Don't own Bleach. This is the end, not the actual end because I will continue with this character at some point, but this is the end for now. I hope you guys enjoyed it. Let me know in the reviews or PMs what you thought, ideas for the next arc. If you want the Bounts or Arrancar, or an original arc of my own. I hope to hear from you.

It was the morning that they were scheduled to go back to the world of the living. The group of former Ryoka were stood in front of the portal. The last few days of their long journey were restful for most of them. Uryu had spent his time sewing clothes for this friends as the sets they arrived in were ruined. Chad had to recover from his woulds. Orihime spent her time in the Squad 4 barracks helping them heal the injured. After reconciling after their spat, Utsumi and Yoruichi were inseparable. He had handed his deployment forms in to his Captain and went on his way. However Ichigo had been fleeing from Kenpachi almost the entire time they had been here, the Captain was relentless in his pursuit, even as going so far as to swing at him while he had just got out of his medical bed.

Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck, "I'll be glad to get home, I'll only have to worry about my dad trying to attack me." He told the group.

They all snickered at his statement. Orihime turned to Ichigo, "He just wants to be friends Ichigo."

Scoffing in disbelief, Ichigo shook his head, "If that's how he treats his friends, I'd hate to be his enemy."

Watching on Utsumi smiled slightly. He was happy. He was welcomed back into his old Squad, but he was allowed to stay in the World of The Living. Things ended well for him. Although he wasn't able to defeat Aizen this time, he knew that his time would come. However, Utsumi knew if what Aizen said was true, then it would be even harder to beat Aizen. He looked to his left to find Yoruichi on his shoulder as usual. "Ready to go home?" he asked.

The cat nudged his face, and responded, "Of course."

Captain Ukitake approached Ichigo and handed him a Substitute Shinigami badge, a small stone colored badge with skull design, "This will allow you to become a Shinigami without the use of mod soul. It's our way of saying thank you.".

Ichigo took the badged and grasped it tightly in his hand. "Come on guys we should get going." He said before turning to Rukia, "You're staying." It wasn't a question, merely a statement.

She nodded, "I am. My Shinigami powers haven't returned yet. I'll stay here until they do."

Ichigo would be lying if he had said he wasn't disappointed, but if this is what it takes for her to get her powers back then who is he to argue, "I'll see you around, Rukia" He said as the group departed the Soul Society

By chance they had to run from the Kototsu again. This time however, they managed to escape it easier, without the use of Orihime's powers. They all leaped from the portal and landed on a large beige blanked being flown by Urahara and Tessai. Urahara took off his hat and said, "Welcome home, everyone." He said cheerfully before seeing the look on Ichigo's face. "Welcome back, Ichigo." he said more sedately. "I take it you've heard about...me?" he asked.

Ichigo, still scowling, replied, "Yeah."

Turning around and bowing in Ichigo's direction, "I am truly sorry for my part in all of this."

"Stop it. Don't apologize. Where ever your heart was, you helped us rescue Rukia." He said. "Is the reason you didn't tell me the truth that you'd thought that I'd panic and run away?" He asked.

Hesitating at first, Urahara replied, making a huge song and dance about it, "Bingo! You're absolutely right." he said receiving an elbow to the face leaving him holding his nose. "I can't believe I got an elbow, that was unexpected."

Sat facing away from Urahara, Ichigo replied, "Just make sure you apologize to Rukia, she'll probably tell you the same thing I did."

They all began departing from the flying blanket, first it was Uryu stating that the next time they meet, they'll be enemies. The it was Orihime who slid off in front of her house, waving them goodbye. After her it was Chad who silently dropped off and watched as they left before entering his house. Ichigo jumped off the flying blanket overlooking the ocean.

That left Urahara, Tessai, Yoruichi and Utsumi. Urahara noticed that Yoruichi was being silent as she curled up in Utsumi's lap, "What's wrong Yoruichi?" He asked.

The cat jumped up, "Nothing, it's just been a long time." She said, before curling back down. "What do you think is going to happen now?" She asked.

Looking up at the sky as if answers would be there, "I don't know." He began, "We started on far on the losing side. Now we have started to get a handle on things. With Kaito and Ichigo and his friends, we'll get the training hard and we'll see what happens." he explained.

"I guess we won't get a peaceful death will we?" She asked referring to the three of them.

Utsumi, who had been quiet since they got back spoke up, "I didn't think you'd want it any other way." he said.

Kisuke laughed, "Well, I suppose it can't be helped."

They all arrived back at Urahara's shop together, Utsumi wanted to collapse on his old bed and sleep for the next year, but knew that he couldn't. The others and himself have to prepare for the upcoming war against Aizen. They all told each other that it could wait until morning and they all went to their bedrooms. Utsumi lay looking up at the ceiling with Yoruichi's head on his chest. He knew that their plans to go away again were now put on hold indefinitely. He absentmindedly stroked her long purple hair. "I love you, Yoruichi. No matter what's been sad or what's going to happen. That won't change."

She knew that they would be needed for the war against Aizen. She wanted nothing more than to go away with Utsumi, away from this mess with Aizen and the Soul Society. She rested her head on his chest as she struggled to find sleep but it wouldn't come. She had a bad feeling about the upcoming war, it was nagging at the back her head, she didn't know what was going to happen. She had no idea how it was going to end. One thing she was sure of was that she would be there, with the man she was with, to the very end. "I love you too." With those small words they both fell a sleep, because tomorrow, would be the start in their preparations for the war against Aizen.