Oh My Kichigai!
By Uchiha Xairylle

Chapter Twenty-One : Eve of the Countdown

This was one moment Ichigo was enjoying — sharing a gentle kiss with Rukia on his lap as he sat in front of his table. His arms were lightly around her waist and her hands were on his shoulders as both of them moved their lips gently in a soothing kiss that made each of them earn soft moans of approval and affection.

DING-DONG!

"Coming!" Rukia tore off from her slow kiss with Ichigo who turned back to his papers as soon as she started off. He looked at the series of words on paper and suddenly got tired upon glancing at the discarded brush with ink on its end. He sighed a bit heavily and stretched to get blood circulating. He yawned afterwards, the somewhat serene afternoon making him feel a little sleepy. Ichigo rubbed his eye. Perhaps he needed to rest for a while, yes? Using "that could be Zaraki Kenpachi knocking at my doorstep" as an excuse, Ichigo pushed himself off his desk and started out the room to go after Rukia. He hadn't reached the door when all of a sudden, Rukia was running towards him. He blinked, the sleepy aura diminishing from him.

"What is it?"
"Ichigo." Rukia immediately grabbed her husband's arms, "Niisama…"

Immediately assuming that Rukia wouldn't be so worried over Byakuya knocking on the door, Ichigo took his wife and walked down the steps. A grown-up Ururu was standing in the living room as she looked up at them. She still spoke in the same tone as she did ten years ago and her eyes maintained their soft, quiet and somewhat sad expression. Ichigo looked at Rukia who was biting her lip and then looked at Ururu as a silent query towards her.

"Kuchiki Byakuya-taichou and Abarai Renji-fukutaichou have been detained in Sereitei."
"WHAT!" Ichigo fidgeted with the outburst and immediately wore wide eyes as he heard Rukia draw a deep breath.
"The Manager asked me to invite you to the store." Ururu continued, "Sado-san will bring your children to follow."

Without any hesitation, Ichigo nodded and he and Rukia started towards Ururu.

Kuchiki Byakuya, the man who strictly followed the rules, was detained? Why?

Renji looked at his Captain who was still dignifiedly sitting on the bed across the small cell they were sharing. The noble Captain was able to maintain his Kuchiki posture even in such a cramped space. Renji looked around. For a cell, this one was pretty decent. It was large enough for two beds. Saying it was a "cramped space" was a bit exaggerated but for one who has seen Kuchiki Byakuya's room, this space was just enough to be called "cramped".

"Taichou…" Renji began.

"Kuchiki-taichou…" a recognizable male voice approached and Renji looked to see Toushiro Hitsugaya approaching. Renji looked around. Where was Matsumoto Rangiku?

"Kuchiki-taichou." Hitsugaya said again. Renji turned to his Captain who breathed in before opening his eyes. Hitsugaya continued to wait and Renji was surprised at how the young Captain was not looking impatient or ticked off at Byakuya's unresponsive gestures. Perhaps it was one Captain knowing another that told Hitsugaya that it was already Byakuya's way of saying, "What is it?"

"What happened exactly?" Hitsugaya asked, "You got detained because you used Senbonzakura for training Kurosaki's son?"
"That seems to be the case." Byakuya replied, "Where is your Lieutenant, Hitsugaya-taichou?"
"She's watching the entrance."

"Entrance?" Renji blinked and turned to his taichou who was still not looking responsive. Both Captains seemed to have understood each other. It took quite some time to process the whole situation. Matsumoto watching the entrance. Why would she watch the entrance? To tell Hitsugaya if someone was coming? Why would she need to do that?

"Others are not allowed to see us?" Renji was thinking out loud.

"The order has not officially been given so right now the security is low. That is until you're transferred to be detained in your own house." Hitsugaya began, "What happened?"
"What happened is that I was teaching my nephew shikai using my shikai." Byakuya said coolly and Renji turned to Hitsugaya who was looking at the kenseikan-wearing Captain.
"Why would you be detained for doing something like that?"

Byakuya did not say anything but Hitsugaya did not seem like he was bothered by it.

"Is it so bad releasing to teach a boy?"

"Taichou…!" Matsumoto's voice came from the door and Renji could only see the outline of her figure. Hitsugaya looked at Byakuya who nodded and then at Renji who bowed. With the flapping of his cape, Hitsugaya walked out of the room. A few more moments and the silence was beginning to kill Renji.

"I wonder if Rukia knows we're here." Renji said as he lay down on the bed.

Renji looked at his Captain who wasn't moving. So much for waiting for a response. Renji put his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling. Byakuya had returned to closing his eyes as he breathed quietly in contemplation. News had probably reached Urahara and if that were the case, it would not be long before Ichigo and Rukia would now. Hell, even the Quincy would know. It would really be embarrassing if Ichigo's group would have to break through Soul Society in order to "retrieve him". Perhaps he should think of a way to tell them not to do anything stupid?

Byakuya sighed. Kurosaki Ichigo. Leave it to him to think up something stupid in the dictionary of all that was Kuchiki Byakuya.

Hopefully, Ichigo was competent enough not to think about barging into Sereitei for a rescue.

"We have to go there and get to the bottom of this." Ichigo was saying now as Urahara opened his fan, "I don't understand how releasing his Shikai in this world could mean detention. It doesn't make sense."
"Face it, Ichigo. When did Sereitei make sense?" Ishida said thoughtfully and earned a slight nod from Ichigo.

Urahara's fan was open but he wasn't moving it as he eyed everyone in the room. Ichigo was sitting beside Rukia and across them were Uryuu and Orihime. They had taken the news with more surprise than required. Even Ishida Uryuu couldn't stay put. Urahara couldn't blame them. After all, who wouldn't be surprised after learning that the one who was strictly following the rules was detained?

Urahara looked at Ichigo and then at Uryuu. Aside from being quite surprised at Byakuya being detained, nothing much had changed. Urahara wanted to sigh. The bastards were not able to tell anything useful to their sons. If they were able to say something, it was probably only scratching the immensely thick surface.

Great job, you two. Congratulations on making things hard for me.

That bet really didn't turn out like he had wanted to. Perhaps he should have forced them to wager something that could mean the ruin of their reputation. Urahara groaned inwardly. Like that would work. Isshin had enough antics to ruin what's already ruined of his shambled reputation as a normal human being… not that he was normal, though, but still… Urahara sighed and the opening door cut his thoughts. Chad stepped in with Kon and the three children behind him.

"Chad." Ichigo nodded at the big man.
"Ichigo." Chad nodded back.
"Chad." Uryuu waved.
"Uryuu." Chad nodded again.

Ken'ichi raised an eyebrow. Seriously, the generation his parents belonged to had quite a way of greeting each other by using just names. Wait, his parents knew his P.E. teacher? Great, more secrets were being revealed. It was obvious that "Sado-sensei" over here was no Shinigami. Perhaps he belonged to another class, say, Demon class? Either way, why were they here? Oh, was it because of the Hollow attack earlier?

Moreover, did it matter now that Kon was flying towards Orihime?

"Oh, the valley of the gods!" Kon squealed as he threw himself at Orihime and the girl gasped as Uryuu immediately slapped Kon, sending him towards Ichigo's direction. Rukia bit her lip. Ichigo knew what would come afterwards and he was not an idiot to wait for Kon's, "Neesan!" Ichigo's large hand grabbed Kon by the face and slammed him on the floor with a loud thud. The three children cringed. That certainly hurt.

"Why you…!" Kon glared at Ichigo.

"Yes, me! What about it!" Ichigo took Kon's head and slammed it again. If this mod soul got up, Uryuu told himself he was going to beat Ichigo in hurting Kon. Uryuu hated men who stared at his wife's breasts let alone try to plunge in between it. Kon had better not done anything to his daughter or he'd make sure the thing wouldwish to be sent to Hueco Mundo instead.

"Yui…" Orihime looked at her daughter who was quietly rubbing her wrist. Yui gasped in attention and Uryuu noticed. His daughter was not normally like that.

"Did anything happen?" Orihime asked.

Yui did not answer. She was busy reminiscing the feeling of fingers around her wrist. The touch felt so cold and prickly though not painful. She had not experienced a feeling such as that — so intense to remain hours after it had happened. That girl was not normal. She came from where that Adjuchas came from. Was she a… What was it called? Vasto Lorde?

"We were attacked by a Hollow." Ryu replied. Ken'ichi grunted. Ichigo looked at his son.
"I wasn't able to release." Ken'ichi was looking down disappointedly at himself, "I didn't know how to get out of my body so that girl attacked and…"
"Girl?" Ishida looked at the children, "What girl?"

"A little girl." Chad sat down as the children walked towards their parents, "An Arrancar looking like a little girl and a winged lion that was probably their pet."
"Arrancar?" Rukia asked.
"That is not all." Chad added, "Ichimaru Gin as well."

There was a series of gasps from the people in the room except for Urahara who was now busily studying the situation. Byakuya detained. Aizen moving. The secret was now out to those who know.

"Ichimaru... Gin?" Rukia managed to say as Ken'ichi held her hand between his. He looked at his mother questionably and saw apparent shock. Ichigo and Uryuu looked provoked and bothered. Who was this Gin Ichimaru?

"That means…" Ichigo began.

"… Aizen is on the move." Uryuu bit his thumb in contemplation as his other hand held Orihime's hand tightly. He was not losing his wife and children to Aizen just because they could restore the stupid Hougyoku. He had gone through the hell of rescuing her once and he did not want to undergo it again simply because it was harder on Orihime than anyone else.

"But why?" Rukia was asking no one in particular.
"He probably wants to do something to the Hougyoku again." Ichigo muttered as his son looked at him. Ichigo stared at Ken'ichi before putting a hand on his head and feeling the boy's hair.

Urahara wanted to slap Isshin and Ryuken for being so horrible. One possible reason why Urahara wasn't a father was because destiny had it all planned that he was going to be a shock absorber! A shock and problem absorber for Kurosaki Isshin and Ishida Ryuken after their failures to deal with their sons and secrets!

"Kon, would you please take the kids to another room." Urahara began, "The adults have something to talk about."

Kon nodded immediately and looked at the children who got up and followed. Their parents accompanied them with looks and waited for several moments after they disappeared beyond the sliding door.

At that same time, another sliding door had opened and closed in Sereitei. Two Shinigami with white capes stepped in the room where an old man with a long beard and a cane stood. They bowed at the same time and the old man nodded. The two men straightened at the silent gesture and exchanged glances as if waiting for each other to speak. Yamamoto cleared his throat and looked at them.

"Well…?" Yamamoto began as he looked at the head of the Technological Department.

"It appears that the boy has acquired one of his swords." Mayuri replied in his usual tone, "But it appears that he still uses it in an incomplete form. The case is rare and there is a possibility of it being inherited. In this situation, we may say that the boy acquired it genetically or something along those lines from his father."

"Interesting…" Yamamoto stroked his beard and looked at Mayuri.

"The Zanpakutou that Kuchiki Byakuya-taichou awakened in the boy is not of Shinigami roots. There are only two known elements that can use Zanpakutou so by rule of elimination, if it is not Shinigami's, it is a Vasto Lorde's." Mayuri continued, "However, it is clear that Kurosaki Ken'ichi has Shinigami powers so it must mean that it coexists with Hollow powers that dwell in him."

Yamamoto silently turned to Ukitake Jyuushiro.

"According to the information we have collected from the incident during the Nobles' Assembly ten years ago, Shinigami Representative Kurosaki Ichigo summoned what seemed to be a mask." Ukitake began and paused for a while, "A Hollow Mask… while maintaining sanity in his Shinigami form in Bankai."

"A Hollow Mask, eh?" Yamamoto put both hands on his cane, "How long did he wear his mask?"
"Our sources say that it was approximately five to ten seconds that he wore the mask."
"Was there indication that the boy could've gone longer?"
"We have no clues regarding that, sir, since the match ended soon after he took out the Hollow Mask."
"I see." Yamamoto was not moving and it was unclear whether he was looking at any of the two Captains in particular, "Who was Kurosaki Ichigo fighting then?"

"He was fighting Maeda Naruhiko, Shinigami owned by the Uesugi family." Ukitake straightened and took a deep breath before continuing, "Bought from former fifth squad Captain Aizen Sousuke."

"Oh…?" Mayuri tilted his head towards Ukitake.

"We have gathered all necessary information about him." Ukitake continued, "He graduated from the Shinigami Academy with flying colors and was reported to have died from a mission. All information about him is being processed further as we speak."

A thick silence enveloped the room and all three men did not move. Yamamoto's face was unreadable as his finger tapped quietly in what seemed to be either contemplation or discovery. Whatever it was, the Commander-General decided not to share it.

"What should we do?" Ukitake broke the silence. Yamamoto straightened a bit and made a low sound that sounded like a grunt or a groan when someone made his presence known. After an encouragement for Yamamoto to come in, the door slid open again and Tenth Squad Captain Hitsugaya Toushiro entered and bowed.

"Where is the Eleventh Squad Captain?" Yamamoto asked.
"I was informed that he could not be found, sir." Hitsugaya replied.

The bastard probably got lost in the forest again.

"Very well. Kuchiki Byakuya-taichou and Abarai Renji-fukutaichou are to be detained in the Kuchiki residence and heavily guarded until further notice." Yamamoto declared in a voice that was much more solid than his earlier tone, "Hitsugaya-taichou, you will go down to the human world and return with Shinigami Representative Kurosaki Ichigo, his wife Kurosaki Rukia and their child Kurosaki Ken'ichi as soon as possible."

Hitsugaya and Ukitake gasped with eyebrows slightly shooting up. Mayuri wore his "Eureka" grin as he exercised his fingers in excitement.

"If you are met with any form of resistance, you are authorized to use force." Yamamoto replied, "But make sure you are able to take them here alive. I would like the boy to perform Shikai in my presence."

There was a louder gasp from Hitsugaya and Ukitake.

"Ku, ku, ku, ku…" Mayuri hissed, "Interesting, indeed… The Technological Department will be more than happy to welcome the boy."
"Bring with you Zaraki Kenpachi-taichou and make sure that both of you leavewithout your Lieutenants."
"Y-yes, sir."
"All matters discussed shall not leave this room. Any one of you who violates will be dealt with."
"Understood, sir." The three Captains chorused."
"That would be all." Yamamoto finally said, "Dismissed."

The three Captains bowed and filed out.

"Chojiro." Yamamoto called and from behind the curtains on the arched door behind Yamamoto came his Vice-Captain who immediately knelt. Yamamoto only turned his head to his lieutenant, "Send out a Hell Butterfly for Soifon-taichou. I need to speak with her regarding the boy."

"Ku, ku, ku, ku…" Mayuri said as the three Captains walked away, "I was hoping to see the Quincy and his off-springs."
"Kurosaki might give you a hard time." Ukitake muttered to Hitsugaya, ignoring Mayuri's comment.
"Tsch. And Zaraki-taichou…"
"What is it about me?" Kenpachi's large body stepped in front of the three captains as he wore a smirk.
"Zaraki-taichou, we have been instructed to go down for Kurosa—"

"Let's go then." Kenpachi turned to go. Hitsugaya opened his mouth to say something but then clamped his lips back together before going after the war-crazed Captain. The walking mass murder was probably getting hyped about a retaliating Kurosaki Ichigo to even listen to details. Well, Hitsugaya had time to do several things that needed to be taken care of as the Kido Corps opened up the Senkaimon. Said time was not much, though, since for whatever reason the Commander-General had, Hitsugaya was clearly instructed to make haste. If Shunpo could accomplish it then the Goddess of Flash, Shihouin Yoruichi would have no problem doing such things at all.

But, no.

Yoruichi had landed onto the chipping and cracking windows of the Matsukara Hospital ruins. She ignored three spirits that randomly sped in front of her and looked around. The Goddess of Flash grunted and hopped in, flipping her hair back in place as she landed.

Damn, looks like she needed more concentration.

Yoruichi closed her eyes and spirit threads shot up from the ground. She opened her eyes and groaned. The ex-noble woman was not happy having quite a hard time finding her prey but she knew they were around here somewhere. That or they had already left.

One more go.

She closed her eyes and opened them again.

There was a slight tinge of red that crossed her line of sight and she gasped and grabbed for it immediately before it could disappear. Had she been a hair slower, that red thread would have gone. Yoruichi then grinned and ran off to find the owner of the thread and found herself in one of the abandoned rooms.

"I know you're here!" she announced as she walked in and raised her hand, "It was hard but I found your thread."

There was a curse and a groan from two men.

"You and your spirit threads." Ryuken emerged from a chunk of something followed by Isshin who was busily bending his neck sideways.
"What? It's been a long time since I last did this, you know… Trying to hide my thread." Isshin reasoned out, "And hiding's a lot better than making a run for it."
"Urahara sent me for you." Yoruichi began.
"Oh, and hiding in the hospital ruins is a very bright idea." Ryuken said, ignoring Yoruichi as he started dusting his pants, "You just soiled my suit."
"Hey, stop talking like a girl." Isshin looked at the Quincy, "I don't remember you suggesting anything."

Yoruichi scratched her forehead. If she had to beat up some sense into these men — She cracked her knuckles — let it begin now! The Goddess of Flash had much to do.

- End of Chapter 21 -

Author: HASSHAAAAAAAA!! Chapter 21!! First off, thank you for those Spanish corrections! I'll change it as soon as possible! Thank you very much! Haha… I didn't know my Andjaliria was not making sense. –faint grin- Anyway, I'll change it. Thank you!

And I am also surprised at the guesses on Andjaliria's mother and stuff concerning her conception as well as Aizen's sex life!

Aizen: Give me a break! I'm not gay, you know!

Me: I think they're wondering… Are you hermaphrodite or something?

Aizen: -glares- You want to die so badly, little girl?

Me: Eep! No!

Andjaliria: Me will eat her soul!

Me: AAAAH! My own OC wants to kill me!

Ding-Dong: The dialog above is a result of being exposed to puertorrican-babe's reviews and lack thereof as of late. Hahaha…!

This was supposed to be up earlier today but the internet was down and I had some stuff to do so I turned it in kind of late. Gomen. Anyway, I love you guys! Hope you stick around! The twist's coming. Hope I don't kill you from anticipation or disappointment. Only two people have heard of the whole plot so far and, well, yeah… That's that. Hope they don't spoil you. Haha.

And, no, I have not e-spread my germs to my readers! –e-disinfects self and fic- Haha! Oh and I'm planning to start a livejournal thingie (Yes, finally…) so I was wondering if anyone could help me out with making a lay-out for it or perhaps direct me to where I can find one? Thankies! I'll appreciate the effort. OH! And I FINALLY received a reply from blushinbluerain about collaborating with her in doing her fic! –Does a silly Bleach Soul Shout dance- Yay! The problem is, I wasn't able to catch her e-mail ad… -face faults- But I'm excited, anyway! Hope you watch out for it! KYAAAAAA! –is excited-

Tagalog paragraph yet again!

Ayos, pinagmukha kong gunggong ang sarili ko sa page-Espanyol ng wala palang katuturan. Buti na lang pwede kong gamiting excuse na hindi na tayo nabibilang sa kolonya ng mga Kastila… At mas lalo namang hindi ko inabutan yung kolonyalismo. Nagulat ako dun sa mga Tagalog na review na nagsulputan. Parang pop-up window ng mga webpage… Kakagulat. Salamat sa suporta!

Say it with me, people: BANKAAAAAAI!!!