AN at the end of the chapter.
Prologue:
"The boy is a danger to us all! His massive gains in power is a direct threat not only to the Sereitei, but Soul Society as a whole. Given the evidence, it would be best to rid ourselves of a potential threat while we have the chance to do so!"
I scoffed at the declaration, in the hours since I was ambushed by these idiots and brought before the Central 46 I heard that option be brought up more than once. You'd think they'd get a clue when the idea is shot down multiple times but stubborn noble mindset is stubborn.
"You idiotic fool, the boy's reiatsu levels make him a potential replacement vessel to keep the realms stable! Surely, you wouldn't want to waste such a valuable resource!?"
Resource? Seriously? Last I checked, I was a human being with feelings and a pulse.
"Ugh how ridiculous, the vessel was restored after the Quincy King's defeat. It would be better for all of us to send the boy to Hell and be done with it."
On and on, these old bastards argued as if I wasn't there, trying to find a potential solution to the 'problem' that was my existence.
It was really unfortunate that the Sereitei was run by a group of paranoid old men and women that would much rather stick their foot in their mouths instead of keeping the boon that was my power on their side in case of future threats to their lives and home.
I'm not stupid, I knew the possibility of betrayal was there the moment I accepted that badge from Jushiro. Forgive me for having some kind of optimism and trying to give people the benefit of the doubt but I guess some people can't be helped. In a way, I'm starting to understand Aizen's motivations during the Winter War, these idiots bicker like toddlers fighting over a toy, its embarrassing.
Despite my current situation, and the high possibility that I wouldn't be going home to my loved ones ever again, I had no regrets. I didn't fight and suffer through two major conflicts for these cowards hiding like rats in their chamber away from the battlefield, too concerned with their political power over having an iota of basic human empathy.
I did what I did so my family and friends, both in and out Soul Society, didn't have to suffer, so they could be happy and live their lives to the fullest. If that means my life has to be sacrificed so that they can be left to their own devices, away from the shady organization that was Soul Society, then so be it.
It's why I went quietly and ended up in this chamber, in chains like some common criminal. Instead of attempting to fight a losing battle against the whole of the afterlife, which would've no doubt put them in further danger.
I watched unflinchingly as the council members continued to bicker. Apparently, my power was too much for the cycle of reincarnation, in fact, I learned that Captain level Shinigami in general forfeit that option once they hit that tier in power. Instead of living life anew, they're sent to the depths of Hell as that is the only realm able to hold that kind of power without causing a disruption in the balance of Souls.
What a joke.
To fight for centuries, in service to what is essentially a semi-sentient corpse in a crystal and then thrown away to suffer eternal damnation?
Some reward.
Well it was either that or be dismembered and scattered while my quadriplegic body is used as the linchpin for the stability of the universe and between the two I couldn't tell what was worse.
Thankfully the Zero Division managed to restore Reio-sama so that was not an option now.
They even considered having me share a spot in Muken with Aizen, but the idea was quickly shot down when I reminded the senile idiots that Aizen is only imprisoned once again because he chose to. Putting me down in Muken with him, his 'greatest experiment' would likely change that real fast. Admittedly watching them nearly crap their pants got a chuckle out of me.
Rare smart move on their part I'll say.
Regardless of the minor moment of petty revenge, it didn't change the fact that I was still chained to an uncomfortable chair, a deadpan look on my face while I wait for anyone to do SOMETHING!
As if Reio-sama himself was listening to my thoughts (which he more than likely was) the doors to the chamber blew open, two figures walking in soon after.
"If I may interject ladies and gentlemen, I may have a suggestion myself, one that properly makes everyone happy."
The ever boisterous Hyosube Ichibei, Captain of the Zero Division arriving alongside Captain Commander Kyoraku put the entire council on pause for a moment until one obviously nervous council member spoke up.
"H-Hyosube-sama, to what do we owe the pleasure?"
The brown-nosing was honestly annoyingly sad to witness.
The Royal Guard leader gazed across the council chamber, his expression uncharacteristically neutral.
"I don't recall giving any of you orders to arrest Kurosaki, its quite disappointing to see the handpicked members of the Central 46 behave like paranoid children who believe they can usurp the authority of his majesty."
Seeing every council member go stark white at once got a snort out of me…I don't think they appreciated that judging from the myriad of glares. I watched as Ichibei cleared his throat to regain control of the room. I pretended not to see the look of minor annoyance coming from Kyoraku. They ambushed me when I was weak and brought me here in chains, I'm allowed to be petty damn it.
"Given the ineptitude of this council, Reio-sama thought it best to allow both Kyoraku-soutaicho and myself to decide Kurosaki Ichigo's fate."
The council chamber was dead silent for a mere moment before the protests began amongst the council of power hungry douchebags.
"SILENCE!"
The wave of crushing reiatsu enveloped the room for a mere moment but the effect was apparent with the majority of the chamber seizing in their chairs. Those who weren't were unconscious.
Ichibei merely shrugged his shoulders before turning to me.
"I'm deeply sorry about this my boy, the Central 46 seems to have forgotten their place and snatched you up before proper orders were given."
I frowned, realization dawned on me in that moment.
"You planned for this to happen all along, you're not upset that I'm here, you're upset that the old bastards jumped the gun…Why?"
I watched as the two leaders of their respective realms looked at one another seriously before Shunsui stepped forward.
"Hold on kid, before you jump to conclusions, we never meant to lock you up or throw you into the pits of Hell. In fact, this was never meant to be a punishment in our eyes but given the nature of this case, you may not see it that way."
Now I was confused, said confusion was clearly evident because the Captain Commander continued.
"You're strong Kurosaki, strong enough to be a viable replacement for the Soul King should something like the Blood War occur again. You've surpassed warriors centuries older than you in only a couple of years of having your powers and you're not even eighteen years old yet. In essence, you're too powerful for us to handle and that's dangerous no matter where your soul goes. The powers that be will never let you rest and live in peace with your potential as great as it is."
Shunsui paused to let the information sink in. I was frustrated and they knew it. After everything I put myself through, my friends through, now I'm being told that my very being is a threat to the balance?
"It's not fair to you kid, we know. But there is a solution, just a rather unorthodox one. While your power is too much for this plane of existence, that's not true for others."
Wait. What?
I must've looked comical given the laughter from Ichibei.
"Don't be surprised boy, Reio-sama has the Almighty in its truest form, allowing him to see all futures not just in our realm of existence but all of them. Some realms are weaker than ours but many others hold beings even mightier than you and therefore your power wouldn't put the same penalties on you that you would suffer here once you pass."
To say I was in shock would be an understatement. Other realities? Stronger realms? Where is all this coming from?
"If what you say is true, what the hell is the point of sending Captains to Hell instead of these other planes of existence?"
Shunsui shrugged
"It takes a great deal of power to do something of this magnitude kid. It's not something Reio-sama can just spam without putting the stability of our universe into question. Be grateful, this is a rare privilege that his majesty only grants to those he deems worthy, to beings with potential to do good with their power outside of their natural realm."
It did sound like a privilege, almost unbelievable but I knew in my gut it wasn't a choice for me, if I refused all it would mean is my power potentially collapsing the balance of souls and therefore everything could be destroyed.
It wasn't even something to contemplate.
"I'll do it."
Both Captains looked at me with solemn expressions.
"If it means anything we both wish it didn't have to come to this. Losing you will be a major blow for us you know."
I breathed deeply to calm my nerves, this whole situation was unfamiliar territory and I couldn't help the feeling of anxiety shooting through my gut.
"So how does this whole process work? Will I just reincarnate into another world a new person entirely?"
Ichibei shook his head.
"Under normal circumstances, yes, you would simply be placed in the new realms cycle of reincarnation and that would be the end of it. You would live out your life as a new person unknowing of your previous life. However, as a reward for putting a stop to two separate conflicts that would have spelled our end, His majesty has saw it fit to give you this."
The Smiling Monk held out his hand to reveal a pure white Hell Butterfly.
"This modified Hell Butterfly will guide your soul form into the new cycle, your memories and power will be locked away at first but you will eventually regain both over time as you grow and train. The Hell Butterfly will remain within you until such a time as when it deems you ready to reawaken as yourself."
The small creature landed on my shoulder and melded into me within a second. Nodding in acceptance I looked at the two captains in anticipation.
"So when do we start?"
The mischievous smiles on their faces was my only warning.
Then my body started to become translucent before my eyes.
"H-hey! WHAT THE HELL!?"
"The process begun the moment the Hell Butterfly melded with you. Good luck to you with your new life Kurosaki Ichigo. I'll be sure to let your family and friends know about what happened today. They'll be safe from harm until they pass as long as I'm in command."
While I was grateful to Shunsui, the fact that a normally harmless creature was essentially eating me from the inside out superseded any thanks he'd get from me.
Ichibei chuckled while crossing his arms, his grin growing wider.
"Good luck to you boy and try to loosen up in your new life, no one likes a stick in the mud."
I felt my eye twitch in annoyance.
"SCREW. YOU!"
I couldn't get another word in before everything went dark.
The Head Captain and Royal Guard leader watched as the butterfly flew off with the special soul to parts unknown.
"You think the kid will be okay, Hyosube-sama?"
The Smiling Monk hummed watching the butterfly disappear.
"The world he's entering will be arduous and unpredictable even for someone of his nature. However, I have faith he will overcome the challenge its just too bad we won't get to see it."
Shunsui said nothing in response, instead letting out a sigh and letting his gaze wander around the room.
"We should probably get the 4th Division in her soon."
Ichibei chuckled
"No, no, let the poor foold suffer a bit longer. Reio-sama does not appreciate insubordination."
Shunsui gave his superior a deadpan look before turning and walking out of the chamber. He needed a stiff drink after this mess.
Meanwhile in another realm, a new life had come into the world, the mighty wails growing in volume as the newborn drew in their first breaths of their new existence.
"Congratulations, it's a healthy baby boy!"
The child was quickly cleaned and swaddled in a blue blanket before being handed off into the waiting arms of an exhausted but smiling young woman.
"He's perfect," she said, the love in her voice was evident for all to hear as happy tears fell from her eyes.
A young man walked over to his wife, a look of pride evident on his face.
"Looks like he got your hair." He said to his wife looking over the strawberry blonde hair of his son.
"Are we still in agreement of his name?"
The man nodded
"Yes, our little protector, Ichigo will do fine."
And Scene! What up y'all? How've you been in the last few years since my last upload? It's been a long time since I've written anything so please excuse me if things seem off, I just couldn't help the muse after rewatching Fate/Stay Night UBW and indulging in the new Bleach anime I just had to come back with something new. So I know many of you are probably wondering is Kitsune going to continue, well the answer is…probably not. Yeah I know, some of you won't like that but do keep in mind it's a story that's been on and off, re-written multiple times since I was 17, I turn 29 in a couple of months, I this point I decided to just let it go. It doesn't help that I'm not the biggest fan of modern day Dragon Ball and I utterly despise Boruto so my love for those franchises is kinda dead in the water for now. Now I'll be blunt I'm unsure how the upload schedule for this is gonna be, I have pretty crippling anxiety these days on top of work, theres days where I flat out can't muster the energy to do much of anything. Plus this is a Fate story, this world is complex and unforgiving if you mess up details. I know I want to follow UBW as a template at least in terms of pairings for Ichigo as he will be replacing Shirou in this reality but I can't deny Heaven's Feel is a much more compelling and eventful route so I may just do an amalgamation of the two routes, given that Archer will remain as EMIYA seeing how he bounces off of Ichigo will be interesting and knowing Ichigo's protectiveness toward his sisters in canon, I would LOVE to see how he interacts with Illya as her adopted sibling because Illya deserves some goddamn happiness outside the spin off timelines. Now keep in mind that Ichigo even at full power would have issue taking on most high tier servants and he won't be getting all of his power back for quite some time and even then they'll be altered a bit due to me hating the true bankai and wanting to change it, he's no longer a soul and will be using his actual body to fight, and also because of something else that I don't want to spoil but will become obvious in the next chapter. So yeah that's all for now, let me know how you feel about the new story, tell me what you think will happen. It good to be back! Till next time!