Chapter 26: A New Captain and a Fresh Start

The scene opens in the Squad 5 barracks, with Link and Momo sitting in her office. Papers were scattered across her desk as Momo worked tirelessly despite their newlywed status. Link leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, watching her with a mix of fondness and exasperation.

"Momo," Link began, his tone soft but insistent, "you know we're supposed to be on a honeymoon, right? Not here doing squad work."

Momo sighed, setting her pen down for a moment. "I know, but I can't just leave everything unattended. The squad still doesn't have a captain, and someone has to make sure things don't fall apart."

Before Link could respond, a hand suddenly reached down from behind Momo, ruffling her hair. Momo yelped in surprise, spinning around in her chair, while Link instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword.

Behind them stood a man with a mop of shoulder-length blonde hair, a sharp grin on his face, and an air of casual confidence. "You must be Hinamori," he said, his tone teasing. "You've been running this place, huh?"

Momo blinked, stunned by the sudden appearance of the stranger. "W-who are you?" she stammered.

The man chuckled, crossing his arms. "Hirako Shinji's the name. I'm your new captain, taking back Squad 5."

Momo and Link exchanged confused looks before Momo asked, "Taking back Squad 5? What do you mean?"

Shinji raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You seriously don't know who I am? Guess the history lessons around here are slacking. Let's just say I was captain of this squad a long time ago, before all that Aizen nonsense. I'm here to clean things up and set things right."

Momo hesitated, her mind racing. "You were the captain before Aizen?"

"That's right," Shinji said with a grin. "And you've done a good job holding down the fort. But now, it's my turn again."

Without waiting for a response, Shinji grabbed Momo by the collar and effortlessly lifted her to her feet. "What are you—?!" she squeaked as he started steering her toward the door.

"You've been working yourself to death, and that's not healthy," Shinji said, his tone light but firm. "You've got a husband now and a honeymoon to enjoy. Don't come back here for at least a couple of weeks."

Momo stumbled as he deposited her outside the barracks, still too stunned to speak.

Link followed, his hand still on his sword hilt as he regarded Shinji warily. "You're really just taking over like this?"

Shinji shot him a sly look. "You don't trust me? Don't worry, kid, Squad 5's in good hands. You just focus on taking care of your wife. That's your job now."

With no further room for argument, Link took Momo's hand, guiding her away from the barracks.

--

The scene shifts to their quarters, where Momo was packing slowly, her expression uncertain. "Maybe I should go back and check on the squad," she murmured, her hands lingering over her belongings.

Link stepped behind her, gently pulling her hands away. "Momo, it's okay to let someone else take care of things. You don't have to do everything yourself."

"But—"

"No buts," Link interrupted softly but firmly. "He's the captain now. This is our time. Let's make the most of it."

Momo looked up at him, her worry giving way to a soft smile. "You're right. I'm sorry. It just feels strange to leave it all behind, even for a little while."

Link chuckled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "That's what this trip is for. To remind you that it's okay to take a break sometimes."

Reluctantly, Momo nodded and began packing in earnest. As they finished, she hesitated for a moment, looking around the room. "Do you think the world of the living will be fun?"

Link smiled, his voice warm. "I think it'll be exactly what we need."

With their belongings packed and their spirits high, the two set off, ready to begin their next adventure together.

With their belongings packed and ready, Link and Momo stood near the grand Senkaimon designated for noble house use. It was an imposing structure, gilded with ornate designs and sigils unique to Soul Society's aristocracy. Link marveled at the sight of it, knowing it represented the start of something new, not just for their honeymoon but for their lives as the leaders of the Hylia Clan.

As they prepared to step through, a soft thud echoed behind them, and a familiar voice broke the silence. "Leaving without saying goodbye?"

Both Link and Momo turned sharply to see Soi Fon standing behind them, her hands resting lightly on her hips. Her expression, while composed, held a rare softness.

"Soi Fon?" Momo asked, tilting her head. "What brings you here?"

Soi Fon stepped closer, her movements precise and fluid. "My family has always served as protectors of the Shihōin. We've ensured their safety for generations. Now that the Hylia family is rising, I thought it would only be fitting to extend that same protection to your house." She paused, her gaze flicking briefly to Link before returning to Momo. "This is my wedding gift to you—a promise to protect your family, no matter the cost."

Link and Momo exchanged a glance, both touched by the sincerity of her words. Momo stepped forward, placing a hand over Soi Fon's. "Thank you, Soi Fon. That means a lot to us. We'd be honored to have someone as strong and loyal as you looking out for us."

Link smiled, stepping closer. "Really, thank you. We're lucky to have you." Without hesitation, he pulled Soi Fon into a tight hug.

Soi Fon froze, her body stiff as she processed the unexpected embrace. Gradually, she softened, her arms wrapping around Link in return. His warmth seeped through her uniform, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to pause.

But then Link's hand brushed her back—where her shikakusho was loose—and accidentally skimmed bare skin. The unexpected sensation drew a soft, involuntary moan from Soi Fon, barely audible but enough to make both of them freeze.

Her cheeks burned a bright red as she quickly pulled away, her composure cracking. "A-ahem! Are you ready to leave?" she asked, her voice uncharacteristically shaky as she avoided eye contact.

Momo, always quick to notice, covered her mouth to suppress a giggle. "We're ready, Soi Fon. And thank you again for this… special gift."

Before they stepped through the Senkaimon, Momo took a playful step toward Soi Fon, her tone dropping to a teasing whisper. "Since you'll be watching over us… you might see us making love. Feel free to join us if you'd like—after our first session alone, of course."

Soi Fon's face turned an even brighter shade of crimson, her eyes widening as she struggled to formulate a response. "W-what? I—! That's not—!"

Momo giggled, her own cheeks tinged pink as she stepped back beside Link.

Link, oblivious to the exchange, tilted his head in confusion. "What's going on?"

"Nothing!" Soi Fon snapped, her voice a little too loud, before she quickly turned her back to them, folding her arms.

Momo looped her arm through Link's, smiling innocently. "Let's go, darling. Our honeymoon awaits."

With a final glance at the still-flustered Soi Fon, they stepped through the glowing portal of the Senkaimon, disappearing into the world of the living to begin their honeymoon.

Soi Fon stood there for a long moment after they left, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Finally, she exhaled deeply, trying to shake the heat from her face. "What have I gotten myself into…" she muttered, though her lips betrayed a small, reluctant smile.

As Link and Momo emerged from the glowing Senkaimon, the warm sunlight of Karakura Town greeted them. The modern world felt vibrant and alive compared to the structured serenity of Soul Society. They stepped onto the pavement, adjusting to the bustling energy of the town.

Behind them, Soi Fon materialized briefly, her presence almost unnoticed except for the faint rustle of her uniform. "I'll stay in the shadows," she said, her tone formal but soft. "This is your time. But… you might want to check in on Kurosaki Ichigo. I heard he lost his powers after the war. No one else from Soul Society has looked in on him, as far as I know."

Momo frowned, concern flickering in her eyes. "Ichigo did so much for us. It's hard to imagine him without his strength…"

Link nodded. "We'll pay him a visit."

Soi Fon gave a small nod, disappearing into the rooftops as quickly as she had arrived.

--

Link and Momo soon found themselves walking through the quiet streets of Karakura, taking in the sights. The sun cast long shadows as it dipped lower in the sky, signaling the approach of evening. Following the directions they'd been given, they arrived at a modest two-story house.

Link stepped forward and knocked on the door. A moment later, it swung open to reveal a tall man with messy dark hair and a jovial, almost theatrical demeanor. Momo blinked in surprise, her voice rising slightly in disbelief. "Captain Shiba?"

The man—Isshin Kurosaki—sighed dramatically, scratching the back of his head. "Man, it's been a long time since anyone called me that. Just Isshin now." He stepped aside, motioning for them to come in. "Well, don't just stand there. Come on in."

Link and Momo exchanged a quick glance before stepping inside. The house was warm and welcoming, a stark contrast to Isshin's slightly chaotic energy.

"Ichigo!" Isshin called toward the stairs. "Get down here! You've got visitors!"

From above, a muffled voice responded. "I'm coming, old man!"

--

A moment later, Ichigo appeared at the top of the stairs, his orange hair as unruly as ever. He descended with a curious expression, his hands tucked into the pockets of his casual clothes. When he reached the bottom, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Momo? And… Link, right?"

Link smiled and extended a hand, which Ichigo shook firmly. "Good to see you, Ichigo."

Momo stepped forward, her face soft with concern. "Ichigo… how are you? We heard about you losing your powers. No one's come to check on you?"

Ichigo shrugged, his expression guarded. "It's not a big deal. I've been getting by. Besides, I'm used to dealing with things on my own."

Isshin snorted, crossing his arms. "Stubborn as always. He's been moping around more than he'll admit, though."

"Dad!" Ichigo snapped, his face flushing slightly.

Momo chuckled softly, her hand briefly touching Ichigo's arm. "We wanted to make sure you were okay. You've done so much for Soul Society. We owe you at least this much."

Ichigo's gaze softened, and he gave a small nod. "Thanks… I appreciate it."

--

As the evening progressed, the four of them sat in the Kurosaki living room, sharing stories and catching up. Isshin, ever the showman, regaled them with exaggerated tales of his past as a Shinigami, much to Ichigo's embarrassment.

Link, however, found himself watching Ichigo carefully. While the young man tried to act as though everything was fine, there was a faint sadness in his eyes—a longing for the power he had lost and the world he could no longer fully be a part of.

Before they left, Link placed a hand on Ichigo's shoulder. "If you ever need anything, let me know. You don't have to handle everything alone."

Ichigo smirked, his old fire returning for a moment. "You sound like Rukia. But… thanks. I'll keep it in mind."

Before they left, Ichigo furrowed his brow and asked, "By the way, what are you two even doing here? Not that I don't appreciate the visit, but this seems… out of the blue."

Momo smiled shyly, her fingers brushing against Link's arm. "We came here as part of our honeymoon."

"Honeymoon?" Ichigo repeated, blinking in surprise.

Link nodded. "We got married recently. The Head Captain asked me to start a new noble family in Soul Society, replacing the defunct Shiba clan."

The room fell silent for a moment before Isshin's jaw dropped, and he burst out, "Wait, what? They got rid of the Shiba house?"

Ichigo frowned, looking between Link and his father. "Why would they do that? And why does it even matter to you, old man?"

Isshin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Because, Ichigo, I was the last head of the Shiba clan before I left Soul Society to live here."

Ichigo froze, his eyes wide. "Wait… what?"

"Yup," Isshin said with a wry smile. "Technically, you're part of a noble house of Soul Society, though it's not much of a house anymore. When I left, it fell into ruin. Looks like Link here stepped in to take its place."

Link shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't mean any disrespect to your family. The Shiba name is still honored, but the Head Captain thought it was time for a fresh start to help protect Soul Society."

Isshin's expression softened as he looked at Link, then Momo. "I see… well, I can't say I'm thrilled about the Shiba clan being replaced, but if anyone's going to carry on that responsibility, I'm glad it's you. Just don't let the weight of it crush you."

Ichigo leaned back, still processing the revelation. "So… I was part of a noble family, and now you're the guy taking their place. Great. That's not weird at all." He gave a small smirk, shaking his head. "Still, congrats, I guess. You've got your work cut out for you."

Momo smiled warmly, her hand slipping into Link's. "We know. But together, we'll make it work."

Ichigo leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "So, what kind of stuff do you even have to do as the head of a new noble house? Sounds like a pretty big deal."

Link rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "There's a lot. Managing affairs in Soul Society, supporting the Gotei 13, overseeing family estates, and setting up a proper legacy."

Isshin, who had been quietly sipping tea, suddenly burst into laughter. "And don't forget the most important duty—taking multiple wives!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes, groaning. "Come on, Dad. Can you take anything seriously?"

But Link surprised him by nodding. "Actually… he's not wrong."

Ichigo blinked, stunned. "Wait. What?"

"It's part of the deal," Link explained. "To ensure the family's survival and the continuation of the noble line, I'm expected to take at least three wives. That's on top of all the other responsibilities."

Isshin laughed harder, slapping the table. "Oh, man, kid, you've got your work cut out for you! Let me guess, the moment you announced this, girls started lining up to marry you?"

Link sighed, his face turning red. "Pretty much. There are four I care about who've made it pretty clear they're interested. Momo was my first choice, but Rangiku, Yoruichi, Soi Fon, and Rukia aren't making things easy."

Isshin and Ichigo both erupted into laughter.

"Those four?!" Isshin managed between gasps. "Kid, you're not building a noble house—you're signing up for chaos!"

Ichigo shook his head, chuckling. "Yeah, good luck with that. They're all strong, stubborn, and... unique. They're going to run you ragged."

Link groaned. "You're not wrong. I'm already wondering how I'll keep up with just one wife."

Ichigo smirked. "Hey, I get it. I'm having trouble managing two myself."

That caught Link and Isshin's attention immediately. "Two?" they both asked, leaning forward.

Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "Yeah... Tatsuki and that Zelda girl from your world, Link. She just sort of forced herself into the relationship."

Isshin grinned. "Two strong-willed women bossing you around? You're doomed, kid."

Ichigo shrugged. "Maybe, but I'm making it work. Somehow. Besides, I don't think I have it as bad as Link. I'm not juggling four potential wives who might kill each other—or him."

Link groaned again, his head dropping into his hands. "Why does everyone keep saying that?"

Isshin clapped him on the back. "Because it's true, son. Welcome to the club."

The three men sat together, sharing stories and advice, their laughter filling the Kurosaki household. It was a rare, lighthearted moment in the midst of their chaotic lives, and for Link, a reminder that even in the most overwhelming of situations, he wasn't alone.