A/N: For the purposes of this story, the twins will have been born in the same year as Chad, Uryū, Orihime etc. Ichigo is the only older one.
1 for sorrow)
Ichigo only had maybe a week and a half to mope around, depressed and feeling like the world was falling apart before Isshin sat him down in the kitchen once the twins were in bed and gave him a somber expression.
The nine year old had been expecting a very awkward and not at all helpful conversation from Isshin where he tried and ultimately failed at saying what Ichigo really needed to hear. Masaki had always been the closest to him while Isshin was much better at caring for the girls but what happened next was not anything at all what he thought it would be.
"I need you to listen very carefully to me, and not interrupt until I at least explain the first part."
Ichigo had been confused at first, spirits were somewhat normal to him, but Hollows, Shinigami and Quincies were not. Listening to his father's tale about how he met his mother was eye opening and a bit weird -hearing about these two people who sounded nothing like his happy mother and goofy father did that- but once Isshin began explaining what really happened on that night where Masaki died, he was left feeling cold and just the tiniest bit relieved -it wasn't his fault, it never had been.
They stopped their conversation there due to the long hour and probably so Ichigo could process what he was told. However, the next night they sat down face to face again, and the orange head looked at Isshin again and asked.
"Why are you telling me now? You made it sound like you would have preferred we didn't know anything about the spiritual world." Ichigo pointed out ruefully.
Isshin winced but didn't deny it. "You deserved to know. Also…" he paused, a conflicting expression crossing his face before sighing. "… that attack was the spark that kick started your reiatsu and heritage. You already had high levels of reiatsu, but the sense of danger easily tripled it. They will know soon."
Ichigo blinked in puzzlement. "They? Do you mean the Shinigami?"
"Not them." The raven head waved him off. "But the Zero Division will notice soon and I'm pretty sure they will be contacting my niece Kukaku soon." The orange head continued to look on in confusion while Isshin raked a hand through his hair and grimaced again. "Remember I mentioned my surname was Shiba?"
Ichigo nodded.
And so Isshin explained about the Five Great Noble Clans and the tasks they were given by the Soul King. The Kuchikis and their role as The Bookmen. The Shihōin with their role as The Enforcer. The Imamura and their role as The Justiciar -though it seemed they've taken a step back with how inactive they've been these last seven centuries. The Hamasaki with their role as The Chamberlain.
"… and The Shiba with their role as The Keeper." Isshin finished his tirade.
"But," Ichigo scrunched up his nose as he processed all this information and put it away in case he ever needed it. "The Keepers of what?"
Isshin gave him another piercing gaze that made him want to squirm in his seat. While the raven head had been acting very serious as of late, this stare seemed ten times heavier, with more meaning.
"Listen Ichigo," he began in an almost whisper. "we Shiba are The Keepers of anything and everything the King gives us. While most are under the -not so mistaken- impression that we are the Gatekeepers of the Spirit Palace, that's only the tip of the iceberg. All knowledge that Reiō-sama has is ours as well, and we are the Keepers of that too -we tell the Kuchiki what Reiō-sama has given us leave to disclose and the Shihōin enforce whatever the Kuchiki decide is the level of clearance you need to know about it. We are Keepers of Reiō-sama's safety, and it doesn't matter if the Hamasaki have a person vetted and checked as a good maid for the spirit palace, we can say no if we feel like it would be a problem."
"So the Shiba are more important than the others?" Ichigo asked inquisitively.
Isshin made a face before answering. "The thing is, only the Great Noble Clans know the extent of our role as Keepers so no one else is going to just outright say it. Some of the lesser members of these Clans have shown their displeasure at this favoritism, but there is a reason why."
"Which is?"
"Don't ever tell anyone about this Ichigo." Isshin warned just in case it wasn't obvious this was sensitive information. "The first Shiba was Reiō-sama's best friend, we came first and that gives us more trust than others. Also, because we were there from the beginning, our ancestor was influenced by Reio-sama's power before he was able to mediate and control it. The Shibas are so constantly lauded as prodigies because even now, many generations later, we are and forever will be impacted by the heavenly power running through our tenketsu. The Shiba head, heir and spare are trained from very young to wield this and it's how we are able to fulfill our role as Keeper."
Ichigo nodded in understanding before taking a deep breath and stating. "You are -or was- Clan head?"
"Still am in theory." Isshin agreed. "My brother was the heir and I was the spare. When dad died my brother became head and his eldest -Kaien- became heir. Kūkaku -second eldest- was too young so I stayed as spare, but after my brother died unexpectedly, Kaien asked me to be heir to take the pressure off Kūkaku's shoulders so that she could take her studies calmly. Kaien died and so I ascended as Clan head while Kūkaku became heir. My littlest nephew Ganju doesn't really have the aptitude for the role but he was to start training a couple years ago since the main line was diminishing and he was the best choice out of the lot." He takes a moment to pause and stare at Ichigo's brown intelligent eyes. "Then you were born, and it was obvious to Kūkaku and me that this was Reiō-sama's way of balancing us out again. Kūkaku is acting as regent since I'm stuck here, but I'm technically still Clan head."
"So when do I have to start training?" Ichigo asked inquisitively, it was more than a bit disconcerting seeing a nine year old with such a fierce and old expression.
"Usually," Isshin began hesitantly. "you would begin training when your Clan head deems you mature enough with only one exception on the matter."
"It's my reiatsu and heritage awakening, isn't it?"
The raven head stared at Ichigo, his eyes searching for why Ichigo would come to such a conclusion. "Have you started… feeling things?"
Ichigo gave an uncomfortable expression as he shifted in his seat and looked anywhere but at Isshin. "Is it normal?"
"No." Isshin answered with a sardonic grin when the orange head tensed. "But it's expected of you as The chosen Shiba heir."
Ichigo gave a deep breath before nodding slightly in understanding. He bit his lip, looking hesitant to ask so Isshin remained quiet to await his question -he's actually surprised Ichigo is taking it in so calmly, then again it might be because he's still in shock.
"What about Yuzu and Karin? Will you tell them?"
Isshin nodded. "Not right now of course -they can barely understand when I ask them if they want food- but if they start seeing spirits too, we'll explain it to them, and when they reach your age, I'll tell them about our past."
Ichigo seemed content with this answer and proceeded to take a deep breath as if preparing himself for war before setting his spine straight.
"What next."
Isshin smiled.
2 for mirth)
"This little brat," Kirinji Tenjirō began languidly as he stared down at the small orange head with an unimpressed raised brow. "is The Shiba heir in training?"
Ichigo scowled at the gangly tall man for all he was worth and was rewarded with a quickly hidden laugh from the other members of the Zero Division as they found his best efforts at being intimidating cute. Ichigo inhaled as he set his jaw and did a small bow like his father and Kūkaku-nee had taught him -he was of lower standing with these people because he was so inexperienced, but he was of higher standing just because of the blood flowing through his veins; that was no excuse though, Ichigo hated respecting people just because he was told, he would earn their respect.
"It's nice to meet you all." He intoned formally but with an edge of no nonsense he had quickly learned from Kūkaku-nee. It was unfortunate he had to meet these people alone since it meant he had to introduce himself which technically was not proper. "I am of Shiba, Son of Shiba Isshin and Kurosaki Masaki, Heir and Keeper of his Majesty Reiō-sama, Shiba Ichigo." That would get annoying fast.
"Oh aren't you so precious." Hikifune Kirio -Kokuō- cooed at him. "It's been so long since Kūkaku-chan came to visit, it will be great to have someone new again."
Ichigo felt like twitching nervously but held his ground as all five guards gave him vastly different expressions. He wished he could go home, but it had been agreed Ichigo would be coming over during vacations and every other weekend until he learned what he need to, so this would be his home for a good portion of the year.
"Let's not overwhelm him." Hyōsube Ichibē, and the man that was technically in charge of the others stated with playful seriousness. "Besides, Reiō-sama wants to see him, remember?"
Tenjirō looked annoyed that his scrutiny would be interrupted while Nimaiya Ōetsu – Tōshin- continued giving him an inquisitive expression that seemed at odds with his grin. Ichigo was glad he would get to leave the combined interest of the Zero Division but also felt a knot in his stomach at the reminder that he would meet the Spirit King. He had been hoping against odds that the man would be asleep and Ichigo could have a couple more years to grow and learn before meeting him -his luck was not that good.
Ichibē gave him a grin as he ushered him in the direction of the building floating in the middle that made Ichigo think the man knew exactly what he was thinking.
"A quick word of advice young Shiba." Ichibē interjects once they are out of ear shot of the others. "Reiō-sama can be a bit enthusiastic about the Shibas -he's always looking for someone."
Ichigo puzzled over these words before asking. "Someone? And a Shiba at that… Who?"
The man's smile fades until it's only a shadow and the orange head finds himself instantly wary. "Shiba Reisei, The Shiba that started it all; his soul always makes its way back to Reiō-sama sooner or later."
Ichigo is left confused at this but Ichibē doesn't look like he will answer any more questions and he's quickly pushed onto a platform that has him confused and questioning the man's intelligence.
A quick and heart wrecking journey from the initial 'island' to the King's building later, he was sat in what could have passed for a comfortable sitting room if it weren't for all the lavish satin draped around the ceiling and floor, the silk covered cushions Ichigo was sitting on, the beautifully carved low wooden table and all the servants milling about.
"What tea flavor do you prefer Ichigo-sama?" the young-looking man who had shown Ichigo in once Ichibē dropped him off asked.
The orange head hid a wince at the address he was given even though he was four feet two! (128 cm). "What Reiō-sama is having is fine." He answered instead of choosing.
The man -what was his name?!- frowned at the answer as if disappointed before asking again. "Reiō-sama wishes you to be comfortable Ichigo-sama, I assure you it is of no hardship to make your preferred tea."
"Well," Ichigo acquiesces hesitantly. "Shincha* is my favorite?"
He smiles as if Ichigo had just handed him the world on a silver platter before bowing from his seated position at the sliding door. "I will bring it right away Ichigo-sama."
The man leaves almost immediately and Ichigo is left very wrong footed and alone in this room. He hadn't even found how to politely ask for his name!
"His name is Kenshin," A voice interrupts his rampant thoughts and mild panic. "it means modest trust. He will be your retainer during your stay. If he ever wishes to become your full-time escort, he -just like every other servant in this palace- has leave to do so."
Ichigo tensed even further as he turns to look at the tall and ageless looking man suddenly sitting opposite him. He finds it impossible that he had somehow missed this person entering the room. Still…
He straightens his spine before making the lowest bow the table will let him do and taking a breath to make sure his voice is steady. "Reiō-sama, I apologize for not noticing your presence earlier."
The man waves it off, his hand languid before he sets his elbow on the low table and reclines his head on the fist. "Don't worry about it, I teleported here anyway." As Ichigo gets out of his bow, he notices the Spirit King is giving his a lazy yet intense stare. "You're the chosen heir…" the man furrows his brows before recognition and slight shock dawns on his features. "You're Reisei!"
Ichigo wonders if this is what Ichibē meant. Does the Spirit King accuse every Shiba he meets of being Reisei? He's pretty sure the man already knows his name which is why he had not done his introduction but now he is left wondering if he should have, seeing as the Spirit King was addressing him with the first Shibas name right off the bat.
"Your Majesty," the orange head begins nervously. "I'm sorry to say you may be confused. My name is not Reisei, it's Ichigo."
The man doesn't seem at all deterred by this comment as he continues to stare at Ichigo as if he were a miracle. "I mean your soul. I've been waiting a millennium for you. Reisei, where were you?"
Ichigo doesn't know how he is meant to respond or even what it means. The Spirit King is the one who sorts through the souls and sends them off to reincarnate, it's not baffling to think he could recognize souls from people he once knew.
"I see." The Spirit King speaks as if to himself but continued staring at Ichigo. "You don't remember, that makes sense. I was just so surprised because I was under the impression that Shiba Reisei's soul was destroyed when he died at the hand of that brat Ywach."
"I'm not-" Ichigo cleared his throat when it looked like he would choke on his words. "Shiba Reisei died six thousand years ago, not one thousand." He took a deep breath, his heart making a tattoo in his chest as he raised his eyes to meet the black eyes of the Spirit King. "I am of Shiba, Son of Shiba Isshin and Kurosaki Masaki, Heir and Keeper of his Majesty Reiō-sama, Shiba Ichigo."
The ageless man stared at him for what seemed like eons with an expressionless face before the smallest of smiles curled at the edge of his mouth.
"Chosen heir I see."
His smile widened.
"I see.
It was sad even then.
3 for a funeral)
"Shiba Reisei was my best friend." The Spirit King stated out of nowhere from where he was sprawled on dozens of cushions next to Ichigo. It seemed the man got lonely, so whenever Ichigo had time to do his reading and studies -mundane to keep up with school and nonmundane to learn the ins and outs of Soul Society- he inevitably showed up and laid down nearby. "I met him when I was very, very young; still trying to assimilate all the knowledge and information I was being given by the day. I could definitely not control my powers yet; I hardly knew I had them."
Ichigo gave a sigh before shutting his book and turning to give the man his full attention -this sounded important.
"I knew that." He told the man because it seemed like he wanted Ichigo to keep up his side of the conversation.
The Spirit King nodded but continued to stare into the wall as if seeing something else -he probably was. "Reisei was never scared of me even when my reiatsu could randomly hurt people, and he always stood by my side for me instead of what I was becoming." He shifted his gaze to finally look at the orange haired eleven-year-old. "That's why the Shiba are my favorite, and thus far, every Shiba I've gotten to know has had that core of resilience and niceness Reisei had. It also helps that you get reincarnated in your own clan every couple centuries."
It was a bit unfair, Ichigo couldn't help but think, this preference and love the Spirit King held for the blood of a man long dead. "I haven't been able to meet many Shiba yet, but Kukaku-nee is nice, my father is okay when he's not playing the fool and my little sisters are angels."
The Spirit King nodded as if that was a given. "Anyone related to you was bound to be spectacular Reisei, it's why I'm happy with leaving the power in your family's care."
Ichigo took a deep breath and answered just like every other time the Spirit King seemed to blur his thoughts between him and him. "Shiba Reisei died six thousand years ago, Reiō-sama."
"The first death, yes." The Spirit king nodded and Ichigo was vaguely concerned at the fact that this time the King was not snapped out of his reverie like he was every other time Ichigo reminded the man that Reisei was dead. "You died protecting me. It's why I continue to share your name even after all these years."
Rei-sei and Rei-ō
Spirit Quiet and Spirit King
Ichigo took another deep breath, his heart beating a mile a minute and what seemed like a very far away cry echoing in his head.
"You're behaving like an old man again, Akihiko-sama." Ichigo scolded through the heaviness in his tongue, almost as if it weren't him that was in control of his mouth.
The Spirit King chuckled quietly but his eyes were starting to droop, and his breath was evening out. "I am and old man now, Reisei."
Ichigo didn't know what else to respond, and while the weird static in his head was gone and he felt like his body was his again, his heart would not calm down.
He didn't understand, he needed answers.
.
.
.
.
.
The Spirit King did not wake up the next morning; he had reached his limit and had to go back into stasis.
4 for birth)
"How's your Zanpaktou coming along?" Ōetsu asked from his perch on a nearby rock, looking nothing like the God of the Sword he was with his lazy looking outfit. Ichigo at least tried to look the part of Keeper with his Shutara Senjumaru made Kimonos for when he was on display and Yukatas when he was not -very few could boast about owning a wardrobe full of clothes made by the Ōorigami - Great Weave Guard.
Ichigo grimaced as he caressed his sealed blade and received an electric shock that didn't hurt, but did show their displeasure. "Zangetsu is being hissy. I think their just tired of fighting with each other but the old man feels I should learn my Quincy roots first while my twin wants to teach me Hollow stuff. I keep on telling them I can learn both at the same time, but their just being childish."
Ōetsu snorted at the dour look on Ichigo's face. "Those spirits of yours are insane. They want to make you even more of a powerhouse. I swear Tenjirō still sits stiffly from that punch you gave him in the ribs three days ago. You put every other Shinigami I know to shame baby prodigy; you're making us all look bad."
The orange head rolled his eyes and sheathed his sword back in its scabbard before standing and dusting off the imaginary dust on his person. It would not do for Senjumaru to see any sort of filth on his clothes.
"Stop teasing me." He tells the older man. "I'm twelve, not nine anymore. You don't have to praise me to keep my motivation up, I know I have to improve."
A rambunctious laughter interrupted anything the man could have said and both turned to look at Ichibē landing gracefully on the island. "He's not being kind at all Ichi-chan." The Manako Oshō stated calmly as if explaining it to a toddler. Then again, to them Ichigo might as well be one. "I'm pretty sure that in no more than three years you will be able to defeat each of us in battle."
Ichigo blushes but tries to hide his embarrassment with a scowl. "Wh-what good would that do me! If strong enemies gang up on me, I'll still lose!"
"Being disappointed that he will defeat us -the strongest Shinigami alive- when he's less then two decades. Such a cocky brat." Ōetsu deadpanned which only made Ichigo blush stronger and Ichibē laugh louder. "Don't you worry Ichi-chan, I'm sure that you will be able to kick all our asses at the same time before your twenty."
The orange head splutters. "You don't know that! I've been training for three years and I can barely beat the younger Zero Division members."
Ichibē was still laughing, Ōetsu knew that when Ichigo finally met a normal Shinigami from the Gotei 13, he would understand how ridiculously petty he was being. This conversation would only inspire Ichigo to train more, they created a monster.
5 for heaven)
"So whenever you leave on the weekends or school break," Yuzu began hesitantly as she kept her eyes on her older brother. "You go to… heaven?" she questioned shyly before the meaning of that word clicked in her head and she back tracked. "Wait, does that mean you're dead Oni-chan?"
Ichigo winced internally at the phrasing but tried to manage a smile for the twins. Karin was staring at both Isshin and him with a slightly betrayed expression. "Yes and no. I'm not dead because my heart hasn't stopped which is the more common indication of death. But I am also not fully alive because father's soul hasn't been in the 'alive' cycle for a couple centuries. Technically that means that all three of us are half alive or half dead, however you want to see it."
Yuzu looked somewhat appeased by that explanation, though still seemed confused over what that meant for them. Honestly, this whole explain-to-the-twins-the-backstory-of-why-they-could-see-spirits-and-hollows was not going as nicely as he would have liked.
"Why didn't you tell us until now?" Karin finally asked the question that she seemed to have on the tip of her tongue.
"Because," Isshin took on the full burnt of Karin's glare as he began to answer. "I thought nine was a somewhat okay age to know and understand these things. Some of this information is extremely sensitive."
Ichigo nodded and gently took Karin's clenched fist in his hand. He took it as a win when she did not pull it away. "I was also nine when father told me." He revealed softly, wanting her to understand that they had not treated them any different then Isshin had Ichigo just because he was a boy. "The only reason why he told me then was because my power had manifested itself when Mother died, and it would become an issue if it was not addressed."
Karin stared into his calm brown eyes as if looking for a lie or omission for what seemed like an eternity but finally, she took a breath and her shoulders relaxed. Yuzu untensed as well at seeing her twin wind down and soon she was smiling and turning to grab Ichigo's empty hand.
"It's okay Oni-chan, we understand." She smiled and perked up as if a puzzle had somehow slotted itself into place. "Oh, so that's why your speech pattern is a bit… weirdly formal and outdated."
Karin snorted in laughter while Ichigo drew back in mock indignance. "Outdated? I find your observations of my character to be distressing and recommend you consider your next words carefully."
Yuzu giggled into her palm while Karin smirked at her older brother. "Laying it in a bit thick don't you think Ichi-ni?"
Ichigo blinked in surprise and Karin faltered as she alternated her eyes from her brother to Goat-face.
She was not sure if Ichigo was doing that to tease her, or if he was being serious about it.
6 for hell)
"The one time," Karin talks to herself as she lays on the floor of Karakura High School's roof while Yuzu sat besides her primly and Rukia stood next to them with an affronted expression on her face. "I would have liked to have Ichi-ni hovering like an overprotective mother hen and he wasn't even there."
"What are you talking about?" Rukia questions. "You're not making any sense. I need your help to hunt the hollows until my reiatsu returns, will you help or not?"
Karin thought about Ichigo, doing who knows what in the Spirit Palace and not in school anymore since he had graduated High School and had opted to shift his life to Sereitei. She thought about the disappointed puppy dog eyes she would get even though Ichi-ni was nineteen, almost twenty and should not be able to do them anymore and sighed in defeat. Besides, this Shinigami was a Kuchiki, maybe it could foster better relationships between their clans… not that Rukia would know she was Shiba, but they could use it if need be.
"Alright." She ground out and Yuzu gave a cheery little clap from her side. Honestly, the things she did for her brother.
6 for hell)
Seriously, this was Ichi-ni's fault. It doesn't matter that Ichigo has been no where near her since a week before Rukia arrived. Somehow she knows this could have been avoided and now here she is, after what feels like thousands of battles, standing face to face with the asshole current Kuchiki Head and Rukia's older brother. This would not foster better relationships between their clans, Karin was either going to die at the hands of this guy and Ichigo would call revenge or Karin was going to kill this guy and the Kuchikis would hate her and her family for doing so -because it seemed more and more likely she would need to kill this guy if she wanted Rukia to walk free.
Seriously, she was in Sereitei, where was her brother? Where was this so-called Spirit Palace, she couldn't see anything that looked remotely like a palace! If Ichigo was here she would have more help, and her brother could at least hold himself against a captain… probably… she doesn't know okay!
6 for hell
Ichigo sighs for what feels like the umpteenth time as he pinches the bridge of his nose to ward off the headache that's been steadily increasing when he heard about the silly invasion made by five teenagers and a cat -well not really, at first he had laughed at the nerve of these kids until The Spirit King had thought to elaborate and tell him two of those teenagers were his sisters.
"I don't understand," He began calmly as he sat across from the twins in one of the private sitting rooms of the Shiba compound. "why it made any sense to invade a military organization."
Yuzu was giving him the puppy dog eyes that did not work on him anymore while Karin just scowled, so reminiscent of his own and not intimidating for that reason alone.
"This is your fault." Karin states with a certainty that has Ichigo momentarily baffled. "Leave us a way to reach you next time, Ichi-ni."
Oh she was not putting the blame of this on him.
"Karin." He called her name, his tone even but with an infliction that had her instantly crossing her arms over her chest. "Responsibilities?"
She avoided his gaze, her shoulders drooping like a dejected child. "Exist."
"Karin!"
6 for hell
"Reisei." Ichigo paused his trek towards the library and turned to give his full attention to the ageless man in front of him. After so many years of living in this Palace, it had become so easy, so simple to also answer to the name Reisei.
"Reiō-sama," Ichigo greeted like always, his routine so well established it takes no thought to say the next words. "Shiba Reisei died six thousand years ago."
Honestly, Ichigo does not understand why he continues to feel the need to remind the Spirit King of this fact. The man doesn't even acknowledge the second part of his greeting and only sometimes calls him Ichigo.
The Spirit King smiled as if knowing full well what Ichigo was thinking. "I just wanted to let you know, that Aizen Sōsuke is making his move and is fighting the Gotei 13 as we speak."
Ichigo doesn't tense or bristle because he knows full well the Spirit King is not about to tell him of a threat a second before or after he needs to know. Ichigo has known that Aizen was planning and plotting to come to the Palace, but Ichigo had constantly been reassured by this man that it was not his moment to fulfill his role as Keeper of the Spirit King, looked like that would change very soon.
"Should I depart now, Reiō-sama?" he asks just to make sure.
The Spirit King gives him an expressionless and weighty stare that would have had Ichigo shifting in his place if he were not already so accustomed to them.
"You have to come back Reisei." He commands. "I will not lose you again to a subpar threat."
Ichigo sighs, his usual comeback on the tip of his tongue before he… stops.
"If it's between you and me Amahiko-sama, you should know I will always choose to protect you."
The Spirit King frowns, the expression at odds with the way his eyes seem melancholy.
"You've already done this thrice, I can't live through a fourth. Why?"
Ichigo pauses, and for a second he isn't quite sure what to say. He has moments like this, rare though they may be, where he finds words tumbling out before he can stop them but he's always left wrong footed since it's only instinct that has him answering and the Spirit King's responses always has him coming back to reality.
"You never let me restore your memories, you never let me stay in stasis to dull the pain, and you never let me die. I'm tired Reisei." The man almost whines.
Ichigo feels it again, the odd sensation of being him but not being him at the same time.
"I don't want to be King." He turns up to look at the Spirit King's black eyes. "You say I am resilient and nice, but I am also selfish and cruel. I rather see you alive on that throne than dead and free Amahiko."
The ageless man doesn't show any infliction that Reisei's Ichigo's words might have hurt him and only continues keeping his eyes locked on his brown orbs.
"You always say that too, and that is why you are resilient and nice, not kind." He points out, his voice holding no contempt for Reisei Ichigo condemning him to his position. "You should go do your job then, Keeper. So long as you continue to return to me, I will remain here and hold my end of the bargain."
The Shiba are the Keepers of all that the Spirit King entrusts them with. That means the Shiba are the Keepers of Reisei as well whether the know it or not.
Ichigo tilts his head, holds that stare and wonders.
7 for a secret never to be told
"Good Evening, Aizen Sōsuke." Ichigo straightens from the very shallow bow he gives to the megalomaniac standing in the sky of fake Karakura. Most of the Gotei 13 is here, some conscious and some not, it looks like those ex-captains turned Vizord are also here and he should take a moment in the future to thank them for helping Karin with her hollow. Which brings him to Karin who is also here along with father and the other exiled ex-captains.
The traitor Ex-captain turns to stare at Ichigo with an almost frown on his features as he digests Ichigo's presence and appearance in the battlefield. Ichigo's wearing a Kimono today since he is technically on display -it's navy blue and purple with fireworks, stars and a moon accenting the silk fabrics; a deep red haori is thrown on top and he's wearing his comfiest Zori sandals- he doesn't understand why people are giving him such confused expressions.
"And who might you be?" the power-hungry man finally asks when the silence stretches into awkward. Sheesh, this man is seriously lacking in the propriety department.
Ichigo turns to give his father a raised eyebrow but the man merely face palms and makes a go ahead gesture that has the orange head scowling on reflex. Seriously, heathens the lot of them.
He sniffs in affront and shifts to put his hands inside the opposite sleeve. "I am of Shiba, Son of Shiba Isshin and Kurosaki Masaki, Chose Heir and Keeper of his Majesty Reiō-sama, Shiba Ichigo. I am sorry to say it is not nice to make your acquaintance."
Ichigo hears multiple more face palms and knows Karin and Isshin must be sharing exasperated expressions. In contrast Aizen brightens the slightest bit and many more people are interested in Ichigo now.
"Oh, a gatekeeper. At least it looks like you're not missing eighty percent of your power like Ex-Captain Shiba is." Aizen mocks in a bid to make Ichigo lose his cool probably.
"Gatekeeper?" Ichigo latches onto that instead. "Didn't you hear what I just said, Keeper is the right term."
The megalomaniac gives an unimpressed stare. "Does it matter?"
Ichigo's frown deepens. "The fact that you don't know means you're not meant to know. I thought people vying for the throne were supposed to be smart."
Aizen's brow twitches. Ichigo wonders why the man looks offended when he's only pointing out the facts.
"Ichi-ni," Karin calls out from where she seems to be attempting to asphyxiate herself in her hands. She also looks like she would like the ground to open and swallow her hole. "Just kill him or something, we're not getting anywhere with this."
Many of the captains and lieutenants look back and forth between Ichigo, Karin and Isshin. Well, looks like they had not made the connection yet, seriously, what is Yamamoto feeding his people?
"I suppose." He says instead of the questions he has on the tip of his tongue instead. Like why they can't defeat Aizen, or why they attacked the Espada one on one instead of the obviously more effective team battles that would have meant less injuries.
Maybe Tenjirō and Ichibē were not teasing him when they balked at Ichigo complaining that he could only defeat the weaker Guard members at age twelve. Is the difference between Gotei 13 captains and Zero Division that grand?
"I suppose." He states again though this time it is more to himself in regard to his musing.
Oh look, Aizen looks murderous now, nice.
He unsheathes his blade, the movement almost lazy as he positions his sealed zanpaktou in front of him horizontally with his right hand holding the hilt and the left touching the flat side of the sword with his fingers.
"Tear the heavens asunder…"
Not to be continued…
A/N: Well… this is officially the longest one shot I've made for this series. Hope you like it.
Shout out to Phoenixcatch7 who brought to my attention that I could make Isshin useful.
* Shincha = Tea that was picked earliest in the season. Thought to be sweeter than later batches.
Rei = Spirit (霊)
Ō = King (王)
Sei = Quiet (静)