BP: Ok, time for a Disclaimer. Courtesy of the new sixth division fukutaicho.
Kurei: it's a pleasure to be here.
BP: First off, what do you think of the story?
Kurei: I think Kuchiki-Taicho should show up more.
BP: … Um, right… Ok Disclaimer time.
Kurei: BPES does not own bleach, he only owns the OCs based of Concepts by Kubo Tite.
Byakuya: Hurry up Karyuudo-Fukutaicho. You're late.
Kurei: Please forgive me Kuchiki-Taicho *Darts off*
BP: Was she always such a fan girl?
Byakuya: Not until she saw my Shikai… Apparently she is fond of Pink.
Both: *Sweat drop*

After they had left Karin with Kenpachi, Ichigo had dragged Rukia halfway across Sereitei until they were outside the fifth division building. Catching his breath again Ichigo sighed in relief wondering what would've happened if Rukia weren't there as an excuse. He really didn't feel like having a death match with the Crazy captain this early in the morning.
"Thanks Rukia, you really saved me back there." Ichigo said honestly. Rukia smiled.
"Not a problem." She said smiling before her expression turned into a playful smirk. "After all, SOMEONE has to save you from you're idiocy."
"What!? Why you annoying little midget! I dare you to say that again!"
"What? Couldn't you hear me over the loudness of your hair?"
"No I couldn't hear because you're way to close to the ground." She kicked him for that bringing him to his knee.
"Well maybe you can hear me NOW hmm?" She asked with a victorious grin. Ichigo glared before sighing and smirking.
"Hmph, Whatever midget. But when did you make Fukutaicho?" He asked genuinely curious. When he thought about it, it made perfect sense, she was certainly strong. But he knew about the big wall blocking her, her brother. How had she reached the position when he was trying to stop her?
"Well, it was about a year after the war. Thanks to his injuries, Ukitake-Taicho was unable to perform his duties to even the extent he normally does, and his health was quite bad. Eventually when he finally got better he couldn't cope properly with the work load and offered me the position. Of course, Nii-sama didn't approve at first but Renji and a few others helped convince him." Rukia explained with a happy expression. Ichigo was glad for her but then the thought struck him.
"Hey… I wonder what's going to happen with me." He said off-handedly. It took a minute for Rukia to realise what he meant.
"You mean you're position? Hmm, well you ARE a big Hero, so I suppose you'd be made third seat until a better position opens up." Rukia said. Ichigo nodded somewhat. They stood there for a moment before Hinamori walked out.
"Oh Excuse me, am I interrupting something?" She asked politely. Rukia shook her head.
"No, I was just making sure Ichigo actually did his job. I'll leave the rest to you Hinamori-Fukutaicho." Rukia said before bowing and walking off.
"Well, please come on then Kurosaki-san." Hinamori said softly, there was a well hidden note of distrust in her voice but Ichigo caught it. It was only to be expected, even though she had accepted Aizen's betrayal and that he had to be dealt with, she still cared for her former captain, having his 'Executioner' here probably made her nervous.
"Ah, thank you." Ichigo said politely. As he was led through the Barracks he noticed many people turn to look at him and smile, sometimes with awe and some with pride. Having the big Hero in their squad must've meant a lot to a few of these people. Walking with a bit more pride himself Ichigo followed Hinamori to his new captain's office. Hinamori knocked before entering.
"Excuse me Yokoshin-Taicho." She said politely before motioning for Ichigo to enter the room as well. "I brought Kurosaki Ichigo as you asked."
"Thank you very much Hinamori-Fukutaicho. You may leave now." Shiryuu said with an almost forced sternness. Hinamori just nodded and left while Ichigo looked at the captain questioningly. He met Ichigo's glance with a similar gaze. "What?"
"Well, it just seemed kind of weird that you were telling her to leave like that." Ichigo said. Shiryuu sighed.
"I was advised that I shouldn't be overly soft with Hinamori-Fukutaicho because it might bring up memories of Aizen. I understand that it's painful but I can't say I like having to take that tone with her even if it is for her sake." The captain explained. Ichigo nodded dumbly not really sure what to think. He had never known what Aizen was like before the betrayal so he couldn't give a very objective view. "Enough about Aizen though, this division has been under his shadow too long. We're going for a walk, I'd like to talk."
"Huh? Oh yeah sure, Yokoshin-Taicho." He responded stiffly. Shiryuu shook his head.
"Don't force yourself so much. Though I do appreciate your effort of formality." Shiryuu said smiling. Ichigo heard this and shrugged.
"If you insist Shiryuu." Ichigo smirked while the captain rolled his eyes.
"Don't get to comfortable. C'mon." The captain signalled and the two began walking around the division. For the first little while nothing was said causing Ichigo to feel a little nervous. Soon they came to a halt near a tree in the grounds where Shiryuu decided to go and lay down under. Ichigo stood still for a second before going over and leaning against the tree. "So, Kurosaki, how are things going for you so far?"
"Huh? Well, I guess things are Ok but nothing's really happened so far." Ichigo said bluntly. Shiryuu nodded in acknowledgment before turning his gaze on Ichigo again.
"I've heard the stories, but I've never seen you in action. Are you really the reckless charge-in-headfirst and hack at them until you win kind of guy?" Shiryuu asked with a hint of humour lacing his voice.
"Well… I wouldn't say that exactly but… I guess it does kind of look that way." Ichigo said rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. Shiryuu shook his head.
"And are you really that hopeless at Kido, dull at spiritual control and sensing, with no real talent in Hakuda and with a rough sword form?" Shiryuu asked quoting the other captains negative comments. Ichigo growled and began mentally plotting each of their downfalls. He noted that Soi Fon had made a positive comment but he had heard how much she respected Yoruichi who had helped him develop his speed so he couldn't be sure if he should even count it as praise. "Are you going to answer Kurosaki? Oi Ichigo?"
"Huh? Don't listen to them. Ok so maybe I am bad at kido, but I'm getting better with my spiritual sense and sword form and it's not like I've ever really needed Hakuda." Ichigo said with his temper showing through just a little. Shiryuu nodded.
"I'm beginning to see why the Sou-Taicho chose to send you to me." Shiryuu commented. Ichigo turned to him with an expectant look. Shiryuu looked like he'd rather not say anything though but Ichigo decided to press the matter.
"And why would that be? Are you some kind of genius teacher?" Ichigo asked thinking to himself that if that were the case he'd go complain to the Sou-Taicho about Karin's training.
"Hah, I wish that was the reason." Shiryuu said bitterly. Ichigo looked at the captain who was now picking himself up. Shiryuu fixed him a solid look. "They probably hoped my overprotective nature would curb you're recklessness."
"Overprotective nature?" Ichigo parroted in confusion.
"I… am the type of person who would use up more of my energy trying to save the injured and the weak then trying to overcome the enemy. It's a considerable flaw for a captain." Shiryuu stated.
"That doesn't seem like a Flaw to me." Ichigo said confidently. Shiryuu shook his head.
"I've been told that if I waste my strength trying to protect everyone, in the end, I might not be able to protect anyone." Shiryuu said. Ichigo paused for a second understanding the meaning behind such a thing. Shaking his head he sighed.
"Fine then, as long as I'm here you just focus on protecting everyone and I'll beat the enemy." Ichigo stated confidently. Shiryuu looked at him shocked before an appreciative smile fell onto his face.
"And if I have to protect you from this enemy?" Shiryuu asked.
"Then I'll just have to hack at them until I win while you're covering me." Ichigo said smirking. Shiryuu laughed at that rather loudly despite his best efforts to keep himself respectably quiet. Ichigo simply stood confidently believing wholly in what he had said. Shiryuu looked up at the Shinigami in front of him and smirked.
"You really are reckless aren't you? Well that's fine I suppose, besides, it's good to know that the big hero is willing to work with me like that." Shiryuu said before beginning to walk again. Ichigo sighed at the big hero comment before following.
"So, have you got anything else you particularly need to talk to me about?" Ichigo asked wanting nothing more than to start familiarising himself with the Barracks properly.
"Yes, there's a very important matter to discuss." Shiryuu said in a firm tone. Ichigo blinked at the more business like tone the captain was using.
"What is it?"
"Your rank and duties." Was the simple statement that made Ichigo think about his conversation with Rukia earlier. This was a pretty big deal and he knew it.
"Sure, what do we need to go over?" Ichigo asked excitedly.
"Several people in my division are worried about their positions, even though I do have the authority to make a double seat position like the thirteenth division has many people don't believe they can keep up with you're strength. As far as the moral of the division goes it's a bad thing." Shiryuu explained. Ichigo's spirits fell straight down after hearing all that.
"What? I mean it can't be that bad right? I don't want to make everyone worry like that." Ichigo said concerned. Shiryuu smirked although Ichigo couldn't see it.
"Yes, I thought you might feel that way. And so I decided on a solid course of action to deal with this." Shiryuu said turning a corner into a large building. As Ichigo entered he realised he was standing in front of all the seated officers of the fifth division who looked at him expectantly. He looked to Shiryuu who smiled before taking a deep breath. "As you all know, this is Kurosaki Ichigo, the Hero of the winter war and who has recently become a full time shinigami, just like the rest of us."
'Oh boy, this is not good. Everyone is staring at me so intensely, are they worried about me taking their position, do they think they're not good enough because I'm a hero, do they hate me?' Ichigo panicked in his head.
"And as you all know, he has been placed in the fifth division and as such, it has to be decided what his rank within the division shall be."
'Maybe they are happy for me? Maybe they want me to take a high seat? Maybe they want me to leave? This is nerve wracking. Damn you Shiryuu, I didn't want to be put on the spot like this.' Ichigo thought barely paying attention to the captain's speech.
"I know that some of you are particularly worried about your rank and I also know that there are others who whole heartedly wish Ichigo to do well. Knowing all this, I am sure there are those who will question my decision on the matter." Shiryuu said taking in a deep breath.
'Decision, he's already made a decision? He could've told me first!' Ichigo mentally yelled. Shiryuu cast a glance in his direction and the humour was clear in his eyes. Ichigo added the fifth-division captain to his list of people to get back at.
"Everyone here has heard the stories of Kurosaki Ichigo's strength, courage and abilities. Everyone here has heard he was pivotal in bringing Aizen down and restoring peace to Soul Society and the Human world. But there are very few who can say they have seen this from him, and I am not one of them. Therefore until Kurosaki Ichigo proves himself in my eyes and all of yours as well, I am going to leave him as an unseated shinigami with the base minimum of duties. Like all new recruits." Shiryuu finished earning a lot of disbelieving looks from everyone in the room. Most particularly Ichigo who wore a look of utter bewilderment on his face. Shiryuu turned to the gathered shinigami. "You are all dismissed. Kurosaki, let's talk as it seems you have a few things to say."
"Yeah, I do." Ichigo said as he and Shiryuu left the way the came in and headed for the tree Shiryuu seemed to be fond of. Ichigo glared at the Captain's head.
"If you're going to say something then say it. This silence is annoying." Shiryuu spoke indifferently. Ichigo walked in front of him just before Shiryuu could make it to his spot under the tree.
"Explain why I'm being thrown to the bottom like this? What the heck did I do to you?" Ichigo asked annoyed that he was being thrown aside so simply. He thought that Shiryuu was a nicer guy than that. Shiryuu threw on a smirk. "What's so damn funny!"
"Oh nothing, just how much of an idiot you are." Shiryuu said shoving past Ichigo and taking his spot under the Tree.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Ichigo yelled at him. Shiryuu sighed before glaring at Ichigo in annoyance.
"I gave you that seat to give you a fair chance. I believe it is unfair to put you in a high ranking position on stories alone. However as it stands now, if you are as strong and talented as everyone likes to make you out to be then you'll easily make your way up the ranks." Shiryuu stated calmly. Ichigo was still seething though even though it seemed he was beginning to understand.
"That doesn't seem like a fair chance. It seems like you're trying to hold me back!" Ichigo barked angrily. Shiryuu looked at him before sighing.
"All right then show me." He said standing up. Ichigo paused and blinked a few times.
"What?"
"I said show me. Let's see the strength that everyone always talks about." Shiryuu said before striding towards the training grounds within the Barracks. Ichigo was a little dumbfounded by the captain's actions. First it seemed like he was friendly, then he seemed to want to step all over him and now he wanted to fight?
"Fine then let's go!" Ichigo said following with an air of impatience. At the training grounds many of the shinigami training there made space for the two captain level shinigami who were both in foul moods. Standing in the centre of the area the two drew their Zanpakto and stared each other down.
"Feel free to use Bankai Kurosaki; even with that I guarantee you won't lay a scratch on me." Shiryuu stated as if it were pure fact in a way that reminded Ichigo all too much of Byakuya before he had shown him what his Bankai was capable of.
"I think I should be telling you that. I'm strong enough to fight captains like you equally!" Ichigo stated confidently but was met with a knowing smirk.
"Fight equally with me? Hmhmhm, I'm afraid that's not possible." Shiryuu said closing his eyes. "You'll see soon enough Kurosaki."
"Hmph." Was Ichigo's only response as he got ready; there was no way he was going to lose to Shiryuu after a statement like that. It irritated him more when he saw Shiryuu's eyes still closed. "Hey, are you ready or not?"
"This is enough of a handicap for the likes of you." Shiryuu commented. Ichigo growled before shunpoing behind Shiryuu and bringing his sword down fast and hard cutting straight through… the air? Shiryuu had pivoted gracefully when the blade had come close to him at a speed that only captains were capable of and brought his blade out in a light slash towards Ichigo's chest. Ichigo immediately dodged back with another shunpo but as soon as he stopped Shiryuu had brought his blade down on Ichigo's pushing the orange haired fight back with a surprising level of strength.
"What the heck?" Ichigo asked a little dumbfounded at the situation.
"Is this really all the great 'Hero' has to offer? I'm very disappointed Ichigo. After all that talk, you can't back it up?" Shiryuu asked in a manner that told Ichigo he was really trying to test him. At this point everything Shiryuu had said up to now began to make sense; that the new captain really didn't know all that much about him bar his reputation. Then everything he had been doing, from their earlier conversation, to his position to this very fight had been to test and gauge him, so that Shiryuu could rely on him. Urahara had lectured him on things like this time and again when he had decided to become a permanent resident of soul society. Because he had proved himself to everyone before he felt that he shouldn't have to do it again, but now he realised that if he let his ego on being the big 'Hero' of soul society sway him then he would never be able to fit in the way he wanted to. If Shiryuu wanted to take him off his high horse and see Ichigo for whom he really was then that's what would happen. Shiryuu couldn't help but open his eyes at the level of reiatsu that began pouring off of Ichigo who stood proud with a new level of confidence about him that brought a smile to Shiryuu's face. "So you're finally serious then?"
"Ah, this time I'll show you what I am capable of." Ichigo stated his eyes glowing with reiatsu. Shiryuu nodded in response before shaking his head.
"In that case I won't take any more chances. Kiyomeru, Kakuheki." Shiryuu said calmly as his Zanpakto began to glow and change shape. Ichigo was surprised at the reiatsu that was coming off of Shiryuu, it was actually pretty strong. As the blade finished changing shape it became a long handled great sword with a thin and short stabbing blade at the bottom of the handle, effectively making it look like a mismatched Swallow blade.
"So that's your Zanpakto?" Ichigo asked with a renewed vigour as his captain had already begun to recognize him. All he had to do was show his strength again, heck why was he even worried about that before? After all he would be expected to fight with all his strength for the sake of soul society. "All right, I'm going to force you to go Bankai. That should settle things."
"Hah, I won't need my bankai, and even if you use yours, you wont be able to scratch me." Shiryuu stated as he closed his eyes once again. Ichigo noticed this and wondered if he was confident, or whether this was part of his fighting style. Deciding to test the waters Ichigo charged and swung Zangetsu down towards Shiryuu, who met the attack with a parry and threw him off. Ichigo had to applaud the skill Shiryuu had wielding such an unbalanced weapon and used his shunpo to get above Shiryuu to launch a powerful thrust downward. Once again however Shiryuu was not their and Ichigo barely had time to react when Kakuheki was swung from above him. With the two blades clashing both fighters got thrown away from one another but as soon as their feet touched ground they charged at one another and began swinging, with Shiryuu slowly gaining the upper hand. Ichigo couldn't figure out how exactly he was doing it until a slash got through Shiryuu's guard and nearly cut him. For a second Ichigo wondered what happened to the captain's superb defence but the answer clicked after a newcomer spoke.
"So it's a sparring match that's the cause of all that Reiatsu huh?" the flowery captain of the eighth division said as he walked in a smiled. "Well don't mind me just conti-"
"HAH! That's how you do it. You focus on your opponent's reiatsu to sense where they are!" Ichigo said making sense of the fight so far. Shiryuu smirked and nodded in confirmation.
"The stronger the enemy the easier it is. Even if you're faster than me it is meaningless if I'm prepared for your attack each time." Shiryuu stated confidently while Ichigo grinned.
"But wait, I mean, you've been dodging Zangetsu easily, even if you know where I am you shouldn't be able to do something like that." Ichigo asked with a strange suspicion of the answer.
"Hmm? You mean you didn't know? Shiryuu-kun here is one of the most elite reiatsu trackers to have ever grace the second division and the Special Forces. And he was in my division before that." Shunsui revealed while Ichigo still looked confused. Tipping his hat slightly he went further. "He worked this to such a fine state that he can make out a person's entire being, Zanpakto and all just by focusing on tracking them."
"So that's why you fight with your eyes closed?" Ichigo questioned again.
"Yes, but even knowing that can you do anything about it?" Shiryuu asked closing his eyes once more. Ichigo smiled before bringing Zangetsu forward and pointing it at Shiryuu before placing his left hand on his arm to steady himself.
"BAN KAI!" Ichigo called surrounding himself in a thick layer of reiatsu. As it died down his Shuhakusho was styled differently into more of an overcoat style with red linings and his sword had become a pure black katana with a chain on the end of the handle. "Tensa Zangetsu."
"So you went Bankai after all. But it wo-" Shiryuu was cut off as he had to dodge what seemed like several slashes at once. Opening his eyes in disbelief, Ichigo stood proudly with utter confidence and Shiryuu couldn't help but applaud the hero, who had thrown his fine senses into disarray through sheer speed.
"Let's see about that scratch hmm?" Ichigo grinned before disappearing from view and circling Shiryuu at speeds that made it look like there was several of him. Moving in Ichigo began to harass Shiryuu's guard attacking multiple times from many angles, getting ever closer through the captain's impressive guard work to his goal of cutting the captain. Barely throwing Ichigo off Shiryuu backed up a little.
"Seems like you underestimated him by a good lot didn't you Shiryuu-kun?" Shunsui piped up smiling. Shiryuu spared a glance at the man and nodded.
"Yeah, Ichigo's a lot more powerful then I thought; though I shouldn't be entirely surprised by that." Shiryuu admitted before standing rigidly. "but I can't let things go his way, no matter what I am still his Captain. If I don't reign in his strength then I'll lose the respect of my division."
"Get ready because I'm gonna end this in one move." Ichigo said before raising Tensa Zangetsu above his head. "Getsuga Tenshou!" He yelled swinging his blade down and unleashing a stream of Black energy with a red aura towards Shiryuu, knowing that the captain wouldn't dodge any more attacks out of pride and with no way to get through this attack unscathed Ichigo was sure of his triumph. Shiryuu however simply stabbed the lower blade of Kakuheki into the ground and let the wave of energy draw close.
"Don't… underestimate me." Was Shiryuu's only statement as the attack hit home. Ichigo was rather frantic wondering if Shiryuu was all right as he didn't seem to make any real effort to defend himself.
"Hey are you okay Shiryuu?" Ichigo asked as the smoke cleared to reveal a translucent white wall of reiatsu in front of Shiryuu, projected by his sword it seemed. "A barrier?"
"That's right." Shiryuu said with a dagger pointed at Ichigo's throat. Ichigo didn't even see him use shunpo and so was a little taken aback.
"Uhh…." He said dumbly. Shiryuu smiled gently.
"You did well Kurosaki, keep it up. I'm returning to my office for now." He said putting away the dagger and retrieving Kakuheki. Sealing and sheathing the Zanpakto he looked back to Ichigo. "I'm glad you weren't completely serious. Otherwise I'd have been hard pressed even with my Bankai."
"I don't know about that." Ichigo responded lightly a Shiryuu kept walking. "You seem plenty tough to me… And it's not like you were all that serious either." Ichigo was immediately distracted by the sound of clapping.
"Well done, that was a very impressive display of strength, especially at the end there. You managed to pressure his shield and that's really something." Shunsui said sauntering over to Ichigo who raised an eyebrow at the statement.
"Why's that?" Ichigo asked while Shunsui shook his head and draped his arm of Ichigo's shoulder.
"That, Ichigo-kun, is because Shiryuu's Kakuheki is the strongest shield type Zanpakto in all of soul society. Or so they say." Shunsui explained to Ichigo who looked impressed.
"Really? I mean, it certainly looked impressive and I didn't hold back that much. Heh, that's really something." Ichigo said with his mind buzzing. "Maybe this wont be so bad after all."
"So… how about going to get a drink?" Shunsui offered holding out a sake bottle. Ichigo sweat dropped.
"Umm, is that the real reason you came over here?" Ichigo asked suspiciously. Shunsui pretended to look innocent.
"Well, everyone likes a good drink after a good fight right? C'mon, we can grab your captain and be off. We can also round up the usual lot as well, make a party of it hmm?" Shunsui offered shaking the bottle a little.
"Well… I guess it couldn't hurt." Ichigo said shrugging.
"All right, you go get your captain and meet me back here in a few minutes all right?" Shunsui said as Ichigo returned Zangetsu to shikai and went to convince his captain. Shunsui stood still for a minute before looking away, towards to other Reiatsu flares in the distance. "Hmm… I wonder if Karin-Chan drinks yet?"