I would like to begin by thanking you all for appreciating my story so far. In this latest chapter Ichigo becomes a member of the Stealth Force and maybe he's found more than just a new home.
I would also like to apologise for taking so long to write a chapter but i am also writing another story. A story about Devilman, called "Devilman: The Rebirth". So naturally, coupled with my daily life and work, i don't really have a lot of time to write but i do my best!
Also, yeah "The Emerald Commander" sometimes my descriptions are a bit too detailed. I guess it stems from my obsession to allow the reader to imagine the scene they are reading better. I'll try to improve on this aspect the more i write my story. Thanks for telling me that they musn't slow the pacing too much.
With that out of the way, i hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 6: Squad Two's New Lieutenant
Silence. Nothing but silence.
Not a sound was made in the ten seconds that followed the two words that left Ichigo's mouth. Not a single person breathed for those ten seconds. They were that shocked by what they heard.
"I….. Ichigo…" weakly managed Rukia, in a low voice full of pure incredulity as she looked at the young man in front of him, her purple eyes shaking.
Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity, the first one to break the silence was Unohana, who asked worriedly "What do you mean, Ichigo? How can you be dead when you are standing right in front of us?"
Turning towards her, the orange haired Soul Reaper replied "It's not that i'm actually dead. But my living body has died." causing the eyes of everyone, including Kenpachi and to a lesser extent, even Mayuri, to widen even more.
"But if that's the case, why is it that you are a Soul Reaper again? Like any other soul, you should have been sent here by Konso." pointed out Shinji, referring to the method Soul Reapers used to send the souls of the dead to the Soul Society by tapping the hilt of their Zampakuto against a Plus's forehead, thus allowing them to cross over to the Soul Society.
Turning towards him, he asked "You want the short version or the long version?" but before the blonde Captain could reply Mayuri sighed and, with an annoyed tone, spoke "Get on with it, Kurosaki. I have far more important and interesting matters to attend to than such trivial….."
Only for Yamamoto to interrupt him mid-speech by slamming his cane on the ground and yelling "Captain Kurotsuchi! This young man risked his life for us on multiple occasions and if it wasn't for him, we would have all died! And from the looks of it, whatever he has been through recently, it was far from pleasant, so do all of us a favour and show some respect for once!" admonishing the Captain of Squad Twelve for his usual disinterested and apathetic behaviour. Ichigo, Rukia, Renji and all the other Captains could only look with much surprise at how the Head Captain admonished one of them for telling Ichigo to be quick with his explanation. It wasn't something the Head Captain was known to do often. And after Yamamoto turned back towards him and politely spoke "You may continue, Kurosaki." Ichigo's appreciation of the old man grew even more. Deep down, he was a good man, if a bit overly strict. He figured it was his own way of returning the favour for greeting him properly.
"Thank you, Head Captain." he thanked while bowing his head slightly, before beginning to recall what happened "I guess i should start from the beginning. Basically, i was returning home from school with Orihime, when there was this kid who, for some reason, was playing soccer on the sidewalk. He threw his ball in the middle of the road by mistake, a car was coming straigth towards him and Orihime was too far away to use her powers in time to move him out of the way so…. I…. I….." he paused for a second, the traumatic memories of just a day ago coming back with full force. Finally, after mustering enough strength, he declared "I pushed him out of the way and got hit instead."
"Orihime…' thought Rukia in her mind, remembering the girl she had become close friends with and whom she had joined Ichigo and his friends in their quest to save her from the clutches of Aizen, but once Ichigo finished speaking her blood froze as she understood everything. He had died, by pushing the kid away before the car could hit him, taking the blow instead. But, if Orihime was there and her power was to reject reality….
Likewise, all of the Captains remained silent as Ichigo finished speaking, not believing what he had done. Most, if not all of them knew what a strong-willed and courageous man Ichigo was, but they didn't know he was actually this selfless, to the point of giving away his life to save a much younger one that he had never met before. After much silence, Rose asked "If i remember correctly, that girl, Orihime Inoue, possessed the ability to reject all kinds of reality, similar to our friend Hachigen Ushoda. Therefore, shoudn't she have been able to reverse your death, thus nullifying it and bringing you back to life?" recalling how the rotund, two and a half meter tall man, former Lieutenant of the Kido Corps, and fellow Vizard, declared to possess similar abilities to those of Orihime.
He, as well as everyone else were in for quite the unexpected shock when Ichigo revealed in sadness "She tried… But she found out that her ability had one limit. She coudn't return the souls of the dead back in their living bodies because after a soul dies, it exists on a different plane of existence, no longer bound by the forces of the World of the Living….." his voice taking on a heavy and sorrowful tone as he looked downwards, closed his eyes and declared "In other words, after i died, i could no longer return back to my living body. And that meant that i could no longer live in the World of the Living. I….." He paused, his lips quivering, visibly having to strain himself with all of his might to keep the tears from coming out again before he declared "I had to leave all the people i knew behind, my family and my friends, because i could no longer be human again. I would have outlasted almost everyone of them….." his normally calm voice, now filled with so much grief that it sounded as if he was one moment away from breaking down in tears.
Rukia and Renji were so shocked and heartbroken not only by what she heard, but by the sheer grief in Ichigo's voice that they sprang up on their feet, ignoring the custom of bowing before the Head Captain. With her purple eyes shaking, Rukia called out sorrowfully "Ichigo…" not even wanting to imagine how utterly heart-wrenching it must have been for Orihime and the rest of his friends to learn that they would have never seen him again. Likewise, most of the Captains were greatly saddened by what they heard, especially Unohana, Komamura, Shinji and Ukitake and even Byakuya and Toshiro felt a degree of pity towards him.
"How horrible…. To lose everything in a single day…." thought the motherly Captain of Squad Four, now understanding why his mood had gone from cheerful to sorrowful in seconds when she asked him why he was a Soul Reaper again.
"That's why he looked so sad. Can't say i blame him. I felt the same way when Rukia was adopted in the Kuchiki Clan." thought Renji, looking first at his friend in compassion before glancing towards the now Lieutenant of Squad Thirteen, knowing very well how he felt. The day Byakuya adopted Rukia in Kuchiki Clan, Renji felt the same way in spite of being happy for her. And that's why he vowed to one day surpass his Captain, to finally get his friend back.
"And to think Orihime was there when it happened…. I can't imagine how horrible it must have been for her…." mused Shinji to himself, just as saddened. Befriending Orihime was not in his and his fellow Vizards's plans to recruit Ichigo to their side, but the moment he met her, the girl had immediately captured his heart with her kindness and cheerfulness. And after everything she had endured under her captivity in Las Noches, she didn't deserve to experience something like this.
"Now i understand why he looked so different from before…. He lost everything, just like i once had….." thought Soi-Fon to herself, a solemn and compassionate look forming on her face, something that she was not known to do often. Realising that she was feeling like this, her eyes widened slightly, she looked away and, after putting a hand on her chest near her heart, she thought "Why am i feeling like this? I shoudn't feel so much pity towards someone i have only just met... and yet….. He reminds me a bit of myself…." as she looked back at him, recalling how, when Yoruichi suddenly left, she was utterly heartbroken, to the point she wanted to die. That woman was everything to her. She was her Captain, her mentor, her image of admiration and worship and, in many ways, the mother she never had.
"Given that i could no longer be human again, i was only left with one choice: reclaim my Soul Reaper powers. Due to having become nothing more than a soul, i found out that i could access my Inner World once more. There, just like the first time, i found the Spirit of my Zampakuto, Zangetsu." continued to explain Ichigo, after he raised his head back up and reopened his eyes, which once again bore towards those of the Head Captain "As it turned out, all this time, my Soul Reaper powers never truly left me. They remained dormant inside my own soul and i simply coudn't get them back because after i lost them when i used the Final Getsuga Tensho, i also lost the ability to see spirits and access my soul form at will. But after Kisuke helped me access my Inner World once more, i was finally able to get them back." he finally declared, earning a solemn and surprised look from almost everyone around him.
"But why, Ichigo? Why did you put yourself through the risk of turning into a Hollow again just to get your powers back?" asked Kensei, earning his attention along with that of the others, perplexed by what the silver-haired Captain said.
"What do you mean by that, Captain Muguruma? Is there something you have kept away from us?" asked Yamamoto, wanting to know what he meant.
But before the Captain of Squad Nine could reply, Ichigo beat him to it "It's called the Shattered Shaft. In order to awaken my true Soul Reaper powers for the first time, Kisuke had my Chain of Fate severed, thus beginning the Encroachment process. Then, a friend of his bound my arms to my back with a Kido spell. I had 72 hours to access my Inner World for the first time and i almost turned into a Hollow because of that. Actually, that's how i got my Hollow powers because i was moments away from turning into one before i finally was able to become a Soul Reaper. This was before i went to the Soul Society to save Rukia." once again surprising many of the Captains, some of them even greatly, while the purple eyed petite woman could only look in awe and admiration, not believing that he actually went through that process just to get back the strength he needed to save her. Of course it wasn't the whole truth, but he had decided to keep the fact that he was actually born with his Hollow Powers instead of getting them by mistake because he was afraid of how they would have reacted.
"He… He did that…. For me…." thought Rukia, heartwarmed that his bond with her was so powerful that he accepted to go through such a painful process just to become strong enough to rescue her. At the same time, she was shocked to hear that, much like Shinji, Kensei and Rose, he was a Vizard, a Soul Reaper with Hollow Powers. She had, in fact, never seen him use those powers with her eyes.
"Incredible… He went through such an ordeal just to rescue one of his friends…." mused Ukitake to himself in awe, his admiration towards Ichigo growing even more. He already knew from the fact that he faced all of the Soul Society by himself and his friends for the sole purpose of preventing Rukia from being executed, that he was a strong and brave man, but the fact that he willingly put himself through such an ordeal just to gain the power he needed….
"I see. So that's how he got the powers with which he greatly injured me during our battle." noted Byakuya, having found out why that mask suddenly appeared on his face during their battle and allowed him to boost his power to the point he effortlessly caught his sword with his bare hand before proceeding to first slash him diagonally across the chest and then release a black Getsuga Tensho at point-blank range which further injured him. To this day, the noble had no idea how he managed to survive that attack.
The other Captains all had similar reactions to this. In particular, Kenpachi was interested to see how Ichigo would have fared against him with said Hollow Powers, Unohana, Komamura and Toshiro were even more shocked to learn of the hell Ichigo went through just to awaken his true powers given that, in spite of his strength and courage, he was still a fifteen year old teenager at the time and Soi-Fon was even more amased to learn how powerful this young man's resolve was.
Yamamoto's voice pulled everyone out of their thoughts "That's very commendable, especially for someone as young as you, Ichigo Kurosaki. But ultimately, i must ask: why have you decided to put yourself through such a harrowing ordeal again, just to get your powers back? Woudn't it have been more preferrable for you to be sent here by Konso and then attend to Shin'o Academy in order to be properly educated in our ways from the ground up?" he asked Ichigo, wanting to know why the young man had chosen to put himself through a process that could have claimed his life when he could have taken a much safer path that would have taken six years.
(OST: "Here to Stay" = Bleach Soundtrack)
As the eyes of everyone were once again upon him, Ichigo braced himself, readying himself to finally proclaim his ultimate intention. Taking a deep breath, he replied "This may come off as selfish, Head Captain but…." he paused, lowering his head downwards "I wanted to get my powers back as soon as possible. The truth is, no matter how much i kept telling myself that i had finally gotten what i wanted after living for a year like a normal human and that making a living out of helping the souls of the dead was never something i had planned…." he continued, his voice slowly filling with sadness as he recalled all the years he went through, believing that his mother had died because of him "When i became a Soul Reaper for the first time….No… When i obtained the power to protect everyone…. I've never been happier in my entire life. And after my mother died…. I made an oath to myself, that i would never let anyone else die, no matter what. And that oath brought me here again." he then turned towards Rukia, who had been greatly saddened by his words, as she found that out by herself that every year after her death, Ichigo would visit her mother's grave with his family on the day she died, only to break down in tears due to how much he missed her "You were the one who gave me that Rukia…. And for that i will never be able to thank you enough." he finally declared, his voice serene and filled with nothing but happiness
A few tears of joy began to fall on Rukia's cheeks, beyong overjoyed by her friend's heartfelt declaration of gratitude "Ichigo….." she called out tenderly, while putting her hands on her chest, over her heart, which was beating fast out of pure joy, while Renji smiled joyfully, equally heartwarmed to know how much Rukia meant to him and everything she had done for him, while also greatly saddened to learn that Ichigo lost his mother who, unlike him, had always been there for him or so he thought. The only family Renji ever had ever since he first came in the Soul Society was Rukia and all the other homeless children he had befriended, who survived for ten years on their own in the Rukongai, robbing and stealing just to survive, until only he and Rukia remained.
Likewise, all the Captains were heartwarmed by Ichigo's heartfelt declaration to some degree, in particular the three Vizards, Unohana, Shunsui, Ukitake, Komamura. Their happiness turned into awe when Ichigo turned back towards Yamamoto with a solemn and resoluted face and declared "Captain Yamamoto, i know that i have no right to ask you this after i went against your orders to rescue my friend Orihime, but please…. Let me join you! Let me fight once more at your side! Allow me to fulfill my duties as a Soul Reaper once more!" while putting a hand on his chest in a sign of plead.
All at once, Rukia, Renji and the Captains's eyes and lips widened once more, not believing what was about to happen. Ichigo Kurosaki, Substitute Soul Reaper, Hero of the Winter War…. Begging to join the Thirteen Court Guard Squads? This was unprecedented: a human who had acquired the powers of a Soul Reaper, ceasing being human and turning into a Soul Reaper through and through.
"He can't be serious…. Does he really want to join us?" was all Toshiro could think in bewilderment.
With a wide grin, Kenpachi mused to himself "Great, i sure hope the Old Man takes him in. That means i'll be able to fight him as many times as i want!"
"Mmph. He's only a Substitute. The Head Captain would never do something as foolish as make him one of us." scoffed Mayuri, believing it to be absurd for the Head Captain to do something like that.
Only for Yamamoto to disprove Squad Twelve's Captain by beginning to speak "There is some truth to your words, Kurosaki. Your actions were indeed reckless and without any forethought." his voice stern, which caused a despondent look to form on Ichigo's face as he removed his hand off his chest, preparing himself for the worst…
But then….
"However." he continued, causing Ichigo's brown eyes to widen "By invading Las Noches with your allies, who were then joined by Lieutenants Abarai and Kuchiki, you forced Aizen to send much of his forces towards you and your efforts combined led to the defeats of the Ninth, Sixth and Fourth Espadas, along with many other high ranking members of his army, before and after Captains Kuchiki, Zaraki, Kurotsuchi and Unohana arrived. And wheter this was something he had planned or not, the truth is, had even one or two more Espadas been allowed to participate in the battle over the Fake Karakura Town, the results would have been catastrophic. For that alone, we are grateful to you." while everyone listened silently with a surprised look at how respectful and praising Yamamoto's voice had become. The old man then continued to praise him by stating "And that is ignoring the firm and unwavering courage and resolve you have demonstrated in battle time and time again. You faced all of the Seireitei, leading nothing more than a group of teenagers, solely to rescue a friend who, as things turned out, had been wrongly judged due to Aizen's machinations. You fought Captains Zaraki and Kuchiki, two of the most powerful and renowned warriors of the entirety of the Soul Society and lived to tell the tale. You were even willing to sacrifice yourself just to make sure Aizen would be defeated despite not being one of us. Your courage, loyalty to your friends and desire to protect those you cared about are all extremely noble qualities, befitting of a strong and righteous warrior. Befitting of a Soul Reaper." and all at once Rukia, Renji and all the other Captains gasped in incredulity, not believing were this was going….
"You have done so much for us, Ichigo Kurosaki. It's only right that i return the favour. And truth be told, i had been hoping that someday you would have joined us." finally declared Yamamoto, with a smile, something he would almost never do. He then held his cane horizontally before tightening his grip on it and all at once, the wood slowly disintegrated away, revealing his Zampakuto, Ryujin Jakka. The old man then lowered his sword to his side and beckoned politely "You may now come forth and swear your oath to the Soul Society, your new home." and as soon as he did, Ichigo could only smile in pure joy and gratefulness at the opportunity he had been given. Likewise Rukia and Renji were overjoyed to learn that from this day on, Ichigo would have been a Soul Reaper through and through for the rest of his life and therefore, would have been with them forever until death would set them apart once more.
Most of the Captains with the exception of Mayuri, who coud only look at the former Substitute with a look of pure disbelief, had a similar reaction to that of Ichigo and the two Lieutenants. A warming smile made its way on Unohana, Toshiro, Ukitake, Shunsui, Shinji, Rose and Komamura's faces, all of them overjoyed that the noble and kind Ichigo would have been one of them from now on. Kenpachi grinned in excitement at the prospect that the one who had given him one of the greatest fights of his entire life would be now living in the same Seiretei that was his home, therefore he could finally fight him again. Even Byakuya for once had a slight smile on his otherwise usually stoic face and for some strange reason, Soi-Fon coudn't help but smile too, intrigued to see this man joining their ranks.
Heartwarmed to see how the Captains had reacted to the news of him joining the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, Ichigo finally began to walk towards Yamamoto and Rukia and Renji coudn't help but look upon with awe and happiness almost as if they were witnessing history in the making. Finally, as Ichigo knelt less than a meter before the Head Captain and lowered his head downwards, Yamamoto lifted Ryujin Jakka and, much like how back in the Middle Ages kings used to confer knighthood to their knights, placed its blade on Ichigo's right shoulder before beginning to recite the oath "Do you, Ichigo Kurosaki, swear to fulfill your duties as a Soul Reaper for the rest of your existence as protector of the souls of the dead, as upholder of the balance that exists between the World of the Living and the Soul Society?" his voice as stern and solemn as that of a king.
Without a moment of hesitation, Ichigo closed his eyes and firmly replied "I do." as everyone else watched happily.
"Do you swear to protect the Soul Society with your life, to uphold and enforce the ideals of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and the laws that govern the Seireitei to the end?" asked once more Yamamoto, while placing his Zampakuto on the young man's left shoulder. And as soon as those words were spoken, Ichigo's eyes shot wide open and his breath caught up in his throat.
The law….
He still remembered what Byakuya said "Feelings and emotions have no value compared to the law." that was what the noble had come to believe, a belief that actually masked his inner conflict of having to chose between upholding the law as the Kuchiki Clan had done flawlessly for entire generations out of their duty to set an example for all Soul Reapers or protecting Rukia, the only family he had left. And now Ichigo found himself confronted by that same dilemma. After several seconds of silence, he replied "I do." conscious that sooner or later he would have been forced to choose between obeying the law and do what was right, just like Byakuya had.
Most of the other Captains did not notice that moment of reluctance and others dismissed it as being a reaction expected from someone who used to live the normal life of a human just two days ago, but the observant eyes of the Captain of Squad Six did.
"He hesitated…" thought the raven haired nobleman and Captain with a solemn expression, "He has recognised what those words the Head Captain has spoken, mean. He knows… He knows that sooner or later he will be forced to make the same choice i did." at that moment, Byakuya recognised himself in the young man that had just sworn his oath to not only protect the balance between the Soul Society and the World of the Living but to also uphold the laws of the Soul Society and the ideals for which the Thirteen Court Guard Squads stood for. He had seen just how much Ichigo had grown, how his free spirit and reckless abbandon had been tempered by experience and wisdom and yet… he could also see doubt and hesitancy through his resolve.
"Then you may rise again, Ichigo Kurosaki, as one of us from now on." declared Yamamoto as he removed his Zampakuto from the orange haired young man's shoulder before holding it horizontally and summoning the wood around it again, thus returning it to its disguised cane form. As Ichigo rose back on his feet, the Head Captain placed his cane back on the ground and added "I am confident that you are destined to bring much peace and prosperity to us." while beckoning him to return to where he stood before.
Looking the old man in the eyes, Ichigo closed his brown eyes, bowed his head slightly and thanked Yamamoto by saying "Thank you, Head Captain. I will do my best." earning a hum of approval from him. As he walked back where he stood, surrounded by the many smiles of the overjoyed Captains, he failed to notice the way Soi-Fon was looking at him in intrigue and awe. His voice was firm and absolute, his will staunch and unwavering. She realised at that moment that the one before her was no longer the same hesitant boy she met on the battlefield over the Fake Karakura Town. And now he had become one of them. She was now looking forward to see how well he would have fared in his new life and in the duties he will be expected to fulfill now that he was a member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads through and through.
"Splendid, a new member to our family." remarked Rose to himself as he watched the now overjoyed Ichigo returning to his place right before Toshiro and Kenpachi, overjoyed at the prospect of him being with them for the rest of his life. The blonde Captain never got to know Ichigo well but from the kindness and resolution he had just shown, he now was eagerly looking forward to know more about him, especially what type of music he was in.
(Soundtrack ends)
As Ichigo returned to where he once stood, just before Toshiro and Kenpachi, the Head Captain began to explain "Now that we have gotten that out of the way, there is another matter we must discuss: the Squad you will be assigned to. Normally anyone who aspires to join us, must first attend to Shin'o Academy, an institution i founded some 2000 years ago in order to train any aspiring Soul Reaper in all of our ways of combat and life in a period of education and training that lasts for six years. As soon as that curriculum is completed, a student is then allowed to join either one of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, the Kido Corps, or the Special Forces, the three main branches of the Seireit-"
Only for an overexcited Kenpachi to rudely interrupt "Just tell us where you want to put him, Old Man! He's one of the greatest warriors i ever had the pleasure to fight and i would really love to have him in my Squad!" and even though the other Captains kept it to themselves, some of them would have really liked for Ichigo to end up in their squad. Aside from wanting to know more about him, Komamura thought that his courage and kind nature would be right at home in his Squad, which upheld those ideals above everything else, a belief that Ukitake shared. For his part, Shinji would have also liked to have him in his Squad given that he was already good friends with him. Even Toshiro would have been okay with Ichigo joining his Squad since, unlike his lazy Lieutenant, Rangiku Matsumoto, he wasn't one to slack off and always took his duties very seriously.
In response, Yamamoto sent a heated flair of his fiery Spiritual Pressure towards the imposing Captain of Squad Eleven, which not only silenced him, but caused him to bend over slightly "THAT IS OUT OF THE QUESTION, CAPTAIN ZARAKI! It would be a waste to assign someone with so much potential as him to a Squad of dim-witted brutes such as yours!" he thundered, causing Ichigo to flinch, at not only how loudly and intimidatingly Yamamoto was yelling but also at the Spiritual Pressure the Head Captain had released. In spite of, in all likelihood, being only a fraction of his power, it was so immense that for a moment Ichigo actually had to struggle just to remain on his feet "Such power...He's definetely not the Head Captain for nothing…" he mused to himself in awe while noting how the rest of the Captains weren't the least bit surprised by Yamamoto's outburst, figuring out that the old man often yelled a lot to his subordinates when they stepped out of line.
"After all," continued Yamamoto after stopping exerting his Spiritual Pressure, his voice returning to its usual calm tone "Much like Captain Hitsugaya, Kurosaki has proven time and time again to be a fighting prodigy and has demonstrated tremendous potential for growth on numerous occasions. Therefore, it would only be appropriate if he were to be assigned to a Squad that could not only cultivate his growth as a warrior, but properly instruct him in our ways of life and all four of our fighting styles." he then paused and, after rounding his eyes on Ichigo's, the Head Captain finally declared "Which is why, Ichigo Kurosaki, after much thought, i have decided that from now, you will be assigned…." as Rukia, Renji and all the other Captains awaited Yamamoto's decision, some with more excitement and impatience than others, while a bummed Kenpachi could only stare at Ichigo in regret and dissappointment at the fact that the orange haired young man would not be a part of his Squad.
"To Squad Two!"
And with those three words everyone's else's eyes widened in pure shock and disbelief, chief of which Soi-Fon, Ichigo, Rukia and Renji and once again, silence filled the entire room for a few seconds.
"Squad… Two?" could only repeat a thunderstruck Ichigo.
"The Stealth Force?!" was all Rukia could mutter, her voice faltering, while Renji hesitantly let out in similar bewilderment "Are my ears deceiving me? Is Ichigo really going there?"
But their shock coudn't even begin to describe Soi-Fon's who just stood frozen in place, her grey eyes wide open in pure disbelief, staring at Ichigo with her lips apart "H-He's going… To join my Squad?" was all her mind could process for a few seconds, before she regained her composure, turned towards Yamamoto and asked "Head Captain, are you sure about your decision?" her voice filled with much doubt and hesitancy.
Raising a brow, Yamamoto turned towards her and replied "You seem to be taken aback, Captain Soi-Fon. Is it because you doubt what Kurosaki is capable of after the power, speed and proficiency with the sword he has demonstrated on the battlefield?"
Her surprise, leaving her face, Soi-Fon closed her eyes and replied "It's not that i am doubting his power." she then turned towards Ichigo and, after reopening his eyes, stated coldly "What i am doubting is his ability to be a proper member of my Squad. His power may be great and his swordmanship is nothing to scoff at, but he lacks any kind of control over his Spirit Energy, therefore he has no knowledge in the art of stealth, something without which an assassin cannot be one. Not to mention that he knows nothing about Kido. For once, Captain Zaraki does have a good point." she paused, narrowing her grey eyes towards the strawberry and declaring bluntly "Someone as unskilled as him would be better off in his Squad given that he seems to rely on his sword more than anything else."
Ichigo felt a little offended by those words even if they were spoken to make a point. True, he was nowhere near as skilled in anything but the sword as the likes of the various Captains and even Rukia and Renji, but she didn't have to be so harsh about it since he never really had the time to properly learn those skills, chief of which, how to seal his Zampakuto "She definetely reminds me a lot of Tatsuki and not in a good way." he thought to himself with his trademark scowl, upon remembering the many times she thrashed him with her bare hands for even the stupidest of reasons, ever since he joined her same Dojo. If his lifetime friend's tomboyish attitude was anything to go by, this woman was definetely someone who didn't give a damn about anything and was staunchingly loyal in her beliefs and would have done anything to achieve her goals.
Yamamoto's voice pulled him out of his thoughts and wiped the scowl off his face by stating "Have you forgotten, Captain Soi-Fon? Ichigo Kurosaki is the same man who defeated Captains Zaraki and Kuchiki in combat. He is the same man who was able to learn Bankai in just three days, something only one other man in the entire history of the Soul Society, managed to accomplish. If that is not evidence for immense growth potential and of a fighting prodigy, i don't know what it is. And you also seem to forget that he was personally trained by Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin, who both formerly held high ranking positions in the Stealth Force as Leader of the Detention Unit and Supreme Commander respectively, a hundred years ago, on top of being the Third Seated Officer and Captain of Squad Two respectively." and all at once both Soi-Fon and Ichigo's eyes widened in pure astonishment.
"Y-Yoruichi was the Captain of Squad Two? And Kisuke was also part of it?!"was all Ichigo could think in pure disbelief, not so much at the reveal that Yoruichi formerly lead the Second Squad, but by the fact that Kisuke used to be a high ranking member in it as well, since the tan skinned woman had told him that the merchant used to be the Captain of Squad Twelve. Then he remembered how Ikkaku had reacted when he told him who the one who taught him how to fight was as well as what Kisuke said about fear and that when you fight, you kill and it suddenly made sense "That's why he and Yoruichi were so close. And that's why Ikkaku was so shocked when i told him that he was the guy who trained me. I guess he made quite the name for himself back then before he became a scientist."
Likewise, Soi-Fon, after recalling how easily he beat her own Lieutenant along with two others with just his bare hands, realised "I see. It was Lady Yoruichi who taught him how to fight. Therefore, he must be much more skilled than what i give him credit for." for some reason feeling bad for having been so cold to him just now.
"Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that you have also been taught in the ways of Hakuda and Hoho as well, am i right, Kurosaki?" asked Yamamoto to Ichigo after he turned towards him, earning a nod from the strawberry who replied "Yeah, Yoruichi did teach me the Flash-Step during my Bankai Training but it was mostly Kisuke who taught me how to fight." earning both a look of understanding from Soi-Fon and a slight scowl at the mere mention of his name, due to her still harboring a great deal of dislike towards that man for his unprofessional and too care-free attitude.
Having gotten his answer, Yamamoto slammed his cane on the ground and declared "Then it is decided. From now on, under Captain Soi-Fon's guidance, you will be properly taught in the ways of the Stealth Force and in all four of our fighting styles, from Zanjutsu, to Hakuda, to Hoho and Kido. Given your great potential and fast growth rate, i am sure you will soon master all four of them. As for your position in the Squad, it will be determined by the outcome of a duel with its current Lieutenant, Marechiyo Omaeda." shocking not just Ichigo and Soi-Fon but even Renji and Rukia.
"A duel?" was all the two Lieutenants behind Ichigo could say, while the puzzled strawberry asked, "What do you mean, Head Captain?"
"Just like how a Captain can become one via Trial by Combat, it is possible, although far less common for a Soul Reaper to become a Lieutenant by defeating the previous holder of that title in combat, under the eyes of at least two hundred members of the Squad in a show of force." he explained before pausing and looking at Soi-Fon before stating "And with all due respect for Lieutenant Omaeda, but if i must be frank, the Stealth Force deserves better." expressing his opinion that the current Lieutenant of the Squad left much to be desired, as shown during his cowardly attitude during the battle over the Fake Karakura Town, something that many others shared, including Soi-Fon herself "This is as much as a test for Kurosaki as it is for Lieutenant Omaeda and in either case, the defeated will take the position of Third-Seated Officer." he paused, a smile crossing his lips as he turned towards Ichigo and asked "But, knowing your past accomplishments, it shoudn't be too hard for you to best him, right Kurosaki?"
Ignoring the downright wicked and excited smile that made its way on Soi-Fon's face at the prospect of finally replacing her meatball of a Lieutenant, Ichigo smiled confidently and replied "You can count on that, Head Captain." however deep inside he was far from pleased "Great, as soon as i come here, i have to steal someone else's position. I sure hope that guy doesn't mind too much."
At that point, Ichigo believed that with those words of his, the meeting would be over. He was proven dead wrong when Yamamoto spoke "Very well then. In that case, i have only one last matter to discuss with you: your Hollow Powers." causing the strawberry's eyes to widen and a look of surprise to make its way on his face.
"One of the many laws of the Soul Society is that it is forbidden for a Soul Reaper to acquire the powers of a Hollow. However, as you may have noticed, Captains Hirako, Otoribashi and Muguruma have been reinstated as Captains after the end of the Winter War because they have proven that Hollowfication can be controlled and used for a noble purpose. I should also tell you that they didn't acquire their powers by chance. Rather, in yet another of Aizen's plots to test the power of the Hogyoku, he infected them with an unknown white substance that caused them to hollowfy a hundred years ago and it was only due to Kisuke Urahara's efforts that they didn't fully turn into mindless monsters." explained the Old Man, while Shinji looked away with a regretful look and Rose and Kensei closed the eyes upon recalling that dramatic event a century ago, that was far from a pleasant experience.
Ichigo was so shocked by what he heard that he momentarily stopped breathing "That's why Kisuke knew that much about Hollowfication! But if he was the one to save them then it means…." he realised, his eyes widening. He was framed. He was framed by Aizen for supposedly turning the Vizards into Hollows! That's why he was exiled from the Soul Society! But if that was the case, then Tessai…. And Yoruichi….
He was pulled out of his thoughts by Yamamoto continuing "Much like them, you did not choose to acquire your Hollow Powers but Captains Hirako, Otoribashi and Muguruma have demonstrated that they can be fully controlled and used for the greater good. Nonetheless, i will give you this warning, the only one you will get." his voice taking on a cold and menacing tone "From now on, you will use your Hollow Powers only when you will be left with no other choice and the situation will absolutely demand for it, or under and always under your Captain's authorisation. Fail to do so even once…." he paused, narrowing his eyes on Ichigo's and proclaiming "And i will personally make sure that you will never use them again. Is that clear, Kurosaki?" chilling the strawberry to the core due to the downright monstrous tone Yamamoto's voice had taken which caused Ichigo to imagine an entire void of darkness around him. That last line sounded exactly like what a hardened killer or a monster would say and it was, without a doubt, a threat. A death threat.
As a dowright terrified Ichigo hesitantly and meekly replied "Y-Yes, Head Captain." with an uneasy and fearful look in his face, an exasperated Shunsui, after noticing just how much Yamamoto had scared the orange haired young man, thought as he readjusted his straw hat "Can't say i blame him. Knowing what Old Man Yama is capable of and the things he did in the past, i woudn't be surprised if Ichigo would be shitting in his pants right now. I sure hope he's wise enough to stay on his good side and not piss him off like i did many times…." recalling just how much Yamamoto would often punish him for even daring to trespass in his personal room without his consent.
And with those last words, Yamamoto hit the floor witht the tip of his cane and declared "Very well then. If there are no objections, this meeting is over. You may all leave." and one by one, Ichigo and all of the Captains began to take their leave.
Walking outside, on the bridge that lead towards the Meeting's Room towards Rukia and Renji, Ichigo was soon teased by the Lieutenant of Squad Six "Man, you looked like you were a few moments away from passing out! For a moment i thought the Head Captain was gonna kill you just by looking at you!" causing Rukia to giggle cutely as soon as Ichigo scowled at him and snorted "Shut up…" looking away as pure embarrasment filling every inch of his face.
Only for his face to soften as Rukia gently grabbed his right hand with her soft left hand and, looking at Renji, she spoke "You shoudn't tease him like that after everything he went through" she then paused and with caring eyes, looked at Ichigo and tenderly declared "I'm so sorry, Ichigo. I can't even imagine how horrible it must have been for you. To leave the life you lived until a few days ago and all the people you've known ever since you were young…." her shaking purple eyes filled with nothing but sadness, betraying the smile on her soft lips.
Not bearing to see her like this, Ichigo caressed Rukia's cheek with his left hand and proclaimed cheerfully, with a smile "It's okay, Rukia. I know that i'll no longer have that life back but i'm here now. I'm here for all of you. And no matter what will happen i will be at your side until the end. And hey, it's not like i can't pop up from time to time and say hello to my friends and family." earning a soft smile from both Lieutenants at his kind and sincere voice "Can't believe how much he's matured. He hardly resembles the same Ichigo i fought a year ago, let alone…"
Soi-Fon's voice pulled Renji out of his thoughts "Kurosaki!" she called out as she walked behind him stopping a few meters away, earning the strawberry's attention "Follow me to my Squad's Barracks. Once there, we're gonna find Omaeda so that you can have your duel with him. I trust that it will be a walk in the park for you, given that the last time you fought him, you beat him with a single punch." her voice filled with unusual excitement at the prospect of finally replacing her obese and lazy Lieutenant while at the same time, keeping her usual professional tone.
After giving one final look at Rukia at Renji with a smile, he turned towards Soi-Fon, nodded and replied "Yes, Soi-Fon!" while beginning to follow after her…..
Only for the Captain of Squad Two to suddenly stop in her tracks and do a nearly 180 turn with so much speed that it sent a gust of wind towards Ichigo, causing him to flinch. But what really shocked the orange haired young man was the cold and berating look she was giving him. As he just stood there motionless in shock, with his eyes and lips slightly apart at how quickly Soi-Fon's personality had gone from cheerful to downright cold and scornful, the young woman rounded her grey eyes on the strawberry's brown ones and began to reprimand him by stating "That's Captain Soi-Fon to you, Kurosaki. I'll let it slide this time, given that you are still not accustomed to our practices and formalities but if you develop a habit of not addressing me properly, i will punish you for it." she then paused, narrowed her eyes even more and declared "And while we're at it, let me make it perfectly clear to you. You have indeed proven time and time again to be a strong and indomitable warrior and we will forever be indebted to you for everything you have done for us, but if you think, even for a moment, that i will go easy on you just because you're the one who defeated Aizen, you are sadly mistaken. You are a member of the Stealth Force now and as such you will be taught everything, including always addressing others with due respect and not just when you feel like it. Have i made myself clear?" she finally asked while inching her face closer towards the taller Ichigo, shocking him even more due to how fierce she looked. But in her eyes he saw something else, something more than just a fiery temper and resolve….
Still thorougly shaken, Ichigo could only hesitantly reply "Y-Yes, Captain Soi-Fon….." the unfamiliarity of the word "Captain" still weird on his tongue as he was not one for formality. But he knew that this was a new life he had to get accustomed to especially after having figured out from the speech she had just given him that she was not one to tolerate disobedience.
Her smug smile making its way on her lips, Soi-Fon spoke "Good." figuring out that, unlike her soon to be former Lieutenant, Ichigo was one to catch up quick. She then turned around and gracefully jumped on the red guardrail of the bridge. She then looked at him and encouraged him to follow her "Then let us head to the Squad Barracks."
As she dissappeared in a burst of Flash-Step, Ichigo quickly glanced toward Rukia and Renji, waved his left hand and, with an awkward smile bade farewell "Sorry about that! See you another time, guys!" before he leapt from the bridge and began to flash-step after her, heading to the barracks of Squad Two.
The two Lieutenants just stood there with wide, blank eyes, frozen in disbelief at what they had witnessed. A couple more seconds passed before they both exchanged a blank look and spoke at the same time "Did that just happen?" their voices filled with utter incredulity before they both turned their gazes back towards where Ichigo once was before he left.
"Oh dear, she has him whipped already." was all Renji could mutter out while Rukia feebly let out "I sure hope Ichigo at least makes it out alive by the end of the week…." while in her mind she was outright almost screaming "What the hell was the Head Captain thinking?! I could undestand if he would have put him in Squads Eleven, Ten or even in my brother's but in the goddamn Stealth Force?! Ichigo doesn't know a damn thing about being stealthy!"
"You two seem to be greatly concerned about him." came Ukitake's gentle and hoarse voice, causing both Lieutenants to gasp and look towards the white, long haired man as he came on Rukia's right and placed a reassuring hand on her petite left shoulder "Captain…." she called out in surprise.
"Captain Ukitake…" addressed Renji as the Captain stated "Have faith in him. Now that the Soul Society has become his new home, he will do everything in his power to protect it. Whatever trials Captain Soi-Fon may have in store for him, it will only strenghten his resolve and willpower." his voice filled with great wisdom and optimism.
But then Byakuya walked past him behind him and stated emotionlessly "They are right to be concerned for him. Their reasons for doing so however, are not." taking Ukitake, as well as the two Lieutenants by surprise.
"Brother!" called out Rukia while Renji asked "What do you mean by that, Captain?" but before the noble could reply, Ukitake pointed out "You, of all people, should have faith in his power, Captain Kuchiki. He was ,after all, the one who defeated you in combat."
Ignoring the slight blow to his pride, due to having being reminded how he lost to someone who wasn't even a noble or even a member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, Byakuya sighed, closed his grey eyes before stating "It's not his power that concerns me." he then reopened his eyes and looked upon Ukitake's brown ones "What does concern me, is his state of mind. He may have defeated Sosuke Aizen, he may have obtained great power, but the simple fact is that Ichigo Kurosaki is still a seventeen year old teenager who used to be no more than a simple human just a few days ago. He wasn't even an adult by the World of the Living's standards when he died." he declared, causing Renji and Rukia's eyes to widen and a contemplative look to form on his fellow Captain's face as he stated "You saw it too, didn't you? For a brief moment he hesitated when the Head Captain made him swear his oath. I'm afraid that in the end, he's still too young and free spirited to fully comprehend the responsibilities that have been placed on his shoulders." he then paused, closed his eyes and turned his head away before finally declaring ominously "I can't help but fear that one day or another he will have to make the same choice i did. Soon he will be forced to choose between the law and the people he cares about."
Rukia could only look at her brother in pure disbelief. There was genuine concern and empathy in the Captain of Squad Six's voice. He hardly ever showed such emotions even towards those close to him but for Ichigo, of all people? This was unprecedented. She had no idea that her brother had actually come to respect Ichigo so much, to the point he would actually grow concerned for him. And in many ways it warmed her heart. Once more, he had shown himself to be more than just an uptight aristocrat.
Likewise, Renji was glad to hear that even his Captain cared about Ichigo to some degree but what he spoke was true. The strawberry now had a completely different set of rules to uphold than back in the World of the Living. If he will end up becoming a Lieutenant, he will have comrades to lead, to protect. And sometimes obeying the law meant ignoring your simpaties for your relatives.
"The only thing we can do now is hope that such a moment will come in the distant future and not in the coming months. Right now, he needs you more than ever, not just as allies." proclaimed Byakuya as he looked at his adoptive sister, placed a hand on her cheek and, to the great surprise of not just her, but also her Captain and Renji, smiled and added "But as friends." his voice actually becoming caring and gentle.
While Ukitake and Renji both smiled warmly at the rare display of kindness and altruism from the nobleman, which proved that he was so much more than a stoic aristocrat, Rukia had to do a double take, not believing how far her brother had come. Finally, with her purple eyes shaking in affection, she placed her soft and petite left hand on her brother's and replied "We will, brother. It's the least we can do to ease his pain." heartwarmed to see how far Byakuya had come.
The raven haired Captain then nodded, turned to Renji and ordered "Come, Renji. We still have many matters to attend to today." in response the redhead Lieutenant nodded and replied "Yes, Captain. Let's go." and as both Captain and Lieutenant of the Sixth Squad began to walk away, Renji turned towards Rukia one last time and with a wave of his hand spoke "Bye, Rukia! See you later!" while hiding his utter disbelief at how his Captain was still smiling "Sure didn't expect him to care that much about Ichigo, nor that he would be so happy that he would be here to stay. I guess even he has been influenced by that hooligan of a strawberry."
With a wave of her own, Rukia replied "See you later! And i know just the place we can go to tonight!" her voice beaming up from excitement slightly as the two men left, leaving her alone with her Captain.
A few moments of silence passed before Ukitake placed a hand on Rukia's petite left shoulder and asked cheerfully "I take it that your relationship with Lieutenant Abarai is going well?" causing the purple eyed girl to blush so much after gasping in surprise that she had to cover her face with her hands.
"C-Captain Ukitake!" she squealed in embarrasment, earning an amused and kind chuckle from the white haired man who, after bending over slighly to look at her closely, like a caring father, stated happily "Hehehe…. No need to be so shy, Rukia. If anything, it makes me so happy that your brother has finally allowed you to begin a courting relationship with each other." in fact Rukia and Renji had begun to date each other in secret during the year after the end of the war. They kept doing so until Byakuya discovered their affair, but much to their surprise, he gave them his blessing. But that was only because of how much he held his Lieutenant in high regard. Any other man would have been imprisoned on the spot for even daring to court her without informing him.
After finally regaining his composure, Rukia looked away and, with a worried look forming on her face, spoke "Not to be rude, Captain but i don't think right now is the best time to talk about that." she paused, looking back into her Captain's eyes and declaring "I'm worried, Captain Ukitake. I'm worried for Ichigo. Just a few days ago he was living his life as a normal human and now he's….." only for her voice to falter. She had been so shaken after learning everything he had gone through in such a little amount of time that she didn't even know how to express her sadness.
With a smile, Ukitake got on his knees and placed both his hands on Rukia's shoulders before reassuring "He's a strong man, Rukia. He faced all of the Soul Society just to rescue you. He nearly turned into a Hollow just to become strong enough to save you. I'm sure that with time, he will become accustomed to his new life here. And besides, he has many friends here besides you, friends for which he would do anything. And i think that for him, that is enough."
Rukia looked at her Captain with her purple eyes shaking in affection. He was right. She and the rest of his friends were Ichigo's strength. And he would do everything in his power to protect them, until the end. Reassured that things would turn out okay, she smiled at Ukitake and said "I sure hope so, Captain. And thank you, for reminding me of how much we mean to him." earning an equally joyful grin from him. And with that, they both took their leave and returned to the barracks of their Squad.
Meanwhile at the barracks of Squad Two
"Woah….. This place is huge! And it all looks so much like a temple!" spoke Ichigo in awe, as he admired the main courtyard and headquarters building of Squad Two. As it turned out, the barracks and headquarters of the Squad were located very close to those of Squad One and were situated on top of a small hill. The entrance was located at the very foot of the hill, marked by two red pillars each with the insignia of the Squad and in the middle of those pillars there was a large, thirty meter tall stone staircase that led to the entrance of the main courtyard. Said courtyard was enormous, easily spacious enough to house at least hundreds of people, with a golden floor and walls intricately decorated in white, green and red. And right behind the exit of the courtyard that faced directly in front of the entrance, stood a massive building that resembled a temple straight out of feudal Japan.
"Mmph, i'm glad it is to your taste. You should thank Omaeda for this. It's one of the very few, if not the only thing he's good at. He used the money from his rich family to reconstruct them to the utmost luxury. A shame that he's inept in almost everything else." stated Soi-Fon, with her usual calm and uncaring voice, causing Ichigo to raise up a brow.
"You don't really care that much about him, do you? So why even bother keeping him around?" he asked casually, with his usual detached and emotionless voice as he began following his Captain towards the main building of the Squad.
Without even turning around, the beautiful raven haired woman explained in a tone that matched Ichigo's in term of aloofness "Personal struggle builds character. I'm not like Captains Kyoraku or Ukitake, who have kind relationships with their subordinates. I prefer to lead my Squad with some tension: that way it encourages my men to always strive to improve themselves as much as they can. Unfortunately though, Omaeda is too dumb to understand that but even still, he can be somewhat useful in some regards." she paused before glancing towards Ichigo and declaring "I have high expectations from you Kurosaki, and even though i know that the way you are now, you would make for a far more competent Lieutenant than Omaeda ever was, you have the potential to become so much more, so don't dissappoint me the same way he did."
Ichigo was surprised to see an encouraging smile on the raven haired woman's lips, a sign that she already trusted in his skills more than her current Lieutenant. And from her voice, he could hear that she had quite a bit of faith towards him and that in her own way, she cared about her men and always wanted them to improve themselves. Returning the smile, he replied "Don't worry Captain, i'll do my best." and with that they both began to search for the current Lieutenant of the Squad.
As it turned out, looking for Omaeda wasn't much of a challenge. As soon as Soi-Fon, with Ichigo trailing behind, saw that her Lieutenant wasn't in the office, doing his share of paperwork, she immediately figured out where he was and indeed, as they headed to the mess hall, they soon found Omaeda chocking down on a few rice crackers and laughing with a few other Squad Members.
Ichigo almost face-faulted as soon as he saw who Omaeda was. A large and fat man slightly over two meters tall with hair slicked backwards like a goddamn singer from the 60s wearing the standard Shihakusho, a large purple collar, as well as golden rings on his fingers that looked quite expensive "Ahhhhh…..I remember this guy! He's that fatass with the ball and chain i punched straight in that fat tummy of his after i threw Rukia from the Sokyoku to Renji! God, look how fat he is. And how can he just keep eating riceballs like that? Also that hairstyle is sooo yesterday…." he mused to himself in his mind, half disgusted by how much he was eating and half wanting to just bust out laughing due to how easy he was able to beat him. How the hell did this guy ever got promoted in the first place?
"Omaeda! On your feet!" barked Soi-Fon at her Lieutenant, causing him to freeze in shock upon seeing her before he sprang on his feet and stood at attention along with all the other Squad members in the hall. And after giving him a sharp look, she stated "The Head Captain has given you a task of the utmost importance. Gather as many men as you can from all five branches and come to the main courtyard with them." not needing to be told twice, the obese Lieutenant immediately replied "Yes M'am!" and began to do as instructed at astonishing speeds, causing Ichigo to sweat-drop "Well, she sure knows how to make her presence known. Just like Tatsuki." he mused to himself as he looked at her, seeing once more just how similar she was to the first friend he ever made.
Five minutes later the once unoccupied courtyard was now filled with more than 200 members of all five branches of the Stealth Force, from the Executive Militia, to the Patrol Corps, to even some members of the Inner Court Troop. Ichigo was surprised to see that the members of the Executive Militia were dressed exactly like ninjas, covered from head to toe in black and even had their faces obscured by a mask and their forehead by a hood, leaving only their eyes uncovered. Quite the contrast from even the members of the Patrol Corps who looked like ordinary Soul Reapers, except with a grey coat above their Shihakusho that was wrapped over their heads in a similar way to the members of the Executive Militia, leaving only their eyes unobscured.
Said members were quite amased that Ichigo Kurosaki now stood before them as a Soul Reaper once more but were also puzzled as to why he had come to their Squad. And for his part, Omaeda, was quite shocked to learn that Ichigo Kurosaki had returned and that he had just joined the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Even more puzzling was the fact that he had come here, to the Second Squad. Nonetheless, he hid it with his usual nonchalant voice "There, as you ordered, Captain. I've gathered as many men as i could. Of course many of them are still under patrol or fulfilling various duties as we speak but this should suffice. Now, what is the assignment the Head Captain has given me?" he asked his Captain who, for some reason he coudn't quite grasp, was standing next to Ichigo.
Looking at the obese man with her usual cold look, Soi-Fon stated "As you may have heard, Ichigo Kurosaki has returned and, after learning that he can no longer live in the World of the Living, the Head Captain has agreed to make him one of us and as of right now, he's been assigned to our Squad." while the hundreds of Squad Members's eyes widened and could only mumble to each other their shock and disbelief at the fact that the Hero of the Winter War and victor of Sosuke Aizen was going to be a member of their Squad from now on. However, Omaeda's face turned pale as soon as Soi-Fon declared "And in recognition for his actions on the battlefield, the Head Captain has offered him the position of Lieutenant of the Squad. Therefore, you are to have a duel with him for the position."
Omaeda could only stay frozen for a few seconds before comically shouting "WHAAAAATTTTT?! YOU WANT ME TO FIGHT HIM?!" causing Ichigo to sweat-drop. "How is this guy a Lieutenant again?" he mused to himself, embarrassed to have witnessed such a reaction from such a high ranking officer. But how could he blame him? After all, all it took to defeat him the last time they fought was a single punch
"It's the Head Captain's orders, Omaeda. There's nothing i can do about it. If you know what's better for you, then you'll have to defeat Kurosaki in combat." she simply stated once more before she walked towards her men and turned towards the two combatants, while declaring "The rules are simple. Fight with all of your might until the other person is either incapacitated, killed or gives up. Whoever loses will be demoted to the Third Seat." she then raised her left arm up and commanded "Now, state your names before you begin."
With a serious and determined look, Ichigo simply stated "Ichigo Kurosaki, former Substitute Soul Reaper." as he drew his Zampakuto with his right arm from the holster on his left hip and pointed it at Omaeda, surprising the Captain of Squad Two slightly "Mmmm...… So he's learned how to seal his Zampakuto too…. Interesting… " she noted to herself in intrigue. Perhaps he was more skilled in controlling his Spirit Energy than what she initially thought.
"My name is Marechiyo Yoshiayamenosuke Nikktaroemon Omaeda, commander of the Patrol Corps!" he proclaimed as he placed his left hand on the holster of his Zampakuto while reaching out for the hilt with his other hand "Don't get too cocky just because you beat me with just one punch! This time i'm ready for you!" he proclaimed arrogantly as he finally drew his sword, pointed it at Ichigo with both hands and waited for his Captain to give the order to begin.
Which came not even five secons later "BEGIN!" she commanded while swiftly bringing her arm down, giving them the go ahead to start their duel.
(OST: "Heat of the battle" Bleach soundtrack)
Wasting no time, Omaeda immediately declared "Crush him, Gegetsuburi!" and at once, his sword glowed yellow and morphed into a massive black ball with grey spikes that was almost as big as his whole torso, attached to a large chain.
With a confident smile, Ichigo remarked "Already going for Shikai, eh? Then i'll rise to your occasion." before he gripped his sword with both hands and declared "Pierce the Heavens, Zangetsu!" and after saying his Release Command for the first time, his blue spirit energy coming out and flaring in all directions as his sword turned into the familiar khyber knife many people had become so accustomed with.
Omaeda soon began to throw his spiked ball towards him many times, only for Ichigo to block it at every single turn and return it back to its owner. The fat Lieutenant actually looked like he was overwhelming Ichigo due to the fact that the orange haired Soul Reaper had yet to counterattack even once. Seeing this, Omaeda, with a sly grin, taunted "Is that all you've got boy? Don't tell me you've forgotten how to fight after being just one year out of practice! Have you really gotten that sloppy that you can't even counterattack?" believing that he was getting the upper hand due to him slowly beginning to push Ichigo back. He began to assume that a year without practice had weakened Ichigo to the point Omaeda could beat him with little trouble.
But the observant eyes of Soi-Fon, who stood with her arms folded in front of her men, told her otherwise "He hasn't forgotten. He's simply getting accustomed to his swordmanship again." she remarked to herself after seeing the superb footwork Ichigo was showing as well as how masterfully he was parrying Omaeda's weapon with his huge blade, all the while keeping his usual serious and calm look.
Finally, Ichigo decided that he had enough and, after parrying another strike by raising his oversized knife and holding it horizontally in front of him, he placed his free hand on the blade and pushed Omaeda away, distancing himself from him by a dozen meters.
"Widening your distance won't help you! That's where Gegetsuburi shines the most!" proclaimed a triumphant Omaeda as he pulled his massive ball backwards and after roaring "YOU'RE DONE FOR!" swinged the spiked ball towards Ichigo with all of his might. To his, and the other's surprise, the orange haired man simply stood still and even lowered his massive Zampakuto. Just as Soi-Fon was beginning to wander what he would have done, he raised his free hand at the very last second and caught Gegetsuburi's ball, stopping it mid-air, shocking Omaeda and all the other Squad members.
Looking at the fat Lieutenant with a confident grin, Ichigo remarked tauntingly "Is that all? If it is, i'm kinda dissappointed. I thought your weapon would be faster than that. I almost fell asleep waiting for it." causing Omaeda's face to twist in anger and outrage at the nerve he had insulting him. Meanwhile, Soi-Fon smiled, pleasantly surprised and greatly amused to see what Ichigo had done "He was playing with him all along. He only needed time to get accustomed to his strength again." she remarked to herself, not expecting him to actually be this cunning. She then looked at Omaeda, her smile turning into a grin "I'm going to enjoy this. That fatass had this humbling coming for a long time…."
Ichigo then tossed Omaeda's weapon back at him, before dissappearing in a burst of flashstep and appearing behind the fat Lieutenant with the sharp tip of his massive blade pointed at his back surprising all the other Squad members once more "Give up. I've just arrived here and i don't really feel like sending someone to the Fourth Squad so soon." he proposed, wanting to get this over as quickly as possible.
Enraged at how easily he had been made weak in front of all his men and his Captain, Omaeda flash-stepped behind Ichigo and after appearing a dozen meters behind him, declared angrily "As if i would do that so easily! I'm gonna show you how a real Soul Reaper fights! I didn't get promoted here for nothing!" before throwing his spiked ball towards him again….
(Soundtrack ends)
Only for Ichigo, without even turning around, to block it by putting his massive blade behind him, once again shocking Omaeda. Finally he turned towards him and after stretching his neck, spoke "Alright, it's been a nice warmup and all." first with a casual smile which then turned into a calm and dead serious frown "But i don't feel like playing around anymore. And if a show of force is what it takes to convince people around here, then i'll gladly do that."
And with those words, he planted his feet firmly on the ground, pointed his massive sword towards Omaeda and after placing his free hand on his other arm, he roared "BANKAI!" and all at once, Ichigo's eyes flashed blue and, in an even brighter flash of blue, his spirit energy rose dramatically and greatly flared around him, creating an enormous bright blue pillar around him that shot up towards the sky, generating a gust of wind that made Omaeda's jaw drop in fear at the amount of power being unleashed. All the other squad members had to shield themselves with their arms just to avoid being pushed back by the gusts of wind generated by this enormous increase in power while Soi-Fon just stood there and watched with her grey eyes wide open, not believing how much power had been unleashed.
(OST: "BL 56" = Bankai, Tensa Zangetsu theme)
Finally as the wind dissappeared, Soi-Fon and all the other Squad members looked in awe as the fading light, revealed that Ichigo was now holding a black Daito longsword with a cross guard that had four prongs bent out out to form the shape of the manji and a short chain dangling from the base of the hilt. In addition to the sword, Ichigo's robe had been replaced by a long-sleeved, ankle length black coat with red lining, closed at his chest and left to flare out into ragged ends. Finally, as Ichigo stood with his side facing Omaeda and his head turned towards him with a calm look on his face, he declared "Tensa Zangetsu." as a white outline of energy briefly surrounded the edges of his blade, causing of all the Squad members to look upon in sheer awe.
"Such power…..
"That Spiritual Pressure…. It rivals that of our Captain….
"Is this the power he used to defeat Aizen?!"
"That's a Bankai? Since when is a Bankai so small?"
Was all the many men and women, both from the Executive Militia, the Patrol Corps and all the other three branches could mutter out, their eyes and voices filled with pure awe and admiration and even their Captain found herself staring at Ichigo with her eyes slightly wide in amasement "Ichigo Kurosaki…. So that is the power you used to defeat Captain Kuchiki…." not believing just how much power she was sensing. It was so high, it rivaled even that of many of her fellow Captains, including hers.
She, along with all of her men, was left even more astonished as soon as Ichigo vanished and reappeared in front of the disbelieved Omaeda in less than half a second with his black sword aimed at the fat Soul Reaper's throat who didn't even see him move. In fact most, if not all of the Squad members's eyes coudn't even follow him due to how fast he had moved, with the exception of Soi-Fon herself. Omaeda was that shocked by the amount of power alone that he was simply looking towards Ichigo in utter fear, too shocked to even move. His blood froze as soon as Ichigo bore his fierce brown eyes into his black ones and spoke "I'll say it once more. Give up before you get hurt. I would hate to do that to someone so soon after becoming a Soul Reaper again." this time, Omaeda, in spite of having his face twisted in pure shock, could only nod, lower his head, close his eyes and reply "Alright. I yield." knowing full well that in his current state, he woudn't even be able to put a scratch in his coat.
"That speed…. It rivaled my own when using Shunko…." was all Soi-Fon could mutter in pure astonishment, not believing just how fast he was. Her dear Yoruichi had told her so much about Ichigo but she had no idea that he was actually this powerful and fast to the point he would make someone like Omaeda look like an amateur.
(Soundtrack ends)
She then declared "That's enough. Omaeda has admitted defeat, therefore, you are now the new Lieutenant of Squad Two" as she began to walk towards Ichigo and Omaeda. As the strawberry returned his sword back into its sealed state with a small blue flash of light which also caused his coat to return to its former state and sheated it back in his holster, Soi-Fon turned to her former Lieutenant and ordered him "Give your badge to Kurosaki. You will then move to a new room within the compound and give your former quarters to him and are to report to me later for your new duties. Dismissed." and with that Omaeda handed his badge to Ichigo before lowering his head and taking his leave, ashamed to have been so easily and thoroughly defeated by Ichigo and having been so easily humiliated in front of all his men.
With a smile, Soi-Fon then turned towards Ichigo and spoke "Congratulations for your victory, Kurosaki. I expected no less from the hero of the Winter War." before she turned towards all of her men and declared "Today is a great day for the Stealth Force! From this day on, Ichigo Kurosaki, former Substitute Soul Reaper and victor of Sosuke Aizen will be your Lieutenant! From now on, he will lead you all in battle at my side for the sake of peace! For the Soul Society! FOR THE GLORY OF THE STEALTH FORCE!" while raising her left arm in the air with her fist closed, her charismatic and commanding voice causing all of the Squad members from all five branches to erupt in a chorus of acclaim and praise "HAIL LIEUTENANT KUROSAKI! HAIL LIEUTENANT KUROSAKI! HAIL LIEUTENANT KUROSAKI!" they all cheered in elation and delight while raising their fists up, looking forward to be led in battle by none other than the victor of Sosuke Aizen himself. And while they will never admit it out loud, many members of the Patrol Corps were happy to have a new Lieutenant that would hopefully be far more kind and reasonable than Omaeda, who would be quick to punish his men for even the slightest of transgressions or for merely being in his way.
Ichigo could only smile with shyness and nod approvingly at all the men that will follow him in battle from now, beyond flattered to be this acclaimed and praised, something he had never once experienced before. Then Soi-Fon turned towards him and, with another rare smile, declared "You should consider yourself lucky, Kurosaki. Not everyone has the luxury of joining the Stealth Force this easily. And seeing as you went through so much today and in the last few days, i'll let you off the hook for the rest of the day." she paused, momentarily giving Ichigo yet another of her fierce and cold looks "But don't get used to this easy treatment, for tomorrow your training will begin in its fullest. And as i said before, if you think i will go easy on you merely because of your past accomplishments, you are mistaken. As a member of the Stealth Force, you will be expected to be willing to do your utmost best and put your life on the line on a daily basis. " causing an apprehensive and solemn look to form on Ichigo's face. But despite her stern exterior, inside, Soi-Fon was utterly ecstatic at the prospect of no longer having to put up with Omaeda and his petulant habits. Now she had a Lieutenant whose strength matched that of a Captain and while Ichigo still had much to learn if he was to become a proper member of her Squad, she was eagerly looking forward to train him in all the ways of the Soul Reapers. Therefore, after reminding him that she won't go easy with him, her smile returned on her soft lips and, motioning with her hand, she spoke "Now go rest up. You've earned it."
Returning the smile, Ichigo simply replied "Yes, Captain." and with that, he took his leave, still surrounded by the cheering Squad Members and glad to see that, although Soi-Fon was harsh, strict and expected a lot from her men, she was a fair and noble commander, who always treated everyone under her leadership equally and who always encouraged those around her to do their very best. And in spite of how unsettling her 180 turns were, Ichigo coudn't help but think just how similar she was to Tatsuki. Like the violet haired girl she was a person of great resolve and capable of kindness in spite of her temper.
Now, he looked forward to what the future had in store for him after reuniting with some of his friends and swearing an oath to the new place he would live in. Perhaps he had found more than just a new home. Perhaps…..
He had found his true destiny.