In the Captain's Meeting, all of the Captains stood in a single file row before Head Captain Yamamoto. Isshin and Yoruichi stood off at the end of the row.

"This meeting shall come to order." General Yamamoto ordered, tapping his cane on the floor a couple of times.

"In the past few hours since the cancelling of the Ryoka alert, we've been detecting strange goings on with the Senkaimon. It seems to be functioning properly according to Captain Kurotsuchi and the twelfth squad but we are not sure who or what could be causing this disruption. We have however collected evidence that might point towards the traitor, Sosuke Aizen and his two fellow traitors, Gin Ichimaru, and Kaname Tosen." General Yamamoto explained.

"At the present time, if word was to somehow leak out about the presence of Yuzu Kurosaki, we fear not only that Aizen could come for her, but that these new monsters known as the LeBlancs might come for her as well." General Yamamoto added.

"But General, what would you propose we do? The Seireitei is the safest place by far for protecting Yuzu from any threat, the LeBlancs, Aizen, anything." Soi Fon asked curiously.

"The effectiveness of the punishment force has been brought into question since the catastrophe at the academy two days ago, Captain Soi Fon." General Yamamoto replied.

"That wasn't their fault General. We still don't know much about the LeBlancs in general so defeating one can be either very difficult or very easy depending on the situation. The Seekers, the Marionettes, and the Caver type LeBlancs are typically very easy to destroy. The Maison, Punissons, Esclave, and the one Rukia Kuchiki referred to as a Sept Gardeur, are still very much unknown to us." Kaichou added.

"But if Aizen is truly at work here, then we cannot risk his knowing about Yuzu. But again that begs the question…What can we do?" Toshiro asked.

"Since all records of Yuzu have been destroyed save for the fact she's related to Ichigo Kurosaki, then perhaps if we sent them all back to the World of the Living. At least the only threats they would have to worry about are the LeBlancs and the Hollows, but both of the girls have grown pretty effective in using a Zanpakuto so that threat decreases by a substantial level." Jushiro suggested.

"Sending them back would seem like the best alternative, but their training is not at all complete." Toshiro replied.

"Then we send the original task force back with them to help facilitate in their training." Shunsui suggested.

"A good idea but I think added security is called for here, say an extra Lieutenant or Captain?" Soi Fon suggested.

"You forget that the former Captain of Squad eleven is the kid's father and her brother is the same Deputy Soul Reaper that defeated all but one Captain he went up against when rescuing the Kuchiki girl. And that one Captain was Aizen." Kenpachi reminded.

"Be that as it may, I agree with Captain Soi Fon, additional security must be added." General Yamamoto said as Kaichou cleared her throat.

"General Yamamoto, if the new threat posed here is indeed Aizen, then I would like to request that my Lieutenant, Momo Hinamori be added to the task force." Kaichou said as Toshiro and General Yamamoto gave her a concerned look.

"Why? You said Lieutenant Hinamori was clear to return to active duty." Yamamoto said as Kaichou nodded.

"Yes General, and she is. However as a psychiatrist I highly doubt that she is ready to confront Aizen directly. Any other foe but Aizen she can probably handle without incident, but Aizen himself? No I don't think she's ready." Kaichou explained.

"Mind if I play devil's advocate and asked, what's the worst that could happen?" Shunsui asked as Kaichou rubbed her temples.

"Oh that phrase…well…worst case scenario is that she has a terrible relapse and suffers permanent damage to her mental health, thus rendering her unfit for duty to a point that it would probably take several centuries just to bring her back to a rational level." Kaichou explained.

"If those are the options then I would agree, that for Momo's safety, that she be added to the task force." Toshiro said as General Yamamoto nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. Then it is decided that Lieutenant Hinamori will be added to the task force. Are there any other nominees?" General Yamamoto asked.

"Why not the Arrancar girl? Lieutenant Kira says she defeated one of the Ryoka personally and almost singlehandedly. The Quincy boy fired the killing shot however." Komamura suggested.

"The Arrancar, Neliel Tu Oderschvank, is not technically under our jurisdiction. If she desires to leave, then we cannot stop her." General Yamamoto replied.

"However she has exhibited an almost fanatical sense of protectiveness towards Ichigo Kurosaki for his deeds in protecting her while in Hueco Mundo and Las Noches. I believe it is safe to assume that she will remain on our side so long as Ichigo does." Toshiro added.

"The only question is, how will she be able to blend in?" Soi Fon asked.

"In theory, Arrancar's can inhabit Gigai just as well as we can. Granted they probably can't use soul candy to discard their bodies but that's a problem easily overcome by using a spirit eviction symbol." Mayuri explained. (A/N: Spirit Eviction Symbol: The skull symbol on the glove that Rukia uses to get Ichigo from his body without a mod soul. I call it that because there's still no official name for it)

"Yeah but what happens to the Gigai?" Kaichou asked.

"Well…she could say she has a severe case of narcolepsy?" Mayuri suggested.

"A bit of a stretch yet believable…and Isshin can provide the doctor's note to back it up." Kaichou replied.

"So that makes Lieutenant Hinamori and the Arrancar girl. Anyone else?" Shunsui asked.

"With permission, I would like to send my Lieutenant, Nemu to see if she can gather some critical field data about these LeBlancs." Mayuri offered.

"Captain Kurotsuchi has a point. Gathering some additional information regarding the LeBlancs is crucial to finding out how to defeat them." Byakuya added.

"More than that. If all of those souls that have been converted into LeBlancs were to suddenly break free…it would be total anarchy and the Soul Society could quite possibly be over run, along with the world of the living." Kaichou said.

"Then it is agreed. Lieutenants Hinamori and Kurotsuchi along with the Arrancar girl will accompany the task force back to the World of the Living. Captain Kuchiki, Do you still possess your clan's Senkaimon?" General Yamamoto asked.

"Yes General. Do you want it ready for the Deputy Soul Reaper and his companions to use?" Byakuya asked as General Yamamoto nodded.

"Yes Captain Kuchiki. I don't want to take any chances with our regular Senkaimon at the moment. So until then all travel through the Senkaimon is hereby restricted. The only exception is for the current group. Captain Wrangler do you wish to join them?" General Yamamoto asked as Kaichou shook her head.

"With respect sir, I believe that I will be of more use here. Besides, Squad five needs someone to keep it in shape, especially now that rumors of their former Captain are circulating, true or not." Kaichou said as Yamamoto nodded.

"Very well. Bear in mind that communication between the Soul Society and the world of the living is also restricted." General Yamamoto said as he turned to the rest of the Captains, "Are there anymore questions?"

"Yes sir, when do we leave?" Isshin asked.

"For safety sake I suggest leaving as soon as Captain Kuchiki can get the Senkaimon ready." Yamamoto ordered.

"I can get it ready within an hour and a half sir." Byakuya replied.

"Then unless there is no other business, this meeting is adjourned. Captain Hitsugaya, assemble the task force and its new members." Yamamoto said as Toshiro bowed and hurried out of the room.



Meanwhile…

Back at the Kurosaki Estate, Rukia had fallen asleep against a post on the porch and someone had come and put a blanket around her to keep her warm, as Ichigo finally trudged back into the estate grounds. He paused as he saw Rukia asleep against the post. He then sighed and sat down next to her.

"Hmm? Ichigo? Is that you?" Rukia asked sleepily.

"Yeah, it's me. Don't get up." Ichigo said as he glanced away.

"Is what you said earlier…is it true?" Rukia asked curiously.

"Well…yeah. It's true Rukia. I do love you, and not just as a friend…I love you more than that and…I know that you feel the same about me." Ichigo said as Rukia smiled and scooted up closer to him.

"Ichigo I-." Rukia was about to say but Ichigo interrupted.

"Wait I want to say something first. I want to say that…I'm sorry for saying we were simply partners the other day. I felt panicked and I just said we were friends and partners…but I do want us to be partners…only not just in a business sense." Ichigo said as Rukia smiled with tears in her eyes.

"I want the same with you Ichigo…I love you too." Rukia said as Ichigo smiled.

"Then perhaps we should start over with a fresh start." Ichigo said as he put out his hand, "Hi, my name's Ichigo."

"(Giggle) My name's Rukia. I'm a Soul Reaper." Rukia said with a grin as they inched closer.

"Funny…I'm a Deputy Soul Reaper." Ichigo said as Rukia chuckled and closed her eyes as they moved in for a kiss.

Suddenly…

Splash!

"AUGH WHO DID THAT?!?!" Ichigo growled as Tatsuki and Karin suddenly flew out from behind a large rock near the Koi Pond as if pushed by something strong.

"It wasn't us!!!" Tatsuki shouted.

"Yeah Nel threw the water balloon!!!" Karin shouted and pointed towards the rock formation where Nel, Orihime, and Yuzu suddenly appeared.

"WHY YOU-!!!" Ichigo shouted as he charged after them.

"RUN FOR IT GIRLS!!!" Yuzu shouted as she, Nel, and Orihime started running from the irate Ichigo. Tatsuki and Karin were sneaking away only to come face to blade with Sode No Shirayuki.

"What makes you two think you're getting off free for this?" Rukia asked as Tatsuki and Karin turned on their heels and ran.

"Bakudo number 1!" Rukia shouted, causing the two girls to freeze in place with their arms pinned to their backs before falling to the ground.

Before anyone could do anything else, a gunshot interrupted everyone. They then turned to see Isshin, Kaichou, Yoruichi, Momo, Nemu, Renji, Toshiro, Rangiku, Ikkaku, and Yumichika standing in the entryway. Kaichou was holding one of her pistols in the air and a small stream of smoke was seen coming from the end of the barrel.

"Dare I ask what's going on here?" Kaichou asked.

"I would say skip to the explanation so we can hurry and get them prepared." Toshiro said as Isshin nodded.

"Right. Okay everyone, listen up! We're going back to Karakura Town as soon as Captain Kuchiki can get his Senkaimon ready for use, so get packed. Nel you're coming too." Isshin said as everyone scrambled to pack.



Later at the Kuchiki Manor…

Everyone was ready and in the basement at the Kuchiki manor as Byakuya prepared to open the Senkaimon. Nel was now sporting a shirt and matching pants that perfectly mimicked her old Espada uniform, with the exception of the shoes. Instead she was wearing a pair of white tabi socks and sandals like the Soul Reapers and no gloves on her hands.

"Once we get back home, the members of the task force have been asked to continue your training. It will be done in the basement at Kisuke Urahara's shop, where we first used the Reishihenkanki to arrive here." Ichigo said to the two girls who nodded.

"Does this mean we get one of those badges like you have?" Karin asked as Ichigo smirked.

"I don't know really. It's not my decision." Ichigo replied.

"Actually that has already been taken care of." Toshiro said as he donned a blue glove with the Spirit Eviction Symbol.

"As long as they're with me or a member of the task force, they will be able to remove them from their bodies at will. Currently we don't believe it is safe to let them have Spirit Eviction Symbols of their own but we are working on acquiring several soul candy dispensers for them to use." Toshiro explained.

"Oh." Ichigo said as Nel donned a green glove for size.

"Nel? You get one too?" Ichigo asked.

"I have to. I'm still technically a Hollow and can eat souls, so I would only digest Soul Candy without its effects. So I have to use this." Nel explained as Ichigo nodded understandingly.

Soon the Senkaimon opened and a small swarm of Hell Butterflies fluttered up to each member of the team.

"The Senkaimon should take you directly to the basement of Urahara's shop. Once there, you can acquire your Gigai's from him." Byakuya said as the group nodded and followed the Hell Butterflies into the Senkaimon. Ichigo however paused before entering and turned towards Byakuya.

"Hey Byakuya…thanks." Ichigo said with a smile. Byakuya nodded back.

"Try not to harm my pride Ichigo Kurosaki." Byakuya said as Ichigo nodded.

"I'll try…Captain Kuchiki." Ichigo said as Byakuya's eyes widened and a small smile crept onto his face as Ichigo entered the Senkaimon and the doors closed behind him.

"It's Byakuya to you, Ichigo." Byakuya corrected with a smile.



In the World of the Living…

"Ah so you're back already. A little ahead of schedule but I'm not complaining…and we have new faces too." Kisuke said before a small yellow blur flew past him. They were in the basement at Urahara's shop just like Byakuya had said they would.

"RUKIA!!!" Kon shouted as he flew straight towards Rukia but collided with her foot in mid-air.

"Same old Kon…you just don't change." Rukia said as she ground him into the floor under her heel.

"Hey! Don't be mean to Bostov!" Yuzu whined as she cuddled Kon close.

"His name's Kon and he's a pervert mod soul who has a fondness for women's…uh…chests." Ichigo said in an effort to be modest.

"Well to me he'll always be Bostov." Yuzu said as Kon pouted.

"Why can't she have Lirin?" Kon grumbled.

"So how are things in the old Soul Society?" Kisuke asked.

"Well let's see…a Ryoka invasion by three LeBlancs, they suspect Aizen's up to no good again, we were attacked by a powerful LeBlanc with Bount abilities at the Academy, Rukia and Ichigo are boyfriend and girlfriend now, Same with Uryu and Nemu, Nel's old form has been restored, Momo's mostly sane again, Aunt Kaichou is Captain of squad five and still in the Soul Society…yeah things are pretty much the same as always." Karin explained quickly.

"Oh…well…good…I think." Kisuke said as he scratched his head.

"Do you still have our Gigai's Mr. Urahara?" Toshiro asked as Kisuke pointed towards a rock formation where all the Gigai's sat laying up against it.

"I'll have to make one for Nemu, Nel, and Momo but that shouldn't take long." Kisuke said as the other Soul Reapers entered their Gigai.

"I suppose we need to work out the new living arrangements?" Nel asked as Isshin nodded.

"Well Nel and Momo are invited to bunk at the clinic. We can let them borrow the guest room." Isshin said as Momo smiled.

"You really want me to stay with you Captain Kurosaki?" Momo asked.

"Why not? And it's Isshin Kurosaki or Mr. or Doctor Kurosaki. Remember I'm a retired Captain." Isshin said as he entered his body.

"Oh, okay then." Momo said.

"Do you mind if we stay with you Mister Sado? Our previous landlord was generous but she had a terrible taste in clothes, as Ikkaku will testify." Yumichika asked as Chad shrugged.

"Sure…I guess." Chad said as Ikkaku took a sigh of relief.

"Do you have room for one more?" Renji asked.

"Aww now that hurts me Renji, I was hoping that you would come and stay here with me." Kisuke said with a hurt expression.

"Yeah right, you only wanted me to stick around for free then guilt trip me into working it off." Renji groaned.

"Damn he's caught on." Kisuke grumbled as Yoruichi shook her head while rolling her eyes.

"I told you it was only a matter of time before he did." Yoruichi said as Kisuke sighed and nodded.

"So that just leaves Nemu." Ichigo said as Uryu arched an eyebrow.

"Actually I was hoping Nemu would stay with me." Uryu said with a hopeful look towards Nemu who smiled and blushed appreciatively.

"Oh no you don't. Nemu is staying with me so that nothing happens to her while she's here." Tatsuki said as she quickly ran up between them.

"I don't believe that's your call Tatsuki." Uryu said as Tatsuki's eye twitched.

"Wanna bet?" she asked, rolling up her sleeves in the process.

"On second thought why do I even bother arguing?" Uryu asked/whimpered as he backed off.

"Since you've got a place open..." Renji asked in a pleading gesture.

"Fine, you can stay with me Renji." Uryu grumbled as Renji silently cheered.

"So now that we've got all that settled, let's get to work on those Gigai." Kisuke said as they all started heading for the surface.



End Chapter 26.

What will happen now that our Heroes have returned to the world of the living? Is Aizen really behind the activity at the Senkaimon? Are the LeBlanc's responsible? Find out in the Chapters to come…

Soul Reaper Illustrated Guide.

In the secret underground training facility at the Visoreds hideaway, Shinji and Hiyori are sitting and pouting as they stared at the ruins of the Wheel of Misfortune.

"Well…it was fun while it lasted." Shinji sighed.

"I wanna get my hands on the creep who ratted us out!" Hiyori growled as she punched her fists together.

"It's probably Kensei and Hachi…they never did like how we treated Orihime." Shinji sighed.

"Well they didn't have to ruin it for the rest of us." Hiyori grumbled.

"Ruin what?" a voice asked from behind them. They turned slowly around to see Ichigo standing with his arms crossed and in his Bankai garb. He looked pissed…and he was, as his massive Spiritual pressure would attest to.

"When did you get here?!" Shinji asked nervously as he and Hiyori backed away.

"Does it matter?" Ichigo asked as he drew Tensa Zangetsu and donned his Hollow mask. There was going to be a killing in the Vizard training area that day.

End