Ichigo awoke to the same thing he had those past few days. To his left was a tuff of shaggy blonde hair tucked affectionately to his side. On his chest was a tuff of wavy green hair nuzzled as far as it could into his chest. And to his right was a tuff of straight purple hair which was fit snugly next to him. Ichigo smiled happily.
His usual scowling mood had changed a lot these days. He still sported his usual scowl mostly in school, and emphasis on mostly. Some of his fellow classmates had seen him literally smile for the first time ever since they knew him. And that was all thanks to his three wonderful girlfriends, Tia and Yoruichi at school and Nel at his home. And when they were all together he smiled almost non-stop. Yuzu had been seeing his mood greatly improve ever since they had been told of him dating the three. He then thought about the previous day's incident at school. He was sure he'd be the talk of the school for about a week or two. Then there were rumors so the rest of the school would probably find out by the time school started back that Wednesday. Hell they probably already knew already, but it didn't bother him.
He said that if confronted with the question of him being asked if any one of them was his girlfriend then he would say a definite yes. He wouldn't even try to deny it. So that's what he did...just in a way that showed off his usual aura of badassery.
It's nice and sunny here, Ichigo. I would very much like to keep it that way, Zangetsu said from his partner's inner world.
Not where I am. It's nice and dark. It's not really effected by your mood, Alucard piped in making Ichigo chuckle.
What about your part of my inner world, Kyoka? Ichigo asked his illusionist of a partner.
It's nice. I've always liked the beach. It reflects whatever you're feeling, but if I try hard enough I can make it to almost anything I want, Kyoka responded with a smile in which Ichigo felt.
At that moment Ichigo felt something stir to his left and saw Tia lift her head up with a sleepy look in her eyes.
"Good morning," she said with a lazy smile.
"Morning, gorgeous," Ichigo replied with a smile causing her to blush and smile larger.
A second later Nel stirred and looked up with a bit of drool hanging from her mouth. "Morning, Ichi," she said with droopy eyes and a small smile.
"Morning, beautiful," he said with a smile. Like Tia, Nel smiled largely and blushed.
"What, no 'good morning' for me?" Yoruichi said to his left with a joking smile on her face.
"Alright, fine," Ichigo said with a smirk. "Good morning my little kitten." Ichigo had to bite back a laugh.
Yoruichi lost her joking smile as a blush overtook her features. "I'm gonna get you back," she said with an evil smile as Tia and Nel laughed.
It was about nine 'o clock when Ichigo had finished eating the breakfast he made for everyone. He left a couple hundred dollars on the counter in case they wanted to order a pizza or wanted to do something while he and Yoruichi were gone. He figured why not leave a couple hundred out on the counter. He was rich after all.
His goodbyes with Tia and Nel were a little emotional. Tia kept up the façade that she was fine with him leaving, but he saw through that. Nel was crying and wouldn't let him go so Tia basically had to drag her away from him. Well, actually, all that was after they had gotten some pretty heated kisses. Public groping (mostly on Tia and Nel's parts), and grinding included. That surprised him, though. He didn't really expect it from them, well not so soon at least.
Ichigo smiled one last time to Tia and Nel before blowing a kiss in their direction before he and Yoruichi drove off in the Challenger towards Urahara's shop.
Ichigo stopped at a red light in the middle of town about ten minutes away from the deranged shopkeeper's place and looked over to Yoruichi of who had been gazing at him for the past five minutes.
"Whatcha lookin' at?" Ichigo joked with a small smile before grabbing her hand and squeezing it.
"Well I'm just thinking about how I'm gonna get you back later. Looking at that cute face of yours helps me think clearer," Yoruichi responded with a smile before winking at him.
Ichigo snorted and then thought about something that he had been curious about for the past few days. "Hey, Yoruichi, what's with the major personality change these past few days?" the teen asked.
Yoruichi chuckled before looking directly into his cinnamon eyes. "Well it's all because of you, Ichigo. If you haven't noticed Nel and Tia have also been acting a lot happier when you're around. Tia's been talking a lot more than she used to, from what her fraccion have said, and Nel's been almost ecstatic when you're around. You're the reason we're acting like this, Ichigo...but don't expect me to be like this all the time," the Flash Goddess winked. "Oh and Ichigo?"
"Hmm?" he responded with a smile.
"You're gonna have to break the news to Byakuya," she said cryptically.
"About what?"
"About you gaining the title 'God of Flash," Yoruichi smirked. "Every goddess needs her god." She said before kissing him on the cheek.
Ichigo laughed as the light turned green and he continued his drive to Urahara's both of them oblivious to the dumbstruck Keigo and curious looking Mizuiro that were on the sidewalk not ten feet from his car.
...
Ten minutes later Ichigo pulled up to Urahara's shop and both he and Yoruichi stepped out of the car. She didn't close her door so he walked over, opened the glove compartment, and pulled out the black envelope before shutting his car door and locking it.
When Ichigo was about to open the shop door he turned his head to Yoruichi to smile at her but not a moment later the door opened and a cane struck Ichigo in his head causing his body to fall. "The Hell was that for, Urahara?!" Ichigo yelled to the blonde shopkeeper.
Kisuke didn't respond, but instead looked at Yoruichi with a grin on his face.
"I swear to God, Kisuke, don't you dare-," before she could finish he had already struck her in the head as well. She pinched the bridge of her nose as her gigai fell.
"Consider that payback from yesterday," Hat n' Clogs grinned as he waved his fan.
Ichigo fumed but instead of hitting him he just rolled his eyes as he lifted his body and entered the store with Yoruichi in tow, her gigai over her shoulder as well.
When Ichigo found the usual place he put his body he sat it down and reached in the pocket the envelope was in and placed in in his haori side pocket.
"So it seems your dad finally gave that to you, eh?" Kisuke said from behind Ichigo causing the Captain to jump mildly in surprise.
"What do you mean by that, Hat n' Clogs?" Ichigo asked the scientist.
"Oh, you'll have to figure that out for yourself," Urahara said cryptically.
"Stupid fucking riddles," Ichigo mumbled to himself causing Urahara to chuckle.
"Now, here is your personal Hell Butterfly," Kisuke said snapping his fingers causing a Hell Butterfly to fly next to Ichigo and land on his shoulder. "I assume the Head Captain already told you how to use the personal senkaimons?" Urahara asked.
"Yeah, he did," Ichigo responded.
"Well off you go and make me proud for me to call you my student!" Kisuke said comically pointing a finger at Ichigo with a large stupid grin on his face.
Ichigo and Yoruichi both sweat-dropped, but instead they settled with throwing a chair at the shopkeeper. "Whatever. See you Urahara," Ichigo said as he opened a senkaimon and both he and Yoruichi disappeared into thin air.
...
"Haven't been here in a while," Yoruichi said as she took in the scenery of the Seireitei from atop Sogyoku hill.
"I'm sure Sui-Feng'll be happy to see you. I've got some things to do anyways. So take your time, but meet me at the academy about two, alright?" Ichigo asked with a smile.
"Alright, will do, Captain," Yoruichi purred as she kissed him fully on the lips before shunpo-ing away.
Ichigo smiled as he saw her flash-stepping away. Normally people would barely be able to follow her movements, or in some cases not at all, but to Ichigo it was as if she were walking. Thankfully that was only if he was concentrating. If it happened on its own then the entire world would probably be in slow motion for him.
Ichigo sighed as he thought about Kyoka Suigetsu and then about her previous wielder. Sorry about this, Kyoka, Ichigo said to his female zanpakto partner as he readjusted her so that she was now at a ninety degree angle so that she was almost completely out of view from outside his sleeveless haori.
I understand completely, Ichigo, Kyoka said from her part of Ichigo's inner world smiling at him.
K-King, Hollow said shakily. It was almost as if he sounded...afraid.
What the Hell's wrong with you? Ichigo asked his counterpart.
I knocked some sense into him, Alucard said with a maniacal laugh.
Get that thing away from me! Hollow screamed.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow, but then heard a growl from something animal-like in his inner world. What the Hell is that? Ichigo asked Alucard.
Oh nothing. Just a Hell Hound, Alucard laughed again. I'll teach you how to summon them at a later date.
Ichigo sighed as he continued to look over the Seireitei. He then figured out what he was going to do first. Better go see Ukitake. This thing is bugging the Hell outta me, Ichigo thought as he shunpo-ed towards the thirteenth division barracks.
Once he arrived at Jushiro's office he was met with Kiyone Kotetsu, the third seat of the thirteenth division. "Captain Kurosaki! It's nice to meet you, sir!" Kiyone said standing at attention.
"You too, Kiyone, is it?" Ichigo asked the small third seat.
"Yes sir!" she responded.
Ichigo released a chuckle. "Is Jushiro in? I need to speak with him," the teen said.
"Yes he is, Captain Kurosaki. One moment," Kiyone said as she opened the door behind her to reveal a meditating Jushiro Ukitake.
"Ah, Ichigo! Come in," Ukitake said with a warm smile as he stood from his position on the deck and reseated himself at his desk. "You may rise, Kiyone," Ukitake said with his smile never wavering as Kiyone nodded and left the room.
"You may put your...sword...over...there, Ichigo what happened to your zanpakto?" Ukitake asked the teen as he noticed the newly shaped Zangetsu, but failed to notice the two firearms hanging from his shoulders.
"Oh, you noticed that," Ichigo said sheepishly, "Zangetsu taught me how to change his shikai shape because I, uh," Ichigo gulped. He was also glad that the first person he would tell would be Ukitake.
"I must admit it is extremely rare to find someone so young being able to perform an elder captain-level technique," Ukitake said as he noticed the still standing Ichigo's nervousness. "Now, now, Ichigo. You may tell me anything. We are friends after all, correct?' Jushiro asked as he placed a sound-proofing kido on the room. "Whatever you are about to tell me will not leave this room unless you want it to, alright?" Ukitake said with a reassuring smile.
Ichigo nodded as he began to tell Jushiro about his new...assets. Kyoka materialized sometime during the explanation just after Ichigo placed all his weapons on the wall to help her partner better with the explanation. Ukitake was very attentive when she materialized and nodded in understanding to everything she said.
"So that's how it happened," the now sitting Ichigo said releasing a sigh as Kyoka dematerialized back into his inner world.
"That's quite the story," Ukitake said releasing a sigh of his own. "I have no problem with you having Aizen's zanpakto, Ichigo. I know you are a fine young man. And I would not let Mayuri get a hold of those firearms if I were you," Ukitake said releasing a laugh in which Ichigo soon followed. Jushiro released the sound proofing kido after a moment and then he spoke up. "Kiyone, may you tell Captain Kyōraku to come here, will you? And if he is with his lieutenant then please tell Nanao to stay outside with you, if you could?" Ukitake said with a smile and gentle tone not even opening the door, but they heard a 'yes sir' from the other side of it. After about ten minutes of small talk Shunsui opened the door to Ukitake's office.
"Ah, Ichigo, what a pleasant surprise," Shunsui said jovially as he closed the door while Nanao waited outside as asked.
Ukitake and Ichigo both smiled back but no sooner Ukitake reinitialized the sound proofing kido and asked Shunsui to take a seat.
The captain complied and was about to put his zanpaktos where Ukitake and Ichigo had both of theirs, but noticed the new swords and firearms. "I see you changed Zangetsu's shikai, Ichigo, but who's sword and firearms are these?" the Captain of the eighth division asked with a raised eyebrow.
Ichigo and Ukitake both glanced at each other but before Ichigo could reply Shunsui cut him off, "Ah now I remember. That's Aizen's zanpakto. It's a habit of mine to remember every sword that's cut me names," Kyōraku said all the while smiling.
Jushiro and Ichigo's left eyebrow twitched.
"But these guns are something else. Nice pieces of work, they yours, Ichigo?" Shunsui asked as he took a seat next to the teen.
"Yeah," the captain of the fourteenth squad replied scratching the back of his head. He then proceeded to tell the story the same as with Ukitake to Shunsui but by himself this time.
"That's quite the tale," Shunsui said scratching his chin.
"That's what I said," Ukitake replied. "Well, Ichigo, it looks like you're going to need some dual wielding training."
"So you guys have no problem with this?" Ichigo asked to the two elder captains.
"Not at all," Ukitake said to the teen with a gentle smile.
"Nope, but others might not be so lenient, Ichigo. But if it looks like you're in a fix at the captain's meeting this afternoon we'll stick up for ya," Shunsui replied with a jovial smile.
"Alright, thanks, guys," Ichigo said with a light chuckle. "Hey, Jushiro, I've got one more thing to ask you," Ichigo said looking at the white-haired captain.
"What is it, Ichigo?" Jushiro replied looking curiously at the teen.
"Do you know what this is?" Ichigo asked as he showed him the black envelope.
Ukitake's and Shunsui's eyes widened as Jushiro shakily took the envelope.
"Something wrong, Jushiro?" Ichigo asked.
"This...is a Kurosaki Noble House authentication letter," Ukitake said as he and Shunsui immediately bowed to Ichigo.
"What the Hell?!"
...
Yoruichi was currently walking through the second division barracks towards her little bee's office. The Goddess of Flash decided to let Ichigo be the one to let other people figure out their relationship. So her usual rumor spreading self would be put to rest...for now. But when just about everyone knew she would shout it out form the rooftops just to remind them. She was happy. She was very happy. Sharing or not she was still happy. Ichigo had peaked her interest the day she met him. She always had the feeling that there was something special about him. And she couldn't have been more right about that notion. Even before they had officially started dating she got a warm giddy feeling any time they were near. And those two days under Sogyoku Hill she had to fight tooth and nail not to just jump him, especially when they were in the spring. Did she feel like a cradle robber? Nah. Ichigo was a man among men even at the age of fifteen so if something had of happened back then, then she wouldn't have felt the slightest of guilt from it.
Back to the task at hand, Yoruichi had currently opened the door to the second division captain's office to see Sui-Feng's slob of a lieutenant lazily eating chips on a nearby sofa and her former apprentice busy doing paperwork at her desk. Yoruichi honestly had no idea how he even got the job.
"Omaeda. Out. Now," Sui-Feng commanded not looking up from her desk.
In a surprising flash of shunpo the lieutenant was at Yoruichi's side with a salute, a few crumbs on his chin, before he was out of the room.
"Now what is my little bee doing?" Yoruichi teased as she walked on her tip-toes over to Sui-Feng's desk.
"Same thing as always, Lady Yoruichi, paperwork," Sui-Feng said with a downtrodden tone as she signed another paper and then added it to her completed stack.
"I see you have your arm back," Yoruichi said trying to make small talk before she broke the news to her little bee.
Sui-Feng didn't respond immediately but instead just looked at her left arm and flexed it a couple times before continuing her paperwork. "That ryoka girl sure has some amazing powers, Lady Yoruichi. She restored my arm the day I lost it. It was as if it was never even gone," the captain of the second division said still in a depressed tone.
"What's up with you?" Yoruichi asked as she went to the front of Sui-Feng's desk to look the petite shinigami in the eye.
Sui-Feng sighed. Put her pen down, moved the papers that were in front of her to the side, and then proceeded to bang her head against the desk repeatedly.
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow.
"It's the ryoka-er Captain Kurosaki," Sui-Feng paused as she stopped the banging though a large red mark was evident on her forehead. "Some of us have been alive for centuries. Head Captain has been alive for two thousand years and this boy just shows up out of nowhere, defeats a monster like Kenpachi without his bankai, then learns bankai in three days where it took some of us half a century, defeat one of the most powerful captains after just achieving it, defeats the bount leader, and then he defeats the man that took down over ten captain-class shinigami and he wasn't even trying! That...that's just not right!" Sui-Feng screamed anger prevalent in her voice.
"Sui-Feng. That was because he did things that most of us didn't. Some of us still don't. He trusted his Zanpakto. Sure he has hollow powers, but I'm pretty sure he did those things without them. He communed with his zanpakto. He trusted it with his very life. At the Captain's meeting today I have a feeling that is what Head-Captain will bring up," Yoruichi paused. "So if you want to get stronger to serve your amazing Lady Yoruichi, then that's what I suggest you do. I suggest that's what everyone does. If I still had mine I would have been doing it the day I found out what he did to achieve that power," Yoruichi paused to look Sui-Feng in the eye, but the Flash Goddess turned away so that she wouldn't have to look Sui-Feng in the eye with this news. "Speaking of paperwork and Captains I hope my new division doesn't have that much."
"You're joining the Fourteen Court Guard Squads again, Lady Yoruichi?! That's great! Are you going to take the third squad Captain position?" the now surprisingly up-beat Sui-Feng said standing up to hug her Lady Yoruichi just after she vented her anger.
"That's the thing...I won't be taking a Captain's position. I'll be a lieutenant," Yoruichi said sheepishly, scratching the back of head with a small smile on her face.
"Wait...all the other divisions already has lieutenants and two already have Captains...so...I'LL KILL HIM!"
...
"Wait, wait, so let me get this straight. There are five great nobles house. The Kuchikis, the Shihoins, the Yamamotos, and then there was the Shiba house, but it fell from power, right?" Ichigo asked receiving nods from Jushiro and Shunsui. "And then there was the Kurosaki House. Which was the fifth, but greatest. You said it 'bred greatness since its founding?'" the Captain said receiving yet more nods. "And the Kurosaki house is the parent house of the lesser noble houses, the Ukitake and Kyōraku houses." More nods were received. "And this letter makes me the eighteenth head by right?"
"Yes, you've finally got it," Shunsui said tiredly pinching the bridge of his nose.
"And 'The Forge' is what the Kurosaki noble compound is called because 'that's where heroes are made'?"
Jushiro nodded.
"Huh, I never knew that my dad was the Head of a noble clan. Well that's one kick in the ass for him when I get home," Ichigo chuckled to himself. "So all I have to do is show this to the gatekeepers and they'll let me through the gate?" the teen asked holding up the envelope.
"Yes. And I recommend going there as soon as possible. The Kurosaki house had done surprisingly well without a head, but it's always in the clan elders' best interests to find a suitable head as quickly as possible," Jushiro explained.
"What time is the meeting tonight?" Ichigo asked.
"It starts about six tonight," Shunsui replied.
"Alright, well that gives me enough time to go to the academy to pick out my third through sixth seats. I'll stop by there tomorrow, alright? It's in the valley in between all the four noble houses in the noble plane, right?" Ichigo asked.
Shunsui nodded this time.
"Alright, thanks guys. We'll start the training within the week. I'll just give you two a heads up. Anyways I got to get going. I've gotta meet my future lieutenant at the academy. Meet you guys at the meeting later tonight, neh?" Ichigo said with a smile standing back up and putting on his shoulder holsters and readjusting his zanpaktos at his waist.
"Wait, who's you future lieutenant, Ichigo?" Ukitake asked his new charge. It wasn't really like Ichigo needed a charge, but it was one of the main duties of the Ukitake and Kyōraku houses to protect the Kurosaki house, even if they did not require it.
"Yoruichi Shihoin," Ichigo said with a smirk as he opened the door to the office and flash stepped away leaving a dumbstruck Jushiro and comically crying Shunsui.
...
"You're late," Yoruichi said jokingly with a smile as she pushed herself off of a wall she was previously leaning on.
"Only by five minutes, jeez, Yoruichi," Ichigo said smiling right back as the pair walked past the main academy gate.
"So why'd you have to go to Jushiro's office?" Yoruichi asked with a smile as the two started their walk through the academy. Right away all eyes in the courtyard were directed towards them.
"Well, it turns out that I'm part of the Kurosaki noble house and I'm the head by right. And it's also the parent house of the Ukitake and Kyōraku houses," Ichigo said sheepishly with a stupid smile.
Yoruichi's eyes widened in surprise but soon settle back down and she just looked at Ichigo with a smile on her face. "Now you've got two things to tell Little Byakuya later," she said cryptically.
"And what is it this time?" Ichigo said sarcastically with a grin causing Yoruichi to nudge him.
"That you now outrank the Shihoins and Kuchikis in noble status," the Goddess of Flash responded.
"Oh this is gonna be good," Ichigo said with an eerie smile.
"Did anyone question you having three zanpaktos?" Yoruichi asked her God of Flash.
"Well Ukitake and Shunsui are the only ones who know and both agreed to teach me how to dual wield. They even said that if anyone calls me out about having Kyoka Suigetsu in the meeting tonight then they'll stick up for me," Ichigo said with a smile. "How'd the meeting with Sui-Feng go?"
"Well...short story is she kinda wants you head, but I told her it was fine about me being you lieutenant, but she still kinda wants your head on a silver platter," Yoruichi said with a hollow chuckle.
"I would honestly like to see her try," Zangetsu said materializing beside Ichigo walking with the two.
"Seriously," Ichigo responded releasing a chuckle. The three were also receiving many odd looks from the nearby students.
"Don't underestimate my little bee now, Ichigo," Yoruichi purred as she was currently being ogled by some of the male students...of which Ichigo quickly made them back off with a single glance.
"You're about as protective here as you are in the real world, Ichigo," Yoruichi laughed.
"Damn straight," Ichigo replied with a smile.
"Most of them have clearly never seen a zanpakto spirit," Zangetsu said as he passed a few academy girls of whom each giggled with excitement at the sight of Ichigo.
The teen chuckled as he pushed open the main door to the main study area of the academy. Ichigo looked inside one of the classrooms and it seemed like a college classroom mostly. He then noticed what the class was studying by looking up to the white screen.
"Wow. They're already teaching about me?" Ichigo asked as he propped himself up against the entrance of the classroom to look at the video of him facing Aizen. The teen looked around the classroom to see a bunch of seemingly 'love struck' girls ogling him on the screen and then envious boys.
"Now it seems that all of Soul Society will know our most powerful technique, Ichigo," Zangetsu said with a chuckle.
"Actually I don't think they planned on that. See. They cropped the video," Yoruichi said as she propped herself on the parallel wall. Sure enough right after Ichigo had changed into his Final Getsuga Tensho form the video cut to where Aizen was laying on the ground with Kisuke and a reverted Ichigo in front of him.
"Thank God they did," Ichigo sighed.
"Ah. Captain Kurosaki. I did not see you there. You either Yoruichi Shihoin," the instructor said. However Ichigo's jaw dropped as he realized who it was.
"Ran Tao?!" Ichigo said with his jaw halfway to the ground making the class laugh. Zangetsu laughed before dissipating.
"Greetings, Ichigo," Ran said with a gentle smile as she ushered the two out of the room.
"Long time no see," Ran Tao said with a gentle smile as she closed the door to the classroom.
After Ichigo had found his bearings he blinked a number of times before asking the same question most did these days. "Weren't you exiled?"
Ran removed her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose before readjusting them. "Yes, but I was offered a job here at the academy about three weeks ago as the superintendent. So I am now in charge of this place. The previous one got attacked by a hollow out in the Rukongai outskirts or something. I never really looked into it, but I did have one condition for joining," she paused.
"Which was?" Ichigo asked but was cut off when a voice called out.
"I found the papers you wanted, sweetie," Go Koga said holding up a stack of papers walking towards the three of them now dressed in a standard teacher blue-grey robe and blue undershirt.
"If they let my husband be exempted from all charges placed against him. And myself of course," Ran said as Koga walked up and placed a kiss on her forehead before looking at Ichigo.
"Long time-no-see, Ichigo," Koga said nonchalantly outstretching a hand towards Ichigo.
Ichigo shook the hand and looked dumbstruck.
"Honey, will you take over the class? I have to help mister Kurosaki here pick out new members for his squad," Ran said placing a kiss on Koga's cheek.
"I heard about the promotion, Ichigo. Congratulations. And of course," Koga said with a smile as he entered the classroom and closed the door behind him.
Ichigo had to shake his head rather roughly to register what happened. He then looked at Ran Tao with a questioning look on his face.
"What? Over the year and a half we spent together we grew rather close so we decided to get married," Ran Tao said pinching the bridge of her nose again. "Whatever, let's just go," she said walking towards where the graduated students were housed until they found a squad.
After about five minutes of small talk they arrived at the training area where the graduated students were.
"Well here we are. If you have any questions I will be helping the students," Ran Tao said as she walked over to a student of who was having Hado #33 explode in his face.
"Well, I'll look around Yoruichi. See if you find anyone, eh?" Ichigo smiled.
"Alright, will do, captain," Yoruichi purred again as she walked over to a group of students.
Ichigo looked around for a moment but no sooner a group of snobby noble graduates swarmed him. Despite being an unofficial noble himself he still had very poor views when it came to most nobles. He figured the Kuchikis, Shihoins, Ukitakes, and Kyōrakus were fine, but the others were just...horrible. After seeing what each could do he respectively declined each of them seeing as how he at least wanted them to know their zanpakto names. None of them knew them.
He sighed and looked over to a group of four over in the top part of the training area. I sense they each know their zanpakto names, Kyoka said from his inner world.
What makes you so sure? Ichigo asked.
When I was Sosuke's zanpakto he would use me to analyze each and every aspect of his enemy. From their breathing patters to the way they held their swords, to how much reiatsu they were putting into each attack. I may teach you at a later date along with some of my techniques, but I think we may have found our third through sixth seats, Kyoka finished with a smile.
Ichigo nodded and made his way over to where the four were standing.
The graduates had very distinct characteristics. One was about five foot eleven with shoulder-length dirty-blonde hair and blue-green eyes and had an average build. They each luckily had name tags. His read Chishiki O Hikerakasu, but it had the name scribbled out and under it just said 'Chis'. His zanpakto was a normal looking katana with a beige sheath and yellow wrappings around the hilt.
The other looked rather...disturbing. He looked to be about in his late twenties. Ichigo remembered something he watched on T.V. one time. This guy looked a lot like...Vandal Savage? That's gotta be a coincidence, Ichigo thought. He also had on a pair of wire-framed glasses and also had on...doctor gloves? He wore the standard shinigami fittings much like Chis. And his zanpakto was...a butcher's knife stuck in his left shoulder? Ichigo shivered. I like him, Alucard said from Ichigo's inner world releasing a dark laugh. His nametag read Zetsumei Yonda.
The next one was rather tall, about six feet. He had an above average build with muscles being shown, long waist-length brown hair. His left eye was green while the right was brown (Apacci would love him). His zanpakto was much like his eyes. The sheath was brown while the hilt wrappings were green. He wore the standard shinigami vestments, though he did not wear socks with his sandals. His nametag read Katashi Hara.
The last of the strange group was another tall one that rested at six foot two. He was rather lean, but not the body builder type. He had hair that was styled similarly to Grimmjow's but it was white. His eyes were also an odd color taking on the hue of red with hints of orange. His zanpakto was a huge nodachi with cloth around the blade, proper hilt, and had white cloth wrappings on the hilt. His nametag read...Michael? Huh...that's odd, Kyoka piped in. In which Ichigo had to agree. It was odd to have no last name and have an English name.
"Ya see. I was runnin' so fast that hollow couldn't catch me and then I stopped and turned that poor pig inta bacon. It looked yummier than a turkey on Thanksgivin', but we can't eat hollows so I just settled for eatin' when I got back," the one called Chis said with a smile on his face and rubbing his stomach as if hungry.
"I may be able to recuperate quickly but if I were able to eat a hollow then I might be out for a few weeks," the one called Katashi said with his arms crossed leaning up against a nearby wall.
"I do not know my dear patients. They might be tasty," Zetsumei Yonda said licking his lips.
"I know you have odd tastes, Yonda, but that does seem like something disgusting," Michael shivered sitting on the ground propping himself against a wall with his sword resting across his lap.
"I dunno. Maybe if you slow roast it with some barbeque sauce then it'll be delicious. Just like your mom...oh shit! Cap'tn you guys!" Chis said standing at attention while the others mimicked his action.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow at the strange group, but Kyoka sounded sure, so he would trust her judgment.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, Captain of the fourteenth division. State your name and areas of expertise," Ichigo said sounding rather professional while crossing his arms.
"Chishiki O Hikerakasu. But ma call friends call meh Chis. My areas of expertise er zanjutsu an' hakuda. Imma zanjutsu expert and hakuda expert. Not very good with kido, though. I'm also a flash step practitioner," Chis responded, his slang and accent not effecting Ichigo.
"Katashi Hara. My areas of expertise are kido and zanjutsu. I'm a kido master for my level and my zanjutsu is a little below average. I'm also flash step capable, but I'm not very good at it."
"Yonda Zetsumei. I am a zanjutsu master for my level, practitioner in kido, though I am able to cast number four hado and bakudo without incantation. I am also an expert in healing kido. I do not know flash step, but I am able to move at faster-than-normal speeds."
"Michael. I am also a master of zanjutsu for my level and have average marks in kido. My flash step is also above average."
"Alright, follow me," Ichigo said walking past the four.
They each looked at each other before speedily walking to catch up with the Captain.
A moment later they arrived at the graduate training area. Ichigo turned to look at them. "I have a test for each of you. I am going to fire an above average compressed sokatsui-like projectile at you and you will block, or try to block with your strongest shikai attack. Am I understood?" Ichigo asked with a raised eyebrow. All four instantly had worried expressions on their faces. He then noticed Chis' left hand shoot up with a worried expression on his face.
"Yes, Chis?" Ichigo asked.
"Uh, sir. How'd you know we even discovered our zanpakto's names? Not even tha superintendent knows," Chis explained.
"That's my secret," Ichigo chuckled. "But no worries. I won't tell anyone."
They all sighed in relief. "Rock, paper, scissors?" Michael asked his other three friends.
"Same as always," they all said at once.
The loser of the first round was Yonda. "Looks like you're up first, Yonda," Ichigo said as he walked to the middle of the training area.
Yonda gulped as he drew his butcher's knife from his shoulder and Ichigo drew The Jackal.
"Ready whenever you're ready, Yonda," Ichigo said.
Yonda nodded and charged his reiatsu. "Second Ride: War!" Yonda shouted as his reiatsu was released and a blinding light was created.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow as the light, but his eyes widened as he saw the large broadsword and shield Yonda was now carrying.
Ichigo pointed The Jackal at Yonda and the Vandal Savage-like man nodded and charged as Ichigo pulled the trigger only allowing a tablespoon to be released. The compressed sokatsui-like projectile was slow and glowed red as it charged towards Yonda in which he swung his sword down in an arc causing a large volley of white energy projectiles to be released from his sword. They were each considerably smaller than the compressed sokatsui Ichigo released, but they were slowly eating away at it until it dissipated about four feet from Yonda.
That was not his strongest attack, Kyoka piped in.
Ichigo was curious but congratulated Yonda and asked him to take a seat.
The group of three rock, paper, scissored again and Katashi was next.
Once Katashi had gotten in position he nodded and released his Zanpakto. "Weep and Lament: Requiem Singer!" Ichigo raised an eyebrow at the headman's axe that sported a single straight blade. Ichigo had a curious look on his face as he heard a sad song about...his death?
"Kurosaki the carrot top will soon feel this blade against his neck then this Captain shall soon fall over dead while we simply go 'check'," (A/N Not that great.)
Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose as Katashi tried to quite his zanpakto. "Ready?" Ichigo asked slightly annoyed by the song.
Katashi nodded as he readied his stance and Ichigo pulled the trigger.
The compressed sokatsui-like projectile rocketed forward as Katashi charged the red ball and brought down the axe, but was met by some amount of force before it separated and exploded beside him.
"Good job," Ichigo praised.
Katashi thanked Ichigo before taking a seat next to Yonda.
The last two rock, paper, scissored once more and Chis was the loser. He walked to the spot where Yonda and Katashi were earlier all the while glaring at the smirking Michael.
"Tell me when you're ready," Ichigo said readying The Jackal.
"Make 'em suffer: Hametsu!" Chis yelled releasing his shikai. Ichigo looked to see naginata but with blades on either side of the now elongated hilt. The hand guard also disappeared. The blades also had different colors with black at the tips while the sharpened side was red. Chis nodded and Ichigo fired.
Chis jumped about ten feet in the air and brought his blade down on the red projectile only for it to dodge out of the way and come at him in a different direction. Chis deflected it and brought down the opposite blade on his dual-bladed naginata to slice the red projectile in half causing it to dissipate instead of exploding on either side of him.
"That was good. I like your quick thinking," Ichigo praised once more.
Chis bowed and sat on the opposite side of Yonda without a word.
"I guess you're up, Michael," Ichigo said as Michael ripped the cloths from his nadachi and stood with it to his right side.
"Sir, if you could, double the amount of power you are putting in your attack," Michael said with a serious expression.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow but before he could protest he heard Chis, Katashi, and Yonda give reassurances to him saying that 'Michael is the strongest of us.'
The Captain of the fourteenth squad shrugged and aimed at Michael.
"Ye who seek power, come unto me, and I shall give thee despair. Rise from shadows, ye angel of destruction! Gabriel Celesti!" Michael shouted. Ichigo squinted his eyes to see the nodachi gone only to be replaced by a pair of rapiers with white blades and black guards and hilts. A moment later Michael nodded.
Ichigo fired The Jackal with about a tea-cup full of reiatsu and the power was that equivalent to a Soren Sokatsui. Instead of dodging, Michael pointed both of his blades at the softball-sized shot and an odd thing struck Ichigo. The ball of energy did not explode, but was absorbed by the swords until they started to glow a bright blue.
It was silent only for Michael to break it, "Judgment Falls!" he shouted sending a blue cero-like attack at Ichigo. Definitely a third seat, Ichigo thought as he holstered The Jackal and outstretched his left arm. The cero-like attack struck Ichigo's palm only for it to dissipate a moment later.
Ichigo clapped as Michael let his shikai dissipated with his eyes wide. Ichigo noticed that the cloths were also readjusted around the sword. "I have to congratulate you all," Ichigo said in another professional tone as Michael made his way over to where his other three friends were. "Each of you are to be inducted into the fourteenth division. Congratulations," Ichigo said with a smile.
"Michael, you are a skilled fighter thinking to send an attack back to the enemy with his own energy. Chis, you have the quick thinking I want in a person. Katashi, while you think to overpower an enemy's attack, it's better to send an attack back while the enemy himself is attacking. You waste valuable energy simply overpowering the opponent. Nonetheless, you are skilled and I would be glad to have you in my division. And, Yonda, you need to trust people more with showing them your strongest attack instead of your second strongest," Ichigo smirked, "But, you will be a great addition to the fourteenth division," Ichigo finished with a smile aimed at all four of them. "Michael, you will a third seat, Yonda the fourth, Chis the fifth, and Katashi the sixth. Congrats," Ichigo smiled again.
It was silent until a loud 'eep' was heard from Yonda.
"Four is his favorite number, Captain," Katashi chuckled with an amused expression.
"I can tell," Ichigo laughed. "Gather your things and report to the fourteenth division barracks by four this afternoon. I'll see you there." Ichigo said with a gentle smile before turning around and leaving the area.
"Find anyone?" Ichigo asked as he found Yoruichi pinching the bridge of her nose with an aggravated expression on her face.
"Nope. I swear the academy's lowered their standards since the last time I've been here," the Flash Goddess sighed. "Have any luck?"
"Sure did," Ichigo said pointing to the new third through sixth seats walking back from the sparring area with smiles on their faces talking amongst themselves.
"That's a strange group you got there, Ichigo," Yoruichi said with a smile. "I'll have to get acquainted with my new subordinates later," she added laughing lightly.
"Yeah, but I want to check out the barracks before they get there. Get the room arrangements in order and all that. And I guess I'll have to trust them with choosing the rest of the seated officers and unseated ones. I won't be here all the time," Ichigo sighed.
And with that Ichigo and Yoruichi proceeded out of the Shinigami academy, the waves of students parting before them like with Moses and the Red Sea.
...
"I miss Ichi," Nel pouted as she flipped through the channels before throwing the remote over to Tia of which was growing more and more agitated every time Nel said that.
"It's only been an hour, Nel. And he said he'd be back in the next couple of days. We just have to hold out 'til then," Tia said putting up another façade. She was missing Ichigo as well, more and more with each passing minute.
"We should do something special for him for when he gets back!" Nel said with glee.
"Yeah, I think we should," Tia said with a light smile as she stretched making Mila-Rose snort.
"I don't see why you have to anything for that Soul Reaper, Mistress Halibel," She said with venom backing her words.
"And I don't see why you don't like Ichigo, Mila-rose," Sung-Sun defended.
"Because he's a Soul Reaper, you idiot! Soul Reapers have been hunting us like animals ever since recorded history! We're enemies and that's how it should stay!" the amazon angrily yelled to the snake.
"And what has Ichigo ever done to us? Nothing. He took us in, befriended most of us, tried to befriend you, and is letting us stay in his home with no cost to us. He even started to date Mistress Halibel and Miss Neliel," Sung-Sun continued to defend Ichigo. She held no affectionate feelings toward Ichigo, but she would defend him because he had made her Mistress happier than she had ever seen.
"Maybe he's trying to get us to lower our guards just to kill us when our backs are turned!" Mila-Rose yelled again trying to get out of the corner she was being backed into. "And who in the world dates more than one person! There is nothing but a conniving bastard right there!" Mila-rose said looking at Apacci looking for support, but she found none.
"One who cares enough about us so that the others would not be saddened," Tier said with no authority in her voice but one who was trying to defend the one she loved.
"We were the ones who asked him. Ichigo did not ask us," Nel said refraining from said 'Ichi' instead of Ichigo to silently say that she was serious.
"I think it would be better for you to try and befriend Ichigo, Mila-Rose. It was clear that he wanted to become yours. You as well Apacci," Tia said with a small smile.
Mila-Rose opened her mouth and closed it multiple times before nodding and sitting down with a defeated expression. Apacci didn't speak but nodded at her Mistress saying that they would at least try and become friends with Ichigo.
"What are you guys yelling about?" Starrk said coming in the room with a towel thrown over his shoulder and simple t-shirt and shorts on.
"Talking about guys," Tia said with a smirk.
"And that's where I leave," Starrk responded turning on heel and back out the room receiving laughs from the females. Maybe he'd go to the bar or chill in the Jacuzzi. Decisions, decisions.
"Where is everyone?" Sung-Sun said sitting on the couch adjacent to the one Mila-Rose and Apacci were sitting on.
"Ulqui's in the library, Grimm's in the gym. Last I saw Lily, she was still asleep," Nel explained receiving various 'oh's' from the group of females. She then thought about one thing Sung-Sun said defending Ichigo. No cost to us...
"I think it's about time we get a job," Nel thought aloud getting strange looks from Tia's fraccion. She didn't like it that Ichi was the one supporting everyone in the house. Even Yoruichi had a job albeit that was because she was going to be Ichigo's lieutenant, but still.
Tia thought about it for a split second before nodding. She didn't like it either. At first she thought that she was a burden to Ichigo, that passed but she still wanted to pull her weight. "I think we need to, too. And I know just the place."
...
"Huh. Didn't think my barracks would look like everyone else's," Ichigo said with a sigh as he made his way up the stairs towards the Captain's meeting hall with Yoruichi right behind him. Luckily all Lieutenants were supposed to attend this meaning.
"Can't expect everything to be different for you, Captain," Yoruichi said with a laugh.
"True," Ichigo retorted with a chuckle.
"And why'd you want to go sleeveless all of a sudden? To show off your muscles?" Yoruichi laughed again with a teasing smirk following it.
"I dunno. Thought it'd be cool," Ichigo said with a smirk.
"You may not act your age but you're such a teenager when it comes to other things," Yoruichi laughed lightly as she pecked him on the cheek before pushing open the meeting hall doors causing all eyes present to fall on him. The present Captains were, along with their lieutenants: Retsu Unohana, Byakuya Kuchiki, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Shinji Hirako, Sajin Komamura, and Kensei Muguruma. And then a man Ichigo did not recognize with Hachi standing behind him.
"Arriving a bit early, eh, Captain Kurosaki?" One Shinji Hirako said with a smirk.
Ichigo's jaw dropped. "Shinji?!"
"Forgot me," Kensei said with a smirk. "Sup, Yoruichi. You taking a Captain's position?" the ninth division Captain asked.
"Nah, Ichigo's lieutenant," Yoruichi responded making Kensei raise an eyebrow.
"Kensei!? What the Hell are you guys doing here?!" Ichigo's jaw continued to hang.
"We're Captains, numb nuts. Love and Rōjūrō woulda been here but they declined the Captain position. So the third division's spot is still open. A lot's changed in the six weeks since you were gone," Kensei said gesturing to a man with a piece of cloth in his uniform, two zanpaktos, and a long sleeve haori on. He had dark hair and a gentle expression.
"Shusuke Amagai. Commander of the newly reformed Kido Corps. Hachi's his new second in command," Shinji said nodding to the giant known as Hachigen standing behind Shusuke.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Ichigo Kurosaki. I've heard a lot about you," Shusuke Amagai said happily walking up to the fourteenth division Captain to shake Ichigo's hand furiously.
"Nice to meet you, too," Ichigo said sheepishly.
"Got some tattoos, Ichigo?" Kensei said with a smirk as Ichigo claimed his spot next to where the twelfth division captain was supposed to be with Yoruichi standing behind him. Ichigo swore he could have saw the fourth division Captain staring at him but she seemed to quickly avert her eyes when he looked in her direction.
"Nah. Just some personal seals I had to put on myself to keep my power at more manageable levels," Ichigo said with a sigh.
Kensei snorted just as Sui-Feng and her large lieutenant came in the doors of the meeting hall.
The petite Captain glared daggers at the teen in which he just sighed again.
"Don't let it get to you, Ichigo," Yoruichi rubbed his back with a smile.
Ichigo nodded and smiled back.
"So...wanna tell me why you have two pistols hanging from your shoulders, your cleaver is gone, and the fact that you have two swords at your hip?" Shinji asked.
"Wanna tell me why your bangs are lopsided?" Ichigo retorted with a smirk.
Kensei snickered but Shinji quickly shut him down, "You're one to talk Mr. Fluffy Hair," Shinji said with a sigh.
"Hey, fuck you!"
"You'd like that."
Meanwhile Unohana sighed which caused both men to shiver and immediately stop their bickering.
Ichigo snickered in which Unohana cast her gaze on him. He stiffened almost instantaneously but looked her way to see her continue to stare at him. She offered a small smile but this was not her dubbed 'smile of death' it was a more...loving smile. One that showed affection...weird.
Meanwhile Kenpachi Zaraki made his way through the chamber to his position next to Kensei with Yachiru hooked on his shoulder. "Sup, Ichigo," the giant said receiving a 'sup' from Ichigo as well.
A moment passed and Mayuri Kurotsuchi along with his lieutenant made their way into the hall and next to Ichigo.
Yet another moment passed and the final two Captains being Shunsui and Jushiro made their way into the hall with their respective lieutenants in tow one being Nanao and the other being...Rukia? Though an odd thing was, was that her hair style had changed. Her sides were cut but she still had that piece of hair hanging in front of her face.
"Ichigo!" Rukia said running up to him and hugging him by the neck causing Yoruichi to snicker and Unohana to huff.
"Hey, when do you become a lieutenant?" Ichigo asked as he asked her to politely get down.
"A few weeks ago, actually," she said with a smile.
"Hands off my woman," Renji said jokingly across the room making Ichigo raise an eyebrow.
"So you and Renji are...?"
"Yep," she responded as she took her spot behind Jushiro across the room.
"About time," Ichigo snickered. "Speaking of women...how are you and Kukaku, Byakuya?" Ichigo said hoping to get a ruse out of him.
"Quite well actually," Byakuya responded not batting an eyelash at the teen.
"This meeting is called to order," Yamamoto said as he entered the room and took a seat.
The first half of the meeting was useless things that didn't require any of Ichigo's attention whatsoever so he decided to zone out like he did in school. During the times he zoned out he mainly thought of Tia and Nel and how much he missed them and how much they probably missed him. He zoned back in a few times. One was when Yoruichi was formally inducted into the fourteenth division as its lieutenant, the second being when Ichigo had to explain him having to explain him changing Zangetsu's shikai shape, the two pistols hanging at his shoulders, and Kyoka Suigetsu now being in full view for everyone else to see. Alucard and Kyoka both materialized themselves to tell their story and Ichigo heard an interesting comment made by the second division captain.
"You actually let your zanpakto spirits roam around as much as they please? Shows you lack of control," she stated coldly.
"And you don't?" was Ichigo's reply causing various snickers. "Personally I think we should give more gratitude to the people that give us their power to use as we see fit," Ichigo said causing nods to go around the meeting hall effectively making Sui-Feng be shut down.
The Captains that were perfectly fine with Ichigo wielding Kyoka were: the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 13th division Captains. Head-Captain did not care as long as Ichigo did not start trouble with her. Sui-Feng for obvious reasons. Komamura for his like of justice and right things. Kensei, only because of the way she basically destroyed him in the fight over the fake Karakura town. Mayuri just because he was an asshole and did not like other people to have things that he did not have himself and Shusuke because of the way he was vaguely told about how mischievous the zanpakto's former wielder was. Their lieutenants, however, were all perfectly fine with it, except for Omaeda of course. The last time he zoned in was when he was asked if he was going to claim the title as head of the Kurosaki noble house. In which Ichigo replied that he was going to check out the place tomorrow to make his final judgment. In which Sui-Feng oh so lovingly replied 'just gives the brat that much more power,'
"This meeting is adjourned," Head-Captain stated as he left the room.
"What time is it?" Ichigo asked Yoruichi with a yawn.
"About nine," she responded with a yawn and stretch of her own. Meanwhile Shunsui and his lieutenant made their way over to Ichigo and his own.
"Oi, Ichigo. A few of us are going to go hang out along with our lieutenants. Wanna join?" the eighth division Captain asked jovially.
After a moment of thinking Ichigo shrugged and decided to join them in whatever their festivities were going to be involved with. He, Yoruichi, Shunsui and Nanao all exited the meeting hall to be joined by Ukitake.
"Rukia and Renji were going to go to the Rukongai for a date so I couldn't decline," Jushiro said with a chuckle as he followed the group.
After about five minutes of walking four onmitsukido operatives appeared next to Yoruichi, all with a tenshintai tucked under thier arms. "As you requested, Mistress Shihoin," one said as they handed Ichigo and Yoruichi the dolls.
"Thank you," She replied. "Watch over them each and if anyone questions them about being materialized then tell them it was authorized by Captain Kurosaki," she added.
"Yes ma'am," they said in unison waiting patiently for Ichigo to do his thing.
Ichigo took both Zangetsu and Kyoka from his side sheath and all and slammed them against two dolls causing them to be materialized. He then drew The Casull and put it against another so Alucard could materialize. He then materialized his mask in his left hand only to slam it against another.
"Hell yeah! About damn time, king," Hollow said vigorously.
"Make sure he doesn't get in trouble, guys," Ichigo said pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I'll make sure of that," Zangetsu replied along with a nod from Kyoka. Ichigo then noticed Alucard walking in a different direction than the rest of his partners.
"Hey, Alucard, where are you going?" Ichigo asked.
Not even turning around and stuffing his hands in his pockets he replied, "A very enthusiastic walk."
That answer sent chills down Ichigo's spine. "Follow each of them," Ichigo said to the onmitsukido members of which all nodded before shunpoing to a nearby roof. Three followed Zangetsu, Kyoka, and Hollow while the last followed Alucard.
Ichigo and Yoruichi turned around to see shocked faces on Shunsui's, Jushiro's, and Nanao's faces.
"What? They wanted to get out and I let them," Ichigo said walking ahead of the group.
...
"Please give us a job, Mr. Urahara!" both Neliel and Tia said pleadingly in unison getting on their knees, both of their hands clasped together.
Kisuke raised an eyebrow. "And why exactly do you want jobs? Last I checked Ichigo was a millionaire," he replied.
"That's the thing...we don't want Ichigo to have to support us all the time. We want to be able to help him," Tia responded.
"We want to be able to stand on our own two feet. Please mister Urahara! We don't want to have o rely on Ichi all the time!" Nel continued to plead.
Kisuke released a chuckle as he turned around. "I honestly don't see why you tow are pleading. I would have given you a job anyway. All you had to do is ask. You start tomorrow as my errand girls!"
Meanwhile on the opposite side of town in a night club ironically named After Life...
"I don't see why we need jobs," Grimmjow complained as he, Ulquiorra, and Starrk, all made their way to the manager's office for jobs as bouncers.
"Tia and Nel both had points. I don't want to be a hindrance to Ichigo as much as them," Starrk replied as he kept walking.
"I honestly would find it enjoyable to see intoxicated humans make complete and utter fools of themselves," Ulquiorra said releasing an almost inaudible chuckle. Walking through the streets with the grey skin and teal markings on his cheeks has raised some eyebrows but he did not care in the least.
"And plus we get all the free beer we want as long as we don't get drunk," Starrk added as they entered the office and sat down.
"So...both of you look tough," the manager said pointing to Grimmjow and Starrk, "but you...I think you might be too small for this kind of job," he said looking at Ulquiorra.
Ulquiorra merely blinked before standing and walking over to Grimmjow putting a hand on his shoulder.
"What the Hell are you..?" Grimmjow couldn't even finish his sentence because of the way Ulquiorra flipped him in the air and made his land face first on the floor.
The manager blinked. "You're all hired!"
...
"So this is what you guys do in your spare time? Play truth or dare?" Ichigo's eyebrow twitched. The group's location ended up being squad eight's Captain's quarters and the people who had attended were: Shunsui, Unohana, Nanao, Isane, disturbingly Toshiro, Rangiku, Ukitake, Ichigo, Yoruichi, Kensei, and Shinji. Kensei was fine with Ichigo, but he just didn't like the fact that he had Kyoka.
"Calm down, Ichigo. We've finished our paperwork and stuff. Or would rather play the game 'Who do you like or sexually awkward task?'" Shunsui said jovially with a glint in his eye.
"Isn't that the same thing as truth or dare?" Ichigo retorted with a smirk.
"Great! You're in," Rangiku said happily receiving a scowl from Ichigo as she stood and opened a door behind them to reveal three boxes full of sake bottles.
One hour later...
"I dare you to...to...steal Captain Kurotsuchi's make up," Rangiku slurred as she took a giant gulp from her bottle.
The currently sober ones in the group were: Toshiro, Ichigo, and Unohana. Yoruichi was half-drunk while Isane was totally wasted after only drinking half a bottle. Nanao had the same situation after only drinking one bottle. Shinji and Kensei had drunk five bottles apiece before succumbing to the wonders of intoxication. Shunsui had drunk nine bottles and was surprisingly sober enough to know what was going on. Rangiku had drunk six. And Ukitake had drunk three while he was working on his fourth. He had a very flustered face to add.
Shunsui nodded before exiting the room. About five minutes later he came back proudly holding up about six cans of different colored make up.
"Now...Ichigo. Truth or dare?" Shunsui asked. "Wait...who am I kidding. You've already picked truth three times. You have to pick dare!" Shunsui said causing everyone to laugh including Yoruichi.
Ichigo scowled. "Fine, dare," he said.
Shunsui smirked. The glint in his eye was back. He looked to Unohana and winked in her direction. She had had her eye on that boy for quite some time and only Shunsui had known about it. "I dare you...to kiss Retsu for thirty seconds!"
Ichigo's eyes widened and looked at Yoruichi and then to Unohana of which had a deep blush on her face. Ichigo looked at Yoruichi again of who nudged him with a smile. She was still perfectly aware of what was going on around her and she had known about Unohana's interest in the young man named Ichigo Kurosaki. If Unohana wanted to join Ichigo's proverbial harem, then why not? The problem was, was Ichigo interested? And if so, then what would Tia and Nel say?
"C'mon, Ichigo, she's waiting," Shunsui said making Ichigo blush more than he was already. Many snickers could be heard from the drunken group and even Toshiro released a chuckle.
Grudgingly Ichigo stood up and walked over to Unohana and sat beside her. He had to say, whenever she wasn't looking like she might kill you, she was quite beautiful. Her face, her eyes, her form, it was all beautiful. He then noticed something odd in her blue eyes...it was a glint of anticipation. Ichigo felt that accursed fire he felt for Nel, Tia, and Yoruichi. Now he felt it for Unohana, too? A woman he barely knew? Sure he had barely knew Tia but that case was special. He felt very guilty for what he was about to do. What if she had that same feeling as him and she wanted to be his girlfriend as well? What would Tia and Nel say? Yoruichi seemed open to the idea from what he could gather. But still. What would he do if she wanted to live with him? Damnable problems...
Ichigo leaned in the same time she did.
"One...two..." Shunsui counted, but the numbers fell on Ichigo's and Unohana's now deaf ears.
The pang of guilt increased ten-fold as their lips connected. He wanted to pull away but something stopped him. It was as if a deranged person that had written out his entire life was making this happen and wouldn't let him stop. It was a weird feeling but he still got it. After a moment Unohana went on the offensive and pressed her tongue to the entrance of his and he accepted. Her saliva tasted of breath mints. Had she been expecting this? He didn't know, but he honestly didn't care. Their tongues met and explored each other's mouths with vigor. Their tongues twirled and swirled around each other.
Unohana was currently having her mouth ravaged by a devilishly good looking young man. She coincidentally had the same feeling Yoruichi had earlier about being a cradle robber, but she, coincidentally, felt like Ichigo was a man among men and was well within her range. She had never found a man that enticed her so much before Ichigo came along. But she also felt a strange reiatsu on his lips. There were three distinct signatures. All three feminine...one was Yoruichi's while the other two, Retsu couldn't quite put her finger on. But one thing was for sure. They were both hollow signatures, Arrancars to be exact. They were faint but still there.
"Thirty...thirty...THIRTY!" everyone present in the room crescendoed excluding Shunsui and Yoruichi of which both had grins on their faces.
Meanwhile in the human world Nel and Tia sneezed. "Did Ichigo do something we might not like, but might have to deal with in the future?" Tia asked.
"I think so," Nel responded as she and Tia continued to fill out information résumés much to Urahara's enjoyment seeing as how he already knew everything about them.
(PLEASE READ AUTHOR'S NOTES!)
Special thanks to: DhanaRagnarok (Yonda), darthmasterbane (Chis), Lucas Bane (Michael), and OnyxTemplar (Hara) for the OC's!
A/N This chapter is just a bit of building. No real comedy, but hey, if you got the Hellsing: Ultimate Abridged joke then good for you! That's the kind of Alucard that's going to be in this story. *chuckles evilly.* And if you didn't go on Youtube and look up Hellsing: Ultimate Abridged. It's pretty freaking hilarious.
*sighs heavily*
I honestly had no idea this story would turn into a harem. As you might have guessed me changing the ending of chapter nine then you were right in the assumption of Unohana joining! *hits self in the head with a book*. I'm a little mad at myself honestly but hey; if you were voting for Unohana in chapter 6 then there you go!
Now on to the news part. I honestly couldn't develop the HOTD/Bleach crossover so I've just left it alone for now to get my though patters straightened out, but my scatter-brain though of something else. A Rosario+Vampire/ Bleach crossover! That one would personally move a lot smoother because I already thought of the abilities Ichigo would have (mask materialization and complete hollowfication) and I would personally like to write that one a lot more. If you don't know what Rosario+Vampire is then look it up!
Anyways, REVIEW!
PEACE! :D