EPILOGUE: AISEKI'S JOURNAL

Note: If you went from chapter 36 to here, go back – there is a chapter 37. Thank you.

About a year ago something really strange happened, something I cannot explain, but something very, very good. My wife and I now live in Soul Society; I was never meant to live in the Mortal world, seeing as how I was a shinigami for decades, but being my wife's only family she decided to stay here with me.

So much has changed in the last year, it's hard to think of it all. I guess I will start with the Academy.

When the event happened, we found ourselves in the presence of three unknown shinigami named Shigeryu, Kiria, and Uri. Now, Captain Zaraki said he kinda remembered them, but they had no idea what was going on. Naturally, Zaraki (being the intolerant beast he is sometimes) said "hell no!" to allowing them into his squad. So, instead, they went to the Academy. Seriously, I don't know why nobody thought of this before, but it is brilliant. Apparently during the time the three were "mysteriously vanished", they each learned incredible skills. Now, they are using that skill to help shinigami improve themselves.

It's kind of like a community college for the Afterlife. Shigeryu, the guy who looks like a wild man, or a wolf, or something…he has an incredible relationship with his zanpakuto, and he is giving classes to adult and seasoned shinigami on how to improve their own relationships. From what I've heard, that guy can utilize Shikai techniques…without even being in Shikai! Talk about a relationship of trust!

The girl, Kiria (she's kind of freaky with all her tattoos, but no matter how hard I try I can't help but stare at her – my wife hates it) is a master of control. She even has a Bankai, but she refuses to become a captain. Anyway, she teaches the shinigami how to control their reiatsu to ridiculous levels, having them conduct obstacle courses with stupidly hard scenarios. Sometimes I think it's a bit much, and that she might be a kind of sadomasochist, but the results seem to be panning out well…

The big guy, the really scary looking one, Uri…you can't sneak up on that guy. His senses are amazing, better than a dog, cat, horse…well, any animal at least. As you can imagine he teaches his shinigami students how to listen, feel, smell, see, and sense their surroundings. I'm thinking of taking his class myself, since I tend to space off a little much.

Then there's Shakuho, my old teacher. He came back to Sereitei with a hero's welcome – from Nanao Ise, that is. I feel sorry for poor Captain Kyoraku; he loved his Vice-Captain so much, and she won't even give him the time of day now that her boyfriend is back in town. Of course, she really let him have for a few months – I thought the poor guy would die from her never-ending punishment ("You left me all alone to deal with Shunsui!"). Anyway, just last month Shakuho took the Captain's Examination and passed! He's now the Captain of Squad Three…though his personality kinda clashes with Kira's. I hope it works out all right.

Kisuke and Yoruichi have long since gone back to Earth. I don't know why, but they seem to prefer it there. Frankly, I think they're crazy.

Ichigo Kurosaki is back being a regular kid on Earth…okay, a very irregular kid. He still is the strongest shinigami I know of, and he and his friends have been relaxing in this relatively peaceful time. Of course, the hollows are starting to come back, but even they seem a little more cheerful than usual. Hopefully that continues and the shinigami and hollows can start getting along better…but I doubt it.

Speaking of powerful shinigami, I forgot to mention that Renji Abarai was recommended for a Captain's position – and got it! He now is over Squad Nine, and he and his Vice-Captain Shuuhei Hisagi get along famously. But then again, I think everyone gets along with Hisagi – especially my wife.

Speaking of, and I guess there's a reason I am mentioning this last…

So Alicia was recommended for a Captain's position over Squad Five. I'm not sure how I feel about this, seeing as how I'm just a lowly fifth seat in Captain Ukitake's Squad Thirteen. I guess she deserved it, though; she reached Bankai faster than any shinigami in history, and her Bankai really is…AMAZING.

She has been complaining lately of nightmares, though. I know that I used to have them, and I know how recurring bad dreams can affect a person. She talks about strange people and places, common names and faces, horrible things and scary situations…I'm hoping that it is just nerves with her upcoming Captain's examination, but I'm starting to think it might be something else.

Hopefully I'm wrong.

Anyway, that's all for today. My name is Mark Anders, but you can call me Aiseki Kennomichi, and my life is one of joy.

The End – Bleach, The Eternal Path, Part I: The Viajante

BONUS! Thank you so much for reading my story. If you read and liked Akira, Kankokage of the Three Mountains, I have some bad news for you. I've realized that Naruto isn't a good meme for me, and I probably won't continue that sequel for a while. However, as you probably noticed, this is Part I of a multipart series that I've been putting together now for the last year. I feel this was a good story worth continuing, and Part II will be coming out soon, so watch for it!

If you are wondering, yes, I did pass my Qualifying Exam. In about 2 years I will be known as Dr. Kankokage, PhD! BWA HA HA HA!