Hey everyone sorry about the delay. Holidays are here and you know what that means Christmas time and alot of shopping for the family. Now that Christmas eve is here I hope everyone will enjoy their family and friends today. I want to give a super special props to my Beta Abyss thanks you for your input and advice you have been giving me. I hope everyone that reads this story is enjoying it. If there any question that you might have just PM.

I do not own bleach

Just some of the characters

MaksmoNero: I'm glad that you like this story so far. And yes there will be more chapter in the future. Thanks I was trying to find a right length for chapter stories. I would say around 4k to 6k is what I'm doing.

Walrus Flavored Pizza: Thank you I hope I could make this better down the line. And don't worry the story will continue.

Blackstriker94: well don't worry I am updating soon. Sorry I'm not trying to make this into a harem

Guest: Pictures are of Ichigo. Toshiro's reaction was because they were at squad 10 barracks having the S.W.A meeting. And thanks

SinkingintheAbyssofFeels: Thanks I knew I would be able to bring up again. Me too need to embarrass that berry in my story some more haha.

Rise of the Shiba Clan

Chapter 4

Training vs Pride & Evolution

World of the living - Urahara place

Although Urahara's lab within the shop appeared to be small from the outside, when one walked inside, the place looked as big at the shop itself. A pretty amazing sight when you think of it. Inside Kisuke and Tessai reviewed the results of what they were able to gather from Ichigo while he was unconscious. Their discoveries made both men look to one another in disbelief. After repeating the tests four more times to make sure they were getting it right, they knew what they had to do.

"Well Tessai, this is beyond what I expected to find in the results. I suppose we have to inform Isshin," Kisuke said with a serious look on his face.

"You would be doing the correct thing by letting him know," Tessai agreed, still reading the results in his hands. "Then we can proceed with what he believes is the best decision," he added.

"Ideally, Ichigo should decide for himself. However given the circumstances, as his father, he is the best to make a choice on Ichigo's behalf." Kisuke sighed in defeat.

Kisuke flipped out a cell phone from his inner coat pocket and dialed up Isshin. This secret cell had been specially designated for such emergencies. It rang a few time before he answered.

"So, Kisuke, what have you discovered?" Isshin asked, jumping straight to the point.

"Well, well, Isshin, not even a hello to one of your old buddies? One that, I might add, has helped you out countless times in the past," Kisuke replied.

"Oh, I'm sorry, where are my manners?" Isshin drawled out sarcastically, "how are you today? I hope you are doing well. Has anyone told you how much of asshole you are, Kisuke?"

"I'm doing ok, thanks for asking! Business is, as always, interesting," Kisuke spoke excitedly. "I've called to inform you that your son is on his way home, and that the results are in from his tests."

When Isshin felt that Kisuke was being serious, he put all jokes aside for their real talk.

"Ok, old friend, how serious is this new problem? Isshin asked.

"To tell you the truth, we discovered that he retains small amounts of reiatsu despite it all. And another thing... as our tests continued, we found inconclusive results in certain areas." Kisuke replied with a worried voice. "It seems as though something or someone didn't want us probing for information."

"I see... in that case, I'll keep a closer eye on him." Isshin said.

"Try not worry to death my friend, I'm sure it can't be that bad," Kisuke said lightheartedly. "Really Isshin, what's the worst thing that could happen?"

"Boss, Yoruichi is on the phone and she sounds urgent," Tessai said with a grim look on his face.

"Tell her to hold on while I finish this call please~" Kisuke asked.

"Ok boss." Tessai left the room.

"Well Isshin, I'll have to let you go." Kisuke said. "I have Yoruichi on the shop phone with something important."

"We'll talk soon then, old friend. Later." Isshin clicked out of the conversation.

Kisuke took to his office for the next call, briefly wondering how today became so busy.

"Hello," he answered.

"Yo Kisuke, how are you doing today?" Yoruichi greeted.

"Ah," Kisuke breathed happily, "that's how you start a conversation."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. What did you need?"

"I need to ask you a favor," she requested.

"What might this favor be?" he pried.

"I need you to make a gigai for a friend of mine."

"And who is this friend of yours?" he asked with a smirk, then continued, "am I right to assume we are dealing with another exile?"

"No, idiot, it's for Kukaku!" she laughed, "and you better not tell him or anyone else."

Kisuke gritted his teeth and gulped. "Oh shit, not her!"

Soul Society - Squad One Meeting

The next morning, after last night's celebration, Toshiro took advantage of shunpo for a quick trip to the captains meeting.

Inside, the captains awaited the Head Captain's arrival. Most of them stood silent, occupied with their own thoughts, wondering what in the world would bring the head captain to summon them.

At the same time Captain Hitsugaya got there, so did Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake.

With all the captains present, the Head Captains doors opened, and he strode out. As the Head Captain stopped at the front, he looked to all the captains, and struck his staff to the floor.

"I have received an emergency report regarding the surviving espada's," The Head Captain said as he looked at everyone, "the three that I defeated in the illusion of Karakura Town. I showed them mercy, as they were fighting with only one arm. I gave the arrancars light burns, if you want to call it that."

"Head Captain, why would you leave them alive?" yelled out captain Sui-Feng, "I thought it was our duty as soul reapers to destroy all holl-" she was cut off by the Head Captain, brought to her knee by his spiritual pressure alone.

"That is enough, captain Sui-Feng," scolded the Head Captain with a frown. "I've had enough of you interrupting whenever you feel a situation isn't to your liking."

The Head Captain lowered his spiritual pressure so that the second squad captain may stand. When no one else had a comment to add, he continued, "we need to find out how many espadas, who we thought had fallen, are still alive," the head captain said matter factly, "we still need more intel on the individual espada, so we may assess the situation, and see if they still retain enough power to bring another war to Soul Society," he commanded, then asked, "is there anything more that needs to be reported?"

Captain Sui-Feng stepped forward. "Yes, Head Captain, we received reports that three groups of the Onmitsukido were lost. They engaged an espada in battle, and were killed. The reports also say that this is the espada that the Substitute Shinigami defeated once in battle."

"So, he was careless to leave an enemy alive, I see," captain Hitsugaya derisively noted.

"Nah, it's nothing like that, Captain. The reason this particular espada was left alive, is that shortly afterwards, another espada got in his way," replied captain Kenpachi, "that's when I came in and kicked Ichigo's sorry ass out of the way so I could take over and have some real fun." Captain Kenpachi smirked. "Man, that was the most exhilarated I'd been in a long time, so much of his body to chop," he laughed.

Everyone in the court sweatdropped to this piece of news.

Bang! Bang!

Everyone turned to look at the Head Captain.

"Enough!" he commanded, "continue with the report, captain Sui-Feng."

"In the last captains meeting we reported two espadas, and an arrancar child in Las Noches," Sui-Feng stated, "this other espada, apart from the child, is the one who eliminated all three groups. In another report we found that he is in league with the other two," she continued, "and now all three have split up on their own."

"I wonder why they would split their forces, and allow the child on her own?" Captain Ukitake asked with a puzzled frown.

"Might not this be the perfect time to investigate personally, Captain Ukitake?" Captain Kyoraku questioned. "In the last meeting you did ask the Head Captain to send an emissary to Hueco Mundo." He smiled at his good friend. "Maybe you and I could go seek out some information," he suggested, "perhaps if we send a scout to follow the other two from a safe distance, we could gather information from the child."

The Head Captain contemplated their conversation. He struck his staff to gather everyone's attention.

"I will put you in charge of this, captain Ukitake. Go find out in a peaceful manner. If it becomes too dangerous, retreat. Do not engage in any kind of fight."

"Yes, Head Captain!" They both said in unison.

"Captain Sui-Feng, send in more groups of scouts, and immediately report any findings to me," the Head Captain said.

"Yes, Head Captain." She gave a small bow with her head.

As the head captain gazed at everyone in contemplation, another captain planned that moment to ask for permission to accompany the other captains to Hueco Mundo. However, before he could even finish his sentence, the Head Captain shot down his request without a second thought in the matter. That left Kurotsuchi speechless; morning all the experiments he had planned. The others snickered. Once everyone composed themselves, the Head Captain dismissed them from the meeting.

"So, Jushiro, are you sure that you want to do this?" asked Shunsui.

"I believe if Ichigo was able to find an arrancar child that was willing to help him, why can't we have a chance settle things with this one in a peaceful manner?" Jushiro asked.

"I understand what you are saying my friend, but will you be ok without your health getting in the way?" Shunsui replied

"Of course. I've never felt better." He smiled.

"Now, we have to go to captain Kurotsuchi, and ask when he will be able to open up the garganta," Shunsui said.

"Who knows how this will go, but should we take a handful of shinigami with us... or maybe one or two?" Jushiro asked.

"I'm not sure, either way, it is risky."

"Well, let's just enjoy what time we have here for now, and worry about the rest tomorrow, Shunsui," Jushiro said.

"That's a plan. Let's go have a drink, it might be our last!"

At a Hidden Area - Secret Meeting

"How are the preparations for the plan looking so far, Hideo?" asked an older man.

"The plan has been working perfectly, just like he said it would, Banri," he replied.

"And you're sure he didn't tell anyone about the plan he helped us orchestrate?" Another man cut in.

"No, Ryu, I doubt he had the time to even consider that, since he had his own ambitious plans," Banri said.

"It's like he said, if we scratch his back, he would scratch ours," Ryu said with a sly smile.

"As far as I know, he helped pave the path to our goals." A different man added.

"This is true, Genzo. The rest it up to us. We must fulfill our master plan, and overthrow the Shiba's," Hideo replied.

"Yes, we've played the waiting game for more than 300 years now." Banri agreed.

"No one has suspected us of any wrongdoing," Ryu said, nodding his head.

"And we've been more than fortunate enough that there has always been incidents around our every action," Genzo said

"It's been harder and harder to get Lord & Lady Shiba to come out of there compound," Banri brought up.

"Since the death of their children, and with their grandkids still acting irresponsible with their responsibilities as nobles." Hideo said

"They will keep falling right into are trap," Banri said.

"Why can't we just kill them off, wouldn't it be easiest that way?" Genzo questioned.

"Because then it would definitely look like Lord & Lady Shiba suspicions were warranted," Ryu replied.

"Do we have a counter measure in case something goes wrong?" Hideo asked.

"Yes we do, but we will tell you the details later on. We have to get back to our regular routine," Ryu replied.

"Ok, I will send out messages on when we will have our next meeting," Banri informed.

Then everyone in the room left to their respective homes to avoid suspicion.

Sōkyoku Hill Training Ground

In front of the Sokyoku Hill training ground entrance, Renji awaited the arrival of the rest of the lieutenants. Although, he also invited Ikkaku and Yumichika, since he knew at their level they would be able to help out in training as well. One of the goals set for this training is that all the lieutenants were to achieve bankai. So far, the only lieutenant that has been able to do so is Renji Abarai from squad six.

Recalling a certain strawberry mentioning the fact that, even if the captains are the leaders of the squads and are suppose to guide them to become stronger, the problem was that difference in power between a captain and Lieutenant were worlds away. That comment made him see the ugly truth.

Not long into waiting, Ikkaku and Yumichika straggled up with a bitter look on their faces. Ikkaku opened his mouth to speak when Shuhei, Izuru, and lieutenant Iba approached.

"So, why have you gather all of us here Renji?" Ikkaku asked him.

"Well, to become stronger together." Renji said as if it were obvious, considering where they were, it should've been.

"Members of squad eleven don't need anyone -from any other squad- to become stronger," Ikkaku asserted with a sneer.

"Is that right?" Renji leaned in with a snide grin. "So getting your ass kicked, and being the only Shinigami to have his pillar destroyed in the war was what? The height of your strength?"

"What the fuck did you say!? You goddamn bastard!" roared Ikkaku, "are ya looking to die today Renji, because I sure as hell am ready for a battle that will take you there!"

With all the commotion, they failed notice the rest of the shinigami who were asked to meet up there.

Some thought they were wasting their time with this training, while others saw this to be the perfect opportunity to receive help in becoming stronger.

Rukia and Rangiku were amused, watching the spectacle between Renji and Ikkaku going on. They briefly wondered if this whole argument was going to get out of hand. Deciding it would, Rukia stepped closer to stop it, when Renji told Ikkaku the cold are truth.

"We are weak! Can't you see that, you fool!?" Renji said through gritted teeth. "We had so much trouble with the arrancars, it wasn't even funny," Renji spat with disgust, remembering his encounters in world of the living and Hueco Mundo. All the lieutenants were either defeated or seriously injured by them. "It's time we get our act together, and become even stronger. Izuru told me his recollection of the events that occured in the Winter War. How the head captain Yamamoto said it was inexcusable; making your head captain come out to the front lines! You squad members are a disappointment! Defeated so easily by the enemy." Renji remained resolute, staring at Ikkaku.

Everyone in the group either put their head down in shame or looked away.

Then Renji reassured them; there is a way to get stronger. Using the same technique that Ichigo used, they would be able to get their own bankai in a shorter amount of time. Not that it would be two days, but thanks to Kisuke's invention, they would be able to train at a faster rate.

"Ok guys, this is a special place. Where we will be able to train without alerting unwanted eyes. On top of that, there's a special hot spring here that heals can your wounds, extending the amount of time we can train at a time." He leered at the group with a raised brow. "...By the way, it is an open hot springs. So control yourself, no inappropriate behavior, if you get the picture."

Ikkaku glanced at the rest of the group, asking, "how are they suppose to try and achieve their bankai?"

"First," Renji began, "everyone must go into jinzen to communicate with their spirits. Ask them how far they are from achieving bankai. The one closest to bankai from the start will be the first to use the strange looking doll named Tenshintai to begin their training. While the others, who have already achieved their bankai, will have one-on-one battles to hone these skills in battle. Finally, for those more adept in bankai later on, we will have two-on-one battles to speed up the the training even further." Renji finally finished.

"What type of training are you going to be doing Renji," asked Ikkaku with an angry twitch in his eye.

"Hahaha," Renji chuckled, throwing an arm around Ikkaku's neck. "You, my dear bald headed idiot, are going to eat your words. We are going to have some good old fashion fun, going all out between you, Yumichika, and I." Renji said with a grin on his face.

"Now I'm getting excited!" Ikkaku laughed. "I can't wait to get started. It's been awhile since we battled one another, right Renji?"

When everyone finished saying their hello's, and received instructions on what to do next, they entered the cave to the training grounds. Once they arrived in the main area, their mouths fell agape. The sheer size, compared to the outside, was phenomenal.

"Ok, I need everyone to begin by going into jinzen to talk to your zanpakuto spirits." Renji checked everybody for confirmation.

They nodded, using shunpo to find their own secluded spots to concentrate.

"Ok, let's go Ikkaku, Yumichika, we got some serious training to do now." With everybody else far away, they could now fight freely, and Ikkaku wouldn't have to worry about holding back from prying eyes.

"Are you two ready to get this battle started?" Yumichika calmly asked, reaching for his katana.

They shouted, "fuck yeah!" in unison.

Not wasting a moment, Ikkaku and Renji drew their blades, clashing in that instant. Sensing the animosity, Yumichika used shunpo to leap out of the way. All that could be heard following that was two fierce battle cries roaring across the battlefield. Sparks showered the two as they hacked wildly at one another, learning each others maneuvers, and sizing each other up along the way. All the while wearing shit eating grins on both their faces.

"Renji, I hope you have improved since we last trained together all those years ago." Ikkaku jeered while slashing down. Then he stabbing forward with his sheath, moving to slash horizontally after, puting powerful strikes at his opponent.

Renji parried each swing, stabbing when he was able, before he began his counter attack.

"I hope you're going to take this battle seriously, because for sure, I'm not going to let my pride get the best of me before I make you release your bankai." Renji stated as he gave Ikkaku a deadly serious look.

"It will be a cold day in hell before I release my bankai in a mock battle against you Renji," he shot back, going into the defensive, avoiding Renji's counter attack.

They both shunpo away from one another, only to charge forward, crossing in an entanglement of swords and sheath. Both warriors trying their best to overpower the other.

"It will take a lot more than that, Ikkaku," Renji responded, "I guess the beating you received from that arrancar in the fake Karakura town really did weaken your fighting spirit. It's a damn shame you tarnished squad elevens reputation with that defeat. How are you still a seated officer?"

Renji's bright idea was to provoke Ikkaku by jabbing at his weakness. Knowing the shame Ikkaku felt from being defeated by an arrancar, and double hitting his pride and status as a seated officer of squad eleven. Two things that will for sure bring out Ikkaku's killer instinct.

With an outcry of rage, Ikkaku slammed the hilt of his blade into the end of the sheath.

"Extend, Hozukimaru!" Ikkaku yelled.

The katana morphed it's shape to form a wooden spear, which Ikkaku spun over his head.

"You are going to die!" Ikkaku bellowed.

"Haha! Good! That's what I wanted to see from you, Ikkaku! Fire in your eyes!" Renji wildly grinned.

"Roar, Zabimaru! Now open your eyes, see what lies before you." Renji yelled.

Renji rushed forth to engage in combat, seconds after, so did Ikkaku. Renji assumed that Ikkaku decided to take a defensive assault, right when he made contact strike with the wooden part of his weapon. From there Renji planned his next move when...

"Split apart Hozukimaru!" Ikkaku yelled. It separated into three different sections, curling around Renji's blade in an attempt to decapitate him.

In the last second, Renji was able to dodge the attack, losing a piece of his pineapple hair top in the process.

"Dammit, that was a close one," Renji said to himself, then spat at Ikkaku, "it seems that you're finally getting serious, cue ball."

Renji got in a few more slashes before leaping up to extend Zabimaru in mid-air. Tactically, engaging a person in the air would be in a disadvantage. However, that's where he began to set up a trap.

As Renji's blade came down, Ikkaku moved to stab Hozukimaru forward in a block, before he noticed Renji's attack go right past him.

As the blade extended out, it bounced off the ground, and curved to bounce again off a rock. It did this a few more times in succession before circling Ikkaku completely.

Renji called out, "sword blade cage!" engulfing Ikkaku in a sphere like ball.

After releasing Ikkaku's bloody body, he fell to the floor, gasping for air. Although, he didn't have time to rest before Renji came at him again, slicing his shoulder, and ripping off a good chunk of flesh. Ikkaku cried out in pain, his blood coloring the dirt ground at his feet.

"I have to admit, Renji." Ikkaku cupped his gaping wound, slathering it with the medicine from his spear. "I never knew you could master another interesting attack." He frowned. "And the fact that you're mopping the floor with me is really starting to piss me off. You and Yumichika are the only ones that know I have bankai, yet I refuse to show it off because I still wanna kill my one true goal. But at this rate, I don't know if I'll be able too."

"Let's see whose bankai is better and stronger than, Ikkaku." Renji grinned.

Suddenly one word resounded around the battlefield,

"BANKAI!"

Hueco Mundo - At Unknown Underground Location

In the darkness of an underground cavern, a group of three Vasto Lordes and two Adjuchas were gathered, finishing their meal of two hollows. Once a long time ago, this group had the chance to meet the old king of Hueco Mundo. His name was Baraggan Louisenbiam. They finally were able to return to his majesty's area after more than five hundred years. Their one goal now is to become powerful Vasto Lordes, and to help keep his majesty's minions in line. Now, after so long, their desire is about to come true with their final two comrades evolving at this very moment.

"I can feel it now," one of the smaller Adjuchas said, "I'm evolving now. The power going through my being is invigorating."

"It took longer than I thought to become a Vasto Lorde," replied Demise

A powerful blinding light engulfed the cave, forcing their comrades to turn away. The two Adjuchas transformed into Vasto Lordes, gaining more power than they could even imagine. Now the group is able to complete their goal. The next step is to become a natural arrancar. That in itself is so rare, they've only heard of five successful transformations in their existence.

The other three members of the group looked over at their newly evolved comrades.

The last one to transform had lizard-like features, with a medium length tail, and four spikes on the tip of the tail. He had a slender body with a hollow hole where his heart was suppose to be. One of his arms looked similar to puzzle pieces put together, and on his shoulder were five more razor sharp spikes, which seemed more for contact defense. On both of his forearms he had guards with a single razor sharp claw for offensive attacks. Contrary, he had regular humanoid hands. Running down his back, he has six very sharp scales. Meanwhile his face appeared similar to an armored lizard mask, slick with five razor sharp points covering his head for protection. Jet black hair streamed down to his chest, and his eyes bore a serious stoic look with a color of crimson red.

"Moon-Scathe, it seems that Kiryu is going to be the weakest of the five of us," Jackal said.

"Ah, don't worry, in no time we will become the most powerful Vasto Lordes to stand with are majesty," replied Moon-Scathe

"So what is the plan now that all of us are Vasto Lordes?" Asked Electro

"The best thing we could do is find some fraccions, and then get more followers." Jackal paused for a moment then continued, "we are going to be our majesty's special army. To protect him from any form of harm."

"I agree with Jackal, we need to find some fraccion and more followers," Moon-Scathe replied.

"So what do you fools think of my new form!?" Demise asked excitedly.

He stood tall and lanky, his skeleton rib hierro armor covered his chest and back. Both of his arms were longer than normal with claw like hands that were bigger than most. Only certain parts of his hierro weren't covered, mostly in the joint areas. Both thin legs were covered by the hierro with some gaps as well. And his thin tail was bone fragments kept together by reiatsu. His whole head was covered in a protective mask reminiscent of an ancient pharaoh head piece. The only visible parts through it were his eyes mouth full of sharp teeth. Demise was made for speed attacks and stealth. Making him one to not be underestimated.

"Didn't expect that kind of transformation," Electro said

"I have to say, he looks more intimidating than before, that's for sure," Moon-Scathe said.

Sensing the bloodlust coming off of Demise, it appeared to everyone one present that he wanted to continue his feast on other hollows. But then they felt the spiritual pressure of Jackal jump in a blink of an eye to crazy heights. Forcing Demise to fall to his knees. Sensing the danger he was in, he reigned in control over his powers.

"Ok ok ok, I get it, Jackal!" Demise relented.

"I'm sure you do. Now, let's discuss our plan."

They all stood in silence and waited for their leader to start.

"As you all know, we were able to reach our number one goal, and that was for us Los Cinco Demonios to achieve our Vasto Lorde forms." Jackal paused, giving any the chance to speak up. Then he continued, "we will leave our own way to find worthy fraccions, and gather more followers. They will have two choices; the first is to submit to us. The other is death. No questions need to be asked from there." He received nods of agreement. "I will flare up my spiritual pressure when I believe it's time for us to regroup, does everyone understand?"

They all spoke in agreement.

"If possible, try to gather information on what's going in Hueco Mundo as well. Hopefully his majesty will forgive our delay from returning sooner." Everyone understood and used sonido to part.

However, two remained behind, Jackal and Moon-Scathe, who looked at one another.

"How come you didn't leave like the others?" Moon-Scathe asked.

"Because I figured out a way to become much stronger without leaving the cave," Jackal replied.

"Is that so? How interesting. Seems you have all the cards up your sleeves," Moon-Scathe said.

"Of course. I do have a sharper mind than most hollows," Jackal preened.

"I see," contemplated Moon-Scathe. "I'll be on my way then." Without another word he used sonido out of the cave.

Left alone was the unsung leader of Los Cinco Demonios. With a wicked evil smile, he said,

"Good hunting."

Kurosaki House

Despite the lack of snow, it was a beautiful winters day in the near future. The dark haired Kurosaki sister was getting ready to practice outside, taking full advantage of the weather before a real winter snowed them in. She jogged downstairs, asking her twin if Ichigo have come home yet. With a sad frown the other twin shook her head no.

As of late the twins worried for their brother. They knew Ichigo often disappeared from time to time, but he always checks in. As of late, he's been more distant, indirectly hurting their feelings. Nevertheless, they could never hate their big brother.

"Hey Yuzu, I'm going out to practices my kicks, let me know when dinner is ready," Karin informed her.

"Alright Karin, I'll let you know," replied Yuzu with a smile.

As Karin ran out the door, Yuzu prepared dinner while cleaning around the house. She was always great at multitasking. A skill she adapted quickly with the loss of their mother at a young age, paired with the other irresponsible members of the household who had a difficult time with these chores themselves. She quickly tidied the living room, while the laundry washed, then it was onto folding everybody's clothes.

During these tasks her mind wandered to her brother. On how Ichigo not being home as often has brought her to miss him dearly. Kami please, can you have my big brother come home? We miss him.

Outside Karin practiced her footing, and the aim of her kicks into the soccer net. She had a game coming up next weekend and had to be prepared.

Damn boy, She thought, always trying to underestimate me because I'm a girl. She scoffed. I'll show them all, no one messes with Karin Kurosaki!

Without warning, someone call out her name. Yet he failed to notice, too concentrated on her efforts with the soccer ball.

"Karin!" Ichigo tried once more, annoyed that his sister decided now to ignore him.

She snapped her head around so fast she almost got whiplash.

"Ichi-nii!" She cheered before rushing to her brother.

Ichigo predicted what would happen and told Orihime and Tatsuki to step aside for a bit. As soon as they did Ichigo was the tackled to the ground.

"Ichi-nee! Where have you been, you idiot!?" Her anger swiftly evaporated into tears. "Everyone's been worried sick about you. You don't check in, or come home, or send a message! We thought you died." Karin cried out, wiping her tears down her brother's shirt.

The sight of his usually stoic sister crying didn't sit well with him at all. He frowned before his facial features softened, and he said, "Karin, I'm sorry for making you and Yuzu worry. Can you ever forgive me?" he asked in a gentle tone. "I promise to take you and Yuzu to the mall in return, we'll have a great time, and you two can buy whatever you want. What do you say?"

Karin then looked up with teary eyes. "Do you really promise to spend time with us, Ichi-nii?" Her eyes pled for the answer of a absolute promise.

"Of course Karin, I promise," he said with a warm smile. "Oh, by the way, I invited Orihime and Tatsuki to dinner," he told Karin. "Also, where is goat-chin, is he home?"

"Yeah, he's home." She said with a chuckle. "He might be helping someone in the clinic."

When they arrived at the Kurosaki household, Ichigo hesitated at the door, telling them, "hey guys, could you stand aside for a minute?"

His friends raised a brow but complied. All of a sudden, the front door burst open, and out came a battle cry coming from Mr. Kurosaki. In a swift motion Ichigo landed a knee to the gut on his father, followed through with a closeline, leaving him immediately disabled. Tatsuki and Orihime outside blinked wide-eyed at what they just witnessed. Karin, meanwhile, stepped callously over her father's mangled body.

With all the loud commotion, Yuzu came rushing out of the kitchen. Her shoulders dropped in disbelief that her clean home was again a mess. Before she was able to say anything she spotted her eldest sibling gathering himself up off the floor. Then in the blink of an eye, Ichigo found himself again on the floor, this time with a different sister. Yuzu hugging him tightly around his waist.

"Ichi-nii! Where have you been?" She bopped him on the head with a soft fist, her tears already gathering. "You big meanie! We've been worried for days." Suddenly she bawled out a waterfall of tears. He hugged her into the crook of his shoulder and apologized for making her worrying over him. After a few minutes to compose herself, they stood up, and Yuzu finally noticed everyone else that was in the house.

"Oh yeah, Yuzu, I brought home some guests for dinner. Do we have enough food?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes." She beamed happily. "We have more than enough for everyone, Ichi-nii."

"Thanks. I'll be up in my room with my friends till the food's ready. We have some matters to discuss."

"Ok Ichi-nii."

Ichigo's two friends followed him up the stairs to his room. As he opened the door, he was attacked by a lion plushie.

"Stupid Ichigo! How could you leave me here!? I should've gone with you to protect my goddess Orihime!" Kon roared— no pun intended.

"Ichigo, what the hell! Is that plushie alive!?" Tatsuki yelped.

As soon as Kon heard another voice, he looked to see that his goddess was here and in good health.

"Orihime, my goddess! I want to hug the valley of dreams!" Kon sang.

Before Ichigo could even react, Tatsuki -conditioned to this behavior from perverted boys and a certain lesbian friend- intercepted the disgusting plushie with a roundhouse kick to it face before she stomped the crap out of it. Once Tatsuki finished, Ichigo pulled out the duck tape, and bound Kon's mouth and body to the wall inside his closet.

"Now that we have some privacy, what sort of questions do you want me to answer Tatsuki?" Ichigo asked.

She sat on his bed and thought about it very carefully before she formed her question. "Is it possible that I have special powers like Orihime, Chad and Uryu?" She decided not to beat around the bush.

"To be honest, it could be a possibility." He said truthfully. Then Ichigo turned to Orihime and asked, "are you able to sense if Tatsuki has any reiatsu?"

They fell into a short silence to allow Orihime time to concentrate and gauge Tatsuki to the best of her abilities. "Wow, tatsuki! You reiatsu is almost as strong as mine, and I have been doing this for two years now," Orihime replied.

"That's because Tatsuki's a natural born fighter. The second best high school student martial artist in all of Japan." Ichigo gloated.

"Thanks Ichigo, it means alot to hear that coming from you," Tatsuki spoke with a warm smile.

"Don't worry about it. Although, I do feel somewhat left out of all the fun." Ichigo snickered, "but don't worry, tomorrow we will have our long awaited martial art match, I hope you will be ready."

"Ah, I'll kick your ass, and make you cry, just like in the good old days," she said with the brightest grin on her face.

"Ichigo, I was wondering if you're going to be ok not having your shinigami powers anymore?" Orihime meekly asked.

Before Ichigo could answer her he averted his eyes, still unsure himself.

"I'll be fine. It's going to be an adjustment with my new life style. However, it will be the perfect time to catch up on school work, and who knows, maybe something will surprise you," he nonchalantly added.

Both girls knew the way Ichigo was acting was not normal. Without saying a word to one another, their eyes conveyed that they knew Ichigo was withholding something. It was like the war was not even bothering him. He acted like someone who wanted to go under the radar, so no one could see the truth.

In the girls minds, they felt like he was holding in his anger for losing his powers and a whole other world. As they were about to ask him another question, a knock came to the door. Ichigo opened it to his sister Yuzu with a smile that could almost rival Orihimes.

"Dinner ready!"

"Ok thanks Yuzu, we will be down in a minute. Oh wait, I have something for you." Ichigo walked over to the closet and peeled Kon off from the wall. "Here, I found him all taped up, I hope you are not torturing him." Ichigo said with an unnatural grin.

On the flip side, Kon was mentally cursing Ichigo with every word in his known language. Rambling to the tune of, that fucking bastard! When I get out of that hell hole, I'm going to make him pay if it's the last thing I do!

"Oh, Bostov! Who did this to you? That's so cruel, I must fix this right away. I have new dresses for you, but first, let's clean you up." She beamed with joy.

Everyone in the room sweat dropped to this fiasco.

Moments later, everyone was downstairs getting ready to eat dinner. Ichigo and his father sat on the ends of the table while the twins sat on his left side, and Orihime sat on his right, while Tatsuki took a seat closest to his saw this as the perfect moment to put his son in the spotlight. So he ran to his deceased wife's poster, crying out, "Oh Masaki! Our son is finally a man. He brought two beautiful girlfriends home. I guess one was not enough for him," he said with the water works on full display.

The reaction on everyone's faces was priceless.

Tatsuki almost choked on a piece of bread, while Orihime went crimson ruby red from the remark.

Ichigo fell out of his seat.

Karin face palmed.

And Yuzu, well, was just being Yuzu, and sat quietly with a small blush and a smile.

"Stupid old goat! I. Am. Going. To. Kill. You." Ichigo roared.

Then the father son duel began, both throwing punches, kicking, and trying to generally hurt one another. While this was happening before the girls, all of them sweat dropped. They managed to eat their food and converse around the commotion anyway, not knowing when the two man-children would stop fighting. After it was all over, both men dug into their food, and the rest of the dinner went without a hitch.

When the sun began to set, the girls decided it was time to get home.

"I could walk you girls home," Ichigo offered.

"Naw, it ok," Tatsuki replied, "you haven't been home in a good while, catch up with your family. I'll take Orihime home, plus it's not like I can't take care of her. She is my best friend you know," she said with a grin.

"Ok ok, I'll see you at school tomorrow then, Tatsuki," Ichigo bid.

Then he turned to Orihime. "Orihime, I hope you enjoyed yourself tonight, and sorry about goat-chin acting like he lost his mind," he said with a strained smile.

"Thank you Ichigo for inviting me to dinner with your family, I definitely thought was fun!"

"Glad to hear it."

As Ichigo was walking his friends to the door, he spotted the bag Orihime got from Urahara's place. He went to hand it to her, but heard the saying curiosity killed the cat singing in his head along with satisfaction brought it back. What sat inside dropped his mouth open in shock. He brought the insides to her, demanding, "Orihime, what is the meaning of this!?" as he pull the calendar out.

A/N Leave your reviews! If anybody into Kingdom of Hearts check out Stir the Wind by SinkingintheAbyssofFeels