It had been two days since the events in Le Mort Regne, and the Visoreds and Arrancar had already returned to the world of the living with Kisuke and Tessai so they could keep an eye on Karakura Town. The Arrancar had been given authorization to remain in the World of the Living so long as they abided by their self invented rules. Ichigo, his friends, and his family had remained behind in the Seireitei for a while to recover from the events of the past few days.

In the Kurosaki Estate, Kaichou, Retsu, Isane, and Momo sat at a small tea table inside of a gazebo by the Koi pond. The gazebo itself had a number of beautiful white flowers growing around it at the base and along the ivy vines on the columns.

"How are you feeling Captain?" Momo asked as Kaichou gave a relaxed sigh. Despite being healed by Yuzu's Bankai, she still had a large scar on both her front and her back.

"I'm feeling well, Momo and thank you for your concern." Kaichou said as she took a sip of her tea.

"Will you be staying here when your family goes back to the World of the Living, Captain Wrangler?" Isane asked as Kaichou fell silent. Retsu noticed.

"You're leaving again aren't you?" Retsu asked with a disappointed look as Momo nearly choked on her tea.

"Captain is it true?!" Momo asked as Kaichou silently nodded.

"Truth is Momo that I've never planned on staying long. My only reason for sticking around was to bring you back to active duty. Squad Five needs someone to lead them and lacking both Captain and Lieutenant is like ordering children to take care of children. You are their Lieutenant Momo and they need you." Kaichou said as Momo looked at her with a hurt expression.

"But…we need you too Captain." Momo said.

"Momo when you get to be my age and have seen the things I've seen and done the things I've done, you eventually find a moment in time where you stop and ask yourself, "What am I missing in my life?" and when the answer comes to you, you know that this is the path you must take. Spending these last few days with my brother and his family has awoken something within me that I thought had…that I thought had been lost forever…a feeling that I had a family to take care of. I had intended, upon my return to Karakura, to try and become a surrogate mother to my nieces and nephew, as well as give Ichigo a hand with keeping the town safe from Hollows. I never expected for this mess with the LeBlancs to happen." Kaichou explained as Momo looked away with sadness.

"Look on the bright side Momo, at least she's not like Aizen and betrayed everyone." Isane said in an effort to comfort the Fifth Squad Lieutenant.

"Can I write you, Captain?" Momo asked as Kaichou smiled and nodded.

"I would be heartbroken if you didn't." She replied.

"Now that that matter is all settled, let us move onto happier subjects." Retsu suggested with a smile.

"Always the optimist eh Retsu, to be honest I've missed that." Kaichou said as Retsu gave a delighted giggle.

"So where is everyone? We're the only ones on the Estate grounds." Isane said as Kaichou nodded.

"Let's see. I heard Isshin and Ryuken were going to discuss possible tuberculosis treatments with Jushiro, Yuzu is somewhere with Lieutenant Kusajishi doing who-knows-what, Nel volunteered to explain Hollows and Arrancar to the students at the Academy, Tatsuki and Orihime are paling around with Rangiku, Chad's at the gym in the Squad Eleven Barracks working out, Uryu and Nemu are out on a date, and I have no clue where Ichigo, Rukia, and Karin are at the moment." Kaichou explained.

"I believe Ichigo is at the Kuchiki manor. Captain Kuchiki wanted to speak to him and Rukia I believe is with Karin at the Squad Ten Barracks." Retsu said.

Speaking of the Squad Ten Barracks…

"WHAT?!?!" Karin shrieked as a bolt of lightning shot through the wall of Toshiro's office. Karin was now wearing a full Soul Reaper Hakama and Obi sash.

Toshiro glanced calmly at the hole in the wall and then back at Karin.

"I already told you once." Toshiro retorted.

"Oh I dare you to say that to me again! I DARE you!" Karin growled as her fist crackled with electricity.

"I don't see the need to repeat myself. I told you already or are your ears plugged up with wax that you can't hear me?" Toshiro asked as Karin finally lost it.

"Oh that is it ICICLE BRAINS!!!" Karin roared as she donned her Hollow mask and leapt at Toshiro who stepped out of the way as she crashed through the wall without stopping.

"Oh you think that you can get away that easily?!" Karin roared as she raced back inside. Outside his office, Rukia stood against the wall along with several members of Squad Ten as they listened to the carnage coming from inside their Captains office.

"What is going on in their?!" one of the seated officers asked fearfully.

"It sounds like Captain Hitsugaya is fighting something absolutely terrifying!" another officer whimpered.

"Oh it's much worse than that." Rukia said as everyone looked at her surprised.

"What is it?" someone asked.

"It's the most difficult struggle that two people could ever endure…its called love." Rukia smirked.

"Then what are they fighting over?!" another officer asked.

"Captain Hitsugaya doesn't want Karin to address him by his first name in the presence of other Soul Reapers, and Karin isn't taking the suggestion that well." Karin said as there was a chorus of understanding "Oh's."



Meanwhile…

Yoruichi and Soi Fon were overseeing the Kido Corps work at preparing the Senkaimon for the Kurosaki's and their guests to return back to the World of the Living.

"The Senkaimon will be ready for use by the end of the week Lady Yoruichi. But are you sure you cannot stay longer?" Soi Fon asked as Yoruichi sighed and shook her head while running a caring hand through Soi Fon's hair.

"I'm afraid not Soi Fon. Ichigo asked me to help train Yuzu to use her Kido powers. How could I refuse Yuzu after all she's been through?" Yoruichi asked as Soi Fon gave a look that said she didn't believe her.

"It's Wrangler isn't it? Rumor has it that the two of you were a couple during the time you traveled around the World of the Living and that she's planning on retiring back to the World of the Living too." Soi Fon said as Yoruichi stifled her laughter for a moment then threw her head back and laughed.

"Kaichou and me?!?! Soi Fon that's rich! You should know better that to believe that! You know it's always going to be just the two of us. Besides Kaichou's got her eyes on Captain Ukitake. Plus she's way too old for me and she's kinda got a policy to never go out with people that are younger than her. By comparison she's way older than me. You should know that Soi Fon, otherwise you're falling down on the job as Captain of the Punishment Force. Perhaps I should stick around and "whip" you into shape." Yoruichi explained as Soi Fon's eyes lit up.

"Lady Yoruichi!" she exclaimed like a giddy schoolgirl. Before anyone could say anything else however the Senkaimon suddenly started glowing with a golden aura.

"What's going on?!" Yoruichi asked one of the Kido Corps members.

"We don't know! The Senkaimon is being opened from the inside!" the Kido Corps member replied as the doors slowly opened. Soon three figures emerged from within before the doors closed. Two men and one woman, each in black business suits with sunglasses and earpieces. They had a golden lapel pin on their collars that Yoruichi and Soi Fon both recognized and instantly caused the two to drop to one knee.

The lapel pin was in the shape of the diamond insignia present on the back of each Squad Captain's Haori but there was nothing within the diamond shape at all. These pins identified them as members of Squad Zero, the Royal Guard. On each of their backs was a large black backpack with the same insignia on it. At their sides were their sheathed Zanpakutos.

"Be at peace Soul Reapers, we come in the name of the Soul King." The lead Guardsman said as the Senkaimon closed behind them.

"I am Captain Soi Fon of Squad two and the Punishment Force." Soi Fon said humbly.

"I am Yoruichi Shihoin, former Captain of Squad two." Yoruichi said, just as humbly.

"We know who you are. The King has made several decrees and statements that he wishes to be heard by the two of you, all Captains and Lieutenants of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, the entire Kurosaki clan, as well as the three humans, two Quincy's, and one Arrancar that aided in the rescue of one Yuzu Kurosaki recently. We shall meet within the main meeting chambers." The guardsmen said as they flash stepped away leaving a disbelieving Yoruichi and Soi Fon behind.



Later in the main meeting chambers…

The three Royal Guardsmen stood before the people they had called together. One of the guardsmen then stepped forward with a rolled up scroll in hand.

"Hear ye! Listen and take to heart, the word of the Soul King!" the Guardsman shouted as he unrolled the scroll.

"Decreed! In light of the recent events surrounding Yuzu Kurosaki's kidnapping, it has been decided that the key shall be removed from the soul of Yuzu Kurosaki and placed within a different newborn soul. As a result Yuzu Kurosaki will be stripped of her Soul Reaper abilities." The guardsman said as each of the Kurosaki's eyes widened.

"What?! You can't do that to her! She just got those abilities and you're going to just take them away just like that?!" Ichigo yelled before getting hushed by the other Soul Reapers.

"Ichigo! No one questions the King's declarations!" Rukia said in a terse whisper.

"Actually the King has an alternative available." The Guardswoman said as everyone arched curious or confused eyebrows.

"Yes, there is a way for her to retain her Soul Reaper abilities but at the cost of having to relearn everything about her Soul Reaper abilities including gaining a new Zanpakuto. The key will be removed, there is no negotiating that issue but we can preserve her soul chain, thus giving her Soul Reaper abilities without any risk whatsoever. She won't even gain an inner hollow. The process has been perfected and proven safe." The lead guardsman explained.

"Of course the decision to remain a Soul Reaper is entirely up to Yuzu herself." The other guardsmen added. All eyes then turned to Yuzu.

"Well Yuzu? Do you want to remain a Soul Reaper or do you just want to be a normal kid that can't see spirits again?" Ichigo asked as Yuzu looked thoughtful.

"Perhaps we should give her some time to think about it." Kaichou said as Yuzu shook her head.

"No, I've made a decision. When I was in that tower, I began to wonder what it would be like if this key hadn't been put into me in the first place and how I wished it hadn't. But then I remembered those two spirits at the Spirit Hunter filming and how I wanted so bad to help them pass on. I then began to realize that as a Soul Reaper I have the power to help them and to protect them from other dangers like those Hollows. So if your question is "do I want to remain a Soul Reaper at the cost of having to relearn everything there is regarding Soul Reapers" then it's no contest. I want to be a Soul Reaper, like my Aunt…my Dad…my sister…and of course my big brother." Yuzu said as she grasped Ichigo's hand.

"Very well then. We will perform the procedure later today, that will give you time to practice on gaining your new Zanpakuto in the morning. Now let us pick up where we left off." The female guardsman said as the other one nodded and raised the scroll back up.

"Decreed! The King, as a token of appreciation for their efforts in preserving the key as well as their continuous loyalty to the Soul Society and its King, despite what has happened to them within the past one hundred and ten years, the Shihoin, Shiba, and Kurosaki Clans hereby have their full status as three of the four noble clans restored. The king also extends added appreciation towards young Deputy Soul Reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki and wishes to extend a special offer to him." The guardsmen said as the female guardsman stepped forward with a large, flat, and rectangular wooden box in hand.

"Deputy Soul Reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki, please step forward!" the guardsman ordered as Ichigo slowly approached her and stopped in front of her.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, the King is very impressed by your lack of fear as well as your ever increasing strength. Ever since gaining your Soul Reaper abilities you have exhibited all the traits of a true Soul Reaper. The King wishes to extend to you the offer of becoming a Captain of one of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads." The guardswoman said as everyone's eyes widened in shock.

"What?" Ichigo asked surprised.

"You may choose from Squad three, five, or nine or you may choose a more…domestic posting." The lead guardsman said as Ichigo arched an eyebrow.

"Huh?" Ichigo asked as the lead guardsman gave a nod to the other guardsman.

"Decreed! In light of Sosuke Aizen's recent plot to forge the Oken through harvesting one hundred thousand souls and the fact that the current location of the Spirit Nexus in the World of the Living is Karakura Town, Japan, it has been decided that a special Squad, whose sole purpose is the protection of the Spirit Nexus from all forms of Spiritual danger, will be formed and stationed within the Spirit Nexus's boundaries itself. Ichigo Kurosaki is to be the first offered the position of Captain of this new Squad." The guardsman said as all eyes returned to Ichigo.

"Me…A Captain…If I'm the Captain, does that mean I get to choose who gets to be in my squad?" Ichigo asked as the guardswoman nodded.

"Yes. Each of your friends and family members has been preapproved for addition to the squad rosters, including Ryuken and Uryu Ishida, and the former Tercera Espada, Neliel Tu Oderschvank. You will also have to choose a Lieutenant as well but the Lieutenant must already be a member of one of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Former and unassigned Soul Reapers are ineligible as are non Soul Reapers." The guardswoman explained as Ichigo smirked.

"I wouldn't even have to think about it, I already know who my Lieutenant would be…that's if she accepts the position. Well what do you say…Rukia?" Ichigo asked as Rukia's eyes lit up.

"Ichigo? You want me to be your Lieutenant?!" Rukia asked surprised.

"You're strong enough to be a seated officer and the only reason you're not already is because of your brother. Well here's your chance." Ichigo asked as Rukia smiled, step forward and dropped to her knees with her fists pressed against the floor as she bowed.

"Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki reporting, sir!" She said as Ichigo smirked.

"If Rukia can be my Lieutenant then I accept command of the new squad." Ichigo said as the royal guards nodded and the guardswoman opened the wooden box. Inside was a white Captain's Haori without a squad insignia on it.

"So let it be written that Ichigo Kurosaki hereby is promoted from Deputy Soul Reaper, to Captain of the currently unnamed Spirit Nexus Defense Squad. His Lieutenant is Rukia Kuchiki." The guardsmen said as Byakuya and Yoruichi helped to place the haori on Ichigo's shoulders. It was designed almost exactly like his Bankai form's black coat, except white exterior matching the other Captain's robes but still with the red interior and the frayed ends at the bottom of his Bankai coat.

With his head held high, Ichigo proudly placed Zangetsu on his back and then saluted the other guardsmen.

"I never thought I'd live to see the day." Jushiro said as Shunsui chuckled.

"That makes two of us." He replied.

"Care to make it three?" Kaichou whispered.



That Evening…

All of the Captains and Lieutenants, both current and former, had gathered at the Kurosaki Estate to celebrate Ichigo and Rukia's respective promotions.

"So what are you going to name the Squad? It needs a name and Squad Fourteen is still taken technically." Jushiro said as Ichigo shrugged.

"I'm not sure Captain Ukitake, but it's still a work in progress. I've got the squad formed already but the name isn't as important." Ichigo replied.

"Please, we are equals now Ichigo, you may call me Jushiro now." Ukitake said as Ichigo smiled.

"I don't know if I can do that. I'm still getting used to all of this." Ichigo said as light laughter was heard from some of the other Captains.

"There is always a period of adjustment involved when being promoted to Captain. It'll ease with time." Komamura said.

"I guess the easiest transition will be that I'm able to call Toshiro by his first name and he won't have reason to scold me for it." Ichigo said as Toshiro gave him an icy glare.

"I don't recall you ever addressing me by my rank and last name. Though you are correct, we are equals and you may address me by my first name." Toshiro replied.

"What about you Byakuya? I guess I can call you by your first name now too huh?" Ichigo asked. Byakuya remained silent for a moment then stood up from the table and walked out of the room.

"Uh oh. You've done it now Ichigo." Renji said as Ichigo started to get up but Rukia stopped him. She now had a blank Lieutenant's armband on her left arm.

"No Ichigo let me go talk to him." Rukia said as Ichigo sat back down and nodded. Rukia then ran off after the fleeting Byakuya.

"Something is strange about his spiritual pressure. I haven't sensed something so strange since his wife Hisana passed away." Retsu said as several other Captains nodded in agreement.

"Kuchiki is a mystery to many of us. I think the only person to have ever been able to read him at all was Hisana." Jushiro said as some of the others nodded again.



End Chapter 56.

The Black Wrangler: Behind the Scenes…

The camera was switched on again and this time it was Kisuke Urahara on the screen.

"Hello. For the final Omake segment, I felt that we should let all the crew members who worked behind the scenes to say something." Kisuke said as the camera shifted to an earlier recorded scene. It was Barragan sitting at the soundboard with headphones on his head. He pulled the headphones down around his neck and stared straight into the camera.

"And now I, King Barragan, shall address his subjects… (Ahem) I-." Barragan said but the scene quickly shifted to Yammy.

"Hi Mommy!" Yammy said with a large excited grin and a wave as Ulquiorra stuck his head in.

"We don't have parents, Yammy." Ulquiorra said as Yammy gasped in horror and then started crying. The scene then shifted to Zommari who had his hands in their typical praying stance.

"I would like to say that whoever stole my skull and crossbones earrings will die…oh and BONZAI AIZEN-SAMA! BONZAI! BONZAI! BONZ-!!!" Zommari shouted wildly before the scene shifted to Szayel sitting back and reading a magazine.

"My comment is that if Verona doesn't stop pestering me to make a new Lumina that I'll eat her next." Szayel commented before returning to his magazine. Scene then shifted to the Fraccion, Avirama Redder and Findor Carias on the catwalks above the stage.

"I don't really know what to say except…GO SEMINOLES!!!" Avirama shouted excitedly as Findor groaned.

"Oh no you don't! The Gators are superior! I've analyzed both and the Gators are superior!" Findor growled.

"Then let's settle this now!" Avirama declared as he and Findor raised their right fists and chanted in unison…

"Saisho wa gu! Jan-ken-pon!" they said as Avirama came out with rock while Findor came out with scissors, thus losing the match and proving the Seminoles superior. (Saisho wag gu: starting with stone.) The scene shifted to Choe Neng Poww and Nirgge Parduoc leaning against the wall outside.

"Uh…save the Elephants?" Nirgge said before Choe shoved him out of the way.

"NO! SAVE THE WHALES!!!" Choe shouted with a look of dire worry. The scene then shifted to Nnoitra who glared at the camera for a moment before turning away from it.

"Aren't you going to say something?" Kisuke asked. Nnoitra growled before raising his left hand which soon became pixilated due to his giving a rude gesture.

"Nnoitra! Shame on you! Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to flip people off? Especially on camera!?!" Charlotte Cuuhlhourne asked from off camera as he quickly ran in and glomped the now terrified Nnoitra onto the floor.

"GET OFFA ME YOU UGLY ASS (Naughty word)!!!" Nnoitra shrieked before grabbing his Zanpakuto.

"PREY SANTA TERESA!!!" Nnoitra shrieked as he started trying to kill Charlotte. Fortunately the scene shifted to Aaroniero using Kaien Shiba's face as he sat at the light booth.

"I just want to say how glad I am that this is over. I grew so sick of people referring to me as a giant… (Ahem) women's thing, behind my back." Aaroniero said.

"You do realize there may be a sequel right?" Kisuke asked as Aaroniero's face paled in horror and the scene shifted back to Kisuke Urahara.

"And that's the end of it folks. Thanks for reading." Kisuke said as the camera clicked off.

End

A/N: Yes I'm a Noles fan. Flames to the contrary will be deleted.