Enormous, heartfelt thanks to everyone who reviewed on here and at the forums. Those original reviews kept me going and compelled me to continue this. Without further ado, here's the second installment of The Bond Between Us.

Chapter 2

There's nothing Tsubaki can't fix

The Vizards, the six who returned from Hueco Mundo and their school friends, along with the usual residents of Urahara's Shouten were all crammed into one of the rooms the following morning. Despite the close quarters, no one seemed to mind; everyone was too busy listening intently to Shinji's recount of the events that took place in the human world. After breaking the news of Aizen's death, Shinji ducked to avoid the mixed spray of saliva, spew, and tea that blew from Renji's mouth. He sat back up when Renji began coughing, and rolled his eyes. "Make sure to spit your food next time. No fun if it's all liquid," Shinji remarked dryly.

Renji glared at him, although he was too busy coughing and hacking to say anything. Chad thumped him on the back a few times to help. Rukia rolled her eyes and let Chad help Renji as she turned to face Shinji. "Saliva aside, Aizen is truly dead?"

Urahara pulled out the Hougyoku, and everyone in the room went silent. He was quiet as well, his true expression hidden beneath the shadow of his hat. "I dare say he is. I doubt Shinji-san would have gotten this off of him if he wasn't. Inoue-san," the shopkeeper said, "do you think you can reject this? I really have no other ideas as to how to destroy it."

Orihime nodded confidently, her hands clasped tightly around her tea cup. "Yes, I think so. I don't know how long it will take, but I'll do what I can."

Hiyori snorted. "Good luck," she muttered.

"Oi." Ichigo scowled heavily at her. "Don't underestimate Inoue. You haven't even seen her powers."

Because an argument was imminent, Love yanked Hiyori back just as she slammed her hands on the table. "No one doubts her, but we haven't been able to destroy the Hougyoku for one hundred years. It's a little hard for us to imagine someone who can by now," he explained.

Tatsuki, who was sitting next to Orihime and Rukia, glanced at the healer uneasily. "You sure? I'm not an expert, but destroying something like that might be really dangerous."

"Which is why we're going to take every precaution," Urahara said. "Inoue-san will start later on. Right now, the Vizards want to discuss something with her and Kurosaki-san." He rose from his seat, and beckoned for the others. "In private. The rest of you can help me begin to set up."

As everyone but the Vizards, Ichigo, and Orihime rose, Keigo looked at Chad. "What's he talking about?"

Sado shrugged.

When they glanced at Yoruichi, hoping for an answer, she smiled innocently. "Guess you'll have to find out," she teased as she headed out of the room.

"Everyone's so secretive," Keigo complained, shuffling after Yoruichi.

"Get used to it," Renji muttered as he, Ishida, Sado, and Mizuiro walked out.

The room was down to twelve occupants. Rukia and Tatsuki stalled at the door, both looking worried and unwilling to leave their friends alone.

Seeing them hesitate, Orihime smiled. "It's okay." She set her tea cup down. "We'll be down later!"

Tatsuki nodded, and glared in warning at Shinji before exiting the room with Rukia. The tiny shinigami hadn't said anything either, but she did trade knowing looks with Ichigo before ducking out.

He didn't let the silence stand long. "I guess Urahara-san told you what happened," he said as he directed his gaze back at Shinji.

"You could say that," he retorted. He leaned back against the wall behind him, stretching a bit before relaxing. "I have to admit, I'm really impressed." A lipless grin emerged. "We never heard of something like that happening. Hearing the mental pleas of a friend," He had his own ideas about that, but didn't voice them, "and then rising up to save her. How heroic of you," he added with an amused chuckle.

Ichigo's face turned several different shades of red and white before Orihime laid her fingers on his shoulder. The moment they made contact, Ichigo seemed to relax, and his face returned to a normal color. "Kurosaki-kun's done a lot of heroic stuff. I just don't think you've realized it."

Not able to resist further egging, and intrigued at how quickly Ichigo calmed from Orihime's touch, Shinji continued, "But not so dramatically, and using your Hollow to do it as well. Embracing your own dark side to help the damsel in distress. It's-"

"-ridiculously theatrical," Riza butted in, using her foot to shove Shinji over as she took charge. "Although it's amazing what you did, Ichigo, it's also a little alarming. Urahara told us everything, including what was discussed between you guys. We don't know what exactly happened, and until we do, you're a risk."

"Hardly."

Riza blinked and glanced up at Hachi. "What?"

He smiled gently as he unfolded his hands. "The entity, for a lack of better term, that came forth when Inoue-san was in trouble was, indeed, quite dangerous. However it was because she was in danger that it came out at all. She's perfectly safe right now." A large hand was waved at Orihime, indicating her obvious state of safety. "Granted, we do not know for sure, but I think it is okay to say that form will only appear if she is in trouble and all of Ichigo's reserves have been exhausted."

Kensei sighed. "Gotta go with Hachi on this. Yeah, he's a bit of a walking hazard, but he's only a danger when others are in trouble, especially that girl. It's not like when an inner Hollow's trying to take over, when you don't know when it'll gain control or what it'll do." He shrugged. "I think we need to do some training with these two and get a better idea of what the hell's happening, but he's not a time bomb."

Ichigo nodded, mouthing "thank you" to Kensei and Hachi. "I'll train. At least, as long as Inoue is up for it as well." His eyes met hers. "We don't have to do this if you're uncomfortable with it. Kensei's right; this isn't like when my Hollow was trying to take over. It's not as urgent."

She silently sipped her tea cup, her eyes never leaving his as she set the cup down, still grasping it. After a few seconds, her eyes hardened slightly in determination. "I want to. I've wanted to work with Hachi-san for awhile with my Shun Shun Rikka, but I also want to know what happened. I want to be able to help you control this, so you don't have to rely on a monster just because I get into trouble."

Ichigo's face fell at Orihime's bowed head. Her grip on the cup tightened, and he quickly clasped his hand over hers to keep her from breaking it. "Inoue, I chose to go into that form. Maybe it was subconscious, but I chose it of my own free will. I was afraid to even use my mask before, but I had no trouble turning into a 'monster' if it kept you safe," he insisted. "I promised to protect you and I will, no matter what."

He failed to protect the first person he promised. He had been too young, though, and slowly he was beginning to accept that there was nothing he could have done to save his mother. Orihime, on the other hand, was far different. He had the power to keep her from harm, and he would go to whatever extent necessary to see to it. Ichigo just wished she would understand that.

She shook her head. "It's not worth it," she mumbled as she stared down at the table.

His eyes narrowed. If any other person said that, he would have gotten visibly upset. He was angry, but he never could fly off the handle and lose his temper at Orihime. However, she was going to know the extent of his feelings. "Of course it is," he said, his tone hard but quiet. "I'm sorry, Inoue. You might not like me doing it, and I thank you for caring so much, but I'm going to anyway."

She gasped softly. He wasn't sure if it was because she was shocked at his tone, surprised at his brash behavior, or bewildered at the heat in his eyes. What he did know was that he suddenly had the overwhelming urge to apologize and comfort her. He passed it off as not wanting to scare her again. He felt guilty, but showed nothing of it as he simply said, "I'm gonna do it if I have to, and I'm going to do a better job of keeping you safe from now on."

"Okay, Knight-in-shining-shihakusho-san," Shinji was sitting back up when Ichigo faced him, "how do you plan on doing that?"

A part of him was grateful Shinji distracted him from his train of thought. He wasn't sure what to make of these foreign emotions that were suddenly cropping up. "Simple." Ichigo crossed his arms. "On top of the training and mastering this form, I'll keep a better eye on Inoue. I'll ask the others for help. I'm sure Chad and Ishida are gonna be more vigilant too, after what happened." He grimaced slightly. I'm sounding like a stalker or something, he thought. "Er, we're not gonna spy on you or haunt your every step, Inoue, but… you know." Words were never his strong point, and his eyes pleaded for her to understand.

She pulled through. "I know." She giggled a bit, offering a warm smile. "But with Aizen gone, is it necessary?" she asked.

"I'd just go along with his paranoia for now, Inoue-san," Rose advised. He was smiling in amusement. "It'll make things easier, and Ichimaru and Tousen are still on the run, so it's not entirely over yet. Just the worst of it."

Ichigo scowled at Rose. "Who are you calling paranoid? I'm being cautious."

Hiyori rolled her eyes. "You're way past that, baldy. You might as well set up your own damn security station to watch over her!"

"Don't give him ideas," Shinji muttered under his breath. "Look, let's just take this one step at a time," he said. "We can start the training in a few weeks, when Ichigo and Orihime-chan are settled back into their lives and caught up on schoolwork. We put you a month behind," He aimed his slitted eyes at the young Vizard. "I know Orihime-chan's way behind too. Education's important and all that jazz." He waved his hand impatiently. "Besides, you should try and get settled back into a more normal life. We're not gonna train you like we did before. We can work at it a couple hours a few days after school and on the weekends." His eyes darted to the side. "Not to mention that with the war's aftermath, things might be a little hectic and you'll need something to keep you sane."

"I wonder," Her voice trailed off, and Orihime put a finger to her lips.

She looked agitated, and it was bugging Ichigo. He had that urge to comfort her again, and he had to forcibly pry his hand away and keep it still. "Wonder what?" he asked.

She looked at him shyly. "We've been gone for awhile. I don't think even Ochi-sensei is going to let it slide. What are we going to tell her?"

Suddenly, a small rumble shook the shop. The source of the shake seemed to have come from below, since Ichigo couldn't sense anything amiss on the ground level.

Kensei nodded at the trapdoor. "Ask them. All the captains, or at least the ones still standing, are coming. That was the senkaimon, no doubt." He shrugged as he stood up with everyone else. "That's what Urahara was setting up."

"Why would the captains know what they should tell their sensei?" Mashiro asked.

Kensei opened his mouth to snap at her, but then shut it. Ichigo could only guess it was because he either decided it really wasn't that stupid of a question, or he just didn't feel like yelling at her. "They might be able to do some memory adjustment or make something up. Hell, these kids helped out with the damn war. You think the least the Gotei 13 could do is give them a note for school."

Nine captains were assembled in Urahara's training ground when Ichigo and the others from upstairs climbed down the ladder. They all stood in various positions and spots in the room, spread out from the senkaimon gate that was slowly closing behind them. Most of them were relatively beat up, covered with bandages and scars, but at least they were alive and standing.

There was one captain that was conspicuously absent. Orihime's heart skipped a beat when she noticed the general-commander was missing.

Urahara was quietly speaking with Kyouraku when the ten from above arrived. "Aha! We're all gathered at last. Come 'round, everyone. We have a lot to discuss, it seems," he said, shifting a sly glance at the captains before waving for the others.

The Vizards lazily strolled over to them, but when they stopped, Orihime noticed they kept a slight distance from the captains and shinigami. They stayed near Tessai and Yoruichi instead. There's tension here. I wonder what happened.

Ichigo suddenly stiffened, distracting Orihime from her thoughts. She looked up at him, and saw his scowl was more pronounced than normal. He also shifted his stance closer to hers, very similar to the one he took when he was about to physically protect her from something. "Kurosaki-kun?"

He glanced over at her. "Yeah?" His tone was light, but she could tell it was a farce. Something was seriously bothering him.

As they walked towards the captains, she tilted her head. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice low.

It was barely noticeable, the hesitance in his steps, but she noticed and she knew her question must have surprised him. She clasped her hands together behind her back, and waited until he answered. "Inoue," He paused. "no matter what they might say, you are not-"

"A traitor in our eyes," Hitsugaya finished, shifting his bandaged right arm as he stepped towards them.

Orihime blinked in surprise, not realizing the small captain had approached them.

"That was something we wanted to talk to you about. Inoue isn't actually seen as a traitor, Kurosaki. Soutaichou just said that to keep you guys in the human world before we commenced the last battle."

Orihime blanched, and she could see Ichigo clench his fist. She told herself she shouldn't be surprised. She did just leave out of the blue; Soul Society had every right to misconstrue what happen and think she switched sides.

Kyouraku tipped his hat at Orihime. "We're very sorry about that. I personally didn't like the idea, but it was the only chance we had at trying to keep your friends put. It failed, although ironically, their running off to rescue you was better than our original plan." He shrugged casually. "Who would have thought?"

Kyouraku's apology and explanation, while Orihime understood and accepted it, was not appeasing Ichigo. He took an aggressive step forward. "You expected us to believe Inoue would actually turn on us? That we would really just sit here and accept it because you said so?"

His reiatsu was rising dangerously. Some shouted warnings were made by Renji, Rukia, and some of the others. Tatsuki, however, only nodded along. What little reiatsu she had flared as well. "He's right. That's just a load of crap!"

Defensive stances were being taken all over the room. Some of the captains were cautiously eyeing Ichigo. In turn, the Vizards were watching the captains' every move, and hands strayed near sword hilts. Desperate to prevent a fight from breaking out, Orihime looked around, and caught Shinji's eye. He pointed at her. Then he lifted his hand and waved it.

My hand? She lifted it up, and he nodded. Then he pointed at Ichigo, and then pointed at his shoulder.

My hand plus Kurosaki-kun's shoulder… oh! She quickly clapped her hand on Ichigo's shoulder and squeezed gently, hoping to calm him down. "It's okay, really!" she pleaded, pulling him back. "I don't blame them. Please, don't be angry at them." His muscles quivered under her hand, and he felt like he was ready to explode. She knew his temper was about to, and she hoped her words would make him pause and think. "I'm not offended," she said.

Her eyes widened as Ichigo looked at her over his shoulder. Their gazes locked. For some unfathomable reason, she suddenly felt calm. Protected. Safe. It was confusing, since she didn't feel like she was in danger. But she couldn't help but smile at him. The situation was getting ugly, Ichigo was ready to lose his temper, a fight seemed imminent, and she was smiling. She couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong with her. She couldn't shake off the feeling though. She couldn't displace the warmth that seemed to spread through her body, like she was being held close to someone.

Her heartbeat suddenly quickened when something passed through Ichigo's eyes. It was odd, but she felt like she should have known what it was. It seemed familiar, and while a little eerie, it was still comforting. Whether it was because she wanted to see that strange emotion again, or if she was simply stuck in the intensity that bore down into her, she couldn't stop staring into Ichigo's eyes. At least until they suddenly softened.

His reiatsu level dropped down to normal as Ichigo backed down. "I'm sorry," he whispered, and stepped back until he was right next to her again.

She sighed in relief. The warmth and the comfort from before were gone, but she felt sane again. "Thank you, and thank you, Tatsuki-chan." She smiled at her best friend, who also had been ready to defend her. "But the way I left, it was suspicious. Actually," She looked over at the captains, "if I may, can I talk to Yamamoto-soutaichou? I'd like to clear this up," she said, gleefully jumping to another topic.

But while doing so, she missed the puzzled look Shinji and Urahara exchanged.

"You can issue an official statement to clear your name, if you insist, but you won't be able to talk to him directly," Soi Fon answered. "No one's going to for awhile."

"The soutaichou took a level 90 kidou spell," Unohana explained. "He was saved from death by Shinji-san and Kensei-san, but not before sustaining extreme injuries. Unfortunately, his head bore the brunt of them. He's comatose, and he may remain that way for awhile." She sighed, gently fingering her braid. "Which is something else we wanted to discuss. Until Yamamoto-soutaichou is awake and able to take command again, Kyouraku-taichou and I will be in charge." She cast her gaze at Orihime. "If you want to make that statement, feel free to do so with me or Kyouraku-taichou at any time."

"Thank you." Orihime bowed. In truth, she was slightly relieved that she didn't have to explain what happened in front of Yamamoto. Kyouraku was friendly, and while Unohana had a commanding demeanor about her, she could also sense gentleness and understanding in her.

"Is there anything else?" Ishida asked the captains. "With all due respect," Orihime thought she heard a hint of sarcasm in his voice. With Ishida, it wouldn't be a surprise. "but I don't see why all the remaining captains would show up just to tell us this."

Ukitake smiled, and glanced at Kyouraku before speaking. "Of course not. We all wanted to come here in person to thank everyone." He gestured to the Karakura residents and the Vizards. "This war disrupted your lives, and you helped out regardless. We met you as ryoka trying to save an innocent shinigami from an undeserved death, and helped us uncover Aizen's ambitions. Then you were flung into the fighting, and helped our team while they were here.

"Against orders, you then proceeded to rescue a kidnapped friend and halved Aizen's forces. You may have missed the final battle in the human world, but we would have faced more adversaries if you hadn't gone in there." He chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head. "Quite frankly, we probably would have lost if you hadn't gone there."

Taking a breath, Ukitake then chuckled as he raised an eyebrow at Shinji. "Then the eight of you showed up and pretty much saved all of us and won the battle, and ultimately the war." He glanced around him, and received a few nods. "For that, we thank all of you."

To everyone's immense shock, all of the captains bowed to them. Renji and Rukia did as well. The Urahara Shouten gang stared in blank shock, while the Vizards shifted uneasily, looking quite flabbergasted. The Karakura crew looked at each other, shrugged, and bowed back.

When the captains straightened, Ukitake beamed. "But that's not all. Some of us insisted we couldn't just leave it at just 'thanks'. So, we have a little reward for everyone."

Kensei must have muttered some sarcastic remark under his breath, Orihime assumed, because Riza suddenly backhanded him.

If Ukitake saw it, he said nothing about it. "For our former captains and vice-captains who had to abruptly leave Soul Society, we lifted the ban that was placed on any of you. All charges, accusations, and whatnot have been withdrawn as well. Consider yourselves welcome at any time in Soul Society."

The Vizards nodded, although Urahara seemed at a loss for words as he tipped his hat over his eyes, and nodded as well.

Ichigo whipped his head around towards the Vizards, and his expression was questioning. Orihime looked at them confusedly as well. Shinji just shook his head, and mouthed, "Later".

"For the former ryoka, you'll be placed under our protection, along with the town. Aizen might be gone, but Tousen and Ichimaru are on the loose, and the town still attracts a lot of Hollows." The senior captain scratched his head. "We really didn't know what else to do, unless there's something we can help out with."

Remembering her concern from earlier, Orihime spoke. "Kurosaki-kun and I were talking about school before we came down." She glanced at him before continuing. "The four of us missed a lot of school because of training and other things. We were wondering if maybe you can help with that at all?"

Hitsugaya smirked and nodded at Orihime. "Yes, I thought about that earlier. Don't worry about what that Ochi-sensei might say. I've got it covered."

"You…do?" Ichigo asked.

"Let's just say it's advantageous that woman will believe almost anything."

Urahara snorted from the other side of the gathering. "Now, with that problem solved, I think we should deal with another." He dug into his pocket. "One I think everyone here would like to see handled in person." He drew out the Hougyoku, and nodded to Orihime. "I wanted to wait until I had a better idea of how to go about this and until the captains arrived. Are you ready?"

"Yes. But I don't think I should do it with everyone so close," she said as she summoned Ayame and Shun-ou.

"Definitely not. I was wondering though, if Hachi-san could put up a barrier?" He glanced over at the large Vizard.

Hachi nodded. "That would be best. Everyone, please stand back. I'd like to give Inoue-san some room to do this." As everyone took a few steps back, Hachi motioned with his hands, and four barriers came crashing down, forming a box around Urahara and Orihime.

Ichigo's eyes widened as he saw the barrier had been placed between him and Orihime. "Inoue!" He pounded on the barrier wall. "Hachi, let me-"

"I can do this." Orihime smiled to Ichigo. "Let me. I'll be all right."

He always seemed to be warring with himself, Orihime thought. At least when it came to her. She could read the emotions on his face as easily as an open book, and he was torn. She felt guilty putting him in that position. "I'll be fine. I have the Santen Kesshun."

He nodded hesitantly, stepping back from the barrier. He still looked agitated, but he seemed willing to let her go through with it.

She turned to Urahara and nodded. "If you set it down on the ground, I can start."

The shopkeeper slowly set the orb down, letting it roll off his hand and onto the dirt ground. He paused, staring down at it for a few moments before jerking his head away.

Ayame and Shun-ou zipped over to the orb and surrounded it with Soten Kesshun. Orihime concentrated as she walked over to it. She wasn't sure how exactly to reject it or at least how to reject it totally out of existence. The Soten Kesshun worked on rejecting something into its original form. Could she consider nothingness to be an original form? She could only try. For five minutes she focused, trying to reject it away. Every time she tried, it kept reforming. The Soten Kesshun's true ability was working against her. She panted and tried harder, but to no avail.

"Are you all right?" Urahara asked quietly.

Orihime shook her head, dispelling the shield. "It won't reject. Every time I try to erase it, the Soten Kesshun just reforms it." Maybe I'm using the wrong one, she thought as she touched her hairpin."Tsubaki."

Her hairpin glowed, and Tsubaki emerged as a bright golden streak as he flew out of her pin. He hovered in front of her, scowling and arms crossed. "Now you're finally calling me out."

She chuckled nervously. "Sorry Tsubaki-kun. But um, do you think you can reject this?" She pointed to the Hougyoku. "Ayame and Shun-ou can't seem to, and you're the only one who has the ability to actually," She paused and winced, "destroy something.

He flew down to the orb and examined it closely. The entire room was silent as he poked and looked at it, frowning quizzically. Suddenly, he nodded and hurried back up to Orihime. "Woman, if you want me to reject this thing, you're going to have to put all of your willpower into this. I'm not kidding this time either!" He waved his arms in emphasis. "You need to pretty much think of everything you ever wanted, bring up all of your emotions, and just focus. Got it?"

"You bet." Orihime picked up the Hougyoku and lightly tossed it to Urahara. He caught it, a look of mild surprise on his face. "Can you throw that as high as you can?"

He nodded and bent down. His arm swung down, and with everything he had, flung it up high.

"Tsubaki!" Orihime closed her eyes. She brought forth all of the turmoil, the heartache, the sadness and even anger she had felt throughout the past several months. She remembered saying good-bye to Ichigo that night she left for Hueco Mundo. She remembered how worried she was for her friends when they came to rescue her. Everything that happened in Hueco Mundo, from her arrival to Ichigo collapsing in her arms on top of the dome, flashed through her mind.

"Koten Zanshun…" She willed the Hougyoku's destruction as much as she willed for her friends to be safe, to see Tatsuki become the best martial artist in the world, for the happiness of everyone she loved, and for Ichigo to be able to one day smile and be at peace with himself and what he had done. They were all things she wanted the most in the world, and she knew the only way this would work is if she placed the Hougyoku's destruction up there with them. "I reject!"

With a little battle cry, Tsubaki raced up towards the Hougyoku that was beginning its descent. Orihime directed all of her power and emotions into him. He flew up like a bright comet on a collision course with another cosmic body. The dark Hougyoku contrasted to the yellow, fiery glow of Tsubaki. They met, and the fairy jammed the shield through.

For a pause in time, the orb hung in midair, a large slice through its middle. Then it split in two, and enormous jets of light and darkness shot out. The room shook violently as the explosion blinded everyone temporarily. As soon as it had started, it was over. All that was left were millions of little particles that fell from above. They sparkled gently as they floated down, and dissolved as soon as they hit the ground.

Cheering broke out from all sides. Hachi removed the barriers and looked over at Orihime. She met his gaze and smiled. He smiled back, and even winked at her.

Her nakama gathered around her, patting her on the back and telling her she did a good job. Tsubaki flew back to her, and Orihime beamed. He gave her the thumbs up before returning to her hairpin.

Urahara was on his knees, looking up at the falling particles as Yoruichi walked over to him. "It's finally over, Kisuke," she murmured, laying a hand on his shoulder as she touched one of the particles.

He nodded. "I dare say it is. And what a feeling."

"Oi, Hiyori," Ichigo called out. "What did you think?"

The tiny Vizard grumbled, and Shinji grinned. "She's in such awe, she's speechless," he said.

"It's finally gone," Hitsugaya murmured, inspecting one of the little particles. "All I can say is good job Inoue-san, and good riddance to it."

Kenpachi grinned. "At least it went out with a bang."

"I would have loved to have studied it," Kurotsuchi sighed despondently. "I guess I'll just have to ask Urahara what its composition was."

"And I will never tell you."

Mayuri spluttered in anger. Urahara just ignored him and leaned his head back. His hat fell off, but he didn't care. He just started laughing, truly laughing for what felt like the first time in a long while.

Shinji leaned against the wall of the warehouse later that night. He was thinking over the events of the day, from the discussion with Ichigo and Orihime to the apology and pardon issued by the captains, to the whole celebration and conversations that followed. It was nice, chatting with old friends and not feeling like a complete renegade. He didn't know how sincere their offer was, although he didn't necessarily want to go back into the Soul Society.

No, he would never live there again, but he knew he would have to return at some point.

He was fingering something in his jacket when Urahara stepped around the corner. Shinji pulled his hand out and waved casually to him as his old friend approached. "Quite the day we had."

The shopkeeper chuckled. "Yes it was. We all get pardoned and are back in their good graces again." He smirked. "Lucky us."

"Lucky or not, it might be helpful. It's nice to not have to always look over my shoulder anymore, and they have a lot of resources."

Urahara stood next to Shinji, raising an eyebrow. "Yes, they do," he answered cautiously.

Shinji grinned. "I'm not talkin' weapons or manpower or anything. I'm talkin' literature and information. They have extensive records. If they're allowing us back in there, some of the others," He jerked his head back at the warehouse, "might head back in there and do a bit o' research."

"Research?" Urahara shouldered his cane. "About Kurosaki and Inoue?"

He nodded. "We wonder if this is the first time something like this has ever happened. I told you what happened in the dining room earlier, and you noticed what happened in the training arena. He acts completely different around her. Normally, I'd just say it's any teenage boy bein' infatuated, but Ichigo's takin' it to another level. I mean, what his reiatsu did was…"

Urahara shook his head slowly. "I know. It was the strangest thing. Inoue-san seemed a little off when it happened. Like she was dazed. I couldn't see his face, although I'm sure he had no idea what he was doing."

"It's Ichigo. Of course he didn't. But I do wonder if their friends noticed." Shinji tilted his head to the side. "I wanna talk to the four of them at some point. They'll be back at school tomorrow. I remember the captains sayin' somethin' about keepin' a team down here again for a little while, so I imagine Abarai and Kuchiki will be there as well."

Urahara raised a brow. "Then I assume you're attending Karakura High again?"

Shinji rolled his eyes. The thought didn't thrill him, but at least he wouldn't be bored out of his skull like before. "Yeah. While the others research stuff in Soul Society, I'll be doin' my own here. I'm goin' to be watching those two closely. I'm givin' them a few weeks before we start training. That'll give me time to watch and draw some conclusions."

His companion nodded, taking out his fan and hiding his expression behind it. "It's amazing how similar and yet how different Kurosaki is."

"Whaddya mean?"

He unshouldered his cane. "Something happened in Hueco Mundo. I don't mean what happened on the dome. That was just the end result." He tapped his head. "In here. In perhaps both Kurosaki and Inoue. At the very least, something changed in Kurosaki when Inoue was kidnapped." He leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he contemplated. "It may be a case of not knowing what you have until you lose it, but I wonder. Perhaps that can be what I look into. There are a lot of layers to this, and we need to look into them all if we want to fully understand."

Shinji sighed, and banged his head lightly against the wall. "Understandin' the dynamics of a relationship, one that contends with abnormal experiences and an inner Hollow: that's shrink work." He smirked. "And I was afraid we were gonna be bored after the war was over. Silly me."

Urahara could only grin.