Chapter 4
It had indeed taken until Friday for the passes to clear (Tatsuki's at least. The twins' had gone through almost immediately, from what he heard) and Ichigo called up his oldest friend immediately and she came over almost as fast, to Ichigo's relief. Ever since Sunday night when Ichigo delivered his letter, Isshin had become a handful, bouncing around, trying to be mysterious when one of the girls asked what the matter was. That ended with a wailing session at The Poster, apologizing for being 'unfaithful' and that there now was 'another woman' and that she had called him out on a date.
"It's about time he moved on. Its been how many years since Masaki-san died?" Tatsuki huffed, cocking a hip and putting her hand on it.
"… Yeah." Ichigo reluctantly agreed. Remember, Ichigo-kun, this is our little secret. I want to surprise your sisters. They would be surprised, there was no doubt about it. It was just hard in the meanwhile.
"Oi." Tatsuki squinted at her best friend. "You're the one that invited us. You could do to be a bit more enthusiastic about it."
Ichigo shrugged. "It's more of a surprise for the girls. And I know that you wanted to see what you missed."
"So this is two birds with the same stone then. So why now?" They had slowly migrated out of the living room and up to Ichigo's room, where they could speak a bit more freely.
Briefly checking upon his sister's reiatsu signatures, he relaxed. "I found mom." He still spoke in hushed tones, despite Karin being down the block and Yuzu down in the kitchen, packing a small bag with snacks and a blanket to sit on for the fireworks.
"You what?!" She attempted to stage whisper, getting into his face.
"Last week." Ichigo stepped back, sitting on his bed cross-legged. "She was able to retain her memories and went directly to the academy when Grand Fisher was destroyed. She's a second-year by now." Getting her answers, Tatsuki sat down backwards on Ichigo's rolling chair.
"What's this?" She asked, fingering the fabric hanging on the back of the hair. She could feel the quality in the reishi-made white fabric.
"My, ah, Captain's cloak." Ichigo spoke in an embarrassed voice, "they decided that they needed a captain stationed here on a permanent basis and instead of moving someone here, they-"
"Settled you with the job." Tatsuki was unimpressed, "Haven't you done enough for them already?"
Ichigo gave her a wry look. "What I have to do isn't any different than what I did during the war. Fight hollows, train and babysit shinigami that come here. I just have a fancy coat and have to fill out my own reports now."
Taking the coat off the chair, Tatsuki took a closer look, looking at the black detailing on the outside and the bright red interior. "Oh-ho, what's this?" She smirked, looking at the lining closer.
"What's what?" She gave him a look over the collar of his coat and smirked secretly.
"Oh, nothing." She spoke idly, slipping on the coat for the heck of it. "It suits you. All serious and black and white on the outside and bright on the inside. Complete with little strawberries sewn into the fabric."
"There's what!" Ichigo dove and they play-wrestled for the haori for a bit. "I don't believe you." He stated, grabbing hold of the collar and gently pulled it off of the smaller girl.
Sure enough, when Ichigo looked inside, there were little stylized strawberries woven into the fabric with red-on-red so that nobody could see them unless they knew what they were looking for and the weave caught the light at just the right angle.
"They're dead." Ichigo deadpanned, not surprised enough to be angry. "Whoever decided to put strawberries on my haori is dead."
"Isn't it a requirement to be dead to live in the Soul Society?" Tatsuki asked back, just as drily, "So your threat is moot, is it not?"
"Smart alec." He spoke with a fond conviction. "Speaking of, Tas…" He used the nickname he had for her since they were four, "If it's allowed… and if you want, even though you're still alive… You've had my back the longest…"
"Just spit it out already!" Tatsuki growled, exasperated with Ichigo's inane babbling.
"I won't be able to be in the world of the living all the time, so would you like to be my lieutenant and protect everyone when I can't?" Sometime during his speech, Ichigo had gone down on one knee to read Tatsuki better, and took hold of her hand when she went to swing it at him. In reality, it was just his hidden romantic side coming out.
"What are you talking about? I thought Rukia was your Lieutenant." Tatsuki took back her hand and sat at the desk chair, crossing her arms and leaning back.
Giving a half-smile, half-grimace, Ichigo sat back against his bed and propped his elbows on his knees. "I won't lie to you, if she wasn't Ukitake's I would have taken her, Byakuya be damned. She deserves to be a lieutenant."
"What about Chad then? He had your back during all of your adventures."
Ichigo nodded. "He did. And will always have my back, but that's not exactly what I'm looking for." Tatsuki opened her mouth and he shook his head. "Inoue doesn't have it either, and there's no way in hell I'm asking Ishida. I need someone to take the leadership role if something happens and I'm not there to protect our nakama or the twins. Honestly I'm surprised that your power never manifested when the others' did. You've been around me the longest."
"Infected by your out-of-control power the longest, you mean." Tatsuki was unimpressed by his excuse. "I've talked to Urahara a few times before, so I know a little about it." Ichigo was surprised at that. "He thinks it's because I've been around you the longest that I never manifested any active powers. I've built up a sort-of spiritual immunity to you. Like the twins. I do have power, since I was able to stay awake when nearly everyone else fell asleep, but otherwise I can't touch it unless something… happens." She trailed off with a shrug. At that point, Urahara was vague to the point that she had no clue what he was going on about.
Ichigo nodded. "I figured it was something like that." Tatsuki gave him an incredulous look and Ichigo gave a defensive one back. "That's why I want you to be tested like the girls tomorrow. I have a feeling that your power is closer to a shinigami than anything else and once you can access it, you'll have a bit of power."
She smirked, "And more control than you." She snorted. "I've always had that over you." Ichigo gave her a scowl but didn't argue. Tatsuki had that finesse when fighting that sent most of her opponents to their backs before they knew what hit them, and the power and determination to win if the fight ever went longer.
"So, will you do it?" Ichigo didn't want to seem too enthusiastic.
"I'll think about it." Tatsuki gave a non-committal shrug. "So…. What time are we heading out and what do I need to bring?"
Ichigo shrugged. "I'm thinking we meet at Urahara's about nine or ten and head out from there using his matter converter. As for stuff to bring, all I can say is wear something comfortable. Hopefully, I want to introduce you to some guys that might give you a challenge." Tatsuki scoffed. It had been a while since she had been given a real challenge. Nationals didn't come around near often enough and the judo club boys were just that: boys. Despite what they said, most of them were there for fun, not for anything actually serious. It was painful how easy it was to move up the ranks.
"I'm due for a challenge."
"I thought you would. There's this one squad, the eleventh, that specializes in combat. You don't have a weapon, but more than likely you can scrounge up some unarmed fights without too much effort."
Tatsuki snorted. "What, do most of the Eleventh fight with huge-ass swords like yours?"
Ichigo gave a lopsided grin. "Naw, unless you piss 'em off. Most of 'em have normal-sized Zanpakutou that they spar with." Tatsuki nodded.
"Tell me more."
"Hmm…" Ichigo mused chin on his fist. "Zaraki is the Taicho and he's the only one without a Bankai -a second form- out of the captains. Actually, he doesn't even have a shikai last I heard. Whenever I stayed there, I've only see one girl in the unit and she's the lieutenant and Kenpachi's daughter." He saw the light in Tatsuki's eye and shook his head. "She looks like she's eight. I've never seen her fight," The light in her eyes went out, "But I've heard stories from some of the unseated officers about her strength and speed. Even if you wanted go spar with her, she's rather watch."
"How did an eight-year-old earn a lieutenant then? Or did her father give it to her?" She wouldn't fight a child, no matter how strong they supposedly were.
"I think Kenpachi gave it to her, yes, but I wouldn't be surprised if she could hold her own if she really needed to. Like you and the dojo." Ichigo smirked. "Have you had any challenges lately?" It was a joke, really. With being the sensei's only child, Tatsuki had started Karate almost before she could walk and had quickly risen through the ranks. By the time they could enter competitions, she could flatten most of the other students without breaking a sweat.
"Not any good ones. Couple'a weeks ago this guy from another dojo didn't believe I was a girl and I had to prove his wrong with my fist, but that's it. Ah!" Tatsuki snapped, "Dad wanted me to ask if you wanted to participate in the invitational this year. He thinks if we both participate, it might bring in some new students."
"So its been slow enough that he wants to bring in a street fighter to put on display?" Ichigo leaned back. His last formal lesson at the dojo was back when he was twelve. After finally beating Tatsuki, He left, but between the idiot wannabe street gangs and his father, his skills were as sharp as ever.
"No. Well, yeah, its been slow, but that's not why he wants you to come back. Apparently Dad saw you at one of your part-time jobs and he said, I quote 'that boy's going nowhere fast. He's wasting his life away doing mediocre crap like that.' And I agree. Yeah, I know you have your powers back now and everything's all hunky-dory, but still, it wouldn't' hurt to pop in every once in a while, even if its only to say hi."
Ichigo sighed. "I'll think about it."
Tatsuki nodded. It was at least something. "How abut this: I'll think about being your lieutenant, and you can think on coming back to the dojo."
Grimacing, he relented. It was only fair, really. "Yeah, ok. I still want you tested tomorrow and I still have to ask if I can make it official.
:: Woah-oh-oh-oh like its News from the Front::
Looking around, Ichigo scrabbled for his phone somewhere in the bottom of his school bag. "Hello… No I didn't have plans for tonight…. Yeah, I can. What time?" He asked, looking at his alarm clock. "I have plenty of time then. So the idiot didn't pass his drug exam again, huh?… I'll see you in a while then." Tatsuki raised an eyebrow in question and Ichigo shrugged. "Chad's lead didn't pass his drug exam, again, so they needed someone to cover for him. Again." Ichigo scoffed, standing up and grabbing a pre-packed bag with clothes for the concert, the next morning, and toiletries.
"You've done this before, huh?" Tatsuki asked, internally impressed that he was getting everything together in nearly no time flat.
"A few, Yeah." Ichigo grimaced. "It wasn't so bad at first, here or there, but now its pretty much every concert. Most of the fans probably think I'm the regular lead, not the sub." Shaking his head, Ichigo did a final check through his bag before shouldering his guitar case. "Wanna come? I don't think you've seen Chad play before, have you?"
"Sure. I just need to call Dad first." Nodding, Ichigo opened the door and let Tatsuki go first, having already pulled out her phone.
"Tell him that you're not coming back here tonight. Yuzu hates the smell of smoke in the house. But if you want, we can drop you off at your house after so you can get some sleep."
Tatsuki nodded. "I can leave early and walk home myself if it gets too- hey Daddy!" The other side picked up and Ichigo went to find his family, but not before giving her a look. Vale Tudo champion or not, she was not walking home alone at that time of night.
"Hey, Dad?" He called, peeking around the door to the TV room. "Chad called and needs me to cover for him, so I'm crashing at his place tonight. So, ah, have fun with your date tomorrow." Isshin gave his son a big grin and an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
"I will, you can count on that! I'm going on a hot date with a hot woman. With the most seductive pair of-"
"Karin, Yuzu." Ichigo cut in, turning to his sisters. "After breakfast, we'll meet at the Urahara Shoten. Sorry I can't walk over with you."
"It's ok, Nii-san, go have fun." Yuzu looked up from her club project and flashed her brother a smile.
"Yeah," Karin rolled her eyes and planted her foot in Isshin's face ("Eyes, I was going to say eyes!"), "Break a leg, Ichi-nii!"
Tatsuki snapped her phone shut and joined the family. "Ready?"
"Yeah. You?"
"As long as I get my homework done and we're not late for school on Monday, they're cool." Nodding, Ichigo led the way out with one last round of goodbyes and good luck.
"Ichi-nii, you're late." Ichigo stumbled into the shoten the next morning, yawning and rubbing the moisture out of his still-wet locks.
"It's only nine Karin, I still have an hour." Ichigo protested, slumping against a wall.
"Not when you're the last one here." She stated and Ichigo actually looked around the room.
"...Oh." Aside from the twins, and Tatsuki, Orihime and Chad decided to come along as well.
"My fault." Chad spoke up, raising his hand. "We got breakfast bentou." Indeed in his other hand was a small bag with two small boxes and two bottles of juice.
"I guess we can eat later then." He shot a longing look at his breakfast before turning back to Urahara (whom looked like had a similar case of morning fatigue), "Is everything ready for us then?"
Nodding through a yawn, Urahara nursed his cup of coffee. "All you need is to activate it like a regular senkaimon. The matter converter is automatic. Have fun, good luck girls, and thank you for choosing Urahara Shoten for all of you shinigami needs!" It was a valiant effort for cheer, but he only had a soft pillow on his mind.
Peeling himself off the wall, Ichigo gestured for the others to follow as he slid aside the tatami concealing the entrance to the underground training facility. "Be careful, It's a long way down." He cautioned, helping Yuzu onto the ladder. "I'll follow in a minute."
"Ichi-nii." Karin held her brother up, holding out a familiar folded cloak. "Dad said you forgot this." Grimacing, Ichigo nodded and used his badge to pop out of his human shell before taking the haori and putting it on reluctantly.
"Thanks Karin, I did forget it."
Karin snorted, reading her brother's expression instead of his words. "It's a captain's cloak like Toushirou's, isn't it? If you didn't want to wear it, hide it better next time Ichi-nii." Ichigo nodded, walking his sister to the trapdoor.
"I'll try, now go. I need to talk to Geta-boshi for a minute." Watching his expression for a minute, Karin finally nodded and started down with the others. Whatever was worrying Ichigo so much he would tell them when he was ready.
When he was sure that Karin was actually going down the ladder, Ichigo picked up his body and laid it on the guest room. "Oi! Geta-boshi." He spoke softly from the shopkeeper's door.
"Yes, Ichigo? I something the matter?" Urahara asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
"No, not really. I just want to thank you for adjusting my gigai last weekend."
"Gigai? For what ever are you talking about?" He asked from behind his fan, hiding his flash of panic.
Ichigo snorted, rolling his eyes. "I'm sick of people lying to me about this. And either you or dad started it. I'm dead. I know I died before I saved Rukia and I really don't care. I'm just glad that the gigai you made from my body has held up this long, but its dying, isn't it?"
"Its decomposing, yes. Your spirit energy is burning out the energy channels I installed faster than I would have liked." Ichigo liked getting straight answers and he had found the only time he could get them was when both of them were not awake enough to play games.
"How long?" He kept his voice neutral, not wanting to seem anxious.
"This is what you're really asking about, is it? How long do you have with your nakama and family on this side." Ichigo nodded reluctantly. "Five years, tops. That is, if you actually learned to control the flow of your energy. But how you've going at it, I think you would be lucky to last the next six months." Taking a steadying breath, Ichigo nodded.
"Anything I can do to make it until graduation?"
"I would suggest staying out of your body as much a possible and leaving it here on your weekends so I can do repairs." Ichigo nodded and turned to leave. "Oh-ho, this is going to rack up quite the bill!" Urahara chirped, fluttering his fan and hoping to get a rise from the boy.
Ichigo stopped halfway out the door and lowered his head. "Dying always does. And its worth the cost." He murmured, heading off to where the others waited in the basement.
Dropping his infamous fan onto the table Urahara went back to his coffee. "We all knew it was a risk when everything settled down." Yoruichi crawled out from under the table in her cat form and propped her head on his knee. "That his body couldn't take the influx of power when we gave him the power boost this time. It's not like it was just Rukia again."
"But he didn't die outright." Yoruichi couldn't help the small rumbling purr as Kisuke absently rubbed her favorite spot. "He has time to put his affairs in order before moving on. And that's more than many can say."
"During the Ginjo incident, did you see him?" Kisuke whispered absently. "We were going to give him a choice, to become a shinigami again."
"For him, there never was one." Yoruichi spoke just as quietly. "And yes, I did. I never believed that someone could nearly kill themselves with just the loss of the will to live."
"Ichigo is a unique boy, we knew that the day he was born." Isshin excused himself with a wry grin, Stating that the front door was open. "Rukia had the right idea, if he was given any more time, he would have killed himself. There was no time to give him a choice."
The other two agreed. "Ichigo is happier dead than he ever was being human." Yoruichi gave the father a cat-smile, "Watch him when you get there and you'll see just how well he fits. He was meant to be a shinigami. There's no doubt abut that."
"Speaking of which, why didn't you go with him this time?"
It was an odd light, seeing a cat shrug. "Didn't feel like it. And what about you? I thought you'd be long gone and off to see Masaki by now."
Isshin tried to be serious, he really did. "I will, just as soon as I won't get caught right of the bat. Masaki wanted to keep it a surprise as long as possible." They could tell that he was excited to see his beloved wife again., but the nervous fiddling with his old captain's cloak told of his nerves.
Down in the basement, Ichigo caught up with the others by the senkaimon. "Onii-chan?" Yuzu asked, eyes unfocused slightly, "Is everything ok?"
"Yeah, I just had to talk to Urahara for a minute." He stepped close to his sister. "How well can you see me Yuzu?" She scrunched up her eyes and tilted her head to the side slightly.
"You're a little fuzzy at the edges, but I can mostly see you. Like when I look up after studying for a while." Ichigo nodded. It was better than he expected.
"Good. Are we ready to go then?"
"We were waiting on you Ichigo." Tatsuki spoke up while Karin rolled her eyes. Nodding, Ichigo took out Zangetsu and stabbed into the middle of the gate. Feeling the tip catch on the invisible lock, he twisted his zanpakutou like a giant key.
"Unlock." The gate opened into a white and purple void as half a dozen black butterflies flew out. "We have escorts this time, but if something happens, run like mad. Chad?" He nodded toward Yuzu and the gentle giant nodded back. If anything happened, he was to grab Yuzu; the only one that wasn't trained to deal with the tunnel's sudden shifts. "Then let's go." Ichigo entered first, followed by Tatsuki, Orihime, the twins and Chad bringing up the rear.
Stepping out of the other side unscathed, Ichigo breathed a sigh of relief. They were deposited at the main senkaimon gate after an uneventful trek through the precipice world. If he was honest with himself, it was the most definitely not his luck that every time he traveled the dangai, the sweeper decided to make one of its 'random' trips through. Clown-face denied anything to do with the sweeper, but he has doubts that the claims are true.
Looking around, Tatsuki quickly got over her awe, "So, where to Boss?" She snickered when Ichigo gave her a look.
"We're going to the thirteenth to do your testing, then we'll figure out where to go after that." He said with a small shrug. "If we don't mind splitting up for a little while, I know that Toushirou wouldn't mind a visit from Karin and you seemed interested in the eleventh yesterday." Tatsuki gave a half-nod in agreement. "So we'll just agree to meet up at the hill before fireworks. Then."
"We should meet up a little before, Onii-san, so we can have snacks before the show starts." Yuzu piped up, gesturing to her backpack. Ichigo was chagrined about Yuzu's snacks and being enough or not, but he didn't want to crush the hopeful expression on her face. It was one thing when Dad had that look, but it was a whole other animal on Yuzu's face.
Nodding, Chad turned and left. "Oi, where are ya going Chad?" Karin asked, the first to notice Chad leaving.
"Eighth, then Hisagi-fukutaicho's guitar lesson." The gentle giant shrugged his guitar case into place over his shoulder and gave the dark twin a thumbs-up before walking off again.
"Oh. Ok." She blanked, still caught off guard whenever he did something like that. what a dork.
"A-ano, I have to get going too." Orihime danced from one foot to the other and played with a bracelet she was wearing. "I promised to help the SWA with a project."
Sighing, Ichigo gave a dismissive gesture. "You don't have to stay with us. Go have fun and tell Matsumoto that I'll bring Karin over when we're done."
Nodding, Orihime launched herself at Tatsuki for a brief hug before stepping back. "Don't worry, 'Hime, I'll tell you what happened tonight." Tatsuki gave a reassuring smile, ignoring the flutter of nerves that exploded in her belly.
"Ok, good luck!" And with that Orihime peeled off to wherever the meeting was being held this time.
"I guess we should get going then." Ichigo gestured for the girls to follow before internally cringing. Chad still had his bentou and he'd likely have to go get it later, probably while the girls were being tested.
Taking a route he knew well, Ichigo managed to avoid most of the people that would delay them. "Oi! Ichigo!" Except Renji.
"Yo." Greeting the lieutenant, he made to pass him.
"What are you doing here so early?" Whatever task Renji was on was clearly forgotten as he matched pace with the teenager. "and nice haori, by the way. Kurosaki-taichou. it looks good on ya."
"Well, Aburai-fukutaicho, I'm taking my sisters to the thirteenth to get their reiatsu levels officially tested."
Looking between the three girls, he cocked his head to the side like a confused puppy. "I didn't know you had three sisters."
"Close enough." Ichigo put his hand on Tatsuki's shoulder and squeezed briefly. "We've known each other-"
"I've been beating this idiot up since we were four." She said with a challenging smirk, hands planted on her hips.
"That's not- You haven't beaten me since we were twelve!"
That's because you won once and then refused to fight me again!"
"Because you were sulking and you wanted me kicked out."
"That's why you left?" she couldn't believe her ears, "Because I was throwing a temper-tantrum."
Ichigo blinked, then blinked again, then tilted his head to the left. "I left because I beat the strongest person there short of sensei and the street gangs were starting to be a problem." He looked away, suddenly finding the off-white wall fascinating. Oh, did that crack get bigger? "I talked to sensei and we both agreed that until the gangs stopped going after me, that I would stay away so you wouldn't get hurt again"
"I can take care of myself." Tatsuki was unconvinced and Ichigo startled her by grabbing her right arm suddenly.
"I didn't want this to happen again." He looked into her eyes and rubbed a long, ugly scar that ran across her forearm with a matching one curled from about mid-bicep to her shoulder with his thumb.
"Yeah, fine." She looked away briefly, touching the top half. "But that doesn't mean that you or dad shouldn't have told me instead of you just never showing up again."
"Would you have left me alone if one of us told you?" Tatsuki met his stare with one of her own in defiance.
"Of course not. But then it would have been my fault if I get hurt, not yours." Ichigo stared and Renji winced. Even he knew that wasn't how it worked. They stared at each other, neither backing down until Renji gave an awkward cough.
"I haven't introduced myself." Renji shifted his weight when her intense stare turned to him. "Aburai Renji, Fukutaicho of the Sixth Division."
"Arisawa Tatsuki." She said shortly before giving Ichigo a final look and a huff, turning away. "Unlike you, I don't go out of my way to attract idiots. I'll be careful." Ichigo gave a relieved smile and a friendly head bump.
"Thanks, that's all I want." Turning to Renji, Ichigo gestured behind himself. "Renji, You've seen them before, but this one is- uh?" Putting his hand back to plop it onto one of his sister's heads, it met with nothing but air. Turning around, he realized they were nowhere in sight.
"They went that way, Oblivious-nii" Tatsuki snarked, pointing back where they came from. In his panic, Ichigo flashed to the closest alleyway, only to release a quiet sigh of relief. The twins were not even five feet away from the end, with Karin leaning casually against the wall and Yuzu kneeling in the dirt, playing with a cat.
"C'mon, Yuzu, we need to get back before Ichi-nii notices we left."
"But Karin-chan-"
"Too late." Ichigo crossed his arms in full-blown big brother mode. "Next time you-"
"Look, onii-san, I found Raku!" Yuzu chirped, holding the cat up for her brother to see. The boy and cat started at each other, blinking, before Ichigo shuffled slightly to the side to see Yuzu's bright face instead of the cat's eerie green eyes.
"Raku? Are you going to make a muffler out of it?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and a nearly-blank face.
"Onii-san!" Yuzu huffed, pulling the thing in closer for a hug, "You're mean!"
Cracking, Ichigo Smirked and landed his hand on Yuzu's head "Warn me before you disappear, Ok? You scared me. Same goes for you, Karin." Karin opened her mouth to protest but Ichigo shook his head and cut her off. "I know you're both thirteen now, but this is Seireitei, not Karakura. I'm still not even comfortable letting Inoue off by herself, and she has quite a few friends here."
"Isn't that a bit overprotective.?" Renji asked, earning a look from all of them. "Right. Forget who I was talking to." Renji raised his hands in defense. "I feel sorry for whatever kid you have one day" he muttered, earning a laugh from the dark-haired twin.
Ichigo decided to take the high route and ignored Renji's last comment. Turning, Ichigo planted his hand on Karin's head and pressed down enough to make her give a slight bow. "This one is Karin and that troublemaker is Yuzu." He went to ruffled her hair, but the cat got to him first and managed to leave four neat lines across the back of this hand. "Ow! Sonofa-!" He hissed out, retracting his hand and cradling it in his chest. After a moment, Ichigo inspected the wound to see the tell-tale sign of his hollow regeneration forming alabaster-white lines of bone that would fall off within the next hour. Shaking it out, he put his arm to his side, hiding the healing.
Puffing out her cheeks in annoyance, Yuzu hugged her cat closer. "That's what you get for calling me a troublemaker, Onii-san" Turning to Renji, she put on a brilliant smile and bowed. "I'm Kurosaki Yuzu and this is Raku and I'm glad to finally meet you."
"Err, yeah." Renji rubbed the back of his head and bowed back. "Aburai Renji, Lieutenant of the Sixth division."
"I remember! You were the cop that shot at daddy." Yuzu chirped, "Please don't do that again." It wasn't the same smile, but the supposedly 'innocent' sister gave him the same vague feeling as Unohana-Taicho. She's frightening.
Managing to get around the damn cat without catching its attention, Ichigo Ruffled Yuzu's hair. "We should get going. Renji, weren't you off to do a chore?"
The redhead winced, "Yeah. Ah, shit, I'm going to be late to the office now. I guess I can get it tomorrow." Ichigo raised his eyebrow and Renji waved it off. "Its nothing."
Ichigo nodded. "See you tonight for the fireworks?"
He shook his head and sighed, "I pulled short straw this year, so I'm likely not getting out until after everything's done." Ichigo gave Renji a sympathetic look.
"Guess I'll catch you later then."
"Yeah, later." The lieutenant waved, heading off to the sixth barracks (and, Ironically, back where he was coming from originally).
"This way." Ichigo bobbed his head back the way they were heading before running across Renji. "We're almost there." He commented absently, watching above the maze-like walls for the tall trees of the Thirteenth's training ground, unlike the Twelfth and their observatory/labs and the Eleventh's barren wasteland; of which they had already passed. Feeling a petite hand grab on to his, Ichigo gave it a small squeeze before looking to see who it was. He wasn't surprised that it was Yuzu's. "Yes?"
She held Karin's hand as well and swung both her siblings' hands absently. "Onii-san, what is the testing like?" The cat was staring at him as well from where it was wrapped around her neck lazily. And he could swear that it had the same intelligent look that Yoruichi had in her feline form.
"I just want to know that your reiatsu levels are, and if I need to talk to the old man about a tutor or if we can wait until later." The girls looked at him expectantly and Ichigo deflated. "No, I don't know what the testing is like exactly, but I asked Ukitake-san to do it, so it'll likely be the easiest testing they have."
He tried not to show it, but Ichigo was relieved when they turned the last corner and the gates to the Thirteenth division stood proudly before them. It was still early, so the gates were still closed with guards on either side, obviously reaching the end of their shift. "Hideyoshi, Ichiro, Morning." Ichigo internally sniggered when the two unseated snapped to attention. Those two seemed to always pull overnight guard duty.
"Kurosaki-san!" The both greeted and Ichigo held out his arms and turned around to display the white haori. "Kurosaki... taicho?" one asked and the teen nodded.
"I still don't care about titles, but Rukia'll kill me if I don't start correcting people." Ichigo shrugged and plopped his hands back onto the twins' heads. "Is Ukitake-san available?"
"Hai, taicho." Ichigo chirped. "He's in the Ugendo since he wasn't feeling that well last night."
"But its nothing serious." Hideyoshi waved her hands to waylay Ichigo's concern, "He just has a small headache." Ichigo nodded and waited for the duo to open the gate for them. Secretly, he was impressed at the care and loyalty that the frail captain inspired in his subordinates.
Finally crossing the threshold, Yuzu looked around and gasped in pleasant surprise. "Its so pretty!" Ichigo couldn't help but to nod in agreement. The Thirteenth was fashioned in a traditional sprawling manner, with most of the buildings consisting of only one story. The landscape was well taken care of with quite the variety of trees and flowerbeds that created wonderful meandering paths between the various courtyards.
"I don't know how Ukitake's doing, so I'll leave you with Rukia for now." Ichigo led the girls along the most direct route, consisting of walking along the porch that stretched the entirety of the main building, absently tracking Rukia's unique signature. When it came to tracking, he still had issues when it came to picking out general acquaintances in a crowd, but if it was someone close, he could find them relatively quickly. Then again, at this time of day, he wasn't surprised to find her already in the office, working on her (and quite a bit of Ukitake's) paperwork.
"Hey." Rukia greeted absently, finishing the signature on her current paper before looking up. "We didn't expect you for another hour or so. Ukitake-taicho is still in his Ugendo. Hey girls." She smiled and stood up, accepting her hug from the light-haired twin.
"Should we wait then?"
"You don't have to. I can have the girls stay here while you go talk to him."
Nodding a thanks and getting reassurances from the girls, Ichigo left in a small burst of shunpo, just enough to get him to the edge of the lake and the wooden walkway that led to the Ugendo. It was a glorified shed, really, with two walls that could be opened completely or covered with curtains, depending on the weather, with a tatami floor and the standard tiled roof that seemed common with the higher-end buildings in Seireitei. "Ukitake-san, are you in there?" Ichigo called from about halfway down the walk, getting closer.
"Ah, Ichigo-kun, good morning." Ukitake peered around the wall that faced the walk. "We weren't expecting you until later. Have you had breakfast yet?" He asked, seeing Ichigo's tired eyes.
"Not yet." She shook his head, blocking a yawn with the back of his hand. "I forgot to grab my bentou from Chad before he went to visit. I'll grab it later."
Ukitake nodded. "Did you have any issues with the senkaimon this time?"
"Thankfully, no." Ichigo gave a relieved grin. It was almost a running joke about the use of Urahara's portals being… tricky. Technically Ichigo could form his own by now, but it was easier to use the one already set up.
Ukitake nodded and stood up, placing his meal tray in the corner to be picked up later. "That is good to hear. Is it safe to assume that your sisters and your other friend made it safely as well?" He asked, already leading Ichigo back to the office.
He followed a half step behind the elder captain and nodded. "We decided to meet at the shoten and I thought Chad and I were going to be the first ones in, but we were actually the last. Inoue, Arisawa and the twins didn't want to wait."
"Ah, so Inoue-san is here as well. And Ishida-san?"
"He said that he was busy." Ukitake nodded in easy acceptance though they both knew that the boy tried to avoid shinigami as if they were the plague, though he had grown more accepting recently.
"Understandable. Please wait here for a moment." Ducking into the room they were just passing, Ukitake came back shortly with an intricately-decorated box about the size of a large hardbound book, which he carried flat. Catching Ichigo's curious look, Ukitake smiled and jostled the box slightly. "Our testing materials for today. There are several methods to test reishi, but I find this the most informative and the least intrusive style. Most prefer using a reishi collector to measure a spirit's levels, but it doesn't necessarily say anything about their potential and where they would have the most success. And there is the sensitive method, which uses individuals with psychic talent to investigate the soul's… soul and their inner workings. The problem with that method is that souls with the potential for psychic ability are few and far between and would theoretically only be able to test a few souls at a time. Plus with the moral implications, we reserve the testers that we do have for extreme circumstances, such as when the soul is being subconsciously guarded with their abilities. Take Hisagi-kun for instance. He failed the entrance reishi exams twice before they called in a psychic evaluator. It turned out he was repressing Kazeshini even before the zanpakutou manifested itself and that was causing the problems."
Ichigo nodded along, fascinated with the information he was being given, but his eyes were tight when Ukitake started speaking about psychics. "So, the psychics," he paused, trying to form the correct question. "Can just go into anyone's mind, whenever they want?"
"What?" Ukitake startled, "Oh, no. All of the psychics that I know of either use touch or some sort of trigger, such as activating their sword's special ability. Also, it takes quite the effort, from what I have heard, so all of the secrets that you wish to keep are safe." He gave a reassuring smile, which Ichigo returned only partially. The tightness in his eys remained.
Reaching the door to his office, he gestured for Ichigo to go first. He did so and sat down between his sisters and Tatsuki while Ukitake sat down and placed the box between them on the low desk. "You can come closer, everyone, no need to be shy." Ukitake smiled and gestured to come joining him around the low desk as he opened the box to reveal what looked like a normal stationary set with a bottle of ink, a very fine-tipped brush and pieces of paper cut in various sizes. "Rukia-chan, would you like to participate as well?" He asked, extending an invitation to his Fukutaicho.
"No, thank you, Ukitake-taicho." She replied, looking between two reports.
The Taicho nodded and looked at the four 'children' surrounding him. The two older sat on either side of the desk, while the twins sat directly across. "To start off, welcome to Soul Society. My name is Ukitake Joushirou, Captain of squad Thirteen." He said in a complete teacher mode and gestured for Tatsuki to go next. Sitting this close, he understood why Ichigo wanted his advice concerning two of the girls, but not quite sure of the little flaxen-haired one. It almost seemed as if the cat perched on her head had more reiatsu than she did.
"Arisawa Tatsuki. Sub-tacher at Ryoutora Karate Dojo." Ukitake raised his eyebrow. Apparently Ms. Arisawa was unimpressed by his title by giving one of her own.
"And second place in Women's national Vale Tudo, am I correct?"
If anything, Tatsuki sat straighter. "Hai. And I'm planning on taking first in a few months."
Ukitake smiled, wishing the girl the best of luck before turning to the dark-haired twin. "Kurosaki Karin. Captain of Karakura middle soccer team and part-time hollow hunter." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ichigo Grimace. Ah, so this was the true reason why he had brought the girls to be tested.
"Not if I can help it. Ichigo muttered darkly.
"Hey, someone had to pick up your slack, Ichi-nii, and it definitely not that afro guy." She yelled, raising up slightly on her knees.
"I think what your brother is trying to say," Ukitrake raised his hands, trying to mediate. "Is that he doesn't want you to get hurt." Ichigo nodded in agreement. "If you wish, and with your father and brother's permission, there is a possibility to set up some casual lessons for you, all three of you, so that you can be safe." Ichigo was unhappy, but it was the best solution that Ukitake could suggest. "And you must be Yuzu-chan, correct?" He sidestepped back into introductions, letting the two more forceful Kurosaki siblings calm down.
"Oh, ah, Yes!" Yuzu chirped, bobbing her head. "Kurosaki Yuzu. Pleased to meet you." Ukitake gave her a welcoming smile in response. He could tell she was nervous and more than a little out of her element, where her sister and brother's friend had taken to the environment like a fish to the ocean.
"And you too. I hope that you enjoy your time here today. Now," Ukitake uncorked the ink bottle and laid out a piece of paper about the size of a bookmark. "Ichigo-kun, would you mind helping me demonstrate this test?"
"Aa, sure. What do you need me to do?"
"I just need your dominant hand. There we go." Ichigo held out his right hand and Ukitake took it gently in his left, palm up, and took up the fine-tipped brush in his right. Dipping the brush, Ukitake drew glyphs on the pad of each fingertip. "The ink and paper themselves are nothing extraordinary, but they react to a soul's inherent reiatsu if combined in a certain way." Finishing the designs, Ukitake turned his hand over and pressed the fingertips onto the paper for a five-count before releasing his wrist. At first, nothing happened except for four reflected prints from the ink. Then, at once, the whole paper changed colors, centered on the four points, before charring and curling at the edges. "Interesting."