It was the second weekend in April when Ichigo and Nat saw it. They were running errands as a

punishment for playing with the fire and setting last Sunday's newspaper on fire. When they passed

the little shoe shop they saw a sign.

"Hey, Ichigo look!" Nat said coarsely.

"$100 prize to the best string ensemble. Solo's only, we should enter."

"Hmmm," Ichigo pondered, looking at the date.

"It's the 23rd, I don't know, I'm supposed to be really focusing on my training, after all there is a war

coming up with your uncle," Ichigo finished causally. Nat was like his dad and didn't talk about his

feelings much.

Nat ignored the last remark, "Come on Ichigo you love guitar and along with being a soul reaper you

need to be yourself, after all you are a human and only a substitute shinigami."

"You're right Nat, I think I will enter," Ichigo said turning to Nat. "Just don't be too disappointed when

I win," Nat replied with a slight grin. Ichigo grinned right back and held out his hand, "You're on Nat."

and the two shook hands.

Meanwhile Bess and Nan were getting ready in the Squad Two barracks.

"Don't worry Soi-Fon I have been reading up on babies and everything will go perfectly," Nan said

happily.

"Remember Nan, Unohana is delivering this baby, not you," Bess reminded her.

"Yeah Bess I know but she put me in charge in case she can't make it," Nan said with a smile.

Bess just rolled her eyes at her best friend. Nan was hoping to be a scientist or doctor when she grew

up. Bess was secretly jealous of her best friend's goals, all she had to look forward to is being head of

Squad Six and producing a Kuchiki heir. Just then there was a knock on the door,

"I'll get it," Bess said with a smile, she knew exactly who it was, When she opened the door Soi-Fon

and Nan could here Bess say,

"Grandfather," in a very happy tone.

Soi-fon laughed, "He will make any excuse to see Bess, I wish my baby had someone like that."

Ginrei Kuchki laughed as he entered the sitting room, "You do realize you have an entire school of kids

waiting to see this baby right?" he asked with a smile. Soi-Fon sighed, "That's true and of course there

is Yourichi," she said petting the black cat next to her.