.IX.


It's been over three weeks now and since then Kyuubi has not returned back to the shop. He wasn't lost, Urahara knew where he resided, but did not try and force the creature back… not yet.

Soul Society was keeping things suspiciously low. Nothing was heard from Soul reapers for some time now. It was nice and quiet and Naruto was happy to take that silence for as long it lasts… for he had a feeling it might not be for long now.

Ichigo was exhausted. He had trained with the Visored guys for weeks now, trying to get his split sides under control. Ever since joining the Visored company, he thought his control would improve... but it showed not much of a change, especially since he hadn't felt the presence of his Hollow for a while now. 'Where is that bastard anyway?' Even Zangetsu was keeping his mouth shut and didn't tell him anything, which only aggravated Ichigo further.

"Come on, Ichigo! Not feeling tired already, are ya?"

With a loud shout, the young Kurosaki pushed himself from the ground and charged against that mockingly grinning bastard of a Visored.

..

Chilling under the tree, Naruto thought that it was a hopeless wish on his part to receive some form of peace, especially in this restless city. And he wasn't proven wrong when a couple of brats decided to ruin his day by showing up. Opening one eye, Naruto saw in the distance two of Ichigo's friends taking a walk in the park. An orange haired girl and a tall muscular teen. Spotting him, Orihime waved her hand and reluctantly began taking her first steps to get to him, more of politeness than anything else. Naruto however was tempted enough to just stand and impolitely leave, but something stopped him. There was a sudden shift in the air.

Orihime and Chad also felt it and turned curious looks to the sky. A Garganta was slowly tearing itself open. Like a wall of blocks, a gaping dark hole opened between clouds and two Espada made their appearance. Yammy – a huge giant of a man with darkish skin and long ponytail stood smirking widely, while his pale companion Ulquiorra stood calm and collected, staring with poisonous eyes at two humans below them.

Naruto recognized those two and from the tense shoulders of Ichigo's friends, he could guess that seeing such occurrence was not something unfamiliar to them. He did not need this now…, taking a silent step back, Naruto blended in with the forest. To his surprise, the big guy and the girl stood their ground, determined and unscarred to stand face against such an inevitable threat… or was it just plain stupidity? Naruto smirked.

..

Ichigo startled. 'What was that?' he felt a sudden chill going down his entire back. That distraction was just enough for him to receive a hard blow to his stomach and he coughed out a spit of blood.

"Concentrate fool!" Hiyori barked at him, resting a dark oak bo on her shoulder. "How do you intend to stand against your enemies with so much air in your empty head? Although that would explain a lot of your progression so far…"

"Aa. Perhaps you should just give up?" Kensei offered not too helpfully.

Ichigo grounded his teeth, "Shut up!" he spit in irritation. "I can do this! Just you watch!"

Hiyori snorted, "Well? I don't have all day!"

Before his irritation turned to rage, Ichigo flinched, there was another disturbance and that really made him gasp. Something was wrong… something bad was happening back home.

..

Naruto would lie if he said he wasn't even a little impressed, those teens were revealing a lot of potential and laying out quite a mass of concealed power. The big dude had put up a show by revealing that unbelievable strength within, as while the girl displayed her ability through an unusual healing method. Naruto had never seen anyone able to replace such huge quantities of cells before. Well, no one except…

Though aside the fascinating show, both of them could not stand long against such foes as the Espada. Within the next few moves, Naruto saw the big guy going down and the next thing that went was the girl, who got smacked so hard that it was a miracle she could still stay conscious after being flung aside like that.

On impulse Naruto felt himself want to jerk forward and intervene, but halted just before somebody else decided to do things for him. Wind suddenly picked up and Naruto blinked, not a moment later a black-clad figure had appeared before Orihime, blocking Yammy's massive fist. If it wasn't for that orange head, Naruto would think it was one of the reapers… then again, Ichigo was no different now.

Cold chestnut eyes regarded Yammy with steel gaze, clearly screaming that he's not going to let the Espada hurt his friends anymore, even at the cost of his own life. Naruto's eyes narrowed and a judgemental frown crossed his forehead.

With one powerful roar from Yammy – a fight broke out. Ichigo was letting his anger free, his feelings and rage merging into one. After seeing his friends' state, he was releasing his emotions in a mess of attacks. Though as hard a fight as Ichigo pulled, it was not enough. He was tiring too quickly. Naruto could see that Ichigo was putting up too much force into his attacks, which as a result exceeded his strength much quicker. At this rate he won't stand a chance against Yammy's brute force, let alone Ulquiorra, who luckily was yet to move from his spot.

The loud-mouthed Espada found an opening and suddenly grabbed Ichigo with his large hands, squeezing him until the youngster's bones grazed one another. For a brief moment Naruto felt his breath hitch, his fingers curled but he didn't move; he could not interfere, not…

Suddenly a flash of lightning energy went right pass Naruto and he watched as it tore through the big guy's feet, making him drop Ichigo. A shapeshifting female reaper appeared and caught Ichigo in her arms and quickly brought him to safety, next to his injured friends.

Naruto's scowl turned to bore into that freakishly calm and annoying shopkeeper that to no surprise was now standing next to him. White eyes peeked from beneath a silly hat, staring at Naruto in quizzical curiosity. All Naruto did was look back with hate, as if answering Kisuke's unspoken question.

Clearly Urahara was questioning Kyuubi's ill response when Ichigo was attacked. 'Not even gonna lift a finger, are you?' Why wasn't he running head first to save Ichigo? What was going on in that demon-ed mind?

Yammy and Ulquiorra were surprised to see Naruto – one more than the other. "You!?" Yammy hissed, more in undescribed hatred rather than anything else.

Cutting their intense stares, Urahara stepped in front of Naruto and smirked, placing his cane in front of his feet. "You two cause a loud commotion. I'm afraid I can't allow you to proceed any further. Your travel ends here."

"Bring it on!" screamed the large Espada, though was cut off by the other.

"We're leaving."

"HUH? But Ulquiorra!"

"We were sent here to investigate, nothing else. And clearly you can tell that there's hardly anything worth to have Aizen's attention. Trash as far as an eye can see." without another word the green-eyed Espada walked away.

The big Espada Yammy huffed but obeyed the shorter one's command and followed. "Fine. But what about akuma?"

Looking over his shoulder, Ulquiorra showed no change of emotions, not even when he saw the named 'akuma' looking towards a group of beaten teenagers with something the green-eyed Espada could not recognize. "Later." With that, the two disappeared through Garganta, but not before casting a quick glance at the orange haired girl.

Looking up from barely conscious Ichigo, Orihime paled when her eyes met with Kyuubi's and she quickly looked away, feeling shy and scared altogether by such an intense and critical stare.

Naruto's eyes lowered, he saw the way Ulquiorra had set his eye on the girl, or rather on her power. Whatever was going to happen, he knew that it'll hurt Ichigo dearly, but he also knew that that was the way it had to be… Turning away, Naruto left; trying and failing to ignore those staring eyes of his once-raised brat follow him until they closed and fell into unconsciousness.

Urahara and Yoruichi exchanged looks and a silent agreement was made.

"I'll go ahead. You prepare the rest." with one nod, Yoruichi ran off.

Urahara closed his eyes with a sigh. It was too bad, he was kind a enjoying this questioning mystery that resolved around the demon and all that he stood by, but… Game over. Turning Kyuubi into an ally was proven as a pointless effort and who was to say that the demon wasn't harbouring the same idealism as Aizen? They dared not risk any more, it was final, they're going to take the demon out of the picture before he becomes an even more of a problem than he already is.

'I just wonder… how Ichigo will take it?'

..

As the following day flew by and night approached, Naruto found himself standing on one of the neighboring house roofs while staring at a familiar house across the street. The Kurosaki residence. The house was no different from last time he saw it, except perhaps that renovated side of a wall right next to the garage. A freshly painted part of a wall stood out from the rest like an eyesore. The blond arched his brow, wondering who could have caused such destruction to the house.

His curiosity was suddenly brought to a halt when he spotted a mild glow in one of the upper rooms of the house. As far as he recalled, it's Ichigo's room. Naruto frowned in confusion; it was that orange haired girl. What Naruto quickly noticed was that she didn't look like a living being. A shiver went down his back, it was her spirit walking into the room and approaching Ichigo's unconscious form.

The strange yet overly shy girl wasn't there to do bad, Naruto knew that much… she was there to say goodbye.

Naruto set his mouth in a thin line, her kindness and those warm words she spoke to Ichigo's ears only made Naruto sink into a long since forgotten memory. He couldn't help but draw a slight bit of resemblance in this scene… something that has happen long long… long time ago.

Lights suddenly switched on in the first floor and Naruto startled, his eyes quickly shifting towards it. It was Isshin, coming downstairs to get himself a glass of water or milk. Naruto smirked, that man never could sleep unless he got his fill. Sitting himself down, the blond turned his attention back to the second floor. Orihime was gone and Ichigo was still out of commission, snoring pretty healthily.

With a light sigh, he closed his eyes and searched for Yuzu and Karin's energies. Girls were in their rooms. Yuzu was talking in her sleep, while Karin was restless and she was moving out of her room. Naruto's eyes shot open and not soon after he saw the girl walk by the window of the first floor and into the kitchen where her father was. As far as Karin was concerned, Naruto still couldn't figure out a couple of missed bits and pieces. That attack she experienced a few days back was anything but coincidental… But why?

"Hi Dad."

Isshin blinked at Karin's abrupt entry. "Karin. It's 2am. Why aren't you sleeping?"

"I need to ask you something. It's important."

"Oh? So important that it couldn't wait till morning?" rubbing his chin, Isshin's eyes suddenly widened and he paled, "Is it about boys?"

The girl gritted her teeth and shouted out in embarrassment, "NO! And get that stupid look out of your face!"

"Oh don't be like that, sweetie, you're hurting daddy's feelings. And it's perfectly natural for a girl your age to start getting interested in boys, by the way."

"Urgh! You know what, forget it! This was a dumb idea!" Seeing her leave, Isshin ceased his chuckles and went after her.

"Oh come on, Karin. I'm just kidding. Come back, I'll listen now. Promise!"

Naruto sharpened his ears, listening in on the two Kurosaki members sitting in the living room and talking about… him? 'Huh?'

"I wanted to know, who took care of Yuzu and I when we were small?"

For a split moment Isshin's memories flashed back, but he quickly shook his head and smiled. "Why Ichigo did. Sometimes our neighbors also volunteered to take care of you."

"Did we ever have an official babysitter at our side?"

"Sure you did. He-…" Isshin abruptly stopped himself and cursed. He didn't want that to skip through his mouth. "I mean… not exactly."

Karin titled her head, her eyes staying fixed and suspicious on her father. "He? He what? And what do you mean by not exactly?"

"Well…"

"Dad. Are you trying to hide something?"

"Pff… wha? Noooo. …But anyway, what's with the sudden interrogation? Why are you so interested in this all of a sudden?" Isshin was honestly wondering what could ever bring such a question and interest to Karin all of a sudden. Did it really matter that much?

Karin lowered her eyes. "Do you… do you remember Ichigo's friend Kyuubi?" she asked.

Isshin thought for a moment. "You mean that odd chap you went to the beach with? Black hair, green eyes? Sure, I remember him."

Karin nodded and opened her mouth to continue, but suddenly stopped when her father's description of Kyuubi went completely astray. "Umm… no. Kyuubi's the blond one."

Isshin's smile faded. "Blond?"

"Yeah. How can you forget him? He's got blue eyes and strange whisker-like-markings across his face. It's not something you can easily confuse others with."

The glass Isshin held in his hand slipped through his fingers. "What did you say?"

Naruto swore, "Damn that brat," shooting up to his feet, his breath caught in his throat when he saw Isshin suddenly turn his attention outside the window. Naruto's eyes widened.

Rushing towards the window, Isshin jerked thin blinds away and looked at his neighbor's roof. No one was there.

..

Ichigo was not prepared for such a morning. Upon his consciousness he already felt that something was wrong, and it wasn't only in the air. Staring at his healed wounds, Ichigo jumped when Hitsugaya's sudden voice called him to attention.

"You must come with me quickly." ordered the short captain from his perch on the windowsill. "Get dressed."

Gathered inside Orihime's room were Hitsugaya, Rangiku, Renji, Rukia and the captain of the Gotei 13 seen through a TV-screen shaped monitor connecting then to another world.

Ichigo was in disbelieve, Orihime was kidnapped… and if that was bad, he couldn't believe what he was hearing them say. "What did you say?" youngster's voice rose against the highest standing commander.

Yamamoto's wise eyes peered from underneath his long eyebrows as he spoke to Ichigo with straightforward authority. "One human life is not worth the importance of the overall safety of the entire world, Ichigo Kurosaki."

"One human life? How can you even say such things?! We have to go and save her!"

"I will not accept this! War is at our door. Each remaining Shinigami is of great value right now. That includes you as well, Ichigo Kurosaki. You are more useful to us here than going on a blind goose chase," said Yamamoto, his voice slightly cracking through the live-conference device connecting him to the Human World. "Furthermore, Miss Orihime was taken by an Arrancar, it's more than likely she's already been killed. You might as well start dealing with that fact."

"She's alive!" yelled Ichigo, "She came to me last night and healed my arm! You can't just…"

"Enough! Hitsugaya!"

"Yes, sir?"

"You and the rest of the company are to return to Soul Society. We must fortify our defences. The same goes for the rest of you!" Yamamoto's command was final and on that remark the connection between Soul Society and Human World ended.

Rukia and Renji looked at Ichigo in worry and helplessness.

"Ichigo."

"Come, Rukia. We've been summoned." with one final look at Ichigo's defeated back, Rukia followed the Soul Reapers into their own world.

Ichigo felt something within him crack. Why? How could this happen? Fisting his hands, Ichigo slammed it against the wall, cracking the surface. Well if that's how they wished it, then fine – he did not care what the higher-ups say anymore, he will not listen to such heartless decisions any longer. He will rescue Orihime alone if he has to. Without any more hesitation, he ran to Urahara's.

..

Upon his arrival, Ichigo didn't think things could go any worse than they already had. Apparently he was wrong…

"What is going on?"

Yoruichi and Urahara turned to face the young man. Their appearance was something that made Ichigo halt. Both were dressed in their respectful Shinigami attires, their Zanpakutō revealed and strapped to the hip. Ichigo knew this wasn't something he got to see on regular basis. Something was horribly wrong here.

"…"

The adults were reluctant to speak, deep down they felt remorse for the young man. They both were well aware of the situation concerning Orihime, thus including the reason of Ichigo breaking the shop's door; but what they had to do now could not be postponed for much longer.

"Warui na~ Ichigo." said Urahara, pocketing a strange tracking devise inside his robes.

Ichigo felt his gut turn upside-down, 'Is that…? No. It can't be.'

"But we can't help you. Not right now at least."

"What?"

"We know what happened with Orihime." Yoruichi didn't beat around the bush. "Don't worry, it's more than likely that she's kept alive. Aizen doesn't take people randomly to his world. There must be something he needs her for. If he wished to kill Orihime, he would've commanded it to be done on the spot. There's still time to save her. But for now there's something else we have to deal with." Yoruichi stopped in front of Ichigo and tussled his hair. "Sit tight kid, this won't take long. We'll be back soon."

'Take long? What'll take long?' "Back from where?"

"From amending one of my biggest mistakes." answered Urahara as he followed Yoruichi out through the backdoor.

Even if he did have a clue, Ichigo was fed up with this whole secrecy and demanded a clear answer, no matter how much he knew he will regret hearing it. "Urahara! Tell me now!"

The shopkeeper stopped in the middle of the exit, his foot hanging over the threshold. "I'm sorry, Ichigo," sparing him an apologetic look, Urahara exited the shop with a light whisper. "I'm going to kill Kyuubi."

A line tore through like a cross and Ichigo felt something within him break entirely; shattered pieces of unexplained emotions dissolved into nothing and faded away with part of his being he didn't know existed… not until he met a demon named Kyuubi.


:Translations:
Akuma – demon
Warui na – sorry~

:A/N:
Lots of thanks to: violentyetawesome, Lightningblade49, Apathetic Manipulator, Crystalzap, bostafu, K. S. T. M, Fumetsu Kaji, Eternal-DreamWriter, AnjoRemix, Yulisa, Guests, Melodien, Miss Elizabethh, Yuki180, 7thDwarf, Snow-Nightshade, Jade Nine, Pink Blood, priceless22, Yaoi-Bitch, alemery, IhumakitukPeople & AlexisHunter! ;))