First I would like to say: I'M SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't realize how much time had gone by. Thanks for waiting though. I really appreciate the few reviews that I got but getting even more would be better!
Second: I realize that some of my definitions may be slightly off but should still be in the same range of the actual meaning.
Third: I'm trying my best to keep all cannon characters the same as they would be in the anime/manga, so if I cross a boundary let me know and I'll fix it.
Lastly (spoiler!): There will be a couple of OC's that will be showing up from time to time but not a lot, and no official pairings!! Sorry, now read on!
Kurosaki Ichigo,
If you are reading this is means that everything is going just as I planned. You have successfully completed your training with me and have officially been elected to take my place as the new Captain-Commander, but not all is as well as I'd hoped. Unfortunately many of my former subordinates are closed-minded and will not accept what has occurred. Ichigo, as a man's dying wish I want you to make them see reason. Train yourself and surpass your limits even I could not reach. I have arranged for you training to continue with Hirako Shinji to control your Hollow powers, they will be beneficial in your ascension.
Ichigo, I have seen you grow as a shinigami and I think of you as a grandson. So please, lead Soul Society to a peaceful future. Your training starts two months preceding my death.
Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni
Ichigo read and reread the letter fully digesting the words written. Since he had basically already accepted the fact that he would become the new Captain-Commander, the only thing that seemed to not process well was the arrangement for his training to continue. His face scrunched in disbelief.
'More training!?' his brain shouted. He suddenly got the urge to rip all of his hair out, his stress levels had just sky rocketed to new heights.
In an attempt to calm his self, he immediately went into an old training habit he'd picked up from the old man; meditation. His eyes closed and his body slid into the familiar Indian-style sitting position. His fingers mirrored each other in the middle of his lap with each finger tip touching its opposite. (Somewhat like Shikamaru)
His mind went into a blank state as he regulated his breathing to a relaxed state of concentration. Kon looked on in complete and utter confusion. This was a new part of his friend that he'd never seen, and he'd seen a lot. The stuffed lion hand never witnessed Ichigo being so relaxed, so calm, so…peaceful. To tell the truth it scared him a little. His friend was changing, not just physically but emotionally as well, while he still lingered in the art of tomfoolery and vulgar imagination.
Should he be changing too or be left behind and forgotten?
The toy took his time climbing the bed and made his self comfortable in a little corner at the head of the bed, deep in thought on his recent actions.
Ichigo found himself, once again, in his familiar soulscape when he opened his eyes. The only difference this time was the maliciously grinning Hollow, Shiro, squatting dangerously close to his face. Ichigo did not flinch, one may even say he was expecting it, and glared harshly at his unfortunate partner. Shiro's grin grew to a facetious smirk.
"So, you finally decided to drop in for a little chat, eh? Must be my fucking birthday." The shinigami ignored the comment.
"What 'd you do to kill Ojii-san? It must have been a delayed attack because it didn't react until he tried to attack."
Ichigo was pretty sure the Hollow had something to do with the death of the deceased Soutaichou. He was furious to find the smirk widen.
"Technically it was you who killed him." Shrugged the indifferent Hollow. Ichigo stood red dominating his vision; the anger apparent in his features.
"Fuck technicalities! What did you do?" the heightened emotion was casing his blood to boil more than it should have. The training he'd put himself through the past 10 mothers would have been for nothing had he not caught himself. Taking a succession of calming breaths he reseated himself, all the while ignoring his Hollow's irritating cackle.
"Seems like the old man really whipped you into shape, tch. Fine, I'll tell you what happened." Shiro relented surprisingly fast. His face went from plotting bastard to deadly serious. Ichigo contained his awe.
"Listen Aibou [1], with your exponential increase in power your attack damage increases as well. Unfortunately it seems that unless you can FULLY control that last attack you won't be able to release Shikai." Brown orbs widened in shock.
"Nani!?[2] What do you mean?" he inquired urgently. Shiro gave him a solemn expression. Usually he would have taken joy in confusing his young host and leaving him to solve the ridiculous riddle laid before him but this wasn't the time. His, no, their existence, was in jeopardy.
"You were unconscious when the attack was used." A blank look crossed the young teen's face. Shiro rolled his eyes and sighed.
"In the span that it took to regain consciousness there was a build-up of power that you unconsciously used to kill the geezer." Shiro paused in explanation, allowing the information to sink in thoroughly. He watched somewhat annoyed as his host's face contorted to many emotions.
Our favorite Strawberry didn't know what to do with his self or the information just given to him. All he knew was it left him a hell of a lot more guilty than before. Not only did you kill the most powerful and respected man in Soul Society, he killed him unconsciously. Shiro huffed loudly making known his annoyance.
"Damn it! Get over your shit load of self pity and fight, or I'll take this as a chance to be king, do you hear me!!?" the orange-haired teen was taken aback by the sudden shout. Once he'd recovered he realized that this was Shiro's way of showing concern. Masked with insults, threats, and overconfidence. The sentiment shook him of the previous thoughts, and a more positive determination took their place. He smirked and stood.
"You're right. I don't have time to sit in an emo corner and angst. The old man left me his Will and legacy of the future; I promised to make him proud and I will." The Hollow huffed in indifference but an involuntary smirk spread on his pale face.
"Ah, Aibou. Let's see where that determination leads."
******
Two months later found Ichigo stand in front of eight member of the group known as Vizards. All of them had defended Soul Society as either a Captain or Vice Captain but defected due to their discovery of their Hollow abilities.
Ichigo stared, they stared back expectantly. Hirako Shinji stepped forward.
"Ichigo." He nodded in greeting.
"Hirako." He greeted in return unsure of what to say to his new trainers, but it seems words were unneeded.
Sarugaki Hiyori due to her short temper and lack of patience had already donned her mask and executed her assault. Without much movement, Ichigo popped the Mod Soul pill into his mouth appearing in his shinigami form to defend against the powerful impact. Kon coward behind him.
Ichigo looked over his shoulder slightly at the Mod Soul occupying his body.
"Kon, go somewhere safe. I don't want you to go home yet." He instructed and proceeded to push away the small blond, who back flipped away several yards. Kon, unable to speak, nodded and stood near the entrance.
With full attention now on the battle, Ichigo narrowed his eyes at his opponent.
"You've gotten stronger. Looks like I can actually get serious this time." She stated. Ichigo said nothing but drew his sword and readied his stance. Hirako narrowed his eyes.
"Hiyori, don't underestimate his power. I doubt the old man slacked on his training." He advised his comrade who glared at his interference.
"Baka! You don't have to tell me that!" she yelled back but was ignored as Hirako used his pinky finger to clean out his ear. The others had gone about their own business but not completely unaware of the battle, for they too, were interested in Ichigo's increased power. Hiyori turned back to her prey that had not moved since entering his stance.
"Yo, aho, show me what you've learned so far."
And so the battle commenced.
*****
The remaining nine captains gathered by request of the Soutaicho's two disciples. They were slightly confused considering it was always the Captain-commander whom sent out the Hell Butterflies fluttering through the skies with urgent messages but complied, nonetheless.
The even numbered squad captains lined up on one side while the odds lined the other. Kyouraku and Ukitake stood at the front waiting for the curious chatter to die down for they were patient people.
Anything to stall for time. Sadly luck was not watching over them at the moment.
"Oi, Kyouraku, Ukitake! What the hell is going on?! Where's the old man?" voiced a rather impatient 11th squad captain. The two sighed as all went silent signaling they had the floor.
"Uh…well…."Ukitake trailed unsure how to start. Kyouraku sighed once more before clearing his throat turning heads his way.
"Well, it seems that Yama-jii has passed on." Black stares greeted as the information sank in. When the information registered the captains went into a rage.
"What do you mean? Why we not informed immediately about this?" demanded Soifon angrily slightly stepping out of the usual formation. Ukitake spoke upon this time.
"Soutaichou had felt it was his time. He felt he was holding Soul Society back from its true potential and decided to leave his position and legacy in more capable hands." He announced rather calmly.
"Everything has been set up for his successor's arrival in a few months. In the mean time Kyouraku and I will be overseeing things. The proof of this lies within Soutaichou's Will. If you will, Sasakibe-san."
The former Vice captain stepped forward with a roll of parchment and began to read its contents. Everyone was still as the words sunk in not completely sure what to do. There was no loophole seeing as the person who would be succeeding was personally chosen and won fairly in an official captain's match.
Once the reading was over Sasakibe bowed and mode his exit allowing the others to grieve on their own. The atmosphere was solemn as emotions ran high causing the room to feel somewhat stifling. Byakuya stepped out of line.
"Is that all? Is the meeting adjourned?" His emotionless expression and tone aroused tension from the others before he turned on his heel promptly exiting the room without confirmation. The rest slowly followed suit with the advice to rest and inform their squads. The last to leave was Zaraki Kenpachi. He wasn't sad or upset at the news, because quite frankly he didn't care. But there was one thing that wore one his mind as he faced the two captains.
"If this new Commander is a weak ass, I'll kill him." He stated and took his leave. The last two stood in silence before Kyouraku chuckled pulling down the front of his straw hat.
"Well, we won't have to worry about that now, will we?" Ukitake sighed tiredly.
"No. We won't."
*****
Ichigo stood panting with a fierce glare. He had never been through something so painful in his life. Even Yamamoto's training didn't compare. A loud huff made known his discontent as a familiar chuckle filled the air.
"Really, now, Ichigo. I thought you would be happy to have me out of you." Voice Shiro amused.
Yes, Kurosaki Ichigo, had gone through the very painful process of separating his Hollow counterpart from his body. Don't mistake this as Shiro's freedom. No, they were still strongly and eternally bound but it was the concept that had everyone reeling.
"Urusai! I'm just getting my strength back. Remember, we may be separated on a physical level but we are still spiritually bound. I still hold power over your existence." Ichigo state smugly pointing his blade at the Hollow who frowned deeply.
"Che, smartass."
It was funny. The group of Vizards stood on the side watching the banter amused. On the surface the two didn't get along but underneath that façade was a deep understanding that no one could touch. Not even them, whom have had an inkling of the situation.
The sound of Ichigo sheathing his blade brought them out of their musings.
"Yo, Ichigo. Everything okay?"Hirako asked somewhat concerned though his face gave away nothing. Ichigo answered with a shrug.
"I was thinking---"
"Oh, your brain works?" interrupted Shiro sarcastically. Ichigo steeled himself in order to ignore him.
"I was thinking of sparring with that white nutcase over there, to see if anything's changed." He suggested. Shiro gave him a bland look and shrugged before walking casually to one side of the battlefield. The Vizards all relocated themselves round the field for better observation. Their orange-haired friend stood opposite of his counterpart ready for the spar match. Brown eyes locked with eerie yellow as he sat one hand on the hilt of his blade. Shiro mirrored him.
"Alright. Keep the fight clean. No killing…Shiro-san." Stated Muguruma [3] purposely calling out the Hollow who simply smirked.
"No promises there." Muguruma shook his head and signaled for the start of the battle.
Again, sorry I took so long! It's been over two months to add to the growing pile. So, I'm giving you a heads up. The next chapter won't be out because of the holidays. Just be as glad as I am that I updated, especially today, which is my birthday! Ugh, I feel old, but all the same thanks for reading!!!!!!!!!!!
SI
[1] Aibou – partner
[2] Nani – what
[3] Muguruma Kensei: former captain of the 9th squad