Performing Jinzen was one of the few ways the young transcendent knew how to calm himself down. After the early wakeup call from his old man there was no way he could go back to sleep, even with the urging of his two sekirei. So he found a decent place outside under a large tree and summoned the sword of his soul.

Entering his inner world was always a bitter sweet experience for the visored. Perched on the sideways sky scrapers that littered his soul he gazed out at an expansive forest with a majestic lake in the center of it. He knew it was the manifestation of his merger with Zangetsu, but it never stopped him from searching endlessly in its depths for the missing part of his soul. In addition to the forest was a pit that seemed to draw all light and hope into its immense nothingness. Once again he knew why it was there and once again he submerged himself into the bleak void to find his enlightenment. Much to his chagrin no answers resided there either. He really had no reason to come back inside his soul anymore, maybe it was the nostalgia that prompted his visits. Catching his attention was a new addition to his soul, just outside the forest was a field of flowers. Shunpoing to the new addition he couldn't believe what he was witnessing, half the field was bright blue hibiscus flowers and the other pure white lilies. Shocked, but not overwhelmed he quickly made the connection. Plucking a flower from each field he could readily feel his sekirei's emotions. Smiling sadly, he wished Zangetsu was here to share the warm sunshine and new additions with him. Abandoning the field he went to the lake to be near his zanpakutou and swim in its crystal depths, before he could sink he felt someone drawing near him in the outside world.

Miya was an early riser so being awake at 5:30 in the morning was nothing new to the powerful woman. Sliding open the backdoor she was met with the crisp morning air, the smell of fresh dew was invigorating to the premier. To her shock she wasn't the only one taking advantage of the early morning splendor.

'Where the heck did he get a sword from?' the miko inquired she had never seen him with it before. Looking closer she had to admit that it was a majestic blade, the unusual design and sleek black sheen was enthralling. Not wanting to disturb him, knowing full well the private nature of soul searching, she couldn't help but advance on him anyway. He looked so at peace with the beautifully crafted blade resting in his lap. Getting within ten feet of him is when his chocolaty orbs locked onto her. Slightly startled by the deadly gaze, she was amazed at the experience the chocolaty eyes held. 'He's a true warrior! Only a hardened soldier could have eyes like that!'

Drawing her blade she didn't hesitate to rush him. She wasn't out for blood, but she wanted to test his swordsmanship. After all in this day and age true swordsman were far and few between. Drawing closer she was surprised when he completely vanished from his seated position. Catching the blur that moved behind her, she readjusted her strike and stabbed directly behind her next to her waist. Feeling the contact she turned her head with a condescending smirk, only to have it wiped off her face. Standing behind her with her blade in his bare hand was her new mystery tenant. There was no blood she was met with a challenging stare and right cross.

"You need to be faster than that to wound me." The lax man drawled out. He knew this moment was going to happen eventually and for it to happen this soon was a pleasant surprise. Answering his challenge the land lady picked up her pace. 'Wow her speed is almost like shunpo. Guess I shouldn't be so surprised shinigami, hollows, and quincy all have their own speed techniques.' He could see her charging in hard from his left yet he made no move to dodge.

Watching her blade cleave him from his collar bone to the center of his sternum shocked her to the core. 'I-I didn't mean to kill him! Why didn't he move or defend!?' To answer her question the image of Ichigo disappeared from view, confusing the purple haired woman. Her instincts warned her a second to late as she felt a painful kick land in her back. Had she been less of a warrior the kick might have incapacitated the premier.

"Utsusemi leaves a speed clone." He clarified at the questioning look he received from the recovering sekirei. He knew she wasn't going all out, but she needed to do more then to try and feel him out. If she wasn't going to be serious neither was he.

"Why did you put your sword away!?" Miya demanded from her impromptu sparring partner. At a complete loss as to where his blade vanished to.

"That blade is not meant for frivolous matches. It is only meant to deliver killing blows." He replied back coldly.

"Do you really think you can beat me bare handed Kurosaki-San?" She questioned with anger leaking into her question. She couldn't believe the audacity of this man to push her aside as nothing. Without waiting for a reply she disappeared again feigning to the right and jumping above him coming down with a vertical slash. Once again she was met with nothing but air and a quick sweep of her legs landing her on her back. Opening her eyes wide she moved as his fist drove into the spot where her stomach was milliseconds before. She could feel her blood circulating rapidly with the old excitement of battle, but she wanted a sword fight not this. Sheathing her blade she walked back into the house without an explanation.

Slightly confused by her actions Ichigo just stayed put. His patience was rewarded when the purple haired land lady walked back out brandishing two bokken. He couldn't help the feral smirk that crossed his face this was what he needed at the moment. Catching the wooden sword that was thrown in his direction he settled into his unorthodox stance, waiting for his opponent to make a move.

Eyeing his stance with the upmost scrutiny she almost scoffed at all the holes it presented. 'Maybe he's not as experienced as I thought he was.' Once again charging in, she was stonewalled as their blades connected 'WOW he's strong!' Stepping into him and adjusting her center of gravity she was able to push him back, only for him to release the pressure on her blade and twist behind her landing a vicious strike across her back. Never one to back down she didn't hesitate after the blow and delivered two of her own one to his kneecap and the other to the wrist of his sword arm making him lose his grip on the wooden blade. Smiling at the sting and numbing sensation in his right hand he rolled retrieving his blade in the other hand. Unlike most sword wielders Ichigo was truly ambidextrous and just as deadly with both hands.

She scowled when he brandished the bokken with his off hand and seemed to pressure her even harder with it. She let out a loud 'OOF' when she received the handle in her stomach when she attempted an overhand slash. Losing her temper she let out some of her power and let an invisible shock wave leap off the end of the practice sword. She inwardly smirked when he was caught off guard and knocked into a tree. She was on him in an instant kicking him in the chest knocking him back to the ground. Her victory was short lived when she heard him quietly chant.

"Hado 4, Byakurai" pointing his index finger directly at the infuriating female, a pale bolt of the lightning shot forth striking her in the shoulder and blowing a small hole clean through. He was pissed at her for the cheap shot, he was under the assumption this was a pure Zanjutsu match. If she wanted to use power he could as well. Seeing the look of shock on her face from being wounded he immediately took the initiative and kicked the sword out of her hands before elbowing her in the jaw.

Staring up at him from the flat of her back she just nodded her head at the unanswered question, she yielded this round to him. Slightly shocked when he offered her a hand up with a smile, she couldn't help but smile back at him. 'That was actually incredibly enjoyable!' she mentally cheered, even though outwardly she winced when she tried to stretch her wounded shoulder.

"Shit! Sorry about that Asama-San I got a little carried away." The transcendent stated scrunching up his nose as he examined the wound. He may have not been as impressive as Orihime when it came to healing people, but he knew enough for a wound like this. Focusing his power into the palm of his hand it started to glow a bright green as he advanced on the wounded woman.

Staring at him warily as he walked towards her with a glowing hand. She had to admit she was nervous about the situation, after witnessing what the power from that same hand could do. She almost lashed out at him when he slid the top of her outfit off her shoulder, but looking at his closed eyes and concentration etched into his face she stopped herself. After a few moments the pain started to fade and the feeling started to return to her fingertips of her right hand. Closing her eyes she tried once more to read his power. To her delight she could catch an echo of it in her body. Power so much power could be felt through their contact. She had confidence in her own might, but he was on a completely different level. She could feel a large source of light inside of him, but under that was a primal darkness. To her surprise there was no turmoil as they both seemed to be in perfect sync with each other. 'What are you Kurosaki-San?' snapping her eyes open at the sound of his voice, she focused back in on his face catching the small smile on it.

"There that should do it. There might be a small scar, but if you want Orihime can get rid of it for you." He stated offering her a hand up.

"Thank you for healing me." The miko stated in a soft voice. She was impressed by his battle prowess, but the gentleness of his healing had her mind racing for answers. Seeing him nod his head at the appreciative statement, she motioned for them to take a seat on the back porch.

"Would you like some tea Kurosaki-San?" the purple haired woman offered.

"No thank you. I'm okay at the moment." He declined resting his back against one of the posts that supported the overhanging roof. He had a one knee up while the other hung over the edge staring into the horizon at the rising sun.

Miya smiled at the peaceful and comfortable visage he displayed.

"Kurosaki-San may I ask what you are. I could feel traces of your power when you were healing me and I find myself confused by it. It came back as both good and evil." The calm landlord asked. A slight shiver raced down her spine at the residual power that had yet to subside in her system.

He really didn't like this question, it had been asked far more then he would prefer. 'Can't people just categorize me as Ichigo and leave it at that. Why is it that I have to be labeled by my genetic make-up?'

He couldn't blame her though as an anomaly he was met with skepticism everywhere he went.

"Sure, but can we go somewhere more private? You never know who might be listening after all." The spikey haired man offered. He was happy that she was giving him a chance after their rocky start. 'Who would've thought it would only take kicking each other's ass for us to get along.' He chuckled internally at that thought, 'I'm really not sure how many of my close friendships started with a fight.'

Nodding her head in compliance she motioned for him to follow her. Leading the way through Izumo Inn she made her way to one place she was sure no one would be listening in, her bedroom. She was slightly nervous about the answers she would receive.

Walking into her bedroom he smiled it was slightly larger than the other rooms, with colorful wall hangings and a few pictures. One caught his attention in particular it was of Miya and a white haired man who appeared to be in his twenties, they were holding hands a smiling at the camera. He was a little shocked by the smile on Miya's face, it made all the ones he's seen so far seem extremely forced and faked. It clicked in his mind where he had seen the other man before, his picture was on the small shrine set up in one of the rooms. 'That explains the sadness I felt in her blade.' Tearing his eyes away from the photo he turned to his companion.

"Where would you like me to start?" he asked deciding to comply with her questions. He made himself comfortable by sitting down and leaning against a wall.

"Wherever you want, I'm only interested in what you are, your past is your private business." She clarified softly for him. She had seen the way he looked at her husband's picture and was pretty sure he had pieced it together already. The slight look of pain that crossed his face intrigued her slightly, in that moment she could tell he sympathized with her loss.

Smiling at the older woman for her tact on the subject he decided to put it bluntly for her.

"I'm a mix of three things as far as I know. My humanity I get from my mother, the good you felt came from my father, and the evil was a byproduct of a training accident." He started stealing a glance at the purple haired woman. "Technically I could be called a Visored, which is the combination of a Shinigami and a Hollow. That name isn't quite accurate though since I'm still alive."

Her mind was spinning at the statement, she had heard of Shinigami in legend only. 'Gods of Death is what they are also referred to as. Could he really be part god? What is a hollow though I don't think I have ever heard of them.'

"What is a hollow Kurosaki-San? I have heard of Shinigami, but I only considered them to be legend."

Taking a deep breath he ruffled his spikey locks before starting. 'Well there's no turning back now.'

"Hollows are a race of creatures which are born from Human souls who, for various reasons, do not cross over to Soul Society after their death and stay in the Human World for too long. They are corrupt spirits with supernatural powers which devour the souls of both living and deceased Humans. I gained the power of the hollows when I partially transformed into one. I was trying to regain my lost powers to save a friend from an unjust death. It is very common that Shinigami are only considered to be legend they go to great lengths to ensure that it is kept that way. As protectors of human souls, hollows are their primary enemy, along with anything that would disrupt the balance between the realms. Until recent years it was considered taboo to associate with living souls." He finished with a sigh telling others about himself was always difficult, it went against everything in his nature.

"If it was considered taboo why did your father, who I am assuming is a Shinigami, have relations with your mother?"

"Love, he met her on a mission to the human world and said it was love at first sight. He abandoned everything he knew to stay with her, going as far as faking his own death." He finished with a small smile it was a trait that he dearly admired about his old man, even though he could be childish as hell he always followed his heart.

Looking at the small smile and faraway look, she could see traces of longing and sadness hiding behind his eyes.

"What happened to your mother Ichigo?" dropping the formalities was almost mandatory for such a personal question. The look of grief that flashed across his face let her know that she had assumed correctly in that his mother was no longer alive. She knew she shouldn't have asked such a personal question, so she tried to retract it.

"I'm sorry you don't have to answer that. I have no right to pry I…"

"It's okay, I've come to terms with her loss. It took time and still hurts, but I can openly talk about it. I could always see spirits from a young age, but I had a hard time telling them apart from normal people." He paused heaving a heavy sigh before revealing his greatest regret. "When I was nine my mother and I were walking home from one of my karate practices. The weather had been incredibly nasty all week and the river was swollen and moving much quicker than normal. I spotted a girl about my age dangerously close to the edge, so I took off from my mother's side to save her. It was all a trap though, set up by a particularly nasty hollow that used bait to draw in strong souls. I never seen the monster and only remember waking up with my mother laying on top of me covered in blood. She died to protect me and lost her soul to the hollow in the process. I later met the same hollow in combat, but was unable to defeat it at the time. I always wanted to track it down to release my mother's soul. Later I learned that my old man had dealt retribution to the bastard and freed the love of his life." He finished with his gaze fixed at the wall seemingly staring right through it.

With her eyes closed Miya was at a loss for words 'He really does understand the pain of loss. The guilt alone must have ate away at him, it seems he still considers it his fault.' Opening her eyes she studied the young man before her, she didn't see the brash young man she couldn't trust or the warrior that she slightly feared. She only seen the little boy inside him that lost something precious to him. She was extremely happy that he allowed her a peek inside of who he truly was and she had to admit she was impressed with his perseverance.

"Are you hungry Ichigo? I can go fix us breakfast while you go take a bath and relax." The purple haired woman offered with a warm smile that rivaled her old smile from the photo. She also needed a bath, but that could be done after they ate she justified. Honestly she wanted some time to herself to dwell on her new knowledge.

"Yeah that sounds great. I really appreciate it Miya." He replied back coming out of his slight daze. A relaxing bath sounded amazing at the moment and a breakfast waiting after sealed the deal for him.

Watching the two part ways in the hallway peeked Matsu's curiosity. 'I really wish I had put a camera in Miya's room now. She probably would've cut my eyes out for doing it though. I wonder what was said they seem to be at peace around each other.' After watching their sparring session she had no guilt in admitting that she was terrified of the tall man. She would never have believed that someone could manhandle number 01 in such a way. 'Aww, I bet Miya got to experiment with him. I'm kind of jealous about that.' Shaking that thought away she knew that Miya was still deeply in love with her late husband and no one would ever replace him. Seeing Kagari and Ichigo talking she turned on her microphones to hear them.

"You must be the new tenant that Miya was telling me about. My name is Kagari it's nice to finely meet you Kurosaki-San." The fire user introduced himself offering his hand for a handshake.

"Same to you. It's pretty early must be a light sleeper as well." The powerful Visored replied accepting the proffered hand in greeting.

"It's either early or late depending on your perception. I work as a host at a club so I'm just getting in for the night." The silver haired man replied with a chuckle. On the outside he was calm and collected, but being around the man he seen hang Minaka off a building had him nervous.

"Wow, that's a crazy work schedule I won't keep you then. It was nice to meet you Kagari." The orange haired stated before turning and continuing his journey to the bath.

"Likewise Kurosaki-San, see ya around."

Slipping into the bath he let a low groan pass his lips. He had to find a place that had a bath this size he decided. The one at home couldn't compare to this one where he actually had room to stretch out his long legs. He was slightly pissed when he heard the door open, he just hoped he wasn't bothered too much with the intrusion. Feeling the other person slip in the bath he didn't need to crack his eyes open to know who it was as they curled into his side. 'It could only be Orihime, Uzume would have started teasing me as soon as she entered.' To confirm his suspicions he opened his eyes catching a glimpse of the unique hair color, he knew he was correct. Neither spoke a word just rested in the comfortable silence. He really did feel like the luckiest man in the world to have the love his two sekirei so freely offered to him. Pulling her onto his lap to hold her closer while resting his chin on top of her head he closed his eyes. Diving into his past always left him in a shitty mood 'Maybe she felt that and that's why she came in here?'

When she finally woke up after an hour of Ichigo's absence she started to look for him. She knew he was close when she finally heard his voice on the other side of the landlady's door. It was quiet, but she could make out the conversation easily. The story of his mother was always heart breaking to the gentle healer. Not wanting to be found eavesdropping she scampered down the hall when she heard them getting up. The bright haired girl waited for him to get in the bath before she decided to make her entrance. Spotting him with his eyes closed she smiled sadly at his visage, she could feel the turmoil in his heart. Wanting to offer him comfort she slid in the tub beside him and tucked herself into his side. She was a little shocked at being pulled into his lap, but welcomed the intimacy. With her head resting against his broad chest she let his steady heartbeat sooth her worries. 'He has the strongest heart I have ever known.' Even though he couldn't see she smiled for him anyway.

"I really love you Ichigo-Kun." Her eyes snapped open when the supposed to be thought formed words and left her mouth. 'Damn you blue men! I didn't mean to say that out loud yet!' She knew Ichigo was a man that preferred to let his actions speak louder than words, but when he didn't react at all she started to panic a little bit.

"I love you too, but you really don't have to say it I can feel it." The young man responded after a few torturous seconds. Giving her kiss on the top of the head he closed his eyes once again.

"I know you can, but it's still nice to hear right?" number 90 replied she was thrilled that her little slip didn't seem to have any ill effects.

"Yes it is" he confirmed squeezing her closer to him

"Would you two knock it off." A sleepy looking brunette yawned out as she climbed in with the two teens. Taking up a position next to Ichigo and letting Orihime drape her legs over her lap, the busty number 10 rested her head on her ashikabi's shoulder.

"Morning Uzume." The two greeted the new arrival.

"Yeah yeah I wish you two would sleep in longer. I'm not really a morning person you know." The veil user mumbled out. She wasn't lazy but sleeping in was definitely a guilty pleasure of hers. With her complaint made she continued.

"So what's on the agenda for the day?"

"Well a spar with Miya gave me some inspiration this morning. I think it's time I start training you two in combat with the help of some friends of course." Ichigo calmly stated. Feeling Orihime stiffen in his lap he knew she caught on to exactly where they would be training. Uzume also bolted upright but not in response to the training.

"Hold on! You and Miya were sparring this morning!" she squeaked turning to face her love. 'How the hell did we sleep through that! I'm going to have to see Matsu I know she has it on tape!'

"Yes we did, it was actually a lot of fun." The lone male replied back nonchalantly. Reluctantly removing his second sekirei from his lap he stood to leave. "I'm going to eat breakfast, but don't screw around too much we're going to be leaving in an hour or two."

Watching their mate leave the bathing area both women sported appreciative looks for their chosen one. Turning her head to scrutinize the other woman, the auburn haired girl couldn't help but feel a little anger towards her. After all she spent years trying to get Ichigo to notice her, and this person made it happen in a matter of days.

"Why did you have to pick Ichigo-Kun as your ashikabi?" the younger female huffed out. This was something she needed to know. Most girls that showed him interest were only after his looks or the power that he wielded. They usually never had a clue about the man he truly was.

"He helped save someone that is very dear to me, and after being around him for a short amount of time I could tell that there was more to him than just a delinquent. He has a very gentle and kind heart that he rarely shows to others, I just happened to be lucky enough to see it. Plus the fact that he is smoking hot helps." She finished with a giggle, she wasn't surprised at the question given Ichigo's past with her co-sekirei.

'Well her heart is in the right place can't really hold a grudge for that.' The frustrated teen huffed she really didn't want to share him with anyone.

"I can't say that I like the idea of sharing him with you, but it can't be helped. If you try to steal anymore of his firsts it will cause a problem between us!" the usually timid girl challenged with narrowed eyes.

"It really is his choice who he gives his first time to isn't it? Whatever he offers me I will take with a smile and not feel the least bit bad about it Orihime." The usually cheerful woman answered back just as challengingly. She understood the busty teen's predicament she really did, but all is fair in love and war.

"Listen to me Orihime I really do love Ichigo, but I also know that his feelings haven't reached the same level as mine 'yet'." She put extra emphasis on the last part before continuing. "I can feel the love he holds for you, but I can also feel love in his heart for me as well. So I will compromise, when the first time happens it will be shared between all three of us!" the slightly perverted woman cheered as if she had just came up with the best idea in the world. Looking at her co-conspirator she openly snickered at the bright red blush that lit up her cheeks. These were the best times she has had in her life so far, she always had friends but being in a relationship with these two made everything else pale in comparison.

"D-Do you really think he would really agree to that?" The busty healer stammered out. She had fantasies about being with Ichigo before, but never with another woman present. It just seemed so naughty to her, but at the same time kind of enticing. Her mouth formed a small 'o' as she drifted off into her imagination. "We'll have to be careful with the hot sauce!" she blurted out randomly staring at the other woman with bright sparkly eyes.

"W-What the hell are you talking about!? There's no way in hell we're using hot sauce during that!" Uzume shouted back in complete confusion, 'maybe I should retract that offer, she may very well be insane.'

-Dining Room-

Ichigo just sat in a comfortable silence rubbing the bridge of his nose. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but they were definitely causing a ruckus in the bathroom. He kind of felt bad for Kagari trying to sleep through this.

"Well they sure are lively in the morning." Miya giggled as she put down the remaining food on the table. She was starting to really enjoy the upbeat atmosphere that the young adults brought into the Inn. Looking at the man across from her, her smile widened marginally. After getting to know him better he really was a great person. 'Takehito would have liked him I'm sure of it. He really does care for his sekirei like a good ashikabi should.'

"Yeah I guess they are." He chuckled taking his hand away from his face. "Their probably excited because I'm going to be starting their training later today."

Raising an eyebrow at his statement she had to respect that he was taking the situation seriously.

"If you need any assistance I would be glad to help." The premier offered

"I really appreciate that Miya, but I have the same people who trained me lined up or them." He really did appreciate the offer, but he believed in Yoruichi and Urahara's training methods. 'I mean after only ten days he turned me from a rookie into a halfway competent soldier.'

"Really, okay then." She shrugged "I really would like to meet the ones that trained you someday. Are they as powerful as you?"

"In terms of raw power I'm unique, I can think of only one man that might be able to match me in that aspect." The image of the attack Yama-ji tried to trap Aizen with crossed his mind. "They make up for that drawback with experience and skill though. There are several individuals that can give me a run for my money." He finished thinking of several Taicho that would be an immense challenge. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the two other bathers.

"Wow breakfast looks really good Miya-San. You really should let me cook for you someday you would really enjoy my cooking!" the quicksilver eyed girl exclaimed.

"Thank you, Orihime. Maybe I will take you up on that someday." The purple haired woman replied back. Sneaking a glance at Ichigo she caught a look that conveyed 'For the love of all of our stomachs don't take her up on that!' giggling at his dismay she continued, "Ichigo was just telling me about some training that you guys are going to be doing. From the sounds of it it's going to be quite difficult."

"W-What do you mean by that! What exactly are we going to be doing!" the dismayed 10th blurted out. She didn't mind a little exercise, but she preferred to just go off her natural talent.

"I'm not really sure, I'm only going to be helping. The regimen is going to be put together by the people that trained me." He replied scratching his cheek thoughtfully. He had no doubt that they were really going to hate this. He almost wanted to pull out a fan and wave at their paled faces after that revelation. He mentally kicked himself for the idea of acting like Geta-Boshi.

"Miya-San your cheek is starting to really bruise." The brunette noticed getting a good look at her land lady. She also noticed a split lip and the way she shifted trying to get comfortable. 'Probably has bruises elsewhere too.'

Reaching her hand up, she winced slightly when she touched the tender flesh. 'He really does have a hell of a right hand on him.'

"It's fine me and Ichigo kind of got carried away during our spar this morning." She casually stated. She didn't want to admit it, but he pushed her harder than anyone else ever had.

"Ichigo-Kun that's not very nice. Please let me fix it for you Miya-San." The kind hearted girl offered after slightly admonishing her ashikabi. She huffed when he just shrugged it off and kept eating.

"It's okay really Orihime, it's not that painful." She stated dismissing the offer, looking at the girl pout she caved. "If it will make you feel better then fine go ahead." Looking at the bright smile that lite up the other woman's face she scowled, slightly feeling like she had been played. When she was enveloped by the golden dome she was astonished. All the pain in her body started to ebb away and the bruising was replaced with unmarred supple skin.

"Wow that is impressive Orihime!" the brunette exclaimed she was already calculating what an ability like that could mean to them in the game. 'We could be indestructible.'

"Heh heh it's really not that special!" she replied back waving her hands frantically in front of her out of embarrassment. She knew that her powers were wonderful, but like her ashikabi she didn't handle praise all that well.

Nudging her in the side with his elbow to draw her attention, he smiled at her when she finally looked his way.

"You really are amazing don't let anyone tell you differently." The Visored stated pulling her into a one armed hug, making a bright blush stain her cheeks.

'There he goes being all perfect again' the Rikka user thought as she stared at the love of her life with her heart in her eyes.

"He's right by the way that was amazing. It's a shame that Minaka broadcast your abilities to every ashikabi in the city." The older miko stated 'putting such a wonderful girl at risk, no wonder Ichigo almost killed him.'

"Speaking of that piece of shit. I need to call him before we leave." The lone male groused as he retrieved his phone from his pocket. Pulling up his number from his recent calls list he hit the send button. When a picture popped up he inwardly groaned talking to him was bad enough, but seeing him made his violent nature twitch.

"Ah, Kurosaki-San I didn't expect to hear from you so soon!" the strange man exclaimed pulling out a pure white fan and holding it in front of his face (Much too the transcendent's annoyance).

He couldn't help the involuntary tick in his eye at the sight. 'I can't believe he is actually copying Kisuke.'

"What the hell are you doing with that!?" The instantly angered man barked out. He already had Kisuke in his life he didn't really need another fan wielder to annoy him.

"Don't be so harsh, you called me remember if you can't behave I'm just going to hang up!" The eccentric man goaded. He knew the orange haired man was dangerous, but he just couldn't help himself.

"Fine, but please put the fan down at least. I called in accordance to our agreement, I'm taking Orihime and Uzume to Karakura to begin training them for the game. When does it start by the way?" the muscular man stated in a calm voice.

"Oh but it has already started! The first stage won't be complete until ninety percent of the little birds have received their wings though. By my calculations you have about three weeks before the second stage commences. So you're going to be training them, hmm that could be interesting do you mind if I watch?" the white haired man questioned laying his fan on his desk.

"Yes I do. My training is a private matter that is why we are going to Karakura in the first place." He replied casually. He wouldn't give this man the satisfaction of knowing how much he hated him.

"Well that's too bad. I will call you if anything changes." The crazy bastard stated ending the connection.

"You really should have killed him when you had the chance." Miya absently stated. It may have pissed her off yesterday when he attacked the president, but now that she knew where his heart lied she couldn't blame him.

"I intended to, but he said the sekirei would self-terminate if he died before the game ended." The agitated teen sighed out. "Enough about that it's time to get going we'll see ya in a couple weeks Miya."

With that he opened his garganta startling Miya in the process. Even though Orihime has seen this technique many times it still left an unsettling feeling of dread in her stomach. Glancing at Uzume she noticed the same reaction to the black gaping maw.

"Don't worry you two I will go slowly. Just stay close to me." He reassured offering them each a hand. After gripping tightly to his hands the threesome jumped in before the pathway snapped shut.

'He really is interesting.' With that thought the land lady decided to go for her own bath and start her day.

-Karakura Town Urahara Shoten-

Landing in the underground training area brought a smile to his face. No matter how many times he came here it reminded him of the first time. All the years of blood, sweat, and tears shed down here bonded this place to his heart. Looking at the occupants waiting for him he inwardly groaned. Not only were Geta-Boshi and Goat-Chin there, but Yoruichi was as well. He knew she was going to be involved in the training, but he wanted to delay the teasing from her at all costs. He was slightly surprised when he went unnoticed as the three individuals walked up to Orihime giving her a hug each. Each stating their happiness that she was unharmed. That all stopped when the dark skinned woman moved the young sekirei's bright hair to the side and tugged the top of her shirt down slightly, revealing her Sekirei symbol.

"Oh Ichigo you were meant to go retrieve Orihime, not enter into a life contract with her. So many women in the Seireitei are going to be disappointed by the news that you are taken." The flash goddess stated in a disappointed and condescending voice as if she were admonishing a child. Looking to the other female she smirked. "Well maybe they won't be so mad if you let them join the harem you're starting. Nice work with this one by the way she is quite the looker."

"W-What the hell are you going on about I'm not starting a harem you perverted were-cat!" The most powerful man in three dimensions stuttered out.

"Uh-huh sure you're not first this beauty and then the lovely Orihime such an animal Ichigo. And I thought you were completely gay after all the times you turned me down." The ex-assassin pouted at him cutely.

"Wha- why I'm not gay you bitch. W-Why the hell would you even say that." He couldn't wrap his head around that logic at all.

"Obviously because you always turned down pretty girls that hit on you. It made you look really, really gay. I think Rukia and Soi-Fon were the only ones that bet you were straight." His old man added just to jump on the pile.

"Yes, those two are going to be quite happy when they receive their winnings. I think it was paying off at a hundred to one that you were hetro." Kisuke added hiding his smile behind his fan. He truly loved these moments when Ichigo got flustered like the teenager that he was. He appreciated the more mature Ichigo, but he needed to act his age once in a while.

Hearing giggling behind him he turned to see his sekirei with their hands over their mouths trying to stifle their laughter. Scowling at them he turned his attention back to the other three in the room. Each of the bastards were holding in their own levels of laughter he wanted to run at the moment or at least beat something to a pulp. Going with the latter option he summoned Tensa Zangetsu glaring at the man in the bucket hat and the bearded one.

"Whoa whoa hold on Ichigo we were only kidding with you!" his father quickly pleaded. He was actually intimidated by his young son and wanted to keep breathing to be able to tease him in the future. He also knew Ichigo was a sore sport when people ganged up on him to tease him. He just knew this was going to be a painful lesson if the look his son was giving him was an indication.

"No pleading is going to work, besides I need the exercise so you two with me." He commanded pointing his blade at the two other men in the room. Turning to his girls he gave each of them a kiss and told them good luck. Turning to the golden eyed beauty he asked.

"Please be careful not to kill them, but I want you to push them to the brink."

"Are you sure about that Ichigo." The hell cat asked with a raised eyebrow. Receiving a nod in confirmation, she turned her attention back to the younger females who both gulped in unison.

'WE'

'ARE'

'FUCKED'

They both thought at the same time. Even though Uzume didn't know the other woman, she knew that she was Ichigo's trainer and that was enough to make her want to flee. The request of her ashikabi made her seriously reconsider the life choices she's made. Looking to Orihime for support was a bad idea she had a look of absolute terror carved into her face.

Across the training ground he heard the first scream of pain that undoubtedly came from Orihime. Losing his nerve he started to dash in their direction only to have two sets of hands latch onto him with iron grips.

"LET ME FUCKING GO!" he screamed at his captives. His heart was breaking at the fear that flooded his body.

"No, now calm down! This is why you brought them here! You knew you wouldn't have the nerve to push them past their limits! You asked for our help to do that now stop and let Yoruichi work!" his old man commanded throwing his son into a cliff that jutted from the ground. He hated the idea to begin with. He felt the very same way when he asked Kisuke to train him when he was fifteen. He couldn't count how many times he wanted to charge in and put an end to it. His son had to stay strong like he did and trust his mentors. Drawing his Engetsu he began the attack on his son.

"Getsuga Tensho" the eldest Kurosaki roared as he fired his signature technique at the powerful hybrid.

"Awaken, Benihime" following Isshin's logic the shop keeper knew they were going to have to keep Ichigo busy. This was as much training for him as the other two, he wasn't one to sit on the side lines and that was what he needed to learn how to do.

-Shinto Tower-

The super-genius sat at his computer endlessly trying to crack Urahara's encryption that blocked him out. The whole process was maddening, he had never seen technology like this man used. Looking up from his screen he noticed Takami walk into his office.

"Why hello Takami dear! I heard our son Minato has failed the entrance exam for the second time! For having so much potential he is an extraordinarily ordinary person isn't he!" the game master exclaimed.

"Don't talk about 'MY' son that way you bastard." The white haired female growled out, "And why am I getting reports that you sent the Discipline Squad to Karakura to spy on Kurosaki? You really are trying to get yourself killed by him aren't you?"

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, favs, and follows. Now I know I strayed from cannon material when I explained Ichigo's genetics (Like his mother only being human and the origin of his hollow) but for the sake of the story I'm not adding any of the recent revelations from the Manga. For those of you that might complain about Miya landing some shots on Ichigo, you have to remember she is quite powerful and a master swordsman in her own right. And yay Minato is about to make his appearance soon! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.