Adventures of the Magus Shinigami
Chaldea Security Organization, Antarctica
After the defeat of the Demon God Goetia and subsequent loss of Dr. Romani Archaman. There was still a lot of work to get done and it seemed that the remaining staff members and Leonardo Da Vinci himself/herself were left to pick up the slack. One of the main topics being the last master of Chaldea himself, Ichigo Kurosaki.
"How do you feel, Kurosaki?" Da Vinci asked.
"Still the same for the past week." Ichigo asked.
Da Vinci read the vitals of Ichigo as there was a slight change in recent times. The final singularity had ended not too long ago and Da Vinci assumed the final battle with Goetia was a big reason for it. The key being that Ichigo's magical circuits appeared damaged from the looks of it or at the very least, disrupted as his abilities are less than optimal. The biggest reason Ichigo was brought to Chaldea was because of the strange genome found inside of his DNA.
Marisbury Animusphere, the late director, had found an interest in the samples. However, he passed away before more samples were taken for a more detailed study. While nothing seems to have drastically changed, Ichigo is still having issues with his ability to use magic. It wasn't like he could do something amazing but he's reduced to some basic magus skills at the moment.
"Are we done yet? I feel like you've just been shoving me inside of a copy machine." Ichigo said as he was scanned yet again.
"Just making sure you're still healthy. Which you are, a healthy big boy!" Da Vinci said.
"Mash if you can hear me! I want you to sabotage the coffee maker!" Ichigo yelled.
Even if Mash could hear her senpai, she probably wouldn't do that. Mostly because Da Vinci is one of those types who are sensitive about their coffee and Mash feared that the great Italian artist would tear her apart. For someone so composed, there was a chance Da Vinci would go crazy on her.
"Kurosaki, please don't direct your threats against my precious nectar." Da Vinci said
"That's it, I'm done." Ichigo said as he tried exiting the machine that scanned his vitals.
"Hold on, I'm finishing up. Right after this, you can go home." Da Vinci said as she finished with the final details.
Once again, it was still the same. Ichigo's health was fine but the damage is still there.
"I see, we'll try to fix it somehow. Although, I don't think you'll be in danger any time soon." Da Vinci said.
"It's not like I'm going to be attacked by some giant monster anyways." Ichigo said as he exited the machine and put on his jacket. "Anyways, I'm ready to head out." He said.
"See you tomorrow afternoon!" Da Vinci said.
Ichigo exited the testing room and saw the time on a digital clock. He sighed as he saw how late it was and knew his family would probably get worried.
7:53 PM
"Damn, dad is going to be on my ass." Ichigo said as he went to the room where he would be transported back to Japan.
He had to skip out on saying his goodbye to Mash to make it back home. Although the pink haired girl is probably preparing for bed by this point. Ichigo didn't want to walk in on her while she was changing or anything.
Karakura Town, Japan
Ichigo appeared about one block away from his house which was in a clinic that his father, Isshin, had built. After a quick jog, he arrived and made his way inside where he found his father greeting him. Except Isshin's way of greeting people involved wrestling maneuvers.
"You're late Ichigo!" Isshin yelled as he tried to drop kick Ichigo.
Ichigo countered by grabbing his father by the legs and tossing him into the walls. The orange haired boy sighed as he dusted himself off. Isshin on the other hand, removed himself from the wall and looked barely hurt.
"You are learning my son, I've taught you well." Isshin said as he tried a chokehold from behind.
"I learned nothing except that you're crazy." Ichigo said as he reversed the hold, making Isshin hit the floor.
Karin then came out, "Dad, leave him alone. Ichigo probably had to work overtime." She said, assuming why Ichigo arrived late.
Ichigo capitalized on that assumption, "It's bad enough we're understaffed and have a weird cast of coworkers. I don't need you to ambush me." He told Isshin.
Isshin shook his head, "Then you will be unprepared for the dangers up ahead my son." He said.
Karin suddenly kicked her father in the head, "He's just going to work!" She yelled as Isshin hit the floor again. "Anyways, you should eat before Yuzu's cooking gets cold." She said to her brother.
"Okay." Ichigo said as he walked into the dining room.
"Hey nii-san, did you work overtime?" Yuzu asked.
"Yeah, we're still understaffed." Ichigo lied.
"Oh really? Where did you say you work again?" Yuzu asked.
"Where is dinner?" Ichigo asked, ignoring her question.
"Hey, answer the question!" Yuzu said, feeling very curious.
Ichigo has already mentioned his job but always gives vague details. His relationship with his sisters and father are good despite the quirks of the patriarch of this family. However, that doesn't stop Yuzu from prying into learning more about the job. Karin has always been the serious type and feels fulfilled knowing the bare minimum and Isshin… he's just Isshin.
Despite acting like an idiot, Isshin is a capable doctor and runs a clinic at the front of the house. So he's pretty busy with helping patients so he won't find the time to pester his son about his mystery job. How exactly would the Kurosaki family react to the fact that Ichigo was humanity's last hope from a series of anomalies within various points of time?
After dinner
After dinner, Ichigo made his way to his room upstairs. He planned to get changed and rest for the night. However, his relaxation was interrupted when he saw some short girl in a black kimono or similar attire staring out of his window. Ichigo didn't know what to make out of his intruder but decided to confront them.
"Hey, what are you doing in here?" Ichigo asked, but the girl ignored her. "Hey, I'm talking to you? You shouldn't be breaking into other people's homes." He said.
The girl gave a serious stare as she looked in the distance, "It's near." She said as she turned towards the wall.
As the girl prepared to leave, Ichigo rammed his foot behind her head. Making her crash onto the ground with a loud thud. The girl turned to Ichigo with a confused expression on her face.
"What are you talking about?" Ichigo asked as the girl tried to recover. "First you break into my room and now you ignore me? Who are you?" He angrily asked.
"You can see me? Wait, but you also kicked me!" The girl said, sounding shocked. She then walked up to Ichigo and grabbed his face, "Strange, normally people cannot see me." She said before Ichigo shoved her hand away.
"Stop that, who are you and why did you break into my room?" Ichigo asked.
The girl's face turned serious, "Very well, I will tell you. I am Rukia and I will explain my tale using these artistic caricatures that I have personally made." She said as she presented her cheap drawings.
"I feel sorry for the store owner who sold you that sketchpad." Ichigo said, insulting Rukia's art style.
A few minutes later
Ichigo was given the basics of who Rukia is and what her purpose in breaking into Ichigo's room is.
"So you're a shinigami from a place called the Soul Society and you came here to exorcize demons called Hollows." Ichigo said.
"That's exactly it!" Rukia replied.
"I don't trust you." Ichigo said.
"You don't trust me? Do you think I'm lying? Do you not believe in the supernatural?" Rukia asked with wide eyes. "If you can see me, you can see that ghost of an old man behind you." She said as she pointed at a ghost.
"You're still here?" Ichigo asked as he tried to swipe away at the old man. 'I swear, if my magic circuits weren't a mess. I send you back to wherever you belong!' He thought.
Suddenly, Rukia jabbed the ghost of the old man with the handle of her katana. At that moment, the ghost felt peace and suddenly sank into a blinding bright light. If there was ever some heavenly ascension, then this was it.
"Okay, time for you to go. I don't want toddlers in my room." Ichigo said as he dragged Rukia by the arm.
"Hey! I'm a respected shinigami, not a toddler!" Rukia said, unhappy with her treatment.
Ichigo already had his fair share of demons, monsters, both historically accurate and distorted versions of famous individuals from history and literature. Maybe there is some truth to what Rukia is saying, he can expect that much. Then again, Rukia could be a magus from the Clocktower in London that he's heard from Dr. Romani. While monsters and all sorts of magical creatures exist, there's a chance Rukia could assume he's some dunderhead who would fall for her crazy story.
As far Ichigo knows, the "Hollows" are just experiments gone wrong and went on a rampage. It would explain the frequent earthquakes going on in the city lately.
Just as Ichigo prepared to throw Rukia out the window. He felt the entire house shake as he could hear some crashing outside. Ichigo then let go of Rukia as the shaking continued.
"What was that?" Ichigo asked.
"The hollow, damn." Rukia muttered as she immediately remembered why she was here.
Then the entire house started to shake because of the Hollow that Rukia mentioned. Ichigo knew this was trouble and despite being weak. He still had to make sure his family was okay.
"Where do you think you're going?" Rukia asked.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Ichigo asked as he grabbed a bag from his closet.
"I can't let you go out there." Rukia said as she extended her hand. "Bakudo #1: Sai!" She said before binding Ichigo with an array of energy.
Ichigo collapsed as he hit the ground and struggled to move his arms away from his back. Rukia then left by phasing through the wall, leaving Ichigo to struggle with moving. After a couple of minutes, Ichigo managed to stand up and used all of the strength he could muster and broke the magical binding around him.
Ichigo grabbed his bag again and ran out the door of his house.
Outside
Ichigo found the spirit of a little girl running down the streets before hiding behind him. The reason for this was that she was being hunted down by a large monstrous beast. The beast was taller than any normal human and had this black exterior that didn't look like flesh with white portions that looked similar to bones. Except the front of the head looked more like a mask rather than a face or a skull.
"Is that the Hollow?" Ichigo asked himself.
Suddenly, Ichigo noticed that the Hollow was carrying his little sister Karin in one hand. However, as Ichigo prepared to try and fight it, Rukia arrived and slashed at the Hollow's arms with little progress other than making it shriek. The shrieking was so powerful that the soundwave caused every window in the entire block to shatter.
Despite feeling ear pain, Ichigo dug his hand into his bag and pulled out a piece of amber. He then threw the gem stone with all of his strength into the hollow's mouth as it shrieked. Once it closed its mouth, the hollow was suddenly electrified and was forced to drop Karin as it attempted to nurse its mouth. Ichigo then sprinted to catch Karin before taking cover where the ghost girl was hiding.
"Hang on Karin." Ichigo said as he gently placed his sister behind a wall.
Ichigo then witnessed Rukia continuing to fight the hollow before being slammed onto the ground. Seeing the alleged shinigami struggling to keep up with the monster. Ichigo looked for another gemstone and found a piece of jade.
"I can still do this much." Ichigo said he crushed the stone despite feeling great pain in his hands.
The jade sparked wildly and transformed into an ethereal eagle that screeched the hollow's direction. Briefly giving Rukia time to recover as the avian rapidly scratched at the hollow with great speed. Forcing it to stumble back as the eagle continued to pester it in all directions.
As the hollow fought off the eagle familiar, it directed its attention towards Ichigo in an aggressive manner. That's when Rukia managed to block the incoming attack with her sword.
"The hollow, it's after you. There's a lot of energy within you that you don't know about." Rukia said.
'Energy? Does she mean my mana?' Ichigo wondered. 'I guess the quality of my circuits doesn't matter if the power is still there.' He thought.
"It's called Reiatsu and you have a lot of it." Rukia said, confusing Ichigo.
'I'm gonna' have to make a call to Chaldea tomorrow.' Ichigo thought.
However, Rukia found herself retreating back as the hollow continued to roar. Despite feeling confused, Ichigo grabbed something else from his back. He then moved to the side in an attempt to grab the attention of the hollow.
"Hey, over here! You want my soul, come get it!" Ichigo yelled.
That's when Rukia suddenly jumped in front of Ichigo and was bitten by the hollow. In that mere instant, Rukia felt her entire body fill with excruciating pain. Despite that, she did her best to hang on for her life as she still needed to defeat this monster.
"You fool, it doesn't matter how big your soul is. It only needs one. What are you thinking by trying to sacrifice…" Rukia was interrupted by Ichigo throwing a spear into the hollow's eye.
The hollow screamed in pain as the spear released a heavy amount of electricity into its head. Ichigo quickly caught Rukia as the hollow dropped her.
"I've dealt with a lot of supernatural stuff before. Stop acting like I'm some crazy ass idiot." Ichigo said.
"Eh?" Rukia asked, not knowing what Ichigo went through.
Flashback, seventh singularity
Ichigo was on top of the pterodactyl being handled by Quetzalcoatl. When he and Mash saw all of the Lahmu making their way towards the city of Uruk.
"These things are meant to replace humanity?" Ichigo asked.
"I believe so." Mash said before hearing a loud shriek in the distance.
"Somehow I think we'll have an easier time dealing with the new "humans" than a primordial goddess." Ichigo said.
"Senpai, now isn't a good time to be negative." Mash said.
"Yes Kurosaki, you now have everyone from that king in his palace to me, your big sister." Quetzalcoatl said, sounding optimistic.
Ichigo sighed, "This better be the last goddess that we're fighting." He said.
End of flashback
"Although that doesn't mean it's going to be any easier. How are you holding up?" Ichigo asked as he placed Rukia down by a light pole.
"I'm too injured to fight, but do you want to save your family? You just said that you have faced the supernatural before." Rukia said as she tried to raise her sword.
"Yeah, of course." Ichigo answered.
"This will only be temporary, but you will need to run my zanpakuto through your chest. So that I may give you my powers." Rukia said as the hollow ripped out the sword in it's eye. "I can't guarantee you will survive. If it fails, it won't matter." She said.
Ichigo looked straight into Rukia's eyes, "Then give me this blade, Rukia." He said before Rukia thrusted the blade into his chest.
At that moment, the hollow had finally caught up to them and tried to crush them with it's foot. Only for it to immediately lose that foot as it was severed by Ichigo who now donned the same clothes as Rukia. Along with carrying a large double sided sword and began twirling it around.
"I think I got the hang of it." Ichigo said before pulling the weapon in half. Where he was suddenly able to turn it into dual blades, "That's a cool little feature." He said before avoiding an arm swipe.
Ichigo then chopped off the hollow's arm as it came by. As Rukia watched, she realized that she was wearing a normal white kimono.
'He took all of it! I only meant to give him half, but all of it? And the size of that zanpakuto is very large!' She thought in astonishment.
Ichigo quickly finished off the hollow by cutting off its other foot. As it attempted to slash at him once more, Ichigo sliced off the arm before slashing both swords in opposite directions. As Ichigo attempted to decapitate the hollow, it was surrounded by a glowing light before finally disappearing.
"Now I know how Mash feels. I think I've under appreciated her." Ichigo said, knowing how often Mash and other servants have had to cover during their battles.
The next day
Ichigo woke up and the first thing that came to mind was to go to the front of his house. When Ichigo attempted to help out with the hollow, he briefly noticed the damage done to the front of the house. Realizing it now, he didn't remember much after his battle with the hollow and obtaining Rukia's powers.
'That was definitely a dream.' Ichigo thought as he saw the giant hole in home.
"Morning Ichigo! …a bad one too. Some truck hit our house." Isshin said.
"There was no truck." Ichigo said.
"It was late, maybe you're too traumatized to remember." Isshin said.
"Karin?" Ichigo asked, wondering if his sister remembered anything before she passed out during the hollow attack.
"It's crazy, but that's what happened." Karin said, sounding dismissive as always.
Ichigo sighed as there was no use in trying to press the matter. Although it left him wondering how there would be any assumption that a truck hit their house and somehow left with nearly no evidence. Just as Ichigo was about to move on, a mailman with a really big mustache appeared.
"Good morning, mail for Ichigo Kurosaki." The mailman with a very nasally sounding voice had said. "I wanted to drop it off, but I think your mail slot is gone." He said.
"I'll take it." Isshin said as he swiped away the mail.
"Have a good day." The nasally sounding mailman said as he left.
Ichigo glared at his father, "Dad, in some places. It's a federal crime to steal someone else's mail." He said.
"I'm your father and guardian, I can check on whatever mail you have." Isshin said. Then he looked suspicious, "Oh I see, it's a secret letter from your mistress, isn't it?" He asked.
"Dad, what are you saying?" Karin asked.
"Karin, you are going to be an aunt. Your brother kissed a girl that he hasn't married." Isshin said in a serious voice.
Then his eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his eyes. As Karin elbowed his stomach too hard, giving Karin the chance to rescue Ichigo's mail. Which was ironically a letter, but not from a mistress as Isshin believed.
"It's probably from school or some dumb community thing for young men." Ichigo said as he opened the letter.
"Dear nephew,
We have never met before, but unfortunately, recent events with my health are the cause of it. As of this moment, I am dying from a very detailed but complex condition. I have lived a long life, filled with much happiness and regret. I apologize for my sudden intrusion into your life, Ichigo-chan.
However, I…"
Ichigo glared at his father, "Why are you reading my letter out loud?" He asked.
"I wanna know what's going on." Isshin answered.
"Then why are you doing it in a Scottish accent?" Ichigo asked.
"Maybe your uncle is a rich sophisticated guy." Isshin answered.
"I'm pretty sure I'm not related to Scrooge McDuck." Ichigo responded.
"What uncle? Dad, this could be a scam." Karin said.
Isshin shrugged, "Well your mother lost her parents at a young age. So, it's not like I knew everyone and also the story with my folks is weird." He said.
"That doesn't disprove that this is a scam." Karin said.
Ichigo skipped out on the dramatic parts before noticing a familiar emblem on the bottom page. He remained discreet as he finished reading the final details of the letter. Some part of him made him wish that he could smash Da vinci's coffee maker.
"The following address will lead to your new property, my boy. Although you may need some signatures from your guardian. Don't worry about them potentially abusing the contents though, my attorneys worked out a deal to avoid you losing this inheritance.
Just show the caretaker the stamp on the bottom of the letter. There, you have received a second home for your family. Assuming you can stand them, unlike my other three nephews. Bwahahaha!"
After that, it was another sappy yet clearly falsified message from "uncle" along with a set of directions to a building that's only a block away. After ignoring the Scrooge McDuck reference, Ichigo made a mental note to visit the next block after school to see what was left for him. Because the emblem on the stamp on the bottom of the letter was from Chaldea itself.
'Okay, who's the wise guy?' Ichigo wondered as he kept studying the stamp.
"So what else did it say?" Isshin asked.
"I think it's a scam." Ichigo said as he gave the rest to Isshin.
"It doesn't look that bad. You got a free property." Isshin said. "This means, I have to teach you about the risky world of real estate!" He suddenly said.
"You guys can talk about real estate after breakfast." Yuzu said from the kitchen.
Ichigo's day is going to be very busy from having to contact Da Vinci about his weird shinigami power to inspecting the note Chaldea gave him. Why would they give him rights to a property near his home? Hopefully nothing happens in school today.
Later, at school
At school, right as classes were about to begin, Ichigo was approached by his friends. Keigo Asano, Mizuiro Kojima and Yasutora "Chad" Sado who heard about the incident involving his house. Somehow the news of the destruction reached his classmates, but like his sisters and father. Everyone thinks that a truck hit his house and then ran off.
"Is it really true?" Kojima asked.
"I guess, I didn't see it." Ichigo said, sticking with that story.
"It's probably a big mess dude. How are you going to fix that?" Asano asked.
"Do you need any help?" Sado asked.
Ichigo looked up at his tall muscular friend who had his eyes obscured by his shaggy hair. Sado is a gentle giant and if he were to admit to having hate in his heart, it would be towards violence. Which is why he doesn't participate in fights, even when someone is threatening him and surrounding him.
While he is a nice guy, Sado is a bit ignorant. Ichigo didn't want his big friend to accidentally cause any more damage if he did volunteer to help with the mess.
"I think I'm okay, thanks anyways Chad." Ichigo said before hearing some murmurs. "What's going on over there?" He asked.
"There's a new transfer student from what I've heard. I guess everyone is excited to meet her." Mizuiro said.
"Her? You mean it's a girl?" Asano excitedly asked.
Being himself, Asano easily falls for the sight of a beautiful woman. That or any woman who looks generally presentable. Chad is typically stoic, Mizuiro is the voice of reason and Ichigo doesn't care much for dating as of this moment. Leaving Asano as the equivalent of Brock from Pokemon in this group.
"I wonder if she's hot." Asano said as the new girl came in.
"Hi everyone, I'm Rukia Kuchiki!" The new girl announced.
Suddenly Ichigo felt like he heard a lightning storm behind him, 'What is she doing here?' He wondered with much worry. 'Keep it cool, the last thing I need is to get everyone's attention.' He thought as he kept a blank face.
"I was told that I will be sitting next to Kurosaki-san for the rest of the year." Rukia said, almost making Ichigo face fault.
"Damn it! How come the new girl sits next to you!?" Asano asked before looking at Ichigo's frustrated face. "H-Hey, w-why the scary look?" He asked.
Even Rukia looked scared, 'Is he mad because I'm here? It's not my fault! He needs to give me back my powers!' She thought.
Ichigo wasn't mad at Rukia, he was confused and suspicious. A part of him wants to say that Rukia is secretly a magus and made up some parts of the story involving the hollows and shinigami. However, the scary look he made with his face was a series of bad memories involving certain females he's met before.
(Scott Joplin - The Entertainer)
Flashback, Florence Nightingale
The Angel of the Crimean War was doing her best to bandage up Ichigo's wounds after a wild monster attacked him. At the same time, Mash stood back with a worried expression as Nightingale proceeded to perform chest compressions.
"Mr. Kurosaki, stay strong. I will reduce the pain and damage to your body." Nightingale said as she stopped. She then shoved Ichigo against her chest, "It's no use, we need to set up an emergency medical tent. He needs a safe space to breathe." She said.
"Or maybe you need to stop crushing him! Senpai can't breathe in your chest!" Mash yelled as Ichigo's face was shoved into Nightingale's chest.
"That could be the reason, but he might go cold if I remove him." Nightingale said.
"The heat is fine!" Mash said as she looked terrified.
Flashback, Kiyohime
Ichigo was falling onto his back, "No, I'm not hungry." He said as food was being shoved into his face.
"Darling, you can't be picky. We can't complete our mission if you don't eat." Kiyohime said as she tried feeding him with her chopsticks.
"I already ate and I'm full." Ichigo said.
"Just one bite, I made this bento just for you." Kiyohime said with a bright smile.
"I don't want it!" Ichigo said.
Kiyohime's smile suddenly turned into rage, "Who is the whore that is trying to seduce you!?" She asked.
Ichigo fell onto his back as angry tears fell down Kiyohime's cheeks, "No one!" He replied.
"Lies! Tell me who fed you! Only your wife has that right!" Kiyohime yelled as she hit her small fists against Ichigo's chest.
"Senpai!" Mash yelled.
"It was you, wasn't it!?" Kiyohime angrily asked.
"Eh!?" Mash asked.
"Run Mash!" Ichigo yelled as he held the Berserker back.
Flashback, Medea
Medea was currently taking multiple measurements of Ichigo against his will. As she used multiple threads to keep him and Mash immobilized.
"We don't have time for this." Ichigo said as he sounded irate.
"Darling, we are on break so that means I can finally get you dressed properly." Medea said as she started picking out fabrics.
"I don't need a fashion consultant. These outfits are mystic codes and they help me during these singularities!" Ichigo argued.
"Ichigo-kun, I am just looking out for you. No future husband of mine will be forced to wear such tacky uniforms." Medea said with disgust. "Just look at poor Mash, she looks like an eggplant. Even worse, her buttox is exposed." She said.
"Eh!? Senpai!?" Mash asked as she blushed.
"Ignore her, no one is looking at your butt." Ichigo said with a sigh.
End of flashbacks
Ichigo continued giving an evil look to his friend, "I had less than fun experiences with my co-workers." He said.
That gave Asano the wrong idea, "Are you telling me that your job has lots of hot chicks!? Don't tell me they're always surrounding you!" He exclaimed.
"Is personal space the problem?" Chad asked.
"That's putting it lightly, but yes Chad. Personal space is the problem." Ichigo said.
Now Rukia felt confused, 'Is he just mad about his job?' She mentally asked. Then she remembered a detail, 'He said that he's faced the supernatural before. Is his job related to that?' She wondered.
If Rukia read manga like Ichigo and his friends did. She would see herself as that heroine that drags the protagonist into the beginning of the story. Where she introduces the world of magical creatures or the supernatural world only believed to have been fantasy. If that was the case, Rukia feels like the know-it-all who got dragged into something much bigger that she didn't know about.
Whatever it is, she would pester Ichigo about it later.
After school
Ichigo met Rukia on the roof after receiving her somewhat subtle notes to see her. It most likely had something to do with last night's events.
"Okay, what are you doing here?" Ichigo asked.
"My power, you took too much of it and I wanted it back." Rukia answered.
"You don't have it? What makes you think I still have it?" Ichigo asked as he wasn't carrying around a zanpakuto or wearing Rukia's uniform style.
That's when Rukia pulled out a red glove with a skull on it, "I know you do." She said as she slammed her hand into Ichigo's chest.
Suddenly, Ichigo was standing in his black robes while his body was still on the ground.
"What the hell did you do!?" Ichigo asked.
"Relax, you're in spirit form. This is how I normally live." Rukia answered.
"Then how come you can interact with everyone now?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm using a gigai, it's an artificial body that souls such as myself can use move around in the human world." Rukia explained.
This sounded familiar to Ichigo, 'So, like a homunculus body?' He wondered as it sounded familiar.
A homunculus body is difficult to make, but has it's purposes. Although most of them are dark as they are usually batteries, sacrifices for rituals or servants like butlers and maids. Of course, it didn't cross Ichigo's mind that someone could make a homunculus body to escape death by moving into the new body to replace the old one.
"Anyways, I admit you did a good job last night. However, there are many threats left in your city and I need to return to duty." Rukia said before extending her hand. "Now thrust your zanpakuto into my chest like I did with you." She said.
Ichigo did as he was told, but instead of the double sided weapon that could be broken into two swords. Rukia was presented with a customized bow with a small blade attached to the bottom.
"What did you do to your zanpakuto?" Rukia asked.
"I don't know." Ichigo replied.
"How do you not know! A zanpakuto is a sword! Why did yours turn into a bow!?" Rukia asked as she gripped Ichigo by the front of his shirt.
Ichigo shoved her away, "I don't know, maybe your powers are defective. Anyways, just take them back already." He said as he aimed the blade at Rukia's heart.
Only for nothing to happen, with Rukia repeatedly tapping the sharp end to her chest. Luckily, this didn't damage her gigai but it didn't grant Rukia her powers back yet. Instead, she was stuck having to play the role of a generic human while Ichigo was still a shinigami.
"This is bad. I won't be able to fulfill my role." Rukia said with concern.
"Then what do you want me to do?" Ichigo asked.
"You're going to have to be my substitute until further notice." Rukia said.
Ichigo groaned loudly, "Fine, what do you want me to do?" He asked.
"There is no room for arguing. You protected your family, but now you have to… wait did you just agree? Did you even think about it?" Rukia asked.
"No point in arguing that now." Ichigo answered as he strapped the bow onto his back.
Rukia was taken back, "Okay, that's good to hear." She said. "Also, since we're on the same page. Can you tell me about your experiences with the…"
"No." Ichigo interrupted.
"What? Why not?" Rukia asked.
"Because I said so." Ichigo answered.
"Hey, that's not fair! If I told you about my backstory, why can't you tell me?" Rukia asked.
"Because you roped me into it." Ichigo answered.
"It's not my fault that the hollow was after you!" Rukia argued.
Ichigo crossed his arms, "It's your job to kill demons." He said.
"Hollows aren't demons, they're more like tortured souls that haven't moved onto the Soul Society." Rukia countered.
"Fine, it's your job to kill demons of purgatory." Ichigo said, still not altered by Rukia's words.
Rukia looked annoyed, "Fine, but let's lay down some rules. Another hollow attack can happen at any moment." She said.
"Okay." Ichigo said.
Later that day
After a basic explanation about his duties as Rukia's temporary replacement. Along with dealing with a hollow that was chasing around the spirit of a deceased child. Ichigo returned to his body and went towards the address in the letter. As he arrived, he found his father and sisters already waiting outside of the property Ichigo is supposedly being given.
"Hey Ichigo, are you ready for your lesson in real estate?" Isshin asked.
"I didn't know you were educated in real estate." Yuzu said to her father.
"He's not." Karin said.
As the Kurosaki family arrived outside of the property. There, they found a multiple story mansion which had honestly confused the men. At first glance, it looked like an expensive hotel that was designed to mix traditional Japanese culture with modernized architecture. As they approached the building, there was a small stairway behind a red gaite similar to a traditional torii which are used in shinto shrines.
"I don't trust this place." Ichigo said.
"But there's a torii, which means that everything behind this gate is sacred." Yuzu said optimistically.
Karin, the realist, spoke up, "Torii are for sacred shrines, Yuzu. Not for fancy hotels." She said.
When they approached the door, Isshin knocked on the door after pulling out Ichigo's letter. A minute later, the doors were opened a feminine looking individual with blond hair tied into curls.
"Greetings Kurosaki clan, I am Francois and we've been waiting for you all." Francois said.
"We?" Ichigo asked.
"The staff and myself of course." Francois said before welcoming them in.
Inside, the Kurosaki family were exposed to the fine interior of the building. Now the only questions remaining were the details involving the passage of the property and the reasoning behind it.
"You know, Masaki never spoke much about her family. She had to live with the friends of her family when I met her." Isshin said, displaying his suspicions.
"Misaki-san's family is quite big, but quite distant at the same time." Francois said.
"Does that mean we have cousins?" Yuzu asked.
"No, your distant uncle disliked raising children." Francois blunted answered.
"Oh?" Yuzu asked, looking dejected.
"Girls, why don't you look around. Ichigo and I will get the details on this place." Isshin said.
"Okay." Yuzu said as she followed her twin sister around the mansion.
"Isshin-san, Ichigo-san, please follow me so that we can complete the proper paperwork and distribution of the assets." Francois said before leading the men into the office.
The next day, night
Ichigo returned home that night after signing the documents. Apparently, the mansion is a new home should the family wish to move there. Isshin is still acting ignorant but accepting the new property after validating all of the documents. Despite having the behavior of a fool, Isshin is still a competent adult that understands home ownership.
The details are still a bit of a blur, but it looks like Ichigo and the family are free to move in since they decided against selling or renting out the building.
However, Ichigo's concern wasn't moving into a new home. His concern is that Chaldea constructed that building and now he needed to speak with a certain Italian renaissance artist. Except he would have to put his concerns aside after his closet door suddenly opened by itself, revealing Rukia in pajamas.
"Ichigo, bad news! Another hollow has been detected!" Rukia exclaimed, startling Ichigo as a result.
At that moment, Ichigo suddenly pulled out a keyless entry remote which is normally used for entry into cars. However, once Ichigo pressed a button with it, Rukia was suddenly struck by lightning. After Rukia fell to the floor in a twitching position, Ichigo quickly realized who the intruder in his home was. Only now he was confused as to why Rukia was here and why she was wearing Yuzu's clothes.
"What are you doing here? Also, did you steal my sister's clothes? She's been bothering me about losing those." Ichigo asked.
"Hollow… attack…" Rukia muttered as she continued to twitch.
Ichigo groaned, "Fine, where's your glove?" He asked. Rukia pointed her crooked finger at the closet, "Are you living in there? What are you, some kind of mooch?" He asked.
If Rukia really was a magus, she must be the worst kind. The one with great power, but can't afford to live in her own home.
"Never mind, I'll deal with the shinigami hobo later. For now, to the Ichigo-mobile!" Ichigo said as he found Rukia's glove.
1960s superhero transition
Ichigo and Rukia stood behind the clinic as Ichigo opened a large hatch. As they went down, they found an empty room with some oil stains on the floor and various mechanical parts on a workbench.
"What are we looking for?" Rukia asked.
Ichigo sighed, "I forgot that I left it in the shop." He said. He then lifted Rukia over his shoulder, "Come on, we're going on foot." He said.
At an apartment building
"This is the place, the hollow should be here somewhere." Rukia said before hearing a loud growl.
"I think it wants to be found." Ichigo said before hopping towards the location of the apartment. "What the? Inoue lives here!" He said as he jumped through the window.
It looks like they were having dinner as Orihime Inoue's friend, Tatsuki, was here and eating with her. Now the hollow was here and ruined it by sending Tatsuki crashing into the dinner table. Ichigo knew Tatsuki since he was a small child and the two went to a martial arts club. Tatsuki is a good friend and decent fighter, but it looks like her defensive nature wasn't enough for combatting the hollow.
"Someone help!" Orihime cried out.
"Orihime!" The hollow roared.
"Does it know her?" Ichigo asked as Rukia came behind her.
"Does it matter? We need to deal with it now!" Ruki said.
Ichigo drew his bow shaped zanpakuto, "Fine, hey ugly!" He yelled as he fired three arrows into it's head.
The hollow roared as it ran at Ichigo before swiping at him. Ichigo ducked under the swipe and slashed at the hollow's arm with the bladed end. As the hollow struggled to hit Ichigo, Ichigo continued to fire from a distance to keep it away from Orihime and Tatsuki who were being helped by Rukia.
"Let's go, you two." Rukia said as she moved Tatsuki and Orihime's body.
"Kuchiki-san?" Orihime asked with great surprise. "What are you doing here?" She asked.
"Definitely not for a sleepover or dinner for that matter. Although the food does smell good." Rukia answered.
Orihime briefly forgot about the insanity with the hollow, "I'm glad you like it. I always put lots of effort into my cooking." She said with a bright smile.
"I'll be happy to try some after this is all over." Rukia said before looking terrified.
As Rukia spoke with Orihime, the shinigami quickly realized that the girl she spoke with was not the same one in her arms. In fact, the Orihime she spoke to had a big chain in the middle of her chest that was connected to the unconscious Orihime. Even now, the ginger haired girl started noticing this fact and looked terrified.
"This could not get any worse." Rukia said before trying to come up with a solution to fix Orihime.
However, her thoughts were interrupted by Ichigo crashing through the window. As the hollow focused its attention back to Orihime's soul. It ignored another arrow that Ichigo drove through it's shoulder, but with a rope made of reiatsu attached. Allowing Ichigo to drag the hollow through the window with it and into the street.
"Orihime!" The hollow yelled.
"That voice!" Orihime exclaimed as she chased after the hollow.
"Hey wait, Inoue you're exposed! You can't go near that monster!" Rukia yelled as she gently dropped Orihime's body along with Tatsuki's.
On the street
As Ichigo dragged the hollow onto the street to face him. The hollow growled as it became more angry, as if Ichigo was doing more than separating him from his prey. Meanwhile, Ichigo was learning more about his zanpakuto's ability to break into two seperate swords again.
"Are all of my forms going to have dual swords?" Ichigo asked himself before avoiding a swipe.
"You won't keep me away from her!" The hollow yelled as it moved in to chomp on Ichigo's body.
Ichigo quickly stabbed one of his swords in between the teeth of the hollow. The hollow found itself having a hard time trying to bite down on Ichigo as the orange haired boy used his free arm to slash at the hollow's mask. The hollow then screeched as it felt it's mask started to break off and stumbled backwards.
Capitalizing on it's staggered movements, Ichigo combined the swords again into a bow. From there, he adjusted his arrows as he fired on each limb, keeping it bound to the road and reducing its mobility. As the hollow tried to wriggle free, Ichigo prepared to finish it off when he heard his classmate's voice.
"Kurosaki-kun stop! I think he's my late brother!" Orihime yelled.
"Now is not a good time for hesterics!" Ichigo yelled as he broke the bow into dual mode again.
"No really! I recognize his voice!" Orihime said as she ran towards the street. "Sora, please stop!" She pleaded to the hollow.
The hollow faced Orihime as she ran towards him, "Orihime, I raised you after our parents abandoned us. Yet, only a year after my death. You forgot me when you began to hang out with that Tatsuki girl." He said as he sounded angry.
"Onii-san, I never forgot about you." Orihime said.
"Lies! You would pray everyday for me and neglected my existence!" The hollow roared as it pulled on Ichigo's restraints.
"Inoue get out of here! He's not your brother anymore!" Ichigo yelled. "I'm sorry to say this, but whatever there is of him left. It's gone." He said, sympathizing with the girl as he had lost his own mother at a young age.
"It's not true onii-san! I never forgot about you!" Orihime yelled before watching Sora snap one of the restraints.
Sora suddenly grabbed Orihime and squeezed her body in a fit of rage, "Orihime, do as I tell you too! We can be together once I devour the boy!" He said, referring to Ichigo.
"Leave Kurosaki-kun alone, he doesn't deserve this!" Orihime said as she her spirit form started to hurt.
Ichigo quickly fired another arrow with enough force to cut a hole through the hollow's hand. Sora roared in pain as the hand quickly fell off as Ichigo shoved Orihime behind his back. He prepared another arrow and aimed for Sora's hollow mask as Orihime's brother attempted to break out of his remaining restraints.
"Listen here, what you are doing is wrong!" Ichigo yelled as loudly as he could. "Older brothers are born so they can protect their younger siblings! Even if you are dead, you shouldn't be harming your little sister!" He yelled angrily.
Sora growled at Ichigo, "Orihime is mine to do as I wish!" He yelled.
"Selfish bastard!" Ichigo yelled as he fired an arrow straight into the hollow mask, making it crack.
"No stop! Onii-san I'm sorry!" Orihime apologized. "I shouldn't have begged you to stay with me when you were dying! I forced you to stay with me instead of moving on!" She said.
"Orihime, we can be together again. There's no need to resist or apologize." Sora said.
"Ichigo, finish him off already!" Rukia yelled.
Before Ichigo could do so, Sora spit acid at Ichigo but only hit his arm. Ichigo let out a yelp of pain as he dropped his zanpakuto. He really hated the fact that he technically isn't alive, but still feels pain. Maybe it's a metaphor about continuing to live and not finding rest in the afterlife. He didn't care, Ichigo was in too much pain to think as he struggled to pick up his weapon.
However, that gave Sora the chance to move close and bite down on Ichigo. Rukia was too far to try and distract it, leaving her temporary replacement open for attack. However, Orihime did something risky and used herself as a shield to protect Ichigo. Resulting in Sora biting down on his sister's shoulder with his massive teeth.
"Onii-san, I've always known that you've been by my side. Earlier, when my leg was injured, I was almost hit by a car." Orihime said as Ichigo recalled seeing Orihime earlier that day with Rukia. With the girl having an oddly shaped bruise on her leg, "That was you wasn't it? It had to be." She said.
At that moment, Sora began to calm down and his mask cracked even further. To the point that it shattered and revealed his true face.
Rukia watched in surprise as she started thinking, 'This man didn't become a hollow by choice. No, did another hollow try to devour him?' She wondered.
At that moment, Orihime fell out of her brother's bite and was caught by Ichigo. Ichigo gently placed Orihime down just as Rukia arrived to begin healing her. As Sora regained his senses and lost his animalistic instincts, he started realizing what had been done.
"Those hairpins." Sora said to his unconscious sister and noticed the hairpin Orihime is wearing
The same clip he gave to his sister many years ago when she was a child. Proving that Orihime's words were true and genuine. She had not forgotten her brother and the clip was proof of her love for him even after death.
"I gave them to her, but she told me they were ugly and we fought because of it. It happened the day I died." Sora said, sounding more human. "I cannot stay here any longer, not without turning into that monster again." He said as he eyed Ichigo's zanpakuto.
Ichigo quickly raised his weapons and set them to dual mode again. Sora then lowered his head, leaving him exposed to any attack. Ichigo was confused about the sudden gesture before Rukia spoke up.
"Ichigo, you have to end this." Rukia said.
Ichigo watched Sora give him a smile and nodded. Ichigo felt hestiance for a few more seconds before delivering the final blow. Killing Sora for good, leaving Orihime's life.
At the same time, Ichigo was having bad memories of Lamhu and Siduri. Siduri was the cheerful assistant of Gilgamesh who tried to help civilians escape the incoming arrival of Tiamat. Instead, she was kidnapped and turned into a Lamhu along with many other humans. His memory also flooded back to Ushiwakamaru being corrupted by Tiamat and becoming brainwashed into attacking him and Mash. Ichigo felt messed up when all of that happened, but he eventually moved on.
It didn't mean he liked what happened and tries to forget. Luckily, Rukia made him feel better and it didn't sound sugarcoated.
"You did what you needed to Ichigo. Besides, you didn't send him to oblivion or anything." Rukia said. "The shinigami exist not only to fight these creatures. Hollows were once humans and it's our job to purify their souls and send them to the Soul Society." She explained.
"That's good, I'm glad to hear that." Ichigo said, wondering if Siduri and the other citizens of Uruk were resting happily in that singularity.
"Now time for some memory erasure!" Rukia said as she pulled out a strange device with a duck head.
"Is that a fez dispenser?" Ichigo asked.
"Of course not, it's a Kikanshiki. After I'm done healing Inoue, I need to erase her memory along with her friend." Rukia answered.
"Is that what you did to Karin and everyone else?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia shrugged, "Well your dad wasn't around, so I did nothing to him." She answered.
"What about the wall? Inoue's brother destroyed it when he threw me through it." Ichigo asked.
Rukia shrugged again, "I'm sure your friend will make up some excuse. I'm a shinigami, not a maid." She said before finishing healing Ichigo.
The next day, Chaldea
Da Vinci was giggling, "So you've had this strange power for a couple of days? No wonder you haven't been showing up for "work", Kurosaki." She said.
"Well, now I learned that there are ghosts turning into demons of purgatory because they refuse to move onto the next life." Ichigo explained as he was being scanned again.
"Interesting, I don't think there's any note of this happening." Da Vinci said. "Maybe there's a note or something related to these hollows. It leaves me wondering how they have been affected by the previous Holy Grail Wars." She said.
This also caught Ichigo by surprise, "Now that I think about it, Heroic Spirits are still spirits in a way. Wouldn't they attract hollows too?" He asked.
"I want to say yes, but then again there is a chance that only this energy you contain is what attracts them instead of mana." Da Vinci said while getting a cup of coffee prepared. "Whatever the reason, now you and Mash can have lots in common. You're both people who have been granted unique powers. Maybe the two of you can spend time in your hometown together." She said.
A few minutes after Ichigo finished his tests. He found Mash waiting for him with Fou sitting on her shoulder as usual.
"I suppose we have more in common, right Senpai?" Mash asked.
"I guess we do. That's cool right?" Ichigo asked back.
Mash smiled, "Yes it is." She said.
"Fou!" Fou said.
"Oh and drink lots of cranberry juice. It helps with the sensations." Mash said.
"Why?" Ichigo asked.
"Please don't ask senpai, just please listen to me." Mash said, as if her advice is that important.
Later Karakura town
After his check up with Da Vinci, Ichigo returned to his hometown. With nothing to wait for other than expecting Rukia to randomly tell him about another hollow attack. He went home for the day, not expecting any change in the status quo.
At least today wasn't too different, Chad found a parakeet that can talk. Only unlike normal parakeets, this one can speak on its own rather than mimic words. Ichigo already had a lot to deal with in the past few months so an evolved bird wasn't anything to concern him with. Although he did feign surprise with Asano and Mizuiro were shocked by the bird's cognitive ability to speak like a normal human.
"I wonder if I should have asked Mash to tag along today." Ichigo said, remembering his pink haired partner. "Nah, I don't want her getting bothered by all the craziness. I also don't want Asano bothering me about Mash and harassing her with his perverted looks." He said.
Ichigo briefly remembered the times that Asano implied that Ichigo was trying to flirt with Rukia when he heard that they were speaking alone on the roof. The last thing he needed is for Asano to bother him about Mash since her pink hair and personality would gain too much attention.
Ichigo's thoughts were then broken as he entered his home. The front of the building was used as part of Isshin's job as a medical clinic. There would occasionally be someone in need of medical assistance. Clinics are typically around for non-urgent matters and more immediate care such as fractures and minor illnesses. However, Ichigo was surprised to see a lot of people filling up the lobby with Yuzu acting as a nurse.
"What happened here?" Ichigo asked.
"There was a massive car pile up near the house. So dad needs all of the help he can get." Yuzu answered as she moved some supplies. "We wouldn't mind if you took the time to help us." She said.
Ichigo groaned, "Okay, what do I do first?" He asked before hearing his father come in.
"Ichigo, I need a hand here! I have a big patient that can hardly move!" Isshin exclaimed.
Ichigo looked towards his father and saw him carrying Chad over his shoulder. The gentle giant looked weak and could hardly move as he was bleeding from parts of his body. Ichigo quickly ran towards his classmate and used all of his strength to help move him.
"Hang on Chad, we'll get you to a bed." Ichigo said.
"You know this guy? You sure have some big friends." Isshin said, having never met Chad before.
As Ichigo helped move his injured friend, he noticed that the parakeet cage was still in his hand. As if the life of the avian was the most important thing, Chad refused to let go of it. Maintaining an iron grip even after Isshin placed him on a free bed to lie down on.
"Chad, let go of the cage. I'll put the bird on the bedside so you can still see it." Ichigo said, hoping to help his friend relax.
After letting go of the cage, Ichigo did as he said while Isshin got to work. He asked Chad to remove his shirt to perform a diagnostic. Where he found a giant wound on his back in the shape of a giant claw mark.
"This looks like one nasty burn mark, care to tell me what happened?" Isshin asked, but Chad looked unsure of how to respond.
As Ichigo felt suspicious of this injury, he looked back at the bird who looked sad. Then he noticed Karin was staring at it with worried eyes. Ichigo now felt a great sense of trouble as Karin was the only person besides himself that can see and hear spirits. Before, Ichigo thought it was a weird coincidence and recent events did give a few theories as to why that is.
However, the older Kurosaki wanted to focus on his friend and what caused his injury. Especially with how bad it is, even for a big muscular young man like Chad.
"I think you're going to have to stay and rest for a while." Isshin told Chad.
Chad immediately sat up and put on his shirt, "I'm feeling fine now." He bluntly said.
"Chad, lie down. Even you can't handle losing that much blood." Ichigo said as Isshin tried to force him down.
Luckily, Ichigo is quite right as Chad could not handle moving with his massive injury. Resulting in him collapsing back into bed with Isshin adjusting him so he could rest. As Chad struggled to stay conscious, Karin continued to stare at the parakeet with a scared face. Even Ichigo could sense something was off about Chad's new bird as well as Chad himself as Ichigo felt negative familiarity about the gentle giant.
Ichigo's Room
Luckily for Ichigo, Rukia was in the closet like the mooch she was. Unknown to Ichigo, Rukia is the adopted sister of a high ranking shinigami captain from a noble family. So while Rukia isn't used to a lavish lifestyle, it is ironic to think about this girl having to steal pajamas and hide in a cramped closet space for shelter. There's also the fact that Rukia needs to eat and drink in her gigai, so that begs the question as to how Rukia is surviving.
Ichigo decided to ignore that ghosts are really weird creatures in this world. Ichigo wonders if shinigami are like heroic spirits since they can eat and sleep to replenish mana. Then again, a heroic spirit can function just fine with a good mana supply and a competent master.
"Rukia, before I start lecturing you on rent. I wanted to ask if you could feel that energy around Chad." Ichigo said.
Rukia nodded, "I could feel it over a kilometer away. Your friend's injury was definitely the… wait, are you seriously charging me rent?" she asked with wide eyes.
"I said we'll talk about that later." Ichigo said.
"I gave you my powers! That should cover the rent! You own a freaking mansion now too!" Rukia argued.
"Get to the point you mooch!" Ichigo barked.
Rukia sighed, "As I was saying, your friend's injuries were definitely caused by a hollow. I also sensed some reiatsu within the parakeet when Chad brought it to the school." she said.
"So can you track it?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia shook her head, "The Soul Society has not sent me an update. I tried using my radar when I smelt the stench of hollow earlier, but nothing came up." she said. "Although, it could be possible that it's hiding in the space between worlds." she said.
"What? How does that work?" Ichigo asked with a confused facial expression.
Rukia brought out her sketchpad, "Pay close attention, as in the phrase, a hollow can hide between the human world and spiritual world. They cannot be detected until they are here, in the human world." she explained as she turned the page. "Hollows use this tactic to wait and find souls to devour. Meaning we would have to wait for the hollow to attack again before we can hunt for them." she said.
Ichigo nodded, but it sounded frustrating to hear. It sounds like these corrupted souls are now acting like sadistic predators that want to annoy him.
"Have my sketches educated you on the matter?" Rukia asked.
"To say the sketch is a work of art is like saying Emperor Nero is a talented singer." Ichigo said, confusing Rukia at first. "Both of you should have statues built in a museum for your contribution to the world of art." he said sarcastically.
Rukia smirked, "I see you have learned… hey, wait a minute! Is that an insult!?" she angrily asked.
Rukia didn't know anything about Emperor Nero. Even if the world thought Nero was some pompous emperor who nearly brought down Rome, Nero is still a terrible singer.
Ichigo was suddenly wearing a monocle and an art beret, "Your work, it is truly magnifique." he said.
"You don't have to add French to insult my drawing, jerk." Rukia said.
The next morning
Once again, Ichigo found himself on the move because he was just told that Chad had left his bed during the night. Along with that, Karin had not come to breakfast as Yuzu stated that she was feeling sick. Things just feel more weird everyday.
Now, Ichigo had to go look for Chad and that parakeet and running around the streets isn't helping. That's when he met up with Rukia who had not found Chad either.
"By this point, the only way to find your friend is to wait for the hollow to attack again." Rukia said.
"We can't risk that. Can't we track the bird's reiatsu?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia looked dumbfounded, "No, that's not how it works. You can't track down another spirit like that." She said.
"Well you said that a zanpakuto isn't supposed to take multiple forms. So maybe there's something I can do about that." Ichigo said as he pulled out a jade stone from his pocket.
"A zanpakuto's transformation and someone's reiatsu are two completely different things!" Rukia argued.
Another detail about a shinigami's weapon is that they have two forms. With the second form transforming and becoming much stronger. However, Rukia has not achieved such a feat and it wasn't necessary for her to do that since she was still going to get her powers back form Ichigo at some point in the near future.
As Rukia was thinking about Ichigo's strange comparison. The substitute shinigami had used the jade stone to summon an eagle as he did with the first hollow he battled.
"I can try tracking a bird with another bird." Ichigo said as his ethereal eagle soared into the sky. "Ikaros can share his vision with me." He said as he started concentrating.
"I admit that an eagle is nice, but I think your beliefs might need some adjusting." Rukia said before noticing how intense Ichigo was concentrating.
After a few moments, the whole area around them had become dark before illuminating with a blue light. All around the town, Rukia and Ichigo watched as various ribbons floated in the air. Not too long afterwards, Ikaros screeched as it grabbed a ribbon with it's beak and proceeded to land onto Ichigo's wrist.
"That's it, that's the parakeet isn't it?" Ichigo asked.
"Amazing." Rukia muttered. "These ribbons are reiraku, physical ribbons on the reiryoku." She said, shocked by quickly Ichigo progressed.
"Now we need to find Chad before that hollow attacks him again." Ichigo said.
"Ichigo!" A voice called out.
Ichigo turned and found Karin weakly walking up to him. Seeing that his sister was in poor health and needed him. Ichigo handed Ikaros to Rukia and told her to follow his eagle familiar towards the parakeet's location.
"Karin, what happened?" Ichigo asked as he picked up his younger sister.
Despite being the serious and uptight sister, Karin breaking down into tears is something out of character. Ichigo immediately realized how bad things were and began to run back to his home and get Karin to safety.
"Ichigo, I saw the bird's soul. He was a boy around my age." Karin said, surprising Ichigo. But her next statement is what made him stop, "He saw his mother die in front of him." She said tearfully.
Ichigo's eyes started to flicker into a black pupil less color with a purple hue surrounding them. As Ichigo attempted to take Karin back, she could feel the despair and sadness coming from his little sister as she continued with the details in what she saw within the parakeet's memories.
"Ichigo, you have to tell Yuichi that he can't see his mom until he crosses into the next life." Karin said as she cried onto Ichigo's chest. "Please nii-san! Yuichi doesn't deserve to be alone anymore!" She pleaded.
Ichigo gently put Karin down, "I will Karin, just go home for now." She said. "I'll make sure the boy sees his mom again." He said as he wiped her tears away.
Karin then gave Ichigo one last hug before watching him leave.
A while later, with Rukia and Chad
Rukia was far weaker as she was in a normal human body. She wasn't as agile or physically strong as when she was a shinigami which also dampened her ability to use her spells. While Chad was strong and capable, he couldn't see the hollow. He was only aware of them and had to rely on Yuichi the parrot a couple of times along with Rukia to guide him.
"Hado #33: Sokatsui!" Rukia shouted as she blasted a wave of pale blue flames at the hollow.
However, it only made him skid back a couple of meters. Leaving only a lot of smoke behind as the attack barely damaged the hollow.
"Your attacks are weak, are you really a shinigami?" The hollow mocked. "You smell delicious, maybe you will taste as good as the two shinigami before you that tried to save the boy in the bird's body." He said.
"You put him there?" Rukia asked with wide eyes.
"I did, now he has to do as I say otherwise he won't see his mommy again." The hollow said followed by a chuckle.
Rukia gritted her teeth, "You monster, preying on a child's feelings like that." She said.
"I have to fight for my meals. So you should stop embarassing yourself and let me eat you." The hollow said.
"Rukia!" Ichigo yelled. "I heard everything!" He shouted as he ran towards her.
Rukia smiled as she saw Ichigo running with vigor. Seeing the face of determination that he had on, Rukia quickly put on her glove and palmed his chest.
However… Rukia would have preferred dealing with a menos grande at that moment. Because such a high ranking hollow would be a puppy compared to what she released. Instead of Ichigo running out of his body with a randomly shaped zanpakuto. Rukia witnessed this dark aura that made her blind as if she had witnessed a solar eclipse right in front of her.
The only thing Rukia could see was an axe in Ichigo's hand as he rushed at the hollow. Along with a heavy feeling of bloodlust as if Ichigo were the hollow instead of this predator.
"You look more tasty!" The hollow yelled as he tried biting down on Ichigo. Only for his teeth to shatter as Ichigo swiped his axe in several directions, "AHHHHHHH! AHHHHHHH!" It screamed as it collapsed.
"GRAAAAAHHHHHH!" Ichigo let out an animalistic response in return.
"Ichigo?" Rukia asked before hearing a loud squelching sound.
That night
Ichigo sat up with a cold sweat, having no memory of when or how he lost consciousness. As he looked around, he realized that he wasn't in his house and Rukia was sitting on her knees but slowly drifting asleep. Beside her was the parrot, Yuichi, who looked very anxious right.
"Rukia." Ichigo called out, but the girl remained half asleep. "Rukia. Rukia wake up!" He yelled.
Rukia screamed as she fell onto her back, "Hey! I waited by your bedside and you screamed at me?!" She angrily asked.
"What happened to the hollow? The one that was using the kid as bait?" Ichigo asked.
"You killed it, don't you remember?" Rukia asked with a confused face.
"Killed it? I thought you said that hollows are purified and sent to the Soul Society." Ichigo said.
Rukia still looked confused, "That's right, but this hollow was a serial murderer during their lifetime. In some cases, a really bad soul can't be sent to the Soul Society." She began to explain. "The gates of Hell literally appear and they're dragged inside to suffer. You don't remember brutalizing the hollow? You went at it like an animal on steroids." She finished.
Ichigo shook his head, "I don't remember anything like that." He said before nursing his ribs. "But if that did happen, it explains why I feel like I wrestled a bull." He said.
"I'm starting to think that my powers are having a negative effect on you." Rukia said before hearing the door open.
"Senpai, you're awake!" Said a familiar pink haired girl.
"Mash? What are you doing here?" Ichigo asked as he saw the girl bring in some soup.
"We were told to come here." Mash answered as Fou made his presence known.
"Fou!" Fou said.
"She appeared right after Chad and I helped you here." Rukia said. "This building was the closest and the butler claimed to know you. So I thought it was a safe place." She said.
"Indeed it was!" Said the proud voice of Francois.
Mash yipped in surprise, "Francois-san!" She said.
"Pardon my interruption, but it was my duty to tend to my new master. As well as his guests." Francois said.
Ichigo sighed, "I guess this mansion is really important after all." He said.
Francois then bowed their head, "Ichigo-sama, when you are rested. I would like to introduce you to the matron of the household. As you had yet to meet them when we filed the proper paperwork." They explained.
"Someone else takes care of the mansion?" Ichigo asked.
"Indeed, it takes someone of great skill and charisma to govern the staff and organize even the best and most loyal." Francois said proudly.
Ichigo sighed, "Fine, after I'm done eating and after I send the parrot back." He said as he looked at Yuichi.
"Very well." Francois said before excusing themselves.
Rukia decided to speak up afterwards, "So is that how a typical European guy looks or do the girls like to dress like…"
"Rukia, now is not a good time. We have to help Yuichi find his mom again." Ichigo said as the parrot looked sad. "Look Yuichi, you can't stay here. Your mom is waiting for you and the bad hollow can't force you to do anything anymore." He said.
Rukia then witnessed Ichigo continue to have a heartfelt moment with the poor boy trapped inside of the bird. Perhaps it was Ichigo's own trauma with losing his mother that made him go berserk. Then having this intense hostility towards the hollow for forcing the boy to cause the deaths of many people. Soon enough, Yuichi would accept what Ichigo had told him and send him to the Soul Society.
Hopefully finding his mother somewhere in the Soul Society.
Later, in the mansion
As Ichigo recovered with a good meal and found himself rested enough. Francois greeted him again and brought him before a purple haired young woman who presented this friendly yet reserved aura around her.
"Ichigo-sama, meet Miya Asama, she is the caretaker of the mansion." Francois said as they gestured towards the woman
Ichigo nodded, "Nice to meet you, Asama-san." He said, trying to be civil.
Miya bowed her head in return, "A pleasure to meet you as well, but do not worry about honorifics, Kurosaki-kun. I may run your second home, but I am in no regards of a higher rank than you." He said.
"Then would you care to explain your duties to me? Just to get a good idea of what you do." Ichigo asked.
Miya nodded, "Yes I will, as you can currently see. The mansion is big and it's up to me to manage the staff. Of course, those such as Francois do not always demand orders…"
Miya was interrupted by a loud crash in another room. Miya sighed as it sounded like it stressed her out. However, she continued to explain her duties.
"As I said, not everyone requires me to tell them what to do. However, I still have the highest authority second to the master of the mansion, you Kurosaki-kun." Miya said before hearing another crashing sound.
"Is something wrong?" Ichigo asked.
"Please ignore that." Miya said with a sweet smile. "Moving forward, there are some rules I wish for you to understand. While the mansion may as well work as a secondary home. It is my duty to keep it maintained as well as keeping you informed with the ongoing Chaldea." She explained.
"I knew Da Vinci was up to something. But why move operations to Karakura town?" Ichigo asked.
"She wasn't very specific…" Miya was once again interrupted by a more loud crash. She let out one more smile before excusing herself, "I will be right back." She said.
Miya quickly walked towards the kitchen while picking up a sword from a nearby rack. As she entered the kitchen, Ichigo realized that those swords weren't made for decoration. As he could hear lots of screaming and sounds of destruction. When it was over, Miya came back out looking satisfied as she hung up the sword on the nearby rack.
Funny enough, Rukia had just come out of Ichigo's room when she heard the loud screams. She wanted to know if something was wrong, but was immediately halted in fear as she saw the smile on Miya's face. The smile alone was enough to terrify Rukia as she didn't have the strength to move.
'Is that woman related to Captain Unohana?' Rukia fearfully wondered.
"Anyhow, please don't be afraid to approach me for assistance and just follow the guidelines I set up." Miya said.
"Are those guys still alive?" Ichigo asked as he pointed at the kitchen.
"We can always make more and redecorate." Is how Miya answered.
Ichigo sweat dropped, "I think if that's all, I'm just gonna get ready to go before my dad goes looking for me." He said.
"Your father, sisters and school have been notified already. With the proper excuse to cover you missing your classes." Francois said.
"That's good to hear, anything else I should be worried about?" Ichigo asked.
The next morning, class
Ichigo's homeroom teacher made a new announcement, "Class, I would like you all to give a warm welcome to a new student who will join our class." They said as Ichigo looked surprised.
"You have to be kidding me." Ichigo whispered as he recognized the new student.
"Good day, I am Mash Kyrielight." Mash said with a respectful bow.
Suddenly, Mash's exotic appearance along with how adorable and formal she appeared earned the attention of the class. With most of the boys suddenly being attracted to the girl and the girls finding her adorable. Mash never received proper schooling and she regretted having it now because of all the attention she was receiving.
"Save your questions for after class, Kyrielight-san. Please take your seat in front of Kurosaki-kun." The teacher said as Mash nodded.
Ichigo sighed as Mash tried putting on a brave face. All the while Keigo was staring at her to the point that Mash felt uncomfortable.
"Senpai, make him stop!" Mash said, practically blowing her cover as the nickame earned everyone's attention.
"You two know each other!?" Keigo asked.
"Shut up Keigo." Ichigo responded.
"But I need to know! How come all of the girls flock to you!?" Keigo asked as anime tears fell down his cheeks.
"Keigo, you're making a scene. Please calm down." Mizuiro pleaded.
"No, it's not fair!" Keigo argued as Ichigo suddenly pulled out a baton.
"Shut up! Some of us want an education!" Ichigo said as he bashed Keigo over the head.
Causing him to fall out of his seat, "Thank you Kurosaki-kun, but I prefer the use of extreme force be limited while in class." The teacher said.
Chad looked at Ichigo through his obscured vision, "I didn't know you cared that much about class." He said.
"I care more about lectures than I do about Keigo's whining." Ichigo replied as Chad nodded.
Mash just awkwardly giggled as she thinks she will adjust to school so long as she stays close to Chaldea's only master.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Omake: Yamamoto's Rival
Genryusai Shigenkuni Yamamoto has lived a long life for over a thousand years and founded the Gotei 13. In that time, he had lots of regrets and faced many foes with one being the creator of the Quincy. However, there was someone else who could potentially defeat Yamamoto himself along with Yhwach at the same time.
As the entire Soul Society started to feel cold, Yamamoto could see the ice building up all over the seireitei. The captain of the first squadron stepped out into the courtyard as he could see the cause of the cold air.
"It's you." Yamamoto said as he saw an army approaching him.
The legendary creature, a beast of humanity, one who could freeze hell and all versions of hell in other religions had arrived.
"Gunter." Yamamoto said as a penguin wielding a demonic looking sword appeared.
"Fwap." Gunter replied.
"You have returned and found Frostmourne." Yamamoto said.
"Fwap." Gunter replied. He then waved his fin around, "Fwap, fwap, fwap." He said with an eye roll.
"Byakuya, Shunsui and Kenpachi will be punished as well for their incompetence." Yamamoto said.
"Fwap, fwap." Gunter said.
"I know, the idiots have no concept of maintaining a shinigami's uniform! I've been too lenient on them! Their status as captains do not excuse such idiocy!" Yamamoto roared.
Gunter laughed, "Fwap!" He said before charging at Yamamoto.
"Reduce all creation to ash, Ryujin Jakka!" Yamamoto said as he engulfed the entire environment in flames.
Only for Gunter to come flying through in a barrier of ice, "Fwap! Fwap!" He yelled.
Their respective blades clashed, creating a powerful release of steam in the air.
END OF OMAKE
