Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo does. He also owns the name Kurosaki Masaki. I merely own my OC under the name of Mai.
Feedback: Thank you to all my reviewers and alert-adders! Please don't hesitate to leave a review. Flames however aren't appreciated. Hearing what you like and how I can improve will help me strive to write better and keep me inspired.
And, for those that can't think of anything to say you can comment on the current Bleach chapters. Personally, I think Bleach should have ended with the defeat of Aizen in a way where Ichigo did not have to lose his powers. Seems anticlimactic to continue and it seems as though Kubo-san just wants to make more money. At any rate, hope he plans to end it soon and hopefully give some hint to an Ichi/Ruki future.
AN: Happy New Year! Masaki's Zanpakutō, Hyouketsu Kiri (released/unreleased), is now up on my deviant art page, so check that out. Finally, I have updated. I've been having a bit of writer's block trying to write this chapter (Well the whole Yachiru bit)… Despite the fact, these past three weeks there's been some great subbed episodes to give me inspiration… I assure you they have, but in the end, I don't think I wrote something good. Next time, I'll do better.
I had already written Yachiru's nickname for Hisagi prior to viewing this week's episode in which they finally reveal her nickname for him (Hisa-Hisa)… I have to say I prefer Tattoo Face lol but I'm going to say she just uses that in this chapter because she's mad… She does have a tendency to change nicknames for some people. One final thing I assure you my readers, Isshin will come into the picture. All in due time of course.
Hearing about how Karakura had changed was interesting, but Orihime's heart wasn't truly in it, despite how enthused she appeared on the outside. The mere fact that the young Shinigami woman with bright orange hair rivaling the setting sun and eyes the color of an amethyst gem was beside her was certainly astonishing enough.
Seeing her the first time had certainly been shocking, but now knowing the truth of why she had those features, she couldn't contain the pain rippling through her heart every time she looked at her.
She was beautiful. The perfect blend of them.
She was definitely nothing like the girl she had pretended to be; clearly, she had learned that from Kuchiki-san. She was a serious young woman much like Kuchiki-san. Grace and confidence exuded from her yet she seemed almost oblivious about it.
She had to admit watching her fight against Kurosaki-kun had been amazing. She could see the girl handled her weapon with a relative ease and fluidity, matching Ichigo stoke by stroke… And just like that she managed to make him believe who she was much like Kuchiki-san could easily snap him out of his depressions…
She had obviously trained with Kurosaki-kun; she wasn't sure of Kuchiki's ability with a katana since she'd never seen her wield it in a sword fight.
As she watched them, she couldn't help but feel like a fraud, wearing the Shihakushō. She had suddenly wished she could have normal clothes; it was too bad this fake town didn't come stocked with clothing from her real apartment.
She wasn't a Shinigami.
She knew this, of course, and hadn't thought much about it since she had her own unique powers, but in that moment the idea struck her hard.
Harder than when Urahara-san had told her she couldn't participate in the Winter War.
She could definitely see Kuchiki-san, Kurosaki-kun, and Masaki-chan as one happy Shinigami family, going out to kill Hollows, training, and living life the way Shinigami do.
It was something she couldn't him give to him and obviously didn't. She did.
She was the one who changed his world and introduced him to the life of a Shinigami. Deep inside her, even though she didn't want to admit it, she wished she had never come, never appeared in his life. The thought disgusted her, but it was there hidden in the depths of her soul.
Hearing Masaki-chan talk about how her father called her Shortie even though she was grown intrigued her and hurt her at the same time. Kurosaki-kun appeared to be a great father. He seemed to have been really involved in his daughter's upbringing as a Shinigami and was sweet enough to make that pretty crescent moon hairpin adorning her hair out of the first Hollow she had killed and give her a cute nickname.
Even Kuchiki-san had a nickname. Midget.
While she definitely thought that term was horrible, the way Masaki-chan talked about it, it was clear Kurosaki-kun loved to use it to refer to Kuchiki-san even if she became angry.
Obviously, he was referring to the latter's lack of height, yet it seemed to be much more than a form of teasing her. She would have to say it was almost like a term of endearment. After all, he seemed to have used this term for decades, or a century, however long they've been together.
Masaki-chan hadn't really specified how old she was, so she had no clue as to exactly how much time they've been together. A sixth of her age? What was that supposed to mean?
She had wished she could have spent five lifetimes falling in love with the same person, but it seemed they had eternity. Shinigami were dead after all. Kuchiki-san had said that yesterday, hadn't she? While most of the time the idea didn't really sink into her brain, Kuchiki-san and the other Shinigami seemed as real as Kurosaki-kun, Ishida-kun, and Sado-kun, it was the reality.
Masaki-chan was a New Soul most likely, like Kuchiki-san had explained yesterday. Did that mean Kurosaki-kun waited to die to enter the Soul Society—No, he probably became a full Shinigami and came to live in the Soul Society before he died.
She wasn't really sure if that was possible, but if he was a substitute Shinigami, then perhaps, there was the possibility of him being given the status of a full Shinigami. When it came to Kurosaki-kun, she knew he was special, that he would always do whatever to accomplish his goals. And if his goal was to be with Kuchiki-san, he would probably find a way to do it.
While his anger at discovering who Masaki-chan was and his continued insistence that she was created by Aizen even when the DNA results said otherwise was truly surprising, a part of her heart had rejoiced, relishing the idea that perhaps Kurosaki-kun didn't like the idea of being with Kuchiki-san.
That he despised it.
She had never seen anything or anyone generate such anger from him, and the thought that the cause of the anger was perhaps not only the fact that Aizen would attempt to trick him, but that he couldn't stand the idea of being with Kuchiki-san, flared happiness in her heart.
She hated herself for it, but she had felt it. Even now, her broken heart was telling her that Kurosaki-kun didn't seem too happy with the news even if he did accept it. She noticed he couldn't even look at Kuchiki-san or Masaki-chan.
The logical part of her said that he was in shock and embarrassed like Ishida-kun had said. Her heart, however, screamed that he wasn't thrilled by the prospect of ending up with her.
She would love to believe her traitorous heart that hadn't stop aching since she had found out who the girl was. She knew it was pointless, the fact of the matter was, he did end up with her. That settled everything, didn't it?
God, she hated feeling this way. Feelings of ill will and jealousy kept crackling in her heart amidst the burning pain as she glanced at Kuchiki-san and Masaki-chan. Her head was screaming to stop thinking these thoughts, but they kept resurfacing against her will.
How she wished she could make them stop. This wasn't like her. She didn't want to feel this way about her friend, but she couldn't help it. Kuchiki-san was going to have what she always wanted—Kurosaki-kun.
Was she happy with the news? She couldn't tell. Kuchiki-san seemed to be interested in whatever Masaki-chan was saying, violet eyes regarding her with curiosity.
She supposed she would react the same way if her own daughter had appeared from the future.
Even though she knew she would have eventually found out that Kuchiki-san and Kurosaki-kun would be together, she would have definitely preferred to have found out later.
It was too bad Masaki-chan was here and even worse, that she couldn't return. On one hand, her caring soul really felt bad for the young woman since she had to stay in a time that wasn't her own, away from her family and nakama, while the other jealous, angry part of her wished she had never even come, had never touched things she wasn't supposed to.
Would she ever stop hurting, would she ever get over Kurosaki-kun?
Orihime, I know it doesn't feel okay right now. And I won't lie it probably won't feel good for a while, but as cliché as this sounds, you will get over the pain you feel in your heart, it just takes time. You're a beautiful, strong young girl that will find the guy that's right for you. Even though you thought it was Ichigo, I'm sure you'll find someone way better than him."
That's what Rangiku-san had told her when she awoke from her nap after she had cried her heart out.
Will I ever find someone better than Kurosaki Ichigo?
She wasn't sure. Wasn't sure if her heart would ever feel whole again.
No, I can't think like that. I have to be strong like Rangiku-san said. Being depressing isn't good. Maybe she's right. Maybe one day I'll find someone for me… I should be happy for them…
She's my daughter.
The knowledge of who she was kept resounding in his head. The memories released by her Zanpakutō kept replaying unwillingly in his mind.
He and Rukia were together in the future.
God, it was so unsettling to know what his future was.
He never did like psychics. And without wanting to find out, he now knew.
He wasn't quite sure what to think, what to feel. He was completely dumbfounded. He couldn't deny it anymore; she was his daughter.
Her orange hair was because of him, not because she dyed it. Her large violet eyes were because of Rukia.
If he concentrated on her presence like his Hollow said, he could feel underneath her unique signature, Rukia's merged with what he supposed was his own.
Her acting skills were obviously honed under Rukia's tutelage—Did she really need to teach her that?
She trained under him.
He could see in those fleeting images produced by her Zanpakutō she enjoyed sparring against his future self. They probably had done that for years. He had clearly shared with her his view on what he felt when fighting an opponent.
Reflecting on how her blade had felt, Resonance aside, if he could put a word on it he would have to say curious. During their fight, she had taken the initiative obviously to allow her Zanpakutō to display what he had refused to believe, and he supposed to test him out now that he was recalling how her blade had felt, how she requested a fight where he was actually focused. While he felt terrible for all the things he had said about her, he was partly glad that Inoue had interrupted them before he could give an answer regarding her request.
He was a man of his word; he always strived to keep his promises. However, he had to admit, the idea of fighting her again unnerved him just as much as her presence did. Probably more so, because the idea that perhaps he would see more memories, well visions of the future in his case, freaked him out.
He didn't know if that would actually happen, since that had never occurred during his other fights… But what if her blade was different? How exactly does Resonance work? Did she will it to happen?
He felt torn between saying yes and no. Well, she did say if he had time… Didn't she say she was going to the Soul Society? That meant there was no time, right?
If I have time, then I have to fight her… Even if it means seeing more of those visions… I owe her after all I've said about her…
He had a feeling that he would still be seeing her, despite the fact that he didn't really want to see her. Meeting his future daughter was such an embarrassing and awkward situation. What was he supposed to say?
He was surprised that Masaki allowed him to continue calling her Mai. She must have realized why he had refused to call her by that name when he had found out who she was…who she reminded of…Part of him was glad since he just couldn't seem to utter her true name. The other part was annoyed with himself. He should be able to say that name, anyone could have that name… He didn't feel like explaining to his friends why he couldn't say that name if they asked…
He probably suggested her name.
Masaki.
Apparently, he had forgone Japanese tradition and instead named her after his mother like a Westerner. He wasn't close minded to Western culture, despite what he had thought after he had fled the Gotei 13 meeting. He had just been so angry, so keen not to believe she was truly who she said she was, thinking Aizen had created her.
Obviously, he had gone down that route in naming her. Naming a child after a parent like a Westerner seemed honorable and nice. He had always thought that when he had heard that's what they did.
Of course, he'd never really thought about whether he would actually do it. He had never thought about having kids, let alone having a girlfriend if he was honest.
Evidently, he did have a kid and a wife.
Oyaji would be overjoyed with the news, if he knew about his future grandchild. Thank God, the old man was fast asleep in the real Karakura in the Soul Society. At any rate, it wasn't like he could see her anyway, she was a Shinigami, a Soul.
Did I die at twenty? Or did I give up living in the real world to be a full Shinigami, to be with Rukia?
If either one were the case, his dad or his sisters would never find out he married or had a kid; well except for Karin anyway if he ever visited the World of the Living.
On one hand, it was for the better he would not have to deal with his crazy father bugging him about grandchildren. Still, he felt odd thinking that in four years time, he would leave his family and develop feelings for the Midget.
It was unbelievable, yet Masaki was here, proof that it had happened.
It was the oddest, strangest situation in his entire sixteen years of existence. Who would have ever thought old Geta-bōshi would create such a device, and his daughter would end up coming across it and using it?
Damn him.
What the hell was he thinking making such a device? Hadn't he ever seen movies? It was dangerous to mess with the past, present, and future, wasn't it? She should have known better than to touch anything at the Urahara Shōten.
It was pointless to think that, she was here, of course. He supposed what bothered him the most was the fact that she couldn't go back immediately. She had to wait until the war finished. It was really unfortunate that Kurotsuchi couldn't fix her device…
He wondered what Rukia thought of this whole situation. She seemed to have absorbed the information well. Unlike him, she actually had time to process the information and talk to Masaki, which is why he supposed the orange haired girl was standing next to her when he arrived, why they were currently talking... She had definitely been pissed that he kept insisting Masaki was a liar, something created by Aizen… If Masaki hadn't stopped her, he was pretty sure she would have beaten him until he listened to her.
"You're letting your emotions blind you. She is not something that Aizen created to get under your skin. She is real. No matter how hard this is to believe."
Based on her words, the way she looked at him, he had the feeling that Rukia knew why he had acted so angrily, why he refused to believe the DNA results. He had caught her looking at his mother's poster once or twice, although she had never said anything about it to him, and Oyaji had cried out her name many times during his crazy outbursts, which he was certain Rukia heard all the way in her closet. He even mentioned her name when Rukia returned to his house…even called his third daughter—it was definitely a good thing Oyaji wasn't here. What would he would say if he knew he had been right…
He was grateful that he wouldn't have to explain it to her, but the truth was he didn't want to be near her either…How were they supposed to act now that Masaki was here, now that they knew they would end up together?
This was the last thing he needed.
Twenty minutes later, the group arrived at the hospital. The women's discussion had long since dwindled into silence. Ichigo had easily dispatched a couple of Hollows that had appeared along the way, but for the most part, there didn't seem to be much Hollow activity in the morning, although they could sense Hollows and Shinigami fighting nearby.
Everyone was quiet as Ichigo led the way into the building, heading straight for the cafeteria. He held the door open for everyone as they entered, averting his gaze when Rukia and Masaki passed by.
Isane and Hanatarō weren't at the end of the room, instead there was a note that said: Please serve yourself. We are attending to injured Shinigami—Kotetsu Isane.
Masaki and Rukia watched the others serve their own breakfast; they had explained to them that they had already eaten.
"I wonder if the taichō already had their meeting," Masaki said.
"I'm sure you'll be informed once it's done. Remember what Kyōraku-taichō said," Rukia reminded her.
Masaki nodded, her gaze wandering across the room.
Rukia thought she had caught Ichigo stealing a quick look at them for the briefest of moments, when he turned his head slightly to mutter something to Uryū after he had finished serving his breakfast. He stood to the side waiting for the others to finish serving their breakfast, his attention focused on that sole task. His fingers seemed to be holding onto the bowl in his hands a bit too tightly, his back was rigid, as though he wanted to turn around, but he was forcing his body to stay in that unnatural pose.
She knew this would happen. She didn't blame him; she didn't even know how to act around him either. She wondered if the way Ichigo was currently acting was making Masaki feel like she needed to hurry off to the Soul Society…No probably not.
Masaki understood he was just a kid—something she often forgot, he had aged far too quickly because of her. Masaki probably just wanted to be ready to leave when the time came. Despite that, she had a feeling she would still be seeing her.
Somehow, she and Ichigo had to learn to deal with each other. Masaki wasn't leaving this time period anytime soon and even if she did, they now knew what their future was, or at least he would remember while he was alive.
During their conversation about the future Karakura—which sounded really amazing compared to the current one even if she wasn't completely familiar with everything in it—Orihime had asked the question she wanted to know, how far from the future was she but Masaki hesitated, replying a long time from now just like she didn't give a clear answer on what her age was.
It was too bad. That would have definitely given her a clue on when she and Ichigo would happen. Listening to everything Masaki has said about her father has certainly been interesting… Ichigo seemed to be a great father although apparently he still seemed to have the bad habit of calling her Midget… Nonetheless, it was obvious he cared for his daughter greatly…
Of course, he would be a great father.
He knew what it meant to have a family. He would probably have a Human family while he was alive…. Although he wouldn't remember them, she supposed those paternal instincts would remain in his soul…
But was she a good mother? She had never thought about having children although she knew it would be inevitable considering she would eventually be expected to marry since she was a noble.
She never had a true family, never really experienced a mother's love. Although she had been raised by a woman that had found her on the street after Hisana had left her for five years, she was quickly thrust into the dark and cruel streets of Inuzuri to fend for herself when the woman couldn't afford to keep her.
What kind of mother was she to Masaki?
In spite of the shock Masaki's presence caused her, she was curious to find out more about her future self …
Towards the end of their conversation, Orihime had asked Masaki if her parents visited the World of the Living, and she had said that like her they never really visited unless her mother nagged her father to go—he hated going there, made him feel too old. Regardless of that, Masaki had said they hardly had time to go away. It was only when she was a child, well a bit older than Inoue, that they would find time to visit the Material World. Wearing a Gigai while she was still a child by Human standards would have inhibited her Reiryoku growth and affected the growth of her spiritual body.
She could understand Ichigo disliking going to the Material World, because of the memories—No, he wouldn't remember anything. Maybe he just didn't like to interact with a world that wasn't his own anymore. But then why did Masaki say it made him feel old?
And even more intriguing, her parents were always busy. Busy? Why would be they be busy? Normal unseated Shinigami duties didn't take up too much time…
No, Ichigo would have a seated position…A taichō probably. But what about me? Do I finally have a seated position?
"Kuchiki-san," Masaki called out to the raven-haired Shinigami, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Rukia glanced at Masaki, who had taken a step forward to follow the others.
Rukia followed her until they reached the table where they had sat yesterday morning. Ichigo, Uryū, and Sado sat with their backs to the window while Orihime, Masaki, and Rukia sat directly across from them. The only sounds filling the empty room were those of chopsticks moving as Uryū, Sado, Orihime, and Ichigo ate.
A palpable awkwardness loomed over the table. Out of the corner of her eye, Rukia watched Ichigo, who seemed to be immersed in his breakfast, orange spikes shielding his eyes. Masaki briefly caught her eye, a fleeting sympathetic, apologetic look appearing in her eyes, before turning her gaze out the window.
Rukia groaned inwardly. She hated this. She didn't want Masaki to feel bad about this situation. She'd already been insulted enough by Ichigo... Orihime, the one who usually talked, didn't seem to have anything to say today. After a couple of minutes went by without anyone saying, she racked her brain for a conversation topic. Thankfully, Uryū decided to speak.
"Where are we training today?" the Quincy asked, breaking the silence.
"We could train in the park like the other day," Orihime replied.
"We should that way we don't interfere with the other Shinigami," Sado said.
"True," Uryū agreed. "Last night there was a considerable amount of Hollow activity, now it seems to be slowing down. I suppose that later on more Hollows will start showing up. They will aid us in training. I just don't see why Aizen would alter them. Kuchiki-san, has the Gotei 13 found out anything? I understand Urahara-san is researching that as well, but seeing as he doesn't have equipment over there, at least that I know of… and the Gotei 13 does, perhaps they might have a lead."
"No, they haven't as far as I know," Rukia said, glad that a conversation had begun. "I haven't spoken to my taichō today though, so maybe they've uncovered something."
"They haven't," Masaki answered, joining the conversation. "Ukitake-taichō and Kyōraku-taichō were with me along with the sōtaichō when Kurotsuchi-taichō explained what he had found out about my device. Ukitake-taichō asked Yamamoto-sōtaichō about the altered Hollows, and he said the Research Bureau was still trying to figure out why Aizen has been altering them."
Uryū glanced at Masaki, sapphire eyes glimmering with curiosity for an instant, then his gaze lowered, falling on the black chain around her neck.
"Kurosaki—" Uryū began, prompting Ichigo to glance up from his bowl and turn his head towards the Quincy, "san."
"Like I would you use an honorific for you," the bespectacled teen retorted.
Scowling Ichigo glared at him, his cheeks growing slightly pink as he quickly returned his attention to the bowl before him.
"You don't need to be so formal, Ishida-san, you can call me by my first name if you'd like," Masaki told Uryū.
"Oh no, Kurosaki-san, I wouldn't want to disrespect you. Besides Kurosaki knows I never use an honorific for him. You'll get used to it, won't you, Kurosaki?" Uryū said, sparing a glance at the substitute Shinigami, the corners of his mouth quirking into the slightest smirk.
"Yeah," Ichigo muttered, glaring a hole in his bowl. Bastard. He had no trouble saying Mai-san yesterday…
Returning his gaze on Masaki, Uryū asked, "Kurosaki-san, would you mind showing us the device you used to travel to this time?"
Masaki glanced down at the chain falling into her robes for a second before meeting the Quincy's gaze.
"I'm just curious as to what type of form Urahara-san gave the device. It just seems so small," Uryū explained, "So portable. Movies usually depict a much larger device."
"Okay," Masaki said, hand reaching for the chain. Slowly, she pulled it out from her robes, revealing the obsidian butterfly with the key grasped by its tiny legs.
Everyone stared, including Ichigo, who had lifted his head from his breakfast.
"It's pretty," Orihime murmured.
"It's like a Jigokuchō," Rukia observed.
"Yeah," Masaki nodded. "Basically works in the same manner since it did allow me to use a Senkaimon to come to this time."
"No wonder Urahara-san chose such a form," Uryū said, before taking putting some okayu in his mouth.
Masaki slipped the chain back into her robes after a few moments. Ichigo resumed his attention to his breakfast, inclining his head.
"Kurosaki," Uryū said, looking at the substitute Shinigami beside him. "Are you planning on joining us in training or are you taking a break today?"
"A break?" Ichigo repeated, gaze focused on the almost finished bowl before him.
"Well, you've been training to restore control of your Hollow. I thought you merely came to get some breakfast and to take a break," Uryū elaborated. "You look awful, your uniform is all dirty," he informed him, glancing at Ichigo's dust covered back. As much as he tried wiping the dust, particles still clung to his Shihakushō.
Ichigo frowned, considering his words. His body did feel sore, and the fatigue was starting to creep over him despite the fact his training took place in his mind.
"I'll probably join you guys later," Ichigo admitted, deciding that it would be best to rest before embarking on any further training.
"Are you okay now, Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime asked, pausing from eating to look at him.
"I'm fine, Inoue, my Hollow is under control," he said, giving her a quick reassuring nod before lifting his bowl close to his mouth to continue eating.
Like an unwelcome visitor, the silence returned, as they continued eating. Orihime eventually attempted to talk about the weather, then asked Masaki if she would be joining them for training; the former responded she might be in the Soul Society by then.
Finished with his breakfast, Ichigo looked up, meeting Rukia's gaze fleetingly, since she had been looking in his direction. Her violet eyes seemed surprised for a moment, unsure the next mixed with embarrassment. Ichigo could feel his cheeks flush slightly, so he quickly averted his gaze.
He hated acting this way, but he really had no clue how to act. The others were trying to act as if everything was normal, but how could he act that way knowing that the Shinigami sitting in between Rukia and Orihime was his future daughter…that Rukia was the mother of said girl…
He didn't want to alienate both of them...but he didn't feel like talking. He just couldn't bring himself to look at them. His fingers began fiddling with the chopsticks against his will; he knew it was bad manners to do so…
He forced himself to drop them.
Maybe I should leave…I'm done with breakfast…They'll understand I'm tired, right? I already said I would join them later...
He contemplated the option, knowing nothing would change later even if Masaki was gone…Things between Rukia and him would continue to be uncomfortable…
"Ow!" Ichigo yelled, feeling something drop onto his head and clutch his orange spikes. Dust was falling all around him. Uryū had uttered a surprised cry too and was scooting closer to Sado, avoiding the dust.
"Ichi!" He heard the voice of a little girl above him. Tilting his head back, Ichigo could see rich brown eyes peering into his amber eyes, cotton candy colored hair, and a perpetual blush lining the cheeks of a very small Shihakushō clad girl.
"Yachiru!" he cried out, surprised.
"Ichi!" she greeted. "I found you!"
Shifting a little, he could Yachiru had broken through the ceiling. A gaping hole stared down at him above his head.
He sweat dropped. Did that mean Kenpachi was after him? Why else would she be looking for him?
"Ichi, I wanna see your baby!" Yachiru demanded, not bothering to get off him.
"W-What?" Ichigo exclaimed, staring at the young girl in disbelief, his cheeks beginning to burn. "Baby?"
Yachiru nodded. "Ken-chan said you had a baby that a giant Senkaimon brought her…Where is she?"
Ichigo didn't answer, looking completely shocked and horrified.
"Ichi," Yachiru began to pull at his hair. "Where is she?"
"Yachiru-chan," Orihime called out, "You shouldn't do that…"
Ignoring her, Yachiru continued to pull at Ichigo's hair, but turned her gaze to all those who were gathered at the table, her gaze stopping on an orange haired girl.
Her eyes widened and a smile appeared on her face. "Wow, Ichi, your baby is huge! She's even bigger than me!" Yachiru exclaimed gleefully, releasing her hold on Ichigo's hair, who continued to look stupefied. "Now I have someone to play with while you play with Ken-chan!"
"Hi, Ichi's baby," Yachiru grinned, jumping onto the table and landing directly in front of Masaki, who stared at the girl surprised. Uryū had just narrowly removed his bowl, preventing it from being smashed.
"I'm Eleventh Division Fukutaichō, Kusajishi Yachiru," the little girl announced.
"I'm not a baby," Masaki replied annoyed, eying the pink haired Shinigami before her.
"Yes, you are Ken-chan said so," the little girl replied.
"I'm not a baby," Masaki repeated firmly. "I may be young, but I'm no baby…"
"Yes, you are," Yachiru interrupted.
"No, I'm not."
"There's no point in arguing with her. Kusajishi-fukutaichō will believe what she wants to believe," Rukia said.
Yachiru stared at Rukia and Masaki studying them.
"Wow, Ichi, how come your baby has eyes like…" she trailed off, not sure who Rukia was. "Who are you?"
"Kuchiki Rukia, Thirteen Division," Rukia informed her.
"Kuchiki? Are you related to Byakushi?" Yachiru wondered.
"Hai, he's my older brother," Rukia informed her.
Yachiru looked thoughtful for a moment as she continued to stare at them. "Oh," she brightened. "I get it. You must be Ichi's baby's mommy."
A blush blossomed on Rukia's face.
"You're the one Ichi was trying to save when he came to the Soul Society and fought Ken-chan," Yachiru announced, remembering. "No wonder he tried to save you. You're his girlfriend."
"N-No, I-I'm not," Rukia stammered, blushing furiously.
Satisfied with that knowledge, Yachiru ignored the dark haired Shinigami focusing her attention on Masaki. "What's your name?"
"I'm Kurosaki Masaki," the orange haired girl said.
"Pretty name," Yachiru commented. "Let's play a game, okay, Mini Ichi? You don't mind, do you Ichi?" Yachiru turned her head over her shoulder to look at him.
His head was shaking and his amber eyes were wide continuing to stare blankly ahead of him, mouth gaping.
Taking it as a yes, a grinning Yachiru grabbed Masaki's hand before she could protest and began to pull her.
"Let's go, Mini Ichi, it's time to play," Yachiru chanted happily.
"No…" Masaki tried to decline, but the young Eleventh Division fukutaichō didn't release her hand, she only pulled harder.
"C'mon, Mini Ichi, come with me," the little girl said excitedly, pulling Masaki's hand hard.
"Okay, fine," Masaki agreed reluctantly, when Yachiru refused to cease her relentless tugging at her hand.
With a broad grin, Yachiru whizzed past her, pulling her hand hard almost causing the orange haired young woman to fall over. Somehow Masaki managed to maintain her balance and slide out of her seat, albeit it stumbling, as she was dragged away by Yachiru, leaving the others to gape at them.
"Why the hell would Kenpachi tell her?" Ichigo yelled, snapping out of his shock. "I can't believe it! I thought Gotei 13 meetings were supposed to be private, confidential….What the hell was the point of trying to keep us out?"
"Well, Kenpachi doesn't seem to be one for following rules," Uryū pointed out.
"I don't think he told her," Rukia said quietly. "Even if Kenpachi-taichō isn't one for following most rules, he does follow them to an extent. He wasn't supposed to talk about Masaki with his subordinates, but Kusajishi-fukutaichō must have found out because of Third Seat Madarame and Fifth Seat Ayasegawa…."
"Well, that would explain why Kenpachi ended up telling her babies come from a giant Senkaimon," Uryū said.
"Kenpachi obviously didn't listen to the old man. He told Ikkaku and Yumichika! Why the hell would he do that?" Ichigo said exasperated, ignoring Uryū's comment.
"Come to think of it, Abarai knows as well," Uryū commented. "I guess they must have told him if that is the case." The Quincy looked pensive for a moment then added, "But how could they have known if Abarai came straight from guard duty to talk with us?"
"Regardless of how everyone knows the point is now all fukutaichō are aware of who Masaki is," Rukia said, peering in Ichigo's direction.
"They do?" Ichigo cried out horrified.
Lowering his head, he ran a hand through his orange locks, missing Orihime's blushing face and Uryū's guilty look aimed at the latter.
"Well, it was inevitable that everyone would find out. I mean, she is staying in this time period," Uryū said, matter of fact, half-attempting to reduce Orihime's guilt and half-attempting to make Ichigo see sense. "All the fukutaichō were asked to arrest her, an explanation needed to be presented to them."
Shit. The entire damn Gotei 13 knows...
It was bad enough the taichō knew, now the fukutaichō knew as well…It was none of their damn business, they didn't need to know. They probably thought Rukia was his girlfriend like Yachiru thought… Damn, Byakuya knows too…No wonder he didn't want to believe Masaki either...This was bad…Byakuya would probably wanna kill him…He definitely needed to stay clear of him….He didn't want to deal with a pissed off Byakuya thinking he and Rukia were together…
My reputation is ruined…
Whatever the other Shinigami thought of him was now probably erased and overshadowed by this news…
Ichigo knew Uryū was right, but couldn't another explanation have been provided?
Masaki found herself being dragged all the way to the lobby, where Yachiru released her hand, leaving her to gaze at the younger girl slightly perplexed as she collected her bearings. A row of chairs was in front of them, and the pink haired girl jumped on one, then jumped to the next giddily, looking at Masaki expectantly.
"What do you want to play, Mini Ichi?" Yachiru chirped.
"Play?" Masaki echoed, looking as though she wasn't quite thrilled by the prospect.
"Yup," Yachiru nodded, "What do you want to play?"
"I, uh," Masaki began hesitantly. "I don't know. What do you want to play, Kusajishi-fukutaichō?"
"Something fun," Yachiru responded. "C'mon, Mini Ichi, think of something fun to play!"
"Something fun," Masaki murmured, eyebrows knitting in thought.
"Well, what are we gonna play?" Yachiru demanded, after a minute passed.
"Well, I was gonna say Shunpo tag but we don't have enough people," Masaki said, glancing at Yachiru. "It's more fun when you have more people."
Yachiru looked thoughtful for a moment. "Okay, Mini Ichi, let's play Shunpo tag. That sounds fun!"
"But, we don't have enough people," Masaki reminded her.
"That's not a problem," Yachiru smiled confidently. "I'll get more people to play with us."
Masaki watched in amazement as Yachiru Shunpoed away in a pink blur. A minute later, she returned with two women, a curvaceous blonde and a dark haired girl wearing a bun, stumbling and groaning, as Yachiru stopped only for a second to say to Masaki, "I'm going to get more people, I'll be back."
"Yachiru-chan," Momo groaned, straightening, eyes widening as they took in Masaki.
"So much for getting our breakfast," Rangiku muttered, straightening as well and patting her hair into place.
"You're Ichigo's future daughter, aren't you?" Rangiku said smiling, eyes roving over the girl.
"Hai," Masaki nodded slowly, staring at the two women. "I'm Kurosaki Masaki."
"I'm Tenth Division Fukutaichō, Matsumoto Rangiku," the blonde woman introduced herself.
"And I'm Fifth Division Fukutaichō, Hinamori Momo," Momo said, bowing. "It's nice to meet you."
"Wow, this is so amazing," Rangiku said, eyes still on Masaki. "You're definitely Ichigo's daughter with that hair! And those eyes, those are definitely Kuchiki's eyes," the blonde woman leaned forward, peering at her. "You're so cute!"
"C-Cute?" Masaki stammered, taking a step back.
Rangiku just nodded. "So you really came from the future, huh? Incredible. Just hearing about it is hard to believe, but actually seeing you, really does prove you're from the future," She looked thoughtful for a moment then asked, cerulean eyes gleaming excitedly, "So, Masaki, did Iba finally get promoted to taichō? Have I learned Bankai? Does Hitsugaya-taichō finally grow taller?"
Masaki blinked, as the blonde woman barraged her with questions.
Rangiku looked at her eagerly awaiting responses, but Masaki said in her normal composed tone, "Matsumoto-fukutaichō as I told Iba-fukutaichō earlier it doesn't matter who my taichō is because I don't have one here, in this time period. You as well as he should concentrate on the here and now… The future will happen when it happens…"
"Oh, come on, Masaki, don't be so stiff. I don't want to wait until then, I want to find out now. C'mon, I won't tell him… Okay, forget that question… Just tell me if I learned Bankai…" Rangiku pleaded.
"That isn't the kind of thing you go around showing, Matsumoto-fukutaichō," was all Masaki said.
"Well, I wouldn't show it, but I would tell everyone," Rangiku admitted. "Does that mean no? And, what's with this Matsumoto-fukutaichō…"
Suddenly, Yachiru arrived, depositing Shūhei and Kira on the floor beside Momo's feet, and Shunpoeing to stand on the seat she had been standing on earlier.
Groaning, Shūhei got to his feet, rubbing the back of his neck. Izuru stood up, dusting off his sleeves and hakama, taking in the people already on the scene.
"Kira, Shūhei," Rangiku greeted the men.
"Rangiku-san, Hinamori," Shūhei returned the greeting. Izuru did as well.
"You guys, this is Masaki," Rangiku said, nodding towards said girl.
"We've already met, Matsumoto-san," Izuru said.
"Oh, that's right," the blonde woman said, then glancing at Masaki said. "Oh, where was I? Oh, yes, why do you keep calling me Matsumoto-fukutaichō? Stop being so formal…You're one of us or will be…" She beamed at the orange haired girl, placing a hand on her left shoulder. "Right, guys?"
Momo, Shūhei, Izuru, and Yachiru, who was jumping around in between chairs, nodded in agreement.
"Don't tell me you always call us by our titles even in your time," Rangiku said.
"Well, no…" Masaki admitted.
"Then, there's no need for you to do that here," the blonde said smiling.
"Okay, Matsumoto-san," Masaki said after a moment.
"That's better," Rangiku grinned.
"So, what are you guys doing here? Why did Yachiru-chan wake us?" Izuru asked.
"I told you I want you to play with Mini Ichi and me," Yachiru explained. "Mini Ichi wants to play Shunpo tag, but we needed more people, so that's why I brought you guys. See, Mini Ichi," Yachiru smiled, gazing at Masaki, who was blushing slightly, "I told you I would find people to play with us."
"Kusajishi, I'm not playing, I'm going back to bed, you have enough people," Shūhei said disinterested, turning to go.
"That's not fair, I don't want to play either," Izuru said, mimicking Shūhei's actions.
"Me neither," Rangiku said.
"I'd play Yachiru-chan, but I'm kind of hungry," Momo said apologetically.
Yachiru stared at them, frowning. She Shunpoed in front of Shūhei preventing him from leaving. Izuru stopped short behind him, peering over his shoulder to glance at the Eleventh Division fukutaichō.
"You're not leaving," she said seriously, her eyebrows contorting into a menacing look, the beginnings of a pink aura forming around her tiny frame. "You're all going to play: Tattoo Face, Izurun, Boobies, and Hina."
"Ku—Yachiru-chan, just let them go. If they don't want to play, we could play something else," Masaki offered.
"No," Yachiru said, "they're going to play with you and me. You guys are being mean to Mini Ichi. She's just a baby— "
"No, I'm not," Masaki said indignant, blushing.
Yachiru ignored her. "Her daddy will get mad if you don't play with her and me. And so will Ken-chan," the pink haired girl added for good measure.
At the mentioning of Kenpachi, everyone sweat dropped. Shūhei relented, "Fine, I'll play."
"Fine, Yachiru-chan," Izuru agreed, and so did the other two women.
"Yay!" the little girl cheered, her angry look instantly vanishing. "Let's play!"
"Where are we going to play?" Momo wondered.
"Well, we can't play in here; it has to be outside," Izuru said, turning to glance at her.
"Yes, outside," Yachiru readily agreed.
"Well, let's get this over with," Shūhei said, turning to the right to walk past the chairs and head towards the main entrance.
Yachiru's eyes sparkled with happiness as she spotted a vibrant orange head stepping into the lobby through a door by a desk towards the end of the room across from them.
"Ichi!" she cried, Shunpoeing towards him, leaving the others to stare, causing even Shūhei to stop.
"Looks like she's roping Kurosaki into playing too," he commented, watching Ichigo struggle to get away from the young girl, yelling and shaking his head.
"Yeah," Izuru nodded. "We might as well head out."
Staring at the scene before her, Masaki's amethyst gaze sparkled slightly with amusement, then pity.
The two males started walking past the waiting room chairs and sofas, Rangiku, Momo, and Masaki trailing behind them.
As soon as they had reached the end of the chairs, Yachiru appeared dragging a very annoyed Ichigo.
"Ichigo!" Rangiku greeted, smiling pleasantly.
"Ohayō, Kurosaki-san," Momo smiled, standing beside the blonde.
"Uh, hello, Rangiku-san," he muttered, wrenching free from Yachiru's grasp. "Hinamori right?"
Momo nodded.
Ichigo could immediately feel Rangiku's clear cerulean gaze scrutinize him as her eyes darted from him to Masaki, who was standing beside Momo.
"It really is the same shade," Rangiku noted, eliciting a blush from Ichigo.
Masaki's eyebrow twitched slightly.
"Come on you guys, let's go," Yachiru said eagerly, not wanting them to dawdle.
"Yeah, let's go," Ichigo agreed, wanting to be away from Rangiku's gaze.
Quickly, he followed Yachiru out the hospital, Rangiku, Momo, and Masaki right behind them. Shūhei and Izuru were waiting by the nearest pillar to the hospital entrance on their right. Bushes decorated the area beside the pillar as well as the area next to the pillar across from it. There was a small walkway bordered on either side by a small patch of grass with flowers leading into a large empty parking lot.
In the distance, there was a street and a couple of large buildings. Ichigo uncomfortably stood in front of Yachiru, who was standing between him and Shūhei. On his left were, Masaki, Momo, and Rangiku, who were standing off to the side practically forming a half circle.
"Kurosaki," Shūhei nodded.
"Kurosaki-san," Izuru said.
"Hisagi-san," Ichigo greeted. "Kira."
Annoyance crept over Ichigo as he saw their eyes dart slightly over to Masaki for a second, then back to him.
"So, Yachiru-chan, who's going to be it?" Momo asked, glancing at the pink haired girl.
The pink haired girl raised a finger to her mouth, looking thoughtful. "Hmm, I'll pick who's it," she said, answering Momo's question.
"What are we playing exactly?" Ichigo asked. "Tag?"
"Shunpo Tag," Masaki replied.
"Shunpo Tag," Ichigo repeated, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.
"We're going to be using Shunpo to avoid being tagged it," Masaki explained.
"You've never played, Ichigo, right?" Rangiku said.
"Well, no," he admitted, shrugging, "But tag is tag."
"Yay! This will be the first time Ichi will play Shunpo tag with Mini Ichi," Yachiru smiled, causing both Ichigo and Masaki to flush.
"Okay, let me pick who's going to be it," Yachiru said, pointing a finger at Shūhei.
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe,"
Catch a Hollow by its mask,
If it breaks let him go,
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, you are it!"
Her finger landed on Ichigo.
"You're it, Ichi!" Yachiru announced.
Ichigo scowled.
"There are no tag backs," Yachiru said, explaining the rules. "We're only playing in this area all the way up to those buildings," she waved her hand indicating the parking lot, the street, and the buildings across said street. "Ichi, you have to count up to ten to give us some time to spread out, okay?"
"What about a base?" Ichigo asked.
"A base?" Yachiru repeated. "There's no base. This way it'll be more fun."
Ichigo just sighed. He didn't look convinced.
"Count, Ichi," Yachiru ordered.
Shūhei, Izuru, Rangiku, Yachiru, Masaki, and Momo started walking away while Ichigo began to count.
"No, Ichi, turn around, you can't see," Yachiru said, noticing that he was looking right at them.
"What? This isn't Hide and Seek," Ichigo muttered.
"Turn around," the bubble gum haired girl instructed.
Grumbling, Ichigo did as he she asked. He heard Yachiru say, "Come with me, Mini Ichi." And could feel them as well as the others move away from him as he began counting, "One…"
Why did he have to get stuck playing this stupid game and to top it off now he was it? He should have paid more attention in sensing their presence…It was so annoying that everyone kept staring at him, that everyone knew… And Yachiru had to keep reminding everyone with that nickname. Well not that it wasn't obvious with that hair, but still couldn't she just learn to call people by their names?
"Ten," he finished, slowly turning around.
"Try to get us, Ichi," Yachiru yelled, waving her hand excitedly. She was standing in the middle of the bright blue sky beside Masaki, a cool air current ruffling their hair. The yellow sun was just beginning to warm up since it was still early. "Bet you can't catch us, you're too slow!"
Izuru and Shūhei were thirty feet off to their left while Rangiku and Momo were standing by a street lamp on the parking lot below.
Surveying the scene before him, he decided to head towards Izuru, who was the closest, ignoring Yachiru's continued taunts. He just wanted to stop being it. He sped toward him, but the blonde darted below his reach. Swinging his arm downward, he tried patting his hair, but the Third Division fukutaichō disappeared. Scowling, he lifted his head, Shunpoeing towards Shūhei, who just as his hand was about to reach his shoulder jumped back a couple of feet.
"Oh, come on," he muttered, racing towards the raven-haired male.
Try as he might he couldn't catch him. At this point, he could sense his friends had stepped out the hospital and he could see they were looking at him, but he ignored them focusing on tagging the Ninth Division fukutaichō. He had already said his good byes to them.
Shūhei ended up backing up towards where Yachiru and Masaki were before Shunpoeing down below to where Momo and Rangiku were.
"C'mon, Ichi, come and get us," Yachiru yelled.
"I'm coming," he replied, Shunpoeing towards the Eleventh Division fukutaichō.
Yachiru grinned as Ichigo appeared before her.
"So much for being too slow," he grinned, reaching out to tap the young girl on the shoulder only to grasp at thin air.
"You're so slow, Ichi," Yachiru said happily, appearing above his head.
Quickly, he made a dash to grab her but she vanished appearing beside Masaki, who was ten feet in front of him.
"You have to be faster than that if you want to catch me, Ichi," Yachiru said.
"Fine," he grumbled, increasing his speed as he sped towards them.
"Your daddy is so slow, Mini Ichi," he heard Yachiru say as she evaded him one more.
"He'll never catch us. Follow my lead, okay, Mini Ichi?" Yachiru said, turning to Masaki, who nodded.
Why does she have to keep calling me that? I'm not her father, not yet anyway. Why couldn't Kenpachi tell her she was from the future… I'll show her who's slow.
Yachiru appeared behind Ichigo just as he closed in on her. Scowling he turned, then tried reaching for Masaki, who appeared closer to him.
All he could see were pink and orange blurs dancing all around him.
Below. Above. Left. Right. Behind.
Time after time, his hands failed to secure themselves around them, catching only their afterimage. His eyes were growing dizzy, watching them flit in and out of his vision. When finally, his hand reached something solid—a shoulder.
"Aha, finally, I caught you," Ichigo cried out triumphant.
He had thought it was Yachiru because at that precise moment he had seen a flash of pink, but as the person froze, he realized it was Masaki. Her vibrant orange hair filled his vision along with that white crescent moon pin grasping the top portion of her hair. Turning her head, her large amethyst gaze took him in.
"Looks like you did, Kurosaki-san," she acknowledged, smiling slightly.
He stared at her a second surprised, then immediately removed his hand from her shoulder.
"Oh no, now Mini Ichi is it!" Yachiru exclaimed. "Bet you can't catch me either."
"Well, see about that, Yachiru-chan," Masaki told her, shunpoeing towards the cotton candy haired girl who gleefully darted all over the place down towards where the others were.
Ichigo watched them. Masaki ended up tagging Momo; Yachiru just seemed too elusive to be caught. He just stayed where he was, letting them play. Those eyes of Masaki were just like Rukia's… Okay, maybe a bit lighter… But still, now he felt really stupid for having failed to make the connection earlier before his Hollow told him who her mother was…
Momo had now tagged Izuru, who was now chasing after Rangiku. Masaki watched, hanging in mid air, above the middle of the parking lot. They were all Shunpoeing below her, close to the ground. Izuru failed to catch the blonde, but ended up tagging Shūhei on his back. Yachiru appeared, but his attempts ended in failure as she easily ran circles around him.
He appeared in front of Rangiku, arm outstretched in front of him to reach for her arm, when she scooted a bit away from him, leaning forward slightly, exposing her ample bosom.
He froze. His eyes widened, red tinted his cheeks.
Taking opportunity of his reaction, Rangiku disappeared from view.
"That's cheating," Masaki muttered.
Izuru, who had seen the whole thing, since he was off to the side from them, seemed to share Masaki's sentiment when he said, "Matsumoto-san, what are you doing? You can't use your… assets like that to get out of getting tagged."
"There's no base. You have to do what you have to do," she responded, shrugging as she flipped her hair over her shoulder. "It's not like I wanted to play this game…"
"Neither did I," Izuru reminded her, "but we all agreed to play."
Shūhei had recovered from his surprise and was now after Momo, who was heading towards Rangiku and Izuru.
"Mai," Ichigo called out to Masaki, who was just a couple of feet below him. He had finally mustered the courage to speak to her since everyone was busy down below.
"Mai," he called out again, since she didn't turn around.
"What?" she asked, turning around.
She sounded slightly annoyed, or at least he thought she did. Not that he blamed her if she didn't want to talk to him, because of all he had said about her... his blatant inability to look at her...
"What is it, Kurosaki-san?" she asked again when he didn't reply.
He glanced at her, scratching the back of his head nervously as he came to stand next to her. This time he was sure her tone sounded normal, well as normal, as it was hearing that low toned cool voice of hers, which he had to admit was much better than her high-pitched voice, but still wasn't used to.
"Well, I…I just wanted to let you know, that I'll fight you if you want," he explained.
Her amethyst eyes glimmered with interest. "Really?"
Was that excitement in them? he wondered, forcing himself to maintain her gaze. He nodded.
"Only if you have time though," Masaki said. "Not today, you must be tired after dealing with Shiro…"
"Shiro?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"I mean your Hollow," she explained quickly, realizing her mistake.
He gaped at her. "You know about my Hollow?"
She nodded.
Of course, she did. She had definitely seen him when he had interfered in that fight against that Arrancar, she had just feigned ignorance. He knew his Hollow was a part of him, would always be a part of him, now more than ever after his training.
"But why do you call him Shiro?" he wondered, confused. "You make it sound as if you've seen him…"
"I have," she confirmed.
His eyes widened. "What? How is that even possible? He's inside me, in my inner world, you can't possibly have seen him…"
"It is possible to visit another person's inner world…It just takes deep concentration and permission," she explained. "I've only seen Shiro once. My father didn't want to show him to me, but he appeared. He kept calling me Princess and annoying me so I decided to call him Shiro since he's all white. Apparently, he decided he was okay with it since my father never bothered to give him a name…"
Silence ensued as Ichigo didn't know what else to say. They could hear the others shouting Kidō incantations. They took a moment to glance down below. Apparently, Izuru had decided he didn't want to be it again and was now using Kidō along with Rangiku and Momo to avoid being tagged. Shūhei was still it. Yachiru was just happily Shunpoeing around them.
"Gomen nasai about them," she nodded. "I know they're annoying with their stares… And about Yachiru-chan getting you involved in this game…"
"It's not your fault," Ichigo said. "Don't worry about it. You didn't even want to play with Yachiru either…"
"True, but she's pretty stubborn and strong," Masaki said. "She just can't take no for an answer."
Suddenly a shadow loomed over them. Immediately the orange haired Shinigami turned around. Five feet away from them towered a Hollow with a rhino like mask with a horn jutting out from the middle of his face. He was about three stories high.
"A Huge Hollow," Masaki pointed out.
"Yeah," Ichigo agreed, freeing Zangetsu.
A second Huge Hollow appeared behind the first Hollow with an alligator like snout.
"Damn, another one," Ichigo said.
"I'll take care of it," Masaki said, her hand already on the royal purple hilt of her Zanpakutō.
"Right," Ichigo said, Shunpoeing toward his opponent while Masaki headed for hers.
Ichigo ducked avoiding the Hollow's claws as it tried to hit him in the air. Straightening, he Shunpoed towards the Hollow's head, Zangetsu high over his head. There was a cracking noise as his elegant cleaver blade collided with the creature's head. Reishi flew all around him.
He could see Masaki near her opponent's throat. Her silver blade gleamed in the sunlight as she swung it, cutting cleanly through the monster's throat.
"I guess they must have been attracted because we're out here," Ichigo said when she appeared by his side.
"Probably," Masaki nodded.
She looked as though she wanted to add something, but before he could ask, he heard someone shout.
"What the hell are you guys doing?"
"Taichō!" Rangiku yelled.
Glancing down, they could see the incensed form of Tōshiro, standing at the walkway leading into the hospital.
Edited formatting: 2/3/18
Quick Glossary
Oyaji- informal way of saying dad/ old man used by Ichigo
Geta-bōshi- sandal hat
Kaa-chan- mommy
Tou-chan- daddy
Reiryoku- spiritual power/ energy
Shunpo- flash steps
Fukutaichō- lieutenant
Taichō- captain
Reishi- spirit particles
Please don't forget to review. I need inspiration to figure out how to transition into the next arc of my story.