesmerised by their puppy dog eyes. So, around three days later they were basically up-to-date with everything.
"You ready, Ichigo?" Came Karin's voice from the bottom of the stairs, dragging him out of his thoughts. Ichigo's head snapped to the side and saw that Karin was dressed in her usual sporting shorts and T-shirt with her red cap while Yuzu was wearing a knee length green dress with flower patterns running along the bottom and running up along the sides.
Of course, Ichigo was still in his Shinigami, no, Final Getsuga Tensho form. His long black hair and black reiatsu Hakama's still flowing ever so slightly in the non-existent breeze. The rock hard grey bandages still cover most of his body up to underneath his eyes. Said eyes still holding their rust coloured red. His left arm still covered in those swirl-like tribal tattoos that travel up his arm and to his chest that's uncovered by bandages. And the last feature left besides his bare feet is his right arm. While covered by the rock-hard grey bandages, smoke like black reiatsu appears to leak out of his hand and slowly travel up his arm and disappear.
One thing those close to Ichigo have notice is his eyes. The most obvious thing people notice is the change in eye colour, but when one looks deeper, you can see the after-effects of war still lingering in his eyes. People say that the eyes are windows to the soul; this is a perfect example. Ichigo still plays soccer with Karin, wrestle with his dad, talks to Yuzu, argue with Kon and hang out with his friends, but his battles in Hueco Mundo, seeing the life leaving Gin's eyes as Rangiku cries over him and his final fight with Aizen. As much as they want to ignore it, as much as they want to return to a normal life; the battles, the sacrifices…. The war may be over but the scars of the Winter War will forever remain.
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"Ah~ Good morning Kurosaki-san! To what do I owe the honour of having not only you, but your two sisters as well in my shop~?"
"Cut the crap Urahara, you know why I'm here." Seethed Ichigo, but it was well hidden from his sisters.
Urahara grinned behind his fan, knowing exactly the reason for his anger but said no more as he snapped his fan shut and stood up, leading Ichigo to where his Gigai is.
"Not you two." Said Urahara as he pointed for Karin and Yuzu to stay as they made their way to follow. Said sisters frowned and made to protest but Urahara interrupted.
"Kurosaki-san and I need to have a little talk about something along the way. Afterwards, if Kurosaki-san feels it's alright to inform you then he may." They didn't protest, instead they kept their mouths shut and stayed behind, watching their brothers back disappear.
Sure they wanted to follow and see this so called 'Gigai', but they know when to and not to listen. When Urahara mentioned having a talk with him, they saw a hint of comprehension and worry in their brothers' eyes.
"Ichigo…. I hope everything is okay."
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"So, how have you been fairing, Kurosaki-san?" Asked Urahara when he deemed them a safe distance from Karen and Yuzu.
"Alright. I've been staying inside most of my time, though. So as for my powers I don't know. I haven't been given the chance to test to see if there's any change."
"And it's best to leave it that way. Originally, the Final Getsuga Tensho is meant to be used once and only once. While you way be stuck in this form, we still don't know if it's permanent or the same rule still applies."
"So what do you propose I do? You know I can't just sit by when there's danger."
"Of course not, you still have your enhanced strength and defence. All I'm saying is that it'd be wise not to use Mugetsu unless absolutely necessary."
"Ah," Muttered Ichigo in understanding. "But how do we find out whether this is permanent or not?"
"To be completely honest, I don't know. I have some theories as to how you came to be stuck In the Final Getsuga Tensho form, but not any on whether or not it's permanent. But I'd like to collect some data, one day whenever you're free I'd like you to come over so that we can run some tests in the hopes that we can shed some light on the situation." Answered Urahara with a slight sigh as he removed his fan. While this is quite fascinating it is also dangerous. The Final Getsuga Tensho is something that has very little information, the information he got hold of was from Isshin and hopefully Ichigo. It's unknown and that's what worries him; combined with the fact that if his powers returned due to the Hogyouku then that may cause more problems later on. For both them and the Seireitei if they were to ever find out.
"School is starting soon. Whenever I'm free I'll see about dropping by after school and possibly the weekends, how does that sound?"
"Sounds fair enough. Take your time, Kurosaki-san. Aizen is dead, the Seireitei is safe, all because of your commitment. So take a break and focus on your studies for once. Relax." Ichigo looked over at Urahara as he spoke and couldn't help but wonder. Sure Aizen is dead, the Soul Society and Karakura town is safe, but can he really go from fighting a war to living a normal teenage life again, just like that? Urahara seemed to be along the same train of thought for as they reached their destination he spoke up, interrupting Ichigo's thoughts.
"It's understandable that you, Inoue-san, Sado-san and Ishida-san won't be able to settle down off the bat. Give it some time and allow yourselves to relax, remember; you're not alone in this, Kurosaki-san." Urahara slid open the door and walked in, turning on the lights for them to see and lead Ichigo to where his Gigai sat.
"There you go, Kurosaki-san. I added some modifications to it, tell me what you think."
Ichigo wasn't at all surprised that Urahara modified his Gigai, knowing him he most likely added in somethings that he wouldn't be happy about. As he slid into his new body he instantly felt something different. It isn't uncomfortable, just different.
"Well?" Drawled Urahara as he watched Ichigo stand up in his new body. He now wore dark blue jeans and a long sleeve cream coloured shirt. While he didn't really like the style, it'll have to do until he gets new clothes.
"I can tell you've done something to it, but it's alright. What did you add anyway?" Asked Ichigo as he stretched and rolled his muscles.
"Oh, nothing much. A few things here and there," That doesn't sound good. "One of the main things I've added is a Reiatsu tracker. Because you're Reiatsu is too high for anyone to sense or track, just in case anything were to happen I'll always know where you are."
Ichigo let the fact that he failed to comment on the other modifications and focused on the only one he mentioned so far. "I'll have to admit that's impressive."
"Why thank you. Now, I do believe we've kept your sisters waiting long enough."
Nodding, Ichigo let Urahara lead the way. Eventually, they made it back to Yuzu and Karin; both who were browsing the various items in Urahara's shop. When they heard footsteps their heads instantly snapped up to see Ichigo in his new body.
"Is that your new body?" Asked Karin, "I can see the difference." She said while looking Ichigo up and down, noticing the absence of the bandages. But the black tribal tattoo remained, and she recalled seeing another Shinigami with black tribal face tattoos. It seems that tattoos remain on Gigais.
"You look good, nii-san." Said Yuzu as she beamed up at Ichigo who smiled back.
"Thanks for the help Hat n' Clogs. See you sometime after school." Called back Ichigo as he ruffled his sister's hair as he made his way to the door.
"No problem, Kurosaki-san. Remember to take it easy."
"Yeah, yeah."
Chapters not as long as I wanted it but I figured "Yous don't really care as long as you get an update". Sorry for the long wait!