Hollow Zangetsu
Zanpaktou/Quincy Zangetsu
Speaking
Thought
Akemi Yoruichi's father. Azami Yoruichi's mother. Chika Yamamoto Head Captains Wife
Chapter Nine: Revelations and Family Heritage Revealed Part 3
Previously on Cats, Bees, and Souls
"You bastard!" Kukaku said as she walked up and punched Isshin in the stomach again.
"Ganju and I thought you were dead. Kaien thought you were dead. Your friends and colleagues in the soul society thought you were dead, so help me if don't tell Ichigo and his sisters the truth about their heritage right now the next punch I give you will make the last one feel like a light tickle!" Kukaku shouted.
"Well Goat-chin are you going to enlighten your children or not?" Ichigo asked
"Well Ichigo for one thing my name isn't Isshin Kurosaki its Isshin Shiba. Kukaku and Ganju are your second cousins." He said. "19 years ago, I was the Captain of Squad 10 as well as the head of the Shiba Clan. I am still technically the later do to the fact that I never designated an heir that is until now. Ichigo you are my heir and next leader of the Shiba Clan." He said "But that's not all is it?" Ichigo asked. "I'm afraid not." Isshin said.
Party at the fourth division
"I have kept a lot of things from you and your sisters all born out of my desire to keep the promise I made to your mother and keep you safe but since Aizen has made his move there is no longer any point in keeping them from you. Ichigo everything you said about your mother, and what she meant to us was the truth, but there is something else that neither you nor Uryu-kun know of your family history. Uryu I am sorry you had to find out from me I would have preferred it if you found out from Ryuken but I do not have the time to escort you home. Ichigo I first met your mother 19 years ago, I was the Captain of Squad 10 and we received reports of soul reapers being kill in the living world and I went to the living world without getting permission. I found that it was a hollow that the Soul Society officially designated 'White' I fought with it and even with my shikai released I got my ass handed to me and just when the creature was about to finish me off I saw a blue arrow come out of nowhere. I looked at who fired that arrow and imagine my surprise when it was a woman, that woman's name was Masaki Kurosaki my future wife and your mother. Your mother was not just any run of the mill Quincy she was a pure blood. I was brought out of my musings long enough to see that hollow attack your mother only for her to activate her Blut Vene a defensive technique of the Quincy and she defeated it. I found out from her later that she allowed it past her guard so she could put an arrow through its head, the bite the creature inflicted should have killed her but I guess Blut Vene helped or so I thought. After I healed up, I went back to Soul Society to make my report in which I left your mothers involvement out of the incident. Three days later, I snuck back to the living world to thank her only to find that the hollows reiryoku had infected your mother's soul by copying his own soul into hers, and as a result, she was headed straight for a soul suicide. Uryu your father blamed me for what happened, and I guess that from his point of view he was right. The reason your father blamed me was because Masaki and your father were engaged, but because of the hollow attack they canceled the marriage and kicked her out. Uryu Masaki was technically your Aunt which makes me your Uncle and my children your cousins. However, I digress, the day I came back, I could see that Masaki was in trouble and I had no idea how to help her. Then Kisuke popped up out of nowhere and offered to help save her I agreed immediately, I knew that if I didn't do something to help her then I would never be able to look at myself in the mirror again. That was when Kisuke told me that they only way to save her was to use my power as a seal by connecting my body to hers using spirit threads. When our bodies where connected I went inside her soul and beat back the hollow forcing it into a deep slumber. After that, with my powers being used for the seal I couldn't go back to the Soul Society so I opened a clinic, medical kido was about the only thing I was really good at and with help from Kisuke I made it work, your mother would still come by to harass me now and then by I didn't mind. After she graduated college, your mother and I got married and few years later, you came into our lives and 5 years later Karin and Yuzu." Isshin said
"But it wasn't just Grand Fisher that was responsible for you mothers death Ichigo, that thing was only part of it. The hollow that attacked your mother was an artificially created vasto lord class hollow create by Aizen using a Shinigami soul as the base. When you were born, we discovered to our horror that the hollow infesting your mother's soul moved to yours during pregnancy and fused itself with your Shinigami powers essentially becoming your Zanpaktou, which is why shortly after you were born my powers as a Shinigami began to return. The night your mother died I could sense grand fisher's presence but I did not go to help your mother not because I didn't want to or because I couldn't but because I did not see the need to help her. Ichigo you mother was the strongest Quincy of her generation and had the strongest Blut Vene in Quincy history even stronger than that of Uryu's father and grandfather, if only I had remembered what your mother had told me sooner she might still be alive and I stress might." Isshin said.
"What happened dad?" Ichigo asked.
"The night she died was the night of selection. The Quincy King, a despicable creature named Yhwach used a technique called Auswahlen to steel the powers of any Quincy's that he deemed impure and unfortunately for you and Uryu-kun both your mothers were on his list, Masaki for being tainted with hollow essence before you were born and your Aunt Kanae Katagiri Ishida, Uryu's mother for being a half-blood. The only difference between the two deaths is that your mother died in her fight with Grand Fisher because she could no longer access her powers, and Kanae-Chan died 3 months later because when Yhwach stole her powers, he also stole most of her life force she had just enough to live for 3 months after Yhwach used Auswahlen. Yhwach, Aizen, and Grand Fisher were all responsible for your mother's death. Yhwach because of the reason you've just heard, but Aizen because I found out later after Masaki's death that Aizen sent Grand Fisher after you and your mother that night in order to kill you both. Aizen knew as I did that if you a perfect transcendent being, a being that is the perfect balance of Shinigami, Hollow, and Quincy powers were to somehow master and control those powers you would be a threat to his plans." Isshin said.
"Is that all?" Ichigo asked.
"Almost Ichigo." Isshin said.
"Uryu do you know the Kaiser Gesang?" Isshin asked
"Yes all Quincy's know it." Uryu replied.
"Would you enlighten us please?" Isshin asked.
"The sealed King of the Quincy will regain his heartbeat after 900 years, 90 years after that would regain his intelligence, and 9 years later would regain his powers." Uryu said.
"Very good Nephew. However, your version is incomplete, there is a verse missing." Isshin said.
"The sealed King of the Quincy will regain his heartbeat after 900 years, 90 years after that would regain his intelligence, 9 years later would regain his powers, and 9 days later would regain the world." Isshin said. "I found the last verse while looking through Masaki's research notes."
"You see Ichigo your mother believed that Quincy's were part of the reincarnation cycle as well and thus capable of wielding both their powers as well as Shinigami powers and began to research both aspects alongside Kisuke and Souken Ishida. They even helped Kisuke study his hogyoku with the purpose of trying to break the barrier between the three races safely but they were coming up short so they stopped their research and sealed the hogyoku away." Isshin said
"What are you saying Isshin?" Kyoraku asked
"What I'm saying Shunsui is that Yhwach will return to attack the Soul Society and we had all best be ready when he does." Isshin said.
"So what you're saying Isshin Shiba is that your wife, grandfather-in-law, and Kisuke Urahara were working on a way for Quincy's to cleanse by gaining the powers of the Shinigami while still retaining the ability to use Quincy powers." The head captain said. "Why go that far?"
"Because Yama-jii the Kurosaki and Ishida Clans believed strongly in an alliance between Shinigami and Quincy. They believed in this so strongly that they began to openly defy Yhwach and work with the Soul Society in secret until he found out and ordered their execution, he personally killed them or had them killed off until their numbers dwindled to almost nothing and now my son, daughters, nephew and my Brother-in-law are all that's left of them." Isshin said.
"Ichigo you, your sisters, and Uryu embody the hopes and dreams of so many, you are the legacy of the Shiba, Kurosaki, and Ishida Clans. Everything that they hoped to achieve has been achieved though the four of you and that is something you should all be proud of, I'm proud of it and I know your mother's and grandfather would be as well." Isshin said.
"Are you done?" Ichigo asked
"Yes, son I'm done." Isshin said.
WHACK! OMF! ACK! "What the hell was that for Ichigo?" Isshin asked catching his breath.
"Because you lied to your children that's why, you kept it secret and caused them more pain than was necessary. Because for seven years you walked around with your head in your ass under the delusional belief that you were protecting us when all you were doing is protecting yourself!" Ichigo exclaimed yelling at his father.
"I know Ichigo. I know you, Karin, and Yuzu feel like I lied to you and that I betrayed you, but I made a promise to your mother before she died and I wasn't going to break that promise for you or anyone else." Isshin said.
"OMF! Now what did I do Ichigo?" Isshin said
"That was for using mom as an excuse to justify your actions or should I say in-action." Ichigo said as he sat down in a huff. "Are there any other secrets you're keeping from us dad?"
"Just one but it will be discussed privately." Isshin said, "However I believe the woman next to me has a few secrets she needs to divulge."
The woman standing next to him took off her hood and everyone was shocked.
"Mom!" Tatsuki exclaimed. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Shina/Shina-Chan" the head captain and his wife said with tears coming down Chika's face.
"Hi Mom. Hi Dad." Shina said. "I know I have a lot of explaining to do and that is why I am here, but also to provide intelligence as to what Aizen is after and why I disappeared all those years ago.
"Tatsuki I know you thought you were human but nothing could be further from the truth and that goes for you as well Orihime. Years ago when Aizen began his plans he was still just the lieutenant of squad five, and I was engaged to marry your father. His name was Saburo Kimura of the Kimura family and my sister your Aunt was Sakae Yamamoto and her fiancé and future husband a man named Toshihiro Nakamura was part of the Nakamura family. That's right Orihime I am your Aunt the one that took care of you when your parents and older brother died, Tatsuki is your cousin and the Head Captain and his wife are your grandparents." Shina said.
"Why? Why didn't you tell us?" Orihime said crying.
"For the same reason that Isshin didn't tell Ichigo any of his heritage, because I was trying to protect you and the rest of my family. Orihime when you were born in the living world your brother Sora was already a gifted Shinigami but something happened that caused his powers weaken though he would never talk about it, but we think it had something to do with the reason we were forced to leave the Soul Society." Shina said.
"What happened to make you leave us Shina-Chan?" her mother asked with tears in her eyes.
"Well mom as you know, of all the noble family's in the Soul Society the Yamamoto Clan is the only one with direct access to the Royal Realm, although the method and how this is accomplished is only known to the head of the family and his or her heir. Aizen approached my sister and me and threatened us with death and the destruction of our loved ones if we did not give him that information, so we stayed in the family compound and never left. We knew that Yamamoto Manor was the one place he could not enter without either our or father's permission. I instructed father that only those who held the rank of captain allowed entry and he agreed. The years went by and finally we got married in a private ceremony with just our family's present, we were happy until the bastard attained the rank of captain and it was time my sister and I made our move before the bastard started taking liberties.
The reason we left was so Aizen could not get his hands on the information the Royal Family had in trusted to us. My husband and I had our closest friends spread the word that we had died, after that, we went to the world of the living, and once there we met Yoruichi, Kisuke, and Tessai and they helped us out, we knew all along that they did not commit the crimes central 46 accused they of committing. They gave us a place to live until we found a place of our own. Kisuke eventually came up with a gigai that masked our true appearance and energy so we could not be found by Aizen or anyone else. However, the gigai's also had the unfortunate side effect of suppressing our powers so low that in sense we were human. After a while Tatsuki you and Orihime were born in Urahara's shop in fact we named Mashiro, Kensei and Kisuke and Kirio Hikufune as your godparents. The two of you always had circle of people around you that you always count on it didn't matter if it was the visoreds, Kisuke, Yoruichi or even the Kurosaki's you always a place to go and friends to count on, and that is the way we wanted it. After a while, we finally had enough to buy homes of our own but we needed new identities first, Tatsuki your father and I took the name Arisawa and Orihime your parents took the name Inoue. For a few years our lives were happy, then our lives were turned upside down when the energy dampening properties of our gigai's stopped functioning and Aizen found us, your father's and Orihime your mother and brother went to confront Aizen and those he sent after us and died in the process. I stayed behind with Yoruichi and Kisuke to keep the two of you safe. Aizen took from me the ones I loved most and I will see that he pays for it as slowly and painfully as possible. Orihime, Tatsuki I kept this information from you not because I wanted to keep you in the dark about your family, but because I knew that if Aizen knew you were alive he would either use you against your family, kill you or both. I have lost so much already namely my sister, my brothers and my nephew, and I could not lose the two of you as well. The two of you are the only connection to them that I have left and I will do whatever is needed to protect you even if it means you hate me for it later." Shina said with tears in her eyes.
SLAP!
Tatsuki slapped her mother and said, "Mom hating you is something I could never do, but you should've told us we had a right to know, so from now on no more keeping secrets okay." As she and Orihime gave her a hug and thanked her for protecting them.
Chika on the other hand was elated to know that one of her children was still alive and that she had grandchildren, but also sad to know that her other daughter, her two son-in-law's and grandson were all killed by Aizen, all for the sake of his selfish lust for power. She was crying seeking comfort in the arms of her husband when she said "My darling Shi-kun promise me that Aizen will pay for what he has done to our family and so many others." Before he could answer, everyone felt Ichigo's reiatsu increase and then he said, "He will pay Lady Yamamoto on this and my soul I give you my word. Bankai! Cut the moon and rage across the heavens, Tensa Zangetsu! I will use this very blade to cut out his heart and make him eat it, and after I kill Aizen Yhwach is next." (AN: Shi-kun is Chika's pet name for her husband.)
"Head Captain Yamamoto at your earliest convenience your granddaughters and I require your help with something." Ichigo said
"And what would that be young Ichigo?" he asked
"Asauchi's we require asauchi's." Ichigo said
"Very well young man you shall have what it is you seek. Now as far as my two granddaughters are concerned…wait where did they go?" He said confused only to see his wife running away with Orihime and Tatsuki flailing about behind her like two flags in the wind.
"Chika I wanted to introduce myself you know!" He yelled.
"Introductions later girl talk now! She yelled and with that, they were gone.
"Shina-San has your mom always been so excitable?" Ichigo asked
"Unfortunately Ichigo but what do you expect she is a Shihoin by birth." Shina said
"A Shihoin!" Ichigo said visibly shocked
"Yep. She is a Shihoin. She is the sister of my Great-Great-Great Grandfather which makes her a Great aunt to me, my children and later on to you as well." Azami said, "Is that okay?"
"It's fine with me. I never had an Aunt so it will probably be a lot of fun." Ichigo said
"Boy you don't know how glad I am to hear you say that, having a new nephew around for her to drive crazy would make my life a lot less stressful." Yamamoto said. Ichigo just laughed at Yamamoto's last statement.
"Oh, so little Ichigo wants his mommy." A voice behind them said.
"Ichi-nii! Onii-Chan!" Karin and Yuzu said with tears in their eyes as the man restrained them.
"Naoko let them go now and I promise I won't kill you." Ichigo said
"Sure I'll release them if you void your engagement to Yoruichi and give me what is mine." Naoko said.
"No! However I will give you one last to surrender yourself." Ichigo said.
"Or what?" Naoko asked. "Or I will kill you right here." Ichigo said.
Before Naoko could respond Ichigo disappeared in flash of speed that no one could follow and re-appeared next to Yoruichi with his sisters in his arms hugging him for dear life as if he would disappear if they let go.
"Wha… how did you do that?" Naoko asked
"It's called shunpo moron." Ichigo spat venomously. "And I think it's time you left."
Ichigo flexed his wrist, his sword that was once stabbed in the ground came to his hand, and he just vanished in a flashed of shunpo, and re-appeared in front of Yoruichi, sealed his blade and said "Kokugatsu no ha bangō 3: 6 Sutoraiku de shibō." After placing Zangetsu, back in his hilt with click only to turn around and see Naoko and his goons on the ground in pieces.
He walked to the bodies spat on them and said, "You hurt my family or those I care about and you die." (AN: Kokugatsu no ha bangō 3: 6 Sutoraiku de shibō means black moon blade number 3: death in 6 strikes)
"Ichigo what did you do?" Yoruichi asked
"I used one of Tensa Zangetsu's technique's, you see while Zangetsu is the strongest Melee attack type Zanpaktou he is also the strongest dual type, which means his type changes between shikai and bankai. In his bankai form, he is a compression type, which is why Tensa Zangetsu is so small when compared to other bankai, because he compresses my power and his form into a small blade to enable ultra-high speed combat and maneuverability. The technique I just used was the third of Tensa Zangetsu's 6 speed based abilities with each one getting progressively faster than the last, but even in bankai he retains all of his melee attack type abilities on top of his compression type abilities." Ichigo said
"So what you're saying is that wasn't even as fast as you could go Ichigo-Kun." Shunsui said
"Not even close. If I were to move as fast I could there isn't a single person here, fast enough to catch me, as it is I was only using a fourth of my true speed just now if that. In terms of an actual speed measurement, take the full speed of Yoruichi, Soifon, and Byakuya combined multiply that by 10 and the number you get would only equal 75 percent of my maximum but that is only while in bankai without bankai my speed is equal to Yoruichi maybe a little faster." Ichigo said
The minute he said that everyone's jaws hit the ground that were shocked as there was never anyone that fast in the history of Soul Society.
Royal Realm
"Damn Masaki that's your son!" Candice Exclaimed. "He's Hot." Menas said
"Masaki dried her eyes as she had been crying during the telling of Ichigo's tail and said, "That's Ichigo, that's my baby boy, my little protector." With a big prideful grin on her face.
"Masaki I must agree with Candice and Menas, Ichigo is a very handsome young man and very strong as well, he has everything I could ever ask for in a mate. I must agree as well Masaki-Chan." Nelliel, and Tia said as they and the fraction came out in their fully evolved forms. Nelliel and Tia had no hollow holes or masks but had newly forged Zanpaktou on their hips, long beautiful hair that stopped just above their knees and were wearing the standard black shihakusho.
"We saw what happened just now between your son and the idiot. I can't say I'm surprised at the treatment he received I would've have done the same if anyone tried that with my girls." Tia said.
"I can't wait to meet Ichi-Kun in person." Nelliel said
"Speaking of, Your Highness when are we going to see Ichigo?" Masaki asked.
"Actually I'm getting ready to send someone to pick them all up right now. I just wanted to give you a chance to dry your eyes first. Wouldn't want Ichigo to see his mother for the first time in seven years with red puffy eyes would we? Oetsu! Hikufune! I want the two of you to go and bring me the Shihoin family, the Shiba family, the Kuchiki Family, the Yamamoto family, the Fon family, the Kasumioji Family, the Ishida family, the Visoreds, and Kisuke Urahara. I also want the Captains and Lieutenants of the Gotei 13 here at once, but leave anyone from the Omaeda family there I have no desire to lay eyes on anyone from that family." The Soul King said. "Yes your Highness!" They Exclaimed.
Flashback
During the time, Ichigo was telling everyone his story down in the Seireitei his mother and everyone else including the Soul King and the Royal Guard where watching the drama unfold on a monitor.
"I can't believe my babies went through so much pain, and it's all the fault of Aizen, Yhwach and that bastard hollow." Masaki said as she collapsed to the ground with tears in her eyes.
All the women there began to comfort Masaki and then Candice said, "Listen to me Masaki we will get both Aizen and Yhwach trust me. It's just a matter of time now, Aizen has been cut off from the Soul Society so your family is safe and Yhwach is still too weak to make a move but don't worry we'll get them both. The biggest mistake either of them made was to allow their ambition to cloud their judgement and in the end it will cost them both dearly trust me, every Quincy here knows how selfish, overconfident, and depraved Yhwach is and from what I hear, Aizen is no better it will be their downfall. Never forget that we are here for you and your family."
"She's right Masaki-Chan, we are all here for you, both Aizen and Yhwach will pay for what they've done, and I promise you whether we carry out their punishment or Ichigo does it will be as slow and painful as we can make it." Menas said.
Masaki looked up at everyone and saw that they were all in complete agreement with what Candice and Menas just said and after that she got up dried her eyes and said "Thank you everyone. I guess just hearing my little protector telling everyone the pain he went through when I died was just a little too much for me to take. It was overwhelming to find out he went through all that, and his little heart was so broken. I am so proud of him for honoring values I taught him as a child even if he did take it to the extreme and stayed away from everyone he loved for so long I am still proud of my little protector never the less."
"Yes he did Masaki and I have no doubt that he will protect Candice, myself and the rest of the Soul Society just as fiercely." Menas said.
"You have every right to be proud of him Masaki for he is an honorable young man one that I would be proud to go into battle with." Gerard said. The other Quincy's said nothing except nod their heads in agreement with what Gerard said.
Flashback end
Back in the Seireitei
"Byakuya I also need you and the other captains to understand something else. You said during our fight that it did not matter if it was the execution or the bankai I had quite the fondness for trampling upon your pride. I assure you that nothing could be further from the truth. Your traditions, values and laws that you uphold as not only a captain of the Gotei 13, a person, and head of a noble family are what make you who you are in a manner of speaking that is where you pride comes from. I think it is only natural that you would assume someone like me was trying to insult the values and beliefs you hold dear. The fact is that my pride comes from the beliefs and values that I was raised to believe in and taught as a child by my mother. To disregard them because you or someone else doesn't agree with them not only dishonor's the rest of my family and friends but dishonors the memory of my mother and that is something I will not do.' Ichigo said.
"I know Ichigo, I realize now that you are a far more honorable young man than I initially believed. I also wish to offer you and your family our condolences on behalf of myself and the Gotei 13." Byakuya said
"Thank you. That means far more to my family and I than you realize." Ichigo replied.
"Head Captain. I would really like to get started on my training now, so can you direct me to the Asauchi's so I can get started. I have a lot to do and not a lot of time in which to do it." Ichigo said.
Just as he was about to answer everyone felt an immense reiatsu weigh them down and then saw a portal open up in front of them.
"If its asauchi's you want I can help with that." A voice behind them said as two people stepped forward both wearing captains haori.
Ichigo was instantly on guard not knowing who these two captains were he drew his sword and said, "Who are you?"
"Hey calm down Ichigo I am only here to help you." Oetsu said. "Then answer my question!" Ichigo exclaimed. "I will but not at the at the point of a blade." Oetsu said looking to Yamamoto for help in calming the boy down.
Yamamoto came forward put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder and said, "Calm down young Ichigo he speaks the truth he is not our enemy. His name is Oetsu Nimaiya and the Soul King gave him the title God of the Sword for the creation of the Zanpaktou. The woman with him is Kirio Hikufune former captain of squad 12 and Kisuke Urahara's predecessor creator of the artificial soul pill and for this the Soul King gave her the title Ruler of Grain, they are both members of the royal guard." He said and Ichigo relaxed.
"Thank you Yamamoto." Oetsu said. Yamamoto just nodded in reply.
"Now then young Ichigo, what Yama-jii said is correct I am a member of the Royal Guard, and our first duty is to project the Royal Dimension and the king. That is also why Hikufune and I are here the king wishes to see you. He also wants to see the following clans: Yamamoto, Shihoin, Fon, Shiba, Kuchiki, and Kasumioji. I have also been ordered to bring Kisuke Urahara, the visoreds, the Ishida family and the Captains and Lieutenants of the Gotei 13 except Marechiyo Omaeda the Soul King himself said that he has no desire to set eyes on that man." Oetsu said.
"Okay, but why does he want to see me?" Ichigo asked
"That is something that the Soul King wishes to discuss in person so I cannot tell you. However, I can tell you that for you and young Ishida over there part of what he wants to discuss has to do with your family and that is all I know I'm afraid." Oetsu said
"You're lying." Uryu said, "That isn't all you can tell us but it is all you will tell us correct."
"Correct young Uryu that is all I will tell you, not because I don't want to but because I was ordered not to. The Soul King wishes to tell you himself." Oetsu said.
After everyone that they were ordered to gather up was gathered, they made their way to the royal realm. On the way, Oetsu struck up a conversation with Ichigo "Ichigo-Chan, you do know that the being you know as Zangetsu isn't your real Zanpaktou right." He said.
"Yeah, I know. I've known for quite a while actually." Ichigo replied
"Oh. Since when?" Oetsu asked
"Since I was five. Whenever I would sleep, my subconscious mind would always go to my inner world and I would always talk to them. For the longest time, I could never remember and then recently all that changed. When I began my training under Yoruichi, I could talk to them consciously. I found out then that Zangetsu was my hollow fused with my Shinigami power and after what my father told me about heritage I'm guessing the old man is the manifestation of my Quincy power." Ichigo said
"Bingo! You hit the nail on the head Ichigo-Chan." Oetsu said. "But there is something else you should know about the old man, he looks like Yhwach did 1000 years ago because he was part of his soul. All Quincy's have him, for he is where the wellspring of Quincy power comes from, and you will have to accept that if you are to truly master your powers."
"Excuse me. Not that this conversation isn't interesting but why I am here?" a female voice said as she came forward with her mother.
"You are here Miss Kasumioji because the Soul King wishes to speak with you and your mother." Hikufune said
"What about me?" a timid little girl spoke up as Ichigo promptly picked her up as he spoke for Hikufune.
"You little lady are here because I thought you might like to play with my sisters while the adults talk it would give the three of you something fun to do." Ichigo said as he began to tickle her and gave her a hug. "Lady Kasumioji your youngest is really cute she reminds me of my own younger sisters."
"Thank you very much young man." She said with a genuine smile. "I didn't catch your name."
"My name is Ichigo. Ichigo Kurosaki Shiba." Ichigo replied
"So you're a Shiba?" she asked
"Yes but I only just found out because somebody was keeping it secret from me." Ichigo said glaring at his father.
"Oh come on Ichigo, I was trying to protect you and your sisters. How long are you going to hold it over my head?" Isshin asked.
"Until you get it though that thick skull of yours that it isn't polite or fair for you to keep those kinds of secrets." Ichigo said
"Wait that voice!" the Kasumioji woman said. "Isshin…Isshin Shiba is that you?"
"Yes Katsu it's me." Isshin replied not liking were this was probably heading.
SLAP! Katsu came up and slapped Isshin across the face.
"Where were you? Start talking! I thought you were dead!" she exclaimed as tears of joy and anger began to fill her eyes.
"Dad something else you want to explain or do I have to guess?" Ichigo asked
"Yes I guess it's about time I got this off my chest. If what happened to your mother hadn't, it's entirely possible that Masaki would be Uryu's mother and Katsu would be yours and your sisters. I was engaged to marry Katsu before I left but after what Aizen did and after what happened to your mother, I was left without powers and thus no way home. I was broken up about it sure, but even if I had powers, I made a commitment to your mom and I couldn't just walk out on her. Beside what do you think Aizen would have done if I walked out on your mother and went back home? He would have killed her or worse did to her and our kids what he did to the visoreds all those years ago and I could not let that happen." Isshin said
"I guess I'll forgive you Isshin since your reason was noble, but if you had let me know I would have come to you in the human world. Besides, I have been aware of Aizen for quite some time. I know of his Zanpaktou and its ability's and my Zanpaktou can negate them all, I am also twice as strong as Aizen so I can take care of myself." Katsu said, "By the way what happened to your wife?"
"Aizen sent a hollow name Grand Fisher after her and my son and she sacrificed herself so Ichigo could live. However, he isn't the only one responsible for her death, the Quincy king stole her powers that night during her fight with Grand Fisher and a result she died. Ichigo spent the next seven years blaming himself for her death and staying away from everyone he cared about in order to protect us. I understand now that if I had told Ichigo and his sisters about their heritage the moment my powers started coming back then maybe my children would not have gone through the pain that they went through. I made a promise to his mother that would protect them and keep it secret until they were ready to hear the truth but being the selfish bastard that he is Aizen forced my hand and I had to tell them even though none were ready to hear it yet." Isshin said.
"Isshin you and your family have the Condolences of the Kasumioji family we are deeply sorry for your loss." Katsu said.
Ichigo was busy playing with Rurichiyo when her big sister Rei came over and walked beside them. "Ruri-Chan are you having fun playing with your new friend?" Rei asked "Hai! Rei Onee-Sama he is so much fun." Rurichiyo said. "Why don't you go play with his sisters so he and I can talk?" Rei said. "Okay." Rurichiyo said with a big toothy grin.
"Ichigo I can't imagine what it was like to go through the pain that you and your sisters went through. I am just as surprised to see that you and your sisters are handling it so well despite knowing the truth. If I were in your position I couldn't, I probably would have continued to shut myself off from the world, so I admire your strength a great deal." Rei said
"Thank you Rei, your compliment means a lot." Ichigo said.
"Hey Oetsu! How much longer till we reach the Soul King?" Ichigo asked.
"About a minute why? Are you not enjoying your chat with that beautiful young lady standing next to you?" Oetsu asked
"On the contrary, I am quite enjoying my conversation with her, I am just a little anxious to hear what the Soul King wants that's all. I have never been face to face with royalty before." Ichigo said this got a laugh from everyone.
"Ichigo don't you know that being a Shiba makes you royalty." Kukaku said.
"Really! I did not know that. I guess because I wasn't raised with formalities or here in the Soul Society I didn't realize it was such a big deal." Ichigo said
Just then, the exit to the Choukaimon opened before them and they stepped out into the throne room of the Soul King's Palace.
"What is this place?" Ichigo asked
"It is my palace young Ichigo." The Soul King said as he seated himself on the throne.
Everyone began to kneel before the King before he stopped them and said, "Stop! This is an informal meeting so bowing or kneeling is not required certainly not from Ichigo. I have watched you for a long time young man, and never has one made me so proud. You not only followed and abided by the values you were taught as a child but you also risked your own life for the sake of another regardless of the possible consequences you could incur personally, and in the process you brought to light three traitors in our midst so I thank you. But that is only part of the reason that I brought you, Uryu and the rest of your family's here."
"Then if you don't mind why else are we here? I don't mean to sound rude but I have a hospital to run." Ryuken said
"I think we can answer that question best." A voice said as the Ishida, Kurosaki, and Shiba families come out from behind the Soul King followed lastly by Masaki Kurosaki and Kanae Ishida.
"M…Mom! Ichigo and Uryu exclaimed with a shaky voice. A minute or so later Ichigo shunpoed into his mother's waiting arms hugging her for dear life, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably because he crying just happy to see his mom again. Uryu and Ryuken did the same with Kanae both Ichigo and Uryu were unable to stop the tears that were flowing. Everyone got another surprise in the form of Hisana Kuchiki or as she was known now Hisana Shiba coming out from behind a curtain and walking towards Rukia and Byakuya with her father and mother Hitoshi and Chiyoko Shiba following right behind her, both Rukia and Byakuya were in shock. As Isshin's initial shock wore off, he went over and hugged his parents her heard Masaki call him over telling him to bring Yuzu and Karin with him with him. When Isshin did as asked Masaki she gave him a hug and a deep kiss as well as gave her daughters who were already crying each a hug and kiss and told her husband and children who missed her terribly how much she missed them, loved them, and that she was proud of them. This admission provoked another round of tears from her Isshin and her children. Kanae was not fairing much better with Ryuken and Uryu and neither was Hisana with Rukia and Byakuya. Yoruichi was standing next to her parents and Soifon just waiting her turn to give Masaki a hug but when she could not wait, any longer she turned into her cat form, jumped onto Masaki's shoulder and nuzzled into her neck.
"I missed you so much Masaki we all did." Yoruichi said crying the whole time. "I cried myself to sleep for three weeks when you died and Ichigo had it worse than me. He shut himself off from everyone he cared about; his adorable little heart just could not take it. His heart didn't just break it shattered into thousands of pieces the day you died, only recently was he able to start putting the pieces back together again but it was difficult."
"Well at least he has three very beautiful women that he loves helping him." Masaki said which made Yoruichi nuzzle into her neck even more.
The Soul King cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "I suppose you are wondering why you're here. The reason is simple you are here to witness me appointing my successor, and to find out why individuals who should be dead are standing before you." The Soul King said
"The reason why long dead members of the Ishida and Kurosaki families are here is because I removed them from hell, brought them here and restored their stolen powers so that they could help fight against Yhwach in the future but I also liberated sternritters from the army of Yhwach to assist in the same thing. You may come out now!" the Soul King said
"Yamamoto I am sure that you know these individuals from the battle 1000 years ago do you not?" the king asked
"Indeed I do I can't remember their names because it has been so long but I do recognize their faces." Yamamoto said.
"Then you can work with them?" the king asked
"As long as they do not endanger the Soul Society then yes I can work with them. However, if they ever endanger the Soul Society I will feed their souls to Zankai no Tachi and that will be the end of them." Yamamoto said.
None of the sternritters said anything, as they could understand his hostility.
"Good then we can get started. "The king said
"Ichigo Kurosaki come forward!" The king bellowed
"Yes sir." Ichigo said
"From this day forth I proclaim you my heir. As of now you are the Crown Prince of the Soul Society and will remain so until you defeat Aizen at which time you shall inherit my title and become the new Soul King." The Soul King said. Ichigo was completely dumbstruck and rightly so.
"Are you sure you want me to Succeed you, I mean only just found out about my heritage today." Ichigo said.
"It is precisely because of your heritage that I have chosen you. You are what is called a transcendent being, which means your power goes beyond that of soul reapers, Quincy's and hollows combined there is no one other than you to take my place. Well no one I feel I can trust with the responsibility anyway." The king said
"Again why choose me?" Ichigo asked
"Because young Ichigo I cannot pass my power on to anyone other than a transcendent being to do so could risk the destruction of the Soul Society and every world connected to it that's over 50 billion innocent lives. But there is another reason." The king said
"Which is?" Ichigo asked
"I am dying Ichigo I have about 6 months left to live and if I die without a successor the Soul Society and every world connected to it will be destroyed, and that is something that cannot happen." the king said.
"Wait I thought the Soul King was eternal, how can you de dying?" Ichigo asked.
"There was a time that was true however I have been using my power to maintain the seal that I placed upon my children after they were banished for trying to take my power for themselves. I have also been working tirelessly to put the reincarnation cycle on an autopilot of sorts so my successor would not have to worry about it. I have also created a new dimension in which the royal family would reside called the noble plain. The royal family as well as all the noble families in this room will reside their so that new squads in the seireitei can be created to shore up our defenses for the future." The king said
"What do I need to do?" Ichigo asked
"Nothing except drink what is in this cup." The king said
"What is it?" Ichigo asked
"It is my blood, but it also contains all of the Oken as well as 99% of my power and abilities including the longevity that goes with being king." The king said as Ichigo drank it down.
"What aren't you telling me?" Ichigo asked
"Your mother told me you were smart yes there is something I haven't told you. Your mother and I have already picked out the women you are to marry. Fortunately you know quite a few of them, three of them you started sleeping with before you even came to the Soul Society." The king said
"When your name is called please come forward. Candice Catnip, Menas McAllen, Rei Kasumioji, Lisa Yadomaru, Rangiku Matsumoto, Rukia Kuchiki, Retsu Unohana, Kukaku Shiba, Yoruichi Shihoin, Shoalin Fon, Orihime Inoue Yamamoto, Tatsuki Arisawa Yamamoto, Tia Harribel, and Nelliel Tu Odersuvank." The king said
Ichigo's heart was in his throat. "Excuse me sir why so many? Not that I'm complaining they're all exceedingly beautiful women I was just wondering." Ichigo said
"That's a valid question why are we all marrying him?" Lisa asked
"Well Lisa, Ichigo the Soul King has always had several wives at one time for two reasons. One to increase the size of the royal family. Two to help the king do his job and watch over all the dimensions for which Soul Society is responsible. The Soul King cannot do it all himself and as a plus why not be married to such beautiful women unlike in the world of the living polygamy isn't taboo here." The king said
"Kukaku Shiba before you start to panic let me just say that the reason I included you is that as everyone here knows there are times in the history of Soul Society that cousins of the same clan are forced to marry in order to rebuild the clan and keep the blood line of the clan pure. Since the only living members of the Shiba Clan are you, Ganju, Isshin, Ichigo, Yuzu, Karin, Hisana and Isshin's and your parents I figured marrying you off to Ichigo was the sensible solution." The king said
"Oh I don't have a problem with that I figured it was something like that anyway. Ichigo is a very handsome young man after all." Kukaku said, "What I would like to know is why Hisana has the name Shiba?" Kukaku said
"Oh that is quite simple. The day Hisana died instead of letting her enter the cycle of reincarnation I plucked her soul from the Seireitei just as it left her body and implanted it inside of one of Chiyoko Shiba's eggs. When she and her husband Hitoshi decided to have another child after they thought Isshin had died, I guess you could say that they hit the jackpot one night and they were blessed with beautiful baby Hisana who later became a very powerful soul reaper in her own right." The king said
Isshin walked over to his new little sister gave her a hug and said "Welcome to the family little sister. I am so sorry I was not around until now but I will make it up to you on this I promise." Hisana was shocked to hear her older brother speak but she accepted the hug and gave one of her own in return.
"Isshin Shiba! Before we get to the remainder of our business there is something else that needs to be addressed. Masaki is aware of your prior engagement to Katsu Kasumioji, and said that she is willing to share you with her if Katsu herself is willing. By that I mean that according to royal family tradition your marriage to Masaki never officially ended so while you are still married to her you are free to marry Katsu if you so desire." The king said
"That is something that Masaki, Katsu and I will have to discuss privately. However we will give you our answer once we do." Isshin said.
"That is fine but be warned the decision must be made a carried out within the next 3 months." The king said. "Why the next 3 months?" Isshin asked
"Because after that I will be too weak to officiate it and it will not be a legal royal wedding." The king said, "That said Ichigo will have his Ceremony in two weeks' time I hope this is acceptable to you Ichigo."
"Fine by me." Ichigo said, "Besides I can use those two weeks to get to know my future brides better."
"But I do have one question." Ichigo said
"What would that be young man?" The king asked
"You don't expect me to sit on my hands and do nothing while central 46 in their arrogance does what the hell they want do you? Because if that's the case I'll abdicate right here." Ichigo said
"Ichigo! That was rude of you to say now apologize right now!" His mother shouted
"No! That is quite all right Masaki your boy does make a valid point. To answer your question Ichigo I do not expect you to sit on your hands while central 46 practically gets away with murder. I expect you to rule and you may do so any way you wish. In all honesty putting those arrogant fools in charge was a big mistake one that I have regretted ever since. The reason I did not change anything is that I was waiting for you so that you could start your rule the right way, your way, if you wish to get rid of C46 then do so it is as of this moment your decision. However I would suggest keeping them just reduce their rights and authority, for all their arrogance and blunders they did do some good. I suggest looking at the good they've done before you make your final decision." The king said
"I apologize for the way I phrased my question your highness it's just that people that I care about a great deal were exiled or almost executed because of their arrogance and stupidity and just wanted to get my point across that as king I will no longer tolerate it." Ichigo said
"That's quite all right Ichigo you are putting the needs of others before your own that is the primary reason I chose you. You not only continue to follow the teachings of your parents but you are able to see the big picture and realize that the needs of the many are far more important than needs of the few or the one and that young Ichigo is a requirement of a good king." The Soul King said
"Now so we can hurry this along and show Ichigo and his future brides to their room for the evening, Uryu Ishida come forward. Young Uryu there is a room in the palace that you and your father can train in to restore your powers the room is constructed from spiritually tempered silver. Once your powers have returned, you and your father drink these, they are vials of my blood it will strengthen you and activate your letter as it did with Ichigo. All Quincy's have letters associated with their soul but to activate them you have to drink the blood of Yhwach so that he can carve it into your soul but doing so would give him the ability to use the same technique against you that killed your mothers. However by drinking my blood that process is bypassed and your letter is activated you are then able access all the powers that go with it while blocking Yhwach's access to your soul at the same time. Uryu you and Ichigo both have the same letter as Yhwach himself 'A' Ichigo yours stands for "The Almighty" like Yhwach himself and Uryu yours stands for "The Antithesis" which you can redirect any damage you receive back at your opponent. Now before we all get some rest for the evening, your mother and I chose your fiancé as well. We have chosen one of two women for you marry. You may enter ladies! The first one is Bambietta Basterbine, and the second is Giselle Gewelle. You may choose one and marry in the world of the living or you may choose both and marry here in the Soul Society the choice is yours. Since that is done I am going to bed you are all welcome to stay the night. Ichigo the rest of your training starts in the morning I suggest you get a good night's sleep you are going to need it. Good night everyone the royal guard will show you to your quarters." The king said as he left and went to his quarters for the evening.
To be continued….
AN: Well that is it for this chapter and thus ends this part of the story but don't worry there is still a lot more coming. I do not intend to give up this story until it is finished, and with the amount of ideas floating around in my head it could be a while, I just have to decide how I want to word it. Having an idea is one thing but sometimes the process of articulation can be the most difficult. I will be taking a short break from this story to gather my thoughts but in the meantime go to my profile and check out my other stories, which will be updated soon. As always, R&R but be respectful. Flames will ignored if you wish to voice your criticism you may do so but do so in a respectful constructive manner. I have always said if you have an idea or a suggestion for something you would like to see included PM me my inbox is always open and I would enjoy hearing from you. The next arcs in the story will be the Bount, Bakotou arc, and I will try to find a way to put the Zanpaktou rebellion arc in but no promises on that one.
Thanks for reading
Fanficlover2017