Broken Dreams

by ThunderReborn

Ichigo finally killed Aizen. But, from that he gained two new spirits, two big secrets and 1 lonely time. Rated T for language. This does contain some anime crossovers and minor cameos. PM if you have a possible idea to incorporate for potential visits or cameos. Current schedule: one chapter every two months, odd numbered months.

14. Chapter 14 (Arc 3)

Hello, everyone. ThunderReborn from 2025. This chapter has originally been edited by TM11 when this chapter was originally released. On April 1st, 2020, this chapter was edited again by Darklord331. Finally, in April 2025, this chapter was edited again by my current beta reader, Waroyer123. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.

The following is a fan-based parody.

Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, Studio Pierrot... and other people.

Yugioh is owned by Kazuki Takahashi, Konami… 4Kids?... and other people.

All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.

Please support the official release.

"Hello." -Normal talking

"Hello." –Ichigo's thoughts.

"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking

"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.

Kon'nichiwa [Translation of Hello]

Chapter 14:

Time Skip: One week

A week has passed since Seto's announcement. Many non-duelists complained and protested about the chaos KaibaCorp's new tournament would cause. Some even tried to write petitions to cancel the event. Unfortunately, the petitions couldn't stop the tournament for a few reasons. First, the tournament itself would not cause chaos; rather, it would be the duelists who decided to duel on the streets and interrupt traffic. Additionally, the tournament was announced publicly to all citizens of Domino City, giving non-duelists one week's notice for temporary changes due to the event.

In other news, Seto arranged for various card shops to distribute the new Duel Disks. Seto personally rated each person from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. For a person to participate in the tournament, their rating needed to be at least 5, and that person would also receive a Duel Disk for free. Seto had various people install the software on computers in card shops throughout Domino City. As promised, Seto handed Ichigo three decks—one for each girl—as well as a Duel Disk for each of them.

Yuzu, Karin, and Eu arrived later that day. Ichigo gave each girl their deck and Duel Disk and spent the next moments showing them how to use the Duel Disk.

"Onii-chan, where is your Duel Disk?" Yuzu asked.

"It's in my room," Ichigo said.

"Can we see your deck?" Karin asked.

"Sure," Ichigo replied, going to get his deck and Duel Disk. When Ichigo returned, the girls were amazed by his custom Duel Disk.

"How did you get that?" Karin asked.

"Pegasus custom-made the Duel Disk for me," Ichigo explained.

"Really!?" Yuzu exclaimed.

"Well, Onii-chan, who do you want to duel first?" Yuzu asked.

"I am thinking of a number from one to ten. Whoever guesses it right goes first, and we continue from there," Ichigo said. The girls agreed to Ichigo's idea. Karin would go first against Ichigo, then Yuzu, and Eu would be last.

"Ready, Ichi-nii?" Karin asked.

"Yes," Ichigo replied.

"Duel!" they yelled.

{Karin 4000 / Ichigo 4000}

"You can start, Ichi-nii," Karin said.

"Okay. I activate Red-Eyes Fusion," Ichigo said as he played the spell card. "This card allows me to Fusion Summon one Red-Eyes Fusion Monster by sending the necessary fusion materials from my deck, hand, or field. However, I cannot Normal or Special Summon for the rest of this turn," Ichigo explained as he sent Summon Skull and Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the Graveyard. "Come forth, Archfiend Black Skull Dragon!" Ichigo declared as the Dragon Fusion appeared on his side of the field. "I then set a monster and place two face-down cards," Ichigo said. A set card appeared beside the dragon, and two more face-down cards were placed behind it. "With that, my turn is over."

"Wait, didn't Ichi-nii say he can't Normal or Special Summon this turn?" Yuzu asked.

"Normally that is correct. However, setting a monster and Normal Summoning is different," Eu explained.

"Anyways, my turn," Karin said. "I activate Dark Hole!" Karin said, destroying Ichigo's Archfiend Black Skull Dragon and the set monster. "I then Normal Summon Gladiator Beast Murmillo and Special Summon Test Tiger," Karin said as a fish-like monster and a tiger appeared on her side of the field. "I then activate Test Tiger's effect. By tributing it, I can send one of my Gladiator Beasts back to the deck and Special Summon another one from my deck. Also, the Special Summon counts as being Special Summoned due to an effect of a Gladiator Beast," Karin said as Test Tiger was sent to the Graveyard.

"Not so fast, Karin. I activate Red-Eyes Spirit," Ichigo said as he activated his trap card. "This trap allows me to Special Summon one Red-Eyes monster from my Graveyard," Ichigo explained. "Return Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Red-Eyes Black Dragon reappeared on the field.

"Now my Test Tiger's effect can resolve and send Gladiator Beast Murmillo back to the deck. I Special Summon Gladiator Beast Augustus," Karin said as the Level 8 monster appeared. "Since Gladiator Beast Augustus was Special Summoned by a Gladiator Beast's effect, I can use its effect. Gladiator Beast Augustus's effect allows me to Special Summon one Gladiator Beast from my hand in face-up Defense Position. However, the Special Summoned monster goes back to the deck at the End Phase if it is still on the field," Karin explained. "I choose Gladiator Beast Laquari!" Karin said as Gladiator Beast Laquari was Special Summoned in face-up Defense Position.

"I attack Red-Eyes Black Dragon with Gladiator Beast Augustus!" Karin declared. Gladiator Beast Augustus attacked and destroyed Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

{Karin 4000 / Ichigo 3800}

"After the Battle Phase is over, Gladiator Beast Augustus's other effect activates. It sends itself back to the deck and allows me to Special Summon another Gladiator Beast to the field," Karin said. "I Special Summon another Gladiator Beast Laquari!" Karin said. "Since Gladiator Beast Laquari was Special Summoned this way, its original attack is now 2100. I set one card and end my turn," Karin said. The Gladiator Beast Laquari that Karin Special Summoned by Gladiator Beast Augustus went back to the deck.

"During your End Phase, I activate my Spell Card, Mystical Space Typhoon!" Ichigo said. "This card destroys the set card you just placed," Ichigo said. A typhoon appeared from Ichigo's side and destroyed Karin's set Gladiator Taming. "Now then, I draw," Ichigo said. "I summon Black Stone of Legend," Ichigo said as a black and red egg appeared on the field. "By tributing my egg, I can Special Summon one Level 7 or lower Red-Eyes Monster," Ichigo explained. "Come forth, Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon!" Ichigo said as the Black Egg broke open and another black dragon took its place. "I attack Gladiator Beast Laquari," Ichigo declared. The Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon destroyed Gladiator Beast Laquari with a crimson fireball.

{Karin 3700 / Ichigo 3800}

"I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw. I activate Gladiator Proving Ground. This card allows me to add one Level 4 or below Gladiator Beast monster from my deck to my hand," Karin explained. "I choose Gladiator Beast Secutor," Karin said. "I set one card and end my turn," Karin added.

"My turn. Draw," Ichigo said. "Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon, attack Karin's set card!" Ichigo declared. The dragon fired another crimson fireball at the set monster, destroying Gladiator Beast Secutor. "I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw," Karin said. "I activate Soul Charge. This card allows me to Special Summon as many monsters from my Graveyard as I want. However, for each card Special Summoned this way, I must pay one thousand of my Life Points," Karin explained. "I choose Test Tiger," Karin said as the tiger appeared on her side of the field again, and her Life Points dropped to 2700.

{Karin 2700 / Ichigo 3800}

"I then Normal Summon Gladiator Beast Retiari and activate Test Tiger's effect again," Karin said. "This time, I Special Summon Gladiator Beast Murmillo in Defense Mode!" Karin said as the fish-like monster from earlier appeared. "Gladiator Beast Murmillo's effect activates, allowing me to destroy your Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon," Karin declared. Ichigo's Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon was destroyed. "After that, I end my turn," Karin said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "Good job on the comeback, Karin, but can you deal with this?" Ichigo said. "I activate Allure of Darkness. This card allows me to draw two cards, but I have to remove one DARK-type monster from my hand or discard my entire hand," Ichigo explained as he drew two more cards. "Luckily, I do have a monster to remove," Ichigo said as he removed Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact. "I then activate Red-Eyes Insight. This card allows me to send one Red-Eyes monster from my hand or deck to the Graveyard and then add one Red-Eyes Spell or Trap to my hand," Ichigo said as he sent another copy of Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon to the Graveyard. "The Spell Card I choose is Red-Eyes Fusion, and I activate it," Ichigo said. "This time, I send Red-Eyes Black Dragon and my other copy of Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact to the Graveyard and Special Summon Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" Ichigo declared. "Now its effect activates," Ichigo said. "This effect allows me to send one Red-Eyes monster from my hand or deck to the Graveyard, and my opponent takes half of that Red-Eyes monster's attack as damage," Ichigo explained. "The card I choose is Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon, which has 2800 attack points," Ichigo said as Karin took 1400 points of damage.

{Karin 1300 / Ichigo 3800}

"Now Meteor Black Comet Dragon, attack Gladiator Beast Murmillo!" Ichigo ordered. The dragon swiftly destroyed Karin's fish-like monster. "I set one card down and end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw. I set one card and end my turn," Karin said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I activate my Black Stone of Legend's other effect. I can send one Level 7 or lower Red-Eyes monster back to my deck, and my Black Stone of Legend goes back to my hand," Ichigo said. "The dragon I pick is the good old Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Ichigo said as he sent Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the deck and added Black Stone of Legend to his hand. "I now equip my Meteor Black Comet Dragon with Black Metal Dragon, which gives my Meteor Black Comet Dragon 600 more attack points," Ichigo said as Meteor Black Comet Dragon's attack points increased to 4100. "Now Meteor Black Comet Dragon, attack Karin's set card!" Ichigo said as the dragon destroyed Karin's set monster. "I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw," Karin said. "I set one card and end my turn," Karin said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "Meteor Black Comet Dragon, attack Karin's Life Points directly with Black Meteor Impact!" Ichigo declared as Meteor Black Comet Dragon delivered the final blow to Karin's Life Points.

{Karin 0000 / Ichigo 3800}

"Wow. Ichi-nii, you're strong," Karin said.

"You could defeat Yugi with that deck," Yuzu said.

"Well… I don't know about that," Ichigo said.

"Anyways, Yuzu, it is your turn," Eu said.

"Okay," Yuzu said.

"Let me switch decks," Ichigo said as he swapped decks.

{Yuzu 4000 / Ichigo 4000}

"Duel!" Yuzu and Ichigo yelled.

"You can go first, Ichi-nii," Yuzu said.

"Okay. I set one card face-down and end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw. I activate Pre-Preparation of Rites. This card allows me to add a Ritual Spell Card from my deck to my hand and add the corresponding Ritual Monster for the Ritual Spell Card from my deck or Graveyard," Yuzu said. "I now activate the Hieratic Seal of Convocation. This card allows me to add one Hieratic monster from my deck to my hand. The card I picked is the Hieratic Dragon of Su. Now I activate Hymn of Light and discard my Su to Ritual Summon Saffira, Queen of Dragons!" Yuzu said. "My Hieratic Dragon of Su's effect activates. It allows me to Special Summon one Dragon Normal Monster from my hand, deck, or Graveyard, but its attack and defense points are now 0. Come, Labradorite Dragon," Yuzu said. "Saffira, attack Ichi-Nii's Life Points directly!" Yuzu commanded.

{Yuzu 4000 / Ichigo 1500}

"At the End Phase, I activate Saffira's effect. On the turn, she is Ritual Summoned or a LIGHT monster is sent to the Graveyard by hand or deck, I can activate one of her three effects. The effect I choose is to draw 2 cards but discard one," Yuzu said as she drew two cards and sent one to the Graveyard. "This ends my turn," Yuzu said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I set a card down and end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw," Yuzu said. "Saffira, attack Ichi-Nii's set card." Saffira attacked and destroyed Ichigo's Honest. "I end my turn," Yuzu said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I activate Dragon Shrine. This card allows me to send one Dragon monster to the Graveyard. If that card I sent was a Normal Monster, I can send another Dragon to the Graveyard," Ichigo explained. "I sent my Blue-Eyes White Dragon and then sent my White Stone of Legend. Then my White Stone of Legend's effect activates, which adds a Blue-Eyes White Dragon to my hand," Ichigo continued. "By revealing one Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand, I can Special Summon one Blue-Eyes Alternate Dragon," Ichigo said. "I now activate Return of the Dragon Lords. This card allows me to Special Summon one Level 7 or 8 Dragon from the Graveyard. Come back, Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Ichigo declared. "My Alternate Dragon, attack Saffira!" Ichigo ordered.

"Not so fast. I activate Hymn of Light's other effect. By removing this card from play, my Saffira is not destroyed from your attack," Yuzu said as she took 500 points of damage.

{Yuzu 3500 / Ichigo 1500}

"My other Blue-Eyes attacked Saffira," Ichigo said as the other Blue-Eyes successfully destroyed Saffira and inflicted another 500 points of damage to Yuzu. "With that, I end my turn," Ichigo said.

{Yuzu 3000 / Ichigo 1500}

"Draw," Yuzu said. "I activate Raigeki!" Yuzu declared. "It destroys all monsters on my opponent's side of the field."

"By removing my Return of the Dragon Lords, I can negate their destruction," Ichigo countered.

"Then I activate my Field Spell, Ritual Sanctuary," Yuzu said.

"In response, I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!" Ichigo said, destroying Yuzu's Field Spell.

"I end my turn," Yuzu said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Yuzu's Labradorite Dragon!" Ichigo ordered. "Blue-Eyes Alternate Dragon, finish this game!" Ichigo declared.

{Yuzu 0000 / Ichigo 1500}

"Good job, Yuzu," Ichigo said.

"Yeah, Yuzu. You dealt more damage to Ichi-nii than I did," Karin said.

"Thanks," Yuzu said as she moved for Eu to duel.

"Ready?" Eu asked.

"Yeah. Let me switch decks," Ichigo said as he swapped decks again.

"Duel!" the two said.

{Eu 4000 / Ichigo 4000}

"I'll start," Eu said. "I'll set one monster and one card face-down," Eu said. "I end my turn," Eu said.

"Okay. Draw," Ichigo said. "I summon Black Stone of Legend and use its effect," Ichigo said. "I Special Summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Ichigo continued. "Red-Eyes, attack Eu's face-down card."

"I activate my Shaddoll Hedgehog's effect. It allows me to add one Shaddoll Spell or Trap to my hand. The card I add is Shaddoll Fusion," Eu said.

"I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw. I set another monster and placed another face-down card," Eu said.

"Okay, Eu. My turn," Ichigo said as he drew his next card. "I summon Honest in Attack Mode," Ichigo said.

"What?" everyone else said, seeing the cards Ichigo was using and assuming he was using the Red-Eyes Deck he had used against Karin.

"Red-Eyes, attack her face-down card," Ichigo ordered.

"This time I activate my Shaddoll Falco's Flip Effect," Eu declared. "I can Special Summon one Shaddoll monster other than Falco and set it face-down in Defense Position," Eu said. "I choose my Shaddoll Hedgehog," Eu said.

"Okay. Honest, destroy her Hedgehog!" Ichigo ordered.

"Flip Effect activates, and I add Nephe to my hand," Eu said.

"I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw," Eu said. "I set another monster and end my turn," Eu said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I summon White Stone of Ancient," Ichigo said. "Red-Eyes, attack her set card!" Ichigo ordered, revealing another Shaddoll Hedgehog was destroyed. This time, Eu chose not to activate Hedgehog's effect.

"Honest and White Stone, attack Eu directly," Ichigo said.

"I reveal my Trap Card, Ring of Destruction," Eu said. "During my opponent's turn, I can target a face-up monster you control and destroy it. I take damage equal to its current attack, and then my opponent takes the same amount of damage." Eu explained. "The card I choose is Honest," Eu said as the angelic monster was destroyed.

{Eu 2900 / Ichigo 2900}

"Why did Eu choose Honest instead of Red-Eyes?" Karin asked.

"She chose Honest due to its effect," Yuzu explained.

"What effect?" Karin asked.

"When a Light monster on Ichi-nii's side of the field is attacked or attacking, Ichigo can discard Honest, and that Light monster gains attack points equal to the attack of the opponent's highest monster," Yuzu explained.

"Really? Why would Ichi-nii summon him then?" Karin questioned.

"Ichi-nii likely did not have any Light monsters in his hand at the moment and decided to use Honest to deal more damage. Honest also has an effect where he returns to the owner's hand," Yuzu further explained.

"Still, White Stone of Ancient, attack Eu's Life Points directly!" Ichigo said.

{Eu 2300 / Ichigo 2900}

"I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw," Eu said. "I activate Raigeki!" Eu said as a lightning bolt destroyed Ichigo's Red-Eyes and White Stone of Ancient. "I then set a card and end my turn," Eu said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I activate Red-Eyes Insight and send Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact to the Graveyard to get Red-Eyes Fusion to my hand," Ichigo said. "I now send one of my Red-Eyes Black Dragons from my deck and the other Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact to the Graveyard to Fusion Summon Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" Ichigo said. "By sending my last copies of Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the Graveyard, you take 1200 points of damage," Ichigo said.

{Eu 1100 / Ichigo 2900}

"Now Meteor Black Comet Dragon, attack Eu's set card," Ichigo ordered, revealing it to be another Hedgehog.

"I use my Hedgehog's effect to add Shaddoll Core to my hand," Eu said.

"I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw," Eu said. "I activate Shaddoll Fusion," Eu said. "I send my Lightsworn Lyla and my Shaddoll Beast to the Graveyard to Fusion Summon El Shaddoll Construct," Eu said. "Then my Beast and Construct's effects activate. Construct allows me to send one Shaddoll card to the Graveyard, while Beast allows me to draw one card," Eu explained. "I send my Shaddoll Falco to the Graveyard and draw my free card," Eu said. "Then Falco's effect activates, and I Special Summon it," Eu said. "El Shaddoll Construct, attack Ichigo's Meteor Black Comet Dragon," Eu ordered. "El Shaddoll Construct's other effect activates," Eu said. "When El Shaddoll Construct battles a Special Summoned monster, it is automatically destroyed," Eu said.

"What?!" everyone yelled.

"When Meteor Black Comet Dragon is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one Normal Monster from my Graveyard," Ichigo said. "Rise again, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Ichigo declared.

"With one card set, I end my turn," Eu declared.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I activate my face-down card, Red-Eyes Spirit," Ichigo said. "This card allows me to Special Summon one Red-Eyes Monster from my Graveyard," Ichigo explained. "Come back, Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact!" Ichigo said. "Now I remove from play my other copy of Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact and my White Stone of Ancient," Ichigo said. Everyone saw a white orb and a black orb appear and fuse, creating a portal. "I Special Summon Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning!" Black Luster Soldier leaped out of the portal, Ichigo said. "I use Black Luster Soldier's effect to banish one monster on the field," Ichigo said as Eu's Construct was removed from the game. "I then activate Return of the Dragon Lords and Silver's Cry," Ichigo said. "To Special Summon my Red-Eyes Black Dragon and my Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" Ichigo said as his two other dragons appeared. "Red-Eyes Black Dragon, attack Eu's set card," Ichigo ordered.

"I activate Falco's effect and Special Summon Shaddoll Beast face-down," Eu said. "I also activate my Shaddoll Core," Eu said. "Shaddoll Core allows me to Special Summon itself as a Level 9 Dark Spellcaster with 1450 attack and 1950 defense points in face-up Defense Position," Eu said.

"Not a problem," Ichigo said. "My other Red-Eyes will destroy Eu's Shaddoll Beast and Meteor Black Comet Dragon will destroy her Shaddoll Core," Ichigo ordered. As both dragons destroyed Eu's defenses, Ichigo continued, "Now then, Black Luster Soldier, attack Eu's Life Points directly!" Black Luster Soldier charged and swung his sword at Eu, depleting her remaining Life Points.

{Eu 0000 / Ichigo 2900}

"Good game, you three. Good luck in the tournament," Ichigo said and began to walk away. "Girls, be careful during the tournament. There may be Rare Hunters lurking around. If you encounter one, call me or Eu to deal with them. We are allowed to stop all Rare Hunters we encounter and confiscate all items they have, including decks, locator cards, and Duel Disks," Ichigo said.

"Okay," the girls replied. With that done, Ichigo went back upstairs to his room and went to bed.

Time Skip

The next day, Seto officially started the tournament. Seto told all the contestants to meet at Domino Square for him to formally restate the rules and officially start the Battle City Tournament. Seto decided to send his blimp to broadcast the announcement to everyone below.

"Those who are here are all Level 5 or higher Duelists. The Duel Disks on your arms are proof of that. The stage of this tournament is the entire town of Domino City! No matter where you are in the city…if two Duelists come face to face, you may fight! Each Duelist will use a 40-card deck! The loser must surrender a rare card of the winner's choice! In this Battle City…as you win, your deck will become stronger and stronger! Only sixteen contestants participating in the Battle Royal will make it to the Finals! As for the location of the Finals…its location is hidden somewhere within the city! I plan to enter this contest along with everyone fairly, even though I don't know where the Finals will be held. Before we get started, take a look at this plate. This plate is a Locator Card. When all the Locator Cards from the 96 participating Duelists are gathered, a map of Domino City is revealed. The Locator Cards have a special prismatic coating. If you stack six of them, a light will shine in a certain spot on the plate. That spot is the location of the Finals! And there's one more rule. The winner of each Duel will get their opponent's Locator Cards! Only those who collect six Locator Cards can reach the unknown location of the Finals. Now, Battle City will begin! Duelists! Scatter across this city and locate your enemies!" Seto finished his speech. With that, the Battle City Tournament started.

Scene Change: Twenty Minutes Later

Ichigo was walking around when someone yelled at him.

"Hey! The guy with the orange hair!" someone yelled. Ichigo turned to see a person who looked approximately 12 or 13 with a Duel Disk on his arm.

"Yes?" Ichigo replied.

"Let's Duel!" the boy said.

"Sure. What's your name?" Ichigo asked.

"My name is Hao," Hao said. The two found a suitable spot away from traffic. Ichigo and Hao activated their Duel Disks. Once the setup process was complete, Hao and Ichigo started their duel.

{Hao 4000 / Ichigo 4000}

"I'll start," Ichigo said. "I activate Red-Eyes Insight and send Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon to the Graveyard to get Red-Eyes Fusion to my hand," Ichigo said. "I then activate my Red-Eyes Fusion. By sending one of my Red-Eyes Black Dragons from my deck and the Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact to the Graveyard, I Fusion Summon Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" Ichigo said. "By sending my last copies of Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the Graveyard, you take 1200 points of damage," Ichigo said.

{Hao 2800 / Ichigo 4000}

"I set one card down and end my turn," Ichigo said.

"My turn, draw," Hao said. "I set one monster down and a face-down card. I end my turn," Hao said.

"During your End Phase, I activate my Spell Card, Mystical Space Typhoon. I destroy your face-down card," Ichigo said. A large gust of wind blew and destroyed Hao's Beckoning Light. "With that, draw," Ichigo said. "I summon my Red-Eyes Retro Dragon in Attack Mode," Ichigo said. A smaller version of Red-Eyes Black Dragon appeared. "Red-Eyes Retro Dragon, attack Hao's set monster," Ichigo ordered. Red-Eyes Retro Dragon blasted a fireball at Hao's set monster, revealing a white wolf.

"You activate my Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter's effect!" Hao said. "I can destroy one card on the field, and then I must send the top 3 cards from my deck to the Graveyard," Hao said. "The card I choose to destroy is your Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" Hao declared. Meteor Black Comet Dragon glowed white and then imploded.

"When Meteor Black Comet Dragon is sent to the Graveyard, I can Special Summon one Normal Monster from my Graveyard," Ichigo said. "Rise again, Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" Ichigo declared.

"I then send the top three cards from my deck to the Graveyard due to Ryko's other effect," Hao said, sending his Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn, Lyla, Lightsworn Sorceress, and his Felis, Lightsworn Archer. "When Felis, Lightsworn Archer is sent from the deck to the Graveyard due to a monster's effect, I can Special Summon her!" Hao said. A golden glow shot from Hao's Graveyard and landed on the field. Felis appeared on the field in a face-up Defense Position.

"Red-Eyes Black Dragon, attack Hao's Felis, Lightsworn Archer," Ichigo ordered. Red-Eyes Black Dragon fired a large fireball at Felis, Lightsworn Archer, destroying her. "I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Because I have four or more Lightsworns in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon my Judgment Dragon!" Hao said as a large gray dragon descended onto the field. "By Special Summoning Judgment Dragon this turn, I cannot Normal Summon or Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn (1)," Hao explained. "Now, by paying 1000 of my Life Points, I can destroy all cards on the field except itself," Hao said.

{Hao 1800 / Ichigo 4000}

Judgment Dragon fired white flames from its mouth, destroying Ichigo's monsters on the field. "Judgment Dragon, attack Ichigo directly!" Hao commanded as Judgment Dragon fired white flames from its mouth again, hitting Ichigo.

{Hao 1800 / Ichigo 1000}

"At my End Phase, I must send the top four cards from my deck to the Graveyard," Hao said, sending his three copies of Necro Gardna and another Judgment Dragon.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I activate my Return of the Dragon Lords," Ichigo said. "To Special Summon my Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" Ichigo said as his dragon appeared. "Meteor Black Comet Dragon, attack Hao's Judgment Dragon!" Ichigo ordered.

"Not so fast. By removing my Necro Gardna from the Graveyard, I can negate that attack!" Hao said as a ghostly warrior intercepted Meteor Black Comet Dragon's attack.

"I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw. By paying 1000 of my Life Points, I can destroy all cards on the field except itself," Hao said.

{Hao 0800 / Ichigo 1000}

Judgment Dragon fired white flames from its mouth at Meteor Black Comet Dragon.

"By removing my Return of the Dragon Lords, I can negate Black Comet Dragon's destruction!" Ichigo said. A clear barrier appeared, protecting Black Comet Dragon from the white flames.

"I switch my Judgment Dragon to Defense Mode, and at my End Phase, I must send the top four cards from my deck to the Graveyard," Hao said. He sent his Charge of the Light Brigade, another Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn, Aurkus, Lightsworn Druid, and his Felis, Lightsworn Archer. "When Felis, Lightsworn Archer is sent from the deck to the Graveyard due to a monster's effect, I can Special Summon her!" Hao said. From Hao's Graveyard, a golden glow shot out, and Felis landed on the field in a face-up Defense Position.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "Meteor Black Comet Dragon, attack Hao's Judgment Dragon!" Ichigo ordered.

"Not so fast. By removing my Necro Gardna from the Graveyard, I can negate that attack!" Hao said as a ghostly warrior intercepted Meteor Black Comet Dragon's attack.

"I end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Draw. I activate my Solar Recharge," Hao said. "By discarding 1 "Lightsworn" monster, I can draw 2 cards, then I must send the top 2 cards of my deck to the Graveyard," Hao explained. "I send my Wulf, Lightsworn Beast from my hand to the Graveyard to draw two more cards," Hao said. He then sent the top two cards to the Graveyard, which were another Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter, and Lyla, Lightsworn Sorceress. "At my End Phase, I must send the top four cards from my deck to the Graveyard," Hao said. He sent his two other copies of Charge of the Light Brigade, Gold Sarcophagus, and his Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner to the Graveyard.

"Draw. I activate Red-Eyes Insight and send Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon to the Graveyard to get Red-Eyes Fusion to my hand," Ichigo said. "I then activate my Red-Eyes Fusion. By sending my Red-Eyes Black Flare Dragon from my deck and the other Meteor Dragon Red-Eyes Impact to the Graveyard, I Fusion Summon Meteor Black Comet Dragon!" Ichigo said. "By sending my Red-Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon to the Graveyard, you take 1400 points of damage," Ichigo said.

{Hao 0000 / Ichigo 1000}

"Man, that was a fun duel," Hao said.

"No kidding. My Meteor Black Comet Dragon was the only thing stopping you from winning," Ichigo said.

"If only I had managed to send another copy of Felis, Lightsworn Archer, then I would have won," Hao said.

"How?" Ichigo asked.

"By Tributing my Felis, Lightsworn Archer, I would have been able to destroy your Meteor Black Comet Dragon. I then would have attacked you for the game," Hao explained.

"I see. You would have won since I only had 1000 Life Points left," Ichigo said.

"Anyways, a loss is a loss," Hao said as he took out his Locator Card and his Judgment Dragon. "Here you go," Hao said.

"I'll just take the Locator Card," Ichigo said.

"Why?" Hao asked.

"Because I don't run any Lightsworn in any of my decks. I'll honestly sell your Judgment Dragon, and you'll probably buy it again," Ichigo said.

"You're right," Hao said. "But isn't it against the rules for the tournament?" Hao asked, worried about the rules of the tournament.

"Fine," Ichigo said, taking Judgment Dragon. Hao turned and walked away.

"HEY, HAO!" Ichigo yelled. Hao turned back to Ichigo.

"Yes?" Hao asked.

"I heard you need another copy of Judgment Dragon. I've got one for cheap. Do you want to buy it?" Ichigo asked. Hao smirked, realizing what Ichigo was trying to do.

"I do. How much are you selling it for?" Hao asked.

"100 yen," Ichigo replied. Hao took out a 100 yen coin and handed it to Ichigo.

"Thanks," Hao said and walked away.

"See ya, kid," Ichigo said and walked off. Ichigo noticed that there weren't any more duelists in this area. He began to walk down the road to a nearby park. As Ichigo was walking, he didn't notice he bumped into someone.

"Sorry," Ichigo said, looking at the person he bumped into.

"You… bumped into me," the young man said. Ichigo noticed that he was wearing some sort of formal attire.

"Is this guy a rich kid or something?" Ichigo thought.

"Young Master!" someone called. Ichigo looked behind the young man to see two other guys running toward him, one holding a computer and another holding a duel disk.

"Took you two long enough to get here. I'm challenging this noob to a duel!" the rich kid ordered.

"Yes, Young Master," the two servants said.

"Can we at least go to the park straight ahead so we aren't blocking traffic?" Ichigo suggested. The four moved to the nearby park. Ichigo activated his duel disk and inserted his deck. Meanwhile, one of the servants placed the duel disk on the rich kid and activated it for him.

"Ready to lose, noob?" the rich kid asked.

"I'm ready to duel…" Ichigo said. "Wait… what is your name?"

"You don't know my name?" the rich kid asked.

"No… If I knew your name, why would I ask it?" Ichigo countered.

"My name is Slade Princeton!" the young man said.

"Okay… Slade, my name is Ichigo," Ichigo said.

{Slade 4000 / Ichigo 4000}

"I'll go first," Ichigo said. "I summon my Maiden with Eyes of Blue and end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Please. Let me show you how a real turn is done," Slade said as he drew. "I set one monster face down, set two cards, and then activate my Field Spell, The Gates of Dark World!" Slade declared. Behind Slade, a dark purple gate appeared, with designs resembling Greek or Roman architecture. "I then activate Drag Down to the Grave!" Slade said. "Both players reveal their hands to each other. Then, their opponent chooses one card to discard. Afterward, both players draw a card," Slade explained. Both Ichigo and Slade walked to the middle of the field. Slade showed Ichigo his remaining card.

"I choose Snoww, Unlight of Dark World," Ichigo said, then showed Slade his hand. Slade saw a Blue-Eyes White Dragon, two copies of Silver's Cry, and a Dragon Spirit of White.

"I choose the Blue-Eyes White Dragon," Slade said. Both players returned to their respective sides, sent the selected card to the Graveyard, and drew a card.

"When my Snoww is discarded from my hand, I can add one Dark World card to my hand," Slade said as he looked through his deck. "I choose my Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World," Slade said. "I activate my face-down card, Graceful Charity," Slade said. "I can draw three cards and then discard two." Slade drew three cards and discarded two. "When my Belige, Vanguard of Dark World is discarded, he can Special Summon himself to my field," Slade said. From Slade's Graveyard, a dark purple glow shot out and landed on the field. Belige appeared on the field in a face-up Attack Position. "I also discard another copy of Snoww and add Dark World Lightning to my hand," Slade said. "I set two more cards and activate another Drag Down to the Grave!" Slade said. Both Ichigo and Slade walked to the middle of the field again. As before, Slade showed Ichigo his remaining card.

"I choose Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World," Ichigo said, then showed Slade his hand. Slade saw two copies of Silver's Cry, Trade-In, and a Dragon Spirit of White.

"I choose the Dragon Spirit of White," Slade said. Both players returned to their respective sides, sent the selected card to the Graveyard, and drew a card.

"When Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World is discarded, I can use his effect to destroy one card on my opponent's side of the field," Slade explained. "I choose your Maiden!" Slade said. From Slade's Graveyard, a violet lightning bolt shot out and hit Ichigo's Maiden.

"When my Maiden with Eyes of Blue is targeted by a card effect, I can Special Summon one Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my hand, deck, or Graveyard," Ichigo explained. "Come forth, Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Ichigo said. The Maiden with Eyes of Blue put her hands together and began to pray. From Ichigo's deck, one of his cards began to glow and shot out of the deck to the field. Blue-Eyes White Dragon appeared on the field and let out a mighty roar as the Maiden with Eyes of Blue was destroyed by Grapha's effect.

"From the Graveyard, Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World's other effect!" Slade yelled. "By returning my Belige, Vanguard of Dark World from the field back to my hand, I can Special Summon my Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World from the Graveyard!" Slade explained. On the field, Belige did a small bow before glowing dark violet and flying back to the hand. Suddenly, the ground shook, and Ichigo saw a gray figure burst from the ground. "Grapha, attack Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Slade ordered.

"But my Blue-Eyes is stronger!" Ichigo protested.

"Due to my Field Spell, Grapha is 3000!" Slade shouted. Grapha fired a blast of violet flames while Blue-Eyes fired back with a blast of white energy. Both attacks negated each other, and both monsters were destroyed. "I end my turn," Slade said.

"Draw," Ichigo said. "I activate Dragon Shrine," Ichigo said. "This card allows me to send one Dragon monster to the Graveyard. If that card I sent was a Normal Monster, I can send another Dragon to the Graveyard." Ichigo explained. "I send my White Stone of Legend to the Graveyard," Ichigo said. "When White Stone of Legend is sent to the Graveyard, I can add a Blue-Eyes White Dragon to my hand," Ichigo explained. "Now I activate Trade-In," Ichigo said. "I can discard one level 8 monster from my hand to draw two cards," Ichigo explained as he sent his Blue-Eyes White Dragon to the Graveyard to draw two more cards. "Now I activate my Silver's Cry. It allows me to Special Summon one Normal Dragon monster from the Graveyard," Ichigo explained. "Return, Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" Ichigo said. "Not only that, I now activate two Return of the Dragon Lords. This card allows me to Special Summon one level seven or eight Dragon from the Graveyard. Come forth, Blue-Eyes White Dragons!" Ichigo said. Ichigo's empty field now had three Blue-Eyes White Dragons.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" Shade screamed in fear.

"I set both of my cards facedown and ordered my first Blue-Eyes White Dragon to attack Shade's face-down card!" Ichigo commanded. Ichigo's first Blue-Eyes White Dragon fired a white beam at Shade's facedown card, revealing Morphing Jar.

"When my Morphing Jar is flipped face-up, both players have to discard their entire hand and draw five new cards!" Shade said. Shade discarded his two cards, and both players drew five new cards. "Also, when Belige, Vanguard of Dark World is discarded, he can Special Summon himself to my field," Shade added. From Shade's Graveyard, a dark purple glow shot out and landed on the field. Belige appeared on the field in face-up Defense Position.

"No matter. My second Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Shade's Belige, Vanguard of Dark World!" Ichigo commanded. The second Blue-Eyes White Dragon fired a white beam at Shade's monster and destroyed it. "Now, my final Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Shade directly!" Ichigo ordered. The final Blue-Eyes White Dragon fired a white beam at Shade.

{Slade 1000 / Ichigo 4000}

"During my Main Phase 2, I can activate my Cards of Consonance. This allows me to discard one Level 2 or lower Dragon-type monster and draw two cards (2)," Ichigo explained as he discarded his White Stone of the Ancient to draw two more cards. "I set two cards down and end my turn," Ichigo said.

"Finally, draw," Shade said. "I activate Dark World Lightning. This allows me to destroy one face-down card on the field. Once that effect is done, I can discard a card," Shade explained. "The one I pick is the one on my right." Shade said. Purple lightning shot down and struck the card.

"I activate the same card you just picked—Jar of Avarice!" Ichigo declared. "This card allows me to return five cards from my Graveyard to the deck and draw one card," Ichigo explained as he added his Silver's Cry, Dragon Shrine, Maiden with Eyes of Blue, Dragon Spirit of White, and Trade-In back to the deck, shuffled, and drew one card.

"Due to Dark World Lightning, I discard my Broww, Huntsman of Dark World," Shade said. "When Broww is discarded, I can draw an additional card," Shade said as he drew another card. "I then activate my Field Spell's effect." Shade said. The dark purple gate began to glow. "I can remove from play one Fiend-Type monster from my Graveyard, discard one Fiend-Type monster, and then draw one card," Shade explained. "I remove my Broww, discard another Broww to draw one card." Shade said. "Since Broww was just discarded, I can draw an additional card." Shade added. "Now I activate another Dark World Lightning and destroy the middle card." Shade said. The same violet lightning shot down and struck Ichigo's face-down card, revealing Silver's Cry. "The card I discard now is my Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World!" Shade announced.

"SHIT!" Ichigo yelled.

"When Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World is discarded, I can use his effect to destroy one card on my opponent's side of the field," Shade explained. "I choose your final face-down card!" Shade said as Ichigo's Polymerization was destroyed. "I now activate my Reckless Greed," Shade said. "I can draw two cards, but I skip two of my draw phases." Shade drew two cards. "Now I activate Dark World Dealings. Both players draw one card and then discard one card," Shade explained. Both players drew a card. Ichigo discarded his White Stone of Legend while Shade discarded his Force of Darkness. "I activate another Dark World Dealings!" Shade said as both players drew another card. Ichigo discarded his Dragon Shrine while Shade discarded his Mind Crush. "Damn it!" Shade yelled as he set two more cards down and ended his turn.

"Draw. Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Shade directly with WHITE LIGHTNING!" Ichigo yelled as Blue-Eyes White Dragon fired a white beam at Shade, winning the duel.

{Slade 0000 / Ichigo 4000}

"I… lost?" Shade asked himself.

"You did," Ichigo said as he walked up and offered a handshake. Shade saw this and slapped Ichigo's hand away.

"Somehow you cheated!" Shade yelled.

"What?" Ichigo asked. "How?"

"Those Blue-Eyes White Dragons are fake! Only four copies were ever made, and Seto Kaiba has three copies of them! Which means those Blue-Eyes are fake!" Shade accused.

"No, they are not. I had Pegasus custom make this deck," Ichigo argued back.

"I don't believe you. If some nobody like you could ever meet Maximillion Pegasus," Shade said as he pressed a button on the Duel Disk. Ichigo recognized that button. A few days ago, Seto had told Ichigo and the girls that there was a button on the Duel Disk that allows duelists to report cheaters to KaibaCorp's computer. From there, the Battle City commissioner would come over to investigate. Ichigo sighed and sat by a nearby bench, waiting for the Battle City commissioner. A few minutes later, Ichigo heard a familiar voice.

"Hello, Ichigo," Mokuba said.

"Hey, Mokuba. Seto made you the Battle City commissioner," Ichigo guessed.

"Yep," Mokuba replied.

"I'm amazed that Seto is allowing you to walk wherever you want," Ichigo said.

"Not really. Seto is keeping an eye on me wherever I go," Mokuba said, pointing at a nearby street camera.

"HEY! WHO ARE YOU?" Shade yelled, just realizing someone was talking to the 'cheater.'

"My name is Kaiba Mokuba, the Battle City commissioner," Mokuba announced. Shade immediately laughed.

"Yeah, right! You're probably some kid the 'cheater' paid to pretend to be the Battle City commissioner," Shade accused.

"He's screwed," Mokuba thought.

"Hey, Mokuba," Ichigo said.

"Yes?" Mokuba asked.

"Knowing Seto, he'll probably arrive here by jumping from his helicopter," Ichigo joked.

"He's not that dramatic," Mokuba countered.

"Wanna bet?" Ichigo challenged.

"Sure," Mokuba replied.

"If I win… on Seto's birthday, you will dress up in a kawaii version of a Blue-Eyes White Dragon and follow Seto for the entire day," Ichigo said.

"You're… so EVIL!" Mokuba yelled in fear as he imagined what that would look like. "I need something to match it," Mokuba thought. Then he came up with the best counter. "If I win, you have to dress like a butler and serve Yuzu and Karin on their birthday," Mokuba said.

"Sure," Ichigo said casually. A few minutes later, a large whirlwind suddenly blew dust around the park. Ichigo and Mokuba looked up to see Seto's helicopter. Ichigo smiled, and Mokuba groaned. The helicopter door opened, and Seto jumped out. Ichigo noticed that Seto was dressed differently. Seto now wore a long, white, sleeveless KaibaCorp-designed coat featuring shoulder pads and a raised, studded collar, with black sleeves from his shirt visible underneath. He had extra belts strapped around his upper arms and shins and a KaibaCorp Duel Disk on his left arm.

"Ichigo. Mokuba," Seto said to the two.

"Hello, Seto," Ichigo said.

"Was this all necessary?" Mokuba asked.

"No," Seto said.

"… Sir," Shade began to say to Seto. "It is an honor to—"

"Shut up!" Seto yelled at Shade. "Do you think I would dare talk to you after all the trash talk about my little brother and my friend?" Seto shouted.

"Um…" Shade mumbled.

"Ichigo's deck is a real deck that was personally made by Maximillion Pegasus himself," Seto said. "Since you lost your duel against Ichigo, give him your rarest card and your locator card," Seto instructed. Shade grumbled, wanting to refuse but complied in fear. Shade gave Ichigo one of his copies of Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World, and the locator card.

"Thank you," Ichigo said. "See you two later," Ichigo said and walked away from the brothers.

"Mokuba, come with me," Seto said and began to walk away.

"Yes, Seto," Mokuba said and walked with his older brother.

Scene Change: Amaterasu's Shrine

In another dimension, in a beautiful Japanese shrine, a woman was waking up. She wore long Miko robes decorated with images of flowing fire. This was Amaterasu, the Japanese Goddess of the Sun and one of the rulers of the Japanese pantheon. She walked around her shrine and then outside to embrace the beauty of her dimension. As she enjoyed the view, a golden sealed scroll appeared next to her. Amaterasu was surprised by the sudden appearance of the scroll. She grabbed it and noticed it had a golden glow. The scroll was sealed with a wax seal. On closer inspection, she realized that the impression on the wax seal was her own. "Interesting. I don't remember writing a scroll and sealing it with my seal," she thought. She took the scroll back inside her shrine, went to her office, sealed the room, and sat down. Amaterasu placed the sealed scroll on the table, pricked her finger, and let a few drops of her golden blood fall on the wax seal. The wax seal split perfectly apart. Amaterasu then unwound the scroll and began to read. A few minutes later, she jumped up and walked to her mirror. Amaterasu sent a small burst of divine reiatsu through the mirror. A few seconds later, the image of Yasaka appeared.

"Hello, Amaterasu-sama," Yasaka said.

"Hello, Yasaka. I need you to get me Ichigo immediately," Amaterasu said.

"As you wish, Amaterasu-sama," Yasaka said, and her image disappeared from the mirror.

Scene Change: Kyoto—Yasaka's Office

Yasaka was reading various paperwork. Ichigo had tasked her with looking for any information about Moka after their forced separation. The last public records about her were from when she last attended Karakura Middle. After that, she disappeared from public records. Yasaka had managed to get some records of her other family. While she was reading the paperwork, she felt a tap in her mindscape. Yasaka recognized this as Amaterasu-sama requesting her presence. Yasaka opened the private mental connection between her and Amaterasu-sama.

"Hello, Amaterasu-sama," Yasaka said.

"Hello, Yasaka. I need you to get me Ichigo immediately," Amaterasu said.

"As you wish, Amaterasu-sama," Yasaka said and closed the connection to Amaterasu-sama. After that, she opened the private connection to Ichigo.

Scene Change: Domino City

Ichigo was walking around looking for another duelist when he suddenly heard Yasaka's voice.

"Ichigo. Can you hear me?" Yasaka asked.

"I do. What's going on?" Ichigo asked.

"I don't know why, but Amaterasu-sama requested your presence immediately," Yasaka said.

"Okay. Give me a few minutes," Ichigo said, and Yasaka closed the connection.

"Yhwach," Ichigo called out to his Quincy Spirit.

"Yes, Ichigo?" Yhwach replied.

"I am going to give you control of my body while I go see Yasaka," Ichigo said.

"Okay Ichigo," Yhwach said as Ichigo changed into his Shinigami form while Yhwach possessed Ichigo's body.

"Yuzu. Karin. Eu," Ichigo called out through the connection.

"Yes, Ichi-nii?" Karin replied.

"I am going to Kyoto immediately, and Yhwach is taking control of my body," Ichigo said.

"Okay," Karin replied. Ichigo closed the connection. He then went to an unused alleyway, opened a Garganta, and jumped in.

Scene Change: Kyoto: Yasaka's Office

Ichigo jumped out of the Garganta and appeared in Yasaka's office.

"Hello, Yasaka," Ichigo said.

"Hello, Ichigo. Amaterasu-sama is ready to talk," Yasaka said. Suddenly, Yasaka's body began to float and rise. Her eyes started to glow golden.

"Hello, Ichigo," Amaterasu said.

"Hello, Amaterasu-sama," Ichigo replied. "Why did you have Yasaka get me?" Ichigo asked.

"Straight to the point," Amaterasu said. "This morning, I discovered an unknown sealed scroll. I was suspicious about the scroll until I saw that I had sealed it. I unsealed the scroll, unrolled it, and began to read. I need to send you to an alternate future," Amaterasu said.

"Alternate future?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes. According to the scroll, a few millennia ago, a Japanese family was destined to seal a being of great evil using a magical katana. The chosen one was about to defeat the evil being, but the being managed to distract the chosen one long enough to open a time portal and throw the chosen one into it. The chosen one soon appeared in the future, unable to defeat the evil being," Amaterasu explained.

"So… how do I get involved with this?" Ichigo asked.

"I need you to rescue the chosen one from the future and help bring him back to the past," Amaterasu said.

"I see… So when are you sending me to this alternate future?" Ichigo asked.

"I'll send you when you are ready. I will use a slightly different method to send you there," Amaterasu said. "The method I will use requires you to be asleep."

"Why?" Ichigo asked.

"Due to how much power you have, Ichigo, if you move too much during the journey to the alternate future, you might accidentally interrupt the transfer through the time-stream," Amaterasu explained.

"I see," Ichigo said. "Wait. How will I get back to my time?" Ichigo asked. Amaterasu smiled and handed Ichigo a sealed scroll and a small bag.

"When you manage to help the chosen one return to the past and help him seal the evil being, find a safe place, start a fire, and throw the contents of this pouch into the fire. The fire should turn a golden color. Once that is done, walk into the fire," Amaterasu instructed.

"What!" Ichigo yelled.

"Ichigo, the fire will not harm you," Amaterasu said, trying to calm Ichigo down.

"What will the fire do?" Ichigo asked.

"The contents of the pouch will turn the fire into a sort of portal to enter my shrine (3)," Amaterasu said.

"Is that safe?" Ichigo asked.

"It should be. Only people who can enter my dimension are myself and anyone who receives that pouch," Amaterasu said.

"Okay," Ichigo said as he placed both the pouch and scroll into his mindscape for safekeeping.

"Are you ready?" Amaterasu asked.

"I am," Ichigo replied.

"Then sleep," Amaterasu ordered. Under a magical spell, Ichigo's body collapsed. Amaterasu used her magic to prevent Ichigo's body from falling and sent him to her dimension. Afterward, Amaterasu disconnected her connection to Yasaka's body.

Scene Change: Amaterasu's Dimension

Once Amaterasu made sure Ichigo's body was safe, she cast a few spells to ensure that Ichigo stayed asleep and safe throughout the entire journey. Once that was done, she used her powers to open a time portal. She then kissed Ichigo on the forehead.

"Good luck, my son," Amaterasu said as she pushed Ichigo's body into the time portal. Once Ichigo's body entered the portal, Amaterasu allowed it to close. Inside the time portal, Ichigo's body floated down as if traveling down a river. What felt like minutes later, another portal opened, and Ichigo's body entered it.

Scene Change: Desert

(Everyone here speaks English and [This is Japanese])

In the desert, two people appeared to be running through the sands. One appeared male. He was fairly tall and lean but fit. He had long jet-black hair that he kept tied in a Japanese chonmage topknot. His clothing consisted of a simple white kimono robe with gray trim on the sleeves and edges, a white obi sash around his waist, and a pair of wooden geta sandals. Tied to his side was a long black katana. The other person appeared to be female. She was a young woman with green skin, black hair, a black dress, and red lips.

"Let's stop here tonight. It is starting to get darker," the male said.

"Sure, 'Jack,'" the female said. The two stopped and gathered small pieces of wood to start another campfire. As they sat around and talked about different things, a sudden wind began to blow. The woman stood up.

"'Ikra'?" 'Jack' asked.

"Something is going on…" the newly dubbed 'Ikra' said. Suddenly, a flash of bright light blinded the two. They both covered their eyes. When the bright light dimmed, they could see a body. He appeared to have spiky orange hair. He was a fairly tall, lean-built young man with peach skin and brown eyes. He was wearing a black shihakushō with two white shoulder plates crossing his chest in an X shape and a white cloak with black markings tied around his waist.

["Where am I?"] Ichigo said as he woke up. 'Ikra' looked confused at Ichigo, while 'Jack' immediately recognized what Ichigo was saying.

["You speak Japanese?"] 'Jack' replied.

["I do. Who are you and where am I?"] Ichigo asked.

["You are in the desert,"] 'Jack' attempted to answer.

"Can you two please stop speaking that gibberish and speak English!" 'Ikra' yelled.

["Do you speak some form of English?"] 'Jack' asked.

"I do," Ichigo answered.

"So, what is your name, stranger?" 'Ikra' asked.

"Isn't it rude to ask for a name without introducing yourself?" Ichigo countered.

"'Ikra,'" 'Ikra' said.

"'Jack,'" 'Jack' said.

"Ichigo," Ichigo said.

"So where did you come from?" 'Jack' asked.

"Should I answer truthfully or not?" Ichigo thought.

"Answer vague enough so they do not learn much about us but provide enough information to keep them from asking for more," Kyōka suggested.

"I do not know how I got here," Ichigo said. "But I know I must help a warrior here with his destiny," Ichigo added.

"I see. Another ally against Aku," 'Jack' said.

"Aku?" Ichigo questioned. Immediately, 'Jack' told Ichigo about Aku and all his abilities and encounters with him. Meanwhile, 'Ikra' was deep in thought.

"Shit. Another samurai to deal with. Unlike 'Jack', I can sense energy from him. That portal was created by a deity," 'Ikra' thought. "How? I thought I destroyed all of them millennia ago," 'Ikra' thought. "I should continue to act as I was before," 'Ikra' concluded.

"What about you?" Ichigo asked 'Ikra'.

"What do you mean?" 'Ikra' asked.

"Why are you against Aku?" Ichigo asked.

"Just like 'Jack's father, my father fought against Aku. As punishment for his actions, Aku trapped my father in a ring of fire for eternity. There is a legend of a powerful magical jewel in the desert that has the power to free my father," 'Ikra' said.

"I see," Ichigo said.

"Well, we should get some sleep before continuing our journey," 'Jack' suggested. With that, 'Jack', 'Ikra', and Ichigo got ready to sleep on the ground. Ichigo pretended to sleep so he could focus on what his spirits were saying.

"King, something doesn't feel right about her," Zangetsu said.

"I agree. I'll keep an eye on her," Ichigo said.

Scene Change: Morning

Ichigo, 'Ikra', and 'Jack' woke up, stretched a little, and resumed their run. The trio continued this cycle for a few days: wake up, run until sunset, build a campfire, cook food, eat, sleep, and repeat. One day, while they were running, they soon saw a small bundle of trees.

"Look," Ichigo said.

"A mirage?" 'Ikra' asked.

"It might be," 'Jack' said. "But we have traveled far. I sense we are close." The trio ran closer and closer to the small bundle of trees. When they reached it, 'Ikra' immediately spotted a small pond.

"Water!" 'Ikra' shouted and immediately cupped her hands into the pond and began to drink. While 'Ikra' was drinking, 'Jack' looked up and noticed something.

"Our quest has ended," 'Jack' said. The trio looked above the pond to see a green jewel floating above it.

"The jewel," 'Ikra' said.

"My time on this miserable Aku-infested land will finally be over. Magical jewel, we have traveled through your desert. We have overcome every treacherous obstacle. We have been awed by its breathtaking beauty. We have earned its respect. We now humbly request to use your power. Fulfill our destiny!" 'Jack' yelled. Suddenly, the jewel began to glow and fired a large beam of green light toward the trio.

"What is happening?" 'Ikra' asked in fear.

"The wizard spoke of this. Only one of the pure heart may use the power of the jewel. It is testing us," 'Jack' answered.

"King, we have a visitor," Zangetsu said. Ichigo sighed and entered his mindscape.

Change Scene: Ichigo's Mindscape

Ichigo appeared in his mindscape. He saw that all his Zanpakutō spirits and familiars were ready to attack the stranger. The stranger had blue skin, six arms, and a humanoid face with a goatee.

"Who are you?" Ichigo asked.

"I am the guardian of this jewel," the being said.

"Okay. So what are you doing here?" Ichigo asked.

"My job is to guard this jewel until the chosen one arrives," the being said.

"Well… 'Jack' is the chosen one, so what is the problem?" Ichigo asked.

"The problem is the girl," the being said.

"The girl?" Ichigo asked.

"Her heart is the complete opposite of the chosen one's heart," the being explained.

"I see. What would you have done if I hadn't been here to talk to you?" Ichigo asked.

"Why?" the being asked.

"I've got a plan," Ichigo said.

"What I would have done is attack the girl until she leaves or is dead," the being answered truthfully.

"Okay, so here is the plan…" Ichigo said and told the being the plan.

"Okay. That will work," the being said. With the plan ready, Ichigo left his mindscape.

Scene Change: Forest

Ichigo returned to see that the beam of green light was still shining down on them. Ichigo quickly summoned Kagamigetsu. He made sure that both 'Jack' and 'Ikra' could see Kagamigetsu. "Shatter, Kyōka Suigetsu," Ichigo said and focused on using Kanzen Saimin on 'Jack' and 'Ikra'. The jewel stopped shooting the green light at them. Suddenly, the earth started to shake.

"Something is wrong," 'Jack' said. Suddenly, a being appeared. The being had blue skin, six arms, and a humanoid face with a goatee.

"We have been deceived," 'Ikra' accused.

"No, there must be some mistake. We are of pure heart," 'Jack' said. "I will not fight," 'Jack' decided.

"I will also not fight," Ichigo said. From the being's eyes, a red beam of light was fired at Ichigo, 'Jack', and 'Ikra'. 'Ikra' jumped out of the way, while Ichigo and 'Jack' were hit by the beam. The beam injured them. In 'Jack's injured state, he managed to look up and see a bat-like creature flying around the blue being. The blue being used its fists to attack the bat creature. The bat creature managed to dodge many of the attacks. Unfortunately, one of the fists managed to hit the bat creature in the head, forcing it to land on the ground. When the bat creature landed, 'Jack' realized that it wasn't a bat creature but 'Ikra'!

"You possess the power of flight?" 'Jack' said.

"Yes. And much more," 'Ikra' said. Suddenly, 'Ikra' began to grow taller. In a few seconds, 'Ikra' became as tall as the blue being.

"What is happening?" 'Jack' said.

"I'm not sure," Ichigo replied. The blue being swung a punch at 'Ikra'. She blocked the punch with her right elbow. The blue being swung another punch at 'Ikra'. She ducked and slid back. The blue being stepped forward to get closer, and all three arms on the right side sent a punch toward 'Ikra'. She twisted her waist and then sent a left hook and a right hook toward the being. She then delivered a punch directly to the being's gut. While the being yelled in pain, she easily lifted it above her head and threw it a few feet away. The being crashed down and lay there in defeat. 'Ikra' shrunk down and jumped toward the being's head. She pried the jewel off its head and raised it with a smile on her face.

"The jewel. We have succeeded! At long last, my quest has come to an end," 'Jack' said. Suddenly, 'Jack' heard glass breaking. He looked and saw the broken jewel near 'Ikra's feet. "What have you done?" 'Jack' asked. Suddenly, 'Ikra' let out a maniacal laugh.

"'Ikra'?" 'Jack' asked in confusion.

"No, fool!" 'Ikra' said. Suddenly, she transformed into what appeared to be a male. He was humanoid with a black body, a green mouth, and a red beard extending from the bottom of his chin. He had six horns—four long and two short—on his head, and his eyebrows were made of red flickering flames. Instead of visible feet, Ichigo could see that his body simply ended at the bottom with robe-like darkness. "It is I, Aku," Aku said as he grew several feet tall. 'Jack' was struck with fear. "Yes, samurai. You have been betrayed. I and 'Ikra' are the same," Aku said.

"No," 'Jack' said, trying to deny the news.

"Oh, yes. You see, I had a dream—no, a nightmare—of a jewel that had the power to send you back in time. I knew that this was no mere dream, but a premonition. I had to destroy this powerful jewel. But I did not know its whereabouts," Aku said.

"No," 'Jack' said.

"Yes, samurai. I knew you would find it." Then Aku did a poor imitation of 'Ikra's' voice and said, "My poor father trapped in a ring of fire by mean old Aku." Then Aku laughed even more. "Fool!" Aku yelled out. In 'Jack's' rage, he drew his katana and attacked Aku. Aku jumped and transformed into a bird-like creature.

"Fight me, coward!" 'Jack' yelled.

"Soon we will fight. But not until I find a way to defeat you and your sword. Now, how did you put it? Oh, yes. Your time on this miserable Aku-infested land continues," Aku said and let out a maniacal laugh as he flew away. 'Jack' yelled with rage and stabbed his sword into the ground.

"So, this is the situation," Ichigo said as he walked up to 'Jack'.

"It is," 'Jack' said.

"Good thing that this is all an illusion," Ichigo said.

"WHAT!" 'Jack' yelled. Ichigo sealed Kyōka. 'Jack' saw the jewel floating there, unharmed. "What happened?" 'Jack' asked.

"Well… I managed to talk to the guardian of the jewel. While Aku was still here, the guardian wouldn't allow you to use the jewel's power. So I decided to create an illusion of what happened here so that Aku would think his mission was accomplished," Ichigo explained.

"So what do I need to do to use the jewel's power?" 'Jack' asked.

"You need to willingly submit yourself to the jewel's judgment again," Ichigo said.

"I see," 'Jack' said and took a deep breath. "Magical jewel, we have traveled through your desert. We have overcome every treacherous obstacle. We have been awed by its breathtaking beauty. We have earned its respect. We now humbly request to use your power. Fulfill my destiny!" 'Jack' said. Just like before, the jewel began to glow and fired a large beam of green light at 'Jack'. A few seconds later, the beam stopped. The blue being appeared again.

"Welcome, chosen one. What do you need?" the blue being asked.

"I wish to return to my past so that I can defeat Aku," 'Jack' said.

"Very well. I will send you back to your time, chosen one," the blue being said. The jewel on the blue being's forehead glowed green and shot a small beam in front of 'Jack'. Slowly, a time portal opened up. 'Jack' and Ichigo quickly jumped inside the time portal. Behind them, the portal closed.

Scene Change: Early Japan: Aku's Cave
(Everyone here speaks Japanese)

Aku had just sent the Samurai into the future. "Do not worry, samurai. You will see me again. But next time, you will not be so fortunate," Aku said. Suddenly, another portal opened up.

"That next time is right NOW!" 'Jack' yelled as he attacked Aku. Aku was shocked that the samurai he had just sent to the future was already back. Aku quickly transformed into a Chinese Dragon and fired black fire at 'Jack'. 'Jack' dodged the black fire. He jumped from a ledge to land a hit on Aku, but Aku managed to dodge 'Jack's attack. Ichigo grabbed 'Jack' before he fell into the dark abyss.

"You all right?" Ichigo asked.

"I am," 'Jack' said. The two looked at Aku.

"TWO SAMURAI!" Aku yelled. Aku split into two copies to deal with both samurais. Aku #1 transformed into a bat-like creature and flew away, while Aku #2 attacked 'Jack' and Ichigo.

"I'll take care of the flying Aku," Ichigo said as he used Shunpō to chase the flying Aku.

"Foolish Samurai! If it were two against one, you would have a better chance against me!" Aku #1 taunted.

"Bakudō #4. Hainawa!" Ichigo chanted. A crackling yellow energy rope flew toward Aku. Aku managed to dodge it. "Bakudō #4. Hainawa!" Ichigo chanted again. Waves of crackling yellow energy ropes aimed toward Aku. One of the Hainawa ropes caught Aku. Ichigo grabbed the captured Aku and Shunpō'd back to the cave.

Meanwhile, Aku transformed into a four-armed gorilla and attempted to go on the offensive. He used a pair of his arms to attack 'Jack', while the other pair of arms and legs advanced closer to 'Jack'. 'Jack' blocked the attacks and stepped back. This combination forced 'Jack' to the edge.

"Any last words, Samurai?" Aku asked. 'Jack' didn't reply, but the look on his face said it all. "So be it!" Aku yelled and charged at 'Jack'. Suddenly, six thin wide beams of light slammed into Aku's midsection. 'Jack' and Aku turned to see Ichigo with the bound Aku.

"'Jack', let me take care of sealing Aku," Ichigo said.

"Why?" 'Jack' asked.

"It is because of what Aku is. Aku is a divine being powered by the eternal evil of humanity," Ichigo said.

"Evil of humanity?" 'Jack' asked.

"In every human, we have both the essence of good and evil in us. Aku feeds on the evil in our hearts," Ichigo said.

"Is there any way to get rid of the evil in our hearts?" 'Jack' questioned.

"There is no true way to get rid of the evil in our hearts," Ichigo answered.

"Why?" 'Jack' asked.

"We have both good and evil in all of us. This is a key aspect that makes us human. By taking out either good or evil, we essentially lose our humanity," Ichigo said.

"I see," 'Jack' said. Ichigo took the bat-like Aku and placed him a few feet away from himself.

"Prologue - Halting Wraps," Ichigo yelled as he slammed his fingers into the ground and released white spiritual energy, which coalesced into white fabric. The fabric wrapped around Bat Aku, covering him from head to toe. "Refrain - Serial Hundred Bolts," Ichigo shouted. The bound Aku was then impaled by numerous metal bolts. "Finale - Fully Prohibited Great Seal," Ichigo yelled. An immense metal cube came crashing from above, slamming the bound Aku into the bottom of the abyss. Ichigo then picked up the other Aku.

"Where are you going?" 'Jack' asked.

"I'm planning to seal this part of Aku in a completely different place from this Aku," Ichigo said.

"Why?" 'Jack' asked.

"So that in case this Aku is freed, it will not be as strong as before," Ichigo theorized.

"I see," 'Jack' said.

"'Jack', evacuate everyone still in the area," Ichigo instructed.

"Okay," 'Jack' replied. Ichigo immediately Shunpō'd to Africa. He sensed that this was the farthest from Japan. Ichigo threw Aku on the ground and began to chant.

"Prologue - Halting Wraps," Ichigo yelled as he slammed his fingers into the ground and released white spiritual energy, which coalesced into white fabric. The fabric wrapped around Gorilla Aku, covering him from head to toe. "Refrain - Serial Hundred Bolts," Ichigo shouted. The bound Aku was then impaled by numerous metal bolts. "Finale - Fully Prohibited Great Seal," Ichigo yelled. An immense metal cube came crashing from above, slamming the bound Aku into the bottom of the ground. Ichigo used his Earthbending to force the cube and Aku as far down as he could make it. After that, he filled the abyss with dirt to cover up its existence. Ichigo Shunpō'd back to 'Jack', who was hugging an elderly couple and crying tears of joy.

"'Jack', who are these people?" Ichigo asked.

"My parents," 'Jack' replied.

"My son, why does this man call you 'Jack'?" the elder man asked.

"It is because, Father, I do not remember my name," 'Jack' said.

"Is this true, my son?" the father asked.

"It is true, Father," 'Jack' said.

"Well then, son, I am Emperor Yamamoto Shigekuni," Shigekuni said.

"Why do I feel like something mind-blowing is going to happen?" Ichigo thought.

"My son, my name is Empress Yamamoto Saori," Saori said.

"And you, my son, are Prince Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni," Shigekuni said.

"Fucking knew it!" Ichigo thought.

"So this is my name, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni," Genryūsai said. Suddenly, Shigekuni started to cough up blood.

"Father!" Genryūsai said. Ichigo looked at everyone and saw that all these people needed help. Not only these people, but everything around them felt dead as if Aku had drained all the life from nature. Ichigo walked to Shigekuni and began to apply healing Kido on him. Immediately, the pain on Shigekuni's face lessened and some of the scars began to shrink.

"Can you do this for all of us?" Saori asked.

"Possibly. Can you gather everyone here?" Ichigo asked the surrounding citizens. Everyone had witnessed what Ichigo had done for their Emperor. The citizens quickly gathered all the surviving people at the location Ichigo had specified. Ichigo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He slowly floated up a few feet. From there, Ichigo shot a beam of green reiatsu into the sky, parting the black clouds, and the green reiatsu began to rain down. The green reiatsu landed on the weakened citizens and the environment, slowly healing decades of abuse and damage. After a few minutes, Ichigo stopped and opened his eyes. The environment looked much better. Ichigo could feel life in the environment now and also noticed that the citizens looked healthier than before.

"Sir, what is your name?" one of the little children asked. The adults tried to hide the child, fearing Ichigo's possible retaliation.

"Forgive me for being rude," Ichigo said. "My name is Kurosaki Ichigo," he continued, bowing to them. In response, everyone bowed to Ichigo. Ichigo led an effort to find any storage units. They managed to find some storage units filled with raw seasoned meat. Ichigo and a few of the village chefs started cooking the meat. Others found storage units full of dried fruits and sake. That night, everyone celebrated. Many celebrated their newfound freedom, three celebrated their family's reunion, and one drank until the headache went away, though it did not.

The next morning, Ichigo helped the citizens rebuild their village. Meanwhile, Emperor Yamamoto organized a meeting with his advisors. All the advisors were male. The first one had dark skin, golden irises, and black hair. His name was Shihōin Kyūshi [Sudden Death]. The next advisor had pale skin, slate-gray eyes, and long black hair. His name was Kuchiki Hokori [Pride]. The third advisor was a tall, muscular man with chin-length black hair. His name was Shiba Bakudan [Bomb]. The last advisor was also a tall, muscular man with no hair. His name was Kasumiōji Kajiya [Blacksmith].

"My Emperor, why have you called this meeting? We should be helping with the reconstruction," Kajiya said.

"The reason is that we need to give Ichigo a gift," Shigekuni said.

"A gift?" Bakudan asked.

"Yes, a gift," Shigekuni said. The advisors pondered what they could give to Ichigo.

"What about a weapon?" Kajiya suggested.

"No. Ichigo already has weapons," Shigekuni said.

"What if we invite him to stay with us?" Hokori asked.

"No," Shigekuni said.

"Why?" Hokori asked.

"Because he doesn't belong in this time," Shigekuni said.

"What do you mean, my Emperor?" Kyūshi asked.

"It is because Ichigo came from the future," Shigekuni explained.

"WHAT!" the advisors exclaimed. "HOW!?"

"I do not know. But I do not wish for this knowledge to be leaked to the public," Shigekuni said.

"Agreed," the advisors said.

"Now then, does anyone else have any ideas?" Shigekuni asked.

"What if we ask Ichigo if any of our family still exists in his timeline?" Hokori suggested.

"What do you mean?" Shigekuni asked.

"Well, we could each prepare a sealed scroll with our clan emblem on it. We write to our descendants about what Ichigo has done for us and ask them to honor the debt," Hokori said.

"Excellent idea," Shigekuni said. With that, the advisors left the meeting to prepare the sealed scrolls. Soon, Saori entered the meeting room.

"So you heard the suggestions?" Shigekuni asked.

"I did," Saori replied.

"Is that good enough?" Shigekuni asked.

"Honestly… No, it isn't," Saori said.

"Then what should I do?" Shigekuni asked.

"Maybe adopt Ichigo into the family?" Saori suggested.

"What do you mean?" Shigekuni asked.

"Ichigo appears to know some sort of magic. Maybe we can ask him if he knows any spells for a blood adoption," Saori said.

"But we have nothing to give him to represent his connection to our family," Shigekuni said.

"Don't worry about that, my husband. I will take care of it," Saori said.

Scene Change

Ichigo spent the next few days helping the citizens, including cutting down trees, killing wild beasts Aku had kept as slaves and other minor tasks. Ichigo conducted one last walkthrough of Aku's fortress to ensure everything was empty. As he walked out, he saw Genryūsai outside.

"Is everyone gone?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes," Genryūsai replied. Ichigo noticed that everyone was gathered around the safe area Ichigo had instructed Genryūsai to set up. Ichigo summoned Yorugetsu and then shunpo'ed about twenty feet above the mountain. "Getsuga…Tenshō!" Ichigo yelled as he fired Getsuga Tenshō down at the mountain, destroying it completely. Ichigo dismissed Yorugetsu and returned to Genryūsai. Everyone applauded the destruction of the final symbol of their dictator.

"Kurosaki Ichigo," Emperor Yamamoto said as the entire Yamamoto family approached Ichigo. "For your help in assisting my son in accomplishing his destiny, we wish to adopt you into our family," Shigekuni said. Ichigo recognized the formality from all the formal classes Kyōka had drilled into him, so he did the only appropriate thing.

"Emperor Yamamoto, it would be an honor to be adopted into your family," Ichigo said as he bowed to Shigekuni. Shigekuni nodded to both Genryūsai and Saori. They walked toward Ichigo.

"Ichigo, as a symbol of your adoption into Clan Yamamoto, we wish for you to wear this with honor," Shigekuni said. Genryūsai and Saori then draped a haori over Ichigo. Ichigo stood up and adjusted the haori properly. He looked closer and saw that it was a modified haori—a sleeveless white haori with the Clan Yamamoto crest in the center, a square with a straight line at the center of each side (4). There were black and red flame patterns around the hem of the haori.

"Thank you," Ichigo said. Everyone clapped and began another day of celebration. During the celebration, Genryūsai approached Ichigo.

"Hello, Ichigo," Genryūsai said.

"Hello, Genryūsai," Ichigo replied.

"My father wants to talk to you," Genryūsai said. Ichigo nodded and followed Genryūsai to where Shigekuni and four others were sitting at a table. Ichigo and Genryūsai bowed to the five.

"Thank you, Genryūsai. You may leave," Shigekuni said, and Genryūsai left. "Now, Ichigo, all five of us know about you being from a different future," Shigekuni began. Ichigo started to get nervous, hoping the other four were just coincidences.

"Yes, I am from the future," Ichigo said.

"I see," Shigekuni said. "Ichigo, do you know of a spell or ritual that would allow us to formally adopt you?" Shigekuni asked.

"Is there one?" Ichigo asked.

"There is one spell," Kyōka said and explained the requirements to Ichigo.

"There is one, but it will require all living members of the family," Ichigo said.

"Okay then. We will do this privately," Shigekuni said.

"Now then, let us introduce ourselves," one of the advisors said.

"My name is Kuchiki Hokori," Hokori said.

"Shihōin Kyūshi," Kyūshi said.

"Shiba Bakudan," Bakudan said.

"Kasumiōji Kajiya," Kajiya said. Ichigo slapped his hand to his face and let out a small moan.

"Judging by your reaction, you know of our descendants?" Kyūshi asked.

"I sure do," Ichigo replied.

"Good," Hokori said, as all five of them took out a sealed scroll and handed it to Ichigo.

"What is this?" Ichigo asked.

"These are sealed scrolls for our descendants," Kajiya said.

"Why?" Ichigo asked.

"These scrolls contain a message to our descendants, explaining the eternal debt we owe you, Yamamoto Kurosaki Ichigo," Bakudan said.

"I see," Ichigo said. "Is there a type of kidō to prevent tampering, and should I also have a vial of blood sealed in the scroll to validate this?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes, there is a kidō spell for that, and yes, you should include a vial of their blood sealed with the scroll as well," Kyōka answered.

"There is a spell that will prevent tampering with the scroll," Ichigo said. "Also, we may need a vial of your blood sealed in the scroll to validate the claims," Ichigo said. All the advisors agreed. Shigekuni ordered a servant to get five clean glass bottles and a small clean knife. After that, Ichigo helped draw the needed amount of blood. Once the blood was collected, Ichigo sealed the glass bottles with kidō, placed them with the scrolls, and applied kidō to seal each of them again. Once that was done, the advisors excused themselves and left. Shigekuni told a servant to bring his wife and son and to get a clean glass and another clean knife. A few minutes later, both Genryūsai and Saori entered the room, and another servant brought the requested items. After that, the servant closed the door.

"Yes, dear?" Saori asked.

"Ichigo told me that there is a ritual for him to be adopted into our family by blood," Shigekuni said.

"Really?" Saori asked, looking at Ichigo.

"Really," Ichigo confirmed.

"Why are these here?" Genryūsai asked.

"Part of the ritual requires seven drops of blood from each living family member," Ichigo said. Each family member dropped exactly seven drops of blood into the glass. Ichigo then handed Shigekuni, Saori, and Genryūsai a piece of paper and gave them a few moments to read it. "Remember, even though I will be supplying the energy for the ritual, you must have the absolute intent for this," Ichigo said.

"Everyone ready?" Shigekuni asked. Ichigo, Saori, and Genryūsai nodded.

"I, Kurosaki Ichigo, request permission from Lord Yamamoto, Lady Yamamoto, and Heir Yamamoto to join Clan Yamamoto," Ichigo said. A small glow began to radiate from Ichigo and entered the cup.

"I, Yamamoto Shigekuni, Lord of Clan Yamamoto, accept Kurosaki Ichigo's request to join Clan Yamamoto," Shigekuni said. A small glow also began to radiate from Shigekuni and entered the cup. The energy slowly began to swirl with Ichigo's.

"I, Yamamoto Saori, Lady of Clan Yamamoto, accept Kurosaki Ichigo's request to join Clan Yamamoto," Saori said. A small glow also began to radiate from Saori and entered the cup. The energy slowly began to swirl with Ichigo's and Shigekuni's.

"I, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni, Heir of Clan Yamamoto, accept Kurosaki Ichigo's request to join Clan Yamamoto," Genryūsai said. A small glow also began to radiate from Genryūsai and entered the cup. The energy slowly began to swirl with Ichigo's, Shigekuni's, and Saori's.

"I, Kurosaki Ichigo, accept the blessing that Lord Yamamoto, Lady Yamamoto, and Heir Yamamoto have given to join Clan Yamamoto," Ichigo said as he took the glass and drank the concoction. Ichigo soon glowed for a few seconds, then stopped and bowed to Shigekuni.

"Rise, Yamamoto-Kurosaki Ichigo, Second Heir of Clan Yamamoto," Shigekuni said. Ichigo rose as the family embraced their new member.

"I… think it is time for me to return to the future," Ichigo said.

"You are right… brother," Genryūsai said.

"Even though we just met you and formally adopted you into our family, we will miss you," Saori said.

"I know," Ichigo said. "You three can come with me and set up the ritual to return home," Ichigo suggested.

"Really?" Shigekuni asked.

"How?" Genryūsai asked.

"I was sent here by Amaterasu-sama," Ichigo said.

"Really!?" the entire family said.

"Yes. She sent me here to help Genryūsai with his destiny," Ichigo said.

"I see," Shigekuni said. Ichigo and the entire Yamamoto family walked to the base of the destroyed Aku Mountain. They helped start a campfire. When the campfire was big enough with its bright orange and red flames, Ichigo summoned the pouch that Amaterasu had given him. Ichigo opened the pouch and dumped the contents into the fire. The orange and red flames turned golden and light orange as if they were looking at the sunrise. Ichigo looked at the Yamamoto family one last time.

"Looks like this is goodbye," Genryūsai said.

"It is for you," Ichigo said with a sad smile. Before Genryūsai could question Ichigo's strange answer, Ichigo jumped into the fire. The fire immediately turned Ichigo's body to dust, and the fire went out, leaving the entire Yamamoto family in the dark.

Scene Change: Amaterasu's Dimension

Amaterasu was sleeping when she felt a disturbance in her dimension. She turned on the lights and investigated the disturbance. In her living room was a man lying on the ground. Amaterasu approached to get a closer look at him. He appeared to have spiky orange hair and was a fairly tall, lean-built young man with peach skin and brown eyes. He was wearing a white sleeveless haori, a black shihakushō with two white shoulder plates crossing his chest in an X shape, and a white cloak with black markings tied around his waist.

"Ow," Ichigo said as he stood up and rubbed his butt.

"Um… who are you?" Amaterasu asked.

"Sorry, Amaterasu-sama. My name is Yamamoto Kurosaki Ichigo. Please call me Ichigo," Ichigo said.

"How are you here?" Amaterasu asked.

"My explanation is quite long. Can we sit somewhere?" Ichigo asked. Amaterasu guided Ichigo to a pair of chairs. Once they were seated, Ichigo began his tale, from when he was called upon by Amaterasu in his timeline to his appearance in Amaterasu's dimension.

"Interesting tale," Amaterasu said.

"Thank you," Ichigo said. "Now… can you help me return to my time?" Ichigo asked.

"Okay," Amaterasu replied. Amaterasu then stood up and left the room, returning with an empty scroll and an enchanted ink brush, and immediately began writing.

"Um… what are you doing?" Ichigo asked.

"Ichigo, have you wondered why Amaterasu from your time doesn't remember what happened here?" Amaterasu asked.

"Now that you mention it, it does seem strange that Amaterasu from my time doesn't remember this," Ichigo replied.

"The reason is that I wiped my memory of it," Amaterasu answered.

"Why?" Ichigo asked.

"The reason is that I fear what my actions might do, altering things to the point where it could interfere with what you need to do to help Genryūsai return to the past," Amaterasu explained.

"I see…" Ichigo said. Ichigo waited a few more minutes for Amaterasu to finish writing the scroll and sealing it with her seal. Once the personal seal was added, Amaterasu cast a spell on the sealed scroll.

"What was the spell for?" Ichigo asked.

"It is a special spell that will cause the scroll to disappear and remain unnoticed until the correct time," Amaterasu answered.

"I see," Ichigo said.

"The next spell I will cast will wipe all of my memories of these few hours," Amaterasu began to say.

"What?" Ichigo asked. "How will I be able to return to my time?"

"The spell is time-delayed. It will wipe my memories after five minutes," Amaterasu said.

"I see," Ichigo replied.

"Then I will cast a spell that allows me to store my memories in a vial, and you will give that vial to my future self," Amaterasu said.

"Wait. Why would you want your future self to remember this?" Ichigo asked.

"The reason is that all decisions from this point until your return required Amaterasu to act without this knowledge. But when you return, it will not matter that Amaterasu has this knowledge since she knows a part of it," Amaterasu explained.

"I'll take your word for it," Ichigo said, feeling a headache might come from trying to understand time travel. With that, Amaterasu cast the memory spell on herself. She then extracted the memory placed it in a vial she summoned and gave it to Ichigo. After that, she put Ichigo to sleep.

Author's note:

Nerf Judgment Dragon since it would be too broken in all honestly.

Changed Card of Consonance since Duel Monster has no Tuners.

Think about the Floo from Harry Potter.

Look at the symbol in episodes 1 and 3 of Samurai Jack