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.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, Studio Pierrot... and other people.
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
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"Hello." -Normal talking
"Hello." –Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
Kon'nichiwa [Translation of Hello]
Chapter 28:
Ichigo opened his eyes, let out a big yawn, and tried to stretch his body. He quickly realized that his arms were stuck. Moving his head to see what happened, Ichigo managed to wake up Suzumebachi, who shrank down and slept on Ichigo's forehead.
"Sorry," Ichigo mentally said to them as he turned his head to find Moka and Ophis lying on his left side, while Eu and Yasaka controlled the right side. Ichigo raised his head slightly to see that Kyōkotsu had curled up on his chest. He noticed that his left leg was occupied by Nel and Shirayuki, while his right leg was occupied by Tier and Katen. Ichigo chuckled quietly at the sight.
He gently shook his arms and legs. "Ladies, it's morning," Ichigo said. He heard moans and groans from the girls. "Come on," he continued as he managed to slip out of their grasp.
Ichigo went to the bathroom to wash up. Once done, he walked down to the kitchen and started making breakfast and coffee. He decided to make pancakes for everyone, gathering all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Ichigo mixed the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar, then added the milk, eggs, and melted butter. He carefully poured some of the pancake batter onto a hot pan, cooking pancakes for everyone in the house. Slowly, the others began to walk downstairs.
Ichigo placed a hot pot of coffee on the counter with a stack of cups, a bottle of creamer, and a can of sugar next to it.
"Thank you," everyone said as they made their cups of coffee.
"Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes. Please sit around the dinner table," Ichigo said. The group moved to the table and sat down. Ichigo began serving plates of pancakes to everyone. The amazing aroma of the pancakes filled the air. Soon, everyone had their plate. Ichigo carried his plate to the dinner table and sat down. He noticed that Akua wasn't there.
"Anyone know where Akua is?" he asked.
"Akua left in the middle of the night," Valiona said. "She wrote a note for you." Valiona handed Ichigo the note.
"Dear Ichigo, thank you for the food. It was very delicious. I hate myself for being defeated by such a simple dish. Anyways... I'm sorry for leaving in the middle of the night. I want to complete my mission." Akua's note read. Ichigo chuckled at her letter before burning it.
"Itadakimasu!" everyone shouted as they began eating the pancakes. Once again, Ichigo treated everyone to a delicious dish.
"Gochisousama desu," everyone said after finishing their meal. Ichigo stood up to collect the dishes, but suddenly Masaki took them from his hands, while Yuzu, Karin, Tier, and Yasaka insisted he sit down.
"Ichigo, you cooked for all of us. You're not going to clean the dishes too," Masaki said. Ichigo sighed.
"Okay, Kaa-san," Ichigo replied. "Tier, Nel, Jack, Yasaka, and Kunou, do you want me to take you back?"
"That would be appreciated," Tier said.
"Yes, Ichigo," Yasaka added. They all left the house and got into Ichigo's car. Ichigo quickly dropped them off and returned home. He walked inside to find Masaki, Kahlua, Eu, Yuzu, and Karin working on the dishes.
"Yuzu, Karin, come over here please," Ichigo said. Yuzu and Karin dried their hands and walked over.
"Yes, Ichi-nii?" Yuzu asked.
"Both of you go change."
"Is this our date?" Karin asked. Ichigo nodded.
Yuzu and Karin ran upstairs.
"Make sure you dress casually!" Ichigo called as he walked upstairs to his room. He put on a plain black shirt and blue jeans. He walked down and sat in the living room, waiting for Yuzu and Karin.
Yuzu came downstairs wearing a light purple shirt with a pink heart on it and a pair of blue jeans. Karin followed, wearing a red shirt with a black fist on it and a pair of black jeans.
"You two look good," Ichigo said.
"Thanks, Ichi-nii," Karin replied.
"Thank you, Ichi-nii," Yuzu added.
"Bye, everyone," Ichigo, Yuzu, and Karin said as they left. They all got into the car, and Ichigo drove off.
"Where are we going?" Yuzu asked.
"Not telling," Ichigo replied.
"Come on, Ichi-nii. Give us a hint."
"Nope," Ichigo said, turning on the radio to tune out Yuzu's complaints.
In the middle of the song, the announcer abruptly cut in.
"Sorry for interrupting your broadcast, but we have some breaking news." Ichigo turned the radio up slightly. "The Ueno Zoo, located in Tokyo, is closed due to the sudden disappearance of all their animals. According to reports, the culprits appear to be men wearing animal masks. If you have any information, please report it to the police."
"Dang it," Ichigo muttered.
"You were planning to take us there?" Yuzu asked.
"I was since I remembered both of you enjoyed going there when you were younger."
"Aw, Ichi-nii," the girls said.
"Does this mean our date is canceled?" Yuzu asked.
"Not fully. I've planned another event for the evening for both of you."
"Let's investigate the mystery," Karin suggested.
"That's a good idea," Yuzu agreed.
"Nope. We're not getting involved with this. Let the police handle it; the culprits seem to be just normal humans."
"Come on, Ichi-nii. We can handle a few normal humans," Karin said.
"For the last time, Karin, the answer is no."
"Um… sorry to interrupt," Yasaka said through the peerage link.
"Hello, Yasaka. What happened?" Ichigo asked.
"Right… I believe you heard about what happened to Ueno Zoo, correct?"
"We just heard it on the radio."
"I had my agents in the police force report that the culprits appear to be men wearing animal masks, though they seem to be human-animal hybrids."
"What?"
"According to the raw footage, they are capable of walking on their feet and using their hands to break into the cages."
"Now how does this relate to me?"
"I need you to investigate this." Ichigo sighed as Yuzu and Karin jumped in joy.
"Why?"
"I've already sent a few members of my special forces to investigate, but they were all killed. You're the strongest I have to investigate this." Ichigo let out another sigh.
"Fine. I'll investigate this."
"Thank you."
"Do I have a point of contact?"
"Yes. His name is Tsukauchi Naomasa."
"Okay."
"Any other questions?"
"What do you want me to do with them?"
"If possible, capture them. If not, then kill them."
"Very well," Ichigo said.
"Good luck, Ichigo," Yasaka said as she cut the connection. Ichigo sighed as he exited the freeway into Tokyo. Ichigo drove as close to the Ueno Zoo as possible without alerting anyone. Everyone got out of the car and Ichigo sent it back to his mindscape. They walked toward the Ueno Zoo. They could see a group of people asking police officers questions about the zoo. On the other side, near the entrance, there appeared to be a line for refunds.
"Girls, why don't you try and get in line while I talk to the officer?" Ichigo suggested. Ichigo walked over to the nearest officer.
"Hey!" The officer yelled. Ichigo stopped walking and pointed to himself.
"YES, YOU! Stop walking toward the barrier, you delinquent." Ichigo sighed, seeing the officer's biased reaction to his hair color.
"I'm not a delinquent. I was born with orange hair."
"Lies!"
"Anyways, I need to talk to someone named Tsukauchi Naomasa."
"Why would you need to speak with Detective Tsukauchi?"
"It's all right." Someone called out. The officer turned to reveal a tall man with short black hair and black eyes. He was wearing a tan overcoat and a matching hat. Underneath the overcoat, he wore a black suit with matching slacks and dress shoes.
"Detective Tsukauchi." The officer said as he lifted the caution tape for Tsukauchi to get through. Detective Tsukauchi walked toward Ichigo and pulled him past the caution tape.
"You must be Ichigo. Yasaka-hime informed me that you're going to investigate this."
"I am… How do you know about Yasaka-hime? I can tell that you're not a yōkai."
"That's correct. I'm not a yōkai. But my wife was one. She informed me about the yōkai world, and Yasaka-hime added my name to the list of people who are aware of the secret."
"Interesting… Can I see the raw footage?"
"Sure. I doubt that the raw footage will help much." Detective Tsukauchi guided Ichigo to the camera room. Ichigo saw a trail of blood from the camera room to the outside. Once inside, he could tell there had been a struggle. Detective Tsukauchi walked over to the bloodstains and began playing the footage. Ichigo could see that the culprits entered from the back gate.
The first culprit appeared to have red hair, razor-sharp teeth, and a reptilian appearance with fish-like qualities. His body seemed to have a hard green outer shell, covered in spines. The second culprit had the upper torso of a four-armed gorilla and the lower torso of a fiddler crab. The third had the head of a spider, six eyes, and three pairs of arms. The first two culprits broke into the cages, while the third bit the victims, leaving them paralyzed or unconscious. After that, the third culprit spits webbing to wrap the victims up. Eventually, they had all the animals and humans wrapped. The culprits carried the wrapped victims away.
"Do you have any idea where they could have gone?"
"As of right now… no. We're currently reviewing footage from nearby cameras."
"I see… thank you, Detective Tsukauchi," Ichigo said. Detective Tsukauchi escorted Ichigo back to the front entrance of the zoo. Ichigo exited the zoo and noticed the refund line was gone. He looked around but couldn't find Yuzu or Karin.
"Yuzu! Karin!"
"Ichi-nii!" Ichigo turned to see Yuzu and Karin walking toward him with ice cream in their hands. Ichigo noticed that they weren't alone. There were two other people behind them. Ichigo recognized them.
"Unagiya-san and Kaoru," Ichigo said.
"Ichigo, I told you, you can call me Ikumi," Ikumi replied.
"My bad. You two were planning to go to the zoo as well?"
"We were." Suddenly, Ikumi smacked Ichigo on the head.
"OW!" he yelled. "What was that for?"
"That's for dropping your sister off here while trying to find parking."
"Ichi-nii." Ichigo turned to see Yuzu handing him some money.
"Here's the rest of the money for the tickets. We used a bit to buy the ice cream."
"No problem," Ichigo said as he put the money in his wallet. They all moved to a picnic table to talk and eat their ice cream.
"Kaa-san," Kaoru said.
"Yes, Kaoru?" Ikumi replied.
"We're going to go to the restroom and wash our hands."
"Go ahead." Kaoru, Yuzu, and Karin went to the restroom to wash their hands.
"So, Ichigo, what happened to the clinic?"
"A few months ago, I decided to move out of the house. At the time, Isshin didn't mind, but then my sisters decided to move out and came back to live with me. Isshin tried to stop them, but they resisted. This drove Isshin into depression. Eventually, Ryūken came down and made a deal. Isshin would rent him the house, and Ryūken could use the clinic however he saw fit."
"I see."
"Ichi-nii!" Karin cried through the peerage link. Ichigo could tell by how she screamed his name that she was scared.
"Karin! Yuzu! Talk to me!" Ichigo yelled through the link. Yuzu and Karin didn't reply. Ichigo stood up and ran to the restroom.
"Ichigo!?" Ikumi called as she chased after him. They arrived to find Yuzu, Karin, and Kaoru unconscious and wrapped in webbing. Ichigo recognized one of the culprits there, but the other two were unfamiliar. The first new culprit had angel-like wings on his back and bird-like talons for feet. His facial features resembled a human's, though his mouth was beak-like. The second new culprit strongly resembled a Minotaur.
"Bihorn. Inzagi. Take the food to Mother," the first new culprit said.
"Yes, Sir," the other two culprits replied as they grabbed the three children and ran away.
"Ichigo… what is that?"
"I'm sorry." Ichigo placed his hand over Ikumi's eyes. "Inemuri." Ikumi's eyes dilated several times before she fell unconscious. Ichigo caught her and leaned her unconscious body against a nearby tree. He then turned to face the first culprit. "Do you have a name?"
"I do. My name is Colt."
"Very well, Colt. Why are you kidnapping all the animals and people?"
"It's all for Mother," Colt said as he got into a fighting stance.
"Normally, I would prefer a fair fight with you, but…" Ichigo shunpō'ed right in front of Colt's face and punched him in the chest, sending him flying a few feet away. "You just kidnapped my sisters right in front of me." Ichigo summoned Suzumebachi. "Sting all enemies to death, Suzumebachi," Ichigo said as the butterfly knives transformed into his gauntlets. Suddenly, Ichigo saw something flying toward him. He recognized it as Colt.
"DIE!" Colt yelled as he aimed a downward sidekick. Ichigo jumped away from the attack, forcing Colt to strike the earth.
"GAH!" Colt yelled in pain. Ichigo had changed Suzumebachi's venom from killing to paralyzing. Ichigo shunpō'ed right behind Colt and stabbed him in the neck.
"Gah," Colt said before the paralysis took effect. Ichigo carried Colt's body over to where Ikumi was.
"Kyōka and Suzumebachi, can you two come out here?" Ichigo requested.
"Yes, Ichigo?" Kyōka said.
"Need some help?" Suzumebachi asked.
"Kyōka, can you watch over the bodies here while Suzumebachi drags all the bodies I paralyze back?"
"Sure," Suzumebachi replied.
"Very well," Kyōka said. With that, Ichigo began to trace Yuzu's and Karin's reiatsu trail.
Scene Change: Forest
Ichigo managed to trace Yuzu's and Karin's reiatsu trail into the forest. He found a blocked trail in front of him. Ichigo raised his hand and activated Schrift G: The Gaia, forcing the rock aside. He continued down the tunnel, following the trail.
"HALT!" Someone commanded. Ichigo looked to see a panda wearing baggy clothes and a cross necklace. The panda got into a fighting stance, facing Ichigo. Ichigo sighed and immediately stabbed the panda in the gut, instantly paralyzing him. He gently pushed the panda down.
"Suzumebachi." Suzumebachi appeared and lifted the panda, despite him being twice her size. Ichigo continued down the tunnel, easily avoiding a tripwire and a concealed pitfall.
"You can come out now."
"Wow. Not many could detect me." Ichigo turned to see a humanoid wolf with long blonde hair, wearing only a blue shirt and a thong. Ichigo was about to strike, but the wolfman raised his hands in surrender.
"Wait, man," the wolf said. "I'm here to help." Ichigo stared at him for a few seconds before stabbing him in the gut. Suzumebachi arrived just in time to see Ichigo push the paralyzed wolfman down. Suzumebachi caught him and carried him away. Ichigo shunpō'ed down the tunnel. He encountered a few more hybrids. The first was a humanoid rhinoceros with two horns on his head and two along his snout. He had shaggy dark blue hair and wore a karate gi. The second was a large male lion with brown skin, tiger stripes, and a white mane. He wore sandals and a necklace adorned with a human skull, with a paw print mark where his eyebrows should have been. The final one was a large, bipedal albino alligator with a purple mohawk. He wore a wrestling singlet with the kanji "alligator" (鰐) written on it. Ichigo paralyzed each one. Ichigo soon reached the end of the tunnel.
Scene Change: Inner Chambers
Ichigo looked up to see large yellowish-green eggs hanging from the ceiling. He then noticed Yuzu, Karin, and Kaoru tied up next to a large red ant hybrid, who was chewing on what appeared to be a human hand.
"What are you?"
"It seems that we have an intruder in my inner chambers… My children, come and defend your queen!" The red ant broadcast mentally. Suddenly, ten differently-appearing humanoid animals appeared. Ichigo immediately charged at them. They all took defensive stances, ready for the fight. Ichigo swiftly stabbed each of the humanoid animals, paralyzing them one by one. A few minutes later, all ten were immobilized. Ichigo turned his attention to the Queen. She took advantage of the moment to rip off the webbing from Yuzu and was about to take a bite.
"Like hell, you're going to eat my sister!" Ichigo thought as he shunpō'ed and stabbed the Queen straight through the face. He managed to rip Yuzu out of her arms. Thankfully, Yuzu was still unconscious. Ichigo turned to see the ghosts of all the victims appearing. He sighed and sealed Suzumebachi. Gently, Ichigo began performing Konsō by tapping each adult ghost's forehead with Suzumebachi's sealed hilt. He had to comfort all the little children who were nervous about going to Soul Society.
At that moment, Yuzu and Karin, having fought off the spider venom, finally woke up.
"Thank goodness you two woke up. Please help me comfort these kids while I Konsō them. I'll explain everything after," Ichigo asked through the peerage link. Yuzu and Karin began helping the little children calm down.
"Yasaka, can you hear me?"
"You finished the mission?"
"I did. I have all of them paralyzed."
"Okay. Where are you now?"
"I'm in a tunnel not far from the zoo."
"I see. I'll have my men start looking for you."
"Also, Kyōka should be outside with a few of the paralyzed culprits."
"That should make it easier."
"Ichi-nii, they're ready," Yuzu said. Ichigo walked over to each child, kneeling as he gently tapped the hilt of Suzumebachi on their foreheads. Each spirit glowed as it disappeared. Ichigo continued this for every child until all the ghosts moved on. He then used Schrift I: Ignatius to destroy all the eggs hanging from the ceiling. Afterward, Ichigo used Schrift V: The Ventus to lift all the paralyzed culprits out of the cavern. He carried the unconscious Kaoru in his arms.
"Yasaka, do you want to hear the full story?"
"Sure," Yasaka replied.
Ichigo told Yasaka, Yuzu, and Karin everything that happened. Eventually, they all emerged from the cave to find Kyōka talking with a man in his thirties, with shoulder-length black hair and green eyes. He noticed them walking out of the cave.
"You must be Kurosaki Ichigo. I'm Kurusu Keigo, a member of Yasaka's Yōkai Watch."
"Yasaka… Is this guy serious?"
"Yes, he is one of my men. I know the name sounds bad, but it gets the job done," Yasaka replied.
"Okay. All of them are paralyzed for about 24 hours. All except the red Queen, who stole the animals and humans. The Queen ate them, showing no remorse," Ichigo explained. He saw Kurusu Keigo writing this down.
"Very well. Thank you for your service," Kurusu Keigo said as his men handcuffed the culprits' hands and feet, placed muzzles on their faces, and wheeled them into vans.
"Mysteria, can you modify their memories?"
"Sure. What do you want me to do?" Mysteria replied as she appeared.
"I want you to alter their memories. Instead of Ikumi seeing me chase the animal hybrids, change it so we parted ways, and Ikumi took Kaoru home to have lunch, went to the park, and ate dinner before going to sleep."
"What about the kid?"
"Adjust his memories so they match Ikumi's."
"Very well," Mysteria said as she picked up Kaoru and Ikumi before teleporting away.
Ichigo looked at his watch.
"Looks like it's almost time for the final thing I planned for our date," Ichigo said.
"Really?" Yuzu and Karin asked.
"Sure." Ichigo summoned his car. Yuzu and Karin got in as Ichigo drove them away from the Ueno Zoo.
Scene Change: Tokyo: Kioi Hall
It took Ichigo thirty minutes to arrive at Kioi Hall. He found an abandoned alley to park the car. Everyone got out, and Ichigo sent the car back to the mindscape. As they walked toward Kioi Hall, Yuzu, and Karin saw a long line circling the building.
"Um… Ichi-nii… what are we doing here?" Yuzu asked.
"Why, we're here to watch a show, of course," Ichigo replied. He walked straight to the front of the line.
"Um… sir, all normal ticket attendees need to wait in line," the ticket checker said.
"I was aware that VIP ticket holders are exempt from the line," Ichigo said as he presented three VIP tickets. The ticket checker checked all three tickets before returning them to Ichigo.
"I apologize, sir. I hope you three enjoy the concert," the ticket checker said with a bow. The bouncers opened the door for Ichigo, Yuzu, and Karin. They followed Ichigo up a set of stairs, had their tickets checked two more times, and finally arrived at a private balcony seat in Hall 3.
"Um… Ichi-nii, what are we watching?"
"Shush. The show is about to start," Ichigo said.
"Ahem… Ladies and gentlemen, back together after all these years… Puffy Ami Yumi!" Suddenly, two girls jumped onto the stage. The first girl had cerise-colored hair tied into two buns, with a pale yellow flower at the bottom of her right bun. She wore a go-go dress with yellow and pink parts, a daisy in her hair, a white watch on her right wrist, a red bracelet on her left wrist, and white knee-high go-go boots. The other girl wore rock-style clothing, with studded necklaces and bracelets, a light purple T-shirt with a skull on it, a black miniskirt, and black knee-high boots.
"OH MY GOD!" Yuzu and Karin screamed, seeing two of their old idols playing a reunion show.
"Is this the best surprise?" Ichigo asked. Yuzu grabbed Ichigo's shirt and pulled him into a ten-second-long hug. Right as she let go, Karin grabbed him and pulled him into another ten-second-long hug. Karin soon released Ichigo and returned to watching the band. Despite not being a fan of Puffy Ami Yumi, Ichigo enjoyed the time he spent with the girls.
"I apologize for interrupting this moment, but we have a Kushanāda here to speak with you," Kyōka said. Ichigo sighed as he entered his mindscape.
Scene Change: Mindscape
Ichigo opened his eyes to see a Kushanāda bowing.
"Hello, Jigoku no Kōtei," the Kushanāda said.
"Kushanāda, what is your reason for being here?" Ichigo asked.
"We have detected an anomaly in Hell," the Kushanāda replied.
"What happened?"
"We have a Gate of Hell being forced open."
"What? How?"
"We are not sure."
"Have you investigated the cause?"
"We were unable to."
"Very well, I will investigate," Ichigo said. "Yuzu, Karin, please watch over my body. The Kushanāda has reported an issue in Hell that requires my immediate attention."
"Okay, Ichi-nii," Yuzu replied.
"I'll make sure Yuzu doesn't do anything bad with your body," Karin said.
"KARIN!" Yuzu screamed. Ichigo chuckled at Karin's teasing. He closed his eyes and entered his mindscape, following the Kushanāda into Hell. The Kushanāda quickly led Ichigo to the open Gates of Hell. Ichigo summoned Yorugetsu and cautiously walked toward the Gates of Hell.
Scene Change: Undisclosed Location
Ichigo stepped out of the Gates of Hell only to find a barrier blocking his way. He placed his hand on it. The barrier appeared to be a physical one. However, Ichigo could see that Hell's reiatsu wasn't affected by the barrier. Instead, it was being absorbed by a large black rock with crimson veins pulsing from within. The rock beat and glowed crimson from Hell's reiatsu. Ichigo opened a red Garganta to slip around the barrier. He noticed a seal on the ground, its edge between the gates, preventing them from closing. Ichigo walked over to the seal and gently broke it with Yorugetsu. Slowly, the Gates of Hell began to close.
Suddenly, Ichigo heard footsteps approaching. He turned to face the newcomer, an undead skeleton creature devoid of skin and flesh. It wore an elaborate, jet-black academic gown with golden and violet edges. In its hand was a black cane topped with a white skull.
"I should have expected you to show up, Kurosaki Ichigo," the skeleton said.
"Great, it's someone I've dealt with before... Who are you?" Ichigo asked.
"Let me give you a hint. You turned me into a sex toy for a girl."
"Tsukune?"
"NO!" the skeleton yelled. "I am Diodora Astaroth, the heir to the Astaroth Clan."
"…So, what's with the skeleton look?"
"I'm not dressed like a skeleton. I became a necromancer."
"Why?"
"It's the only way to escape the contract."
"So, you killed yourself and were reborn like that."
"Correct."
"How did you escape?"
"I had some help."
"How?"
"That bitch was knocked unconscious by my boss."
"He likely means someone in the Khaos Brigade," Ichigo thought.
"He managed to break my chains, killed her and her peerage, and we set the house on fire as we teleported away. My boss then gave me some books on necromancy."
"I recall that you don't need Hell's reiatsu to use necromancy."
"True. Necromancy doesn't require Hell's reiatsu… but my boss asked me to collect it in this artifact."
"I see."
Diodora slammed his cane on the ground, and a black seal glowed around them. The ground began to shake as zombies rose from the earth. Ichigo looked unamused. Diodora, interpreting Ichigo's lack of reaction as a shock, began to laugh maniacally.
"Are you amazed?!"
"Are you done?" Ichigo asked, now surrounded by the resurrected zombies. "Honestly... I'm disappointed."
"Why?"
"Because I can do this." Ichigo pointed his hand at a zombie, pretending to hold a gun. "Bang," Ichigo said, and a ball of Hellfire shot toward the zombie, instantly destroying several of them. The rest stood no chance as Ichigo quickly obliterated Diodora's entire zombie army with Hellfire.
"No… NO! I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED LIKE THIS!" Diodora screamed. He tried to summon a teleportation seal, but Ichigo quickly summoned the Chains of Hell, wrapping them around Diodora.
"LET ME GO!" Diodora shouted, struggling to break free.
"Diodora. You're a devil. You should recognize what these chains are." Ichigo walked toward the bound Diodora. "Where are the true leaders of the Khaos Brigade and Qlippoth?"
"I'll never tell you!" Diodora yelled.
Ichigo shook his head. He snapped his fingers, and the Chains of Hell pierced Diodora's skeleton body. "GAH!"
"Let's see if meeting the Kushanāda will make you want to talk." The Chains of Hell began pulling Diodora.
"WAIT! I'LL TALK!" Diodora cried. The chains stopped.
"We've got 945 active members in the Khaos Brigade, and 45 of them are part of Qlippoth. I don't know where the leaders are. They contact us."
"How?"
"By portkey or teleportation seal?"
"What's a portkey?"
"A Portkey is an object enchanted to instantly bring anyone touching it to a specific location."
"Anything else?"
"…I wet myself until I was 14."
"I'm losing my patience," Ichigo said, as the Chains of Hell began to move.
"I do know the leader's goal with the artifact." The Chains of Hell stopped. Ichigo motioned for Diodora to continue.
"I don't know how, but the weapon is intended to be used against Heaven in the future."
"I see…" Ichigo turned away from Diodora as the Chains of Hell resumed pulling him into Hell.
"HEY! I thought we had a deal!?" Diodora yelled. Ichigo stopped and faced him.
"If you recall, we never had a deal," Ichigo said, walking away.
"DAMN YOU!" Diodora screamed as the Chains of Hell finished pulling him into Hell. Ichigo walked over to the black stone, picked it up, and felt something moving inside it.
"No… it can't be." Ichigo thought, realizing the black stone wasn't an artifact. It was an egg. "Knowing my luck, it's a dragon egg." Ichigo sent the egg into his mindscape for safekeeping. He continued exploring the cave to see if there was anything else Diodora or his boss had left behind. He found nothing. Ichigo destroyed the cave with a blast of Hellfire. With his investigation complete, he opened a Garganta and returned to the theater.
Scene Change: Tokyo: Kioi Hall
Ichigo opened his eyes to see Yuzu and Karin standing near the balcony, singing along with the band.
"Last part of the song!" Ami yelled.
"All together now!" Yumi shouted.
"Kyoo mo kootsuu ruuru wo mamoru yo! [Today we will uphold traffic laws!]" Ami and Yumi yelled.
"Teen Titans!" The audience repeated in unison.
"Teen Titans opening song. I forgot they wrote it," Ichigo thought to himself.
"Suki-kirai naku nan demo taberu yo. [We will eat everything there is!]" Ami and Yumi yelled.
"Teen Titans!" The audience repeated.
"Jishin kaminari kaji Oyaji [Earthquake, thunder, fire, or father]… Kokugo sansuu rika shakai [Japanese studies, math, science or society]… Kowai mon wa nani mo nai [There is nothing to fear]…" Ami and Yumi continued.
"Teen Titans!" The audience repeated again.
"Teen Titans, go!" Everyone shouted in unison.
"One, two, three, four, go! Teen Titans!" Ami and Yumi yelled as the song ended. The theater was silent for a moment before the audience erupted into cheers and applause. Ami and Yumi bowed as they left the stage.
"That was amazing," Yuzu said.
"I agree," Karin added.
"Before you go, there are a few booths outside the Hall selling souvenirs. Also, Ami and Yumi will be hosting a meet and greet in Hall 1 in an hour."
Everyone stood up and quickly left Kioi Hall. Due to Ichigo purchasing VIP tickets, they were able to leave Hall 3.
"I should get a set for Moka too," Ichigo thought as they arrived at the souvenir booth. They bought a set of soundtracks, a pair of Puffy Ami Yumi T-shirts, and an exclusive T-shirt for the event. They quickly lined up for the meet and greet. Again, thanks to the VIP tickets, they were able to stand in an exclusive line. Yuzu and Karin got all their souvenirs signed by Ami and Yumi. They were also allowed to pose for photos with the duo, which Ichigo happily took.
Finally, Ichigo, Yuzu, and Karin left Kioi Hall. The girls were chatting excitedly about their entire day's events. Ichigo guided them to an unoccupied alley where he summoned his car. Everyone got in, and Ichigo opened a Garganta, driving the car through it.
Scene Change: Kuoh Town: Kurosaki House
The black Garganta opened, and Ichigo drove his car out, parking it right in front of the house. They all walked in.
"So, how was your day?" Masaki asked.
"It was amazing!" the girls shouted in unison.
"Oh? Where did Ichigo take the two of you?" Yuzu and Karin excitedly told Masaki everything that had happened. Ichigo walked over to the dinner table and noticed Eu had just finished eating.
"Hey, Eu."
"Yes, Ichigo?" Eu replied.
"Do you know where Kisara and Valiona are right now?"
"Last I checked, they should be in the familiar room."
"Familiar Room?"
"Sirzechs made a room for the familiars to roam around."
"Oh, that's something unexpected."
"It is," Eu said, smiling. Ichigo kissed her on the forehead before walking upstairs. He looked at the doors, all now bearing nameplates. After a few minutes, he found the Familiar Room.
Ichigo opened the door to see a vast valley. Kisara was sitting under a tree, reading a book, while Xīng Chén curled up beside her. Ichigo walked over to Kisara.
"Hello, Ichigo," Kisara greeted him.
"Hello, Kisara. How's Xīng Chén?"
"She's doing well. She can walk around slowly now."
"I see. Where's Valiona?" Ichigo noticed Kisara's mood dampened with the mention of Valiona.
"She's away somewhere... probably flying around."
"Why?"
"I don't know. All I know is Valiona doesn't want to help take care of Xīng Chén."
"Let me talk to her," Ichigo said, walking away from Kisara.
"Don't bother. I've tried," Kisara shouted. Xīng Chén heard the commotion and woke up.
"Don't worry about me. Go back to sleep," Kisara reassured her.
Ichigo used his familiar connection to locate Valiona flying in the sky.
"Valiona. Please come here," Ichigo called through their connection. He watched as Valiona began to slowly descend toward him. A few moments later, she landed and transformed into her Drakaina form.
"Yes, Ichigo?"
"Can you explain what's going on between you and Kisara?"
"I don't know why, but Xīng Chén doesn't like me."
"Doesn't like you?"
"Yeah... It's because of our elemental affiliations. Dragons with opposing elements aren't typically friendly. Kisara and I are a prime example of that. I'm a dragon of darkness, while Kisara is a dragon of light. We're natural enemies."
"But…"
"But with you as our master, we're able to work together, since we're both bonded to you."
"I see… Is that all?"
"What?"
"I'm asking if you're blaming everything on Xīng Chén."
"Of course, it's just that."
"So, you aren't jealous of Kisara because Xīng Chén likes her more?"
"Um…"
Ichigo laughed at Valiona's hesitation, causing her to blush even more.
"Come on," Ichigo said, motioning for Valiona to follow him. Valiona sighed, knowing what was coming. They made their way to the tree where Kisara was sitting.
"Valiona," Kisara said, glaring at her.
"Kisara… I'm sorry for how I acted."
"Oh really?"
"I am. I was jealous that Xīng Chén liked you more than I did."
Kisara stood up, and Xīng Chén climbed off her lap. She looked Valiona in the eyes before flicking her forehead.
"OW! What was that for?"
"I did that because you were being stupid," Kisara said, then hugged Valiona.
"You two made up?" Ichigo asked.
"We did, Master," they both said, smiling. Ichigo smiled in return.
"Good, because I need both of you to take care of something."
"What is it?" they asked in unison.
Ichigo summoned the black egg.
"I'm not sure what this is, but I believe it's a dragon egg," Ichigo explained, handing it to Valiona.
"It is a dragon egg," Valiona confirmed.
"It smells of fire and death," Kisara commented, pinching her nose.
"I found a necromancer trying to make the egg absorb Hell's reiatsu."
"That idiot would have likely killed it," Kisara remarked.
"If the egg survived the transformation, there's a high chance it would be uncontrollable," Valiona theorized.
"So, Master, what do you want us to do with it?"
"I want you, Valiona, to take care of the dragon egg."
"Me? Why?"
"Well, it seems Kisara is uncomfortable with it," Ichigo said, pointing out that Kisara was still pinching her nose. "Also, this will let both of you help teach Yuzu and Karin how to take care of these dragons."
"You intend for these dragons to become your sisters' familiars," Valiona realized.
"I do."
"That would be a good idea," Kisara commented.
"But how do we decide which dragon goes with which girl?" Valiona asked.
"I plan to blindfold the girls and place the baby dragons a few meters away. I'll have the girls flare their reiatsu, and from there, I'll observe which girl walks to which dragon."
"Just like how you found us," Kisara noted.
"Exactly," Ichigo agreed. "How long do you think it will take before the dragon hatches?"
"I think it—" Suddenly, everyone heard the cracking of the egg. "—is cracking now," Valiona said. She gently lowered the egg as it began to wiggle, more cracks forming. Soon, the top of the egg broke off, revealing a red dragon. It was predominantly red and black, with three horns on its head. Like Xīng Chén, this dragon appeared to be capable of walking on its legs. The baby dragon slowly made its way to Valiona, who picked it up and began to carry it.
"So, what's the gender of the baby?" Ichigo asked.
"It's a female," Valiona said.
"Damn it. I need to find some guy friends," Ichigo mumbled to himself. The girls laughed at his misfortune.
"Any ideas for names?" Kisara asked.
"Maybe something Chinese to match Xīng Chén?" Valiona suggested.
"How about Shēnyuān [Abyss]?" Ichigo proposed.
"That's... Abyss in Chinese," Kisara guessed.
"Yep," Ichigo confirmed.
"That's a nice name, especially considering she was forced to absorb Hell's reiatsu," Valiona added.
"Go a few meters away while I grab the girls," Ichigo said, leaving the Familiar Room. A few minutes later, Ichigo returned with blindfolded Yuzu and Karin.
"Ichi-nii, what are you doing?" Yuzu asked.
"Is this another surprise for today?" Karin asked.
"Technically, yes, Karin," Ichigo replied, positioning the girls about 4 meters [13.12 feet] away from Kisara and Valiona.
"One by one, I want you to flare your reiatsu until you feel a pulling sensation. Then, walk in that direction," Ichigo instructed.
Karin flared her reiatsu first. A few seconds later, she felt a strange sensation and was pulled to the left. She began walking in that direction.
"Yuzu, your turn."
Yuzu flared her reiatsu. Unlike Karin, she felt the pull to her right and began walking that way.
"Stop!" Ichigo commanded. Both girls halted.
"Take off your blindfolds."
Karin took off her blindfold and saw Valiona holding Shēnyuān in her hands.
"Hello, Karin. Meet your new familiar."
"…Is that a dragon?"
"A baby dragon."
"What's her name?"
"Shēnyuān. It means Abyss."
"Why?"
"Ichigo found the egg being used to absorb Hell's reiatsu."
"Oh. That name fits well."
"I know. Do you want to hold her?"
"Sure." Valiona handed Karin Shēnyuān. The baby dragon stared at Karin for a few seconds before gently nibbling on her fingers.
"Now go back to Ichigo so he can tell you how to perform the Familiar ritual with Shēnyuān."
"Ok."
Yuzu took off her blindfold and saw Kisara holding Xīng Chén.
"Hello, Yuzu. Xīng Chén has chosen you as her master."
"Really?"
Kisara nodded as she handed Xīng Chén to Yuzu. Yuzu began to tickle Xīng Chén's stomach. The dragon let out a playful roar and wiggled in her arms.
"Now go back to Ichigo so he can tell you how to perform the Familiar ritual with Xīng Chén."
"Ok."
Soon, everyone met up with Ichigo.
"Congratulations on finding your own familiar. Let's get started with forming the familiar bond."
"Ok. Ichi-nii," the twins said in unison.
"You need to place your hand on your dragon's head and then say, 'In the name of Kurosaki Ichigo, I bind thee to me as my familiar.' But instead of my name, you'll use your own name."
Yuzu placed her hand on Xīng Chén.
"In the name of Kurosaki Yuzu, I bind thee to me as my familiar," Yuzu said. Both Yuzu and Xīng Chén glowed white for a few seconds before it faded.
Karin placed her hand on Shēnyuān.
"In the name of Kurosaki Karin, I bind thee to me as my familiar," Karin said. Both Karin and Shēnyuān glowed crimson for a few seconds before it faded.
"Now that it's done, I'm going to have Kisara and Valiona stay here to help you both learn how to take care of Xīng Chén and Shēnyuān."
Kisara and Valiona nodded.
"So, Ichi-nii, how long will it take for Xīng Chén and Shēnyuān to grow up like Kisara and Valiona?"
"It may take twenty years or longer, depending on the dragon," Kisara said.
"What!?" The twins shouted in surprise.
"Wait… didn't you say Ichi-nii found both of you as eggs?" Karin asked.
"He did," Valiona confirmed.
"How are you adults now?" Yuzu asked.
"Long ago, Valiona and I roamed freely without resistance. At some point, a warrior managed to slay us," Kisara explained.
"Due to magical properties in the blade, it trapped 90% of our soul in the blade. The remaining 10% used what little magic was left in our bodies to transform into an egg," Valiona added.
"Years later, Ichigo found our eggs. He was deemed a suitable master, and after that, he managed to set our souls free and reunited them with us. Unfortunately, this caused a small complication," Kisara continued.
"Our baby bodies couldn't handle the older souls. This forced our bodies to grow at an accelerated rate. It would've killed us because we didn't have enough reiatsu, but we used our familiar link to pull Ichigo's reiatsu to help. This mutation resulted in us gaining humanoid forms," Valiona finished.
"I see," the twins said.
With that, everyone left the familiar room and gathered around the dinner table to enjoy Masaki's cooking. Once dinner was finished, Ichigo went to bed early.
Scene Change: Morning
Ichigo woke up to find himself once again surrounded by women. He shifted his eyes and noticed Suzumebachi sleeping on his forehead. Gently moving his head, he saw Moka and Ophis on his left side, while Eu and Shirayuki occupied the right. He raised his head slightly and saw Kyōkotsu asleep on his chest. His left leg was occupied by Mysteria and Valiona, while his right leg was taken by Katen and Kisara.
Ichigo gently shook his arms and legs, waking everyone up. They all complained but allowed him to get out of bed.
Ichigo walked to the kitchen and began making omelets. Soon, the smell of food filled the house, drawing everyone downstairs. Ichigo decided to make omelets for everyone, placing two on each plate and setting them on the counter. As everyone trickled down, they grabbed a plate with an omelet. Ichigo sat down at the table as everyone enjoyed their delicious breakfast.
Once everyone finished, Ichigo went upstairs, changed into a white T-shirt and dark blue jeans, and said goodbye. He then ripped open a Garganta and jumped through.
Scene Change: Kyoto: Yasaka Shrine
Ichigo emerged in front of Yasaka Shrine.
"Hello, Kurosaki-sama. Yasaka-hime is expecting you," one of the many maids at the shrine said. The maid guided Ichigo to Yasaka's room. Ichigo gently knocked on the door.
"Come in, Ichigo," Yasaka called. Ichigo slid open the door and entered. He saw Yasaka fixing Kunou's robes.
"Papa!" Kunou cried, running over to Ichigo.
"Hello, Kunou." Ichigo hugged her. He looked up to see Yasaka smiling.
"Hello, Ichigo."
"Yasaka," Ichigo said, hugging her as well. "Ready to go?"
"Where are you taking us?"
"Oh… it's a little place called the Seireitei," Ichigo said. Yasaka froze.
"Wait… did you just say you're taking us to the Seireitei?"
"I did."
"Um… how are we going to get there since we aren't spirits?"
"Oh, that's easy." Ichigo pulled out a gun. "This is a nifty invention I had Urahara create," Ichigo explained. "With this gun, it transforms your living body into reishi and your yōkai into reiatsu." Ichigo fired the gun at Yasaka and Kunou. They both glowed white for a few seconds before it faded. Ichigo exited his human body, making sure not to wear the special haori he had been given. They walked out of Yasaka Shrine and into the secluded forest. Ichigo summoned his car and opened the door for Yasaka and Kunou. They climbed in, and Ichigo closed the door before getting into the driver's seat. He started the car, opened a Garganta, and drove straight through it.
Scene Change: Seireitei - Twelfth Division
In the main computer hub of the Twelfth Division, various Shinigami were typing away at their terminals. Suddenly, one of them stood up abruptly, knocking over the chair she had been sitting in. She had long purple hair, green eyes, large lips, and pale skin.
"Third Seat Akon!" she shouted. A few seconds later, someone walked out from a hallway.
"What is it, Torue?" Akon asked. He was a tall man with short, spiky black hair, marked by a distinguished hairline. Three small horns protruded from his forehead, and he wore a laboratory coat over the standard Shinigami shihakushō.
"We've detected a Garganta opening," she said.
"Where is it?"
"Our scanners couldn't pinpoint the exact location."
"Damn it."
"But we've narrowed it down to somewhere in the Thirties West Rukongai."
"Were you able to detect the place of origin?"
"No."
"I want ALL of you to investigate this," Akon ordered as he headed to report this to Urahara.
Scene Change: Soul Society: District Thirty West Rukongai
In an empty forest clearing, a Garganta opened, and a car drove out of it. Ichigo gently brought the car to a stop and turned to face Yasaka and Kunou.
"Welcome to the Rukongai."
"The Rukongai… I thought we were going to the Seireitei?" Kunou asked.
"The Rukongai is for powerless souls. Before I left the Seireitei, I made sure there were Shinigami stationed here to protect the district and maintain order."
"So you're doing a 'surprise' inspection?"
"Exactly," Ichigo replied as he began to transform. His long orange hair turned black and shortened, and his brown eyes shifted to dark blue. "Call me Tatsuya for now."
"Very well, Tatsuya," Yasaka said as she transformed. Her blonde hair and golden eyes became royal blue.
"Call me Sayaka," the newly transformed Sayaka said.
"What about me, Kaa-san?" Kunou asked. Sayaka waved her hand, and Kunou transformed similarly to her mother.
"You can keep your name, Kunou, since not many would know you," Ichigo said.
"Ok."
Everyone exited the car. Ichigo handed each of them a Reiatsu-Concealing Cloak, and they all put them on. Ichigo sent the car back to his mindscape before they started walking toward the Seireitei.
"It looks like we're back in time," Kunou commented.
"It does. For some reason, the Rukongai always looks like early Japanese architecture," Ichigo said.
"Where is everyone?" Yasaka asked, noticing that no one was out and about. It was as if they had entered a ghost town. Ichigo could sense people hiding in their homes.
"It seems these people are scared and hiding."
"From who?" Suddenly, they heard shouting.
"I told you I don't have the money!" someone yelled.
"If you don't have the money, why do you have this?" another voice shouted, followed by the sound of something breaking.
Ichigo and Yasaka rushed over to see a group of men harassing an elderly person.
"Hey!" Ichigo called out. All the men turned to face him. Ichigo fought the urge to groan. They were all wearing Shinigami shihakushō.
"Go away, powerless scum! We're in charge of this district!" Thug 1 sneered.
Ichigo walked over, cracking his hands and neck.
"You're a disgrace to every Shinigami who fought and died in the line of duty."
"Please… How would you know about disgrace, you powerless scum?" Thug 2 mocked.
Ichigo sighed and pointed at the group of thugs.
"Shō," Ichigo said. Suddenly, the thugs were blasted out of the house. Ichigo turned to Yasaka and Kunou.
"Take care of her while I take care of them," Ichigo ordered. Yasaka and Kunou nodded as Ichigo walked outside. He saw that the thugs had drawn their Zanpakutō and were ready to fight. Ichigo shook his head in disbelief.
"Final chance. Stand down."
All the thugs charged at Ichigo. He raised his palm toward them.
"Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku." Yellow energy in the form of thick ropes shot from Ichigo's palm, wrapping around the thugs' upper bodies and pulling them together. The thugs were shocked. The "powerless scum" could actually use kidō and one they couldn't even fully perform.
"Now then, you're going to answer a few of my questions."
"Sure," Thug 3 said, as the others glared at him.
Ichigo manipulated the kidō to separate Thug 1 and 2 from Thug 3.
"Well, we're screwed anyways. I might be punished less," Thug 3 muttered.
"Why did you attack her?"
"We were ordered by our Seated officer to collect payment from her."
"Why did you need to 'collect payment from her?'"
Thug 3 stayed silent. Ichigo grabbed his hand.
"Answer the question, or else?" Ichigo emphasized his point by gently bending Thug 3's finger in the opposite direction. "Why did you need to 'collect payment from her?'"
"We collect payment for priority protection!" Thug 3 blurted out.
"Whose idea was this?"
"Our Seated Officer!"
"Who is your Seated officer?"
"He is Takezoe Kōkichirō, the Seventh Seat," Thug 3 answered.
"Where is he now?"
"He should be in his office, located between District Twenty-Ninth and District Thirty."
"Very well." Ichigo placed his hand over Thug 3's eyes.
"Hey, what are you doing!?"
"Inemur," Ichigo said. Thug 3 fell unconscious. Ichigo repeated this with Thug 1 and 2, also reconnecting the Sajō Sabaku. He dragged the unconscious thugs back inside the house. Ichigo saw Yasaka and Kunou helping two people: an elderly lady with short black hair, blue eyes, and slightly damaged robes, and a man with pale, completely gray hair. Ichigo could see the weariness and tired resignation in his eyes.
"So, who are you… if I may ask?"
"I never remembered my name, but many call me Doctor K due to my medical knowledge," the man said.
"And I'm Emiya Kiritsugu."
"And your names?" Yasaka looked at Ichigo with concern.
"Yasaka, you don't need to reveal yourself. I'll just reveal myself," Ichigo said through their peerage link. Ichigo transformed back to his normal self. "My name is Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Wait… aren't you the Hero of the Winter War and the Hero of the Thousand Year War?" Doctor K asked.
"I am."
"Sucks to be you when you die," Kiritsugu said.
"Why is that?"
"You'll become a Heroic Spirit and be immortalized in the Throne of Heroes."
"The what?"
Kiritsugu sighed. "Heroic Spirits are the spirits of heroes who achieved great deeds in life and became objects of worship after their deaths."
"What about the Throne of Heroes?"
"The Throne of Heroes is a place outside our reality. It's where the Heroic Spirits reside."
"Aren't those spirits used for some stupid competition that happened a while ago?"
"Yes. The 'stupid competition' you're referring to is the Holy Grail War."
"So it's a competition using legendary heroes for a cup."
"Well, the cup in question is supposed to grant a miracle. But when I was competing in the Fourth Holy Grail War, I discovered that the Holy Grail had been corrupted by something evil, so I had it destroyed."
"Which caused a giant fire in Fuyuki," Yasaka added.
"Interesting."
"The corrupted Grail managed to curse me before it was destroyed. The curse slowly destroyed my body. First, my limbs, then my sight, and after that, most of my circuits became useless."
"So you're a Magus," Ichigo said, recalling Ruby's brief explanation of the major types of magic users.
"You're aware of us?"
"I am."
"Sixty years after the Grail War, in 1997 (3), there will be another Holy Grail War. To ensure the destruction of the Great Grail, I used various explosives to create a 'bump' in the nearby leyline."
"WHAT!" Yasaka yelled. "Do you have any idea what could happen because of that?"
"Based on various tomes I've read, it will cause an earthquake in Fuyuki approximately thirty to forty years from now."
"That may be true, but the earthquake could severely damage or even destroy all the other leylines in the world," Yasaka replied. Kiritsugu jumped up after hearing the potential consequences of his actions.
"What?"
"Yes, your actions would have been catastrophic if I hadn't already detected it and fixed it," Kiritsugu sighed.
"I see." Ichigo stood up. "Come on, I need to hunt down those fools who think they can abuse their authority." Ichigo stood up, and everyone said their goodbyes. Ichigo changed his hair and eyes again. He levitated the unconscious thugs up. Ichigo hugged Kunou and Yasaka tightly.
"Hold on tight," Ichigo said as he used Shunpō to disappear.
Scene Change: West Rukongai: District Twenty-Ninth and District Thirty
They arrived at the border between District Twenty-Ninth and District Thirty. A building with the sign "Shinigami Station" stood before them.
"Stay here with these idiots," Ichigo instructed Yasaka and Kunou as he walked inside alone. He saw one Shinigami sitting at the welcome desk. She had short brown hair and glasses, wearing the standard Shinigami shihakushō. She looked up from her paperwork.
"Hello, welcome to the Shinigami Station. My name is Shirogane Mihane (4). How may I help you?"
"Are there any other Shinigami here?"
"Um…" Mihane pulled out a clipboard. "We have three Shinigami on patrol right now."
"I see… I wish to speak to the person in charge of this station. I believe his name is Takezoe Kōkichirō."
"Okay. Let me notify him." She said as she walked down a hallway. A minute later, she returned. "He's ready for you now." She guided him to a door and knocked.
"Come in," a voice called. She slid the door open for Ichigo, who walked inside. She closed the door behind him. Ichigo took a good look at Takezoe Kōkichirō. He had short dark hair, bushy eyebrows, stubble around his mouth and chin, and wore the standard Shinigami shihakushō.
"Hello, I am Takezoe Kōkichirō," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.
"My name is Tatsuya," Ichigo said as he accepted the handshake.
"Oh god. Another powerless scum. I need to hurry this up so I can see what's taking those idiots so long to handle an old hag," Kōkichirō thought.
"He thinks I'm powerless; oh, that fool," Ichigo thought. They soon released the handshake.
"So, what can I do for you?"
"I would like to start an investigation."
"Okay," Kōkichirō said, pulling out a sheet of paper. "Whenever you're ready."
"About twenty minutes ago, I witnessed three thugs breaking into a resident's home. I ran over and saw that the three thugs were dressed like Shinigami."
"Fuck."
"I confronted them. They admitted they were following orders from their Seated officer."
"Did they mention a name?" Kōkichirō asked, his tone sharp. "Those bastards better not have."
"They did."
"Those backstabbers," Kōkichirō thought.
"What name did they give?"
"Your name."
"Fuck this," Kōkichirō muttered, pointing at Ichigo. "Hadō #31. Shakkahō!" Red energy shot from Kōkichirō's finger, causing an explosion. Mihane rushed in to see what happened and froze when she saw Kōkichirō still pointing at Ichigo.
"Oh, he got violent, so I blasted him with a Shakkahō."
"Good try, but that was weak," Ichigo said, unfazed. Both Kōkichirō and Mihane stared in disbelief as Ichigo remained standing, unaffected. Ichigo raised his palm towards Kōkichirō.
"Bakudō #63, Sajō Sabaku!" The energy rope wrapped tightly around Kōkichirō's upper body. Both Kōkichirō and Mihane were shocked to see the 'powerless' spirit performing Kido.
"Now then, Kōkichirō, your thugs told me about you collecting money from your Districts for 'priority protection.' Any comments?"
Kōkichirō glared at Ichigo. Ichigo grabbed his hand. "Answer the question, or else?" Ichigo emphasized his point by holding Kōkichirō's pinky finger on his left hand, gently bending it in the opposite direction.
Kōkichirō remained silent. Ichigo sighed, then broke the finger.
"GAAAAAAHHHHH!" Kōkichirō screamed in pain. Mihane couldn't handle it anymore and fainted.
"Why did you do it!?" Ichigo demanded.
"I told you, I can't tell you!" Kōkichirō cried. Ichigo grabbed the next finger and broke it.
"GAAAAAAHHHHH!"
"Tell me," Ichigo said.
Kōkichirō spat at Ichigo's face.
"Fuck you," Ichigo muttered, wiping the spit off his face. He grabbed the remaining fingers on Kōkichirō's left hand and broke them one by one.
"GAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
"Kōkichirō, just tell me the information."
"F-Fine," Kōkichirō groaned. "His name is Tarukane Gonzo. His estate is located in District Three."
"Anything else?"
"No! Can you please get this healed?"
"Sure." Ichigo placed his hand over Kōkichirō's eyes.
"Hey, what are you doing!?"
"Inemuri," Ichigo said, and Kōkichirō fell unconscious. Ichigo walked over to Mihane and gently shook her awake.
"Wha?" Mihane blinked and saw Kōkichirō bound. "What... what happened?"
"Kōkichirō and your other three Shinigami are involved in a scandal."
"What?"
"Yes. I'm here to take care of it. I'll explain everything to Hitsugaya-Taichō," Ichigo said as he grabbed the unconscious Kōkichirō and dragged him out of the station. Ichigo regrouped with Yasaka, Kunou, and the unconscious thugs. Ichigo modified Sajō Sabaku so that everyone was together. Just as Ichigo was about to head to District Three, a Hainawa shot at them. Ichigo reflected the Kidō with his hands. He turned to see Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto.
"Halt!" Tōshirō ordered.
"Ah, Tōshirō. Rangiku."
"Have we met before?" Rangiku asked.
"It's Hitsugaya-Taichō!" Tōshirō yelled.
"It is, but I never called you that, did I?" Ichigo replied.
"Wait... only one person ever calls me Tōshirō." Ichigo transformed back to his normal form.
"Ichigo?" Tōshirō and Rangiku said in unison.
"Yep," Ichigo replied, handing the bundle of thugs to Rangiku. "These guys forced the residents of District Thirty to pay for priority protection."
"WHAT!" Tōshirō yelled, glaring at the unconscious thugs.
"Please take these thugs while I hunt down the leader."
"Okay, Ichigo-sama," Rangiku said, grabbing the thugs and using Shunpō to vanish.
"Hitsugaya-Taichō, I need you to do two things. First, please arrange a Taichō meeting in an hour."
"Yes, Ichigo-sama," Tōshirō replied.
"As for the second thing, please make sure these two," Ichigo pointed at Yasaka and Kunou, "are comfortable with anything they might need."
"Very well." With that, Ichigo used Shunpō to head to District Three.
Scene Change: West Rukongai: District Three
Ichigo arrived at a large building with the words "Tarukane" written on top. Outside, two guards stood at their posts.
"Halt!" one of the guards called. Ichigo ignored the warning and walked towards the building. The second guard quickly recognized him.
"Good day, Kurosaki-sama," the second guard said with a bow. Ichigo stopped in front of the guard, while the first guard broke into a cold sweat upon realizing who he had just tried to challenge.
"Good day. Can you escort me to Tarukane Gonzo?"
"Yes, sir," Guard 2 said, beginning to escort Ichigo inside. Guard 1 exhaled deeply, relieved.
Scene Change: District Three: Tarukane Estate
Ichigo arrived at a set of closed doors.
"He is inside," Guard 2 said before walking away. Ichigo kicked the door down and walked in. What he saw infuriated him to his core. In front of him sat a short, fat, and dumpy man, who Ichigo assumed was Tarukane Gonzo. Gonzo was being served by various female slaves. The slaves were dressed in rags that barely covered them, with black collars and wrist cuffs. Some appeared as young as ten, while others seemed to be in their early twenties.
"Who dares enter my office?" Gonzo yelled, scaring the girls.
"Kurosaki-Yamamoto Ichigo," Ichigo declared, summoning his special haori, which appeared over his shihakushō.
"What gives you the right to enter my office?"
Ichigo sighed and bounded Gonzo with Sajō Sabaku. He turned to the women, who huddled together, looking at him with hopelessness in their eyes.
"I'm here to help all of you," Ichigo said. The women didn't respond. Ichigo summoned two Jigokuchō and placed one near his mouth. "Unohana, I need you and a squad of female healers to arrive at the Tarukane Estate immediately." Ichigo ended his message, and the Jigokuchō flew away. He picked up the other one and repeated the message to Yoruichi.
A few minutes later, Ichigo saw Unohana and Yoruichi walking toward him, accompanied by a squad of female healers and female Onmitsukidō.
"Unohana-Taichō and Shihōin-Taichō, reporting as requested," they said.
"Unohana-Taichō, I need you and your squad to help these victims," Ichigo said, pointing at the girls cowering in the corner.
"Very well," Unohana-Taichō replied.
"As for you, Shihōin-Taichō," Ichigo continued, "I want you and your squad to interrogate this monster to see if there are any more corrupted Shinigami under him and whether he knows anyone else who collects girls."
"Yes, sir," Yoruichi responded, glaring at Gonzo.
With his work done, Ichigo used Shunpō to head to the Tenth Division.
Scene Change: Tenth Division
Ichigo arrived outside Tōshirō's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Tōshirō called. Ichigo slid the door open to see Tōshirō sitting behind his desk with an open bottle of sake.
"Where is Rangiku when you need her?" Ichigo joked.
"Anyways, where are they?"
"They're in our prison."
"WHAT! I mean the girls?"
"Oh, they're in my quarters right now."
"Okay." Ichigo turned and began to walk out of Tōshirō's office.
"Wait, Ichigo." Ichigo stopped and turned around.
"Yes, Tōshirō?"
"Are you going to Kuchiki-fukutaichō and Abarai-fukutaichō's wedding?"
"Wait… those two are getting married? When?"
"Um... later today..." Ichigo began to laugh maniacally.
"Is it at the Kuchiki Manor?"
"It is," Tōshirō answered. Ichigo continued to laugh maniacally.
"Why do I suddenly regret mentioning the wedding?"
"Tōshirō, don't tell anyone that I know about the wedding, or else I'll show you just how much pain Karin's boyfriend should have felt from me."
"I won't," Tōshirō said, starting to fear for his life, especially with Ichigo knowing about his past relationship. With that, Ichigo left Tōshirō's office. Ichigo could vaguely hear Tōshirō groaning. Ichigo chuckled as he arrived at Tōshirō's quarters. He knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Ichigo walked in. Tōshirō's quarters were quite sparse—just a bed, a few cupboards, and a table. Ichigo cast a privacy Kidō around the room. Yasaka and Kunou were still in their disguises. Yasaka was lying on the bed, while Kunou was doodling at the table.
"I'm sorry," Ichigo said.
"For what?" Yasaka asked.
"For abandoning you to take care of those thugs."
"Ichigo, I understand completely. Remember, I'm a ruler too. Sometimes I plan to take Kunou out, but suddenly I'm summoned back to deal with a mess."
"You're right… well, I've got one last thing we can do after this meeting."
"What's that?"
Ichigo informed her about Rukia and Renji's wedding.
"So, are we going in our normal form or in disguise?"
"Go normal."
"But we don't have kimonos to wear."
"Yasaka, you have magic. Use it to transfigure a matching set of kimonos for all of us," Ichigo said as he ran off to the Taichō meeting.
Scene Change: Taichōs' Assembly Hall
Everyone arrived at the Assembly Hall and sat down at their respective seats. This was an emergency meeting that required both Taichōs and Fukutaichōs to be present.
"Hitsugaya-Taichō, you requested this emergency meeting. You may start," Genryūsai said.
"Sōtaichō, I'll begin once one more member arrives." A few seconds later, the doors opened, and Ichigo entered the Hall. He took his place at the head of the table.
"I requested Hitsugaya-Taichō to organize this emergency meeting," Ichigo said. "I recently discovered a serious issue that needs immediate attention. I found out that three Shinigami were collecting protection money from a few residents of West Rukongai, District 30."
"WHAT!" All the Taichōs shouted.
"I interrogated them and discovered their seated officer, Seventh-Seat Takezoe Kōkichirō—"
"Former Seventh-Seat Takezoe Kōkichirō," Tōshirō corrected.
"Correction, former Seventh-Seat Takezoe Kōkichirō. I proceeded to interrogate him for answers. He told me that his 'boss' is a man named Tarukane Gonzo, whose estate is located in District Three. At that moment, Hitsugaya-Taichō and Matsumoto-Fukutaichō stumbled upon me. I handed them the tied-up thugs and confronted Tarukane Gonzo. Shihōin-Taichō, please report your findings." Ichigo said as he sat down and gestured for Yoruichi to stand.
"After we arrived at the scene, we interrogated Tarukane Gonzo for more information. As of now, we've identified two members each from the First, Third, and Thirteenth Divisions; four members from the Fourth and Fifth Divisions; and six members from the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Divisions. Fortunately, no members from the Second, Twelfth, or Fourteenth Divisions were implicated," Yoruichi reported, pausing to let the Taichōs process the information.
"Any patterns?" Genryusai asked.
"At least one member from each implicated division was a seated officer," Yoruichi replied.
"I see."
"We are currently interrogating these traitors to uncover any additional collaborators," Yoruichi continued.
"What about Gonzo?" Lisa asked.
"He provided the names we have so far."
"What I mean is—are there others like Gonzo out there?" Lisa clarified.
"As of now, it appears Gonzo was acting alone."
Ichigo stood. "Thank you, Shihōin-Taichō, for your report." Yoruichi nodded and stepped back. "I urge all Taichōs to keep a closer watch on your divisions. We cannot allow something like this to happen again."
The Taichōs nodded in agreement.
"Anything else?" Ichigo asked. Urahara rose from his seat.
"You have the floor, Urahara-Taichō," Ichigo said, retaking his seat.
"As many of you know, we detected a Garganta opening near District Thirty. Was that you're doing?" Urahara asked, directing his gaze to Ichigo.
"It was," Ichigo confirmed.
"Understood. I'll inform my team to cease their search," Urahara replied, sitting back down.
Ichigo stood again. "Anything further?" Silence filled the room. "Meeting adjourned."
Scene Change: Toshiro's Private Quarters
Ichigo shunpō'ed back to Toshiro's private quarters and knocked on the door.
"Come in, Ichigo," came the response.
Ichigo entered to see Yasaka tying Kunou's obi. Both had reverted to their normal forms. Yasaka wore a sky-blue kimono adorned with a sakura tree swaying in the breeze, beneath which two yellow foxes and one orange fox rested. The sun cast its warm light over the scene. Kunou's orange kimono depicted the same foxes cuddled together in a serene forest under a setting sun, with the moon rising in the background.
"Papa!" Kunou called. "Do I look pretty?"
"You look beautiful, Kunou," Ichigo said warmly.
"Yay!" she exclaimed, spinning in delight.
"Here's your kimono, Ichigo," Yasaka said, holding it up for him. The predominantly black garment featured a partial lunar eclipse on the chest, with a dark blue moon shadowed by an orange sun. The hem displayed two yellow foxes and an orange fox running under a starlit sky. The back bore Ichigo's twin dragon symbol, and the colors of the dragons and their eyes reversed.
"Do you like it?" Yasaka asked.
"I love it," Ichigo said sincerely.
Yasaka and Kunou helped Ichigo put on the kimono, and Yasaka carefully combed his hair. Once everyone was ready, they held each other close, and Ichigo shunpō'ed them to the Kuchiki Estate.
Scene Change: Kuchiki Estate
They arrived just outside the estate and adjusted their kimonos before walking toward the gate, where a man sat at a table.
"I'm sorry, but no one is allowed to enter," the man said without looking up.
"You might reconsider if you look up," Ichigo suggested.
The man glanced up, and his face went pale. "V-Very well. Please write your names here and on this card," he stammered, sliding both over.
Ichigo wrote his name, followed by Yasaka's and Kunou's. Another servant opened the gate and escorted them through the courtyard, where sakura trees lined the path, and music drifted softly from the manor.
At the manor doors, three servants awaited them. Two opened the large doors, while the third examined their card. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Are you certain about this?" the servant asked.
"I am," Ichigo confirmed.
The servant nodded, then announced loudly, "Entering: Lord Kurosaki Ichigo, King of Souls, accompanied by Yasaka-hime, Princess of Japan's Yōkai, and Kunou-hime, Heir to the Princess of Japan's Yōkai."
As the trio stepped inside, the music stopped briefly before resuming. Ichigo, remembering his etiquette lessons, placed Kunou on his shoulders to keep her safe. He and Yasaka mingled briefly with the guests before following Byakuya to the shrine for the ceremony.
"Ichigo," Yasaka mentally called out.
"Yes, Yasaka?"
"This shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu."
"Really? Is she planning to bless the marriage?"
"She might," Yasaka said. "This is the first wedding held at her shrine since the Thousand-Year War."
"I see. Should I inform someone?"
"Don't bother," Yasaka replied with a chuckle.
Ichigo smiled at her nonchalance. They continued watching the ceremony until the sun suddenly intensified, its light focusing on Yasaka. She began to float as a radiant beam enveloped her, marking Amaterasu's divine blessing.
Her eyes began to glow golden.
"Papa, is Lady Amaterasu appearing?" Kunou asked.
"She is," Ichigo replied.
"Greetings, Shinigami of the Gotei 14," Yasaka said, her voice now carrying a different tone.
"Who are you?" one of the monks asked.
"The mother of all Nihonjin [Japanese people]." At that, all the monks immediately bowed.
"Welcome, Lady Amaterasu. We are honored by your presence."
"Hey, Amaterasu," Ichigo greeted casually. The monks looked at him as if he had lost his mind.
"Hello, Ichigo. How are you?" Amaterasu asked.
"I'm good," Ichigo answered.
"It seems you and Yasaka haven't married yet," Amaterasu observed.
"Hey, we both agreed to take it slow," Ichigo said. "Anyway, shouldn't you be talking to your guests instead of me?"
"You're right," Amaterasu said, turning her attention to the other Shinigami, who was now bowing to her. "Hello, everyone. I wanted to bless this couple with great fortune and fertility in the years to come."
"Thank you, Lady Amaterasu, for your generous blessing," Rukia and Renji said in unison. Yasaka's body slowly descended back to the ground, and her eyes stopped glowing.
"You all right?" Ichigo asked.
"I am. Though, I felt the theatrics were unnecessary," Yasaka said.
"Hey, I can do theatrics, especially for a group of people who either don't believe in my existence or question it," Amaterasu replied through Yasaka's peerage link.
With the wedding formally over, Rukia and Renji mingled with the other guests and made their way over to Ichigo, Yasaka, and Kunou.
"Ichigo-sama!" Rukia exclaimed.
"Hello, Rukia, Renji," Ichigo greeted.
"Hello, Ichigo-sama, Yasaka-hime, Kunou-hime," Rukia said, bowing slightly.
"How are you?" Renji asked.
"Good," Ichigo replied.
"Took you two long enough to figure it out," Ichigo joked.
"Anyways…" Rukia began. "We want to thank you for your blessing." Rukia and Renji both bowed to Yasaka.
"It was no trouble," Yasaka replied. "Lady Amaterasu was willing to come, especially for a wedding at her shrine."
"Anyways, I need to ask you a very... very important question," Ichigo said.
"Sure…" Rukia replied, sensing the gravity in his tone.
"Who was in charge of invitations?" Ichigo asked.
"Nii-sama was... why?" Rukia answered, a hint of confusion in her voice.
"Oh, I never received an invitation to the ceremony," Ichigo said nonchalantly.
"Really? Nii-sama said he finished delivering all the invites," Rukia responded, surprised.
"Oh… looks like I need to beat up a noble again." Ichigo cracked his knuckles, eyeing Byakuya not too far away.
"No, Ichigo!" Rukia yelled, rushing to stop him.
"Rukia, please clarify this detail," Ichigo said, his tone serious. "If I'm wrong, I won't beat up Byakuya, but if I'm right... then Byakuya's in for it."
Rukia sighed. "Very well; ask away."
"Byakuya is aware that I would be interested in attending your wedding if invited."
"I believe he is aware…"
"So, would I take offense if I was not invited, despite him knowing I'd want to attend?"
"Yes," Rukia admitted with a sigh.
"Not only that, but I'm technically a noble of higher standing than him, so I'd be even more offended by this oversight."
"Yes," she confirmed, her voice resigned.
"Don't worry... Byakuya won't be seriously injured. I might just crush that pride of his again," Ichigo said, already walking toward Byakuya.
Noticing Ichigo's approach, Byakuya prepared himself.
"Hello, Lord Kuchiki," Ichigo greeted with a smirk.
"Lord Kurosaki," Byakuya replied with his usual stoic demeanor.
"I'd like to ask, why didn't I receive an invitation to Rukia and Renji's wedding?"
"It… was an error on my part," Byakuya admitted.
"Really? Please, explain this error."
"When I was sending out the invitations, I assumed you wouldn't be interested in attending, given the events of three years ago."
"I see. I thought I'd already addressed that assumption," Ichigo replied, a knowing look in his eyes.
"You're right," Byakuya said, taking a deep breath before bowing. "I would like to formally apologize for not personally inviting you to this event."
"Rise, Lord Kuchiki. I accept your apology," Ichigo said, holding up his hand to stop the bow. Byakuya stood and looked at Ichigo's hand for a moment before accepting the handshake.
Ichigo and Byakuya released the handshake, and Ichigo walked away.
Soon, the festivities wound down, and it was time to leave. Ichigo summoned his car, opening the door for Yasaka and Kunou to enter.
"Nice car, Ichigo," Renji said, watching with an amused grin.
"Yeah. It was payment for some work I did," Ichigo replied, sliding into the driver's seat.
Ichigo waved at Renji as he opened a Garganta and drove through.
Scene Change: Kyoto – Yasaka Shrine
Ichigo drove through the Garganta and parked his car in a secluded forest clearing. He opened the door for Yasaka and Kunou.
"Did you two have fun?" Ichigo asked.
"I did, though I would have liked to spend more time with you, Papa," Kunou said with a pout.
"I had a good time, dear. It was my first time seeing Soul Society," Yasaka said, smiling.
Ichigo pulled out his gun, shooting Yasaka and Kunou, converting their bodies back to their normal forms. Ichigo also returned to his normal body. They all took a quick shower before getting ready for bed.
"Eu… Ophis, can you two hear me?" Ichigo mentally called out.
"Yes, Ichigo?" Eu and Ophis replied, their voices echoing in his mind.
"This is a reminder that we have our date tomorrow. Make sure you two don't eat anything for breakfast."
"Okay," Eu said. Ophis remained silent.
"Ophis?" Ichigo asked.
"Fine," Ophis said, cutting the connection.
With that done, Ichigo fell asleep.
Author's notes:
Ichigo turned into a replica of Shiba Tatsuya
Yasaka turned into Maizono Sayaka from Danganronpa.
Remember, this is 2007 (Bleach Canon was 2004 and this story is 3 years after)
Shirogane Mihane is originally the 9th Seat of the 6th Division.