Yes, I'm back. To be honest, I never left, I just rested this story for a bit, while my focus was on others. Just as a quick note, I'm updating a story every week, but that means it might be a fair wait between chapters, at least until my mid-year break, which is shorter in Med unfortunately… *sigh*.
I had an exhausting test this Friday as well, which was not fun at all, but I get Monday off, which is a nice present, since my birthday is on Tuesday and I can relax a bit… probably get some more writing done as well.
In any case, the next few chapters will be a buffer of sorts, between the previous arc and the next, before things really kick off.
Enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Bleach anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou talking'
"Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 12 – Consanguinity
Ichigo's eyes snapped open suddenly.
"What happened? How long have I been out?" Thought Ichigo groggily, as he struggled to sit up, rubbing his eyes as he did so.
'About time you woke up, Kurosaki.' Commented a snide voice to his right.
'Ishida? What are you doing here?' Asked Ichigo in confusion.
'It was my shift, but now that you're awake, I'll go and get people who actually care about you.' Said Uryuu, before standing up and heading for the door.
Ichigo clicked his tongue in annoyance, as the spectacled teen closed the door behind him.
'What an ass.' Grumbled Ichigo in annoyance, scratching the back of his head with his left hand.
'Hmm, he kind of reminds me a little of Ryuuken.' Commented Masaki, from within Ichigo's mind.
'Tch, all you Quincy are so uptight. You're the exception to the rule though, but that's probably because you're just weird.' Added Zangetsu.
'Hmm, I didn't know you had Tsundere within you Ichigo. It's okay though, I love all of you Ichigo, even you.' Said Masaki to Zangetsu.
'Irritating women.' Grumbled Zangetsu in annoyance.
'Ichigo, we will need to discuss what happened. It is vital that we address the flaw within your soul, or we won't be able to achieve our full potential, but that is for later.' Said Y calmly.
Ichigo was about to question why they weren't going to discuss it right now, when the door opened and in stepped Orihime and Chad with Uryuu.
'Ichigo, you're awake!' Exclaimed Orihime cheerfully.
'Er, yeah… how long was I out for?' Asked Ichigo.
'Hmm, a couple months I think.' Said Orihime, placing her right index finger under her chin in thought.
'A few months?' Spluttered Ichigo in shock.
'Tee hee, just kidding, it's only been about a day or so.' Said Orihime playfully, sticking her tongue out and bopping herself on the head.
'Whew, nearly had a heart attack there.' Muttered Ichigo in relief, before looking over to Chad.
'So what are you all doing here?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'We came to save Rukia of course, that's what you would've wanted, right?' Answered Orihime.
Ichigo look at Orihime's expectant expression for a minute, before smiling.
'Right.' Agreed Ichigo, with a small smile, which caused Orihime to beam.
'That being said, we weren't very successful.' Said Chad, in his usual deep voice.
'Well, I kind of figured, but it wasn't that bad was it?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'It could have been a lot worse without Orihime.' Said Chad, looking at Orihime, with a hint of gratefulness in his features.
'Ah, it was nothing.' Said Orihime bashfully.
'On the contrary, while I might have made steps towards redeeming my debt to Kurosaki, I now owe you one as well.' Said Uryuu.
'Really? What happened before I got here?' Asked Ichigo in confusion.
'Now that was quite a story.' Replied Uryuu.
'Uh, you don't have to say it, it's okay.' Said Orihime, waving her hands in protest, with an embarrassed expression.
'Orihime, you don't need to be embarrassed, you were a big help to us.' Said Chad calmly.
'So… what happened?' Asked Ichigo.
'Do you want to tell it, Uryuu?' Asked Chad.
'I might as well, the three of you should get comfortable though. You better listen well Kurosaki.' Said Uryuu tiredly.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow in confusion. After a moment, Orihime went and sat on a stool to Ichigo's right while Chad sat on another one to Ichigo's left.
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Flashback
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The group of Chad, Orihime, Uryuu and a black cat named Yoruichi, had just emerged, in what Yoruichi had called: the Rukon District. It looked rather old, however. The floor was dusty and the buildings were rather simple. All in all, it wasn't exactly what the trio had been considering the afterlife to look like.
'Now, just stick with me, I'll get us in without attracting too much attention.' Said Yoruichi, turning to face the group, only to notice the lack of a certain busty teen.
'Where did Orihime go?' Asked Yoruichi.
'There. She said the door was open.' Said Yasutora, pointing to the cheerful girl, who was skipping her way towards the Seireitei.
'Orihime wait!' Shouted Yoruichi.
'What is it?' Asked Orihime, comically freezing in place, one leg in the air.
'There is a better way to get in.' Said Yoruichi.
'Oh, okay.' Said Orihime amicably and skipped back over to the group.
'Now, as I was saying… where's Uryuu?' Asked Yoruichi.
'There.' Said Yasutora, pointing to the gate, in front of which, Uryuu stood.
'So arrogant, to simply leave the front door open. Shinigami truly astound me to no end.' Said Uryuu, before the gate slammed down in front of him.
'The gate is open because no one has dared to try and enter this way in centuries, knowing that I, the Gate Keeper, Jidanbou Ikkanzaka, would not allow them to pass!' Boomed the hulking figure, which had dropped down in front of Uryuu.
'I see… I will leave then.' Said Uryuu, turning his back on Jidanbou, who fell to the floor comically.
'What do you mean you will leave, trespasser?' Asked Jidanbou incredulously.
'I didn't realise we weren't allowed in this way. My apologies.' Said Uryuu, before walking back to the group.
'So, what were you saying, Yoruichi?' Asked Uryuu.
Both Yoruichi and Jidanbou, looked at Uryuu in shock.
'Why would you do that?' Ranted Yoruichi, as she clawed Uryuu's face.
'I did it too though, maybe Sado should as well, this way all three of us would have tried to get in.' Said Orihime cheerfully.
'Just… just follow me.' Grumbled Yoruichi, before leading the three away.
'So um… I guess I'll just sit here in case you decide to come back… or maybe I could get something to eat.' Muttered Jidanbou in confusion, scratching the back of his head with his right hand.
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The group eventually arrived, at a rather strange home. Well, the house itself was normal enough, but the two massive arms, jutting out from the ground on either side of it, were most definitely not normal, by any stretch of imagination.
'This is the house of my friend Kukaku. If anyone can get us into the Seireitei, it'll be Kukaku.' Said Yoruichi.
After the trio had entered the building, once two rather burly men recognised Yoruichi and had ushered her in, the group were introduced to a rather busty woman, with a prosthetic arm.
'Eh, Yoruichi? I haven't seen you in some time, what are you doing here?' Asked the dark haired woman.
'Oh, not much, just smuggling a group of kids into the Seireitei. Of course, that was before two of them had the bright idea, of walking right up to the gate and getting Jidanbou to show up.' Said Yoruichi.
'Well, maybe they should keep the doors closed, if they don't want people coming in.' Pouted Orihime.
'Haha, well, she's not wrong.' Laughed Kukaku in amusement, which intensified, when she heard Yoruichi give a small sigh of exasperation.
'In any case, want to help us out. Although, it might be dangerous.' Said Yoruichi.
'Danger, well how can I refuse that? Ganju, get out here!' Said Kukaku.
After that, Ganju had been introduced to the group, before passionately going on about how much he hated Shinigami. Uryuu eventually snapped and started shouting at Ganju.
'How on earth can you hate Shinigami, when you practically are one?' Growled Uryuu.
'That sounds like something a Shinigami would say.' Commented Ganju, with narrowed eyes, only for an arrow to lodge into the ground at his feet.
'Never, compare me, to a Shinigami. I am a Quincy and hate Shinigami much more than you ever could.' Said Uryuu calmly.
'Well that's nice, but.' Said Kukaku, walking over to Uryuu, before slamming a fist into his head.
'Don't destroy my home you idiot!' Shouted Kukaku, as Uryuu picked up his glasses.
'And you, stop spewing that nonsense all the time!' Yelled Kukaku, nailing Ganju with an uppercut, before grinding her cloth wrapped foot, into his back.
'I'm sorry.' Muttered Ganju weakly, as he felt his spine cracking under the pressure.
-line break-
The group had then practised controlling their Reiatsu, with a strange ball Kukaku had designed. As it turned out, all of them had good control over their Reiatsu and things moved on quickly after that, which led to them being stuffed into a canon.
'Are you sure this is safe?' Asked Uryuu nervously.
'Relax, you make it sound like this is the first time you've been shot out of a canon.' Said Yoruichi, with a yawn, getting a deadpanned look from Uryuu.
'It is.' Intoned Uryuu flatly.
'Oh. Well, it isn't mine, so don't worry, it'll be fine.' Said Yoruichi calmly.
'Right…' Said Uryuu uncertainly.
To Yoruichi's credit, the canon shot them just fine, it was entry that screwed them over.
'How on earth was this supposed to be a better plan?' Asked Uryuu in shock, as the massive ball of energy that currently held them, crashed into a barrier surrounding the Seireitei.
'Well, if the two of you hadn't gotten the gates to close, we could have avoided this. Never the less, stick together.' Said Yoruichi, before the group was split up.
The three humans were launched clear away from Ganju and Yoruichi, much to Uryuu's dismay.
'Just great, launched through the air like a ball of rubbish… then split off from the only people, who might know where to go from here.' Muttered Uryuu in annoyance, as he adjusted his glasses.
'Well, we could just ask around, I'm sure someone will know.' Said Orihime cheerfully.
'I don't think that is something they would want to tell us though.' Said Chad.
'Oh, that's right! We're invading, aren't we?' Exclaimed Orihime, slamming her fist into her open palm, getting Uryuu and Chad to look at her in disbelief.
'Well, we won't find Rukia standing here, let's look around.' Suggested Orihime.
The three quickly took to the rooftops and observed their surroundings.
'Hmm, well, I see a big tower over there, that's probably it right?' Queried Orihime, peering over the horizon.
'Where?' Asked Uryuu.
'Over there.' Said Orihime, pointing across the rooftops.
Yasutora and Uryuu both noticed a figure suddenly appear beside Orihime, who seemed completely unaware.
The figure raised their sword, preparing to bring it down on Orihime. There was a heavy thud, but both Yasutora and Uryuu, along with the figure, were surprised at what happened.
'That wasn't very nice, I was trying to show Ishida and Sado where the tower was. How rude of you to attack me when I'm distracted.' Chided Orihime, turning to face the stupefied figure, her face being illuminated, by the translucent orange barrier that had blocked the sword, which had been heading towards her.
The figure backed up a few steps.
'I see, I will give you ten seconds to regret now, before I dispatch you.' Said the figure confidently, undeterred.
'Hmm, well, I don't like the sound of that game so, Tsubaki, I reject.' Said Orihime happily, as her hairpins glowed and a flash of light rushed at the figure, at blinding speeds.
The figure had no chance to dodge and tried to block the attack, only for Tsubaki to smash through the weapon, hastily raised in defence, before ploughing into the figure and knocking them off the roof.
'There we go. Now, what was I saying… oh, that's right! I think that tower over there, might be where they are keeping Rukia.' Said Orihime exuberantly, pointing at the tower in the distance once again, as if an attack had not just been made on her life.
The two agreed with Orihime and the trio set off. As they did so, they continued to run into quite a few patrols along the way, which led to Uryuu suggesting they hide until nightfall.
-line break-
'Do we really have to wear these?' Asked Uryuu, grumbling as he pulled at the sleeve, of the long black cloak he was wearing.
'I think they're nice.' Said Orihime, giving a little twirl.
'This will help the two of you move around more discreetly.' Spoke Chad calmly, still clad in his normal attire.
'Yeah. Besides, Sado couldn't find one his size, so it'd be rude to not wear them.' Commented Orihime.
'In any case, the two of you can sneak around more easily now and I'll remain close by, just in case.' Said Yasutora.
Orihime nodded happily, while Uryuu let out a reluctant sigh.
-line break-
The three had travelled for some distance after that, before finally running into someone else.
'Eh, what are you two doing, strolling around here? What division are you from?' Asked a rather burly Shinigami.
'We're from the Eleventh Division.' Said Orihime.
'Oh? So am I, but I didn't think there would be any idiots of our battle oriented division, running around without their swords.' Said the man, before walking over to the duo and grasping Orihime's appropriated Shinigami garb.
'Huh, this is the insignia of the Twelfth Division. Who are you guys?' Asked the Shinigami.
Chad tensed in anticipation of their cover being blown, ready to step in and take out the Shinigami, only for a group of Shinigami to do the job for him. What happened next though, shocked Chad, as the Shinigami were blown up by their Captain.
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End Flashback
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The tale of their adventure was abruptly paused, when a knock was heard on the door to Ichigo's hospital room. The door was quickly opened and in walked the same woman Ichigo saw on the hill, who had gathered the people he knocked out.
'Ah, how nice to see you are awake, Mr. Kurosaki. I am Retsu Unohana, Captain of the Fourth Division.' Said the woman, with a unique front braid.
Ichigo tensed up slightly, which the medic noticed.
'Please be at ease, you are not in any danger here. This is the division of healing and no harm will befall any of you here.' Unohana said, with a smile.
Rather than feeling reassured, Ichigo tensed up more, both at the words of no harm befalling them here, but not anywhere else, along with her smile, which unnerved him.
'It's okay Ichigo, you can trust them.' Said Chad, causing Ichigo to reluctantly relax.
The healer walked over to Ichigo, as a green glow surrounded her palms, which she slowly moved over Ichigo's body.
'Well, you seem to be completely restored to normal health. That is quite the recovery. Your power is quite impressive.' Said Unohana to Ichigo, turning to Orihime towards the end.
'Wait, you're the one who healed me, Orihime?' Asked Ichigo, turning to the flustered girl.
'All of us actually.' Said Uryuu, absentmindedly glancing at his right hand.
'Well, in any case, since you are all recovered, you can move freely around the Seireitei for the time being, but I do anticipate quite a few people would like to have words with you. I'll leave you to rest for now.' Said Unohana, before leaving.
'Who'd want to talk to us?' Asked Ichigo in confusion.
'A lot of people, actually, considering the uproar the bunch of you caused.' Said a smooth voice.
Ichigo looked around in confusion, before spotting the same purple haired woman, who had helped him on the hill.
'Er, Yoruichi, right?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'Yoruichi? The cat?' Asked Orihime in confusion.
'But that cat had such a deep voice.' Commented Chad in confusion.
'I was sure it was a male cat.' Muttered Uryuu in surprise.
'Well, I'm not a man or a cat… well, I might have a pussy, but not a pussy cat.' Smirked Yoruichi.
Orihime adopted a thoughtful expression, while Uryuu raised his glasses, Chad looked to the ground and Ichigo blushed.
'So what are you doing here anyway?' Asked Ichigo, after calming down.
'Just checking on the four of you. Ganju already headed back to Kukaku, so I thought I'd see how the rest of you were doing. Kisuke did send me to look after you three after all… you were a surprise though Ichigo… luckily everything worked out in the end.' Said Yoruichi.
'Ah, that's right, what happened to Rukia? The others as well, pineapple head and the two with sticks up their asses.' Asked Ichigo, only for Yoruichi to burst out laughing.
'Ah, I can't wait for you to speak with Little Byakuya and my Little Bee. They're both still rather sour, at the way things ended, but mostly their pride is the only thing damaged. Pineapple head is fine too, at least, that is if you meant Abarai. As for Rukia, she's fine, recovering her powers as we speak.' Said Yoruichi in amusement.
'I see… that's a relief.' Muttered Ichigo, before leaning into his pillows and relaxing.
'In all seriousness though, you should prepare for quite a few conversations over the coming days. The one you should watch out for in particular, will be the one with the Captain Commander. You should be very careful of what you tell him, especially about your powers.' Said Yoruichi sternly.
'Right.' Nodded Ichigo.
'Well, I'll be off then, I have a little student to go tease, bye-bye.' Said Yoruichi, before disappearing from the room in a flash.
'So what was the rest of the story?' Asked Ichigo.
'Oh it was nothing, just a few more fights, nothing of too much interest.' Said Uryuu.
'Well, in that case, I want to go for a walk, I'm bored already.' Said Ichigo, flinging the covers off and finding his clothes were missing, leaving him clad in a white hospital gown, with a few bandages wrapped around him here and there.
'Where the hell are my clothes?' Shouted Ichigo.
'Right next to you, Kurosaki. Do try to use your brain.' Said Uryuu snidely.
Glaring at Uryuu momentarily, Ichigo looked to his side and saw his black clothing and Zanpakutou neatly arranged next to him.
'All right, I'm getting dressed then, feel free to leave.' Said Ichigo snappily, mainly towards Uryuu.
The three left and Ichigo quickly stripped himself.
'Now why didn't you tell the girl to stay? You could have had some fun.' Teased Zangetsu.
'No! No fun for Ichigo while I'm here.' Pouted Masaki.
Ichigo blocked the two voices out as they bickered and quickly dressed himself, before strapping his sword to his back.
'Where are you going to go now, Ichigo?' Asked Y.
"Probably go find Rukia. Need to make sure that damned midget is actually okay." Thought Ichigo.
'Be careful, Ichigo. The Shinigami are not the nicest of people.' Said Y ominously.
Ichigo shrugged it off, as he stepped outside, before walking off to find Rukia.
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Ichigo had eventually tracked down Rukia, but it certainly hadn't been easy. Her Spiritual Power was still very low and she was outside the Seireitei, to complicate matters. Ichigo knew he should have revealed his presence immediately, but he was interested in why Rukia was out here. After Rukia had apologised, Ichigo was expecting many things, but seeing her get nailed in the face was not one of them. After another hit to the face, Ichigo finally decided to reveal himself.
'So this is where you were, Rukia.' Said Ichigo, walking over to the three.
He noticed the woman with the prosthetic arm must have been Kukaku, so the guy behind her was probably Ganju.
'Ichigo, what are you doing here?' Asked Rukia.
'Wondering what you're doing here.' Said Ichigo nonchalantly.
'Am I right in guessing you two are Kukaku and Ganju?' Asked Ichigo.
'That's right, who are you?' Asked Kukaku calmly.
'Ichigo Kurosaki.' Said Ichigo.
'What are you doing here Ichigo?' Asked Rukia, causing Ichigo to turn and face her.
'I told you, I was looking for you… didn't expect to find you all the way out here… where is this anyway?' Asked Ichigo.
'This is the grounds of the Shiba Clan.' Said Rukia.
'Shiba? Clan?' Repeated Ichigo in confusion, before turning back to the other two.
'So does that mean the two of you are Shiba as well?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'That's right, what's it to you?' Asked Kukaku calmly.
'Well, that depends I suppose… does the name Isshin mean anything to either of you?' Asked Ichigo calmly.
'It might.' Said Kukaku noncommittally.
'Ichigo, what are you doing here?' Asked Rukia again, stamping her foot lightly.
'Nothing, it's fine, I'll come back later. It's good to see you're okay, Rukia.' Said Ichigo, before leaving.
-line break-
'So Little Bee, is this what you've been up to all day? Beating up your poor subordinates.' Teased Yoruichi, appearing behind her student, who had a slight sheen of sweat along her forehead.
'Lady Yoruichi, what are you doing here?' Asked Soi Fon, disregarding the countless black-clad bodies, sprawled around on the ground near her.
'Well, I was just checking up on you, but then I saw you beating a couple dozen people to a pulp and wondered what was wrong.' Answered Yoruichi.
'These are the patrol squads and they are being punished for not doing their jobs.' Said Soi Fon, giving the closest body near her, a quick kick to the abdomen.
'Well, that isn't entirely fair to them. I mean, you can't expect them to keep up with the likes of someone like me.' Said Yoruichi jokingly.
'Not you, I would never expect them to match you Lady Yoruichi, but they let that Ryoka slip by them and he would have reached the prisoner at the time, if I hadn't gotten involved.' Explained Soi Fon.
'Well, you know, Ichigo isn't exactly normal either… although he certainly surprised me.' Commented Yoruichi.
'Lady Yoruichi… am I weak?' Asked Soi Fon quietly.
'Hmm, whatever made you think that?' Asked Yoruichi curiously.
'The fact that a complete novice could match me… what kind of Captain does that make me?' Muttered Soi Fon bitterly.
'Well, from what I heard, that same person took down two other Captains… although, if you want to get stronger, I'd be happy to help my Little Bee better herself.' Said Yoruichi happily.
'Thank you for the great honour of training under you once again, Lady Yoruichi.' Said Soi Fon, giving a small bow.
'All right, let's start off light, tag, you're it.' Said Yoruichi, bopping Soi Fon on the head, before vanishing.
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Elsewhere, a strange group of beings were sitting in a cave, with some of them growing increasingly restless.
'How much longer do we have to wait?' Whined a feminine voice.
'Just a little longer now.' Said a smooth masculine voice.
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Ichigo had wandered around the Seireitei for a bit now, contemplating what he would say later on to Kukaku and Ganju.
'What are you so nervous about, Ichigo? They're family, aren't they? I'm sure everything will be fine.' Said Masaki suddenly.
"But I've never seen them before and it feels weird. I don't know anything about them." Thought Ichigo.
'Hey, Ichigo! You want some, it's good sake.' Said a voice, breaking Ichigo out of his thoughts.
Ichigo turned to face who it was and pinched his nose in frustration, as Zangetsu and Masaki started bickering.
'Fine.' Sighed Ichigo, walking over to the woman, with breasts too large to be real, according to his mother at least.
Ichigo glanced around and noticed a rather odd looking group of people were gathered there. There was Toshiro, who Ichigo had been somewhat expecting, with him being the Captain of Rangiku. Next to him, was a rather young girl with purple hair, who Ichigo quickly realised, was the girl who attacked the boy next to her, when Ichigo had first arrived. To her side, was someone who had three deep scars down the side of his face, with a tattoo of the number sixty-nine, on the other side of his face. Lastly, was a blonde haired man, who looked fairly drunk already, with blonde hair covering his left eye, while the right looked slightly glazed.
'Aren't you a little young to be drinking?' Asked Toshiro.
'Probably, but if you can get away with it so can I.' Said Ichigo, hopping through the window and sitting between Rangiku and Toshiro.
'I actually don't drink.' Said Toshiro, his left eyebrow twitching.
'Hmm, maybe I shouldn't either then.' Muttered Ichigo.
'Oh don't be like that, at least try it.' Said Rangiku, offering the bottle to Ichigo.
Ichigo looked at the proffered bottle, before taking it and giving it a small sip.
'Ugh, that tasted weird.' Said Ichigo, giving the bottle back to Rangiku.
'Your loss.' Chirped Rangiku, before taking a drink herself.
'In any case, what are you doing here?' Asked Toshiro curiously.
'I was looking for Rukia, but she was over at the Shiba Clan grounds, so I said I'd come back later. I was just wandering around to kill time for now I suppose.' Said Ichigo.
'Hmm, you should stay away from Zaraki then. He has made it very clear he wants another fight with you.' Said Toshiro, taking a sip from his tea.
'Yeah, I promised him one too.' Said Ichigo, causing Toshiro to cough and splutter on his tea.
'Why would you agree to fight him?' Asked Toshiro in shock.
'It was part of the condition for him helping my friends out of prison.' Said Ichigo.
An awkward silence fell over the drinking group, the realisation that they had technically been enemies only a day or two ago.
'How did you break through the Negación?' Asked the one with the tattoo.
'Um, the what?' Asked Ichigo in confusion.
'Lieutenant Shuuhei is talking about the barrier, which surrounded the three traitors as they escaped.' Clarified Toshiro.
'The yellow thing holding Aizen?' Asked Ichigo, noticing the girl beside Toshiro shifting uncomfortably.
'Yes.' Nodded Toshiro.
'Hmm… don't know, I didn't think it was that hard.' Said Ichigo thoughtfully, looking up at the roof.
'You don't call breaking through dimensions hard?' Slurred the blond.
'That's what I did… hmm, I guess not then.' Commented Ichigo.
'No wonder Zaraki wants to fight you.' Muttered Toshiro, in disbelief, at the stupidly strong Shinigami to his side.
'Well, I might as well track him down for our fight then, any idea where to find him? I mean, I could track him down, but it would save time to know where to look.' Asked Ichigo.
'I could show you the way.' Said Momo, surprising the group.
'Are you sure you're all right, Hinamori?' Asked Toshiro.
'I'm fine. Really. Besides, I don't really drink much either.' Said Momo.
'I could come as well then, as I'm not much of a drinker either.' Suggested Toshiro.
'It's fine Shiro, you deserve a break anyway.' Said Hinamori, with a smile.
'I don't mind either way, but let's get going.' Said Ichigo, hopping back out the window.
Momo placed a hand on Toshiro's shoulder and gave him a smile, before making her way out through the door.
-line break-
As the unlikely duo walked towards the Eleventh Division, Ichigo spared a few glances at the girl walking beside him.
'Is something wrong?' Asked Hinamori.
'No, I guess not.' Said Ichigo, causing silence to reign again.
'You know, Captain Aizen would always listen to my concerns. It didn't matter if he was busy, or if it was late at night, he always made time for his subordinates.' Said Momo abruptly.
'Okay…' Said Ichigo in confusion.
'He was always very kind and hated fighting too, preferring to settle disputes through words.' Continued Momo.
'All right.' Intoned Ichigo in bewilderment.
'So… how are you handling him leaving?' Asked Ichigo, after a moment.
Hinamori flinched slightly, before quickly regaining herself.
'I'm fine, I'm sure Captain Aizen had his reasons.' Said Hinamori, plastering a smile on her face.
'If you're sure… you could always talk to someone if you need to, it might help.' Said Ichigo.
'Ha, this coming from the guy who buried everything under a fake scowl.' Laughed Zangetsu in amusement.
"Shut up you!" Thought back Ichigo.
'I know, that's exactly what Toshiro said as well, but I am a Lieutenant, I can handle myself.' Said Momo calmly.
The rest of the walk was conducted in silence, until the sound of wood clashing on flesh could be heard.
'Well, here's the Eleventh Division, I'm sure Captain Zaraki will be easy to find from here.' Said Momo brightly.
'Thanks.' Said Ichigo, giving a small nod.
'It was no trouble at all.' Said Hinamori happily, before giving Ichigo a wave and heading off.
"That was weird." Thought Ichigo.
'Remember Ichigo, be on your guard around the Shinigami.' Warned Y.
"Yeah." Thought Ichigo.
-line break-
"I can't believe he wasn't there!" Exclaimed Ichigo in disbelief, walking outside the Seireitei.
'Well, considering he was being scolded by the Captain Commander, I guess even he would need to listen to him.' Said Masaki.
'Besides, we got to fight with that baldy, even if he wasn't that much of a fight. He did get a few good hits in on you, Ichigo, we'll need to bring up your swordsmanship.' Commented Zangetsu.
"Yeah, yeah." Grumbled Ichigo, rolling his right shoulder, where Ikkaku had gotten a good hit on him.
Ichigo started to pick up the sounds of groans and flesh hitting flesh, only to arrive to the image, of Kukaku forcing Ganju to do more push-ups.
'Should I come back again later?' Asked Ichigo, as the two of them immediately stopped what they were doing, with Ganju standing up quickly.
'No, now's fine, come in.' Said Kukaku, before turning on her heel and walking towards her residence.
'Say, you're Ganju right?' Asked Ichigo, as he walked towards Ganju.
'Yeah, what's it to you?' Asked Ganju.
'Thanks, for helping my friends.' Said Ichigo, as the two followed after Kukaku.
'Tch, it wasn't really my choice, big sis can be really mean when she wants to… which is more often than I'd like.' Grumbled Ganju.
'Whatever, but I really do appreciate the help.' Said Ichigo.
Ganju and Ichigo soon entered, the room Kukaku had first met the others, from Karakura Town in. She was lazily sprawled on a few pillows, but when Ichigo came in, she sat up a little straighter.
'So, you wanted to talk, let's talk.' Said Kukaku, pulling out a bottle of sake and three dishes.
'Ugh, not sake.' Grumbled Ichigo, as he sat down in front of Kukaku, with Ganju sitting to her left.
'Hey, this is expensive stuff! Besides, it's rude to refuse an offer of sake, you know.' Said Kukaku in annoyance.
'Fine, fine.' Said Ichigo, before taking the small dish and raising it to his lips, as he swallowed the liquid within.
'Okay, who is Isshin Shiba to you guys?' Asked Ichigo, as he set his dish down.
Kukaku poured a drink for Ganju, before he returned the favour and both of them took a drink.
'Well, you could call him our Uncle. That's the simple answer.' Said Kukaku, before pouring another drink for Ichigo and Ganju.
'So… if that's the simple answer, what's the complicated one?' Asked Ichigo, as Ganju poured Kukaku another drink.
'He was an older member of the Shiba Clan, the head of the branch family. We are the direct leaders of the Shiba Clan, as we are of the main family.' Said Kukaku plainly.
Ichigo downed his drink and set it down, before Kukaku filled it for him again.
'So, does that mean we're related?' Asked Ichigo.
'Pretty much. You're also the spitting image of our brother.' Answered Ganju, as he filled Kukaku's drink.
'Hmm, I can see that. You guys act like goat chin and Karin as well.' Said Ichigo.
'So you've got a sister?' Asked Kukaku curiously.
'Two actually. Karin's a lot like you, dark hair, rough attitude and not afraid to get violent if she needs to, especially with the old man, just like you with Ganju. Yuzu's different though, she's a lot like our mom, kind, gentle and does a lot of the stuff mum did, like the cooking.' Said Ichigo, looking up to the roof fondly.
'So your mother passed away?' Asked Ganju.
'Yeah... more accurately, she got consumed by a Hollow, when she died trying to protect me.' Said Ichigo.
'Guess we both have troubles with Hollows in our family. That's what ended our brother and his wife.' Commented Kukaku.
'Is that what Rukia was over here for? I could figure out she was apologising for something, but couldn't get the real details.' Asked Ichigo.
'No, she had nothing to do with it, she just blamed herself for it. She was the one who purified him, when he got taken over by the Hollow and blamed herself because of it.' Answered Kukaku.
Ichigo sighed and took another drink, before Kukaku and Ganju did the same.
'Guess no one gets a really happy ending… being involved in all of this stuff.' Muttered Ichigo.
The three sat there in silence for a minute, as each took a drink, before Ganju had a question.
'What happened to you on Soukyoku Hill?' Asked Ganju curiously.
'Do you really want to know?' Asked Ichigo, starting to feel the effects of the liquor.
Ganju nodded.
'That was my Hollow powers going out of control.' Said Ichigo tiredly.
Kukaku's eyes widened at this, while Ganju looked at him in shock.
'What do you mean Hollow powers?' Spluttered Ganju.
'My mum was attacked by a Hollow and it infected her soul. Isshin then fused his soul with her or something, to keep her from committing soul suicide and the Hollow aspect was passed down to me as well. Normally everything is in balance, but Byakuya's Reiatsu mixed with my own when he attacked me and threw off the balance. Luckily Orihime was there, to help get rid of it.' Explained Ichigo.
The three continued to drink and talk about their lives. Ichigo telling them more about Isshin, Karin and Yuzu, while they told him more about Kaien. After a few more drinks, Ganju dropped to the floor.
'Haha, Ganju you bloody lightweight, I'm not even of age yet *hic* and I out drank you.' Laughed Ichigo sloppily.
'Ugh… shut up, my head hurts.' Muttered Ganju, before rolling over and falling asleep.
'So are there any other… Shiba around here?' Asked Ichigo slowly, taking another drink.
'A few dozen. The clan got a lot smaller… with all the people in it dying, although I guess Uncle Isshin didn't really die.' Answered Kukaku, with a small blush, easily being the most capable of holding her liquor.
'So wait… if goat chin is you uncle, are we cousins?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'Not to a direct extent… uh, probably something like fourth cousins if you go down the line.' Said Kukaku thoughtfully.
'That's… interesting.' Said Ichigo, with a heavy slur.
'Why?' Asked Kukaku curiously.
'That means our genes *hic* genetics, are different enough, that it is like we aren't related.' Explained Ichigo.
'Hmm, is that so?' Said Kukaku, pouring Ichigo another drink.
'Yeah… I have to keep up with my studies because… because people keep fighting me because of my hair… idiots.' Slurred Ichigo, before taking another drink.
'Hmm, yeah. You look a lot like Kaien but your hair is completely different.' Commented Kukaku.
'Hey, did you ever see dad's Lieutenant?' Asked Ichigo.
'Rangiku? Sure, why?' Asked Kukaku.
'My mum and Zangetsu argue over if her boobs are real. It's sooo awkward.' Explained Ichigo.
'I'm pretty sure they're real.' Said Kukaku in amusement.
'Oh man, Zangetsu must never know that. He is sooo into big boobs. Then he tells me it's my fault because I keep repressing stuff, so he gets them. I don't… don't get what he means though *hic* Orihime has pretty big boobs… but that's never been a problem.' Said Ichigo, before trying to pour Kukaku some sake, only to spill a bit.
'Oops, sorry.' Said Ichigo.
'Oi, don't waste the sake, that's good stuff.' Said Kukaku, taking the bottle from the drunk Ichigo.
'I'm sorry.' Said Ichigo, with a small frown, bowing his head slightly.
Kukaku sighed, before making her way over to Ichigo and sitting down next to him.
'Heh, you look nothing like Kaien when apologising. He'd just keep grinning like nothing was wrong.' Commented Kukaku, flinging her real arm over Ichigo's shoulder.
'I wish I could have met him, he sounds more interesting than Ganju.' Said Ichigo sadly, causing Kukaku to laugh.
'Yeah, he was pretty funny. Loved his jokes. I beat him up for a few of them, back in the day.' Reminisced Kukaku.
'Sounds like me with goat chin… who kicks someone awake in the morning?' Grumbled Ichigo in annoyance, causing Kukaku to laugh.
In his inebriated state, Ichigo had started to feel less inhibited and the more Kukaku laughed, the more he felt her chest heaving beside him.
'Hey, hey… I have a question.' Said Ichigo, getting Kukaku to look at him.
'I know your arm isn't real, but are your boobs real?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'Wha- of course they're real!' Exclaimed Kukaku, causing Ganju to whimper slightly and twitch in his sleep.
'Wow, they're pretty big.' Commented Ichigo, his eyes dropping.
'Hey, you said it's like we're not cousins, by genetics, right?' Asked Kukaku curiously.
'Yep and you can trust me, I'm ranked twenty-third in my year.' Said Ichigo proudly, only for his eyes to widen as Kukaku planted her lips on his.
Ichigo froze for a minute, before reciprocating slightly. There was no involvement of tongues, but it was still Ichigo's first kiss.
'Ugh… um, that was surprising.' Commented Ichigo.
'Eh, don't worry about it. Lots of stuff like that goes on between clan members.' Said Kukaku, waving off Ichigo's reaction.
'I'm not letting Ganju touch Karin or Yuzu though.' Slurred Ichigo, with a scowl.
'Ha, as if Ganju would even try.' Laughed Kukaku.
'Oh, I better go warn them.' Said Ichigo, getting to his feet, with a slight sway.
'I'll *hic* come back later, thanks for the sake.' Said Ichigo, before disappearing in a burst of high-speed movement.
As Ichigo made his way through the Soul Society, he eventually found his way to the Seireitei. Aimlessly flashing around, Ichigo eventually locked on to a figure he recognised.
-line break-
Toshiro was sitting in his office, in annoyance, as a mildly drunk Rangiku grumbled about having to do her paperwork.
'Well if you hadn't spent so long out drinking you could have been done by now.' Said Toshiro in irritation.
'Come on Captain, please. I promise I'll make it up in the morning.' Whined Rangiku.
Toshiro was about to respond, when a head of orange appeared in the room and stumbled around for a bit.
'Toshiro, you have to help me!' Exclaimed Ichigo.
Toshiro wrinkled his nose, at the smell of liquor coming off Ichigo.
'Are you drunk?' Asked Toshiro disdainfully.
'Yeah *hic* but it wasn't my choice, Kukaku said it was rude to refuse sake. Anyway, I stayed and drank a lot and we were talking. I think… yeah… genetics and Rangiku's boobs, that's what we were talking about at the end.' Said Ichigo, trying to focus.
'What? Why were you talking about my boobs?' Asked Rangiku in surprise.
'To find out if they were real or not. Can't believe those things are real.' Said Ichigo, looking at Rangiku's sizeable chest for a moment, before shaking his head and turning back to Toshiro.
'But anyway *hic* I was talking with Kukaku and it turns out that even though we're both related it isn't that close and apparently people in clans do stuff like kissing each other anyway... but Kukaku kissed me and now that means Ganju might come after my sisters in revenge, but they're both eleven, so I have to warn them about Ganju, before he tries anything.' Said Ichigo, before swaying a little and falling on his side.
'Ugh… need to warn Yuzu… and… Karin.' Mumbled Ichigo, before passing out.
'See Captain, at least I don't drink that much.' Said Rangiku cheerfully.
'I've seen you pass out dozens of times before, Rangiku, go put him in a bed or something.' Sighed Toshiro in annoyance.
'Okay Captain and I'll be sure to finish my paperwork tomorrow.' Said Rangiku, before hopping over to Ichigo, slinging him over her shoulder and disappearing in a flash step.
'I need to get sake banned… all it seems to give me is headaches.' Grumbled Toshiro, before going back to his own paperwork.