Previously on BLEACH RELOADED…
"My name's Chelia Blendy, I'm glad to be here and hope we can all get along."
"So you felt it to huh?"
Ichigo gave a grunt, "Yeah. She's definitely no normal girl."
"God Slayer? The hell is that?"
"People that were taught the arts of the God Slayer Akū."
"Chelia, what the hell is this?!"
Lucy cursed, "Damn it! I knew we couldn't trust you!"
"So you're informed huh? By whom exactly?"
"That's not important now, you should get Lucy home."
Their fight in the air ended with no harm done to each sides, however Lucy was more exhausted than she should have been. As they went towards his home, Chelia turned up to report to her 'informant'.
The Plan
Somewhere in Karakura….
Chelia walked up to the supply shop she became familiar with since she got here. Inside, it's occupants were people that were over the 'ordinary' of what most are. Opening the slide door and shutting it she was greeted by a tall dark skinned man wearing casuals and an apron.
"Oh Miss. Chelia, Welcome back."
The girl smiled, "Hey Tessai. Is he in?"
Tessai nodded, "Yes he should be in the living room."
Saying her thanks she set her bag aside and went in. seated to one side of a round table in the center of the room was a man wearing a men's grey kimono and a dark green jacket with diamond patterns at the bottom, a pair of clogs on his feet and a green and white bucket hat completed his attire.
"What's up clogs?" Chelia greeted.
"Ah, your back. I trust it went well?"
She nodded in agreement and the man smiled.
"Yep! It was pretty fun too, but I think if I went all out it would be much better."
He chuckled at her enthusiasm, "That, my dear Chelia would not be wise. If you went all out young Ichigo would have been killed and the damage done to the area would be astronomical."
She sighed but didn't protest, she had learned that this man was as smart as they came, and even more so. Put simply the man was brilliant, if there were a way to describe it at a higher caliber she would. A scientist that designed many things, the gigantic training field below the shop could attest to this.
Yes, this man is Kisuke Urahara. Ex Gotei thirteen captain, unrivaled intelligence of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute, S.R.D.I for short.
"Yeah I know. Anyway I think what you wanted has happened, during our little fight a felt his Reiatsu skyrocket near the end. And I also felt the presence of something awakening inside him."
Kisuke took out his fan and felt it near his face, "I knew it would, that's why I sent you. I knew fighting someone as strong as you would force it to awaken and force Ichigo to draw on it."
"Yeah but I barely did anything. I didn't really lay into him you know?"
"That wasn't necessary, what has awakened inside of him only did so so easily because it responded to a powerful presence. In short it felt challenged by your presence and force of you power. You are strong Chelia, very much so. I could tell you were holding back a lot but I could still feel it."
The pinkette blushed a bit at being praised, "Ah thanks."
Kisuke got a smirk on his face, "Now then, come. Embrace me Chelia my darling, I've missed you so~"
Kisuke cooed and Chelia sweat dropped. "I think I'll pass."
He gained an overly dramatic devastated look on his face, "Oh how it hurts! My darling Chelia has forsaken me!"
He sprang up and ran to Tessai who had just walked in, Kisuke grabbed on to the front of his shirt and looked up at him with long streams of white tears.
"Tessai! Why has Chelia forsaken me? Is it because I'm ugly?"
Chelia doubled over in laughter at Kisuke's ways and Tessai's annoyed expression. This is what made her so fond of the man, Kisuke always knew how to make her laugh and lighten up the mood. Letting go of Tessai Kisuke regained his more serious front.
"Alright then, Chelia come with me for a bit."
Getting up and following Kisuke to a door that was around the back of the shack they stopped at a wall. Kisuke stood still in front of a wall for a moment, Chelia felt as he started releasing some of his Reiatsu before he placed the bottom end of his cane against the wall where after removing it a small skull with blue flames surrounding it appeared. Then the wall opened up and both parts slid to the side revealing a lab filled with all sorts of screens and other thing.
The walls closed as they walked in and Chelia released a low whistle as she looked around.
"Wow. I never knew you had a lab here Kisuke."
The man grunted as he fiddled around with a keyboard below a screen, "Well not everyone is allowed here. Out of Tessai, Ururu and Jinta, only Tessai is allowed. And Yoruichi as well."
"What about the two kids? Don't you trust them?"
Kisuke nodded, "Of course I trust them. it's just that they tend to get too curious and will want to touch things. Especially Jinta."
"But I'm just a teen." She folded her arms over her chest, "So why am I an exception? And who's Yoruichi? I don't believe you mentioned her before."
"Ah." He turned to another table to place a device on it, "You're an exception because unlike those two, you are more mature and I feel you can handle yourself here without messing around. And Yoruichi and an old friend of mine. She and I go way back…"
Kisuke trailed as he got a dreamy look in his eye and started drooling a bit at the memory of his much loved friend. Chelia sweat dropped and turned to look at some of the things on the many tables in the room.
"I don't know about that Kisuke. I'm starting to get pretty curious about some of this stuff… I might even touch one…"
She froze as an evil aura came over her, spinning around Kisuke had a mock scary look on his face as he held his cane at the ready, "Oh? Is that so? If you touch anything you might just lose a hand."
With a ghostly sound to his voice Chelia could tell he was playing but was also serious, "Kidding! Only kidding!"
Placing his cane down he dropped all humor from his voice, "Okay Chelia. You know why I had you engage Ichigo like that right?"
She nodded, "Cause' you wanted me to awaken his inner power."
"Yes but that is not the only thing, awakening it was just the first stage of this plan of mine. The boy has gotten himself into some deep shit, while this may make way to a more interesting life, it is also incredibly dangerous. He has something special about him, and I have yet to fully figure it out. And also he needs to be prepared for what's to come. There isn't much time left."
Chelia looked a bit puzzled, "What's to come? I know about the impending dangers but you say there isn't much time left which means troubles is already on the horizon and approaching fast."
"Yes," Kisuke turned and touched a key on the board. Some smaller screens minimized as a picture of Lucy came up to full size, "And it involves what Lucy Heartfilia did a few nights ago."
The pinkette nodded in agreement, "You mean making Ichigo-kun a substitute right? But what's the harm in that? I think it's a good thing."
Kisuke cocked his head to the side, "Aren't you missing the big picture?"
Chelia looked at him confused. But then gained face of realization as her mouth opened in a silent 'O'. "Yeah now I remember. Doing what she did without permission from their Head Captain is violation against the law put in place for that matter."
"Right," hitting another key an image of Ichigo came up. "Now that the deed is done, Seireitei won't ignore this. They take it very seriously and we can expect some visitors very soon. If I'm correct and if they take into consideration who their dealing with, they'll most likely send a captain and his or her Lieutenant to apprehend Lucy if not both of them. Depending on who they send, the two might just take Lucy and eliminate Ichigo."
Chelia lightly slammed her fist into her palm, "And that's why you want Ichigo-kun to be prepared."
"Correct. And by the way why do you address him like that? With the honorific?"
"Huh?" Chelia started to blush, "Oh no reason. No reason at all…"
Kisuke merely chuckled, "Oh well. Anyway I can't waste any time. I have to get started right away."
He minimized the images and turned to his cane, picking it up he smiled at it fondly. "Chelia, I want you to bring Ichigo here tomorrow when school ends for the day. It's about time I have a little chat with him." He spoke without turning to face her.
Chelia folded her arms again. "You know he might not wanna come right? Especially after I made it seem like I was going to let him die by letting him fall out of the air. I know he is cautious of me, he doesn't trust me. And what about Lucy, what should I do about her?"
"….Do what you must with him, if you have to drag him here kicking and screaming. Do it. As for Lucy, it's alright if she comes along as well."
She sighed, "Alright. Now I think I'll have a much needed warm bath. Later."
"Okay. By the way, are you cooking dinner today Chelia my dear?" he jokingly inquired as he snapped his fingers making the walls open to let her leave.
She waved him off, "Just let Tessai do it as usual. You know I can't cook all too well,"
"Oh you'll get better at it don't worry about it. I'll have Yoruichi teach you."
"Urusai!" she yelled as she left, the walls closing up behind her.
Kisuke chucked fondly, Chelia was so cute when he got her irritated. Turning back to his cane he pulled on the handle and drew it forward revealing a slim blade. He ran a finger along the edge of it gently.
"You're as restless as always. But don't worry. Soon you'll get to feel that sensation again, my lovely Benihime."
Seireitei – Gotei thirteen district.
Squad two barracks.
The captain of squad two, Soifon placed a small stack of papers to one side of her desk as she finished looking over them and speaking to her Lieutenant.
"Well that be all captain?"
Soifon looked at her and smirked, "What do you have a date? You seem anxious to leave."
The girl blushed a bit but kept up her stern front, "Not at all captain. I just want to go and get something to eat is all."
"Ah. Well I think it's all done for today so your excused Erza." She granted her Lieutenant permission to go, as she remembered that she had quite the sweet tooth.
Erza Scarlet. Lieutenant of squad two, one of the strongest Lieutenants of the Gotei thirteen and close friend to her captain. She may be very stern and serious but like all women she has a good connection to her feminine side which will emerge at times. A weakness for sweets and can also be a bit too serious.
"Thank you captain," she gave a bow and left.
Leaving the barracks and turning right she headed straight for one of the sweets shops that were around the main area of the Seireitei. She slowly licked her lips as she pictured what she was going to order, yep. She loved her sweets. Walking past squad one she had to jump out of the way as a member flew out the front door.
Erza shook her head at their constant rowdiness as the captain of said squad walked out laughing like a loon with his sword on his shoulder.
"Come on Gajeel! I thought you were a badass, guess I was wrong!"
Kenpachi Zaraki. Squad eleven captain and a man of few words… really he's just a man with an extreme love of fighting. Considered to be a monster of the Gotei thirteen with his immeasurable strength. And a complete nut job.
"Shut up ya' big jackass! You just caught me off guard."
Gajeel Redfox, Kenpachi's Lieutenant and a war monger like his captain. His many piercings is thought to be jewelry but their more than that. He brushed back his main of jet black hair as he pointed his sword at his captain.
"Now me and Metalicana here are gonna kick your ass!"
Kenpachi smirked, "Well bring it on then!"
Just before they charged their senses suddenly screamed at them in warning and the two had to leap to the sky as a torrent of flames shot out from the barracks. Erza herself had to move back a bit to get away from the heat.
"Oh great. So he's here fighting with them too…" she muttered, knowing exactly who just tried to roast the two barbarians to a crisp.
Laughing like a mad man and stepping out of the new hole that was left of the front entrance of the barracks, he rested his sword on his shoulder and looked up.
"Oh so you got away? Thought I got ya'."
Natsu Dragneel, Lieutenant of squad three and another fight loving handful.
Kenpachi gave a blank look, "If you thought you could get me with a puny lizard's spit of fire like that your more of an idiot than I thought. And I thought I knocked you out cold."
Natsu grinned, "Lizard's spit of fire huh? I'll show you."
He leaped to the sky and the three started fighting it out in a flurry of blurry moves and a wave or torrent of fire every so often.
Erza sweat dropped. She had been standing there the whole time and none of them even noticed, "Good grief. Those three animals should be put in cages."
She decided not to interrupt their fun time and continued her walk to her destination. Up in the air the three continued going at it.
Natsu pointed the tip of his blade and a ball of fire formed before firing off like being shot from a cannon.
The ball of flames shot downward at Gajeel but the man dodged it and moved to the right to avoid a swing from Kenpachi. Natsu would have ignored it until he saw who it was heading for. Erza.
"Oh shit ERZA!"
From his point of view she looked completely oblivious to the attack coming right at her. Erza's hand flew to her swords hilt, in one swift motion she drew it and twirled slightly as she swung her blade and sent off a wave of scarlet red energy towards the fire, as the two connected they exploded leaving a ball of smoke behind.
Natsu landed on the ground and jogged to her, "Sorry Erza I didn't see you there…"
The girl turned to him and sighed. "It's fine." Sheathing her sword she turned to leave but not before kicking him in the gut sending him flying away like a rag doll. "That's for almost burning me alive. Baka."
"Ah come on! But you had it covered!"
"Don't care."
As she went Gajeel and Kenpachi landed next to him, both snickering.
"Get your ass kicked by a woman Natsu?" Kenpachi joked.
"URUSAI!"
####
"Hey Erza!"
The red head turned to see one of her closest friends run up to her, "Oh Mira. What's up?"
Mirajane Strauss, squad eight Lieutenant.
"Nothing much. What are you up to?"
"Just going to get something at the sweets store, want to join me?"
Mira nodded and the two continued, "That sounds good, captain Sui-Chan finally gave me a break. He's been working me all morning dropping paper work after paper work on me."
Erza chuckled at Mira's way of calling her captain, "That's how it is Mira. It's a part of the job."
Walking in the shop they both got what they wanted and sat down to enjoy.
"So how do you think Lucy is doing?"
Erza hummed, "Well her task isn't very difficult, the Hollows aren't that powerful. Are you worried?"
Mira nodded, "A little bit yeah. I know they aren't very powerful but still…"
"Its okay. Lucy can handle herself, you know that."
Mira smiled, "Yeah your right."
"Erza, Mira."
The two looked up as a familiar voice called.
"Hey Gray. How've you been?"
He shrugged, "All good."
Gray Fullbuster, squad nine Lieutenant.
"How was your mission Gray?" Erza asked between mouthfuls.
"Not as good as I'd liked. We had a few problems with several hollows. Something was different about them, they were much stronger than any I've faced before." His expression changed to a look of concern, "Then there was my captain's behavior. At certain points he started acting a little strange."
"Is there something wrong with captain Fernandes?" Mira asked.
Gray shook his head, "I don't know. Well it won't do me any good to worry so much. Later you two."
As he left Erza sighed heavily, Mira picket up on this and turned to her friend.
"Something wrong?"
"It's what Gray said about his captain. The other night I was running an errand for my captain and I saw him and captain Sosuke having a conversation. But what caught my attention is how suspicious the two were moving."
Mira asked in a hushed tone, "Did you investigate?"
"No. I don't like making my captain wait so I just ignored them and went my way."
"I see." said Mira as she looked at the table in thought.
Erza perked up, "Well there's no use in mopping around like this. Waiter! Another serving for me and my friend please!"
Mira giggled just like that her mind was at ease a bit. She could always count on her friends to lighten thing up.
####
The captain of squad five, Sosuke Aizen sat in his chair overlooking a few details on a notepad. His little plan had been going on for a while now and there were no problems or interferences. Well except for what happened with Isshin and that woman Masaki that is.
"That was good however. My creation got to test it's strength."
The man chuckled, he was brilliant. And this scheme of his will lead to what he desires greatly. He thought about what happened with Shinji and the others. It was unfortunate but such were experiments, sometimes they got ugly. In just a while longer he will fully set his plan into motion and let them all know what his game was. He could just see the results now.
His thoughts were interrupted as one of his colleagues arrived to their secret lab.
"Ah Jellal." Sosuke said as he turned to the man. "I was wondering what was taking you so long."
Jellal Fernandes, squad nine captain.
"I would have gotten here sooner," he sighed as he took a seat and rubbed his temples. "But the heat captain was getting curious about the details of my report."
Aizen nodded in understanding, "It's only natural. So how did it go?"
"Fairly well. But those hollows are a pain to deal with. Fighting them and holding back as much as I can so that I don't kill them before I get to observe their progress is a bit difficult, plus I can't just stand back and watch my squad members go at it while I watched. They would get curious."
"Indeed they would," Aizen handed the clip board to Jellal so he could see the details and results. "That's the results regarding our creation that Isshin encountered a few years back."
Jellal looked up at Aizen confused, "I've already seen this…"
"Look at it again, I went over the whole thing a few minutes ago and found some details I hadn't noticed before."
Looking over the notes Jellal's expression changed from curiosity to surprise and then to shock, "Are these correct? You're positive on all this?"
Aizen grunted in agreement, "Yes. That one was at the very pinnacle of what we have been working for. What we need to do is repeat those results Jellal, and we will have what we want."
"But to do that we will need-" he was cut off by Aizen.
"Yes I know. The Hogyoku… but don't worry my friend, soon that girl will return and I will take it when the time is right."
"You talk about her as if she isn't your LT." Jellal chuckled.
"I don't really care all that much," Aizen said nonchalantly. "She is but a mere LT. However she does have some perks, maybe I will recruit her… anyway what about your LT?"
"Gray?" he paused, "Well he still curious about my behavior as of late."
"Why do you let yourself be seen by him like that?" Aizen inquired.
Jellal gave another pause, "No reason. I just can't control myself sometimes. That voice still haunts my mind."
Sosuke chuckled, "I still can't believe you were capable of all that, it was perfect cruelty. And all for the purpose of resurrecting-"
"Enough," Jellal cut him off. "I was foolish back then, trying to resurrect a man that didn't even need resurrecting."
He got up and started to leave. But not before stopping to say something, "And Aizen, don't bring that up again."
Aizen remained unfazed as Jellal left. He chuckled slightly, the man was always touchy about the subject. As he thought about it he could see why Jellal got so deep into it. Bringing back a man such as that would be a great achievement. Zeref, known to be the wickedest man in history. Aizen wanted to meet the man himself, it would be interesting to ask about how things were back then.
Getting up he got back to working on this plans for the future, "Oh how fun this will be."
####
Squad one barracks.
Genryusai Yamamoto sat in his chair behind his desk looking over some documents, being the Head Captain his job was way more complicated but that's how it is. His LT stood to his right quietly.
Kagura Mikazuchi, a well-mannered young woman of great strength. Perhaps even of the level of a captain, but only Genryusai would know just how much.
Genryusai sighed as he leaned back in his seat, Kagura noticed something was bothering him and spoke up.
"Is there something wrong sir?"
Yamamoto hummed for a bit, "There is just something bothering me. I am not sure what but I feel uneasy." He stroked his beard trying to settle himself, "Something is on the horizon Kagura. Something unpleasant."
She could only nod in agreement, for a while now things have been way too calm and quiet for comfort. Nothing too unusual has happened in over a month leading her to think something might just hit them unexpectedly. She just hoped she could handle it and protect her captain.
The plan
The school day had ended normally and Ichigo was heading home with Lucy tagging along. In the morning Chelia showed up like nothing happened and behaved like she normally would. And now the two were wondering where she was as they thought she would be walking with them.
The girl in question's whereabouts were made known as they reached the front gate, Chelia was leaning against the wall looking like she was waiting on them. The girl had a stoic look on her face as they walked up.
Turning to Ichigo she addressed him first, "I need you to come with me Ichigo."
"Why?" he asked as he already began to get suspicious.
"Just come on. You'll find out when we get there. I need you to come along as well Lucy."
"Fine. I don't see why not," Lucy shrugged. "Come on Ichigo."
"Huh?" he asked looking at her strangely. "I thought you didn't trust her."
"I still kinda don't but I have an idea of why it is she wants us to go with her. It's alright, we can go."
"It involves the person who informed me about you." Chelia added.
Ichigo didn't like it but since Lucy seemed okay with it he guess he could go along. He trusted Lucy with his life after all.
"Fine."
With that said they followed Chelia to their destination, as they got closer Lucy was positive of who they were goning to meet.
'You better have a damn good reason for getting involved Kisuke.' She thought.
####
Arriving at Urahara Shop Lucy let out a heavy sigh, "I knew it. It just had to be him didn't it?"
Chelia giggled a bit, Kisuke had previously told her that Lucy wasn't ignorant to who he is.
Entering the shop Chelia called out an 'I'm back' as they took off their shoes. Turning the first corner they were greeted by Tessai.
"Welcome back." He greeted.
"That's Tessai," Chelia gestured to him and then to the other two kids. "Jinta and Ururu. Don't mind Jinta if he gets rude he's just a little stuck up bastard is all."
"UP YOURS PINKY!"
They all sweat dropped and Lucy laughed.
"See what I mean?"
The two gave a well-mannered greeting except for Jinta who was currently locked in a glare match with Chelia. Just then Kisuke made his presence known as he walked in and cleared his throat.
"Welcome to Urahara Shop!" he greeted enthusiastically while waving his hands out.
In an instant and before he could say anymore Lucy was an inch away from his face giving him a spine chilling glare while she grabbed the front of his clothes.
"Kisuke you bastard." she said in a jokingly evil tone as her eye twitched, "Didn't I tell you not to get involved?"
He held up his hands in surrender, "Ah Lucy. I trust you've been doing well?"
"Don't give me that," she let go of him and stepped back. "Kisuke I specifically asked you not to get involved and yet here you are. What do you want with me and Ichigo?"
Kisuke simply turned and gestured to the living room, "Come and sit. I'll explain everything."
Ichigo followed after Lucy to the living area as Chelia joined them with a satisfied smirk on her face. Behind her an unconscious Jinta could be seen lying face first on the ground with steam coming off his head. Sitting around the round table in the middle of the room Tessai offered tea to which they all agreed.
"Before I get into it," Kisuke began. "I'd like to say it is good to finally meet you, Ichigo."
"How do you know my name?"
Kisuke frowned, "I'll explain all that later on, so just listen for now okay?"
Glancing at Lucy she gave a nod and Ichigo consented.
"Fine."
"Alright then," he went again. "As you have been made aware by Lucy here you know that you are a substitute Shinigami correct?" Ichigo nodded.
"And I am sure you know about the threats that come with. You see Ichigo, what Lucy did has placed her in a tight situation. And now the Seireitei will be sending members after her. Two to be exact. And once they have her the will take her back to deal the fitting punishment."
"Why?" Ichigo asked, "Why is she being Punished for doing something like that? If you ask me there is no harm in it."
Kisuke sighed, "That may be true but the Seireitei has it's own way of doing things. And like any society laws and regulations have been put in place since the beginning. What Lucy did, making you a substitute Shinigami, goes against one of those laws. It is something the higher ups take very seriously."
Ichigo turned to Lucy and gave an incredulous look, "Why didn't you tell me? How could you just put yourself in danger like that?"
"I'm sorry," Lucy dawned a solemn expression. "I didn't know what else to do… I just couldn't let it all end like that. If I hadn't done anything I would have been killed and then you would've been killed right after. I wasn't going to let that happen."
"Anyway," Kisuke piped up. "We have a problem on our hands now. It won't be long until they take notice and take action. I have someone on the inside to inform me when they will be acting so we are in luck there. Lucy is basically out of commission for now but we have a few on hand, you Ichigo, will need to be prepared for when they come."
Ichigo seemed to understand what was going on and what needs to be done.
"So I have put together a training regimen to help you get stronger so you'll be able to face them. We start tomorrow seeing as it's Saturday."
Ichigo didn't say anything for a few moments weighing his decision. After a bit he gave a nod.
"Alright I agree to this."
"Wonderful!" Kisuke exclaimed. "Be here by the stroke of dawn alright? If your even a second too late I'll throw you in the pits of hell as punishment."
Finishing off Kisuke laughed like a mad man as lighting flashed behind him.
Ichigo leaned to Lucy, "Is he alright? Y'know mentally?"
"Who knows," Lucy supplied neutrally. "Sometimes I wonder about that guy."
Finish off their tea Lucy and Ichigo took their leave. They walked home in silence until Lucy spoke up.
"I'm coming to your house today Ichigo, there are a few things I need to tell you regarding Seireitei."
"That's alright," he grunted. "Just try not to set off my dad, he's kinda nuts too."
####
Arriving at the house they walked in the front door as Ichigo called out 'I'm home.'
"YOUR!"
Ichigo was greeted with a fist in his face dead on.
"LATE!"
Isshin yelled as Ichigo was sent tumbling towards the front door, "Ha! I got you good this time!"
Ichigo sprung up, "What the hell you moron?!"
All Lucy could do was giggle at their antics, bringing attention to herself.
"You're the girl Ichigo brought home with him yesterday." Isshin said.
"Ah yeah," she held out her hand. "Lucy Heartfilia."
Isshin took it an greeted back in kind, "Isshin Kurosaki. So your Ichigo's girlfriend?"
"No no." Lucy chuckled, "Not at all. Were just friends."
"Oh?"
Ichigo interrupted the too by steeping in between them, "Anyway we got some things to discuss relating to school. We'll be up in my room."
As they went up Isshin hummed in thought, he knew what was really going on with his son and that girl. But why so soon? Sooner or later he will have to act himself. For now he'll just watch from a far.
Closing the door behind him Ichigo hung his bag on the back of his chair and took a seat, Lucy placing hers on the ground and sitting on his bed.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow, "Awfully comfy aren't we?"
"Well I was laying in it yesterday," she giggled. "So I think this is fine."
Ichigo grunted and laid back in his chair, Lucy took a good look at him and sighed heavily. She was worried…
Constant danger and life threatening situations were the only things laying ahead of the path he has now chosen.
…badly worried.
Shaking her head she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind, now was the time to let Ichigo know about the threats on the for front. Many threats lay ahead indeed. But those are further ahead, now is the time to focus on the immediate ones.
"I'll be blunt Ichigo… You're in over your head. The members of the Gotei thirteen are no joke, first off let me get to the captains of each squad. Each captain were chosen mainly for two things besides leadership; first is their incredible strength. The levels of power they each poses are worlds apart from ours, completely different leagues. Second, they were all able to achieve Bankai. I will explain what that is later on. This information just regards the captains of squads two to thirteen, but there is another who is superior to even them. The head captain Genryusai Yamamoto…. I can't even begin to describe his level of strength."
Ichigo sat quietly as he took in the information. Deciding to save all questions for after.
"Directly below the captains are Lieutenants. Then below the LTs you have seat officers, third seat, fourth seat, fifth seat and so on. Each squad may have a small army of men but they are just soldiers with their own levels of strength respectively. From fourth seat up to the LT are the stronger members of the squad. That brings me to the next thing, the captains may be problems but they are not the only ones, I will name out a few. You remember the other day when I mentioned my two old friends Natsu and Gray?"
Ichigo nodded in affirmation as he recalled Lucy comparing the two in question to Keigo and Mizuiro, Lucy went on.
"Natsu Dragneel, the LT of squad three, an extremely strong person and has a passion of fighting. He has an affinity to fire so that's one thing to worry about. I've felt the intensity of his flames and had to move away to avoid the heat, he can melt things just like that. And another thing… he's a dragon slayer."
Ichigo had a shocked look on his face, "Wait what? So is he the same as Chelia?"
"Not exactly, Chelia is a God Slayer. She has the power to slay gods. Natsu has the power to slay dragons."
Ichigo held up his hands to make her stop. Taking a deep breath he thought for a moment, then looked to her. "So let me get this straight. Dragons actually exist?"
"You know about them?" Lucy asked surprised.
"Yeah. I use to hear stories about them when I was a kid. But I thought they were just made up."
"Oh believe me Ichigo, they are very real. But fortunately a dragon hasn't been seen in years. They're most likely extinct. So they won't be things we have to worry about. Anyway back to the subject at hand. Next is Gray, Gray Fullbuster. LT of squad nine and one of the strongest LTs. He has an affinity to ice so that's another thing to be wary about. He can freeze almost anything by touch, very crafty and careful when he fights."
"Next we have Erza Scarlet. LT of squad two and quite possibly the strongest LT. A stern and serious woman, in battle her mind is a steel trap. She has several different fighting styles and apparel to go with them, I've never seen a Shinigami like her before. The thing that stands out about her most is her scarlet colored hair."
"I named out those three because they are the most dangerous ones. They along with the other LTs are the elite members of the Gotei thirteen under the captains and head captain."
Ichigo closed his eyes in thought as he imaged a table in his mind with the thirteen captains at the top as number ones and the LTs as number twos and then below them the others followed as threes and fours.
'So below each captain we got another strong ass guy or girl then some other semi strong guy or girl below the LTs. But the way Lucy talks makes it obvious that despite the third and fourth seats the LTs are bigger threats besides the captains. Easy to understand how they're set up.'
"The odds are stacked against us huh?" Ichigo added.
The blond nodded and laid back on his bed, starring at the ceiling.
"Lucy."
"Hmm?" she responded without moving.
Ichigo stayed quiet for a bit, all that info still fresh in his mind. Still he went on.
"Are you okay with this? I mean you're a Shinigami yourself and Seireitei is where you came from. I know that the ones you named out specifically are your friends, and a lot of others too. So are you really okay with me ending up fighting them soon enough?"
"I can't say that I am," she sighed. "As you said yes they are my friends; Natsu, Gray and Erza are the greatest friends I've ever had. The very best. But since the first time I came into contact with you a week and a half ago I've already started to care for you very much Ichigo."
"But even though I say they're my friends," she continued. "For a little while before I was tasked with watching over this town, everyone has been… changing a bit. We all stopped hanging out, we started talking to each other less and less." She sighed. "I don't know what's happening with them, maybe it was just a phase or something. Natsu tends to be kind of moody sometimes with that issue of his. And Gray… well sometimes he just seems like a different person."
Ichigo remained silent as she spoke, he didn't interrupt. Deciding to let her talk as much as she wants, as far as he can see it's helping her release some tension and stress of what's to come, despite her tone and mood she had a slight smile on her lips. Which started to change as he continued to watch her, as she started speaking again.
"We use to have so much fun. Natsu always kept me laughing, all of the, did. That's how it should always be, happy and nothing more, that's what I would want to return to."
Ichigo finally spoke up, "You sound home sick."
She laughed a bit, "I kind of am… but trust me I have enjoyed my time here with you. Being at Seireitei is great but being in the world of the living is an excuse to be away from my obnoxious father."
"I see." Ichigo said.
"He's not really a cruel asshole kind of father if you're thinking that. But his ways just pisses me off sometimes. He cares way too much for his company and wants nothing else than for me to inherit it all. But to be honest I couldn't give a damn about it, I just want to be left alone. I'm content with how things are now."
"Is he a Shinigami?"
"No," she answered. "He's just a human, though he has some remnants of Reiatsu within him which is good enough of a medium to allow him to enter Seireitei. My mother was the one, like me she was Shinigami but…. She went missing almost a year ago. I tried searching for her at places I knew she would go to if she ever decided to go off on her own without telling me but each place I checked there were no signs of her. I couldn't even trace her Reiatsu, I use to be able to feel her presence where ever she went as long as she was within my respective sense of tracking radius but to this day I still can't."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Ichigo said quietly.
Never the less Lucy didn't let it keep her depressed, "It's okay. I've already come to grips with the possibility of her being dead."
At that last part Ichigo felt his heart ache as he remembered his mother, to this day he still mourned over her death.
"Well anyway. We can at least relax for now." Lucy said as stood up and stretched. "I think I'll get going and head home."
"I'll follow you to my front gate."
Nodding okay she picked up her bag and the two left out.
####
Uryū walked along the side walk heading home after his trip to the grocery store. He was thinking about the latest events, Chelia Blendy the new transfer student who was a lot more than those humans thought. Ichigo Kurosaki awakening as a soul reaper even though Uryū had an idea of what the boy really was. Resonance he could feel whenever her reached out with his Reiatsu and it made contact with Ichigo's was unmistakable.
'But even so. Why did he have to awaken as one of them?'
His thoughts were interrupted as someone made their presence known to him. The man stepped out from the shadows and greeted him.
"Good night to you young man. Enjoying your little stroll?"
Uryū didn't answer to that, recognizing who this man is by the description his father gave him. He also remembered his father saying the man liked to be humorous and pretends to be all carefree.
"Kisuke Urahara. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Kisuke chuckled at the boy's straight forwardness, "I'm not surprised you know me. I assume Ryūken told you?"
"And I assume you didn't approach me to have small talk."
"I'll get right to the point then," Kisuke went to his serious side as he began. "You are aware of what is going to happen to Ichigo and Lucy Heartfilia now right?"
"Of course."
"Good, I thought so. Well I plan on training Ichigo to get him ready for it by the very least. But I know even with that it won't be enough. We just don't have enough time so I already know we won't be able to stop them once they finally come. I've also predicted once they take her, given Ichigo is lucky enough not to be killed by whoever they send, he's going to demand I get him into Seireitei by any means necessary. Thus I have approached you to request your assistance in this endeavor."
Uryū remained quiet for a while as he thought it over. But no, his pride as a Quincy won't allow it.
"I think I'll pass. I have no intention of getting involved with Shinigami."
Kisuke sighed, he had a feeling this would have been the boy's reply.
"I know it is a lot to ask but given the fact that you and him were once childhood friends. Can't you overlook what he has become as of late? Don't do it for me. Do it for Ichigo."
Uryū couldn't argue with that fact, he and Ichigo were indeed childhood friends, and he didn't truly hate the boy. It's just the fact that he is now a Shinigami that makes Uryū dislike him to an extent. But deep down he knew this wouldn't end well and he is more than capable of giving a helping hand.
Kisuke watched as Uryū stood there and thought. He could tell that the boy was edging towards agreeing to help out but he wasn't going to press him on it. He'd give Uryū some time.
"Why don't you give it some thought? I won't rush you or anything, take your time. Once you've made your decision give me a call."
Kisuke handed Uryū a card with his number on it and walked off. Disappearing with a burst of shunpo. Uryū looked down at the card and sighed. He couldn't believe he was actually going to consider this.
"Damn it Ichigo. You just had to go and get yourself wrapped up in something like this didn't you?" he said as he continued his walk home.
####
The next morning had Ichigo sleeping away peacefully in his bed, noting but comfort of his cozy abode. However a feminine voice wafted in his ear awakening him from his slumber.
"Goooood Mooorning~" the voice coed, Ichigo opened his eyes and found himself staring into familiar eyes.
His face flushed instantly, "What… are you… doing?"
"Nothing." She replied playfully with a giggle. "Just came to wake you up."
Ichigo gave her a blank look, "By coming into my room and laying on me Chelia? How did you get in here anyway?"
"The window," she answered while straddling him more. "Kisuke knew you wouldn't be coming as early as he wants you to so he sent me."
"You do know it's a bad idea to come here like this right? I mean I have sisters and a father here. What if one of them came in and saw us like this?"
Chelia waved him off, "Don't worry. I checked when I came in, everyone's still fast asleep. When I popped my head in your sister's room I stood there staring for five minutes, that little orange haired one is so cute! And your father looks like a cool dude."
Ichigo didn't pay attention to that last comment as he looked down and flushed a bit more at their position.
"As much as I may be enjoying this closeness could you get off? I'll take a shower then get ready and we'll head out."
"Oh? Not gonna wait till they all wake up so you can let them know you're going out for a while?" she inquired as she got up and sat at the edge of his bed.
"It's fine. They won't worry if I'm gone first thing in the morning. And do you really want us to wait around here for that?"
She shook her head, "Nope. Kisuke can get pretty antsy if you keep him waiting too long."
####
About ten minutes later had Ichigo and Chelia heading to Urahara shop to begin the training regimen Kisuke set up for Ichigo. Arriving at the shop and going in they were greeted by Kisuke. An annoyed looking Kisuke at that.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to send someone to get you young man, why would u want to make me wait huh?"
He asked in a creepy voice while rubbing his knuckles on Ichigo's head.
"Hey! Damn it Kisuke cut it out!"
After messing around a little Kisuke led them to the back room where he then leaned down and opened a trap door.
"This way everyone, please watch your step and keep yourselves firmly placed on the ladder as you go down. I will not be held liable if you fall and break your neck."
"Well aren't you the caring tour guide." Ichigo commented sarcastically.
Putting his foot down after a long climb down, Ichigo stood in awe at the sight before him. He was now standing in what looked to be a vast plane filled with rocks, a few dying bushes and shrubs and, wait this shouldn't be possible they were supposed to be below the shop so how the hell. And wait, as he looked up where the ceiling should be he found a clear blue sky instead. A freaking sky! How is there a sky under here!?
"Kisuke," he muttered. "What is all this? Where are we?"
"We are now directly below the shop actually." He answered simply
"Then what's all th-"
Kisuke cut him off as he held out his arms to gesture at the vast field, "This is one of my magnificent creations Ichigo. Though it may seem simply impossible I have created a vast training field under the shop. This is where I will put you through hell to make you strong so get ready for the worst!"
He began his maniacal laughter but Chelia clapped him upside the head, "Cut the madness will ya," she turned to Ichigo. "I can understand your shock Ichigo, I was just as shocked when he showed this to me. It's simply amazing isn't it?"
Ichigo only nodded his agreement, then the sounds of rocks being crushed and loud shouting caught his attention. Walking towards the source with Chelia following close behind, he came around a large boulder and saw Lucy running towards a rock. As she got near she drew her fist back.
"Regulus impact!"
She screamed and a blast of golden Reiatsu shot from her fist, on impact with the rock it shattered it leaving only pebbles behind. Lucy stood with her hands on her knees as she started to feeling winded.
"Hey!"
She looked up to see Ichigo and Chelia coming towards her and she gave a wave to them.
"Hey guys, finally got here. I was starting to wonder how long it was gonna take you to get him Chelia."
"So why didn't you come get me?" Ichigo asked.
"Well I did insist but this one jumped up and ran off saying she would get you so I just sat back." She said pointing to the pinkette in question. "When I got here a little while ago I though you would be here."
Ichigo took a look at the surrounding area, there were small craters and remains of huge rocks everywhere. "I see you've been busy, I don't get that though. I thought you were real low on Reiatsu now."
Lucy gave a nod, understanding his confusion. "Well I was but I've been here for a week and a have. My body has already started drawing in reishi particles in the air."
Kisuke came up then, clapping his hands. "Okay people no time to waste, let's begin our training for today. Lucy I wasn't planning on including you but since you asked and given the situation I think it is only fair, so as per your request your sparring partner will be Chelia. Go easy on her okay pinky." He said using the nickname Jinta gave her.
"Hai Taichou!" Chelia gave a mock salute before turning to Lucy and giving her a wicked grin. "You best get yer' self ready little missy, I'll be trainin' ya' hard till tha' cows come home!" Chelia said in a Texas drawl.
"Okay," Kisuke continued giving Ichigo his full attention. "Now then. First off let me get you into a state more suited for this."
Ichigo didn't answer, instead looking over and sweat dropping as he watched Chelia chase Lucy down while yelling 'Yeehaw! run faster blondie!'
His attention returned to Kisuke however as the man jabbed the bottom of his cane in Ichigo's forehead drawing out his Shinigami side, his body falling to the ground afterwards. Ichigo flexed his arms and twisted his neck a bit enjoying the popping sound that came. Kisuke snapped his finger and Ururu appeared seeming out of nowhere.
"Take Ichigo's body back up to the shop and lay it down on a futon for me will you? Thank you very much."
The girl slung the teens limp body over her shoulder with no effort at all and jogged off. Making Ichigo wonder is she was even normal at all.
"Alright, so how are we gonna get this ball rolling?
"First let me see your Zanpakutō. Draw it."
Complying Ichigo reached behind him and pulled the large blade out. Examining it from where he stood Kisuke admired how it looked. A unique looking broad sword, the middle being black and both top and bottom edges having silver running along them from base to tip. The hilt was black with a bit of silver in between X shape patterns, the guard was large and rectangular, silver in color with the same X pattern going out to all four edges from the hilt. But as he looked up at Ichigo he saw confusion on the boy's face.
"That's weird," Ichigo said as he examined it himself. "It didn't look like this before, it's totally different now."
They were interrupted as the wind in the area started to pick up and they could feel the familiar Reiatsu increasing slightly a good distance away from them in the training field.
"Well Chelia's having fun. Anyway," Kisuke nodded and walked over, "That is because the Zanpakutō may change or, evolve if certain requirements are met. It varies from person to person. I'm impressed though. I haven't seen a Zanpakutō looking like this in its sealed form."
Ichigo looked confused at this, "Sealed form? What do you mean?"
"What? You don't know?" Ichigo shook his head no and Kisuke sighed. "You've been a substitute for the last week and a half so I assumed Lucy told you about all this. Well before I get started explaining I'll show you. Watch closely."
Kisuke held up his cane and drew the top half up, revealing the thin blade within. Holding it close to his face he spoke quietly but loud enough for Ichigo to hear. "Awaken now, Beniheme."
As he said this the thin sword changed, the regular looking cane handle became a handle that looked much more like that of a sword, black in color with a bit of gold and a short, flat red ribbon at the bottom. Further up had another red ribbon tied between the black area and the upper area that was gold. The upper part extended up and split in two parts with a gap in the middle which held the blade itself. The blade wasn't too long or too short, just the perfect length with black on one side, silver on the other and the tip of the blade was flat.
"Whoa. That looks great, when I saw that tiny blade I thought what the hell that little thing was."
Kisuke smirked, "Oh I'll get you for that. Anyway this is my Zanpakutō's Shikai. And now that I have demonstrated this I will explain it all briefly."
"The Zanpakutō is more than just any sword," he began. "It is a part of a Shinigami's soul. In other words it is an extension of a Shinigami. Like a second persona, that kind of thing. Now, every Zanpakutō has two stages of release; the Shikai and the Bankai. The Shikai is the initial release stage, this is brought on by saying a certain release call, once this is done the Zanpakutō will change it's form and gain special abilities. The forms vary from Shinigami to Shinigami. And also it is imperative that the Shinigami learns the Zanpakutō's for this to be achieved. Without knowing the name, it cannot be released and the Zanpakutō is basically rendered a regular sword."
"The Bankai," he continued. "Is the final release. To achieve this the Shinigami must be able to materialize and subjugate their Zanpakutō spirit. Furthermore each Bankai has a name, which you must know."
Ichigo looked like he caught on well, "I get it, so to achieve Shikai I gotta know the name of my Zanpakutō. And for Bankai its materialization and all that."
"Now then. I assume you at least know the name of yours?"
Ichigo scratched the back of his head as he looked to the side, "Actually no. I don't think so."
Kisuke sighed heavily, "Okay I'm not really surprised you don't. But we are here for training right? So now your first training objective will be to learn the name of your Zanpakutō. To do this I will have to… endanger your life, your Zanpakutō will respond to that and call out to you."
"Okay… so how do we go about that?"
Kisuke chuckled darkly, "Like this."
In a flash Kisuke lunged at Ichigo and the teen had to block Beniheme as it came close to chopping him in half. Pushing back Ichigo took the chance to back away.
"Hey what the hell!? Don't charge at me like that without warning!"
Kisuke smiled like a man possessed, "Well then I suggest you get ready or else I'll chop you to pieces!"
He charged him again and instead of taking a stance Ichigo turned and ran, now the two looked like little kids running around with Kisuke laughing like a mad man while swinging his sword left and right after Ichigo.
"Get back here!" Kisuke yelled still laughing.
This went on for another short moment until Kisuke got tired of it and stopped causing Ichigo to stop as well. He dashed at the teen this time and Ichigo blocked, but Kisuke frowned as Ichigo was still hesitating and was not even putting his all in guarding. Kisuke then began to fight a bit more seriously to see if this would change but it didn't. Ichigo was not doing anything right, all he did was guard weakly, whenever Kisuke purposely gave him an opening he didn't take it and when he had enough time he would simple jump and run to avoid him.
Kisuke stopped and sighed heavily, "Stop. Enough with the running will you? You block my strikes weakly and don't even try to get a hit in on me. On top of that you hesitate and behave as if you are afraid of me."
Ichigo growled a bit, "Only because I can't fight you the way I am now. I'm simply not strong enough and I know you got experience."
"So?" Kisuke asked harshly. "It doesn't matter in the slightest. You will be going up against people who will try kill you without a second thought, they will not hesitate they will not run. Therefore you must not hesitate and you must not run. I suggest you get your ass in gear and fight me like I'm your enemy Ichigo because if you don't then I will not hesitate… I will kill you."
Right then Ichigo saw the darkest look he had ever seen on the man's face. Kisuke rushed forward once more and instantly Ichigo's battle instincts kicked in and he took up a stance holding his sword at the ready. As their blades met Ichigo pushed back with as much strength as he could muster, just enough to actually push Kisuke back, as soon as he was clear Ichigo rushed in and placed Kisuke on the defensive.
And thus the training begins, Kisuke would make sure he got Ichigo ready for what's to come. He absolutely won't allow him to be killed.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Urusai- shut up.
Hai- Yes or right.
Taichou- Captain or commander.
So did you guys like it? I liked doing that last part with Kisuke getting deadly serious there. I just love it when he shows that side of him. And did you see what I did there with Lucy? Yes she is capable of using the power of Regulus at will, I think it'll be a valuable asset. Many more to come and let me tell you guys, this shit be hard coming up with some of this stuff takes time to think over and time to put it all together in the best way. Anyway chapter five is in the works and I will see you next time.
Thanks for reading.
