Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach. Hear this loud and clear 'cause I won't say it again!

"Normal speech"

'Thoughts'

Flashback/Dream

#9#

"So, what do you have to say for yourselves?"

The three in question were staying silent in fear of what would happen next. The captain commander was wearing a frightening expression, which made them want to flee.

Ichigo, though, just really wanted to sleep. He had barely come out from a tiresome meeting and now comes another. He sometimes couldn't help but wonder why trouble followed him like a magnet, even if he had reluctantly accepted this was how it would always be long ago. Problems following him everywhere he went –including the past.

It was becoming exhausting to keep up his mask in the middle of this new dilemma. Ichigo was also very aware of the fact that he was scowling and visibly annoyed. It seemed as if he wasn't even bothered by the presence of the Eighth and Thirteenth Squad captains in the room, who were Shunsui's and Jūshirō's fathers respectively.

"I asked a question and am expect answers, boys."

Yamamoto was being depleted of his patience, Ichigo noted. It was a miracle the not-so-old man hadn't snapped yet to say the truth, and the orange head couldn't help but hope he didn't. The best way to avoid getting a good dressing down was to give the guy his answers, but nobody seemed inclined to take the initiative. Something, Ichigo was barely willing to do.

"I don't know enough to fully answer your questions, but I'll explain what I know seeing as no one else will. I'm kinda tired and would like to end this quickly."

"Very well young'un. I believe this should be better than nothing."

Ichigo dipped his head in response before jumping ever so slightly at being grasped by the shoulder. He turned to look at who had brought his attention only to raise a curious eyebrow as his eyes landed on Kyoraku Shunsui. It didn't look as if the future Eighth squad captain was trying to stop him from speaking. It's more like he decided to overcome the problem himself, and that, all in all, was quite astonishing.

"Wait. It's kinda unfair to make Ichigo explain, so I'll do it."

Something seemed to seep its way onto Yamamoto's features as he stared at the brave brunette. Something that eerily resembled pride, but Ichigo could only guess. It had only crossed his expression for half a second, and the captain commander was even more deceptive than in his own time line.

"Ju-chan and I… we didn't want this. We wanted a little bit of peace before having to face our duties; finish the academy properly, goof around and hang out with Ichigo… We were being selfish considering Ichigo actually has more duties than us. We just yearned for more time to be kids and not having to worry about tackling our duties. We were cowards. We tweaked with that hard-ass barrier in Ichigo's room and hid without his permission."

By the time Shunsui had finished, both Jūshirō and Shunsui held their head low and looked ashamed. It was obvious they were embarrassed by what they had done; and more so, because they had involved Ichigo –unintentionally.

"Then, Ichigo-kun wasn't involved after all."

Shunsui was merely taken aback by his father's statement and could only nod in response. He really had nothing to say and Jūshirō wasn't faring any better.

Yamamoto, on the other hand, sighed as he closed his eyes and massaged his temples. All this was taking a toll on his mind, then he opened his eyes a minute later and moved his gaze onto Ichigo.

"I believe we dragged you over in vain. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Ichigo was actually snapped out of his momentary daze as he blinked rapidly to try and push away the fatigue. He was kinda used to it. so it came as easy as breathing air. His only problem was maintaining a clear head and his mask dawned.

"No. It did look like I was involved, so I really can't blame anyone for being suspicious of me when I was there at the time when we were found."

"It was also suspicious to find a barrier encasing your room, you know?"

"I also find this questioning. May I ask why was there a barrier?"

As Shunsui pointed out the obvious, everyone turned to stare at the orange head in newfound interest. Looks like he had gained everyone's curiosity with a seemingly simple question and Ichigo was beginning to dislike the situation.

What could he say anyway? That he has too many nightmares and it's necessary to prevent his screams from leaving the room? That he feels in danger all the time thanks to a war started my a madman who still doesn't exist yet? Or better yet, tell them how he put the barriers to make sure no unwanted guests entered his room when he spoke to his spirits or when they decided to materialize? Now that would be fun to explain.

Yippee!

Ichigo was now, in fact, left speechless when the dreaded question was thrown his way. His brain was too mushed up to think over proper answers that didn't sound stupid. His excuses would only worsen his situation. And he honestly wanted anything but that. Yet, when he realized he had stayed quiet long enough, he went forth to respond. His brain still working a mile per second to try and find something.

"Ah… well I- The thing is-"

Bang!

"WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON NOW?!"

Yamamoto had sensed Shiba Ryōtarō half a second before he had appeared,and barely twitched while the rest in the room jumped, surprise at seeing an exasperated squad captain of the Tenth burst in. It seemed Ichigo wasn't the only one Shiba who's tired. The two duel-wielding future captains could only guess as to what the untimely meeting had been about –they had been planning on interrogating the orange head later that day, but things weren't going so smoothly.

Ryōtarō didn't look like he had the patience of the day to deal with their current problem. Despite that, he made his way to stand besides Ichigo with a practiced stalk filled with elegance. Eyes scanning the occupants of the room as he pursed his lips in a thin line and lastly turned to look at his son.

"Is everything okay?"

Ichigo internally sighed in relief since he was thankfully interrupted. On the outside, however, he merely nodded before his gaze darted back towards his two friends and the captain commander.

"Yeah, I was just dragged along by mistake since Shunsui and Jūshirō were hiding in my room. Apparently, they unlocked their shikai and are both dual wielders, which is why we're now dealing with complicated circumstances."

The raven haired man looked immensely relieved and appeared about ready to pass out. Looks like someone had shocked him with wrongly delivered news. And being the over-worried father he was, he had panickingly rushed to this meeting.

"Well, that's good to hear. Here I thought something bad had happened, and right after the meeting as well. Thank god it's nothing bad. So, captain commander, what are you going to do with the two kiddies? I'm curious now."

Yamamoto barely batted an eye at Ryōtarō's choice of words and much less his question. It was obvious that the older man was used to the Shiba's antics, and didn't seem about ready to be fazed by them. Ever.

"We mentioned having them graduate, but there has been some problems. I planned to train the two personally and finish their lessons since they still need polishing. I believe that the academy isn't well prepared enough to help the boy's in mastering their blades. As such, I find it viable that they stay under my complete guidance because I at least know the basics of dual-wielding."

Yamamoto had a point, everyone else thought. No one in the academy would be able to help them out. And considering the fact that they both came from noble heritage -even if from a minor house- meant they were also adept in various arts that they shouldn't had learned yet. The extra lessons students from noble family took had assured this.

With that reasoning in mind, it wouldn't be difficult for the boys to pass the exams and graduate at this very moment. So all in all, Yamamoto was making a right decision. Even though the two students knew this, that didn't mean they necessarily agreed.

"Sensei, are you sure this is for the best?"

The person in question glanced to look at the pale boy that had finally decided to speak up. It seemed as if reluctant resignation was starting to show on Jūshirō's features and Yamamoto could only sigh in slight pity.

"Yes, Jūshirō. I think it would be best if you two went along with my orders as willingly as possible."

The white haired boy turned his gaze downcast and seemed to grudgingly agree. The Shiba head, who hadn't been informed of the problems mentioned by the captain commander, finally made his own conclusions and couldn't help but feel sorry for the two boys. It was a little regretful that they wouldn't be able to finish the academy course together –his boy and the other two.

"Yama-ji, what about Ichigo? He'll be alone in the 5th year."

Ichigo scowled at this and was about to reproach when Jūshirō quickly perked up, beating the orange head in speaking and being very enthusiastic when agreeing with the brunette.

"That's right, Sensei! Ichigo just barely stopped being indifferentwith us and finally accepted that we're friends! We can't leave him behind!"

This time, everyone else was stunned silent by how much emotion the words carried. Shunsui had a firm expression in place that silently agreed with his friend. It was ironic, Ichigo thought, how he used to deny wanting to interact with others and now they were in a battle of wits just because they wanted to stick together. Actually, Ichigo would have pointed out that he wasn't a child and didn't need their worry, but he just couldn't find it in himself to turn down these two. In reality, he felt warm and fuzzy inside –as stupid as that sounded- and found it hard to differ since he had started to like the idea of following the boys out the academy doors.

He was in fact, yearning this outcome.

But because of this, the orange head couldn't help but over-think their situation and began an analysis of the current circumstance. The two boys looked like they had finally come to the idea that they would graduate whether they wanted to or not. But now they just refused to abandon him, whom they had just met a little over a month ago, and he had been not-so-easy to interact with.

It was the other way around actually. Ichigo had been merciless in his masked emotions, had denied himself the pleasure of calling the two friends and by default their very names. He didn't want to screw around with the past. He didn't want to intertwine himself with people of his time. But most of all, he guessed he just didn't want to hurt anyone else.

He had done enough of it already.

War. Blood. Sacrifice. Decisions. Fighting. Killing. Surviving… Protecting.

That was his duty and the purpose of his very existence even when he himself was the one that brought forth the pain. Such hurtful contradiction.

But this was also why he was reflecting and thinking about their situation. It was as plain as day that the two boys wouldn't want to leave him alone. It was obvious that the four captains didn't know what to say. But most of all, it was true that the moment he would reveal his shikai, any time after this dilemma, he would be questioned.

'Why do you also have dual blades?'

'You could have graduated with the boys, what happened?'

'Is it so lonely to be left behind?'

'Did you know of this before?'

Ichigo could easily mention many questions he would be asked and this was more than a little annoying. But what would be the pros in revealing his power here? What would he avoid if he showed his shikai now and not later? How would they react, to a third dual wielder? These were also questions that he could be asked if he decided to do the previous. But at the same time, it might as well be a small price to pay. He would graduate sooner than the rest anyway, so what was the problem in doing so three months earlier? Besides, he was tired of mourning around. He also wanted to live his life since he wouldn't be able to do so later and hadn't been able to do so before. So, Ichigo came to a conclusion.

"I want to graduate with Jūshirō and Shunsui as well."

This single statement actually shocked everyone further –if it was even possible. However, it also snapped them out of their previous haze, so it didn't take long for the earful to come. Ichigo had fully expected the serious face Ryōtarō gave him, and the slightly disapproving looks from the two other parents in the room. He didn't even want to mention Yamamoto.

"What are you talking about, Ichigo. The boys are graduating because of a reason. No matter how talented you are or how much I have taught you myself, it is not enough to follow them down the same path. They need training, supervision, and most important of all, specialization. I did not raise you to be so naïve as to believe that things will go your way just because you want to."

The orange head only stared at the raven head like if he had gone insane. Honestly, the bad thing about keeping low-cover was how underestimated he was –by much. But it wasn't their fault. It was his own, but it was still annoying. It was also irritating to think that Ryōtarō would go ranting and scolding when the man personally knew that Ichigo didn't do stuff on a whim. But apparently the situation was confusing everyone –which was not surprising considering the time it was and his vague decision.

But Ichigo was too tired to properly explain his reason. He usually do. However, the thought of doing what he would do in his brash, teenage years was quite appealing –charging head first and screw the consequences. So, the orange head did just that. He spared not a moment and unsheathed his black hilted blade without even thinking with practiced ease and held it vertically in front of him; his other hand coming to rest gently on the metal as he all but felt the glee in Zangetsu's emotions.

"Ichigo, put your zanpaktou back in its sheath. Don't make me-"

"Wait a second."

The raven head promptly clenched his jaw shut as he –and everyone else- noticed the serious tone in Ichigo's voice. That, more than anything, made him think twice about questioning his son even if he should already know this –the clan meeting was hard proof of it. But Ryōtarō was basically dead on his feet from being in session all day long, and afterwards organizing the engagement. He was pretty sure Ichigo was too, so that would be a good reason as to why the orange head was being so reckless, which wasn't characteristic of the boy.

He simply shut up and waited for whatever his son wanted him to wait for.

Ichigo noticed everyone was watching his every movement. However, he seriously couldn't find it in himself to care –at least Ryōtarō had stopped ranting. He needed his whole concentration in suppressing Shiro-Zangetsu's uncontrolled reiatsu unless he wanted the room to go ablaze in black.

He inhaled and strengthened his grip on both the hilt of the blade while preparing himself to tug the zanpaktou in two and separate –taking the small form of Quincy-Zangetsu in his left and leaving Shiro-Zangetsu on his right like always. It was a habit he could do in half a second if he wanted –but this usually involved leaving his reiatsu to roam free and throw itself into Ichigo's other hand- and it was also perfect for combat. Right now, however, all he needed was demonstration.

"Darkness cast upon the unsuspecting moon." Everyone widened in eyes and dropped their jaws. "Somber heavens enlighten and are torn asunder." Understanding finally graced Yamamoto and his features twitched in amazed satisfaction. "Zangetsu!"

And just like that, his immediate surroundings were dyed black. So much for going slow to avoid a giant explosion, Ichigo thought bitterly. But, it at least stayed around his now visible blades and didn't go further. The reiatsu was dancing to its own melody around the beautiful Khyber knife and Trench knife. It was wild and untamable, yet the waltz was all the more enhancing. But Ichigo was able to tap into his own ability and reeled in the flames until they flickered out of existence and promptly disappeared. He then twirled the Khyber knife and buried it slightly on the wooden floor to avoid stabbing someone in accident. The trench knife being way smaller in comparison to the other and deciding to only draw the blade closer to his body while the tip pointed downwards. Best to be cautious in a room full of dumbfounded people that could get wounded by a reckless move.

As much as he would like to deny it, Yamamoto would have to forever accept the fact that he had indeed been shocked to his very core. At his age, it is hard to catch him off guard.

However, the young orange head had done that and much more. He had basically assured his ticket to graduation. Ichigo had showed them his shikai to make sure no one would question him. He was forcing Jūshirō and Shunsui to graduate –since their excuses would be invalid- and Yamamoto couldn't help but think it was genius.

So, it came easily to make a decision concerning their new variable. The answer was simple once the initial shock wore off, and no one would change his mind. Maybe this was a good opportunity after all.

"I take it this is your final decision, young'un?"

Ichigo merely nodded as he narrowed his eyes and stared at the captain commander. He was showing how determined he was with this choice and he wasn't about to back down. This was the best for now.

Yamamoto simply sighed and shook his head in reluctance. He was getting too old to deal with overly enthusiastic brats, but he guessed this was better than shy squirts that were scared of their own shadow. Besides, he had already determined the outcome and it just so happened that his decision matched the orange heads.

"Very well. Then all three of you are graduating at the end of this week. You shall be dismissed of your normal activities and will concentrate on studying for the final test. It is not up for debate and I expect you all to pass on your first try."

He heaved an uncharacteristic breath of pain.

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

Ichigo gave a lopsided smile as everyone was left gaping –again- and absently threw Zangetsu-ossan in the air, and into Shiro-Zangetsu. Both blades melting into the other as his normal, sealed nodachi materialized on his right hand before sheathing it at his waist. He was trying to be nice and give everyone time to process what had just happened.

However, as soon as the whole situation sunk in, everyone released a sigh of relief as the tension vanished from the room. Nobody had known what to expect when Ichigo had suddenly released his shikai. But apparently, luck was on their side and Jūshirō and Shunsui couldn't help but beam in happiness by the outcome. They are now actually itching to question Ichigo and ask since when he had known how to release his blade but they decided to postpone it.

Actually, the whole room wanted to know, but as Ryōtarō smiled broadly and patted Ichigo on the back, the two captains shared a silent conversation –for future use surely- before congratulating the young Shiba as well. Yamamoto simply shook his head once more and went forth to sit down while muttering something about foolish children, when inwardly he was pleased.

Three students had great journeys in front of them and and Yamamoto could only hope he would be there to see the trio succeed. This was his new goal. So with that thought in mind, he shut off the gleeful conversation the two groups of shinigami and students were both having alike. Both busy enough with the trio's situation to question his decision about leaving the academy –though he could bet tomorrow, first thing in the morning, he was sure to be asked.

'How troublesome.'

To be continued…

Okay… hum… this was short... Whatever! The next chapter will be published right after this one, so please be patient. It won't be that long of a wait, promise! Time skip next chapter!

Omake (I couldn't resist, thanks MugetsuIchigo!):

Shunsui: Yama-Ji, what about Ichigo? He'll be alone in the 5th year.

Jūshirō: That's right Sensei! Ichigo just barely stopped being such a tsundere with us and finally accepted that we're friends! We can't leave him behind!

Ichigo: W-what do you mean tsundere?

Ryōtarō: I don't think that tsundere is the right term for Ichigo.

Jūshirō: Than what is he?

Shunsui: Maybe a kuudere? He's really cold and cynical but he's actually sweet on the inside. Or a yandere, violent and psychotic but shows affection to those he is close to.

Ichigo: I'm neither god damn it!

Ryōtarō: No, not quite. He tends to be violent at times and is also rather cold and distant yet he's also kawai and fluffy on the inside.

Yamamoto: I believe he's more tsundere than yandere, but is also very kuudere.

Ichigo: Even Yamamoto-dono (T^T)

Jūshirō: But still, Shiba-sama has a point. And so does Sensei. So what category would Ichigo fall in?

Ichigo: I'm right here you know?

Shunsui: Let's make a vote!

Ryōtarō: Oh, that's a great idea! Let's see what species my boy is!

Jūshirō: Leave a review and tell us what you think!

Ichigo: Don't I have any say in this? And what about the graduation problem?

The end?