Hello everyone did you miss me. I apologize for not updating in such a long time it's just that I had better things to do than listen to a certain few of you who want me to do MY story the way you want it to be. Well I'm sorry but it's not going to work like that, if you want a story the way you want it then make one yourself and leave me the hell alone
Sorry about that but I had to get it out of my system. I will still update this at least once a month but that's it as I care more for my other stories than this one as they may not have as much views but it's just fun to make them. Which is the main reason why I make these stories in the first place, for fun
Also to be truthful I actually forgot what I was doing for this story and had to re-read it to get the gist of it. But this chapter is basically something that has been floating around in my mind for awhile and I thought 'What the hell, might as well mix the two ideas I have together' which in turn made this chapter so enjoy if not keep it to yourselves.
Well anyways before we begin
"Talking"
"Hollow"
Disclaimer: All property is owned by their rightful owners, I only own the story
Now without further ado, let's begin
Ichigo let out a yawn as he walked down the empty halls of the dojo towards the kitchen. It was early in the morning around five or six, Ichigo didn't check, as no one was awake yet as he decided to explore the place a bit. Ichigo opened a random door and found himself in the entrance of a kitchen where he saw Miu getting out some ingredients
"Ah, Good morning~" Miu said politely as she turned to see who came into the kitchen this early in the morning
"Good morning Miu" Ichigo said with a yawn as he walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of milk
"How are you adjusting to being here Ichigo" Miu asked politely as she began chopping up some ingredients
"Don't know, I just got here yesterday" Ichigo said as he poured himself a glass of milk
"Well I mean how are you adjusting to being with Shigure again after so long" Miu asked with a smile
"I must admit it's great to see her again after so long" Ichigo said as he finished his glass of milk as he set it down in the sink and put the carton of milk back in the fridge
"Really~" Miu said with a big smile as Ichigo narrowed his eyes at her
"Miu, I have two little sisters I know what you're doing so stop it" Ichigo stated dryly as Miu giggled
"Want anything specific Ichigo, I'm going to make breakfast now" Miu asked politely as Ichigo shook his head
"No thanks, I'm going out for a walk. Tell the others that I probably won't be back until later" Ichigo said heading out as he waved goodbye as he left the kitchen
Ichigo kept walking until he was outside and jumped over the gate. He landed softly before walking in a random direction as he's been getting calls from Central about the spirit populace that has been left unattended in the area and it's beginning to bug him. Ichigo found a good spot to hide his body and took out his Shinigami badge. Ichigo pressed it against his chest as his real body fell back before being caught by his Shinigami self as he gently placed the body down where no one could find it
"Alright, time to get to work" Ichigo said softly to himself as he began looking for the spirits in the vicinity. Ichigo soon spent two hours Konso every spirit he could find, which weren't that many but still was noticeable as he didn't want to deal with them later on. Ichigo soon came across a giant mansion as he just walked through the gates and the door as he entered the mansion. Ichigo whistled when he saw the inside of the mansion as it was just very eloquent in design. Ichigo looked around as he walked through some doors until he came upon a dining room where the spirit was residing on the other side. When Ichigo entered the room his eyes soften when he saw the spirit.
The spirit was a little girl was a Tsukirei or possessive spirit as her spirit chain was wrapped around a teenage boy who was eating quietly "Nii-san, there's someone in the house" The girl said weakly as Ichigo's heart went up to his throat when he saw how weak she looked from years of not passing on and being forced to stay by the boy's side. Her hair looked disheveled and messy, her eyes were lacking the light most little kids had, even the spirit ones. Even her Chain of fate was just a sliver left before it falls off, showing the giant hole in her chest
Ichigo watched solemnly as the girl kept trying to get her brother's attention before he walked up to the girl and placed his hand on her head. The girl looked surprised when he was able to touch her as she flinched before relaxing to his soothing pat "Why are you hurting yourself by being here. You're supposed to move on little one" Ichigo said softly as the girl began to cry
"I can't, I don't want to" The girl said as she kept on crying
"What's your name" Ichigo asked softly as the girl rubbed her hands against her eyes
"My name is Kaede" Kaede said softly
"Pleasure to meet you Kaede, my name is Ichigo" Ichigo said with a sad smile as he was never one to see girl this young hurt like this
". . . . Strawberry" Kaede said after a moment of silence as Ichigo twitched a bit
"My name doesn't stand for strawberry, it stands for one who protects" Ichigo said a little irritated that even a little girl would say his name is strawberry but kept smiling so the girl doesn't feel like she done anything
"But strawberry sounds better" Kaede said with a little smile as some color came back to her eyes as it was now full of mirth
"That may be so but it's my name so you can't just go around changing it, okay" Ichigo asked politely as he internally calmed down
"Okay" Kaede said softly
"Can you tell me the reason why you're staying here instead of passing on" Ichigo asked politely as she just pointed to her brother "Mind explaining why?" Ichigo asked
"Nii-san blames himself for my death, I didn't want him to be like this. I just want him to have a happy life" Kaede said sadly as Ichigo felt his heart go up his throat again when he imagined his sisters in this position
". . . . If I were able to help you say something to your brother once more will you be able to pass on" Ichigo asked as he has an idea that may work
"Really" Kaede said breathlessly as Ichigo smiled and nodded "Thank you, thank you" Kaede said happily as she hugged Ichigo as the light came back into her eyes that's been missing for so many years
"Alright, I'll try and get what I need tonight so just stay with your brother" Ichigo said as the girl had a deadpanned look on her face as Ichigo realized what he said "Never mine, just wait until tonight alright" Ichigo said as the girl nodded
"Promise" Kaede said as she held out her pinky finger which made Ichigo smile
"Promise" Ichigo said softly as he hooked his pinky around hers and shook on it "I have to go now, don't stress yourself alright" Ichigo asked as Kaede nodded "Good, see ya later" Ichigo said as he ruffled her hair a bit before leaving the room then the building. Ichigo pulled out his phone and started calling someone
~Ring~
~Ring~
~Ri-CLICK*
"Yello~" The irritating voice of a mad scientist said happily on the other side of the phone line
"Kisuke I need a favor" Ichigo began
"Don't worry I already have all your things packed and ready to send to your new home" Urahara said happily
"W-Wait! Hold on a minute that's not what I was calling about!" Ichigo shouted at his phone "And why do you have my things packed up in the first place!?" Ichigo added after a pause
". . . . False alarm Tessai, you can put his stuff back" Kisuke shouted in the background of the phones speaker as Ichigo heard a gruff grunt from Tessai
"Kisuke" Ichigo said as he shook slightly in anger
"Now, now Ichigo isn't there something you wanted to talk about" Urahara said happily as Ichigo gripped his phone before letting it go before he breaks it
"Do you still have that device that allows you to let the living see spirits" Ichigo asked as Urahara went silent for a bit
". . . . . Should I be worried" Urahara said as Ichigo could hear the laughter in his voice
"I found a Tsukirei of a little girl" Ichigo said sternly as the line went silent
". . . . . I'll have Yoruichi come and deliver it to you" Kisuke said calmly
"Thank you" Ichigo said back as he ended the call and went to find his body
After finding his body he went back to Ryozanpaku where he found Shigure sitting on top of the wall looking diligent "What are you doing Shigure?" Ichigo asked before finding himself in a hug as Shigure was wrapping her arms around him in the next second "O-Oi, is something the matter?" Ichigo asked hesitantly when Shigure's grip tightened
"No. Nothing at all" Shigure said as she leaned in closer as Ichigo expression softened as he returned
"Jeez, made me worried I did something to upset you" Ichigo joked as Shigure chuckled
"Sorry, it's just that you just been gone for awhile and I was starting to get worried when you didn't come back sooner I thought you decided to leave" Shigure mumbled into Ichigo's chest as the Shinigami looked confused but shook his head as he'll never understand women
"Come on, I wasn't gone that long. It's just" Ichigo said as he pulled out his phone to check the time ". . . . . One in the afternoon. . . . Huh" Ichigo said as he scratched his head as he didn't realize he spent so long looking for spirits to pass on that it was already early in the afternoon "Sorry about that, didn't pay attention to the time. Sorry" Ichigo apologized as Shigure looked up at him with a pout "Look if it makes you feel better I'm starving and I saw a decent restaurant during my walk so why don't we go get something to eat. Because seriously, I'm starving" Ichigo said trying to lighten the mood as he technically did scope out some restaurants as one of the spirits he Konso was hanging around some of them
Shigure scoffed lightly before nodding as Ichigo turned with Shigure as they went off to get something to eat
It was late in the afternoon as Ichigo was now lazing about on his side reading a book of chinese acupuncture that Kensei gave to him as a gift to one medical practitioner to another while munching on a cookie. Shigure was sitting next to him cleaning her weapons and Zangetsu. Akisame was sitting on the other side of him casually sipping tea while overseeing Kenichi's training. Kensei was out in his shop in the back while Sakaki was helping Miu get some groceries. The Elder has gone out somewhere as Ichigo learned that this was an average occurrence for the giant to disappear
Ichigo took his eyes off the book to look directly in front of him of the training Kenichi was enduring. Ichigo would sympathize with the boy but it is true about that old saying 'No pain, No gain' . . . Literally. Though Ichigo couldn't complain about the results when it gave him the strength to protect his friends and family
"Come on Kenichi, 20 more minutes and you're done" Akisame said casually as he sipped some green tea. This situation really reminded Ichigo of the time when he first met the Visoreds, especially with the strange training device Akisame strapped Kenichi to
"This is torture!" Kenichi screamed out as he kept on running on tread set on insane speeds for humans, but normal for most Shinigami, while lifting heavy weights on his arms, legs and back. He was also balancing a tea set on his head to boot
"I know I'm not your sensei but quit complaining already" Ichigo said dryly as he was already getting irritated of hearing Kenichi's screams of help that been lasting for nearly an hour
"But this is inhumane!" Kenichi shouted at Ichigo in disbelief
Ichigo let out a scoff "Please, this isn't inhumane. If you want inhumane ask to be a test subject for some strange device of a friend of mine makes and then you'll learn what it means to say inhumane" Ichigo stated calmly as he can already see Kisuke in his mind cackling madly at the thought of having a test subject
"Oh~" Akisame said stroking his chin "What exactly does he do" Akisame asked as Shigure wondered that herself
"He's a candy shop owner" Ichigo said trying to keep a straight face when they looked at him blankly. It was funny because Kisuke was seriously a candy shop owner even if he was a clinically insane scientist
"You're joking" Akisame said after a moment of silence as Ichigo let out a small laugh
"No, he really is a candy shop owner" Ichigo said seriously
"Then the most that he'll do to me is food poisoning!" Kenichi shouted "I'll take food poisoning over this training any d-"
"He's also an ex-mad scientist who still dabbles in the art and always causes trouble with his insane plots he always comes up with at times" Ichigo said stopping Kenichi to finish his sentence as everyone stared at him blankly once more "That was also the truth" Ichigo said with a wide grin as they just stared at him as Kenichi nearly tripped before balancing himself out
"Wh-"
Akisame didn't get to ask whatever question he was going to ask as the gates to Ryozanpaku was kicked opened and slammed against the wall "You have no idea how hard it was to find this place using Kisuke's directions" Yoruichi stated dryly as she walked into the premise while carrying a small case in her hand
"Why didn't you use that thing Urahara invented to help you get here" Ichigo said as subtly as he could to not mention that Kisuke literally developed a teleporter
"Ichigo" Yoruichi began with a tired drawl "Do you honestly believe I would use something of Kisuke's just like that without any consideration of what it could happen" Yoruichi stated bluntly as Ichigo visibly flinched "Besides, it gave me a chance to take the scenic route" Yoruichi joked as she dropped the case at Ichigo's feet "How it going I'm Yoruichi Shihouin, nice to meet ya" Yoruichi said to the two masters that were sitting next to Ichigo and the one standing behind him who came to find out what was going on
Akisame raised a brow at the woman as he remembered Ichigo saying that Yoruichi was one of the people who trained him and wondered what was so important about the case that she had to come over and give it to him personally "A pleasure to meet you Ms. Shihouin, I'm Kōetsuji Akisame" Akisame said respectfully
"And I'm Kensei Ma, my fair maiden" Kensei said with a bow as Yoruichi shook her head in amusement at the short man's actions
"Come now, just Yoruichi is fine" Yoruichi said waving off the pleasantries "And YOU must be Shigure" Yoruichi said gesturing to Shigure who stared sternly at the mocha skinned woman
"Yes, that's correct" Shigure said sternly as she eyed the woman who was a little too friendly to people she never met, it's as if she knew she could take them down if something happened
"Well I have to admit Ichigo" Yoruichi said turning to the orange haired boy with a sly grin
"Oh god no" Ichigo mumbled as he held his head down into his hands knowing what was about to happen
"You sure know how to pick them, I didn't know you had it in you to get such a bombshell" Yoruichi said with a chuckle while Ichigo groaned. Shigure blushed as she stared at the woman in disbelief that someone like her was so carefree even if she was of a higher master class
Kensei chuckled while Akisame smirked as he guessed he shouldn't really worry about Yoruichi as she seemed to much a fun type of person like Apachai than someone who would flaunt their power
"You gave me my package now if you please kindly do one thing. Leave" Ichigo asked seriously as Yoruichi let out a bark of laughter
"Aw~ Silly berry thinks he can boss me around because he's not my student anymore, how cute" Yoruichi said in a childlike voice as Ichigo began twitching in irritation while the others chuckled when they heard her call him berry
"You know for a fact my name doesn't stand for that" Ichigo said tensely
"Shigure what do you think. Isn't berry something you want to call him just to see what happens, I know you do" Yoruichi said as she suddenly appeared behind Shigure with her hands on her shoulders
"True I do find it quite funny but it would rude of me to say it all the time, right berry" Shigure said with a smile as she decided to play along as Yoruichi let out another bark of laughter
Ichigo twitched a bit again as he couldn't really hate Shigure. Yoruichi on the other hand is open for his hatred "I swear Yoruichi one of these days I'm going to do something I might regret" Ichigo said slowly as he brought up his fist as he cracked his knuckles
"If you want to do something you might regret then I suggest the great opportunity right here" Yoruichi said with a sly grin as she gestured to Shigure.
It took a moment to understood what Yoruichi meant as Ichigo gaped at her in complete shock while Shigure turned vibrant red "YORUICHI!" Ichigo shouted in embarrassment as he became red as well.
Kensei doubled over as he tried to stop laughing as Akisame smothered his laughter with his hands. Kenichi at the same time gaped at what Ichigo's old master said and tripped on the treadmill as he was sent flying onto the ground with the weights crushing him that caused a resonating thud echoed throughout the Ryozanpaku compound
"Is he okay" Yoruichi asked Akisame who calmed down and got up
"Don't worry" Akisame said walking up to Kenichi who was trying to get up "This happens once in awhile" Akisame said as he helped Kenichi up and took the weights off "You're done for the day, go take a bath" Akisame said as Kenichi nodded before giving a bow to the others before leaving
"Nice kid, probably won't be anywhere near Ichigo's level at that age but he's impressive" Yoruichi said as they stared at her when she mention 'At that age'
"When exactly did you train Ichigo" Shigure said as she calmed down the best she could while the blush was still faintly there
"Ah those were good times" Yoruichi said as she began reminiscing
"Thinking of better days old lady Shihouin" Ichigo joked but flinched when his gaze met unadulterated fury in a form of a glare from Yoruichi
"Say that again Ichigo and see what happens" Yoruichi said slowly as Ichigo decided to back down as an angry woman is not something any guy wants to face
"Never mind" Ichigo mumbles as Yoruichi huffs
Kensei chuckled "Feisty" Kensei said with a sly grin as Yoruichi winked at him as the small chinese man comically clutched his heart and swooned
"So back to the good old days" Yoruichi said happily as if what just happened didn't happen "I basically taught Ichigo the basics to our technique, to which I won't disclose, at the young age of 15" Yoruichi said as this surprised them as Ichigo was considered better than him before meeting Yoruichi.
This surprised the masters as she mentioned Ichigo was better than Kenichi is at his age and the boy is already turning 17. If the man sitting next to them was really this powerful at such a young age they wondered how exactly did he do it.
"Remember the time we bathed together in that hot spring Ichigo" Yoruichi said with a sly grin as Shigure slowly moved her head towards Ichigo with a disapproving glare
Kensei laughed heartily "I knew I liked you Ichigo" Kensei said happily while trying to control his laughter as Akisame shook his head at the fact he just heard
O-Oi! It's not like I wanted her to join me" Ichigo said waving his hands in front of him as he tried to defend his honor as Shigure kept on glaring at him in disapproval
Yoruichi chuckled at what she saw "Come now Shigure, lay off the boy because the only reason your mad is because he saw my body and not yours" Yoruichi said suggestively as she lifted the bottom of her kimono up a little as Shigure and Ichigo blushed heavily at what she was doing
Shigure swat her hand away while bringing out her sword as she pointed it at Yoruichi only to notice she wasn't standing next to her anymore. Shigure looked around and found the woman was sitting on the edge of the roof of the dojo
"Could you please stop already Yoruichi" Ichigo said as he dragged his hand across his face in exasperation
"Oh but where's the fun in that" Yoruichi joked but stopped when Ichigo stared at her seriously "Oh fine, I'll stop messing with you. Liked it better when you were younger and so much more naive that I was allowed to get away with this sort of stuff" Yoruichi said with a smile as Ichigo sighed "Now come on, we got work to do" Yoruichi said jumping down from the roof silently
"Wait, we?" Ichigo said completely confused as Yoruichi grabbed the scruff of his shirt and pulled him onto his feet
"You heard me, I didn't just come here just to say hi and go away. I want to help with that job that came up" Yoruichi said with a smile as the other masters raised a brow when she said Ichigo had a job "That and I'm completely bored back home" Yoruichi deadpanned as Ichigo sighed
"Fine" Ichigo said with a sigh "You can help but that's it" Ichigo said as he picked up the case "I'll be back later in the night alright" Ichigo said turning to Shigure who looked at him with uncertainty
". . . . Just be okay" Shigure said slightly above a whisper
Ichigo's expression soften as he leaned down so his eyes were meeting hers "I'll be fine" Ichigo said as their foreheads touched as they looked into the others eyes deeply as he reassured her that he's going to be fine
"D'aww~ Never knew you had it in you to be romantic Ichigo" Yoruichi said with her hands clasped together. The two quickly separated when they remembered they were with others at the moment. The masters chuckled at the scene as Ichigo stomped away from them, completely red at the face as he did so
Yoruichi chuckled at what her old student did before turning back to Shigure "Don't worry I'll have Ichigo back to you as he is now" Yoruichi said with a smirk as she disappeared and reappeared behind Shigure. Yoruichi leaned in to Shigure's ear and whispered one thing "Which is a virgin"
Yoruichi took some enjoyment at Shigure when she stared at her in complete shock when she dropped the tidbit of information "Just wanted you to know that because you're going to be the one who takes the initiative because of that one fact of his" Yoruichi whispered as Shigure blushed heavily at what the mocha skinned woman was suggesting "That and that is basically the reason he never really does anything because he has no idea how to act with a girl so don't take it hard when he hasn't manned up and kissed you yet" Yoruichi added as Shigure blushed even redder
"Well I think I'm done teasing the poor girl" Yoruichi said as she back upright as the others were quite curious at what she was whispering to Shigure to make her so embarrassed "Well I have to go help Ichigo, See you later" Yoruichi said before disappearing from view
". . . . She seemed nice" Akisame said after a moment of silence as Shigure got up and left while Kensei laughed heartily
Yoruichi appeared next to Ichigo who was in his Shinigami form as he put his body down gently "What exactly were you doing Yoruichi?" Ichigo asked with a raised brow as Yoruichi smiled and held her hands up
"Nothing~" Yoruichi said in a sing-song voice which irked Ichigo a bit
"Forget it I don't want to know" Ichigo said shaking his head as Yoruichi giggled "Come on, let's get going" Ichigo said as Yoruichi already gone to her Shinigami state which didn't really have much of a difference as her outfit was completely the same
The two quickly shunpo across town in a matter of seconds before appearing in front of a mansion Ichigo went to earlier in the morning. Yoruichi whistled at the size of the mansion as Ichigo just walked through the gates with the ex-captain right behind him
As they entered they found Kaede in the dank basement where she was watching her brother attack a wooden post. Ichigo walked up next to Kaede as he watched the girl's brother give one strong jab at the post and destroyed it. The guy huffed angrily before going over to the side and picking up another post as he set it down in the middle of the room before beginning to attack the new post
"Jeez this guy has less of a life than you at this age" Yoruichi half quipped as she was being completely serious about Ichigo not having a life other than fighting
Ichigo stared at her blankly before turning to Kaede as he tapped her shoulder. The girl jolted with a shock before noticing Ichigo and smiled "Come on, let's get ready for you to say goodbye to your brother one last time" Ichigo said with a sad smile as the little girl nodded
Yoruichi began to unpack the contents of the case onto the floor. Once everything is out and put together it looked like an old film projector "Alright, I'm done. Might change into something more fitting if you want to personify yourself as Death and so he won't recognize you" Yoruichi said as Ichigo gave her a nod
Ichigo put his hand over his face as dark reiatsu swirled around for a split second until Ichigo dropped his hand downward. The reiatsu turned into his horned hollow mask as he began covering his body as well until the reiatsu turned into Zangetsu's cloak "How's this" Ichigo asked in his warped voice
"Perfect" Yoruichi said as turned on the device as both Ichigo and Kaede began to look more corporeal from a living person perspective
The kid that was training stopped when he felt a presence behind him and spun around in his fighting pose. The kid's eyes widen at what he saw and took a step back. In front of him standing opposing while giving off an aura of death was a creature with a pure white mask with horns was staring ominously at him. But who was standing next to him was what made him lose his breath
"K-Kaede" He uttered when he saw his deceased little sister
"Hello Natsu-Nii" Kaede said softly as Natsu shuffled closer to her not sure if he's hallucinating or not
"Wha-What is going on" Natsu said breathlessly as Kaede walked up to him and hugged him. At that point he broke down and fell to his knees hugging his sister tightly "I-I never thought I see you again" Natsu said softly as tears rolled down his face as he hugged her tighter
"You have a few minutes to give her peace, that's all I'm giving you" Ichigo said as Natsu shot his head up at him wide eyed
"So this is really" Natsu said as Kaede nodded
"Nii-san, do you remember what I told you" Kaede said as Natsu nodded
"Yes I do, it was to never give up and win" Natsu said as Kaede nodded before softly pulling away from his hug
"Yes but I want you to do one more thing" Kaede said softly
"Of course, anything" Natsu said quickly
"Have fun"
". . What?"
"I've been watching you for several years, all you've done is regret me dying and constantly putting yourself in danger. Please I know you'll still fight but have fun once in awhile I hate to see you just work and work, never having time for yourself like when we were adopted and had to learn how to handle a business" Kaede said seriously as Natsu looked shocked at what she was saying
"You know I can't, I have a lot of work and training to do. If I do that I won't get anything done. Right now there are people who could easily take me down, I have to become stronger so I don't have time games or being with friends" Natsu said seriously with scowl but jerked back when he realized he was saying this to his deceased sister "K-Kaede, listen-" Natsu tried to talk but Kaede hushed him when she raised her hand
". . . . . You actually looked like him for a second" Kaede said softly with a sad smile
"W-Who?"
"Father" Kaede answered as Natsu balked before his eyes burned with rage
"I am nothing like him, how dare you speak to me like that I would!-" Natsu clamped down his hand against his mouth from his outburst when he realized he was about to threaten his own sister "I-I am so sorry" Natsu said softly. Kaede just smiled sadly before putting her small hand on his hand
"I know you have to fight but that doesn't mean you can't have fun. There are actually people who care for you so please just listen to them and accept help from time to time so you don't burden yourself with this burden, alright" Kaede asked as Natsu looked away before slowly looking back as he bit his lip "Just promise me you'll have fun once in awhile" Kaede asked slightly desperately
". . . Alright. I'll, I'll try" Natsu said hesitantly "If it makes you happy I'll try to be happy for you" Natsu said with a sincere smile
A tear rolled down Kaede's face "Thank you" Kaede said tearing up as the chains that surrounded them started to fade away as the hole in her chest filled itself as she began to disappear "I think, I can rest now" Kaede said slowly with a soft smile as Natsu wrapped his arms around her
"I'll miss you" Natsu sniffled
"I know, I'll miss you two but I'll be in your heart. Remember that" Kaede said with a smile as Natsu wiped the tears out of his eyes as he gave her a smile "Where will I go" Kaede asked addressing Ichigo
"You'll go to a more peaceful place, don't worry you'll be with others that'll be there for you" Ichigo said with a sincere smile behind his mask "When you do get there, ask for someone named Masaki Kurosaki, she'll help you find your way around" Ichigo said as Kaede nodded as she gave her brother one last hug as her body began to fade away brightly
"Goodbye, Nii-san" Kaede said with tears in her eyes
"Goodbye, my little sister" Natsu said as he hugged her tightly before his arms went through her body as she began to ascend and disappeared
"Thank you for helping me find peace, thank you Ichigo" Kaede said towards Ichigo who waved goodbye to her "Goodbye" Kaede said once more as she disappeared in bright light as a black hell butterfly flew up into the air elegantly
Natsu cried openly as he looked to where the other being was and saw him walking away "Thank you. Thank you for letting me see her once more" Natsu said as he bowed his head slightly
"No need to thank me, all I did was just give a spirit a chance to rest" Ichigo said waving off his praise as he walked away from the spirit projector as Natsu watched as he disappeared from view
"That was, wow. I think I'm crying" Yoruichi said rubbing her eyes as she turned the projector off as Ichigo took off his mask and cloak
"Yeah tell me about it" Ichigo said with a grin "Come on, I'm sure the others are making dinner now" Ichigo said as he was about to walk off but Yoruichi stopped him
"What about him" Yoruichi asked pointing towards Natsu who stared up at the ceiling with tears falling down his cheeks
"Don't worry about him, if he's the type of person I think he is he'll keep this a secret" Ichigo said as Yoruichi gave him a skeptical look but shrugged "Now come on, I don't think I can stay here without crying myself" Ichigo said softly as Yoruichi let out a quiet chuckle as they left the place quietly
". . . . So are you going to stay" Yoruichi asked after awhile as Ichigo looked at her confused
"What? Why would I do that, I still have the clinic to run back home" Ichigo said as Yoruichi narrowed her eyes at him
"My god Ichigo are you really doing this" Yoruichi said with distaste
"What?"
"Do you even care for Shigure" Yoruichi asked hotly as Ichigo was taken back from her outburst
"What are you- Of course I do!" Ichigo shouted back
"Then why are you leaving her by herself" Yoruichi asked slightly above a whisper with her voice filled with malice
"I'm not leaving her by herself, she has the others" Ichigo tried to defend himself
"That's not what I meant Ichigo" Yoruichi said with a sharp glare "And I know you know what I meant" Yoruichi said as Ichigo stared at her for a minute before looking away with a sigh
"Do you honestly believe that nothing bad will come out of this. I'm a Shinigami for Pete's sake, do you have any idea what she would do if she finds out!" Ichigo shouted at her hysterically
"I think she would love you" Yoruichi said softly as Ichigo's eyes widen at her speculation "Ichigo, you truly are a dense idiot if you think that she wouldn't love you if you told her. I've seen the way she looks at you, you are literally her world in her eyes. It may take time but she'll take what you are in great strides because she isn't some weak willed woman, oh no she's far greater than one of those prats" Yoruichi said stomping her feet "She'll understand you more than you can believe, hell she'll probably tell you how she got those faint scars on her body" Yoruichi said as Ichigo looked at her confused "Her body is covered in them, all very thin and non-existent and from what I could tell it was probably during her childhood from either training or abuse" Yoruichi explained as Ichigo's eyes widened "Everyone has their dark pasts Ichigo so stop hiding behind yours and feel the light against your skin and stay here and live a new life" Yoruichi asked sincerely like a mother would do to her child
Ichigo stood there contemplating what Yoruichi said as he bit his lip hard enough that a trickle of blood rolled down his chin as it healed in an instant "I'll. . . I'll think about it" Ichigo relented as Yoruichi sighed as this was the most she'll get out of him
"Come on, let's go. I still have to tell the other masters about the hot spring incident" Yoruichi said with cat-like grin on her face
"OI! It was bad enough you told Shigure about that but I don't want everyone thinking I'm some sort of pervert!" Ichigo shouted at Yoruichi who started laughing as she ran from him "Hey! Get back here!" Ichigo shouted as he chased her back to their bodies before returning to the Ryozanpaku
~Next Day~
"Hey, Tanimoto-san!" Kenichi shouted when he saw Natsu pass by him. Natsu stopped at the gates about to leave school as he turned to stare at Kenichi and Miu
"What is it" Natsu asked dryly
"I wanted to know if you wanted to come hang out with the others of Shinpaku later" Kenichi asked with a smile along with Miu. Natsu's eye twitched a bit as he was going to say no but stopped himself as he bit his lip. He just stood there for a moment as the smiles on the two residents of Ryozanpaku dropped
"You okay Tanimoto-san" Miu asked sincerely concerned. Natsu stared for a minuted before letting out a tired sigh
". . . . What time" Natsu relented as the two looked at him in complete surprise
"Really?! I would have thought you just say no and then we inevitably drag you with us anyway" Kenichi said jokingly as Natsu brow twitched in annoyance "Well actually we're going right now, if it's alright with you" Kenichi announced as Natsu sighed again
"Fine, let's just get going" Natsu said relenting once more
"Great" Miu said clapping her hands happily "The others are probably waiting for us, come on"
The three of them left the school grounds and continued down the street until they came across the members of Shinpaku Alliance waiting for them
"Huh, didn't think you could actually get him to agree so soon. Nice job" Takeda said with a thumbs up as Kenichi laughed weakly
"Hermit" Freya said towards the blonde
"Freya" Natsu said giving the staff user a nod
"Isn't this wonderful, all of us enjoying ourselves on this beautiful day" Siegfried announced towards the heavens dramatically
"Can we just get going already. I'm getting bored" Kisara said dryly with her hands behind her head
"Come now Kisara this is a good day, even Tanimoto is joining us so that has to be something. Right Ukita" Shiratori asked the judo practitioner
"I agree, it's nice to see the entire gang coming to enjoy this day" Ukita said as Thor let out a loud hearty laugh
"Indeed it is" Thor said with a grin
"Kehehehe, It seems now the Shinpaku alliance is now all together and we begin our operation!" Niijima said dramatically as everyone stared at him blankly
". . . Um actually we're just going out for fun" Kenichi said after an awkward moment of silence
"Then why is Hermit here" Niijima asked pointing towards Natsu who twitched with annoyance once more
"Don't know, he just agreed to come" Kenichi explained as everyone just looked at Natsu
"How about we just get this over with or I swear this will end in a bloodbath" Natsu growled out as everyone just chuckled at his threat
"Wait!" Niijima shouted gaining everyone's attention when his weird antennas popped out of his head "I feel a being of death that walks the earth is coming towards us!" Niijima shouted as most of them thought the explanation he gave them was half-ass
When they looked around they saw Shigure and someone else that they, excluding Kenichi and Miu, never met coming towards them
"How's it going everyone" Ichigo asked with a grin as Shigure just gave them a nod
"Hey Ichigo, what are you doing here" Kenichi asked with a smile
"I was going out to eat with Shigure" Ichigo explained as Shigure nodded with a faint smile
"So your Ichigo" Freya asked as Kisara looked at him with a scrunched up face
"You know me?" Ichigo asked confused
Before any of the girls could explained Shigure gave them a stern glare which made them keep quiet
"Well anyways" Ichigo said slowly as no answered him "We might as well be going, see you all later" Ichigo asked as he turned only to stare at the weird alien before him ". . . . . I've seen weirder" Ichigo said as he walked past Niijima who looked slightly insulted by that. Ichigo walked past them with Shigure as he stared at Natsu who recognized the name her deceased sister said before passing on. Ichigo subtly grinned at him that only he and Shigure noticed as he placed his finger against his lips saying to be quiet
Natsu calmed down and nodded as he mouthed to him 'thank you'
Ichigo and Shigure walked a good distance from them before Shigure stared at him in confusion "What was that about Ichigo?" Shigure asked as Ichigo looked at her.
Ichigo stared at her before smiling sincerely "I'll tell you one day Shigure but not today. I promise" Ichigo answered sincerely as Shigure looked at him confused but went with it as they enjoyed their time together in peace
Well I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and if you didn't keep it to yourself. Please leave a comment, review, PM and I'll see you later, have a great day.