Today was to be the day that we would bury one of my closest friends, Uryu. It wasn't something i was looking forward too nor was it something that i thought would happen so soon. We were all in a state of remorse, non of us wanted to go to the funeral. Not because we hated him, but because not one of us could grasp the fact that he had died. We were all in denial. The night before, me and Rukia slept in the same room. Not intentionally though. In the middle of the night i could hear Rukia crying so i went in to comfort her, laying down beside her i wrapped my arm around her and reassured her that i would put an end to her pain. That i would end the threat. It actually surprised me, i know that Uryu and Rukia were close, we all were, but for Rukia to break down like that... It was unthinkable. She ended up falling asleep sobbing heavily on my chest but i couldn't fall asleep. I had been up most of the night thinking about what the head captain said about my Zanpakuto. That i wasn't utilizing it's full power. I was baffled since for all this time that means i had only been fighting with half my strength, i found it hard to believe that i could gain so much more strength but what puzzled me the most was how i was supposed to go about gaining this access power.

Gently moving Rukia off my chest i placed her down gently and made my way over to the door. I made my way back to my room so i could prepare for the ceremony that would occur later. As i opened the door i noticed that my futon was no longer laid out on the floor where i left it. It had been neatly folded and placed in the corner. All ready confused, i steadily walked into the center of the room at which i then noticed a neatly placed envelope on the table. Picking it up, i read the writing on the front and it said 'Ichigo' curious as to what was in side of the envelope i hastily opened up and removed it's contents. It contained a small squared piece of paper and a ring with a sapphire stone. The paper read;

'Ichigo,

If you wish to unlock the true power of your Zanpakuto wear the sapphire ring that was included in the envelope and wait for further instructions. Do not tell anyone about the envelope or it's contents. Burn the envelope and the paper after you have finished reading.'

I thought something fishy was going on but since this could potentially help me unlock my true power i decided to give it a shot. I forced the sapphire ring onto my finger, it felt odd but i was willing to look a bit odd if it meant potentially saving my friends. I changed into my shuhoksho and placed my Zanpakuto onto my back ready for combat if needed, after all, who knows when they'll next strike... Heading back to Rukia's room i sense a strange presence but i can not pin point it's exact location. I decided it was best to be on guard at all times since anything could happen. As i entered Rukia's room i noticed that she was no longer in her futon. Looking around her room i couldn't see her anywhere but i felt a slight tug on the back of my shuhoksho. It was Rukia, all ready to go to the funeral but still looking very upset.

"Hey Ichigo, come one. I bet they're all waiting for us all ready. We'd best not keep them waiting any longer" Rukia said in a emotional voice. It was clear that she was trying to hide her emotions so i just nodded and we went on our way.

As we walked through the Seireitei all the other soul reapers awkwardly stared in our direction. Since they knew we had just lost someone so close to us they were pitying us. I didn't like the fact that i was being pitied but i didn't have it in me to yell at them since we were on our way to such an important place. Finally, we arrived at the funeral. Everyone had all ready taken their seats and the funeral was just about to begin. The head captain was at front, to his left were the head captains two through seven and to his right were the head captains eight through eleven. Since Uryu was one of the people who helped save the soul society and aided in the fall of Aizen his funeral was a big deal. Normally it would only be the soldiers captain to be the only captain to come to their funeral but this time it was all 13 captains. Rukia went and took her seat but i didn't feel like sitting. Since this whole thing was pretty much my fault i thought that i didn't deserve to be sat with the other mourners. After all i caused it. Instead, i walked over to the back of the ceremony and stood quietly there. From where i was standing i couldn't see the body. I knew that if i saw the body i would weak and no one wanted to see that. After all, i'm supposed to be the strong one.

The ceremony commenced, as i watched it unfold i noticed that everything was becoming dark and cloudy. Eventually i couldn't see anything anymore and i didn't know where i was. Suddenly i heard a voice.
"So, you want to become strong do you. To protect what is most precious to you do you." It said in an unnervingly calm and wise manner.
"Yes! I can't let anyone ells get hurt. I can't let anyone ells die!" I replied assertively.
"Well then, i guess this is your lucky day. You are the chosen child, Ichigo. It shall be you that will receive all that i have to offer."
I was confused as to what was happening but i had no way to escape the darkness.
"After dark head to the senkaimon. Come alone. I'll be waiting..."
After that he said no more, i was confused and also afraid. "Should i trust him?" I thought to my self.

"Ichigo. Ichigo!"
As i snapped back to the funeral i heard Yammamoto calling my name.
"Care to say a few words." He said in a gentle voice.
I walked slowly but calmly to the front, all eyes now gazing on me. I could tell there were many in the crows that blames me for what happened. My self included.
"Me and Uryu didn't see eye too eye most of the time. Heck, we were at each others throat for the majority of the time we knew each other. But, we have been through so much together and that is why i can call him one of my best friends. He was there for me when i needed him the most. He all ways had my back and i had his. He was the last quincy and he was proud of that, i think that his race would be proud to call him their last solder... "
As i made my speech it felt like i was going to cry so i knew i had to stop. I walked calmly back over to my corner, gentle smiles were pointing my way, i guess my speech touched some people. After my speech many others followed each as touching as the last, i never knew that Uryu had such a big effect on so many people. The Funeral ended with the lowering of Uryu's body on sokyoku hill. After which everyone proceeded home but i stayed for a little while longer to mourn on by my lonesome for a while.

~Night Time

The time had finally come. Should i go to the senkaimon to find out what that voice was talking about or just stay here and sleep. Silly question really, i knew i had to take what ever chance i had to in order to become stronger. I gathered my things and took off, heading for the sankaimon. The guards at the gate had been knocked out all ready and i could see someone standing in front of the gate, waiting.
"You ready?"
"Let's go"