The week after Valentine's Day many new things started at both Plumbfield and the Soul Society. One of the things that started was a new science unit. "For the next couple of weeks we will be learning about bugs and the eco-system," Ikkaku said pausing to watch Nan's obvious excitement and Bess's utter disgust. "One of the things we will be required to do is, yes Nan, dissect a frog," he said. "Yessss!" Nan said excitedly. Bobby, Karin Demi and Chad also looked excited. Bess, Ururu, Yuzu and Daisy were less then excited. This was not the only bit of change in the Soul Society. Three new captains were enlisted too. It was a bit of a shock to the kids when they found out. Ikkaku had no intention of telling them as of yet until Shūsuke Amagai showed up. It was a complete surprise to Ikkaku. It was around 10 pm when he knocked on the door. Ikkaku answered it confused, after all no one came around this late. "Hello," he said peering through the door. "Hi" Shūsuke said walking in when invited. "May I help you?" Ikkaku asked confused. By this time Nat, Bobby, and Uryu were at the top of the stairs. "I thought I'd come by to see what became of my family's old house," Shūsuke said. Ikkaku smiled. "It's become a boarding school for children. They strive hear and have made many new friends" he said happily. "Yes," Shūsuke said. "I heard it has become a school, what a letdown it used to be a grand house." "I can assure you it still is a grand house," Ikkaku said defensively. "Not really," Shūsuke stated. "I see the roof needs to be redone, the barn needs to be repainted, the windows need to be replaced, should I continue?" he asked. "We are a bit tight on money and the little we have goes mainly for learning expenses," Ikkaku declared. "Yes, well," Shūsuke said, "I was looking through my father's old papers and saw we still have partial ownership over it." Ikkaku paused. He had a bad feeling of where this was going. "Perhaps we can buy the other half. I can talk to the head captain and some of the parents." "No need," Shūsuke said. "I'm not sure I want to sell it" he said. "Perhaps it would make a good hotel," he claimed looking around. "You can't close the school," Ikkaku objected angrily. "Where would the children go?" he questioned. "That's not my problem" Shūsuke announced. "Please," Ikkaku begged desperately, "spend a day with us, I can assure you that you will see that the house is getting the best use." "Ok," Shūsuke agreed. "Friday, but if I'm not convinced…" he threatened." You will be, I assure you," Ikkaku assured him. Back upstairs Nat, Bobby and Uryu told the others. "They can't close this school down, this is our school" Bess complained. "I agree, it has done so much for us," Ichigo stated. "I have friends here," Chad pointed out quietly; "I can't help but think my abuela would be happy for me." "If it wasn't for this school I would still be on the street with no home," Dan revealed. "We'll have to fight for our school," Uryu demanded, pounding his fist in his hand. The next day was Thursday, and when Ikkaku walked in he called on Orihime's raised hand, suprised. "You won't let Shūsuke close this school will you?" she asked. Ikkaku sighed. "Nothing gets past you guys does it?" he questioned. He got serious stares back in reply. "According to Yamamoto he could close it and make it into a hotel, after all we only own 30% of it." Ikkaku acknowledged. "But that's not fair we have been here for three years. We took care of it, and made the necessary repairs," Karine protested. "I know, I know," Ikkaku replied, "We have to impress him when he comes Friday."
Soon Friday came and Shūsuke came up to see Bobby and Ameil chasing around a chicken for dinner. He looked disgusted. The rest of the day wasn't that impressive either. The kids did great at all of their studies, each of them answering questions more than once. Ikkaku could tell that they worked hard. In the afternoon they presented their essays on how much the school means to them. It was very touching. It showed Ikkaku just how much progress was really made in the past three years. Ururu, Yuzu and Chad all mentioned how they were less shy and made new friends. Ameil said that it was this school and the friends he made here that helped him get over his uncle leaving. Bess said it helped her look at life a lot differently then she would have if tutors came to her. Nan and Nat said it made them laugh a lot more then when they were at home. Ichigo and Bobby read how it made them be more social and not loaners like they used to be. Orihime, Uryu, and Dan said how it was like home. Karin made it clear that she was less of a bully due to Plumbfield. Demi and Daisy each presented a picture of all the friends they made. After school the children showed Shūsuke around, and dinner was served on the finest china. Shūsuke had to admit he liked how they all sat around the table and how Ikkaku prayed first. However it was not enough. On his way out he made sure Ikkaku knew he was not impressed. However when he opened the door he saw nothing but snow. It was a bad blizzard. "I guess I'm stuck," he observed, closing the door with a sigh.