Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or the name Kurosaki Masaki, both belong to Tite Kubo. My OC belongs to me under the name of Mai.
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I was blown away by the response for the last chapter. Thank you so much! I really wanted to reward you guys with a faster update, but alas this chapter proved to be difficult in getting it right. However, now that it's finally finished, I sincerely hope you enjoy this chapter. I worked hard on it.
I have an announcement. Laikkuseia, a reader and fellow artist on deviantart has just released her debut manga entitled Scherzo. She is an incredible artist and I'm proud to say she will be producing artwork for Ascension in the future. Please consider supporting her manga and looking at her own Bleach time travel doujinshi (fan manga). Information regarding both her manga and her doujinshi is on my deviantart page. Good news, now you can simply click the link again on my profile.
And without further ado the chapter you've been waiting for.
"It's…Kaien-dono."
Though the words were murmured, they seemed to resound across the dark, silent hallway. Rukia immediately lowered her gaze to the ground. Dark brows knitted uneasily above averted violet eyes.
"H-He was your father's nephew, y-your cousin," Rukia said shakily, her fists curling and uncurling as she spoke. Her small frame trembled. "I-I didn't realize…Kaien-dono never said…I vaguely remember learning there was a link between the Shiba Clan and the Kurosaki Clan…I-I never thought much about it, the Shiba Clan had fallen long ago. I had heard of your father, but I had never met him….B-But your father he must know—he must know I killed his nephew."
Ichigo stared at her, stunned. He could not believe what he was hearing. Rukia killed someone—his father's nephew, his unknown cousin? No, it could not be true. What was she saying? Rukia was incapable of murder.
Kaien-dono.
Kaien-kun.
Shiba Kaien.
And then slowly recognition swept through him. God, he felt like an absolute idiot. Why didn't he realize this before? He gave himself a mental slap. He should have made the connection sooner, but his mind had been preoccupied by other thoughts.
"Yo, Rukia," Ichigo says as he strolls into the room. He grins slightly at Rukia, who is dressed in her white robe, and is sitting on a bed. Glancing away from the open window she had been staring at, she directs her gaze at Ichigo.
"Ichigo," she says, greeting him.
"How are you feeling, Rukia?"
"Better," Rukia says. "You seem pretty healed now."
"Ah, well, Inoue did a good job of healing my wounds. All I needed was some rest to fully recover."
"Inoue has developed remarkable powers," Rukia observes.
Ichigo nods in agreement. "Yeah, according to Urahara-san my leaking Reiryoku awakened powers in Inoue and Sado."
"I see," Rukia says. After a moment's pause, she adds, "You should have kept your Reiryoku in check, Fool. Shinigami aren't supposed to affect Humans they come into contact with."
"Well, whose fault is that? You never taught me how!" Ichigo points out.
"I would have taught you, but I figured it was more important to teach you how to fight Hollows, in order to make sure you stayed alive until I recovered my Reiryoku. I didn't expect for you to carry on in my duties as long as you did nor did I think we would come into contact with Humans. Least of all affect them."
"Nothing went to plan, eh?" Ichigo muses, smirking slightly
Rukia allows a small smile to appear on her face.
The smirk melts off Ichigo's face and his expression suddenly becomes serious. "Oi, Rukia, are you gonna get in trouble because of Inoue and Sado?"
Rukia stares at Ichigo, noticing the agitation in his voice and the tenseness of his posture. "Central 46 is no longer in session because Aizen-taichō murdered them. I have not been informed that I will be tried again for the crimes of transferring my powers to a Human or overstaying my time in the World of the Living. Those where my only crimes. The development of Inoue and Sado's powers is an unexpected development, but I don't think the Gotei 13 is aware of how recent it is. At any rate, the Soul Society will only take action if it believes Sado and Inoue are a threat to the balance of both worlds. I don't think they will be considered a threat," Rukia adds quickly, upon seeing Ichigo tense even more.
Ichigo just nods quietly, as he reflects on her words.
"How are Sado and the others?" Rukia wonders.
"He's fine. He said something about going to help some Shinigami learn how to play the guitar. I guess, word must have gotten out Sado is into music." There is a pause. "I have no clue what Ishida is up to. Inoue is around here somewhere. Probably learning more about the Fourth Division. "
"I still can't believe they all came, that you came to the Soul Society to rescue me," Rukia says quietly.
"Well, I never expected them to come with me either, but I was always going to come for you. There was no way I was going to let you die because of me."
"Ichigo," Rukia murmurs.
"I know, I know, you didn't want to be saved or whatever, and aren't gonna thank me, but you should at least be grateful to Inoue, Sado, Ishida for coming. Whatever their reasons may be for doing it, they worked to save you," Ichigo says. "You should also be grateful to Hanatarō and Ganju."
Ichigo notices her gaze drop to her bedspread and her hands clenching the white fabric in evident discomfort. "Yes, you're right." Her voice is low, and her eyes remain fixed upon the bed.
Ichigo is slightly surprised to hear her admit he is right—that hardly ever happens— but what he finds truly unexpected is her reaction. Her downcast demeanor suggests she is guilty, even agitated by her apparent lack of gratefulness. He knows Rukia was merely stating the obvious disbelief that still existed within her about her rescue. It still existed within him as well. It felt surreal to realize days ago, Rukia had almost died…. He understands that she had never expected him and least of all people she barely interacted with to mount an unseemly impossible rescue mission to save her, but what he fails to comprehend is why she is acting depressed as though it's too late to voice her gratitude. None of the rescuers had died after all.
She is by no means an ungrateful person. He knows it well. While she may not thank him for his efforts, there is no need for thanks between them. He risked his life for hers just like she did when she gave him her powers. They were even.
"What's a matter with you, Rukia? Want me to round up, Inoue, Ishida, Sado, Hanatarō, and Ganju so you can thank them properly?" Ichigo says, hoping to snap her out of her depressed state. "It'll be a pain to go out into Rukongai and get Ganju, especially if they moved their house—the Shibas apparently move around a lot—but if that's what you want, I'll do it."
"N-No, I mean, I already thanked him—them," Rukia says quickly, glancing at him with a slightly startled expression.
"Then, why are you acting like you haven't?" Ichigo wonders, raising a challenging eyebrow at her. He realizes she must have thanked them at some point when they were away from him, perhaps when they had visited her.
She averts her gaze, which annoys him. Why is she behaving like this?
A beat passes.
"I-It's..."she hesitates.
"What is it?"
Amber eyes stare at her, willing her to speak. She remains silent, peering at the bedspread.
"Rukia," he says, once more to try and coax her to speak. Why is she having a difficult time telling him what's wrong with her? He doesn't see any reason for her to act like this. She was acting really weird.
"I'm," she starts uncertainly, her fingers twisting and twirling the cloth beneath them. "I'm grateful for the assistance everyone provided even though I didn't deserve it, but I-I didn't deserve Shiba Ganju's help at all."
"What are you talking about, Rukia? Why wouldn't you deserve Ganju's help?" he asks, disbelievingly. He notices her stiffen, her knuckles becoming more pale than usual. "Did he act ungrateful or something when you thanked him? Don't mind him. He was probably still uncomfortable with the idea he helped out a Shinigami; it's nothing against you.
"You see, Ganju's onii-san was killed by his Shinigami partner"—he notices Rukia's naturally pale skin became white as snow—"It's the reason Ganju hates Shinigami though his nii-san never did. Ganju decided to help us, not only because his nee-san made him, but because he wanted to see for himself what Shinigami are like. I don't think Aizen's betrayal helped him feel any better about Shinigami, but I know he has realized not all Shinigami are the same."
A silence befell them.
"I-I knew his onii-san," Rukia admits quietly, several moments later. Her pallor remains unusually white.
"You did?" Ichigo says surprised.
She nods. "S-Shiba Kaien was the fukutaichō of my division…" she says, a tremor underlining her words.
Though he can tell the subject is distressing Rukia, he can't help but ask the following question.
"Did you know him well?" he adds. It was the only reason he could think why it bothered her, why she appeared so uncomfortable talking about him or Ganju. His death must still hurt her. He must have been important to her. He doesn't understand, however, why she feels that she didn't deserve Ganju's help.
As he stares at her, he wonders if blood is really circulating through her body because her paleness mirrors the dead. Seconds tick by, and Ichigo wonders whether she will answer him. He feels that the atmosphere in the room has become quite tense.
"I-I knew him as well as anyone within the division," Rukia finally spoke. "H-He was always open and friendly to all his subordinates…H-He helped trained me when I first joined the Thirteenth Division. He was…my mentor…I deeply admired him…But one day…"—her voice catches in her throat—"A-A Hollow killed his wife, my division's third seat, and her team. Kaien-dono wanted to go immediately to slay the Hollow…U-Ukitake-taichō and...I-I" Her voice shakes even more, and even her petite frame is shaking as though she is suffering from chills. Her inclined head keeps her eyes hidden from him, though he can guess that tears are forming in her violet eyes and she is trying to hold them back.
"It's okay, Rukia," Ichigo says quietly, but firmly. "You don't have to tell me anything else. I didn't mean to upset you…I'm sorry. You should rest." He pauses. "If you ever want to talk about what happened, I'm here for you."
She raises her head to look at him for a moment, looking slightly relieved and pained at the same time. And then he leaves.
Back then, he had thought she could not elaborate on her superior's death, because she had felt somehow responsible for failing to prevent him from going after the Hollow, for failing to stop the betrayal from whoever had accompanied him. Though he wasn't quite sure how the betrayal fit into the story, he suspected the Hollow had a hand in it. Ganju himself had admitted he wasn't quite sure on the details, but it was most likely the case. Hollows were devious creatures. It would surely explain why Shiba Kaien never hated Shinigami; Ganju must not have been told about how Hollows hunted.
He had imagined Rukia felt she did not deserve Ganju's help because she had failed to avert Kaien's death. Rukia always felt guilty and protective of people even when she should not. When Inoue had come to him to tell him she could not find Rukia, he had suspected she had gone to the Shibas because their Kaien and Ganju conversation had aroused a need for her to go there.
"H-How can he accept me into your family when I—"Rukia murmured.
"What are you talking about, Rukia?" Ichigo demanded, interrupting her, feeling his heart begin to race. "You're not a killer…"
"Yes, I am," Rukia replied firmly, raising her eyes to meet his own. Even in the darkness, he could see her violet irises gleam with unshed tears, shame, and sorrow.
"N-No," Ichigo said, shaking his head. "I know you, Rukia, you're not…there's no way you could have…Ganju and Kūkaku-san invited you for dinner, if you really were…"
"I-I did do it, Ichigo," Rukia insisted, lowering her eyes for the briefest of instances, before meeting his gaze. "I-I t-tried to tell you…I-I was surprised Shiba Ganju hadn't told you anything…H-He recognized me as soon as he entered the Senzaikyū to rescue me. I-I tried to tell you when you came into my room that day….I figured since he didn't tell you, it was my chance for me tell you…B-But I was too n-nervous, too ashamed…too afraid… H-How could I tell you that I had killed a man when you had just risked your life to save mine? Truth was not only did I not deserve Shiba Ganju's help, I didn't deserve yours either. You stopped me from telling you….I was relieved and yet deeply ashamed at my cowardice to tell you the truth then…You needed to know it…I should have been strong enough…I-I will tell you everything now…" She paused to take a deep breath. She looked like she was steeling herself for what she was going to say.
Ichigo continued to look at Rukia with a dazed, disbelieving look.
"Kaien-dono wanted to go find the Hollow that had murdered his wife and her group though we knew nothing of its abilities. He didn't want to wait for an assault squad to be sent out, he wanted to go immediately…We knew its location. Ukitake-taichō and I accompanied him to the Hollow's lair…"—Rukia swallowed—"K-Kaien-dono requested to fight the Hollow alone and Ukitake-taichō consented. During the fight, he lost his Zanpakutō. The Hollow's tentacles could destroy a Zanpakutō….I-I wanted to help, but Ukitake-taichō said I couldn't…It was a battle for his own pride and his wife's….T-The Hollow wrapped Kaien-dono in his tentacles and then….H-He wasn't the same…" Rukia's voice broke.
"H-His eyes were dark…H-His face was deformed…The things he said…"—she shuddered—"T-The Hollow had taken over his body. H-He tried to kill me, but Ukitake-taichō saved me and he told me to run…I-I ran…But I turned around….I c-couldn't just run…I-I had to help….A-And t-then he was coming towards me a-and I-I thrust my katana t-through h-him…."
Rukia closed her eyes, her brows furrowed in pain. "I-I killed him…I-I took his body to his family, but I was too much of a coward to ask for their forgiveness…"
"That's why you went to the Shibas, didn't you?" Ichigo said in a low voice, several moments later. "You went to ask for forgiveness."
"H-Hai," she admitted unsteadily. She opened her eyes and immediately averted her gaze, inclining her head. "I had finally managed to muster the courage to do so after so many years. I didn't expect for them to actually forgive me, I didn't deserve—"
"Rukia, you didn't kill him," Ichigo interrupted in a quiet firm voice. "The moment that Hollow took over he was no longer Kaien. You saved him—"
"N-No, I didn't," Rukia said, raising her gaze to meet his. Agonized violet eyes glittered with tears. "I-I c-couldn't do anything, I-I couldn't stop that H-Hollow from taking him…I-I didn't find a way to separate the Hollow from him…I—"
"Rukia, you shouldn't blame yourself for something that was out of your control," Ichigo said softly. "It was his battle. I get that. When I fought Grand Fisher, I didn't want you to interfere with my fight even if meant my death. I may not have known him, but I'm willing to bet he must have felt the same way I did about his fight, about his opponent… He wouldn't have wanted you to interfere no matter what. You respected his wishes."
Tears now freely trickled down Rukia's pale cheeks.
"Once that Hollow fused with him, there was nothing you could have done," Ichigo said grimly. 'If you hadn't stopped him, he would have killed you. It must have been painful and difficult to have done what you did, but it was the right thing to do," Ichigo said in a gentle, reassuring tone. "You saved his soul…"
"N-No, I-I didn't," Rukia murmured, tears flowing faster down her face.
"Yes, you did," Ichigo insisted.
"N-No, I didn't."Rukia shook her head, tears flew from her face. "Y-You don't u-understand, Ichigo…K-Kaien-dono wasn't s-saved f-from the H-Hollow th-that possessed him that night…"
Furrowing his brow in confusion, Ichigo asked, "What do you mean he wasn't saved from the Hollow?"
Rukia did not speak. She inhaled sharply, trying to calm the erratic breathing that had overtaken her. She raised a trembling hand to her right cheek and wiped the salty liquid there, and then she proceeded to do the same for the other. Tears, however, sparkled at the corners of her eyes, threatening to flow once more.
"T-The Noveno Espada"—Ichigo froze—"h-he absorbed the H-Hollow that had taken over Kaien-dono's body when he was sent to Hueco Mundo after Kaien-dono's body disintegrated. The Espada told me t-that Hollow had been one of Aizen's experiments, that he could regenerate himself every time he was destroyed and sent to Hueco Mundo. Because of those powers, and the power of the Espada to utilize the abilities of those he had absorbed, he was able to restore Kaien-dono's body, even his Zanpakutō…." Rukia stopped, allowing a sob to escape her throat.
"A-At first, I r-really b-believed he was Kaien-dono, but t-then I realized it wasn't him…I b-battled him...a-and I managed to defeat him…"—tears burst forth and splattered her visage—"S-So you see, I didn't save him from t-t-hat Hollow…"
"But you saved him in Hueco Mundo," Ichigo pointed out softly, regarding her with a considerate, sympathetic look.
She tore her gaze away from his and stared at the floor. Her petite frame quivered now more than ever.
"W-Why," her voice cracked, "d-do you k-keep saying that? I-It's a-all my fault…W-Why d-don't you b-blame me?" she demanded, bringing one of her curled fists to rest against her chest. The other tightly fisted hand hung in the air, trembling and twitching. "I took your cousin away...You can never meet him because of me….Your father should hate me….I don't deserve his kindness…"
"I could never blame you for something that you didn't do. Neither can Oyaji."
Orange eyebrows dipped, an understanding frown formed on his lips. He closed his eyes for a moment. "I know how you feel, Rukia…. I always felt I should be hated and blamed for my mother's death, but my family never did. If Oyaji doesn't hold the death of his wife against me, then there's no reason why he would hold the death of his nephew against you when you clearly weren't at fault."
Rukia snapped her head up to look at him and said, "Of course, he wouldn't hold it against you, Ichigo, it wasn't your fault. Grand Fisher was the one—"
"Who killed her yes, but I was the one who fell for Grand Fisher's lure, though I didn't know it at the time. It's my fault she was put in that dangerous position…and I couldn't do anything to protect her…." His voice was thick with emotion. He swallowed. "Oyaji could have easily blamed me for taking her away, but he didn't. He said Kaa-san died to protect me."
A short silence ensued.
"That's right, Ichigo, your mother died to protect you. You weren't to blame for her death. Your cousin, however, died by my hands…How can your father forgive that?"
"Rukia, stop saying that! He didn't die by your hands!" Ichigo snapped. "The Hollow killed him. Do you think Kaien would have wanted to live life as a Hollow killing all his former comrades? I can't imagine anybody wanting that. I know what it's like to have a Hollow living inside me that if left unchecked would gladly kill everyone that I care about. Do you remember when he tried to… hurt you?" Orange eyebrows wrinkled in agitation over amber eyes that glistened with anger and guilt.
Rukia nodded.
"If I hadn't been able to regain control, who knows what would have happened. I couldn't have lived with myself if I had hurt you or anyone else….That's why I sought a way to make sure this time I would truly defeat him and be in control of myself. I understand now though it's not really a matter of beating him. He is and will always be a part of me. If for some reason I ever lost myself fully to him, I would rather be killed that be left alive."
Neither spoke for several moments.
"Rukia, can you honestly say that Kaien would have wanted to live on as Hollow?" Ichigo asked quietly.
"No," Rukia whispered after several moments. "He wouldn't have wanted that."
"Then, why do you keep blaming yourself?"
Her eyes fell to the floor. She could feel her throat constricting.
How could she answer that when he was refusing to listen to her, refusing to believe in her culpability? She had always known Kaien-dono never would have wanted his body to be used by a Hollow to inflict death upon his nakama. She had told herself thousands of times she had delivered his spirit body from the hands of the enemy with that fatal wound, that she had saved him…A part of her had always wanted to believe that, had always wanted to believe Ukitake-taichō's assurances that there was nothing neither of them could have done to separate Kaien-dono from that Hollow. He had told her what the Hollow had told him, that once a spirit entity fused with another, there was no hope of relinquishing control, that the union was forever.
Despite the pain ravaging his body, his failing, blood filled lungs, Kaien-dono had thanked her….
"I dragged you into this. My stubbornness has caused you pain. I'm sorry. You must be torn apart inside. Thanks to you, my heart can still stay here."
And yet, in spite of all this, the guilt residing in her heart had never abated. It was firmly lodged there, reminding her that her katana had not killed Kaien-dono, her cowardice, her indecision, her fear, had been the true weapons that had cost him his life…
In her heart, she had known it was not wise to act for Kaien-dono to act so rashly…that he was obviously being driven by grief and vengeance… If she had tried to convince Kaien-dono to search for the Hollow another night when his mind was clear and level headed he would have performed better…been more alert…If she had tried harder to insist that Kaien-dono not fight alone, she could have aided him in battle…allowed him the final move…
Yes, a part of her knew it was foolish, irrational to feel this way, that there was no way she could have known what would happen that night, but her conscience nagged at her all the same. She should have made a better effort to stop him.
Fear and indecision prevented her from reacting when the Hollow possessed him. And in an attempt to make up for her actions, to somehow help him, she had run back only to run her katana through him…She wasn't truly sure how it had happened, but it had…Her katana had pierced him…She had not reacted to save him, but herself…That is why his death was on her hands….
"Kūkaku-san and Ganju have forgiven you, right? " Ichigo continued without awaiting her answer. "Oyaji may know how Kaien died, " Ichigo agreed, "but didn't you notice, Rukia? He never once said Kaien was killed, he said he had died. He doesn't blame you for Kaien's death. There's no reason you should keep blaming yourself."
Rukia's eyes welled up with a new wave of tears. "Why do you keep blaming your mother's death on yourself, Ichigo?" she challenged, unable to come up with a better explanation than that.
Though her vision was starting to blur, she was able to notice Ichigo's reaction to her words. The corners of his lips tightened, amber eyes suddenly grew expressionless. She was certain he was angry now despite his blank face…She expected him to deflect her words with excuses of how his situation differed from hers any moment now. However, as the silence continued for several moments, she realized it was not going to happen.
"I've been blaming myself for so long, I'm not really sure how to stop," Ichigo admitted in a surprisingly calm, quiet voice. "I don't even know how to forgive myself. I've never tried it even though deep down I guess I always knew my mother wouldn't have wanted me to keep on blaming myself. I just could never bring myself to do it…I'm not really sure if I'll be able to get rid of the guilt completely…but I want to try to forgive myself." He halted for a moment, hesitation flitting across his face. "Maybe… you and I can learn together how to forgive ourselves. I don't think Kaien would have wanted you to keep blaming yourself either."
Ichigo found himself under the gaze of watery, dark violet eyes, teeming with a wide array of emotions. He could scarcely discern the sentiments swirling in those troubled orbs. He thought he saw surprise, warmth, gratitude, even something resembling pride, only to be swallowed by a wave of uncertainty, distress, pain, and unworthiness.
Rukia tried opening her mouth to speak, but the words seemed to be lodged in her throat. Ichigo watched as the petite woman struggled to curb the undulating emotions residing within her. Her body trembled more than ever, though she seemed to be trying desperately to regain control of it. She averted her gaze as she blinked furiously, trying to keep the surge of tears at bay. A sob eventually broke through her constricted throat, followed by another. And another.
Unable to hold the tears clouding her eyes any longer, they swelled and poured out, mingling and hiding the old tears under a new unrelenting stream of liquid.
Ichigo could feel his heart contract painfully at the sight. This was not the reaction he had expected. He was at a loss at what to say or do to comfort her. He hated seeing women crying in general, but seeing one of the strongest women he had ever known overcome with tears was something that he could not stand…No matter the situation, Rukia always maintained her composure, even when facing her own death at the hands of a fiery bird….
He knew like him she was a private person that preferred to keep her feelings to herself. Judging by her current state, he could tell their conversation had resurfaced so many painful memories and feelings that she must have been bottling so long and could no longer keep them inside her…that still affected her so deeply… He could only imagine how long she must have been carrying this huge burden on her soul…She had kept her account of her battle with Ninth Espada pretty straightforward with her obvious victory and the appearance of Hanatarō and Byakuya, withholding the details of what exactly occurred during the fight until now….He could only imagine what she must have felt, thinking she had killed the same man twice….This recent battle must have definitely affected her soul, and yet she had kept quiet.
"Rukia…" he murmured, his voice laden with emotion.
The petite Shinigami did not seem to hear him, she merely continued to cry and weep. He took a tentative step forward, ignoring the wave of helplessness coursing through him. He was not sure what he should do, but he could not stand just watching her….
"Rukia," he tried once more, but she refused to meet his eyes.
Gently, he settled his hands over her trembling shoulders. She still, however, kept her head bowed.
"S-Sorry…"she sputtered.
"Don't apologize. It's okay, Rukia," Ichigo said softly.
Without really thinking, his hands slid from her shoulders down to her upper back, and he pushed her gently towards his chest. Rukia's quivering seemed to momentarily stop. Her breath hitched as her cheek made contact with his chest.
"It's okay, Rukia," Ichigo whispered, rubbing her back soothingly. "Let it out. When you're ready to try, I'll be here."
"Stupid spiders," Isshin muttered as he shoved aside a thick veil of cobwebs, blocking his path. Or at least tried to. The thick, silky material clung to his fingers and hand, holding him captive it in its dusty yet adhesive grasp. He struggled for a few moments, but eventually he punched through the material and walked through. Only then did he begin to shake his hand and rub his fingers together to remove the old webs clinging to him.
"Hold this will you, Granddaughter?" Isshin said, handing Masaki the old portable lamp they had uncovered early on in their perusal of the abandoned Kurosaki Manor (before then Isshin had been carrying the long lamp he'd ignited at the entrance). Masaki took it and he immediately used his newly unoccupied hand to pry off the persistent silvery wrappings.
"Cleaning this place is going to take a lot of weeks," he said, as he struggled with the webs. "I'd forgotten how big this estate really is…We still have so much to cover. I don't think I ever truly appreciated how much work the staff did to keep this entire property spotless…"
"It looks like it's going to take months if not years to clean this place up," Masaki commented, glancing at the grime encrusted floor. Every room was brimming with accumulated dust and filth.
"It'll give my son and third daughter a chance to actually appreciate this house after all the hard work they're gonna put in it."
With a rough shake, Isshin flung the last remnants of the webbing dangling from his fingers onto the dark floor below. He extended a hand with his palm outstretched towards Masaki, who took it as her cue to return the lamp to him. They silently crossed the long, desolate corridor, stumbling upon scurrying rats in the next one. Halfway down the passage, Isshin seized the handle of a shōji door. He slid it open an inch before it jammed. Frowning the senior Kurosaki, tried once more to move the screen, but it refused to move.
"Where are Kurosaki-san and Kuchiki-san?" Masaki wondered. "They should have been here by now."
"Don't worry about those love birds, I'm sure they'll show up eventually," Isshin said, glancing at her for a moment as he continued his work to dislodge the door.
"Love birds?" Masaki repeated. "They can barely look at each other."
"Ah, there is that air of awkwardness about them, but they'll get over it. They've just never considered their future properly, let alone children," Isshin said airily. "I don't think it's helping you won't address them properly. It would really help if you would call them 'Okaa-san' and 'Otou-san' to help them get used to the idea."
"No, it wouldn't," Masaki disagreed. "It would only make them feel more uncomfortable. I already told you they aren't my parents. They're still a long way off to be my parents."
Face contorted in concentration, Isshin did not reply, but gave the door a powerful tug. It finally slid open, rattling and shaking, nearly falling off its hinges. Dust perfumed the air. Isshin coughed. Coughing, Masaki raised a hand over her mouth. Isshin stepped into the veranda once his coughs subsided. Masaki followed suit. Plants grew in scattered wild clumps along the walkway.
For a moment, they both stared at the overgrown landscape, breathing in the refreshing evening air.
"So how far from the future are you, Granddaughter?" Isshin asked.
"A long time from now, Jii-san," Masaki said quietly, amethyst eyes focused on the shrubbery before her.
"I figured as much, but you could at least give me a hint, you know," Isshin said, glancing at her with a pleading smile on his lips, as her eyes flickered to him.
"Whether it's several decades or several centuries, it doesn't change the fact that it's many years from now."
"Ah, but, Masaki-chan, I wanted to have some idea of how far you journeyed to the past," Isshin said disappointed. "Could you at least let me know how old you are?" He eyed her hopefully.
"I think it's enough that you know that I will exist," Masaki said, her brows creasing. "I shouldn't be here at all." Her gaze returned to the garden.
There was a moment's silence during which a contemplative expression swept over Isshin's face.
"It's hard being in here in the past, in this manor, isn't it? I can't say I know exactly how you feel, having never traveled into the past, but being here does feel like stepping back into the past to me. I never really thought of ever coming back or how this place looked now, but it feels unreal to think this was once the home I grew up in. It's only been twenty years since I've been here, I can only imagine how you must feel after the journey you've had."
There was a pause.
"It feels unreal to me too," Masaki confessed. "It shouldn't be possible for me to be here yet I am. This place is hardly recognizable…"
"Urahara really outdid himself this time. Knew the guy was a genius, but a time traveling device? I never would have guessed he could pull something like that off," Isshin mused.
"He shouldn't have created it," the orange haired young woman said firmly. "He had no right to create such a device. I have no idea if he's ever used this device before, but I just can't believe he was actually considering going back to the Winter War if I hadn't used it accidentally…He is not a god to decide how to affect time…No one should have that power. It's unnatural. No matter what mistakes a person has done, what regrets a person has about the past, we all have to learn to deal with them and move forward. We aren't supposed to undo them, no matter how much we wish we could."
There was a long pause.
"You make a good point, but do you have any idea why he wanted to come back to the past?"
"Whatever his reasons may have been, they are not worth endangering the present. He's had plenty of time to get over his mistakes and make up for them. Attempting to change the past now after so many years, is just….foolish…and irresponsible…and dangerous… If it were up to me, I wouldn't be here. I would have returned to the present the moment I realized I was no longer there…"
There was silence.
"Have you ever considered you might be here for a reason?" Isshin asked, looking thoughtful.
Masaki stared at him, startled.
"I understand you didn't mean to come here, but the possibility that you might be here for a reason exists. I know it probably doesn't even seem like it. You're probably thinking that your presence here will somehow negatively impact your present, right?" Isshin said knowingly. "But it could also have a positive impact as well. You don't know for sure what will happen. Sometimes in life blessings in disguise occur when you least expect them. Look, Masaki-chan, I thought I had lost everything when Aizen infected my family with the virus….Even though, I managed to survive, I felt like I had nothing to live for….except revenge if I had ever managed to recover my powers…But then I met Masaki, your grandmother, and suddenly I had so much to live for. As much as it pained me to have lost everything because of Aizen, I'm actually grateful to him for one reason… meeting Masaki. If it weren't for him, the path leading to meeting her would have never occurred.
"Take a look at your own parents. I never expected Ichigo to come in contact with a Shinigami, take her powers, develop his own to rescue her, and fall for her and take up to living in the Soul Society. But you're proof that it happened."
"Those situations are different," Masaki said, after a moment's silence. "The only reason I'm here is because I was stupid enough to use this device…I shouldn't have touched it…I wasn't thinking, it was an impulse…a mistake…I shouldn't be here at all. I'm certain my presence here is having a negative on the present."
"You don't know that—"
"Yes, I do. My taichō is probably dead right now," Masaki declared solemnly. "If he's managed to make up an excuse for my absence—assuming it's only the same amount of time I've been here and that time does not flow differently as it can in the Dangai, he might have earned him himself some days…but if not, he's definitely dead or on the brink of death. My father will be furious with him when he finds out that he doesn't know anything about my whereabouts…He probably won't even believe that he doesn't know…
"I was only supposed to do a simple task. No one would consider me dead. My absence could only mean that my taichō is lying about my whereabouts or…that I've abandoned my duties and gone into hiding, which my parents won't believe…Even though it's not my taichō's fault, he will be the one to suffer for my mistake. So, you see my being here has already had a negative impact on my taichō, my division…on my parents…"
"Masaki-chan, I'm sure your taichō is fine. Ichigo might rough him up a bit whenever he finds out you're missing, but not enough to be on the brink of death."
"You don't know what my father is capable of," Masaki said earnestly. "He would do more than rough up my taichō when he can't give him answers about me."
"What your father wants is to find his missing daughter. Killing your taichō wouldn't help in that regard. An investigation on the other hand would, " Isshin said reasonably. "Don't worry, Masaki-chan, you'll be able to explain what happened to your parents and everyone else when you return." He reached over and squeezed her right shoulder reassuringly.
"I'm not going to explain anything," Masaki said quietly, after several moments. "When I go back, I'm going to go back to the point before I used the device. There's no telling when that will be or what effects my presence here could have in either time…I can't risk affecting any time."
"I see," Isshin murmured. "You've made up your mind then. I suppose it's the wise choice."
Several moments passed, before Isshin turned and walked away from Masaki.
"What rank do you hold, Granddaughter?" Isshin wondered, when Masaki sidled up beside him.
"I'm a fukutaichō," Masaki replied.
"A fukutaichō, eh?" Isshin asked, a grin breaking out on his features."Good job, Granddaughter! You've restored the family pride within the Gotei 13!"
"No, I didn't. My family's reputation within the Gotei 13 already preceded me. How do you think our clan's reputation was reestablished? Your name might have been cleared, but even our old lineage wasn't enough to keep us in good standing with the nobility. It's only because of my parents' standing within the Gotei 13 that our family name rose in status. Despite our status, our family doesn't really behave like the nobility or socialize with them."
"I didn't think you would," Isshin admitted, smiling. "Acting like a prim and proper noble isn't something my son could do. So, what division are you fukutaichō of, Masaki-chan?"
"The Seventh."
"The Seventh?" Isshin repeated. "Oh, Granddaughter, why didn't you join the Tenth? I was hoping our family would have a stronghold over that division like the Kuchiki Clan has over the Sixth."
"Sorry, Jii-san, but our family has no such stronghold over any division," Masaki said. "Besides, I didn't receive an offer from the Tenth when I graduated the Academy. There's nothing wrong with the Seventh."
"What do you mean you didn't receive an offer from the Tenth?!" Isshin exclaimed, looking stunned. "You did well in the Academy, didn't you? All the divisions should have made an offer for my granddaughter!"
"Sorry to disappoint you, Jii-san, but just because I'm your granddaughter, it didn't make everyone offer me a place in their division, which is fine. I made my choice from the divisions that did extend offers and I don't regret it. As nice as it might have been to join the Tenth, Hitsugaya-taichō already had good recruits."
"And I thought Shirō-chan was supposed to be a genius!" Isshin muttered. "Just goes to show age doesn't make everyone wiser. Having too many good recruits is never a bad thing!"
Fifteen minutes later, Isshin and Masaki were standing beside an old fountain draped in vines when Ichigo and Rukia appeared.
"And the love birds finally arrive," Isshin greeted them with a wide grin. He directed the glow of the lamp towards them.
"Shut up, Oyaji," Ichigo snapped, shielding his eyes. "We took a couple of wrong turns. This place is like a freakin' maze. How much more is there to see?"
"Oh, there's still plenty more," Isshin assured the orange haired teen as he lowered his lamp. "We're only half way through. Don't tell me you think it's too big? It's not even as big as the Kuchiki Manor. I think it's just the perfect size to house all my grandchildren. Tell me, Masaki-chan, how many brothers and sisters do you have? " Mahogany eyes flitted to the orange haired young woman beside him.
Ichigo and Rukia looked startled at the thought.
"It's only me," Masaki replied after a moment's hesitation.
"Only you?" Isshin repeated slowly, as though he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What do you mean I only have one grandchild? Son, how could you do this to me?" Isshin demanded, glaring at Ichigo. "I'm giving you and my third daughter a manor to fill with grandchildren and endless offers for babysitting and this is how you will repay me? That's just wrong!" Isshin looked as though the lottery had been just been taken from him. "I wanted a dozen grandchildren!"
"A dozen?" Ichigo echoed, nearly choking on the word.
"Yes, it's the perfect number of grandchildren. Six granddaughters, and six grandsons. I wanted them to enjoy racing down these halls and playing in the gardens and ponds. And now that dream has been shattered…You failed your promise to continue the Kurosaki line. How could you do such a thing? Tell them, Masaki-chan, how you longed for brothers and sisters!"
"A-Actually, Jii-san, I didn't. I never felt alone. I—"
"Nonsense," Isshin said dismissively. "Of course, you wanted some. Your parents just tricked you into thinking otherwise. Son, how could you deprive your daughter of the warmth and affection only brothers and sisters can provide? Imagine if Masaki and I hadn't given you Yuzu and Karin to take care of and play with? Why if Masaki hadn't passed on, we would have given you more brothers and sisters!" He turned to his future granddaughter.
"Masaki-chan, I hope you will succeed where your father failed and provide me with many great-grandchildren. It's now your responsibility to carry on the Kurosaki line."
For an instant, Masaki looked at Isshin as though he had lost his mind.
"N-No, it's not," she said hastily. "I have cousins."
"Cousins," Isshin echoed, stunned.
"Hai. There's Hana-chan, well Hanako, and Kyō."
It took a minute for the information to sink into Isshin's brain.
"You mean, Karin and Yuzu, my lovely little girls, got married and had children? How could that happen? They weren't supposed to ever leave my house and meet boys and get married!" Isshin exclaimed, looking horrified. "OH, MASAKI, I FAILED TO PROTECT OUR DAUGHTERS FROM THOSE PERVERTED BOYS OUT THERE! I'M SO ASHAMED OF MYSELF." Faux tears of shame slid down his face, as he buried his face in his hands, appearing very distraught.
"Why the hell are you complaining? You wanted more grandchildren, didn't you?" Ichigo said, exasperated. Privately, however, he was surprised at the idea of his imouto having children of their own. He could not imagine them grown up.
"I wanted more grandchildren from you and my third daughter, not your sweet imouto. They were never supposed to have children. I was supposed to protect their purity from disgusting, hormone driven scoundrels intent on whisking away daughters from their loving, well meaning fathers. "
"You never wanted your daughters to have children yet you ask your granddaughter for great-grandchildren?" Ichigo pointed out incredulously.
"That's different. I entrusted you with the responsibility of carrying the family line. That responsibility automatically falls on your children, and since you only had one, their gender doesn't matter. It's Masaki-chan's responsibility, and it will then be her children's and so forth."
Isshin glanced at Masaki. "Nice try, Masaki-chan, but you can't get out of your responsibility by passing it on to your cousins. " He suddenly reached over and grasped her right hand. Hopeful mahogany eyes peered into bewildered amethyst.
"Swear to me, Masaki-chan, that you will provide me with at least half a dozen great-grandchildren. "
Masaki gazed at him as though he had grown two heads.
"Please, Granddaughter, give me your word that you will honor your grandfather's fondest and deepest wish and that you will not fail in maintaining the Kurosaki line. My heart would be broken beyond repair if this happened…" He squeezed her hand.
Masaki looked at a loss for what to say.
"Please, Granddaughter," he urged, eyeing her with pleading eyes.
"Argh—"
Isshin was suddenly wrenched away from Masaki and sent flying by a well placed kick on his behind.
"What the hell is a matter with you, Oyaji? You barely met your granddaughter two hours ago and you're already asking for great-grandchildren? Don't you think it's enough to know that you will be harassing and torturing three innocent grandchildren?"
"I would never do such a thing to my grandchildren! I did no such thing, right, Masaki-chan?" Isshin asked, rushing over to them now that he was on his feet. "I was an ideal grandfather, wasn't I?"
Ichigo swiftly kicked the elder Kurosaki in the head as he appeared in front of him. Stone crumbled and groaned as Isshin crashed into the fountain behind him.
"Don't answer that," Ichigo said, glancing at Masaki. "Let's go, Mai," he said, and began to walk away from the incapacitated man at his feet.
"Ignore what he said," Ichigo said when Masaki reached his side. "I think his brain is being affected more than usual by being here. Anyway, I'm sorry we left you alone with him for a while. I can only imagine what other nonsense he must have pestered you with."
"It's okay. He's not all that bad. Sometimes anyway."
There was silence.
"How much more is there to see of this place?" Ichigo wondered.
Masaki looked thoughtful. "Well, we're barely reaching the private rooms. And after that the main manor will be cleared. Then I assume there's what used to be the elders' apartments. Most of them were cleared though some were kept. Instead gardens and several training grounds were erected."
"There's more than one training ground?" Ichigo said, surprised. He remembered all too well the vision of his older self facing off against the younger Masaki. He figured it was somewhere within the grounds of this estate since Rukia appeared dressed in a robe, but he found it surprising that there was one more than one.
"Hai. We have an indoor one, an outdoor courtyard, and an underground one. I guess my parents figured having more than one would help them avoid going to their barracks when one ground becomes damaged."
Rukia watched as Ichigo and Masaki walked further and further away, unaware that she was not behind them. Her eyes drifted towards the fallen man that had risen from the destroyed fountain. Debris tumbled off him, crackling softly as it plummeted toward the wreckage on the ground. Isshin clutched his head, rubbing the spot that had collided with the ancient structure.
Her heart thudded away as she made up her mind to take the chance that had been presented to her. In the past, she may have been a coward, but she could no longer live like that. She needed to make her last apology if she was ever going to truly open her heart towards self-forgiveness.
Ichigo's words had touched her in so many ways. His genuine desire to attempt forgiving himself for the death of his mother warmed her heart with pride and joy. Ever since that night at his mother's grave when Kurosaki-san had talked to his son(she had inadvertently overheard their conversation), she had suspected Ichigo had started to accept that he was not to blame for Masaki's death and that Grand Fisher's death would be the only thing that would truly bring closure to the wounds in his heart. She had been right. Grand Fisher's death was allowing Ichigo to heal his heart and seek self-forgiveness.
His invitation for both of them to learn to forgive themselves was unexpected, but it inspired her and gave her the courage to want to forgive herself. Self-forgiveness was something she had never truly allowed herself to contemplate. She had always believed she had committed a grave sin that would forever be etched in her soul and that she was unworthy of redemption. The closest she had come to giving the idea further thought was when she had received Kūkaku-san's forgiveness, but even then the feelings of unworthiness persisted…Perhaps, she had subconsciously known Kaien-dono's body was still not in peace…Whatever the reason, she had not tried to forgive herself back then, but now she was willing to try even though she was not sure the guilt would ever truly be gone. A part of herself had been aware that now that she knew for certain that Kaien-dono's body was saved from the Hollow that had stolen it, and that she had remembered and accepted that Kaien-dono had entrusted her heart to her, that she could possibly finally lay to rest her feelings of blame over Kaien-dono's death, but she had not had a chance to dwell on those thoughts until tonight.
"Kurosaki-san," Rukia said, catching the attention of Isshin. He glanced at her and she was suddenly grateful Ichigo's kick had caused him to lose his lamp. Though Ichigo had assured that her cheeks contained no visible tear tracks, she was certain her eyes were rimmed with red and that she looked horrible despite her efforts to fix her appearance.
"What is it, Rukia-chan?"
"I..I'm sorry about Kaien-dono," Rukia said, inclining her head. "I didn't realize he was related to you. I'm terribly sorry I—"
"Why are you apologizing?" Isshin interrupted her, and Rukia looked at him, slightly surprised. She opened her mouth to reply, but he beat her to it. "I know it's not your fault, Rukia-chan. I'm aware of how my nephew died. Kaien-kun made his choice to defend Miyako-chan's honor and his. He was well aware of the consequences when he chose to battle alone. My nephew would never have wanted his nakama to carry the burden of his death when it was his decision to do as he did, so don't blame yourself. You have nothing to apologize for."
"Arigatō, Kurosaki-san," Rukia murmured, bowing.
"I believe I'm the one who owes you a thank you, Rukia-chan," Isshin said. "You may not have been able to save my nephew that night, but you saved my son and my girls and me when you sacrificed your power to save us from the Hollow that attacked us. That was courageous and selfless of you. No ordinary Shinigami would have been willing to take such a risk to save a Human family. My family and I will always be indebted to you. I'm honored to call you family. Don't forget you will be marrying my son and giving me a grandchild."
He smiled warmly at the blushing petite Shinigami woman. Since the moment he had glimpsed her in Ichigo's bedroom, he had known she must have been the Rukongai girl that bore a resemblance to the late Kuchiki Hisana that had been adopted into the Kuchiki Clan years ago. The violet eyes, the lone raven strand between her eyes, and the beautiful pale skin were all unmistakably like Hisana-san's except for the expression on that face. Rukia-chan's face had been cold and solemn. Hisana-san's face had always been warm and gentle.
Urahara had confirmed later that she was indeed Bya-kun's adopted imouto. Though he had heard the whispers and murmurs surrounding Rukia-chan's adoption into the Kuchiki Clan, he had never had the opportunity to meet the newest Kuchiki himself. Byakuya had never bothered to introduce her. He and Byakuya had never been on good terms. Age difference or not, they just never saw eye to eye. Byakuya was just too stoic and proper for Isshin's taste. There had only been a certain begrudging respect between them because of their respective lineage and positions. Sometimes they would interact during aristocratic social functions, but since Isshin tried to avoid them as much as possible those occasions had been rare. In the functions he had attended since Rukia had been adopted he had never seen her. He had not been sure whether he just missed meeting her on those occasions, or if her absence in public gatherings had been Byakuya's way of appeasing the elders, who must have been ashamed and furious that another Rukongai commoner had been admitted within their prestigious family.
His nephew had been the one to inform him of the adopted Kuchiki girl and her progress within the Gotei 13. Although he was curious about her, he had barely caught glimpses of her during some of his occasional visits to the Thirteenth Division. It was not easy to run into someone within the Seireitei when everyone had their duties and most Shinigami stayed within the confines of their own divisions.
When Kaien had died, Ukitake had informed him about Kuchiki Rukia's role in the death of his nephew. Even through his grief, he had felt pity for her, because of the guilt Ukitake had said the girl carried. He had wanted to talk to her to try and lessen her guilt about his nephew's death, but for some reason or another the opportunity had never presented itself until now. He had known this day would come ever since Rukia-chan had become part of his son's life.
Rukia felt her heart skip a beat at Isshin's words. The idea that she had unknowingly saved Kaien-dono's extended family had never crossed her mind until this moment. Consumed by thoughts of guilt in her role in the death of his nephew, she had not even considered this. But it was true. She had saved Kaien-dono's relatives when she couldn't save him.
The first time she had seen Ichigo she had immediately thought of Kaien-dono. The resemblance had been quite uncanny. For an instant, she had felt like she was staring at Kaien-dono's double, but the loud orange hair and glaring amber eyes ruined the picture. Reining in her emotions and thoughts as she had been trained to do, she had not allowed herself to be diverted by his appearance. She had tried not to think of the possibility that the boy before her could possibly be Kaien-dono's soul reincarnated. His annoying demeanor had helped squash the idea somewhat, but all the same she had been welcomed the distraction the Hollow had provided in order to further direct her mind on the task she had come to do. Unfortunately, her mission did not go to plan. She had been careless and inefficient in her fighting, and as a result, she had placed the strange Human boy and his family at the hands of death.
Witnessing Ichigo's desire to help his family and his helplessness and guilt had resurfaced the feelings of helplessness she had felt at failing to save her own fukutaichō. Whether it had been the boy's appearance, or merely the situation and the knowledge she was going to fail at saving someone once again, she had felt compelled in that instant to find a way to save the boy even if it meant her own death, so she suggested the only option she thought could possibly help him….
Her plan could have easily killed him and her, but it didn't. Looking back at it now, could it had been fate? Had she been fated to save Kaien-dono's relatives when she had failed to save him? Had Kaien-dono somehow guided her to act as she did because of Ichigo's appearance? Perhaps, she was thinking too much, but she had never imagined Ichigo would actually be a relation of Kaien-dono. The likelihood of that happening was abysmally low, like a one in a millionth chance, but it had come to pass.
"Let's go, Rukia-chan. We better catch up to Ichigo and Masaki-chan," Isshin said, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Okay, Kurosaki-san," Rukia said.
"Yamamoto-sōtaichō, I've come to give my report," said a man clothed in a maroon kimono with black leggings and a hat that kept the top half of his face hidden. A backpack hugged his back. He was kneeling before the sōtaichō.
"Very well," Yamamoto said, surveying him from his desk over his knitted hands. Next to him stood his fukutaichō.
"Forces in Rukongai have suffered major losses. Of the 616 soldiers sent into Rukongai, 480 are considered dead or at least out of action due to injury or possible contact with the virus. Hollows are continually attacking relentlessly. More soldiers are required. Survival rates are dismal, Sir, both for Shinigami and Rukongai residents alike. Estimates to date of Rukongai citizen deaths attributed to both the virus and Hollows is over 17,000 and counting, Sir."
"Is there anything else?"asked the sōtaichō.
"No, Sir."
"You are dismissed. The Gotei 13 will send more reinforcements."
"Okay, Sir," the informant said, before vanishing into thin air.
There was silence.
"At this rate, the balance won't be maintained for much longer, Sir. Our forces will be severely devastated."
"I'm aware of that, Sasakibe. Alert the Research and Development Institute to redouble their efforts in distributing the cure in the most efficient and fastest way possible into Rukongai."
"Understood, Sir."
Yamamoto directed his solemn gaze towards his large view of the twinkling Seireitei.
Edited formatting 5/12/18
Quick Glossary
Onii-san/Nii-san- older brother
Nee-san- older sister
Jii-san-grandpa
Ojii-san-grandfather
otou-san-father
Dangai- precipice world
Hanako (flower child)
Kyō (apricot or cooperation)
AN: It has always bothered me that Kubo never took the time to do a flashback or dialogue that referenced the fact of how exactly Ichigo knew that Rukia would go to the Shibas' home, so that is why I included that flashback in the beginning of this chapter. I deem it the missing Ichiruki moment in the manga. I honestly don't believe that whatever occurred in the manga for Ichigo go to the Shibas included Rukia revealing to Ichigo she had killed Kaien. It's too big of a moment for Kubo not have taken the time do it. Instead I believe perhaps that Ichigo and Rukia had a similar conversation to the one I wrote regarding her need to thank everyone including Ganju, or Ichigo could have noticed the awkwardness between Ganju and Rukia and put two and two together of what Ganju had already told him. In the latter option, Ichigo is obviously aware that Rukia was involved in Kaien's death except he doesn't approach her about it just like Rukia knows the details of Masaki's death after Grand Fisher, but she doesn't push him to talk about it. Perhaps, in this final arc Kubo will finally shows us what happened since he supposedly intends to explain the resemblance between Kaien and Ichigo.
The reason I chose to write the flashback like I did is because I wanted to demonstrate Ichigo's profound belief in Rukia to not even consider the possibly she could be a killer when Rukia was trying to tell him about her role in Kaien's death. I also thought that it was something that Rukia should have attempted if she knows Ganju could spill the beans on her so to speak.
I wrote this line "Whatever their reasons maybe for doing it, they worked to save you" because yes its within Ichigo's character but it also exemplifies the truth. When I first watched the series, it didn't really cross my mind that Orihime, Chad, and Uryū didn't go to SS for Rukia. I was just lost in the plot which I think happened to many of us. It wasn't until re-watching SS arc more than and reading the manga that it sunk in. Orihime and Chad went for Ichigo to help him and protect him (even if Inoue couldn't do anything in that regard) and Uryū went because of his Quincy honor and, of course, to annoy Ichigo. Ichigo was the only one who went for Rukia, though the others in their own way contributed to her rescue. As a result of this adventure, Orihime, Ichigo, Chad, and Uryū formed a bond, but not a true friendship (Chad and Ichigo were already an established friendship). Even in the HM arc that still holds true even if everyone went to save Orihime (Ichigo would save anyone just look who he went to save in HM this arc). Orihime and Ichigo did not actually hang out until the 17 mts prior to the LSS arc thus truly becoming friends. Ichigo, however, is implied not have to have hung out with Uryū at all. Rukia's friendship with Orihime was only born out of the 1 mth off the panel training they did. I think she related to Orihime because of their situations (needing training and then the rescue), but I wouldn't call it a real friendship. My point is that Kubo throughout the series has reiterated they have a bond, but he has not taken to actually show development between them to label it as a true friendship even though he is attempting to act like he has. The only relationship he has truly developed is Ichigo and Rukia's. This is just something to think about.