A/N: Okay so it's been awhile since the last chapter I posted for this fanfic. I want everyone to know that I have not forgot about it. Actually, I finally have gotten some inspiration recently, because I have an awesome younger sister who got me an autographed poster of Ichigo by the voice actor Johnny Young Bosh. So, without further ado, chapter four.
Warnings: Yaoi, yuri, het, violence...etc.
Disclaimer: Do not own any of Naruto or Bleach.
Chapter 4
It's been exactly five days of Naruto being awake for Ichigo to honestly notice something about the boy that was suddenly in his care. The thing that Ichigo realized about Naruto, despite all the hardships he had to face, because he and Kisuke have been slowly getting details from Naruto about his former home life, the boy was so fucking pure. The way he radiated innocence and kindness was like he was the last living saint the world had. It made Ichigo's protective instinct grow as well as having him wrapped around Naruto's little finger. In the end, he allowed the kid to keep calling him mama. Kisuke wasn't much better off, as he found himself grow attached to the child as well. Especially after the young demon container had designated him as papa, much to Ichigo's annoyance.
When questioned on why he called Ichigo mama, rather than papa, the child's answer was simple. "Mamas care for the young while papas teach the young. Both of you have a very protective aura about you, but mama's is more…. aggressive whereas papa's is a lot more confined. Out of the two of you, papa would be a lot more willing to let me go out on my own….to learn my own lessons. Mama while teaching me some, would be more nervous about me making my own mistakes."
That had Ichigo blushing madly while Kisuke chuckled, "Naruto, you are very astute for someone your age."
Naruto then looked down slightly, "It's easy to know how a parent is supposed to act when you have been watching other parents from the side. I always noticed that the mamas would be there the instant the other kids would somehow hurt themselves. The papas normally just walk over calmly, and asked them how they hurt themselves before cleaning them up and telling them what they did wrong." This had their hearts breaking again at his wistful look. True blue to his mother hen instinct, Ichigo swept Naruto into a hug and started whispering comforting words into the boy's ear. The rest of the five days was just getting to know the boy and reading the rest of the letters. They had gained a lot of information that Kisuke had excitedly recorded, and then they found the mirror.
It was the fourth day since Naruto awoken, and they were at the table eating dinner, when all of a sudden they could hear a vibrating sound. Ichigo looked concerned, but became very puzzled when Naruto's face split into a wide grin. Both him and Kisuke crowded around the boy as he pulled out a mirror from his pocket. To their ever growing curiosity, it was vibrating and glowing. They were even more surprised when Naruto picked it up and they could see other people on the mirror. It wasn't their reflection. It was an old man who was smoking a tobacco pipe and some people in animal masks, besides on who just had a plain black mask over his face.
"JIJI!" Naruto shouted in glee, as the old man in the mirror smiled warmly at the boy.
"Naruto, it's good to see that the mirrors are working, how is everything?" The old man spoke kindly to the blond boy. He seemed to take in Ichigo's and Kisuke's presence, but did nothing more than keep a sharp eye on them.
Naruto smile seemed to get bigger as he glanced at the adults with him. " Everything is good. I want you to meet some people." Turning the mirror in Kisuke's direction, Naruto spoke loudly, "Jiji, this is papa, Kisuke Urahara," before he thrusted the mirror to Ichigo and practically preened, "and this is my new mama, Ichigo Kurosaki! They found me and have been taking care of me. For the past five days they play with me, tuck me in at night, read me stories, and they haven't hurt me at all." Naruto babbled not really paying attention to how the others were listening intently to the blond and seemed very satisfied with how happy the child was.
The old man looked at the adults that were with his pseudo-grandson. Well more like the adult and teen. He saw that they were giving him wary looks and decided to try to be civil, "Hello, I'm the third Hokage, or if you read the letters Hiruzen Sarutobi. I thank you for looking after Naruto."
Ichigo decided to speak up, keeping the civil tone, "It's no problem. Naruto is very sweet and is a pleasure to have."
"Not to mention Ichigo would never give the kid up, his mother hen characteristics won't let him." Kisuke teased, which earned him a giggled from Naruto, and a bonk to the head from Ichigo. This had the old man chuckling until the masked figures started to fidget.
Giving an amused sigh, the Hokage spoke, "Naruto, your guard detail want to speak to you for a bit, but after we have, I would like to talk to your guardians myself if you don't mind?"
Ichigo and Kisuke looked to each other before turning back to the image of the old man and nodded. After getting their confirmation, Hiruzen handed over the mirror to the masked people. Naruto's smile lit up upon seeing his self-proclaimed brothers and sister.
"Snake, Bear, Wolf, lookie I finally have a family!" Naruto proclaimed excitedly.
The one with the plain black mask stated softly, "That's great Naruto, I'm glad you finally found the family you were looking for."
Naruto smiled, "Yep, but don't worry you guys will always be my big brothers and sisters. Oh! And thank you so much for your gifts! I'll treasure them always, and make sure to take great care of them. Especially your mask Wolf-kun, it means a lot to me that you trust me with it."
Ichigo and Kisuke both looked at each other before asking Naruto, "What so special about the masks they wear?"
Naruto turned to them and explained, " Well the anbu is basically the real assassins of the shinobi world. Whenever there are missions that are too hard or gruesome for the regular shinobi force, the anbu go. Not only that, but they also protect the Hokage and his family. Basically they are under the Hokage power wise, and so they have to wear masks to hide their identity so they are in less danger. For a member to give their masks to another, even an ex anbu, it's the greatest honor and sign of trust anyone could get. Because that person is basically handing over themselves to the other." By the end of the explanation Naruto had a blush faintly covering his face and Ichigo and Kisuke couldn't help but think the boy was adorable. They also got what wasn't said, it was a way to express one's love. After that they let Naruto just converse with the others. When the time came for them to leave for their duties, they all gave their best wishes for Naruto and gave the mirror back to the hokage.
The Hokage smiled at the boy before he left, "As you well know Naruto the current world which you reside in is your ancestors true home. I'm glad our decision to send you there was as fortuitous as we hoped, but I need to explain some things to your guardians." Naruto nodded as he handed the mirror over to Ichigo, before leaving. Both Urahara and Ichigo were peering into the mirror to see Hiruzen's face set in a serious look. "Hello Kurosaki and Urahara-san, forgive me for my rush, I need to explain some things to you. First and foremost is that I am happy that you have taken in Naruto. It fills me with great happiness knowing the boy is getting the love and family he deserves."
Kisuke nodded his head as he spoke, "Yes, but I have a feeling you're about to delve into a heavier topic than just your gratitude."
The older man sighed as he let his shoulders drop, "Yes, unfortunately, what I am about to ask of you isn't very easy, it breaks my heart but it needs to be done. You both have read my letters I'm assuming." Hiruzen waited for the affirmative before speaking again, "Then you know what Naruto's role of being a jinchuuriki. Essentially, Naruto is seen as a weapon to those who viewed him as a monster as well as to outside villages. This child, to them, was never a child when he was born, just a tool. Because I had sent Naruto away I had put this village in a great disadvantage. If any of the other villages find out that our jinchuuriki is gone, they could attack with their own and we would be at their mercy." The old man gained a serious look, "I know that it seems barbaric, and to be truthful it is, but the council has noticed the boy's absence. They are demanding his return, as they feel that I have something to do with it, rightfully so I might add. I managed to calm them down, saying that I sent the boy to train to be an asset. The only thing that's keeping me in my position is the fact that they were told that Naruto would be back to start what would be his last year when he turns eleven."
Kisuke looked at the man with narrow eyes, "So, what exactly are you asking of us?" He already guessed what they wanted, but he had to hear it from the source.
Hiruzen sighed, "I need you to train Naruto. I know that right now there is no certain way for Naruto to get back, but I have a feeling that when the time comes, Naruto will have to return, unfortunately."
Ichigo scowled when he heard the response, "You want us to train him, to be a weapon?" His eyes flashed with fury at the thought, but before he could shout out his indignation, the old man within the mirror grunted.
"Heavens no! I just want him to be able to protect himself. If it were up to me, I would have him stay as far away as possible from here, but…there are people, powerful people, that would try to get to him. I just want to ensure that he is ready to face anything that might happen." The elderly Sarutobi stated vehemently. Then he sighed again at the hesitant look Ichigo bore. "At the very least ask Naruto, he is very smart for his age, and would probably decide on his own anyway. If he does decide to train as a shinobi, those scrolls contain his clans fuinjutsu, kenjutsu, taijutsu, and any kinjutsu and ninjutsu his clan created. It's his inheritance. I also included all the scrolls and books about being a shinobi, clan politics, etc. I want to make sure he does not get duped over by the council."
Kisuke looked over at Ichigo, who looked uncertain. Kisuke sighed and looked back at the Hokage, "We'll ask Naruto, and if he wants to become a shinobi we will train him, but only with his consent."
Hiruzen gave a relieved smile, "I thank you, it means a lot to me that you have given him a home."
Ichigo immediately spoke up, "He will always find a home with us, that I can promise you."
"Yes, I believe you. You both seem very capable and I do trust you both to do right by him." Hiruzen proclaimed, "Now, I need to say my goodbyes to my grandson and return to my duties." So Naruto was brought back in and gave a heartfelt goodbye to the old hokage. When the mirror turned back to normal, both Ichigo and Kisuke sat in front of Naruto giving him a very serious look.
Kisuke started off, "Naruto, we have something to ask you. Now, do not feel pressured to say yes if you don't want to. If you don't want to do this, we won't do it, okay?" Getting a hesitant nod from the blonde boy, Kisuke inhaled before speaking again, "The hokage had asked us to ask you if you still wanted us to train you to become a shinobi. Now remember, you don't have to, if you don't want to."
Naruto looked at both Ichigo and Kisuke before closing his eyes in a concentrating expression. When he opened his eyes again, they showed will power and determination, "I want to train to be a shinobi, not only because of my inheritance, but because I want to learn how to protect those I love like you and Mama." This surprised both of the older men, as they never seen someone so young so determined for something before.
Ichigo smiled slightly at the boy, then he said, "Okay, then we will start off by looking over the scrolls you have of your inheritance as well a start on your schooling tomorrow"
"Speaking of schooling, Ichigo, you need to go to school tomorrow. You have already missed three days of it." Kisuke said to the teen, teasingly. This got him a scowl from the orange-haired teen, but the blonde shop owner spoke before he could argue, "I'll handle Naruto's schooling while you are attending your own school for the day. You also may want to think about going home for a bit to give a reason you haven't been home. Doing a school project as an excuse will only work so many times." That had Ichigo sighing as he knew that the shop keeper was correct.
"What do I even tell my family? I mean, I really don't want to hide Naruto away from them, nor about the fact that we are taking care of him." Ichigo said, while pulling Naruto into his lap, and completely missing the slightly guilty look that Urahara had.
The look disappeared as fast as it came, but it was replaced by one of resolve. "Why don't you think it over for the night? Anyway, after dinner I am going to research this bond we have with Naruto. I'm sure you can feel it as well? It's intriguing and I want to know what effects it has so we can make sure that we are able to care for him the best way possible. I also will not be home later tonight, I have some business that needs to be tended to." Kisuke said.
Naruto looked at Kisuke nervously, "Is it bad that I bonded with you and mama?"
The light colored blonde shook his head, "Not at all, but I like to be informed of any situation I am in. I am not only doing this to make sure that you are safe, but out of my own curiosity as well. I like investigating mysteries, and this bond has been fascinating me more and more. Do not worry young one, I don't want to get out of this bond. I just want to know exactly what it entails." With that reassurance, Naruto relaxed back into Ichigo, who looked at the time.
Groaning, patted the boy up, "I have to start dinner."
"Can I help?" Naruto shyly asked, with hope shining in his eyes.
Ichigo practically melted at the look, "Of course you can, I'm making chicken teriyaki with fried rice from last night's dinner." He thusly took the boy to the kitchen, while Kisuke followed behind slowly. He is not allowed to cook anymore, so he is wary to enter the kitchen. But standing there in the doorway, he couldn't help the way his heart skipped at the contented look Ichigo had when he was taking care of Naruto.
'He really is beautiful…what the hell am I thinking?' Kisuke mentally said, but he knew what he was thinking, and he might lie and keep secrets to others, but he also promised to never lie to himself because of that reason. Either way it cemented his decision on what he was about to do. He stayed there until dinner was done, getting a blush from Ichigo when he was caught staring at them. With an amused smile, Kisuke joined in setting the table then ate dinner feeling like he had a family to care for, for the first time in many years. Sure he had Tessa and the two little ones, but they had their own work to do and weren't here enough for Kisuke to fill that familial whole that had been created when he was banished from the Seireiti with the Vizords. Now, Kisuke felt he finally had a home.
Later that night Kisuke left the store quietly, making sure both Ichigo and Naruto were asleep. He walked quickly with one direction in mind. As he neared the Kurosaki resident, he stopped when a figure stood not even three feet away.
"What are you doing Urahara? I know that you usually don't take midnight strolls." A gruff voice said.
Kisuke narrowed his eyes before speaking, "I would hardly call this a midnight stroll seeing as this is of importance to a certain orange haired teen. I would think you would want to hear about the happenings of your son, Isshin?"
This immediately got the man's attention. "What's wrong with Ichigo?"
"Nothing is wrong per say, but Ichigo has got himself into quite a situation. As it is, with recent events I suggest you tell your family the truth about your past. It will help Ichigo explain his situation better."
Isshin looked at the blonde man in absolute shock at his request, "Tell him about my past? It takes every ounce of my will not to drink everyday to forget my past! How do you expect me to tell him about it, about how I'm a failure of a husband and father, because I wasn't strong enough to save my wife!?" His voice got progressively louder as he continued to rant.
Kisuke sighed at the man, knowing that despite his cheerful veneer, he never got over his wife's death. Sure he didn't blame Ichigo, only because Isshin felt he himself was to be blamed because he didn't have enough spiritual energy to take soul reaper form and save them both. During the silence that befell them, they managed to find a bench and sat down beside each other. "I know it's hard to think about it, let alone speak about how you became the man you are today. You carry a guilt you don't need to, she wouldn't want you to. It seems though that needless guilt runs in the family, because your son is the same exact way," pausing he sighed as he gathered his thoughts, "There are many things I can't tell him, or anyone for that matter, until certain times, it doesn't stop the guilt that I have in manipulating him. Something has happened, I will not say because it's Ichigo's place to tell you, but I seem to play an essential role as well. I am only giving you advice that I believe will benefit you and your family. As he will need his family more than ever right now."
Isshin looed at the serious blonde, before narrowing his eyes, "I know you wont tell me exactly what happened, but can you tell me why you're so invested in helping my family? Though we are somewhat friends, you never really get involved with my family besides Shinigami matters."
"You're not gonna like it…"there was a pause as Isshin waited for the shop owner to continue. He did with a sigh, "Your son has formed a bond, I am part of the bond as well, but I don't exactly know what kind of bond it is. I am researching as we speak, but Ichigo also is becoming very…dear to me. I really don't want him to be more hurt than necessary."
This had Isshin tensing up for a few moments before he slumped with weariness. Kisuke was right, he didn't like it, but he also knew that any type of bond was rare for any soul. He also knew that Ichigo would have had to have some sort of feelings for the elder shop keeper for any bond to be formed. He couldn't even say anything about age either, because he essentially was well over a century old when he fell in love with his deceased wife. Age didn't really matter to shimigamis. "So if you do court him, what are you gonna do? As you said you're manipulating not only him, but others as well."
Kisuke looked at the man in slight shock, he thought the man would try to kill him for even thinking about his son in any romantic way. He didn't let his shock impair his ability to speak, however, "While I wouldn't tell him what I know, I will let him know that there are things I can't tell him or anyone for that matter, because it could change the tide of the war, and not for the better. If he can't look past my secrets and decides he doesn't want to be in a relationship with me, then I'll stop pursuing. Whatever will make him happy, I'll do my damndest to try."
Giving Kisuke a intense, searching look, he nodded before getting up to go back home, but he paused. "Whether I like it or not, Ichigo always did what he wanted to do. So I'll give you my blessing, but know if you ever hurt my son, even Aizen would look like a harmless butterfly compared to what I'll do to you." As Isshin started walking away he also said, " And don't worry, I'll tell him about who I once was, now go back to your damn shop." With that he was gone.
Kisuke, on the other hand, was flabbergasted! He never would have imagined getting Isshin's blessing, yet it had happened. The rest of the way back he was in a slight daze, but he managed to quietly get to his office and did more research on this bond. As it was, he knew he wasn't going to be able to sleep at all tonight.
The next morning, Ichigo got up extra early to not only make breakfast, but lunch as well, since he won't be at home to cook. It was slightly startling when he realized that he started to associate this shop as home rather than his own house where his family lived, but he guessed it came with having to take care of the occupants within the household. Besides it was nice to be able to take care of people again. The company wasn't bad either. Ichigo blushed when he thought this, letting his mind wonder to his feelings.
Kisuke, while secretive and manipulative, was also caring and honored bound as well. It may not seem like it, because Kisuke kept more than enough secrets only letting his cards show when he needed them to, but Ichigo could see his burdens, could sense his guilt. He saw it in the way he let go of his pride to apologize to him and Rukia for his scheming, the way he did his best to keep Ichigo alive. Sure he knew he was still being used as a pawn, he wasn't as oblivious as some think, but he also knew Kisuke was only trying to make sure to play this war out with the least amount of casualties as possible. For that reason alone, he was okay being his pawn. Not to mention, watching him interact with Naruto he could see his demons disappear. It made him look so much more at peace. As for his feelings for the man, he knew that even before Naruto came, he had a slight crush on him, though now he could tell that they are starting to grow.
Ichigo doesn't know if Kisuke will make a move though. Hopefully from the looks he's been getting when Kisuke thinks he's not paying attention, he will. Shaking his head from those thoughts, he went back to his original task, making food so their son wouldn't starve. 'Their son,' it was a giddy thought. Putting breakfast on the table, he went to go wake Kisuke and Naruto up. He headed to Kisuke's room first. Knocking softly, before opening the door he said, "Wake up, hat n' clogs, breakfast is ready." Not getting a response, he rolled his eyes, then walked into the room. Getting close to Kisuke he lightly started to shake him trying to wake him from hos slumber. "C'mon Kisuke breakfast will ge-Ahh!" Ichigo yelped as he got pulled into the bed by a quick hand. Soon enough, he realized he was being spooned, which made him blush slightly, feeling the man's breath tickle the back of his neck. "Damnit, hat n' clogs don't startle me like that!" Ichigo exclaimed.
"Shhh," Kisuke mumbled, "sleep, for a while. It's a fickle mistress, whom you only get so much of." He then started to nuzzle the back of Ichigo's neck.
Ichigo gulped at the feeling, staying still for a while before speaking up, "I still need to wake Naruto up for breakfast, and I have school, which you told me not to miss today. So if you could please let me go and get up for breakfast…" this got him a sigh, and soon he was able to get up. Looking at Kisuke, Ichigo blushed slightly, before heading off to wake Naruto. Kisuke mean while chuckled at the flustered boy. Lazing about for a few minute, he eventually got up heading to the dining room to eat breakfast. Ruffling Naruto's head as he walked by, Kisuke found his seat. He could he noise in the kitchen indicating that Ichigo was in there, probably making them lunch. Soon enough though, he came into the dining room.
"So I found the bond that we entered with Naruto. Actually we entered a twofold bond to be precise." Kisuke looking at Ichigo.
Ichigo looked at him, raising an eyebrow, "That was quick, and what's a twofold bond?"
"Basically, there were two bonds, we just entered them at the same time. The reason why I was able to find it so quickly, was because bonds are rare. The bond that we entered with Naruto is a familial bond that enhances the feelings of protections and love. It's called the Storge bond. Though, like I said that is not the only bond we created." He gave Ichigo a heated look, before saying, "It seems that we entered a bond as well. Now remember when I said these bonds enhance feelings, this means that we had to have had these feeling for each other before entering the bond." Getting a nod from the teen he sighed, "It seems we entered a bond known as the Esperanto Bond, a lovers bond." At this, Ichigo blushed heavily, before shyly looking down at his plate.
Naruto decided to speak up, "Does that mean Papa loves Mama?"
Kisuke gave Naruto a small smile, before explaining, "It means that both me and your Mama had to have some type of romantic feelings for each other to enter the bond. This bond will make those feelings stronger to allow us to act on them if we want to," Kisuke then looked back at Ichigo with a smirk this time, "and I want to."
Ichigo's head snapped up so fast, the blush still heavily painted on his cheeks, "W…what?"
"I want to act on these feelings. I don't want to lose this bond, with Naruto or you, Ichigo." Kisuke stated, his smirk turning into a soft smile, "That's why if you would like, I want to take you out on a date this weekend."
Ichigo's eyes widened before he hesitantly said, "Y…yes, I would very much like a date with you." Then he went back to eating. They all finished breakfast, and Ichigo gathered his things for school. As he began to leave, he stopped at the front door as he saw Kisuke walk up to him.
"Don't worry to much about Naruto, I've got him, and I won't let anything happen to him." Kisuke told him. Getting a nod from the unusually shy boy he just grinned before leaning forward to press a kiss on Ichigo's forehead. "Then have a great day at school, I'll see you tonight after you have dinner with your family." Ichigo nodded again before leaving for school. A small smile stayed on his face the whole way to school.
A/N: So finished this chapter. I honestly couldn't find a good place to end this chapter, but I did my best. Please review. I hope you enjoy.