Chapter 1: We Have Cannons!
Chad didn't believe that this invitation to Kisuke's shop was by coincidence. Just days earlier, he'd been approached by a strange man from an even stranger group that called themselves Fullbringers, humans with spiritual powers, like himself. Those that could manipulate objects around them, the group had explained his own powers to be that of Fullbring, something he had never heard of before. But the way that they explained this power of Fullbring, resonated with how he felt when he used his power. Like his, Abuelo was fighting alongside him.
Apparently, the catalyst for his powers was the coin he had received years ago as a gift from his Abuelo, something he had kept with him for so long that he could barely remember a time without it.
He honestly didn't know what to make of the situation. He had gone along, perhaps to find out if their purpose was to harm others and to see if it was possible to learn more about his own powers. He was shocked to learn that their goal was to train Ichigo to regain his Shinigami powers. Apparently, they wanted Ichigo to take away their powers so they could lead normal lives, from what their leader Kūgo Ginjō had told him, only a Substitute Shinigami was capable of doing so.
But it was all off. Something didn't feel right about it. Why were they so secretive? They said it was because the Fullbringers had been persecuted and wronged by not just Society but also the Soul Society, but was that really all it was? Chad had his doubts. With them mentioning Ichigo, it made him immediately cautious of the strange group. They knew of Ichigo being a Substitute Shinigami in the first place was strange enough, something that they hadn't revealed how they knew.
After the initial meeting between Chad and the group that called themselves Xcution, Chad had been intending on meeting with Kisuke, to explain his doubts and to see what the true story was behind these Fullbringers, if anyone had information about the strange group, it'd be Kisuke. However, every time he had gone to the Shōten to make contact, Kisuke was out, the shop had no trace of anyone present, and he couldn't even get inside the shop to investigate.
Then just now, a phone call from Kisuke with the invitation to visit his shop that evening for tea. No doubt Kisuke was aware by now of what was happening, he was a mysterious man that knew things far beyond what was normal since coming to know the man at the start of their spiritual journey, Kisuke was the one who they could rely on to inform them of going's on that they had no knowledge of. Plus it concerned Ichigo and Kisuke was always in the know when Ichigo was the topic of conversation.
Walking down the street, despite the late time of night he found himself walking towards Kisuke's shop, it would be better to talk with Kisuke about the situation anyway. If they could deal with this without Ichigo getting involved, it would probably be for the best. He was just starting to get used to a normal life, no need to bring him back into it all especially if he didn't want to. To be honest, Ichigo hadn't really confided in anyone about what he wanted, what he truly wanted, he kept his thoughts close to his chest in that regard. Even Chad couldn't fathom a guess at where Ichigo stood right now.
Chad knew that Ichigo was hurting over the loss of his powers, not that he would ever admit it. It was to be expected, after all, he once stood at the very top and now wasn't even a contender. Every time something spiritual came up, Ichigo had always been the first person to act, damn the consequences. He always pushed himself, far beyond the limits of what was normal, he'd been on death's door more times after becoming a Substitute Shinigami than Chad could count.
It might have been different if they were on the same level, but despite training, despite doing his best to get stronger in any way that he could, Ichigo was worlds apart from the very start. It's almost as if the spiritual world was a breeze to him when he and Orihime barely knew where to put their foot in the door. It came naturally to Ichigo.
When Ichigo was a Shinigami, Chad felt helpless, there were fights that he couldn't contend in, and fighting against the Arrancar really showed him his limits as a human. He might have power, but he wasn't on the level of Shinigami or some of the threats they faced. He couldn't always uphold the promise to have Ichigo's back. Ichigo progressed far to quickly that Chad had no hope of ever catching up with him.
Orihime was always hopeful that Ichigo would regain his powers but that was just wanting Ichigo to be happy. If Chad was being honest, then maybe it was for the best that he didn't. He would just be dragged back into the mess that was Soul Society, they relied on Ichigo to sort out their problems for them, almost as if they couldn't deal with problems themselves, he had to wonder how they operated before Ichigo had made himself known to them.
Chad wouldn't be able to help him if he needed it, not that he would ever say he wouldn't stand beside his friend when he needed to. Ichigo's opponents were so strong that he didn't know if anyone could stand beside him, to aid him. As selfish as it was, Chad just wanted Ichigo to be safe. But he would never stand in Ichigo's way of getting stronger, he'd just push himself to get stronger than he was now, and maybe this time he'd be able to catch up should Ichigo regain his power. He would always try to reach Ichigo's level.
Sighing softly Chad came to the lot where Kisuke's shop was located, he currently wore a dark green shirt, blue pants and a pair of white shoes with his ever-present gold coin on a chain around his neck, he'd even started to grow somewhat of some facial hair in the shape of a goatee over the past few months, Keigo saying he should.
The lights were on in the store which hadn't been the case the previous times he had tried to visit, no doubt Kisuke was expecting him. Heading for the shop he knocked gently before sliding the door open revealing this time it was unlocked. The front of the shop was dark and as per usual empty, not unexpected especially this time of night, and in truth, there weren't many customers during the day either.
Having heard the knock a familiar face popped out of the back room.
"Chad, you're here." Orihime smiled brightly surprising the large teen, he wasn't expecting Orihime to be present. Kisuke had strong spiritual barriers to hide whoever was inside so he hadn't sensed her presence upon his approach.
She was dressed in a pink sleeveless hoodie with a flower print over her left breast, a pair of tan short shorts with blue stockings and white shoes. Over the last few months, her hair had started to grow out and she'd done more to take care of it, it looked fuller and now framed her face now that she wore her hairpins on her shirt rather than in her hair.
Chad had to wonder if Xcution got into contact with her as well. Was that why she was here? They hadn't mentioned Orihime at all. Was Orihime's powers that of Fullbring? She did use her hairpins from her brother as a catalyst, he honestly hadn't thought much about it until now but the description Ginjō had given him pretty much labelled Orihime as a Fullbringer as well. Deciding it could be figured out later, as a man of few words Chad gave her a slight nod as he slid the door closed behind him and followed Orihime into the back room where inside sat Kisuke waiting, Orihime took her spot up again as Chad sat opposite her.
"Ah, Chad good of you to make it, sorry to inconvenience you so late." Kisuke apologized with a small smile as he placed a small teacup before the large teen and began to fill it with tea from the small ornate kettle he had atop the table.
"It's fine." Chad stated. Silence hung in the air as Kisuke smiled at the two teens, Orihime as bubbly as ever was simply content with her tea as she held it close while Chad frowned, staring down at the stalk floating in the middle of his cup as his own reflection rippled in the liquid.
"So what did you call us here for, Mr Urahara?" Orihime questioned, noticing how quiet Chad was, which was a feat in itself with how quiet and reserved the young man could be at times.
"I thought that I would check in on your progress on your training." Kisuke stated with a warm smile as Orihime's smile grew wide. "You've been training with Hachigen to better understand your powers right?"
"Uh-huh." Orihime nodded happily, eager to divulge more and learn about her powers and their capabilities. After the battle with Aizen was over, Kisuke apologised to Orihime for turning her away when she had asked for training, believing that his dismissing her wanting to get stronger was what had led to her capture by Aizen. Orihime was quick to forgive and had asked to be put into contact with the Visoreds seeing that Hachigen knew more about her powers and had been working with the large Visored to learn more about her power.
"Miss Hiyori helped out sometimes too." Kisuke chuckled, knowing that Hiyori's help would have resulted in Orihime having a few bruises to tend to, but the petite Visored would undoubtedly help Orihime grow stronger. If Hiyori was helping, it was safe to assume that the other Visoreds who hadn't gone back to Soul Society had aided her as well, no doubt she was a lot stronger than back when he had refused her training.
"Kisuke." The large teen spoke only causing Kisuke to nod in understanding, Orihime gaining a questioning look as she glanced between the two.
"Right." Kisuke began, his tone becoming more serious. "Chad, you were recently contacted by a man by the name of Kūgo Ginjō, correct?" Orihime turned her attention to Chad, confused at where this was going and who this man might be. So she hadn't been contacted by Xcution as he had been and seemed to be completely out of the loop, she honestly might be here just because Kisuke had invited her.
"Yes." Chad nodded, having already figured that was what this was about. "He contacted me several days ago, and introduced me to a group known as Xcution, made up of people with strange powers, Fullbringers." He continued, figuring he might as well let the other two know what had happened. "They intend to help Ichigo regain his lost Shinigami powers."
"What? Is that possible?" Orihime questioned shocked as she quickly turned to Kisuke with wide eyes, staring at him for confirmation.
"It is." Kisuke confirmed after a few moments of silence, shocking both Chad and Orihime that there was a way for Ichigo to regain his powers. Orihime's mouth opened slightly however she didn't speak, closing her mouth again she focused on the table, seemingly going over her thoughts. The reality was that Orihime was like Chad and didn't know if it was best if Ichigo regained his powers, it would make him happy but it would put him in danger over and over again.
"However this man Kūgo Ginjō, shouldn't be trusted." Chad frowned as he lowered his gaze, he knew he felt strange about the man and Kisuke was now confirming it. "Did he say why he wanted to restore Ichigo's power?" Kisuke questioned the large teen.
"He said that only a Substitute Shinigami could remove the powers of a Fullbringer." Chad confirmed, repeating what Ginjō had told him during their meeting.
"Now how might he have come across such knowledge?" Kisuke posed the question as Chad remained silent, it was Orihime who spoke next.
"He is one?" She questioned aloud tapping her chin in thought before her eyes widened in realisation as she looked across to Kisuke for confirmation.
"Indeed." Kisuke nodded, her guess had been correct. "And he was the reason the law was passed that no Substitute Shinigami would be created again." Kisuke explained shocking them both. "I don't believe his intentions are good in this regard, he's had a grudge against Soul Society for a long time, and I believe that he intends to either use Ichigo for it or something far more nefarious." Chad clenched his fist.
"It's not your fault Chad." Orihime smiled softly, noting Chad's demeanour darkened. "At least now we know to be wary so that we can protect Ichigo together." She declared.
"Right." Chad nodded in agreement, if Soul Society wasn't going to step in and aid them, then at the very least he and Orihime could protect Ichigo in this regard, they might even be able to convince Uryu to aid them as well. No doubt Kisuke would intervene too, perhaps he had been worried too soon. Ichigo had many allies that weren't Soul Society.
"... about that..." Kisuke began only for the door behind Kisuke to slide open as Yoruichi stepped through dressed in her usual attire of an orange over-shirt with two white straps on each shoulder, a large beige sash around her waist, and black stretch pants with a pair of lightweight brown shoes.
"Oh, you're both here already." Yoruichi smiled upon seeing the two teens. "I see Kisuke has gotten you both up to date on everything." She stated as she raised a hand, thrusting her thumb over her shoulder as she glanced at the auburn-haired teen. "Orihime if you would go down and heal Ichigo for me, your power is faster and more reliable than basic healing Kido." Orihime blinked once then twice before she rushed past Yoruichi who looked on in surprise at the girl's sudden eagerness.
"Hadn't gotten that far yet." Kisuke stated.
"Oh." Yoruichi began, blinking realising that neither Chad nor Orihime knew that Ichigo had been training below, there were several seals in place to hide any reiatsu leaking from below after all, even stronger than those in Kisuke's shop. "You dawdle too much Kisuke." She sighed.
"I was just about to get to it." Kisuke pouted as he turned to Chad who looked at him with a questioning gaze. "We approached Ichigo just a bit over a week ago now when we first knew Ginjō appeared on the scene, and asked him directly what he wanted to do." He explained. "He has a right to make that choice himself." Kisuke added, getting a nod from Yoruichi in turn.
"So Ichigo has his powers back?" Chad asked, he hadn't noticed anything different in Ichigo these past few days but in truth, Ichigo had been pretty scarce the last few days, Chad had figured that he was busy at work with his boss Ikumi, but now he realised the truth behind it. Chad would have preferred that Ichigo be honest with them, but knowing Ichigo he had remained quiet so as to not worry them.
"Not exactly." Yoruichi smiled. "We just activated his Fullbring ability and have whipped him back into shape now that he's in his physical body and not soul form, he's a long way away from regaining his Shinigami powers." She confessed. "Come on." She ushered for him to follow after her the teen nodded as he stood, Kisuke following suit as the trio headed for the hatch that would lead them to the subterranean training ground.
All three dropped down the hatch, the drop was not an issue for any of the three. Chad noticed the orange glow of Orihime's Santen Kesshun as Yoruichi led them across the terrain to where Ichigo was unconscious beneath the shield, Orihime kneeling beside it as she focused on healing him. Ichigo's clothes were in tatters and there was blood, a lot of blood and the terrain surrounding them was littered with battle scars. Chad noted that held in the teen's grip was his Substitute Badge, flickering with reiatsu.
"His medium, not unlike your coin or Orihime's hairpins." Kisuke explained noticing Chad's gaze lingered on the badge. "Ginjō probably told you that the use of Fullbring is to manipulate the Soul of an object." Chad nodded.
"The stronger the affinity with the object, the more the soul of the object can be utilized with Fullbring." Chad stated, reaching up and gripping the coin around his neck, rubbing his thumb over it.
"Indeed." Kisuke nodded as Kisuke took a glance around the destroyed surroundings, noting just how much damage had been caused both by Ichigo and Yoruichi, this seemed more than just a little bout of training.
"You said to push him." Yoruichi stated with a shrug feeling Kisuke's gaze land on her. "He has to learn his new limits more than anyone, know that he is in his human body, not ejecting from it to utilize his Soul form." She added.
"Yeah." Kisuke nodded. "I just didn't think that you would push him this far." Kisuke admitted, but he knew that it was for a good reason. Ichigo, even with his Fullbring wasn't at the pinnacle of the strength he once held, even obtaining his Fullbring had been far quicker than either Yoruichi or Kisuke expected. There would be times he would overreach, and if he didn't know his limits it could end with disastrous results. It was right for Yoruichi to push him to these limits now, rather than deal with the consequences later. Plus, Ichigo always grew better in battle situations.
But knowing Ichigo, he would test those limits. It's how he always grew stronger, pushing past the limits that were normal and soaring to new heights. He'd come a long way since the boy with the broken sword had climbed out of the pit with a hollow mask on his face.
"What now?" Chad questioned as the two former Captains turned to the large teen.
"Now?" Kisuke mused. "I wonder."
"Stop messing around, Kisuke." Ichigo's voice spoke up causing all to turn to the orange barrier to see that Ichigo was awake, all of his severe wounds had healed up leaving a few scrapes here and there which soon vanished and the last of the fabric of his clothes was mending back together due to Orihime's power.
Ichigo hadn't changed much in the months that had passed other than he had grown some sideburns, his height had increased somewhat and he now wore a black shirt underneath a white long-sleeved jacket, white pants and white shoes.
"You're okay." Orihime whispered softly, how often had she seen the sight of Ichigo in such a state? But she knew, she had resigned herself that if Ichigo ever regained his powers that she'd always be there to heal him, no matter what. Now was that time and she would fulfil the promise that she had made to herself. She would be by his side and always be his shield, not the girl he needed to protect. They would protect each other.
"Thanks, Orihime." Ichigo began as he sat up, the shield around him shifting to adjust to his new position. Orihime nodded with a small smile seeing him in a much better state than when she had found him so released her Santen Kesshun, her fairies retreating to her hairpins. "Kisuke wants me out of the way while Soul Society deals with Ginjō, or whoever. Says he's got some plan, a vacation as he put it." He added with a scoff.
"You needn't get involved, the Soul Society should have dealt with the issue long before it ever got this far." Yoruichi sighed. "In fact, I have no doubt they had intended you to deal with it, Soifon wouldn't just sit back and let him do as he pleases and there is no doubt Soul Society hasn't been keeping tabs on him." Yoruichi confirmed. "And considering what Soul Society's been up to lately." She added mentally sharing a glance with Kisuke, both knowing the plan to restore Ichigo's Shinigami powers.
"Now would you all like to hear my grand idea?" Kisuke questioned causing all eyes to turn to him. "It'll be fun~" Ichigo shifted, running a hand through his hair before he moved to stand up, offering a hand down to the kneeling Orihime who took it as he pulled her up to her feet before he turned to her and Chad.
"Sorry, I didn't want to drag you guys into this." Ichigo admitted. "I had no idea that Ginjō would try and contact you Chad, if I knew then..." Chad shook his head.
"I'm just glad everything is okay." Chad smiled softly as he walked forward towards Ichigo and raised his fist up towards Ichigo who looked up at the large teen in surprise. "I won't fall behind again." Chad declared with a resolve that made Ichigo smirk in return as he raised his own fist up, the two pressing their knuckles together.
"I'll hold you to that." Ichigo nodded before Orihime's smaller fist pressed against their two surprising them both.
"Me either!" She added with a smile of her own. Yoruichi smiled as she watched the trio, they were comrades that had fought together and would continue to do so. "Oh, what about Uryu?" She questioned but Ichigo shook his head.
"He's already been informed." Kisuke stated.
"Jerk just shrugged and walked off." Ichigo huffed in annoyance. "Says it was none of his business and to leave him out of it." He muttered with an annoyed scowl crossing his face.
"That sounds like Uryu." Chad confirmed as the three turned to Kisuke whole tilted his hat down, pursing his lips into a pout.
"Oh, so now you want to hear the plan."
"Stop pouting and get to the point." Yoruichi stated, however, a crash echoed out causing everyone to turn to the ladder that led up to the shop above, a large plume of dust rising up at the bottom of the ladder. When the dust began to clear, the three humans were surprised to see Ururu walking from the dust cloud with what looked to be luggage with her. No longer was she a petite little girl, now she seemed to match the age of a teenager no longer sporting her pigtails and having shorter strands between her eyes. She wore a brown school uniform.
"Is that my guitar?" Chad blinked as he noticed that she was carrying a guitar case over her shoulder, one that he recognised as his own.
"Ah, earlier than I thought she would be." Kisuke smiled as he raised a hand up. "Ururu, over here." He called and the girl headed over to them, when she reached them she placed the three bags down, gently placing Chad's guitar case down with them. Orihime peered down at the bags tilting her head slightly to see that one of the bags had a stitched chibi image of herself, the other two having one of Chad and Ichigo signifying which belonged to who.
"I gathered their belongings." Ururu stated with a bow of her head.
"Good work Ururu." Kisuke smiled as he turned to the teens. "I sent Ururu ahead to gather some of your things so that you would have a change of clothes, you probably won't be home for a while."
"Where are we going?" Ichigo questioned, his scowl set in place. "What's this plan of yours, Kisuke?" He added as Kisuke smiled taking his hat off and dusting it off.
"I figured a trip was in order." He began. "A little adventure, if you'd like. One I'm sure you'll enjoy and make the most of." He continued as he walked over to where there were four giant pillars, similar to the same ones that he had used on their first trip to the Soul Society, it felt like an age ago that they had first left to rescue Rukia. "You're free to decline."
"I think we should go." Chad commented as Ichigo glanced at him in surprise that it was Chad that suggested it first rather than Orihime, but from the looks of it he'd only beaten her to the punch, the excitement on the girl's face was too hard to miss. "It would probably be best that we not get involved as Yoruichi said." He offered as a frown came to Ichigo's face, he didn't like the fact that essentially they were running away. He glanced at Yoruichi, her arms folded as she held his gaze before he moved on to Kisuke, but as per usual, the man gave nothing away. Turning to Orihime, he paused... there were literal stars in her eyes at the prospect of adventure.
"Please!" She pleaded with him causing him to groan and look away in defeat. "Yay!" She cheered, reaching down to grab the bag with the chibi stitching of herself on it and shouldering the strap as Chad grabbed his own bag along with the guitar case, Ichigo reluctantly reached down to grab his as well and raised up as Yoruichi patted him on the shoulder.
"It'll be fun." She assured walking past him to where Kisuke was readying the gate, causing the teen to blink in surprise.
"Wait, you're coming with us?" He questioned halting Orihime and Chad as they turned back to look at the woman with surprise at the prospect that she was accompanying them.
"Someone's gotta keep whipping your ass into shape." Yoruichi commented with a smirk. "Might as well throw Chad and Orihime back into training too, see how far they've come since I last trained them." Orihime beamed happily as she raised her fist up, using her other hand to clench her bicep.
"I've gotten stronger, Miss Yoruichi! You'll be proud!" She declared happily.
"Looking forward to seeing it, Orihime." Yoruichi smiled. "Now, to get more comfortable." She stated before her body exploded into a plume of smoke, her clothes dropping to the ground before her cat form crawled out from the clothes she had been wearing as she stretched her feline body, with a swift leap she landed on Ichigo's shoulder, perching herself there comfortably as the teen scowled in annoyance while Ururu hurried to gather Yoruichi's discarded clothes and folded them up neatly before handing them to Orihime.
"If we're all ready to depart." Kisuke mused, tapping his cane on one of the pillars as a bright light exploded forth, forming the large spiritual gate between the pillars he intended for them to go through. All three knew better than to ask the mechanics behind the spiritual gate. "Shall we?" He asked, surprising the three teens as he walked into the gate ahead of them. All three expected him to just send them off, not accompany them to the other side.
"Let's get going." Yoruichi urged Ichigo who nodded, walking forward up to the spiritual gate, Chad and Orihime right behind him as he stepped through. Surprisingly, Kisuke had improved upon the Gate's design, or perhaps he'd gotten over the gimmick of dropping them off in the middle of the sky and letting them freefall. Instead of running through a precipice world, they all seemingly stepped through the gate directly to the other side, wherever that was. Instead, they were struck by a soft breeze that had the scent of the ocean on it.
Stepping out of the spiritual gate, Ichigo was surprised as the crash of waves hit the nearby rocks. They had arrived on a small rocky outcrop that was surrounded by ocean on all sides, but one thing stuck out to him as it sat moored to the makeshift island.
Irritably enough to the orange-haired teen, the hull of the ship was in the design of his substitute badge with the skull at the forefront as the figurehead. The ship was a Single-masted Cutter, unlike other ships its single sail was a large tri sail rather than a square sail. The mast had a built-in ladder leading all the way up to the crow's nest high above.
"It's a pirate ship!" Orihime cheered happily, rushing across the rocky surface to where the ship was moored, Yoruichi herself leapt from Ichigo's shoulder and headed after the excited teen.
"Kisuke, where are we?" Ichigo questioned as the man walked forward, towards the ship after Orihime as he glanced over his shoulder at Chad and Ichigo.
"Welcome, to the Pirate Era my dear student, come aboard and let's get you acquainted with your new ship." He stated before disappearing with the use of shunpo, no doubt heading for the ship.
"Seriously?" Ichigo muttered as Chad placed his hand on Ichigo's shoulder making the teen glance back at him.
"It'll be an adventure." Chad reassured getting a small sigh from Ichigo.
"Do you know how to sail a ship?" Ichigo questioned the larger teen who remained quiet. "Figured."
"Kisuke does like us to figure things out on our own, after all." Chad commented.
"Mr Tessai! Jinta!" Orihime called out causing Ichigo and Chad to look up to see Orihime standing by the ship, waving her arms at the two that stood on the deck, Kisuke now aboard with them, Tessai raising his hand in greeting as Jinta huffed crossing his arms in irritation.
Similar to Ururu, Jinta seemed to look older now, his red hair was slicked back and he wore a blue shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his shoulders, with white and grey pants. All the while Tessai looked to be the same as the day they had met him.
"Please, come aboard we've been awaiting you." Tessai assured as the three teens boarded the ship, the main deck was spacious and open, widest at the centre with a set of stairs leading below deck next to a large grate between the stairs and the mast. Orihime immediately got to investigating, searching the deck eagerly.
"Tessai and Jinta were just adding the finishing touches to your ship." Kisuke smiled, pulling his fan from his coat and gently fanning himself with it.
"Better be grateful." Jinta huffed before he leapt off the side of the ship, heading back towards where Kisuke's spirit gate was still open and heading through without even glancing back. Ichigo and Chad exchanged a glance at the redhead's attitude but otherwise shrugged and took to glancing around the deck, Orihime already standing at the front of the ship, turning back with a large grin on her face with her hands on her hips.
"From now on, we're pirates!" She declared placing her hands on her hips with a determined glint in her eyes.
"I figured you might say that, so we had this made in preparation." Kisuke chuckled as Tessai pulled forth a folded-up black cloth and began to unfold it. The black cloth unfolded into a large flag, Ichigo groaned audibly as Chad chuckled somewhat, it was indeed a pirate's Jolly Roger, if a little cartoonish.
Stitched into the black fabric was a white skull with striking spiky orange hair shrouded in blue flames, similar in design to the Gokon Tekkō but with Ichigo's orange hair added for flare. Orihime's eyes beamed at it as she rushed forward, taking it from Tessai and raising it up as she examined it carefully before looking at Tessai.
"It's perfect!" She declared.
"I'm so happy you approve, Miss Inoue." Tessai smiled as Orihime laughed sheepishly. "Shall I give you the tour?" He questioned.
"I think I'd like to discover everything for myself." Orihime admitted. "It's more fun that way."
"Of course my Dear." Tessai nodded before he turned to Kisuke. "I'll head back to the shop, Boss." Kisuke nodded and soon enough the large man bid everyone farewell and followed Jinta back through the spirit gate.
"So, have fun, feel free to venture forth as you see fit, you're pirates after all." Kisuke smiled as Orihime nodded eagerly, Kisuke chuckling seeing Ichigo's scowl increase at the comment. "Yoruichi's here to train you on your journey, don't think of her like a babysitter." He assured.
"I think we'll get into more trouble with her here than not." Ichigo muttered to himself, turning his head away as he felt Yoruichi's gaze turn and her glare bore into him.
"I'll pop in from time to time to see how you're going, your ship has got a tracker I can easily locate and open a spirit gate aboard the ship, so don't be alarmed if I suddenly show up." He added. "Should you need anything, Yoruichi knows how to get in contact with me."
"So, we're not getting some lengthy explanation of where we are?" Ichigo asked. "Or why we're here? Or what we're supposed to be doing?"
"It'll be more interesting for you to find that out on your own." Kisuke stated. "Explore, have fun and enjoy the high seas." With that he used shunpo and disappeared from the deck, the four aboard looking over to see that he landed right before the spirit gate, he raised his hand up in farewell before he passed through the gate only for it to close behind him, effectively leaving the four-stranded in an unknown world, with no real direction.
"Anyone else think that he just dumped us and told us to figure it out?" Ichigo questioned.
"Yes." Chad nodded.
"That's the fun part!" Orihime declared. "We're setting out on a new adventure, the world is our oyster! We're brave adventures, setting forth into untrodden paths, riches and fame await! We'll carve our names into the history books!" Chad and Ichigo stared at her blinking as she smiled. "Or something like that, come on you two let's have some fun! It's not every day we get to be pirates!"
"Fine." Ichigo sighed running a hand through his hair. "So, where do we start?" He questioned her causing Orihime to blink as she stared at him. "What?"
"You're the Captain, you get to decide." Orihime stated causing Ichigo to blink in return as he pointed at himself.
"Me Captain? I don't think so." Ichigo shook his head. "You want to be a pirate so bad, you be Captain."
"You're already on the flag." Chad added, Ichigo turning to him, his eyes calling him a traitor. "It seemed that Tessai put a lot of effort into creating it, it would be a waste not to use it." He continued with a smile as Orihime nodded eagerly next to the large teen. "It suits you."
"Right!" Orihime nodded. "Our brave leader!" She declared thrusting her fist into the air causing Ichigo to groan before his eyes drifted to Yoruichi who was doing her best not to smirk.
"What about Yoruichi, she can be Captain."
"No thanks." Yoruichi stretched, shutting the idea down immediately. "This is my vacation time." She yawned. "I'm going to find a nice spot of sun and curl up, explore the ship at your leisure and then we can set off." She shrugged, trudging off.
"A vacation from what, you do nothing anyway!" Ichigo shouted but was ignored as he turned back to Chad and Orihime, the large teen smiling softly as Orihime had a large grin on her face. "Fine, but I don't have to like it." He huffed.
"Chad can be our musician!" Orihime added, patting Chad on the arm. "Ururu even grabbed your guitar." Chad shrugged, figuring he could fill in the time with a bit of practice on his guitar, giving him something to do on their voyage. "Oh! We're going to have to find some new recruits! We can't be a pirate crew with just us four."
"Ah, maybe we should wait on that one." Ichigo began causing Orihime to pause and tilt her head as she looked at him questioningly. "We're not exactly sure what we'll find here, or what kind of people we'll come across. It's probably best if we fly under the radar until we get a better sense of it."
"Recruiting people may also put them in danger." Chad added, following Ichigo's train of thought on the matter.
"I understand that." Orihime spoke softly. "But, this is all new to us." She continued with a large smile. "We don't really know how to sail a ship, or what is waiting for us out there, or really how to survive out at sea on long voyages let alone navigate. I'm sure that we can find people out there that are strong, that know how to handle themselves and help us adapt to this new world. I really think that we should build a strong crew, and the three of us can protect them if we have to."
"She's not wrong." Yoruichi added from where she was curled up on a barrel. "But, I'll leave it up to you." Ichigo scowled at the cat, why was she even here? Seriously. Glancing over to Orihime who beamed at him with a smile he sighed.
"Let's just make sure they're a fit for the crew before we go and let them join." Ichigo told her as he rubbed his brow in frustration. "And that we're not getting caught up in anything, that's the last thing we want." While he said it, his track record showed that, it wasn't really an option and knowing them they'd be dragged into all kinds of shenanigans.
"Aye aye, Captain!"
"Should we explore the ship?" Chad questioned, looking around the main deck his eyes drifting to the undercover area on the Quarter Deck. Orihime nodded eagerly while Ichigo shrugged. Orihime raced past the two to the bow of the ship while Chad made his way up to the Quarter Deck. Ichigo glanced over to Yoruichi who seemed to be asleep, he resisted the urge to kick the barrel and annoy her but figured it'd cause more problems than it was worth, the teen headed for the cabin on the main deck.
Chad walked up the steps reaching the Quarter Deck, noting that there was a table and chairs set up, along with a small furnace no doubt to keep whoever was up here warmer on colder nights. It might be a while before they had enough crew to actually station two up here. There was also a tiller for them to use to steer the ship by a rudder, to the larger teen it seemed a more efficient way to steer not that he was knowledgeable on such things. The canopy was tied down firmly and while in bad weather it looked that you could lower down the sides to keep the weather out and knowing the skills of Tessai and Kisuke, it would undoubtedly work.
"Chad! Look we have cannons!" Orihime's voice reached the large teen as he walked towards the railing that overlooked the main deck. Orihime was waving from him upfront to where she had pulled off a tarp showing a large cannon, there was an identical one underneath the tarp on the other side of the deck.
Orihime walked the deck with a small smile, this ship was incredible, she'd never been on a real pirate ship before. They even had cannons, Tatsuki would never believe this when she told her. She was going to have so many stories to tell her when they got back home. While no doubt Ichigo and Chad were hesitant about becoming Pirates, this was like a dream come true. Never would she have expected that when Kisuke had invited her and Chad to his shop that such an adventure would await them, or that Ichigo had begun to manifest this Fullbring ability. They should explore and have as much fun as possible! There was no reason not to!
Orihime took her time looking around, taking in the deck of their new ship, there was so much space, and they were just on the main deck, she was eager to see the rest. Turning her attention to the bow of the deck, she saw that there was a capstan rigged for the anchor. Beyond the capstan, there were a set of double stairs leading up to the bow deck, between the twin stairs was a small door, and she headed for it. Opening the door she peered inside, it was a small but still spacious empty room, and she wondered what it was for.
Closing the doors and looking back over the deck, spotting Chad having come back down the stairs to the main deck and was headed for the hatch that would lead below deck. Since the canopy was open she could see that there was the ship's main source of navigation, the tiller. She had also seen before boarding that a small boat was attached to a levy system should they need it.
Ichigo meanwhile had made his way into the cabins on the main deck. Opening the door he was met with a hallway, two doors on either side with one at the very end of the hall.
Curiously he checked each room. The first room to the left upon entering was a bathroom, fitted with a shower and toilet, and wash basin. There even seemed to be a lever pump to draw water, and from what he could see it filtered through some kind of water-holding device that was warm to the touch, at least they had hot water and means to shower frequently. While not technologically advanced, the ship had basic working utilities and was self-sufficient in that regard.
The last room on the left and the first and second rooms on the right were all bedrooms, each spacious in their own right. Each of the rooms was fitted with a window, bed, desk, and chest of drawers. At the end of the hall, Ichigo spotted the plaque that read 'Captain'.
"Why am I the Captain." Ichigo sighed quietly to himself figuring that Orihime wanted to play pirate so much she could be the Captain, although if Orihime was actually Captain there was no telling what kind of scenarios she'd drag them into. Maybe it was for the best, at least for now. Walking towards the captain's quarters. Opening the door he glanced around, it was the largest room he'd seen yet.
Unlike the other rooms, the bed inside was easily king-size. The room pretty much had everything it could possibly need, amenities present included a sitting space off to the right with a small rather comfortable-looking couch and a desk area located on the right. He threw his bag onto the bed, figuring if he was Captain he might as well claim the Captain's cabin, guess it came with a few perks.
Chad had headed down the steps leading below deck, he instantly noticed the sheer amount of space below deck even with his height reaching up to touch the ceiling there was still plenty of room, there was no feeling of being confined and he gathered that this was where any cargo would be stored, given that there was a grate that could be removed above head next to the stairs, there were even several windows letting in natural light. Turning his attention to the bow he walked towards it, spotting four hammocks situated, two on either side of the ship as it began to narrow towards the bow. There was a room behind the hammocks and after inspection, it looked to be some kind of workshop, even including a current dormant furnace and another storage area.
Turning, the large teen headed for the stern of the ship. As he walked past the steps he could hear Ichigo and Orihime talking above but couldn't make out what they were saying, but sounded like Orihime was fairly enthusiastic about what she was saying. Chad had to smile, she had basically bulldozed them into becoming a pirate crew and he himself had a hand in Ichigo becoming the Captain, no doubt she was now trying to convince him of something else. She was right, they needed to have as much fun as they could here, it would be a different pace to what they were used to, and there was no reason why they couldn't enjoy the situation that they were in.
Better than being miserable about it all.
Continuing towards the back of the ship, Chad could already tell that he was heading towards where the kitchen and food storage was located, there was even a bathroom.
Once more it was open and spacious, the kitchen seemed to be fully stocked with whatever was needed, there was a serving window between it and the dining area where there was a large table with ten chairs. With a quick look in the storage area, it was fully stocked with a mass amount of supplies, so they wouldn't be going hungry anytime soon, but eventually, they would need to restock.
Chad glanced over to the dining table, there was a compass and a folder atop the table, curious he walked over. He half expected Kisuke to have left them a map of sorts, but that would have been too easy. There was no sign of a map in the folder, it only housed directions on how to operate the ship. From what he could understand, the ship itself was designed very simply, all it took was one set of pulleys to lower and raise the sail, then you just raised anchor and used the tiller to change course.
"Seems simple enough." Chad mused as he closed the folder and grabbed the compass and made his way back up to the main deck. With no map and only a compass to guide them, it was probably best that they get underway so they could figure out just exactly where they were heading, and without a map and only a compass, their best chance was sailing until they either saw an island or came across someone. Whatever came first.
"Come on Ichigo! Every ship needs a name!" Chad heard Orihime call out making him chuckle lightly as he ascended the steps, so this is what he had heard Orhime being so vocal about earlier.
"Why though." Ichigo groaned as Chad stepped out onto the deck, Ichigo was currently up on the Quarter deck leaning on the railing as Orihime stood with her hands on her hips pouting up at him. "Figure it out with Chad." Orihime's attention immediately turned to the larger teen who paused briefly, nice way to throw him under the bus Ichigo.
"What do you think Chad, we need to name our ship right?" She asked.
"Sure, what did you have in mind?" Chad offered, figuring she had at least passed a few ideas that didn't make it past Ichigo.
"The Invader!" Orihime declared causing Chad to pause as he glanced up at Ichigo for confirmation, unsure of why she had picked such a name.
"She thinks that because we're in another world, we're aliens and that we're invading." Ichigo explained.
"She's not wrong." Yoruichi piped in again.
"Do you have anything constructive to say, if not shut up!" Ichigo snapped back, Yoruichi simply chuckled and shrugged as she rested on her barrel, eyes still closed tail flicking about. Orihime began to pace back and forth, hand on her chin as she pondered on another name. Chad seeing his opportunity to escape headed up to the Quarter Deck with Ichigo.
"Find anything?" Ichigo questioned.
"The kitchen and storage are below deck, a bathroom too." Chad explained as he handed Ichigo the folder containing the details of the ship. Ichigo opened it and his eye twitched, Kisuke had made the instructions as diagrams. It both annoyed and pissed him off, but it was still helpful not that he'd ever admit it. "From the looks of it, after we raise anchor all it takes is a pulley system to lower the sail, then we just change course via that." He explained pointing to the tiller that controlled the rudder.
"Simple enough, any sign of a map?" Chad shook his head. "Of course not, so what do we just sail around until we come across something?"
"Better than doing nothing and staying here." Ichigo was about to speak up before Chad continued. "You really think Orihime will be satisfied if we just sit idle?" Ichigo sighed and hung his head. "Should I raise anchor?"
"Go for it."
"I've got it!" Orihime's voice brought the two back to the railing, peering over to look down at Orihime who was beaming up at them proudly as she puffed out her chest. Ichigo and Chad glanced at one another before sighing, residing themselves to whatever it was Orihime had decided that their ship name would be. As long as it wasn't too cringe of a name, they'd just go along with it.
"Let's hear it." Ichigo called down to her.
"Soul Chaser!"
"Fine." Ichigo nodded.
"Good work Orihime." Chad gave her a thumbs up.
"Eh!? That's it, I think of a fantastic name for our new home and you're not even excited about it!" She pouted crossing her arms with a huff. "Meanies." Chad simply chuckled as he walked down from the quarter-deck, patting her atop the head.
"Want to help me set sail?" He offered making her eyes go wide and she nodded eagerly. "Use that pulley to lower the sail once I've raised the anchor and we should begin to move."
"Alright! The Adventure begins!" She cheered.
Ichigo chuckled lightly as he watched Orihime run over to the pulley as Chad made his way to the front of the ship to lower the anchor. Yoruichi jumped up onto the railing beside him taking a seat as they both watched the sail lower, immediately catching the wind as they began to drift.
"You're lucky to have them with you Ichigo." Yoruichi mused as she watched Orihime and Chad. "I know you intended to deal with this alone, but even you can't hold the entire world atop your shoulders." Ichigo glanced at Yoruichi before sighing.
"You and Kisuke had all this ready, and had no doubt that they'd agreed to come." Yoruichi chuckled and nodded. "You're really going to continue to train us?" He asked.
"I see no reason not to." Yoruichi shrugged. "Both Orihime and Chad have kept up with their training, and while you've manifested your Fullbring, your body hasn't fully adapted to it. Who knows, perhaps you'll all even push your powers to new heights. You're still a long way away from regaining your Shinigami power, and who can tell just how those two will progress." Yoruichi added. "They don't intend to be left behind again, they've both proved their determination to get stronger alongside you this time."
"Yeah." Ichigo nodded. "I don't want to have to keep standing alone." Ichigo admitted, recalling that when he had faced off against Aizen, he'd been the only one able to do so. Had there been others that had stood by him in that final fight, perhaps things might have ended up differently. He truly understood just how lonely the people at the pinnacle of power felt.
"I'll keep training them, and when they start to fall behind instead of pushing on ahead alone, offer them a helping hand forward." Yoruichi smiled. "That's all you can do."
Surprisingly, everything so far, was smooth sailing, literally. After leaving the rocky shore where they had arrived they had blissfully sailed out into open waters with no trouble whatsoever. The ship was reactive to the tiller and they could easily change course, with the pulley system for the sail they could change the way that the sail caught the wind if it suddenly changed direction. All in all, Ichigo could honestly say that so far, he was enjoying his time sailing. It was rather calming and peaceful, not exactly what he was expecting.
Currently, Ichigo was enjoying the sea breeze as the ship sailed through the water, the sail down as he sat on the Quarter Deck underneath the canopy at the small table keeping an eye on the compass. There were straps to keep the tiller in place to keep whatever heading was needed, when they had set off the compass was pointed West so he just kept going West. With any luck, they'd come across something sooner or later.
Still, if they were going to spend large amounts of time out on the open water with nothing to keep them busy, they might want to invest in some entertainment or something. Raising from where he was seated, he walked to the railing, glancing out over the ship. Seriously, seeing those two train was something else, they'd both come a far way since what he remembered what they could do.
"El Directo!" The blast from Chad soared across the ship in a burst of pure blue reiatsu, crashing against the golden shield of Orihime's Santen Kesshun, but what surprised Ichigo was that the shield reflected the attack upwards, right into another shield, directing it to the side, where Orihime quickly raised a third shield, each time it bounced between her shields, it seemed to gain in speed and power from Chad's original blast, then once it ricocheted off her fourth shield, it launched directly back at Chad more than doubled in power and four times the speed.
Chad raised his Brazo Derecha de Gigante, it morphing into his shield arm blocking the bounced-back attack, but its power surprised even him, he was blown back towards the cabins, feet skidding across the wooden boards of the ship, and his arm was left in a heavily damaged state as it hung limp and bloody by Chad's side, but it only took moments before the barrier of Sōten Kisshun was erected over his arm, the damage starting to revert as Orihime's power got to work.
"Sorry, Chad!" Orihime frantically apologised as she rushed over to him.
"No, that was good Orihime." Chad smiled. "I wasn't expecting it to be even more powerful when it returned." Chad admitted as Orihime raised her hands over her shield to increase the power of the technique.
"Indeed Orihime, well done." Yoruichi congratulated. "Each time the power bounced between your shields, your own shields added to the power of the gathered reiatsu." Orihime nodded, blushing slightly at the praise. "Your time with Hachigen was well used I see."
"Well, Hachigen suggested that my faires knew a lot more about my power and that I should seek guidance from them just as much, if not more, than from him." Orihime admitted. "It does have one flaw..."
"I noticed." Yoruichi nodded. "You're so concentrated on erecting your shields one after the other that you're left wide open."
"Miss Hiyori made plenty of sneak attacks that way." Orihime pouted, recalling all the times she had been slapped with Hiyori's sandal. "Tsubaki says he's working on a way around that, but the most I can do is three bounces before Miss Hiyori would get to me." She added, lowering the shield around Chad's arm seeing that it was completely healed. "But even Miss Hiyori said that she had to dodge her returned Cero, not take it on."
"You used this against a Hollowfied Hiyori?" Yoruichi questioned surprised getting a nod from Orihime in return. "You have grown stronger Orihime." She smiled as she turned to Chad who seemed conflicted somewhat. "Your strength has increased as well Chad." The larger teen nodded as he glanced down at his armoured hand, clenching his fist.
"True, I've gotten stronger but I haven't developed any new techniques." Chad concluded with a frown.
"We can work on that." Yoruichi smiled, getting an affirmative nod from Chad. "You've both come a long way since the two ignorant students I once taught that could barely summon forth their powers." Both Orihime and Chad shared a sheepish look between them. "I'm proud of both of you, for all that you've accomplished and I have no doubt that you'll both continue to grow." She praised.
"Ehehe." Orihime gave a large grin as she rubbed at the back of her head, clearly embarrassed by the praise.
Ichigo smiled as he watched the two, they really had come a long way. They'd been training while he'd been sitting around for seventeen months. His own training to achieve his Fullbring had only started over a week ago, but he had made every moment count. Kisuke had helped him understand his power and how to control it, and Yoruichi had made him capable of using it in battle. The week had been gruelling, more so than any training he'd put in as a Shinigami. His human body needed to be ready to wield his new power without putting a strain on it, he wasn't using his Soul anymore.
Checking the compass, it showed that they were still heading West and as he looked out there was nothing but open ocean out in front of him. Scanning the Horizon to their sides, he was about to give up spotting anything for another hour before he stopped, he walked over to the railing and took a better look. There looked like there was something out there, while just a hazy blur he was sure it was something, and something was better than the never-ending nothing of the sea. Keeping it in his view, he walked over to the tiller and began to shift it, changing the course of the rudder towards the blur on the horizon.
It only took moments before Orihime bounded her way up onto the Quarter Deck, a grin on her face as she looked at Ichigo and he could sweat her excitement was pouring off her in waves.
"There's something out there." Ichigo pointed to the side, Orihime rushing to the railing and for a moment Ichigo almost thought she was going to topple overboard with how far she leaned out over the side, hand raised to his brow as she scanned the horizon.
"I see it! What is it?" She questioned turning back to him.
"That's what I thought I'd figure out." Ichigo chuckled lightly, she was really enjoying herself. Chad and Yoruichi soon made their way up to the Quarter Deck, the ship now aimed directly at the blur on the horizon and they were now sailing towards it.
"Looks like an island." Chad mused, the blur was coming more into focus the closer and closer they got to it. The blur morphed into the visage of an island, from this distance they could see several other smaller islands spotted around making up an archipelago and by the looks of it, the main island was enormous. With luck, there would be somewhat of a town or something along that line so that they could get a map and a general whereabouts of where they were.
"Ah!" Orihime suddenly announced as she looked at the others. "I haven't put up the Jolly Roger yet!" She turned, no doubt intent on doing just that. She made for the stairs that led down to the main deck before Ichigo cleared his throat, stopping her.
"Let's put it up after this island." Ichigo suggested causing her to puff up her cheeks. "I mean, if we're going to start being pirates, it's probably best that we get what we need first, like a map." Orihime's pout only intensified forcing Ichigo to turn away. "As soon as we set sail again, we'll fly the damn flag." He muttered.
"Promise?"
"Promise." Ichigo reluctantly agreed as Orihime smiled and nodded.
"Good, so a map is our first priority." She nodded, happy that they'd be signalling they were pirates as soon as they left. "I guess you're right, they probably wouldn't be willing to help pirates out, huh?" She mused causing Ichigo to nod. "Even if we're good pirates?"
"Is there any such thing as good pirates?" Chad questioned. Ichigo directed them towards the island, Chad moving to raise the Sail so that they were just drifting towards the island as he made his way, ready to drop the anchor when needed. Ichigo spotted the obvious sign of a dock leading out from the island and directed the ship to come alongside it. As they got closer and closer to the dock, Ichigo heard shouting from the shore and saw a small group of people running down the track, waving their arms up.
It only took a moment of distraction before a sickening crack, of wood on wood hit their ears as their ship crashed into the dock causing Ichigo to hang his head.
"Pfft, haha haha!" All the while the roar of laughter from Yoruichi echoed out. Oh, he was so not living this one down, seriously, how did they expect him to dock a ship when he had no idea how to? And why the hell were those people running at them like that? If he wasn't distracted he'd have done it no problem! It was their fault!
"I'll fix it!" Orihime called back as Chad dropped the anchor over the side. Both Chad and Orihime jumped down onto what was left of the dock, the ship itself wasn't damaged from the collision however the dock was shaky. Chad reached out, pushing the ship back several feet with ease as Orihime raised her hands up. "I reject." She called out as her Sōten Kisshun came to life, starting to revert the damage to the dock, and repairing it. "Good as new!" She declared.
Ichigo landed on the dock once it was fixed, an annoyed expression on his face as a few chuckles came from Yoruichi as she landed beside him at his feet, the four walked to the end of the dock where it met land only as the group of islanders arrived, seemingly frantic and in a state of panic. Orihime tilted her head, unsure of why they were in such a distraught state, they hadn't shown that they were pirates so what could it be?
"Y-You... I..." A dark-haired man with a thick moustache stepped forward, his face and from the looks of it, his entire his face and body were heavily scarred, the scars were old and healed but had obviously left their mark on him. He wore a brown, short-sleeved policeman-esque uniform with sandals; and strangely enough, he wore a pinwheel in his cap. "I... I don't know how you kids made it here, but you have to leave, now!" He ordered.
"Screw that old man, this is the first place we found." Ichigo huffed. "We fixed your dock already, it was my first time parking a ship."
"I think it's moored." Chad corrected causing Ichigo to blink, he really wasn't with the whole nautical terms and lingo.
"Fine, I moored the ship." Ichigo sighed in annoyance, rolling his eyes. "We fixed the damage already, sorry and whatnot."
"That's not it you fool!" The man roared. "Do you have any idea where you are!?"
"No, that's why we need to find out." Ichigo scowled back. The man seemed to be slightly taken back that these kids had no idea where they were, or what kind of dangerous situation they had not just put themselves, but the entire island in by arriving here.
"Genzo! It's too late! It's here!" A voice shouted from the group causing Genzo to look up, behind the now-docked Soul Chaser, the three teens along with Yoruichi looked back to see what had grabbed everyone's attention. On the other side of the ship, a massive swell of water began to rise up, spraying the deck with water, something was breaching the surface and it was big. When the water cascaded away, leaving the creature visible they were all stunned at what was staring back down at them. Ichigo had seen some crap over his time as a Shinigami, but a damn giant sea cow was not one of them!
It easily towered over the mast of the ship, having fish-like scales covering its body from its neck to its stomach. It had a big, round nose with a gold nose ring, a cow-esque face, horns, and green spots throughout its body.
"It's here!"
"Run away!" Ichigo glanced over his shoulder to see the islanders all running back up the road, sighing he reached into his pocket pulling out his substitute badge.
"It's a sea monster!" Orihime cheered, thrusting her arms up in the air. "Can-"
"No, we can't keep it!" Ichigo growled causing her to laugh lightly as she placed her hands behind her back with a smile. Chad simply chucked as he crossed his arms while Ichigo stepped forward, his body becoming surrounded with reiatsu as a flicker of green reiatsu resinated at his feet, and with the buzz of his Bringer Light he leapt from the ground landing atop the crow's nest of the ship, coming face to face with the sea-cow that stared at him before his eyes turned fierce, rearing back it lunged at Ichigo.
The teen scowled, his badge morphing as it was flooded with reiatsu before out of the badge shot a medium-sized, black, machete-like blade, with a silver edge and from the other side of the badge emerged a rounded hilt with a simple white cloth-wrapping. The badge itself had become the guard of the sword, with a new black cross marking on it.
With an upward slice, a deep gash appeared across the sea monsters' muzzle sending it recoiling back as blood spurted from the cut. Seeing the clear anger and intent still in the creature's eyes from the slash, Ichigo flooded his blade with reiatsu giving it a blue glow that encased the blade. He slashed downward, sending the blue wave of spiritual energy surging forth. The blast erupted as it struck against the front of the beast, causing a burst of reiatsu crashing outwards.
Once the blast died down, it was evident enough that it was over. The beast's eyes were rolled back in its sockets and the monster was falling backwards into the water. As the sea-cow crashed into the water sending waves rolling from the impact zone, Ichigo released the blade from his badge, placing it back in his pocket as he glanced down where Chad and Orihime were smiling up at him, it was Yoruichi that made his brow twitch.
"Just because you beat a big sea monster, doesn't cover up that you crashed the ship." The cat smirked up at him.
"Shut it." Ichigo muttered before using Bringer Light to appear on the dock once more.
Reference for the Ship Design
: [The Blossom Cutter] by Ashlerb on Deviantart]