Chapter 18: Repercussions
After the news broke of the head captains orders on Ichigo Kurosaki, everything was starting to seem too real to people. Ichigo, the boy who would risk his very life just to save a friend no matter what, was now sided willingly with the enemy. It was tragic news indeed for the soul society as they knew Ichigo was now even more powerful than before, and would be a dangerous adversary. For the ones in Karakura Town, this news felt wrong.
Despite the order from the head captain, and the impending war that was on the horizon, there was still a slight hope of victory. Mayuri Kurotsuchi developed a way to swap the town with a fake and have the real Karakura Town in the soul society along with its populace under a deep sleep. This at least gave the soul reapers an advantage as it meant a level playing field. It was also found that Aizen's forces would strike in two days by Kisuke Urahara, so they at least had time to prepare properly for the war.
The only one who would not be able to join the battle was Toshiro as his injuries he received from Ichigo in the Dangai were much more severe than Unohana thought. It was a big hit to morale within squad ten, so Isshin decided to step back into his old position much to everyone else's surprise. His return was a real shock so soon after the head captains orders involving his daughter and many questions were floating about that would not be answered now.
While Isshin was back to his old position to keep his mind focused, he entrusted both Yuzu and Karin to Orihime who would also join in the battle to help heal others. She was struggling to keep it together, but had to for both their sake. It was not easy accepting Ichigo as a girl, but she eventually adjusted and became supportive of it. Now though, it was almost tortuous for her to accept what Ichigo has become now. She held onto some hope that her old friend and crush was still in there somewhere and could be saved, but that seemed like a pipe dream now.
Both Chad and Renji spent whatever remaining time they had training in the underground training area. The two were already strong, but they knew they had to be stronger now not just to stop Aizen, but to save their friend as well.
Uryu went back to his father in order to learn as much as possible from him in two days. Ryuken was irritated by Uryu's request as he himself had always despised soul reapers, now he was all too eager to help them. When confronted about that, Uryu yelled out that he wasn't doing this for the soul reapers or their laws. He was doing it to save his friend from a mad man because he knew that was what Ichigo would have done in his position. Ryuken scoffed at the idea but relented nonetheless.
Rukia was ordered back to the soul society as Ukitake had to speak with her about any potential weakness Ichigo may have now. He knew about some deep psychological issues she had when she was a boy and his terrible control of his energy, but now they knew next to nothing about the girl. Rukia didn't know what to say or how to answer her captain, but she tried her best to come up with anything.
Yoruichi left the shop and hasn't been seen since the orders from Yamamoto reached them. Kisuke was worried for her, but knew she would be there when it was time to fight. No way would she miss the chance to face that Halibel women again.
Sorry it's so short. Been rocking a fever for the past few days. Not feeling too great but getting better bit by bit. Next chapter will be much longer, promise.
Next chapter will show Ichigo and Halibel preparing for the war with some friends.
Anyway, stay awesome and as always...
PEACE!