Okay, there's a couple of things I'd like to say before this chapter. First up- Ichigo's gigai looks identical to his Final Getsuga Tensho form minus the bandages; which includes his long black hair, rust coloured eyes and tattoo.
Second- I've been getting messages from readers asking if I'm even taking this story seriously because my previous chapter was only 1000 words. Answer: Yes, I'm taking this seriously, but to those who are thinking along the same lines I'll tell why it wasn't as long. Originally I had around 4000 words and growing. My new laptop does this thing were if you don't click on the same files that you did when you first saved it then sometimes it won't save the document. So what happened? My work didn't save, so I had to start all over again. I was literally heart broken and was put off writing for a while. On top of that it was exam time and I had to study, work on assignments and work on 2 major projects at home so I didn't have time. And because I was getting a lot of people asking when I was going to update I though "well, it doesn't really matter if it isn't near the original word limit, I'll just post this chapter to satisfy them for now."
So yeah, I am taking this seriously, but to those out there that didn't really think before messaging me, please next time actually think and ask in a more nicer manner before jumping to conclusions.
The walk home was a long one and Ichigo was beginning to feel slightly paranoid, almost feeling naked now that he had his new body. When the war ended and he and his friends were sent home, he in all honesty didn't know what to do with himself. One minute he's not just fighting to protect the Soul Society, but the whole of Karakura with the fact that he might die and the next he's still in possession of his Shinigami powers with school around the corner. Speaking of school, it never really crossed his mind much until now. Now that everyone can see him, in his new body; Ichigo for the first time didn't want to continue his normal life just as much as he wanted when he first started his duty as a substitute Shinigami. He just feels lost.
"So Ichigo, you going to tell us what you and Urahara-san talked about?" Asked a hesitant Yuzu, shattering Ichigo's train of thought.
Ichigo blinked and looked down at his little sister as she fiddled with her fingers in a nervous gesture. Ichigo stole a glance over to Karin and saw her looking over at him expectantly for an answer, not as subtle as Yuzu but still got the message across that the two of them would like an answer.
"It's about The Final Getsuga Tensho,"
"You mean that cool form you're stuck in?" Questioned Karin. Ichigo nodded.
"Like I've said, The Final Gestuga Tensho form is only meant to be used once and only once, hence the name 'Final'. You remember when Rukia and I were talking about the Hogyoku?" Asked Ichigo.
It was Yuzu this time who responded. "Yeah, it was that orb that Urahara-san created and that Aizen guy stole and used for experiments, right?"
"Yeah, it's said to grant those it deems worthy wishes. Urahara and I have come up with an idea as to how my powers have remained, but we're not 100% sure on it yet."
"What's the idea?" Asked Karin.
"Well, when I used Mugetsu, my powers should have started disappearing, and they were. But Aizen was drastically weakened because of the attack. Urahara's theory is that the Hogyoku heard my desire to keep my Shinigami powers and gave me it's Reiatsu. Which kind of explains why I was able to kill Aizen in the end and why I'm stuck in the Final Getsuga Tensho form,"
Karin and Yuzu grimaced slightly at the mention of Ichigo killing someone, but quickly got rid of those horrid thoughts. Ichigo didn't miss the reaction but pretended to take no notice. He doesn't feel offended as much as he expected. Maybe it's the fact that he and his friends were literally fighting a war. Maybe it's because if he didn't kill Aizen, Yuzu, Karin, his friends, the whole of Karakura town would be gone. If he hadn't of stopped Aizen, he wouldn't be here with his sisters, fussing over school. So he can deal with their subtle grimaces with the fact that they were safe.
"Now the reasons for the test are because we don't know if it's permanent,"
"Permanent?"
"Yes. Like I said, The Final Getsuga Tensho form can only be used once, so the question is, is this form permanent? Or can I only use Mugestu once like before? That's what we're hoping to find out."
"I see." Replied Yuzu. Both Yuzu and Karin continued to gaze up at Ichigo in thought as they slowly made their way back home. Their home was about five to six blocks away from their house, and Ichigo didn't know if he liked the silence or not. His sisters were quiet, even during their questions they didn't ask as much as he expected.
'Screw this.' He thought as he turned to his two young sisters and hoped to start a possible conversation starter.
"So, you looking forward to starting Middle School?" (AN: I'm Australian, I don't know what American/Japanese call their next level of schooling. And I've forgotten the amount of time that's past from the Winter War to the Fullbringers. Btw, I most likely will be skipping that little girl princess filler episodes but I will most likely add the Zanpakuto Rebellion).
Yuzu hummed, a smile lighting up her features. "Yep, I can't wait to start Middle School. I'll be looking forward to some of the new subjects we'll be learning."
"What about you Karin?" Asked Ichigo.
"Haven't really thought about it that much, to me it'll just be another year of school. Just with more drama in it than the previous year." Commented Karin with a look of dislike and dread at the thought of school drama. Ichigo chuckled, remembering his time in Middle School and being pushed around because of his hair colour.
At the thought of school, Ichigo's own expression matched Karin's, remembering his dramatic change of appearance and the unwanted attention he'll gain. Yuzu, noticing Ichigo's sudden change in posture, chuckled lightly as she herself remembered the position he's in.
"Looks like Karin isn't the only one dreading the new year of school." Smiled Yuzu as a now brooding Karin and Ichigo went through the front door of their home.
"GOOD! MORNING! ICHIGOOOOOO-"Came an unexpected shout once the door shut behind the siblings, only for Ichigo to crash back into the door from a flying kick to the stomach, nearly braking it off its hinges.
"Dammit dad! Is it really necessary to still jump me you crazy Goat!?" Growled Ichigo as he tightly held Isshin's ankles, flipping him onto the floor to gain the upper hand while then proceeding to hold him down by pressing his right knee down just below his shoulder blades, then putting the rest of his weight on his left arm using his left knee. He then proceeded to grab his right arm in a death grip and yanking his arm over his back; a technique he'll admit he picked up on from Chappie when she did the same thing to him during Rukia's fight with the Arrancar.
"AH! OKAY OKAY! DADDY'S DOWN! DADDY'S DOWN! YOU CAN STOP NOW!" Howled Isshin as Ichigo prepared to stretch his arm over his back for a third time. Ichigo stopped, but remained seated on Isshin's back as a thought crossed his mind.
"Why are you here anyway? Aren't you suppose to still be recovering in the Soul Society? I doubt Unohana would just let you leave unless you left without permission."
"Dad! You should still be recovering, not running around and starting fights!" scowled Yuzu, a frown upon her face but her eyes held a look of concern.
"I'm appalled! As if your darling old dad would run away! I'll have you know that Unohana-taicho said I was good to go home!" Beamed Isshin, looking pleased that he proved his son wrong.
CRACK!
"Then that means I don't have to worry about holding back on you." Commented Ichigo dryly as he yanked Isshin's arm across his back again. Yuzu sighed at her father and brothers antics while Karin went to the couch to watch TV.
"I'm going to get lunch ready." Called Yuzu as she turned her back on the on-going brawl and left for the kitchen. A knock sounded at the door and Isshin held in a sigh with relief, knowing that Ichigo will have to get up to answer the door.
Ichigo didn't move from his spot, "Who is it?" Asked Ichigo at the door, not having to speak up much seeing as he and Isshin were right next to the door.
"Kurosaki-kun?"
"Orihime?" A cheerful hum could be heard on the other side of the door. "You can come in, the door is unlocked." Isshin's face fell as the door opened. In the door was Orihime, Chad and Uryu, all staring at the position Ichigo and Isshin were in with blank faces.
"What on Earth are you doing, Kurosaki?" Asked Uryu calmly.
Ichigo gave another yank, a loud crack could be heard along with Isshin's wails as Ichigo continued to stare almost blankly back at Uryu, giving his answer through action. Not wanting to leave his friends standing there and believing that his old man has had enough, Ichigo stood up and off of Isshin.
"So, what are you guys doing here anyway?" Asked Ichigo casually, his father still laying down on the ground, groaning in pain.
"Oh! Well I ran into Ishida-kun and Sado-kun while out shopping and I thought it'd be a great idea to get together and have lunch!" Exclaimed Orihime with happiness, seemingly vibrating with joy. Ichigo looked over to Uryu and Chad and noticed the two of them sweating slightly, concluding that Orihime dragged them over.
"Sorry, Inoue, but Yuzu is already making lunch, maybe another time." Said Ichigo softly, adding in an apologetic smile. It's not that he doesn't want to be rude and not spend time with them, he'll admit that their friendship has indeed expanded over the course of the Winter War, it's just that he'd mostly likely trade fighting with Kenpachi than eating her meals. Not that he'll ever say that.
"Oh…" Orihime deflated, saddened that they wouldn't be able to get the group together again, like at school before the war; especially before school, knowing for a fact that the new school year will be rowdy with Ichigo's sudden change in appearance.
Ichigo was about to say something but was cut off by Isshin, who moments ago was groaning on the floor, now jumped up on his feet like nothing happened
"Don't worry Orihime! Why not all three of you come on in and have lunch with us!?" Exclaimed Isshin, his left hand curled up in a fist in front of him to show how serious he is, even though his expression and words say otherwise.
Orihime's expression brightened as she skipped inside, Uryu and Chad following shortly afterwards. "I see you've gotten your Gigai." Observed Uryu as he, Ichigo and Chad made their way to the kitchen at their own pace.
"Yeah, it's going to be a pain though once school starts up again."
"Will you be alright, Ichigo?" Asked Chad, his monotone voice still audible but with a hint of concern. Ichigo smiled at his friend, not having to look up as much now that he's taller from the Final Getsuga Tensho form.
"Yeah, I'll be fine, don't worry."
"So what did he do?" Asked Uryu suddenly.
"Huh?" Blinked Ichigo as he looked over to Uryu. "What do you mean?"
"Urahara-san wouldn't just give you a Gigai, he wouldn't done something to it knowing him. Do you know what modifications he's done?" He elaborated.
"Yeah, he did, but the bastard wouldn't tell me all of what he did."
"But you know some of what he did?" Asked Chad this time.
"Yeah, it's a tracker. Seeing as my reiatsu is too high for anyone to pick up on, Hat n' Clogs created a tracker; designed specially to pick up on my reiatsu so he'll know where I am if anything were to happen."
"I see…"
"Eh, who are you." Said Karin, looking straight at Uryu. (AN: I don't remember if Karin has met Uryu or not. But I'm just gonna say that they've heard of him from Ichigo but have never met.)
Uryu's eyebrows twitched slightly at the similarity of this girl and Ichigo and wondering if they're all like this, noticing another girl around the same age in the kitchen talking with Orihime.
"Oh, that's right, you've never met. Karin, this is Uryu Ishida. Ishida, this is Karin; my sister."
"It's nice to finally meet you, Kurosaki-san." Said Uryu politely, bowing. When he rose, he noticed Karin looking at him from the couch like she didn't expect him bowing or the formalities. "Is something wrong?" He asked.
"No, you're just different from what I expected after listening to nii-san's stories." She said, then looking over to Chad and saying her hellos before looking back to the TV.
Once they were a good distance away, Uryu rounded on Ichigo. "Stories!?" He whispered harshly. "And what exactly did you tell her?"
"Calm down, don't get your panties in a twist, they wanted to hear about the adventures I've been on so I told them."
"You told them."
"Yes… From my point of view."
"I should've known." Sighed Uryu, shaking his head.
"Oh! Hello Chad and… who are you?" Asked Yuzu as she turned curiously to Uryu. Uryu, repeating his actions again, bowed and introduced himself politely.
"I'm Uryu Ishida. Thank you for allowing us to have lunch in your home with such short notice, Kurosaki-san." Yuzu, taken aback like Karin by the sudden politeness, surprised Uryu by smiling and bowing back to him, "No problem, Ishida-san. Any friend of nii-san is welcome here anytime." Smiled Yuzu, before turning back to the kitchen to finish preparing lunch.
"Why so surprised?" Said Ichigo smugly at Uryu's reaction. Uryu, quickly composing himself, turned to Ichigo with a blank look, not giving Ichigo the satisfaction of seeing him startled.
"They're just different from what I expected is all." He replied.
"Yeah. It comes as a shock to people when they find out they're twins." At this Uryu nearly choked on his own saliva.
"W-what!? Are you serious?" Questioned a startled Uryu at this new revelation. Ichigo looked at him dead in the eyes, expression flat as he left Uryu to figure it out. After a few moments Uryu regained his composure and straightened up, pushing up his glasses in his usual professional manner. "I can see why people are shocked, they're complete opposites."
Ichigo chuckled, agreeing with the Quincy for one.
"Lunch is ready!" Came Yuzu's sudden call from the kitchen, along with Isshin's frantic shouts of glee at his daughters amazing lunch. Karin rolled his eyes in exaggerating before turning off the TV and walking towards the table. Chad remained impassive as he followed Ichigo to the table, leaving behind a hesitant Uryu at the Kurosaki household's antics.
"Hey, Ishida, you going to sit down anytime soon?" Asked Ichigo after noticing the Quincy's absence at the table.
"Yeah! Come on Ishida-kun, sit down with us! Yuzu-chan's cooking is amazing!" Beamed Orihime as she waved her arms towards the empty seat. Uryu made his way over to his seat with a normal pace, not wanting to seem rude to the Kurosaki's, even though they're a little too loud for his taste. He sighed, knowing that he'll leave with a headache.
"So, any stories for us?" Asked Karin casually.
"Huh?" Responded a slightly dumbfounded Uryu all the while Orihime beamed with excitement.
"Oh! I have one! Rangiku and I had lots of fun when she and Captain Hitsugaya stay over at my place before the Arrancars came!"
"Ohh do tell." Said Yuzu, leaning over the table to hear Orihime's story better.
"Well it all started when…"
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
"Thank you for having us over, Kurosaki-san!" said Orihime joyfully as she beamed at Isshin, Yuzu and Karin.
"Yes, I'll admit your cooking is amazing, Kurosaki-san." Complimented Uryu at a blushing Yuzu.
"T-thank you, Ishida-san." Murmured a red Yuzu shyly, before waving back to Orihime as their retreating backs disappeared.
"What a nice guy that Ishida is. I must admit, at the start he seemed intimidated but I knew it was only a matter of time before he warms up to dear old father Isshin."
' Uryu? Intimidated? Father Isshin?' Sweat dropped Ichigo, imagining Uryu's reaction to hearing this.
Ichigo walked back inside, heading upstairs to his room and closing the door. He headed to his bed and laid down, staring blankly up at the ceiling.
"Hey! Who the hell are you and where's Ichigo!?" Shouted a familiar, yet unexpected voice from beside him towards the floor. Ichigo, startled, got up and looked towards the source of the disturbance.
"Kon?" Asked Ichigo, truly confused. Last he seen of the mod soul was before he left for Hueco Mundo, ever since he returned he hadn't seen or heard a thing from the obnoxious soul and actually wondered where he could have gone, with his body no less. He didn't want another repeat of what happened when Kon took a joy ride in his body.
"How do you know my name? And answer my question! Where's Ichigo!?" Shouted Kon, jumping up on the bed to get a better look at the supposed intruder. Ichigo merely scowled at the loud mod soul and laid back down on the bed and turned on his side. It seems that everything has finally caught up with him; he's never felt so exhausted in his entire life.
"Hey! Don't you ignore me!" Yelled Kon, who proceeded to jump on top of Ichigo's side in the hopes to gain his attention. Ichigo, getting tired, did the only thing that came natural to him; kick him. Kon went flying off of Ichigo, hitting the wall of the far side of the room.
"Can you shut up for once! I'm trying to sleep!"
"Hey!" Kon houted back, jumping up from where he crashed, "this isn't your room! You can't just walk into other people's houses and just sleep there! This isn't Goldie Locks and the Three Bears!"
"Idiot! This is my room! In case you haven't noticed, I AM Ichigo. Ichigo Kurosaki, you obnoxious pervert!"
"What did you ju- Ichigo?" Kon froze, finally registering what Ichigo had said.
"Yeah." Growled out Ichigo in his usual irritated manner.
"What happened to you? Urahara came by and said that the war was over and that you and the others went to the Soul Society and asked me to come by his shop. Next thing I know is I'm being pushed out of your body and put back into a doll. I only just got back today."
"That explains why everything was so quiet."
"Hey! I bet you secretly missed me while I was gone!"
"As if."
"So what's with the sudden change in appearance?"
Ichigo sighed, he hoped this will be the last time he'll have to explain his sudden change of appearance. "To put it simply, this is the form I took on when I merged with my Zanpakuto, it's called the Final Getsuga Tensho; were I essentially became Getsuga. I used this form to kill Aizen. But…"
"But?"
"As the name states, it was only meant to be used once. Meaning after a used it, I'd lose all of my Shinigami powers, and be reverted back into a human with zero reiatsu."
At this, Kon's gasp could be heard clearly throughout the quiet room. "Why would you sacrifice such a thing?"
"It was the only option at the time and we really didn't have any time to think of any other solution. The Head Captain was down along with most of the Captains and Visards. If I didn't do it, Yuzu, Karin, everyone… They'd be gone, forever. Their souls would be used to create the Kings Key, so they won't be able to enter the Soul Society or be reincarnated. There was no other way. And to me, I'd do anything to save them, even if it meant sacrificing myself." Kon was silent for once. And in all honesty, Ichigo didn't know why he was discussing this much with the mod soul in the first place.
"I see. And this form? If it's meant to be used once then why are you stuck like that?"
"We don't know. Urahara and I have come up with a theory."
"And that is?" Prodded Kon.
"That after using Mugetsu, my final attack, Aizen was drastically weakened. I was losing my powers as well. As I was losing my powers, the Hogyoku must have heard my desire to keep my powers. And gave them back to me. During his weakened state, I must have been just somewhat stronger than Aizen, making the Hogyoku chose me instead of Aizen."
"So then, what happened to the Hogyoku then? Is it a part of you?"
"We don't know. The Hogyoku was destroyed after restoring my powers, but we don't know if my powers are permanent or if they are still limited."
The room was silent for once, a deep peaceful silence. Ichigo nearly forgot about Kon for a moment until he finally decided to speak up, shattering the silence. "How do we figure out if it's permanent or not?"
"Well, by using Mugetsu. That technique originally supposed to be used once. That technique will show us whether or not it's permanent or not. But, Hat 'n Clogs said it'd be best not to participate in any fights and to leave the Hollows to Uryu, Chad and Orihime. If it isn't permanent and I was fighting a hollow, I'd be drastically weakened and won't be able to defend myself. So, to be safe, I shouldn't use my powers unless absolutely necessary."
"So…. Does that mean I can still use your body?" Kon asked almost innocently.
A tick marked formed at the idiotic question, instantly kicking Kon off of the bed, crashing against the wall where he then proceeded to fall to the floor. Ignoring Kon's angry voice, Ichigo drifted off into an uneasy rest.
This chapter seems repetitive and boring I know, but it's just something that needs to get out of the way with before I can get to the good stuff. And to those who are following my other story, Guard, don't worry. I'm still working on it, just give me time and motivation.