Chapter 10
Here this will be a little pause for the others as Issei and his friends work on getting stronger and learning their weaknesses, such as Chad and Tatsuki, since they are the weakest members of their group.
Also, there will be pieces where the Soul Society will need clarification on whether Ichigo and his friends are genuinely on their side.
Now let's begin!
Beta Read by Old man of the mountain/Darklord331
Squad 2 Training Grounds
Soifon was standing on a branch while closing her eyes as she was listening for her target that she was training due to her former teacher's instructions. The Captain did not deny that Issei was an excellent pupil for Yoruichi since Soifon could tell that Issei is a tactical fighter meaning he relies more on his intelligence and instincts than brute force like his friend Ichigo, who blasts through all of his opponents with overwhelming power.
'In a way, the two are like Yin and Yang. Issei is Light, while Ichigo is Darkness. They will make a deadly duo if they can master their abilities, which will worry Central 46, but I'll make sure that Issei doesn't turn on us. He may not trust us as much as Ichigo does. Still, I can tell Issei is a good person deep within his soul. However, I can tell that with Muramasa as his weapon; he won't trust most of the others, seeing that his Zanpakto's power was a danger before in the hands of Koga.' Soifon said as she recalled the other Captains' meeting with Yamamoto after Issei's first night at her quarters.
Flashback.
Issei, Ichigo, and their friends now found themselves in the heart of the Gotei 13. All ten captains stood at attention, but the one that attracted all attention was the old man at the head of them all. Bald with a long white beard and scars upon his skin, he seemed to be hunched with a cane to support him. But Issei and everyone knew this was not the case. That man wasn't just power.
He was the embodiment of the word. A power that is unrivaled by any of the other Captains in the room.
Genryusai Yamamoto was the strongest Shinigami ever to exist, and his old age only added to his legend. The only one who knew deeper was Muramasa. And what Muramasa tried to find through the Captain's zanpakuto frightened the spirit to his core before the entity violently ejected him.
Muramasa panted heavily as he spoke to his partner in a scared and haunted tone as if he saw an evil spirit. "There was...So much destruction..."
Issei was worried about his partner as he spoke to Muramasa after sensing his spirits fear. 'Muramasa? What's wrong?'
Muramasa swallowed his spit as he spoke back to his partner. [Issei, don't ever fight him. Ever. If you do, then you'll die. He is someone we're still getting ready to take on in your current state.] Muramasa said, as he knew it would probably be years until Issei would be prepared just barely to come close to Yamamoto's power level.
Issei was frightened before he could sense why his partner feared the General Captain. The amount of power radiating off his body right now was just so he and his friends didn't get crushed by the sheer pressure of spirit energy of Yamamoto. 'Yeah. You are right about that. Best we go along with this for now.'
There were no smiles amongst the Ryoka as Yamamoto pressed them all down with a hard stare. His body showed no sign of whatever agitation he could be feeling. Some, like Chad and Orihime, seemed to fidget on the spot from the stern look alone. Ichigo tried to put up a brave front, but a noticeable bead of sweat was going down his head. Tatsuki felt like she could hardly breathe or speak as she could barely stand or even register what was happening around them.
Yamamoto slammed his cane on the ground as the meeting began to decide what would become of the Ryoka before them all. "I have served as head captain of the Gotei 13 for a long age. In that time, I have dealt with traitors with high grandeur, faced down those with powers beyond your comprehension, battled those that desired the destruction of the Services, and endured events like the Bount disaster and the occasional traitorous royal house that would rather doom here and the Living World at once. I've even had the displeasure to draw my blade against those I've called allies and then drive off ancient beasts of legend. Yet, not once in the one thousand years, I have stood here have I ever had to experience the sheer ridiculousness of barging into the Soul Society with such brazen, causing mass hysteria and chaos within the Gotei 13, injuring countless seated officers and even the occasional death count, including Yumichika of Squad 11. Then following that, the defeat of a few of my captains by your hands nonetheless, and to top it all off with three traitorous captains using the chaos you've caused to further their plans, culminating with three squads left without a captain, an injured captain, a lieutenant temporarily dismissed for mental recovery. The three traitors in question successfully escaped with a highly dangerous artifact, with the Hollows no less!"
Yamamoto shouted and criticized as the other captains could feel his anger at being deceived by their fellow captains and the damages that had occurred in the Soul Society due to Aizen's actions.
The Ryoka and even the captains had the sense that despite Yamamoto's even tone, they could tell it was conveyed to express Yamamoto's sheer disappointment with his forces and to level the blade on the Ryoka. Out of the captains, Shunsui seemed to try and gulp down his worries.
Yamamoto sighed to himself as he continued. "I would believe this series of events could have been orchestrated by Menos led by a Vasto Lorde. It would make more sense that way. Yet this whole absurdity was caused by Ryoka! Two of them possess Shinigami powers despite being human, a Quincy, and the rest with stranger powers living humans are not known to have! It was with these Ryoka, not even two decades of age that have managed to create a mess within the Soul Society second only to having to imprison Azashiro and the defection of several officers, including three captains warped by Hollow experimentation and two captains accused of said experimentations! And you, Ryoka, have even dared to infiltrate the Sereitei for no complex goal in the making of years of planning. The only fact that any of you even dared to step into the realm where only the dead belong was so you could free Rukia Kuchiki from her death sentence! All of you dared to face the full might of the Soul Society for the life of one single person! So, I demand an explanation from you - all of you in this room - to explain how any of you allowed these events to transpire despite the resources at your disposal!?"
Yamamoto shouted as the captains moved a muscle or had the hall to answer the General Captains question until Shunsui gathered up the courage and replied.
"He-he, uhm, should l mention that all of Central 46 was disposed of by our former colleagues? By the autopsy of the corpses, Aizen has been filing their orders in their name for months."
Yamamoto turned his eyes to Shunsui with a blank stare. "I recall Captain Kyoraku. So until a new Central 46 is established, official decisions will fall onto me. Now, onto my demand for an explanation."
Soifon stepped up with a bow to the head captain before speaking. "Sir, while I have no excuse for the failures of my Squad and my Stealth Force, I have reason to believe that the mass confusion that plagued the Gotei 13 must have also been caused by Aizen falsifying reports."
Unohanna nodded in reply as she voiced her own opinion. "A reasonable assumption, and there is more weight to it if what we've learned from his Zanpakuto's true abilities are."
Byakuya nodded as he couldn't believe what he had learned about the former Captain of Squad Five. "To think that Aizen was hiding such a powerful ability to manipulate all of us. We were caught under his spell the whole time, but how long have we been under his spell? How long has he been manipulating events within the Soul Society? Perhaps even so far as when he joined the Gotei 13."
Yamamoto pondered this since he could understand Byakuya's question because they had no recollection of when they were under his spell. "Hmm..."
In his mind, where no one knew, he felt disappointment. Partly towards himself for not focusing on his instincts of such deception and more on the fact that a strong warrior had defected. Even under the guise of an illusion, Yamamoto instinctively knew that Aizen was of a prodigal strength not seen since Kyoraku and Ukitake, both of whom could hold their own against him in their own Shikai abilities. Yet with that was also added by a sharp mind on the likes of Urahara, who had his great strength. If only he knew of the raw ambition that drove Aizen.
His gaze glanced at Retsu Unohanna momentarily before returning to silent contemplation. For a moment, he felt the weight of his age on his shoulders. He and Retsu were part of the old guard and remained just waiting for the proper youngsters to succeed in their place finally. Unohanna placed her hopes on Zaraki, seeing him as the only individual who could surpass her in the name of 'Kenpachi.'
If only the stubborn maniac would take a moment and listen to his blade, then Zaraki could unleash a well of power unseen in the Soul Society's history. As for Yamamoto, he banked his hopes on multiple persons. His first two were Shunsui and Ukitake, and he will always admit to being proud of the strength they possess to this day. Yet neither would succeed him, with Ukitake afflicted with his disease and Shunsui... being Shunsui. He would be ready if he managed to mature just a little bit. Of course, there were others Yamamoto pinned his hopes on through the ages, such beings as Kisuke Urahara and Isshin Kurosaki.
And Aizen was counted among that rare number. Honestly a waste of incredible talent and drive. If what he expects, the ShinigamiShinigami could have surpassed him.
Issei knew he should bite his tongue and not speak up, but his mind told him to voice his concern for himself and his friends. "So... uh, what about us?"
Yamamoto then looked at the Ryoka and nodded. "Yes, you. You, who broke into the Soul Society, injured countless of my officers and even my captains, all so you could free Rukia Kuchiki from her death sentence, despite her returning of her own free will. Not to mention the property damage and the interruption of the Sokyoku. So yes, what do you think I should do with you?"
"Well, uh, I like living. So maybe a slap on the wrist while helping you with repairs?" Issei asked before he felt Ichigo hit Issei in the stomach with his elbow
"Dude, cut it out. Do you want to die saying stupid shit?"
"Well, sorry, but I'm too scared to think straight!"
Yamamoto stopped the two as he spoke, making the two shut up from their argument. "If it were up to Central 46, you'd be prostrated like Rukia Kuchiki was post-haste. Central 46 has been indisposed for months, so that decision falls upon me. So, despite your transgressions, I find it wise not to execute any of you."
Issei was surprised by the reply and couldn't help but ask a question. "Not that I'm glad, but why?"
Yamamoto was surprised by the boy's question before answering it for him. "Your actions have illuminated even greater transgressions that have infected the Gotei 13 for too long. There is a grave danger ahead of us if what we know of the device Aizen has obtained. Fortunately, there is some time before he can utilize its power and time we can use to prepare our forces and bring these traitors to justice. And I believe you will be helping us."
Ichigo couldn't help but feel like Urahara planned this as he voiced his thoughts. "Somehow, I can't help but think Bucket-hat planned for this."
End Flashback
Soifon was smiling as she was glad that Issei and his friends weren't in trouble, except that they were told to help repair the Soul Society and undergo training with certain captains. This matter was discussed when the Ryoka were taken to Unohana's hospital.
Chad and Tatsuki were to be trained by Yoruichi and Kisuke to help the two of them become stronger in physical terms since the other captains wouldn't be able to help either of the Ryoka due to either their different fighting styles or the fact that the Ryoka's powers were different from the captains.
Soifon was glad she could speak to Yoruichi again and even happier since she got to fight her former teacher again and showed how much she had grown during Yoruichi's departure. Yoruichi was proud of her former student, even though Soifon was defeated by her, but was amazed by how far Soifon had come and wasn't the same shy little girl that the Flash Goddess knew back then.
Her train of thought was interrupted by a kick aimed at her left side before she blocked it with her hand. Still, when she punched the attacker, they vanished into a puff of smoke which made Soifon smirk; she then turned to the right and struck another attacker, who became smoke as well before Soifon did a high kick which made the third attacker vanished until she felt a punch connect to her face as she leaped away from the tree to see Issei appearing from the tree she was standing on.
Soifon smirked at this as she landed on a branch before commenting on her pupil. "I will say that I was impressed, distracting me with the three clones you made before striking me while hiding in camouflage. Impressive, but why don't we kick this up a notch?" Soifon said as she activated her Shikai. At the same time, Issei summoned his bow and began to fire multiple arrows while leaping through the tree branches and chasing Soifon, who was enjoying their sparring sessions since only Yoruichi could give her a good fight and match her speed.
'He's improved his hand-to-hand combat skills and being an assassin. He's mastered his Shikai and learned a few new tricks, thanks to me teaching him how to use his strings better, fight with a sword, and use Shunko. He'll be able to take over my squad one day once he becomes a Soul Reaper.' Soifon said in her mind while dodging the arrows that grazed her clothes, but the intent to strike the enemy was behind them, which made Soifon smile in joy at her pupil.
Issei and Soifon eventually stopped the chase. Issei allowed the bow to vanish as the wind surrounded his arms. His eyes twitched at the slight burn as he tried to master this technique.
'Shunko. It's an advanced battle technique that combines the physical techniques of Hakuda with the spell-based techniques of Kidō. When I was told that I'd also train with Yamamoto for this kind of training, I was surprised by his wanting to train me since I was a Ryoka that also beat his Lieutenant.' Issei said to himself as he asked the General Captain to help him master the technique since it combined wind and lightning when using it. Issei's version was able to combine both elements with a crimson color which made it more unstable, but he pushed through it to use the technique.
"Grito de Guerra Carmesí. (Crimson War Cry). This is my version of Shunko." Issei said as he felt his sleeves and the back part of his training uniform tear as his spiritual energy began to take on the form of crimson lightning radiating off his body, making Soifon smile as she activated her version of Shunko.
"Then let's end this!" Soifon shouted as the two charged at each other with their Shunko, creating a massive explosion that shook the forest and the Squad 2 Barracks while Unohana sighed as she heard the explosion.
"Those two are going to kill each other one of these days," Unohana said as she then continued her rounds in the recovery room while observing her pupil Orihime Inoue, who was currently healing the injured Soul Reapers while smiling at them and chatted about their personal lives which made Unohana smile as she could tell that Orihime would be an excellent replacement for her role as the Head Nurse of the Squad 4 Hospital. Orihime was glad to be Retsu's pupil as she learned how to do basic Kido and extend her healing barrier to cover and heal more people.
"What's wrong, Captain Unohana? Was it Issei and Soifon again?" Orihime asked since Issei and Soifon had been coming to the squad to heal up after their sparring matches suitable for Orihime. Still, she hated how often Issei and Soifon came in after almost killing each other multiple times.
"I'm afraid they almost blew themselves up this time. Your friend's training with the Head Captain has been doing wonders for him." Unohana said as their doors were opened by none other than Soifon and Issei, who leaned on each other as Unohana took them into the hospital and began to treat them.
"Oh, by the way, Soifon. Are you coming to the Soul Society Women's Association meeting today? Orihime and Tatsuki are joining us as temporary members before they head home." Unohana asked as Soifon nodded as she was chatting with Issei on how to be more open to the other females and learn to let others into her heart and trust them to have her back.
"...Yes. I'll be attending the meeting." 'But only because of Lady Yoruichi's and Issei's words that helped me be more...open to others.' Soifon said as Retsu smiled in reply before continuing her treatment, as did Orihime when she and Issei chatted about their training until the orange looked down as she wanted to tell him something but wasn't sure if she should before Issei beat her to the punch.
"Orihime. It's okay if you want to move back into your apartment. I heard about what happened with you and Ichigo, so I understand why you want to move back. Also, congratulations on your promotion at your workplace." Issei said as he knew that Orihime was a kind individual who didn't want to see what her friends said, so he understood why she was hesitating to talk to him about the situation.
Orihime was weeping a few tears as she thanked Issei for not being mad at her and possibly hating her, which resulted in Issei patting her back and comforting her, which made Soifon feel a bit envious of the girl being so close to Issei before she shook it off as fatigue from her sparring session with Issei.
Retsu noticed this and was amused by the cold Captain's moment of weakness since she could tell that Soifon's developing feelings for Issei increased as the two spent time together.
"By the way, Soifon, I am sorry for Omeada's death at the hands of the Hollow that killed him. However, I was quite surprised to learn that his Zanpaktou was missing. Have you any idea where it is?" Unohana asked as Soifon shrugged her shoulders; she didn't care for her fat Lieutenant being dead but also because she knew what happened to Omeada.
Issei, however, didn't care that Omeada was dead but could feel his sword shake as he knew Muramasa was glad that the man was dead for his he treated his Zanpaktou.
Unohana had a feeling of what truly happened but didn't voice her opinion since she didn't like the Lieutenant for never taking his duties seriously and wasn't a trustworthy comrade in battle since she would admit that he was fast skilled in swinging a flail. Still, he was a disappointment when it came to Kido or combat skills.
"Oh, and Uryu is training at the Shiba Barracks, which makes sense since none of the others could help him with his archery skills," Orihime said as Issei could tell that Uryu had lost his powers during his battle with possibly a captain but didn't say anything since he knew of Uryu's pride and how he couldn't stand his father.
"That's good to hear. How's Ichigo doing since he's 'training' with Squad 11?" Issei asked, as he knew of Ichigo running from Kenpachi when the bloodthirsty Captain kept trying to fight him every chance he could get before barely surviving against Ichigo.
"Oh, he's still running from Kenpachi when he's patched up. It's hard to try and help Ichigo since he's not very good at hiding from the Captain." Orihime said as the two shared a laugh before Issei felt his strength return until he thanked both Unohana and Orihime for healing him and Soifon before heading to Squad 10. He had asked Toshiro to train with him sometimes if he was available, and if not, he would help by doing Rangiku's 'forgotten' paperwork.
Toshiro and Issei actually shared a few laughs and bonded very well which surprised Rangiku and Momo as they had never seen Toshiro open up to anyone so quickly but they realized that the two were good friends since they balance each other out. Issei is the fun and energetic friend that makes people smile, while Toshiro is the calm and collected friend who's smart but keeps to himself sometimes.
Speaking of Rangiku, the woman has made many attempts to seduce and go out with him, which worked somewhat. Still, when Rangiku tried to go to third base or home plate, Issei stopped her saying that it was too early for them to even think of going that far in their relationship.
On the other hand, Momo had a brother and sister bond with Issei since Issei had taken every chance he could to visit the hospital and help Momo with her physical therapy and mental state when she saw the memory of Aizen stabbing her in the heart. Issei was there to help reassure her that she wasn't in danger, which made her sigh in relief as Momo thanked Issei for helping her.
On the other hand, Issei walked down the path as he saw many of the Soul Reapers help repair a few minor damages to the buildings around them, which made the Fullbringer smile as he could tell that the Soul Society was healing and preparing for the war with Aizen.
"I'm glad everything is coming together, though. I'm surprised Soifon didn't mind when we killed her, Lieutenant," Issei said as he was munching on an apple before Muramasa spoke to him.
[To be honest, I'm glad we killed him since that bastard didn't deserve a partner like Gegetusuburi. He's the opposite of Yumichika and his partner since they still respect each other. Still, the pig he didn't even hear, much less listen to the screams his partner was making when he was broken and shattered because of the reckless behavior of his former master. It's part of my original power to connect with other Zanpaktous. Still, I can't control them like before, so when I connected to the sword, I felt his anguish, pain, and suffering, so much darkness that the poor blade would've been unable even to feel joy again. Which is why I'm grateful you saved him, Issei. I do apologize for asking you such a difficult offer due to our situation.] Muramasa said as Issei looked at the second sword he hid in his soul before replying to his partner.
'It's fine, Mursmasa. I can tell you're intentions were for the sake of the Zanpaktou, but we will have to tell Yamamoto-Sensei.' Issei said as he continued heading towards the Squad 10 area, where he saw Toshiro ready with his Bankai now activated.
"Let's get started," Toshiro said as Issei smiled in agreement while summoning his own Bankai.
"I couldn't agree more!"
If anyone walked by Squad 10, they'd see an explosion of ice and strings, along with lightning and wind, as the two went all out against each other. One wants to become stronger to kill Aizen, and the other to master his powers to destroy the Devil he made a deal with.
Later...
"Welcome to the first meeting of our newest members of the Soul Society Women's Association: Orihime and Tatsuki!" Rangiku cheered as party poppers exploded around the two girls, which made them feel welcomed. At the same time, they looked at the many females of the club, which consisted of the Supervising Chairwoman who was none other than Retsu Unohana, the President of the Association who was surprisingly Yachiru Kusajishi, and the Vice-President of the Association and the actual President of the club was Nanao Ise, which made sense since she was also brilliant and careful with the budget that their club has but is wary of the President since Yachiru uses the money to supply her candy supply primarily.
Orihime sat next to Rukia while Tatsuki sat next to Yoruichi, invited by Soifon before the meeting began.
"Now, first off, I would like to welcome both Orihime Inoue, Tatsuki Ariasawa, and Yoruichi Shionin as temporary members of the Soul Society Women's Association. We're honored to have you three here and apologize for Nemu Kurotsuchi being out. Still, she's undergoing some medical treatment by Kisuke Urahara since he's rejoining Squad 12 as the new Captain since it's been revealed that Aizen was responsible for his banishment along with Lady Yoruichi." Nanao said as the humans were surprised by this before Rangiku took over.
"And now, for this meeting," Rangiku said as she pulled out posters of three of the male members of the Ryoka, which consisted of Chad, Ichigo, and Issei. "Deciding which Ryoka is their favorite and why!"
Soifon scoffed at Rangiku and replied. "Oh, please. Issei is my favorite, and before you get any delusions, know that our relationship is strictly a teacher and student. He's the first person who gave me a great fight and was able to help me with some...personal matters that I was dealing with at the time." The Captain said as Rangiku gave her a cat-like grin before asking Soifon with a cheeky tone.
"Oho~ Has as a certain Ryoka managed to melt the heart of our resident Ice Queen?" Rangiku asked as Soifon realized she had walked right into the trap before coming up with a rebuttal.
"Th-that's not true," Soifon stuttered, trying to put on a brave front. "I-I'm just curious about him because Yoruichi-sama's training him. He's my junior in that regard, and as his senior, I have to make sure he does not slack in our shared teachings."
Rangiku chuckled knowingly. "Ufu, I bet you love to teach the cutie more intimate lessons~"
"W-Well," Soifon answered, "I wouldn't lie and say I would be pleased to get to know him more. Perhaps I can be assigned to the human World and look over him. Y-Yes, and p-perhaps get in more training together."
"And a walk in the park with you in a pretty dress~" Rangiku continued to tease, making Soifon's face red until Yachiru added fuel to the fire.
"Soifon and Issei sitting in a tree," Yachiru sang. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage. Then a-"
"Urusai!" A red-faced Soifon exclaimed as she sped toward the President with her extravagant speed and put a lollipop into Yachiru's mouth to distract her. In less than a second, she sat in her seat, pretending (and failing) that nothing had happened. Most Women's Association members gave her blushing looks from second-hand embarrassment. Rangiku looked more like the cat caught the canary as she wanted to continue messing with the Captain but was stopped by the timely interference of Nanao.
"Moving on, let's discuss the other Ryoka," Nanao introduced, placing a picture on the table.
The picture is a photo of one Yasutora Chad. From the image taken, they could see how the Ryoka was even taller than Shunsui with a robust build that made the extra oversized shirt he wore struggle to hold. All at once, some members began to blush at the photo of Chad, and Rangiku looked at the image with keen interest.
"Ooh la-la, Momma likey~" Rangiku said.
"His name is Chad, or that is what his friends call him," Nanao informed. "Despite his appearance, he is very approachable and kind. A gentle giant, if you would."
For Isane and Kiyone, that seemed to check some boxes in her head as her blush got brighter with specific 'fantasies.' Big guys with great personalities were her weak spot.
The rest of the Soul Society women commented mainly on Chad and Ichigo since they were more 'sexy' in some of their eyes since Chad was the bodybuilder with a great personality vibe. At the same time, Ichigo received comments as a bad boy and a hunky delinquent. Issei was the one that was overlooked but still got attention with his more diminutive traits. Unohanna did classify Issei as a tactical fighter, unlike Ichigo, who is all about pure force brawling due to his overwhelming power.
"Speaking of guys, who would you two want to date?" Rangiku asked both Orihime and Tatsuki; while the former was a bit embarrassed by the spotlight, the latter quickly replied.
"Well, if I had to choose, then probably Ichigo. I won't tell you why, but it's because I had a small crush on him, and granted, Issei makes me want to punch him in the face so many times, but he's a good guy if you look past his perversion. Chad may look cool, but I mostly see the guy as a brother of sorts." Tatsuki said as the girls were amazed by this before Orihime felt more nervous before she replied.
"W-Well I did have a crush on Ichigo for a long time but..." Orihime then looked down as. Rangiku knew why, but she could stop Orihime. The orangette continued. "But I do think I want to give Issei a chance since he had a crush on me as well, but apparently, he kept it hidden from me since he knew I was in love with Ichigo."
The girls were touched by how Issei held back his feelings for Orihime to have a chance at love but was sad that it failed when Ichigo used the sister card on her.
So throughout the night, the girls chatted as they talked about other things like favorite movies, who would win conversations, and even enjoyed games like Truth or Dare.
Now that we know what the girls are doing, let's see what the guys are up to shall we?
With the Guys
"Oh come on Ichigo. It's out last night here, so we might as well enjoy ourselves." Issei said as he had some soda already prepared while Renji supported him, but Ichigo and Chad were still determining.
"Should we be doing this? Won't the girls think we're jerks if we talk about who's our favorite?" Ichigo asked as Issei rolled his eyes at him.
"Oh, come on, Ichigo. It's the first time you've been interested in females since many thought you were gay due to your disinterest in dating, but it's a good thing to chat about with the other guys." Issei explained, which made Ichigo groan as he still couldn't believe that many people thought the orange-haired delinquent swung the other way, which to be fair, he understood their reasons, but it still made him feel embarrassed at times.
"Yeah, so why don't we have some fun for us, guys?" Renji asked as he popped open a can and chugged down the can before speaking to the guys. "Okay, so out of all the women here, who would you date?"
Ichigo felt a bit embarrassed, but before he or Issei could answer, Chad best then to it.
"...Isane or Kiyone Kotetsu." The gentle giant said as the two others were shocked at the reply; they were curious about the answer he gave them, so they decided to ask why.
"Interesting, but why Isane or Kiyone?" Issei asked as Chad gave his response.
"...Isane is tall but shy, which makes me want to protect her. She's kind and sweet when happy, making me want to hold her close to me. Kiyone is very energetic and beautiful in her way. They are two sides of the same coin that I admire and love about them." Chad replied, which made the other guys nod in agreement with Chad before Renji went next.
"Okay, don't laugh. I... have a crush on...Nemu." Renji said as the guys, mostly Ichigo and Issei, couldn't help but laugh while Chad shook as he was holding in his laughter which made Renji mad before he gave his reasons.
"She's an amazing woman, and I was kind of attracted to her normal behavior and how she is blunt but honest with me and yet has a bit of innocence in her even after the hell her so-called father put her through," Renji said as he recalled Nemu being more interested in observing Renji so much that she even memorized his fighting style and eating habits which led to Nemu being the kind of girl that made a lunch for her lover while also unsure about emotions such as love which led to her getting numerous check-ups from Kisuke who explained what she was feeling, which then showed to Nemu trying to be more feminine. Still, Renji told her not to change who she was, which made Nemu give Renji her first genuine smile.
The guys whistled at the story since they could tell that something was happening between them during their stay but were unsure whether it was an interest or an experiment by Nemu or Urahara.
"Wow. That's a great story." Issei said as he decided to go next. "Okay, well, my dream is to be a Harem King, but I'm attracted to Rangiku and Soifon. The two are opposites since Rangiku is bubbly, energetic, a party girl, and loves attention, making her a special girl who'd be there to listen and have fun with her. Soifon, on the other hand, is a great person who is a bit rough around the edges. Still, when you get to know her truly, Soifon is a great woman who's been alone her whole life and doesn't know how to trust others, which is why I'm glad that we're friends, but I wouldn't mind taking her out, on a few dates to see if we click."
Issei then sipped his drink before the trio looked at Ichigo, who was still nervous about the looks before he complied. "Okay. I... have a crush on Tatsuki and Rukia." Issei said with a red face as Issei stood up in excitement.
"Yes! I knew you had a thing for tomboys! Cough it up, Chad." Issei shouted in joy as Chad grumbled but slapped a five hundred yen bill in his hand, shocking Ichigo before asking.
"Wait a minute. Did you two bet on who is asked out?"
"More like what kind of girls you were into since I had a feeling you had a thing for tomboys like Tatsuki and Rukia since the two argue with you so much and how you seem to be turned on by the confidence they have plus, I could tell when you peeked at Tatsuki's ass when she wasn't looking," Issei said while counting his extra cash before Ichigo began to argue with him which later was resolved by Ikkaku, Ukitake, Kisuke, and Toshiro, who decided to join the four of them which resulted in Toshiro and Ukitake explaining some embarrassing stories about the girls. At the same time, Kisuke acted more like a father figure and interrogated Renji about his relationship with Nemu.
Ikkaku and Ichigo decided to fight by doing tests of strength challenges, resulting in a good night on the boys' side.
Squad 1 Barracks
Yamamoto sighed as he was making sure that Central 46 had no involvement with the upcoming war since he didn't want politics to come into this matter; this was a time when they needed allies and people they could trust, which is why Yamamoto wished to test both Issei and Ichigo to see if they could truly be trusted for the upcoming battles they will soon face.
"That boy Ichigo is a good person loyal to his friends. He'll need extra protection since Aizen will have his eye on him, but as for the other one, Issei Hyoudou." Yamamoto said to himself as he looked at the file and sighed as he couldn't help but chuckle at the boy and how much he had grown in the past few months.
"Who would've thought that my old World of the Living student who wanted to learn martial arts would become my ally?" Yamamoto said as he recalled the boy's eyes he saw that day as he wanted to learn martial arts to defend himself and become a hero due to a promise he made to a friend a long time ago. The old man was amused by this and trained the boy for a good while before he alerted the memories of Issei to make it look like Bang-Sensei died of old age while he just left the boy a book on advanced fighting.
"I hope this isn't a prelude for an even greater foe to appear," Yamamoto said, knowing that this war with Aizen would only begin a new chapter in the Soul Society's history.
The Next Day...
"I do hope I get to see you again, Soifon. I'm glad I got to meet you." Issei said as he shook hands with Soifon before Rangiku jumped at the poor boy and hugged his head into her bust.
"Please don't leave Issei! You the only thing that can save me from the paperwork my Captain is trying to force upon me!" Rangiku cried as she was ripped off by Toshiro, who gave his farewells to the Fullbringer before dragging Rangiku back as if she was a child being taken away by her guardian.
"It amazes me that she finds time to do her work," Issei said as Soifon nodded before pulling Issei into a hug which surprised the Fullbringer until Soifon decided to be bold and took his first kiss, which shocked the rest of his friends and the females of the Soul Society since they weren't expecting Soifon to be so bold by kissing him which left Issei dazed a bit until he reciprocated the kiss which made Soifon feel alive and happy until they separated with a faint blush on their cheeks.
"Thank you, Issei. You...You fight well." Soifon said awkwardly before vanishing, which made Yoruichi smile as she could tell that a small part of her old pupil was still in this Soifon Issei felt flattered by the compliment until he saw Chad getting the phone numbers of the Koketsu sisters and patted the younger one's head before hugging the oldest which made the trio seem like they were a couple already.
Ichigo was saying goodbye to Rukia as she decided to be bold like Soifon and take his first kiss, which surprised the King of Prudes before Rukia smiled at Ichigo and returned to her brother.
Orihime thanked Unohana for her teachings and for helping the poor human become stronger, while Uryu thanked the Shiba Clan for letting him stay at their home during his training.
"Kurosaki-kun," Ukitake called out, handing a pentagonal wooden object to Ichigo. "This is for you." The item had a skull-shaped mark etched to its surface.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked.
"This is a Substitute Shinigami Badge, and you can use it to eject your soul from your body whenever you wish. It also acts as an indicator for any Hollows nearby," Ukitake explained.
"Thank you," Ichigo replied.
When the Senkaimon opened, and they all stepped into it, it was a safer and more relaxed experience than their first time, depositing them quickly in front of Urahara's shop.
"Welcome back, everyone!" Urahara announced.
"Urahara, I want to talk to you about something privately," Issei called him as he went inside the store after the others left the shop and sat at the table.
"Hyoudou-san… I guess you heard about my past?" Urahara asked.
"I have," Issei stated as Urahara took off his hat and bowed his head at Issei's feet.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't intend to hide the truth from you but knowing Aizen..." Urahara said before Issei understood his reasons.
"You need not apologize to me, but if you are sorry, then there are few things I need from you," Issei said as Kisuke sat up and smiled at the boy.
"Of course!"
"What can you tell me about that badge Ukitake gave Ichigo?" Issei asked as Kisuke sighed before ensuring they were genuinely alone until he nodded and replied to Issei's question.
"With that badge, the Soul Realers can hear him, track where Ichigo is, control his Reiatsu, and they can also use it as a bomb to kill you should he turn traitor though we both know that won't happen," Urahara said to Issei, who closed his eyes in resignation. At the same time, Muramasa felt disgusted at the device before Urahara continued his explanation.
"The killing equipment was added after Ichigo's predecessor went rogue. After that, a hard decision must be taken, not that I'm defending Soul Society. I'm just as opposed to this as you are." Urahara said as Issei nodded before he asked.
"Is it possible you can get in touch with my God Aunt? I need to ask her a question about something." Issei asked as Urahara replied before heading to the phone while Issei spoke to Muramasa, who was annoyed at the Soul Society's actions in making a leash for Ichigo.
[We went to help them, and this is how they repay their gratitude?! And that white-headed bastard just handed Ichigo that bomb while smiling like he was giving him candy!] Muramasa growled in anger until Issei calmed down his partner.
'Muramasa. I understand your anger and hatred but that doesn't mean we should blame all of the Soul Society. We still haven't looked at the flash drive Aizen gave us that he said contains their past sins. I don't want to believe it since they've been kind to us but...' Issei said before Kisuke came back, saying that his God-Aunt would be unavailable for a couple of days since she was on a mission which Issei didn't mind as he then thanked Urahara before picking up Shirō, who was happy to see that Issei was back and safe, thanking Urahara and Ururu for being there for her which made the small girl smile and nod at the Fullbringer before the duo headed home.
They stopped by Orihime's apartment and knocked on the door before it opened up to reveal Orihime at her apartment greeting Issei and Shirō. Orihime had asked Urahara if he could help with her moving back to her old apartment, which the shopkeeper didn't mind as he had his staff move Orihime's belongings back to the apartment and gave it an excellent upgrade while also taking care of the rent due to him purchasing the apartment complex which shocked the girl before she thanked Urahara.
Issei and Shirō stayed for about an hour until they began to leave Orihime grabbed his left arm and spoke to him.
"I wanted to thank you for letting me stay at your home, and please tell your parents that I'm okay. I don't want to worry them. You did nothing wrong, Issei. You were good to me but I...I need some space to think about..." Orihime said as he was pulled into a hug by Issei, shocking her until he gently rubbed her back.
"It's okay, Orihime. I understand. I'm sorry for your heartbreak, but if you need a friend, know I'm here for you." Issei said as Orihime smiled in thanks before kissing his right cheek, which made Issei freeze for a moment until he was caught off guard by the peck on the cheek before the duo left Orihime for the rest of the day until they got back home to see that his parents were out on a cruise which made Issei smile since he figured that his parents got the trip thanks to Urahara.
He went to his room and pulled out his laptop before speaking to Shirō.
"Shirō. I need you to scan this flash drive for me if there may be a virus." Issei asked as Shirō nodded and took the flash drive before scanning it to see that there were only documents on the flash drive.
"It's clean. Where did you get this?" Shirō asked as Issei plugged it in and turned on his laptop before opening the flash drive.
"It's part of a deal I made with a Devil," Issei said as he looked at the documents and gasped as he read and saw the pictures that dated back to the war with the Biblical Faction.
"...Oh no," Issei said as he began to read the many sins of the past that the Soul Society had committed and how they are still harming others today. Shirō sat on his lap and gasped at the sight she was seeing as she read the documents as well.
"How could they do this? I-It's genocide."
"I honestly don't know, Shirō."
Unfortunately for them, there was more trouble in Karakura Town than they would think.
It was a cold night in Karakura Town as a man was preparing to meet a Devil to grant his wish, but just as he was about to activate the summoning seal, a pair of swords stabbed through the man's stomach before the killer bisected him. As the killer looked at the dead body, they cleaned the blades of blood before tapping on a cell phone. On the cell phone screen, there was a list of people who had been killed, except for two people.
The killer smiled at the man's death before looking at a video on a new screen. The screen showed a crimson-haired woman tied up in a chair and slowly bleeding.
"The bait has been laid. The princess was helpful as well. Her stupid underlings and that Siscon King will arrive here soon, so there's no need to worry. They will be surprised to see the poor heiress of Gremory was killed by a Soul Reaper. And the innocent Ukitake no less." The voice said in a dramatic tone before it put the cellphone in its pocket. They then left the crime scene and headed to an apartment complex.
They snuck in through the back window and put their clothes away until the doorbell rang, which surprised them until the figure threw on their night pajamas and greeted the visitor. The door was opened to reveal Orihime's orange hair and brilliant smile.
"Hi, Chizuru. I'm back in the apartment complex. I thanked the Hyoudou's for letting me stay with them for a while, but now that my job has given me a promotion and I'm making more money, I was able to move back to the apartment. I hope we can still be good neighbors." Orihime said as Chizuru smiled at her and hugged her.
"Of course, Orihime." 'I know you're with the Soul Reapers, but sooner or later, you'll see for who they are. Monsters and Villains in human flesh.' Chizuru said to herself as she said goodbye to her friend and crushed before walking and locking her apartment door before entering her private room and pulling out a laptop. She booted it up and smiled at the screen seeing the Soul Reapers and the Devils before speaking to herself.
"Let's see how they react when a Soul Reaper kills their precious King. Captain Ukitake no less." Chizuru said as she looked at a picture on her nightstand before rubbing the other person in the photo. "I'm going to make those bastards pay Aika. If the Soul Reapers think they can get away with killing innocent humans, let's see what the Devils say about that." Chizuru said as she looked at Issei's and Orihime's photos and kissed them.
"I'm sorry, Issei. I'm sorry Orihime, but you both will soon see that the supernatural World and the Soul Society don't give a damn about humans. They're more selfish and cruel than humans themselves. I really can't wait to watch them kill each other." Chizuru said as she let a dark smile etch itself on her face as she was looking forward to the war that would soon occur.
"And I am going to enjoy choreographing this divine comedy."
Chizuru said as then received an email that surprised her before she opened up the email and read the message.
Sternritter L,
You will be leaving the place you are staying in a couple of weeks since Lord Ywach is sending a few of the Femritters to investigate and see if they can recruit some War Potential candidates.
We cannot allow the Soul Society to be aware of our existence yet, so Lord Ywach has allowed you to cause chaos to hide our subordinates' identities.
Failure is not an option.
Balance
"Huh. So Ywach is sending in the Femritters, huh? I can see Bambietta and Candice being wary of Issei and Ichigo warming up to them. Now for Minnie, I can see her getting along with Issei very nicely due to him being used to Rangiku's character." Chizuru said as she sent a reply back to Balance before closing her laptop and looking at a picture of herself when she was a little kid eating ice cream with a teenager with brown hair but similar glasses.
"I'll make them pay Aika. I'll make them pay for taking away my sister." Chizuru said as her eyes glowed dark pink momentarily while spraying a pink cloud out of her hand.
"After all, my power of Lust can reveal a person's true intentions or sins when they are overwhelmed by their deepest desires," Chizuru said as she was getting ready to carry out her plan that she has been working on for three years now.
Ever since she was thirteen years old when she witnessed her sister being murdered by Jushiro Ukitake, no less.
The Curtains Close on the First Act as the Stage prepares for the Second Act.
Scene!
I hope you all enjoyed it and how I changed it up since I thought Orihime and Issei would be a better match than Ichigo and Orihime due to their interactions, such as how Ichigo saw Orihime more as a sister than a girlfriend. Now Tatsuki or Rukia with Ichigo? That makes more sense since their past and personalities work well with Ichigo.
As for Chad, I'm considering putting him with the Koketsu sisters since they would make an excellent trio due to their personalities blending very nicely.
Chizuru's past will be revealed in the second act, as the second act is when the DXD Devils come to play.
I hope you all enjoyed it, and see you next time. Oh, and for those wondering about the Might of the Magus, that's taking longer due to my beta reader on Spring Break, so please be patient.
Ta-Ta~