A Fist of Fear

Ichigo was rubbing his temples as he tried to combat a growing headache. His winging of Matsu had been a bit of a surprise, even to him. Perhaps he had been caught in the moment? However, what was done was done and he couldn't change that. The only problem was that Matsu was a bit of a shameless flirt and she seemed determined to have him do some experimentation, as she called it. Ichigo was pretty sure she just wanted to do perverted things to him.

Sighing, he turned his attention back to his newly winged Sekirei, who had put her glasses on and had taken a seat across from him once more. Although this didn't stop her from sending an occasional leer at him that made him a bit more fearful than he probably should be of the number 02. "So Matsu, what type of Sekirei are you? Musubi is a fist type, and I think I saw Homura use fire, but you're actually relatively unknown to us."

Matsu smiled at Ichigo's inquiry, and began to explain. "As I said, I'm the number 02, Matsu. While Ichigo-tan has met mostly battle-type Sekirei in the Plan, Matsu would classify herself as a brain-type. Matsu isn't very good in a battle, but her intelligence makes up for that. Matsu likes to be called the Wisdom Sekirei because of it!"

From her place at the head of the table Miya piped up as she took a sip of tea, "More like the 'Shameless' Sekirei."

The wind was taken out of Matsu's sail at Miya's comment. She took on a more dejected air as she whined, "Miya-tan! It's not nice to tease so much!"

Miya merely smiled indulgently at Matsu before replying, "But you make it so ease Matsu."

Huffing and crossing her arms in exasperation, Matsu turned away from Miya and her sly expression. She grumbled to herself, "Matsu wants to be known as the 'Wisdom' Sekirei, but nobody ever indulges Matsu."

Ichigo's eye twitched in slight annoyance at the interruption and was about to comment, when Urahara beat him to it. "What kind of intelligence are we talking about exactly?"

Matsu turned her attention to the shopkeeper, a proud glint in her eye as she responded, "Any kind! Matsu can even hack into the databases of MBI if she wanted to!"

"My, what a remarkable ability to have! It seems you really got a keeper here Kurosaki-san!"

Ichigo sighed at more of Urahara's antics, but pierced Matsu in place with an inquisitive star. "Geta-boshi is annoying, but I can see how useful an ability that could be. It does bring me back to a question I had earlier though, why didn't you react to Geta-boshi? It seems you're more compatible with him."

Matsu pushed her glasses up as she began another explanation. "Matsu had been observing residents of Maison Izumo for awhile, but when Ichigo-tan walked in yesterday Matsu felt as though she was more interested than she should be in him! After that Matsu learned everything Matsu could about Ichigo-tan! Even though Ichigo-tan doesn't use many social sites and hasn't updated his info to the government since he was a freshman, Matsu was able to find information thanks to Kurosaki-papa's obsession! He made sure to upload many photos to Ichigo's profile! Here's one of a sleeping Ichigo, and here's one with Ichigo studying, and here's one with Ichigo's shirt off!"

At this last pronouncement Matsu let out a perverted giggle as both Orihime and Ichigo turned bright red at this. Matsu noticing their reactions turned to Orihime and excitedly whispered behind her hand, "Don't worry Orihime-tan. I can get those photos to you!"

Orihime merely turned completely red from embarrassment, and Matsu suddenly flew back from a flying ladle to the head, courtesy of Miya. "Harassing guests in Maison Izumo is prohibited."

Matsu merely groaned from her position on the floor, while Ichigo muttered to himself, "Damn Goat-chin, how the hell did he take pictures of me without my knowing?"

With a herculean effort Matsu pulled herself to an upright sitting position and continued on with her reasoning as if the little incident with Miya and Orihime hadn't happened. "Ichigo-tan sells himself a little short. He's in the top twenty for his grade and he has some interesting abilities. Matsu also learned about many of his delinquent fights, but was able to see his soft caring side for his family as well. Ichigo-tan has many good points! Matsu realized this and decided to become Ichigo's Sekirei, but Matsu hadn't wanted it to happen quite so quickly. Matsu had a rather strong reaction to Ichigo-tan."

Ichigo sighed as he began rubbing his temples again a light blush still on his face from embarrassment at both his father's antics and Matsu's words. "So why didn't you react to Geta-boshi?"

Matsu sheepishly rubbed her head as she explained, "Hobo-san had too little information. Matsu likes a mystery, but she doesn't like for a person to have no information at all! That should be impossible with how MBI runs things now a days, also Matsu noticed that Hobo-san doesn't feel quite human, though she doubts anyone but maybe Miya-tan has picked up on this."

Although Urahara shed anime tears at Matsu's nickname for him, he perked up at Matsu's observation. "Oh and why would that matter?"

"Sekirei have been tuned to react to humans, so someone not human probably won't make them react, at least that's Matsu's theory."

Urahara seemed to think this over before seeming to come to a decision. "Well! I think it's safe to say that I'm actually human, perhaps the reason you don't react is because I'm in a fake body?"

Matsu began to nod along with Urahara's explanation, "Yeah that would make sense as- Wait what!?"

"Well you see, unlike Kurosaki-san over there, this isn't my real body, my real one has been destroyed for quite some time."

Urahara had a quaint look in his eyes as he studied both Matsu and Miya's reaction and Ichigo could tell he was enjoying messing with their heads. Matsu spoke up again, "I have no idea how that's physically possible, but then again I was pretty surprised when you somehow shoved Ichigo-tan out of his body the other day. What's the point of that anyway?"

Urahara was about to answer the question, but Ichigo sick of Urahara taking on so many explanations decided to intervene. "It makes me stronger than when I'm in my body. Unlike Geta-boshi this is the body I was born with."

Matsu gazed at both Ichigo and Urahara, the light refracting from her glasses making them slightly opaque. "So does that mean Hobo-san is technically dead?"

Urahara closed his fan with a snap in response to Matsu's inquiry, making her jump. "That is the question, isn't it Matsu-san? When you find the answer and actually believe it, come to me and I'll help you with any questions, or you could consult Kurosaki-san, although he's a bit of an idiot when it comes to these things."

As soon as Urahara was done talking he was sent flying by a shoe thrown by Ichigo, who was sitting with an extended arm, eyebrow twitching. Urahara quickly recovered, but was looking at the shoe incredulously. "Where did you get this from?"

Ichigo nodded as he crossed his arms before answering, "Oyaji is an annoyance no matter what, I always have something on hand to smack him with. I figured you'd be pretty similar."

Matsu observed this with a look of puzzlement before muttering to Miya, "You know when that happens to someone else it's actually kinda funny."

Miya simply raised a ladle and asked with a beatific smile, "Ara? What do you mean by that Matsu-san?"

Matsu gulped at the landlady's weapon of choice and wisely decided to shut up about that topic for the moment. She turned much more serious as she addressed Ichigo again. The most serious the newcomers to Maison Izumo had ever heard her. "Anyway Ichigo-tan, as your Sekirei I'll fight for you in the Sekirei Plan. MBI has control of most of the city, and I wouldn't be surprised if the president calls you soon to congratulate you on your involvement. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"

Ichigo rubbed his neck as he gathered his thoughts. "I'm not gonna lie Matsu, it was actually kind of a surprise when you said you wanted to be winged by me. I don't have all the facts about this Ashikabi stuff yet, but I'm willing to learn. Until then I don't know how much help I'll be, or if I'll be able to reciprocate your feelings entirely, but I'll try my best."

Matsu nodded in agreement at Ichigo's words, still in a serious mode. "That's one of the reasons I chose you as my Ashikabi, you're smarter than people think and you have a fierce protective streak. I'd say you're name suits you."

Ichigo blushed at Matsu's kind words, but then Matsu's personality seemed to do a complete one eighty and he was treated to a perverted giggle as she continued, "But if Ichigo-tan ever wants to experiment all he needs to do is ask. Matsu would be happy to help."

Ichigo became much more uncomfortable at Matsu's stare. He preferred the glimpse of the serious Matsu to this one. Ichigo admitted that Matsu was a beauty, but he had been surrounded by beautiful women for quite some time now, although none, not even Yoruichi had been quite as forward as Matsu in their affections. Coughing embarrassedly as he felt his flush return in full force he replied, "I'll-I'll keep that in mind."

Matsu nodded. "That's all Matsu asks Ichigo-tan."

Ichigo mentally gathered himself and began a new line of questioning for Matsu. "So if you can hack into MBI that means you can tell me everything there is to know about the Sekirei Plan?"

Matsu rubbed her head sheepishly at that question, "Matsu can, but some things may have to be left out because of the sensitivity."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes at his Sekirei, but continued regardless, "But you can at least give me a list of the Ashikabi and their Sekirei? The last time I had to fight for real were circumstances where there really wasn't time to gather information. I had to really on other people like Geta-boshi and Yoruichi for that. I'd say you're pretty valuable if you can get information so easily."

Matsu chuckled and thrust her chest out proudly, unknowingly, or probably knowingly, enhancing her breasts. However before she could state anything else Urahara interrupted. "I'm curious Matsu-san, because you're so good at getting information, is that the reason you were hidden in that secret room?"

Matsu's face drained of color as she whirled toward Urahara. "How did you know that? I know I said I've been watching you guys, but how did you figure out I was here and how long have you known?"

Urahara placed a hand atop his hat as he surveyed the pale Sekirei from the shadows of his hat so that only his eyes were accentuated by the light. "I was part of an elite stealth force once upon a time. I've known you were here since the first time I stepped into this house, no matter how good at hiding your physical presence you Sekirei are, you actually kinda suck at hiding you're reiatsu. I'm pretty sure even Ichigo felt you, we just thought you weren't curious enough to come down, or were hiding behind Miya here, after all she's a Sekirei as well correct?"

Urahara's gaze settled on Miya, who simply laughed behind her sleeve. "My my Urahara-san, I'm but a simple widow and landlady at Maison Izumo, surely a humble shopkeeper such as yourself can understand."

Urahara blinked once then switched back into a more jovial mood, "Of course! Maybe you can visit my humble shop at sometime Landlady-san! I think I might set something up temporarily while I am here, it would be good if your tenants came as well, I'll have some special discounts for them!"

Urahara then descended into a fit of laughter that was promptly stopped by a swipe of Yoruichi's claws. "Ignoring this idiot, let's get back to business. We won't bother you for now Miya, but Matsu, Ichigo had a point. He usually had to rely on Kisuke and me for information, but this time you are the one he must rely on. I don't know how deep this Sekirei/Ashikabi thing goes, but if Ichigo needs the information, needs not wants, then I hope you give it to him. The last time any of us fought without enough information, a madman almost made the world in his image. He damn near succeeded as well if it hadn't been for Ichigo."

Matsu nodded solemnly at Yoruichi, but she had to ask a question, "How the hell are you talking? I don't think cats have the right kind of vocal chords for human speech."

Yoruichi sighed. "I'll explain later."

Urahara then retook his position, although he was now the proud bearer of a claw mark on his face. "Back to the topic that you were talking about before Matsu-san. Although we can probably feel every Sekirei in this city if we tried, the fact of the matter is not everyone can feel us, specifically myself or Yoruichi-san here. Probably not Orihime-san either. The reason is because of Kurosaki-san."

Ichigo blinked in confusion as their attention turned to him, but Urahara continued undeterred, "Or rather I should say that the main reason is because of him. Ichigo isn't very good at suppressing his reiatsu and this causes you Sekirei to sense him unconsciously. I have a theory regarding the Ashikabi. I noticed from Minato-san that he too had a decent amount of reiatsu, enough that I could feel him. I think the Ashikabi are human's that have developed a decent amount of reiatsu. In short they are similar to Quincy. However, they haven't cultivated this power because they don't know of it. The reason you reacted so strongly to Ichigo Matsu, may be because of his unconscious leaking of reiatsu. I, on the other hand, am in a false body that is constructed to actively suppress my reiatsu, unless I will it otherwise. For instance…."

Suddenly a crushing force fell onto the Sekirei present, it almost seemed as though gravity had increased. Orihime, Ichigo, and Yoruichi weren't affected having been used to the feel of reiatsu for some time, even ones as large as Urahara's.

Then it was over, Matsu was looking at Urahara with slight fear, while Akitsu returned to her stoic watch by Orihime's side, though there was a slight look in her eye that may have been fear of Urahara. However the most drastic reaction was Miya's, who had flushed completely red at Urahara's display, and had a strange glint in her eye.

Urahara noticed this and sadly smiled, "I'm sorry to say Miya-san, that I have no intention of becoming an Ashikabi. I also think you might want to think of your late husband."

Urahara's words seemed to snap Miya out of her state, and she flushed once more, this time in embarrassment.

Before anyone could continue, the sound of the door opening and Minato announcing his and his Sekirei's return came into the room. Musubi rushed into the room almost as soon as Minato's voice died out. "Landlady-san, Musubi forgot because she went with Minato today, but Musubi wants to spar! She wasn't able to this morning and Landlady-san's training really helps Musubi!"

Before Miya could respond, Yoruichi said, "Oh? I think I have an idea for that, if Miya doesn't mind?"

Ichigo watched as Miya nodded her consent and Yoruichi turned her gaze to him. Suddenly he got a bad feeling about Yoruichi's idea.

Ichigo stood in the backyard of Maison Izumo eyebrow twitching heavily. He was clad in sparring gear that Urahara had. It was the same gear that he had used when fighting Ururu. "Why the hell are we doing this?" Ichigo muttered to himself, then a little louder, "And why in the hell do you have these on you!?"

Ichigo made a vague gesture to the headgear and gloves. Urahara merely smiled and yelled back, "Why Kurosaki-san, I'm always prepared no matter what the occasion, and we don't want you getting hurt! Remember to truly utilize the powers of the head gear you must yell with all your might: Take this! The Powers of Justice! Justice Armor, Justice ACTIVATE! Attack!"*

Urahara was repaid his comment by a thrown shoe, courtesy of Ichigo, who had turned bright red from embarrassment at the memory. "Stupid Geta-boshi."

Sighing Ichigo turned to Musubi, his sparring partner for the day. He glanced at Yoruichi who was sitting fairly close by, tail swishing through the air. "So why am I fighting her in my body again?"

Yoruichi merely gazed lazily at Ichigo. "When you fought her last time, you broke both her arms by accident. We'd like to avoid a repeat of that. The other reason is that if this Karasuba Kisuke told me about is anything to go by, you need to be able to defend yourself while in your body, and the fastest way to get used to defending against a Sekirei, is to defend against a Sekirei. Now then…"

Yoruichi deliberately ignored Ichigo's grumblings of how he could kick anyone's ass as a shinigami, and turned her attention to Musubi. "Are you ready Musubi, don't hold back just because Ichigo's a human. If you do he'll win. He might not be as strong as his other form, but he's still pretty tough, and his skills as a fighter are still engraved in his muscle memory even if he isn't as fast and as strong as the other form."

Musubi nodded excitedly in understanding, or so Yoruichi hoped. "Musubi understands! Musubi will do her best to beat Ichigo-san's weaker form, Yoruichi-sensei!"

Yoruichi's tail twitched at that. "What'd you call me?"

Musubi held a baffled expression as she gazed at Yoruichi. "Yoruichi-sensei?"

Yoruichi nodded, then turned to Ichigo. "Why the hell can't you show the same respect as her?"

Ichigo yelled back, "Shut up! I know it's weird to even talk to you like that! There's no way I'm calling you sensei!"

Yoruichi seemed to consider this for a moment, before tilting her head in curiosity. "Oh?"

Ichigo suddenly got a very bad feeling from the glint in Yoruichi's eye. Suddenly Yoruichi's form glowed, and a few seconds later Yoruichi the women stood proudly naked in front of Ichigo and the rest of the residents of Maison Izumo that were present, as well as Orihime, Urahara, and Akitsu.

"Gaah!"

Ichigo reacted first, although he had put his hands in front of his face, he couldn't help but peek between his fingers. Minato was sent hurling back as blood spurt from his nose, while the rest had various reactions. Urahara merely had a fan in front of his face, thoroughly unimpressed at the spectacle since he had seen it a million times by now. Musubi seemed excited that Yoruichi had a human form, Orihime and Akitsu were both blushing trying not to look at Yoruichi, Kusano merely looked surprised, and Matsu was giggling perversely.

However, everyone turned their attention to Miya as the demonic hannya mask came out at Yoruichi's actions. "Lewd acts in Maison Izumo are prohibited."

Yoruichi blinked at the hannya for a moment, before promptly dismissing it, to the shock of all the Maison Izumo residents. "That's a neat trick, I might learn it one day. Now I'll be back to get some clothes. Don't let these two start before I get back, and Ichigo refer to me as sensei from now on."

Ichigo lifted his hand from his face for a retort, but forgot about Yoruichi's state of dress and got an eyeful, sending him to the ground as he tried to not pass out from a nosebleed. Yoruichi smirked as she passed the still stunned residents of Maison Izumo and went to a place near the porch. She pulled out her standard outfit and dressed herself accordingly.

Through this the hannya was still activated, but Miya seemed stunned by the complete lack of fear Yoruichi had. It pulled at her instincts. Instincts that she seemed to be feeling quite a bit lately, her battle instincts were screaming that this lady was dangerous. For a moment she even wished it were a different time so that she could test her strength against this person, but then the moment was gone and the hannya disappeared as Miya felt a wave of grief, which was noted by both Urahara and Yoruichi.

Once dressed, Yoruichi turned her attention back to the two sparring partners. Now then, before we had that little interruption, I believe you two were about to spar."

Ichigo got to his feet grumbling at the injustices of the world, while Musubi seemed even more pumped than before. Sighing Ichigo got into a loose stance, while Musubi got into her own. Yoruichi eyed the two for a moment before walking to the center of the two and raising a hand into the air. She then quickly brought it down and jumped back quickly yelling, "Begin!"

Musubi rocketed toward Ichigo almost as soon as Yoruichi's hand was down. Although Ichigo wasn't as fast as his shinigami form, his eyes still easily followed Musubi's path, and dodged her straight punch by side stepping it. He frowned as she overextended herself, she had had that problem in their first fight as well. However, all thoughts flew from his head as Musubi launched an assault of punches at him, with an occasional kick.

Ichigo was mostly just dodging waiting for his chance to strike, but his frowned deepened as he noticed something. Musubi's punches and kicks seemed strong, but the truth was that they kind of sucked. Ichigo's eyes narrowed as he dodged another kick. It was especially apparent in her kicks, it seemed as though Musubi didn't have any holes in her defense, but that was as long as she was attacking. He dodged another kick and saw his chance, with a sweep of the leg Musubi was taken of balance and fell on her butt.

Ichigo followed this up with a kick towards her head, but Musubi proved to be pretty nimble as she arched back and used her strength to perform a prefect one handed back handspring from a sitting position. The entire exchange after Ichigo's sweep kick hadn't taken more than a minute, but he had a feeling that something was wrong with the girls attack, not just her shitty form.

Ichigo sighed as he came to a decision. This was gonna suck, but he thought he could detect a problem in the way Musubi fought, and he needed to show Yoruichi since she wasn't sparring directly with her, although she had probably guessed already. As Musubi came in for another attack, Ichigo opened his guard a bit, and Musubi jumped on it. Ichigo received a vicious uppercut to the ribs for his troubles, and he was pretty sure he heard a nasty crack.

There were stunned shouts of "Ichigo-tan/Kurosaki-kun!" at the same time, but Ichigo ignored it for a moment focusing on Musubi. He had though so, whatever Musubi said about fighting she obviously didn't completely believe in it. Her fists lacked conviction, it was filled with fear.

Ichigo vaguely heard Yoruichi call the spar to a halt and he read in Musubi's face a moment of horror, but then it was gone, replaced by the kind smile she normally wore. She rapped her knuckles on her head, before sticking her tongue out and saying, "Oops! Sorry Ichigo-san, I didn't mean to hurt you."

Before Ichigo could say anything, he was enveloped in Orihime's shield, and felt the effects of his broken rib beginning to heal, it wouldn't take very long the injury was clean and pretty recent. Thankfully Yoruichi said what he wanted to say for him. "I hate to say this Musubi-san, but frankly you suck."

The resident of Maison Izumo, except for Matsu who was tending to Ichigo with Orihime, all sent indignant looks Yoruichi's way. Miya seemed to take particular anger at her comment. "I've been training her and she's much better than she used to be! She even broke Ichigo's-"

However she was interrupted by Ichigo, who had finished healing. "Retreat and you will age. Be afraid, and you'll die.** You're too afraid Musubi. You're fists have too much fear, what I said before was advice I needed to hear when I was full of fear. This was another, it was said by Geta-boshi over there. He had said I was too afraid, and he was right. I had been training for a long time with him, and in that entire time he was seriously trying to kill me."

That statement caused most of the resident of Izumo to flinch. Miya was now glancing at Urahara in a new light as the man watched on grimly. Suddenly Ichigo pressed a badge to his chest and his shinigami form separated from his body. Musubi looked on in a bit of trepidation at the person who had broken both her arms from before. Ichigo stabbed Zangetsu into the ground, before stating, "Everyone get back, she needs this lesson as much as I did."

Minato took offense at Ichigo's words and began to protest. "You can't-"

However he was cut off by a comforting hand on his shoulder. He followed the hand to Urahara. "Ichigo is a natural fighter. He enjoys battle so much that he always wants his opponents at their full potential. Musubi is no different even if she is just a sparring partner. Her strength is much greater than you think Minato-san."

Urahara then turned his attention to Miya. "I assume you had your reasons, but you only really taught Musubi-san how to defend correct? Perhaps lightly scolding her as she tried to hit you, exploiting her openings?"

Miya hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. Urahara turned back to the fight. "I must say I'm more disappointed in you than I thought I'd be. You have a prodigy on your hands Landlady-san, and she had become your protégé. You taught her to fear her fists."

Miya flinched at Urahara's blunt statement, even if she had only known Musubi for a small amount of time, was that true? Had she stunted Musubi's growth with fear? Well, she thought bitterly, my own skills are still filled with fear. It's no wonder Musubi is as well.

Once again Ichigo and Musubi faced one another and once again Yoruichi brought her hand up. She quickly brought it down, before shouting, "Begin!"

Once again Musubi rocketed toward Ichigo, but suddenly she felt her skull crushed in.

Musubi stopped and suddenly back tracked from her position, staring at Ichigo wide-eyed. She once more attempted to rush Ichigo, this time for the side, only to feel her heart pierced, and she swerved off of her attack. Ichigo had yet to move from his starting position, this time he hadn't even taken a stance. Musubi seemed to be getting frustrated, it was a look Minato had never seen on his Sekirei's face before, but she also had a lot of fear in her expression. That was when Ichigo spoke.

"What a letdown."***

Musubi flinched, both from Ichigo's tone and words.

"A real letdown, Musubi. After all there's nothing, but fear reflected in your fists. When you dodge, 'I'm afraid of getting hit.' When you attack, 'I'm afraid of hitting someone.' Even when you try to protect someone, 'I'm afraid of letting them die.' Yes, your fists speak to me only of absurd fear. That's not it. What's necessary in a fight isn't fear. Nothing can be born from that. If you dodge, 'I won't let them hit me.' If you protect someone, 'I won't let them die.' If you attack, 'I'll hit them.' Well, can't you see the resolve to hit you reflected in my fists?"***

After Ichigo's speech, he finally took a stance, and Musubi felt the full force of his killing intent. Her knees trembled at its ferocity and even the other residents felt fear, though not as much. Minato was nearly going frantic with worry. "He's going to kill her!"

Urahara merely gripped stronger on Minato's shoulder, effectively holding him in place. Kusano was buried in Minato's leg whimpering in fear and Matsu was looking at her Ashikabi with both pride and fear. Even Miya and Akitsu's normally laid back body language were both tense with trepidation. Only Orihime, Yoruichi, and Urahara were not afraid. "Kurosaki-san sure is scary, it's just his killing intent and I bet he has every animal and Sekirei within a 10 mile radius trembling in fright. Imagine if he was in Bankai and his full reiatsu could be felt."

Orihime was the one who answered. "The killing intent would just be worse. He said to me that no one can feel his reiatsu when he was in Bankai anymore. He said it with a pretty sad face as well. I guess it's lonely at the top."

Urahara glanced at Orihime and her complicated expression, then slid his gaze to Matsu, who seemed in awe of her new Ashikabi. "Perhaps it is Orihime-san," he whispered.

Ichigo sighed as he took in Musubi's terrified stance and face, but just under the fear, he could see resolve beginning to for as she got used to it. Finally her knees stopped trembling and she held her head high. Good. Now he could begin.

Suddenly Ichigo was in front of Musubi fist swinging down at her head and then she was to the side fist extended into Ichigo's palm as an explosion of dirt and grass erupted behind Ichigo. The rest of the residents blinked in confusion, besides Miya, who could follow the attack, though she was sure her other guests could as well. This level of fighting… Ichigo was a swordsman, and yet he could fight at this level with his fists, pushing a fist type Sekirei to new limits. He was more of a monster than even she was, and in the sanctity of her own mind, she could admit that to herself. She replayed the attack over in her head

Musubi's pupils dilated and she almost went cross eyed as she saw Ichigo's fist almost in slow motion. At the last second, she shifted her body weight right and dodged Ichigo's attack by performing a cartwheel. Ichigo hadn't been finished and had attempted to lash out with a kick aimed at Musubi's unguarded midsection. She had gracefully deflected the attack, so that Ichigo was primed for a counter. Musubi had then, unknowingly, gathered her reiatsu into her fist and struck. The result of the attack was that it had broken the sound barrier, as well as destroying her ground. Ichigo had caught that attack barehanded, maneuvering it so that it was extended to the side and not able to hurt anyone.

For a moment nothing happened, and then Musubi seemed to come back to herself. She backed off from Ichigo, and promptly collapsed. Ichigo effortlessly caught her and flung her over his shoulder, before turning to the assembled residents on the porch. "Sorry about your yard Miya. I'll help clean it up."

He then turned to Minato, who was glaring at Ichigo. "Why did you have to do that!? You meant to kill her, poor Kuu-chan was so scared she couldn't even watch!"

Ichigo sighed as he walked over to the others. He gently laid Musubi on the porch and knelt down in front of Kusano placing a comforting hand on her head. "Sorry about that Kuu-chan. You're Nee-chan needed to learn an important lesson, and that was the best way I could think to do it. Don't be scared of anything from now on, because I'll protect you I swear it."

Kusano merely nodded shyly in response, but Minato wasn't through. "How can you fight so seriously!? Musubi is strong sure, but even the Landlady-san never tried to kill her for training!"

Minato backed off as Ichigo suddenly glared at him. "I didn't do it for you, or the landlady, or Kusano. I did it for her. She needed to free herself from her fear, it's been keeping her back, she might even have been doing so because she knew you would react like this, because deep down you now fear your own Sekirei."

Minato looked as if Ichigo had just slapped him, before turning to anger. His hands clenched into fists, but the sad part was it wasn't anger at Ichigo, but at himself. Did the bond mean so little to me? He thought. I knew Musubi would have to fight, and already other Sekirei have been stronger. She needs to get stronger as well, whether I like it or not.

Minato nodded at Ichigo, and crouched to gently pick up his sleeping Sekirei. He beckoned Kusano, and the three entered into the Maison Izumo. Ichigo sighed as he ran his hands through his hair. When Musubi had actually abandoned her fear, she might have been able to match him in a fight of fists, but she would have to learn how to attack for real now that she had had a taste of her reiatsu. Even now, there some force holding her back from achieving her full potential. Ichigo glanced at the hand he had blocked Musubi's fist with. It was now charred and mangled from her attack, and he was pretty sure he had broken at least one finger.

He heard Orihime sigh as she came up to him. "Two times in one day Kurosaki-kun. This one will take longer to heal because of the lingering reiatsu."

Ichigo nodded, but Matsu began cackling. "Ichigo-tan! Would you like me to kiss it and make it all better?"

Ichigo flushed and looked away from his perverted Sekirei as Orihime's shield covered his hand. He relaxed as he felt her power slowly begin to heal him before looking at Matsu. "I'm surprised. I though after that little display you would be afraid of me."

Matsu smiled rather melancholically in response. "You're strong Ichigo, and stubborn. I'll get the lists of the Sekirei and Ashikabi in the plan for you. After that we can plan our next course of action. I will stay by your side no matter what, I pledged forever and ever, Ashikabi-sama."

Ichigo nodded his gratitude toward his Sekirei and turned his attention toward Akitsu, who was studying Orihime's shield. As if sensing his eyes, Akitsu lifted her own eyes to meet his. For a moment she didn't say anything, but then simply said, "Ah. You're warm."

Ichigo didn't really understand her, but apparently Orihime did, because she explained, "She's right, Kurosaki-kun. You have a warm presence. It helps all those around you."

Then it seemed as though she realized she had said and promptly blushed profusely, refusing to meet Ichigo's eyes, which had softened at her comment. Urahara clasped his hand on Ichigo's soldier in a comradely way. "Whoever was your teacher sure knew what he was doing. Good job today Kurosaki-san. Yoruichi can build off your foundation now."

Ichigo rolled his eyes at Urahara's self-praise and nodded in acknowledgement of Yoruichi as she said, "Don't worry, I'll turn her into something dangerous in this game of Sekirei that MBI wants to play."

Finally his injury was healed and Ichigo went back to his body and stepped in. He then turned towards the landlady. However before he could get a word in his phone began ringing, sighing he flipped it open and noticed it was a video message. Wondering who the hell was contacting him like that, he accepted the call, before terrible singing greeted his ears. When it was done a man was on his screen dressed in a white suite, wearing glasses, and had white hair.

"Hello Kurosaki Ichigo~! Welcome to the Sekirei Plan~!"

The man then turned fairly serious.

"My name is Minaka Hiroto. I'm very pleased to finally meet you."

That's right, got another one! I'm shocked by the overwhelmingly positive response to this fic, but that doesn't mean I'm not glad for it. Many of you are reading the authors notes as well, I can tell mostly because you beg me to bring captains and such in or leave them out, when in the story they are currently on the backburner. Didn't expect my ramblings to get so much attention, but I suppose this is where authors cut loose and brainstorm half the time.

I hoped you liked the beginning of Musubi's training. Ichigo isn't a strict hand to hand fighter, so he won't be actually training her, he just gave her the spark to start training, it will be interesting with her later on. A few of you stated that I shafted Ichigo a bit the last couple chapters, and this is kinda true, but mostly because of my crazy ass writing style. I know many authors plan and outline and stuff and some write as the muse comes. This is how I write: A scene or line pops into my head and I attempt to capture it on paper. For example: Karasuba fights Urahara. You then get the fight from last chapter. So I suppose I fall into muse category. It's one of the reasons there are grammar issues and a few other things, I want to get the story on paper and I'm too lazy to go back and proof the damn thing myself, although if I don't get a beta I suppose I'll eventually just do it myself. The problem with that is I'm so meticulous about it that any little thing sets me off and I rewrite a whole chapter. It's one of the reasons I stopped writing for a long while.

Anyhow, I'm glad I caught everyone off guard with the Matsu winging. Maybe this chapter cleared that up maybe it didn't, but it made sense in my crazy head. I always liked Matsu, a perverted shut in that stares at screens and watches the world. If I felt like analyzing her from a literary perspective I think she represents a good chunk of the internet, those who don't ever leave their computers and get all information from them. While I was writing I couldn't figure out why she doesn't ever get the first wing of a protagonist. I decided to be unorthodox and I think it paid off. My Matsu may be based a little off the gabriel blessing Matsu in that she is able to switch from perverted fun, to seriously supporting her Ashikabi. This may be somewhat true in cannon as well, but I can't remember, don't forget I haven't watched or read the Sekirei manga in years.

In all honesty the final part of Musubi's fight with Ichigo came to me from left field. I was writing the spar in his human form and then something said to me, Musubi needs to toughen up, the training Miya gave is not the same as Ichigo. Miya has fear and doubt in her blade, by this time Ichigo has none, hence the many training w/ Urahara references.

In lieu of the latest manga chapter, which revealed what everyone saw coming, I will say that quincy are human, they are a more evolved human as I implicated in this chapter, but they are still human. This is to help people understand why Ichigo thinks he's human, even though his dad hasn't explained things yet as of this chapter.

I have two more things to rant about before I stop. First if you are a person wanting another character from Bleach to come, rejoice you'll get your wish, but not for quite awhile. People were right and I gotta bring Ichigo more into the limelight and develop him and his relationships. However, I won't give a clue to who will come. As of now anyone is fair game (though I know who it will be). This is the only authors note I will mention this in, so be on the lookout, because they will be fun when they arrive. The scene that they appear in is already in my head, I just need to eventually catch up to it.

Now many of you are guessing at the Sekirei Ichigo will obtain, and it's actually pretty fun to read. So in honor of that I will give you a hint: Ichigo's Sekirei will probably not exceed more than 3. Matsu is one, that's locked in and I'm not gonna change it. To those of you reviewing and asking for pairing: best of luck figuring it out. I've had a couple PM's ask me and I think I somewhat gave a straight answer, but as I said before I won't post who, and it is subject to change. There is one locked pairing in this fic other than Ichigo and Matsu and the already established pairs, but I don't know if anyone will figure it out. I will say it does not involve Ichigo.

Son of a bitch, one more thing. This is it I swear. I want to give a shout out to Meech Macko. He has reviewed every chapter, if memory serves correct, and I have had a few nice discussions with him through PM's. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you didn't I know you'll tell me, but I look forward to either one.

Anything you want to discuss, PM me! If you have a beta recommendation, PM me! If you want to ask more about pairings, PM me!

Now then, my rant has finally come to an end, so this shall be the…

Disclaimer: I do not own Sekirei or Bleach! They belong to Sakurako Gokurakuin and Tite Kubo respectively, please support the official release!

Bibliographyish Thingy because I blatantly ripped some lines this chapter.

*Refer to chapter 60 of bleach for this memory of Ichigo's, I always loved it.

**Zangetsu said this, can't remember when though.

***This was said to Ichigo when he was training with Urahara. I just changed it to suit Musubi.