A.N.: This story was commissioned by Anonymous. Please see my bio page if you wish to have a paid commission done.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

12 Brides and a Strawberry
Chapter 19

Karakura Town; Ichigo's Manor

Everyone waited with bated breath as Ichigo silently looked at Renji for a long minute. His brides and wives, Uryu, Chad, the Vizards and Kisuke all stared at Ichigo, wondering how he'd respond to Renji's challenge. His face was unreadable to everybody while he stared at Renji's angry face. Just when the tension was becoming unbearable, he uncrossed his arms finally and gave his answer.

"No."

The group behind Ichigo all stared in disbelief. Even Renji was caught off guard by Ichigo's response. "Took a second to think about it. Thought it over. No." Ichigo took a few steps back and leaned against the table as he continued. "I'm not interested in your gift because you haven't earned the right to give it."

Renji opened his mouth to rebuke Ichigo, only for the young man to continue. "Nah, no man. Whoa! I've been watching you. I've been listening to you. And I don't care," confessed the Substitute. "Just like my friends, my wives and my fiancés in here and in the Soul Society. We don't care about you. Why? We don't care about you because we don't believe you. We don't believe you because you don't believe you." Ichigo simply shook his head in exasperation. "You scream and rage at me over your own personal perceived gripes, but none of it feels like comes from here," he added, gesturing to his heart. Once again, Renji tried to speak but Ichigo cut him off. "And dude. Whoa! I'm not talking to you from a high place. I've never acted like I was better than you or that I deserve any of this. I've been in your shoes. I've been angry before when I lost my powers and I couldn't see you or Rukia again. That's why I jumped on the opportunity with X-CUTION to get my powers back. But we all know how that opportunity ended: with me crying in the rain," he confessed. "But then you showed up. Both of you," he quickly glanced at Rukia before going back to Renji, "gave me a new opportunity."

"You," Ichigo pointed a finger at Renji. "Have been given opportunity after opportunity after opportunity to be better but you don't believe in you and they all know it and the opportunities aren't enough. You don't have heart. You don't have soul, reaper."

Ichigo waited for Renji to respond again but when he fell silent, Ichigo gestured to his wives. "When Kyoraku made the offer to marry me, without my consent by the way, they did so out of love," he glanced at Orihime, Rangiku, Tatsuki and Nel, "and respect," he gestured to Sung-Sun, Candice and Riruka. "Because after all we've been through, they made a conscious choice to be with me, in spite of all the craziness that comes with this marriage deal. They want to marry me because they believe in me. You want to know why Kyoraku didn't ask for them to marry you? Because they don't believe in you."

Again Renji opened his mouth to speak but Ichigo cut him off. "But wait!" He held up his hand to stop Renji. "This is what my dad calls a Feedback Sandwich. Now I'm gonna say something good. You are, in theory, the best Soul Reaper." Ichigo could tell that the others were confused so he elaborated. "No, think about it guys. Byakuya Kuchiki. Toshiro Hitsugaya. Kenpachi Zaraki. There is no Soul Reaper better than you." Renji seemed to be appeased by Ichigo's praise before the young man burst his bubble. "Because that's exactly what you are, Renji. A theory. In theory, you should be great. In theory, you're everything the captains are looking for. 'You look good, you work hard, and you fight great'. In theory, when there's a spot open for a captain, you should be the first, last and only choice." Ichigo simply shook his head. "But no one cares. And you're wasting everyone's time with your bullshit. So, allow me to give you a counteroffer, lieutenant."

Ichigo pointed to the door. "Shut up. Turn around. And go home before Orihime snaps and breaks your legs. And if you don't believe she can, Tatsuki has some stories for you."

All eyes turned to Orihime, who was glaring daggers at Renji. That Renji would show up to demand a fight after causing so much pain to Rukia made her blood boil in a way that few people had ever managed. Even Riruka was a little scared by how angry she was.

Ichigo's verbal beat down completely took the wind out of Renji's sails. He stood there as he processed his rival's words. For a long minute, everyone stood in silence now that the ball was in Renji's court. However, if they were expecting Renji to walk away with his tail between his legs, they were disappointed.

"Why am I not surprised?" Renji scoffed at his friend. "But then again, when it comes down to it, you really are a loser." Renji looked over at Ichigo's friends and brides. "Maybe your whores would like to know how their dear savior defeated Yhwach back at the Royal Palace. Oh wait. You didn't! You were lying there like a bitch after you pussed out because Yhwach broke your Bankai!" he said with a satisfying sneer. "Who was it who had to pick your ass up and drag you back to the battle after you'd gotten your ass handed? Oh wait, that was me! Funny how you got all the credit and that part gets left out."

If Renji was expecting Ichigo to get angry, he was sorely disappointed. "You realize that the majority of the people in this room have at one point or another kicked my ass, right? Kisuke's walloped me. Tatsuki could hand me my ass in my Human body, I've gotten knocked around by Riruka's dolls. Hiyori and the Vizards did nothing but beat me black and blue when I was training with them."

"It's true, I've got the photos we took of Ichigo knocked out in a scrapbook at home," said Hiyori with a cheeky smirk, much to Ichigo's irritation.

"Point is, it doesn't matter how many times I've been beaten. You still suck." Ichigo sighed as he shook his head. "You really are a dumb son of a bitch. I didn't say no because I'm scared of losing. I said no to save your ass."

Once again, Renji looked confused so Ichigo had to elaborate. "You're really putting my back against the wall but you don't understand. If we fight and I win? You lose everything. You're done." Ichigo stepped closer and stared into Renji's angry eyes. "If we fight and you win? You. Lose. Everything. Oh sure, you might win the day. But then you gotta get up the next morning, all by yourself, and explain. You won't have me to lean on, you won't have Rukia or the others to back you up. It'll just be you, lieutenant, against the most harsh, vocal, ruthless and critical man in the entire Soul Society and he will eat you alive!" shouted Ichigo, finally losing his cool. "Because he sees what I see and he sees what they see and it's that you are full of crap!"

Ichigo's spiritual pressure flared, startling everyone. Rangiku, Bambietta and Candice had to put themselves in front of Tatsuki and Riruka to shield the pair from his immense pressure. Despite his earlier bravado, Renji felt a drop of cold sweat drip down the side of his face as he stared into Ichigo's angry eyes.

Taking a moment to breathe, Ichigo calmed himself and exhaled. "But you really left me no choice because you brought them into it. And now I gotta ask them what we're going to do. I'm a married man now so I can't just act on my own accord. Apparently I'm whipped according to Grimmjow. Ladies? Thoughts?"

Bambietta and the two remaining Quincy brides all nodded. "He wants a fight? Give him one," said Candice.

Sung-Sun stared disgustingly at Renji. "He deserves to have his clock cleaned after the appalling way he spoke to Master Halibel and my sisters."

Rangiku was absolutely seething. "You come in here, as we're preparing the reception for my wedding and you call me a whore? I'm done trying to save you from yourself, Renji. There's no hope for you anymore."

"I agree," said Yoruichi, nodding along with Mashiro. "You call us whores and think we're going to take that lying down? If Ichigo doesn't kick your ass, I volunteer."

Nel stood behind Ichigo and gave an equal glare to the lieutenant. "Ichigo, I earlier cautioned you against violence because he was not your responsibility. But I see now he's made himself our responsiblity. Do what you feel is right."

Riruka and Tatsuki said nothing, both looking over at Orihime who was putting a hand on Rukia's shoulder for support. Rukia looked like she was about to burst into tears at any given second as she stared at the two men with a heartbroken expression.

"Kisuke?" Ichigo called out to his old friend who had been setting up some banners with Tessai. "We need your underground chamber."

Seeing that there was no other way to avoid a conflict, Kisuke sighed. "Very well. I'll go to make the necessary preparations. If you'll excuse me…" Kisuke quickly made him scarce while Ichigo continued to stare down Renji.

"Renji, I may give up on myself, but I know they'll never give up on me." Ichigo held up a finger. "One hour from now. You and me. Just like you wanted. I wish you luck, Renji, because you're going to need it. Because Byakuya knows you don't have it here." Ichigo pointed at Renji's head. "They know you don't have it here." He then pointed at the man's heart before leaning forward until his forehead almost pressed against his. "And she knows you don't have it here."

Ichigo flicked his wrist, causing the tips of his knuckles to just barely tap Renji's bean bag, making him flinch. Angered more than he'd ever been in his life, the Soul Reaper stomped away. "Wait!" Ichigo called out to him. "One last thing?" When Renji turned around, Ichigo pointed back at him. "You really need to work on that last bit."

Nobody dared to move or breathe until Renji was gone, everyone finally letting out a breath once they didn't sense him in the manor anymore. "Well…that happened," said Bambietta.

Ichigo let the tension leave him and slumped his shoulders. "Fuck…"

Nel gently patted his back. "You did nothing wrong, Ichigo. Renji is the one who came here picking a fight and chose to egg you on. I'm not happy about this either. Yoruichi and I will contact the Soul Society to let them know what's happening."

Ichigo remained silent, wondering if he was doing the right thing. Knowing that there was no point in kicking himself for it now, he walked away to go rest in his room. He passed by Rukia, unable to look her in the eye.

Sighing, Rangiku shook her head. "I guess we'll have to pause our decorations until this is over."

Riruka looked over at the strawberry blonde. "You think Ichigo can take him? I mean…Ichigo might hold back like he did with Halibel."

But Rangiku shook her head. "I don't believe so. Halibel had been captured and tortured by Yhwach. Ichigo didn't want to hurt a person who'd already gone through hell. Renji, on the other hand…" She looked over at Rukia as Orihime helped her into a chair to try and calm her down. "Renji has done nothing to earn Ichigo's mercy. He really is a dumb son of a bitch for saying all that right in front of her."

One hour later…

Kisuke's Underground Chamber

Renji had been ready and waiting for Ichigo as he and his group descended the ladder. Kisuke had set up several bleachers along the far wall for the girls, Uryu, Chad and the Vizards to sit in while Ichigo took to the field.

The angry lieutenant's blood was boiling as Ichigo stood apart from him. "You have no idea how long I've been wanting this."

Ichigo said nothing, knowing that anything he said would just add fuel to Renji's fire. He drew both Zangetsu blades and took a stance. "Let's get this over with…."

Renji drew his blade so quickly that sparks shot out of the sheath. The onlookers gasped as Renji rushed him, his red spiritual pressure clashing with Ichigo's gold. The colliding powers made the entire chamber shake while they locked blades, making everyone start to sweat a little. "Kisuke, can this place endure them fighting?" asked a worried Yoruichi.

Sitting next to her with a bucket of popcorn, Kisuke watched the boys fight. "I reinforced the place before you all showed up. It was a bit of a rush job but it should hold together." Another tremor made him sweat a little. "Should being the operative word here." He offered the bucket to Yoruichi, who took a few pieces.

"Uh…are we going to be safe at this distance?" asked a worried Riruka, who was already sweating bullets."

"The bleachers have a generator underneath that provides a field that diminishes the effects of spiritual pressure," explained Kisuke.

Riruka's eyes almost popped out of her head. "Are you kidding me? I feel like I'm pressed up against a boulder and that's diminished?!"

Orihime turned to give her friend a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Riruka. I can always use my Santen Kesshun to shield us if it gets too bad."

The conversation was interrupted by the sound of clashing steel. Renji swiped and slashed at Ichigo, who stood his ground and deflected them. "What's wrong, Ichigo? Where's all that confidence you had before?" taunted the angry lieutenant. "Or were you expecting an easy fight?"

Again Ichigo remained silent. Renji was indeed stronger thanks to the training he went through with Osho. However, Renji's inflated ego took a hit when Ichigo swung his longsword hard. He blocked it but the impact sent him skidding ten feet away. 'Be serious, Renji. Remember, you wanted this fight."

"Oh, I'm serious, alright! Roar: Zabimaru!" Renji released his zanpakuto, turning his sword into the blade-whip that Ichigo and Rukia were all too familiar with. Jumping high into the air, he slashed at Ichigo with his long-ranged attack. Ichigo jumped to the side, avoiding the shot as the blade destroyed a boulder behind him. Two more times Renji slashed at him, only for Ichigo to disappear with a burst of Flash Step. 'What?! Where'd he-ngh!"

Ichigo appeared behind him and delivered a roundhouse kick to the side, knocking him to the ground. "Have you forgotten we've fought before? I know Zabimaru's flaw of three strikes before it needs to retract."

"Grrr…" Scrambling to his feet, Renji went right back on the attack. They collided in midair, a flurry of strikes. Ichigo had the edge in speed with his two blades but Renji's anger fueled his strength, knocking Ichigo with a wide swing. "I once thought you as my friend! A comrade! A brother! But you just kept putting yourself between us!" he screamed in impotent rage. He extended his blade-whip again and sent another attack at Ichigo.

Landing on the ground, Ichigo sheathed his shortsword and extended his hand. To Renji's and the onlookers' astonishment, he caught the attack with his bare hand. The lieutenant's sharp eyes caught the small glimmer of blue in his palm that shielded his hand from harm. "There it is. So I was right. Not only are you part Hollow. You're part Quincy," he said with a sneer.

"My mother was a Quincy, yes."

"Heh, should have figured." Renji slowly descended to the ground. "I'm well aware of how tough Blut is from my fight with Uryu. So that explains why Yhwach wanted your powers." Renji's expression grew contemptuous. "You act all high and mighty but now that I think about it, you're nothing more than some science project Aizen made."

Ichigo was unfazed by his friend's taunts. He let go of the blade in his hand to let Renji retract it back. "So? It doesn't matter how I came to be. I am me," he insisted.

"What you are is a spoiled brat who's spent so much time thinking with his dick! Anyone who jumps in bed with our enemies is an enemy!" Renji pointed Zabimaru at Ichigo. "And as Lieutenant of Squad Six, I declare you traitor to all Soul Reapers! Once I'm done with you, I'll do what my captain and Kyoraku should have done!" His eyes turned the brides watching the battle, particularly the Quincies, Sung-Sun and Riruka.

The threat finally made Ichigo snap. "You aren't hurting anyone else! You've already hurt Rukia enough!" he angrily said before charging forward.

"You don't get to speak her fucking name, YOU GODDAMN BRAT!" Renji charged to meet Ichigo, but underestimated his opponent. As soon as Ichigo got within range, his swords started to glow, making Renji realize his mistake.

"Getsuga Tensho!"

The golden blast erupted from his blade, engulfing the redhead. Rukia shot up out of her seat and gasped in horror. "RENJIII!"

Renji was blasted away, landing in a heap on the other end of the chamber. Everyone dared not to breathe, fearing Ichigo had just killed Renji. Rukia let out a sigh of relief when she saw her boyfriend rise to his feet, although everyone could see the large wound that stretched across his chest, blood pouring everywhere.

Ichigo steadily walked forward, the anger prevalent on his scowling face. "Stand down, Renji. Now."

His eyes were redder than his blood, Renji refused to back down. "Fine then. BAN…KAI!" The lieutenant disappeared in a whirlwind of power and emerged with his newly acquired Bankai. "So-Oh Zabimaru!" His new Bankai shocked many of the onlookers since they'd never seen it before.

Bambietta narrowed her eyes. "And suddenly I can see how Mask De Masculine got his ass handed to him." She hugged her arms as a bead of sweat ran down the side of her face. "It'd probably have taken all five of us to bring him down," she confessed. The other Bambis as well as Askin and Bazz-B, looked at her with shocked expressions; not that Bambietta was telling the truth, but that it was Bambietta who said it.

Askin let out a whistle. "Guess the married life finally mellowed you out after all. A shame Robert isn't still alive for me to collect on our bet. He didn't think a shrew like you would ever-OOMPH!" Askin was interrupted when Bambietta gave him a Blut Arterie enhanced elbow to the gut.

"Don't push it or I'll send you back to the grave."

"D-Duly noted…"

Back to the fight, Renji put a hand to his wound, gritting his teeth from the pain as he pulled it back to look at his bloody palm. "Heh, seems you had some fight left in you after all. I assumed I'd beat you as easily as Halibel did," he said with a bloodied grin, much to Sung-Sun's irritation.

"Stop it, Renji. Your Bankai is putting too much of a strain on-"

"I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK! IT'S TIME YOU FACED SOME DAMN CONSEQUENCES!" Renji hauled back his arm that had his snake blade. "Zazekka!"

Everyone watched as his snaked sword expanded into a modified version of his Shikai. Renji unleashed it at Ichigo, only to watch him disappear with Flashstep. "Trying to flank me again, huh? I don't fall for the same trick twice!" Renji swung behind him with his giant monkey arm, intent on intercepting Ichigo's attack. But no attack came. He turned around and saw Ichigo standing on top of a nearby boulder. Ichigo slashed at the air to create a horizontal beam before bringing down his longsword.

"Getsuga Jujisho!"

Ichigo new move blitzed toward Renji, forcing him to shield himself with his gorilla arm. The others watched as he once again disappeared in a golden explosion. Ichigo readied himself as the dust settled, having not put his all into the attack to ensure he didn't destroy the chamber along with everyone watching.

Out of the dust cloud jumped Renji, screaming like a madman as he charged towards Ichigo. His monkey arm was all bone, having taken the brunt of the boy's attack. "Is that the best you got? Ichigoooo!"

Ichigo simply Flashstepped out of the way of the insane lieutenant. Renji landed on the ground and whirled around to find where he'd gone. Ichigo took a deep breath and held up his two blades. "Fine then. Have it your way. BAN…KAI!"

It was Ichigo's turn to disappear in a torrent of power. When he emerged, his new blade was revealed. "Tensa Zangetsu."

Despite his wound and how much pain he was in, Renji smiled. "So I finally got you to get serious. I wonder if that sword's as brittle as last time!" Renji held up his skeletal hand. "Hikotsu Taiho!"

Out of the skeletal hand shot a dense ball of spiritual fire. However, Ichigo was unfazed. The group watched him slowly hold out his sword and made a swing. "Getsuga Tensho!"

The attack came with no mercy. First it sliced Renji's attack. Then it sliced Renji's gorilla arm. And his real arm.

Blood erupted from the lieutenant's shoulder, his arm falling to the ground. Gasping for air, he staggered backwards. Ichigo slowly stalked forward. "Give up, Renji. You can't win."

"I…won't…I WON'T!" screamed Renji, even as his Bankai faded away. It was clear to everyone that he wasn't going to stop.

Ichigo held up his sword, ready to put him out of his misery. "Fine then. You asked for this, Ren-"

"STOP!"

Rukia ran up and hugged Ichigo from behind, tears running down his face. "Stop! Please! Just stop!" she cried.

Ichigo looked over at his brides. Orihime, Riruka and Tatsuki were looking at him horrified. Realizing just what he was about to do, Ichigo looked away ashamedly and lowered his sword. "We're done," he said.

Rukia let go of him, letting Ichigo walk past her. She looked down at Renji, the man both beaten and broken. Renji looked up at her with a hopeful look in his eyes. That she stopped Ichigo to save him surely meant that she chose him over Ichigo, right?

If that was what Renji thought, he was sorely mistaken. Rukia's red, crying eyes filled with pained anger. "I didn't save you because I love you. I didn't want your death to be on my conscious. Stay away from me." She turned her back to him. "I loved you once. But you aren't the man I fell in love with. I don't know where he went but I see now he's gone." Orihime rushed up to her and helped usher the heartbroken girl away from the battlefield.

"Ru-Rukia! Wait, I-"

"Enough."

A dense, angry flare of spiritual pressure turned everyone's heads. Ichigo turned around to see Byakuya Kuchiki exiting a Senkaimon. One look at the scene that laid before him was enough for him to understand the situation. He walked past his defeated lieutenant and made his way over to Ichigo Kurosaki.

Nobody knew what Byakuya would say or do to Ichigo but that only made what came next shocking. Byakuya gave a slight bow to the young man. "Ichigo. I apologize for the actions of my adjutant. His behavior is beyond inexcusable. As his commanding officer, the responsibility for his brash actions lies with me. I promise you this, Ichigo Kurosaki: this will not happen again," he said with a tone of menace, although everyone knew that it wasn't directed at Ichigo. He didn't need to guess who it was that started this fight.

Sealing his Bankai back into his two blades, Ichigo quickly sheathed them. "Byakuya, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"You have done nothing wrong, Ichigo. Rest assured, the blame for this lies entirely at Renji," said Byakuya. Ichigo had enough going on with his polygamous marriage and he did not want this debacle to endanger the peace treaty.

"I see…" Ichigo looked over at his girls and saw Orihime hugging Rukia in an attempt to comfort her. "Will it be alright if Rukia stays with Orihime for a while?"

Byakuya stood up straight. "The Head-Captain and I have already given her permission to stay here. She may stay for as long as she needs. If you'll excuse me." Turning away, Byakuya walked back over to his defeated lieutenant. Rangiku shivered from the cold look in the captain's eyes; he hadn't looked like that since the last time Renji lost to Ichigo.

"Get up. We are leaving, Renji."

Despite his injuries, the maimed lieutenant managed to make it to his feet. Sheathing his sword, Renji leaned down to pick up his severed arm only for Byakuya to put a foot on it to stop him. "I said. We. Are. Leaving."

Letting go, Renji left his arm where it lay and followed his captain back into the still-open Senkaimon. Everyone watched them leave before Ichigo let out a sigh. Yoruichi and Candice walked up to him, both putting a hand on his back. "Guys, did I do the right thing?"

"Sometimes we don't make the right decision, Ichigo. Sometimes there just isn't a right decision. We all have to pay for our mistakes and today, Renji paid for his. Come on. Let's go home."

"You think Renji is going to be alright? I hurt him pretty bad."

Candice laughed. "Are you kidding? I thought we were going to need Orihime from how you destroyed him back at the manor! Come on you big lug. Let's get you home."

Ichigo and his newly growing family all left for the manor, everyone desperate to put this day behind them and hoping that the matter with Renji had resolved at last…

To be continued…

Omake

Wow, the Scoreboard really is one-sided, ain't it?

Ichigo's Manor; Meeting Room

"Let's see…there was that Arrancar who attacked him," started Orihime.

"Does that count? We did grab Ebern before Ichigo could finish the job," interrupted Candice.

"Well, there's the Quincy we fought in Hueco Mundo,"

"But as I heard, Ichigo didn't beat him. Kisuke shot him from behind and Grimmjow finished him off." This time it was Yoruichi who interrupted her.

"Then he fought Yhwach at the first invasion…"

"L," said Candice.

"L," added Meninas

Bambietta put her hand to her forehead and made the letter L. "Major L if there ever was one."

"Well what about when he fought you guys?"

Meninas sat back in her chair. "We got interrupted. Plus, we got attacked from behind by Bazz-B."

"Oh…um…I guess he didn't beat Yhwach the second time either…"

The door opened up and Ichigo poked his head inside. "What are you guys talking about?"

Yoruichi gave a mischievous grin. "Your win-loss record. You mentioned it before in the ballroom and it got us thinking of many fights during the war with the Vandenreich you actually won."

Ichigo just gave a deadpan expression. "Why is that important?"

"Teasing material. And from the sounds of it, it doesn't look like you actually got a single W in that whole fight."

Ichigo sweatdropped. "Um…"

Bambietta simply laughed. "Yeah and Askin told us how he turned you into a rug on the ground with his Schrift. Major L there too."

"Hey! I beat Yhwach!"

"After you lost to him in the throne room. That last round was a group effort. Doesn't count," said Yoruichi, wagging a finger at him.

Annoyed, Ichigo slammed the door shut, making all the girls laugh. They knew he was pretty strong and respected his strength but they all wanted to embarrass Ichigo a little. After all, that's what wives always do to their husbands.

END