Chapter Nineteen: Facing the Music
"You have a great deal to explain to us!" Boomed the head captain.
Takeshi looked at all the gathered soul reapers in the room. Many had the look of neutrality at the moment. Though he noticed Sui-Feng had a look of un-diluted murder on her face as she stared at him. His eyes stopped to look at his mother Kayda. She had a look that seemed to be a mix of, worry, concern, and slight disappointment. That alone made him feel worse than anything else the situation on hand could seem to do at the moment. Hardening his nerves and emotions, he looked to the head captain and addressed him in a calm and collected manner. He wanted to avoid showing he was scared and/or intimidated as much as possible.
"I suppose so, head captain." He spoke in a calm and even tone. "I will explain as much as I can as clearly as I can. I'm sure whatever I can't, those that came with me can help fill in the blanks as well."
"You were told to only bring your brother along with you!" Cut in Sui-Feng with a bite in her tone. If Takeshi was bothered by her, he didn't show it. A fact that only seemed to aggravate the woman even more.
"I understand that you wanted just me and my brother to come." Replied Takeshi. "However, others were present when we received the message to come here. They insisted on coming as well for their own reasons. In all honesty, it's better they did, as I'm sure you'll come to understand soon enough."
With that spoken, Takeshi moved inside the room and allowed the rest of the group to follow in after him. Ichigo followed in next and then Chad, Orihime, and Uryu did as well. Once Karin and Yuzu then walked in was when some eyebrows rose in surprise and confusion.
"Karin! Yuzu! What are you doing here!?" Exclaimed Rukia.
"Hi, Rukia! Good to see you again!" Chimed Yuzu in her usual cheery manner.
"Glad to see you're doing well." Piped Karin. "As for what we're doing here. Well, let's just say for the moment. We've become a lot more aware and involved in this stuff since last we saw one another."
Rukia wasn't sure how to respond to that. So she settled on giving a glare with all the anger of a pissed-off rabbit at the Kurosaki brothers. Both brothers had the decency to sheepishly look away from her gaze.
However, it was the final person to enter the room that truly caught the shock and surprise of all the gathered soul reapers. Namely one Isshin Kurosaki as he entered the room and stopped to look at the gathered soul reapers. Many of said soul reapers looked at Isshin with open mouths and wide eyes.
"How's it going, everyone? Long time no see." Spoke Isshin with a grin.
Nothing was said for a few moments as the gathered soul reapers were still trying to process the sight in front of them. Eventually, a certain white-haired captain and his busty vice-captain broke the silence.
"CAPTAIN SHIBA!?" Both boomed out together.
Looking at the two with a smile on his face. "Toshiro and Rangiku! Great to see you again! Especially you Toshiro, you're a captain now. I always knew you'd make that rank sooner rather than later."
"Hold on a sec dad!" Cut in Ichigo. "You're a Shiba!? Does that mean we're related to Kukaku and Ganju?"
"Kurosaki was your mother's last name and to answer your other question. Kukaku and Ganju are your cousins." Said the eldest Kurosaki.
"Captain Shiba!" Said the head captain. "What is the meaning of all this? We assumed you to have died in the line of duty years ago. Not to mention you are the father to Ichigo Kurosaki?"
"That's right, head captain." Said Isshin suddenly very serious as he took a spot in front of all his children. "Ichigo is my son, Karin and Yuzu are my daughters. While Takeshi may not be my child by blood, I still consider him my child. Just as much as I do my other children."
"Captain Shiba." Spoke Byakuya. "While I'm sure you have valid reasoning for being here in the human world for so long. However, fathering children with humans is quite the offense that you are no doubt aware of."
The former Shiba clan head looked at the current Kuchiki head with a heated glare. "You're the last person I want to hear trying talk to me about my children. Especially considering you nearly killed both my sons, you elitist son of a bitch! I have half a mind as it is to drag you down to the training room by that overpriced scarf of yours. And kick your sorry ass from one end to the other with Engetsu." Isshin roared.
The Kurosaki children were taken slightly aback by their father's actions. They had always known their dad to be a pretty easy-going and nice guy. To see him with such anger and steel in his voice was something new to them.
"I'll explain my story as best as I can." Began Isshin as all those in attendance began to listen intently to him. "As some of you already know, the last assignment I was tasked to before I disappeared. Was a mission to the living world to find and deal with a rather powerful hollow. In my search I eventually located said hollow, it turned out to be a Vasto Lorde of all things. I engaged the Vasto Lorde and the fighting became quite intense. During the fighting, the hollow became aware of a spiritually aware human and decided to attack."
"It was mom, wasn't it?" Cut in Ichigo.
Isshin looked to his children with a solemn look. "Yes, it was your mother Masaki." He said softly before turning back to the gathered soul reapers. "I did my best to defend Masaki and deal with the hollow. However, someone else showed up and interfered with my efforts. We all know him quite well, unfortunately."
"Sosuke Aizen." Stated Unohanna.
"Correct." Answered Isshin. "He interfered and admitted to being the creator of the hollow. Even going as far as to say he created using the souls and energies of purely soul reapers. He held me off long enough to allow the hollow to successfully attack Masaki by biting her in the shoulder. Once that happened Aizen fled, I was confused at first until I realized why that was. Apparently, Aizen had built the hollow with some sort of self-destructive move. I quickly moved in and shielded Masaki from the blast. Then something even more unexpected happened." Isshin spoke before taking a deep breath and continuing his tale.
"You see the reason the hollow had a self-destructive move was that it was seemingly designed to use it. When it found a suitable host to latch on to and attempt hollowfication on."
That tidbit of news sent a shock through all present, especially the Kurosaki children.
"Holy shit," Takeshi muttered to himself.
Isshin continued on with his tale. "The major problem was Masaki's body couldn't handle the hollowfication and risked suffering soul suicide. I soon ran into Kisuke, who then made a special gigai for me. It was made in a way so that it created a connection between me and Masaki which suppressed the hollow inside her. However, for it to work, it came at the cost of me having to seal away my own soul reaper powers in the process. It was never my intention to abandon soul society. The fact was I was left with no way to get back, left powerless and I also felt I had a responsibility to watch over Masaki."
Nothing was said a for few minutes as everyone processed all that had been said. Eventually, Ukitake broke the silence.
"Taking everything into account captain Shiba." Ukitake spoke. "I think it's safe to say that you're another unfortunate victim of Aizen's treachery."
"I agree with Jushiro on this." Stated Kyoraku.
"As do I." Cut in Unohana.
"While I am willing to concede to the points of your stay in the living world." Said Byakuya. "I'm not sure that excuses from having broken the law. Regarding fathering children with those of the living world."
"Would you pull that stick out of your ass already Kuchiki!?" Hollered Isshin, which earned snorts of amusement from Takeshi and Ichigo. "Look, after all, that happened I was forced to have to live my life essentially as a human. During that time I became a doctor, me and Masaki eventually fell in love and married. Then we eventually had children, seeing how that what married people tend to do. I honestly never expected to regain my powers. I figured I would just age like a normal human alongside my wife, thanks to the gigai Kisuke made for me. We would watch our children grow up and have families of their own. Before we pass of old age and move on to being spirits. The was the plan anyway." Isshin finished with a somber tone.
"When did you regain your powers captain Shiba?" Questioned Unohana.
"At the same time, Ichigo awakened his own dormant soul reaper powers," Isshin answered honestly.
"Hold on here." Cut in Karin. "If your powers being lockdown because they were keeping the hollow inside mom suppressed. How come they didn't re-awaken when mom was killed?"
"Karin brings up a good point dad." Spoke Ichigo.
Isshin looked to him with a somber expression. "You see Ichigo when your mother became pregnant with you. For whatever reason, the hollow inside your mother latched onto you and fused with your soul. Hence, why you have an inner hollow even though you've never been forced through any sort of hollowfication experiments. Somehow when it latched onto you, the bonds that kept my powers suppressed went to you as well. Then when you awoke your dormant powers, that for some reason broke the chains holding back my powers."
"Dad." Piped Yuzu. "If that's the case with big brother Ichigo. What about me and Karin? Do we have any kind of hollow inside of us too by chance?"
Isshin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "The truth is girls after you were born. We had Kisuke look you over, to see if you were like Ichigo. The fact of it all is that, no you two don't have an inner hollow. However, you two have some small amounts of hollow-like power in you, just not enough for you to have an inner hollow at all. Kisuke theorizes that even though the hollow latched on to Ichigo. Seeing how it was so powerful, some traces of its power still lingered inside your mother after his birth. Which then passed onto the two of you when your mother became pregnant with you."
"Well, that's reassuring….. I think?" Mused Karin.
"Not to interrupt." Cut in Kyoraku. "Getting back on track here a bit Captain Shiba. Seeing how your son Ichigo has soul reaper powers. Plus, going off of what your daughters said earlier. Is it safe to assume your girls have also inherited soul reaper powers from you?"
"Yep, we have." Spoke Karin, as she motioned to her twin and they moved up towards the group of soul reapers. Stopping just in front of them all.
"Kisuke, do the thing." Said Karin.
Not needing to be told twice, Kisuke quickly moved and tapped the two girls with the end of his cane. Separating their souls from their bodies and revealing their soul reaper forms.
"Maa, maa." Chimed Kyoraku. "Just what sort of training have the both you received by chance?"
"Well, we've only had our powers for roughly a month. In that time though we've been given training swordsmanship by our dad. Close combat training by Yoruichi and Kido training by Tessai. We're even in swordsmanship, though Yuzu has better talent in kido, I have better talent in CQC."
"How extensive is your skill with kido, if you don't mind me asking?" Wondered Unohana.
"Well, I can cast spells up #61 without issue, though I still have to use the incantation for it at that level. However, I can cast lower level spells like Sōkatsui without incantation and losing minimal power." Answered Yuzu.
"Oh my," Chimed Unohana. "To have such mastery in such a short time and to such a point. That makes you nothing short of a true prodigy of kido."
"Thank you!" Replied Yuzu with her infectious smile.
"Part of our rapid progress has to do with the fact me and Yuzu. Seem to share the same rapid power growth rate of our older brothers. When it comes to CQC, I can already perform ikkotsu. Granted my usage of the technique is still imperfect. I can still use it effectively enough to even scare Kisuke though." Piped Karin.
"She speaks the truth." Quickly said the shopkeeper.
That got even more curious stares from the gathered soul reapers.
"What?" Wondered Karin with a raised brow, not quite understanding the strange looks she was getting.
"Karin," Spoke Ukitake. "ikkotsu is a rather advanced hakuda technique. For someone with as little time to have soul reaper powers. To be able to perform that move even it still needs some more refinement. Is still highly impressive."
"It just means the girl has strong instincts when it comes to fighting is all." Cut in Zaraki with a grin.
"Guess it's worth noting that Yuzu and I managed to unlock our shikai's yesterday." Mused Karin.
"May we see them?" Asked Ukitake.
Both sisters nodded and drew their blades.
"Reap the Heavens: Dangetsu!
"Illuminate the Night: Hikarugetsu!"
With commands spoken, Karin's blade transformed into the large odachi blade and Yuzu's turned into its Chinese Jian form. The captains looked at the blades with keen interest, not to mention the sheer amount of reiatsu coming off the two young girls.
"Goodness, you two already are at a vice-captain level, how impressive of you." Complimented Unohana.
"Impressive indeed." Cut in Byakuya. "However, what was the reasoning behind you wishing to unlock your inherited soul reaper powers?"
"We want to be to protect the people and things we cherish." Answered Yuzu. "Once we learned about our heritage, we decided to unlock our powers was a necessity. Seeing everyone else in our family go off to fight all these battles. We just couldn't stand to simply sit on the sidelines, when we knew we had the potential to help. Not to mention, it was for our own protection as well. With so many dangers lurking around, we felt having our own powers was needed. To better protect ourselves, after all, we can't expect others to always be there to help us if danger comes for us at some point."
Byakuya said nothing but simply nodded his head in understanding to the twins.
"Truth be told, we're wondering if you'd be willing to make us substitute soul reapers? Like big brother Ichigo." Asked Karin.
This sent a murmur amongst the gathered soul reapers. While bringing on more substitutes was an interesting move to make. None could deny that the twins held incredible power and their potential could clearly go much, much higher. Such deep talent was a rarity to find. Add in the fact they seemed so willing to put their immense potential to aid soul society. In the end, many captains were already contemplating taking at least one if not both girls under the supervision of their division.
"It shall be taken into consideration." Announced the head captain. "For now we must get to the main reason for our visit here. Takeshi and Ichigo Kurosaki, explain to us your connection with the Arrancar."
Both brothers stepped forward, knowing that this was coming. They stopped once they were standing in the middle of the gathered soul reapers, completely surrounded by them.
"First off, just how much do you already know by chance? Just so we can head straight to the details you don't know." Questioned Takeshi.
"This is the facts we know at this time." Spoke Hitsugaya. "You two have been engaged with these Arrancar more or less since the night Ichigo received powers from Rukia Kuchiki. You both have been trained by the leader of this small group of Arrancar. We're also aware of the fact you both are involved in romantic relationships revolving around a few of them. Especially Takeshi, as we know for a fact the Arrancar you are involved with is currently with child. We are aware that Ichigo's relationship with an Arrancar is intimate. Fast forward to after Aizen's defection and your return to Karakura. You were approached by them once more, upon doing so they admitted, to be working for Aizen."
"They cut off ties with Aizen. When we met them after our return. They were under orders to bring us to Aizen. They refused to do so and cut off ties with him." Cut in Takeshi.
"It could very well be a ruse on their part, per orders from Aizen." Retorted Hitsugaya.
"You're reaching for straws on that one and you know it." Replied the fullbringer. "If they truly had any intentions of taking us to Aizen, they would have done so long before now. You know that too."
"Regardless," Began Hitsugaya. "from that point on they have been living with you all and have been helping you both train your hollow powers. Look to a few days ago and we know that a sizeable force of Arrancar came to Karakura. Our sensors in soul society detected high-level Arrancar powers all over town."
"That was because our friends helped us defend Karakura from the men Aizen sent. They actually killed a fair amount of the ones sent here. Doesn't seem like something they would do if they were still working for Aizen in secret." Chimed Ichigo.
"Plus," Spoke Takeshi. "During all that, Aizen's most powerful Arrancar in his service. Chose to defect from him and join our side."
"That we did not know." Said Hitsugaya in genuine surprise before composing himself. "Our sensor's also picked up, a giant blast of hollow reiatsu on the edge of town as well that same night."
"Yeah, that was me. I was fighting against Aizen's number two, the former ruler of Hueco Mundo Baraggan Louisenbairn." Piped up Takeshi.
"You fought against him and lived!?" Cut in Kyoraku.
"You all are already aware of who he is then I take it?" Takeshi retorted.
"Yes," Answered Kyoraku. "Baraggan is an extremely ancient and powerful hollow. We've known that he had ruled over Hueco Mundo, practically as long as anyone can remember. I'm honestly surprised you're still alive after having fought someone like him."
"I only am because Kisuke and Yoruichi showed up when they did and pulled my ass out of there. Then Orihime used her healing abilities to help make sure I didn't die from simply having been beaten to within an inch of my life." The fullbringer mused.
"I see, getting back on course. You said the attack was of your own doing?" Inquired the young captain.
"That's right. It's an attack called 'Gran Rey Cero' it's essentially a cero infused with one's own blood and gets supercharged because of it. Normally only the most powerful of Arrancar can use it. After what that prick Aizen did to me, I can use actual hollow powers. To such a degree that I'm capable of holding my own if not beating, all but the absolutely most powerful Arrancar around."
"How extensive is your ability to use hollow techniques?" Questioned Hitsugaya.
"Well, I can do just about everything you can think of in all honesty. Garganta, cero, bala, and certain hollow techniques. Like heirro and sonido are so similar in nature to some of my fullbringer powers that they passively work together as one. Making the pre-existing techniques all that much more powerful." Takeshi answered honestly.
"What of you, Ichigo?" Wondered Hitsugaya.
"I can use things like bala and cero and I can use some stuff like heirro. I don't really bother with sonido since my shunpo is stronger and things like Garganta are still beyond me at the moment."
This sent another wave of surprise through the gathered soul reapers. While they had figured the brothers would have worked on trying to gain control over their sudden hollow powers. They hadn't expected them to actually learn full-blown hollow techniques. Let alone to the extent that they were claiming. Clearly being trained by the Arrancar had been a boost to their efforts
"Where are these Arrancar allies of yours by chance?" Asked Ukitake.
"They're somewhere safe and away from here. We figured bringing them here would add unneeded stress to what would already be an already pretty stressful situation. That being said, they are still close enough to be here in a very timely manner if need be." Spoke the fullbringer.
The soul reapers didn't need clarification on what that meant. If blades were drawn the others in the shop had their Arrancar allies as reinforcements that could arrive quickly to help.
"Expecting to fight us, so you keep your hollow pets in reserve?" Spat Sui-Feng.
Takeshi gave the captain a stern glare.
"Not at all Sui-Feng. The truth is I don't want a fight with soul society and if there's going to be one. Me and everyone else on my side won't be the ones to draw first. The fact is we had an idea as to what we were walking into when we came here. It was only logical to keep people back as a contingency of sorts. Only an utterly naïve fool would come into this without such a thing." Takeshi finished with a noticeable bite in his tone.
Sui-Feng was going to retort back but was cut off before should she could get a word out.
"Just who are these Arrancar with you by chance?" Cut in Komamura, hoping to steer the talk away from un-needed aggression.
"Most of you have heard my tale from my time stuck in Hueco Mundo. The Arrancar that first came to town are in fact the ones who helped keep me alive during that time, back when they were still normal hollows. Tia Halibel, Emilou Apacci, Cyan Sung-Sun, and Franceska Mila-Rose. The ones that recently turned against Aizen are Coyote Stark and Lilynette Gingerbuck." Explained Takeshi.
"I see," Spoke Komamura. "That makes sense why you have such trust in them."
"Of course," Retorted Takeshi. "You all didn't honestly think everyone here would just trust some random Arrancar? If you did, that honestly rather insulting. Not to mention the fact between my dad, Kisuke and Yoruichi. If they all didn't trust them, we probably wouldn't be having this talk right now in all honesty."
"I believe it time we get to the heart of the matter of your dealings with the Arrancar." Cut in Byakuya. "Namely your romances amongst them."
"Fine then," Takeshi spoke knowing they couldn't dance around the issue any longer. "Those of you who know my story already know that Mila and I went through a lot together in Hueco Mundo. In all honesty, neither of us really knew just what our feelings were for one another. I was still younger and with no experience with such things. Mila was still a normal hollow, so the whole concept was confusing and alien to her. It wasn't until Mila became an Arrancar that she was finally able to understand how she felt towards me. I didn't fully understand until we had our reunion the night Ichigo received his powers from Rukia. We had a big heart to heart, and I realized just how much I truly cared for her. So we agreed to start dating and I have absolutely no regrets about it."
"What of you Ichigo?" Questioned Byakuya.
"Not much to say really." Mused the orange-haired teen. "I first met Sung-Sun not long into my training under Halibel. I already knew a lot about her thanks to my brother. During my training breaks or when my brother was being tested by Halibel. We would sit together and talk it up and get to know one another. I quickly found out we both shared a deep appreciation for classic literature. I even loaned her some of my own personal collection. I'd say around that time I first began to feel true attraction to her, even if I was a little dense about it at first. Eventually, after some encouragement from my brother, I just went ahead and asked her out. She agreed and we've been together ever since, and it's been wonderful, to be frank about it. I don't regret being with her."
Byakuya looked back towards Takeshi. "Where does Yoruichi Shihoin fit into this equation?"
"Yoruichi and me hooking up, was certainly unexpected. Even more so than me and Mila in all honesty. when I first arrived back home, Yoruichi offered to train me in CQC. I lacked in the skill and Yoruichi is arguably the best trainer one could ask for. So taking the offer was a no-brainer really. During our training session things just sort of began to build between us. Granted, even Yoruichi admitted to me she wasn't completely sure at first when she began to feel romantic emotions for me. For my part, I was unsure because of my lack of experience in such things. Plus my conflicting emotions towards still swimming in my head at the time. Things between us came to a head in soul society during Rukia's rescue. After my win over Zaraki, I was left in a very sorry state. Yoruichi found me before it was too late and took me to a secret training room of hers and Kisuke. I woke to find her under the covers with me naked, much to my surprise at the time."
Everyone was listening intently to this, except Karin and Yuzu. Who had their ears currently covered up by Isshin and Uryu. They figured such a topic of discussion wasn't something for two young girls to be hearing. Sui-Feng seemed to be getting angrier by the second if her venom-filled glare was anything to go by.
"That was the first major sign," Continued Takeshi. "The big realization came when were both naked in a healing hot spring. She suddenly put herself on my lap and straddled me and start making out with me before I was completely aware of what was happening."
"That was when you defiled Lady Yoruichi!" Spat out Sui-Feng in anger.
"Oh please," Deadpanned Takeshi. "Kisuke 'defiled' Yoruichi long before me or you could have ever done so."
Sui-Feng suddenly had a look of embarrassment and shock at the accusation. "You dare to think that I would ev-" She began before being cut off.
"Give it a rest why don't you?" Snarked Takeshi. "Your closeted lesbian feelings for Yoruichi are more obvious than the sun in the sky. Anyways before I was interrupted, Yoruichi and I didn't have sex then. Despite the situation, I was already in my relationship with Mila and I stopped it all before it went out to control. We talked things out and she explained her feelings to me. After I thought about it all myself, I realized that I had feelings for her as well. But since I was already in a relationship I didn't want to cheat on Mila." The fullbringer finished with total honesty.
"I can't believe you actually managed to say no to her." Chimed Kyoraku. "You had a naked, ready, and willing woman like Yoruichi. Literally sitting in your lap, in a hot spring of all places and you managed to resist. You're probably the only man in the world who could have done such a thing."
"Believe me, if I was single at the time, in that situation all over again. I would have had her bent over the side of the hot spring. Making her meow like the cat woman she is faster than you could blink." Replied Takeshi.
"Takeshi!" Hollered Ichigo. "Really!?"
"What?" Shrugged the violet-eyed teen. "I'm only speaking the truth here after all. Getting back on track, we did eventually have sex but that wasn't until after Aizen's betrayal, after what the bastard did to me. I imagine you've all by now seen whatever report captain Unohana wrote on me. About what I was like when I first awoke after what had been done to me. How I explained what that whole experience that was forced on me was like." Takeshi finished with some bite in his tone.
"Yes, we have," Said Hitsugaya with a sad tone. "I admit, I can't imagine just how awful being forced through such a thing must be. Reading over the report, it must have been traumatizing of the highest degree."
"It was," Said the fullbringer. "Imagine being held down against your will and then someone changes you. In what feels like the most invasive, perverse, and destructive way imaginable. That affects all aspects of your being in body, mind, and soul down to your very core."
Everyone was quiet for a minute before Takeshi continued. "Anyways, I was left, a broken wreck after the whole experience and my mental state seemed to be slipping away steadily more and more with the passing days. Those looking after me at that time were getting desperate. To figure out some way to break me out of my current state. Captain Unohana suggested the idea of doing something to me. That would have enough of a powerful positive emotional and mental impact on me to knock me out of my funk. Allow me to make it clear that she never actually suggested that someone have sex with me as a means to do that. Yoruichi came up with that one on her own. One night she came to me and this time I couldn't resist. More so do with my new hollow nature, I felt an overwhelming instinct course through myself. One too powerful in that moment to fight against, so I had sex with Yoruichi that night. It managed to put my head back on straight, in a manner of speaking."
"Nothing much else to say about things until me, my brother, and my friends went back to the living world. Not long after that, Ichigo and I confronted Halibel and the others about their ties to Aizen. They admitted to have been working for him but their interactions with us. Over the previous few months had been, purely of their own doing. Granted he had found out about it all and ordered them to drag me and my brother to him by force if needed. Thankfully they refused to follow those orders and declared they were cutting off ties with Aizen. They consider their ties to us more powerful, than the fear of Aizen's power. Unknown to us, Yoruichi had followed in secret and proceeded to confront us all. Things got a little heated but eventually, we all convinced her about things. I, Yoruichi, and Mila talked about our relations with one another. Mila and Yoruichi agreed to shall I say share me, in sense."
"Hold on a sec here." Cut in Kyoraku. "So you're dating not one but two beautiful women at once?"
"Yep."
A tiny storm cloud seemed to magically appear above Kyoraku as he hung his head in despair. "Not fair….. not fair…." The captain muttered to himself.
"Anyways," Spoke Takeshi choosing to ignore the odd display. "It was soon after that, they both told me they were pregnant. Afterward, we all went to speak with Kisuke, who after grilling us all a bit, agreed to help. Since then we've been keeping low, training and so forth in preparation for Aizen's first move and well we already know what that was and now here we all are." Takeshi took a deep breath as he continued. "Look, I get that you all have your prejudices towards hollows and rightly so considering your job. I too will admit that many hollows are far from likable no doubt to that. That being said, I also know that with any group there will always be exceptions to the norm. Mila, Halibel, and the others all fall under that I can say for certain. Anyone else here who has met them will tell you the same thing. Arrancar or not they are good people and just want to be able to live peacefully and happily. Besides, you can't stand there and say all soul reapers are good. What happened recently in soul society is proof enough of how evil some of them truly are. Not to mention one or two that I'm sure some of you have your issues with as well at times." He jerked a thumb at Kurotsuchi to make his point, something the other captains couldn't really argue against.
Takeshi took in another breath as he focused directly on the head captain. "Sir, I understand that you have a lot of reason to doubt me. First and foremost being I'm not even a soul reaper which I know makes some of you rather jumpy. Especially, considering how powerful I am brought into account. I know I've made some mistakes here and there but I'm only sixteen. Who the hell here can say that they haven't made some mistakes at such a young age? I never planned on things happening as they have, they just sort of did. Ever since that night at the river, my whole life has seemingly been, one crazy event after another. And my only goal through it all was trying to survive and ensure the safety of those I care about. Head captain when I say I mean no harm to soul society and only want peace for myself and my loved ones. I really mean that and I'm willing to help how I can against Aizen to help make that happen."
The gathered soul reapers look amongst one another, taking in everything they were told. The head captain was noticeably stroking his beard while in deep thought about everything. Then he slammed the end of his cane into the floor drawing everyone's attention to him.
"I am willing to concede that things were not as we came to initially believe." Spoke the ancient soul reaper. "Nor can we afford to act too rashly in these troubling times. We need all capable fighters we can muster, to ensure victory over Aizen. Thus the matters brought before us and the decisions regarding them. Shall be discussed and decided upon now. Starting with the actions of captain Shiba. Does anyone have anything they wish to say beforehand?"
Hitsugaya took a step forward and looked towards Isshin. "Captain Shiba, when you disappeared, we all feared the worse had become of you. The division turned chaotic due to your sudden disappearance. When we had to accept that you were most likely dead and never coming back. It hurt us all back in the tenth, more than I think I can truly express. When I first saw you here and realized where you had been all this time. I was both shocked and admittedly angry, after hearing your side of it, however. I understand why you did as you did, and I hope you'll be able to work with us once more."
Isshin looked back at his former subordinate and protégé. He wasn't sure what to say so instead he just gave small smile instead.
"Let us proceed then." Cut in the head captain, drawing all eyes to him. "Captain Shiba while your actions would normally warrant severe punishment. However, due to the unique nature of your situation and the situation at hand. I see fit to forgive these transgression's and furthermore. As we require capable soul reapers to fill the voids of captaincy we currently have. I hereby reinstate you as a captain of the gotei 13 as captain of the ninth division!" Proclaimed the head captain with a tone that left no room for argument.
Needless to say, everyone in the room was rather shocked by such a decision, especially Isshin himself. Though it could have ended much worse. Though things weren't in the clear just yet.
"Now to address the possible appointment of Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki as substitute soul reapers." Announced the head captain.
Both Kurosaki sisters faced the head captain, readying themselves for his decision.
"Karin Kurosaki and Yuzu Kurosaki." Began the ancient soul reaper. "As head of the gotei 13, I hereby appoint you both as substitute soul reapers. As such, you will be placed under the supervision of a division. Thus, I place Yuzu under the supervision of the fourth division."
"I look forward to helping your growth as a soul reaper," Unohana spoke as she gave a motherly smile to the young girl.
"Thank You." Spoke Yuzu as she a beaming smile back at the captain.
'Well, that doesn't seem so bad.' Thought the Kurosaki brothers. If they only knew the truth.
"As for Karin Kurosaki. She shall be placed under the supervision of the eleventh division." Announced the head captain.
"Who's in charge of that?" Questioned Karin.
"That would be me." Spoke up Zaraki with a gleeful grin.
Karin looked at the large captain in question for a moment and merely shrugged. "Fair enough." She mused which got a laugh out of the battle-hungry captain.
"Not afraid in the slightest, I like that." Chimed Zaraki.
"Yay! We have Kin-Kin!" cheered a certain child-sized vice-captain.
"Now onto the matter of the Kurosaki brothers!" Yamamoto proclaimed the real moment of truth had come. "After taking everything into account, I have reached my decision." Everyone held their breaths in anticipation. "I have chosen to pardon the two of you for your actions." Everyone couldn't help but sigh in relief. "As for your Arrancar allies seeing how they have not shown any hostility towards soul society and are willing to help stop Aizen. I see no reason to raise my hand against them as long as they continue on their current path. As for Takeshi's impregnation of the Arrancar and Yoruichi Shihoin. As long as the children born show no threat to soul society as they grow, no action will need to be taken. For the time being, I shall appoint Captains Unohana, Kyoraku, and Hitsugaya to act as a vanguard in Karakura."
Takeshi for his part was beyond amazed by how things worked out. While the looming threat of Aizen was still there. The sheer amount of worry now gone after this was wonderful nonetheless.
"Head captain my third seat Kayda request to stay as well," Komamura asked.
"Permission granted," Came Yamamoto's reply. "All those appointed to stay shall remain and all other are to return to soul society for preparations." He finished as he and the others made their leave. Only the vanguard and Takeshi's group remained soon enough.
"Takeshi" Kayda spoke in a fake sugary tone as she approached her son. Takeshi suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. He had a feeling he was about to be on the receiving end of his mother's fury. "You Idiot!" She yelled as she nailed her son on the top of his head with her knuckles. Then grabbed him by his collar and shook him with the fury of an angry dragon. No one dared get in the way of her mini warpath. After a few moments of this she dropped him to the ground unceremoniously, Takeshi simply laid there and groaned. "How could you do something so idiotically irresponsible, as getting not one but two women pregnant!?"
"I didn't mean for it to happen that way," Takeshi spoke as he regained his bearings and stood back up. "Who would've figured I'd get them pregnant on a single go?"
"Me," Kayda replied. "Your father got me pregnant with you after only a single try."
"Well then" Kisuke chimed, drawing everyone's attention to him. "I think we should get a move on things. The captains and their subordinates can stay here at my shop. Though I imagine you'd like to meet your new Arrancar allies first?"
"We would in fact if that would be alright?" Kyoraku mused.
With all that decided Takeshi group, the captains, vice-captains, and Kayda. Took off from the shop back to the Kurosaki house, though as they made their way there, they were suddenly intercepted.
"There you all are!" Cried out Lilynette as she came to stop in front of everyone with a frantic look on her face. She eyed the soul reapers for a moment but quickly got back on topic for sudden appearance. "Mila and Yoruichi went into labor, they need you ASAP!"
That sent a jolt into everyone's system and no one wasted a moment as they rushed back to the house. Everyone came barreling through the door practically, giving some surprise to Halibel and the others. Isshin and Unohana both went into doctor mode before anything could be said. Followed by Isane and Yuzu they went into the clinic area where Mila and Yoruichi had already been taken. A moment later both Apacci and Sung-Sun walked out.
"I assume by the sight of things the meeting went well?" Halibel asked Ichigo.
"Yeah, it went better than expected actually, we don't have to worry about anything from soul society. For the moment anyway." Ichigo chimed in return.
For the next few hours, Takeshi's nerves were at a high point. He couldn't keep himself still as walked back and forth. Mila and Yoruichi's occasional yell from the pains of childbirth didn't help things. Halibel sat there silently waiting though she had a noticeable look of concern on her face. As slight as it was, Kayda sat opposite of her also somewhat nervous about her would-be grandchildren. Ichigo and Sung-Sun were sitting together, with Chad, Apacci, and the rest of the Karakura group around them. Karin was with Hitsugaya and Rangiku with Lilynette and Nanao with them. Kyoraku and stark were sitting next to one another talking. Both men were seemingly becoming very good friends rapidly surprisingly enough. Then Mila and Yoruichi's yelling ended and everything went silent, then suddenly the cries of babies were heard. Takeshi didn't waste a moment as hurried into the delivery room. He saw his two lovers both in their gigai's panting and sweaty still from giving birth. Both of them were holding a pair of infants wrapped in blankets in their arms, smiling and crying in motherly happiness.
"Come and meet your daughter's son!" Isshin cried proudly.
Takeshi quickly walked in between the two beds his lovers were laying on and looked at his daughter's. The two in Mila's arms were just as dark-skinned as their mother. They also had their mother's green eyes but looking at the tufts of hair on their head. They had their father's black hair instead of their mother's brown.
The two being held by Yoruichi looked like tiny clones of their mother. Same skin tone, and even her purple hair. They even had their mother's cat-like eyes except instead of golden like Yoruichi's. They were violet in color like Takeshi's eyes.
Takeshi felt his heart swell in happiness at the sight before him. He swore mentally to himself that he would do all in his power to protect them no matter what. They were his children, and he was going to give them all the love and care he could possibly provide.
"They're beautiful, all of them." Takeshi finally managed to say.
"They really are." Mila happily said in return.
"What should we name our little kittens?" Yoruichi wondered.
Takeshi thought for a minute before giving an answer. "Mieko and Miyako." He said pointing to the babies Mila was holding, the left one then the right. Then turning to Yoruichi and the babies she was holding. "Yoko and Yoshiko"
"I think they're perfect names," Yoruichi said in agreement.
"I agree" Mila spoke.
The three new parents said nothing as they basked in the happiness of seeing their children. While there were plenty of challenges left to face, none of that mattered at the moment. For the time being the struggles of a hard world seemed to fade away at least for a little bit.
*Los Noches*
Aizen sat in his personal chambers going over some interesting information that had come his way. The Hogyoku sat on a table next to him as he mused the latest findings in his head.
"How interesting," Aizen spoke out loud to himself. "The Kurosaki sisters have shown far greater potential than I anticipated. They have the potential to go even higher as well." He picked up the Hogyoku and held it up to his face as a small cold smile appeared. "All they need is a proper push to reach it."
A/N: Hello readers! Thank you for reading and I hope you're enjoying the story so far. Holy shit, finally an update after almost a year of nothing, I bet some of you thought I had abandoned this one. I am sorry for how long this took, my other story I started after I took a break from this one. "Reincarnated Amongst Flowers" took off way more than I thought it would. Then I chose to rewrite my first story and began "A Deer, A Fox and an Unexpected Journey: Redux". Which has also seen a fair bit of attention in a short time. Though I know quite a few of you have been waiting for this and I chose to finally get around to it. I don't know what the update schedule will be, I am juggling three stories now after all.
Let me say right now, I have no plans to rewrite "Fullbringers Lioness", though I will at some point. Go back and fix up the grammar and whatnot and re-upload previous chapters.
For those wondering what the name of the daughters means. The meaning of Mieko is "beautiful blessing child". The meaning of Miyako is "beautiful night child". The meaning of Yoko is "child of sunlight" and the meaning of Yoshiko is "child of goodness".
That's all for now. Please review as they do help motivate me to write. Please like and fav if you haven't already. Stay safe, stay healthy and I'll see you next time! I'm out!