Chapter Ten: Introductions
Ichigo looked at his brother in bewilderment. He knew he had just become a soul reaper? He's known a whole bunch about this stuff? He's been lying about what really happened to him? So many new questions, that needed answers. Gaining control of his shock, Ichigo looked at his older brother with a serious look.
"Takeshi, what exactly do you mean by all that?" wondered the orange haired teen.
Takeshi sighed and pulled up a chair in front of his brother and took a seat. "first, let me say this. I never wanted to keep this hidden from you, but my hands have been being kept tied for reasons. Another thing is, I'm not sure you would ever have believed what I'm about tell you before this night. all I ask is that save your judgement until I finish telling everything I have to say little brother."
Ichigo looked at his older brother for a moment before sitting on his bed. "ok, I will." He spoke calmly.
"Ok then, this is going to be a long story little brother."
With that, he began explaining to his brother the truth of everything about his four year disappearance. The night at the river, hueco mundo, Mila and the others. His fullbring, traveling and fighting and so on. during the whole time Ichigo simply watched and carefully listened to what his violet eyed brother had to say. Taking it all in, he began to realize just how much his brother suffered through.
"the last thing I did before I left hueco mundo is that I found the one who killed our mother." said Takeshi.
Ichigo perked up at this. "you found him!? What happened!?" Ichigo exclaimed.
Takeshi looked at his brother with a serious expression. "I took him apart piece by piece, quite literally. I carved him up and made sure he felt every bit of it. I told him as he was bleeding and groveling for mercy. Just how much of a pathetic bastard he was. Right before I slowly pushed my blade into his head and ended his life." Takeshi spat with cold steely venom dripping in his voice.
Ichigo had shiver of fear run through his spine. He'd never seen his brother act in such a manner before. Pulling himself together he asked his next question.
"so what happened next?" asked Ichigo
"I took a few days to collect myself and then said my good-byes to my friends and they sent me home through a garganta. After I arrived, I was found by someone who's also involved deeply in the spirit world. he set me up my cover story and everything and set things up for dad to find me and take me home."
"just who's this person?" questioned Ichigo.
"can't say sadly, as much as his secrecy pisses me off at times. I owe him for helping me out, so I can't give away who he is to you yet. Don't worry though, now that you're knee deep in this world. I'm sure you'll come to meet him soon enough." explained Takeshi.
Ichigo grumbled a little but decided not to push it. everything was quite for a few minutes between the two brothers before Ichigo decided to speak.
"you know I can see why you couldn't tell the truth of things before. We all probably would have assumed you had gone crazy had you told us this when you first came back home. Now that I find myself in this world, it's makes a lot sense in a strange way."
"no hard feelings about me keeping the truth from you then little brother?" asked the fullbringer.
"no, not all." Replied the soul reaper. "so you really befriended a group of hollows huh? That's pretty amazing I have to say. From what I've seen of hollows, I never thought such a thing possible."
"well to be fair, most hollows are bastards I will admit that. I was fortunate to find some that were not. In fact they're actually a pretty fun group to be around. Mila was with me from the start, Apacci and sung-sun are like older sisters to me and Halibel is practically a second mother to me." Spoke Takeshi.
That got an eyebrow raise from Ichigo. "like a 'second mother' to you eh?"
"look Ichigo, Masaki is still my mother to me as much as she is to you. here's the thing you have to keep in mind. Despite our rough start, Halibel took me under her wing. She looked after me and raised me for a few good years. She personally trained me, I'm very grateful to her for what she did for me. Plus, I won't deny she just has an aura to her that screams 'motherly' to me." Stated Takeshi.
"hmmmmm" the younger kurosaki went as he thought to himself. "I think I can see that. I'd like to meet her at some point and the others too."
Takeshi couldn't help but smirk a little. "maybe you will but for now you should get some rest. You've had a very long night. I'll see you before we get up for school."
"you're not going to bed?" questioned Ichigo.
"no not yet, I have to check on a few more things. Depending on the answers I get, will decide the course I want to take in helping you. now that your involved in this kind of stuff. I'm not going to let you have as rough of a start to all this as I did." Spoke Takeshi.
"ok bro….just stay safe."
"have faith in me little brother. I did survive hueco mundo for four years after all. I'll see you later." With that he walked out of Ichigo's room and headed for the front door. He left his house and took off towards a certain shop.
Once he arrived there, he knocked on the door. After a few moments the door was answered by a large man.
"Takeshi! A surprise to see you here at this hour." Spoke Tessai.
"hey Tessai, I need to see Kisuke and your new guest as well."
"so you know?" responded the large man.
"not too hard to figure she would come here, when you think about it."
Tessa nodded his head and let Takeshi inside. Takeshi walked to backroom of the shop. Where he saw Kisuke and Yoruichi with their newest guest.
The woman in question was short and tiny with black hair and violet eyes like him, pale skin as well. She looked to be rather lost at the moment. Kisuke saw the fullbringer boy walk in with some slight surprise.
"Takeshi, this is an unexpected visit, especially at this hour." Said the shopkeeper.
"somehow I doubt that one Urahara. So who's your new guest? She's awful busy tonight from what I saw."
This caught the woman's attention as she turned to Takeshi with suspicious eyes.
"just who are you?" she said in a demanding tone.
Takeshi stared back at her with a hard glare, that caused the woman to back off from it.
"my name is Takeshi Kurosaki. The older brother to the orange haired teen you were with tonight."
The woman gasped in shock. "I see" she replied "my name is Rukia Kuchiki and I'm a soul reaper. I'm sorry for getting your brother involved in things."
"don't be to sorry, with my brothers rampant spirit energy it was only matter of time before something happened. Now then Rukia, care to explain to me what the hell exactly happened tonight?" inquired Takeshi.
"So you saw everything?" she said softly. "I was patrolling when I sensed a hollows presence near your family's home. I went to investigate, and I ran into your brother, he surprised me with him being spiritually aware. Then the hollow suddenly attacked out of nowhere without me sensing it approach. It captured one of your younger sisters, your brother tried to fight the hollow but was quickly overpowered. As it was about to kill him, I intervened and took a bad wound. With no other option left, I transferred my soul reaper powers to your brother so he could defeat the hollow. Which he did and then I came here." She finished.
Takeshi was quite as he thought about this all. What bothered him the most was the fact that he didn't feel the hollow at all. Even he was distracted by his sudden reunion with Mila and the others. He should still have been able to detect it; something simply wasn't adding up.
"Urahara" said Takeshi "something doesn't add up here. Me or someone here should have been able to pick up on the hollow before it ever got near my home."
"you would be correct, it's odd that it would somehow slip under all of our radars. Though where were you at the time of the attack?" questioned Kisuke.
"I was around town doing my own patrol for hollows. I didn't realize what was happening until I felt Ichigo's spirit energy fluctuate all over the place." Takeshi said smoothly.
Urahara seemed to eye Takeshi carefully as he took the boys message in from behind his fan.
"regardless, my brother is a soul reaper now, what do things go from here?" Takeshi chimed.
"I'll be training your brother and teaching him what he needs to know, while my power recharges." Said Rukia.
"I see, just how powerless are you right now?" inquired the fullbringer.
"about as powerless as one can be more or less. I honestly don't know how long until it manages to come back." replied Rukia.
"no offense but it doesn't seem like you can effectively teach all that much being as weak as you are at the moment. It might be more prudent for someone here at the shop to handle my brothers training for the time being."
"I'm afraid that isn't an option at the moment." Cut in Kisuke.
"oh? Do pray tell why that is Urahara?" questioned Takeshi.
"we have things in the works here, that require our full attention at the moment. Don't worry even with Rukia in her current state she'll be just fine in instructing Ichigo." Explained the shop keeper.
Now it was Takeshi's turn to look at the shopkeeper suspiciously. He already knew that excuse was bullshit. He knew right way Urahara was up to something, what it was he didn't know. Only that his brother had to be at the center of it and that worried him and pissed him off. Just another one the shopkeeper's secrets that he refused to tell him about. He kept himself in check and didn't show his frustration on his face. This turn of events only solidified his plan of action in helping his brother.
"fair enough it will have to do for now." Exclaimed the eldest Kurosaki sibling.
"hold on a sec." cut in Rukia. "your human but you seem pretty deep in all this. Just what are you by chance?" the tiny soul reaper wondered.
"well you see Rukia, I'm what you call a 'fullbringer'. Explained Takeshi "were humans that have spirt powers that allow them to fight hollows and other spirit entities."
"I see, I've never heard of such humans before. How very interesting." Replied Rukia before she gave out a large yawn. "it's been a very trying night for me, I think I'll go to bed for now." She said as she took her leave to one of the backrooms of the shop.
"well now that all this mess is situated for now, I'd better leave myself then. I still have school after all." He stated as he got up and headed for the door only to stop to face Urahara.
"one quick thing Kisuke. I'm not sure what your plan for my brother is exactly but if he gets grievously wounded or even killed because of it all." He said as he narrowed his eyes in a predatory glare and allowed his bloodlust pour out. "I'll carve your fucking eyes out and force them down your throat." He threatened as he turned and left.
Kisuke and Yoruichi who had remained silent the whole time, both had a shiver run down their spines from Takeshi's threat. The werecat turned to her longtime friend.
"you know, he's very well capable of making good on that threat. You may want to be a bit more open with him about things. He doesn't like the idea of his family being led on strings in such dangerous things. I can't say I blame him either Kisuke."
"we'll just have to wait and see for now Yoruichi." Replied the shop owner.
"why are you cautious around him?"
"he spent four years in hueco mundo, everything about the night he disappeared screams 'his' involvement. Now this happens tonight, and he happens to not be around for it? For all we know 'he' may have gotten a hold of him at some point. Yes we've seen his memories but those could have been altered."
"don't you think your being overly cautious about him?" questioned Yoruichi.
"maybe but better safe than sorry. He could still turn out to be one of 'his' puppets willingly or not." Interjected Urahara.
"if Isshin ever hears you talk like that about his son, he'll kick your ass." Replied the werecat.
*Kurosaki house the following morning*
Takeshi was tired as all hell, by the time he got back from Urahara's he only had time for handful of hours of sleep. Ultimately, he decided to skip out on school for the day. His grades were always high so he could get away with missing a day. Not to mention he had fair amount to prepare for with all that had happened last night.
After allowing himself some decent amount of sleep, he awoke from his bed and left his own bedroom to the kitchen for some coffee. His father was dressed in his doctor gear by himself. Everyone else having already left for the day.
"Takeshi, why haven't you left for school?" questioned Isshin.
"let's cut to the chase dad, I'm sure your well aware of what happened last night with Ichigo." He retorted ignoring his dad's question.
Isshin hardened his look a bit. "yes, your brother is soul reaper now." He said with concern. "and before you ask, no I can't do anything to help. I still have no powers after all."
Takeshi scowled a little at that but chose not to push it. he knew his father had reason to keep things secret. Probably much better reasons than what Urahara did. That and he was too god damn tired to argue it.
"I get it, I was up super late dealing with this all and coming up with my own way to help Ichigo. I'm not going to let him have it as rough as I did, when I was pulled into this stuff." Takeshi firmly stated.
Isshin was quiet for few moments. He wanted to tell his eldest child that was unneeded, but he could tell his son was dead set on helping his brother. No matter what was said to him.
"fair enough son, I'm sure whatever it is you have planned. It will help your brother and I think it's a real good thing, that your helping your brother out in all this." Said Isshin with a smile.
Takeshi smirked back at his father. "thanks dad, that's why I stayed back from school, well mainly anyways. I need to prepare a few things and needed the time for it."
"alright then, if you need anything then just let me know. I'll be in the clinic." Spoke the Kurosaki patriarch as he left.
In truth, he needed to prepare a single thing. He needed to pick up some supplies from the drug store to craft a sleeping agent of sorts. he needed to make sure Rukia wouldn't wake up during what he had planned for Ichigo. He knew how to make it, thanks to Yoruichi telling him about such things to during their lessons. She explained that back during her days in the stealth force. Sometimes they had to create such by scratch in the field, should a situation demand it.
So after downing some coffee and taking a shower. He dressed for the day and took off to the drug store. Finding everything he needed, he bought plenty of it and took it all home to his room. After a couple of hours of work, he had his specialized powder all made and ready. Knowing it would be a little time still before Ichigo came home. He chose to take a nap, because dammit he was still tired.
He was awakened a few hours later rather rudely by his brother, when Ichigo kicked him awake.
"what the fuck?" he screeched after his unwanted awakening.
"don't give me that!" retorted his brother with his trademark scowl. "you didn't show up at school at all today! Then I find you lounging at home!"
"look, I was way too tired after last night to go to school. Not to mention I'd needed to take care of a few things regarding your new situation." Replied Takeshi.
"oh I see." Said Ichigo. "in that case we need to talk, somethings came up at school today anyways."
"that being?"
"just come to my room and you'll see."
With a nod of his head, Takeshi stood up and followed his brother. When he walked in, he saw none other than Rukia herself sitting on his brothers' bed in a Karakura high uniform.
"what's all this then?" Takeshi question the small soul reaper woman with a raised eyebrow.
"hello Takeshi. I've taken up following your brother around to help assist him with new duties as a soul reaper. In case you're wondering about the wardrobe, I've been given a gigai, so I can interact properly with the human world while my powers recharge."
"fair enough, just what are plans for training my brother. Especially considering your more or less completely powerless at the moment?"
She looked a little sheepish in response. "it's as you say I'm pretty powerless at the moment so I can't really train him in a sense, but I can guide him in the ways of soul reapers as best I can!" she finished with some enthusiasm.
Takeshi said nothing right away. While he appreciated that Rukia was atleast quite serious in helping how she could. The issue was she wasn't capable of doing as much as Ichigo needed to be ready for this new world he found himself in.
"fair enough, just what are your immediate plans?" he asked.
"well, I need a place to stay so I'll be taking residence in Ichigo's closet for the time being." She stated.
"what a second here!" cut in the orange haired teen. "who the hell said you can stay!?"
"stupid I need to keep close to you at almost all times for when hollows show up! Living with you is the best thing to do. I'm sure you'll figure a way to explain it to the rest of your family. Now I need to go see someone for a few things, I won't be gone long." Stated Rukia and she promptly left the house.
"god dammit she's stubborn." Muttered Ichigo.
"you're not exactly one to talk little brother." Chimed Takeshi.
"Hey! Whos' side are you on?"
"relax Ichigo, this works out well. I need a moment to talk to you alone anyways." Said Takeshi.
"what about exactly?" said Ichigo, knowing his brother was being serious.
"to get to the point, Rukia can't do enough for you. when it comes to your training, but I have a solution to that." stated the violet eyed teen. "just come with me tonight. Everything will be made clear I promise little brother."
Ichigo thought for a moment before giving out a sigh. "ok, I'll go with you on this. I know you're not going to lead me astray in all this business."
"trust me little brother, I'll be the best ally you can hope to have in this world you've found yourself in." Takeshi chirped at his brother with a smirk.
Then an idea suddenly passed Ichigo's mind. "what about Rukia, is she gonna come with us?"
"no she won't and nor can she ever. For reason's you'll come to see when we head out tonight. Don't worry I've already figured out a way to make sure she doesn't interfere. I made a homebrew sleeping agent, just slip a little to her while she sleeps. She won't wake up to get in the way as we do our thing." Explained the older sibling.
"you've thought this all out pretty, well haven't you?" wondered Ichigo.
"of course I did. I didn't stay up all night and skip out on school today for nothing you know. We should look to relax for the rest of the day before we leave tonight."
The rest of the day flew by, Rukia eventually returned with a new item. A glove that allows soul separation from the body for Ichigo namely. Ichigo then had to explain to their sisters and father about Rukia's presence. Their sisters seemed a little suspicious but didn't push it. Isshin acted like his usual goofy self and accepted it. though Takeshi knew that had more to do with him knowing and understanding what was really going on. eventually nightfall came and at around midnight, Takeshi went to grab his brother.
He slipped quietly into his brother's room and gently woke him up. He then proceeded to carefully open the closet where Rukia quietly slept in her gigai. He took a little of his homemade sleep powder and sprinkled a little on her face. He watched her closely for a few minutes until he saw that it had his desired effect and gently closed the closet door.
He looked to his brother who took the soul separation glove and used it on himself. His normal body dropped motionless onto his mattress, leaving Ichigo in his soul reaper form, massive sword included in the middle of the bedroom. With that Takeshi opened up the bedroom window and motioned his brother to follow him and both brothers took off into the night.
Halibel and Mila were waiting in the same spot from last night. they had arrived a few minutes earlier and were simply waiting for Takeshi's arrival.
"what do you think Takeshi has planned my lady?" wondered Mila as to what her boyfriend was up to.
"I'm not quite sure in all honesty but will find out soon enough I imagine." Replied Halibel. Then in that moment Halibel felt a presence approach, one she didn't quite recognize. She tensed up anticipating it's arrival, Mila felt it and prepared as well.
First, they saw Takeshi arrive which calmed them slightly, but they still noticed the same presence close by getting nearer.
"Takeshi your being followed." Said Halibel.
"oh that? don't worry that's just my brother Ichigo." He said and then as if on cue Ichigo showed up behind him.
Halibel studied the orange haired teen, seeing his soul reaper attire and his oversized blade. Even if he was a soul reaper, she was well aware he had no allegiance to the soul society. she decided to relax herself.
"Ichigo" spoke Takeshi. "I'd like you to meet Tia Halibel." He said pointing to the mocha skinned woman with messy blond hair. "and that is Franceska Mila Rose." Gesturing to the dark skinned and muscular looking Amazonian like woman.
Ichigo just looked at both women, unsure what to say in all honesty. They were both stunningly beautiful in their own way. Not to mention the outfits either wore didn't leave all that much to the imagination. He did his best to fight his blush, trying to make its way onto his face. He got a jab in the side from his brother to make himself come back his senses. He decided to properly address the women.
"as my brother said I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. I'm Takeshi's younger brother." He politely said and then he bowed before both women. "allow me to say thank you for looking after my brother while he was stuck in hueco mundo. He made it clear to me that he wouldn't have survived without your help and the help of your friends. For that I owe your more than I can express and thank you greatly for what you did."
Both women were takin slightly by surprise by his sudden admission but quickly accepted it. Halibel and Mila both walked over to the Kurosaki brothers.
"rise Ichigo no need to bow to us, though your thanks is appreciated. It should be noted however your brother did much for us as well in his time in hueco mundo. Takeshi always spoke fondly of you. I think I can see why." Spoke Halibel and then turned to Takeshi. "so introducing us to your brother was what you spoke about last night I assume?"
"apart of it yes, is there is something else though to add to it." Stated Takeshi as he walked over to Mila and took her by the hand gently. Then walked her with him to his brother. "Ichigo, you should know now just to get it out of the way. Me and Franceska are dating."
Ichigo just stared at the two in front of him in surprise, blinking a bit looking dumbfounded as he processed that bit of news in his head. Eventually he snapped himself out of it as he saw the looks his brother and the hollow woman shared with one another. He could tell what they had was real and genuine.
"I see, well I'm glad for you big brother. After all you went through, you've deserved to be happy with someone you care so much about." Ichigo said with a smile at his brother. Then sudden thought came across his mind. "I realized something here. You said your friends from hueco mundo were hollows. You two don't look like hollows at all to me, except for the hollow hole I see on Franceska." Ichigo questioned.
"I can answer that for you Ichigo." Cut in Halibel. "you see me, Mila and our other friends are what you would call arrancar. We are hollows that have removed our mask's and in doing so we gained soul reaper like powers. we also gained human forms very similar to what we had back when we were still among the living world."
Ichigo seemed a little shocked by this info but quickly got over it. "I see, well that's pretty neat I have to say."
"quite so" said Halibel before she turned to Takeshi. "so why did you bring your brother along with you? I imagine it was for more than just simple introductions?"
"true enough, the fact of it all is that I would like you to train my brother like you did me Halibel. Considering as an arrancar you have some powers similar to a soul reaper and how insanely powerful you are. With you having been a vasto lorde. I can't think of a better teacher for him. After all I did learn well from you." explained the fullbringer.
"Hold on a second here!" exclaimed Ichigo "you were planning this from the start weren't you!? what about Rukia!? She an actual soul reaper after all."
"little brother, rukia is completely depowered after she transferred hers to you and there's no telling how soon they'll come back. she can't be the effective teacher that you need for the world you've been pulled into. You have a ton of potential to you brother, if your massive amount of spirit energy is anything to go by. Halibel can be the teacher you need to help mold your potential and power to what it can be. She did for me, and I know she can do the same for you if she's willing to that is." Takeshi proclaimed.
All eyes turned to Halibel as she contemplated the offer given to her. After a few moments of contemplation she turned her head to the orange haired Kurosaki.
"Ichigo, I am willing to take you on as a student. Consider it me doing a favor for your brother. As he said you have tremendous potential and need someone who can properly mold it. I am capable of doing this for you, know that I will be as harsh as I need to be to teach you what is needed. I will expose your weaknesses directly to your face and ensure you learn from them. I will push you to your limits every single time we train. Now the only question remains, are you willing to accept?"
Now everyone turned to Ichigo, who was in deep thought with a serious look on his face. After a few minutes he gave his answer.
"Halibel I accept your offer" he said with confidence. "I need someone who can push me hard and teach me. I need to better harness my power so I can protect everyone and everything I care about. I know that if my brother has so much faith in you as a teacher. I can trust you as well just as much."
Takeshi grinned ear to ear in excitement at this. "good to hear little brother, just one thing we need to clear up though."
"what's that?" ask Ichigo.
"simple, no one outside of those gathered here and Apacci and Sung-sun back in hueco mundo can know about this. This must remain a tight lipped secret for reasons that I think are rather obvious."
Ichigo nodded in understanding. "I'll keep this secret."
"very well, now we must find a proper training ground." Chimed Halibel.
"I have that covered I think." Piped Takeshi. "there's a forest just outside of town, we just need to travel a little into it and we'll be out sight of any eyes. Plus we'll be far enough away to safely use our powers without alerting anyone as well.
"that should suffice, lead the way." Stated Halibel
"alright follow me!" Takeshi said with excitement and took off with bringer light. With everyone taking off behind him to follow. After a few minutes, they arrived at a suitable spot in the woods. Though Ichigo was noticeably out of breath from doing his best to keep up.
"geez Ichigo, we weren't even going that fast." Deadpanned Takeshi.
"screw *huff* you! I just got these *huff* powers last night for kami's sake!" the orange haired soul reaper replied.
"lighten up on your brother a bit Takeshi." Cut in Mila. "he does make a good point after all. Come on let's grab a seat and watch lady Halibel Kick his ass." She finished cheekily as she grabbed the fullbringer by the arm and lead him to some stumps to sit on the edge of the training ground. Takeshi sat on a rather large stump with Mila sitting next to him. Her arm still wrapped around his and leaning a little into him.
"so how well do you think he'll actually do?" asked Mila.
"all things considered he'll do ok, I think. He going to get his ass kicked around for sure, that's just a given really. My little brother though is more of natural fighter than one would think. I would expect him to show impressive growth with every training session."
"fair enough, by the way I have something give you." piped Mila as she preceded to pull something out from in between her cleavage. it looked to be a kind of leather bracelet that had a visage of a lion carved into it. with a jewel of sorts resting in the middle of it.
"this bracelet will alert you when me, lady Halibel or any of the others are here. We won't be able to come here every night so this is good way to let you know when we are here. Just look for the jewel in it to glow an orange color, that's the signal." Mila said as she placed it around her boyfriend's wrist that was still without a bracelet.
"I like it, it's looks nice Mila. Thank you." Takeshi replied as he gave her a kiss on the lips. Suddenly the moment was interrupted when Ichigo crashed into the ground about 20 feet in front of them.
"you leave yourself to open with your swings Ichigo, tighten your defenses. Also you have much greater reach with your blade than mine, use that more to your advantage." They heard Halibel call out from a distance. Ichigo just grumbled as he pulled himself back up and charged forth at the blond arrancar. Just get swatted away and sent flying through the air.
"yep, he's definitely getting the rough treatment." Takeshi chuckled.
This continued for a little over an hour, while Ichigo was to the surprise of no one being comically out matched by Halibel. There was no ignoring the fact that he was improving at a rather fast rate throughout the training. By the end of it, Ichigo had soaked through his attire in sweat and breathing heavy from the exertion.
"I believe that's enough for tonight Ichigo." Spoke Halibel. "you did rather well all things considered."
"yes Halibel." Replied Ichigo as he put away his weapon and walked over to his brother. "damn you weren't kidding, she is really strong." He said to his older brother.
"I told you so." Takeshi replied with a smirk.
"Takeshi." Said Halibel as she approached. "we have some time still and I'd like to spar with you myself. I'm interested just how much you've grown from when last we did so."
Takeshi stood up with a smile. "no problem at all. Not to mention it would be lie if I said I wasn't wanting to spar with you now that you're an arrancar. Let me loosen up a little bit and we'll get to it." he stated and walked off to the center of the training field with Halibel behind him. Ichigo dragged himself over to the stump that Mila was on and took a seat.
"so how well do you think my older brother will do?" Ichigo asked Mila.
"well your brother is a lot stronger than you that's for sure. He's on the level of a low tier soul reaper captain. So he can definitely push lady Halibel in her base form. Though they'll probably stop before she uses her release state. While we may be far enough for no one to sense us as is. people will definitely feel the power of her release state even out here. We don't want that." Mila explained.
"is Takeshi really that strong?" Ichigo asked a little bewildered. He knew Halibel had toned back a lot against him and understood she far more powerful than she was showing. While he knew his brother was certainly powerful in his own right. Was he really so strong he could legitimately push Halibel seriously?
Mila seemed to catch on as to what Ichigo was thinking and explained further. "keep in mind Ichigo that Takeshi spent four years in hueco mundo. Doing nothing but essentially fighting, training and hunting day in and day out more or less. Plus he spent two of those years directly under lady Halibel as her pupil. Take what you went through tonight and imagine two straight years of that kind of training."
Ichigo thought about that and immediately paled a little and gulped on reflex. "damn, no wonder my brother is how he is." he muttered.
Mila chuckled at the orange haired boy's reaction. "yep, now you get the picture, so sit back and watch the show. You'll probably learn a few things if you pay close enough attention."
Looking over the amazon like arrancar in front of him, a question crossed his mind. "hey Mila, can ask you something?"
"shoot Ichigo."
"well I'm just wondering the details behind you and my brother coming together as a couple. I don't mean to pry too much or anything. My brother mentioned you two went through a lot together. Though he left some specifics out I think, I'm just wondering if you could shed some light on it all." Asked Ichigo.
Mila looked at orange boy with a curious expression for moment, before shrugging her shoulders. "yeah sure, you are his family. So I guess you have a right to know. So here's the deal of it all." She said as she turned to ichigo with a serious expression.
"you see, your brother has done more for me than anyone else I know. That's including lady Halibel. He helped speed up my evolution faster than I could ever have imagined. He kept me safe from being killed multiple times from other hollows and even a soul reaper once. hell, he once fought lady Halibel to the point of almost killing himself for my sake. And he even…he even" her voice became lower and a little nervous. "he even saved me from being raped once as well."
Ichigo's eyes went wide, not having expected that answer as Mila continued.
"I'd rather not talk too much about that incident, suffice to say he rescued me in time. I may have saved your brother's life once but he in return he has saved me more times and sacrificed his own wellbeing in ways I didn't think people were capable of just for me. That's why I love your brother as I do." she finished.
Ichigo was silent taking in and processing everything he just heard. He knew Mila was being completely honest with him. There was honestly more to it than he had imagined to begin with. After a few moments of further thinking he smiled at the arrancar woman.
"I can see now why you two ae so close as you are. For what's it's worth I think you and my brother go together very well." Spoke Ichigo.
Mila returned a small smile of her own. "thanks Ichigo."
Ichigo gave a simple nod of his head before catching his brother activate his powers. he couldn't help but stare at is brother's transformation.
"your brothers look takes an interesting turn when he activates his powers eh?" piped Mila noticing Ichigo's expression seeing Takeshi's fullbring active for the first time.
"that's for sure." Replied Ichigo as he watched the spar about to take place.
Takeshi had his power active and took a stance, ready to spar with Halibel.
"odd I can't sense your power." Inquired Halibel
"oh that?" Takeshi lifted his right arm showing the black metal bracelet on his wrist. "it was a bracelet I was given when I got home. It completely hides my presence even with my power active. I was told it was needed for my own safety. Apparently soul society wouldn't take very kindly to a human with captain level power running around."
"I see" Halibel replied. "a very useful item to have. Though I suppose it's time to get started." She reached back and stuck a finger in a loop on her swords guard and drew it out. Once it was pulled out completely, she spun it in a windmill like fashion before catching perfectly in her hand. "let's begin."
Takeshi took the lead and attacked first; he used the full extent of his bringer light hoping to catch Halibel off with his increase speed thanks to Yoruichi's training.
Halibel had anticipated Takeshi's be faster than he once was, however, she still underestimated his new level of speed. Something she didn't realize until she caught a hard kick square to her gut. that launched her back with an audible grunt of pain.
"your training over the last year had paid of well." Said Halibel ignoring the stinging sensation in her gut.
"thanks, though I have to say you becoming an arrancar had its effect on you. my foot feels like I just kicked a damn block of solid metal." He retorted.
"yes well, clearly I need to step things up a bit for you." she spoke as yellow energy glowed across her body and her power rose higher. "Mila ensure Ichigo is kept safe from my reiatsu, I do not wish to unintentionally crush him with it, considering his current level."
"yes my lady." Mila replied as she used her reiatsu to put protective bubble of sorts around herself and Ichigo. Ichigo meanwhile looked on in horror at the magnitude of power he was feeling. Knowing that Halibel wasn't even showing anything close to the full extent of her power. Takeshi was having similar thoughts himself.
'oh fuck me!' he thought to himself. 'I always knew Halibel was strong, but this is fucking ridiculous and she isn't even close to using her full strength.'
He thought were cut short when Halibel suddenly appeared beside him and swung her blade. He quickly parried just in time with Reaver and charged forward trying for another kick enhanced with his bringer light and hardening. Which Halibel caught with one hand and held it in place. He swore he could feel her smirking slightly behind her mask as she tossed him effortlessly to the opposite end of the training ground.
He landed harshly but quickly stood himself back up and went on the offensive. Halibel now knowing the extent of his new speed was able to track it but had to admit his speed was impressive. 'he could give some of the other espada a run for their money in the speed department. Though he can't move fast enough to outmaneuver me. Now that I've adjusted to his new speed.' She mused mentally.
Takeshi swung his blade down at which she blocked with her blade, he quickly made another quick strike which she dodged and countered with a swing of her own. He barely ducked out of the way before moving behind her for a strike. Halibel having picked up on this, quickly shot a kick directly behind. Catching Takeshi right in the gut as he did to her earlier. He flew back before landing on a knee clutching his gut.
'god damn! Even with my harden ability as strong as it is, that still hurt like hell.' He thought through clenched teeth before charging off once more at his mentor.
Ichigo watched the whole spar play out before for him in total shock and awe. He couldn't believe how powerful and skilled they both were, he couldn't keep track of 90% of what they were doing. It made him realize just how low on the ladder of things he truly was at the moment. 'wow, Takeshi you really are something amazing. I see why you wanted me to be trained by her. Even as strong as you are, she's that much more powerful, I'll be strong in no time thanks to her.' He thought to himself.
"they're pretty incredible, aren't they?" "suddenly spoke Mila, drawing Ichigo's attention. "they're both stronger than me and our other friends back at home. Granted lady Halibel was a vasto lorde so her to be so powerful is to be expected in all honesty. Your brother is the real surprise though being human. In all honesty he could fight most of the other hollows back in hueco mundo without issue. It's truly astounding how much he has grown from that frighten kid I found in the forest of menos all those years ago. To the powerful and confident man he is now. Looks like things are about to wrap up."
Takeshi stared down Halibel, he was breathing heavy and was a bit roughed up. He had to admit the power boost from becoming an arrancar. Made an already intimidating Halibel down right petrifying. Not that he would ever admit that out loud. Takeshi started building a getsuga tensho around his blade and prepared to strike. Noticing this, Halibel positioned her own blade and it started to glow yellow. Then they launched their attacks.
"Getsuga tensho!"
"Ola Azul!"
They yelled simultaneously as arcs of silver and yellow flew out and crashed into one another creating a small explosion, while kicking dirt and dust up everywhere. Takeshi watched carefully trying to pick up any movement and tried to feel for Halibel's presence. He got his answer when he felt her right beside him, but it was already too late, when he felt steel against his throat.
"I believe that's enough for tonight." She spoke before putting away her blade. "I'm impressed Takeshi you really have grown more in the last year. I dare say if you were in hueco mundo where you could truly unleash your power to its fullest. You would probably force me to have to us my release. Not an easy thing to manage I assure you." she finished with a tone of approval.
"wait? A release state? You mean you go even higher in power than now!?" Takeshi exclaimed in shock.
Halibel couldn't help but chuckle a little before responding. "very much so, you see we arrancar can release our zanpaktuo in a manner similar to soul reapers. Doing so allows us to use the full extent of our power. The difference is quite significant I assure you."
"kami help us all." Takeshi deadpanned.
Before anything else could be said, Ichigo and Mila walked over to them.
"that was something to watch." Chirped Ichigo.
"hopefully you learned a few things while watching Ichigo." Replied Halibel.
"I tried but you two move so fast most of the time I couldn't keep track of a damn thing."
"don't worry little brother you'll get there in no time I'm sure." Cut in Takeshi. "so I suppose it's time for us all to head home for the night. when will you bring Apacci and Sung-sun?"
"we will have rotations. Sung-sun will come next time and then Apacci before it rotates back to Mila. I still believe two of us coming here is at most what we can get away with still." Stated Halibel.
"I agree, certainly better to play it safe about this all." Chimed Takeshi as he looked to Mila. "me and my brother need to head home, I'm gonna miss you, I'll be waiting for you here when your next turns comes around."
"you damn well better be." Retorted Mila before pulling Takeshi into a kiss. After few blissful moments they separated. Everyone said their good-byes for the night. the Kurosaki brothers stayed to watch as Halibel and Mila walked into a garganta and disappeared. Then the two brothers took off towards home.
"so little brother what do you think?"
"I'm gonna be sore as hell but it's all gonna be well worth it, no doubt."
"better get used to it, Halibel will beat you down. Until you can start to properly defend against her. Which will probably be a while in all honesty, so better get use to the pain." Snarked Takeshi.
"Kami, what have I gotten myself into?" deadpanned Ichigo
*Two months later*
In the two months that had passed since the start of Ichigo becoming a soul reaper and training with Halibel. Takeshi and the others had to admit, Ichigo's progress was nothing short of astounding. While he wasn't as strong as Takeshi and certainly not Halibel. Still the sheer amount he progressed in his time under Halibel's tutelage was impressive.
Thankfully, Takeshi and Ichigo had managed to keep their little secret safe and sound from everyone. Takeshi for his part kept up his training with Yoruichi and only trained occasionally with Halibel on days he didn't spar with Yoruichi because of that. otherwise he would be far to drained the next day for anything period.
Of course Ichigo still had his new soul reaper duties alongside of Rukia. Takeshi had to admit he wasn't quite sure what to make of the girl at first, but she quickly grew on him as friend. Sure she was a little bossy and sucked at drawing, but she cared a great deal in keeping others safe and ensuring Ichigo did his best at his work. Plus living in Ichigo's closet left no end of amusement thanks to Isshin.
Ichigo certainly had some interesting things to deal with during his time as a soul reaper. First was Orihime's dead brother coming back as a hollow and attacking her. Then there was a soul of a kid trapped in a bird that was tricked by a particular bastard of a hollow. Which happened to put chad into the crosshairs of said hollow. then there was the incident with some absolute dumbass by the name of don kanoji. Some idiot of a person with some amount of spirit world connection. Who thought he was passing spirits on but was really just making new hollows.
Takeshi merely kept at a watchful distance during these events. he knew his brother needed to grow and deal with things himself. Takeshi would only step in if absolutely needed to thankfully that only needed to happen once.
*Yesterday afternoon*
"well this is just a bunch of bullshit!" angrily stated Takeshi.
That moron of a quincy Ishida had behind Takeshi's back and force fully made Ichigo compete in a hollow slaying competition with him. The jackass even used hollow bait to bring more hollows to town! Now all of karakura was being overrun with hollows practically.
Takeshi had been running all around town killing all the hollows that came to town left and right. Thankfully no one had been killed somehow, at least not yet. He was trying to contemplate if he should hang Ishida from a tree for his stupidity.
Though during the chaos of everything he felt both Orihime and Chad had manifested fullbrings of their own. That was something he would have to deal with himself at some point he was sure of it.
Then something happened that no one expected to happen, a fucking gillian of all things showed up in Karakura.
"what the hell is that!?" exclaimed Ishida.
"that dumbass, is a gillian. The lowest from of menos class hollows." Explained Takeshi.
"that's the weakest of its class!?"
"that what I just said you moron."
"I can handle it." cut in Ichigo.
"you can't be serious!?" said Ishida
"I'm completely serious." Retorted Ichigo.
"my brothers right, he can handle the gillian. Hell I could kill it in my sleep practically. Anyways, Ichigo you handle the gillian. Me and the genius here will keep any other hollows off your back while you do." stated the fullbringer.
"since when do I take orders from you?" inquired the quincy.
Takeshi just glared at Ishida and then noticed large swarm of about 60 or so normal hollows coming in their direction. He charged up a getsuga tensho and launched a large arc of silver energy at the swarm. All the hollows were vaporized instantly. Takeshi looked back at Ishida who seemed both impressed and terrified at the display of power.
"that's why you're going to do as I say you four eyed fucker. Otherwise the next one of those I launch is going to be for you." said Takeshi.
Ishida promptly shut the hell up after that.
Takeshi watched his brother as he attacked the gillian. Ichigo used his speed to quickly get up and then jump right up directly in front of the gillians face. He charged power into his blade and with one sift stroke he cleaved the hollows head clean in two, destroying it. after the gillians death, all the other hollows immediately began to run away back to hueco mundo.
Ichigo came walking back with the biggest grin on his face. While Ishida looked like someone had just slapped him. That look alone was enough to make Takeshi decide to not kill him, atleast not that day anyways.
*End flashback*
Of course it wasn't all just training and hollow slaying for the two brothers. For Takeshi's part, his relationship with Mila had grown more in the two months since they actually started dating.
While they couldn't see each other every day, they made the most of their time as they could. Whenever it was Mila's turn to come to the human world with Halibel. Ichigo would go off to train with Halibel, while Takeshi and Mila would go off and do their own thing.
While they couldn't go into town to do anything, the risk of Mila being spotted was too high. Takeshi would bring things with him sometimes to pass time with. Sometimes he would bring a laptop and movie for them to watch together. He would bring some deserts and other such things for her to try out. Other times they would find a place in the wood and just lay together and enjoy the others embrace. They honestly didn't care that much what they did together as long as they were together.
Ichigo also finally got to meet Apacci and Sung-sun during the last two months as well. He and the other two arrancar girls quickly hit off quite well. Ichigo just like Takeshi took Apacci as an older more foul mouthed sister with a very fiery attitude.
Then there was Sung-sun, oh boy did that become something no one saw coming even Takeshi. The simple reason for that being about month after first meeting the olive green haired arrancar woman, Ichigo asked her out. Yes that's right, Ichigo Kurosaki, the who guy was notorious for being denser than concrete when it came to romance. Somehow someway by the blessing of god (or sheer struck of dumb luck) figured out he had feeling for a girl and asked her out.
What brought these two together to begin with? A mutual love of the works of Shakespeare. On Sung-suns first visit when she met Ichigo and they talked for a bit, she mentioned wanting to get her hands on some good reading material. Ichigo being the literature buff that he was automatically recommended and explained the works of his favorite author.
Sung-sun asked if he would be kind enough to lend her some books and his little brother being the kind person, he was just couldn't say no. so when it was Sung-sun's next turn to visit a few days later. He showed up with about half a dozen different books to lend her. Sung-sun was quite pleased and gave Ichigo a peck on the cheek and wink along with a word of thanks. Ichigo was stunned in place from the unexpected gesture with a face a red as a strawberry.
After that whenever Sung-sun visited, her and Ichigo would have deep talks about literature, that both thoroughly enjoyed. It became quite obvious to everyone around them what was building up between the two of them. so with a little nudging from Takeshi to Ichigo. Along with Apacci and Mila nudging along Sung-sun. they managed the two of them to confess to the other. for Halibel's part she was perfectly happy with seeing her friends find happiness with one another.
Takeshi couldn't deny that his brother and Sung-sun were adorable together. He started to spar with Halibel on days sung-sun would come. Regardless if he had already trained with Yoruichi, so Ichigo and Sung-sun could have some time together. Which usually involved the two of them, sitting together as they discussed their favorite bits of literature. It was a cute sight to see.
*Present Time*
It was the day after the hollow swarming incident, it was nighttime, and the Kurosaki brothers were up in the woods for another night of Ichigo's training. Halibel was waiting as usual, this night it was Mila with her.
"good to see you two!" spoke Takeshi.
"Takeshi! Ichigo! about time you got here." chimed Mila
"hey now, we can only move so fast. We had a busy day yesterday after all." Chimed the Fullbringer.
"what exactly happened yesterday?" cut in Halibel.
Takeshi and Ichigo then explained all of the previous day's events. with what happened with Ishida and the mass hollow attack on the town.
"that quincy is a real moron." Piped Mila once they finished with their story.
"it was foolish of him to act as he did. Though I'm glad you two handled the whole situation as well as you did, especially you Ichigo." Spoke Halibel. "dealing with the gillian as well as you did, shows just how far you've come in such a short time. not many could do what you did."
"thank you Halibel, I've only grown as I have because of your tutelage." Ichigo replied with a smile.
Before anything else could be said Takeshi and the others felt a new sudden presence in town.
"that feels like soul reapers and strong ones too." Chimed Takeshi.
"yeah, now that I think about it. Rukia was acting kind of strange today. I remember her saying that was probably only a matter of time before soul society sent someone for her." Said Ichigo
"didn't she also mention once that she could be in trouble for sharing her power with you?" said Takeshi.
"she did" replied Ichigo as he looked at his brother with a face of worry.
"I suddenly have a bad feeling about this." Said the older Kurosaki.
"same, we need to move and fast." Replied the younger Kurosaki.
"we'll come with you." cut in Mila
"No! you two can't come with us for this!" proclaimed the fullbringer.
"why the hell not!?" angrily replied Mila.
"because if you two reveal yourselves it will cause bigger problems that aren't needed." Explained Takeshi.
"oh that's bull-" Mila began but was cut off.
"enough Mila!" sharply cut in Halibel. Causing the other arrancar woman to quiet down instantly. "he's right Mila, if we were to show ourselves it would cause problems in more than a few ways." Said Halibel trying to get her hint across to her friend.
Mila looked away sadly, catching on to her mistress's hint. She looked up to her boyfriend and his brother. "you two better come back in one piece or me and Sung-sun will kick your asses."
Takeshi grinned at the comment. "don't worry will be fine." He walked up and planted a kiss on Mila's lips. "you two should head back to hueco mundo, we'll update you tomorrow on everything."
"very well then, we will await your return tomorrow night." stated Halibel as she opened a garganta. Mila looked at Takeshi with concern before turning away and walking into the garganta with Halibel behind her. Once it closed, Takeshi turned to Ichigo.
"come on we need to haul ass."
*Somewhere in Karakura*
Rukia watched as Renji took down the quincy boy Uryu Ishida, who had foolishly tried to stop him and her brother Byakuya. From taking her back to the soul society for her punishment. She hated to see people get hurt over her, but she was still too powerless at the moment.
"that takes care of that then." Said Renji, a man of decent height and a lean but strong build with red hair tied together. Along with tattoos across his body and an exspensive pair of sunglasses resting on his forehead.
"We should be ready to return now captain." Said Renji addressing his commanding officer.
Byakuya Kuchiki, the current head of the Kuchiki clan. One of the four great noble families of the soul society. he was tall, also with lean and fit build. Long black hair with decorative hair pieces in it as status of his nobility. Grey eyes and always had an emotionless and stoic look to him.
"let us leave at once then." Ordered Byakuya.
As Renji prepared to open up the senkaimon back to soul society. a new voice suddenly rang out.
"I'm afraid you won't be going anywhere at the moment." Called out a voice behind them.
They all turned their heads in the direction of the voice. Rukia recognized them immediately. "Takeshi! Ichigo!" she exclaimed.
Byakuya examined the teenage looking humans in front of him. One had spikey orange hair and was dressed like a soul reaper. No doubt the one Rukia foolishly gave her powers too, if the ridiculously sized sword was any indicator. The other however was a bit of an oddity.
He had wild and messy black and silver hair that stopped just above his shoulders, violet eyes and wore cloths that were all black with a silver 'x' pattern adorning them, including mask that hid that bottom portion of his face. He also held a an oddly shaped all black sword with a serrated edge to it.
"just who are you exactly?" demanded Byakuya. The one with the odd sword answered.
"were friends of Rukia and we're here to stop you from taking her away. The one who's a soul reaper is my younger brother Ichigo Kurosaki. My name is Takeshi Kurosaki and I'm a fullbringer and we're going to be the ones to kick your asses if we have to.