Chapter 3: A Warm Seireitei Welcome

In Soul Society, things were FINALLY getting back to normal. With the 17 month reprieve after the Winter War, the Shinigami had focused primarily on healing injuries, recovering strength, and recruiting new members to replenish their rather thinned ranks. With astounding luck on their side, not a single Taichou or Fukataicho had been lost, though several were critically wounded.

With time, however, most wounds had faded, even if they still left scars. Soutaichou Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni still sported a wound that even Orihime could not repair: He had sacrificed his left arm to inflict damage to Aizen. Hado #96: Itto Kaso is a Forbidden Kido for a reason: it does not use the individual's reiatsu as a catalyst to activate it...it uses the designated body part of the user as a sacrifice to inflict massive damage on an opponent.

Overall, the Gotei Juusantai were very lucky. Many more individuals could have died, had Aizen specifically wanted them dead. Instead, he had figured that once merging with the Hogyouku, he would be invincible, regardless of anyone's attempts to say otherwise.

Soi-Fon's left arm had been restored thanks to Orihime, and while the same couldn't be said for the Soutaichou, the rest of the injured were easily taken care of by the members of the 4th Division.

Now, as Yuuto, Ichigo, and Rukia left the Senkaimon, they looked around and studied the massive amount of Shinigami running to and fro in the main courtyard that they'd appeared in.

"Hmm, I wonder what this is all about? I didn't think our presence would be noticed THAT quickly." mused Yuuto.

Ichigo shrugged. "Who knows what Gramps is up to? Heck, half the time I don't even know, myself."

Rukia snorted. "That's cause most of the time you don't pay attention."

"Oi, I take offense to that!"

"You should. Maybe you'll learn something."

"Why you little-"

"Enough with the lover's quarrel, you two." Both aforementioned individuals blushed deeply. "Regardless, there's only one way to get info fast." Reaching out with one hand, Yuuto grabbed the nearest dashing Shinigami, who blinked as he was suddenly hoisted out of his mid-leap.

"Yo. What's going on?" he asked.

The Shinigami blinked, seeing the three others looking at him pointedly. "Didn't you hear the announcement?" At their confused look, he sighed. "Blasted 11th Division...doesn't care about jack except fighting. As for you, Kuchiki-dono, I thought you would know better."

Her angry glare brought him back to the subject at hand. "W-well, I suppose I should tell you. Soutaicho-dono is planning on introducing a new Captain to the ranks."

Three pairs of eyes widened. "Really? I hadn't heard a thing about that." said Rukia.

Ichigo took the time to eye Rukia. She wore a Lieutenant's Badge, the 13th to be precise. Her robes were unchanged, while her hair was done up in what looked to be a cute attempt at looking older. She wore fingerless tekkou, strikingly similar to her brothers except for the fact that they came up to just above her elbows. He also noticed that her...er...figure...had filled out rather...nicely, but he would file that away for later.

Shaking his head, Yuuto let the non-seated Shinigami go, and he scampered away as if burned. "Fine, I guess we're going to have to go to Yama-jii's Division. Get all of this sorted out. Ichigo, you're with me. Kuchiki, you better report back to your captain. He'll probably be a bit worried if you don't report back soon."

Rukia seemed torn for a moment. Of course, she wanted to find out who this new captain was going to be, but at the same time, she didn't want to upset Ukitake-taichou. With a sigh and a nod, she left to head back to the 13th's barracks, Shunpo carrying her away with the wind.

Turning, Yuuto clasped a hand onto Ichigo. The youth was about to ask why, when he suddenly noticed their abrupt change in scenery.

"He...he's fast...REALLY fast! I blinked, and we covered that much distance?! Just..how strong IS he?" Ichigo thought.

Looking up from his paperwork, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni did not expect to see Kurosaki Ichigo NOR the M.I.A Ishigawa Yuuto standing before him. Their presence had not been noticeable until the second they were in his office, which that alone intrigued him. However, he figured he'd give them a chance to explain themselves.

"Welcome back, Kurosaki Ichigo. I take it your Shinigami powers have returned, and MUCH sooner than anticipated."

"Sooner than anticipated? He knew my powers would eventually come back?" pondered Ichigo.

"As for you, Ishigawa Yuuto, I take it you have a reasonable explanation for your being missing these past several centuries?"

"Hai. It's a case that was rather similar to Asano-san's, only instead of a faulty Garganta, mine was a faulty Senkaimon."

"Hmm, so you've been trapped in the Dangai for quite some time, I take it?"

"Indeed. It took very nearly all of my skill and courage to survive there for so long. While it may have been several centuries here, had I not completed my Jinzen training, I would not be talking to you as I am now."

Yamamoto did something he rarely did: he widened his eyes. "Completed Jinzen? You've barely been back in Soul Society for 5 minutes, and you dare to make such a claim?"

Ichigo blinked. "I thought all Shinigami could do it. I've completed Jinzen with Zangetsu, and that was before I beat Aizen."

If Yamamoto's eyes hadn't been wide before, they certainly were now. "Foolish boy! You dare claim something few in the history of Soul Society have ever done? You're merely a human with special powers, nothing more!"

Ichigo's eyes hardened at that. "Gramps, I've always liked you. You seemed more like a kindly elder guiding the youth through hardships you yourself have faced before. But if you cannot see me with unbiased eyes, then I've misjudged you."

Blinking (another thing he rarely did out of surprise), his face softened. "Forgive my outburst. It is hard to imagine two Jinzen masters here in this very room. If that is truly the case, then I've no reason to wonder as to how you defeated Aizen. While my Jinzen training is advanced, even I, the Soutaichou, have not completed Jinzen."

"What?!" Ichigo blanched. "Not even you? Just how hard is this technique?"

"It's not that hard, per say." Yuuto said. "It just takes hundreds of years to master. I had all the time in the world to master it, and like me, so did you. Theoretically, everyone can achieve Jinzen if they can achieve a few simple steps."

"First, they need to be able to communicate with their Zanpakuto. That is obviously essential. Secondly, they need to be in an undisturbed state for quite some time, as it requires full concentration in order to maintain. Finally, all you need is either the time it takes to get your Zanpakuto to TRULY be one with you, or do it your way, Ichigo."

"What was my way?" he asked.

"Simple. You bonded with your Zanpakuto on a spiritual level. Not many can actually do such a thing. Can they create bonds with their Zanpakuto? Sure, most can. To TRULY bond with your Zanpakuto is to understand them at such a deep level that they can understand you in return. Every shape and curve of your body is mirrored by every sharp corner and greased portion of their metal selves."

"In other words, you literally become One Mind, One Body, One Soul. While doing it with just your partner Zanpakuto is hard by itself, you not only managed to do it with your Zanpakuto, but with your Inner Hollow, as well. THAT is what sets you apart from the rest. A Human with Shinigami Powers that can tap into Hollow powers which makes him a Vizard. You are truly a transcendent being, if only in name."

Having listened intently for the first time in a while, Ichigo thought about it. He had felt everything that Zangetsu had felt, everything his Hollow had felt. While he'd done so before, it was on such a deeper scale that he could only call his previous attempts tapping the surface of his potential. Mere child's play.

Ichigo nodded, letting Yuuto turn to regard Yamamoto. "So, that answers that. Now, if I may, I would like to inquire as to who this new captain is? I'm curious to meet him or her."

Yamamoto could not suppress his grin. "I thought you might." His face barely containing his mirth, he turned to Ichigo. "Kurosaki Ichigo, I would like to present to you the new 5th Division Taichou, Ishigawa Yuuto."

Yuuto nodded, while Ichigo gaped. "Right, Ishigawa Yuuto. So, when can I meet hi-" The words died on his lips as his brain finally registered what he'd heard. Yamamoto's grin was full blown now, another rarity to be seen on the Soutaichou's visage.

The echo was heard around Seireitei.

…

…

…

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS BULLSHIT?!"

Rukia, having just finished making her report, was about to leave Ukitake's quarters when the loud roar of a rather surprised ex-captain had her jump.

Ukitake chuckled. "I suppose that's Yuuto-sempai?"

Rukia shook her head. "Hai. He must have heard something about the new captain that he didn't like."

Ukitake laughed. "Actually, Rukia, he IS the new captain."

Rukia blinked, then laughed outright. "Oh, THAT is good. I love it. If he reacts this badly to his renewed captain-ship, then I can't wait to hear what he'll have to say about his paperwork."

At this comment, both parties broke down into fits of laughter.

"And so, without further ado, I, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, Soutaichou of the Gotei Juusantai, herby declare Ishigawa Yuuto the new Gobantai-taichou of the Gotei Juusantai. May you all treat him with the respect and admiration his rank and skill deserves."

Murmurs of speculation and glances of suspicion were cast in the new captain's general direction.

"Alright, that's enough of that. Arigato-na, Soutaichou-dono. If I may have a moment with my...new squad?"

Nodding, Yamamoto took his leave, the other Shinigami parting like the Red Sea to let him through.

Looking to his right, Yuuto's eyes landed on Hinamori Momo, the shy, timid girl looking at him out of the corner of her eye with an unreadable expression. Figuring the girl needed a little time to adjust to his presence, he smiled at her and turned to Ichigo. "Well, it could be worse. I could be stuck in a holding cell for insubordination and deserting. Overall, I think this turned out pretty well."

Ichigo scoffed. "Really? I hear Captains are buried in paperwork. S'why I'll never become one, even if they do offer me the job."

Yuuto laughed. "Naive friend of mine, paperwork is a cinch once you know how to handle it."

Ichigo blinked. "Really? How?"

Yuuto smirked. "I'll never tell~."

Their friendly banter was interrupted by a rather rude cough from 7th Seat Mahane Irobu, who eyed Yuuto with distaste. "You mean to tell me that I am expected to take orders from this hack of a Captain? I don't think so."

9th Seat Juyobu Isahada nodded. "I don't even think you're capable of leading a blind man across a street, let alone a Gotei 13 squad."

Multiple murmurs of agreement spread their way through the ranks, and Ichigo's forehead developed a tick.

"Just who the hell do you guys think you are, talking to your Captain like that?"

Isahada scoffed. "Like we need any lectures from a fake Shinigami like you. The sooner you fall on your own sword, the be-" He was swiftly cut off as he found himself choking for air, Yuuto's hand squeezing rather harshly on his windpipe.

"Got your attention? Good. Now, listen here, all of you. Some of you have no problem with me being your captain. I have no qualm with you, and even welcome you to open up to me if you have any questions or concerns."

Giving another slight squeeze, Yuuto snorted as the man coughed and struggled to get free, his fingers clawing at the man's iron grip on his throat. "However, I've used up all my patience for insubordination, stupidity, and general asinine behavior. If I have to use one of you as an example of what NOT to do, so be it." And with that, he dropped the man on his ass.

"Thank your lucky stars you're not part of the 11th Division. Even back in my day, they played by a different rule book, and me killing your sorry ass would have been perfectly fine. Possibly even encouraged." This caused not only the one on the ground, but several other members to pale considerably.

"Like I said, even if you don't accept me, I'm okay with that. Hell, hate me as much as you want. But I will NOT tolerate any bullshit aside from that. I've used your buddy here as a demonstration. If need be, I WILL kill someone who steps too far out of line. Insulting a fellow Shinigami like that, Daiko or not, will be considered right up there with treason in my book, and is punishable by whatever I deem fit. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?"

The room gave a collective nod, and the overwhelmingly oppressive aura in the room vanished instantly. Yuuto gave everyone a smile. "Good. Because I've seen way too many soldiers get into petty squabbles outside of battle, and when battle actually comes, they take their grudges onto the battlefield with them. I'll warn you all right now. Grudges CAN kill. If you're mad at a friend, disregard that anger in order to save his life. If a comrade has done something to anger you, do not let it cloud your judgment, or you'll get cut down quicker than you can blink."

"Emotional baggage is just that: Baggage. It will drag you down, and if given the chance, help you dig your own grave. Nothing further, men. Dismissed!"

At this, several men helped their downed comrade to his feet, choking and sputtering as they dragged him out of the assembly hall. It didn't go unnoticed that several eyes were quietly giving their new captain looks of approval.

Rubbing his neck, Yuuto sighed. "This is why I disliked captaincy. So many youngsters to teach."

Ichigo clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Seems like you've got things under control."

He sighed. "I hope so. Isn't that right Hinamo-"

Looking to his right, his Lieutenant was nowhere to be found. "Hmm, guess she's just as tired as I am. Must be hard running a division all by yourself."

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah. Sounds rough."

Yuuto shrugged. "Well, I gotta tackle that stack of paperwork that's been piled on my new desk. Why don't you go see if Rukia's busy. After all," he elbowed the orange-haired man "you two have got quite a bit of catching up to do, ne?"

Ichigo punched him in the shoulder. "Bastard." Still, he blushed a deep red, which only caused Yuuto to walk out of the assembly hall, his body racked with laughter.

"Ahh, I never get tired of teasing that boy."

In Urahara's 'Humble Candy Store' (aka, Urahara Shoten), a tan-skinned female sneezed rather violently. Blinking, she shrugged as she went back to her book. "Some hot guy is thinking about me. Or about something related to me, at least."

Leaping across the rooftops of Seireitei, Rukia was in a very good mood. Oh yes, a very good mood. Ichigo had finally gotten his powers back, and he could see her! That alone could have made her day. What REALLY got her hot under the collar was Ichigo himself. Gone was that boyish charm that made her notice him in the first place, and in its' place was the mature, adult visage of a man. And what a man he was!

"He just fills out his shukakusho SOOO nicely! 17 months have been hell without him, but having him come back looking like that...it might have been worth it."

When Ichigo finally lost his powers completely, it crushed her. More so than Kaien's death. Kaien was gone. There was no nonsense about him returning. With Ichigo, it was much different. She was still the primary Shinigami assigned to patrol Karakura, so she would have to fight the urge to see him on a daily basis, even though he couldn't see her back. As the months passed, she became more moody and snappish, reverting back to her old Kuchiki ways as a means to cope with Ichigo's absence.

Renji wasn't much better than her. Despite their...similarities in regards to temper, the pineapple and strawberry had gotten along fairly well, and had even developed a friendship. An awkward one involving massive amounts of scolding, mocking, hitting, kicking, biting, and general roughhousing, but a friendship nonetheless.

Ichigo's absence also made Renji change. His sarcastic attitude was back in full force, and his training was lacking its' usual luster, no longer having someone with whom he could compete with. Sure, he could train with his fellow lieutenants, but they each had a personality that got on his nerves after a while.

Once the announcement that the Shinigami Daiko had regained his powers got around, people were in an uproar. Ichigo was the hero of the Winter War, the man who defeated the invincible Sosuke Aizen. Rukia chuckled as she thought of his flustered face were he to be cornered by his 'adoring public'.

"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear." Grinning like a wolf about to pounce a rabbit, Rukia sprang from her current rooftop and intercepted Ichigo mid-leap, as he was ironically headed to her barracks. His cry of surprise was followed by a groan of pain as he landed on his back, the roof tiles not softening his impact any.

"Oi, Rukia, what the he-mmlphsds?" He was cut off as she latched onto his lips with her own, her tongue snaking into his startled mouth and teasing him mercilessly.

"He looks SOOOO cute when he blushes like that!" she squealed mentally, only to blink when he pulled his lips away. Her pout was clearly visible, but Ichigo needed answers.

"Rukia, what's gotten into you? You were never this forward with me before. What's going on?"

Shaking her head, she tried to recapture his lips, but he was having none of it. "Rukia, tell me what's going on, or I'll ignore you for the rest of the week."

Her eyes widened, and she sat back on her haunches. "Fine, but afterwards, you better prepare yourself, buster." Ichigo blinked in surprise at this, but decided that he was getting the answers he wanted.

"When...when I...lost you...I couldn't handle it. I told myself I could, but I just couldn't. I hadn't even realized it, Ichigo, but you'd become my whole world." He blushed at this, and so did she. However, she didn't stop. "I may be the sun that drives away the rainclouds in your eyes, but you are the moon that casts light into my darkest nights. I...I..."

She looked away and mumbled, "I need you, Ichigo."

While her statement was low in volume, he'd heard it regardless. His eyes widened considerably, and he struggled to speak, his mouth opening and closing, but no sound came. She chuckled at this.

"How rude. A girl confesses her love for you, and all you can do is sit there like a retarded fish out of water."

"Oi, I was about to say I loved you, and then you had to go and-"

He stopped, seeing tears pool in her eyes. "Oi, Rukia. You okay? I didn't mean to hurt-"

He was once more tackled by the petite woman, and couldn't stop her from kissing him even if he wanted to. Her moan of satisfaction brought his lower body to attention, which was quickly replaced by the realization that she not only loved him back, but had completely accepted him.

Her moan only grew louder as he kissed her back, his hands wrapping around her back to pull her closer. She broke it only to lean against him heavily, her head in the crook of his neck.

"You may be a baka, but you're MY baka, and I love you."

Ichigo chuckled, and held her close. "You may be a midget, but you're MY midget, and I love you, too."

For once, Ichigo wasn't reprimanded on his comment of her size, and simply smiled as she held him. It would have been perfect except for the fact that they were still on a rooftop.

Chapter 3 is done, and I'm starting to get back into the swing of things. Long hiatuses will do that to you. Regardless, I hope you are enjoying the story at least as much as I am writing it. Don't forget to comment, rate, and review if it suits your fancy.

-Sgt. Assassin