Does Man Make the Monster?

Chapter 12

A Cry for Help

(A/N OMG no one told about this error! I am glad I went back and reread some chapters! Oopsies! Continuity is a bitch to keep together. Basically, I forgot that Ichigo manifest his blade to kill Tsukiyama! Wow… That's… Really special on my part but given how long these chapters are and my shit poor memory… It was bound to happen. So I went back and rewrote a section of the last chapter. You can go back and read it if you want. I'm can be so scatter brained.)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

(Last Time)

"Go get bandaged up and get some lunch. I'm sure Ururu and Tessai have finished making it."

"You going to stay down here?"

"Yes, I just want to really get an idea about what happened."

"Catch you later then," Ichigo waved.

He turned and started towards the long white ladder. This was not helping him any. If Orihime couldn't even… No! He didn't need this right now. He finally made it home and needed to focus on his personal life right now. He needed to focus on his friends and family when he wasn't down in the training grounds. He started up the ladder and got a better look at the damage done and it was a good amount. He didn't even put that much power into it. This new sword was certainly different from Zangetsu and he really had to master it before a real disaster happened like Urahara warned.

A few days passed as Ichigo tried to get into a normal routine. Part of the deal of staying at Urahara's was to help out around with the shop. It was only fair after all. His dad would come by on lunch breaks and after work. Uryu, Chad, and Orihime would do the same. Yuzu came by with some of Ichigo's favorite dishes for dinner. Karin hadn't been by as she was stuck with practice when she wasn't working or at college.

She had managed to talk Toshiro into staying against his better judgement to watch the soccer game. Ichigo wanted more than anything to watch his sister play in person but he had to settle with his farther streaming the game instead. Thankfully his family had good seats and they were able to get great shots of the game.

Ichigo laughed a couple of times as he heard Toshiro get a little too into the game at times. His father and Yuzu were guilty of that too as was Jinta as he watched the game with Ichigo. All in all, it was a good game but Karin's team lost the match at the very last minute. It had truly been neck and neck the whole game. Even with the loss of the game Ichigo was proud with how good Karin had done. She was really giving it her all the whole match. Hopefully she would reach her goal of making it professional. She was good and there was no doubt about that.

When Ichigo wasn't helping out with the shop, relaxing, or socializing with his family and friends he was down in the training grounds with Urahara and the others from the shop. Urahara was dead set on training Ichigo with his new powers and honestly, and despite Ichigo's earlier protests, the training turned out to be a very good idea. There were a few little accidents that happened up in the shop; one of which left a gaping hole in an exterior wall. It was a small renegade cero that Ichigo produced after he had a small sneezing fit from some dust as he cleaned an old storage room. Even though it was purely accidental Ichigo still caught hell. Not so much from Urahara but from Tessai. In fact the large man left Ichigo so uneasy afterwards he often avoided Tessai when at all possible for a couple of days.

At the top of everything Ichigo's new sword was what Urahara was most interested in. He ran several different tests with Ichigo when no one was around and studied how it worked. Clearly it was strongest when paired with his mask. The sword had been proven a little difficult when trying to control its power output it was discovered that the blade reacted according to Ichigo's own moods. The more negative his mood the more devastating the attack; anger being the worst of all.

The sword's cutting ability was top notch. Urahara theorized any zanpakuto that was not at bankai level that it would most likely be cut in half quite easily. Other than being insanely sharp it acted like any other blade when cutting and did not produce the strange white substance.

The white gritty powder the sword produced from the energy blast was dubbed, "Never Ash." No matter what Urahara did to it never changed. Energy, chemicals, temperature changes, pressure, and the like had no effect on it. If it was set into molten metal, which Urhara did try, the Never Ash never even changed temperature and was still just a white as when he put it in. It was also hydrophobic so no fluids would mix with it. Even when mixing in other sand like materials it would never mix and just separate. So far nothing he did could get rid of it. It was starting to pile up downstairs but he didn't feel save just dumping it somewhere. To make matters worse he didn't even know what it was composed of.

Other than just studying Ichigo's strange sword they also had to figure whatelse Ichigo was capable of. Given the hole in the wall he was able to produce a cero. Balas were a hit or miss. Sometimes he'd get it perfect and other times it'd blow up in his face. His mask, like always, did increase his power substantially. Sonido, however, seemed to be Ichigo's pride and joy.

There were also some more notable abilities. Ichigo could make his talons a little bit longer if he so wished. Of course he had super human strength, durability, and speed. His agility was another noticeable change. They discovered he was a little more limber than he used to be and at times the way he moved made him almost look animalistic. Ururu referred to him as "a snake with legs" from the way he could move.

One day Yoruichi showed up a little unexpectedly and she was rather stunned to see Ichigo the way he was. She fussed at Urahara for not telling her what was going on with Ichigo. His excuse was that he too occupied and that he "forgot." She popped him hard in the back of head. That was something he wasn't going to "forget." Given her own agility she decided to teach Ichigo a few moves she knew that he could possibly use in the future. He was rather clumsy at first but started to get the hang of it after a good bit of practice. It was mainly his balance more than anything. Needless to say she tried to get him on a makeshift balance beam to get his center of gravity working. More often than not he fell off one side or the other. And a few times he found the beam painfully between his legs.

Urahara was still trying to find some sort of suppressant but was not coming up with anything substantial. He used Ichigo's DNA to make some test subject gigai. Some concoctions did nothing, one actually made the gigai physically deteriorate as rot, and another made the gigai's hollow appearance worse. At the rate he was going it might best to just leave Ichigo as he was but at the same time it wasn't fair to the young man.

Ichigo never voice but he dis liked that his friends and family could go and hang out at places he could not. Like Karin's soccer game was a fine example of that. Urahara knew it hurt Ichigo that he couldn't be there in person to cheer on his little sister. Ichigo tried not to show it but even with his loved ones visiting he still felt lonely as he could not travel with them. He had no choice but to stay behind and stay hidden. Ichigo knew he wasn't forced to stay at the shop but he didn't feel safe leaving. Toshiro kept him a secret and he didn't need to be noticed by the shinigami patrolling the city.

He knew the cruelty of people. He'd seen it at its fullest working in the CCG. He had even been a part of that cruelty. He knew all too well what would happen if he was seen by the wrong people. He could end up starting a problem so he just decided to stay within the shop's walls. He didn't like being cooped up and hiding from the world.

Ichigo had been keeping up with the news given the high amount of ghoul activity that was constantly reported in Tokyo this past week. Things were getting more and more out of hand. Sometime soon something was going to come to an ugly head. He could only wish his friends there in Tokyo the best of luck. He often wondered about Kaneki, Ryoko, and the other ghouls at Anteiku. How they were doing and if he managed to help them before he left. He also wondered about Amon and Akane. Even that old fart Mado pecked at his mind. Given the state of things no doubt they would soon see some serious action. It ate at Ichigo a good bit that he couldn't help either side. He made sure of that by "jumping from the bridge."

No doubt his "suicide" left many people in a lot of pain. He tried often not to think of that. He had done all this so he could be free but he still wasn't all that free. He just moved from one prison to another. He really was stuck in the middle. He wasn't a hollow, he wasn't a human, he wasn't shinigami, and most certainly wasn't a ghoul. There was nothing he could actually fit into. He trained a lot just to get his mind off of such things. An active body made for an active mind. He couldn't keep dwelling on the past. Until something could be done to "fix his issue" he would have to accept the fact he was stuck in hiding.

It had been several days since Kaneki was kidnapped and the future was looking rather grim for the young man. Hinami sat on the couch watching the news. Of course it was about Aogiri Tree. She ended up turning it off as she got up. She had to keep occupied with something. Touka was off doing something for Yoshimura.

It had been decided that they were going to try and sneak into the Aogiri Tree stronghold in the very near future. They had to plan out everything carefully. Thanks to Hawk they had a clear idea of what was going on. The truth about Hawk's change of alliance hit the others rather strangely. They didn't know what to think especially with the recent suicide. Kaya had seen it firsthand and she hadn't talked about it all that much since the night it happened.

Hinami decided to do some laundry to keep busy. She sorted out everything and started going through the pockets to check for any loose items. She reached into one of Touka's coats and pulled out a piece of folded paper. She opened to see if it was trash or not. It was a phone number. She looked at the named written above it: Kurosaki Isshin.

She remembered that Touka said that Hawk's father had come by the café to talk to Kaneki. Given the family name on the paper more than like this was… What should she do with it? No doubt if Touka made a copy of this number she wanted it for some reason. Hinami sat on the floor looking at the creased paper in her fingers.

She sighed and folded it back up and put it to the side with the loose change and other small items. She got a load on to wash and gathered the items she walked over to the coffee table and set the items down. She didn't feel like watching TV but there wasn't much to do around the place. She sat on the couch lazily kicking her feet, just sitting in the silence.

"Hinami, I'm back," Touka called out, taking off her shoes at the door.

"Great, I was getting bored here all by myself," Hinami said, walking up to her as Touka held out a small familiar package. "Is this…?"

"Yeah… It's best we keep up our strength. I've got some, too," Touka said, pulling out her own package. "Want me to fix it up for you?"

"Yes, please," Hinami nodded.

Touka set her coat down on the couch before walking into the kitchen. Hinami went back to her spot on the couch. She flopped down and accidentally knocked Touka's coat to the floor. She picked it back up and found her new cell on the floor. She picked it up and went to put it back but paused. She stared at the cell phone for a moment before her eyes slowly shifted to the folded paper on the table in front of her. She shook her head. She didn't need to bother the man. He had his own troubles with his son's death. Chances were he didn't want to hear anything bad happening to Kaneki. Not only that but she really couldn't call and tell him the whole story. He also didn't know her and she didn't know him.

He most likely stopped by Anteiku as a curtesy to Kaneki. More than likely this was an emergency contact number. But wasn't this an emergency? She shook her head again. This whole idea was stupid. Mr. Kurosaki couldn't help with anything anyway. She opened the pocket and put the phone back up.

It wasn't long before Touka returned with dinner. She sat down Hinami's plate in front of her on the table. The two ate talking about this and that and of course about how to get Kaneki back. Eventually, Hinami pointed at the paper on the table. Touka picked it up and opened it again. She had made a copy just in case Kaneki lost his.

"That's Incognito's father, isn't it?" Hinami asked and Touka gave a small nod.

"You still call him that?" Touka asked a little surprised.

"Well… Yeah, I figured he stopped being Hawk when he helped us against that investigator," she said, casting her eyes to the floor. "You must think it's a bit silly that I still call him by that name. But… I still remember that day with Mom… It's still very clear. I was being chased by him but when I looked back I saw him stop dead. He just suddenly quit and stood there in the rain. I kept going until I found Kaneki. When we returned to where Mom was… He was standing back a little ways. Thinking back on it a bit more… He looked sick. I never saw him collapse as Kaneki had covered my eyes. I still don't understand why he would do all this."

Touka drew in a deep breath and let it back out. She crossed her arms and looked up at ceiling trying to put her words together.

"Because he empathized with you…" Touka said, slowly.

"Huh? Empathized? What does that mean?" Hinami asked, looking a little confused.

"Kaneki explained it as when a person can emotional relate to another person's issues. They feel everything the other person feels."

"Okay but why would he…?"

"He didn't go into any great detail but… Your mother gave up her life so you could live. His own mother did the same thing for him. He said he made a mistake and his mom protected him from a murder. He was apparently knocked out and when he came to he found his mother's dead body resting on top of him. Basically, I think he saw himself as you and your mother as his. Like I said he didn't go into any real detail…"

"So he did all this because he…? He knew how I felt?"

"Yes. He wanted to make sure your mother's sacrifice wasn't in vain. And you know the rest from there."

Hinami sat quietly, fighting back tears again. The more she heard about him the more she hated that he was gone. She really did look up. He had done so much in the end. He protected her, Touka, and Kaneki. He then helped Yoshimura get information from the CCG. She rubbed an eye and sniffed a little. It didn't seem fair. Not at all. He ended up helping ghouls but no one knew what he had done. All the other ghouls were so happy that he was dead. If they really knew what he done would they still talk about him so bitterly? She felt Touka wrap an arm around her shoulders again and squeezed a bit.

"I think we made a mistake about him and he was us. He saw his mistake and tried to fix it," Touka said in a hushed tone. "But there wasn't much he could do so he did what little he could."

"If Incognito was still here do you think… Do you think he'd help us get Kaneki back?"

"Of course he would. Why wouldn't he? He wouldn't abandon us like that if he was still here. He's not the type."

"Then why did he leave us like he did?!" Hinami almost screamed. "Why did he do all this and then just…?!"

"I don't know… I really don't. Guilt maybe…? I think he might even said he was sick," Touka shrugged. "I don't know what he was dealing with so I can't give you an answer."

"It's just not fair! I never even got to tell him thank you!"

Touka froze for a moment. She never got the chance to say it to him either. She felt it was only right that she give her thanks to his father, being that he was the next of kin. Still it wasn't the same as actually saying it to the intended person. Too little, too late to do anything about it now.

"Let's call it an early night, okay? Yoshimura wants us at the café early to discuss what we are going to do about sneaking into Aogiri Tree and rescuing Kaneki."

"Okay, I'll go get ready for bed," Hinami said, standing up and rubbed a tearful eye.

She walked off and got into her night clothes. She felt that the world was just falling down around her. She lost her mother, her savior, and Kaneki might end up the same way. She crawled into bed as Touka locked the door and started to turn off the lights one by one.

After a good while Hinami got up and walked into the dark living room. She didn't know why she was driven to do it but she wanted to talk to someone. She picked up the number and pulled out Touka's cell. She quietly unlocked the front door and walked out. She walked along the breeze way a little bit and found a little nook she could sit in.

She unfolded the paper and looked at the number. She really shouldn't do this but… Something was nagging at her. She couldn't put her finger on it. But it felt like someone was insisting that she call but there was no one around her. It was just her. She flipped the phone open and the small screen lit up her face. She looked at the numbers on the paper and her thumb hesitated to press the buttons. She didn't know this man. What was she thinking? She flipped the phone closed again with small clap. She rested her head on her knees. She should go back inside. If Touka found her outside she'd get a tongue lashing.

"Call… Please… Call…"

Hinami sat her head up and looked around the dark space. There wasn't a person around her. As it was the voice was faint, yet, it was close. She ran her fingers through her hair. Maybe she was just tired? She should probably go to bed. She stood and took a couple of steps.

"Stop… Hinami…"

She felt a chill run down her spine. She looked frantically around in the shadows of the building. She saw no one but someone had just said her name.

"Call… Him… Hinami… Call… Please…"

It was a woman's voice. The voice was faint like a whisper but it was right in her ear. She felt something cold wrap around her hand holding the phone.

"Call… Him… Please… Baby…"

She felt the cold leave that hand and migrate to the one holding the number.

"Call… Him…"

The voice was insistent. She looked down at her hand that held the phone number. It felt like someone with super cold hands was holding her. Normally she should run screaming but she didn't feel uneasy. She was still calm when she really should be running like a shot out of there.

"Call… Kurosaki…"

Hinami felt the icy grip let go. She looked back at the phone once again. She must be out of her mind. She walked back into the dark nook and sat back down. She flipped the phone open and read the number. She took in a deep breath and dialed the number. She hesitated to send it. She closed her eyes and finally hit the send button. She slowly opened her eyes as the line started to ring. She shakily put the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" a man's voice answered.

Her voice was caught tightly in her throat. She had actually called him. What was she going to say to him? She never really thought this all the way through. She could only muster out were a few muted squeaks.

"Hello, hello? Is anyone there?"

"Y-yes…"

"Hm? Who is this? Are you one of my daughters' friends?"

"I-is… Is this M-Mr. Ku-Kurosaki…?"

"One and only. Um, who is this? Is something the matter?" he did sounded rather concerned. She didn't answer. "Hello, miss? Is something wrong?"

"I-I don't kn-know what to… To do…" she was about to cry.

"Hey, now calm down. Are you hurt? Where are you at? If you're hurt I can pick you up and take you to my clinic and get you treated."

He was a doctor? She wanted to cry even more knowing that.

"I-I just… I don't…" she just couldn't get the words to come out.

"Take some deep breaths. I need you to breathe for me, okay. Now are you hurt?"

"N-no…"

"Is someone near you hurt?"

"Yeeess…!" she cried and curled into a ball.

"Okay, okay. Don't panic! I need you to tell me where you are at. I can't get anyone help if I don't know where you are. Do you need the police?"

"N-no… I just… I don't know…"

"Miss, I need you to talk to me. Can you tell me your name? Can you do that for me?"

She didn't know if she should give out her name. She was scared enough just doing this.

"I need your name. C'mon… I need to know what's wrong before I can help anyone."

"I-I-I… Hi-Hinami…"

"Your name's is Hinami? Okay, where are you calling from, Hinami?"

"To-Tokyo…"

"Tokyo? What?! You're calling me from Tokyo? Where are you in Tokyo?"

"Tw-twentieth…"

"Twentieth—ward? Are you calling me from the 20th ward? Hold on… Ohhh… Wait... Is this by chance Fueguchi Hinami?"

Her body felt cold like ice. He knew her full name? How? Did Ichigo tell him?

"I didn't mean to scare you if I did. If you're calling me something must be very wrong. You can talk to me. I won't tell anyone."

She froze again. How much did he really know? She bit her lip still unsure about talking to the Kurosaki family head.

"C'mon now. I would like to help you but I can't do that until you tell me what's wrong."

She drew in a deep breath and shakily let it back out.

"Ka-Kaneki… He's…"

"What's wrong with him? Is he hurt or in trouble?"

"B-both… He was k-k-kidnapped…"

"Kidnapped? I see… When was he kidnapped?" his tone of voice was completely different. It sounded very serious.

"About 8 days ago…"

"Let me guess… That ghoul terrorist group that's running all over Tokyo?"

"Yes… Th-they just broke in a-and took him! H-how did y-you know who?"

"I know a good bit more than you think. Do you know where he might be?"

"Possibly… I-I have an idea where…"

"An idea where? Hmm? Well, if you can give me a proper address that would be useful."

"Wh-what can y-you do? I-I don't think you can do anything t-to help…"

"Little miss, have more faith in me. Now tell me everything you know."

Ichigo sat in his room listen to the radio. There was a late night show he liked listening to at times but could only pick up here in Karakura. There wasn't much else to do around the shop so he had a magazine in his hands, reading a couple of articles.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Ichigo turned towards the door just before Jinta opened it.

"Oh, Jinta?"

"Hey, Carrot Top, your old man's here. He says it's urgent that he sees you."

"Dad? At this hour?"

"Yep. Come with me."

Ichigo followed behind Jinta a little puzzled. What did his dad want so late at night? It was a little after 11PM. Was something wrong at the house? Jinta stopped at the living area as Ichigo continued in. Urahara, Yoruichi, and Tessai where there, too. That shouldn't be a surprise. This was their place after all. Ichigo looked over at his dad worried. Isshin had a rather grim expression on his face. Ichigo found one of the cushions around the table to sit on. This could in no way be good.

"Why are you here so late?" Ichigo asked, looking at his father. The elder Kurosaki sighed. "Something's wrong, isn't it?"

"Yes. I receive an interesting call about 30 minutes ago. We talked for about hour once I got her to open up," Isshin said, rubbing his chin. "A young little lady by the name of Fueguchi Hinami."

"H-Hinami? How did she get your number?" Ichigo choked out.

"I had given a copy to your friend Kaneki should he need anything. Another friend of his made a copy and that's how she got a hold of it," Isshin explained. "There is some serious trouble going down in Tokyo right now and Kaneki is dead in the middle of it. Hinami told me that he was kidnapped by the Aogiri Tree group. She wasn't there but she said people from Aogiri Tree broke into the café and grabbed him. That young woman, Touka I believe her name was, and a couple of others tried to fight them off but they were unsuccessful. She told me it's been 8 days now since it happened. She also stated that she and the rest of those at Anteiku are planning to break into Aogiri Tree to rescue him."

Ichigo just stared dumbfounded at his father. Kaneki had been kidnapped and by Aogiri Tree no less. Why? Why would they kidnap Kaneki? He didn't understand. As far as he knew there wasn't anything overly special about the young man. They were a terrorist group so this must have been the unrest Yoshimura had spoken of. Did they take Kaneki to make a statement to those at Anteiku?

"I have to go back to Tokyo," Ichigo quickly answered.

Urahara cleared his throat.

"Hold your horses, Ichigo. You're supposed to be dead, remember? You know, pushing up daisies, or in your case, 'swimming with the fishes.' You can't just go back," Urahara pointed out, quickly. "Not to mention your appearance wouldn't go over well either. With the way Tokyo is right now everyone will be on high alert. You know that. Every single CCG investigator and law enforcement officer will be out in droves."

"But I can't just… I can't just let him suffer by their hands," Ichigo almost yelled. "They are liable to kill him if they haven't already!"

"We understand that. He's a friend of yours but you can't just recklessly jump in like the old days," Tessai responded. "This isn't Soul Society or Hueco Mundo. This is the living world and they have a totally different set of rules. Even though you are far more durable than the average human you are not in soul form. Damage that a shinigami can withstand would kill you easily. Same goes for the Arrancar. They can withstand a lot more than you can."

"Are you saying I should just leave him in their hands?" Ichigo growled out, slamming his own hands on the table.

"No, I'm just saying we can't jump in blind," Tessai clarified. "The only one that knows how the CCG and ghouls operate is you."

"So what?! Every single one of you here are former Shinigami! That has to mean something, right? Shinigami can do things that humans and ghouls can't do. You have to have some form of advantage," Ichigo blurted out with a good bit of venom. "I will not let them do this alone! I can't let them!"

"I don't know what to tell you to be honest, but remember you purposely left that life behind. You wanted to make something else out of your life," Isshin said, running his hand over his face, pausing at his scruffy chin. "Do you truly want to go back there? It will be vastly different for you now. Think about it. This time the CCG will be after you and even possibly ghouls. If one wrong person sees you… It could be devastating not just to you but to me and your sisters as well. It wouldn't look good if you are revealed to be alive and taken on a form most would call a monster. And no, I'm not calling you one."

His dad was right though. If the wrong person saw him, especially one from the CCG… They would go straight for his family for questions. He didn't even think of that as a possibility. Damn it! He didn't know what to do when faced with that. On one hand his friend's safety was at risk and on the other his family's safety was at risk. His family came first and foremost of course. But he still felt like he was abandoning Kaneki and the others at Anteiku, which he already did when he faked his death. However, he never thought of this as a possibility and how could he? He knew he had to do something but he was at a total loss.

"Ahem… If I may say something," Yoruichi spoke up, looking at the men in the room. "Isshin, you said that those from, Anteiku was it, were planning to break in to get Kaneki back?"

"Yes," Isshin answered, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, it stands to reason that they will try and blend in with this Aogiri Tree," Yoruichi said, looking at those in room.

"Hinami did mention something about that," Isshin said.

"Well, why shouldn't we try to save this young man from the other side," Yoruichi said as those around her looked a little confused. "I'm saying Ichigo knows all the ends and out of CCG like the back of his hand. Anteiku will be acting as Aogiri Tree members so why couldn't a few of us act like CCG members?"

"What? That can't be a good idea," Tessai said, looking at Yoruichi.

"Yes it is and I think it's just crazy enough to work. It's better to have at least one team on our side. Since it's Aogiri Tree we are going after, it would only make sense to go in as the opposing team," Urahara pointed out. "The CCG wouldn't think twice about us attacking Aogiri Tree. They would have no idea of our true agenda. Honestly, we'll be safer posing as CCG members than Anteiku will be posing as Aogiri Tree members. No doubt the real Aogiri Tree members will figure them out."

"But doesn't that mean we would run the risk of the same problem?" Ichigo asked.

"Let me repeat what Kisuke said. Being in the CCG we will already be facing down this terrorist group so fighting off Aogiri Tree will not set off any red flags with them," Yoruichi clarified. "It will be up to you, however, to get us to blend in as CCG investigators. Show us the ins and outs and the dos and the don'ts. "

"What?" Ichigo blinked. "You guys really think this is a good idea?"

"I'm not fully on board but their logic is sound," Isshin sighed. "At least one side will not bother you."

"I of course agree to go. Infiltration and espionage are my specialties after all," she said proudly.

"Well, I suppose I should come, too. Goodness knows it's been boring around here lately," Urahara added. "These tired old bones could use some warming up."

"Can we come, too?" Jinta asked, sliding open the door with Ururu behind him. "This sounds like fun. Please! We're old enough now."

"Yes, may we please come with you?" Ururu added.

Tessai and Urahara looked at each other for a couple of moments. They were old enough that was true.

"Let the reins loose on them," Yoruichi said, nudging Urahara. "Let them have some fun."

"Well, you heard her," Urahara shrugged. "Pack your bags."

"Yes! Woo-hoo! All right now that's what I'm talking about," Jinta exclaimed as he did a small jump of excitement and Ururu did a fist pump. "I can't wait to get this started! Chad and the others are coming, too, right? I mean… It's only fair they come with us."

"No doubt they'll come along. I don't know of any reason why they wouldn't," Urahara said, looking at Jinta and then back to Ichigo. "You feel up to giving us all a crash course? And I do mean crash course. If we are going to do this right we will have to go to Tokyo soon, like real soon, so we will know just when the CCG plans to attack."

"How soon is 'real soon?'" Tessai asked as Urahara got to his feet.

"Just because of the gravity of the situation… I'd say just before sunrise."

"That soon? Well, I'll make sure to look after the shop in your absence, Boss," Tessai said, also getting to his feet. "I'll start getting the truck ready."

"This is great, Ururu! C'mon and let's get packed," Jinta said, hurrying out of the door way. "I can't even believe we're going to the capital! This will be so awesome!"

"He's still a kid at heart," Ururu said with a small smile and calmly followed behind him.

Urahara and the others left the room, leaving just Ichigo and his father alone. The Kurosaki patriarch let out a long sigh and crossed his arms.

"And here I was hoping to keep the family together," he groaned, looking over at his son. "But nooo, once again you have to go rushing off, leaving us behind."

"Hmm… I know, Dad, but Kaneki is my…"

"Your friend, I know, I know… But I am serious though about you keeping yourself hidden. The trouble won't just be with you if you screw up. If the CCG ever figures out who you are they will come running straight to us. I don't want to have do something I'm not going to like to protect the girls and myself."

"I get that. I won't screw this up. I promise I won't."

"I'll just have to hold you to it. Huh… I was really praying to keep us together as a family. I really missed having you around and your sisters did, too."

"I know and I missed you guys. But… I'm sorry. I need to call everyone and let them know what's going on. I'll do this one last thing and come right back home when we're finished."

Ichigo walked out the door, leaving Isshin alone in the room. The man turned to look down at the table. He felt a bit of sadness pulling at his heart. I knew the truth whether Ichigo knew it or not. He covered his eyes with his hand, letting out a shaky breath.

"I know this going turn out to be a bad idea... Ichigo, you better not screw this up."

Uryu and the others groggily made their way inside the small shop. They were a little surprised to be woken up at such an odd hour. Even more surprise to learn why. They got dressed and packed for a small extended trip. Their luggage was taken by Tessai and put in the back of the truck with all sorts of odd items. It looked like just about everything was ready to go. It was only 2 in the morning. They might actually be able leave before schedule.

Uryu had a small duffel bag in his hand. He found Ichigo packing up the last of his toiletries to put in his suitcase.

"Hey," Uryu said, catching Ichigo off guard.

"Oh, hey, Uryu," Ichigo replied, zipping up the suitcase and picked it up off the bed. "I'm sorry to ask you guys to come with me. I know you have work and stuff to do... If you change your mind it might be best do it soon. I won't hold it against you."

"I have no intention of doing that," Uryu said, holding out the duffel bag to Ichigo. "I've left a message on the store owner's work phone. I told him a friend of mine suddenly died out of town. He's the overly sentimental type so he'll be cool with it. This is for you."

"What's this?" he asked, looking at the bag.

"I've been working on this for a while now just for you," Uryu answered as Ichigo set down his suitcase and took the duffel bag. "I know you'll get some use out it when we get to Tokyo."

Ichigo opened the bag and pulled out a black hooded cloak. The edge of the hood had a flame pattern along with the base of the cloak. He unfolded it a bit more to get a better look at it. He was surprised at the emblem on the back.

"My Soul-Pass?" Ichigo said, running his fingers over the fine embroidered work.

"I thought it only fitting to have something from your Shinigami days. It was just a nice touch I thought of. It also added a good bit of esthetic to help pull the look together," Uryu said, taking the hood in his hands. "I made this for your horn. It unsnaps so you can just pull it up and around your horn without trouble."

"Wow, Uryu, you really put some work into this. I'm impressed," Ichigo said, swinging the cloak over his shoulders, fastening it close with a couple sliver clasps, and undid the snaps to pull it over his head. "How does it look?"

"Looks good. It covers your face well, it's not too baggy on your shoulders, and it looks like I got the length right, too," Uryu said, walking around Ichigo to examine his hard work. "It looks like you'll be getting some good use out of this in the near future."

"I don't know. I'd feel bad if I ruined it," Ichigo said, looking down at it. "It has a good weight to it. Are you sure I can use this?

"Please, I could make you 10 more with ease," Uryu snorted. "Just who do you think I am?"

"Mister Handy-Crafts," Ichigo laughed, sticking out his tongue.

"I was hoping you forgot that stupid name," Uryu grumbled, slumping his shoulders. "Pick up your suitcase and let's go."

"Thank you for this, Uryu," Ichigo said, following the Quincy out into the hall.

It was a long drive to Tokyo but they arrived just after sunrise. Urahara and Yoruichi sat up in front while the others rode in the back, concealed from sight. As much as Ichigo hated it, it was best to use that rundown house he was originally hidden in. Thankfully, this time he and the others would have better amenities. They had packed good cots and sleeping bags and plenty of lanterns and a good amount of food. This certainly would be a much better stay than last time.

Thanks to Ichigo's sonido he was able to get inside the dilapidated old house without being seen. The others filed out and had a look around. This was the first time they had been to Tokyo. It most certainly was a far cry from Karakura Town. They couldn't wait to have a look around but first they had to get everything inside. Urahara put up a barrier around them that made it look like there was no one there. It gave them a good cover to get everything out of the truck and into the abandoned house.

They made the unloading quick and got inside. Urahara dispersed the barrier and moved the truck to a better location before putting up the same barrier. He didn't need his truck towed away by the city. I walked back around towards the house and paused as he met of all people the young woman from the café. She was escorting a young female teen dressed in an odd outfit.

"I know you," she said, looking up at Urahara. "You were that man with Mr. Kurosaki."

"Wow, you have a good memory," he said, rubbing the back of his hat covered head.

"It's been just around two weeks, sir."

"Oh, yeah… Heh, heh… So it has, hasn't it? Well, it was nice meeting you again, miss. Do take care."

He waved at her a little and kept moving on down the sidewalk. He let out a relieved sigh. Well, she knew he was back in town. Nothing he could do now. Well, technically he could but he'd leave her alone. No doubt the young teen with her had to be Hinami. He'd have to tell Ichigo who he just met.

Urahara arrived back at the house and snuck in. The group had already started to set up their little base. Yoruichi had put up a barrier to keep the level above them in place for safety reasons. They didn't need that falling on them unexpectedly. Urahara helped with getting everything set up. He then had a chance to talk to Ichigo.

"You're not going to believe who I saw today," Urahara said as Ichigo sat down on his cot.

"Yeah, who?"

"That woman from the café. The one with her hair over part of her face."

"You mean Touka? Huh! That's interesting."

"I also saw a young girl with her. I'm assuming that was Fueguchi's little girl."

"More than likely. Well, she knows you're back in town. I'd be careful once we sneak you into the CCG. She sees you she might go after you. She's not fond of investigators and since she knows your face…"

"I thought something like that might be a possibility. So just how are we going to infiltrate them? We have to blend in completely."

"If you or Yoruichi are up to it I know where the armory is. I can give you a list of what you need to gather. It'll be a good amount given how many are here."

"We'll get everything while being unseen don't you worry about that," Yoruichi said, proudly. "Just get us that list so we can really get started with this mission."

"All right. I just need a pen and paper."

Ichigo was left alone while everyone went out to explore Tokyo. Orihime had asked if he wanted someone to stay with him. He told to go and have fun with the others. He would be fine on his own. Actually, he was going to try and find Ryoko and let her know he was back in town and with others no less. He used sonido and tried to look for her at her usual haunts. He tried to keep hidden while out in the daylight. He had his mask on just in case he screwed up.

He went to the park and kept to the thick bushes. She often talked about just wondering the park and taking in the beauty even when it was late fall. He sighed still not spotting her. He worked his way behind a bench and paused looking at the person sitting on it. It was Kusaba of all people. Maybe he would know where to find Ryoko. He got a little closer so that he was just behind the man.

"Hey, Kusaba…" Ichigo whispered just loud enough for the spirit to hear him.

Kusaba jumped andwhipped around towards the bush hearing his name being called. He saw a figure in the bushes but couldn't make out who it was. He felt a little uneasy with the person in the bush. Just who was this person and what did he want?

"Yeah, who are you?" he asked, leaning back a little as to not get too close. "And who do you know who I am?"

"It's me—Ichigo."

"I-Ichigo, what?" Kusaba looked highly shocked. "You're really, Kurosaki?"

"For crying out… Yes, it's me. Now, have you seen Ryoko lately?"

"No… We haven't really talked in a good while. I have no idea where to find her." He almost sounded bitter.

"Damn. I really need to talk to her. Hm? Kusaba?"

"What?" he was rather snappy.

"Y-your chain… It's awfully short."

"So? It's not any of your business."

"What burr was driven under your skin, huh? It only has 2 links left. That was fast. You must be really angry about something to have your chain encroach that much."

"And? So, you're saying I can't be angry?"

"You do know that if you run out of chain you'll start to hollowfy? You'll become a demi-hollow first and then a full fledged hollow. I know someone that can help you move on to Soul Society if you'd let him."

"Tch. Why do you even care?"

"Because we were coworkers and friends…"

"Friends, huh? I don't think we ever were."

"Wha…? Kusaba… Please, I'd like to help you before you damage yourself."

"Leave me alone," he went to leave when he felt a hand grab him. It was a clawed black and white hand that was wrapped firmly around his wrist. "What the hell?!"

He was forcefully pulled over the back of iron bench and into the bushes. He then came face to face with a hooded masked figure with a large sharp horn coming out from the left side of head. He covered his mouth with his free hand to keep from screaming out. He started to shake violently, staring at the monster crouched down before him.

"You really want to become this, Kusaba? Huh? Do you? You'll become a large hulking creature that only wants to feed on other souls. Let me tell you just how bad that is. The very first thing you'll go for are your loved ones," Ichigo increased his grip on the man's wrist. "Friends and family will be the first to go. You'll kill them just to eat their souls. Then after that you'll only go after more and more. You thought ghouls were monsters you'll be far, far worse."

"Y-you… You c-can be Ku-ku-ro-rosaki!" Kusaba tried to talk around the knot in his throat and pull his arm away. "You just c-can't be! Let go of me! L-let go!"

"No, not until you really look at me! I need you understand just what awaits you if you stay on this path! If you go to my friend, this will never happen to you. You can go to Soul Society and not worry about becoming a creature like this. You can stay human."

Kusaba really looked Ichigo up and down from horned head to clawed toes. He would become a monster like that? He had seen those large hulking creature that roamed the streets. There was no missing them. He knew that those were hollows. But somehow he thought that maybe he wouldn't… He squeezed his eyes shut and hung his head low.

"It's going to happen sooner or later. You can't stop it." Ichigo breathed.

"Why don't you look like those beasts? Why do you still have a human form?"

"I am a very special case. I won't go into hollow evolution but… I am the very last form a hollow can take. I'm a Vasto Lorde. You'll never make it to this state. I know I talked to you about this once before. You do remember, right?"

"Some of it, yeah, but that doesn't explain how you became this final evolution," he snapped, looking up at Ichigo. "How did you make it into this Vasto whatever form?"

"Not something I need to go into. Please, just come with me. You can't stay on this world for much longer."

"Can you answer me this first? Do you have to eat…? Eat souls?"

"No. I'm still living. I can consume regular foods without any problems. You know what…? I'm tired of begging. I'm not giving you a choice now. This will be for your own good."

"What?" Kusaba asked as Ichigo suddenly threw him over his shoulder. "St-stop! What are doing?!"

"Saving you from yourself. Here we go," Ichigo said, using sonido to leave the park and headed back to the house.

He arrived to see Urahara and Yorichi already back with most of their gear. They only needed to make one more trip to finish off everything. Ichigo walked in and dropped Kusaba roughly on to his ass. The former investigator looked around derelict house he was so unceremonious dumped in. He saw two people off to his right; a man and woman. He scooted back only to hit Ichigo's legs.

"Oh, now, who is this you dragged in, hm?" Urahara asked, walking up to Kusaba and bent down to study him. "I don't believe we've met. Is this a friend of yours, Ichigo?"

"You could say that. This is Kusaba Ippei a former investigator and coworker."

"That's a nasty cut you have there," Yoruichi said, squatting down to look at him. "That looks like it was a quick kill."

"That's Touka's handiwork," Ichigo stated with groan.

"Touka? Oh, that young woman I met earlier today?" Urahara looked up Ichigo and back to the man on the floor. "Well, clearly you must have done something to piss her off to end up like this."

"Huh? What's this? Your chain… It's about gone," Yoruichi said, lightly touching it. "You poor man. This isn't good for you. You'll turn into a hollow once these links are gone."

"Just who are you people? And how can you see me?" Kusaba snapped, knocking her hand back away from him. "Explain to me what's going on?!"

"Yes, just why is he here?" Yoruichi asked, looking up Ichigo with her amber eyes.

"I was hoping that Urahara could send him off to Soul Society," Ichigo said, looking at the blond and finally removed his mask. "Over a week ago his chain wasn't nearly this short."

Kusaba just stared up at him in shock. Ichigo's skin was so white and the black makings form his mask were etched into his face. Even through those markings it was as clear as day that this monster behind him was Ichigo. None of his actual facial features were altered.

"Ah, I see, I see. Well, this is interesting. Just what are you so upset about?" Urahara said, looking back down a Kusaba. Kusaba quickly turned his attention back to Urahara.

"Why should I tell you?! I don't even know who you people are and what you want with me," Kusaba hissed, getting back to his feet.

"Hm, well, I suppose it couldn't hurt to tell you. I'm Urahara Kisuke.

"I'm Shihoin Yoruichi. If you must know we are shinigami," she answered as Kusaba stepped back, bumping into Ichigo. "We help souls crossover and we fight hollows—"

"I know what shinigami are. That little white haired midget was one. What if I don't want to go to this Soul Society place?" Kusaba snapped out.

"You'll turn into what's behind you but far worst," Yoruichi said, pointing at Ichigo. Kusaba turned to look at Ichigo again and stepped back from him.

"I did this for your own good, Kusaba. I tried reasoning with you but you wouldn't budge and still now won't budge," Ichigo sighed. "I feel sorry for you and I hate that you've become like this."

"Well, I think we've prattled on far too long, don't you? This won't take anytime," Urahara said, holding up his trusty cane. "All I have to do is just tap this the end to your head and bada-boom-bata-bing off you go to Soul Society. Chances are you might even lose this pent-up anger of yours."

Kusaba went to run only to have Ichigo grab his arm. He tried to pull free but only ended up back onto the dirty floor. Ichigo wasn't letting go no matter how much Kusaba struggled. Eventually, he did finally stop fighting. He let out a long breath and glared up at Ichigo.

"I just… Honestly, I was angry at you," Kusaba grumbled at Ichigo.

"Me? What for?" Ichigo inquired as he perked up an eyebrow. "What did I do?"

"What? I'll tell you what! You kept so much hidden from me! You and the ghoul woman were so damn close but I was the odd one out every time," he bit out, digging his nails into the old floor. "You wouldn't tell me anything until I finally had enough and forced you to!"

"And you didn't like the ugly truth, did you?" Ichigo said, glaring back down at him, his gold/black eyes narrowing. "I didn't want you to know but like you said, you forced my hand. Did it even remotely occur to you that maybe in some way Ryoko and I could relate to each other?"

Kusaba just stared up at him. Relate to each other? Fueguchi was once a monster and Ichigo had been turning into one. Kusaba clinched his teeth.

"Didn't think of that, did you?" Ichigo said in a dark tone

"Regardless, you still wouldn't open up to me!"

"Because I didn't think you needed to know. Given how you thought of ghouls and Ryoko even after you knew that she was no longer… Why would I tell a bigot?"

"Bigot? Need I remind you were—"

"I made that mistake! I know. But I realized my error and tried to fix it. Even learning the truth for yourself you still cling to your prejudice. I think that's what helped fuel your anger. You still saw Ryoko as a ghoul and learning about me you instantly labeled me a monster, too. I'm not wrong, am I?"

Kusaba bit his tongue. Ichigo was pretty much spot on. However, Kusaba didn't want to admit that to Ichigo or even to himself. He still wanted to believe he was in the right even with everything laid out before him.

"Hate is a very hard thing to lose," Urahara said, taking a step toward Kusaba. "It takes a strong person to let go of that and move forward with life. Hate it seems… Will be your undoing."

Urahara pointed the base of his cane at Kusaba's chain. The second link was eating itself up. He clutched his chain trying to stop it.

"One link left. Soon you'll be a demi-hollow," Urahara said coldly. "Just how much hate and anger do you have? You're keeping it bottled up quite well and I'm guessing it's a lot. Repressing your anger is even worse."

Urahara twirled his cane around so that the handle was facing Kusaba. Given everything, it was a coin toss as to where Kusaba will end up. Was he destined for Soul Society or Hell? Kusaba went to run but Ichigo still had a good grip on his arm and kept him on the floor.

"Let go of me! Please, I don't want to do this," Kusaba yelled as the handle of the cane hovered in his face. "Please don't send me away! I'll do anything!"

"Kusaba, you only have one link left. In maybe a couple of days you'll be nothing but a demi-hollow," Ichigo said, kneeling down to his level and knocked a loose fist into Kusaba's head. "Get it through your thick skull. You have to move on before you become something much worse. You don't like 'monsters' but you're this close to becoming what you fear. Stop being stubborn! What are you so scared of?"

"I… I… I saw it once… I never told anyone," Kusaba said, turning head down and shook a little. "Th-that large gate with the skeletons…"

"The Gates of Hell," Yoruichi sighed. "You're scared you'll be dragged in there?"

"What do you think? I just… How do I know where I'll go? Do you even know?" he asked, looking up at her.

"No. We don't," she said with a small shrug. "If you want me to frank with you, it's most likely going to be 50/50."

"Y-you can't be serious! Please, give me another chance," he pleaded with her, tears starting run down his cheeks.

"The chain doesn't grow back," she stated. "It goes only one way—up."

Urahara sighed and pulled the cane back from the man's face.

"Urahara?" Ichigo asked, looking up at him.

"A 50/50 chance… You said he was once a coworker and a friend," Urahara said, looking at the two men on the floor. "Be honest with me, Ichigo. If the Gates of Hell are summoned would you let them take him away?"

"I… I-I don't know…" Ichigo said, looking at Urahara and then back at Kusaba.

Urahara sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He then lifted his cane back up and held it out to his right.

"Kisuke?" Yoruichi asked as he opened up a senkaimon. "What are you…?"

"Be a dear and just take him directly to Soul Society," Urahara said as everyone looked him in shock. "It's unorthodox and somewhat illegal without permission but then have we ever truly followed the rules?"

"They're more like guidelines anyway," Ichigo smirked with a small chuckle.

"Haha! I'll take him but I expect some rum on my return," she returned a sassy grin and a bit of a wink. "C'mon, Kusaba, let's go. You don't need to stay here. Up, up!"

Ichigo let go of Kusaba as Yoruichi pulled the man to his feet. Urahara summoned senkaimon and she walked him the short distance to the gate. Kusaba looked back at Ichigo as he stood back up. So they were just going to take him away, just like that? He wasn't going to be judged?

"Thank them, you idiot. We shouldn't even be doing this," she nudged him hard in the ribs. "Go on."

Kusaba stared at her for a moment and slowly looked back at Ichigo and Urahara. He drew in a deep breath and bowed to them.

"Th-thank you," he said, holding the bow. "I am s-sorry to cause so much trouble."

"Well, what are you going to do about it now?" Urahara shrugged as the former investigator stood up straight. "It's just going to be what it's going to be."

"Take care, Kusaba," Ichigo gave a weak wave to the man and put on a small grin. "I hope everything goes good for you."

Kusaba looked at Ichigo's face as he was pulled through the senkaimon. The smile Ichigo wore, it looked so sad. Kusaba wanted to say one more thing but the senkaimon slid shut behind them and vanished into the air.

"Thank you for doing that," Ichigo sighed, rubbing the back of his hooded head.

"I really shouldn't have done that," he sighed. "Konso helps to cleanse the soul and release any negative energy that he carries. But there was a large chance of him not making it to Soul Society the conventional way… And I know you. You're liable to jump right in after him."

"Yeah, I guess you really do know me…" Ichigo said, walking over to the gear Yoruichi and Urahara had procured from the CCG armory. "You have a little over half already?"

"Yeah, it's been going fairly smoothly thus so far," Urahara said, walking over and picked up a helmet. "This is just the gear. Next we'll get the weapons. This should be fun."

"What should?" Ichigo asked just picking through the equipment.

"You teaching us to use firearms," Urahara said as Ichigo looked at him funny. "That should be quite interesting."

"Yeah, I suppose it would be," Ichigo said, examining some of the body armor. "The others should be back soon."

"So they should. I'll go ahead and get the weapons. Yoruichi shouldn't be gone too long," Urahara said, straightening his hat. "Well, off I go again. Oh, by the way… I think they are about ready to start their assault. They are already getting their equipment ready. I'd give it a day or two at most."

"Well, looks like I really have my work cut out for me. I don't know how much I can teach in such a short span of time," Ichigo said, setting the armor back down onto the pile.

"Just enough to make us 'fit in.' Do what you think will be best for us," Urahara said, moving toward door and propped his cane over his shoulder. "This is your area of expertise, not mine. Just use your own discretion with this. See ya in a bit."

Urahara waved and exited the house from the back entrance. Ichigo looked through the armor, suits, boots, and so on. This was going to be interesting. His sighed and unsnapped his hood to take it off his head. This was really going to be interesting indeed.

On her return, Yoruichi quickly headed off to help Urahara with the weapons. No doubt he'd need it. The rest of the group returned not long after she left. They had stories to tell and plenty of souvenirs to show off. It was stuff like this he was missing most. Not being able to just go out and walk around with his friends. Seeing what they see and feeling what they feel in the moment. The stories were good but nothing like actually being a part of them. This was just something he had to adjust to.

Ichigo already decided to teach them how to properly put on their gear. Orihime had a bit of a problem with her armor as it didn't fit. Ichigo adjusted the sides a bit more to accommodate her breast size. It was quite snug on her but she was able to fit. He made them take it off and on a few times to make sure they remembered.

He then worked on how they should stand when at attention, how to salute, and how address superiors, among other things. He put them through several drills on how to move as a unit. This was awkward to him. He wasn't really cut out to teach this sort of stuff. Especially with the limited time he was given.

Yoruichi and Urahara returned with a large stockpile of various weapons and ammo. Ichigo made them get into their gear like everyone else. He started over again to accommodate for Yoruichi and Urahara's lateness. They did this for several hours. It was close to dinner when they called it a break.

Dinner was cooked on a couple camping stoves and served on plastic plates. Certainly nothing fancy but it was food. They cleaned up their dinner and Ichigo went over gun safety and how to shoot. Urahara set up a barrier that would allow them to practice without any interference from the outside.

"Make sure the safety's off," Ichigo said, standing beside Urahara and adjusted his arms and stance. "Fix your feet."

"Safey's off," Urahara said, looking at the orange panted tin can placed on an old dresser from across the yard.

"Line up your shot," Ichigo said as Urahara focused his aim.

"Before I pull this trigger… How much recoil does this rifle have?" Urahara asked, looking over his shoulder at Ichigo. "You made it look easy."

"It'll kick for sure but it's not that bad," Ichigo patted his shoulder before walking back. "Shoot when you're ready. No pressure."

Urahara had an uneasy feeling about this. Not about shooting but how Ichigo said that. He drew in a breath and focused his aim. He tightened his gloved finger over the trigger. It was now or never. He pulled the trigger.

A second later he was flat on his back staring up at the night sky, a little bit dazed. He could hear all manner of laughing and snickering. Ichigo's face soon appeared in his vision, just hovering over him. Damn it, he knew this was a set up and he still went with it.

"Awe, did that hurt?" he mocked with a toothy grin. "Trust issue, man, trust issues."

"Touché. Perhaps over the years I did have that coming," Urahara slowly sat up, rubbing his shoulder. "Ow. That thing can pack a punch."

"It has to," Ichigo said, taking the rifle from him. "Ghoul's skin isn't like a human's. We need to make sure the Q-bullets can penetrate. Want to try again?"

"In a bit," he said, getting to his feet and brushed off his clothes.

Ichigo flipped the safety on and gave the rifle back to Urahara. He then returned to the others.

"Okay, then… Who's next?" he asked with a large innocent grin.

"That smile is a lie," Urahara murmured. "Don't trust it."

Ichigo gave him a dirty look. A person in the line broke free and stepped forward.

"I would like to try," Ururu said, walking up with her rifle.

"This shouldn't be too hard for you given that bazooka thing you used to fire," he said, setting her up. "Get your feet planted better. Good. Your stock rests here on this part of your shoulder. Keep your grip. Safety off?"

"Safety's off," she answered.

"Line up your shot and fire when ready," he stepped back to give her room.

She looked down the barrel and straight at the old can. This was easy pickings.

She pulled the trigger and she emptied every round from the mag, taking the can out and then some. They looked at what was left of the can and the wood fence behind it, before turning back at her with a shocked look on their faces. Thank goodness for the barrier or that would have ended poorly for the neighbors. Unlike Urahara, she was still standing loud, proud, and in charge. She flipped the safety on and turned to look at Ichigo.

"Do I pass?" she looked at him with her usual doe-eyes.

"…Yeah… Y-you… Pass…" was all he can force out of his mouth, looking at the damage done. Even now this girl scares the shit out of me.

"Damn, Ururu, you're a freaking beast," Jinta exclaimed as she walked back over to him. "Yeah-heh! Now that's what I'm talking about!"

"I do my best," she smiled.

Urahara was fuming a bit, looking at his ward. That attitude didn't go unnoticed by her. She merely stuck out her tongue and pulled down her bottom eyelid. He looked the other way and tightly crossed his arms.

"Next," Ichigo called out as he ran to place another can on the dresser.

"I'll try," Chad said, stepping up and walked over to where the others had stood.

Ichigo got him adjusted and stepped back to give him room to fire. Chad pulled the trigger and like Ururu he was still standing up right. But unlike Ururu…

"It's a good thing we're not hunting cans," Ichigo snorted, looking at the damage that circled the can but nothing actually hit the target. "I don't even wanna know how you did that."

"I did honestly try. I'm usually pretty good with my aim but I'm not use to a gun," Chad said, flipping the safety back on. "Had it been any one of my arms… I would have hit it."

"No doubt, but we have to be careful not to use our abilities when we don't have to," Ichigo said, patting Chad on the back. "The CCG doesn't like anything out of the norm. It won't do us any good if we get caught using our powers."

"I understand that but do you actually think we'll stick to that?"

"No, but I'm just throwing caution to the wind. Go back to the others. Next volunteer!"

Chad walked off as Uryu walked up. Once again Ichigo helped to get Uryu prepped to fire the gun. Uryu had pretty good confidence in his aim and ability. He clicked off his safety after making sure his footing was right and he had a good grip.

"Just so you know this isn't comfortable. I'm left handed."

"Oh, yeah… But the casings come out on the right. They'll be hot and moving fast. I doubt you want that hitting your face. Keep it on your right shoulder."

"Got it."

"Shoot when you're ready."

Uryu only nodded and lined up his shot. He pulled the trigger. His knees gave out and he landed his butt onto his ankles. Despite that, he managed to hit the can spot on. Uryu unfolded his legs and stood up. That was a bit painful.

"Well, at least you hit the can," Ichigo said as Uryu put the safety on. "You landed hard on your legs. Are they okay?"

"I just need to walk it off," he moaned, shaking his legs a little and limped back to the group.

"All right who's ready to—"

"Meeee," Jinta yelled, running up Ichigo. "I want to try this now!"

"Okay, stay here while I replace the can."

Ichigo put up another orange can and hurried back over to Jinta. The redhead looked totally stoked to do this. Ichigo got him in position and stepped back.

"Whenever, you're ready."

"I totally got this!" Jinta pulled the trigger but nothing happened. "Huh? What's going on? It won't fire!"

"Your safety…"

"Ohh… Yeah, oops, I knew that," Jinta said, flipping it off and fixed his aim again.

"No you didn't!" Ururu called out from behind him.

"Ururu, don't do this to me," Jinta growled at her.

Thump!

"OWW!"

Jinta felt a knife hand slam down on the top of his head.

"Head in the game," Ichigo snapped, pulling his hand back. "You're already out of stance. Fix it."

"Fine, fine," Jinta replanted his feet and adjusted the gun in his arms. "I fixed it."

Ichigo took his foot and knocked over Jinta's foot a little more. The red head was a little irritated by this.

"Now it's fixed. Keep your weight on that foot. Now shoot."

Ichigo stepped back and Jinta took aim. He had this. If Ururu could do it he could, too. He pulled the trigger and ended up in the state as Urahara. He was flat on his back just staring up the at the night sky.

"Aw, dammit," Jinta yelled, as Ichigo hovered over him. "I had it! I know I had the shot!"

"No you didn't!"

"Ururu!"

"Yes, well, it's only your first time. Don't take it personally," Ichigo removed the rifle from Jinta's hands and flipped on the safety as the young man painfully got back to his feet. "Go back. Next person!"

Ichigo handed the gun back as Jinta painfully, and shamefully, walked off. Yoruichi stepped up, stretching a little. She quickly turned to the little orange target.

"Like this?" she asked, fixing her stance and adjusted the gun on her shoulder.

"Yeah, that's perfect," Ichigo said, rather impressed and stepped back. "Just take your shot when—"

PPPOOOWWW!

She hit the can spot on and knocked it into the air. She then hit it again about 4 more times before letting it hit the weedy ground. She had one hell of a sassy grin on her lips as she clicked on the safety and turned to look at a bewildered Ichigo.

"Trained assassin, remember?" she said, patting him on the shoulder as she walked off.

"Y-yes, of course…" Ichigo choked out watching her rejoin the group. I don't know who's more terrifying, Ururu and Yoruichi!

There was only one person left that hadn't tried. Orihime took in a deep breath and meekly walked out towards Ichigo. She was clearly nervous from the look on her face. She stood beside Ichigo and he got her situated. He made sure she had a good grip on the gun and that her feet were firmly planted into the ground.

"S-safety is off," she stuttered, shaking a little. "Kurosaki-kun, I-I don't know if I can do this."

"Well, I don't know what to tell you, Orihime. It's only going to get worse from here," Ichigo said, scratching his head. "We're going to have to work on moving targets in a bit."

"I just… I-I just don't like the idea of u-using a gun," she said, shaking a bit.

"Gun shy?" he asked.

"I guess th-that's it. I don't know what you call it but I… I-I just don't like them," she said, lowering the gun.

Ichigo sighed and stepped up behind her, wrapped his arms around her to help to hold up the gun.

"I'm going to stand like this so you don't get knocked down," he said as she turned a bright shade of pink. "I know you don't like them but where we're going, you have to have one and know how to use it. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes," she choked out, leaning back into him a little more.

"Okay, I want you to aim on your own like I showed you before."

"Okay."

She slowly lifted the gun and looked down the barrel. He put his hand on the gun to steady it due to her shaking hands.

"It's going to kick when you pull that trigger. It's might hurt your shoulder."

"I know."

"Whenever you're ready."

Her finger fidgeted on the trigger but she never pulled it.

"Orihime?"

"I just can't… I'm sorry. I can't do it."

"You scared of it hurting you?"

"No… I mean… I just… I just really don't like guns."

Ichigo sighed and shook his head. He stepped back and took the rifle from her. He took aim and hit the can dead on.

"Is it the sound or the fact that it's such a deadly weapon?"

"The second…"

"Orihime… Look, I… This isn't like fighting hollows. I don't know what to tell you. But if you truly can't… I mean, if you really can't handle a gun or be around them it would be best that you stay here for your own safety."

"But I want to help! I came all the way here!"

He put a hand on her head.

"I know you did but this is going to be a true firefight. I don't want you to get scared or worse, hurt."

"I don't want to be useless! Please let me participate!"

"Orihime…" his voice was stern. "You might be better suited to just stay here and be our medic more or less. I'm almost certain someone's going to show up in need of some serious healing. You can help us there instead."

"Yeah, but I really wanted to—"

"Orihime, Ichigo is doing this for your safety," Chad cut in. "Just do what he says. He's knows what's best for you in this situation. This is what he was he trained for after all."

She looked down at the thick weedy ground. She really wanted to be of more help than this. She really didn't have the same resolve like the others did. She hoped just once she could be like the others and actually fight. She was always the shield and healer. She never really was much of fighter from the start. She would fight if she was in dire straits but… She just… Fighting really wasn't for her as much as she wanted it to be.

He lightly stroked her head, waking her from her thoughts. She looked back up at him and rubbed an eye that had started to water up.

"You're not useless. You never are," he said, moving the hand to her shoulder. "I just know that there are certain things you shouldn't be involved in. This is one of them. Please, just stay here at the house."

She nodded her head as he pulled his hand from her shoulder.

"You can get out of that body armor. I know it's heavy and tight on you."

"O-okay…"

She turned with her head hung low and walked off, back into the dark house. He hated to leave her out of the main fight but if she wasn't able to fight back he couldn't risk her safety or the others. He didn't have a choice. He genuinely felt bad for basically telling her, "no, you can't come." He looked down at the rifle in his hand, held it up, and clicked on the safety.

"I'm sorry… Orihime…"

(A/N Yeah, I'm done! I hope this one makes people happy! Whoo! So, yeah, was a somewhat quick update. I really hope this was good chapter. I struggled a good bit with this chapter. So Ichigo and the others are back in Tokyo and ready to take action. So, tell me what think! Also remember that I fix a continuity issue is the last chapter. Laterz, y'all!)

Millie M. Banshee

P.S. Chad's shooting prowess came from me. Dad had me fire off one of his guns and had set out some cans for practice. He showed me how to shoot and well… I missed all the cans—with bird shot no less. He laughed his ass off. The only thing I managed to hit was the treetops. Thankfully, his rifle doesn't carry much recoil but the initial pop and jerk scared the shit out of me, especially the first time. C'mon, it's a mini-cannon you hold in your arms! I only fired it about 3 more times after that and STILL missed the cans. Dad had me throw one can like a clay pigeon and he still hit it even after all these years.

Dad used to do a good bit of hunting before he joined the Navy during the Vietnam War. (It was that or be drafted to the frontlines). He never saw any action but I asked once why he stopped hunting, since he was so good with a gun. He said he just lost interest after leaving the Navy and his tone was a little… So, I didn't press the matter.