Ichigo flopped down on to his bed, sighing. Why did he have to be friends with such irrational and bloodthirsty people? The last thing he wanted to be doing was fighting a load of thugs. Besides, what even was this thing? It sounded kind of illegal. Ichigo scooted over to his computer to check out the site Renji had left up.

DESUMACCHI

Information

Desu is a small city built for the purpose of Desumacchi. It's location is undisclosed until proper registration. The tournament is run and overseen by Aizen Sosuke and Gin Ichimaru, with a team of many rule enforcers and punishing squads.

Ichigo smiled at this, beginning to feel more relaxed with the whole idea. Maybe it would be alright, he had lots of tough friends and probably wouldn't even have to deal with a fight at all.

Be aware, Desumacchi is as its name states. Killing your opponent is not mandatory, but is acceptable. Automatic weapons are prohibited. Once you arrive at Desu and formally enrol in the tournament you cannot back out. Further rules will be explained at arrival.

Ichigo's jaw had dropped to the floor. Killing is acceptable? He'd been horrified with the prospect of a couple of punches and knife threats, now he'd found out that he would most likely be experiencing a good stabbing instead. In a way he was relieved, at least now he could stay comfortably at home after letting his friends know they were in for a fight to the death.

Ichigo whipped up his mobile and got Rukia on the line. "Hello? – Oh yes, it's perfect. And that one, please. – What's up, Ichi?" came a bubbly reply.

"Rukia? What are you doing?" asked Ichigo, distracted by her conversation.

"Buying a sword of course. Oh, it's SO beautiful Ichigo!" she gushed, "I got you one too, because I knew you'd freak out at stepping in a room lined with swords. Don't worry, you can pay me back later."

"A sword? What the hell Rukia!" the orangette yelled down the phone, "Stop buying them now anyway, we're not going to Desu. It's a real fight to the death!"

"… Well duh. It's called 'Death Match' you fool."

Ichigo's heart dropped. "You knew? And you're still going?"

"Thanks very much Mr Uruhara," Ichigo heard Rukia say, "Sorry, Ichi. Yes, of course we're still going! Now, I'll be at yours in 10."

"Hang on-" But the girl had already hung up.

Ichigo flopped on to his bed, last hope destroyed. How the hell was he going to deal with this?

A few minutes later, Ichigo was pulled back into reality bu a loud "Yoo hoo!" from Rukia, as she burst into his room with two huge boxes. "Get off your bed, you piece of lard, and let me put these down."

Ichigo struggled off the bed and watched in dismay as the boxes were lowered down tenderly.

"Rukia…" he tried to start, but his voice faded away at his disheartenment.

"Look!" grinned Rukia, proudly lifting a katana from one of the boxes, "Sode no Shirayuki."She said it with reverence, staring at the long white weapon. An equally snow-white ribbon fluttered around the raven haired girl as she posed with the sword, a determined look on her pretty face. Ichigo had to admit, she looked like she was going to kick ass. In fact, she'd never looked so damn terrifying and she wasn't even in action yet.

Then the small girl broke the moment, dancing about excitedly with the sword. "Mr Uruhara said it's the most beautiful sword he ever made! Oh, but wait until you see yours, Ichigo, it's just perfect for you," she skipped over to the boxes, practically dancing on air. She looked fantastically graceful with the elegant sword swinging around her, although Ichigo was beginning to fear for the walls of his small room – not to mention for himself, since his desk prevented him from getting a safe distance from his small - yet now dangerous - friend.

Rukia carefully opened the box and extracted a massive sword.

"What… Rukia, are you mad? I can't even carry that damn thing!"

"Of course you can. Mr Uruhara is a master. They're practically as light as feathers!" and with that brazen attitude, Rukia gently threw Ichigo the monster sword.

"RUKIA!" screamed Ichigo, as the sword flew towards him, but with amazing speed he dodged the point and caught the hilt. He couldn't help but swell with pride at the impressed look on Rukia's face.

"Wow, Ichi! You're a damn natural! Fab, now we're all ready. Yumi will pick you up at 10 tomorrow. He's driving us in that strange glittery minibus of his. Oh, and pack sensibly, Ichi. Less of the designer t-shirts and more of the food and water, y'know? We're not sure what this place is gonna be like for conditions but I think it'll be a bit desolate. Anyway, adios!" she yelled, and as soon as she'd arrived, the devil disguised as a short girl was gone.

Ichigo felt slightly shell shocked at Rukia's visit. He stared down at his new sword. There was an inscription just above the hilt, saying Zangetsu is large, swirling letters.

"Zangetsu…" muttered Ichigo, a grin creeping on to his face. With this giant sword in his hand, a new confidence surged into the orangette. Maybe this whole thing wouldn't be too bad, after all.