Hey guys!

Thank you all for the continued support.

This chapter is by far the longest one yet but alot happens.

Some questions are answered but I could not fit everything into one chapter.

I hope you guys enjoy it!

DISCLAIMER: KUBO WHY ALL THE CLIFFHANGERS! ICHIGO HAS A NEW POWER AND YOU END THE CHAPTER AHHHHHH!

_Chapter 10_

Transfer

Rukia woke up from a very blissful sleep. She couldn't believe how much things have changed in the last few days. A week ago she was stuck in a depression that she didn't think she would ever get out of. Now she couldn't be happier. She had been prepared for anything two days ago when she went to see Ichigo's decision. She had hoped against hope that he would choose to regain his powers. She had felt a little selfish thinking that he would choose this life over his own. She should have realized that this is his life. The one thing her man would do above all else is strive to protect those that cannot protect themselves. Her man. Those words almost brought tears of joy to her eyes. How long had she suffered when they were apart? Everyday had bled into the next. She had spiraled so far down, so full of anguish that she was fated not to have what her heart truly desired. That had all changed two days ago. He had chose to live in the Soul Society a fact that made her truly happy. The fact that he had also chose her was enough to make her heart feel like it was going to explode. She was truly and completely happy. This was going to be a great day nothing could bring her off of cloud nine right now.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Looking over Rukia called for one of the servants to enter.

"Lady Rukia. Your brother has requested that you join him for breakfast."

"Tell Nisama that I will be there as soon as I am dressed." Rukia replied. This was odd her brother had not asked her to breakfast in quite some time. A twinge of worry flashed through her mind. Dismissing it as paranoia she hurried got ready and went downstairs to join her brother for a meal before they both had to leave to their respective duties. Arriving at the door she knocked softly before entering.

"Nisama I am here as requested." she announced

"Enter."

She walked in and saw that breakfast was a nice spread of fruits with a few pastries. Her brother was already dressed reading the paper while sipping on a cup of tea. Nodding his head in greeting he continued to read as if something was on his mind. Taking her seat on the opposite side of Byakuya she begin to make her plate.

"Nisama, How are you doing today? Well I hope." she asked in order to break the ice.

"Very well Rukia. Might I ask how are you doing? You seem to have regained your spirit again." her brother replied with a smile.

"Yes I have" smiling to herself with her secret "I feel much better Nisama."

"Does your renewed vigor have anything to do with Captain Kurosaki being a permanent member of the Soul Society now?"

Shocked by the question she studied her brother's eyes before answering. She knew better to out and out lie to him, but maybe she could bend the truth a little.

" Nisama, It is true that the return of Ichigo has taken a great weight off of me. He is a very close friend and it pained me when I thought that it would be years to I saw him again."

At this Byakuya put his tea down and looked into her eyes.

"Rukia I expect you to answer this next question truthfully." he said stoically.

Her sense of panic started to creep into her mind again. There is a thousand possible questions he could ask her. Even still there was one in particular that she feared above all else.

"Of course Nisama. I would not disrespect you by deceiving you." she answered nervously

A tension hung in the air as he nodded his approval of her answer.

"What exactly is your relationship with Captain Kurosaki?"

She didn't know what to say. She had feared this question and his reaction above all others.

"Nisama I...I don't know what to say because I fear what you will do." she hung her head in both fear and shame.

"Rukia, If you tell me the truth and the whole truth. I cannot say that I will be happy, however I will promise you that I will not do anything brash."

Knowing that his sister was nervous he had decided to calm her nerves. He wasn't going to kill the boy. Scare the shit out of him maybe, but not kill. After all unbeknown to Rukia he actually approved of the boy. He was just testing her to see her resolve. If she told him the truth he was going to get her to invite the young man to dinner tonight. That way he could watch Ichigo squirm, something he would thoroughly enjoy. If she lied to him then we would forbid the relationship from continuing. Right now at this moment Rukia had her future entirely in her hands. He studied her demeanor and saw that she was trying to find the words in her mind. As obvious as a light being turned on resolve showed on her face. Smiling to himself he knew what her response would be. Steeling her eyes and raising her head she began.

"Nisama, Ichigo and I are in a relationship. I have known for a long time that I cared for him more than just a friend. When he lost his powers and was no longer able to see me it was the most alone I have felt in a long time. It is true that his return is what has changed my demeanor. He loves me Nisama. He told me so and I have never felt this happy before. I do not want to disgrace you or the Kuchiki name. However, if you tell me that we are not allowed to see each other I am prepared to give up my status as a noble." steel violet eyes looked back at him full of resolve. He was proud of her. She had not shown a hint of weakness.

"He told you that he loves you? Am I to assume that you feel the same?"

"Yes I do Nisama, I only truly fill whole now that we are together. I do not think that I could take another forced separation. As a matter of fact I will not let that happen again. I await you decision on the matter."

It had been a long time since he had seen such fire in her. Truly the boy was a good influence on her. Anybody around the two could sense the connection between them.

"I see." one day she would make a fine leader "Will you see him at some point today?"

Shocked by the turn of events Rukia had to think for a moment.

"Well he is supposed to be getting acquainted with his squad today. I was planning on going there for lunch though."

"Very well. When you see him kindly invite him to the manor for dinner this evening. I have to think about this and I would like to tell you both my decision at the same time. So that there is no confusion about the matter. Is this acceptable to you?"

This day was truly going to be one shock after another. She had fully expected her brother to rise and draw his sword after finding out the truth. In actuality the only reason it had taken her a few moments to answer is that she was trying to figure out a way to warn Ichigo.

"I will tell him of the invitation Nisama. I will also make sure that idiot is on his best behavior."

"Very well. I do believe the hour is almost upon us. You should report to Captain Ukitake I expect you not to be late for your duties."

"Yes Nisama I will leave now and return this afternoon with Ichigo."

With that she left. A hell butterfly fluttered into the room and landed on his finger. The message was short as expected. The man never did like to communicate with them after all.

"I will be there." the voice of Isshin Kurosaki said.

Smiling Byakuya rose and started making his way toward his office. Tonight would be fun for the most part. He never grew tired of messing with the boy. It was very easy to do. The only unknown would be the two of their reactions to the news that in his opinion was far over due. He supposed that the man had his reasons for keeping the truth from them. Still this night should be amusing.

On her way to her barracks Rukia was lost in thought. She knew from their conversation that her brother had already known the truth about her and Ichigo. How had he known? They hadn't even told their closest friends yet. It always had amazed her how her brother seemed to always have information. Now she just had to tell Ichigo. Her brother had not seemed mad even when she had stated she was willing to give up her title as a noble. Was that a good sign?

"Do not worry child. I am sure things will work out just fine." Sode no remarked trying to reassure her.

"I am just worried that's all. I have just now experienced this happiness. I do not want anything to take it away." Rukia replied in her head

She could see her barracks now and was anxious to talk to Captain Ukitake. Ichigo did not know that Momo had given up her position as fifth squad lieutenant after the incident with Aizen. His squad had been run by the third seat for quite some time now with the Captains helping out as they could. She had intended on asking Captain Ukitake if she could transfer to the fifth squad. Her reasons to him were going to be that Ichigo did not have a lieutenant and that with her knowledge of the Soul Society and its inner workings she could be a great help to him. Her true reasons of course were that she would be able to spend more time with Ichigo. The job of a Captain is trying and he would have little time to spend casually especially since he was learning everything for the first time. She smiled thinking of it. It would be like old times they would truly be partners again. As she walked into the barracks and towards Ukitake's office she was surprised to sense Ichigo's reiatsu in the office. Thinking nothing of it she knocked announcing herself to her Captain.

Ichigo had woken up early. He wanted to be there when all his new squad arrived for morning formation and announcements. Yawning he walked from his quarters to his office when he was dressed. He was surprised to see a young man at the desk diligently working on paperwork.

"Hello I am Ichigo Kurosaki." he said with a smile behind the man. The young man nearly jumped out of his skin as he turned around.

"C...Captain Kurosaki sir! I am sorry. I meant no disrespect to be sitting at your desk sir! I have been doing the paperwork for so long it has just become a habit." the young man had a panicked look on his face.

"Calm down. First of all it's Ichigo when we are in here don't worry about that Captain stuff. What is your name and what do you do here?" Ichigo said as he tried to calm down his subordinate.

"My name is Isamu Maruyama and I am your third seat sir." the young man said as he bowed.

"Third seat huh? I thought that Momo Hinamori was the lieutenant of this squad. What happened to her?"

"She was deeply affected by Aizen's betrayal. After the winter war she found it to hard to come back in here day in and day out. Having spent so much time under his spell she needed a relief. She transferred to Captain Hitsugaya's squad around six months ago." the young man relayed.

"So as of right now this squad does not have a lieutenant?" Ichigo asked as a idea began to form in his head.

"That is correct sir."

"Thank you for all the information. I think to day I would like to observe the squad and see what training is needed. Can you call everybody into one place? I would like to introduce myself. I have not decided what our goal as a squad will be yet but I have a good idea. How many people are in this squad anyway?" Ichigo asked a million questions forming at the same time.

"Right now our numbers are a little under that of a regular squad. We have not done recruiting in some time due to our former Captain's actions, and the transfer of our lieutenant. We are at six- hundred and thirty-one members, divided into three groups each with just over two hundred members. Right now we have nineteen seated members in total only missing the lieutenant spot. I can get everyone together, but it will not be until this afternoon. The only reason sir is that we have a few members on mission right now. I would be able to confidently say I can get everyone here right after lunch."

"Thank you Isamu. I am really looking forward to working with you. I have something I need to talk to Captain Ukitake about will you be okay if I return after lunch?" Ichigo asked his idea fully formed now.

"That would be fine sir. I encourage you to get to know the area. Sir can I say something freely?" Ichigo looked quizzically at the man in front of him.

"Of course you can. Let it be known that anytime you want to say something to me you can. I cannot promise that I will like what you have to say, however I will always listen." smiling down at Isamu.

"Sir, I would just like to say that it is truly an honor having you for our Captain. I have purposefully not told anyone else yet because I want them to be surprised. To think the Hero of the Winter War is my Captain. I look forward to serving under you sir." With a bow the young man smiled and returned to his work.

Humbled by the man's words Ichigo began to walk out of the room before turning around.

"I will do my best to live up to your expectations Isamu."

"I am sure that you will sir."

Ichigo spent the next thirty minutes or so exploring the fifth squad area. There were living quarters, a training are and what looked to be a common area. He stayed out of sight not wanting to introduce himself until the meeting later that day.

As the minutes ticked by he finally decided that he had to talk to Ukitake. He had intended from the moment he became Captain to ask Rukia if she would be his lieutenant. She was not only his girlfriend. She was his partner there was no one else that he felt more comfortable fighting beside. They knew each other inside and out. Her being his second in command only made sense. He needed a lieutenant and she was the perfect choice. He only needed to ask Ukitake if he would let her transfer.

Rukia opened the door when she was bid in by her Captain.

"Hello Rukia. Hope this morning is finding you well." Ukitake smiled. Ichigo had just arrived and he had a feeling he knew why. It was almost fate that she showed up at the same time.

"Ahh young love." he mused internally.

"Captain Ukitake I have come to report for duty sir." Rukia answered respectfully.

"Come have a seat Rukia we were just talking about you." her Captain gestured to the empty seat in front of him.

"Ichigo what are you doing here?" she thought as she took her seat.

"Rukia, Captain Kurosaki and I were just talking about you. It seems that his squad is without a lieutenant." He stopped there as the comment registered in her mind, smiling as her eyes widened and a hint of a smile formed on her face. She looked toward Ichigo who had a smug grin on his face.

"Yes sir. I was meaning to talk to you about that today." that idiot she was going to surprise him by requesting a transfer to his squad. Apparently he had beat her to the punch.

"You were?" he smiled internally. He had already finished the paperwork yesterday. He knew this conversation would happen.

"Yes sir. Captain Ukitake it has been an honor serving under you sir. I would like to humbly request to be transferred to squad five. My knowledge of the workings of Soul Society would be a great asset to Captain Kurosaki."

Ukitake smiled at his lieutenant.

"It seems that Captain Kurosaki feels the same way. He has just told me the exact same thing."

sighing he pulled the completed transfer request out and showed it to her.

"It seems I am fated not to have a lieutenant."

"Sir this is dated yesterday." she looked up her Captain with curiosity in her eyes.

"I have not been a Captain for as long as I have because I cannot see."

Ichigo sat straighter at this.

"Captain Ukitake, what do you mean sir?" he asked

"You two may think that some things are not obvious. You forget that I once had a husband and wife as my second and third seats. Even though you have only been back for two days it would take a blind man not to see the looks that you two share with each other. No before you say anything I haven't told anybody. It's not my place. I would like to offer my congratulations that you have finally expressed your feelings to each other. And if I may add its about time."

Smiling warmly at them Ukitake laughed as both of their faces turned red.

"Captain Ukitake sir it's not about that I just thought..." Rukia stammered embarrassed

"Captain Ukitake its just that there is no other that I trust as much to be by my side.." Ichigo managed to get out equally embarrassed.

Holding a hand up to silence them he smiled warmly again.

"Do not fret. If I thought that the reason you wanted to transfer was for spending more time with Captain Kurosaki I would not have filled out the paperwork. Although I am glad that you two have finally decided to unite together, the simple fact of the matter is that as a team you two have been through so much. Every challenge that you two have faced together has been overcome. You know each others mannerisms and fighting techniques it is almost like you are of one mind. I have personally witnessed you two dance through hordes of hollows without missing a beat. Constantly guarding and watching out for each other. A partnership like that is the true objective of a Captain and Lieutenant relationship. Rukia I have enjoyed the time that you have been my second in command. However, I do not believe that I will ever be in as much sync with you as Captain Kurosaki. You two belong together. Not just in your hearts, but side by side on the battlefield. I could not and would not prevent that. You have my every support to transfer to the fifth squad."

He smiled as he observed the stunned faces on the two. He had meant every word the two of them were a perfect team.

"Captain Ukitake thank you for your kind words. Are you sure you are going to be okay without a lieutenant." Rukia asked

"I still have Kiyone and Sentaro as my third seats. They will do a fine job."

"Captain Ukitake thank you for understanding. Rukia is more than just my partner. She is the one above all else that I want to stand beside." Ichigo said humbly.

"I know that Ichigo. The moment you became Captain I knew this would happen. Now we can talk some more later. I think that the two of you need to introduce yourself to your squad. Rukia I am going to need that badge back I am sure Ichigo has one for you."

Rukia untied the 13th division illuminant insignia from her arm and handed to her former Captain.

"Rukia, Captain Ukitake is right we need to get to the barracks I have called a meeting of the squad in about an hour. We have just enough time to get back to the barracks and get you your new badge before the meeting. Captain Ukitake my we be dismissed."

"Of course see you both soon."

As they both disappeared with flash step Ukitake smiled widely. It was good to see two people with such a strong bond. It reminded him of what they were fighting for.

Reappearing in the office of the fifth squad Ichigo looked at Rukia with a smug look on his face and was promptly kicked in the shin very hard.

"OW! Rukia! What was that for?" he yelled while holding his injured leg.

"Why did you not let me talk to Captain Ukitake first you idiot! Did you not think that I was going to request a transfer!" Rukia yelled

"I didn't know! I thought it was a good idea you crazy midget! Do you not want to be here!" Ichigo yelled back.

Neither noticed that Isamu had walked in and was staring wide mouthed at the scene before him.

"Of course I do you idiot! I am your partner ain't I! I just wanted to surprise your dumb ass!" Rukia finished that sentence with a blow to the gut.

"Rukia, I just thought if I did things quickly we could learn the squad together." he said while hunched over.

Rukia was about to uppercut her dumb ass boyfriend when she noticed another presence in the room and turned a little red. Turning to the new comer she introduced herself.

"Of course I know you Lady Kuchiki, but why may I ask are you here?" Isamu asked

"Ah Isamu I am glad you are here. Do you know where our lieutenants badge is?" Ichigo asked

"Yes sir! Captain Kurosaki it is in the upper right drawer of your desk."

Grabbing the badge he beckoned Rukia over and tied it around her arm. Tying it a little to tight earning a glare from her as he chuckled.

"Isamu, I have appointed Rukia as my second in command. She is a great warrior and a very good friend. I am sure that she will do well here in our squad."

"I am honored Lady Rukia. To think that the Savior of Soul Society and his partner are to our two leaders. The men will be very excited indeed." Isamu smiled he was truly honored.

"About that are the men ready?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes sir I was coming to tell you."

"Good go gather them in formation we will be right there."

"Yes sir."

As they watched him leave they turned to each other.

"Are you sure you want to be by my side?" Ichigo asked

"Fool, I am always by your side." Rukia smiled grabbing him and pulling him in for a quick kiss.

Parting reluctantly Ichigo smiled at her and they turned and walked toward the members of their squad. Remembering suddenly Rukia's face turned white.

"Ichigo I have to talk to you it's important."

"About what?"

"He knows."

Ichigo lost a step when he heard this. Looking around to see if there were any tell tell signs that he was about to be sliced to ribbons by Senbonzakura he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw none.

"Does he want to kill me?"

"No I don't think so. He wants you to come to dinner." Rukia smiled at the look of shock in his eyes it helped her deal with her own fears.

"Dinner? At the Kuchiki mansion? With Byakuya?" Ichigo gulped as the thought hit him square in the chest.

He might not make it out of this one alive.

Okay so the majority of you were right of course Rukia was going to be Ichigo's LT.

The next chapter will probably be a long one too. I have two main objectives for it.

Ichigo introducng himself to his squad and telling them his mission for them.

The dinner and the secrets that will be brought to light during it.

sidenote: I picked the name Isamu for Ichigo's third seat because the name means Bravery or Courage I thought that worked well for someone in his squad.