A/N: This one was a little tough because I'm not that familiar with Ukitake. Here goes...
Ukitake Jushiro
His name is Kurosaki Ichigo.
When I handed Ichigo-kun the badge, my heart threatened to succumb to another arrest. The only thing I could think of as my fingers dropped the small, seemingly insignificant object into his outstretched hand was how his blood would spill on the ground. Grisly images rolled through my mind, and I could feel myself trembling.
Ginjo would pinpoint Ichigo-kun, and he would seek help. Ichigo-kun would accept. A squad of high-level officers, most probably captains, would enter the Human World, and before a single word would escape Ichigo-kun's lips, the edge of a blade would already have slit his throat along with that of Ginjo Kugo. Operation complete.
I had no choice. I took a deep breath, stretched a mask of confidence over my face, straightened my stance, and delivered the first step of our operation. The rest would follow as time flew along. However, Aizen and the Arrancar stepped in, and we tumbled into the Winter War, temporarily setting aside our operation to locate the first Substitute Shinigami. But then something extraordinary happened. A sudden turn of events. Ichigo-kun rose up, and he provided us the most valuable, most valiant service possible: he defeated Aizen. And that became a stake in our plans, scrambling our intentions like a carefree bowl of noodles.
When I heard of Ichigo-kun's decision, my heart finally settled down from its years of anticipating beating. I actually felt a small injection of energy surge through my system, and the migraine that plagued me earlier that day tempered just a notch. I sat in that field with Shunsui, letting the light breezes ruffle the young, lithe blades of grass, and I let myself drown in guilt. Why was I feeling guilty? Certainly, I was executing the orders of the Gotei 13; after all, every captain agreed. But it was not right. Quietly, I asked Shunsui about the badge. It was such a small object—but it mapped out the course of Ichigo-kun's career, ultimately leaving him stuck in a forked path.
"He brought it back," Shunsui replied. I stiffened. "We asked him about it," he continued, "and he said…" I braced myself for the worse. That way it would be less painful to hear the truth. "He trusts us, so he's gonna keep it."
I stared at the grass, for a moment, not believing Shunsui's words. But despite my frail frame, my ears never once failed me. A sigh forced its way out of my chest. "Ah…I see…"
"He's grown," Shunsui commented, adjusting his hat.
I recalled the reckless figure who whipped up a maelstrom in Soul Society. Dubbed, the Ryoka Invasion. The aggressive fighter who barreled his way up Seireitei, defeating opponent after opponent, before standing face-to-face with an astounded Kuchiki. I recalled that angry fire dancing in his eyes, demanding to be let through or else. Has that fire simmered down with wisdom? Based on the decision he made, probably so. Throughout these years, we have been blind the growth of Kurosaki Ichigo that blossomed right before our eyes. That Ichigo-kun. He has come a long way, hasn't he?
A/N: Well, how'd you all like it? Hey guys, is it possible for you all to do me a big favor? I've started a fic about the history of Ururu (that little assistant at Urahara's shop), and I was wondering if you all could stop by my profile to check it out and see what you think. It's called, "Speak Louder." I'm trying out a new kind of style of writing, so it would help me so much if I could get some feedback as to how it's working out. Thanks so much!