Disclaimer: I do NOT own bleach. Or maybe I do… wait no I just remembered I really don't.
"Normal speech"
'Thoughts'
Flashback/Dream
#7#
"Ichigo…?"
Ichigo was shocked out of his daze the second he felt a warm and patient hand on his shoulder. He blinked, trying to clear his vision because for some reason he couldn't quite see as well as he was supposed to –he blamed it on the surprise. The orange head turned his rather lost eyes in the direction of his raven haired father to try and see if the man was joking or something but he was only meet with hard resolve.
Ryōtarō in contrast softened up upon seeing a rather new and rare expression on Ichigo's face. He had never seen the orange head so open and for some reason that didn't bode well with him. It was kinda unnerving in a way.
Ichigo sighed, realizing how the Shiba head was in fact serious and recognizing the resolve in the others green eyes for what it was. It would be uncharacteristic of him to not see it and for some reason that sole fact reassured him. He didn't think he would be able to speak to his father if the man himself wasn't sure of what he was doing.
"You do realize what you're doing, right?"
The raven head nodded, being fully satisfied with the fact that Ichigo catched onto his determination and deciding to take full advantage of it.
"Yeah. I know perfectly well what I am doing. And believe it or not I took a long time to sit down and think… I only just decided this morning and I am not going to postpone this. We're running out of time."
"You mentioned something like that earlier as well. What do you mean?"
Ryōtarō narrowed his eyes as he stretched out his senses just to make sure no one was around. This was not something he would like anyone to hear so he would take no chances.
"The elders are starting to advance. I don't think it will end nice for us. More like use the clan head as a puppet and I just know their gonna do something soon. All the other clans are the same, no exceptions and almost everyone is just sitting down and doing nothing… though I think the Shihōins are putting a decent fight."
"And what does this have to do with naming me as heir?"
"Like I said earlier; I need you by my side. I can't stand up to the elders alone and more so with Gen making my life a living hell. You, however, have stood up to the elders and have outmaneuvered them each step of the way. Almost as if you know exactly what to do to get under their skin without them being able to do anything about it and that is precisely what I need right now."
"What about Haruka and Wataru? I think they have as much right as I do if not more to claim the post."
The raven head sighed as he shook his head to try and harden his next words. He really couldn't show the depths of his denial for this option but even then he tried to convey it just the same.
"It won't happen. In public eye you're my full-fledged son so there is no way to say they have more right. The elders will put a fuss and take away the only opportunity I have at naming my own heir… Besides, the kids won't be able to bear with the insults and taunts. We need a cool head with an equal stubborn personality and I think that just about describes you. We can't leave them to themselves or the bastards will end up doing something unforgivable… I think it's time we regain full control of the clan."
Ichigo decided to overlook the comment of kids in favor taking the situation seriously. Though that didn't stop him from rolling his eyes even if Ryōtarō didn't seem to even notice.
"Is anyone else on this?"
"No… I told Tenjirō before he left but that's about it… Why?"
The orange head sighed before threading a hand through his longer than normal hair –he hadn't gotten a haircut in a while now- before staring into Ryōtarō's eyes. He realized the risk he would be taken in accepting such an important post. And he also realized the rather dangerous situations he would be thrown in but that was just a side note –comparing it to a war was helpful- so when it came to decide between leaving the man he now saw as a father alone and helping him out the decision came quite easy. Now if he could only pause the announcement.
"You think we can… not tell the elders that I'm stepping up as heir?"
"Then you'll do it?!"
Ichigo was quite startled as he almost dropped his cup thanks to the sudden outburst. He certainly wasn't expecting that and he certainly wasn't expecting the man to overlook his question in favor of celebrating and doing a ridiculous dance that in Ichigo's mind greatly resembled Isshin's antics.
As he thought of his real father his gaze slid away from his current one and a rather melancholic expression seeped onto his face. But it was soon discarded as Ryōtarō clamped a hand on his shoulder that almost made him jump if only not because he was biting the inside of his cheek. He turned to look at the raven head with a more neutral expression but apparently he didn't hide his sadness as well as he thought because Ryōtarō wavered if only for a second before giving his biggest smile.
"We'll do just that. But if I need you, I'll call you, so be ready."
Ichigo just nodded in response as he was startled once more into widening his eyes when Ryōtarō started to full his cup of sake to celebrate. He tried to stop the man when it started to over flow and stain the wooden floor but his warnings were taken in deaf ear and all he could do was reprimand the man once said person realized.
He was in for a ruff life that was for sure.
#7#
"I can't believe Shiba-Taicho called you for a cup of sake! Sake! You should have invited!"
"How was I supposed to know what goes on in his head. All I know is that now I have a headache."
Shunsui and Jūshirō turned to look at each other before looking back at the lying orange head. They were in his room and they had come banging down the door the moment they had found out Ichigo had arrived and let's just say that arriving at 4 in the morning was the least of the young Shiba's problems.
Said person was on his futon lying on his back while covering his eyes from the non-existent light –he hadn't let the two turn the lantern on. He was trying to steady his head so that it wouldn't spin like he felt it was while cursing the Shiba head to the depths of hell for doing what he did.
Ichigo had barely managed to get to the academy and the only reason he had been able to do so was because he had taken a brief nap before returning. He would be eternally grateful that it was Saturday and as such there would only be extra classes in the afternoon.
The two –son and father- had drunk after Ryōtarō had decided they would celebrate like if there was no tomorrow. He didn't let Ichigo leave no matter what and refilled his cup every five seconds before eventually getting the brilliant idea to spar and see how Ichigo was doing in his lessons. The Shiba head didn't even care that he was half inhibited and was only making Ichigo side-step and occasionally reflect.
Ichigo's only amusement was thinking how the Shiba head would have to go work in four hours.
'Ha, bastard.'
"I doubt Shiba-sama asked you to go home for a cup of sake Ichigo-kun. What happened?"
Ichigo blinked lazily as he uncovered his eyes to gaze at his two friends –he still didn't quite know what to think of them. He tried to think clearly even with his pounding head-ache and only found it difficult as his pain doubled over promoting him to bite his lower lip in frustration. The orange head sighed before sitting up with more effort than what he would like while still managing to look regal.
This actually surprised the two as they weren't expecting Ichigo to keep his noble image but kept that comment to themselves in favor of staring at their orange haired friend.
"I think… I think it's not right to involve outsiders."
Shunsui scoffed while Jūshirō merely rolled his eyes. It was pure indication that they thought Ichigo's excuse was pure bullshit even if they didn't quite point it out as such. They still couldn't believe Ichigo was as reserved as he was when they had made it rather clear that they would stick around for a while.
"Well I don't think we fall under that category anymore. We're supposed to be friends!"
The orange head only winced as he tried to ignore the pain that he was feeling. He glared at Shunsui while said person only rose his hands in an apologetic manner as he realized he had hurt his friend with the volume of his voice.
"Look, I know we're… friends and all… but I don't think I should talk about this… I'm sure you've noticed the new system central 46 pushed onto the noble clans and it has to do with that so let's just leave it be for now since you'll sooner or later find out."
The two pondered over this as they saw the depths of the situation. They also knew of the elders trying to gain control of the clans but they weren't necessarily involved so as to say. That was the head's responsibilities and to some degree the heir's. It wasn't something that involved other members.
But as they thought of this sole fact realization dawned on Jūshirō as he widened his eyes and gapped at the orange head while Shunsui only looked confused.
"They- you- b-but the announcement-?"
"I know and that's how we're going to keep it… at least until needed."
Shunsui turned from his best friend to Ichigo as he furrowed his brows in confusion. He couldn't quite understand but even then something just felt wrong for a reason. But of all a sudden the dots connected and he turned surprised to stare at his orange haired friend.
"You're serious… you're the he-"
"Yes Shunsui. I am so shut up and don't say a thing."
This made the brunette immediately shut his jaw as he processed the others words only to realize something even Ichigo hadn't noticed. This of course promoted the young Kyoraku to brighten up as a wide smirk actually freaked out the other two while he only ignored it.
"Oh my gosh! Ichigo called me by my given name! Did you hear that Ju? That was my name not Kyōraku-san. Yes! First life goal accomplished!"
The orange head looked flustered and was spluttering incoherent words as he looked between the white haired boy that now had a wide smile and the brunette that was doing the happy dance in the middle of the room. The only thing he could accomplish was to point an accusing finger at the boy before sighing and dropping down on his futon once more; act of reluctance to stay quite as he just groaned aloud.
"Oh I give up."
"I knew I could accomplish something today! Since we're on it why not continue being cooperative!"
"I'm not going to answer a million question!"
"Alright, question one: Why avoid given names?"
Ichigo stayed on his back as he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in pure exasperation. However, a new thought came to mind as he stared at his ceiling; through his eyes flashing a rather sadistic expression even as he let his face stay calm with only a ghost of a smile in place.
"I wonder…?"
"There you go with your inner sadistic personality again. You're avoiding a simple question!"
"There are complicated questions that have a simple answer. But there are also simple questions with complicated answers."
"And what's with the riddles?! I have enough riddles with the one she gave me!"
This of course made Ichigo's previous expression morph to that of confusion as he sat up to look at the brunette with curiosity burning deeply in his eyes; barely hidden beneath layers and layers of composure.
His expression was mirrored by Jūshirō that had stayed quite until that moment. He had decided to let the other do the talking since it seemed he was getting somewhere but now that Shunsui had said something off he couldn't help but look confused as well.
"Who?"
Shunsui just blinked at Ichigo's question, not noticing the burning gaze his best friend had directed his way nor how curious and intrigued the orange head looked. All he did was sheepishly scratch the back of his head before looking at the rather interesting floorboard while trying to hide his nerves.
"Well, I kinda fell asleep while waiting for you and I heard my zanpaktou speak to me in my dream. Though there were two voices, which one I did not recognize. However, she, or they said some weird stuff. Like a riddle of some sort."
"What did they say?"
Shunsui turned to look at his white haired best friend before gaining a thoughtful expression, tapping his chin to try and remember the exact words he was told while completely unaware of Ichigo's calm and almost blank demeanor.
"Hm… It was something like Forget about our past encounter. The blood is smearing the future. The warm wind curls around the gates of heaven and hell... that is probably a sign... Escape from our sorrowful fate, we are not a flower from hell. We will not let them ensnare us, we shall play our own game… We shall tell you our name as that is the simplest part. We are, Katen Kyōkotsu. Weird huh? I can't believe I remembered it in the first place."
"YOU KNOW YOUR ZANPAKTOU SPIRIT'S NAME?!"
"Don't yell Jūshirō, my head still hurts."
"Sorry."
"But anyway. Is it true Shunsui? Did they really tell you their name that easily?"
"W-well yeah. They said their name and then poof, I woke up. Weird huh?"
"Have you tried releasing it?"
The two boys turned to look at their orange haired friend, thinking it was kinda weird to see him with such a different expression compared to his previous flustered state and Ichigo's inner sadistic side –they had never seen this blank and superior-like expression. It was like having a completely distinct person right in front of them.
"N-no, I didn't have time."
Ichigo kept on looking blank, trying to take into consideration all the varieties to see if there was something off about this situation –besides the fact that Shunsui was really ahead in contact with his zanpaktous- but not being able to form any concrete hypothesis. He knew too little of the past to know if his presence affected it in some way.
But even then he couldn't let this pass. He needed to know more about this situation no matter what so he wouldn't stay quiet, not when dealing with such an important topic like this.
"We should go and try."
"NOW?!"
"Yes now."
"It's barely five in the morning!"
"I sometimes wake up at that time to train."
"You're just an over achiever."
"Fact that I do not care to debate about. Let's just go to the dojo and get this over with."
Shunsui just pouted before glancing to look at his white haired companion, not being able to believe that the other held a curious expression and looked like he whole heartedly agreed with the orange head. So instead of getting into an argument he stood up as Jūshirō did the same; glancing to look at the still sitting orange head before offering his hand which the other looked at curiously.
"Let's just go. You're not going to leave me alone until we go."
Ichigo looked shocked for a second before he let his orange bangs cover his expression that quickly morphed into a small smile; gesture that was missed by the two boys even as he grabbed the brunette's hand to stand up. He didn't really want the other two boys too know he was actually enjoying himself.
"Alright then. Grab your zanpaktous and we'll all go to the dojo."
#7#
"So how does this work exactly?"
"You don't even know? What have we've been learning the last couple of weeks?"
"… Stuff."
Ichigo tightened his fist, doing everything in his power to not punch the other as he took a steady breath to control his ragging headache.
'Please kill me.'
He turned to look at his white haired friend, finding the other with an equally disbelieving expression that showed just how surprised he was at Shunsui's statement. Apparently even he didn't believe it was possible for the brunette to have discarded such an important lesson when he really did.
"Okay, you have to… well first you try to… um, how to explain it-"
"You search deep within your soul for those words that resound in the very depths. Those words will probably be your release phrase or at least a hint to finding them."
The two best friends turned to stare at the orange head, as they conveyed obvious disbelief. They couldn't help but wonder how in the world Ichigo knew about the topic; almost as if he knew perfectly well what he was talking about and like if he had experience himself.
Ichigo on the other hand just stared blankly before sighing and averting his gaze from the two boys in a timid sort of way that showed the little shame he was feeling at having said something that sounded a little bit strange. But even then he tried to contain his nerves by grabbing earnestly the hilt of his own zanpaktou.
"Look just… just try and do as I explained and see if you can find anything."
The brunette along with Jūshirō looked about ready to question the other, but stopped the urge in favor of unsheathing his zanpaktou and concentrating on the metal piece before him.
"Alright… concentrate… Easier said than done."
Shunsui shut his eyes to try and do as he was told, reaching into the depths of his very soul –as Ichigo had described it- and hearing a whisper while following his instincts to mutter those same words. He barely understood them as he give his sole attention in condensing his power on the sole metal blade before him.
"Flower Wind Rage and Flower God Roar, Heavenly Wind Rage and Heavenly Demon Sneer. Katen Kyōkotsu."
The blade shinned a bright blue in the brunette's signature color. Ichigo along with Jūshirō were awed even if for entirely different reasons as the orange head stared at the blade that slowly morphed into that of Katen Kyōkotsu's shape before shimmering and snapping back abruptly to its previous sealed state almost as if she had heard her master's command but decided not to show herself after all.
But what kept Ichigo in his blank expression wasn't the lack of a shikai appearing or the whining Shunsui that was being consoled by Jūshirō. No, he had bigger problems because he was 100% sure that blade should have a twin; not just one like it had briefly appeared when it did.
Something was off.
"See! I knew it couldn't be that easy! Tell him Ju, it's impossible to use shikai off the bat like that."
"Don't worry Shunsui, we'll figure something out. Maybe ask a teacher or something. Or we could even consult it with Yamamoto-dono."
At the mention of the old man's name the three boys couldn't help but shudder; an unrequired shiver going down their spines as the mere thought of the captain commander –and headmaster- and his monstrous knowledge along with power.
Ichigo was feeling the same shiver and couldn't help but think how the geezer was scarier now than in his past no matter how calmly he acted in front of the guy. One thing was sitting on a cushion speaking with the old shinigami and another was asking for advice.
It was like asking to be trained to an inch of your life no matter how insignificant the question might be.
"Okay… maybe we don't ask Yamamoto-dono… But we could ask a teacher."
"Or just let Shunsui figure out what's wrong."
The two turned curiously to look at the orange head that was casually staring at the brunette with his hands on his hips, doing so in a way that made the two think that Ichigo just had to be damned crazy if it weren't for the neutral expression he whore.
"Figure out what? There is nothing to figure out about."
"The riddle.'
"Huh?"
Ichigo really couldn't suppress the urge to roll his eyes and did so the moment his amber eyes caught sight of the dumbfounded expression on Shunsui's face. He thought that the man just had to be joking to have forgotten so soon about the riddle and thinking that it was bound to be the key to unlocking this mystery.
"The riddle your zanpaktou gave you."
"Oh! That one…! How does it work?"
The orange head just stared with new found exasperation on his face as he saw from the corner of his eye the white haired boy face palming at his best friends stupidity –or was it distrait?- and wondering just how in the world he had beared their friendship up until that point without the Shiba as an intermediary.
Ichigo just somehow was always able to say what Jūshirō found hard to express and as such it was becoming a nice routine for the three to follow in a strange yet comfortable way where Ichigo would point out the obvious, Shunsui would blink at the fact and Jūshirō would agree with the first.
Like he said odd.
"You figure it out. It's your zanpaktou not mine and certainly not Jūshirō's. It's your responsibility to think about it because only you can understand it… or at least intemperate it."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? You think I can't understand my zanpaktou?!"
"It means exactly what it implies."
Shunsui just groaned as he let his arms hang limply at his side, Jūshirō looking at the brunette with new found amusement and Ichigo scowling with his arms crossed over his chest.
For some reason it just kept bothering him and it would continue that way until the brunette acquired shikai.
'Have I altered the timeline to such extent?'
#7#
"The central 46 chambers were said to be founded by the spirit king himself centuries before the very creation of the zanpaktou with a safe haven in mind. The noble clans are actually a recent trend even now when the spirit king graced the original members of the protection squads with the title. The five great noble clans were chosen upon importance and not political power, only taking into consideration what they have contributed to the afterlife and not their influence. The Kuchikis, for example bestowed the law and order we were lacking long ago while the Shihōins created a jail for those that disrupted the laws the Kuchikis gave. Each clan gave something significant and it wasn't necessarily gold and as such the soul king rewarded them with equal power… Questions up until this point? "
As the old looking teacher finished his history lesson about the spirit king and its recorded actions many hands rose in question. The old man gazed lazily throughout the whole classroom before pinpointing the owner of the first student that rose their hand before calling out in an equally lazy voice.
"Kyoraku?"
Said person stood up to ask his question as his sudden movement basically woke up the dozing Ichigo by his side. This, of course, caused Shunsui to smirk as he had been trying to keep Ichigo awake all day long in revenge of that night two weeks ago where the orange head had basically told the brunette he was on his own in regard of his zanpaktou.
Ichigo on the other hand just waved off the smirk with one of his own that looked rather uncaring while he supported himself on the desk with his arm. Shunsui hated the fact that Ichigo didn't look bothered no matter what but he was planning something that might just tick off his new buddy.
"Sensei, what did the Shibas contribute with?"
This of course did catch the young Shiba off guard as he widen in eyes while almost falling over since he had removed his hand. He quickly composed himself in favor of glaring at the brunette while trying to ignore the new stares he himself had gained.
"Well, the Shibas have always been a lively bunch and actually gave the spirit of the afterlife with organizing festivals and fireworks. But we cannot overlook the fact that the Shibas themselves created the means of transportation to the spirit palace and as such made something that was unheard of even for the king himself... There is also a rumor that the first person to have used kido was in fact a Shiba but this event was never registered and as such we don't even know who discovered it… maybe our young Shiba-sama can clear up some of these doubts."
As the old teacher finished his lecture everyone was now staring at the orange head with new fascination including the geezer himself. It was a little unnerving but Ichigo bearded it with little to no difficulty as he stood up with a composed air and noble don't fuck with me kind of aura.
He was about to speak up and say not even they had registration but all of a sudden Ichigo was interrupted as the classroom door flew open with such force that all everyone could do was stare wide eyed at the person that even dared interrupt a lesson.
The teacher was just as surprised but once the person came into sight almost everyone recognized the Shiba clan symbol on the cloths of the newcomer. Ichigo was the only one to really recognize the person for who he was but even he was surprised by the panting and flustered clan servant –basically- at his doorstep.
"I-I apologize for the interruption but I have come with an important message for Ichigo-sama that could not wait!"
Ichigo narrowed his eyes before walking up front as he didn't even wait for permission and received the crumpled letter while completely discarding the bow he was given by the Shiba servant.
He unfolded it and read it with a blank expression even if he was basically raging inside before biting the inside of his cheek to avoid yelling out loud in pure anger.
Ichigo crumpled up the already crumpled letter before turning up to look at the servant that quickly flinched upon making eye contact with the young Shiba. Ichigo held rather cold eyes that betrayed not a thing and for some reason it was the scariest thing he had ever seen.
Everyone that caught even a glimpse of Ichigo's expression couldn't help but mirror the servants flinch before getting out of their daze in favor of observing the orange head's next action.
"Kaiganehiko, is Chichue still in meeting?"
"H-hai Ichigo-sama. He was only able to give instructions when they had a short break… will you intervene sir?"
Ichigo only gritted his teeth before nodding his head and turning to look at his teacher for the first time since the ordeal happened.
"Sensei, may I leave?"
"I-I believe I do not have the authority to stop you."
The orange head dipped his head in brief thanks before turning back to the bulky servant. Ichigo was about to tell the other to follow him but quickly stopped once said person presented him with a significant haori.
"Ichigo-sama, your new haori."
Ichigo bit his lip before receiving it and dawning it with full pride, not even caring about the surprised gasps his piers gave as almost everyone recognized the significance of the gold lining of the clan symbol.
"Let us go Ichigo-sama. Ryōtarō-sama needs our heir by his side."
"Right."
With that in mind the two stalked out of the room while Kaiganehiko stayed exactly three steps behind in honest respect. Ichigo of course realized this and only sighed before speeding up in a fast walk down the halls before an idea came to mind. With this new thought he turned to look from the corner of his eye towards the Shiba servant without stopping, promoting said person to straighten up even as he walked.
"Kaiganehiko I need you to go get me something."
"Of course Ichigo-sama."
"Fetch the central 46 law book in my room and bring it to me in the manor. I'll go ahead."
"Hai!"
Ichigo flash stepped away from the academy and left the other behind with one goal in mind. He couldn't help but feel apprehension and he just knew he would have to play his trump card if the situation was as bad as he thought.
But even then he couldn't believe that he had needed to come out as heir so soon nor could he believe that the shitty geezers had moved so soon. And more than anything he found repugnant what the elders were doing at this moment in the meeting room just because they felt they had the right.
'Bastards are trying to marry us off.'
To be continued…
Sorry for the kinda short chapter but I felt it was needed to cut there. Anyway… a thousand thanks to those that took the time to read this new chapter and I hope it was to your liking!
Reviews are well received –good or bad- and inspire the poor writer.
I wish you all the best vacations!