Hey everyone sorry about the delay. Had to take a mini break but I'm back. Ok I want to tell everyone that my Beta Abyss is the best. So thanks you for your input and advice you have been giving me. I wanted to let everyone that is following story to be patient. My goal is to make this a more than 50 chapter. As for the few flames that PM me well I'm not a little kid and I careless what you think this is fanfic and I write to have fun and to enjoy myself more like mental stress reliever.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

Rise of the Shiba Clan

Chapter 5

Atonement Match Up

Ichigo Inner World

It felt like months since he's last been back home. Being able to see his sisters again gave Ichigo peace of mind, and a great relief to his soul. He'd laid in bed, and thought about the events of that day. After spending two weeks unconscious, Ichigo laughed till his eyes watered when recalling how he woke up after that great amount of time. Then finally, he closed his eyes, and let sleep take over.

"Wakey wakey, Ichigo," Ishi said.

Slowly, he cracked open his eyes with a groan at the bright blinding lights. The silhouette of a person leaned over him. When he was able to focus, right before his eyes were a pair of mounds. Almost automatically, his nose bled, still he he tried to compose himself.

"Wha- wha- what the hell!" Ichigo yelled. All it took was the blink of an eye for him to get up, and cover his eyes.

"Dammit, Ishi, you- you prevert why are you topless!?" He demanded, pointing an accusing finger at her.

She giggled as she walked towards him. "Simple. I wanted to see what shade of red you would turn into," she replied, still giggling at him.

"Can you please cover yourself up, or put on some clothes?" He grumbled.

Right after he said that, he betrayed his words and took a peek to admire her while he could. Although he'd forgotten that whatever thoughts pop into his head, she knew too.

So, despite not actually seeing him peek, a sly grin came across her face, like she stuck gold. "Oh, I see!" Then she continued, "I'm honored that you think so highly of me. I thought for a second you really were a prude," she said with a blush on her face.

Realizing what she was hinting at, his mouth hit the floor, forgetting once more that she knew what he was thinking and feeling. He quickly pulled himself back together, and changed the subject to what type of training he would be undertaking.

"Here in your inner world you're going to do-" she began with a strong voice, then ended with, "the same thing you did last time." He groaned in disappointment. "Remember, there's a plan we must follow, so that you are able to get your powers back. By the time you get your power back, I want you to have reiatsu to control it. This will help you in future training sessions."

"Ok, I understand." He nodded. Then closed his eyes to think of his next question. "I was wondering about my friend Tatsuki. Will she be able to reach her full potential? Without me, the group could use another person to help defend Karakura town against hollows, plus whatever other enemies the future holds."

As Ishi thought about want he told her, she not only came up with a solution on to how awaken Tatsuki's spiritual energy, but how to improve Ichigo's physical body and endurance as well.

"In your everyday life aren't there places you are able to practice hand-to-hand combat, and sword play?" she asked with a questioning look on her face.

He took a moment before answering, "well, I could join Tatsuki's martial arts team. They've been trying to recruit me for years. Then there's the kendo team where I could improve my sword play. So, what do you think, do you approve, Ishi?"

"That sounds just fine. It will keep you kind of busy," she replied. "Also, I would like you to reach out to Yoruichi for training your hakuda at a higher level." She said with a smile on her face.

"But I thought I lost my powers, if I start to act like I can see her... Don't you think the others would think something is going on?" he asked.

Ishi felt deadpan to his reply. She forced herself not to facepalm. "Why don't you ask that hat-&-clogs guy to have her use a gigai?"

All of a sudden, a light bulb seemed to flicker above his head, and Ichigo facepalmed. "When I have the chance, I'll give hat-&-clogs a call to get in contact with Yoruichi," he said while shaking his head in defeat.

They continued to talk about the internal and outward changes Ichigo might go through as time goes on. That in the future, when he does regain his powers, he won't be the same Ichigo Kurosaki. He will stand tall with confidence, and hold a resolve that will never die.

They also spoke of his family. How his sister Karin is similar to him in personality, and how she's a tomboy. As for his sister Yuzu, she is the epitome innocence and happiness, not many thing sour her moods. Then lastly, the man-child of a father, Isshin Kurosaki Shiba. There is only one word to describe his father; eccentric. After they exchanged a few more words, Ichigo returned to his training.

This time, to really put his meditation training to the test.

Ishi did this by nonchalantly walking around in her birthday suit

It seemed to be Ichigo's biggest success yet, until the strawberry blurred out.

"Prevert temptress!"

World of the living - Kurosaki Home

It was early in the morning. Apparently, Ichigo woke up before his alarm clock went off. When he sat up to get out of bed he gave a long, weary sigh.

Then the haze of sleep abruptly cleared when his ritual morning attack hadn't come from his father. Ichigo threw a cautious look around his bedroom before grabbing his towel and leaving to take a shower.

Once Ichigo was done he went downstairs to get some coffee, and reflect on the conversation he had with Ishi. Another lingering thought was how everyone would react when he drops the atomic bomb surprise of what he's been up to. In the meantime, he has to remember to keep his mask on. He needs to keep appearances so that everyone knows he is the same old delinquent that anyone loves and fears.

In the kitchen he saw his father sitting at the table, reading the newspaper, while drinking his coffee.

"Good morning, old man," Ichigo greeted as he went to pour himself a cup of coffee.

"Good morning, son. How are you feeling? Isshin said as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Physically, I'm fine. Mentally, I'm trying to put everything together as best as possible," he replied with a shrug as he took another drink of his coffee.

"Might there be anything I could do to help you out?" Isshin asked as he put his cup down, and clasped his hands together, so he could look at his son seriously.

Ichigo looked at his father, and picked up his cup to take another sip before answering him. "Dad, as of right now I'm ok, but if for some reason I start to feel that I'm losing control of myself, I will ask for your help." Ichigo let the words sink in before he finished with, "I promise."

This softened Isshin's expression, he nodded his approval. Then Isshin thought about their next course of action. Now that his son has defeated Aizen, at least he deserves to learn the truth of his heritage.

"Ichigo, is there anything you would like to ask me?" he asked.

As easily as Isshin asked, a question popped into Ichigo's mind. "How did I end up with a hollow as part of my spirit? And why did I have two spirits inside of my soul?"

When he heard his son finish the second question, he thought, he doesn't have just one, but two zanpakuto spirits!? This was something that he never expected to hear.

"Ichigo, are you telling me that you had two zanpakuto spirits that whole time?" Isshin asked in disbelief.

"Yes. Why are you try to side step my question, Dad?" Ichigo replied with an irritated twitch in his brow.

"I'm not trying to dodge the question." Isshin held up a hand with a pensive frown. "You inherited your shinigami powers from me, and you have your hollow power from your mother."

"I see." Ichigo murmured.

'Ichigo your father still is not telling everything about you powers,' Ishi echoed into his mind.

How do you know he is still keeping from me. Ichigo replied.

'Because I'm Ishi, the hogyoku, and I know everything about the power you had before,' She said

"Ok Dad, I'm going to get straight to the point, are you hiding anymore secrets from me?" Ichigo set a hard glare on his father.

Without missing a beat, he told him, "no, there's nothing more to add."

Thanks to Ishi, Ichigo knew that to be a lie. Although, he decided to drop the matter, and find out on his own at a later time.

The rest of the morning went by smoothly. When his sisters came downstairs, they were surprised to see their father, and older brother in the kitchen before them.

After everyone finished eating Ichigo helped pick up the dishes, and put them into the sink. Then he gave his sisters a hug, and a pat on the head before he left for school. Leaving the twins with their mouths agape. Karin looked over at her twin and said,

"Who the hell was that, and what did they do to Ichigo?"

Soul Society - Squad 4 - Day time

Over two weeks have passed since lieutenant Hinamori had been let go from the department of research. She was sent back to the squad four barracks to continue to recover from her injuries taken during the war. Still, during this time she remained in a coma. Many of her friends visited her, dropping off get well cards, flowers, and gifts.

Out of all that came to see her, Captain Hitsugaya had been the main one to visit almost everyday. Despite his icy cold exterior that has most of his peers wondering if the captain has a heart.

The guilt that he felt was more than he could bare. As he gazed upon the peaceful sleeping figure of his dear friend. His resolve to atone for her strengthened, and he vowed from now on to protect her with all his heart.

Hitsugaya sat beside Momo, and thought, I see where Ichigo gets all his determination to protect his family and friends. Even if his enemies were more powerful, he always found his resolve die for the innocent. And it didn't matter how dire the situation, he always moves forward against all odds. Now I have to become stronger and do the same.

While deep in thought, he failed to notice that someone else was in the room with him now.

"Hello, Captain Hitsugaya, how are you doing today? I hope that I'm not intruding on your visitation," Captain Unohana greeted as she gave a small smile to the young captain.

"Not at all, Captain Unohana," he replied. "I'm doing fine, thank you for asking. I just came to see Lieutenant Hinamori again. We did grow up together, and she always looked after me since I was little boy. Right now, it's my duty to look after her since I'm like her only family left." He explained with a frown.

"Oh, I see. Well, I have to do a check up on her to see what her condition is," captain Unohana replied. "Do you need more time with her? I could come back after a while."

"No, it's fine captain. I was finishing up my visit here. I have other matters to take care of," he said.

"May I give you some advice, Captain?"

Not knowing where this conversation would go, he said, "yes, I'm always willing to listen to some advice."

"Captain Hitsugaya, if you ever need someone to talk to, about anything that might be bothering you, please don't hesitate to come to me or to someone that you trust. It will help to free yourself from whatever burdens you might have inside you."

"Thank you, Captain Unohana. I will keep your words in mind." Captain Hitsugaya gave a small bow and left.

As captain Unohana looked over Lieutenant Hinamori's medical chart, she felt hopeful that Hinamori would make a full recovery from her internal exterior injuries. However, what worried her were the mental and emotional scars she received from Aizen.

Captain Unohana thought,

I'm hoping that Captain Hitsugaya reaches out to someone that would be able to help him with this new stress he's building up.

World of the Living - School

Winter came to Karakura town, and every student dreaded returning to classes. Although, there were also about a dozen students that had a different bitter pill to swallow; those who knew the truth of what happened during their vacation.

Ichigo arrived at the school early that morning. He stood at the front staring at nothing in particular. As he closed his eyes, at first one would have believed his face to be peaceful. But then, slowly, it morphed into one of his signature scowls.

As he walked to towards front doors, he thought, geez I can't forget my image here otherwise I would never hear the end of it.

He went to his locker to drop off his street shoes for his school shoes. Then he began to walk to his class as he thought about his plans for today. All the plans piling up, between calling Urahara and joining clubs, he thought, holy shit it's going to be a long day today

Not paying attention, he heard an annoying voice screaming, while running at full speed,

"Ichigo!"

Crack!

"Ichigo, why are you so mean, can't you at least say hello like a regular person!?" Keigo cried.

"Can't you say hello like a normal person?" Ichigo retorted as Keigo's face fell off the end of his fist.

Before Keigo could say something, someone else chirped in.

"Morning Ichigo, how are you doing today?" asked Mizuiro, while still texting someone on his phone.

"I'm doing great, thanks for asking," Ichigo replied

"See!" Keigo kept crying as he continued, "why can't you treat me like Mizurio?" He pouted.

Ichigo decided not to answer that, and ignored Keigo while he walking into the classroom. When he walked through the door, Tatsuki, Orihime, Chad, Uryu, Chizuru and Michiru locked eyes with him. From what Ichigo was able to tell, it appeared as though everyone wanted an answer to what occured two weeks ago. Ichigo sat at his desk, followed closely by Keigo and Mizuiro.

"Hey guys, I know you are looking for answers to all the crazy shit that been going on as of late," Ichigo said while looking at everyone for confirmation. "I've been keeping secrets from you guys, but it was for your protection. I just hope none of you are upset by this. Please, let me explain everything during lunch. You guys deserve to know the truth now that it's all over."

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Then they all stood around Ichigo in silence.

"What?" he gruffly asked, "got something to say now?"

"We're a little concerned for you is all. After that terrifying battle, you left us wondering how you're really feeling," Orihime said give a small smile.

"To be honest, I am a little sad that I lost my powers. But like I've told some of you, I will fight to protect my family and friends however I can. " Ichigo said with a serious edge in his voice.

"Wow, Ichigo, I never knew that you cared so much for us," Chizuru said.

"I know that I can act like a total jerk most days, but it doesn't mean that I never enjoyed the antics," Ichigo told them with a snicker.

"Does this mean you're going to change the way you are with us?" Keigo asked.

Ichigo nearly fell out of his seat laughing. "Hell no! I still have an image to uphold."

Everyone sweatdropped, while Tatsuki facepalmed. Their teacher walked in, and everyone went back to their seats.

The school day felt as though it were going by fairly quickly. To begin with, it was going to be a short day so that all the faculty members, after school clubs, and students could get situated.

So when they were dismissed for lunch, Ichigo had to double check with his watch. Most of the students rushed out of the classroom, ready to catch up with their friends and eat food. Meanwhile Ichigo's group met up on the rooftop, where they locked the door so no one would interrupt.

To aid in Ichigo's explanation, he had Orihime, Uryu, and Chad sit with him. The rest of his friends sat before them.

"Ok guys, I'm going to explain everything fast, so keep up. Any questions that you have, hold onto them until I'm done." Ichigo laid down the ground rules as he looked at everyone in front of him.

They gave nod of understanding.

As Ichigo explained everything from the start, he received a wide range of facial expressions from his friends. From wide eyed disbelief, sympathetic cringes of pain, terrified looks of horror, anger, and sadness.

They sat there, listening with rapt attention. Although every once in awhile they would turn to either Orihime, Uryu, or Chad for further details in certain points. When Ichigo finally finished the story, he slapped a hand to his knee when they opened their mouths, saying, "before you guys blast me with all your questions, I'll answer two from each one you in turns. Then I'll answer more questions at later time if that's alright with you guys."

Keigo spoke up first with a worried look on his face, "Ichigo, are we still in danger?"

"For now? Yes." Ichigo rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Kind of... I guess."

Keigo pushed himself forward for his second question. "Ichigo, I need to know the truth about something."

"What is it?" Ichigo asked.

Keigo took a deep breath, then questioned, "are all shinigami woman as hot as that Rangiku chick?"

Everyone sighed while Ichigo and Tatsuki facepalmed.

"There's no way in hell I'm answering that," Ichigo replied

"You're such a pervert, baka," Tatsuki spat.

"Ok ok, who's next? Ichigo asked.

Mizuiro held up a finger for his turn. "What was the reason this Aizen guy wanted to destroy the worlds?"

Ichigo raised a brow as he looked to the sky in thought. "There were two reasons. His first was to change the injustice going on in Soul Society. Then the second reason was because he lost sight of his first reason. And that was to find someone powerful enough to challenge his intelligence."

Mizuiro tilted his head to the side. "Did they really change our memories every time someone from there came here to our world?"

"Yeah. It's kind of a rule, but if you have high spiritual energy, then it's possible to resist the mind change I think," Ichigo replied.

"So is it true that you kissed Tatsuki in our first year of school?" Chizuru asked with a sly smirk.

Ichigo mouth hit the floor, her question threw him like a slap to the face. Tatsuki herself looked stunned.

"W-what the hell is wrong with you!? Why are you asking a question like that for!?" Despite the blush, he scowled and said, "to answer your question, hell no! That was not me, that was my mod-soul pill Kon."

"Ha! See I told you Tatsuki! That day that was not Ichigo," Orihime gloated with a smile.

Chizuru tapped her chin. "I'm curious, why are we able to see spirits now?"

"That might be my fault." Ichigo coughed into a fist, ridding the rest of his embarrassment. Uryu's always telling me I'm bad at controlling my reiryoku."

"I never said you were bad," Uryu corrected.

"Oh, then maybe—"

"I said that you were dreadful." Uryu finished while fixing his glasses.

Ichigo glowered. "Do you have to be a smartass?"

Everyone laughed at their banter.

The lunch bell ran and they all returned to their classes. The rest of the day went smoother than expected. Except during class, word spread that Ichigo and Tatsuki would spare later at the dojo. Ichigo felt exasperated that people were going to watch, and tried to detour some of the students from going to watch.

Tatsuki teased Ichigo about being scared of people witnessing him getting his ass kicked.

This only made Ichigo raise an eyebrow. "Is that what you think, Tatsuki? That I'm just be a pushover? Well, don't worry. I'll show you the extent of my abilities," Ichigo said with a smirk.

Later that day, they all gathered inside the dojo to watch the long awaited match between two lifelong friends.

A member of the martial arts team noticed the growing commotion and he asked, "Captain Arisawa, what is going on here? Why are so many people here at the dojo?"

"I'm here to spare with Kurosaki." She pointed over her shoulder at said man. "Since he's one of my oldest friends. We use to attend this dojo together as little kids."

"Ahh, I see," the young man said.

Tatsuki went to the girls dressing room to change while Ichigo was given a gi to wear. When Tatsuki came out she saw Ichigo stretching out and warming up.

"Ahh, I see that you are going to take this seriously," Tatsuki said as she began to stretch out herself.

After they were done with warm-ups they met each other in the middle of the mat. The vice captain asked both combatants if they were ready to start. Both nodded. Tatsuki assumed her fighter stance. Ichigo stood sideways with his head facing her.

He grinning as he taunted, "show me what you got then, Tatsuki." He spread his arms out. "Look." He waved his hands. "I'll even let you make the first move"

That ticked Tatsuki off. No one mocks her.

"I'm going to pound you till I make strawberry jam. Do you hear me!?" she yelled.

Ichigo ignored that outburst and waited for her attack.

Tatsuki charged, closing the space between them as she yelled her battle cry. She aimed a swift three strike combination leg kick to his gut. Ichigo spun away from the first hit, narrowly blocked the second punch, and then dodged the third strike by backing away altogether and putting some distance between them.

"Don't feel too bad, Tatsuki, that was a good try." He shook off his hands from blocking her hits, then snickered, "I thought you were serious about making me cry like a baby."

The temperature dropped several degrees, and everybody in the dojo was sure Ichigo Kurosaki had some morbid death wish. No one talks to Tatsuki like that and gets away with all their bones in tact.

"I see you've got some moves, berry boy. But don't relax yet. The moment I land a hit you're going to think differently," Tatsuki replied. Now she's got a better idea of how to come at him. Tatsuki charged once more. When she was close enough, she jump kicked him.

Ichigo side-stepped, but quick had to ground his feet to block her spinning backfist. While focused on her in the air, he failed to notice when she landed, and received a nasty punch to the stomach.

"Ugh!" Ichigo laid a hand to the spot she hit. "So you were able to finally get one in, Tatsuki. What took you so long?"

"Don't get cocky yet, Ichigo! I'm going to show you the true meaning of pain," Tatsuki roared.

As she dashed at him this time, Ichigo rushed forward to strike her head midway. She blocked the hit with her arm held slanted above an inch from her face, but was surprised by the palm strike to her gut that made her stumble backwards.

She tried to regain her senses, however Ichigo didn't relent and brought his fists down on both shoulders. Then, with her off-center, he ended with one last hit to her gut, finishing off his three hit combination.

Tatsuki dropped to one knee, placing a hand to her stomach, showing her discomfort. Regaining her composure, Tatsuki slowly rose to her feet, and stared at Ichigo in defiance.

He simply stood opposite of her on the mat with his arms crossed, waiting for her to continue the match.

"You better not think this is over," Tatsuki spoke between gritted teeth.

"That never crossed my mind, Tatsuki. To think that way would insult your honor as a warrior," Ichigo replied.

This comment stirred many of the spectators with murmurs of awe, leaving them to wonder when Ichigo became such an honorable person.

Ichigo advanced on her with zero hesitation, and heavy sure steps forward. She quickly rushed Ichigo as well, this time ready to show the advanced knowledge she possessed on this field of battle.

Both combatants threw punches, some connected, while most were blocked. A few of her punches struck ichigo's face. And most everyone in the room knew that a hit from her to that spot usually yielded either an unconscious man or a cry of pain.

When he never so much as flinched, Tatsuki realized that Ichigo is now much stronger than she realized.

Ichigo noticed a gap in her attention, and snuck in a palm strike to gut, followed up with a sweeping kick to knock her off her feet.

Tatsuki landing on her rear, hard enough that she winced in pain.

Shit, that freaking hurt my ass! she thought to herself.

"Come on, Tatsuki, don't tell me that's all you got," Ichigo teased again.

"Sh-shut up idiot!" She yelled.

Tatsuki then came up with a plan to catch him off guard. She jumped back onto her feet, and rushed him into another a striking match. This time, she analyzed the combinations he was pulling off. Till finally, she tricked him into an opening so that he would use the move she'd been waiting on. Once Ichigo struck her shoulders, she moved her upper body lower to the area where her gut was suppose to be at.

When Ichigo landed his palm strike to the wrong spot, she yelled out, "pervert! You touched my boobs!" This got Ichigo to stop his assault, and lose his defenses entirely.

And when he tried to explain himself, she found the opening she had been looking for, and stepped on his foot, followed up by kicking his right shin. That made Ichigo lose balance, where she easily kneed his stomach.

Ichigo cried out in pain, and lowered himself to the ground.

Tatsuki leapt onto his shoulders. That made him panic, yet before Ichigo was able to react, Tatsuki hooked her legs under his arms and she flipped him to the floor. There Tatsuki sat on his chest with a fist held to the side of his head.

"Do you give up now?" she asked with triumphant smirk.

"Yeah, I give, just get off me Tatsuki!" Ichigo grumbled with a blush.

The crowd cheered for such a great show on top of a great laugh at the end.

"That was a dirty trick," Ichigo said, rubbing the back of his head. Then he smirked. "But I must admit, Tatsuki, this match was a lot of fun."

"It wasn't a trick." She said with a laugh. "I just worded it that way because I knew it would stun you."

"Dammit, Tatsuki, the last thing I need is people tacking pervert onto my name too. Geez, kill my image, why don't you." Ichigo said with a defeated shake of his head.

After the dojo had been cleared from all the students that came to watch the match, their friends approached.

"That was a very interesting," Uryu said while pushing his glasses up.

"Ichigo, who taught you how to fight like that?" Keigo asked.

"There have been a few people who taught me here and there." Ichigo explained, "One was Hat-&-clogs who taught me that Zanjutsu is the art of using their weapon to its fullest potential. Then there's Yoruichi, she taught me Hakuda, the martial art of physical power and melee fighting skills. She also taught me Hohou, which is the art of moving, dodging, and countering. Unfortunately, the last person that taught me was my father. He'd attack me everyday of my life the moment I started Junior high school."

Everyone knew to the life Ichigo had been living was in awestruck by his response.

"I think it's amazing that you learned all these different types of fighting styles," Mizuiro said, finally pulling his cell phone out of his pocket to text.

"Ichigo, I hope you're not upset for losing this match to Tatsuki," Orihime said while trying to hide her flushed face.

"Orihime, are you feeling well? You are looking really red." Ichigo noted with concern. "You sure you're not catching something?"

"Aw," Orihime said while waving her hands around. "Don't worry about me Ichigo, I'm sure whatever it is, it will pass."

"Okay, and to answer your question, I'm perfectly fine. I enjoyed this match," He said with a satisfied fist pump.

This comment got everyone to raise an eyebrow. Some whispered in concern, thinking Ichigo might fall into depression after.

"Hey Ichigo would you want to come back tomorrow, and spare with me a few rounds," Tatsuki asked, planning in her own way to get him to join the martial arts club.

"I'll see, Tatsuki, but I'm not making any promises," Ichigo replied.

Tatsuki thought, well it's better than a no. But with time, maybe he will come around.

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