Hey everyone hope you have been enjoying the story. I want to give a special thanks to my Beta Abyss thanks you for helping me and giving advice with the story.
Reviews:
Mugetsu1996: Glad you liked the last update hope this one won't disappoint.
Dr1zzy: You welcome. Hope you like the next one.
Guest: To bad you don't really have a name. But i agree with you there really no stories out there with more Shiba family Heritage. That why i decided to make this story.
Xhope14x: I'm this story caught your interest. As for them being longer they will as i keep on with the story.
Fidi: I'm glad the story interest you. As for the pairing you said. It would go against my story since i feel that Kukaku Shiba is related to Ichigo so ya hope you understand.
Arrankor: I'm glad your enjoying the story. Hope you like the this chapter.
SinkingintheAbyssofFeels: I'm glad you like Nel interactions I do too. As for the calendar thanks i thought it would give a small laugh.
Ok then let get on with this story.
Rise of the Shiba Clan
Chapter 3
Noble Plain-Shiba Compound
The council met that day, urgently discussing a marriage to revive the household Shiba name. As the heads of the household, Lord and Lady Shiba explained their stipulations from the letter, the council seemed pleased that they could step in and choose a partner for Kukaku or her brother should they fail to take one on their own. The meeting came to an end as Lady Shiba announced the preparations for a party their household would be holding.
As everyone from the council left, the servants came to inform the head of the household that lunch was ready. Lord Hironori and Lady Yukie answered that they would be there in a few minutes. The servants bowed, and respectfully left their presence.
As they walked to the dining hall, they began a conversation.
"I could never understand how we, the Shiba, lost respect as nobility so fast," said Yukie with a sad look.
"In the last three hundred years we've had one too many misfortunes with our family," said Hironori.
"It's like something or someone is systemically trying to exterminate the existence of the Shiba Clan," she said with puzzled look.
"Really, this can't be normal. We are the only noble family that has taken devastating hits."
She shot a knowing look back at her husband. "I think I know where you might be heading with this honey."
"Wait till we sit down and eat lunch."
When they arrived to the dining hall, they sat down and waited for their food to be served. When the servants bowed and left, Lord Shiba cast a kido spell to keep their conversation from prying ears.
"So, what you were saying earlier in the hall is that there is a conspiracy going on here, if I understood correctly," Hironori said, interocking his fingers as he set his elbows to the table.
"Pretty much, dear. We lost both our sons in such a small amount of time," she sighed forlornly. "Then we lose our grandson Kaien, and his wife Miyako. Too bad they never had the opportunity to produce a heir."
"It's funny that you say that, because the Shiba is as old as the Shihoin Clan, and older the the Kuchiki Clan." Hironori said with a sad smile.
"I'm telling you, if souls only knew our family lineage."
Hueco Mundo
"Grimmy!" Nel gasped. "I thought you were dead."
"The reports we received of your death were an over exaggeration, I see," Tier said with a frown on her face.
"Ahh, never thought I'd see either of you again," Grimmjow plopped into a chair. "Seems neither of you are too thrilled to see me."
There was a small pause while all three looked at one another.
"What are your intentions, Grimmjow?" asked Tier as she shifted toward her weapon despite her injuries.
He looked away, pondering the question before he answered, "at this point, I really don't know." He frowned. "And what about you two, any brighter ideas?"
"Well," Tier hedged, wondering how much she should tell him of their plans. Then stated matter-of-factly, "I believe we should search for others to discuss the future of Hueco Mundo."
"What the hell." He shrugged apathetically. "That sounds about right." Snarling at the rafters, he told them, "Earlier I fought a few shinigami hiding in the shadows." he gave off a small growl. "Couldn't fight worth a damn, probably scouts collecting data." He scoped the room, then sniffed. "I think we're being watched by Soul Society."
Tier didn't appreciate the thought of being spied on by a possible enemy while at her weakest. At any moment they could be taken down, and all she had in her arsenal was a child and a man she wasn't sure she could trust.
Before she could comment on his intel, a loud crack jarred the woman.
"Oops!" whispered Nel. She turned around and smiled apologetically. "It wasn't me, I swear."
The two espada's sweat dropped from the little girl response.
"What was that?" Tier asked her anyway.
"A splitting headache in the making," Grimmjow answered sarcastically.
"Aww, don't worry! Nel was just having fun since everyone's being so serious." She giggled, jumping around in pure happiness. "Grimmy, Sharkey, do you want to have fun with me, and play eternal tag?" she asked excitedly with a twinkle in her eye.
Grimmjow rolled his eyes and told them, "can we get back to the bigger picture?"
"First things first, we need to discuss what we know about what's happening around Hueco Mundo," Tier said seriously. "I'll go first. At the fake Karakura town, I fought the captain of squad ten, and was defeated," she said with a frown. "However, he was not the one to try and kill me. Aizen was the one to deliver a fatal blow, and left me there to bleed out. Aizen didn't even see me as worthy of using his sword to finish me." The scorn in her tone was palpable. "He said that all of us espadas and arrancar were his pawns. A part of his plan to use us as he saw fit. I don't know how I got back to Hueco Mundo, at the very least, I remembering being carried." She blushed from the memory. "An attractive man held me in his arms, lying me gently on the floor. Before I passed out, I saw his ability to open a garanta, and he left." She sighed. "That's all I can remember."
The other arrancar listened closely, then out of nowhere, Nel spoke, "after Itysgo defeated Grimmy, Itysgo had to fight Nnoitra. Itysgo was getting overpowered." Nel spoke nonchalantly, then pouted. "Nel got angry with Nnoitra for hurting Itysgo. I transform into my original form to teach him a lesson."
Tier and Grimmjow's eyebrows rose.
"Nel fought Nnoitra, and almost defeated him, but Nel ran out of energy and transformed back." She tapped her head with an small angry huff. "Then Nnoitra hurt Nel, that when a bloodlust shinigami came out of nowhere, and started to fight him." She took a thoughtful pose. "But Starrk came and kidnap Itysgo friend, then Itysgo chased after her." Nel saddened. "So Nel returned to Las Noches to hide." She suddenly smiled, and said, "before I left, I saw Grimmy passed out from serious injuries. So Nel used her special saliva to heal Grimmy!" She enthused, trying and failing to hold back a giggle.
"That was fucking disgusting!" Grimmjow roared. "I woke up covered in vomit, saliva, and everything that's been in someone else's mouth!"
Nel started to laugh, yet tried to give him a sympathetic look. "While Nel was hiding, Nel felt Itysgo comeback, and Nel hurried where Nel thought Itysgo would be at." She kicked the ground in disappointment. "But instead of Itysgo, Nel found sharkey lady." Nel said with a giggle.
That left Tier with a frown on her face.
Grimmjow laughed out loud. "Well, as for me, what can I say?" He propped his feet up. "I was defeated by that strawberry of a moron," he growled. "Then when I recovered from the shock of being covered by Nel special abilities," he said with a disgusted flinch as he looked himself over. "I used my pesquisa to see if there were any other battles going on around Hueco Mundo. Then on my way back to Las Noches, shinigami's hiding in the shadows caught my attention." He patted his shoulder and rolled it in a circle. "I killed the few that I found, in my eyes those bastards were trespassing." He grinned. "Once I finished with my fun, I wanted to see if anyone came back here."
They remained silent a moment to process all the information. Tier and Grimmjow then discussed the possibility of finding anyone else alive, or who might have made it back to Hueco Mundo.
The main question on their minds was whether or not Aizen would return to Hueco Mundo? Or if he was defeated by the shinigami? And if he's alive, will he kill the remaining arrancars? No one knew the answers, still, they feared the worst.
Soul Society - Bar in Rukon District
All of Ichigo's friends from Soul Society met up at a bar to have some victory drinks. Renji, Ikkaku, and Yumichika were the first to get there. They got a few tables together for the rest of their party after asking the waitress if it was alright. When they were done setting up, they waiting a little longer to see if anyone else was coming.
"I wonder how many people are actually going to come and have drinks with us since the Winter War." Renji asked with a grin.
"All I know is we've been working our asses off with all this damage to Soul Society," Yumichika replied as he flicked a hair out of his face.
"I have to agree. It's about fucking time we got a break. I've been looking forward to this," Ikkaku yelled out with a cackle. A few moments later Toshiro and Rangiku waved hello at the group.
"Hey guys! Where's the sake at?" Rangiku laughed.
"Hey Rangiku, Captain Hitsugaya! Thank you for coming today." Yumichika welcomed them with a smile.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world guys," Rangiku said. "I'm just surprised that the captain wanted to come along this time." She hid a chuckle behind her hand.
"The reason I came was to show a sense of respect towards Ichigo. I will take his place since he's not able to join us," Captain Hitsugaya said.
"Well, whatever the reason, take a seat and we'll order the sake," Renji said with a grin.
"Finally, we can start the festivities!" yelled out Ikkaku.
"Bring out the sake!" Rangiku sang happily.
While everyone in the bar had their own conversations. Captain Hitsugaya sat there staring into space, thinking about the one he loved like a sister. The memory of seeing her stabbed through by his own Zanpakuto. He blinked when it became too much, and took a look around. Considering Aizen, a lot worse could have happened. Feeling fortunate that Momo survived, he knew her mind received the most of the damage from the effects of Kyoka Suigestu. An emotional scarring he can't even imagine.
Rukia and Izuru walked in, interrupting his thoughts, and greeted the group.
"Yo Renji, it's been a while." Rukia smirked with a friendly wave.
"What's up guys, how is everyone doing so far?" Izuru asked.
"Ah Izuru, Rukia, you came! It's been awhile since we've had some drinks together," Renji noted.
"Don't worry about Rukia, Izuru drink till you drop," yelled Ikkaku.
Now that everyone was there, they settled in to have a great time.
Renji stood up to grab everyone's attention. "OK soul reapers!" he cried out. "Listen up! I want everyone to raise your sake high in the air." He met everyone's eye in the bar. "I'd like to propose a toast to Ichigo Kurosaki, hero of the Winter War!" He looked around and continued, "even if he's not here with us as a soul, his spirit will always be with us in Soul Society!" Then he cheered loudly, "to Ichigo!"
Everyone followed his lead, and echoed, "to Ichigo!"
They celebrated by drinking sake and eating to their heart's content. Jokes and insults went around while the captain of squad ten sat there, amused by all their antics.
"Hey, you're so bald, the reflection off your head is blinding the souls in Soul Society." Renji heckled.
Everyone in the bar started to laugh uncontrollably.
Ikkaku was pissed, Renji managed to get the whole bar laughing at him.
Not wanting to lose to this red headed chump, he said, "what do you call a pineapple head who plays with himself more than twice a day?" he began when someone in the crowd shouted what, he answered, "a terrorwrist."
The bar was now in a uproar of laughter.
Renji fumed at the verbal jab while grinding his teeth. He was about to say something, but Rukia came over and sat next him.
"Hey Renji, what are your plans now that the war is over?" She asked him with a curious crease in her brow.
He closed his eyes and thought about it for a moment. "I'm not sure if I have set plans, but for sure I have goals," he said with conviction. "And I'll reach them, as long as I put everything I can into them."
"What is it you're going to do then, Renji?" She asked him with a smile.
"To defeat your brother in a duel," he said with a serious tone.
Rukia eyes went wide.
"So, what do you think of the new orders that were given to us by the captains?" Renji asked.
"I really don't think it's fair to just leave him high and dry without even visiting," Rukia vented with a sharp tap of her cup to the table. "It not like we can't put on a gigai's anymore." She sighed, sloshing her sake into a circle. "It's cruel of the head captain to give such an order."
Sitting across the table, Rangiku overheard their conversation."I have to agree with Rukia on this one." She nodded. "With him being the hero who saved us, this is more like an exile than a thank you." She took another swig of her sake.
"Rangiku, why are you inviting yourself into another souls conversation anyways?" asked Captain Hitsugaya.
"It's fine, Captain." Rukia waved him off with a good-natured smirk. "For once in her nosey life, it's nice to know we're not the only one's feeling this way."
"Heck yeah, I don't understand the orders their giving. Sometimes they don't make sense," said Renji with a passion.
"Renji, try not to speak of things like that so loudly, you could be seen as a rebel," Captain Hitsugaya warned.
"Oh- oh, sorry Captain. When I drink I'm easily excited."
"It's ok, just keep that kind of talk low. I know you didn't mean it in that type of way, but other people might think differently."
"Hey Izuru, Ikkaku, Yumichika, what do you think about the orders that were giving by the head captain?" Rangiku asked the others.
"Which part are you asking about?" Ikkaku questioned with sake paused at his lips.
"Geez, the sake must've gotten to you. They're talking about Ichigo, you know, about us not being able to visit him in the world of the living?" Yumichika explained to Ikkaku.
"In all honesty, I think the orders are strange, but orders are orders," Izuru said, scratching the back of his head.
"What a boy scout, geez," Ikkaku snickered.
"What do you expect from members of squad three," Yumichika taunted.
"If I were you two, I'd watch what you say," Captain Hitsugaya warned.
"Izuru, don't worry about those two idiots." Rukia reassured him. "One can't leave the house with one hair amiss. The other, you can use his bald head to fry an egg on a sunny day." She held her head high in victory.
Both men looked like they were about to blow their tops. As they were about to say something, a hell butterfly beelined for Captain Hitsugaya. Everyone halted their festivities and awaited the news. He listened to the message then advised everyone to return to their barracks and rest. As the captain used flash step to leave, Rangiku gave her farewells.
Concerned as to why he didn't share the news, everyone looked to one another with a quizzical look.
World of the living - street of karakura town
"Hey Ichigo, are you going to be alright going back to school after everything you've been through?" Uryu asked, concerned for his friend.
"I'll be alright, don't worry about me," Ichigo replied with a tired smile.
"What are your plans going to be for now, Ichigo?" Tatsuki queried.
The group walked to Ichigo's place as they gauged his well being.
"I guess I could start by catching up with my school work so I can graduate," he said, looking straight forward. "And from there I have plenty of time to figure out the rest since I won't be a shinigami anymore."
"Well, if you find yourself bored, call me up, and we'll spare like the good old days. I want to see if I can still make my very best friend cry, like when we were little." Tatsuki grinned.
Everyone else snickered imagining a fully grown Ichigo crying childlike tears.
He stopped walking to give them the angriest scowl he could muster. "It's a deal Tatsuki, you'll regret that last comment."
Down the line, Ichigo asked of what he's missed in the last two weeks. If they had seen anyone from Soul Society, other than Kisuke, and the rest of the exiles. They shrugged and diverted the conversation.
He kept trying to probe for information, but noticed that he was getting nowhere, and decided to change the subject. The group continued their small talk, till Chad and Uryu said their goodbyes, and went their own ways.
"So what's new at school?" Ichigo asked to keep the conversation going.
"Nothing's changed really," Tatsuki answered dismissively.
"What about you, Orihime? What have you been up to?" Ichigo redirected with a small smile.
"I've been ok, just getting caught up with school work, while practicing my offensive and defensive skills here and there," she replied.
It was then Ichigo was inspired to thank Orihime for helping him out in all the dire situations they had been caught up in. While also, he wanted to explain everything from the beginning to Tatsuki.
"Orihime, Tatsuki, are you two going to be busy the rest of the day?" He asked with an oddly serious look on his face.
"I'm not busy, Ichigo," Orihime replied.
"And there's nothing really important I have to do tonight," Tatsuki answered. "Why you asking?"
"I wanted to invite you two to dinner, so we can discuss any other questions you two have in mind." He said. Not long after he asked, they arrived at Ichigo's home. He turned around and asked, "So, what's your answer?"
Soul Society - S.W.A
Late afternoon in the Seireitei the weather was fair with a slight bit of wind. Everything was peaceful, all Shinigami were doing their daily routines— all except for the members of the S.W.A. that were meeting up in a secret location. As they proceeded to the designated location, the ladies all filtered into the room. They all took their seats, and waited for the meeting to start.
"Ok everyone, thank for coming to the S.W.A. meeting today," Nanao said while fixing her glasses. "We need to take roll call to see who missing."
While all the ladies in the room were looking around to see if anyone was missing, Nanao began with, "Captain Unohana!"
"Present," she replied with her warm smile.
"Yachiru!" she said. Everyone looked around with a shrug. "Yachiru!" she tried again. No one answered. "Ok, moving along then. Nemu!"
"Here," she replied in monotone.
"Suì-Fēng!"
"Tsk! Dammit, she's not in today!" Suì-Fēng objected with an impatient tap of her foot. She didn't see why roll call was necessary, it's like they were kids in a club.
"Right, definitely here." Nanao chuckled to herself. "Kiyone & Isane!"
"We are here." Isane said with a smile.
"Rangiku!" She frowned at the following silence. "Where the hell is Rangiku? She should be here."
"Well, Momo is still being treated, so I bet I know why she's not here," Captain Unohana said.
"Yes, yes, we know, Captain. Is she doing better with her treatment?" Nanao asked.
"She is coming along, but much work still needs to be done before her mind can heal properly." Captain Unohana confided with sad smile.
"I do hope she turns out well in the end," Nanao told her. "Rukia!" Nanao continued.
"I'm Here, I'm here!" Rukia waved her hand about.
"Lady Yoruichi is not here again." Nanao noted. "Why does she even bother to join the S.W.A. if she's not going to come?" She shook her head in defeat.
After completing roll call, the ladies gathered their snacks to began discussions. Right when they were about to start, Rangiku and Yachiru came rushing in.
"Ehehehe, sorry about being late everyone! Bouncy and I had to take care of something important!" Yachiru giggled.
"Ok, let the start of the meeting truly begin now!" Rangiku announced with a beam.
"What's the first order of business?" Nanao addressed. "Does anyone wish to discuss what happened during the Winter War?" Nanao asked, looking around the room for volunteers.
"When we arrived in Hueco Mundo, Isane and I started to heal the injured." Captain Unohana reported. Isane, sitting next the captain, nodded her head in agreement. "We did not enter any combat situations. And I left Isane with specific orders to help heal whoever required help in Hueco Mundo. Then with the help of Captain Kurotsuchi, and Nemu, Ichigo and I were able to return to a fake karakura town." she paused to let everything sink in. "I also made a discovery that Kurosaki-san has a way to engage the final extent of his power."
Stunned silence fell over the room.
"How much reiryoku did he have left for that battle, Captain?" Isane asked wonder in her eye.
"He had a little over half of his reiryoku left after all the destruction he caused in Hueco Mundo." Unohana said.
Everyone's eyes widened.
"Anyone want to share next then?" Nanao asked.
"Hehehehe, I'll go next!" chirped Yachiru happily. "When Kenny and I got there, Ichi defeated one of the espadas, and saved jiggles! He was about to leave, till another espada came out of nowhere, and tried to finish off the one Ichi defeated." Yachiru spoke with wide exaggerated arm movements. "But Ichi blocked his attack, and wouldn't let him kill the espada!" She paused to ask Nemu for some candy.
Nemu shook her head, yet obliged her request. At this moment everyone took time to think about everything she said.
"Yummy! Hmm, where did I leave off?" she pondered, tapping a finger to her chin.
"President, Ichigo blocked an attack," Nanao said.
"Yes, yes! Then the next battle began, but Ichi was too tired. He did his best, and was about to get killed! Then Ichi's friend, a little girl transformed into a full arrancar!"
There were different reactions all around the group. Some gasped, others murmured to one another, one yelled out traitor.
Yachiru continued her accounts of Hueco Mundo, "Then the arrancar lady battled the other espada. She was about to defeat him too! But then she turned back into a little girl." Yachiru laughed. "So Kenny and I jumped into the picture. Kenny had a great fight with the espada!"
A silence fell in the room. Everyone looked at one another.
Nanao faked a cough into her hand. "So who else wants to share their experience from the war?" Nanao ask again.
"Well, I didn't really do anything. All I was able to do was hear Captain Yamamoto scolding Captains Kyoraku, Kenpachi and Kuchiki for losing their haoris." Kiyone admitted while scratching the back of her head.
"Ok then, who's next to share then?" Nanao asked.
"Master Kurotsuchi and I helped open a garganta for Captain Unohana and Kurosaki to pass through to the fake Karakura town. That is all I'm able to share," she stated in her monotone voice.
"I see we're not going to get exciting information from you then," Nanao frowned at Nemu.
"Rangiku, anything you want to say?" Nanao asked.
"I didn't do anything special." She shrugged. "I fought the third espada fraccion, and was defeated when they combined their power." She pouted and folded her arms. "Captain Yamamoto saved our group. And when I regained consciousness, Gin and Ichigo were battling. Of course I ran toward them to try to stop the battle. But Gin dragged me off to knock me out with a kido spell. Then when I got back-" she hesitated, unfolding her arms with a downtrodden tone. "-Gin was dying, I spoke to him moments before he passed on... I wasn't aware of the danger, luckily Ichigo came to saved me before Aizen was able to kill me."
Nanao nodded sympathetically, then turned to the next person. "Sui-Feng, do you wish to add anything?"
"I'll pass on the sharing," she growled.
"Ok, ok, no need to get angry." Nanao, and everyone else sweatdropped. Except Yachiru who was busy eating sweets.
"As for myself, I had to remain in Soul Society as I was commanded to by my captain," she spoke with a hint of shame as everyone else had a hand in the battle at some point.
"Ok ladies, to liven up the day, I'm pleased to announce a great new opportunity to make some real currency." Rangiku announced with a sly grin.
The woman of the S.W.A. knew that look of hers. They collected enough candies as a bribe for Yachiru to go play at the other end up the room. Once she was successfully distracted, they continued their meeting.
"I received some copies of this hot new calendar from a certain Individual who wishes to stay anonymous," she gloated. "And for a fee, the S.W.A. will be privy to Soul Societies first glance." Rangiku had a wicked grin. "Everyone, please do not open the package immediately." she requested. "I would like for us to vote, raise your hands when I say if you want to use this calendar for yourself." She explained.
Everyone nodded to acknowledge her words.
"Nanao, please pass the packages out now," she asked.
Everyone in the room awaited the moment of truth.
"Ok ladies, open it!" Rangiku ordered with a laugh.
Once they saw the contents, every member of the S.W.A. blushed from head to toe. Some stood with their mouth agape, while others felt their brains short-circuit.
The only thing to tug their minds out of the gutter was Yachiru giggling at all the member's dumbfounded expressions.
Hastily, they replaced the contents into the package and closed it up. Afterwards, a few got up to get something to drink, while others took to fanning themselves as they tugged their collars.
Nanao coughed abruptly into her hand. "Ladies, do we-" she adjusted her glasses. "-do we even need to vote?"
Head shakes came from all around.
"Then ladies, we will add this as the Hot Summer in Winter: Special Edition calendar." Rangiku crossed her arms with smug satisfaction.
"Next order of business, where are we going for the next S.W.A. vacation?" Nanao asked.
"How about a beach in the world of the living?" suggested Yachiru with a mouthful of sweets.
There were a few murmurs between the ladies.
"How about a hotel resort in the world of the living where we are able to be pampered," Captain Unohana said with a smile.
Excited whispers followed, although some were still on the fence.
With stars in her eyes, Rukia stood with both hands to the table. "We could do both! A hotel by the beach! Imagine sandcastles and sno-cones in the day, then spa treatments and back messages in the evening!"
With a round of nods, they decided both sounded lovely. Then the discussion of budget was about to come underway when all of a sudden the door slammed open.
"W-what. The. Hell. is the meaning of this, Mat-su-mo-to!"
Rangiku jumped. "Ah, geez, busted!"
A/N: For anyone that wanted read a story about the Shiba heritage this is going to be your kind of story. Leave your reviews or PM me.