Chapter 18: War Ensemble

Chapter 18: War Ensemble

Isshin sat down in a comfortable leather couch inside a rather English looking Library Urahara had at his place. It was covered in books and they weren't the kind of books you could get at your local Barns & Noble. With titles like, 'Hollow Encyclopedia' and 'Shinigami Basics', it was clear this was no ordinary collection of binded pages.

Urahara was next to enter and following not to far behind was Meiyotou. The ex-lieutenant closed the door as Urahara took a seat on another leather couch, getting comfy. "I haven't been in here for a while; I'm not a big reader."

Meiyotou joined them after putting a kido spell on the door to ensure secrecy. "Well Kisuke they do come in handy sometimes, you should visit it more often."

Urahara waved the comment away, "I use it enough." He pauses a moment. "So are you confirming my suspensions about our two love birds?" The lips on his face moved into a smirk as he spoke, increasing with every word.

Meiyotou nodded slowly followed by a great sigh. "Yes, After seeing her Bankai… There is no doubt."

Isshin smirked. "Scared of my little twelve year old daughter are we Meiyotou?"

Meiyotou gave Isshin a serious stare. "You would be too if you had fought with one of the great dragons for days at a time."

Isshin simply shaked his head, "No need to be so serious, Meiyotou."

"I have plenty reason to be serious when it involves the fate of our worlds," Meiyotou retorted.

Urahara rolled his eyes and stopped the argument before it could turn into a full scale battle that would destroy the entire town. "Alright you two calm down. Now knowing that Karin and Toushiro are the two great dragons, it's about time we told them and everyone who needs to know the prophecy. Remember we still have Aizen to worry about and I sensed a large number of Shinigami and most of the Captain's enter the world as we stepped inside here. So that means the battle draws near. What needs to be decided however is when to tell them. Before or after the war"

Meiyotou and Isshin looked at each other and rested on each others eyes, making the decision without any words what so ever. "Tell them after…" Meiyotou said, Isshin finishing, "So their resolve and focus can be strong."

Urahara brought his fan up to his face and chuckled softly. "Alright, we tell them after the war."

Rukia and Ichigo sat against one of the Dirt Mountains in the training room underneath Urahara's shop. The Raven haired Shinigami pulled on a piece of white cloth covering a wound on the 'strawberry' she was tending to. As a response he grunted a protest and shot her a look.

Fortunate for Ichigo Rukia was not as fragile as she looked. "Oh shut it you big baby. Man up, my brother did worse to you." She responded in kind to his protest and Ichigo simply let her do her work.

He lost quite often to his Girlfriend of a month or so now. It was a miracle that Byakuya hadn't shunpoed out of nowhere and let Senbonzakura shred them both to pieces. Speaking of relationships what was with Matsumoto coming into the shop sayin' somthin' about Uryu losin' his virginity? Yeah like that kid would ever get laid.

Suddenly a familiar voice spoke up to answer his question. "You shouldn't be talking, Ichigo." Zangetsu said in his monotone voice.

"Oh shut up," Ichigo said out loud, causing Rukia to look at him funny and a blush to creep up into his cheeks.

"Ichigo," Rukia asked with a bit of concern, "You don't have a fever do you?"

Ichigo shook his head a bit flustered, "No it's just Zangetsu bein' himself." Rukia chuckled and continued tending to her boyfriend, leaving him and his battle partner to talk.

Took you long enough, Master. We haven't talked sense the Bount Crisis.

Zangetsu chuckled, "Yes, well your hollow took over after that and it took a while for me to recover after you suppressed him."

The man's voice echoed through Ichigo's head and he liked the familiarity of his friend's words. Understandable, I have a question Zangetsu.

"I know," Zangetsu spoke, "That's what brought me here. What is your question Ichigo?"

Ichigo openly sighed and looked down at his bruised body. What's wrong with me Zangetsu? I have resolve and I want to win. I fight with my instincts and with my new hollow powers and I have plenty of experience but I'm not feelin' the power like I used to. It's simply not there.

"Hum," Zangetsu seemed to ponder. "The explanation for this is that your too scared of your knew powers, that your hollow will come out and hurt everyone you love. You doubt yourself Ichigo, it's not the power you don't feel anymore, it's your confidence and this is why you fail. You are in control of your power and you must use it to its fullest, believe in your self. There is still much I have to teach you too."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes, pondering his Zanpakuto's words. Yes, I see Zangetsu. More you have to teach me? Dose that mean…

Zangetsu chuckled, "Yes, there are still a few tricks left in my bag. I shall show them to you while you train with your Father and Toushiro. First though I think you better tend to the problem at hand."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow in response. What the hell are you talkin' about, Old Man. Suddenly Ichigo and Rukia were both brought to their feet by a great surge of riatsu, which originated from the eastern hill overlooking the town where he had felt Toushiro and Karin run off to earlier.

People always assumed Ichigo had bad detection skills with Riatsu but the fact was he was just lazy and didn't have the time to concentrate on it. Although when it came to protecting his sister he wasn't lazy in the least bit. So he searched the large spike of riatsu sensing three familiar presences. One was that of his friend and Master, Captain Ukitake. Another, that of the stone cold Byakuya Kuchiki's and how could he miss Zaraki Kenpachi. He sighed as he found out it was just the Captaincy of the Gotei 13, feeling somewhat relieved.

Something itched at the back of his mind though. He focused on Toushiro and Karin's Riatsu. The two seemed excited, yet troubled. They where foolin' around and got caught because one of the captain's Riatsu is filled with all kinds of disappointment and anger. Ichigo looked to his lover and spoke, "Toushiro and Karin are in trouble."

Rukia nodded. She knew they would have to deal with their superiors finding out about all the shenanigans that had been going down for a few months now. It was only a matter of time. So she sighed and gave Ichigo a smile, walking over to him and placing a chaste kiss on his lips, all the while rubbing his upper arm. "It's alright; let's go see if we can talk the Head Captain out of releasing his sword."

Ichigo returned the kiss and gave one of his smirks, "My thoughts exactly."

And with that Ichigo grabbed Rukia's hand and they set off to save Karin and Toushiro from a wrath that was sure to be let lose on the entire city if it wasn't appeased.

Toushiro stood up and brushed himself off. Fuck… fuck…fuck.

The Head Captain tapped his staff on the ground before speaking a warning, "I grow impatient Captain."

Toushiro gulped as the Lieutenants of each division, who weren't already stationed with him, started to come through the gate as it reappeared. "Well, sir…" He took a deep breath, gaining some resolve. Well might as well tell them, we got caught red handed no sense in hiding it.

The spiky white haired Captain reached back and interlaced his fingers with Karin's. She blushed as he pulled her to his side and then placed his arm around her waist, chuckling nervously. "Karin Kurosaki and my self are in a relationship and that's what people in relationships do, sir."

The response was very diverse. The Head Captain's face remained unwavering as well as Byakuya's. Captain Unohana closed her eyes and looked down with a bit of a smile. Kenpachi smirked and gave a lowly chuckle. Captain Kurotsuchi acted uninterested. Captains Ukitake and Kyoraku looked at each other, the ladder slipping coins into the hands of the other. Soifon crossed her arms looking off into the distance apparently annoyed and Komamura looked down at Toushiro with a serious stare. Most of the Lieutenants were wide eyed with the surprise of the Ice Captain's words.

"I see…" The Head Captain started, "Sasakibe?"

The First division lieutenant made his way to Yama-ji's side, bowing slightly as he arrived. "Hai."

The Head Captain's brows furrowed as he pondered for a moment as if making a decision, "… Kill the girl."

Within a second of his Captain's orders, the lieutenant sped towards Karin' only to be stopped by Toushiro. The boy Captain simply did an Aikido chest grab and slammed the less powerful Shinigami to the ground. "I'm sorry, sir, but that's not happening any time soon." He swiftly gave a finishing punch to the face of Sasakibe and resumed his relaxed position next to Karin who, by now, had her hand on the hilt of her sword.

Ukitake and Kyoraku made their way to the head Captain as quickly as they could. "Yama-ji," They both said, Ukitake then taking the lead. "Perhaps it is best if we see if this situation is actually illegal."

The sudden appearance of Ichigo and Rukia at the side of Karin and Toushiro interrupted Yama-ji's response. The orange haired vizard took a look to where Sasakibe lay unconscious and scowled in kind. "Just to let you know, old man," Ichigo boasted, "Rukia and I have been rather intimate too."

Byakuya proceeded to put his hand on the hilt of Senbonzakura, preparing to draw. "I'll do away with all of them, Captain…"

The Head Captain quickly spoke up interrupting the Sixth division Captain. "No, Captain Kuchiki, hold your ground for the moment… My sons continue please."

Ukitake, who looked like he was about to pounce onto Byakuya's back and place him in a binding head lock, sighed and relaxed. "As I was saying, Yama-ji…"

Kyoraku then piped in, "The way Kurosaki describes the process they are actually no longer human. Their souls are separate from their bodies, severed in every way. Their bodies are no more then Living Breathing Gigi now."

Ukitake nodded in agreement with his best friend. "You see, this relationship is not illegal."

The Head Captain furrowed his eyebrows again, "Hum." He grumbled, "Substitute Kurosaki is this process of transforming into a Shinigami true?"

Ichigo itched the back of his head. "Yes, the soul is forced from the living body and soul chain severed."

He then looked over to Kurotsuchi, "Captain Kurotsuchi, this would make them, in essence, dead and a true Shinigami, no?"

It seemed that Mayuri had gotten so board during the last five minutes that he was now filing his nails, "Unfortunately." He confirmed in his jokeresk voice, still acting uninterested.

"Very well, you may continue with your personal affairs. Don't let it get in the way of duty however." The Head Captain ordered proceeded by something un-expected. He smiled. "I like this idea of diplomacy, lives are kept and thing's are better understood."

Rukia blinked at the head captain as well as all the other lieutenants, surprised by his display of emotion.

Toushiro offered an explanation. "Don't be so surprised, Kuchiki. The Man isn't incapable of making a witty comment."

She looked over at Toushiro and saw him smirk. She nodded slowly, "Yes, sir."

The Head Captain, regaining his original composure, turned to his gathered group of Shinigami. He first regarded the lovely Captain Unohana, "Retsu, have your division set up a triage system medical outpost on this hill. You will assist me in battle plans as well since you are one of the wisest people I know. This will be our command Center and my Division will protect it."

"Yes Captain," The kind women replied turning to her Lieutenant. "Fetch the rest of the division, Isane."

Yama-ji then turned to Kenpachi. "Zaraki, You're division will be our spear and our first wave of attack."

"A pleasure, sir," The sadistic man smirked after accepting his orders.

"Work with Captain Soifon and her special forces." The Head Captain added, looking briefly over at the small women. Soifon simply nodded to her Lieutenant and Kenpachi sent Yachiru with the large man to gather their Divisions.

The Head Captain then turned to Ichigo with a chuckle. "Substitute Kurosaki I have a large position of responsibility for you to fill."

Ichigo quirked an eyebrow, "Yes?"

"In the absents of a Captain Ranked Shinigami and a Lieutenant," The Old Man continued, "I would appreciate it if you'd lead the Fifth Division into battle with Captain Kuchiki during the second wave."

Ichigo looked to Byakuya as if to ask permission. The cold man closed his eyes and gave a solemn and discreet nod of approval. Ichigo smiled slightly, "Sure, I don't see why not." He answered.

Yama-ji then continued on with his orders. "Now, Kisuke Urahara has spent the last few weeks setting up a Senkaimon with reishihenkanki in order to Transport the town and it's non-spiritually aware beings to the safety of Soul Society. Aizen will be expecting this and he has no choice but to go through us in order to get the town back here." Just then four pillars sprouted from the ground enveloping the town and everything in a bright and blinding light. It quickly disappeared, the town replaced with a fake version of it's self. Ichigo marveled at the technology hoping everything was okay and well preserved as the Head Captain continued. "He'll have to destroy these pillars and we're not going to let that happen. Captain Komamura, your division shall defend the North West Pillar. Captain Kyoraku, you have the South West Pillar. Captain Hitsugaya, you shall take the South East Pillar."

Toushiro nodded in response before looking up with a question on his tongue, "Sir, who will take the last pillar?"

With cliché timing Urahara, Isshin, Meiyotou. Along with Tatsuki, Chad, Keigo, Mizuiro, Orihime, and a wide eyed Yuzu ridding on the back of her father walked into the gathering of Shinigami. As the others arrived, Renji, Kira, Rangiku, Yamichika, Ikkaku, and Hanataro shunpoed to their respective positions with their Captains. Kira, however, stood next to Soifon ready to receive orders as he temporarily commanded the Third Division.

Yuzu was simply in astonishment at what she saw. Never had she seen a real Shinigami before her dad poured riatsu into her allowing her to completely see everything in the spiritual realm of the real world. She had only been able to see her father and Ichigo in their spirit forms for a few days now and they had yet to tell her about all this Soul Society business. Maybe today, being surrounded by a contingent of Shinigami, she would be let into her family's little circle.

As Toushiro asked his question the Head Captain looked to the group arriving. "Kisuke, I take it the town is safely in Shinigami hands."

Urahara brought up his fan, "It is… it is."

Yama-ji gave a slight nod as he looked to Isshin and gave a grin. "Ah, Isshin Kurosaki, I have a question."

Ichigo's father smirked slightly, "Yes, Head Captain?"

"I need you to take the Ninth Division and defend the North East Pillar." The Head Captain spoke.

Isshin placed Yuzu onto the ground and motioned for Orihime to follow. "No Problem, sir." The three walked over to Captain Unohana, Isshin smirking all the while. "Retsu, can you take care of my daughter while I'm away. Maybe show her a few things. Orihime here is a good healer as you know, I'm sure you could use her."

Unohana smiled back at Isshin and chuckled, placing her hand on his elbow, "Of course, Isshin."

Isshin patted his daughter on the head before heading over to Hisagi, introducing himself and shaking the man's hand. He would need to know his subordinates if he was acting Captain.

The Head Captain then addressed Meiyotou, "Takahashi." He mouthed.

Meiyotou bowed a bit before speaking, "Yes, sir?"

"You shall take care of the Third wave of our attack after Acting Fifth Division Captain Kurosaki and Sixth Division Captain Kuchiki have entered the battle. I am putting you in charge of the Third Division and you will team up with the Twelfth Division." The Head Captain then looked over to the clown that was Mayuri. "Is that understood Captain Kurotsuchi?"

"Yeah, yeah," Mayuri replied. "Just let me find Nemu, she's off in another town with that annoying Quincy boy. That little whore!" Without warning he disappeared off to execute his wrath on his daughter. The Head Captain gave a low growl to show his contempt for the abomination that was Mayuri.

Meiyotou sighed and walked over to Kira, "Ready the squad Lieutenant." He thought a moment, stopping Kira and adding, "Is this squad without a third seat?" Kira nodded in response causing Meiyotou to look over at Karin and smile. "Come on Karin, I want you with me." He ordered.

Toushiro looked over to Karin with longing eyes, and she looked back at him just the same. They didn't need words right now and acting on that, Toushiro garbed Karin by the small of her back and kissed her passionately. She returned the kiss with just as much fervor. "Be careful out there," he warned.

Karin kissed Toushiro's forehead and chuckled, "You too." She slowly backed away and moved to meet up with Meiyotou to discuss the upcoming battle.

Toushiro looked to Rangiku who was giggling. He proceeded to grind his teeth, a tick mark appearing on his forehead. "Matsumoto, ready the squad. We have work to do." The busty blond replied with a giggle and a lazy walk towards the Spirit Gate, her hips swaying.

The Head Captain walked over toward Ukitake, "Jushiro, Your division will take care of Hollows and Menos that Aizen sends. It's shouldn't be a hard task. Your also to reinforce any loses on the front lines if you can."

The Thirteenth Division Captain smiled and bowed, calling Rukia. She quickly responded after giving Ichigo a good luck kiss, running to her Captain's side. "You know, he's not him," Ukitake spoke randomly.

Rukia looked up at her Captain and quirked an eyebrow. "Sorry, Captain?"

Ukitake laughed, "Ichigo is not Kaien."

Rukia took on an offended face and tone, "I would never be with Ichigo just because he looks similar Kaien."

"Good," Ukitake chuckled. "But he is related to him."

Rukia looked up at the white haired man in surprise, "What?!"

"Isshin's Mother was a Shiba," Rukia's Captain explained, chuckling at his own words and walking ahead of her. "I want you to be acting Lieutenant for now, with our two third seats; no orders would ever get through. Maybe we'll make it permanent if you do well and I don't care what your brother says."

Rukia simply walked behind her Captain, completely speechless. As they reached the Gate he motioned for her to go in and get the rest of the Division. She nodded respectfully and vanished into the light, carrying out his orders.

The Head Captain's Voice boomed once again. "Captains and Acting Captains, you have a secondary order. If you encounter an Espada on the Battlefield, you will engage them and if that happens it becomes the primary objective to defeat that enemy. Also, we have a few human warriors to choose from, you may take them into consideration to help out your Divisions… That is all." As he finished he started to walk over to where Urahara stood with the humans.

Kyoraku looked over to Chad and smiled. "Sado!" he yelled, motioning for him to come over. Chad hustled over and shook the man's hand. "Glad to have you on our side." The light hearted Captain chuckled.

Chad gave a simple 'Thank you' in reply.

Kyoraku looked back to Nanao and smiled. "Sweetie, can you go get the rest of the division."

"As you wish, sir," The Lieutenant responded heading to the gate.

Tatsuki noticed a while back that the shortest female Shinigami had been eyeing her for some time since she arrived. So what did the tough girl from Karakura do? She stared right back at her. It paid off though as Soifon disappeared for a moment and attempted to punch Tatsuki in the face. She blocked, her fist crackling with blue lightning and tuning into metal. Soifon simply smirked, "I like you…"

Tatsuki smirked back. "Funny, that's the same thing Renji and Yoruichi said."

Soifon's eyes lit up for a moment and she went back to a relaxed position, "She's here?"

The young girl shook her head, "She went with Jinta, Ururu, and that Tessai guy on some errand for Urahara."

Soifon slowly looked over to see Urahara and the Head Captain who seemed to be in a conversation, her eyes filled with contempt and jealousy.

The Head Captain cleared his throat as he started his question directed at Urahara, "Kisuke, will the Vizards Join us?"

The Shop owner nodded, "Yes, they didn't ask for their power as you know and they despise Aizen for ruining their lives. They asked me to lead them into battle and I accepted. Yoruichi and my subordinates are there now."

Yama-ji nodded and bowed slightly, "Thank you Kisuke, you will be rewarded if this whole thing turns out good for us. Tell them to spread out amongst the Four Pillars and help guard."

Urahara chuckled, raising his fan to his face again. "I love rewards and I will," Hat and Glogs stated while he watched the Head Captain walk away for a moment before being interrupted with Keigo's whining.

"No one wants us." The teenager screamed, rambling on about how unfair it was. Luckily for Urahara, Mizuiro was there to knock the cry baby out of his loud state.

"Thank you Mizuiro. You Boys can join my group, alright?" Urahara appeased.

The Boys nodded and followed Urahara to the Vizard base, off to prepare for the battle to come.

Ichigo shook his head at the Idiots Urahara surrounded himself with. He honestly felt bad for the man, and he usually didn't feel sorry for the Idiot ever. Folding his arms, Ichigo walked over to where Byakuya and Renji stood discussing battle plans. He arrived just in time to catch Byakuya give orders to his lieutenants regarding fetching the rest of the Division and a briefing in two hours. "Can you fetch the Fifth Division too Renji?"

Renji nodded, "I got ya covered, Ichigo."

"Thanks," The Orange haired teen responded before turning to Byakuya, "What's with the Fifth not havin' a Lieutenant?"

"She went crazy, was in love with Aizen and under the spell of his Zanpakuto's Shikai, absolute hallucination or so he says. I'd ask Captain Hitsugaya more about that." Byakuya answered in a somber voice.

"Why, Toushiro?" Ichigo asked.

"Lieutenant Hinamori is Captain Hitsugaya's adopted sister." The stone wall Captain replied.

Ichigo blinked a few times and sighed, "I see… so, about Rukia."

Byakuya held up his hand and started to walk away, "We'll talk about it later Kurosaki, I'm only working with you because of orders. Don't mistake my acceptance of orders as kindness."

Ichigo watch the man's back as he walk away from him. "Jerk off," He said under his breath.

Yep, the next few days are just going to be great!

"Ichigo," Zangetsu spoke up, "Sarcasm dose not suit you."

SHUT UP!

A/N: So I forgot to translate some Japanese for you guys last time. Jinsokutaka should mean Swift Falcon, and the Bankai forum is roughly Hunt King Swift Falcon in English. I made up a word in this chapter, see if you can pick it out. I want you all to post your opinions on whether or not you agree that Mayuri's American voice sounds like the joker. I want your thoughts on that as well. I think the whole Ichigo and Karin legally dead kind of thing was a good loop whole idea. I had it floating around in my head for a while now and I used it. So The Chapters are going to get a hell of a lot longer, one Chapter even being one big flash back so we can tie in Mayuri, Byakuya, Kenpachi, and Unohana going to help Ichigo and his friend in Hueco Mundo. We are getting close to the end. It just might take a while is all. So again, thanks for the Reviews and until next time, R and R.