Chapter 53
It was short while later and Ikumi had driven Ichigo to a house with a large sign outside that said "Unagiya shop" on it.
"Unagiya?.. Do you sell eel?" Ichigo commented, which resulted in her smacking him in the back of his head. "What the hell!?"
"I don't sell eel moron.. Unagiya is my last name, remember dipshit?" Ikumi said as she opened the door and let them inside.
"Maybe you should change it then.. Considering Unagi means eel and Unagiya is close to that name.." Ichigo said ,before getting hit again. "Enough with the hitting already"
"Keep your voice down.. My son's sleeping" Ikumi said, ignoring him an sitting at the dinning room table. "Go ahead and sit so we can talk"
"Fine… though you look a little too young to be mom" Ichigo stated as he sat down at the table she was sitting at. "So what is it you wanted to talk about so bad?"
"Too young to be a mom huh?.. Flirting with me won't get you anywhere" Ikumi said with a grin. "Don't get me wrong your pretty handsome for your age, but considering you're my cousin and I'm not into incest your out of luck here"
"I.. I wasn't flirting you psycho!" Ichigo exclaimed red faced. "Just tell me what you wanna talk about!"
"…I wanna talk about the truth" Ikumi said plainly.
"The truth?…" Ichigo asked looking confused. "Truth about what?"
"Tell me Ichigo.. What did your father, Isshin, tell you about your connection to the Shiba clan?" Ikumi asked, folding her arms and sitting back.
"Um. Well.. He said that Kukaku is his sister in law and that he married her sister, my mom Masaki" Ichigo answered raising an eyebrow as Ikumi stared at him before shaking her head.
"Honestly… What the hell was uncle Isshin thinking?" Ikumi said out loud, taking off her hat and running her hand across her hair. "I'm afraid your father was lying to you Ichigo…"
"Lying?.. About what?" Ichigo asked with an expression that was a mixture in disbelief and confusion.
"Your father didn't marry into the Shiba clan.. He was from the Shiba clan.. He was the head of the clan until he disappeared in the world of the living 20 years ago…" Ikumi said, as Ichigo eyes widened and he at there speechless. "He must have met your mom here too, because he was single until he disappeared.. It was as just him, his niece Kukaku, and his nephews, Kaien and Ganju.. He didn't even have a girlfriend, despite his constant flirting with pretty much every girl he saw"
"But… why would he lie.. And tell me all that?" Ichigo asked staring at the table.
"To be honest, I'm not sure.. I didn't even know he was alive until Yoruichi contacted me.. Nor did I know that I have you and your sisters for cousins" Ikumi said standing up and stretching.
"Then.. What about me mom.. Was she a normal human?" Ichigo asked, looking ay Ikumi.
"Sorry kid.. I never met your mom.. And like I said I didn't even know he was alive nor that he had kids till recently" She replied, looking grim. "You'll have to talk to your dad about in regards to your mom.."
"Yeah… I guess" Ichigo sighed as he stood up and walk towards the door. "I should probably be going though.. Nice to meet you and all Ikumi.. Meeting family I never knew I had is pretty cool at least"
"You realize he's never going to admit the truth about his heritage right?" Ikumi said, stopping him at the door. "I better be there when you talk to him.. He was pretty lazy when I knew him before he left the Soul Society"
"Wait a sec… I never asked.. Why are you here in the world of the living?" Ichigo asked, looking back at her. "If your from the Soul Society.. Then are a Soul Reaper or just a regular member of the Shiba clan.. And would they just let you run around here in the world of the living so freely?"
"I was considering joining the 13 court squads and become a Soul Reaper.. But right now I'm just an ordinary high powered clan member" Ikumi answered shrugging her shoulders.
"What about your son?" Ichigo asked looking back at her. "Is he part human like me?"
"My son?.. No.. I bought him here with me when he was a baby. As far as he knows he's an ordinary human" Ikumi replied putting her hat back on. "I just get him a new gigai every year.. I put him to sleep with Kido so that he can be transferred to his new Gigai in his sleep"
"You gotta be kidding me.." Ichigo said while face palming.
"Nope.. I know he'll find out someday.. But for right now, it's way too much of a hassle" Ikumi stated making a face. "You got a problem with that assbutt?"
Ichigo glared slightly and said "You remind me way too much of Kukaku"
"I get that a lot.. But in any case. It's late so you should get going" She said, walking over to a hallway closet. "It's starting to rain, so take this umbrella with you to keep you dry.. And here's my phone number.. I'll call you and let you know when I'm free to help you when you talk to your dad"
"Uh.. Thanks… for both things, Ikumi" Ichigo said as she handed him a umbrella and a piece of paper with her number on it.. "I'll see you later then"
"Sure.. And call me aunt Ikumi.." She said folding her arms under large bust. "I'm older then you and it sounds weird if you called me your cousin or something else"
Ichigo stepped out the door and opened the umbrella outside as he replied to her. "Uh.. Sure.. Aunt Ikumi"
With that, Ichigo began walking along home in the rain with the umbrella that had an image of a fist on it along with the name Unagiya.
He made his way home and quickly waked up stairs to get some sleep. Ichigo laid down on his bed after changing out of his clothes and flopped on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
He managed to fall asleep after a little while, though it was restless sleep and he was still tired the next morning when his dad ran in trying to drop kick him. Ichigo was too tired and not in the mood for his dad's antics though, so he calmly stepped aside while Isshin face planted into the wall behind him.
He calmly grabbed his clothes and got dressed in the bathroom, before heading down stairs where Rukia and Karin were getting breakfast served to them by Yuzu.
"Good morning Ichigo" Yuzu said in her usual chipper tone. "You don't look good.. Are you feeling ok?"
She walked over to him and out her hand on his forehead after he sat down, with a concerned look. "Your a little warm, Ichigo"
"I'm fine sis.. Really.. I just didn't get much sleep last night" Ichigo said, as he grabbed some breakfast on the plates in front of him and put stuff on his own plate. "I'll just take an aspirin and if I'm not feeling well later, I'll just sleep in the nurse's office during my 2nd period free period"
"Oh.. Are you sure?…
"It's fine really" Ichigo said a bit more firmly as he started eating.
Ichigo finished quickly running up to the bathroom to get an aspirin, and then grabbing his school bag and shoes, before walking out the door, leaving Rukia behind.
Yuzu called after him, be he didn't answer or turn back, making her look depressed. "Ichigo…"
"Relax Yuzu.. You heard him.. He didn't get enough sleep.. And you know he gets cranky when that happens" Karin said, still eating. "Worrying about him too much won't do any good here.. And if he wants to talk about last night, then you have to wait till he wants to talk about it"
"He's being a real ass if you ask me" Rukia said, throwing in her two cents. "I can give him good smacking when I see him at school"
"No.. It's ok… I'm sure Karin's right" Yuzu said though she still looked depressed.
Rukia agreed and finished her breakfast before grabbing the lunches that Yuzu had made for her and Ichigo and left school as well.
As Ichigo and Rukia were dealing with school and other issues in the world of the living, There were other things going on at the Seireitei inside the Soul Society. A man named Makoto Kibune had been elected as the new third seat of squad 3 and was currently sitting on top of a wall as members of the squad were chasing a cat nearby. The cat darted up the wall and the squad members came to a stop when they saw him sitting there.
"Uh.. You're the new third seat of our squad right?" The Lieutenant of squad 3, Izuru Kira stated as he walked to the front of the group of Soul Reapers. "Makoto Kibune if I'm not mistaken?"
"That's correct.. Lieutenant Kira" Makoto replied, hopping down to him. "Nice to meet you"
"Wait.. We have a new 3rd seat?" one of the squad members asked while the others asked similar questions.
"I heard about this.. But honestly this is the first time I've met them myself" Izuru said, looking at his squad. " There's been so much going on lately that there's been a lot of confusion around here"
"We'll It's my fault for not introducing myself sooner as well.." Makoto said with a smile. "I take it you haven't heard the other change to squad 3"
"Like what?" Izuru asked, raising an eyebrow.
Makoto grinned and folded his arms. "Like the new captain.. Captain Amagai"
"New captain?"
"We have a new captain, Lieutenant Kira?"
"I… I didn't hear about this.." Izuru said with wide eyes. " The last new official captain we had was Ichigo… we also had former squad 3 captain Rose Otoribashi temporarily re-take command of our squad during the incident with the rouge Zanpakuto"
"That's understandable… perhaps I should take you to meet him" Makoto suggested. "Better to meet him sooner rather then later"
Izuru agreed and followed Makoto through the Seireitei to meet Captain Amagai, even though he wasn't sure about having a new captain. Makoto led him to the squad 3 barracks and specifically, the captain's quarters that his former captain Gin Ichimaru had used for so long.
Makoto knocked on the door and a voice inside called them in. He slid open the door and walked inside, where a tall muscular man with dark purple messy hair wearing a long sleeved captain's haori. The man stood upon walked over to greet them with friendly smile.
"Captain Amagai.. This is the squad 3 lieutenant Izuru Kira" Makoto said, looking at the captain.
"Oh.. Yes of course.. it's good to meet you finally.. I've been trying to make time to meet you. But it's been hectic around here" Amagai said shaking Izuru's hand. "Sorry about taking so long"
"It's fine Captain Amagai sir.. I'm sure I got a memo sent to my office about this, but as you said it's been hectic and I Haven't had much time to go to my office lately" Izuru said in a friendly manner. "It's good to meet to though sir.. You're the second new captain we've have recently"
"Wait.. There's another new captain besides me?" Amagai asked, looking at Makoto. "Who is it?"
Makoto made a gesture of not knowing about it ,so Amagai turned back to Izuru.
"Well.. I'd love to me this other new captain as well" Amagai said, with a friendly tone. "What's their name?"
Izuru got a strange vibe, but ignored it and answered him "Oh.. His name is Ichigo .. Ichigo Kurosaki"
"Ichigo huh… Ichigo"
"Ichigo"
"ICHIGIO! WAKE UP!"
Ichigo opened his eyes and looked over to see Tatsuki standing there with Orihime, both holding bentos.
"Sheeze Ichigo.. You slept through nearly all of the first half of school" Tatsuki said looking at him. "Didn't get any sleep last night?"
"…no, I didn't" Ichigo said standing up and stretching his arms.
"Why not Ichigo.. Are you feeling ok?" Orihime asked looking concerned. "Maybe you should go and lay down at the nurse's office"
"Yeah Ichigo" Rurichiyo said,, hugging waist from behind him. "Maybe you should sleep. I can keep you company"
"I'm fine" Ichigo said, patting Rurichiyo n her head. before grabbing his bento and walking past everyone.
"Ichigo where are you going?" Rukia asked, calling out to him.
Ichigo ignored her and walked out the classroom, leaving his friends there confused.
Ichigo walked outside and sat down on the grass next to a tree, putting his lunch beside him. He sat there for a few minutes before a long shadow cover him and he looked up to see Michiru standing there holding a bento.
"Ichigo?.. W-what are you doing out here by yourself?" Michiru asked, while blushing slightly.
"What?.. Oh.. Your Michiru Ogawa" Ichigo said, blinking a bit rapidly. "I just got a lot on my shoulders right now"
"Oh I see… would it be alright if… maybe I could that is…" Michiru said stuttering slightly. "M-may I join you for lunch?"
"Uh… I guess.." Ichigo said, unsure what to say about her outburst.
They mostly ate in silence, though Michiru would regularly look at Ichigo and blush before going back to her food.
Some distance away Ryo was watching this staring while holding book in her hand. "Why does she keep blushing at him instead of trying to just talk to him?"
Ryo shook her head and walked away leaving her friend to hopelessly try and fail at flirting with Ichigo.
After finishing his lunch, Ichigo got up and bid farewell to the still blushing Michiru, ad decided to go for a walk since he still had about ten minutes let for lunch break.
As he walked along, his Soul Pager suddenly rang, so he pulled it out and saw text message on it from his squad's third seat.
"Huh?.. A general captain's meeting has been called?" Ichigo said out loud, looking at it. "Super.. Just what I want right now.. More stuff on my shoulders"
"Sorry, Akira.. I have a lot of stuff that's more important to deal with right now" He typed back and sent, before shutting off his phone. " Maybe I'll take the rest of the day off.. Go some where maybe"
With that Ichigo walked off away from school, with his hands in his pockets with no specific destination.
He walked along for a while and then heard someone familiar call his name.
"Hmm?… Aunt Ikumi"
"Ichigo.. What are you doing out of school this time of day?" Ikumi asked, while standing there, holding a plastic bag in one hand. "Well? you just gong to stand there in a daze or answer me?"
"Uh.. I uh" Ichigo trailed off, unsure how to answer.
"Never mind.. I take off time from things to sometimes.." Ikumi said shrugging. "But if your not going to go to school, then make yourself useful and help me out with my shopping"
Ichigo stared at her for a minute before saying anything "Um.. I guess I could.."
"Good then come on" Ikumi said grabbing his wrist and pulling him along. "I got a lot of things to do today while I'm out after all.. You can be my pack mule"
"Pack Mule?!"
Not answering him she dragged him off down the street and although he struggled for a while, he eventually just gave up.
It was hours later and Ikumi had quite a few bags, all of which Ichigo had ended up carrying for her.(not by choice mind you). At the present, Ichigo was sitting at a table in a restaurant with Ikumi across from him.
"Um.. Why are we here?" Ichigo asked calmly.
"What do you mean why are we here?" Ikumi replied somewhat annoyed. " it' almost dinner time.. We've out all afternoon after all… so we're having dinner"
"Dinner?"
"Yeah moron.. You know, a meal you eat at night?" Ikumi said as Ichigo glared at her. "In any case, dinner's on me.. it will be my treat as thanks for putting up with me and carrying all my shit"
"Whatever…" Ichigo said looking out of it.
"By the way.. You look out of it.. And I'm just saying that cause I read the last sentence of this story" Ikumi said, as Ichigo's eye twitched. "So.. What's on your mind?"
"How do you know anything's on my mind?"
"Apart from your expression all afternoon… your just like his father.. Your true emotions are often hidden beneath the surface, but your surprisingly easy to read nonetheless" Ikumi stated, looking at him neutrally.
Ichigo glared at her. "I'm not like my father.. That idiot"
"Yeah you are… you're a spiting image of him personailay wise"
"Am not"
"Are too"
"I am not"
"Yeah you are"
I am not!"
"The more you deny it, the more you act like Isshin" Ikumi finally said with a grin.
"Screw you…"
"That retort of yours was lacing in intensity" Ikumi said, ignoring "Just order something for dinner and then we'll go back to my place and chat.. No arguments.."
Ichigo reluctantly ate dinner with Ikumi and carried her bags to her house with her. Once inside Ichigo, dropped to the couch in the living room and sat there, a bit tired out from the hectic day. A few minutes After, Ikumi sat down next to him, putting her feet up on the table in front of it.
"A hell of a day, huh Ichigo?" Ikumi said slapping his leg lightly. "So.. Now that we're here, you wanna tell me what's got you panties in a bunch?.. Is it the whole thing about your dad lying to you about the Shiba clan?.. Or is it something else?"
"It that.. and I'm sort of a body guard to some girl from a noble clan and I'm the captain of squad 5.. And I'm having a fight with my girlfriend.. Who's also my lieutenant… Hiyori" Ichigo said, sighing. " I didn't get much sleep last night with al that shit on my mind"
"I see.. All that on your plate at only 15 years old.. That's a lot to deal with no matter what age you are.." Ikumi stated, leaning back. "Why not quit being a Captain, tell the girl that your guarding that you have to stop guarding her, find your girlfriend, and make up with her.. And then just worry about her and fighting hollows and crap for right now?.."
"I.. made promises.. And I can't go back on my word" Ichigo said, looking over at Ikumi. "I said I would rescue Rukia Kuchiki when she was sentenced to death by the Soul Society and I did… with the help of my friends… and any other thing I promise to do, I'll do it.. No matter what obstacles stand in my path"
"Heh.. You're a Shiba through and through kid" Ikumi said grinning. "That's the same atitude that a lot of us in the clan have"
"There's nothing wrong with helping others.. Just make sure you don't neglect your own life Ichigo" She then said while sighing. " You need to find a balance that let's you focus on helping others while still putting aside time for your own family and the normal issues that you have as a teenager"
"..yeah.."
"Hmm. It's starting to rain out.. Why don't you go take a hot bath and relax.. I'll wash your clothes for you" Ikumi said standing up. "Go on kid.. It's down the hall there, first door on the right"
"Uh.. Sure I guess that would be ok.. Wait.. Didn't you say you have a kid?" Ichigo asked looking over at her with one eyebrow raised.
"A kid?…MY SON OH SHIT I FORGOT ABOUT HIM!" Ikumi yelled running around, as Ichigo stood there unsure what to say or do. "Oh wait.. He's at his friends house sleeping over tonight"
Ichigo face palmed at her actions and had no will to say anything to what she had just done.
"Well… why don't you go take a bath already?" Ikumi said, back to normal despite the outburst a moment ago. "..and be sure to leave your clothes outside the door after you get undressed.. And don't worry I won't come peak on you"
"I wasn't worried about that.. But I mm now that you mentioned it" Ichigo replied stand up as well. "You're your really weird, Aunt Ikumi"
With that , Ichigo shook his headand walked off to the bathroom, leaving Ikumi there who suddenly heard the phone ring.
"Hello? Unagiya shop.. Ikumi speaking" She said after she picked up the phone. "Oh.. Yoruichi.. What is it?"
"... oh Ichigo? Yeah I've seen him today… he's here at my place right now" She said nonchalantly. "He just got in the bath… no I'm not going to speak on him.. He looks that good naked?.. You don't say…. Well he's my cousin, so I'm not going peak"
"Huh.. Yeah it's only by marriage so if I did peak it's wouldn't mean to much but, I'm older then him.. What? His girlfriend is over a hundred years old?.. Guess age doesn't matter to him" Ikumi said to Yoruichi shrugging. "Still though.. he has a girl friend…and it would be awkward if I suddenly hit on him.. Enough trying to pollute my mind.. Why did you call?"
"What?.. His friends and sisters we're worried about him cause he disappeared from school today?.. That's not a big deal.. He's been with me all afternoon" Ikumi stated, walking around the room. "I'm trying to get him to open up about al the shit he's got on his mind and I figured him getting away from everyone for a day would do him some good.."
"Besides.. I needed someone to carry my stuff and he happened to be there at the time" Ikumi admited casually, while Yoruichi laughed on the other end of the phone. "I figure I'll get him drunk and make him spill everything that's on his mind .. It will be good for him.. What? No it doesn't matter that he's too young to drink.. No, I'm not to try and fuck him when he's drunk.. That's something you would try, not me.. Yes he is handsome.. But we already had this talk a few minutes ago"
"Hey, Aunt Ikumi!" Ichigo yelled, opening the bathroom door slightly and putting his clothes out. "I'm putting my clothes out like you said to"
"Huh?.. Oh alright.. I'll be right there Ichigo" Ikumi yelled out loud. "I gotta go.. Just let his friends and family know that he's fine and with his aunt right now.. He' be back around tomorrow probably, k?"
"Alright.. See you tomorrow,. Night" Ikumi then hung up and went to gather Ichigo's clothes to throw in the washer like she said she would.
After his bath, and changing into his clothes that Ikumi washed and dried for him, Ichigo sat back on the couch where Ikumi joined him holding a bottle of saki and two saki bowls.
Ichigo looked over and had to comment. "Um… why is there two bowls there?"
Ikumi looked at him and grinned before pouring saki into the bowls. "It should be obvious.. You and I are going to get plastered.."
"Are you really an adult!?"
"Of course I am.. What kind of question is that, Ichigo?"
"Most adults wouldn't try and get their underaged nephew drunk on saki"
"When did I claim to be like most adults kid?"
"You really are just like Kukaku…scarily like her"
"I'll take that as a compliment"
"I wouldn't…"
"What was that?!"
"…nothing.."
Though very reluctantly, Ichigo ended up drinking saki with Ikumi and much like with Kukaku, he passed out rather easily, falling asleep on the couch.
The next morning, Ichigo woke up in ther couch, covered up with a blanket, he almost immediently felt a headache coming on. He looked over and saw Ikumi sitting up, in just her underwear, drinking a beer an relaxing.
He looked at her for moment, unsure if he was actually awake or not.
Without looking at him, Ikumi suddenly spoke out. "So are my panties cute enough for you?"
"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?"
Ichigo jumped up, covered his eyes and ran out of the room with a dark red face.
"PUT SOME DAME CLOTHES ON SO I CAN COME BACK INTO THE ROOM!"
"Yoruichu was spot on… even with a girlfriend, your still a prude around a scantly clad women"
Ichigo was standing out sight clutching his fists and growling. "Damn you Yoruichi!"
"Relax.. I was just joking Ichigo.. I'm getting dress right now" Ikumi called out to him from the living room.
"You better be!"
A few minutes later Ikumi announced it was safe for Ichigo to come back into the room and he did thogh he was still cautious.
"So Ichigo… have you figured out what your going to do?"
"About what?"
Ikumi sighed and sat back dow next to him. "About everything I mean.. your argument with your girlfriend… being a body guard.. Being a captain in ther 13 court guard squads and fighting against Aizen… all this on top of trying to be a "normal" 15 year old boy"
"Honestly… I'm not completely sure…"
"…well.. Your going to have to figure out what your going to do… even if it's difficult"
"Yeah I know…. Any ideas?"
"Hmm… if I were you.. I'd start with the girlfriend thing" Ikumi said, sighing. "Deal with one thing at a time.. But start with your girlfriend"
"Probably should… even though she's the one at fault"
"Maybe it's her fault.. But she's probably just use to living that way.. And it's not easy to suddenly change your habbits so easily" Ikumi said, stretching her arms over her head. "Just go talk to her and let her know that she was wrong but that you still love her and want to work with her to help her change while still being true to herself"
"That's surprisingly .. Well…thoughtful.." Ichigo commented, staring at Ikumi.
"So?.. I'm not completely foreign to emotions and relationships you know" Ikumi said makniga fist at him. "I did get knocked up years ago after all.. So I did have a boyfriend at one point"
"Um.. Ok.. I'm not doubting you.. It's just that talking like that didn't suit you is all" Ichigo said, holding his hands up in front of him in surrender.
"Well…. whatever…you still got school today, so you should probably get going" Ikumi stated standing up and walking to the kitchen. "I don't feel like making breakfast.. Best I can do is make you some toast"
Ichigo looked at her while glaring, "That's fine.. My head hurts anyways… think I have a hangover because of you"
"Don't blame me if you can't hold your alcohol" Ikumi retorted. "I'll get you some asprin to go with that toast.. And then give you a lift to your house"
"Alright…Thanks"
After eating, Ikumi droped him off at his house as promised and told him to not to be a stranger.. As well as that she'd call to let him know when she could help him out with his heritage thing when he talked to Isshin.
When he walked inside, it was still early so only Yuzu was up ands he quickly rushed over to him and jumped into his arms as soon as she saw him.
"Ichigo!.. I was so worried about you…"
Yuzu cried, ashe clung to him and Ichigo patted her head, trying to calm her down.
"You left school and never came home last night.." Yuzu said, still not letting go. "Even though Rukia got a call for a friend named Yoruichi saying you were just fine and would be back home today… I was still really worried about you.. And so was Karin"
"I'm sorry I worried you Yuzu.. That wasn't my intention.." Ichigo said, walking away from the door while carrying Yuzu who still holding onto him. "I just had some things to deal with… but I promise not to run off again without saying anything… ok?"
"You promise?" Yuzu asked looking up at him.
"Promise"
Finally certain that Ichigo was tellngi the truth, Yuzu let go and dropped to the floor so she could go start breakfast.
Karin and Rukia eventualy joined them and both smacked him in his head for making Yuzu worry like she had.
On the way to school with Rukia, Ichigo suddenly heard a voice call out his name from behind. Ichigo and Rukai turned around and found Hiyori of all people standing there.
"Hi.. Hiyori" Ichigo said with wide eyes. "I.. uh"
"Hey.. Ichigo… I..can we talk?" She asked blushing. "In private?"
Rukia patted him on his shoulder and told him good luck as she walked away, leaving Ichigo and Hiyori there alone.
"Ichigo I… I'm ..you know… sorry "
"Um.. Yeah me too.. For you know.. over reacting maybe?" Ichigo said back, both of the feeling awkward. "Guess neither one of us is good at .. You know.. This type of stuff"
"Yeah.. We're both alike in that way, aren't we?" Hiyori said small laugh.
"Too much alike in some ways" Ichigo said, sighing. "So.. Let's just agree that we botrh messed up and move on..sound good?"
Hiyori nodded. "Sounds good"
"So uh…"
"Yeah…"
Hiyori moved forward and hugged Ichigo tightly while Ichigo wrapped him arms around her as well.
"I missed you yesterday Ichigo"
"I missed you too.. Snaggletooth"
"Captain Kurosaki.. Lieutenant Sarugaki"
Ichigo and Hiyori looked to see a crouching Soul Reaper messanger crouching there in the road.
Ichigo looked at the male Soul Reaper. "Um.. Yeah?"
"You presence is requested in the Squad 1 captain's office immediately, captain Kurosaki sir"
"Uh.."
"Ichigo!.. Good morning!" exclaimed Rurichiyo as she ran down the street and jumped onto Ichigo. "Who are they?"
"Uh.. The head captain wats to see me and Hiyori about something"
Kenryu came up beside Ichigo and whispered. "But what about .. You know.. You can't just leave Lady Rurichiyo here defenseless "
"Yeah I know… uh. .you!.. The messenger guy I don't know the name of"
"Um…. Yes sir?"
"I'll be going back with you,but Hiyori here needs to stay here for right now"
"Um.. Sir?"
"Don't worry… I'll explain it to the old man myself"
"Hiyori.. Can you stay here and keep and eye on Rurichiyo?" Ichigo whispered into Hiyori's ear. "I'll make it up to you as soon as possible"
"You'll own me big time Ichigo" Hiyori whispered back, before speaking out loud. "Yeah… Ichigo's family keeps being targeted by sprits and I promised I'd help out as a Soul Repear and member of the family"
"Uh.. Of course ma'am.."
"Like I said, I'll talk to the head captain… so lead the way"
Rukia, who had come back after sensing the spiritual pressure of the messenger, promised to help protect Rurichiyo while Ichigo was gone.
The messenger opened a Senkaimon to the Soul Society before him and Ichigo went through it a moment later.
As soon as Ichigo and the messenger arrived in the Seireitei, Ichigo headed to the squad 1 barracks, where the other captains were already arriving as well.
"Uh.. Shunsui…Jushiro.. What is everyone doing here?" Ichigo asked, confused. "I was told the old man wanted to see me and Hiyori"
"He did?.. Well it was probably about the captain's meeting" Captain Kyoraku stated tipping his hat. "There was supppose to be a meeting the other day, but it was postponed"
"Oh.. I see…" Ichigo said, blinking.
"Well come on, no need to dillydally, Ichigo" Kyoraku said with smile. "Oh.. And you should probably meet the new captain of squad 3 while your at it"
"New squad captain?" Ichigo asked stopping in his tracks. "When did this happen?"
"Not long ago.. You were in the world of the living at the time when the captain decided to let a candidate take the captain's exam in order to fill up an empty spot in the squads as soons as possible" Jushiro said with a friendly smile. "He seems to be a fairly good man, from the few times I've met him"
"Oh. Um ok"
With that Ichigo followed the tw other captains inside the hall where most of the other captains were already standing. Soifon gave a Ichigo a rare friendly smile while Hitsugaya, Unohana and Komamura all gave friendly greetings to him, Kyoraku and Shunsui. Kenpachi then walked in, nearly late and gave Ichigo a sharp toothed grin before the the newest captain appeared looking a bit scruffy. As soon as he did the Head captain appeared in his seat at the end of the hall with a flash-step and called the meeting to order.
"This meeting will now come to order" The head captain said tapping his cane on the floor. "The purpose of this meeting is to introduce our newest member of the 13 court guard squads.. To those who have not met him, this is Shusuke Amagai, the new captain of squad 3"
"Nice to meet everyone.." Amagai said with a friendly smile "I hope to do my best to help squad 3 return to full strength"
All the captains gave greetings to Amagai, with Ichigo just standing there staring at him. He thought he should also say hi, but part of him told him not too… that something was wrong… specifically his inner hollow.
"I don't trust him King"
"Why not?"
"I don't know… just a bad feeling king.. Watch him carefully"
"Ichigo?.. You ok?" Kyoraku asked bringing Ichigo back to the real world. "Captain Amagai wanted to meet you but you were spacing out"
"What?.. Oh sorry.. I wasn't thinking about stuff" Ichigo said blinking a bit.
"It's fine.. It's good to meet you in person captain Kurosaki" Amagai stated, putting out his hand to shake Ichigo's. "I heard you only joined a little while ago as well and I also heard you've made quite a name for yourself so for.. I had meet this mysterious young man myself"
"Uh…sure.. Hi there" Ichigo said somewhat absently.
"You seem very different from what I imaged you be like.. Your quite young… not that I have anything against it" Amagai said with a smile. " Nonetheless, I look forward to working with you as well as everyone else"
"Uh yeah. .sure" Ichigo said nodding ,though not shaking his hand. "Are we dismissed?"
"The head captain just left so I assume so Ichigo" Jushiro answered looking down the hall.
"Good… cause I need to take care of something" Ichigo said walking away. " I promised Hiyori, who's still in the wolrd of the living, that I'd call her"
"Of course Ichigo.. Can't keep a young lady waiting on you can you?" Kyoraku stated with smal laugh. "My Nanao is the samew way.. Whenever I go somewhere she demands I tell her where I'm going so she can find me.. Probably because she's worried she won't be able to gaze at me for a while"
No sooner then he said that did a stack of papers hit hit in his face knocking him down and standing there was Nanao Ise herself. "Don't be stupid captain… I only ask where your going.. To make sure you don't skip out on work and go drinking!"
"My lovely Nanao.. Always so cruel to me" Kyoraku said, groaning on the floor.
"Idiot… promise you won't ever act like this guy, Ichigo" Nanao said, looking at him. "One moron like this is more then enough"
"Uh.. Sure.. I promise" Ichigo said before walking off, and pulling out his soul pager. "Hello, Hiyori?.. Yeah it's me.. The meeting was just for us to ,e the new captain of squad 3... Ama.. Eer…what was it?.. Amage.. No.. ama something or other.. He seems ok.. Though my inner hollow told me not to trust him"
"I'm not sure why.. he just said to watch him" Ichigo continued, as he stood on top of a roof. "I'll be home soon.. I'm going to go check in on our squad sicne it's been a awhile and it's unfair for Akira to try and run the squad like she has.. I'll let you know when I'm on my way.. I'll see you late.. Love you"
After hanging up, Ichigo flash stepped over to his squad barracks and tracked down Akira, who was, as he expected, lazing around and laying on the floor of hs office.
"Um.. I'm sure the chair would have been more comfortable Akira" Ichigo said standing over top of her.
"C-captian!" Akira exclaimed blushing slightly. "Your back"
"Yeah.. For the moment.. And what did I say?...call me Ichigo" He said, shaking his head slightly.
"R-right.. Ich-Ichigo" Akira stuttered as Ichigo reached down and helped her stand up.
"Listen.. I wanna thank you for shouldering the burden of running the squad like you have been while I've been gone…sorry to force that on you, Akira" Ichigo said sincerely. "You've done a really great job though"
"It's… it's nothing sir ,really.. I mean Ichigo" Akira replied, twidling her thumbs. "Are…are you back for good?"
"I wish I was.. But unfortunately I got soemting important to do in the world of the living.. I'm watching over someone that's in trouble and needs my help" Ichigo said, sighing. "Sorry to ask this, but can you still watch over our squad for a little bit longer Akira?"
"Of course Ichigo.. Leave it too me.." Akira said, with barely there smile. "I'll do my best"
"Thanks… keep up the great work Akira" Ichigo said patting her on her head. "I hate to run, but I really need to get back… the person I'm helping is just a little kid after all"
"Good luck sir"
Ichigo waved off a thanks before disappearing again from sight, leaving Akira alone again to flop into his chair and relax.
Ichigo flash stepped out of way, to Sokyoku hill before opening a gate to return to the world of the living but before he stepped through, his soul pager rang.
"ICHIGO! THIS IS RUKIA!" Rukia yelled through his phone. "It's Rurichiyo.. She's been taken,.. By several assassins!"
"WHAT!? HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE!? YOU AND HIYORI ARE THERE!" Ichigo yeled back. "What?.. They showed up and split you up?.. Damn it!…I'm on my way"
"No.. the assassin's.. they used a Senkaimon and dragged her through it" Rukia stated, making Ichigo stop in his tracks. " Their most like there already there somewhere.. Me, Hiyori, Kenryu, Enryu and Chad are on our way, Orihime said she'll join us after she heals Uryu, who got his arm broken while fighting"
"Right.. I'll be here waiting.. Hurry" Ichigo said before hanging up. "Damn it.. This is that.. Um… that guy there.. What's his name? Kumoi I think?.. This is his fault"
A few minutes later a Senkaimon opened and out ran Rukia, a pissed looking Hiyori, a netural Chad, and Kenryu and Enryu who were both extremely nervous looking.
"I can't believe that bitch got the away from me!" Hiyori growled angerly.
"What is she talking about?" Ichigo asked looking at Rukia.
"She was fighting a female assassin who somehow got away from her" Rukia explained. "I guess she was either stronger then her, or caught her off guard"
"Off guard my ass!" Hiyori yelled.. "She started groping my breasts and ass and licking my ear before kicking me onto a building and disappearing!"
"Uh.. I see" A red facd Ichigo said blinking. "Uh.. Let's uh.. Let's just find where they took Ruruchiyo"
"How should we do this?" Rukia asked ,looking over. "Should we split up?"
"Yeah.. Might as well" Ichigo said nodding. "Rukia can you go with Chad and Enryu, while I go with Hiyori and Kenryu?"
"Right.. Good luck… I'll let you know if we find her" Rukia said as she, Chad and Enryu ran off.
"Right.. same here!" Ichigo yelled back. "Ok.. Um… any ideas where they would take her?"
"Possibly back to the Kasumioji clan house" Kenryu answered, looking fidgety.
"The clan house?.. Why the fuck would they take her there?" Hiyori asked, looking as confused as Ichigo felt.
Kenryu sighed and look over at Ichigo and Hiyori. "Because.. You see.. The only way for Kumoi to control the clan is to either kill Lady Rurichiyo.. Or.. To force her to marry someone he has control over"
"..and your only telling us the second part now.. Because why?" Ichigo asked, looking very frustrated. "If you think she's there then can we go there?"
"I.. I had hoped that it wouldn't get that far" Kenru admited, looking down. " AS fro going there.. That might not be a good idea.. At least not entirely.. Because until Lady Rurichiyo either dies or is married, Kumoi already has partial control over the clan. And I have no doubt that he would do anything to prevent us for getting her back"
"This is getting more fucking annoying by the moment" Ichigo growled. "I'm about two seconds away from blasting my way inside to get her back myself"
"If you did that, I gurrrentee Kumoi would have you arrested for trespassing and destroying clan property" Kemryu reasoned. "Since the 13 Court guard squads cannot official get involved with clan matters unless requested and approved by the head captain, the clan head and central 46, you would be in serious trouble if you did anything against the clan while Kumoi has power"
"Like I've ever cared about rules" Ichigo said, still annoyed like no one's business. "Come Hiyori.. Were going to the Kasumioji clan house.. Kenryu can show us from a distance if he's a pussy and doesn't want Kumio after him"
"F-.. fine.. We'll go.. But it's on your head if trouble happens" Kenryu said frowning. "Follow me"
Kenryu led them along rooftops for a bit until he came to a stop and turned around t oface them. "Ok.. You can see the clan house from here.. It's right down there"
"Holy shit .. That's one big fricken estate" Ichigo exclaimed with widen eyes.
"Well it's not that big.. Though I suppose for a commoner like you it's considered big" Kenryu commented.
"What was that!?" Ichigo growled, grabbing him by his collar.
"Hey.. Enough with the pissing contest you two!" Hiyori said smacking both of them. "Were here to save the girl right?.. Argue later"
"Right.. So what the plan?.. Anyone got any good ideas, short stuff?" Ichigo asked looking downward at Hiyori.
After kicking him in his shin, Hiyori answered him.
"We should split up.. Kenryu can try to convince the guards that Rurichiyo wanted him to come here for something, while I hide my spiritual energy in order to sneak inside the back…" Hiyroi answered, rubbing her chin. "While we're doing that, Ichigo can cause a commotion that will draw attention away from where I am so I can better infiltrate the area"
"Well.. That's a pretty good idea I guess" Ichigo said ,while Kenryu nodded in agreement. "I'm surprised you came up with it so fast"
"Actually it was the author of this story that came up with it, while he was watchnig anime" Hiyori stated, making the other two sweat drop. "Even though only a few moments passed her between when you asked about a place and when I answered.. It actually took the author like 10 minutes or so to come up with it since he was distracted by his anime"
"Enough breaking the fourth wall so much" Ichigo siad, with a annoyed look. " Are we ready to do this then?"
"Hey you.. You three up there! halt" said a male voice. "Your trespassing on Kasumioji property.. If you do not leave the head captain of the 13 court guard squads will be informed and you will be arrested"
All three of them looked down and saw several gaurds standing there holding strange staffs.
"Well fuck me.. So much for our plan" Ichigo commented bitterly.
"Not so much… you go deal with them so I can go around them and finda a "back door" Hiyori siad before disappearing from sight.
"Damn it.. Oh well.. Let's go" Ichigo said, pulling his sword off his back and jumping down while Kenryu reluctantly followed.
As Ichigo and Kenryu were about to face ther guards, Rukia, Chad and Enryu were dealing with their own problems…
Not long after separating from Ichigo, Hiyori and Kenryu, they ended up getting cornered by two of the assassins, that were both wielding the same strange weapon that the last assassin had on him.
Neither one of them talked much outside of saying were going to kill Rukia, Chad and Enryu, and they were trying their best to keep their promise.
Will they survive?, will they die? Will Kenpachi regret eating 2 week old chocolate cake that's about to giver him explosive diarrhea and food poisoning?.. Will the secret to old man Yamamoto's long eyebrows be revealed? I have no idea and neither do you for right now.. So tune in next to an all new episode of Biker Mice from Mars.. I mean Bleach…
same bat time .. Same bat channel! maybe!.. Unless the sun implodes..
To be continued….
Hi.. I got this chapter down way sooner then usual huh? It's because iwas ona writing streak.. And because might have some interenet isssues for a while and be unable to upload anything for bit. So I wanted to do one one chapter before I have to take a small break.. .though If I don't have to take a break maybe I'll get another chapter up soon.. I'm not sure yet..
Please read, review and enjoy..
