After the battle with Kusaka and Toshiro's name being cleared, Kenshiro and the others decided to stick around for a day or two.
"So why did you want to stick around Kenshiro?" asked Kagome.
Kenshiro sighed "I just had some personal business to take care of. This is actually something I wanted to do by myself, if you guys could just let me do this on my own."
So they left him to take care of his person business.
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"Kyoraku-san."
Kyoraku looked to see Chad standing before him "Oh Sado-san, it's been awhile." he offered a jug of sake "Want some?"
"Still a minor."
"Right. So what brings you here?"
"You remember how we first met, don't you?"
"Oh yeah, back when you, Ichigo-kun, Kenshiro-kun and the others came to save Rukia-chan from being executed."
"We fought, I gave every ounce of my strength but you and Koga beat me so easily."
"Yeah, sorry about that. So what brings you here?"
"I was hoping for a rematch."
"What? You wanna fight me again?"
"I'm not spiteful, I merely want to see just how far I've come compared to then."
"Like a test to see if your training for the past two years was worth it."
"Exactly. I've trained with Yoruichi-san, Abarai, and Urahara-san. I want to see if it was enough."
"Alright, follow me."
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Kenshiro stood on the Sokyoku Hill, staring out at the Seireitei "So you came."
"You're damn right I did."
Kenshiro turned and saw a flash of red, and drew his Zanpakuto just in time to stop a slash from behind "I never expected you to pull such a dick move as to attack me from behind… Inuyasha."
"I was just testing you to make sure your reflexes haven't dulled." then he smirked "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."
"The time to finally decide which one of us is the strongest. To think that for 500 years I've been depriving you of this battle."
"Well it's finally here now, so what more needs to be said." Inuyasha began flaring his reiatsu.
Unfazed, Kenshiro pushed the Tessaiga back, the shockwave sending them both reeling.
"Let's kick this up a notch." Inuyasha charged forward using Flash Step.
Kenshiro charged in using Flash Bullet and met Inuyasha's Shikai, the force shaking the entire Sokyoku Hill itself.
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Kagome was in the middle of training with Sango and Miroku.
"Shatter, Hiraikotsu!" Sango summoned her Shikai.
"Hado #58: Tenran!" Kagome summoned a small tornado through a Kido spell, capturing Sango's Shikai in it.
Sango retracted her Shikai and re-sheathed her Zanpakuto "Nice work Kagome-chan, you've really gotten stronger training with Captain Kuchiki."
"I made it clear to him, I wasn't gonna hold Kenshiro back any longer. It's my turn to protect him." her eyes and voice reflected her resolve.
"An excellent resolve, Kagome-sama." Miroku then reached for her… well, you can guess.
"Hado #33: Sokatsui." Kagome held up a hand to Miroku's face and fired a mid-level Kido directly at him "Like I said, Kenshiro's the one for me so I'm not putting up with your perverted antics anymore Miroku-sama." she looked up at the sky, some tears building up.
Sango blinked "What's wrong Kagome-chan?"
Her voice was soft "For as long as I can remember, no matter how strong I got, no matter how hard I tried, I always ended up holding Kenshiro back, and he put himself on the line so many times just to protect me and ended up hurting himself in the process. And when we faced Sounga, he…" she began tearing up.
"You don't need to say anymore about that Kagome-sama." Miroku told her "I can only imagine how hard it must be to see the one you love die before your eyes and feel completely responsible."
Sango smacked him with her sword "Miroku!"
"What?" then he noticed Kagome looking anime-depressed "Oh. Anyway, continue Kagome-sama."
Kagome nodded "After that, things sort of died down but they got really awkward until the final battle against Naraku. After we finally confessed and started dating, things were so peaceful, but it didn't last. Things were fine between us during everything with Ichigo-kun and the others, though Kenshiro started hanging out with Ichigo-kun a lot more."
"Kenshiro has been friends with Kurosaki-san even longer than he's known you, so of course he'd miss his oldest friend."
"I know, but that's not the point. When I went to Hueco Mundo with Aizen, I only did it so I could protect him like he's done for me. When he revealed the Shikon Hogyoku to me, I thought that if I found an opportunity then I'd be able to use my powers to destroy it and prevent the war completely."
"But you never found a chance."
"Exactly. After Kenshiro and Ichigo-kun defeated Aizen and lost their powers, I began training in Kido with Byakuya-sensei in order to protect Kenshiro, but then Ginjo and the Fullbringers showed up and-and Tsukishima, he…" tears began streaming down her face.
"You don't have to say anymore Kagome-chan." Sango told her gently.
"Kenshiro wasn't the same for a long time after that, and even now his heart has still yet to completely heal." Miroku pointed out "From what Kurosaki-san tells me, he nearly became a full time Soul Reaper just to get away from the heartbreak he suffered. If Kurosaki-san hadn't snapped him out of it, he really would've destroyed himself. Not only did Kurosaki-san save his friend from his own grief, if only partially, he also made history by making Kenshiro the first Dragon Reaper to survive the breaking point."
Then Sango began beating on Miroku, yelling at him about knowing when to shut up.
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Chad looked at the surroundings "Isn't this…?"
Kyoraku grinned "Yep, this is where we fought last time." he drew his swords "Judging by how much stronger you've grown, I'm guessing I won't need one hand like last time."
Chad summoned his Brazo Derecha de Gigante "The last time we fought, my right arm's Fullbring was incomplete. Now that I've perfected it, let's see how it does. El Directo!" he fired the blast.
Kyoraku raised both hands and blocked the attack, despite being pushed back a ways, and redirected it with some effort "Not bad Sado-san, your right arm has definitely improved."
"That was what I improved first, but now it's your turn to attack."
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The battle on Sokyoku Hill raged on.
Kenshiro, now in his Shikai state, raged against Inuyasha's Shikai, white reiatsu against pure crimson flaring wildly 'I shouldn't be surprised, he always was neck and neck with me and only he could ever truly keep up with me in a fight and push me to my limits.'
"I guess they were serious." Inuyasha noted "You really did make your own version of the Flash Step, only you. But don't think it's gonna decide the outcome of this battle just like that, it won't."
"Casual analysis of my powers isn't like you, never has been. You said talk was useless, trust you to break your own rule, taking it easy on me. I thought I had to come with intent to kill in a fight like this. Didn't you say that you wanted to finally prove once and for all who's the strongest between the two of us? You haven't even put a scratch on me yet Inuyasha, does you prattling on mean that that's all the mighty wielder of the Tessaiga is capable of? Well I shouldn't be surprised, not when you're facing this version of me. I would bother going into detail, but we'll save pleasantries for later."
"You sound pretty confident Kenshiro, and that's gonna be your downfall."
"I don't wanna hear that from you of all people. But enough about that Inuyasha, show me the other forms of the Tessaiga." he pointed Ryuumaru forward "Show me your true power, if you don't then I'll kill you where you stand."
"You've never been one for empty threats, and as for the true power of the Tessaiga you'd better be careful what you ask for. If you want my true power then you're gonna have to work for it! Wind Scar!" he fired off a Wind Scar.
"The power of the Wind Scar, the technique that gave the Tessaiga its reputation for slaying 100 in a single stroke… is about to be surpassed! Ryuuga Shinshou!" he fired off a blast of reiatsu, carving into the cliffside.
Inuyasha found his right arm bleeding profusely "So that blast of your own, that's the power of your Zanpakuto is it Kenshiro?"
"No, that's the power I inherited from my tou-san. This is the legacy of the Substitute Soul Reapers. I'll say it again Inuyasha, attack with the full power of your Tessaiga or I will destroy you completely without hesitation."
"Ryuuga Shinshou, huh? Piercer of truth, that sounds way too pretentious."
"I don't want to hear that from you of all people."
"Fair enough. Alright then, feast your eyes. I haven't had to use this in a long time, but for you I'll make an exception. It'll be over in an instant. Bankai!" he unleashed his Bankai, the blade of the Tessaiga turning black "Kenatsu Tessaiga." hundreds of small red objects began swarming behind him "Blades of Blood Barrage!" he fired the swarm forward.
"Blades of Blood again huh?" Kenshiro found himself forced on the defensive, but leapt into the air and fired a Ryuuga Shinshou.
Inuyasha blocked with the swarm.
Kenshiro cut through the swarm in front of him and behind him, only to see it converging on him from multiple angles 'Dammit, I won't make it!'
The swarm pushed him to the ground, leaving him in a bloody crater.
"Ow…"
"Think of it like an improved version of my Blades of Blood, or if you can you can see it like Byakuya's Senbonzakura. A relentless barrage from every direction by millions of blades all attacking simultaneously. I'll admit that it was kind of a dick move to think so little of the abilities your father's Zanpakuto, but your mastery of it is too basic and rusty."
Kenshiro sat up in the crater, blood pouring from his wounds.
"Your attacks are way too broad and clumsy, with reflexes like that you don't have a hope in hell of dodging that attack."
"Dammit… I thought I could do better than that… I got careless and overconfident… I should've known I couldn't do it… just had to try though… I should've known I couldn't beat your Bankai with my Shikai alone…"
"You mean to tell me you've been holding out on me? Come on, I thought you were better than that."
"Yeah sorry, I've really gotta stop underestimating what my friends are capable of. Well if you want my Bankai then you've got it." reiatsu began building up around him as he spread two fingers across the blade "Bankai!" he was engulfed in a blast of reiatsu, and when it subsided his sword and robe had transformed "This is the power of my father's Bankai, Shinsei Ryuumaru. Get ready Inuyasha, now we're going in for round two."
"...So that's it? That's your father's Bankai?" Inuyasha sent the swarm ahead.
In an instant, Kenshiro held his Bankai to Inuyasha's throat "You got a problem with that?"
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Chad and Kyoraku were panting heavily.
Chad had just unleashed his fifth La Muerte, but he was clearly still on the losing side of the battle 'It feels like he's barely even trying. He's only unleashed his Shikai and somehow he's got me on the ropes.'
Kyoraku wiped some blood from his lip "I've gotta admit Sado-san, I haven't gotten this much of a workout since my fight with that Stark fellow during the war. You're not quite up to his level, but still."
"All of this training so I could stand by Ichigo and Kenshiro." Chad stood once more, despite the immense pain, and activated his Gunana del Segador, then prepared a La Ejecución.
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Kenshiro held the blade of his Bankai to Inuyasha's throat "So then, are you ready to call it a day yet?"
"The hell I am." Inuyasha blitzed away 'I completely lost sight of him for an instant, I couldn't even detect his scent. I couldn't react, if this were a serious fight to the death then it would've been over then and there. Tell me something Kenshiro, why did you take the point of your sword away from my throat? Arrogance will just lead you to get your ass kicked, I'm living proof of that!"
"Aside from the fact that you're my friend, I wanna make sure you know that I'm the one who's gonna win this fight."
"Fine by me." Inuyasha began manipulating the swarm again "With this attack I'm gonna make you regret not slitting my throat when you had the chance, after all miracles only happen once right? Sorry Kenshiro, but your luck's run out." he sent the swarm forward.
Kenshiro leapt over the swarm and burst forward, appearing in front of Inuyasha as he brought down his Bankai.
Inuyasha blocked the blade with his swarm, pushing him back.
Kenshiro blitzed behind him.
'He's moving faster than I can track, and my Blades of Blood swarm can't keep up with it either!'
Kenshiro began blitzing all over the place, creating a barrage of afterimages "What's the matter Inuyasha, am I moving too slow for you? I can speed up a little more if you like, just give me the word and I'll do it!"
"Don't get so cocky, all you're doing is reminding me of Sesshomaru!" he held out a hand and the swarm shot forward.
Kenshiro repeatedly dodged the swarm's advances using his Flash Bullet, causing the swarm to converge on itself from three different points 'His speed shot up all of a sudden.' he retreated into the air to escape the swarm.
Inuyasha sent the swarm at Kenshiro again 'I can use my hands to control the Blades of Blood swarm and triple the speed!' he sent the swarm to catch Kenshiro in mid air.
Kenshiro continued dodging the swarm using Flash Bullet.
'Idiot, he fell for it hook line and sinker!'
Kenshiro held out his blade, and next all that could be seen was a barrage of blurs, his sword swinging at light speed.
'There's no way, even he should never have been able to slice through all of them!'
"What was that you said about a miracle only happening once? So then what the hell would you call this?"
Inuyasha's head snapped back and he saw Kenshiro standing behind him 'How in the hell did he-?!'
"Game over." Kenshiro thrusted his sword forward.
Inuyasha stopped the blade with his bare hand, though his hand was left bleeding heavily, the blood pouring onto the ground "The golden rule of a small Bankai, the smaller the blade the greater the power and even greater the speed. The size and intensity combine into one force that lets you fight at speeds so fast you blitz around before I can even blink."
"Combining that and the Flash Bullet puts me at levels of speed even Koga wouldn't be able to imagine, and he'd be the speed fighter amongst all of us."
"I should've expected as much, Ryuuga or not your power really is impressive, and I'm glad you're not holding out on me."
"The golden rule of battling someone potentially stronger than you, when you attack you have to come at them with the intent to kill."
"Fine by me, I guess that at this point there's nothing more I can do aside from unleash my trump card to completely crush that blade!" Inuyasha's reiatsu began flaring, shaking the entire Sokyoku Hill as he broke away, wiping the blood off of his hand onto his Robe of the Fire Rat that he wore on top of his Soul Reaper robe "Watch carefully Kenshiro, the Blades of Blood Swarm was just one of three surprise techniques I've been developing solely for the purpose of winning our rematch. Get ready for number two." he held up the Tessaiga, which then turned a blue shade, the Blades of Blood on the ground turning into crimson flames that covered the entirety of the Sokyoku Hill "Are you ready Kenshiro?"
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
"Good." Inuyasha raised his sword, resulting in a light engulfing the Sokyoku Hill "What you're about to see sacrifices all of my defensive power and I only use it when I'm dead set on killing my enemy." blue copies of Tessaiga surrounded them, forming a cage "This is what I call my Adamant Cage."
"Based on the Adamant Barrage I'm guessing?"
"Yeah, but you don't have to worry. The thousands of blades surrounding you in this cage aren't gonna attack you all at once or anything. This is only the second of my three surprises I've been preparing, and you're the first one to see it." he held his hand, and a copy of Tessaiga made of pure adamant appeared in his grip "You really are deserving of your title as the Dragon Reaper, the warrior of destiny of the Soul Society." his crimson reiatsu began flaring.
"I'm honored, coming from you that means a lot Inuyasha." Kenshiro then began flaring his blue reiatsu.
"Here I come!" Inuyasha charged forward.
Kenshiro met the charge and clashed his Bankai against Inuyasha's sword, their blades repeatedly slamming against one another, the force shaking the entire Sokyoku Hill, small droplets of blood.
Inuyasha eventually pushed Kenshiro's blade towards the ground, allowing him a brief chance to break away.
Kenshiro retreated back a good distance as well, now sporting a rather large gash across his left shoulder 'He's so fast, and I think he's gotten even faster since he revealed this Adamant Cage. I figured he'd be strong, but this is insane. But even so, it's not like his new speed is anything I can't match. I'm not using my maximum speed either.'
Then Inuyasha suddenly appeared in front of Kenshiro, a blade pointed at his face. Then he was a fair distance away, then right behind him, then in front of him, once again pressuring Kenshiro's blade towards the ground "What the hell is the matter with you Kenshiro? Looks to me like you're moving a lot slower than when we started this fight."
"Is that a fact? Well I've got a fact of my own for you. I can still block your sword without any problems Inuyasha, when you move it's like you're just standing still."
"Is that right?" Inuyasha summoned a second adamant sword and promptly stabbed Kenshiro in the foot "You got cocky, big mistake." he pointed a finger at Kenshiro's chest "Hado #4: Byakurai." he shot a blast of reiatsu directly through Kenshiro's chest, then removed his sword.
Kenshiro recoiled from the attack, coughing up a small amount of blood 'How-?'
"This little game is over Kenshiro."
"The hell it is-" then Kenshiro froze as he realized something 'My body… I can't move…'
"Let me take a wild guess, you think my movements got faster since I released my Adamant Cage. But that's actually not how it works, all that does is compress every shard of the blade of my Adamant Tessaiga into one blade so I can explosively increase its overall power. I actually haven't gotten faster."
"So what then… are you saying that the actual change in this situation is that… I've been slowing down?"
"You've got nothing to be ashamed of. You've fought all sorts of enemies and come out on top. The Thunder Brothers, the Band of Seven, Naraku, Zaraki, Bankotsu again, Ulquiorra, Aizen, Ginjo and you blew a gigantic hole through Magatsuhi about 6 months ago, and you've only grown stronger since then. When we first met I thought you were nothing but a pathetic ordinary human, but you've surpassed my expectations in spades. You've even survived up to forcing me to use the Adamant Cage, but you can feel it now can't you? Your body can't keep up with this battle, you're incredibly strong but you are still only human. Sure you're spirit hasn't been broken, there's a certain limit to what you're able to endure, and after putting yourself through all of that for 3 years, including a year and a half without your powers, you've finally reached that limit, and all of the old wounds you've received have finally caught up to you." he summoned a third adamant sword "You've fought well Kenshiro, you've proven yourself to be a true survivor, but in the end it's clear that I'm the stronger one out of the two of us. And don't worry about Magatsuhi, I'll destroy him in your place. We all will. That's the one problem you've never overcome, your constant need to do everything alone. And that's about to be your undoing."
Kenshiro's eyes snapped up 'Move… I have to move… Move god dammit, move! Why the hell am I here? Why did I bother to come all this way? All of it has been completely pointless if I don't win this! I want to win! I need to WIN!' then a single hand shot up, stopping Inuyasha's blade on the spot and slashed, landing a deep cut across Inuyasha's chest.
Inuyasha was sent tumbling back.
Kenshiro now sported a white mask, his eyes turning black "I've gotta give you a hell of a lot more credit Inuyasha, I really didn't want to have to use this."
"So you busted out the Visored power."
"Not that I wanted to. I feel like such a complete amateur right now, to think that I never even noticed that I was about to be crushed by the power of my father's own Bankai. I can feel my bones creaking from the strain, I really am a hopeless case aren't I?" then the mask disappeared "Alright, now we're going straight for the lightning round."
'He only busted out that Hollow mask so he could get out of that bind, and even then he refused to go any further with it. I get it, he thinks that if he had finished this battle in that form then even if he had defeated me with it the victory would never have been truly his. Fine, I'm not gonna bother asking you to explain your logic behind that. The fact of the matter right now is that neither of us has enough strength left to keep this battle going for very much longer. What do you say to us finishing this fight with one final attack?"
"Sounds good to me."
"But first let me ask you something. You said that I was dealing with a new and different you in this fight, what did you mean by that?"
"Let me make you a deal, if you can draw blood from me with this final strike then I'll tell you something I now hold very dear to my heart."
"We have a deal then." Inuyasha held out a single Tessaiga as all of the adamant swords surrounding them disappeared, and a mini tornado appeared around the blade.
"You truly are incredible Inuyasha, though I'm sorry to disappoint you but right now I really don't have any kind of trump cards to compete with that. I've only got the Ryuuga Shinshou and the Seishinga Ryusho at the moment, so the only trick I can use right now is to compress every ounce of my strength I can into one final attack." blue reiatsu surrounded him and began flaring wildly before disappearing into his sword "Get ready Inuyasha, this final clash will end this battle and prove once and for all who the strongest is between us!" and he charged forward at full speed "Seishinga Ryusho!" he fired a full power blast of reiatsu.
"Backlash Wave!" Inuyasha fired off his strongest attack, then charged and thrusted his sword forward.
Kenshiro did the same, blue reiatsu clashing against red in a clash of spiritual energy that shook the entire Seireitei.
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The clash could be felt all around.
Kagome looked up at the monstrous clash of energy, and knowing who was at the center of it, she gripped her necklace 'Kenshiro… my love…'
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The clash had ended, the swords both flying out of their masters' grips and imbedded themselves in the ground.
Kenshiro fell to one knee first, blood pouring from a deep gash across his front, going from his right shoulder down his chest 'Dammit…'
Inuyasha staggered considerably, blood spurting from a wound across his shoulder 'In that final strike, his Bankai shattered the blade of my sword… I guess he really was always meant to be the stronger one out of the two of us.'
"You wanted to know… You said you wanted to know what I meant by you facing a different version of me. You got me to bleed with your final attack, so I'm gonna tell you." he took a deep breath "You know that this past week Kagome and I have been visiting family in Tokyo."
"According to Ichimaru and Hitsugaya you were bouncing off the walls on your way back to Karakura Town."
"That's because I learned something in Tokyo that made me want to bounce off the walls. I'm gonna be an uncle."
Inuyasha's eyes widened slightly "You mean-?"
"Yeah. My sister in law is pregnant, my brother is going to be a father." Kenshiro walked over and sat on the edge of the cliff, or what was left of it after the battle "To be completely honest, hearing that I was going to be an uncle, I was completely ecstatic."
Inuyasha sat down beside him 'Does he mean…?'
"It meant that I had something new that I had to protect, another reason why I have to win this next battle and destroy Magatsuhi. As Kagome and everyone else rejoiced I went to my place of solitude under the Sacred Tree and my mind cleared, and it became completely clear to me just who exactly I am and what my purpose is. I am a protector Inuyasha, Ryuuga or no Ryuuga. Like Ichigo, my purpose is to protect everyone I know and love, and the gods have recognized my wish and granted me this incredible power to do it."
"I see. So is this the resolve you're going to use to destroy Magatsuhi?"
"Inuyasha, this is the only resolve I can use."
"Hey protector."
Kenshiro looked back to see
"Maybe later, I've been sent to get you. My captain wishes to speak with you."
"Byakuya-san?"
"Yep, he didn't say why, just to meet him in the 6th division barracks."
"Alright, but seriously, you up for a spar after this?"
"Like hell, you'd roast me."
"Ichigo's the only one who could possibly beat me in a fight but he's back in Karakura, and the only other person I can think of would be the old man but that's not happening."
"We'll see later, but seriously, my captain and Rukia wanna meet you. 6th division barracks."
"Right." and he disappeared via Flash-Bullet.
"Well I've gotta go, I've got a wolf's ass to kick." and Inuyasha promptly leapt off the cliff of the Sokyoku Hill.
Renji could only blink as he fell back and landed on his butt in a stupor 'How the hell is it that I'm the only normal one when these guys are around?'
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Byakuya waited in the 6th division barracks with Rukia.
"Excuse me captain." a voice called from outside "This is Squad 6 9th seat Mihane Shirogane."
"What is it?" asked Byakuya.
"I beg your pardon, but Kenshiro Kamikaze, Substitute Dragon Reaper, is here to see you."
"Very well, send him in."
Then Kenshiro came in "Renji said you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, I did." Byakuya stepped forward, then got on his knees and bowed, with Rukia following his actions "As Captain of squad 6… No, as head of the Kuchiki clan… No, as a humble man, I owe you my deepest gratitude. Even after hearing about my role in your father's death, you had the heart to return my wife to me."
"I already told you that I don't blame you for my father's death, if my father chose to sacrifice his life to save you then that was his choice."
Then Rukia stepped forward "Kenshiro, you've given me the chance to reunite with my sister, even after all you've already done for me." she bowed "You have my deepest thanks."
"Like I said Rukia, it was my way of apologizing for not getting to know you as well as Ichigo or even Kon." then he turned back to Byakuya "You and I are alike in many ways Byakuya-san, we wish to do whatever we can to protect the women in our lives and despise our helplessness to prevent any harm from coming to them. Truth be told, in a lot of ways, my relationship with Kagome is really similar to your relationship with Hisana-san. Besides Byakuya-san, you went out of your way every chance you got to look out for me. This is just my way of repaying that debt."
"I see. By the way, why are you covered in so many wounds?"
"Oh these? Inuyasha and I just finished a fight to near death to prove who was the stronger one between us. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some other business to attend to." and he disappeared via Flash-Bullet.
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Sasakibe stood on Sokyoku Hill "I was wondering when you would come, Kenshiro Kamikaze."
Kenshiro appeared next to him "Sorry I'm late Sasakibe-san, I've been rather busy today."
"Fighting with a friend from 500 years ago and fully healing the wounds of your heart. You truly are your father's son."
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. What is your connection to my father?"
"Your father was my student 70 years ago, I was the one who taught him Bankai and how to use the Ryuuga Shinshou, as well as helped him to create the Seishinga Ryusho. You see Kenshiro-san, this is like a chain of masters and students throughout the Soul Society. The Head-Captain taught me, I taught your father, your father taught both Captain Kuchiki and Captain Hitsugaya, Captain Kuchiki is teaching your lover in the ways of Kido while Captain Hitsugaya taught you about the elemental properties of your Zanpakuto. And when the time comes, you will pass on your knowledge and wisdom to your protegee."
Kenshiro looked up at the sky "I guess I will."
"But Kenshiro-san, there's one last thing you must know. Your parents didn't want me to tell you this until you turned 18, but you have the right to know."
"Sasakibe-san, I turned 18 like 3 months ago."
"Oh. Well then, I suppose I should tell you."
"What, is it something else about my father?"
"No, this is about your mother."
"She was a Fullbringer, I know."
"Yes, and… she still is."
Kenshiro froze "Are you saying… my mother is…"
"Yes."
"She's still alive?"
"Not in your world, she's here in the Soul Society."
Kenshiro grabbed Sasakibe by the robe "You better not be lying to me."
"I'm a man of my word, I never lie. Since she came here to the Soul Society, she's resided in the Shiba house for almost 10 years."
Kenshiro instantly took off via Flash-Bullet.
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The fight was over.
Chad was heavily wounded and lying on the ground "I lost… I guess I'm still not strong enough… All of that training… was pointless…"
Kyoraku was seriously wounded, but not as much "Far from it Sado-san, you gave me almost as much of a fight as that Stark fellow did and you even got me to unleash Katen Kyokotsu. Your training was far from pointless." he held out a hand and gave Chad a kind smile "You truly are a great warrior and a great man Sado-san, and I'm both glad and honored I'm able to call you my friend."
Chad accepted the hand "Thank you, Kyoraku-san."
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Toshiro was surprised to find Ichigo in his office "Kurosaki."
"Hey, is Kenshiro here?" asked Ichigo bluntly "Me and the others just got back from fighting Kokuto in Hell and Urahara-san told us he was in the Soul Society with Chad and Kagome."
"Last I heard Sado was with Kyoraku, Higurashi was training with Miroku and Sango, and Kenshiro was with Sasakibe up at Sokyoku Hill after he and Inuyasha beat the crap out of each other."
"You mean that half demon dog guy?"
"And I left him in the training grounds after winning that battle." Kenshiro appeared "Ichigo, I need to talk to you about something. Later Toshiro-sensei." he grabbed Ichigo and disappeared via Flash-Bullet.
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Ichigo grabbed his stomach "Dammit, I hate when you do stuff like that without warning a guy first!"
"Sorry." Kenshiro said dryly, then turned serious "Listen, just wait here. I'll get Kagome and be back in a minute." and he disappeared.
Ichigo blinked.
A few minutes later, Kenshiro returned with Kagome "Sorry to drag both of you here like this, but I've learned something you're not gonna believe."
"What? Did something happen?"
"Not yet. Sasakibe-san, the old man's lieutenant, knows something about my mother…"
"What do you mean?" asked Kagome.
"My mother… she's here. In the Soul Society."
"Where?"
"Apparently she's been living with the Shiba clan since she died in the accident."
"But then shouldn't we have seen her last time?" asked Ichigo.
"You mean back when we went to rescue Rukia?"
"And during the Bount incident."
"Okay serious, what the hell happened during the Bount incident?"
"Not important."
"Right. Short version, I can see my mother, and…"
Kagome wrapped her arms around him "Does that answer the question?"
"I didn't ask a question, but yeah."
Ichigo smirked "I'll come too."
"Thank you both, I don't know what I'd do without either of you."
"You'd curl up in a ball and cry."
"You're making me regret giving Inuyasha back the beads."
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Byakuya sensed Kenshiro appear in his chambers in the Kuchiki mansion, but didn't look up from his paperwork "I knew you'd come."
"You knew about my mother." it was a statement, not a question.
"I did."
"Why… Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because it was not my place too."
"Don't give me that, and don't blurt out some crap about how you still blame yourself for Ginjo killing my dad, even after I told you twice that it wasn't your fault."
"That, and the fact that I was unable to reach her in the Shiba household."
"Kukaku-san?"
"Kukaku Shiba, yes."
"The fact that you practically skewered her little brother with your Shikai probably didn't help either."
Rukia appeared outside of the room "Kenshiro, what's wrong?"
"Just chewing out your brother for keeping something very important from me. My mother is in the Soul Society, living with the Shiba Clan."
"Are you going to go see her?"
Kenshiro paused "I don't know…"
"She's your mother, why wouldn't you want to see her?"
"You think she'll be mad about me not reviving her with the Shikon Jewel? I mean I could've but-"
"But you chose to preserve her honor." Byakuya finished for him "Your mother is a Fullbringer, yet she is different from Ginjo's kind. She actually knows the meaning of honor in battle, and I'm sure she would understand."
"I know, but…"
"Please Byakuya-sama, allow me to handle this." Hisana came into the room "You are Kenshiro Kamikaze-san, are you not?"
"And you're Hisana-san."
"I know what the situation is, and I can relate to you." she put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle smile "Kenshiro-san, do you know what I first felt when you resurrected me three months ago?"
"Joy? Gratitude?"
"Fear. To be completely honest, I was terrified. Yes I was ecstatic about seeing Byakuya-sama again, but I was terrified by meeting Rukia, fearing that she might resent me for abandoning her."
"Byakuya-san told her about that like 2 years ago."
"I didn't know that at the time. But I took a chance, because I didn't want to spend my new life wondering what might've been if I didn't. If I could muster up the courage to confront my sister, surely someone like you could have the courage to see your mother."
Kenshiro sighed "Alright… I'll try." and he walked away to the gates to the clan compound, where Ichigo and Kagome were waiting. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Kukaku-san."
Kukaku knew who was behind her "I figured you'd show up eventually Kenshiro."
"Where is she?"
"I'm right here." from behind Kukaku, Kumiko stepped out "Hello my son."
"Kaa-san." slowly, he wrapped around her in a hug "I don't understand, if you've been here for the past 10 years then why didn't I see you back when we went to save Rukia?"
"Because I was hiding. I wanted to see you my son, I really did, but I knew that I couldn't reveal myself or my abilities to you until you learned about Ginjo, because you'd probably charge after him in a blind rage without thinking about how you wouldn't stand a chance against him."
Kenshiro sighed "It's sad, but you're probably right. At least I'm doing alright in life. I'm above average in grades despite all the school I miss."
"What was that last part?"
"Nothing. Anyway, I've got loads of friends, I've got Kazuma-nii and Hiyori-san, I've got all my friends from the Feudal Era, including Inuyasha, Koga and Sesshomaru-dono, I've got friends from Karakura, like Chad, Keigo and Mizuiro."
"What about Ryuken-kun's son?"
"You mean Ishida-san? We didn't really start out as friends, more like we respected each other as intellectual equals. Anyway, with all of them, I've got two that I consider more important than all the others combined. Kagome, the love of my life, and Ichigo, my best friend and my sworn brother in all but blood."
"I know, I've been watching over all of your adventures and accomplishments since you first went to the Feudal Era. You went through a lot there."
"I know. To be honest, I really miss the Feudal Era."
"It's the people that count, not the place or time."
"I know, but still. Anyway, things really got interesting the day Ichigo and I met Rukia, Byakuya-san's younger sister-in-law."
"You mean Hisana-chan's younger sister?"
"Yeah. She transferred her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo, who then unconsciously transferred a tiny portion of his to me, merging it with the essence of the Ryuuga before the last of the demonic power completely burned out a few weeks later, like right after Ishida-san's little Hollow-bait trick. I was still able to use the main form of the Ryuuga through my Shikai, but I only learned the reiatsu blast after training to attain Bankai. Anyway, I defeated both Zaraki and his 3rd seat, while Ichigo defeated Byakuya-san and his lieutenant. The whole thing ended with us saving Rukia and getting wrecked by Aizen during his betrayal."
"I know everything, you don't have to go into detail. Still though, you've been through a lot, both good and bad. Also, there's something you should know."
"Yeah, hold that thought Kaa-san. Hey Kukaku-san, you know where Ganju is?"
As if on cue, Ganju rode in on Bonnie "Hey-"
"GANJU!" Kenshiro suddenly punched him in the gut full force "Kukaku-san, you remember when you sent him to the world of the living during the Bount incident?"
"Yeah, why?" asked Kukaku.
"I let him, Renji and Hanataro stay at my apartment, and the first two morons completely wrecked it!" then he turned back to Kumiko "Anyway Kaa-san, what were you saying?"
Kumiko grew nervous "Right, well the thing is-"
"Is something the matter Kumiko-san?" a familiar-looking middle-aged man came out of the house "Oh Kenshiro-san, Ichigo-san. It's been quite some time. And with a new face as well."
"Oh yeah, this is my… friend Kagome." Kenshiro introduced "Wait, how are you here Giriko-san?"
"After I was killed by that beast- Captain Zaraki, I was sent to Rukongai here in the Soul Society before Kumiko-san saved me."
"Uh-huh. Quick question. Why?"
"Because I believe in second chances." Kumiko told him "Even after all he and his allies have done, they were sent here instead of being sent to Hell. I think that means something."
"Hold up, they?" Kenshiro froze "Kaa-san, you didn't. Please tell me you didn't do what I think you did."
"Kumiko-san, what's-" then they came out, and the taller one froze 'Oh shit.'
"Tsukishima…" Kenshiro's fist was balled in a rage, his other hand slowly reaching to grab his Zanpakuto, but then he visibly relaxed and spoke very slowly "Kaa-san, not even Ichigo would think of doing something like this."
"Kenshiro." Kumiko said slowly "I told you before, they weren't sent to Hell despite everything that they've done. I'm well aware of how much he hurt you and the others, but the fact that he wasn't sent to hell tells you that he's realized the error of his ways and reformed."
"...I highly doubt that." he gently pushed her out of his way and slowly walked forward, then looked at Giriko "Out of all of the three of you, you're the one I hold the least amount of of hostility towards." then he turned and leveled his fiercest glare at Tsukishima, his eyes turning hard and cold as ice "Let me make something clear, I still hate you with every single fiber of my being and I will never forgive you for what you did that night. But as much as you deserve to be slaughtered and feel 10 times the pain I did, I'm not going to kill you. Like I said before that night, I'm not like you and I refuse to stoop to your level." then he suddenly grabbed Tsukishima by the front of his shirt "But the threat I made that night still stands, if you ever lay so much as even a single finger on any of the people I love again then I will torture you to the point where you'll wish for a death that will make Magatsuhi wretch. And since I hold no trust for you whatsoever, I'm going to make sure nobody will ever have to suffer the way I suffered ever again." he grabbed Tsukishima's bookmark out of his pocket and flared his reiatsu, incinerating it instantly "The Book of the End has reached its final chapter." then he let go and levelled his furious glare in Ginjo's direction "I don't even know where to begin with you. You robbed countless Soul Reapers of their powers and their lives, including Kikyo-san, Kaede-san and others I knew from the Feudal Era, you took the lives of my parents, now I have to deal with a whiny captain blaming himself everytime he sees me, and to top it all off, you ordered that waste of space to turn everyone against me just so you could steal my Fullbring abilities. By all means, I should've let Magatsuhi devour you completely so there'd be nothing left of you. But even though you pretty much destroyed almost every trace of my life, I am grateful to you for something. You taught me something very important, something I was a complete fool not to realize before now. For that, I'll let you live." he turned back to Kumiko "I'll come back and visit you Kaa-san." he turned to Ichigo and Kagome "I'll meet you guys back at Karakura Town." and he blitzed off.
Kagome looked at Ichigo "He's really been building all of that anger up inside of him for the past few months?"
Ichigo sighed "Yeah, that battle hit him ever harder than even I thought it would. He really needed this. But at least we know his hatred hasn't consumed him."
"How can you tell Ichigo-kun?"
"Because he spared Tsukishima. If he'd given in, he would've driven his blade through Tsukishima's heart without a second thought. But he didn't, and he didn't even attack him or Ginjo. Knowing him, I assume that he'll be back to normal by the time we head back to Karakura Town."
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By this point, about 6 months had passed since the battle with the Fullbringers.
Ichigo was reading a book in his room, when Kenshiro came in through the window "Hey, what's up?"
Ichigo put down the book and smiled "You staying for dinner?"
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Kenshiro and Ichigo made their way to the park, where the remains of Tsukishima's mansion still stood, completely incinerated by Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshou.
Ichigo looked at Ginjo's grave "Hard to believe it's already been half a year. We discovered the meaning of Chad's powers, got our powers back and saved everyone." he noticed Kenshiro flinch at the last part and realized his mistake "Sorry."
"No, it's fine." Kenshiro said quietly "Ginjo asked me a question before he died, but I didn't answer him."
"What was the question?"
"He asked me if we would've been friends if our positions were reversed. I didn't answer him before he died, and I honestly couldn't answer him. To be truly honest Ichigo, I don't know if him and I could've been friends if our roles were reversed, but what I do know is that I owe him a great debt."
"How so?"
"Because it was the whole experience with him and the other Fullbringers, minus Tsukishima, that taught me a very important lesson. I always thought I couldn't live without Kagome, that she was the number one most important person in my life, the one I always needed to keep going. This battle showed me that I was wrong to think like that for as long as I did. She's not the only one, she's one of two. There's one other I need to keep going, and as long as I have one of them by my side, guiding me, I'm an unstoppable force."
"And who would that other one be?"
"You, Ichigo."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow "Me?"
"Yeah, you've been there for me through this whole thing. Other than Kagome, you're the most important person in my life, and to be honest, I think you're the one who helped me realize my feelings for Kagome."
"To be truthful, I was kind of joking back then."
"Regardless, you were the one who helped me realize my strong desire to protect Kagome and everyone else. And that's why…"
"What?"
"I want you to be my best man."
Ichigo's head snapped towards him "You asked her?"
"Not yet, but I plan to just before graduation."
"You think she'll say yes?"
"We'll find out then. Anyway, what do you say?"
Ichigo hugged his brother in all but blood "Kenshiro, I'd be more than honored to be your best man."
Kenshiro smiled "Thanks Ichigo, my brother in all but blood."
"So how are you gonna go about asking her? And when I ask that I mean, what show are you going to rip off?"
"Nothing related to anime this time, I'm thinking about using something I saw on an episode of Fuller House."
"Really?"
"It's either that or we parody that song from Grease, and there's no way in hell I could get Chad and Ishida-san in leather biker jackets."
"Or Tatsuki in a poodle skirt. Or Rukia."
"Oh my god, don't even get me started on that whole nightmare."
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Graduation had already passed by a week ago.
By this point, three long years had passed since the final defeat of Naraku and the ultimate destruction of the Shikon jewel, 2 years since the defeat of Aizen, and 1 year since the defeat of Ginjo and Tsukishima.
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Kenshiro sat on top of the roof of his apartment 'To think it's been 3 years already, 3 years since that day. 3 years since we defeated Naraku, I confessed to Kagome, the jewel was destroyed for the first time around and the well was sealed. I can't believe so much has happened since then, and yet even despite everything that's happened my adventure still isn't over.' he took a blue notebook out of the bag he had sitting next to him and began writing in it.
"Hey."
Kenshiro looked back and saw Ichigo climbing up behind him "Oh hey, what are you doing up here?"
"Looking for you, Chad and Ishida are here and we're gonna start explaining the plan."
"Oh yeah, right. Don't worry, I'll be down in a few. Just let me finish this paragraph."
Ichigo looked in the book "So what are you writing exactly?"
"Well the short version that you actually have the patience for is, I'm essentially writing about my adventures and my life."
"So what, like an autobiography?"
"Not even close, who the hell would believe 90% of the stuff I'm putting in here? The meetings, farewells, romance, humor, tragedy, and other various happenings. I'm bringing them all together in ink along with the various paths I've taken and friends and allies I've made because of that path. This is gonna be the greatest fantasy romance series of novels of all time, I'm pouring all of my heart and soul into it, even more than I do everything else. I'm calling it The Rise of a Warrior, the Life of a Lover. What do you think?"
"For you, it's really fitting. So what, you're still not finished?"
"Of course it's not finished, I'm not even finished yet."
"Yeah, fair enough. Go ahead and finish, I'll be waiting inside." and he climbed back down.
Kenshiro stared at the sun shining above him, a thoughtful look in his eyes 'Looks like the final chapter has begun at last. The question is, will I live to finish writing it, and then be able to write the epilogue?' then he smiled slightly 'Time certainly does fly, seems like only yesterday I first went through the well. Now I've grown and I've got a huge responsibility on my shoulders, I don't know what else lies ahead for me but the time has come for me to move forward.' he put the book away and stood and stretched a little 'I wonder, how will it turn out in the end? I suppose it's all up to me in the end.'
"Hey Kenshiro, you coming?"
"On my way!" and he made his way back down.
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2 days passed, and the plan was about to commence.
Kagome woke up and let out a yawn as she stretched slightly "Good morning Orihime-chan." no response "Orihime-chan?" she looked to her right, but saw only a note on the table "What's this?" she opened it and read it "My dearest Kagome, Not long ago I made a decision that was heartbreaking, but for the best. But be that as it may, I cannot shake the feeling that I made a truly horrible mistake that ended up hurting us both. This will correct that mistake, and allow us to take further evolution in our lives. This magical journey begins like no other, in the room housing your favorite color. My favorite color?" she shrugged "I'll just get dressed first, then worry about this." she went over to her closet and gasped at what she saw, that being a beautiful purple kimono with a light blue and white floral design 'It's so beautiful…' she touched it gently and stroked the arms 'And made of silk?'
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Orihime watched through a set of binoculars "There we go."
"How's it going so far?" asked Ichigo.
"She's found the kimono, I repeated, she's found the kimono. Stage 1 has been completed."
"...You're getting really into this. It's hot."
"What you find hot is honestly very worrying." Kenshiro commented dryly "Anyway, we've got the next step to deal with." he then spoke into his walkie talkie "Chad, how are things going in stage 2?"
"Everything has been set, we've got everything prepared."
"Good, she's on her way now. Make sure you guys are ready."
"I've gotta ask though." said Ichigo "How did it go with asking her grandfather?"
Kenshiro recalled his earlier conversation with Grandpa Higurashi.
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(Flashback)
Kenshiro bowed, two angry elderly eyes staring down at him.
"If you were anyone else, I would probably try to exercise you." Grandpa Higurashi stated bluntly "But given the history between you and my granddaughter, it's not that easy. You have repeatedly risked your life to save her countless time, and from what I've been told, even sacrificed your life to save her. You've loved her, bled for her, cried for her, and always been there for her for more than 10 years, and even traveled to the forbidden area in between eras to save her. Then again, you did have to rely on others to defend her, putting yourself down and feeling that you failed repeatedly due to that. You made friends with Sesshomaru and Koga, who, respectively, tried to kill and kidnap her. But through it all, you did your best, and then more, to protect her. So my answer is yes, so long as you continue protecting her and shielding her from any pain. Including yourself."
Kenshiro bowed "Thank you, I promise you won't regret this."
(Flashback end)
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"...Better than I would've expected."
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Now clad in the kimono, Kagome made her way through Karakura Town as instructed by the second clue that she found hidden in the kimono 'This hunt will end with the best of news, now go to where you last saw me lose. Thus begins our adventures final story arc, here's a hint, it's in a certain park.' she sweatdropped as she looked around at the arrows directing her, starting from outside her apartment 'As if it wasn't obvious enough already.' then she looked at the people passing by 'How do they not notice?' then she looked down at the clue again 'PS, Urahara-san made these arrows out of a special material that people can't see unless they have a certain amount of spirit energy. Of course.' then she looked at where the arrows lead and stopped in her tracks 'Where you last saw me lose… this is the park where…' she took a deep breath 'No, I can't let myself just fall to the ground and cry anymore. Kenshiro went through hell to protect me, now I've gotta support him in any way I can.' she walked through the park until she reached the sight 'Tsukishima's mansion when Ichigo-kun destroyed it with a Getsuga Tensho…' then she looked at the grave 'This is the grave that Ichigo-kun had made for Ginjo after the fight.'
"As much as I despise him for what he did, he taught me a lot."
Kagome looked up, then slowly looked to the side, where she saw Kenshiro walking up behind her "Kenshiro…"
"I don't know if you were listening, but Ginjo had asked me a question before he died, or at least he tried to. I knew what he wanted to say, but I didn't answer him."
"What… What was the question?"
"He asked me if I thought we could have been friends if our positions had been reversed, I'm pretty sure he meant taking out what he did to my parents. Like I said, I didn't answer because I just couldn't answer him, at least not then."
"Well? Would you?"
"...To be completely honest, I don't know. But what I do know is that despite everything, I do owe him."
"How so?"
"Because that whole experience with the Fullbringers and getting my powers back, it taught me a very important lesson. I was wrong to think the way I had been for so long. The person I thought I needed to keep going, to keep fighting, to never give up. Kagome… it wasn't you."
"...You really know how to lay on the charm."
"I always thought that I couldn't live without you, that without you I had no meaning, no purpose, no reason to exist. I put myself through hell because of that, but in reality I was completely wrong. Chasing after you for so long made me lose sight of who I was, and more importantly, who was really there for me from the beginning, supporting me and giving me the strength and resolve to protect. That person was Ichigo. Without Ichigo, I wouldn't even be alive right now. Seriously, if it wasn't for him then the breakpoint of the Dragon Reaper would've killed me."
"And then you were gone for a month, and when you got back to broke up with me."
"I didn't want to, I really didn't. But Sesshomaru-dono was right, I had to rediscover who I really was before it was too late. But now I have, and now I'm back and better than ever, and even better, now I really know who I am and what I was born to do."
Kagome let out a shallow gulp, fear creeping into her tone "You do?"
"Yeah, I do." he looked up from the grave and shot her a kind smile "I was born with great power for a great purpose, but underneath that power I'm so much more. It doesn't matter whether or not I have the power to level whole mountains with a single swing of my father's sword, the fact of the matter is that I've sworn to protect all of the people I love. And that includes you." he gently took her hands in his "I love you Kagome, I always have and I always will." he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I love you too Kenshiro, and I always will." Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes fluttering shut.
His lips gently pressed themselves against hers, his grip on her waist tightening protectively on instinct, before they broke apart after a moment.
Kagome's face had turned deep crimson "Sorry, I know I've never been very good at this."
"Yeah me neither, I've been kind of in a funk ever since I got out of a really long relationship. I should be over it by now though, I mean it's been about 6 months."
"So we're officially back together?"
"Not quite. Don't get me wrong, there's no way in hell I'm breaking up with you again, but there's just one last thing I have to do first." he gently released her and slowly got down on one knee "I love you more than life itself Kagome, and I can't see any reason to wait any longer than I already have." he pulled a small square black box out of his pocket and opened it, revealing a diamond ring inside 'Note to self, thank Inuyasha for using his Adamant Barrage to make the ring. Also, apologize to Byakuya-san for the damage sustained to his compound during the making process.'
Kagome covered her mouth with both of her hands, tears springing to his eyes 'Is he really going to…?'
"Kagome Higurashi…" Kenshiro took a deep steadying breath, his nervousness soaring to new heights "Will you marry me?"
Kagome laughed, cried, and tried to talk all at once, resulting in her having trouble breathing and being unable to say anything intelligible. After a moment she nodded vigorously and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him repeatedly
He kissed her back, wrapping his arms around her waist, and after a few minutes he pulled back and pulled her hand down to him, slipping the ring into place.
Kagome kissed him again then rested her head on his shoulder admiring her new ring "In case it wasn't clear. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"
"Great. Now then, there's just one last thing to do." he held out his left hand towards the bushes behind them "People's, guitar me!" a guitar was suddenly thrown out of the bushes, and he caught it with ease "Kagome, this is something I've been working on for about a month, with some help from Ichigo. Each and every word captures the love I hold for you." and he started playing, singing all the while.
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Kagome when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone, or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Kagome I'm amazed by you
The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Kagome you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh, it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Kagome I'm amazed by you
Every little thing that you do
Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Every little thing that you do
Every little thing that you do
Kagome I'm amazed by…
You
When he finished, Kagome immediately latched onto him and kissed him over and over again until they were both out of breath "It was beautiful, and everything about this was absolutely perfect."
"I love you Kagome." he whispered.
"And I love you, Kenshiro." she snuggled into his chest.
Then Kenshiro looked over to the bushes "Alright, you guys can come out now."
Sure enough, Ichigo, Uryu, Chad, Kazuma, Urahara, Sesshomaru and Koga emerged from the bushes.
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2 weeks later at Kenshiro's apartment in Karakura, planning was underway. Kenshiro's version of planning.
"So how are the plans coming along?" asked Kazuma.
Kenshiro grinned "Pretty good, we've already got the church booked for November."
"Isn't that a little soon?"
"We've practically been together since we were 6, I think it's alright. It's gonna be pretty big actually, I'm thinking of having either Miroku or the old man do the ceremony."
"Where do you plan to take her?" asked Sesshomaru
"I was thinking about maybe a tropical cruise around the Caribbean."
"Don't forget food." Koga pointed out "You'll definitely need catering, I'm not putting on my best suit unless there's food, and I know Ikkaku-san and Abarai feel the same."
'He has a suit? Of course, you know Inoue-san agreed to do the cake."
Ichigo blinked "She is? She never told me about that."
"When did you guys get together again?"
"About 6 hours after you took off for Tokyo."
"But now we're on to more important matters: the appointing of a best man. Koga."
"Yeah Kenshiro?" Koga gave a smug grin.
"It's not you."
Koga lost the smug grin "Why not?"
"Well you were a candidate for a while, seeing how you've always called me out on my crap in the Feudal Era, but then I remembered something."
"What's that?"
"You're a dick."
Koga pondered this "Yeah okay, fair enough."
"Now then, Ishida-san."
"No thank you Kenshiro-san, I've never been good at this sort of thing."
"Understandable. Sesshomaru-dono."
Sesshomaru shook his head "I have to agree with Ishida-san."
"Fair enough. Chad my friend, we've known each other for awhile."
Chad nodded "About 3 years."
"Sorry man, it's not you."
"Huh?" he was a little offended.
"Sorry man but with those long pauses, I could be halfway through my honeymoon before you're through one sentence."
"I don't drag on that long."
"Fine, show us."
Chad stood "Er… Right… un… unaccustomed… er… Unaccustomed… as I am too… alright, I give up."
"See?"
"I bored myself up there."
"Kazuma-nii, you weren't even a candidate."
"I'm not a fighter, for f*ck's sake!" Kazuma blurted out.
"I was going to say it was because Hiyori is pregnant and as her husband and the father you should stay with her at all times. Anyway, now it's time to come clean. None of you guys were ever really candidates, I asked Ichigo in advance."
Ichigo smirked "Sorry guys, number one for a reason."
"Shred, Goraishi."
"Eradicate, Bakusaiga."
"Brazo Izquierda del Diablo."
"Heilig Bogen."
Needless to say, Ichigo was f*cked.