I honestly thought I had written this chapter already, but reading your reviews I realised that it could use a much more in depth view of what happened directly after the battle (funerals, and telling karin and Yuzu etc...). So a total rewrite and 2000 extra words later here we are. Its a pretty long chapter even by my standards, but I needed to fit A LOT in. I mean a LOT!
To my reviewers:
PhantomX: Your review inspired me to add the whole Yuzu/Karin reaction bit in. I think they would actually react pretty well to be honest. They don't seem like the types for heedless blame. Yes Kon is dead. :(
Sam: Isshin/Ichigo interaction was really fun to write, and in a way I've included some more in this chapter. From my gauging of Isshin's character I think he would maintain the Goofy humour, in order to make it easier for his children perhaps?
Roadwarriorfan: I did Isshin's funeral, but I kinda figure that Ichigo wont have a funeral as almost all his close friends know he is a shinigami.
Darkdrow: You offering ? I could use someone to look over the stuff I write, because I write a lot of it fairly late. I haven't really looked into how the beta system works, I'll definitely have to do that.
DarkJason: I agree that there aren't enough IchigoxLisa pairings around. Maybe we should collab ? Glad you liked the story!
It means a lot to me guys, keep em coming!
OoOoOoOoOo
Chapter 2:
Ichigo blinked, trying in vain to bring his surroundings into focus. As far as he could tell he was still lying on the ground outside the Urahara Shoten. But it was hard to be sure, his vision was completely whited out.
"I must be delirious" he thought "smells of... wild flowers?". To be honest, part of him wanted to do nothing so much as close his eyes and sleep for a year. "I've never felt this bone weary before! I must have put too much reaitsu into that last attack.". Realisation hit Ichigo then – making him gag violently.
"Why'd you have to get all noble and fatherly on me now you idiot dad!... No, he was always there for us when it mattered I guess."
He found his voice then, muttering to himself "Look after the girls? Let me go and see Masaki? Heh, typical of dad to run off and talk to mom really... always leaving me to be the responsible one... ass!"
Sighing, Ichigo made to sit up, surprising himself with reserves of strength and energy he could have sworn weren't there a moment ago? His un-asked question was answered a moment later as his chest was met with an elegant palm, faintly green with the light of healing kido.
"My, my" a gentle voicing chided as the image of Unohana Retsu came into Ichigo's field of vision "you really overdid it this time, Kurosaki-kun.". The white he saw was her Haori, spotless despite what they had all been through.
"Wha...?" Ichigo began, but the indignant response died in his throat. Unohana Retsu was crying, tears streaming down her face. A face, normally serene, that was split by a huge smile. Before Ichigo could collect his wits in order to form some semblance of a fitting response, they were once more scattered to the wind as the petite captain gathered him into a tight embrace.
That one act seemed to convey the depth of the gratitude that the Gotei 13 felt towards Kurosaki Ichigo. The human boy who had put his life on the line to defend a world he had no part in, who had sacrificed his home, his first life, and his only remaining parent for the sake of his friends. "Thank you, Kurosaki-kun."
"U-Unohana-san..?" Ichigo murmured, un-nerved by the display. When she didn't respond his control wavered, and he leaned into the embrace. Letting down his ever present guard in the presence of that gentle smile that reminded him so much of his mother.
"Why did the idiot have to get himself killed? Just like him... being all noble. I just wish – I wish I knew him you know? Really knew him. I never got a chance to ask about how he became a captain, or how he knew Hat'n'Clogs, or how he met mom. I guess I'll just have to settle now, but it sucks."
Tears threatened then, as Ichigo's mind turned once more to the Dangai. "The worst part is, he knew what would happen. Even asked me to talk..."
Finally pulling away from him, Unohana looked at Ichigo. "He did the right thing Ichigo. Tsukabishi Taichou told me what happened. It must have torn him apart, knowing what he had to force you to do, knowing he couldn't tell you for fear of your refusal."
Ichigo nodded, knowing what she said to be true. He found solace in that, but it still felt like Ulquiorra had punched another hole in his chest. "Really, who gave that idiot permission to be a hero?".
She sat back and eyed him out of one eye, as if considering something. After a long pause she spoke again "I knew him … well. I can offer no truer sentiment than that he was a great man. If you live to be half as great, I shall be truly honoured to have known you."
Ichigo grinned wryly "Does all this" he said gesturing around them "not count?". Unohana offered him an uncharacteristically humorous smile and got to her feet. Proffering an outstretched hand to help Ichigo get up she said "Its a start, but your story isn't finished yet. You of all people should know that death is hardly an ending."
Ichigo frowned, suddenly realising the implications of those words. "I'm actually dead. My body died to protect Yuzu, along with Kon. I thought it would feel somehow … different."
As if reading his mind Unohana elaborated "Unfortunately, I was not able to heal the wounds to your real body. The brain had been deprived of Oxygen for too long by the time I arrived to be recoverable. I am sorry"
Ichigo put on a false smile "Don't worry about it Unohana-san, I'm lucky to be here at all I guess."
She nodded, seemingly reassured by his words "Thank you. I... there is something … else. Your eye. I can't seem to heal it – no matter what I try the colouring of the left iris and surrounding sclera is well... black and gold.". She said it haltingly, as if it were highly unusual. Which or course it was. Ichigo just brushed it off, not feeling like explaining that now - he could see fine anyway.
"Of course - it makes sense. If my hollow is part of me then I will retain some of his features." Ichigo thought "I'm lucky my skins not completely white. Still, its going to take some getting used to how people react to something as strange as that."
"Unohana-san?"
"Mhmm?"
"Would it be alright if we... I mean could I, sometime in the future, talk to you abo-"
"About Isshin?" She finished, smiling. "Of course Kurosaki-kun, when you are settled in Soul Society I will find you."
An awkward silence followed, in which Ichigo fidgeted nervously. He was probably a little shell shocked he mused. Although he knew he ought to be feeling strong emotions at this moment – elation, sorrow – he just couldn't force his brain to process everything that had happened. "That'll come later I suppose, once its had time to sink in."
Her smile faltered, and she stumbled to the side, looking almost drunk. Alarmed, Ichigo caught her, and supported her form under one arm.
"Unohana-san! Are you alright?"
She smiled weakly "Oh dear. I fear I may have over exerted myself in the process of healing everybody."
"You healed everybody?" Ichigo asked, his tone disbelieving. He had been there, watched a dozen people sent knocking to deaths door... and Unohana healed all of them? Looking up at him, she giggled "Aizen did that too, u-underestimated me." then, leaning in conspiratorially, as if she was letting him in on some great secret "My Bankai has its uses too you know,". The look in her eyes belied the modesty of Unohana's words though. Ichigo was left pretty certain that that was a fight he would do very well to avoid. "Although" she continued "I doubt I could have done that."
Looking in the direction she was pointing Ichigo saw that they were in fact standing near the lip of a huge bowl of scarred earth. A deep scar on the landscape that seemed to stretch away for miles. "I did that!" Ichigo thought, gobsmacked. He had known the final Getsuga Tenshou was destructive, but actually seeing the results made him weak at the knees.
Seeing his evident distress, Unohana clucked "There you go, worrying again! We brought Karakura town to a very remote area of soul society. We can't be sure, but beyond the obvious we don't think anyone else was caught in the blast."
Pulling him along with the arm that was supporting her, the she beckoned "Come Kurosaki-kun, they are waiting." and led a slightly dazed Ichigo back into the Shoten.
OoOoOoOoOo
1st Division Barracks, Soul Society
Ichigo stood to the side, observing the promotion ceremony that was underway in the courtyard below him. Despite what Unohana had said when she found him three days earlier, she had not been able to save quite everyone. Even her prodigious skills hadn't been enough to save the charred husk of a body used to cast the sacrificial Ittou Kasou, apparently it was just impossible.
Perhaps Inoue could have reversed the damage, but she and the party hadn't made it back from Heuco Mundo in time. By all accounts it was a miracle that they made it back at all, with Yammi growing in power every time Byakuya and Zaraki got a hit in. However, while they were distracting the giant Espada Inoue had restored Nel's mask (and by extension her mature form) in the hopes that she could aid them. Familiar with the nature of her ex-comrade's power, Nel had immediately advised that should hide. With incredibly bad reaitsu sense and a body that hardly lent itself to manoeuvrability Yammi had been unable to track them down and had eventually calmed.
Once he reached a manageable size, Nel had used Lanzadore Verde to completely destroy him before he had a chance to grow.
The time it took was more than enough however - Hinamori and Old man Yamamoto had been cremated the next day. Now a new sou-taichou was needed to steer them through the chaos surrounding such an abrupt end to an active state of war.
OoOoOoOoOo
Flashback
Ichigo stood, his head bowed against the rain, as Sasakibe Chojiro officiated over a simple funeral ceremony. It never normally rained in Soul Society, but today the heavens had opened in earnest, and everyone was soaked to the skin. Raising his head slightly so he could observed the innermost rank of the gathered shinigami, it didn't take long to find the cause.
Ichigo liked Toushiro, and it pained him to see the his normally expressive eyes completely blank. Hinamori's funeral had taken place just prior to this one and although no emotion showed on his face, the way the rain poured down and the way in which he clasped so tightly the hand of an equally distraught Matsumoto revealed the true extent of his feelings.
They obviously both felt the pain of the losses they had suffered keenly... Ichigo just hoped they could help each other through it.
When he noticed that people had started to come forward and lay flowers in front of the large memorial, Ichigo turned on his heel and walked away. He had his own places to be, his own feelings to put to rest.
He noticed that Urahara, Yoruichi and Tessai had fallen into step behind him. Nodding in acknowledgment, Ichigo continued on, too lost in his thoughts to talk.
"How am I going to explain all this to Karin and Yuzu? How... how do you begin to tell two little girls that you killed their father?"
They group reached the edge of the cemetery and moved into flash steps. The monotonous process of performing step after step comforted Ichigo, washing away his morose thoughts, and he soon found himself concentrating hard on extending the range and speed of each step. "Focus, breathe, step... Focus, breathe, step."
After about 5 minutes of this however, he felt a hand clap down on his shoulder. Dropping out of flash, the world came back into focus and Ichigo found himself restrained by Yoruichi. She smiled gently, and squeezed Ichigo's shoulder "Ne, Ichigo? What d'ya say to letting the others catch up?".
Ichigo blinked, noticing that Urahara and Tessai were nowhere to be seen. "You mean I outran Hat'n'Clogs and Tessai ?" he asked, a small grin forming on his face.
Yoruichi, obviously glad she had managed to distract him, grinned back "Yeah. I don't think they were going all out, but it wouldn't have made too much difference. It seems that since you came to an … agreement with that thing inside you, your control has gotten a little better. Lets you put down some of that ridiculous power.". Ichigo nodded, it made sense he guessed.
Looking up he said "Didn't leave you for dead though". This got him an incredulous glance and a bark of laughter. "Me? You crack me up strawberry! I said you're control had gotten a little better. Gimme a decade and I might make you as fast as Soi Fon. No promises."
Ichigo opened his mouth to make some brash retort, but noticed that Urahara and Tessai had caught up and been listening to the latter half of the exchange. "Don't worry about it too much Ichigo" Urahara interjected " Yoruichi has very low body-mass, high physical strength, ultra-high spiritual pressure and the best reaitsu control I have ever seen. She's a statistical anomaly... a freak."
Yoruichi sweat dropped "You say that like its a bad thing ? I'm the goddess of flash! The Goddess !"
Urahara pulled his hat down, doubtless to hide the mirth in his eyes. "I'm just saying ..."
"Yeah ? Well..." Yoruichi yelled as she launched herself into a tirade about her friends views, and what she thought of them.
Now it was Ichigo's turn to sweat drop. As the two began cat fighting, he sidled round and spoke to Tessai in a stage whisper. "Are they always like this ?"
Tessai nodded "Mmm. For as long as I have known them".
Ichigo sighed internally "I feared as much".
Turning around they continued, at a walk this time, towards the displaced Karakura town, leaving the oblivious bickerers behind them.
"How long have you known them?"
"Just less than 200 years."
"..."
OoOoOoOoOo
Flashback cont.
Cemetery, Near Karakura, Human World
As Ichigo stepped out of the senkai gate and into the cemetery the first thought that struck him was that it was raining here too...
"Kami I hate the rain."
A few paces ahead of him the forms of Karin and Yuzu hunched against the bitter cold. Yuzu was carrying the urn. It had been Urahara's idea to cremate the Isshin's gigai, which had been stashed in the shoten when he went off to fight Aizen. Although he hadn't said as much, Ichigo had been hugely grateful. The lack of a body had just seemed to emphasise the fact that the final Getsuga had vaporised it and he also thought that having a physical body to say goodbye to might help Karin and Yuzu with closure – he felt that for them it would seem like they had gone to sleep, then woken up to a world with no father.
It had been hard… telling them. They knew their brother well enough to know he would never joke or lie to them about something like this, but he was pretty sure they could tell he was hiding something. Karin had cried a lot, and hit him. Yuzu had just gone very quiet, and wouldn't look at anybody.
They had simply sat like that – the three of them – for two hours, until they had finally managed to wrap their minds around the idea. Not make peace with it, no that would take much longer, but at least accept it. Then Karin had asked the inevitable question.
"How did he die?"
Ichigo took a deep breath. "Well, first off I ought to tell you a few things. It'll help me explain everything and I guess you have a right to know. I'm... Dad and I were both"
"Shinigami?" she supplied. Ichigo's breath caught at that – his jaw practically on the ground.
"How do you~? I mean, how did you find out?"
"Met a couple who said thats what they were, and they knew you." The way she just tossed it out there, so nonchalant, had Ichigo lost for words.
"Eh?"
"Yeah, some short kid with white hair who was awesome at football. Oh and a blond chick with huge..."
"Ok, ok, I get it! Well that certainly makes this a bit easier."
So he told them everything. He told them about Rukia and how he'd gained his powers. About Soul Society, Urahara the crazy candy selling genius, Yoruichi the faster-than-light talking cat pervert woman, the Hogyoku, Aizen, the Vizard, the Espada, the truth behind Chad, Uryuu, Inoue and Ichigo's summer 'trips'.
Through it all, both Karin and Yuzu said nothing, just absorbing the torrent of information. They even remained mute when Ichigo described his inner hollow and the understanding he had come to. Then Ichigo began describing the final moments of the battle with Aizen, and found his voice cracking. "I have to tell them! For their sake and mine" he reasoned.
Trying to coax his rebelling vocal chords into speech, Ichigo continued haltingly.
"W-while I was … getting up, dad held Aizen back with his eye's closed. I~ then I charged the attack he taught me and he..."
Ichigo gulped in air and attempted to steel himself "... and instead of dodging, dad let Aizen stab him. He grabbed him - holding him still he said."
He looked at his sisters, his expression pleading "I had to fire then. I HAD TO!".
Yuzu spoke for the first time, her voice quiet. "Shut up, Ichi-nii.". They hugged him then, saying nothing. It wasn't like they needed to. After a long pause, Karin sniffed "Che, what kinda Idiot fights with his eyes closed anyhow ?".
Despite himself Ichigo had laughed.
Mind back in the present Ichigo scuffed some gravel from the path and set out after his sisters. It wasn't difficult to fathom where they were going.
Kurosaki Masaki's memorial was a simple affair, which, considering his father's penchant for flamboyance, was strange. Ichigo couldn't believe after all the years of coming here this was his first time thinking that. Yuzu and Karin shared a look, nodded, and placed the urn on the slightly raised dais, to the right of the inscribed plinth. Ichigo's eyes were drawn by another site entirely. There, on a covered ledge used for scented candles, sat a pack of cigarettes.
Sitting on the wet ground in front of the plinth, Ichigo opened the packet. Inside sat a lighter, 4 cigarettes, and a small folded slip of paper. The idea of smoking repulsed Ichigo but he lit up anyway – it just seemed appropriate. Spluttering from the acrid burning sensation on the back of his throat, he unfolded the paper and read the note written there.
"I hereby call my final Kurosaki family meeting." Ichigo read aloud. At this, Yuzu and Karin turned and looked quizzically at him. Realising what he was holding, they sat down, Yuzu in Ichigo's lap, and Karin under an arm.
"Karin and Yuzu: You must miss me terribly! I was the perfect father figure, but don't be too hard on your brother – I'm sure he's trying his best to live up to my incredible manly image! You should know that I was hero of the hour, protecting the world from the horrifying bad guys and single handedly saving the day!"
"Unbelievable!" Ichigo thought, incredulous. He read on "Ichigo will have to protect you from now on. If he doesn't do a good job go get Yoruichi to help you kick his ass! Its also your job to make sure that he smiles more than he sulks, and eats his vegetables. Don't start dating until you are at least 30, and when you do I expect MANY grandchildren!
Of all the rules I have ever broken in my very long life, marrying your mother and bringing up the three of you was by far the one I am most proud of – never forget that.
Ichigo: If this thing goes down the way I think it will, then I'm sorry. That out the way I have some instructions for you.
Laugh at least once every day. Always know what you're fighting for. Self-belief, but not at the expense of self-knowledge. Be a manly man like your dad. If you let your sisters marry anyone inappropriate I'll come back and kill you. Give me lots of grandchildren and... always be on your guard!
Now some advice for dealing with your fellow shinigami. Never drink with Kyouraku and never play cards with Kisuke. If you must then NEVER do so on the same day! Case in point – I think Kisuke technically owns the deeds to the clinic... lost it playing poker with him and Shunsui New years about 18 years back... Sorry! haha
Oh. Finally, and I can't stress the importance of this strongly enough, NEVER EVER anger Unohana or hit on Yoruichi. Seriously. Never.
Make me proud.
Kurosaki 'the-ultimate-manly-hero' Isshin out."
Having finished the letter the trio sat in silence for a while. Then Karin declared, obviously trying to sound cooler than she felt, "Well Ichi-nii... thanks for dealing with the Goof ball for us."
Before he could respond, Ichigo felt Yuzu shiver in his lap. "C'mon" he said, picking her up in his arms and turning "Lets go..."
The scene that greeted his eyes on turning around rendered him speechless. Gathered together a respectful distance away, with their heads bowed, were the Gotei 13.
Ukitake, Kyouraku, Unohana and the rest of the taichous stood with their fukutaichous, Rukia, Ikkaku and Yumichika. "Even Toushiro and Rangiku came?"
Next to them were the Vizards, Ishida, Inoue, Chad, Urahara, Yoruichi and Tessai.
"Guys..." Ichigo began, but no words seemed to fit the occasion. Instead he walked forwards, this time with a small smile on his face, and opened a senkai with his free hand. Feeling a squeeze on his shoulder, he looked to see Urahara and Yoruichi following him - Supporting him – as he stepped back into Soul Society.
Flashback End
OoOoOoOoOo
Ichigo's eye's came back into focus, his trip down memory lane interrupted. Below him the ceremony was almost over. Several dignitaries had already stepped forwards and placed the white Haori bearing the number 1 on Ukitake's shoulders, and were now going through the various rites and traditions needed to make it official.
"Having said that" Ichigo mused "How in the hell can all this be traditional if its only happened once?"
Shrugging mentally, Ichigo turned his attention to who they were appointing. Ukitake, much as he tried to deny it, would make a good sou-taichou. Ironically, Ichigo believed it was probably precisely because he said he couldn't do it that everyone else had been so adament that he should.
Besides, it had been reasoned, who else was there? Kyouraku? Too Drunk. Hitsugaya? Too Young. Byakuya? A noble, and apparently that would give him too much power. Unohana? Actually, people had liked that idea, but Unohana had said that she didn't want the job and apparently that was considered something of a last word. Ichigo was beginning to believe he should really take his father's posthumous advice to heart.
Ukitake was well liked, hugely respected, intelligent and despite his illness wielded unique and considerable powers. He would have to lead more 'by-consent' than his predecessor as he did not possess an overwhelming advantage in strength with which to back his decisions. Again, just another reason why he should lead in Ichigo's eyes.
At that moment Ichigo felt a jab in his side from Shinji, indicating that Ukitake, now speaking, had directed his attention to their area of the large hall.
"... and would the allies of the Gotei 13 please come forward."
Around him, the Vizards, Urahara, Yoruichi and Tessai began to walk towards the steps that would bring them down to the central dais. Remembering some event organiser telling them that 'allies of the Gotei 13' was how they would be referred to before hand - Ichigo followed.
As they reached the centre of the room their was a tense pause. Obviously there was some expectation that the group would stand to attention, instead they stood casually... waiting. Ichigo would have laughed at such easy dismissal of authority, but Ukitake fortunately chose that moment to speak again.
"As my first act as sou-taichou of the Gotei 13 I feel honoured to be able to offer you all a full and unconditional apology for the numerous wrongs committed against you by soul society. In abandoning and demonising you all I now believe the Gotei turned away from that which it stands for." he paused to allow what he said to sink in.
"We would benefit greatly from having such friends as you, who have always told us what we needed to hear even when we did not want to hear it, amongst our number in the Gotei 13.". Despite having known roughly what to expect, the open ended apology followed by a plea to join the Gotei surprised Ichigo somewhat.
Evidently he was not alone in this sentiment as Shinji spoke up from his side "I'm surprised. You really managed to get that one past the officious basta- I mean politicians at central 46?"
Ukitake smiled, barely suppressing the amusement caused by indignant expressions plastered across said politicians that were in attendance. "In light of recent events their has been a re-assignment of certain... authorities. In matters concerning the Gotei 13 or the security of Soul Society, the duly elected officials no longer possess the right to over-rule the wishes of the sou-taichou and the taichous. It is our wish that you receive full pardon and be offered the opportunity to join us."
Shinji looked as if he was considering something, before saying in his customary drawl "Well damn. I'm in"
"Shinji?" Lisa yelled. Shinji glanced over his shoulder and, seeing his fellow Vizards' evident distress, continued "You guys are, and always will be, my closest family. I would die for any one of you a hundred times over – you know that. But who amongst the current taichous is guilty of more than inaction towards us? I'm tired of being an exile – of holding a grudge. Besides which, I wanna be here to beat the crap outta the next punk ass bitch who thinks they can take over the joint."
That said he began walking towards the vacant spot reserved for the 5th division taichou. After a few paces however, Shinji turned to face a fuming Hiyori. "Stop pretending like you're not comin' fangtooth."
SMACK! A small sandal connected with his jaw and sent him flying the rest of the way, but instead of following up the assault with one of her usual tirades, Hiyori simply flashed over and stood by the vacant spot – waiting. Ichigo looked on this scene with astonishment "Its official, Hell just froze over! He called her fangtooth for kami sake?"
"Ah, hell" growled Kensei from Ichigo's other side as he flashed over to the 9th division space. He looked Hisagi up and down, turned around muttering "The hells up with the tattoo anyway?" and yelled "Oi Mashiro! Get the hell over here with tattoo face and me!". Once she had complied Kensei shot the other Vizards a questioning look.
Surprisingly, it was the usually quiet Hacchi that responded. "Not yet. Maybe someday... but not yet."
"We respect your decisions, but I don't think I'm ready to toss out a grudge that has defined us for a century." Lisa added. Nodding understandingly, Ukitake resumed talking. "I am happy to say that Tsukabishi Tessai has already agreed to resume command of the Kido Corps. The new corps will operate as its own squad, but will form part of the battle strength of the 5th squad, and in times of emergency he will defer to the decision making of the 5th captain, now evidently Hirako Shinji.
The same can be said for Kurostichi taichou with the 'Special Research & Development Institute', and for Soi Fon taichou and the Omnitsukido. In light of that, I would like to formally offer the positions of 12th squad taichou, 9th squad taichou and 2nd squad taichou to Urahara Kisuke, Muguruma Kensei and Shihouin Yoruichi respectively. The captains of the Omnitsukido, Kido Corps and SRDI will retain their previous rank, merely working more closely with the squads with which they are associated and deferring command during battle situations. Are there any objections?"
Seeing that there weren't Ukitake then turned to face Ichigo directly "There is one further taichou space to be filled. Kurosaki Ichigo, In light of your recent efforts against Aizen and the forces of Heuco Mundo I would be honoured to have you fighting by my side as taichou of the 3rd squad of the Gotei 13."
The world had turned upside down, Ichigo decided. That was the only way this could be happening.
"E-Eh?" He wordlessly protested, but Ukitake cut him off. "Time and again you have displayed power, courage, loyalty, intelligence and resolve in keeping with the very highest traditions of the Gotei 13. I do not offer this lightly, but I do offer it. Ichigo you are dead, no longer tied to the world of the living, will you join us ?"
Ichigo picked his jaw up off the floor. They were making him – the 16 year old – a captain ? He looked to Karin and Yuzu, standing in the front row of the crowd. For all his bluster the answer was obvious.
"Just like the Vizards huh? Well I guess I count as one of them..."
Collecting himself, Ichigo looked Ukitake in the eye before responding.
"You forgot one, sou-taichou"
Ukitake frowned "One? One what?"
"One of the highest traditions of service amongst the Gotei. Responsibility. Power, Resolve and Intelligence are all very well for fighting battles, but they only make half a captain. The responsibility to lead those under you, and see that they achieve all of that which they are capable is paramount.
I am responsible: to what remaining family I have left. My sisters need me, at least for a few years. I will not abandon them now, and will not ask them to give up the first life I gave mine to protect. If you still need me when I get back... well then I would be honoured to carry the title taichou."
The stunned silence that followed Ichigo's statement was short lived. He saw Urahara and Yoruichi share a look. Nodding, Urahara spoke out a moment later, sounding almost sheepish. "Yoruichi and I wish to remain in the living world as well Jyuushirou, at least until the people we leave behind can stand on their own two feet. We promised Isshin after all."
Ichigo felt a sharp pain as Yoruichi swiped him across the back of the head, teasing "Besides, someone has to make sure he stays out of the trouble he's do adept at finding!".
Ukitake looked unhappy, but Ichigo was sure he understood.
"While I had hoped to resolve this matter now, in the long lives of shinigami I suppose a few years is hardly something worth taking issue over. Your positions will be waiting for you upon your return, but … there is another matter. Owing to the de-stabilisation of the Dangai that has resulted from Aizen destroying the Janitor there will have to be extensive repairs. Kurostichi taichou assures me that although the Janitor is older than any of us, he is confident he can re-create it having collected traces of its reaitsu makeup. The process could take as much as 5 years."
He paused and made eye contact before continuing "In that time no-one will be able to pass between Soul society and the world of the living, except via soul burial, which does not use the dangai. Do you understand? If you leave now, you will be cut off for the duration of that time."
Ichigo nodded slowly. He didn't like the thought of leaving his friends here for so long, but he couldn't, wouldn't, let his sisters down.
"Its unfortunate, but unavoidable."
Ukitake nodded then smiled "that being the case Ichigo, I believe every soul here has just one more thing to say to you. Thank you"
Ichigo thought he might pass out from the roar of approval that followed.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Well thats it for this chapter. Again, if I get 12 more reviews I will update immediately. If not then I will update next thursday.
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read my story. The last 2 chapters have really been a prologue of sorts. Next chapter will involve a time skip of 8 years. Don't worry though, I'll try and make it as cohesive as possible. Also going to start developing the Yoruichi/Ichigo, Lisa/Ichigo relationships then too.
Thanks again to all my reviewers!
A/N: Have been away for the weekend so could only look at everything via phone. As such I have slightly gone back on my promise to update immediately at 12 reviews. You guys are great, and I appreciate all the comments. I'll just do some edits based on things you have said, and then Chapter 3 should be up sometime this evening (Sunday)!