Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach. Or maybe I do… wait, no, I just remembered I really don't. Sigh… it sucks to be me…

"Normal speech"

'Thoughts'

Flashback/Dream

#8#

In the confinements of the Shiba manor, nobody dared say a word. Even the usual chirping birds had gone to a still as if they are aware of the torment going on. The retainers stayed wary, even as they were told everything would be all right; but no one could really blame them when even the family stayed preoccupied.

The clan members of the main family were all hauled up in the tearoom. Neither wanting to hear, nor wanting to miss a thing; because if the yells and arguments were to go by, the meeting wasn't going well for them.

"THIS IS DISFRACFUL! BLASPHEMY! HOW DARE YOU TARNISH OUR CLAN LIKE SOME CIRCUS ACT?! I KNEW MY BROTHER SHOULD HAVE NEVER GIVEN YOU THE HEAD OF THE CLAN!"

"IF ANYONE HERE IS GOING TO BRING THE CLAN DOWN, IT'S YOU AND YOUR MANIPULATION, GEN-JISAMA!"

"HOW DARE YOU ACUSE ME!"

A thud resounded through the thin walls of the Shiba manor, and the two siblings couldn't help but wince at the loud noise.

They wanted to help. They wanted to barge into the meeting room and give the geezers a piece of their mind, but they knew it was impossible. The meeting had been prolonged long enough, and even if they weren't particularly invited to hear they did so anyway. Now, they had a good idea of what was going on and neither was happy.

Haruka was ragging with unhidden homicidal anger and Wataru wasn't faring any better; his immature side making him all the more rash. The only reason why he hadn't inclined more to his impulsive side was thanks to Haruka, who had a strong grip on his sea blue kimono.

"Haru-nee… do you think Chichi-ue will lose and we'll have to marry some idiot nobles?"

The raven-haired girl scowled and turned to look at her brother. She was feeling hopeless in the midst of the situation but the best thing she could do was hope –as ironic as it sounds- so seeing Wataru doubt was not what they needed.

"Of course! Chichi-ue will come on top in the end. He's the clan head, he has to win."

The young teen shook his head to disagree with his sister as said person only furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Wataru didn't want to doubt his sister or father, but the situation was looking rather bad.

"Your words don't match with the circumstances we're in."

Haruka pouted in pure displeasure, as she couldn't quite disregard the comment. It was true in a way, but being negative was not what she wanted and Wataru wasn't helping. She sighed, thinking how she missed the small boy that just listened and nodded. This Wataru was so dense.

Wataru on the other hand just stared at his sister for a while before averting his gaze when he heard another incoherent yell. He hated to wait but right now that was his only option –at least until his beloved Ichi-nii arrived.

"Haruka… do you think Kaiganehiko contacted Ichi-nii already?"

"Eh…? Oh, yeah. He should have at least… Though, I don't know what help Ichigo would be… and Chichi-ue didn't let anyone read the message he sent him nor did Kaiganehiko tell us. That's so unfair."

"Well, I doubt Chichi-ue would have asked for Ichi-nii on a whim."

The amber eyed girl only nodded in agreement. This was something she was in honest understanding with Wataru, and she just wished Ichigo would be able to do something.

All of sudden, a loud clank took them out of their stupor. They both rapidly turned to look in the direction of the shoji door only to widen in eyes.

At the door stood their dearest onii-sama, with the coldest expression they had ever seen on him and had never thought possible. Ichigo's amber eyes were frozen and unnerving in a way. His bottled up emotions, being visible only through those orbs that were like an open book. And then, to top it off, the imposing haori with the golden lining that had them gapping at the sheer significance of that cloth.

Ichigo hadn't really noticed the presence of his two siblings, but once he did he tried to soften his eyes with little to no difficulty in a way to reassure them. He heard another indignant yell from the room down the hall and his eyes narrowed and returned to their previous state.

He strode forward with the dignity of a noble heir and held his head high even if he was still wearing his academy uniform under the precious haori. The orange head kept his expression in place, and with the most strength he could muster, he threw open the door causing an equally –if not more- loud clank.

All the occupants of the meeting room froze to a still, as the five clan elders and Ryōtarō stared wide-eyed at the newcomer. Ryōtarō's expression, however, soon turned for the better as his green eyes hardened with new resolve.

The elders, however, didn't take it well and once they spotted the golden lining on Ichigo's haori, their approval went downhill. Gen –in contrast with the dumbstruck geezers- growled under his breath as he stared indignantly at the orange head in honest gesture of fury. He was already riled up as it was, but now having an interruption –and one by the apparent heir they did not know of- was more than enough to make his small fuse explode.

"Disgraceful! You plan to tarnish our clan further with these monstrosities?!"

"No, Oji-sama. If anyone is fit to lead this clan, it's Ichigo. And all five of you have seen it before."

A silent murmur went between the four elders as they momentarily discarded Gen's opinions; all of them thinking something along those lines, but were not able to do much about it. This, however, did not last long as Gen sent a furious glare to the four subdued elders, causing said persons to obey and shrink under his gaze without a second thought.

"This brat plans to lead this honorable clan?"

"Do not speak lowly of my son. He is-"

"I can very well prove you wrong and outdo you in anything you throw my way, Ji-sama."

The two shifted to stare at the orange head as he intervened, both being mildly shocked that Ichigo remained his calm in the midst of it all.

Ichigo, on the other hand, averted his gaze to look directly at Gen with his cold, unnerving eyes. Said person involuntary flinched and averted his eyes as discreetly as possible. But what he didn't quiet notice, was how his action almost looked like a half-baked bow.

In response, the Shiba heir gave a rather warm smile; behind it hid his sadistic side. That made Ryōtarō grin from ear to ear and want to give Ichigo a pat in the back, but refrained from doing that since they still had matters to attend.

The orange head closed the door quietly behind him as he completely strode in and sat beside his father with all the etiquette while leaving not a hint of disgrace so as to prove Gen wrong. Ryōtarō beamed proudly and turned to look at Ichigo, all the while maintaining his smile and looking stronger than ever –and that might as well be true.

"Council, I present to you the heir of the Shiba clan and soon-to-be third head of said clan. He has all the right to be here and as such there shall be no arguments."

One of the subdued elders hesitantly nodded while taking the reins of the elders; taking into account what Ryōtarō said, but still knowing his place.

"I believe there are no predicaments."

"Good. Now that we have everything cleared out, I believe we should continue, Gen Ji-sama."

"Yes… I believe so. Matsuoka, explain to our… heir, what we were discussing."

One of the fidgety elders flinched at the tone used but straightened up soon enough making Ichigo believe that said person was Matsuoka. The man –looking no older than fifty, but even then having snow white hair and piercing green eyes- shifted his gaze to look at Ichigo, quivering slightly under his cold eyes and the sadistic smile along with Gen's harsh glare. But soon enough, Ichigo noticed this and softened up his eyes so that the man –because that was what he was no matter how much he acted like a kid being reprimanded- would relax.

Matsuoka seemed to take a hint and gave a bow in thanks, as he felt better than before. He tried to keep his act together even as Gen hardened his glare and concentrated on the rather compassionate heir –even if Ichigo didn't quite give that image.

"O-of course. We were discussing an important issue that has been ignored up until know. The clan has many members at age and even then none marry and we are worried for the clan's prosperity. So we have decided to implement a method that has been used before and is also practiced in other clans and will start to arrange marriages. We shall start with the main family and will find suitable partners out of the many proposals we receive monthly. There shall be political interests in mind but we will also bear in mind the compatibility with the soon to be wed. So we believe that there shall be no problems what so ever."

"And you don't believe that the problem will start in forcing two people that hardly know each other to marry?"

"Y-yes, it has occurred to us. However, that is why we shall leave courtship at an indefinite amount of time instead of a leeway of 3 months like usual."

Ichigo merely turned to look at his father while suppressing the urge to scoff and roll his eyes. Ryōtarō looked back at him and only gave a thumbs up and his signature grin.

"Don't worry Ichi, we have come to a better agreement, and the discussion has diverted from its original proposal."

"I take it the leeway of courtship was your doing."

"Yup, but that's not all. Tell him, Matsuoka-san."

The white haired man looked momentarily taken aback by the sudden order but complied anyway. He gave a shallow bow and once again turned to look at the shinigami-to-be.

"We-we have come to a better understanding on both sides and have decided that it shall only be necessary for those of the main family to ma-"

"No we did not come to an understanding. I told you five times, that I shall not force my kids into marriage and neither will you, so get that in your head!"

"Yes, they will, you bumbling scums, so forget about freeing your brats because that is not happening! We need to fix this retched blood-line and those kids of yours aren't of any help!"

The white haired elder turned into a spluttering mess and all the confidence he had gained disappeared as an all-out brawl started between Gen and Ryōtarō once more. The same debate of how Ryōtarō should have never been head and how Gen was an insensitive bastard –even if it wasn't said in those words.

Ichigo, however, did not like being ignored and was about to intervene when the soft noise of the opening of a shoji door interrupted his actions. He turned to look at the slightly open door and furrowed his brows when he saw a hard covered book being presented to him by the small crack. But, realization soon dawned on him as he recognized the Central Forty-six law book he had asked for not long ago.

The orange head grabbed it while smirking at the infinite possibilities he had been presented with. He had plenty ideas to shake off marriage, but without proof he could hardly put his plan in motion.

Ryōtarō had done plenty enough as it is, and this will only make his job easier, if not, an even better idea. So, with hard proof in his hands –thanks to Kaiganehiko that was retreating back into the living room in hopes that no elder noticed his presence- Ichigo now had a golden ticket to freedom.

His plotting was cut short, however, when a hoard of paper went flying in the air and landed throughout the whole room. The orange head hastily caught the ones already signed by both sides –the clan head and the council- and gathered all the information written to make sure that his father hadn't approved of something that could tarnish his plan. Once he saw there was no problem, Ichigo stood up and grabbed by the shoulder the raven-haired man that was rather busy fighting with Gen.

Once Ryōtarō noticed Ichigo's gesture, however, the he stopped his debate and looked back at his adopted son with questioning eyes. But when Ichigo only gave a small yet reassuring smile, as a response all he could do was hope the orange head knew what he was doing.

"Excuse us council, but I believe a break is dew. To make sure both our ideas are in order and actually get somewhere instead of just fighting."

The white haired elder –Matsuoka- hastily nodded as he tried to approve when he saw Gen made no move to do so but was soon silenced when said person lifted an arm to halt the other and mutter in between clenched teeth rather painfully.

"Five minutes."

Ichigo didn't seem to mind this as he quickly pulled Ryōtarō out of the meeting room and into the living room where his two siblings were residing –and most likely eavesdropping. He quietly opened the shoji door and threw his Chichi-ue on the floor while he flopped himself on the ground as well.

This, of course, had surprised the two youngest –not counting Ichigo- as they weren't expecting to see their orange haired brother so quickly. They were about to question his presence, until they saw Ichigo's serious expression, which immediately stopped what they were about to do.

The orange head didn't take it personally and quickly placed the book on the low table while opening the thick book in a page he knew by heart. As he did this, everyone else observed and awaited an explanation with little to no patience until Ichigo hesitantly turned up to look at his sister.

"Haruka, I have a plan. But you might not like it."

Haruka stared dumbfounded at Ichigo, until her amber eyes hardened in pure determination as she stared into Ichigo's similar orbs. She nodded before taking a deep breath and turning back to stare at her eldest brother.

"If it can save the rest of the clan, then I'll do anything."

"Haruka, you can't just-!"

"I know! I know what you want to say Chichi-ue, but… but I can't be selfish and whimsical when I can do something to save the rest! I want to protect the clan too!"

Ryōtarō clamped his jaw shut as he saw the hard determination on his only daughter's expression. He then turned to look at his eldest son while scanning the completely serious and composed expression on the orange head. Lastly, he turned his gaze onto his youngest, to find nothing but unbidden turmoil. The father of three sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose, then turning back to look at Ichigo with the scariest expression he could muster –even if he knew it would hardly even fazed the orange head.

"If something goes wrong, I blame you."

"And so be it, because if it fails, I'm going down with her."

This last statement confused the three raven heads, as they didn't quite understand Ichigo's vow-slash-comment. He was assuring them that everything would still end according to plan even if he failed. Ichigo had everything planned out.

"I dare ask… what's the plan?"

Ichigo's sadistic smirk was the response Wataru gained for a whole minute. This didn't help anyone relax, but it at least made them hopeful as Ichigo gave them one last scan and proceeded to explain his plan.

Payback was such a bitch.

#8#

"All right, we shall adjourn this meeting and commence the final verdict. Any last struggles from the head?"

Said person shifted nervously in his place as he bit his lower lip in apprehension. All eyes were on him but honestly, that was the least of his worries. Ryōtarō sighed in reluctance, giving Ichigo one last glance before swallowing the lump in his throat and manning up.

"Yes. There is actually… We've been thinking that… if only my eldest were forced into marriage. We don't need to ruin Wataru's life so early and all the council wants is to marry my kids to someone suitable. We'd both end up winning right?"

Gen seemed thoroughly satisfied by the time the raven head had finished. An evil smirk curling on the edges on his lips as his eyes twinkled in mischief.

"I think we have come to an agreement then. No need for two male brats I guess. We can always focus on the heir and that beast you call daughter."

Ichigo honestly had to bite the inside of his cheek to avoid attacking the stupid geezer and killing him on the spot. And as he glanced to look at his father he found him fighting a similar war with himself. But he wasn't about to let their chance go to waste. Right now they were walking on thin ice.

So instead of yelling out a mountain load of insults, he concentrated on the elders that were writing down the official document. Just a little longer and they would erase that smug smirk on that bastards face…anytime now.

Apparently his pleas were heard, because no more than two minutes later –and he was glad he lasted that long without saying a single curse out load- the jittery elder gave the finishing touches and passed it towards Gen so that he could sign it and then pass to Ryōtarō.

Once Ryōtarō had finished signing it with the official clan seal elegantly stamped on the scroll, he stashed with the rest making. The action made Gen's creepy smirk worsen ten-fold –if that was even possible. However, before Gen could utter a single word, Ryōtarō placed the second part of their plan in action.

"I want to establish the courtship now."

Gen looked utterly pleased even as the raven head glared at him with his entire being. It seemed as if the old geezer was getting more and more content as the seconds flew by.

"Ho? Then I imagine you already have an option in mind."

"That's right. And you cannot disagree."

"We'll see."

The Shiba head merely clenched his jaw before giving a deep breath to calm his anger. His eyes were narrowed and eyebrows furrowed even as he gazed at Ichigo from the corner of his eye and gave a slow nod.

Ichigo took the gesture in stride as he scowled at the five elders in front of him with an expression that gave the others goose bumps. He slowly stood up and stared at the smirking Gen before giving a waist-length bow that left the five utterly bemused.

"I would like to ask for permission to court Shiba Haruka."

#Flashback#

"Okay, so the elders want to arrange marriages. Specifically the main family, which is us. So we'll just give them what they want."

"Ichigo, you aren't advising we actually let them arrange your marriages, are you?"

The orange head smirked in an evilly, yet sadistic way that just so happened to unnerve the Shiba head. It was an expression that promised a storm of catastrophe, and all Ryōtarō could do was thank the spirit king that he wasn't the target of despair.

"Basically. But we do it our own way. We go a step ahead of them."

"How? If we're going to let those geezers win, how are we going to one-up them?"

"Well, Haru, this is where we come in. Those bastards want an arranged marriage, that's what they'll get. They already agreed to leave the clan alone so long as we marry. And if we can convince them to let Wataru out, then that would just leave you and me. A male and a female."

The 10th squad captain suddenly widened in eyes as he put two plus two together and gapped astonished. It was brilliant, but at the same time it wasn't what he wanted.

"Are you thinking of marrying my darling Haruka?"

The two siblings finally caught up with the implications and couldn't help but glance from clan head to heir; both with expressions of utter surprise.

But, in response, Ichigo gave a small yet sincere smile before looking back at the Central Forty-six book. His fingers lightly touching the words written in ink with care.

"Yes and no. Chichi-ue already signed the document that decrees courtship with an unlimited time. And Central 46 allows inbreeding according to the law book, so it wouldn't be illegal even if we were siblings. So I was thinking, that the safest way to shake Gen off our asses is by doing this. I court Haruka, but we just, don't marry. Simple and effective, right? If either of us wants to have 'an affair' we would be able to support each other."

As Ichigo finished explaining, the others sat quietly as they all pondered on the escape plan the orange head had come up with. Honestly Ryōtarō couldn't help but think it was brilliant but he just hated being so useless. Yet, he also knew that no matter how much he fought the elders would still come on top. But this way, they would be the ones to give the last laugh.

Haruka, in contrast, had believed in Ichigo from the very beginning. Even if he suddenly comes out with a plan such as this she still had faith in her brother. After all, Ichigo has never let her down in the past few years and she just knows he isn't about to start. Thus, her answer was clear from the very beginning.

"I'll form part of this plan."

The orange haired heir turned to look at her as seriously as possible to try and make sure of her feelings. He was willing to do anything for the sake of his new family but he wanted to make sure of her resolve.

"Are you sure? Once in, you can't back out."

"I am sure as hell not letting those bastards get away with it."

"So we're set then?"

"Ichi, I just hope you know what you're doing."

"Me too, Chichi-ue."

"WHAT? YOU'RE NOT EVEN SURE OF YOUR OWN PLAN?!"

#Flashback end#

'My plan…? I'm not an immature teenager anymore. The war has changed me. I can think with a straight and rational head. Yet, it doesn't mean I know what I'm doing. I just hope it works.'

"Shiba Ichigo, do you know what you're saying?"

Ichigo scowled as he straightened up and glared at the furious elder. He wasn't about to back down now, and he would sure as hell show everyone how treacherous it was to mess with an undercover war veteran –not that they knew this.

"I know exactly what I'm doing, Gen Jii-sama."

The positively enraged man clenched his jaw as he glanced to look at the silent clan head, trying his hardest to avoid going hysterical.

"And do you agree with this profanity?"

"It goes by the conditions the council has established, and it abides to the Central Forty-six laws. I do not see, why he can't do it."

Gen trembled in anger as he turned back to look at the terrorized elders, tightening his fist as his knuckles went white.

"I want proof! Be useful for once and search the law book!"

"I already have the book with me, Ji-sama. I can show you the exact page if you want. I, for one, actually learn from my lessons. Though, if you didn't know this, I understand. It must be old age which has dulled your fine senses."

"I WILL NOT HAVE A BRAT LECTURING ME!"

Ichigo couldn't help but smirk sadistically as he dipped his head in a shallow bow. Doing everything in his power to avoid laughing and enrage the man even more.

"Excuse me, Ji-sama. I did not mean it as a lecture, but if you took it as one I can only imagine, what crossed your mind to think such a thing. Maybe you, yourself, think too lowly of oneself. My apologies."

"Just. Give. Me. That. Book."

The orange head only nodded as he laughed in the inside. He just couldn't help riling up the man, and at the same time it was hilarious to even think about it. The only reason why he knows all these stupid rules is because he gets bored in class and reads the book instead. No one dares sleep in class with that teacher.

But as he pushed aside the thought of that teacher and those tedious lessons, he retrieved the book and opened it on the page he needed. He then passed the book towards the furious elder before settling himself back on his rightful place next to an amused Shiba Ryōtarō.

Ichigo turned to look at the raven head before raising an eyebrow. The man was almost too entertained for it to be good.

The head in response simply waved a hand and shook his head with a silly smile plastered on his face before motioning towards the group of elders that were whispering among each other.

The orange head turned to look at them before a satisfied smile made itself on his face at the unsettlement clear in the elder's actions. It seemed like if they were reluctant to agree on the arrangement because apparently they couldn't find a loophole. They wouldn't find one anyway. It didn't exist.

It was a win for sure from here on out.

#8#

Ichigo gave a gigantic yawn while walking, thoroughly relaxed towards the academy gates. He was so at ease that he didn't even mind being exhausted. It was a mere consequence of going through the whole procedure at that very moment instead of waiting for later.

After the sneaky elders had found no way to deny Ichigo's request, Ryōtarō had called Haruka into the meeting room and told her the news –the fact that the plan had worked. The raven head had also pointed out how it would be better to sort out the whole arrangement at that very moment than wait since Ichigo was rarely home –even if he had been coming back lately. The three of them and the five elders had stayed cooped up in the meeting room for a good five hours straight and now they were officially engaged –even if they weren't planning on marrying. Gen even had the nerve to have the rings on hand already, so they both had one on.

But now, this catastrophe had ended with them coming on top. Ichigo could relax a little until the next underhanded move Gen would decide to pull –though he really hoped it wouldn't be soon.

So with that thought in mind, Ichigo strolled into the academy grounds while stretching his sore muscles. The guards only gave a swift nod as they saw who it was and didn't even question why he was arriving so late. The orange head gave another prolonged yawn as he went into the dorms and walked down the halls towards his own room. Once he arrived at his door he was about to enter but something brought his attention and he stopped.

He narrowed his eyes and noticed his barrier was tweaked and showed signs of intruders even if Ichigo couldn't sense any reiatsu inside his room. In fact, this was also weird considering there should at least be traces of his or the intruders.

The orange head scowled instinctively and then he pressed against the wall as he quietly grasped the door and opened it as slowly as possible. Once the door was open enough he leaned in to see inside. He noticed the light was on, and also the fact that there were soft mummers. But other than that, he couldn't see anyone.

Ichigo stealthily stalked inside and rounded the corner slowly to try and catch sight of the trespasser. But as he leaned a little further his eyes caught sight of two very familiar people seated on the floor and chatting secretly.

"What are you two doing in here?"

The two in question jumped upon hearing Ichigo's sudden voice. They both widened in eyes and stared at the orange head with awe before Jūshirō composed himself enough to form a coherent sentence.

"Close the door, Ichigo."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow, but did as he was told before walking towards the boys and crouching down at their level to stare directly in their eyes.

"Now, what are you two doing here?"

Shunsui grinned sheepishly before scratching the back of his head and glancing to look at Jūshirō. The white haired boy, in contrast, held a weary expression as he tried swallowed a lump in his throat and tried to explain himself as simple as possible.

"Yamamto-sensei, Kyoraku-dono and my father are searching for us…"

Ichigo furrowed his eyes brows as he glanced from Jūshirō to Shunsui and then back. He was trying to process what he was told but he honestly, couldn't quite understand what that had to do with them being in his room.

"Shunsui and I released our shikai this afternoon."

The Shiba heir couldn't help but show surprise as he was told this interesting fact. He honestly wasn't expecting it to happen so soon, but that still didn't answer his question.

"That's a good thing right? So what does that have to do with Yamamoto-dono and both your fathers looking for you…? And you two hiding in my room."

The two boys looked at each other before the brunette turned to look at Ichigo once more. He had been silent up until then, which was odd but it seemed like if he was finally ready to speak.

"We're the first ever Shinigami to have ever had dual blades."

Ichigo widened in eyes before finally noticing the second blade next to Shunsui. He couldn't believe he had missed that fact. He must be more tired than what he initially thought. At least this, but peace to his mind. Now he knew he hadn't screwed up and changed the future 8th squad captain's shikai.

But, once again, he still didn't have an answer.

"Okay, I can see now… But why are you hiding in my room?"

"They want us to graduate."

"Well, congratulations."

"Whose side are you on, Ichigo? I don't want to graduate."

"Maybe Jūshirō does."

"Honestly, I don't think I'm ready to graduate or face Otou-san."

Ichigo rolled his eyes. He then stood up once more and placed a hand on his waist. He really couldn't see the problem but apparently his friends were frightened of graduating and more so of their originality.

"Ah, c'mon! How bad can it be?"

"Maybe if you three came to my office, you could find out just how bad it can be."

The three academy students froze as they turned to look at the head master in flesh standing at the door. Yamamoto had a hard frown on his face and was obviously displeased yet for some reason he had an expression that read slight disappointment.

But as the two boys stood up and walked past Ichigo and towards the door, all he could was sigh reluctantly and follow suit. All the while thinking how he wouldn't get sleep tonight.

'Why does crap like this come all at once? Can't I have a break for once? And why do I need to go too?!'

-To be continued…

AN: A special thanks to my new beta reader MugetsuIchigo who deserves a giant cake and some ice cream and to all those people that have favorite-ed follow-ed or reviewed. You all get a cookie!

Preview:

"I think it is time I step down as headmaster and focus on the 13 court guard squads. I founded this academy a little over 1000 years ago, yet I haven't given much attention to the squads and their management. And besides, taking in three students with unique circumstances is not going to be simple. I will enough on my plate as it is."