Sorry people, this is a slightly revised version of chap 17, Renji was suposed to be cap of squad five, not squad three

Chapter 17: Return to Soul Society

**Huff puff huff puff**

"Running through the precipe world still sucks!" Ichigo yelled in frustration.

"Just keep running Ichigo the cleaner should be coming very quick!" Rukia replied.

The two ran as fast as they could through the tunnel, the restrictive current increasing speed.

"Ichigo!" Rukia shouted, "minimize your spiritual pressure as much as possible, the restrictive current is picking up on your immense energy!"

Ichigo nodded and took in a couple deep breaths, suppressing his spiritual energy. After that they continued their speed until they were able to see a light getting closer.

"There it is Rukia hold on!" Ichigo said. He then moved behind Rukia and picked her up bridal style in his arms and used a concentrated burst of energy to propel him forward at blazing speed.

Ichigo, with Rukia in his arms jumped through the portal and landed just outside the western gate, with his hood still up, he attracted a lot of attention but he let his beloved out of his arms and dusted them selves off.

"Well we made it… finally…" Ichigo looked around. "This place hasn't changed much from what I remember…"

"Ah yeah Ichigo you'd be surprised what lies behind the gate." Rukia said to him.

Ichigo and Rukia walked towards the gate, the massive ivory walls towering over them as they approached.

People from the Rukon watched as Rukia, and the hooded man that was Ichigo walk straight for the gate.

"Hey Rukia…. Do you think anyone will recognize me?" Ichigo asked.

"I doubt it if you hide your spiritual energy…. Either way I'm sure no one will recognize you with your hood up, oh and button up your jacket please, lets try to keep from exposing yourself." Rukia mentioned.

Ichigo nodded and buttoned up his black jacket from his stomach down, they finally reached the west gate, infront of the gate sat Jidanbo Ikkanzaka, the guardian of the west gate.

"Hey! Who goes there!" Jidanbo roared pointing his axes at the two.

"Jidanbo it's me Rukia Kuchiki!" Rukia yelled.

"Oh miss Kuchiki, welcome back, I expected to see you back for the Inauguration." Jidanbo greeted, "Say who is the taller guy with you?"

"He's a friend Jidanbo, a very special friend….." Rukia giggled.

"Ohhhh? Special huh, you met him in the living world?" Jidanbo replied.

"Jidanbo!" Ichigo said. "How have you been doing since ive been gone.." Ichigo said as he pulled down his hood exposing his head. "Its me Ichigo Kurosaki!"

"WELL I'LL BE! Ichigo is back, this is quite the treat my friend how have you been?" Jidanbo spoke in such joy.

"Ah just living life Jidanbo, you don't mind if you let us through do you?" Ichigo replied.

"Of course, anything for my old friend!" Jidanbo chuckled as he began to open the gate to the sereitei.

The massive gate rumbled open and Ichigo grinned as he walked through the gate into the Sereitei, surrounded by tall white buildings that over shadowed them all.

"Well were here Rukia…. Lets get going shall we?" Ichigo said as he put his hood over his head.

Rukia nodded as they walked in, the giant gate closing behind them.

They walked together through the maze like streets of the Sereitei looking at all of the low ranking soul reapers doing their part in their daily chores.

"I never thought id see this place again so soon…. Looks like everything is going on as usual eh Rukia." Ichigo said looking around.

"Yeah, There hasn't been much going on since you left…. There was the menos incident how ever." Rukia mentioned.

"Menos Incident?" Ichigo questioned.

"Yeah it was a few months ago, something caused some Menos grande to appear here in the Sereitei, luckily we had things under control before too much damage was caused." Rukia explained.

"Ah, makes sense, I would have loved to have been there." Ichigo said laughing.

"Why do you say that Ichigo?" Rukia questioned.

"I would have liked to go on a menos spree." Ichigo laughed again.

Rukia giggled a bit, "Silly Strawberry, I bet you would have loved to let out all of that pent up anger."

"You know it Rukia." Ichigo replied.

The both of them reached the 13th squad barracks as they found Captain Jushiro Ukitake sitting outside, enjoying some tea.

"Captain Ukitake sir!" Rukia said as she ran up to the captain and bowed, Ichigo followed her as they both sat before the captain.

"Ah miss Kuchiki, welcome back, how was the world of the living treating you?" Ukitake said joyfully.

"It was quite good I might say so myself…" Rukia replied happily.

"Ah that's good to hear," Ukitake looked over to Ichigo, "And I see you have brought a guest with you."

"Ah yes, he is a close friend ive met in the world of the living..." Rukia answered.

"I see, so how are you today Mr. Kurosaki." Ukitake said taking a sip of his tea.

Ichigo was alittle startled, "You…. You know who I am?" Ichigo asked.

"Of course Mr. Kurosaki. I expected Rukia to bring you along, that's what I was hoping for anyway. Ukitake chuckled.

"Ah I see." Ichigo replied, "May I ask you something captain Ukitake?"

"Anything for you my friend, what is that you request?" Ukitake leaned closer.

"Well, you wouldn't mind keeping the fact that im here a secret right, I want my return to be a little surprise for Renji." Ichigo asked.

"That I can do. Is that all?" Ukitake said.

Ichigo nodded. Rukia smiled and looked at her captain, " So how has the Sereitei been doing since I left for karakura town?"

"Everything has been quite calm and peaceful nothing major happening besides the Intruder thing that popped up a day after you left." Ukitake mentioned.

"An Intruder is the least of our problems Ukitake…" Ichigo blurted.

"Come Again? Is there something urgent going on Ichigo?" Ukitake coughed.

Ichigo and Rukia nodded, "A long since deceased Espada, one named Nightmare Von Ollivante, has been recently resurrected and any time soon is expected to make for Karakura town." Ichigo explained. "I had Kisuke Urahara give a dimensional phone to both me and Uryu, if this event occurs while I'm here, he can call me and ill be on my way, hopefully it wont happen."

"I see, this is very grave indeed… I know of Nightmare Von Ollivante." Ukitake sighed. " He was the right hand man of Barragan Luisenbarn, the king of Hueco Mundo, top ranked Espada, and extremely dangerous to boot, I myself have fought him once, but I had no luck in killing him, I heard rumors that one of his own subordinates did him in."

"Ah yes Grimmjow…" Ichigo said.

"Grimmjow? Who is that?" Ukitake asked.

Rukia went and slapped Ichigo on the back of the head, "You idiot!"

Me and my big mouth I tell you…

"Grimmjow was the soul reaper who told us all about Nightmare, if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have seen any of the attacks thus far coming." Ichigo explained.

"Oh I see now, one of Mr. Urahara's prodigies maybe." Ukitake noted.

Ichigo nodded and Rukia continued where Ichigo left off.

"There was a female arrancar who showed up a few nights ago, she was quite strong in her own right, I could have beaten her if it wasn't for a certain someone." Rukia grinned.

"Oh cmon Rukia you know what happened, I destroyed her in the blink of an eye and you know that." Ichigo laughed.

Rukia leaned over and threw an elbow into his side as Ichigo yelped in pain.

"Why you!" Ichigo gritted his teeth at Rukia.

"Any way sir, we are expecting him to make his appearance some time soon…." Rukia sighed.

"Hmmmm this is troubling news, but I believe the Sereitei is ready for such an event, we have a plan unfolding for this." Ukitake said taking another sip from his tea.

"I see, well in any case any help would be appreciated, thank you Captain," Rukia bowed.

"Help would be nice, but Rukia don't forget we have Chad Orihime, Uryu and his dad, and my father as well." Ichigo said.

"Your father?" Ukitake questioned.

"Yeah…. It's complicated." Ichigo said scratching his head.

"I see well in any other aspect, after the inauguration we will be ready for any circumstance." Ukitake commented.

Rukia got up and bowed to her captain, "thank you for your time Captain Ukitake, we do have other visits to make while we are here."

"Ah I suppose, we all have our fair share of things to do before the Inauguration ceremony, take care Rukia, and you too Ichigo Kurosaki." Ukitake nodded.

Ichigo got up with her and walked out of the barracks with Rukia, Ichigo followed closely.

"Thank god the plan is working….. We might get our new captain after all…" Ukitake said to himself.

Rukia and Ichigo left the barracks together, Ichigo constantly looking around with a smirk on his face.

As they entered the 10th squad section Ichigo had to begin bursting out laughing.

"Whats so damn funny Ichigo?" Rukia scolded.

Ichigo pointed over towards a large dark purplish building, on the second balcony sat a woman whose defining feature is her overly large chest, with long auburn hair and a pink scarf around her neck. Next to her leaned over the railing with a scowl on his face was a shorter man with a white Haori, white hair, light blue eyes and a scar that adorned over his right eye.

"Is that Toshiro Hitsugaya?" Ichigo laughed.

"Huh? Oh him, yeah that's him alright." Rukia commented.

"He hasn't changed too much, except for the scar on his eye, can only imagine what possibly game him that." Ichigo chuckled a little.

Captain Hitsugaya leaned on the railing scanning the surroundings, until his busty lieutenant, Rangiku Masumoto shoved her large chest into the side of his face.

"Hey Captain!" Rangiku joyfully said.

Toshiro Hitsugaya sighed. "What is it Rangiku?"

"What time is the Inauguration again Captain, I forgot." Rangiku asked.

"It starts in a few hours Rangiku, now will you please get your chest out of my face please?" Hitsugaya said agitated.

"Oh alright…" Rangiku pouted. "Hey Captain look down there! Isnt that miss Rukia Kuchiki?"

Hitsugaya shifted his eyes down to where Rangiku was pointing.

"I think that is Rangiku… she must be just passing through." Hitsugaya sighed, "but what I'm wondering now, is who is that with her?"

Rangiku looked closer at the tall hooded man with the sleeveless coat and black gloves that was Ichigo Kurosaki.

"I have no clue captain, who could you think it is." Rangiku asked puzzled.

"I'm not sure Rangiku, I can barely sense any spirit energy from him, that person is suppressing their spirit energy incredibly well….." Hitsugaya said while thinking. "The fact that Rukia Kuchiki knows that person must mean that they are an ally of some sort, keep your eyes peeled Rangiku, we might find out soon enough."

Toshiro Hitsugaya watched as Rukia grabbed Ichigo's hand and dragged him away to another area.

"Ichigo we need to keep away from anyone unnecessary, ok." Rukia whispered to him.

"Yeah I know I know, keep it low profile." Ichigo said. "Just Relax, I have my energy suppressed as much as possible so they cant sense who I am, but your right midget I'll try to be more careful." Ichigo said.

"I hope so, because now I believe Captain Hitsugaya is getting awfully curious." Rukia giggled.

"Yeah don't need that right now, then my plan to mind fuck Renji will be completely destroyed." Ichigo whispered.

Rukia laughed as they continued through the winding roads of the Sereitei.

Their next stop was to the office of Rukia's older, adoptive brother, Byakuya Kuchiki.

They approached the office of the prestigious captain. Just as they were reaching the door, it opened and out stepped the one man they didn't want to see.

"Oh Renji! How have you been?" Rukia said bowing.

"Hey Rukia, welcome back to soul society, what was Karakura up to?" Renji asked after he greeted the petite Kuchiki girl.

"It was quite peaceful, everyone was out living the normal life pretty much." Rukia said.

"What was the group up to, you know Uryu Chad and Orihime?" Renji asked.

"The usual, doing all the hollow fighting." Rukia rolled her eyes.

"I see." Renji said, "What about Ichigo, how is he fairing?"

Rukia's eyes widened, He never asked me about Ichigo ever!

"He's completely different than what he was once before." Rukia sighed.

"Hmmmm poor guy." Renji shifted his eyes to the hooded man standing behind Rukia, "who is this guy Rukia?" Renji Asked.

"My name is Isshin glad to meet you." Ichigo lied to Renji.

" Isshin huh, you a friend of hers?" Renji questioned.

"Yeah old friends." Ichigo said.

"Really?" Renji said curiously.

"Yeah, she thought I was dead, I went missing for ten years and finally found my way back ya know." Ichigo said.

"uhhhhhuh, well glad to meet you, enjoy yourself here." Renji said.

Rukia went ahead and went inside to meet her brother, Renji walked up to Ichigo.

"Just to let you know, I've been trying to help Rukia out these last few months, when she and that Ichigo Kurosaki split, it devastated her." Renji explained

"No shit huh?" Ichigo said crossing his arms.

"Yeah hopefully I can finally ask her to be my girl, to get her mind off of Ichigo ya know, for her sake anyway." Renji whispered. "Ever since they split up, the first month or so she couldn't stop crying…. I only want to see her happy, you know, but for some reason, shes been acting a lot more cheery than usual."

"Ah well good luck with that pal." Ichigo said to Renji as he walked past him into Byakuya's office.

Renji sat and pondered.

Strangely enough, Isshin seemed familiar, strange…..

Ichigo proceeded into the office of the head Kuchiki, and found Rukia and Byakuya sitting and talking about various events in the living world.

"It was amazing brother, I have my own house, furniture, a big bed, I think they call it a California queen, I now bought an I-Pod, it's a small device that stores music in it, and I got to attend my first big high school soccer game, and we went to the mall down town, they had a store with all different kinds of Chappy gifts, it was amazing, I bought new Chappy headphones there for my Ipod, Overall, greatest time of my life!" Rukia exclaimed.

"I see," Byakuya said, "I'm glad to hear your time was spent quite well in Karakura Town, by the way, how were you able to accomplish such things with out a faster way around town?"

"Oh actually I did, Ichigo drove me around with his new car see!" Rukia opened up her phone and showed Byakuya Ichigo's challenger and then Shelby GT.

"Ichigo owns both of those?" Byakuya asked.

"No the blue one was destroyed by a hollow, the fool, but he got the white one to replace it." Rukia giggled.

"I see, in any case I am glad to see you happy, Rukia." Byakuya half way smiled.
Ichigo stood in shock, what the hell bit Byakuya in the ass, hes acting kind to Rukia, on top of that the man never smiled once in his life, holy shit I have been away from here a long time…

Ichigo coughed a little bit as both Rukia and Byakuya looked at him, standing near the doorway.

"Rukia… Do you know this man?" Byakuya asked.

"Yes brother, He is a Soul Reaper I met in the real world, I used to be friends with him growing up in the Rukon district." Rukia said looking at Ichigo, where his face would be hidden under his hood.

"I see, do you have a name by chance?" Byakuya asked Ichigo.

"My name is Isshin, glad to meet you." Ichigo bowed.

Rukia suppressed a laugh and Byakuya replied to Ichigo, "I am honored Isshin, my name is Byakuya Kuchiki. I am Rukia's older brother and captain of squad six in the thirteen court guard squads."

"Oh yeah, I've heard of you, your pretty famous where I'm from, I'm truly honored." Ichigo said.

Rukia once again fought hard to suppress a laugh and Byakuya cocked an eyebrow at Rukia.

"Is something wrong Rukia?" Byakuya asked in his usual cold monotone voice.

"No brother, nothing is wrong, just something I was thinking of." Rukia replied, almost red in the face.

"Alright then, anyway, glad to have you here Isshin, are you here with Rukia for the Inauguration as well." Byakuya asked.

" Yeah, Rukia invited me, she told me Renji was going to become a captain." Ichigo said.

"I see, well ill see you there then, I must get ready, the captains must arrive early." Byakuya said getting up.

Ichigo and Rukia bowed to Byakuya, and he bowed back. As Ichigo left the office Rukia stopped.

"Rukia, can I talk to you for a second?" Byakuya asked.

"Sure brother." Rukia turned around and went up to Byakuya.

"You know that I know that's Ichigo Kurosaki right?" Byakuya asked.

"You knew?" Rukia gasped.

"I could tell, I remember that sword, only one man I have ever met or fought has that sword." Byakuya sighed.

" I see, please brother don't say anything to anyone, this is our little prank were forming, for Ichigo's actual return." Rukia pleaded.

" For now I will uphold your request, but if he fails to make himself known at the inauguration, I will do so myself." Byakuya said.

Rukia nodded and an off to catch up to Ichigo.

"This got very interesting…. And look at this." Byakuya said as he witnessed Rukia holding Ichigo's hand.

"Interesting." Byakuya said.

Ichigo and Rukia began to head over towards the academy, passing through various barracks, such as 5th squad's and 3rd squads.

Ichigo and Rukia ran faster when they were in the 11th squad barracks, Ichigo still did have a unsettled fear of their captain, Kenpachi Zaraki.

The finally made it to the front steps of the academy, the pure white marble steps leading up to it.

"Well were here…" Rukia said.

"Yeah…." Ichigo said with a smirk.

As they walked through the academy they saw students running back and forth, getting to their lessons for becoming a soul reaper. They heard a group of kids how ever.

"Who do you would win this fight, the new captain, Renji Abarai, or Ichigo Kurosaki?" one said.

"Oh by far Ichigo, he is completely bad ass, the guy is legendary is he not!" another kid shouted.

Ichigo laughed, "they know about me?"

Rukia turned to Ichigo, "yeah they teach about you in some of the history lessons, you became a legend now Ichigo."

"Oh great just what I need, fan boys and fan girls." Ichigo rolled his eyes.

"Don't get too worked up about it. As far as they know your in the world of the living." Rukia explained.

"Good, five soul reapers in one town is enough!" Ichigo said relived.

"What about Imoyamma?" Rukia asked.

"Are you kidding!" Ichigo laughed, " Imoyamma is a walking joke of a soul reaper, if it wasn't for Uryu, Chad, and Orihime, the whole town would be devoured by hollows!"

"Well you do state a really good point there, Ichigo." Rukia complimented.
…..

Ichigo and Rukia made it to the court grounds where the Inauguration was being held.

All of the captains were there, including the new captains, Shuhei Hisagi, and Renji Abarai.

They stood in line on both sides of the commander himself, Genryusai Yammamoto.

Renji looked over to a table that had laying out on it, a white sleeveless captains haori, inside the black diamond, was a black skull, similar to the one Ichigo had on his substitute soul reaper badge. Although Renji didn't recognize it, captain Ukitake, had a slight grin on his face.

Renji looked down towards the entrance and saw many of the lieutenants come in as well, Rangiku Masumoto, Isane Kotetsu, Izuru Kira, Marechiyo Omaeda,Tetsuzaemon Iba.

Renji became slightly shocked as Rukia came in her body close to Ichigo, as they walked together holding hands.

Rukia is really close to Isshin…. A little too close for my taste. Renji thought.

Ichigo and Rukia took their place together in the middle of the group, standing next to Rangiku Masumoto.

"Oh hi Rukia! How are you, did you have fun in the living world?" Rangiku asked joyfully.

"Oh hello Lieutenant Masumoto, yes I did, right… Isshin?" Rukia said to Ichigo.

Ichigo smiled, "yeah tons of fun."

Everyone fell silent as Yammamoto spoke up, "Let us begin the Inauguration!"

"Squad Nine is a prestigious squad, led by many brave soul reapers in the past, such as Kensei Mugumura, Kaname Tosen, today that tradition lives on through the Inauguration of our newest Captain of squad nine, he has braved many situations, including his participation in the winter war to defeat the Espada, and lead squad nine in the absence and death of Kaname Tosen, the new captain of squad nine… Shuhei Hisagi!"

everyone clapped as Hisagi stepped forward and drew his sworn and turned his wrist over so the sword pointed down, as a blue light engulfed his wrist.

The light subsided and Hisagi sheathed his sword, returning to his spot.

"Whats that all about Rukia." Ichigo whispered.

"It's a new restraint for captains now, they have it put on and it only affects you in the world of the living." Rukia explained.

"Ah I see…." Ichigo whispered back.

Yammamoto continued.

"Squad five was filled with many prodigies over time, Gin Ichimaru being one of these great Prodigies, They are now blessed with a strong and true warrior, who started out in this very academy, he then proceeded on to squad eleven, rose through the ranks and became lieutenant of squad six, His heroics with Substitute Soul Reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki, and thirteenth squad member, Rukia Kuchiki, greatly influenced the outcome of the war against the arrancar in our favor, the new captain of squad three….. Renji Abarai!" Yammamoto announced.

Everyone cheered and roared as Renji stepped forward, drawing his sword, Zabimaru, and doing the same thing Hisagi did. A blue light appeared and engulfed his wrist and subsided as Renji took his place back among the captains.

Awesome, officially the captain now! Renji thought.

Yammamoto turned around and proceeded to the table where they mysterious white haori laid.

Yammamoto picked up the Haori and held it up to the sky showing the captains and the crowd the symbol that adorned the backside of the Haori.

"Woah that skull is the same one on my badge." Ichigo whispered to Rukia.

"Yes I can see. But why, another captain, a fourteenth captain, there isn't a fourteenth squad." Rukia whispered to Ichigo puzzled.

This is it….. the captain of the world of the living! Renji thought to himself.

Its time…. Ukitake thought.

Another Captain, what the? Hitsugaya thought.

Yammamoto spoke up, "You may all be wondering why I hold this white captains haori, specially made, this Captains Haori is a dedication, by request from Captain Ukitake with whom I agree this is a right decision…. A dedication to a man whose brave actions, and Unshakable resolve, not only saved our existence many times over… but saved the lives of his most beloved of friends….. He was once our enemy, but is now seen as a Hero in the eyes of the soul society, for his great sacrifices!"

Ichigo and Rukia paid close attention with everyone else.

" This Captains Haori will stand for the new Captain of the Living World… and that man isICHIGO KUROSAKI!"

Hitsugaya, Renji, Hisagi, and most of the crowd gasped at the name.

Rukia went bug eyed and looked at Ichigo, Ichigo was worried.

"ICHIGO KUROSAKI! Where is he, he owes me a fight!" Kenpachi Roared as he drew his sword.

"Kenpachi, restrain yourself!" Yammamoto roared. "If Kurosaki isn't here then…"

"I'M RIGHT HERE!" Ichigo yelled.

Everyone turned to look at a man with a black hooded coat, and a black sword stand in the center aisle.

Ichigo lifted a hand and removed the hood from his head, exposing his face, black earrings and trademark long-ish orange hair.

Ichigo grinned a little bit looking at Renji, who was completely shocked.

Kenpachi Grinned widely, as if stalking his prey.

Rangiku leaned over to Rukia, "I thought you said his name was Isshin?"

"Sorry Lieutenant, it was a lie, it was to cover his identity till he wanted to reveal himself." Rukia explained.

Byakuya simply looked at Ichigo with his usual cold face.

He looks more like that Kaien Shiba than ever, he looks far more mature…

Ichigo walked forward up the couple stairs and between the captains up to the head captain himself.

"Sorry I didn't say anything before Renji." Ichigo said still facing the head captain.

"We will talk later…" Renji said slightly red in the face.

Ichigo drew Tensa Zangetsu, everyone stood in awe as the black chain wrapped up his arm.

"Kurosaki that is not necessary." Yammamoto said.

"Huh, no restraints?" Ichigo asked curiously.

"Your domain is the living world, why should we restrain your abilities for the living world, it's not necessary." Ukitake said.

"Oh I see now." Ichigo said as the chain went back to normal size and sheathed Tensa Zangetsu.

"Now Kurosaki, your Haori." Yammamoto said.

"Wait, do I absolutely need this… I mean come on." Ichigo said.

"Ichigo… you have no idea how long it took me to convince him, just take the position already!" Ukitake said in Ichigo's ear.

"Right…." Ichigo said as he received the white haori from the commander.

Everyone cheered and clapped as Ichigo put the haori on, Ichigo looked at Rukia and she shed a tear of joy. Ichigo smiled at her and she smiled back.

Everyone gathered around for drinks and nourishments, as there were a large group of people crowded around the new captains.

"Rukia there you are!" Ukitake said.

"Oh hi Captain! How are you?" Rukia replied.

"Well I forgot to get this to you." Ukitake said holding out an armband, it held a lieutenant seal with the same skull that adorned Ichigo's haori.

"Who is this for?" Rukia asked.

"Its yours lieutenant." Ukitake said.

"Wait…. Are you serious?" Rukia said in awe.

"You're the lieutenant of the living world now Rukia, congrats." Ukitake congradulated.

Ichigo was explaining what has happened in the real world since the Aizen incident and then Renji pulled him out of the group.

"Ichigo, you orange haired bastard I missed you hahahah!" Renji said.

"Oi Renji I have been pretty good what is up my friend." Ichigo said with a big smile on his face.

"Look Ichigo, sorry bout what I said before, I don't wanna ask Rukia out man, all I wanted was to see her happy, and I guess that is you man." Renji said.

"Wait you serious!" Ichigo said shocked.

"Yeah man, It's what best friends do ya know, and at least you succeeded at it!" Renji said.

All of the sudden Ichigo's arm was being pulled, and he followed suit.

He looked over and saw a smiling Rukia pulling him away from the crowd. Renji laughed, "I'm glad to see her happy, Ichigo you genius, what ever you did thank you, you're a saint."

Rukia stopped and wrapped her arms around the new soul reaper captain.

"Hey Captain!" Rukia giggled.

"Hey Rukia, thank you soooo much!" Ichigo said. "If it weren't for you this whole week wouldn't have happened."

"Well you're not the only one with a promotion idiot!" Rukia laughed as she showed Ichigo her left arm.

"You're a lieutenant now! Awesome who is your captain now?" Ichigo asaked.

"You are. Strawberry." Rukia said joyfully.

"Wait me, holy, that's incredible Rukia." Ichigo said.

"Yeah the best part, I'll be in the living world with you Ichigo." Rukia said with a smile.

"Can this day get any better?" Ichigo said. "Thank you so much Rukia for bringing me here, It's been such a riot, who knew that I would get this big a welcome." Ichigo said as Rukia put her hands on his cheeks.

"Oh just shut up you fool, and Kiss me Strawberry!" Rukia said.

Ichigo took her hands in his and leaned forward. Rukia raised her chin and slowly closed her eyes as her lips slightly parted. They leaned closer and closer as Ichigo placed a hand on the back of her head, his fingers intertwined in her hair, Ichigo's eyes closed as they were just centimeters from each other, Rukia's lip quivered slightly as Ichigo's lips softly touched hers.

Our First Kiss…. They thought.