Chapter Ninety Eight:

As the sun rose the next morning, the store was more or less empty. Everyone was gathered in the training room below, Ichigo could sense them from the trapdoor. The subtle fluctuations of reishi suggested that the Senkaimon was already open and waiting. He felt a flood of excitement, sliding down the ladder eagerly to join everyone.

The moment his feet hit the ground he felt two pairs of arms wrap around his waist, smiling warmly as Kaida and Hotaru gripped onto him tightly. He ruffled their hair in turn, leaning down to hug them both tightly before he made his way towards the waiting group.

"About time." Grimmjow called out, "Startin' to think ya didn't wanna come."

"And miss your wonderful banter?" Ichigo rolled his eyes, watching as a Garganta was opened for the Espada by Urahara.

Orihime stepped forwards and grabbed his hands in hers, smiling sweetly despite the tears in her eyes, "Promise me you won't leave it too long Kurosaki-kun... There will always be a room with us if you visit."

"Thanks 'Hime." He leaned forwards and kissed her forehead, "I'll be sure to see you soon."

"Ichigo." Chad gave him a pat on the back and said no more, but the strawberry could see the tension in his shoulders.

"Thanks for everything, Chad, you've been great." He murmured, patting his chest, "Look after the sale of the flat for me okay? Put the money in a trust fund for Kaida and Hotaru."

"Sure."

"Kurosaki." Ishida offered a small smile, holding his hand out to his friend.

Ichigo glanced at the hand and shook his head, "Bit beyond that now aren't we?"

"I suppose you're right." The Quincy conceded, embracing the strawberry in a firm hug, "Thank you for everything, Ichigo."

"Thank you, Uryū." He said quietly, "Look after those kids, they're something real special."

"You can count on it."

They broke apart, smiling sheepishly before Ichigo's attention was captured by Yoruichi. She looked marginally better, but still weary.

He was drawn into a busty embrace, "Look after yourself Ichigo! I'll be visiting as soon as I shift this sickness bug!"

"Can I expect a game of tag when I see you next?" He asked.

"Definitely." She grinned, "Give Soi-Fon hell for me!"

"You're joking, she scares the shit out of me." Ichigo snorted, waving to Tessai before he walked towards Urahara, "We almost ready?"

"Good to go, Kurosaki-san." The blond offered his usual goofy grin, "I will be accompanying to back this time, I have a few things to take care of in Seireitei before I can settle back into normality."

"Glad to have you along." He murmured.

"You might change your mind when you find out what his business is." Rukia growled, eyes glaring daggers at the man.

"Oh?" The strawberry's interest peaked, "Have you been causing problems?"

"Hah... Hah... Something... Like that." The fan was produced, something Ichigo had learned was a nervous habit.

"What happened?"

"It was Aizen who gave Urahara the idea of how to restore your powers," Renji announced, "In exchange for a favour."

"A favour?" Ichigo's eyes narrowed slightly, "I'm going to assume from the sudden chilly atmosphere that it's something to do with me."

"I didn't want to inform you until we had returned," Byakuya sighed, arms folded, "Aizen wants to see you when you return. That was the favour."

He blinked, eyebrows lifting at so many serious expressions. He couldn't help but allow a snort to escape him, "Good. I want to see him too."

"What?" Several voices cried at the same time.

He held his head a little higher despite the startled looks he received, "Shiro and I have unfinished business with him, ties to cut, loose ends to sort out. We are going to show him that we are not a product of his actions anymore."

"Kurosaki-san..." Urahara breathed.

"I'm glad he wants to see me, and I'm not going to cower away from it! I'll see him! Because when everything has been said, everything has been done... I'm the one walking out of Muken!" He clenched a fist and gave them an almost feral grin.

Urahara seemed to smile a little more genuinely than normal, apparently the man had been thinking something similar, "Well said, Kurosaki-san. One day you will stop surprising us all, I'm sure."

"I wouldn't bet on it." He muttered, slinging his larger blade over his back while the smaller one settled on his hip, "I'm ready to go home."

"Your carriage awaits." The blond gestured to the Senkaimon.

Grinning in excitement, Ichigo stepped up to the portal, sucking in a breath before he glanced around at his human friends, "See you soon." He promised before jumping in.


The light of Seireitei was blinding, beautiful and brilliant. A thousand different memories flooded back as he stepped free from the official Senkaimon, breathing the familiar free air of Soul Society filled his lungs with as much joy as it ever had. Home. It smelled like home. Felt like home. It was home.

He heard the rustle of fabric behind him as Byakuya, Rukia, Renji and Urahara joined him; and at the same moment the Garganta split open to allow the Espada back through. Ichigo couldn't keep the smile off his face as he finally settled his eyes on the party of Shinigami and Visored stood waiting.

He laughed as he was grabbed, several pairs of arms hugging him so tightly he was sure he'd snap. He heard welcomes from the likes of Hisagi and Matsumoto. He heard Shinji's comical tone as Hiyori's slipper made contact with a face, he could hear Yumichika's joy that he was still as beautiful as ever alongside Ikkaku's crowing.

Ichigo was freed only momentarily before being grabbed by the likes of Yachiru and Rose. So many people, all so happy to see him, to welcome him back.

He greeted them all as best he could, trying to express his gratitude for everything they'd done to bring him back. He wasn't sure his voice was even heard above the hubbub.

Kurotsuchi seemed as likely to dissect him as ever, with Nemu close at his side – she at least offered a small bow of her head. Kenpachi had a feral look in his eye, Ichigo could tell he would have no choice but to spar the man at some point, it was terrifying to consider but also exhilarating too.

Hitsugaya's arms were folded across his chest and a comment was made to the effect of surprise that he'd chosen to return so quickly, but a welcome followed it. Unohana smiled at him, offering a warm welcome home.

Soi-Fon was silent, but nodded once to him, her own little welcome in her own way. He remembered the tension of their previous encounters, his arrest; her distrust. It didn't matter anymore. He smiled at her, and she seemed surprised.

Ichigo's eyes moved to Ukitake and Kyōraku, the two men were side by side. Both were smiling at him and he felt an overwhelming sensation of happiness well inside his chest.

He was home, accepted with open arms. Every moment of suffering had been worth this. His heart felt so full he was sure it might burst, he couldn't stop smiling for even a moment. He'd missed everyone so damn much. It was like coming home. Like being among family.

"Kurosaki-san," Kyōraku tilted his hat as the surrounding chaos slowly dulled to a hum of excitement, "It is good to see you back where you belong. It has been too long, far too long. I hope you can forgive me for that."

"Kyōraku Sou-Taichou... It is good to see you, to see everyone. I-I'm so grateful for what you all did for me, I'm still trying to get my head around it to be honest." He smiled brightly, rubbing the back of his neck, "Ukitake Taichou... How are you? Is your health holding well?"

The white haired Shinigami beamed at him, his family warm fatherly grin, eyes pulling at the corners with faint crows feet as his inner joy revealed itself, "I am doing very well at present, Ichigo-kun. Thank you for your concern."

"As much as I'd love to welcome you home and then send you off to settle in," Kyōraku cleared his throat, "There is someone who wishes to speak with you."

"Yeah, I know, Aizen wants to see me-"

"I do not mean Sōsuke-kun." The Sou-Taichou interrupted as politely as he could, stepping away from the top of the stairs to allow someone else to approach.

Byakuya moved to his lover's side, expression somewhere between shock and frustration, Ichigo followed his fiancé's gaze, blinking as he took note of the man slowly walking up the stairs towards him.

He had long grey hair and a bushy moustache of the same colour, slate grey eyes made a startling similarity to Byakuya's, Ichigo felt his mouth dry a little as he took note of the windflower scarf around the man's shoulders. He was a Kuchiki, and a former Head at that.

His stomach flipped. He knew this face. He'd seen if before. When he and Byakuya had ventured into the Kuchiki Elder's Chambers for the ridiculous meeting at Norio's command... They had walked through that long intimidating corridor with the former Heads of the Kuchiki House displayed on either side.

"Grandfather." Byakuya's voice was just a little strained as he schooled his expression into one of neutrality.

"Byakuya." Came the serene and quiet response, grey eyes never leaving chestnut ones, "Ichigo Kurosaki, we meet at last."

As Ichigo's eyes moved towards the haori the man was sporting, he caught sight of the insignia of the Royal Guard, there was only one response he could muster in the heat of the moment and it slipped out before he could stop it.

"Oh fuck me."


Being greeted by Ginrei Kuchiki wasn't something Ichigo had ever expected, especially considering Byakuya had almost constantly spoken of him in the past tense, he had fully come to believe that the man was dead.

Unsure of whether he was about to be arrested, executed, poached or scolded Ichigo, found himself furiously pacing the unused and abandoned office of Division Eight – it had been the closest secluded area to the Senkaimon. Ginrei was stood behind Kyōraku's old desk watching him patiently. No one else had been allowed within a three meter radius of the building to prevent eavesdropping.

"So what is this?" The strawberry asked eventually, biting the tip of his thumb as he stared towards the older Kuchiki.

Steel eyes met his without hesitation, "An offer. Consider it a hand being extended to you."

"By who?"

"I think you already know, Ichigo Kurosaki. I saw your face when you saw the insignia I bear." A lazy hand gesture to the Royal Guard emblem, "To answer any lingering confusion, I am not a direct member of the Guard, at the end of my tenure as Division Six's Taichou and the Head of the Kuchiki Clan I was offered a position as an ambassador. Something of a go between for the Royal Guard and Central 46."

He hummed softly at the explanation, "Makes sense, I'm sure Byakuya would have said if you'd be promoted. What is this... Offer? And why now?"

"The Soul King... Has been watching your progress for sometime, Kurosaki-san. Those privy to the Soul Palace are not blind to the comings and goings of Seireitei, the Soul King and the Royal Guard assessed the threat of Sōsuke Aizen and found the Goeti 13 more than enough to stop him." Ginrei's eyes followed him as he began pacing again, "If you wish to know, then I shall confirm that your own part in his actions was noted and acknowledged. However, due to your... Heroic actions to stop him, your name has been cleared, you are considered a free man."

"Oh I am thrilled to hear that." The sarcasm dripped free from his lips, followed by anger, "You stand there, smug and proud and confident that you all judged our strength and found it enough to stop Aizen, and yet we lost people. Good people! You watched him, from your fancy palace and your high seats as he tortured... Experimented... Manipulated and murdered! He twisted good and innocent people! And you have the gall to stand there and tell me that my name has been cleared?!"

"Had it been judged that intervention was necessary-"

"It was necessary!" He barked, fists clenched at his sides, "People died because of him! Innocent people! Good people! Would it have been enough for you to act when he'd successfully created an Ōken, broken into the Palace and begun murdering your own?! Would you have acted then?!"

Ginrei was silent. They both knew the answer. Ichigo tutted and turned his back on the man, allowing his anger to fizzle out. If the former Kuchiki Head was to be believed, none of it had been his choice anyway. He was just a spokesman.

"If he knows what Aizen's plans were... What could the Soul King possibly want with me? I was going to help Aizen murder him." Ichigo asked after a long moment.

"Your power is vast, even compared to your peers, your friends and family. You far tower beyond the Taichou of the Goeti in terms of reiatsu. An offer is being extended that you join the ranks of the Royal Guard."

"What?" He whipped around on the spot at stared at him with wide eyes, "You're shitting me."

"It is the truth." Ginrei murmured, clearly unfazed by his language or his attitude, "You are an asset, a powerful, fearsome asset. The Hero of Sôkyoku... The Saviour of Karakura town... Cero Espada... Heir of the Shiba Clan... Quincy."

Ichigo's teeth clenched as he looked away. He didn't like some of those titles, they weren't who he was or what he'd earned. His ears were ringing with disbelief. The Soul King wanted him? In the Royal Guard? They were the best of the best. The very highest any Shinigami could achieve.

"Tell me honestly," He glanced at the older Kuchiki, "Does he see me as a threat?"

"Of course he does." Ginrei raised one eyebrow, "But surely, at this point you have come to understand your powers and capabilities enough to know... You are a threat. If you ever switched allegiances again, if anything swayed you... I doubt even the entire strength of Seireitei would stop you."

He knew it was true. He'd assessed it as well. It had played on his mind for sometime, the fear that his strength and reiatsu would paint a target on his back. He'd overheard Rukia, Renji and Byakuya talking about him as they travelled through the Garganta back to Soul Society after escaping Hueco Mundo. He remembered hearing Rukia's concerns, her fear that the Royal Guard would deem him a threat, or call on him one day. He remembered feeling relief to hear that Byakuya had faith and trust in him. That he would celebrate his promotion, or fight his conviction. But every single day since... That worry had lingered.

"Do I have a choice?" He asked, frowning faintly as he looked up at Byakuya's grandfather.

"Of course you have a choice." Came the reply, "And before you say anything at all, no. The choice is not join us or die."

He laughed in spite of himself, he'd imagined Ginrei Kuchiki to be some stuffy nosed nobleman like Izanshi's depiction of Norio. And while nobility and hierarchy flowed from the man... He was kind of nice.

He took a breath, brushing the desktop with his fingers, "It is... An honour, to be considered for the Royal Guard. It is an honour that my efforts have been noticed, my drive to put right the wrongs, to turn my life around. I know I should jump at the chance... I should accept..."

"This is not a once in a lifetime offer, not for you." Ginrei murmured, "For many, the offer would not be repeated, but I believe that... Should you decline, one day it will be offered again."

"I see..." He hummed, smiling slowly, "I've only just got my life back. My friends... My family... Byakuya... I can't just disappear again."

Ginrei seemed to almost smile at his answer, "I expected as much, I believe the Soul King expected such a reply as well. In which case, I was authorised to offer you a secondary hand of friendship."

"Oh?" Ichigo swallowed nervously.

"Don't look so concerned, Kurosaki-san. I am an old man, hardly capable of doing you much harm without some serious help." The older man's eyes seemed to light up with amusement, just like Byakuya's.

"Hah, you don't fool me. I've heard all the stories." He smirked.

Ginrei's hand dipped into his coat, withdrawing a folded article of white clothing. It was placed on Kyōraku's old desk with all the elegance and precision of a Kuchiki before the former Clan head gestured for Ichigo to step forwards.

Hesitating for only a moment, Ichigo stalked forwards, lifting the cloth a little unceremoniously as he allowed it to unfold in his grasp. His expression changed immediately as he found himself confronted by a haori, not dissimilar to Byakuya's. The major difference was the lack of a Division number or sigil on the back.

"W-What... Is this?" He gasped, looking up at the grey haired Kuchiki.

"An offer, in good faith, not only to yourself but to Soul Society's new allies." The man raised an eyebrow, clasping his hands together in front of him, it seemed like a relaxed motion, "The presence of the Visored, and the Espada, has not gone unnoticed. Their integration into our lifestyle has been duly noted."

"What are you saying?" Ichigo's voice was barely above a whisper.

"This offer, should you choose to accept it, will bring about the biggest change Seireitei has ever witnessed. The creation of a new Division. Your Division."

"W-What..." His eyebrows almost vanished under his hair.

"The Soul King believes that the Visored who held Taichou ranks in the past should be offered their positions back. They may return to their former positions, or they remain in your Division under your guidance. The choice is entirely theirs to make." Ginrei looked down at him thoughtfully, "The rest of the Visored will assume positions under your command regardless."

It was crazy. Surely it was a dream... It couldn't be possible. Him... Heading a Division? His own brand new Division? But what about Byakuya and Division Six... He liked being a Fukutaichou. But... He owed this to the Espada, to the Visored. They'd all tried so hard, fought so hard, come so far. They deserved everything he could give them. Byakuya would understand. In time he'd find another Fukutaichou. But at the end of the day, he would be his husband.

Ichigo's eyes dropped to the plain coat in his hands, it was waiting to be embellished, waiting for a number to be stamped onto it to mark it as his. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected this when he returned home.

A place to belong.

That had been his dream for so long. It had been his driving force for aiding Aizen. It had been Shiro's temptation in Hueco Mundo. It had been his strength when breaking free once and for all. The Espada had nowhere else to go. The Visored no longer wanted to hide.

He remembered the battle, the Winter War. Arriving to find Grimmjow ready to kill Byakuya and Unohana. Nnoitra's failing reiatsu. Nelliel's torment at being forced to fight. Ichigo remembered so fully the moment he had ordered them to stop. The strength and control of Shiro enforcing his will. The Espada had knelt before him. The Visored had too. He'd forced them to obey, they couldn't refuse an order from their natural leader. He was the Cero Espada. Nothing would ever change that. No Arrancar would ever be as strong as he was. No Visored mask would be as unbreakable as his was.

He knew what he had to do.

"I accept." Ichigo looked up sharply, "But I'm not doing it because I want power. I'm not doing it because I want a reward for my hard work. I'm doing it for them! For the Espada, for the Visored. I am going to make sure they have somewhere they can always belong."

"A good, kind-hearted motivation." Ginrei murmured, "The Soul King will be pleased."

"This is crazy." He muttered.

"Perhaps so, from where you started out. But this seems like a natural progression for someone who has tried so hard to do everything any other Taichou would do for the people they are in charge of." The older Kuchiki offered a rare smile, "Once Kyōraku Sou-Taichou has been informed of this, your haori will be branded and the official promotion ceremony will take place, along with those of the other Taichou coming into their positions. In the meantime, you will need to decide upon a Fukutaichou."

It sounded easy, the Espada were ranked based on their strength and a Fukutaichou was always the second strongest person in the Division, well... Except for where he and Byakuya were concerned. But he knew, he knew in his heart there was only one person he could ask.

The strawberry mused, letting out a small breath as he forced himself to come to terms with the strange change of direction his life was heading in, "Sorry for... Being so..."

"Blunt?"

"We'll go with that." Ichigo rubbed the back of his head.

"I believe that is one of the many things my grandson admires about you." Ginrei chuckled, stepping back as he pulled out some paperwork and signed it, apparently the documents were related to Ichigo's decision.

"You know about... Us?" He asked uncertainly.

"Of course I-" Ginrei was cut off by a sudden commotion by the door, it flew open to reveal Byakuya himself.

His face was slightly pale and his eyes were narrowed as he assessed the atmosphere inside the room, the current Head of the Kuchiki Clan slid the door shut behind himself, "I apologise, but I simply cannot wait outside while the likely fate of my fiancé is discussed without me." Byakuya's words were terse, his expression fixed with determination.

"Byakuya... I see you are as impatient as ever." Ginrei sounded amused, tucking his documents away again, "Our conversation has already concluded in terms of Kurosaki Taichou's future in Seireitei."

"Well, be that as it may, I... I..." He trailed off, blinking twice before his attention turned fully to his sunrise haired lover's face and more importantly the haori in his hands, "Kurosaki... Taichou? I was... We were under the impression he would be recruited for the Royal Guard."

Ichigo smiled sheepishly, "The offer was there, but I refused."

"You refused?" Byakuya seemed genuinely taken aback, "Are you insane?! It's the Royal Guard, Ichigo!"

"My place is here. With you, and everyone else." The younger Shinigami shrugged.

"Then... How..." The younger Kuchiki squinted.

"In which case, I was instructed to offer him a position as Taichou. A new Division will be formed, dedicated to those who are half, or full Hollow." The older Kuchiki explained, hands behind his back as he looked at the pair, "Now, if you are quite finished interrupting my private conversations Byakuya, I am somewhat pleased you've come."

"I... My apologies, Grandfather." Byakuya seemed to stiffen a little.

"As I was about to discuss with Ichigo," the strawberry blinked at the sound of his first name leaving the noble's lips, "I am aware of your relationship, of your engagement and your plans to marry."

If Byakuya's posture hadn't been rigid before hand, it was now. The young Kuchiki looked almost sickly with stress that creased his brow, eyes tight at the corners, "Are you... Here to put an end to it?"

Ginrei tutted, eyes rolling just slightly before his hand disappeared within his shihakusho once again, "Silly boy, how quickly you forget that I alone supported your marriage to Hisana. I am here to offer my blessing. And to offer you a small wedding gift."

"A... Gift?" Byakuya repeated, eyebrows lifting curiously.

Ichigo watched curiously as a kenseikan was produced from within the man's uniform. It was like no kenseikan he had ever seen. It was jet black, shiny with lacquer and engraved with silver swirls. Swirls that were very familiar. They matched his Shiba Clan tattoos.

"I requested that this be forged by Ōetsu Nimaiya himself. You understand what that means, yes? This is the most expensive kenseikan in existence, so please do try not to break it like the last one." Ginrei's keen eyes found Ichigo's.

"Ōetsu... Nimaiya? The... The Shinigami credited with creating the Zanpakutō?" Ichigo stared at the fragile hair ornament, almost afraid to stare for too long in case it broke.

"Grandfather..." Byakuya looked at the former Head of his Clan, "Such a gift is... Beyond words. Thank you."

Ichigo watched as Ginrei handed the kenseikan to Byakuya with a subtle, soft smile. In turn the raven haired Shinigami turned, his face slightly flushed as he came forwards to fix the ornament onto Ichigo's temple where the previous kenseikan had rested. The strawberry couldn't deny the feeling of completion he got from wearing one again, but he was just a little daunted by its worth.

His voice was uneven as he spoke, earning a smirk from his fiancé, "Will you be returning from the Soul Palace for the wedding?"

"If I am permitted leave from my duties... It would be an honour to witness the joining of two such great families, and the confirmed happiness of my Grandson." Ginrei's eyes seemed to warm as he appraised Ichigo again, "Now, if you will excuse me, I must trouble Kyōraku for his time. It is important business, creating a new Division. I expect great things from you, Ichigo Kurosaki."

"I... Thanks..." Ichigo watched as the man left the office with a flourish of his haori and scarf, way to similar to Byakuya's movements for his own liking, the strawberry then looked up at his fiancé and let out a long breath he hadn't known he was holding, "Okay, so just so we're on the same page here... Your Granddad scares the shit out of me. But I kinda like him."

Byakuya laughed softly and pulled him close, fingers trailing over the new kenseikan in his hair before sliding down his face, "It has been a long time since I last saw him, he hasn't changed at all. Out of all the previous Clan Heads he is among the most accepting and understanding of how Soul Society must change to continue doing good work."

He nodded mutedly, looking down at the coat still tightly within his grasp, "What the fuck just happened in here anyway?"

"You've been recognised for the good work you've done." The raven haired Shinigami murmured, "I'm proud of you. If not... Surprised that you would refuse a position in the Royal Guard."

"That surprises you?" Ichigo raised his eyebrows questioningly, "I've just got my Shinigami powers back, I've just been reunited with you and everyone else. No amount of power, or position or flattery will ever make me surrender any of that again."

Byakuya's expression softened into a sweet smile as he pecked him on the lips with a tender kiss, "I know, and I love you for it. Now, I do believe your friends are waiting for you outside, eagerly wanting to know the outcome of your meeting. Shall we go and greet them, Kurosaki Taichou?"

The younger man flushed, that was going to take some getting used to, "You can't call me that yet, there's a ceremony thing right?"

"I do believe you told me I could call you whatever I wished behind closed doors." A wicked smirk.

"Damn you." Ichigo rolled his eyes and lifted the haori again, on closer inspection he noticed that the inner lining was a deep shade of shimmering gold material, very reflective of Shiro's eyes, he could almost hear the Hollow purring at being recognised as well, "Oh they're gonna flip their shit."

Taking the haori from his hands, Byakuya hummed in amusement, helping Ichigo slide it onto his shoulders. The short sleeves felt comfortable against the torn sleeve style of his shihakusho, he was proud of his Clan tattoos and enjoyed having them on display. With an inward snort, the strawberry realised he really had joined the ranks of the inked as Renji and Hisagi had previously teased.

Sweeping his long hair free from within the white coat, allowing it to flutter free around him, Ichigo held his hands out at his sides, "How'd I look?"

The Kuchiki heir stepped back to appraise him, breaking into a smile, "You look every bit the powerful, beautiful creature you have grown to be. You look like you belong, Ichigo."

Ichigo beamed at that, it felt true. He felt like he belonged. And he would make sure the Espada and the Visored felt the same way even if it was his only life goal. He wouldn't be a tyrant like Aizen, he would make sure his... Subordinates always felt like they could talk to him, like they could come to him with problems or even advice. He was the youngest hybrid among them, he'd always be grateful for their guidance. He would respect them, care for them, protect them and fight along side them with every ounce of power he had. He would be there for them.

"Ah." Byakuya's voice cut through his thoughts and drew his attention, "It appears Kyōraku has already agreed to the terms set out by the Soul King."

"How can you tell?" He asked curiously.

The nobleman gently swept some of Ichigo's hair aside, looking at his back, "The number of your Division has just appeared on the haori. It's a Kidō marking, designed never to fade or wash off. Division Fourteen officially exists, congratulations."

"I wonder if Kyōraku had some idea that it was going to happen, he always knows more than he shows. Like Urahara." Ichigo shook his head and smiled a little shyly, "After you?"

"Oh no, after you."

Cursing him loud enough for the raven haired Shinigami to hear and chuckle, Ichigo threw the office door open and stalked out, hands buried deep in his shihakusho pockets, eyes narrowed as he immediately laid eyes on his friends. He could see a multitude of reactions ranging from straight out shock, to surprise, understanding and happiness.

"Holy shit!" He heard Grimmjow's rough tones shout out.

"A haori? Does that mean... Oh my..." Yumichika's higher tones seemed to go even higher with his surprise.

"Has the Soul King lost his mind?" Soi-Fon sounded less pleased.

"Ichigo's a... Taichou? Which Division?!" Hisagi clapped his hands sharply as he fished for details.

"Ichigo?!" Rukia and Renji's voices were the ones which cut above the rest, the redhead approaching him eagerly, immediately patting him on the back as Rukia rushed around his back to see the number on his haori.

"Wait... This..." She stared.

"Well, who's he taking over from then?" Ikkaku demanded.

"No one." The younger Kuchiki shook her head, eyes wide as she stared up at her friend, "It says F-Fourteen..."

"What?" There was a chorus of confusion.

Ichigo wanted to explain, he wanted to put them all in the picture but he locked eyes with the Espada, the Visored. He knew Shinji, Kensei, Love and Rose would potentially be returning to their respective Divisions, but they didn't know that yet.

He walked forwards, thankfully they were all stood together, they almost seemed to orbit each other, although he wasn't sure if it was intentional or not. He stopped in front of Starrk and looked up at the Primera thoughtfully. He needed to say something, the man had been the Espada's leader a lot longer than he had, he owed him that respect.

He was certain he'd lost his voice, his throat tightening dryly as anxiety ripped through him. What if he said the wrong thing? What if he sounded stupid? He felt a hand clasp around his own, pure white but just as strong as his own. Shiro. He wasn't there, not physically, it was a mental connection, a Soul connection. Something stronger than his physical presence.

He'd never been so grateful for the albino's presence. That silent voice telling him: ya can do this.

"My friends. My family." He said softly, voice growing stronger, "If you will have me, despite my youth and lesser experience, I have been given command of Division Fourteen. A place for us. Visored, Arrancar, hybrid. All I ever wanted was somewhere to belong, somewhere to call home. I want to give you the same thing, if you will have me."

There was a pregnant pause, a silence that seemed to stretch forever. Ichigo only lifted his gaze when he heard a distinctive rustle of material and clothing, his eyes widening as he saw them lowered down on one knee before him, just like in Karakura town.

"The Espada will follow you, no matter where you lead." Starrk said firmly, offering a lazy smile.

"If ya ever need a nudge in the right direction... The Visored will give ya a kick." Shinji grinned.

"As long as you don't make me call you 'Taichou'..." Grimmjow snorted.

"No..." The strawberry said immediately, "I am what I've always been to you. Your Cero Espada."

"Thank fuck." The Sexta said, making everyone laugh.

"So it would seem we have two big events to expect now." Ukitake's voice was gentle beside him, "A promotion ceremony, and a noble wedding. I can see exciting times coming towards us all, Ichigo-kun."

He heard the Espada and Visored getting to their feet again, and adjusted his Zanpakutō as he looked at the white haired man, "Something like that."

Ukitake's keen eyes scanned the small and large blade before his smile widened, "It is rare for us to see any Shinigami with two Zanpakutō, you are as always, a breath of fresh air."

The strawberry released a small purr as he felt Byakuya's arms encircle him from behind, glancing around at his fiancé, his face warming as he was greeted with a subtle, contented smile, "He's a breath of fresh air for us all, Ukitake Taichou." The Kuchiki heir hummed.

"Oh do stop Nii-sama, you'll make his head inflate." Rukia teased, standing beside her Taichou.

"I'm only saying what's true." The older Kuchiki chuckled at his sister's facial expression, "Besides, you have been receiving equal praise have you not? Perhaps you will follow Renji and Ichigo's footsteps one day."

The woman's face turned red at the suggestion, "I... I mean I don't know about that. It's a lot of responsibility and... And..."

"And you've been hand holding Renji since he was a kid. If that doesn't show that you can handle responsibility I don't know what would." Ichigo teased, receiving a punch to the arm from his redheaded friend.

"Asshole." Renji growled.

"You know it's true." The strawberry smirked.

"We should head home to the Estate." Byakuya chuckled in spite of himself at the look of murderous intent on Renji's face, "I know that Momoru is looking forward to seeing you again."

Ichigo relaxed and straightened a little, his eyes settling on Urahara's form. The blond had been lingering back the entire time, but as their gazes met he received a stern little nod and he knew what it meant.

"If you wouldn't mind... Can you go ahead?" He asked, looking up at Byakuya.

"Aizen?" The nobleman asked, a small frown forming on his features.

"Yeah." He nodded once, "It's time."