Chapter 4: Legacy

Hueco Mundo

White awakens in the middle of a vast desert, looking up and seeing only the moon lighting up the pitch-black sky.

"Am I still in the living world? I don't remember there being a moon in the Menos Forest…" White ponders, sensing his surroundings for nearby reiatsu. "No, I'm surrounded by Hollow reiatsu that is much stronger than what I encountered in the Menos Forest. I must be elsewhere in Hueco Mundo."

The dragon moves to take off, but winces in pain, still feeling the pain from his wounds from his battle with Kenpachi. "Looks like I'll have to continue Hunting on foot, which could be a pain considering the Hollows here are stronger than what I'm used to…" White grumbles internally before letting out a brief gasp as he looks to the side and sees a boundless castle in the distance. "SINCE WHEN WAS THERE A CASTLE?! Wait—"

White takes a moment to sense the reiatsu surrounding the castle. He pales, "Whatever that hollow is, it's even more powerful than Kenpachi! Not to mention the others… I'd best avoid that place until I'm a Vasto Lorde. I'd have to be a real idiot to go there now… they could all jump me at once, for all I know. I'll pass on two ass-beatings in one day. Speaking of which…"

The dragon turns and sees a pack of Adjuchas approaching. They start questioning him about his name and if he will serve Lord Barragan and the Espada in Las Noches.

"Is that the name of that castle?" White inquires.

One of the Adjuchas confirms this, "Yes. But it doesn't really matter anyway since we're going to kill you for sport to impress Lord Barragan!"

White snarls at the audacity of these Goons, deeming them as nothing more than fodder and their King as a corrupt one. White then pounces upon the group of Adjuchas, viciously ripping them apart one by one.

Urahara Shoten, Karakura Town

At a shady shop, not far from the Kurosaki Clinic, Kisuke Urahara is operating on the Quincy boy before him.

Urahara observes the boy, "If the boy were a typical Quincy and the hollow tried to invade his being, I would need a Shinigami to give up their powers to seal the Hollow. This doesn't seem to be the case with Uryu Ishida, in fact, the boy seems to have a natural resistance to the hollow reiatsu—which is strange considering that hollow reiatsu mixing with a Quincy should be certain death due to Soul Suicide."

Regardless, Urahara wastes no time in injecting a drug into the boy, "Good thing I developed this to help dissipate residual hollow reiatsu since that incident twenty years ago."

Ryuken Ishida, who has been silent up until this point, regards the man, "How is he?"

Urahara glances at Ryuken, "He'll live. The drug I developed will ensure that much. In fact, I can say he'll be able to make a full recovery in about a week's time."

Ryuken uncharacteristically shows that he cares about his son by letting out a sigh of relief.

Urahara hands Ryuken a container, "This contains about a weeks' worth of that drug I just gave him. Make sure he takes it daily and try to keep him out of any more conflicts from now on. The town is crawling with Shinigami."

Ryuken nods and takes the container, waiting for his son to wake up. Urahara leaves the room to greet his other guests. In the next room, the shop owner faces Rukia and Orihime, who had been waiting with Yoruichi for about 10 minutes.

Rukia regards the man, "Yoruichi here told me about you, Kisuke Urahara…"

Urahara flinches, "Man… I was hoping you wouldn't let the cat out of the bag, Yoruichi…"

The cat looks away uncaringly, "She has a right to know, seeing as we got her wrapped up in all this."

Urahara sighs before facing Rukia once more, "If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer you just call me by my first name…"

The raven-haired woman maintains a serious expression while asking, "Why haven't you wiped the memory of these humans?"

Urahara turns to Orihime, "Could you see the creatures from before?"

The girl nods, which prompts Urahara to nod in turn, "There's your answer, Ms. Kuchiki."

Rukia doesn't seem convinced, so Urahara elaborates, "Because Miss Inoue here was able to see hollows, and you as well, they will continue to attack her. No matter how much memory manipulation the Soul Society tries, it will not erase her reiatsu."

Rukia asks, "What about her friend, then? What exactly is your plan with these girls?"

Orihime gives the man a questioning look, "I'd like to know that as well."

Urahara states, "Ms. Kuchiki, once you try sensing their reiatsu, you can feel something deep down, dormant, awaiting to be awakened. I intend to help both of them awaken this power to help them better protect themselves… should they choose to accept my help, of course."

Rukia is about to protest, but Tatsuki, who just woke up in time to catch what Urahara said, agrees with the man.

"I agree. I don't know what those creatures were that attacked us, but if I am able to fight back against them and protect my friends, then I'll do it. That's a promise! And…" She pauses before adding "I refuse to lose another friend..."

Guilt covers the entirety of Rukia's face after Tatsuki says this, causing her to look down in shame for a moment.

Urahara begins to tell Tatsuki and Orihime about what hollows and the Soul Society are, "The beings that attacked you—hollows—are human spirits called wholes that eventually turned into those creatures called hollows due to negative emotions that they felt at death. These feelings may be caused by something like unresolved arguments with loved ones, for example."

Orihime wears a frown at this, looking at this ground, "You mean I… I turned my brother into that…?"

Urahara nothing as Orihime begins to shed tears. Tatsuki embraces and comforts Orihime until her weeping subsides.

Urahara takes this as his opportunity to continue, "I did say 'eventually'. This process can take a few months to several years, depending on the given whole. Likely, you weren't the only factor at play that turned him into a hollow—in fact, I doubt you yourself have anything to be guilty of. You had no way of knowing what became of him, after all…"

Orihime glances at the man while tears continue to fall from her face, not really feeling any better about it.

The Shop Keeper decides to continue, "Not all hope is lost, though. The Soul Society and the Shinigami who preside over it exist to combat these hollows and purify their souls. If Ms. Kuchiki here were to defeat the hollow who was your brother in combat, she would be able to perform a Konso, Spiritual Funeral, on him, thereby cleansing his soul."

Orihime wipes some of her tears, "You mean that brother can rest in peace?"

This time it is Rukia who answers, wearing a kind expression, "Yes. It is the duty of the Shinigami to ensure that all souls get a chance to pass on peacefully, including those belonging to hollows."

This seems to cheer Orihime up a bit, as she subconsciously fiddles with her flower hairpins, "I just want to talk to him once more before he passes on, if that'd be possible."

Rukia nods, "If we get the chance, I'll allow it. But I can't make any promises."

Orihime nods in understanding as Urahara cuts in, "I have a room in the back where you two can rest up. I know there isn't any school tomorrow, so if it's all the same to you, I'd like to begin your training tomorrow morning."

The two girls give the man a nod and leave the room.

After the two leave, a tall, built man with a moustache and glasses comes in.

Urahara regards the man, "What is it Tessai? Do we have customers this late at night?"

"Not exactly.", the man states before continuing, "Isshin Kurosaki is here and would like to speak with you."

Urahara sighs, "I can't say I'm surprised he'd want to come see me after what just happened to Ichigo... it was only a matter of time."

The shady-looking shop owner makes his way to the store's entrance but pauses, "Ah, right. Ms. Kuchiki, could you come with me? I'd like to introduce you to someone."

Rukia raises a brow but follows the man without any protest. The two meet Isshin at the front of the store. Isshin is being uncharacteristically quiet, which is understandable considering recent events.

Isshin gives a brief look at Rukia, his eyes widening slightly as if in recognition, before turning his attention entirely on Urahara, "There are lots of Shinigami around Karakura Town. What exactly is going on, Kisuke?"

Urahara sighs, "Would you believe me if I told you I didn't know?"

Isshin snorts, "No."

Urahara sweat drops, "Well I'm afraid I don't know, but Ms. Kuchiki here does."

Rukia gives Urahara a nasty look, cursing at him in her mind, "Curse you for putting me on the spot with a stranger! Especially one whose son I got… killed…" Rukia's face becomes solemn as she looks to the ground in shame briefly.

"Ms. Kuchiki?" Urahara calls to her, snapping his fingers to break her out of her trance.

Rukia's eyes widen at this, before she raises her head to look at Isshin, awkwardly trying to avoid making eye contact, "My name is Rukia Kuchiki, of the 13th division of the Gotei 13…"

Rukia suddenly sends Kisuke a questioning gaze, "Wait, why should I be telling this man about the business of the Soul Society? He's just a human…"

Urahara seems like he wants to offer some sort of convoluted explanation, but Isshin eats some kind of candy, allowing his soul to exit his Gigai, an artificial body used by Shinigami in the World of the Living. Isshin's Shinigami form is revealed in all its glory.

Rukia gasps as she can't help but notice the white captain's haori wrapped around his shoulder.

Isshin merely states, "My true name is Isshin Shiba, former Captain of Squad 10. But you already knew that didn't you, Ms. Kuchiki?"

Rukia is flabbergasted at this reveal, shaking her head, "I-I didn't recognize you with your beard!"

Isshin shrugs, "I guess that's fair…"

Isshin's form causes Urahara to raise a brow, eyeing the man dubiously as he places a hand on his chin, "You regained your powers already?"

The ex-Captain shakes his head, "No… it was only a couple days ago that I could sense spirits again. I've been trying to enter spirit form ever since then, and I was only successful this morning."

The Shop Keeper nods, "Ah yes, I see… that makes sense, given I can hardly feel your reiatsu even though you are right in front of me. Your powers seem to gradually being returned."

Isshin sighs, rubbing the back of his neck, "Yeah… I can't even hear the voice of my Zanpakuto… I was looking forward to calling upon it again, but it seems I'll have to wait…"

Meanwhile, Rukia looks to the ground in shame, berating herself, "Another Shiba died by my hand—his son… I can't face him… I don't deserve to…"

The ex-Captain snaps her out of her state of self-deprecation, "Just so you know, I don't hold you responsible for what happened to Kaien. Ukitake explained what happened to me… honestly, I should be thank—"

Isshin pauses as he sees the woman starts to tremble, wearing a face of dread.

The man sighs, "Never mind that… Can you tell me why so many Shinigami are in Karakura Town?"

Rukia answers, still avoiding directly looking at the man, "Because of a powerful hollow that called itself White."

Now both Isshin and Urahara are surprised, as the last time they heard that name was from a particularly troublesome hollow.

Rukia sees the surprise and asks, "Do either of you know anything about this hollow?"

Isshin answers angrily, "Maybe… I fought a hollow by that name about 20 years ago, before I deserted the Soul Society… what did it look like?"

Rukia describes the dragon, which seems to comfort Isshin's worries, but as she describes its horns and mask, Isshin feels nothing but dread.

Isshin fumes, "I don't know how, but it's back… that damn hollow attacked my wife, my son is dead, and now this phantom from the past has returned to disgrace both their memories!"

"Please, calm down Isshin…", Urahara urges.

"Calm down? CALM DOWN?! HOW CAN I BE CALM GIVEN THIS INFORMATION?!", Isshin roars, rightly pissed off.

In the edge of the yard in front of the shop is Karin Kurosaki, listening in on the conversation that just occurred.

"What's the Soul Society? What did he mean 'White' attacked mom? How can it be alive if he killed it?" She thinks.

Just then, she is startled as a voice calls out, "It's impolite to spy, you know."

This causes Karin to look down to where the voice is coming from and yelps, "A TALKING CAT?!"

This action causes the trio to look and see both Karin and Yoruichi in the corner.

"Karin?! I thought you were in bed! What are you doing here?!" Isshin asks in a demanding tone.

Karin snaps back, "I could ask you the same, Goat-beard! I thought you couldn't see ghosts, let alone fight them!"

Realizing the jig is up, she marches to her father, "If you are so strong, why didn't you save Ichigo that night?!"

Isshin softens at this, "I'm sorry… I'll explain everything to you later…"

Urahara interjects, "Why don't we all go inside? We can discuss this topic further there."

Isshin gives the man a nod.

Once the four of them are inside the Urahara Shoten, Isshin tells Karin about what the Soul Society is, as well as the Shinigami who protect it. He also tells her about the monsters that attack the living world—hollows, and that her brother was likely killed by one.

Karin's eyes widen at the last explanation, "Hollows…"

While Karin is digesting this information, Isshin regards Rukia, "I'd like to meet with Captain Ukitake. I want to return to the Soul Society as soon as possible."

Before Rukia can answer, Urahara warns, "I wouldn't do that if I were you. You'll be treated as a criminal and may be executed on the spot."

Isshin nods, "I'm willing to accept any punishment so long as I get the chance to finish what I started with White all those years ago. I want to finally end the nightmare that has plagued my family."

Karin interrupts, "Can I come with you, Goat-beard? I want to get back at those hollows for what they did too!"

Isshin raises his voice, "Absolutely not! You aren't even a Shinigami! Also, the process of becoming one is far too risky! Not to mention the danger that would come with the future battles! My little angel isn't ready for all that!"

Karin snaps at her father, "I don't care what dangers may come! I need to become stronger!"

Isshin is stunned by this adamant show of defiance.

Karin continues with tears in her eyes again, now growling at Isshin, "You still haven't explained why you didn't save Ichigo that night!"

Isshin winces as the reminder of his helplessness stings. He then explains, "I only recently got my powers back… even then, that is an overstatement, as I'm nowhere near as strong as I used to be… I lost them 20 years ago and as a result was unable to return to the Soul Society." He glances over at Rukia briefly before finalizing, "We'll discuss this further at home. The details are private."

Rukia seems a bit unhappy at this but nonetheless steps forward, "I will speak with Captain Ukitake about your request to return to the Soul Society. Furthermore, I can also ask if your daughter is allowed to become a proper Shinigami."

Isshin gives her an appreciative look, "Thank you. You and your captain can find me at the Clinic down the road."

The Kurosakis part ways with the shop keeper and Shinigami.

Once Rukia is sure they have left the building, she turns to Urahara, "By the way, Kisuke. I have a couple questions of my own for you."

The shopkeeper wears a curious expression, "I'm all ears, Ms. Kuchiki."

Rukia nods, wearing a serious expression, "Could you explain to me… what the Quincy are?"

Kurosaki Clinic

When Isshin and Karin arrive back at the Clinic, they scan the first floor to make sure Yuzu isn't there before Isshin explains, "The reason I lost my powers 20 years ago was to save your mother's life. She was attacked by the hollow White that I mentioned earlier. At first, we thought she was able to defeat it but unfortunately it invaded her soul and began to transform her into a hollow. This would've resulted in her death. In order to prevent this, I gave up my powers to keep the hollow at bay. That left me as just a normal human."

Karin digests the new information and questions, "You talk like she had powers herself. Was she a Shinigami?"

"No." Isshin answers curtly as he looks over to the massive portrait of Masaki hanging on the wall before returning his attention to Karin.

"Your mother was what is known as a Quincy. They are spiritually adept humans who hunt down and destroy hollows. They collect spirit particles called reishi and refine it into weapons. Typically, they use bows and they're quite powerful…" Isshin pauses.

"What?" his daughter asks, already having a bad feeling about what's coming next.

Isshin sighs, "A long time ago, the Soul Society wiped most of them out. They're nearly extinct now."

"What?! Why?" Karin asks, shocked.

Isshin shrugs, "They destroy hollows, while Shinigami purify them. This leads to an imbalance in the world, which, left unchecked, could result in the destruction of everything."

Karin scratches her head, "So then, how come that hollow was so fatal for mom?"

Isshin answers, "Because both Quincy and Shinigami will undergo a process called Hollowfication when a hollow's reiatsu is mixed in with their soul, leading to an occurrence known as Soul Suicide—destruction of the Soul."

Karin thinks about this and recalls her father's earlier explanation. "So then, in order to counteract the hollow, mom needed Shinigami powers to be in her body to keep the hollow from attacking her vulnerable Quincy soul?"

Isshin nods, "Exactly! You'll do pretty well at the Shinigami Academy with sharp thinking like that!"

Karin's face is a mixture of disappointment and annoyance, "You didn't say I needed to still be in school to be a Shinigami…"

Karin pauses as she takes in what Isshin just said, "Wait, does this mean?"

"Yeah, I'll allow you to become a Shinigami… assuming Captain Ukitake comes back with Ms. Kuchiki saying you can… and that I can return… and that they don't, well…" Isshin looks a bit nervous, causing his daughter to give him a worried look.

The man chuckles loudly, patting his daughter on the shoulder, "Well, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about! (I hope!)"

Karin thinks for a bit before bringing up the elephant in the room, "So, what'll we tell Yuzu?"

Isshin shakes his head, "She can't know about this. She's the only one in the family who can't see spirits, at least not clearly. I don't want to rob her of a normal life. Besides, I don't think she'd be able to handle it… Masaki wouldn't forgive me…"

Isshin glances back at the portrait of Masaki for a long moment before stating, "We'll tell her that you are going to study 'abroad' or something like that."

Karin raises a brow, "Don't you think that's pretty shady?"

Isshin brushes the question off, regarding his daughter with a serious tone, "Karin. If you want to be a full time Shinigami, you'll need to forfeit a normal life. You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Karin, for the third time that night, claims, "I've made up my mind—I'll become a Shinigami! I have to… I'll hunt down that hollow that killed Ichigo and the one that terrorized mom! Don't try and talk me out of it, old man!"

Isshin chuckles at that last comment, "You sound much more like your older brother than I thought…"

Kurosaki Clinic (Outside)

Little do the two Kurosakis know, Yuzu was outside taking the trash out the back entrance and was standing near the doorway when they arrived back home. She listened in to the whole conversation, choosing not to come in initially to avoid being chewed out for not being in bed, but later due to a sense of being alienated by her very own family.

'I'm not a baby anymore… why don't they want me to know about this?!' She thinks before her thoughts drift towards her brother as rain begins to fall from the sky. The girl begins to cry, making her way around the corner of the house, heading down the road to the cemetery she was just at earlier that day. 'Ichigo… killed by a hollow? Mom… a Quincy? I don't get it!' Her tears continue to fall as she is now running towards the cemetery.

Not watching where she is going, Yuzu bumps into a tall man.

"Woah! Watch where you're going there, kid!" the man says in a friendly tone.

"I'm sorry!" Yuzu states quickly, with her head towards the ground, so the man doesn't see her tears.

Before the man can respond, Yuzu bolts off in the direction of the cemetery.

The man, who has black slicked back hair and a black jacket, looks on at the girl with a shocked expression, "That girl…"

The man smirks before continuing to walk in the opposite direction, "I might have to talk to her later…"

Karakura Cemetery

Once Yuzu enters the cemetery, thunder crackles in the distance, causing her to yelp. She hurries to the grave site of her mother and brother, sobbing further. The usually peppy and optimistic girl appears well and truly broken, feeling overwhelming loneliness, depression, and confusion in response to all the recent events occurring so fast.

The girl is on her hands and knees before her family's graves, "Ichigo…! Mom…! I don't know what to do! Dad and Karin don't trust me anymore! What do I do…?! I need your help…"

After a while, Yuzu calms down and notices a man with a chain coming out of his chest to her right, also standing before a grave sobbing.

The man notices Yuzu's stare and asks frantically, "Can you see me?!"

Yuzu nods her head, "Are… are you a spirit…?"

The man rushes at her, "You must tell my wife I'm ok! Please!"

The spirit attempts to grab Yuzu, but Yuzu instinctively tries to bat his hand away with her hand, accidentally firing a blue light in his direction.

"What's wrong with you?! Get away from me, freak!" The ghost man screams as he hovers away.

Yuzu is shocked, looking at her hand as the blue light fades.

"That was… a spirit? What's this light?", the girl wonders.

A voice calls to the young girl, "What do we have here? A little girl crying in a graveyard all alone?"

Yuzu's eyes shoot open as she jerks around looking for the source. She is both amused and horrified looking upon the strange looking woman standing right behind her. She wears a white hat, knee high boots, and a cape. Underneath the cape, Yuzu could see an outfit that showed off quite a bit of skin. Yuzu looks at the woman's face and sees lime-green eyes, and long similarly colored lime-green hair, tucked inside the woman's cape. The woman has lightning bolt shaped eyebrows of the same color.

"Definitely a foreigner… American maybe? Their women like to dress scantily like this." Yuzu notes to herself after having fully taken in the woman's appearance. Yuzu also notes that there is no chain on this individual's chest.

"Who are you?" Yuzu finally asks, cautiously. Thankfully the light blue glow on her hand is fully gone by this point.

The skimpily dressed woman chuckles, "Straight to the point, aren't you? I like that. The name's Candice."

"What are you doing here?", Yuzu asks immediately, very uncomfortable in this foreigner's presence.

"I saw you crying and felt your reiatsu, so I came over." The woman pauses before asking, "You're a Quincy, aren't you?"

Yuzu says nothing, taking a step back.

The woman quickly takes note of the girl's distrust and sighs, "Oh chill out. You people are so skittish. I'm not going to hurt you, little girl. I'm a Quincy too."

Yuzu remains silent, causing the older woman to scowl at her silence. "Well, in case you were wondering, I was looking for someone else when I sensed your presence. It's rare to find one of our people I don't know. What's your name, girl?"

Yuzu frowns at the woman distrustfully, "Why should I tell you?"

"Ugh… kids are so frickin' annoying…" Candice states, almost done with Yuzu's unwillingness to talk, "For the last time. I'm not gonna hurt you! I'm a Quincy, like you are… and since the two of us are both Quincies, we've got to stick together to survive. Now, tell me who you are and why I don't know you!"

Yuzu is quiet for a second, seeing the visible agitation of the woman climbing to its utmost peak, before finally stating, "Yuzu…"

Candice rolls her eyes, as the answer isn't really helpful, "So is that your family name or given name?"

"What do you even want from me? My dad says it's bad to talk with strangers.", Yuzu replies.

"Daddy's girl, huh?" the Quincy notes before asking, "Well, Yuzu, mind telling me why you're crying in a graveyard all by yourself… in the rain?"

Candice motions towards the surroundings, the rain being not quite a downpour but certainly not a sprinkle. Yuzu herself is drenched at this point.

Candice continues, "I'm sure if your dad is the type to tell you not to talk to strangers, then he's also the type to dislike you going out on your own in a storm… in your pajamas."

Yuzu looks down at her soaked pajama pants and shirt. The girl frowns, realizing how ridiculous her actions actually were.

Yuzu turns to leave as she states, "I should probably head home then."

Candice calls for her to wait, causing the girl to turn around and find herself draped over by the Sternritter's cape.

Yuzu gives the woman a questioning look, which she answers, "Us Quincies gotta stick together to survive, so I gotta make sure you don't get a cold from standing in the rain for too long! We can't exactly take sick days off in my line of work, trust me."

Yuzu gives a concerned look, "Shouldn't you also be worried about a cold?"

The Sternritter chuckles, "I can control my reiatsu to protect myself from the environment. Also, keep the cape, I've got plenty like it back at my place."

Yuzu nods appreciatively, "Thank you."

Th girl starts making her way out of the cemetery but stops as the woman calls out to her. "By the way, if you want to learn more about your Quincy abilities, seek out a man named Ryuken Ishida. I heard he owns the hospital around here."

As Yuzu stands frozen in place with her back facing the woman, trying to piece together why the woman told her to see her dad's friend, Candice looks to the gravestones Yuzu was in front of and calls out, "Make sure to stay away from the samurai looking people called Shinigami, they hunt Quincy! I'll see ya around, Yuzu Kurosaki."

This causes Yuzu to snap out of her trance and look back for the woman, but she was no longer there.

"Guess I'll visit Karakura Hospital then, I don't want to see dad and Karin right now…" Yuzu then exits the cemetery, a clear destination in mind.

Karakura Hospital

Yuzu pants heavily as she finally arrives at the front doors of the hospital. Her eyes widen as she sees cop cars sitting out front with the lights on. She looks up and sees a gaping hole in the side of the hospital that obviously is not part of any kind of renovation.

One of the male officers spots the girl, "Hey girl. Why are you out so late? I'll have to take you home."

Yuzu furrows her brows, "Could I speak with Dr. Ishida? He's my dad's friend."

The officer shakes his head and explains, "The building is under shutdown right now and has been evacuated for police investigation. Dr. Ishida went home for the night. I'll have to take you home—we have a curfew, you know."

Yuzu shakes her head, "I'd be more comfortable seeing Dr. Ishida right now…"

The officer sighs, "I can pull your records to find out where you live, so you might as well tell me. Please don't make this difficult."

Yuzu is about to make a run for it, but a white-haired man walks forward and asks, "What seems to be the issue, Officer?"

The officer turns to the man, "Oh, Dr. Ishida! This girl says she knows you and was asking to see you. Do you know her? Because if not, I'll have to take her home."

Ryuken looks Yuzu over, his eyes widening slightly as he sees her cape. Next to him is his son, Uryu, looking quite beat up but with an equally surprised expression on his face.

"I know this girl… my friend is out of town for the night and left me in charge of looking after her. You can understand how she would be mixed up in the confusion of all… this." Ryuken lies as he motions towards the hospital.

The Officer accepts his answer and wishes the trio a good night, apologizing for the confusion.

The trio get into Ryuken's car, and he drives off towards the Ishida estate without exchanging any words.

Ishida Estate

Yuzu shifts awkwardly, finding the silence of the car ride uncomfortable. She could tell there was tension between Uryu and Ryuken, and she didn't like the idea of possibly stirring the pot in any way.

As Ryuken pulls into a gate, the girl has stars in her eyes as she sees the massive mansion, as Uryu scoffs, this being the first time he's been to this house in years.

Ryuken parks the car near a large water fountain right in front of the mansion's entrance. The man gets out of the car, regarding a group of maids who are already waiting outside for him, "Dry the girl off and prepare a fresh set of clean clothes for her."

The maids bow obediently and walk off to do as instructed.

Ryuken then addresses the remaining servants, "Assist my son to bed."

Uryu attempts to protest but winces in pain as he raises his voice, some of his wounds reopening.

Some servants assist him, taking him to his old room as Ryuken scolds his son, "You must allow me to be a father until you recover. Your usual stubbornness will not be tolerated, boy!"

Ryuken then turns to Yuzu, "Follow the remaining maids. We'll talk in the library, after you're dressed, Miss Kurosaki."

Ryuken then walks into the mansion.

Yuzu wasn't used to being pampered the way she is currently. The maids made sure to meet her every request—they even brought her hot cocoa to warm up! She couldn't help but notice that the servants taking care of Uryu were nowhere near as accommodating, and even had to hold the boy down while they fed him some drug from Ryuken to put him to sleep. It was as if he was grounded, and this made Yuzu feel like a princess in comparison, all things considered.

Once Yuzu got into a fresh set of clean clothes, she turns to one of the maids, "Um… where is the library exactly?"

The girl expects to get directions, but instead the maid bows, "Right this way, Miss Kurosaki."

Yuzu follows her escort down the hall, stopping in front of the doors leading into the library.

Yuzu thanks the maid before entering to see a vast multi-story room lined with shelves, each with their own collection of books. She eventually finds her way to the center of the room, where Ryuken sits holding a picture of somebody who looks familiar to Yuzu.

Ryuken suddenly asks, "Does Isshin know you are out so late, Miss Kurosaki?"

Yuzu shakes her head, "I don't want to see my family right now…"

Ryuken hums, rubbing his chin, "I see… Can I assume by the cape you were wearing, that Candice Catnipp told you to find me?"

Yuzu nods, "Who is she?"

Ryuken sighs before explaining, "She is one of the Sternritter—highly trained, elite Quincy of the organization called the Wandenreich. She met with me earlier today in an attempt to recruit me. I turned her down."

"How come?" Yuzu asks, genuinely curious.

"Because their group is a bit too revolutionary for my taste." Ryuken chooses not to elaborate any further, even though Yuzu still looks confused.

Ryuken looks back at the picture in his hands and lets out a sigh, "I, like your father, wished that your powers would remain dormant so that you could live a normal, peaceful life. It is unfortunate to see that not be the case."

"My dad and Karin are trying to hide this from me! I overheard them saying that they'll both go to this Soul Society and leave me behind! They want to keep me in the dark about this!" Yuzu starts crying for the second time that day. "I don't know what to do! They're abandoning me because they still think I'm a baby who can't see spirits…"

This prompts Ryuken to get out of his chair and embrace the girl, "Your father has his own, odd way of protecting people, but I'm afraid in his despair, he neglected to take both of his daughter's potential—and feelings—into account. But know that there is no way he would ever abandon you." Ryuken pauses before adding, "It pains me to see Masaki's family in such pain."

Yuzu looks up to the man, all the pieces coming together. Her mother being a Quincy, Candice telling her to see Ryuken, the girl in the picture, and finally this.

"You knew mom…" Yuzu states under her breath.

Ryuken breaks the embrace, "Indeed, the two of us were like siblings, despite being cousins. She would be so proud to know that at least one of her children take after her."

Yuzu is silent for a moment, before uttering in a quiet voice, "I wish I could see mom again…"

Ryuken's gaze softens, "I do as well…"

Ryuken hands Yuzu a metal cross connected to a chain, "Masaki would want you to have this."

Yuzu raises a brow, "What is it?"

Ryuken promptly answers, "It is her Quincy cross—the basis for all Quincy abilities. Without it, we cannot properly control the reishi around us to fight. Your father returned this back to me after Masaki passed away."

Yuzu holds the item close, almost hugging it, as she thanks Ryuken, "It feels like I'm carrying mom with me, thank you Uncle Ryuken."

The last of Yuzu's tears falls from her cheek and Ryuken's heart skips a beat. He adjusts his glasses, looking away before stating, "It makes me happy to hear you call me this, but please don't call me Uncle in front of your father. He'd throw a fit."

"Oh, absolutely!" Yuzu agrees, chuckling.

The two share a laugh at Isshin's expense before Ryuken's cellphone starts buzzing. He answers it and is now getting yelled at by Isshin from the other side, who is freaking out, "Ryuken! Yuzu isn't anywhere at the clinic! Have you seen her?"

Ryuken calms Isshin by lying, "I ran into Yuzu in the Cemetery visiting Masaki and Ichigo. I'm currently bringing her home."

Isshin calms down, "Checking out the cemetery completely slipped my mind."

The Shinigami sighs before continuing, "Thanks for looking after my family, Ryuken. It means a lot."

"Don't worry about it. We'll see you soon." Ryuken hangs up the phone before regarding Yuzu, "I'll have to take you back home now. But you can feel free to stop by anytime… I can teach you about the Quincy Craft in about a week, after Uryu recovers, if you'd like."

Yuzu nods, before heading out of the library to retrieve her now dry pajamas, which she quickly changes back into. Yuzu glances at Candice's cape draped over a chair, deciding to take it with her as well.

Karakura Town

On the drive to Kurosaki Clinic, Yuzu asks some more questions about her mom as a Quincy, which Ryuken answers readily. Yuzu learns that her mother and brother were quite alike—that they couldn't abandon someone in need, and feels even greater pride for her mother, something she never thought possible.

As they come up onto the Kurosaki Clinic, they can see both Isshin and Karin waiting outside with umbrellas.

Before Yuzu is about to exit, Ryuken asks, "Are you going to tell your father you intend to become a Quincy?"

Yuzu responds coldly, "Dad and Karin wanted to keep me in the dark about all this, it's only fair that I keep this from them too."

Ryuken raises a brow, "How will you explain the cloak, then?"

Yuzu just smiles innocently, "I'll tell him I got it from the person I met at the cemetery".

Yuzu exits the car before Ryuken can respond. The white-haired man sighs having understood where this is going, and flinches as Isshin gives him a death glare and starts shouting at him. Not wanting to get an ear full, Ryuken floors it, driving off into the night. "She really is Isshin and Masaki's child. She just found out I'm her 'Uncle' and is already throwing me under the bus…"

Author's Note:

This author's note is a bit long, although out of necessity, I think. To preface, I gotta say it's been a bit of a tough crowd lately… not that it's unwarranted.

Anyway, when I initially wrote this chapter, I didn't know that Isshin knew who Rukia was beforehand (didn't read that Light Novel). So, Kaien apparently died before Isshin met Masaki. The more you know, I guess.

Additionally, Isshin knows the type of man Ukitake is—a man of unquestionable honor—and that he is definitely the captain he can trust the most, besides maybe Toshiro, in keeping his daughter's existence to himself at the moment. Isshin's mentality here is that he will get to talk things over with Ukitake in person before approaching the Soul Society as a whole, who no doubt would be much less understanding and forgiving… Regardless, I will pick up on that in the next chapter, I'm not too worried about it right now. Moving on…

On that note, I'll admit it's quite ambitious of me to try and introduce the Sternritter into the story this early… simply put, I want to give Yuzu connection with the Wandenreich early on, which will be built upon later on. That's why I'm bringing the Wandenreich in so early.

Now, onto something that is more important—how this makes sense. On my first several drafts, I didn't assume I needed to explain to anyone why this makes sense, but I guess I may not have been explicit enough… in the anime, we are shown Haschwalth going in person to recruit Uryu. I don't know about you all, but it's obvious to me that several of the Sternritter weren't around 1000 years ago, meaning that the new ones would probably have been recruited from the living world (or born into the position).

Considering that Souken Ishida was a Sternritter himself, it would make sense for the Wandenreich to try and recruit him at some point, as well as keep tabs on his son, Uryu, who they ultimately would successfully recruit into their ranks. (Uryu is also a special case, but that is neither here nor there.)

I'll admit it's out of convenience that I have these events line up as they do to allow Candice to run into Yuzu while on her mission. If you fault me for that, so be it, but I'm here to tell a story that I think is interesting and fun to think about.

Of course, at any point that a Quincy is in the world of the living, they will be extra vigilant and suppress their reiatsu as much as they can, as to avoid being detected.

As for why Ryuken doesn't tell people things… well, he's an extremely cautious and secretive man whose motivations can become clouded at times… canon Ryuken is very inconsistent, if you ask me. It should be noted that, presumably, neither Ryuken nor Isshin fill Urahara in on the Wandenreich, and even if they do, it's with both outdated information and the assumption that the Wandenreich is hardly worth taking seriously, as their fighting force had nearly been extinguished in the past. The details on this point are cloudy in canon… but I will continue with the assumption that Candice would definitely try to not lead Ryuken to believe that the Quincies were anywhere near ready enough to mount an invasion of any kind before receiving a definite yes from him, so he wouldn't be too alarmed by her appearance, perhaps thinking they were getting desperate for members. Besides, I've seen many other fanfics do something similar with far less elaboration on this specific point anyway, including the original White. Therefore, I'm not too worried about it.

Lastly, for those who read the subsequent chapters before I removed them for revisions, I will be restructuring the events to make them more believable and to improve the flow. I'll try to get in the habit of one to two chapters per week until I hit new content so I can give both myself and my readers time to better identify any potential flaws that may exist in the story. Once more, I would like to thank my more critical readers, as this story would not be able to improve without you.

I hope you all found these developments interesting, because there will be more in the following chapters.