…The True Heir…

/Warning/: This chapter contains, fluff, a little bit of violence, flashbacks (?), Ichigo being a BAMF, and we got to meet lots of different characters, and Ichigo got a best friend! And who knows what! All the reviews are appreciated.

P.S: OK, so again sorry for the late update but you know… life. Anyway, I noticed a lot of people become confused about the timeline of this story, for starts, this story does not follow the canon ages/timeline, so I may point to some events in the story that happened years ago in the canon timeline but only happened now or the other way around, secondly I may also change the ages of the characters, some characters will be young, other old, thirdly this story is Canon Divergence... so that meant the story is kinda an AU of its own… hope you like the story and if you have any question for me don't be afraid to ask, I will be happy to answer them. I hope you enjoy!

"Talking"

"Thinking"

…Flashbacks or dreams…

"Zanpakuto or Hollows talking"

Chapter 6

Everything changed after what everyone liked to call 'The Clown Day!'… Yeah... You heard right… after that day everything changed for the worst or the best Ichigo can't decide but Byakuya, on the other hand, says it's for the best… Ichigo was not sure. A month after that day and Ichigo still felt everyone's eyes following him, some Shinigami took it upon themselves to always follow Ichigo, always considered him the 'Hot Topic' of the year, it made Ichigo so mad that he didn't stop Rukia when she snapped at them and kicked them out, some were just grateful to Ichigo, they will nods to him with respect and went on their way… Ichigo liked them the most. And some… some start looking at Ichigo with fear in their eyes, calling him monster behind his back, unnatural… after all, how can a first-year nobody student from the 99 distract make a high-ranked captain flee away? It made Renji enrage at them, that he will scream at them to scramble and sometimes it nearly starts some fights if Ichigo didn't stop them, Ichigo was used to this kind of treatment, after all, he was the crazy kid who lived in the 'Hollows' forest' when he was young, Byakuya didn't get that much harassment because everyone knew what would happen if someone tried to do something to Ichigo's broth- lover?! That was another story Ichigo didn't want to go into… Byakuya, on the other hand, was grateful for Kaien, as it seems that the man took it on himself to drop every time he had a free time to invite them to dinner or lunch, Byakuya saw how Ichigo and Kaien hit it off immediately, if Byakuya wasn't Ichigo's soul bond, he would have been insecure about Ichigo leaving him for the other man… but that was another story for another time… Byakuya would always laugh about Kaien and Ichigo's act when they were around each other, as it seems Kaien took it upon himself to see how strong Ichigo was by trying to 'Surprise Attack' him every time he got the chance, no matter where, when, and how, Kaien will always try to land a hit on Ichigo… so far he didn't succeed in doing that, as Ichigo always seems to know Kaien's next move… it made Kaien pout, but the laugh he let out later told everyone that he was happy…

Byakuya was happy that Ichigo had found a friend for himself… someone that Ichigo didn't befriend for Byakuya's sake then become friends after, no, but someone Ichigo was willing to befriend for himself… Byakuya always made sure that Kaien won't screw up; this is the last thing he can do to make his soul bond happy.

Two months pass and the group were getting ready for their exams, they were already sitting in Ichigo's favorite place studying, and helping one another in any hard subject they faced, as it all seems Kido was the subject that made them want to rip their hairs out… Renji was useless in Kido, he may give great points and correct theories but when it came the time to act on them… the spell literally blows in his face. Rukia is next because it seems her having and impressive control of her Reiatsu, doesn't mean she can do Kido as well, thankfully her spells doesn't blow like Renji's, but she couldn't make the spell last more than few seconds. Ichigo, on the other hand, was good to say the truth, but he always complains about him not being able to perform the low-level spells as good as everyone else, considering that they don't need that much Reiatsu, though Ichigo can perform high-level spells perfectly. Byakuya on the other hand… this was a walk in the park for him. With Byakuya's perfect control of his Reiatsu and his perfect everything else, the act of Kido was like breathing for him, he doesn't have to think about it, it just comes naturally to him, that's why Byakuya took it on himself to teach his friends how to perfect Kido… even if they were pitiful.

"That's it! I'm out! Done!" Renji whined as he throws himself into the ground, too tired and drained to do anything else other than lying there and whine about how unfair life was. That made everyone stop what they were doing and looks at each other's tired faces.

"Maybe we should take a break, and come back tomorrow." Said Ichigo as he throws a bamboo water bottle at Renji's head making him yelp as it hit him hard and curse at that, which only made Ichigo smirk, and handle Byakuya and Rukia their bottles.

"Yeah, I'm beaten," Rukia muttered as she sits on the grass and sighed happily as she swallowed the cold water from the bottle, she saw Ichigo sitting on the grass and leaning on the tree, with Byakuya leaning on his chest, that made her smile happily and look at Renji who looked like he was about to kiss death's feet from how tired and drained he was. "Did you hear about the new student?" Rukia asked her friends hoping to take everyone's mind off of the exams.

Rukia's question made everyone look at her and blink their eyes in confusion. "Student?" Renji questioned, blinking and sitting up after he saw Rukia nod her head. "Is he from one of the Noble families?" Renji rolled his eyes already expecting what's coming next.

"No, they all say he was from the province of Junrinan in the 1st District of West Rukongai," Rukia said with wonder making Renji spit the water he just swallowed and look at her with a surprised look.

"Well, that's a first… never heard of anyone coming into the academy near midterms, even the Noble families have a hard time achieving that fate." Said Ichigo as he hugged Byakuya closer to him making the teen smile and snuggle into his lover's chest.

"Yeah, they also say he is weird." Rukia shrugged and lean on Renji's side, making her lover held her, and snuggle with her.

"Define weird?" Asked Byakuya with a sigh, playing with Ichigo's hand, making the older man hum and look at Rukia so she can continue.

"Well they say he is pale as snow with turquoise eyes and short, spiked, white hair, you know like a ghost, that kind of thing." Rukia tried to explain to her friends what she heard, which only succeeded in making Ichigo snort and shook his head at that.

"Well, we are all weird here; did you forget my orang hair and golden eyes? Everyone still stares at my hair when I walk down the halls and let's not talk about Renji's red hair, I'm sure the kid will fit in." Ichigo said making everyone hum at that.

"You are right, let's just hope that he can take care of himself, the last thing I heard that Inaba was after him." Said Rukia making everyone growl at that and shake their heads in disgust.

Kuchiki Inaba of the Kuchiki's household, was nothing but an asshole and a bully, always bragging about being from one of the strongest Noble family there was, bullying students left and right, harassing females and sometimes males wherever he goes, and what made it worst was him starting to follow Byakuya everywhere trying and failing to flirt with him, the second-year student tried, he really did, but Ichigo was always there to stop him, either from bullying the students or flirting with Byakuya, that's what made that pitiful Kuchiki take it as his mission to make Ichigo's life a living hell. But for Ichigo and his friends, that asshole nothing but the dirt on the bottom of their shoes, they really hoped that the new kid won't meet him.

Ichigo narrow his eyes as he saw something moving from the corner from his eye when he turned his head he saw a shadow run away and fast at that, Ichigo blink and turn to Byakuya who was talking with Renji and Rukia, joking and laughing about what's going to come tomorrow.

Ichigo wondered who the shadow was…

IxB

Ichigo grumbled as he walked down the hall at night, God, insomnia was such a bitch! He shook his head and turned right, at least he left Byakuya snuggling warmly into the bed, everyone was tired lately since the exams were finally over, and thank God for that. Ichigo hummed wondering about when Kaien was going to drop by considering that the older man stops visiting them so they could focus on their studies; Ichigo's lips twitch up into a smile as he starts thinking about Kaien's next move. Kaien was… he was the person he always imagined having as a big brother… maybe a father? When he was young… Ichigo shook his head at that, at least Ichigo was able to meet someone who seems really interested in him, and not what he can or cannot do. But that didn't stop Ichigo from seen Kaien as a family… which kind of shocked the hell out of him, but oh well, beggars can't be choosers.

Ichigo heard the sound of fighting which made him turn his head to the side and narrow his eyes, he Shunpo to where the sound was coming from only to scowl at the sight before him. In front of him was no one other than Kuchiki Inaba and his gang of useless little shits surrounding what looked like a child? Who was holding his Asauchi and pointing it at Inaba hoping the bigger man would back away. "What's the matter, little Shiro?" Inaba cooed, making the kid? Growl at that name, which made Inaba and his pack of hyenas laugh, much to Ichigo's annoyance. "We only wanted to welcome you, what would your sis say about your manners?" Inaba said as he took another step toward the boy.

Ichigo didn't help but notice how the heat around him dropped few degrees, making him narrow his eyes and gaze at the boy in wonder when he saw Inaba was about to use his Zanpakuto, Ichigo took it as his cue, and move fast to roundhouse kick the bastard in the head… hard. Which made him slam into one of his pathetic friends, when Inaba's friends turn toward him he saw how they froze in fear and back away… good. The only good thing that came from kicking the clown's ass that day, was nearly everyone in the academy fears him, as much as he hates the idea of him being feared, sometimes it becomes handy when facing someone like Inaba and his idiots.

"Five seconds, if you are not gone by then… let's say they will never find your bodies." Ichigo growled as he crosses his arms over his chest, that display and threat made Inaba's coward comrades run to the hills, leaving the said leader alone on the floor growling at Ichigo.

"What the fuck do you want, strawberry?!" Snapped Inaba as he stood up and straightened his clothes throwing a nasty look at Ichigo like the other man was nothing but an unpleasant sight.

Ichigo twitched at that, but he gave a tight smile at Inaba. "It's funny that you asked me about what I want," Ichigo said walking toward the boy that was looking at Ichigo and Inaba with cold and cautious eyes. "You see, here I was walking toward the training ground to meet my friend here," Ichigo said as he put his arm around the boy feeling him tense, but Ichigo continued hoping the boy will get the idea and stay still. "But look at what I have found instead… you bullying my friend." The smile then dropped from Ichigo's face and he straightened himself, he can feel Inaba tense and watch his movement like a hawk. "I will only say it this once Inaba. This boy is under my protection, and if I saw you or anyone of your hyenas again, I will personally escort you out of the academy." Ichigo said taking a step forward toward the Kuchiki making the other male growl and puff his chest a little, which only made Ichigo roll his eyes at that.

"And what if I said no?" Inaba mocked making Ichigo pause a little then smirk making the smile on Inaba's face fall.

"You only have one strike and then you are out of the academy, do you really want the world to know about how the 'Noble Kuchiki' was kicked out of the academy because he couldn't control himself? Think of the scandal!" Said Ichigo laughing at Inaba's face, as the other male growl at Ichigo darkly, Ichigo stopped laughing and throw Inaba a smug look waiting to see what the other man was going to do.

"This isn't over berry! You will see!" Inaba snapped as he Shunpo away leaving Ichigo and the boy in the training ground. Ichigo rolled his eyes at Inaba's pointless threat.

"Are you ok, kid?" Ichigo asked as he turns to study the boy in front of him the kid was short, really short that Ichigo could have mistaken him for ten years old kid, Ichigo saw turquoise eyes watching him with distrust, and to say the truth his hair was not as spiky as Rukia said, Ichigo could only see a few spikes here and there. So this is the newbie… thought Ichigo humming a little to himself.

"I could have handled them on my own." The boy said sheathing his Asauchi, eyeing Ichigo like a hawk trying to see his next move. It only made Ichigo's lips twitch up a little and then he hummed.

"I know you could kid, doesn't mean I wouldn't help," Ichigo said taking notice of how the weather was which was getting colder strange considering that it was spring … unless… Ichigo eyed the boy closely humming as it seems his theory was right. "My name is Ichigo by the way," Ichigo said making the boy pressed his lips into a thin line then sigh.

"I'm Hitsugaya Toshiro…" The boy said making Ichigo nod his head and look at the kid with narrow eyes.

"Your Reiatsu is leaking, kid. Try to control it or the training ground will freeze." Said Ichigo making the Toshiro look at Ichigo with a surprise like only now he noticed how cold the weather around him was.

The boy looked at Ichigo one last time, and then nods his head in thanks after that he Shunpo, leaving Ichigo in the training ground alone… Ichigo blink at that then shrugged, that was strange… That was Ichigo's last thought as he went to his room.

He was unaware of golden eyes that were watching him…

IxB

The next time Ichigo saw Hitsugaya Toshiro again, it was a week later… it made Ichigo sigh and grumbled about the boy being a trouble magnet, but at last, the boy becomes one of his trusted friends, it didn't hurt that Byakuya liked the other boy…

So it was like any other week, and Ichigo was enjoying his day as much as he can, especially when the lessons are going to start next week, so here Ichigo was walking toward his tree (It was either calling it his tree, or lair as his friends liked to say) when he heard laughter coming from the other side of the road, now, you must know that Ichigo wasn't noisy and doesn't usually go to places that students frequent, but Ichigo felt the air surrounding him dropped few degrees making him narrow his eyes at the direction of the laughter, if it was Inaba again…

So Ichigo walked toward the sound to see Toshiro surrounded by seniors who were talking and laughing, some even pointed at him while they talked to a girl that was standing beside him. "I didn't know your friend is this… cute. You should have told us about him sooner Momo." Said a female as she tried to pinch Toshiro's cheeks only for the boy to sidestep her and glare at her hard making her let out a giggle.

"Yup! I told you Shiro-Chan is cute! He is also smart; did you know he was able to pass midterms exams with high scores? They said they were going to put him in the first-class!" Momo said with pride unaware that her friends were actually making fun of her friend more than being interested in him.

"Is that so Shiro-Chan?" Asked one of the boys as he leans down to Toshiro's height making the rest of his friends laugh at that, Ichigo saw how Toshiro throw Momo a pleading look but the girl was talking with her friends not paying Toshiro that much attention.

Ichigo sighs at that and grumbled about being done. "Toshiro!" Ichigo called out making everyone turn to him as he walked toward the group, Ichigo saw the fear on the faces of few, but Ichigo didn't care he just continued toward the kid throwing his arm around him. "There you are! I have been looking for you for a long time now. Come, everyone is waiting for us… if you excuse us." Ichigo called out throwing a smile toward a confused Momo as he walked away dragging Toshiro with him.

When Ichigo was sure they were away he let go of Toshiro who was until now silent letting Ichigo drag him wherever he wants. "… I could have handled this…" Toshiro said looking at Ichigo who raised his brow at Toshiro but ends up smiling at the boy.

"Know you could, I just don't like bullies," Ichigo said ruffling Toshiro's hair making the boy slap Ichigo's hand away and glared at him, which only succeeded in making Ichigo smile wider. "Yeah, let's go they are waiting," Ichigo said as he starts walking with Toshiro following him.

"Go where?" Asked Toshiro as he followed Ichigo, not in the mood to go and talk with Momo after what took place just minutes ago.

Ichigo smirked at Toshiro's question making the boy raise his brow at that. "Wait and see." Ichigo hummed as he leads Toshiro toward his tree, after minutes of walking they reached the tree and Ichigo smiled as he saw Byakuya and the rest of their friends sitting on a picnic blanket talking and laughing with each other. "Hey, there losers!" Ichigo called out making everyone turn to him, he saw from the corner of his eyes how Toshiro frown at him, but Ichigo just smiled especially when his friends turned to him and start laughing.

"Well, look who finally decided to grace us with his present! It's the head of the losers club himself." Renji cackled making the rest laugh at that and wave to Ichigo to come, making the orange hair man grin and walked toward them dragging Toshiro with him.

"Who is this?" Rukia asked after Ichigo took his seat beside Byakuya who gave Ichigo a small kiss on the cheek making the older man grinned at his lover. The question made Ichigo turn from Byakuya to grin widely at the trio making them look at Ichigo like he lost his mind, though Byakuya was smiling in confusion.

"This is Hitsugaya Toshiro, the new addition to the losers club, say 'Hi' everyone!" Ichigo laughed throwing his arm around Toshiro, who tried to sit far away from the group last he annoyed them, but Ichigo's arm pulled him to the blanket.

"Hi." They all said waving to Toshiro who was flustered but waved toward them all the same, it was the first time he was sitting next to people without them fearing him or making fun of him, so it was kind of strange, the kind that makes him lose his footing, he didn't say anything hoping that something else will take their attention off of him but that didn't seem the case.

"So you are the newbie?" The only female in the group asked getting a nod from Toshiro as he fidgets a little when Ichigo gave him a bento lunch box. "That's great! Well, then, it falls on me to introduce the rest, I'm Rukia, and the red-haired over here is Renji, and as you know this is Ichigo and his lover Byakuya…" Rukia said as she pointed to everyone she mentioned.

Toshiro nods his head, making fidgeting with the box a little, not knowing what to do with it. "You don't have to be shy, you know." Said Byakuya making Toshiro look at him, seeing how he lean on Ichigo but was still smiling at Toshiro, it made Toshiro nod a little at that.

"It's OK kid; all of us are outcasts here," Renji said making Toshiro raise his head and look at Renji with confusion, he never thought that those four where any different than the other students. "Well, you see Ichigo over there; he is kinda allergic to bullies so you will always see him punching them in the faces, which mean half of the academy, so he isn't that popular, more of scary than anything." Said Renji making Ichigo snort and for the rest to laugh at that, but Ichigo just sips his tea with a smile. "Byakuya… well, he wanted to be an outcast, and really, who are we to stop him?" That got Renji a raspberry from Byakuya and gets a small smile out of Toshiro. "Me? Well, those losers need me so I stayed with them." The trio throws tomatoes slice at Renji making the redhead 'Boo' at them, which really did end up making Toshiro smile widely at that. "Rukia on the other hand, her drawing of rabbits was so awful people run down the hill." Rukia hit Renji on the back of his head making him whine about them not being fair to him, which got a laugh out of everyone.

It made Toshiro a little glad that he doesn't have to listen to Momo's friends make fun of him, Toshiro opens his bento box humming a little and start eating with the group listing to them laughing and arguing. "So Toshiro how did you and Ichigo met?" Byakuya asked after taking a bit of his food, the question made Toshiro freeze and fidget a little.

"Well, Inaba…" Toshiro was only able to speak the name because after he said it he could see everyone's faces scrunch in disgust at the mention of it.

"The bastard is at it again?" Renji asked with surprise and disgust making Ichigo grunt in distaste and nod his head. "I thought he only has one strike left before being expelled from here, did something change?" Renji questioned putting his bento down.

"He does," Ichigo replied, throwing a pebble at Renji to calm down. "But it seems like he changes his job to a night shift." He said making the rest groan at that.

"You think after being nearly expelled he will learn to respect people," Byakuya grumbled taking a bit out of his food, making the rest nod at that.

"Well, what did you think? He is from a Noble house; no one is going to say a thing." Rukia said playing with her food a little before taking a bite.

"You are wrong…" Toshiro said making the rest look at him, he tenses a little but the encouraging smile on Ichigo's face made him relax a little and continue. "Inaba is a disgrace to the Kuchiki, the only reason the Kuchiki clan even put up with him, was because he was the clan head's grandson and is said to be the next heir because the heir to the Kuchiki clan was killed years ago," Toshiro said making the rest blink at that, Toshiro relaxed when no one laughed at him, they just hummed and gave him a thankful looks for explaining.

"So we are stuck with Inaba because his brother is dead?" Renji moans in despair making the rest sigh at his overdramatic act.

"Not his brother," Toshiro said taking a sip from his tea. "Cousin, the heir to the Kuchiki was Inaba's cousin," Toshiro explains making the rest hum…

"Still…" Rukia shook her head but perk up and a smile took over her face. "Say Toshiro who asked the other out first, you or Ichigo?" She asked making the rest of their friends spite their food looking at Rukia like she lost her mind when Rukia understood what she said she flushed but laugh it off. "Not like that! I mean who was the first to offer their friendship." She said making the rest look at her with unimpressed looks.

"Well, Ichigo was the one who dragged me here; he called me his friend in front of Inaba and Momo's friends," Toshiro said looking at the trio in confuse as he saw their jaws fell at his admission. "Did I say something wrong?" Toshiro asked reviewing what he said, thinking that he offended them.

"N-no… I'm just surprised that it was Ichigo who offer the friendship branch…" Renji muttered looking at Ichigo then at Toshiro. "Are you sure it's the same Ichigo here? Ichigo is known to be allergic to love, friendship, bullies, and practically everything, so are you sure?" Renji asked only to get a face full of bento, making him yell and attack Ichigo, but Ichigo was fast and was able to escape. "You are so done, strawberry!" Renji gave a war cry and start following Ichigo making the orange hair man snort and start running around the place.

"You will get used to them…" Byakuya told Toshiro who watch the couple run around the place screaming and laughing, Toshiro turn to Byakuya who was smiling at him and gave a shy smile.

Yeah, he will get used to them…

IxB

It was a month after Toshiro was introduced into their circle of friends, and everyone was happy, especially Byakuya who hit it off with Toshiro right away, but not like Ichigo, because it seems like Ichigo and Toshiro had a great understanding of each other, Rukia always congratulates Ichigo on finding his best friend, which end up with the Ichigo looking at her with a blank look and smirk, Byakuya always snort at Ichigo and smile. As was promised, Toshiro did indeed fit in the losers club, a name he always asks about, and his answers were everyone glaring at Renji who laughs nervously and shrug, Toshiro wasn't complaining though, because he never felt this welcome by anyone other than his granny, and it was the first time for him making friends on his own. Momo doesn't count because his granny was like a mother to her, and she was kinda like a sister to him, so Toshiro stayed optimistic about his friends. He was happy to know that they were in his classes when the lessons started three weeks ago.

So they were all sitting in the back of the classed listening to Ai-Sensei talking about Aizen Sosuke's betrayal five hundred years ago. It was… no one can make head or tail out of whatever Ai-Sensei was saying as they all felt horrified by what that man has done to Soul Society and Hueco Mundo, it made shiver goes down their spines after learning that he created what is now called Arrancar and Visored… it was an unpleasant lesson.

"...At some point after the Hollowfication incident, Aizen became captain of the 5th Division. He continued to experiment on Hollows to transform them into Shinigami, Aizen created Hollows which were close to Shinigami, such as Metastacia, and Menos capable of concealing their Reiatsu." Ai-Sensei said continuing with her lesson explaining the lives that were taken by Aizen and how he was able to make the first successful hybrids using his own comrades. "… Kensei Muguruma, and Mashiro Kuna, his lieutenant at the time, they were all mysteriously cut down by a then-unknown assailant that succeeded in taking them all by surprise using some unknown method. When their Reiatsu disappeared in a manner similar to the previous disappearances, the Gotei 13 became worried and sent out a new investigation team personally handpicked by Captain-Commander Yamamoto to see what had happened. Captains Shinji Hirako of the 5th Division, Love Aikawa of the 7th Division and Rojuro Otoribashi of the 3rd Division, along with the Kido Corps' lieutenant Hachigen Ushoda and Kyoraku's lieutenant Lisa Yadomaru, all set out to find the missing Shinigami. Urahara's lieutenant, Hiyori Sarugaki was already on her way to collect samples of the disappearance site per Urahara's request. When the group finally arrived they found Hiyori and then themselves under attack by a Hollowfied Kensei and Mashiro…" Ai-Sensei then starts going about the people who helped Aizen in his plans, continuing with that their lesson.

Ichigo continued to hear Ai-Sensei with interest humming now and then, and taking notes. They covered everything there is to know before the Arrancar invasion, the captains at that time, the lieutenants, they even talked about the humans that helped them against Aizen to their surprise they even talked about a 'Substitute Shinigami' who was the reason that they won the war… unfortunately, the humans and substitute Shinigami's name were all removed from the history books, by the order of Central 46. It made Ichigo pause a little then sighs, figures. No matter what time it was 'Central 46' always had a bad reputation, especially with them trying to control the lives of Shinigami when they have no right and say in it, thankfully the central changed 15 years or so ago, the members are more open-minded now, and some of them where even Shinigami, it was better than the fat pigs that used to rule the central.

Ichigo saw Ai-Sensei finish the lesson, so Ichigo raised his hand making Ai-Sensei turn to him to permit him to speak, Ichigo could feel everyone's eyes on him, considering that this is the first time he raises his hand to ask a question, Ichigo thought he should make it count. "What's Soul Society stand with the Visored? As we all know they weren't acceptant of them five hundred years ago, but what about now? Does Central 46 still seek their power and death?" Ichigo asked which caused silence around the place, everyone turn to Ai-Sensei waiting for her answer.

Ai-Sensei paused a little trying to get her thoughts together, she sighs a little and then tried to answer as best as she could. "I can say for sure that Visored are loved and wanted now, not like five hundred years ago, they have proven themselves as valuable members of Soul Society, and they are widely acceptant by everyone from commoners to Shinigami to nobles, even Central 46 is acceptant of them." The kind tone Ichigo heard made him pause a little.

"But… can you assure me that if an Arrancar or for an example a new Visored walked here, would he be accepted? Or would he suffer what the Visored suffered from?" The silent that Ichigo received was an answer by itself. "By your silent Sensei, you are saying that the unknown is not acceptant, as five hundred years ago the Visored were the unknown, and we can see how that ends up with them, nearly executed if it wasn't for the help of Urahara Kisuke who is to this day still banished in the real world, even when he was a key point in winning the war… so you are saying the Visored in here are acceptant but their kin are not, and that one mistake in the Shinigami's life will decide their fate and they can never ask for forgiveness for their mistakes… is that it?" Ichigo questioned, he could feel the tension raise the room, and everyone sported an uncomfortable expression on their faces.

"…y-you are dismissed…" Ai-Sensei said rushing out of the room leaving everyone gazing at the front of the class in silence.

"Good job Ichigo, you made the teacher run away." Renji sassed but Ichigo throws a book at the back of his head making him squeak and curse Ichigo loudly making the other man snort at him…

At least Ichigo got his answer…

IxB

Ichigo walked with Toshiro toward the tree, both of them were talking about the theory of time in Soul Society, how the concept of time was so unimportant to the souls, that some never learn their lessons, the time in the living world could sometimes become faster than a flash then the time here, it was all confusing and a little bit overwhelming, it made Ichigo wonder how much time pass in the real world since his death. They two of them stopped in their place by the sound of Byakuya's squeals and laughter making them both look at each other and shrug with small smiles.

When the two reached the tree they saw Byakuya, Rukia, and Renji surrounding a small black cat that was nuzzling Byakuya, jumping around the teen, making him laugh harder as the cat head-butt him while purring. Byakuya turns to Ichigo when he and Toshiro were near them having a big grin over his face. "Can we keep it?" Byakuya asks with an excited voice as he carried the cat gently toward Ichigo, all the while laughing softly as the cat licked Byakuya and nuzzled him.

Ichigo studied the small cat and saw its golden eyes looking at him… that was creepy. The cat looked like it was studying him in returned, Ichigo just shook his head at that and turned to Byakuya who was waiting with Rukia and Renji with anticipated grins on their faces. "No," Ichigo said making Byakuya's grin fall at that and he looked at Ichigo with the most heartbreaking puppy eyes, it didn't work thankfully considered that Ichigo becomes immune to them after years of being the victim of these eyes.

"But why?" Byakuya asked looking at Ichigo with a pout after he saw that his plan didn't work as he wanted.

"Because we can't take care of a cat, I don't want to be the reason it died just because we didn't feed it on time," Ichigo said shaking his head at Byakuya, but it seems the teen was determined to own the cat.

"But we can take care of it! If we all pitch in together we could, Rukia and Renji offered their help! Toshiro! What do you say?" Byakuya started making Toshiro jump at being address by the teen.

"W-well, I think Ichigo is right… it's a big responsibility." Toshiro said making Byakuya gasp and look at the other teen with betrayal.

"Y-you took Ichigo's side?!" The shock on Byakuya's face made Ichigo nearly laugh, but he took hold of himself and grin throwing his arm around Toshiro making the teen push Ichigo away, while grumbling.

"Of course he will take my side! He is the only responsible person out of you people." He said making Rukia pout and for Renji to shrug… it was true.

"But Ichigo, you can't leave it alone! What if something happened to it and we couldn't help? Please, I promise I will take the whole responsibility of taking care of it, please!" Plea Byakuya making Ichigo groan but ends up sighing when he saw Rukia and Renji taking Byakuya's side…

"Fine, but you are responsible for it, not me nor Toshiro," Ichigo said making the trio cheer in victory. "By the way what's it gender?" Asked Ichigo with curiosity making Byakuya pause a little then shrug his shoulder, which made Ichigo raise his brow at that.

"Well, you just need to raise its tail and see." Said Renji making Ichigo throw a nasty look his direction.

"That's disgusting Renji! Do you have no shame?" Rukia huffed and pushed Renji when he tried to go for the cat, making the redhead pout.

"Well, why don't you ask it?" Toshiro joked making the rest look at him and blink, but Ichigo just shrugged and went to the cat leaning toward it only to see the cat look at him with golden eyes, he could hear his friends giggling and laughing, which made Ichigo smirk and wink at his friends leaning toward the cat while putting his hands on his hips.

"So what's your gender?" Asked Ichigo in a serious tone, his lips twitched up as he heard his friends booming laughter at that…

"…Well since you asked nicely." A voice said making them all look toward the cat that jumped from Byakuya's slack grip and walk toward Ichigo. "You can say that I'm… a lady of some sort." A male voice said making Ichigo click his mouth shout, he can hear Renji's girlish scream as he tried to hide behind Rukia screaming about ' Nekomata' coming to kill them or something.

Ichigo looked at the cat that sat in front of him, he throw Byakuya a light glare making his lover look down with an embarrassed look on his face, the rest of his friends didn't look better, as Toshiro looked at the cat with an unreadable look, Ichigo was sure the teen broke, as for Rukia she was doing a good job of acting like a fish out of water while holding Renji bridal-style. "You know what? Fuck this…" Ichigo said as he turns around to walk away, but he was followed by the cat as it tried to stop him.

"Wait! Don't you want to know who I am?" The cat asked following Ichigo who was doing a good job of ignoring the cat.

"Nope," Ichigo said as he turns around walking toward Byakuya, his sudden movement made the cat trip but turn and trot behind Ichigo once more.

"Oh, come on! You can't be this passive-aggressive can you?" The cat said as if followed Ichigo who throw Byakuya over his shoulder like a potato sack. "Aren't you even curious?" It asked passing beside Rukia making Renji scream loudly tightening his grip on Rukia nearly making the woman trip and fall down.

"Nope," Ichigo replied as he walked away with the cat following him, Ichigo knew if he gave it a little thought, he will realize that Byakuya always throws him into situations like this, first Rukia and Renji, then Kaien, then the cat… Ichigo new he will regret it but he couldn't help but ask himself for the millionth time…

What was he thrown into?!

Finally an update!

Sorry for the late update but as you can see, life is a cruel mistress, beside me starting college soon is one of the reasons I was late.

Hope you like it.

Read and Review.

And tell me what you think.

Nazaki-Sama