(A/N: Here we go! Ladies and gentlemen. New chapter and this time it's both written and edited by yours truly and as always I have a few things to say. But I will tell them by the end of the chapter so please sit back and enjoy. :) )
And so there he stands with his powers restored to his former glory and with his zanpakuto in hand. Ichigo then gives Riser and his peerage a glare but then orange-haired substitute soul reaper turns and sees Rukia and seeing her again brought a smile on his face. Then he noticed another figure behind her that is a lot taller than petite soul reaper and sports long crimson hair, keeping it in a high ponytail. He also wears a maroon colored bandanna covering all of the tattoos on his forehead. It was Renji Abarai.
"Hey," Rukia says with a smile.
"Did you miss us?"
"Hey, Rukia and Renji to it's been a while."
"Yeah, two years to be exact and to think after all this time you've gotten stronger and smar-YEAH RIGHT!" shouts Rukia as she delivers an uppercut to an unexpecting Ichigo hitting him square on the jaw sending him to the ground shocking Rias, Riser, and his Peerage. Then Rukia tags Renji in and the crimson-haired soul reaper delivers an elbow drop on Ichigo's chest taking the air right out of him."
"OW!"
"I leave you alone for two lousy years and here I find you meddling with hell's remaining noble families affairs, are you crazy or what?!" Rukia yelled in anger of what Ichigo was up to.
"Seriously, Ichigo you really outdid yourself this time." says Renji as he gets off Ichigo.
Rias tries to say that it wasn't Ichigo's fault but only for the teen to respond quickly way before she had a chance to speak as he quickly pushes Renji off of him.
"Geez, is that how you two treat a friend that you haven't seen in a few years?!" Ichigo exclaims as he quickly gets back on his feet and comes up to Rukia's face.
"Damn right, especially when said friend does something this stupid!" exclaims Rukia
"I mean really Ichigo, what you did in the Soul Society is one thing but this is just pushing your luck," says Renji joining Rukia in chastising Ichigo
"At least I don't attack my friends like a psychotic shrimp and a demented Baboon!"
"What you say!?" shouted both Rukia and Renji at the same time.
"You heard me!" shouts Ichigo
As Ichigo, Rukia and Renji continue to argue Rias, Riser, and his peerage just stand there unable to guess if both soul reapers are actual friends.
"Are...aren't they supposed to be friends or something?" Ravel says feeling confused on what she's witnessing before her. When she saw them greeting each other in such a friendly matter only to turn violent towards each other leaving the young blonde girl with a large question mark. But then Riser steps forward while being annoyed by the fact that he's being ignored.
"Hey, Peasants!" Riser shouts as Rukia, Renji and Ichigo look towards him.
"This farce has gone far enough! I'm going to take Rias Gremory back and have her wed to me! One way or another!" says, Riser, as he creates a ball of fire in his hand.
"Oh yeah? If you want her so badly you have to go through me first!" Ichigo exclaims as he draws his Zangetsu ready to throw down with the blonde noble.
"Ichigo!" Rukia exclaims
"Don't be stupid."
"Fine by me!" says Riser as he comes for Ichigo
"Then come on!" With his Zangetsu in hand and ignoring both Renji and Rukia, Ichigo goes for the offense.
But as both Ichigo and Riser dash towards each other ready to deliver their respective attacks they were both suddenly stopped by a pair of powerful figures. The one that stopped Ichigo was the man himself Kisuke using his cane to block Ichigo's Zanpakuto while on Riser's side he's being blocked by a woman with silver hair and matching eyes and wearing a blue and white French maid outfit with long sleeves and a white maid headband over her head, with red lipstick as a cosmetic accessory. She blocks him simply by raising her right arm and keeping him from going any further.
"Grayfia!?" exclaims Rias in surprise to see the family maid here.
"Hello, Lady Rias, nice to see your well."
"Kisuke? What are you doing?"
"Well Ichigo, as you can see I'm stopping you."
"Why!?"
"Because I asked him to." says Grayfia as Riser knew not to push his luck with the ultimate queen and steps back without saying another word.
What?
"You heard the lady Ichigo, Miss Grayfia was waiting at my shop when I finally arrived from the Soul Society."
-Ten Minutes Ago-
Returning from the Soul Society using a Senkaimon and with the spiritual sword inside the sealed box in hand and accompanied by Rukia right next to him with Renji close behind Kisuke finally returns to the world of the living after having a meeting with the captains.
"Ahh...to think I was expecting them to turn me down on my request to restore Ichigo's powers and for the Head Captain to arrest me for treason. Buuut I was worried for nothing…..goes to show how much Ichigo made an impact with them."
"Yeah….can't wait to see the look on his face when we restore his powers." says Rukia feeling happy knowing that soon she would finally have the chance to see Ichigo after two years of being away from Karakura Town.
"Yeah, I figured he's going to be real surprised to see us." Says Renji feeling the same enthusiasm as Rukia of meeting Ichigo soon.
"Yes, anyway here." says Kisuke as he hands over the box to Rukia making her grab the handle.
"Wha-what?" Rukia caught by surprise
"Wait, aren't you going to do it?" says Renji in confusion
"Oh no, unfortunately, I have business inside my shop that needs attending." Kisuke then points his cane at his shop and both him, Rukia and Renji could feel the ominous feeling of a very powerful being inside the shop.
"I really don't like the feeling of whatever is inside their." says Renji.
"Looks like I have a customer inside," Kisuke says in a happy tone as if not caring of the ominous feeling that is inside his store.
Feeling the overwhelming power Rukia lets out a gulp out of nervousness. "I..I...see."
"Besides, it's shouldn't be too hard. All you have to do is draw the sword and simply impale Ichigo with it. Like how you did it the last time."
"Bu-but."
"Wait, wait are you sure about this? I mean I feel that you should be the one to do it since you know how the spiritual sword works and all."
"Oh don't worry too much. I know Rukia will do fine. The chance of failure for the spiritual transfer is roughly around five to eight percent and I should know I made the thing," says Kisuke with a happy grin while his bucket hat hides his eyes.
"Very well...if you say so. We'll go and look for Ichigo then," says Rukia feeling the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders but Renji puts his hand on her shoulder giving her a reassuring nod that she will do fine.
"I'm sure you'll find him quickly."
"Yeah I mean how hard it is to find a teen with orange hair?" says Renji as he goes ahead and flashsteps in search of Ichigo.
Rukia simply nodded as she uses flashstep, as well as both soul reapers search for Ichigo leaving the area quickly.
As they leave Kisuke walks over to his shop's entrance while still feeling the tremendous power that's inside the shop. He opens and then he sees Grayfia browsing around the shop like she was a customer. But he can still feel her immense power coming from her. She has enough power to rival a captain or even surpass one.
But Kisuke remained calm seeing that the woman before him is simply looking around his shop. The man quickly gathers his wits and act like his usual self when dealing with customers of his shop.
"Welcome to Urahara shop, is there something that you're looking for today? Because we have special on-
"I would like to know the whereabouts of Rias Gremory." Grayfia interrupting Kisuke as she looks over to his direction.
"Hmm….I take it you are a family member of hers?" asks Kisuke keeping his cool like a professional.
"I'm her sister in law." says Grayfia monotone.
"I see."
"Yes, now I'll ask again where is Rias Gremory?" Grayfia now walking towards Kisuke with her eyes as if they are locked in on the shop keeper.
Kisuke can feel the pressure and her immense power doesn't exactly help matters. But for the sake of professionalism, he keeps his usual happy mood. "Well currently she's staying with Mr. Ichigo Kurosaki, but I would not worry. Ichigo is a very capable young man."
Grayfia simply gives Kisuke a soft glare not taking this as lightly as he is as she walks towards the man and stops in front of him.
"Where can I find them? I won't ask again." Grayfia says losing patients with Kisuke.
Kisuke then looks over at one of his clocks to see that it's past four thirty meaning school's out for more than an hour and before he could answer he and Grayfia felt an explosive and burning power coming from the park.
"I think I have a pretty good idea of where they are." says Kisuke having a mental breather of the woman attention was off him and towards the burning power.
"I see that Master Riser has found her. I must make haste."
"I'll join you, can't have the hero of the winter war to be reduced to ash so easily."
-Present Time-
"And here we are keeping the two of you from fighting. Once again I was worried for nothing," says Kisuke as he keeps blocking Ichigo's Zangetsu with just his cane.
"You honestly think I would lose to that burning gigolo?!"
"What did you say, peasant!?" Riser shouts as he pushes against Grayfia's arm a little.
"Enough! Calm yourself, Lord Riser. We don't need for you to make any more of a scene than it already is." says Grayfia
Riser simply bit his tongue once again knowing that arguing with Grayfia is never a wise idea and steps away while putting out his flames. Grayfia agitated with Riser's behavior then turns and looks over to Rias while returning to her calm and professional state.
"Lady Rias, please return home. Your family is waiting for you."
"I refuse, and as the future head of The House of Gremory, I will choose on who I will marry. Not to mention I was promised that I will do as I please until I graduate from University," says Rias
"Yes your family did promise you that, but the situation has been changed as the Phenex family and mostly Lord Riser cannot wait that long I'm afraid."
Rias just grit her teeth once again in frustration having to deal with her family's and Riser's nonsense.
"But since you continue to resist against your family's wishes my husband and your father offers you an opportunity to call off the marriage."
"I'm listening," says Rias curiously
"But first I do recommend you summoning all of your pieces of your peerage."
Rias thought for a moment, but there was no reason that she would doubt Grayfia. Especially since she's always serious when it comes to this sort of situation. The crimson-haired girl pulls out her cell phone but before she would dial Akeno along with Uryu appeared and soon after Tatsuki, Orihime and Chad joined in and once they saw Ichigo they were shocked to see him restored his soul reaper powers.
"Ichigo!?" Orihime says in surprise to see Ichigo in his soul reaper form with Chad sharing the same expression.
"Rias," says Akeno as she goes to her best friend's side. But with one look at her surroundings and seeing both Grayfia and Riser, she already has a pretty good idea of what's going on. Then she noticed Ichigo in his soul reaper outfit.
"Oh Ichigo, nice look. Black really does bring out your orange," says Akeno with a smile
"Ah...thanks, I think," says Ichigo as he quickly looks over to his friends and seeing the look on their shocked faces with the exception of Uryu as if nothing can surprise the Quincy teen.
"I see you recovered your powers, Kurosaki," said Uryu as he readjusts his glasses
"Yeah but….what are you guys doing here?"
"Are you kidding first we saw a pillar of fire erupting towards the sky and the next thing we saw an explosion of spirit energy. Did you honestly expect us to just ignore all of that!?" says Tatsuki
"Tatsuki makes a good point Ichigo," said Orihime but then she quickly noticed Rukia and Renji are with them.
"Rukia! Renji It's been so long!" Orihime says with joy as she rushes over and hugs the petite soul reaper first and then gives one to Renji as well.
"Ye-yeah it has but Orihime this isn't the best time," Rukia said as Orihime noticed that they're not the only ones here and sees another group in front of them.
"Oh, I see."
"So Rias did you abandoned your old pieces for this group? Are you hoping that they would give you an edge?" Riser says with a smirk on his face. "This should be a lot easier than I thought."
"How dare you accuse me of abandoning my pieces! But unfortunately, these friends of mine are not part of my peerage," says Rias starting to get very tired of Riser's attitude.
"Hmmm….even so they don't look all that strong to me." Riser said in an arrogant matter
"Oh, you wanna try us, buddy!?" Tatsuki says in anger already getting sick of the blonde pure devil.
"Hmph..you're invited to try little girl." says Riser mockingly at Tatsuki as the teen is quick to go at him only to be stopped by Ichigo.
"Hey!" shouts Tatsuki becoming madder by the minute and without thinking charges towards Riser ready to slug him one.
"Don't Tatsuki, you'll get burnt if you get too close." Ichigo disengages from Kisuke and quickly grabs Tatsuki before she could reach the Phoenix noble.
But before she could say her complaint to Ichigo. "Hey, you jerk! Lay off our president!" Coming from the right side of this confrontation is Issei along with Asia, Kiba, Koneko and are accompanied by Yoruichi in her cat form still.
"Issei!" Rias says in surprise that her peerage all came.
"And we came just in time too," says Yoruichi as Issei and the rest of Rias's peerage goes to her side. "Issei, everyone," says Rias in a heartfelt matter.
"We came here as fast as we could." says Asia already determined as Issei is already had his sacred gear out and ready for a fight.
"We heard of what going on, thanks to Kisuke and the maid."
-Quick Flashback-
As both leave the store both Asia and Issei slowly comes out of the back door having heard what they said while hidden in the stairway that would lead to the training area.
"Issei, what should we do?"
"We're going to find and help Rias!"
-Quick Flashback End-
"Then we bump into Kiba, Koneko, and the cat and here we are ready for anything," says Issei already fired up but then noticed Ichigo wearing a weird get-up and two other wearing the same outfit. Then he sees Ichigo's zanpakuto and how big it is as Ichigo holds it with just one hand like it was nothing while he's keeping a girl in his other arm.
"Uh...hey Ichigo….what's with the outfits?"
"I'll explain later, Issei."
"So everyone is here."
"Hmm...I see, so including your queen, you only have six pieces while I have a whole set," says Riser as he can't help but chuckle on how things are turning out.
"Wrong!" Ichigo exclaims interrupting Riser's chuckle making him look over to the orange-haired teen.
"Rias might only have six pieces but she still got our support!"
"Oh really? Last I check that you need a total of sixteen pieces to even participate a Rating Game."
"Rating Game?" Ichigo says wondering what that is exactly.
"But even with these 'friends' of yours, you still be several pieces short."
But before anyone could say anything else Grayfia got everyone's attention when she loudly clears her throat.
"I do believe I have a remedy for Lady Rias's dilemma and since everyone is here and accounted for I can now say what I was going to say."
Everyone looks towards Grayfia with anticipation on what she's about to say especially Rias.
"Lady Rias, if you wish to undo the engagement with Lord Riser then your father and my husband will give you the chance to do so. If you win a Rating Battle."
"What!? Rating Battle?" exclaims Riser as this is the first time he hears such a version of the Rating Game.
"Yes, do to Lady Rias lacking a complete peerage set to participate a Rating Game both Lord Gremory, my husband, and the creator of the Rating Games himself have devised a new version of the Rating Game. Granted the rules are more or less the same with a few exceptions, but to put it simply it will be a full on battle between both teams and the one left standing wins," says Grayfia explaining the new concept.
"I see," says Rias
"Yes but note that the maximum number of members of each team is still sixteen but it won't be restricted to only sixteen members. Unless of course, Lady Rias would include her friends into her team."
"But that's just absurd! They are not even devils!" says Riser in anger but only to be silenced by Grayfia's glare.
"While that is true, Lady Rias can choose non-devils to be on her team if she wishes to. So Lady Rias, what will you do?"
Before Rias could answer she looks back towards Ichigo and the rest with the substitute soul reaper giving her a nod of approval while Issei gives Rias a thumbs up to show his support to which she smiles as she turns to Grayfia and gives her answer.
"Very well, Grayfia I accept."
"Understood, and in the addition, both parties have eight days to prepare for the Rating Battle. Are we clear?"
"Yes." says Rias without hesitation.
"Hmph...very well, but like I said before my dear Rias, you and your peerage and your friends don't stand a chance. In the end when the smoke clears you will be my bride," says Riser as the young man opens a large portal of fire taking him and his peerage back to the underworld.
"Sigh….glad he's gone." says Rias as she takes a deep breath in relief once Riser left.
"Damn Rias, you were not kidding about that guy. Geez I wanted to punch him so hard," says Tatsuki after Ichigo let's go of her once the blonde left as she punches her right hand still feeling annoyed by the blonde noble.
"Not exactly a humble fellow," says Uryu
"Hmph reminds me of the stuck up nobles back in the Soul Society," says Renji
"Yeah," said Chad
"But it does look like he had a bit of a fan club," says Orihime
"That wasn't his fan club Orihime, they were his peerage," says Rias
"Oh."
"Anyway….let's all regroup and head back to Mr. Urahara's place unless you object," Rias says as she looks over to Kisuke.
"Not at all Miss Rias. I lend you one of my rooms so that you can have your little meeting."
"Thank you, Mr. Urahara."
"So I take it you won't return to your home, Lady Rias?"
"No, I won't, as of now I much to do and to get ready for what's to come."
"Very well my lady, I'll be sure to deliver your wardrobe and other necessities and to inform your family of your decision," says Grayfia
"Thank you, Grayfia," says Rias as the maid creates her own portal as she takes her leave.
-Back in Urahara's Shop-
Using one of Kisuke's vacant rooms Rias, Ichigo back in his normal body and the rest gather around and large round table with everyone taking a seat.
"So you're the famous Ichigo Kurosaki, my name is Kiba Yuuto it's a pleasure," says Kiba offering his hand to Ichigo
"Hey nice to meet you," says Ichigo with a small smile shaking Kiba's hand then noticed the white-haired girl Koneko just staring at him.
"Ah...hey," say Ichigo
"Come now Koneko it's not polite to stare," says Rias.
Koneko remained silent for a few more seconds and like Kiba she offers her hand too. "Nice to meet you."
"Pleasure's all mine."
"Hello, my name is Asia, thank you for helping Rias," says Asia introducing herself to Ichigo
"It's no problem," says Ichigo having a feeling of deja vu with Asia being very similar to Yuzu not to mention that Koneko girl looks and acts similarly to Karin.
Then Rias looks over to Rukia and Renji as she didn't get the chance to properly introduced each other yet.
"So you two are Renji and Rukia, correct?"
"Yes, that's right," Rukia answered
"That's us," says Renji
"It's nice to meet you, Ichigo told me a lot about you."
"And I take it that you're Rias Gremory?"
"Why yes, it's very nice to meet you both."
"Likewise." said both Rukia and Renji
"So with all of that out of the way, mind explaining why you two gave me so much crap for helping Rias?" asks Ichigo annoyed at both Rukia and Renji for their actions.
"About that, Ichigo," said Renji before Rukia would speak
"The reason why I gave you so much flak when I restored your soul reaper powers is because the Soul Society would avoid confronting or get involved with the other factions of the afterlife, which is why the Soul Society never got involved with the three faction war."
"I see," said Ichigo
"But since you're not officially part of the Soul Society this doesn't affect you officially."
"Still doesn't exactly explain the tag team beating you both gave me!" said Ichigo in an annoyed tone.
"It's simple really." says Rukia in a matter of factually matter.
"Oh, this should be good." Ichigo
"Sometimes you just act way to recklessly and you need a good punch every now and agai-"
"Bull crap and you know it!" shouts Ichigo cutting off Rukia.
"Ok, ok you two can argue about this later," says Kisuke as he steps in and breaks up the fight between both Rukia and Ichigo knowing that if they continue they never stop.
"Speaking of which, how the hell did you get the soul society to give out their spirit energy to the spiritual sword? I thought it's illegal for a soul reaper to give a human soul reaper powers," says Ichigo as he feels the spiritual energies of several of his friends back in the Soul Society including the Head Captain's.
As if on cue Kisuke comes into a cheery grin on his face.
"Oh, Ichigo I'm glad you ask such an important question."
"Why do I feel like it's another flashback story?"
-Several hours earlier in The Soul Society Squad One Barracks-
In one of the meeting halls, all of the captains have gathered from Retsu Unohana, Byakuya Kuchiki, Toshiro Hitsugaya, and Shunsui Kyōraku to Soi Fon, Kenpachi Zaraki, Jushiro Ukitake, Sajin Komamura and Mayuri Kurotsuchi and the man in the center is the Head Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto. After receiving a hell butterfly, all of the captains have come to the squad one barracks for the urgent meeting with Kisuke. The man himself is already on one knee and bowing before them with the spiritual sword in hand inside a glass case with a handle on top. The head captain was the first to speak.
"Kisuke Urahara, what is the meaning of this meeting you want to have with us that is so urgent?"
"I came here to request the Gotei 13 to assist in restoring the soul reaper powers of Ichigo Kurosaki." When Kisuke said this everyone even the head captain was surprised with such a request.
Having a minute to think over what Kisuke has requested the head captain speaks with a question.
"Why choose now to restore his soul reaper powers?" asks Yamamoto
"It's because he's currently in a situation that involves with one of the 42 Pillar noble families of the underworld. He's currently involved with the heiress of the Gremory family to be specific."
And with that said it raised more concern as all of the captains, save both Kenpachi and Mayuri can't help but be shocked by the current situation. Byakuya became the first one to speak.
"Honestly, it's one thing for Ichigo Kurosaki would get himself involved and meddle with the matters of the Soul Society, now he's meddling with the matters of the Underworld. To think he would know better," says Byakuya in a calm but annoyed voice.
"Granted he did do a lot for the soul society and the Seireitei." says Unohana in her usual sweet voice.
"Even so it's very reckless of him to get himself involved in the first place," Toshiro says
"True, especially how differently the government of the underworld works their laws unlike that of the soul society and central 46," says Shunsui
"Agreed, But let's not forget that he defeated Aizen, although at the cost of his powers as a soul reaper," said Jushiro
"Regardless, the soul society has since from the beginning had stayed away from the matters of the other factions of the afterlife for centuries even avoiding taking part of the faction war. This has been law held by Central 46."
"That might be true sir, but currently the central 46 has yet to fully formed as of yet. Not to mention Ichigo Kurosaki isn't exactly an official soul reaper considering he's not from any of our squads and has done his job in the world of the living. Once more he's merely a substitute soul reaper for starters." said Shunsui once again
Yamamoto ponders of what Shunsui said. When it is true that Central 46 has yet to form since the first members were killed by Aizen and it has been difficult to replace the late members since most of that govern the Seireitei fear that what happen to the first members could happen to them. Leaving most of their responsibilities to the Soul Society mostly to the head captain.
"Not to mention, we and the rest of the Soul Society as a whole owe him a great debt, and what better way to repay him than to restore his powers." says Shunsui once again proving his case to the head captain.
Yamamoto remains silent as he thinks over more before his train of thought was derailed by.
"Oh come on! Just give Ichigo his power back so I could fight him!" shouts Kenpachi getting tired of the trivial talk that filled the room by the other captains.
"Is that all you think about Captain Zaraki." says Byakuya giving the captain of Squad eleven a cold and judgemental look.
"Don't give me that, it's been ages since I had a decent fight and if the kid does get his powers back I can finally challenge him and finish our fight."
"Didn't you lose to him in the first place." says Mayuri as the meeting went on he was tinkering with a small device he has in his hands.
"Oh please, that doesn't count. We were both knocked out, meaning that no one won." Kenpachi exclaims
"ENOUGH!" Finally having enough of the banter amongst the captains Yamamoto's shout got most of them to be silent. Now with that out of the way the head captain then looks over to Kisuke who remains with his head bow down and still in one knee and not wearing his usual green and white hat.
"Tell me Kisuke, what exactly is the situation of Ichigo Kurosaki and the heiress of the Gremory household?" says the head captain
"Basically the heiress in question Ms. Rias Gremory asked Ichigo in assisting her out of an arranged marriage."
Yamamoto raised one of his thick white eyebrows.
"And of course being the good soul that he is, Ichigo accepted her need for help and his currently guarding her."
"Why does this sound somewhat familiar?" says Toshiro
Yamamoto remains silent thinking over of what Kisuke and the rest of the captains have said and after a few more minutes of silence, Yamamoto finally comes to a decision.
"Very well."
"Head Captain!" Unohana says in surprise of the head captain's decision.
"After much consideration of the situation at hand and the fact we do owe Ichigo Kurosaki a tremendous debt in all that he has done for the Soul Society. It would be a dishonor if we do not repay him for his deeds. Therefore I hereby give the order of restoring Ichigo Kurosaki's powers effectively immediately." says Yamamoto with authority.
"Yes, Sir." said the rest of the captains loyally
-Present Time in Urahara Shop-
"Funny that you left out the part that you were the one that got me into this mess in the first place."
"Even if I was pardoned and proven innocent of Aizen's crimes, I probably would still get in trouble for this." says Kisuke while using his fan to cover his face much to Ichigo's annoyance.
"Well, at least that clears things up. But it's a shame that the both of you can't join the team since the Soul Society isn't all that keen to get involved with Underworld affairs and I don't wish to give you any trouble."
"Well...about that," says Rukia
"Huh?" says Ichigo
"Normally yes, but thanks to Kisuke, for the next two weeks we've been given special permission to assist you in the matter. But this is mostly their way of paying back the debt to you, and in a way as thanks for what you did Ichigo, " says Rukia with a smile
"So technically we can join the team," says Renji
"Oh nice!" says Ichigo with a smile happy to have both soul reapers on the team.
"Hmmm….but not to rain on the parade, but the problem remains that we're three members short."
"Make that two."
Everyone looks over and sees Yoruichi in her human form wearing a white t-shirt and black skinny jeans and her purple hair tied in a ponytail. When Koneko saw Yoruichi she immediately figured out that she was the cat just by her scent.
"Wait Yoruichi, you want in on this fight?!" says Ichigo taken by surprise by Yoruichi's decision of joining the team.
"Of course, after all, I don't do much aside slaying hollows and doing quick deliveries. Quite frankly I'm bored and want to have some fun for once, not to mention you guys look like you need some real serious training if you want even a shot to win." Yoruichi says as she looks over towards Rias's peerage.
"Oh come on! I've been training since this morning. If anything I feel I can take anyone!" says Issei with great confidence.
"Hmm...even so just by sensing your power even though you've have gotten stronger it's not by much," says Yoruichi flatly
"Oh," says Issei deflated as he sits back down while Asia goes and place her hand on his back and gives him a small pat.
"But hey Rome wasn't built in a day, that's why I'm going to help you guys train for the next eight days, ah it would be like the good ol' days when I was training Soifon," says Yoruichi
"I guess I'll have to train too especially since we're going up against Mr. Bigshot and his groupie squad, I really need to get my game up," says Tatsuki
"So I take it we're all going to train in Mr. Urahara's training ground?" asks Kiba
"Yup, starting tomorrow at six hundred hours sharp, I'll be working you guys down to the bone. Are we ready for tomorrow?!" says Yoruichi with enthusiasm.
"This should be good," says Koneko
"I can't wait," says Akeno with a smile
"Interesting, to say the least," says Kiba feeling confident for tomorrow.
"I hope I can keep up," Asia says in a nervous voice
"Oh yeah, hell I'm ready right now," Issei says already feeling up to the challenge.
"Alright, alright but before anything, I have something to say to everyone." says Rias as she stands up and looks at everyone.
"First of all, I like to thank all of you. As most of you know, this whole arranged engagement with Riser was something I never wanted. Not that I wish to disappoint my family, but if I want to marry, I want to marry the one I chose. At first, I felt trapped and didn't have a choice, until now." Rias then looks over to Ichigo and his friends. "I'm glad that I came to Karakura Town even if it was by accident and I'm thankful for meeting and getting to know all of you."
"Aww, Rias." says Orihime feeling her heart touched by Rias's words.
"But that being said, thanks to my father and my brother I finally have a chance to break this engagement. But to do this we have to give it our all. So for the next 8 days, we're going to train and push ourselves to our limits and break through them." says Rias with everyone nodding in agreement.
"So with all of that being said, I once again like to thank all of you for helping me with this endeavor. So let's get some rest because tomorrow we will hit the ground running." says Rias raising her fist up in the air as her peerage responds with a "Yeah" in a union.
With that their small meeting comes to an end and as everyone was leaving to come back home Kisuke signals Ichigo to come and meet him in the small backyard of the shop.
-Backyard Urahara Shop-
"What's up Kisuke?"
"Just want to have a little talk."
"Ok, about?"
"About the real reason why I stopped you from fighting Mr. Riser."
"Uh ok, and what would that be?"
"Well to put it simply if you two were to fight it out you could have easily destroyed the park and maybe several blocks."
Ichigo's widen in shock having heard clear as day what Kisuke said but still. "Wait, but what made you say that?"
"You just restored your powers, and it's been two years since you have used them. If you would have gone all out, all of that power could have gone out of control and would have been unleashed on not just Mr. Riser and his peerage but probably some part of Karakura."
Ichigo still remains in shock. If Kisuke wasn't there to stop him? But before continuing with that thought he quickly discards it and shakes off the feeling as he looks at Kisuke ready to listen to the enigmatic man.
"Granted you're not as strong as you when you defeated Aizen. You're currently as strong if not stronger than a captain-class soul reaper. But with all that said I still suggest you use the next eight days to train yourself to fully control your powers, you probably have to call in sick. But let me handle that for now," says Kisuke already pulling out a memory device and tinkering it with a smiling glee.
"So wait, you're not going to help me?" Ichigo asks
"No sadly, this is more for you to do on your own. Besides I already have plans to train Issei even thought Yoruichi will mostly be the one training them, granted I can train more than one person but like I said. I feel that you should do this by yourself." Kisuke said still tinkering with the memory device.
"What should I do first with my training?"
"Well first off you should go to your inner world and see how it is, then find and talk with your zanpakuto spirit and the rest should be getting used to your powers again."
"But what about my stamina training?"
"I feel you should keep going with that, gives you more to do in your training."
"Alright, if you say so, anything else?"
"No, no that should be it until tomorrow."
"Ok then, night."
"Good night, Mr. Kurosaki."
As Ichigo goes to the backdoor he stops by the entrance and looks over at Kisuke.
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"Why me? Why get me involved with this even without my powers."
"Hmmm….you could say I felt that you're the right one for the job….and it doesn't hurt to try and hook you up with a nice girl."
"Seriously!? You and Dad really know how to screw with me," says Ichigo in an annoyed tone.
"Oh come now, you have to admit, Ms. Gremory is quite the catch."
"Oh shut up! I'm out of here." Without saying another word Ichigo leaves with Urahara still grinning from ear to ear as he finishes his device.
Once in the front of the shop, the rest have gone home with Rukia crashing at Orihime's place and Renji staying at Chad's place. The only one there was Rias who was waiting for him.
"Hey, did something happen?" says Rias noticing Ichigo's scowl
"No, just Kisuke wanted to talk, mostly about tomorrow," says Ichigo
Rias simply giggles in response as they both head back home.
"I just know my dad is going to give me hell." says Ichigo dreading when they do get home Isshin will get on his case and spout nonsense again.
"Oh I'll just say that we were on a date." says Rias with a smile.
"Too bad we never finished ours," says Ichigo
"Hmm...true meaning," Rias says thinking until an idea pops in her mind as she walks ahead of Ichigo and gives him a mischievous look.
"Meaning?" Ichigo asks with a raised eyebrow.
"You owe me a date, Ichigo. And after all of this is over we're going on a proper date," says Rias with a smile as she continues to walk ahead leaving Ichigo there standing after what she said but he got his composure back and catches up with her.
"Yeah, sure whatever you want." says Ichigo with Rias still smiling as both return to the Kurosaki residence with Isshin attempting another ambush only for Ichigo to quickly react by slamming his foot into his father's face.
To be continued!
(A/N: Wooooow that was a long chapter, almost broke 20 pages making this thing. But don't expect this to be the usual since I normally do 12 to 15 pages. Not to mention to have a full peerage it's 16 pieces not 15, Thanks, HS DxD Wiki! I could have chopped this chapter in two but it would throw my planned chapters into the gutter.
To which speaking of plans thrown into the gutter, recently I found out that Highschool DxD is getting a Season 4. Meaning I have to check it out and probably re-work my plans for this fic, mostly to re-arrange and adding the arcs in their proper place.
Not to mention we finally get to see the captains again, and for those of you wondering why I exclude Shinji and the rest of the Visoreds from the Soul Society. To put it simply I have plans for them since I like them a lot and it would be a lot easier to work with them since they would be free agents. Blame Central 46's looney laws, granted some are just fillers but still gotta have a reason why the Soul Society have stayed clear from the other factions after all this time. And Yes the other factions know of the Soul Society and I will leave it at that.
As for the Rating Battle, this is something that came to me when figuring out a way to add the bleach characters into the Rating Game. To put it simply the Rating Battle is similar to Rating Game only that it's rules are simpler and will be a Team vs. Team battle with the last one standing wins. Think of it as a 16 vs 16 Pokemon battle for example. Hopefully, you guys like the idea.
And to AJ who got right two of his guesses, I'm still debating on who will be the final two members for Team Gremory. It's not like I have anything against Ikkaku or the rest of the Soul Society, just that they will show up in the next season just won't say when. Probably will add Hiyori and maybe Shinji because I am pushing it by adding 3 captain-class soul reapers into the team and Riser's peerage aren't that strong which would result getting a power boost just to even things out. Maybe have Shinji go head to head with Riser first and see where it leads, but this is a BIG maybe.
Also, I'd like to thank BrokenLifeCycle for suggesting me the program Grammarly, this thing reeeaally helped out a lot and one of the reasons this chapter didn't take several months to post. Ha!
Like I said before I did the writing and editing for this chapter since my former editor Ashton is still busy with college and work. So let me know what you guys think with a review since like before helps a lot and keeps me motivated knowing you guys love my work so far.
Lastly, I'd like to thank everyone for faving and following my story and thanks for the kind words in your reviews as I said they really help to keep me going. So next time we have nothing but training and sparring for the next two chapters before the big match. So til next time fans, later!)
(The Devil and The Reaper is written and edited by Alpha Espada. Please support the official release of both series used in this crossover.)