04/01/2020: Hello everyone. This is ThunderReborn. This chapter has been reedited by TM11, a former editor, by Darklord331, current Beta Reader, and Grammarly (not sponsored by them). Hope you enjoy the newly edited chapter.
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, Studio Pierrot... and other people.
Highschool DXD is owned by Ichiei Ishibumi, Miyama-Zero, Fuhumishobo, Funimation, ATX, and TNK.
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
Please support the official release.
"Hello." -Normal talking
'Hello.' –Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Kon'nichiwa [Translation of Hello]
Chapter 5 – Secrets' Revealed
Kurosaki Residence
"I'm home," Yuzu announced as she arrived home, expecting someone to reply. Hearing no reply back, she went to the dinner table to see if there was a note, but found nothing. She looked over to the fridge and saw a piece of paper on it. Getting closer, Yuzu realized that this was not a normal note, but a letter. She began to read it and at first thought, it was a lie. She reread it and tears began to drip. Grabbing her phone as she began to try, Yuzu called Ichigo. After numerous calls and texts and him not picking up or answering back, she called Karin.
"Hello?" Karin replied.
"Karin, where are you right now?" Yuzu asked.
"At Urahara's right now. Why?" Karin replied
"Is Dad there as well?" She asked.
"Yes, he's here. Yuzu what happen?" Karin asked, beginning to worry.
"Stay there, I am coming. Also, call everyone. NOW!" Yuzu said and hung up. She then ran to her room, picked up the other letters and ran towards Urahara's Shop.
"Karin, was that Yuzu?" Isshin asked.
"Yes. She sounded mad or scared, Goat-Chin. She also told me to get everyone here." Karin informed him.
"Ok, I'll gather everyone." Isshin agreed with a nod.
Ten minutes later, Yuzu arrived at Urahara's Shop out of breath and with her eyes red from crying.
"Yuzu, why are you crying," Karin asked in worry.
"Give this to everyone and tell them to read it." Yuzu said before began to cry in the corner. Karin looked at her sister in worry, wanting to calm her down but she needed to know what happened to do that. Urahara grabbed the original letter and made copies of it, passing them around to all those gathered. After everyone finished reading the letter, a lot of emotions began to fly.
"Everyone, this is me, Ichigo. If you are reading this, then I have already left town. I will return someday, but Karakura Town does not feel like it's my home anymore right now. The people who I fought for… the people that I sacrificed everything for… abandoned me. My friends no longer spend time with me. As for family, I haven't see Goat-Chin since the fall of Aizen. He has been avoiding me for all these years. Whether he doesn't want to talk about his past or whatever it is… he abandoned me. As for my sisters, I can see that you two are growing older, old enough that your Onii-chan doesn't need to be in the picture. Karin, you are starting to get stronger to protect those you love. Yuzu, I know you try to not show it, but I know you are worried about me. I just need some time away from everything. Now, my dear sisters, I wrote three more letters. Two of them are for you two. While the other one is for Yama-Jiji. Please give that one to Tōshirō or Yoruichi. I expect them to be able to give the letter to Yama-Jiii and not open it.
Please do not look for me, everyone. I need this. I need this time for myself to find a reason to live because I don't have one anymore. I will see you all someday. Yuzu and Karin, I don't blame you for doing this. If you do not wish to go back home, though, then you can ask Oji-san for a place to stay."
Everyone had different reactions to the news that Ichigo left. Karin joined Yuzu in the corner, and she began to cry. Tōshirō tried to comfort her. Yuzu stopped crying for a moment and joined Tōshirō in trying to comfort Karin. Orihime also broke down and Chad tried to comfort her while internally depressed at realizing that he broke his promise to Ichigo. Uryū understood to a degree how Ichigo felt. When he had lost his powers the first time, he also felt like this; without purpose. At that time, though, Ichigo did not allow him to feel miserable or alone. Urahara, Yoruichi, Tōshirō, Rukia and Renji all felt miserable. They had spread the word of Ichigo wanting to be left alone from the spiritual side of the world. Isshin, however, felt horrible. Not only didn't he notice how his son was feeling, but he was the one that told the others to spread those lies and thus started all of this.
"Normally, I would allow all of you to stay in my shop. But, I think that everyone has overstepped their welcome. Everyone, please leave. Except for the Kurosaki twins. If you wish to stay here, you are most welcome." Urahara stated, directing his words first to everyone and then to only Yuzu and Karin.
"That would be fine until we can get in contact with Oji-san." Yuzu said.
"That will not be a problem, Yuzu-chan. I am happy to host both of my nieces at my home." Ryūken revealed himself as he stepped into the room.
"And your mother gives you permission," Masaki added as she levitated next to Ryūken.
"Masaki!?" Isshin yelled in shock. He quickly got up and attempted to hug her, but she slapped him in the face and began kicking him.
"You stupid, stupid, IDIOT" She yelled. "You thought you were helping Ichigo, Isshin! But you forgot that he doesn't have many friends. The small number of friends he has all know about the spiritual side, and you all told them to avoid him!" Masaki admonished, finally done kicking Isshin. She then looked at the others. "As to all of you; you're all failures as Ichigo's friends!" She yelled at everyone before focusing on Chad, Orihime, and Uryū. "You three! All of you were with Ichigo during the Invasion of Soul Society and then the war with Aizen. Did any of you need to talk to someone about what you witnessed during the war?" Masaki asked.
"Yes." The three replied at the same time, a bit scared for the Kurosaki matriarch.
"And who was there for Ichigo to talk to?" She asked and no one answered. "That's right. No one!" Masaki yelled. Taking a deep breath – not that she needed to since she's a ghost – she then sat down in the corner with Yuzu and Karin.
"I am not sorry for yelling at all of you," Masaki said and held her chain. Yuzu, Karin, and Ryūken gasped. Masaki's chain was now only less than two feet compared to how long it was when they first saw her. "You know what hurts the most?" She asked as another link fell off her chain. "Standing there, seeing Ichigo write everything and then stand outside ready to leave. I saw him do all of this but couldn't do anything about it because of his ungrateful friends!" She yelled and disappeared.
"MASAKI" Isshin yelled and was about to chase her down before Ryūken grabbed him. "Let go of me!" He yelled. Urahara sighed and smack Isshin in the back of the neck, knocking him out, Ryūken then dropping him on the floor.
"Kurosaki and I are related?" Uryū asked once Masaki's rant was over.
"Yes, Uryū. You and Ichigo are related." Ryūken said. "We will talk about this when we get back home."
"Ok…" Uryū replied.
"Well… I need to report all of this to the Sōtaichō." Yoruichi stated as she stood up.
"Must you, Yoruichi?" Urahara asked.
"She must, Urahara. Remember that she was just recently given her position as Taichō of the 2nd Division and Commander of the Onmitsukidō. If the Sōtaichō finds out that this happened and we covered it up, we all might get labeled as traitors." Tōshirō said, though even he didn't want to tell the Sōtaichō either. "Come on, Shihōin-taichō. We need to go deliver the letter and report this to the Sōtaichō."
"Yes," Yoruichi replied and they and the rest of the Soul Reapers went through the Senkaimon after opening it. At this point, Isshin regained consciousness and looked at Urahara.
"Urahara, please help me try and fi-" Isshin began.
"No." Urahara interrupted.
"Why?" Isshin asked as he got up.
"I messed up a lot when it came to Ichigo. I tricked him into doing a lot of things, but he always ended up doing them no matter what it was. I then decided to listen to you and this is what happened. If Ichigo wishes to be left alone, then why should I go against his wishes?" Urahara said before forcing Isshin out of his shop.
Soul Society, Yamamoto's Office
"So, Ichigo Kurosaki left home due to your stupidity," Yamamoto stated more than asked after hearing the summaries of the Shinigami that had been at Urahara's Shop.
"Yes, Sōtaichō." They replied.
"You're dismissed. Shihōin-taichō, standby outside of my office" Yamamoto ordered.
"Hai, Sōtaichō" they all stated before leaving his office. Yamamoto then opened up Ichigo's letter and began to read.
"Hello, Yama-Jiji. If you are reading this letter, then you have more than likely already been briefed on what has happened. The reason why I wrote this letter to you concerns a few things. First, I'm calling in the various debts that Soul Society owes me. The first debt comes from my evolvement in the Winter War. For that, I want you to make it difficult for the Soul Society to find me, whether you send your worse Shinigami to find me at the wrong places, or not tell Central 64 about me disappearing. The next debt I am calling in concerns the Bounts, Muramasa, Kasumioji, and all of the other messes I had to clean up for you. I request the creation of a special bank account at any bank of your choice and that you deposit whatever amount you deem worthy of dealing with all the Soul Society's problems that I named above.
Second, I have information about an upcoming war. Yhwach will awaken and the Quincy War will resume once more. I was told from a trusted source that these Quincies will have some sort of equipment that will allow them to interfere with Bankai. Tell everyone who has a Bankai to figure out other methods to fight. In exchange for this information, I want you to provide my sisters, Yuzu and Karin, protection from this war, whether by placing them in a pocket dimension or by not allowing the war to enter Katakura town.
Thank you, Yamamoto. Best regards,
Ichigo Kurosaki"
After Yamamoto finished reading the letter, many things went through his mind. Chief among them was that the Quincies will be back and the 1000 Years War will restart. Another was the source of Ichigo's information and the information itself. That the Quincies could be able to interfere with their Bankai is quite a terrifying problem.
'That boy- no. That man seems to provide me with a lot of headaches,' Yamamoto thought.
"Shihōin-taichō, you may enter now!" Sōtaichō ordered. Yoruichi complied and entered the office. "I want you to find the most incompetent members of the Onmitsukidō and have them track Ichigo Kurosaki down."
"Sōtaichō, why the most incompetent members? Shouldn't I send my best to track him down?" Yoruichi asked, perplexed at the order.
"Normally yes, but this is Ichigo Kurosaki. In his letter to me, he is calling in the debt for defeating Aizen and requests to be left alone. We know that is impossible. We can, however, have our most incompetent people look for him." Yamamoto ordered.
"Of course, Sōtaichō. Anything else" Yoruichi asked with a small smile.
"In one hour, I will call a Taichō meeting regarding this topic. Make sure those involved show up." Yamamoto ordered.
"Hai, Sōtaichō!" Yoruichi said before leaving with a Shunpō.
Main Hall of the First Division
One hour later, all the Taichō and their Fukutaichō gathered for the meeting. Representing the First Division is, of course, Yamamoto and his Fukutaichō, Chōjirō Sasakibe. For the Second Division, the Taichō is Yoruichi with Suì-Fēng as her Fukutaichō. The Third Division is represented by Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi-taichō, better known as Rose, and his Fukutaichō, Izuru Kira. The ever-smiling Retsu Unohana-taichō and Isane Kotetsu-fukutaichō represent the Fourth Division while Shinji Hirako and his longtime friend Hiyori Sarugaki represent the Fifth Division. The Sixth Division is represented by the ever serious Byakuya Kuchiki-taichō and his Fukutaichō, Renji Abarai. Sajin Komamura-taichō and his Fukutaichō, Tetsuzaemon Iba represent the Seventh Division. The Eight Division is represented by Shunsui Kyōraku-taichō and, surprisingly, his two Fukutaichō, Nanao Ise and Lisa Yadōmaru. Representing the Ninth Division are Kensei Muguruma-taichō and his Fukutaichō Mashiro Kuna. The young-looking Tōshirō Hitsugaya-taichō and the top-heavy Rangiku Matsumoto-fukutaichō represent the Tenth Division. Eleventh Division's Kenpachi Zaraki-taichō stands there representing his division with a scowl, his Fukutaichō, Yachiru Kusajishi atop of his shoulder like always. Representing the Twelfth Division are Mayuri Kurotsuchi-taichō and his 'daughter', Nemu Kurotsuchi-fukutaichō. Finally, Jūshirō Ukitake-taichō represents the Thirteenth Division alongside his Fukutaichō, Rukia Kuchiki. Most of those gathered were questioning the reason for the unscheduled meeting, except for the few who knew about the topic and the impending trouble that was about to happen.
"Order," Yamamoto commanded as he pounded his cane to the floor, attracting the attention of the Taichō and Fukutaichō. "The meeting is now underway. Many of you must be wondering about the reason behind this meeting, so I'll be direct. As of this morning, Ichigo Kurosaki has gone missing. The reason for his disappearance is due to his feeling that everyone he cares about, from his friends here to his family back at home, abandoned him." Yamamoto stated. Immediately all of the Vizards began shouting at that piece of news, each one remembering being told that Ichigo didn't want to interact with them. "Order!" Yamamoto yelled, slamming his cane down to again to regain their attention. "Can Shihōin-taichō, Hitsugaya-taichō, Kuchiki-fukutaichō and Abarai-fukutaichō explain to the other Taichō and Fukutaichō here gathered what happened?"
"Um…" Rukia started. "The others and I decided to spread the news that Ichigo did not wish to interact in any way with the Spiritual World anymore."
"We did this under the instructions of his father, Former Tenth Division Taichō, Isshin Shiba," Hitsugaya added. This caused many to become angry at the four, for lying and pushing Ichigo away.
"Now then, because of this, officially, we have sent some members of the Onmitsukidō to track down Ichigo Kurosaki. Unofficially, we are doing nothing." Yamamoto stated. Many were surprised at this information, knowing Central 46 would order all available forces to hunt Ichigo down. "There are two reasons why I am doing this. The first is the debt we own to Ichigo Kurosaki from the Winter War. The second is the information that Ichigo Kurosaki reported to me about a potential war coming in the future." Yamamoto answered, shocking many at the fact that another war would be going to start so soon. "From this point forward, I want you all to perform Jinzen and talk to your Zanpakutō to find other ways to fight stronger foes without Bankai. The reason for this is that our future enemies are suspected of having a method to interfere with our Bankai. With that said, this ends our meeting. Carry on with your plans for the morning!" Yamamoto slammed his cane down and dismissed everyone. Many were still processing the news of Ichigo going missing and the possibility that they would have to fight a war without their Bankai. The five members of the Vizards, however, pushed these thoughts to the back of their minds and quickly went to confront the ones they felt were partly responsible for Ichigo leaving.
"Enough!" Tōshirō yelled after the Vizards called them out on their stupidity for a few minutes. "Do you all think that we need to be constantly reminded of our mistake? Do you think we didn't try to do something about it? We all want what is best for Ichigo. We did not do it correctly the first time but will do it now. He wishes to be left alone and that is what we will do." Tōshirō promised before leaving the group and going back to his quarters.
Scene Change: Kyoto
A few days after leaving Karakura, Ichigo was wandering through Kyoto. He did not know why, but something was calling him towards this city. Another oddity was that Zangetsu was excited. Not his normal blood-hungry type of excitement, but something else, which made Ichigo very worried and on edge.
While walking down the street, Ichigo heard a girl scream for help. Turning around, he saw a little girl no older than an elementary school student being kidnapped by three individuals. Seeing this, Ichigo immediately confronted them. Running at them, he grabbed one of the kidnappers and punched him in the face. The second and third kidnappers saw this and went to attack Ichigo, but he quickly took care of them. The three regrouped and summoned weapons. One summoned an ax, another a sword and the third a knife. Ichigo drew Kokugatsu and went for the attack.
"Hey, girl! Run and hide. After I finish this, I'll help you get back home!" Ichigo yelled as he slashed the sword-wielding kidnapper in the chest, killing him. The girl heard this and hid behind a dumpster. After seeing the girl hide, Ichigo made quick work of the other two and used a little hellfire to destroy their bodies.
"Little girl, it's safe to come out now," Ichigo said once the kidnappers were nothing but ash. The girl came out of her hiding spot and Ichigo took note of her appearance. She had golden blonde hair tied in a ponytail and matching eyes. She also had nine golden foxtails and matching ears. She wore traditional Miko outfit and tall geta with white tabi. The sleeves of her haori featured a giant red star-shaped pentagram, surrounded by five smaller pentagrams in between the points.
"Hey, kid. My name is Ichigo. What's your name?" Ichigo asked politely; trying to not scare the child.
"I'm Kunou. Thank you for helping." The newly named Kunou thanked her savior.
"You're welcome, little one. Are you lost?" Ichigo asked.
"A little," She admitted with a cute wince. "Wait! Aren't you scared or surprised about me having fox ears and tails?" She questioned, surprised at how blasé Ichigo was acting after seeing her admittedly odd appearance.
"No. I have seen many things and something like a person with animal characteristics doesn't phase me." Ichigo answered truthfully. "Hey, are you hungry? Want to go and get something to eat?"
"No, thank y-" Kunou started before her stomach growled and she blushed in embarrassment.
"Well, it looks like your stomach doesn't agree with you. Come on, let's go find somewhere to eat." Ichigo said and extend his hand for her to hold. She accepted his hand. She reapplied an illusion, hiding her inhuman traits.
After walking around for a few minutes, the two found a ramen cart. Ichigo found it amusing when Kunou had issues with using chopsticks and a spoon at the same time. He ended up feeding Kunou, which made many of the other costumers comment about how cute they look together, like a father and his daughter. Ichigo tried to correct them but, then Kunou said, "Papa, more please," wooing many of the females there due to how cute she looks.
When Ichigo went to pay for the meal, the owner told him that the meal was on the house since their presence attracted a lot of customers. Ichigo noticed how crowded the streets were now and decided to have Kunou sit upon his shoulders to prevent them from getting separated. She was ecstatic at being on Ichigo's shoulders due to him being 183 cm (6 feet) tall.
"Hey Kunou," Ichigo called for her attention.
"Yes, Papa?" Kunou replied. Ichigo sighed on the inside at Kunou still calling him that.
"Let's get you back to your home, ok" Ichigo suggested.
"Ok," she agreed. "I get to show you, Mama," she added happily. Ichigo sighed again and the two eventually started walking towards the young ones home, Kunou instructing Ichigo where to go. Twenty minutes later, they eventually approached a big shrine in the forests of Kyoto.
"Is this the right place, Kunou?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, Papa," Kunou replied.
"Alright then," Ichigo said and began to walk towards the gate.
"Halt! Who goes there?" Two guards asked as they ran outside of the gate to confront the Ichigo and Kunou.
"I am here to take her back to her mother," Ichigo told them, tensing his muscles in case anything happened. The two guards looked up at his shoulders and saw Kunou sitting there and waving.
"Hello, Tōdō! Hello, Kasaki" she greeted the two. The two guards of the shrine, Izaemon Tōdō and Heizō Kasaki (1) were quite surprised at a stranger having their leader's daughter on his shoulders.
"Hime-Sama!" they yelled and bowed their heads.
"Hime-Sama?" Ichigo questioned.
"Papa, let's go!" she said.
"Okay, Kunou," Ichigo replied and began to walk forward.
"Halt, stranger! We do not know how you have Hime-sama but, you are not allowed to enter." Both Tōdō and Kasaki yelled. Kunou annoyed that the shrine's guards are making it difficult for her Papa to meet her Mama, asked Ichigo to knock them out. Ichigo decided to indulge her and used the handle of Tsuki no Hansha to knock the two guards unconscious. Kunou then guided Ichigo to the main hall of the shrine and as Ichigo arrived there, he saw ten other Yokai in battle stances facing him while a woman sat on a throne-like chair.
"WHO ARE YO-" Yasaka started to yell before getting interrupted.
"MAMA!" Kunou yelled as she waved at her mother.
"KUNOU!?" The woman shrieked before running to her daughter. Ichigo took a knee to let Kunou down and hug her mother. After a few moments, the woman ended the hug and began to scold her daughter. "Why did you leave the shrine? I told you that you're not allowed to leave the temple without two escorts and with my permission!"
"Sorry, Mama! But look! I found Papa!" she said.
"Papa?" Yasaka questioned. She then looked up and noticed Ichigo still standing there. "And you are?" she asked.
"Sorry. My name is Ichigo Kurosaki. I found Kunou here being kidnapped." Ichigo began and Yasaka quickly got angry. "So I killed them and took Kunou to lunch since she was hungry. She couldn't eat the ramen properly, so I fed her and some people ended up mistaking us for father and daughter. That seems to have stuck in her cute little head and she has been calling me that since we left the ramen stand." Ichigo told Yasaka.
"I see," Yasaka said. She then felt a mental nudge, meaning that her goddess wished to talk to Ichigo. "Everyone but Kurosaki-san, get out!" she yelled and the Yōkai guards obediently and quickly ran out of the main hall, carrying an angry Kunou with them. After the doors were closed and Yasaka made sure that no one was attempting to spy on them, she focused her attention on her guest.
"Ichigo, my mistress wishes to talk to you," Yasaka said.
"Who?" Ichigo asked before Yasaka's body began to float and her eyes began to glow a golden color.
"Hello, Ichigo," Yasaka said in a different tone of voice.
"Who are you?" Ichigo asked.
"The mother of all Nihonjin (Japanese people). The mother of all Shinigami. More importantly, the mother to an Ichigo Kurosaki." Yasaka said, but Ichigo noticed that it wasn't her speaking.
"Amaterasu," Ichigo thought, recalling Amaterasu's legend.
"Yes, my son. And I must say, I am very proud of what you have done to help my oldest son out."Amaterasu said.
"Oldest son?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes. He goes by that stupid title of Soul King." Amaterasu said.
"The Soul King is your son?" Ichigo asked in surprise.
"Yes, he is," Amaterasu confirmed.
"How? All of the legends and lore I've read never mention this." Ichigo inquired.
"Well, all those legends have everything mostly correct. What isn't said is that, when my first son refused to become the Emperor of Japan, I allowed him to rule the Balance of Life and Death and he named himself King of Souls. My second son also refused to become the Emperor of Japan as he desired his brother's position. As you can imagine, my two sons fought each other for many years. Eventually, my eldest son won the battle and inflicted the killing blow to his younger brother. Throughout the battle, my youngest lost many of his limbs or had them damaged. Due to the blessings on my eldest son's blade, all wounds my youngest received can never heal. Then, in his arrogance, my eldest kicked his brother off of Heaven. As my youngest fell out of heaven, everything except one fragment of his soul was destroyed. That one small fragment held the eternal rage and hatred towards his older brother and attached itself to a freshly pregnant couple." Amaterasu explained. This surprised Yhwach as he had never known about this detail.
"This was why, when I was born, I had almost nothing," Yhwach said as he manifested, Zangetsu, Kyōka, and Hōgyoku also manifesting after him.
"Yes, my youngest son," Amaterasu replied.
"Hello, mother." Both Yhwach and Zangetsu greeted as they bowed.
"Hello, Zangetsu. Hello, Yhwach"Amaterasu replied. "Do you wish to finish the story or shall I?"
"I can finish it, Mother," Yhwach said before turning to Ichigo. "When I was born, I had nothing. I couldn't see, hear, talk, or touch. I had nothing except for one thing, the desire to live. Due to my small amount of divinity, I was able to heal all who touched me."
"Wait. How could you heal others when you couldn't heal yourself?" Ichigo interrupted.
"As Mother said, my brother's blade cursed me. It prevented any of my wounds to be healed. However, the ability to heal others, especially mortals, took little of my energy to do. " Yhwach said. "Instead of normal healing, however, I gave those people a small fragment of my soul. That small fragment allowed them to gain something that they were missing. It could be a mental thing, such as loneliness or fear by giving them companionship and courage. Sometimes it was something physical, like a leg or lung. The cost is that that small fragment I gave them copied everything that person had. Memories, skills, talents; all were recorded into that soul fragment. Once that person died, that fragment returned to me with the soul of the host. This process allowed my body to heal differently. Before, my body would just will itself to be healed. Now, I used the souls of the hosts to rebuild my body. However, the curse still ate away at everything. Even now, my main body requires souls to prevent the curse from destroying it." Yhwach said. "Years later, I had formed a massive society and had my own army to attack my elder brother with. He, however, had also formed an army of his own."
"The Quincies and the Shinigami," Ichigo voiced what he had realized.
"Correct. The two sides fought, but Yūhabahha knew that he was losing, so he gave his strongest Quincies a special medallion. It allowed their soul to be transported into a pocket dimension that Yūhabahha himself created. To the soldiers, he told them to fight on and to the citizens, to scatter and that someday he would return. After that, Yūhabahha died temporarily and went to his secret dimension. There, he slept and recovered while the few soldiers of his left slowly found more men and women to reform his army with. While he slept, for his body to heal from the lack of souls, Yūhabahha used his powers to heal himself without the souls. It took longer but, eventually, he finished. Then June 17th happened." Yhwach said.
"The day mom died." Ichigo frowned.
"Yes. On July 17th, Yūhabahha used a technique called Auswählen. It is a technique where all mix blood Quincies have all of their powers stripped and given to Yūhabahha. Although your mother was considered a pure-blooded Quincy, she had been tainted by Hollow reiatsu. Auswählen thus considered her a mix-blood, so her powers were stripped and you know the rest."
"So, Yūhabahha is the main reason mom is dead?" Ichigo concluded.
"Not fully," Amaterasu said.
"What? How so?" Ichigo asked in confusion.
"My eldest son also had something to do with Masaki's death," Amaterasu revealed.
"How?" Ichigo asked with an angry scowl.
"My eldest knew that, sometime in June, Yūhabahha would use Auswählen. For that entire month, he ordered no Shinigami to be in Karakura Town." Amaterasu said.
"How would you know that?" Ichigo asked.
"My eldest son created a figure to act in his place while he goes somewhere else. He is probably in another dimension and hanging out with his stupid Uncle." Amaterasu revealed, shaking Yasaka's head in disappointment at her son's actions. "While he was away, I looked at his archives and found his royal decree."
"Why would he do that?" Ichigo asked.
"Well… my eldest knew of Aizen's attempt to test you. He wanted to stage it as an accident to kill you." Amaterasu stated with a sad frown.
"WHAT!? WHY?" Ichigo asked, quite furious at the Soul King's action. His spirits were right behind him in the angry department.
"Because you are more naturally in tune with the Japanese Balance then he is, Ichigo. In all technicalities, you are more suited to become the one who balances Life and Death than him. This fact led my eldest to become paranoid and so he allowed Aizen's experiment to happen, hoping that you would die. Once it was revealed that you lived, he decided to let Fate have its way with you." Amaterasu explained.
"So Aizen, Yūhabahha and the Soul King are all involved in my mother's death?" Ichigo concluded.
"Yes, my son. It would also explain why Yhwach tried to prevent you from becoming a Shinigami at first." Amaterasu said.
"WHAT!" Ichigo exclaimed in shock and then turned to Yhwach. He also noticed Zangetsu glare at Yhwach with a frown.
"Allow Yhwach to explain himself before you jump to conclusions."
"I... didn't want you to become a Shinigami. That's why I tried to suppress your growing potential...and always tried to be the core of your power." Yhwach revealed.
"Why?" Ichigo questioned.
"Is it strange for me to want to keep you away from fights and danger? If you became a Shinigami, you would inevitably be involved in fights. You would be hurt. You would suffer. And one day… I would have to kill you with my own hands. I couldn't let you become a Shinigami. If you become one, I'd have to kill you." Yhwach said sadly. "So I thought. However, you eventually did become a Shinigami. You had a chance, trained hard and, despite getting hurt and suffering, you chose to pursue that path. Whenever I saw you like that… My heart would waver. Eventually, instead of stopping you from becoming a Shinigami, I started to help you in your path."
"Thank you for explaining your reasons, Yhwach," Ichigo said.
"And Zangetsu, thank you for taking care of Ichigo, especially since you had to deal with Yhwach and my son's stubbornness," Amaterasu said.
"No problem, mom. Thank you for getting Tsukuyomi-sama's blessing for my powers." Zangetsu thanked the goddess.
"No problem, Zangetsu. I saw that Ichigo's life would be tragic, so I gave his soul the strongest blessing I could. That was you." Amaterasu explained. "Now then, Ichigo. I know you went on this journey to get away from your friends and family. But even you must know that at some point, you must return to them."
"I know, Kaa-san." Ichigo sighed. "To think they still need my intervention for their Wars. When will it be over, Kaa-san? When will I no longer need to fight their battles?" Ichigo questioned.
"I do not know, my son. I will tell you this, though. You will not be alone. You have my sons, Yhwach and Zangetsu. And you also have the Hōgyoku and Kyōka Suigetsu. You are never alone, Ichigo." Amaterasu reassured, "If fate is a millstone, then we are the grist.-" Amaterasu started.
"There is nothing we can do. So I wish for strength. If I cannot protect them from the wheel, then give me a strong blade, and enough strength... to shatter fate." Ichigo finished. "Thank you, Kaa-San." Ichigo thanked her. Yasaka's body then slowly floated down and her eyes stopped glowing.
"So, you are Ichigo Kurosaki, Hero of the Winter War," Yasaka stated once she got her bearings back. Letting Amaterasu-sama takeover her body was always an odd experience.
"Yes," Ichigo confirmed. "Should we call Kunou back in? I think the guards are having problems keeping an eye on her." Yasaka laughed a little at that and open the door, allowing a little blond bullet to run inside and tackle Ichigo. Ichigo caught her and lifted her up.
"PAPA! You didn't get hurt from seeing Mama!" Kunou voiced her surprise and happiness, getting Ichigo to chuckle.
"Yes, your mother and I had a… interesting conversation. It's getting late though, so I better get going" Ichigo said.
"NO, PAPA!" Kunou cried and grabbed Ichigo's leg.
"Kurosaki-san, I-" Yasaka started to say.
"Please call me Ichigo, Yasaka-san. I am not into formalities." Ichigo interrupted.
"I see… To be fair then, call me Yasaka." Yasaka replied.
"Ok," Ichigo said.
"Now, like I was saying, I insist you stay for the night, Ichigo." She said.
"Are you sure?" Ichigo asked.
"I am. Based on my daughter's reaction to you, you are welcome here anytime." Yasaka said with a smile.
"Alright then." Ichigo agreed.
Later, during dinner, Yasaka explained to Ichigo that she is a priestess at this shrine and able to talk to Amaterasu-sama. Not only that, but she is also the technical ruler of the Yōkai in Japan. Eventually, Kunou's bedtime arrived and Ichigo carried her to bed.
"Papa?" Kunou called out to him as Ichigo tucked her in.
"Yes, Kunou?" Ichigo replied.
"Can you please tell me a bedtime story?" Kunou asked.
"Sure." Ichigo agreed with a smile, recalling how his sisters used to ask for the same thing. Ichigo looked around to see if there was a book for him to read. Unfortunately, there wasn't, so he decided to tell her the story of Romeo and Juliet. As he recounted the story, Kunou eventually fell asleep. Ichigo then left the room and met a maid outside waiting for him. She escorted Ichigo to his room, where he changed to some sleeping clothes and went to sleep.
Time Skip: Next Morning
The next morning came and Ichigo decided it was time to leave. Kunou was sad that her Papa was leaving, but Ichigo told her that he would come back and visit her and Yasaka.
As he walked out of Kyoto, Ichigo wondered where to go next. According to Yasaka, in Japan, there are a lot of strange things that will be happening in the months to come. In the East, there's something involving Egyptian mythology. In the West, something involving summoning spirits. In the North, something involving God and Devils, while in the Southwest has something involving Wizards and Witches. Honestly, he was amazed at how the Japanese government doesn't get involved with all of this going on under their noses. Hōgyoku then interrupted his thoughts.
"Sorry, Ichigo, but I need to tell you something,"Hōgyoku said.
"Yes?" Ichigo asked.
"I detected a similar reiatsu to that of a sinner just now."She informed.
"Really?" Ichigo questioned in surprise.
"Yes, Ichigo. Do you not trust my sensing skills?"Hōgyoku questioned in mock anger.
"No. I just wanted to clarify it." Ichigo said, not wanting to anger her. "Do you have a lock on that reiatsu?"
"Yes, I do,"Hōgyoku said.
"Looks like the next thing to do is find that Sinner," Ichigo said and ripped a Garganta open in the air and jumped in.
NOTES
(1) Two characters from Bleach's Ninth Division.