(With Ichigo)
Ichigo was making his way through the Dangai, carrying with him a cart containing preservation capsules that held the bodies of the defeated Arrancar inside. Seeing as he was heading into Soul Society, he was given the task of escorting the remains until squad 12 could recover them and begin their examinations. Ichigo often wondered whether or not to kill the one known as Shawlong Koufang, if only to spare him the suffering he'll endure with Mayuri. He forced himself to push that aside, knowing that war was not fought on morals, only power. If they wanted a chance, he would turn a blind eye to certain matters. Uryu informed him and Isshin about the matter with the Quincies, but it would have to wait until later. They needed to prepare for either capture or assassination. Turning them was a possibility, but they'd need a situation under their complete control. Which brought his attention back to Ulquiorra, whether he could turn some of the Arrancar to their side. They did not seem to be mindless beasts that strove to quench an unceasing hunger, but aside from his friend among them they all seemed driven by the desire to destroy. He was brought out of his musings as a black cat approached him.
"Going to see Tatsuki I take it?" He asked, knowing that it was Yoruichi. The black cat looked up to her student and nodded.
"Yes, I'm done with my vacation." She said in her masculine tone. "Caught up with Soi-Fon, whipped the Onmitsukido back into shape, and spent the rest of the time trying to escape my clingy brother." She explained to the hybrid with what seemed like a tired smile. "He's really clingy."
"I noticed." Ichigo responded, getting ready to continue on his way. "She did good against her opponent the other day."
"I've heard." The cat had a gleam of pride in her eye. "Now to make sure she does better. Also let Isshin know that the paperwork was finalized and Lisa is now his co-third seat."
"The old man establishes martial law, but he can't get rid of paperwork." The hybrid grumbled as he stated to leave.
"Records are important Ichigo!" She told him as they went their separate ways. "Even I have to admit that!" Ichigo continued on to the light at the end, showing him the opening to Soul Society. Where his future wife was waiting for him. Byakuya and him talked a few more times after establishing the political marriage between him and Rukia about clan politics. He had few complimentary things to say about his own clan's elders. Ichigo just wished that he wouldn't be expected to be on anyone's leash, he was in a precarious enough position as it was. He went through the Senkaimon and into the Seireitei, which took a massive change since the last time he was there.
"Huh." He said in mild surprise. "Progress." He saw the citizens of the Rukon districts interacting happily with many Soul Reapers, one was even playing with a bunch of kids and another seemed to be tutoring them in harnessing Reishi. The buildings in the Rukon looked a lot better and the unease seemed to have dissipated from the atmosphere. He decided to take a chance and jumped, using his tempered control of Reishi to soar into the sky. He soon passed the point where the spirit barrier was supposed to be and took in the sights. From the view he saw a number of Shinigami acting as police officers, preventing thefts and murders, all the way to the twentieth district on all sides. Jidanbo and the other gatekeepers seemed to be reassigned as prison guards because he noticed some large buildings where many people were shackled with many other Soul Reapers and Punishment squad members patrolling the area. He slowly drifted back down to his original position where a small group was heading towards his cargo, which had gained a small audience. He landed just as a guy with horns and a lab coat reached the cart.
"Lieutenant Kurosaki. I am Akon, 3rd seat of squad 12." He said with a nod. "We're here for the specimens." Ichigo felt uneasy referring to cognizant beings like that, living or dead, but he forced it down.
"Here you go, give Urahara my regards." He said as he left the group and made his way to the Kuchiki manor. Where Kukaku and Byakuya waited.
(Las Noches)
Grimmjow was furious, beaten, and humiliated by how badly his self imposed mission went. He lost his fraccion, each one losing their fight in a mostly honorable one on one battle, and was punished for his disobedience. He had both his arms cut off and was subjected to a defenseless beating, courtesy of the 5th Espada, Nnoritra Gilga. After he was thoroughly punished for his failure did Aizen allow him to have his arms returned and his rank was stripped from him. Tousen, still crippled from his fight from their escape from Soul Society, called this 'justice', stating that Grimmjow had no reason but to sate his own bloodlust. He wandered through the deserts of Hueco Mundo, choosing solitude to reflect on his life, determined and planning to get his vengeance against that damned hybrid.
"I did warn you Grimmjow." He heard from behind, turning to see Ulquiorra standing on a dune above him. "I recognized his potential long ago. Now he's had time to refine it. Most of us Arrancar are still relatively rough in comparison."
"Is there a point or are you just trying to piss me off?" The panther growled. Ulquiorra gave him an intimidating look, freezing the fallen Espada.
"What are you willing to give up?" The bat asked, the air becoming heavier reflecting the energy of the Vasto Lorde. "I have a secret, an ace in the hole. I have it for my eventual fight with Ichigo, but I will teach it to you if you tell me what you are willing to sacrifice for it." Grimmjow was stunned, a chance to gain power but at a cost. Would his pride allow that? How much did he hate Ichigo Kurosaki?
"What have I left to lose?" He asked after a few seconds. "I've lost my rank, my fraccion, the respect of my fellow Arrancar. What else can I lose?"
"Your desire to become king." Ulquiorra stated simply, shocking Grimmjow again. "Is your desire to destroy Ichigo so great that you'd abandon your drive to be the king? Is your thirst for destruction that powerful?" Grimmjow's mind was racing. The drive to become the king of Hollows was all he had left of his former group. They followed him because they believed he could become the strongest. Now here was Ulquiorra, someone that reached a point he never could before and offering to train him at the cost of his desire to rule. Was he ready for that? Would he give up that final aspect of his old life to defeat Ichigo?
"I abandon my desire to be king, for my hunger for destruction." He finally said, earning a rare smirk from the empty Arrancar.
"Then let's begin."
(Aizen's Study)
Aizen watched the recordings of the fights between Isshin's squad 15 and his own Arrancar. On one hand, he was getting more data on his enemies. One the other, they've made it clear that he would need better quality soldiers. Even Gilians would need to be brought in... after he turned them into Adjuchas. He wouldn't be as angry, but his slow progress with his Hogyoku was grating on his nerves. If he had Urahara's as well, he could speed up the production of his Arrancar, even finish the one he made to stop Yamamoto. But for now, he could either focus on strengthening his forces or augmenting his Hogyoku. The small jewel pulsed in his hand, responding to its master's Reiatsu.
"Very well." He said after a moment of contemplation. "Training it shall be. And maybe another distraction to keep them busy." He turned his focus back on the hybrid, actually smiling at the boy. "Course, I do need to get you out of my way." He switched the screen over to Ichigo's sisters, coming home after a day of school.
(SRDI: Sub-Basement Research Lab)
Urahara was watching the monitors before him with great intensity, absorbing and analyzing every scrap of data that his scans were getting. The Arrancar made it into their custody and they quickly got to work, dissecting, scanning, finding out anything they could. Mayuri got his hands dirty, digging through the insides of the dead Arrancar while Urahara performed multiple scans on the only living specimen. He promised himself he would give up on the Hollowfication experiments that led to so much trouble, but some small parts of himself still demanded an answer to strengthen the Soul Reapers for the coming battle. The Vizards could be considered failures in that regard as their power increase is limited to their control of their 'inner Hollow'. Ichigo was a better example of his ideal, but that was almost impossible to replicate without more and compliant Quincy. So here he was analyzing data from the other side of the barrier breakdown.
"That Fullbringer needs to come in for more testing." Mayuri idly stating while looking at the ruptured mess that was once Edrad. "And I need to give him an earful about keeping specimens intact-" Mayuri continued but Kisuke gave him no mind. He recognized a trace energy signature that was undoubtedly from the Hogyoku, but different from his own. "-still unsure about that one-"
"Mayuri, shut up and come here." Urahara ordered his lieutenant. Mayuri removed his bloodied gloves to join Urahara, muttering about 'research opportunities without captain responsibilities' before joining his superior. "Remember the files on my Hogyoku?"
"Of course, we went over those a million times to figure out how to seal it up." The deranged scientist said before looking at the screens and responding in surprise. "And that's different." Kisuke started typing away on his keyboard, sending a message to Tessai and Yamamoto. He needed his Hogyoku to confirm his troubled theory. It was over an hour before the Kido master and Captain Commander came to their location.
"This had better be important Kisuke." Yamamoto growled, not wanting one of the most dangerous and volatile creations of recent memory out of its seal for too long.
"The particular seal we've made is incredibly taxing to do and undo." Tessai chimed in, carrying with him the box the held the forbidden device.
"Believe me," Urahara said with unease, "I pray I'm wasting your time." He grabbed the box and removed his Hogyoku before placing it in a scanner. After a couple minutes the results were coming in, and he was not happy that they did. "Just how depraved is that man?" Kisuke groaned as he collapsed in his chair. "These scans tell me, that the Hogyoku is actually sentient." He said, shocking everyone in the room. "When I first had the idea of the Hogyoku I knew I needed a vast amount of Reishi, pure, unaltered Reishi. So, utilizing a Valley of Screams, I harnessed the power and made my Hogyoku. I succeeded but it was inactive, almost as if it was sleeping. However my method was only one possibility, Aizen took the other." He returned the Hogyoku to the box and glared at it. "I used pure untapped energy while he must have harvested it from the souls around us. Shinigami, Hollow, trying to balance out the mixture, and leaving him with an awakened Hogyoku." Yamamoto squeezed his cane, furious that such acts were going on without his notice. Age really was starting to get to him if something like that escaped him. "I'd say 'don't worry' because to properly use any Hogyoku requires a massive Reiatsu, closer to Yamamoto in scale, but Ichigo and Aizen have proven that they have enough to use it. Ichigo when we tricked Aizen, and Aizen with these Arrancar." He hung his head in exhaustion, the discovery reminding him of what kind of being Aizen was.
"Return the Hogyoku to its seal." Genryusai finally ordered. "We step up our preparations and anticipate the worst. With Ichigo's performance against that Espada, we may have a chance while Aizen bolsters his forces as well. Giving me ample time to train and prepare Ichigo for the coming battles. For now, keep silent about this. Especially since weddings are meant to be happy occasions."
"Considering it's the Kuchiki's, I doubt it." Mayuri said, surprising everyone. "What? They're boring."
(Kuchiki Manor)
Ichigo made his way through the hallowed halls of the Kuchiki household, noted as the keepers of Soul Society's history. He immediately remembered why he detested being in the building as he went past many of the house servants and other members of the family. Many of the lower members of the house looked at him in reverence, a mighty warrior that would save and change Soul Society for the better. Most of the more dull nobles held disdain that a 'half breed commoner' would dare walk in their presence. The smarter ones looked at him like a prize, a piece on their board game of petty politics. He even heard one say, 'that street rat Rukia has actually proven useful for once'. Byakuya had his respect, he was alright with marrying Rukia, but he wanted nothing to do with these stuck up bastards. The Shiba family was that, a family. The Kuchiki's made him feel like he should watch his back every second he was there. He neared the door when he heard Kukaku and Byakuya talking.
"-won't be happy about this." He heard Kukaku say, slight concern in her voice.
"I don't care." Byakuya said in his firm tone, showing the same steely resolve when he swore to uphold the law. "I am the head of this clan and it will be as I command." He opened the door and interrupted the two heads, feeling this matter was probably about him. "Ichigo Kurosaki." Byakuya greeted his soon to be brother-in-law.
"Byakuya. Kukaku." Ichigo returned, greeted the two nobles. "What was that about?"
"We are planning to anger the elders." Byakuya said, almost chuckling. "We've agreed on the place being in West Rukon and open for anyone to attend."
"It'd be a nice chance for the common folk to enjoy the festivities but some of the nobles won't approve." Kukaku added, speaking much more smoothly. "Too bad it's not their call." She chuckled, earning a rare smirk from the sixth captain.
"On to other matters, it's time for you to meet my clan's tailor for your robes." Ichigo groaned, not wanting to stand still for hours on end while putting on a much heavier set of clothes he's only going to wear for... well not ONE day as he had his other lovers but still. The door opened and he was expecting one of the maids to be there to escort him to the tailor. He wasn't expecting his bride-to-be.
"Brother, are you sure I look o...kay." Rukia said as she came into the room. She wore a white wedding kimono with a snowflake pattern that shimmered in the light like a fresh blanket of snow. She had her hair cut into a cropped bob hanging around her face. She seemed more mature as well, like her training with Ukitake made her grow. She's changed so much in such a short amount of time. "I-Ichigo." She stuttered, clearly not expecting him, as her face burned into a surprised blush. "H-how do I look?" She asked timidly, smiling slightly at seeing her friend and future husband. She was surprised again when he took her hand and clasped it in his own while looking straight into her eyes.
"Marry me Rukia!" He yelled out suddenly, making Rukia's entire face turn red as Ichigo looked completely serious. The moment was interrupted when Kukaku punched her cousin in the back of his head.
"You're already getting married, you dumbass!" She yelled out, as crass as ever. Ichigo was pulled away by one of the Kuchiki maids while Rukia was still frozen in shock, redder than Renji's hair. Kukaku then decided to have some fun. "Yes Rukia, you do look lovely. Though I bet you're more excited about your wedding night~." She teased, somehow making Rukia turn redder and emitting steam from her ears. "Yeah, Rangiku told me how you got a preview. Now just imagine all that long, thick-" She was interrupted by a swift crack to her head, courtesy of Byakuya's sheath.
"Don't be so vulgar, Shiba-san." He scolded the tomboy, who was rubbing her sudden lump. "And Rukia..." He saw his sister, passed out on the floor from what seemed to be 'overheating'. "Why am I letting this happen again?"
(One Week Later: Shiba Clan Estate)
Parties were had, people were gathered, and a good number of the male captains and lieutenants sported a couple black eyes and swollen cheeks... Ichigo's bachelor party ended in violence. Ichigo's friends and family was there as well, leaving Lisa to lead the squad. Isshin was glowing with pride, Yuzu and Karin happy to see their family grow, and Masaki who wore Reishi handcuffs and was gagged after she somehow started to breath fire... she was still glaring at everyone. He stood in front of a small altar, wearing a midnight black kimono with dark silver bottom, with Chad and Uryu at his side... who insisted that his formal attire would be Quincy appropriate and somehow got his way. When the ceremony began, Genryusai led the procession with Rukia and Byakuya trailing behind him and the Kuchiki clan elders following behind. Yamamoto took his place at the altar while Rukia stood next to her soon to be husband. He gave a standard speech of 'love' and 'union' and a dawn of change for all of Soul Society. Ichigo and Rukia exchanged sake and their rings while making their vows.
"By the laws of Soul Society and my authority as Captain Commander of the Gotei 15, I now pronounce you man and wife!" Yamamoto spoke out for all to hear. "Now you are Ichigo and Rukia Kurosaki!" There was much applause, but Ichigo heard a few surprised gasps. He looked at the Kuchiki elders, all wearing strained smiles. "You may kiss the bride!" Rukia pulled Ichigo in for a passionate kiss, focusing his attention on her, then throwing the bouquet, aiming for Ichigo's other lovers. It shocked everyone when Nemu caught it and was next to Uryu, leaning her head on his shoulder. Even Yoruichi commented on the girl's speed. All a nice distraction as they head for the reception, but Ichigo still felt the glares from the Kuchiki elders. After he managed to pull his father, Byakuya, and Kukaku away, he demanded answers.
"Ichigo," his father started, "in marriages like these, the one from the lower ranked family usually marries into the higher ranked one. Meaning you'd be Ichigo Kuchiki intead of Shiba or Kurosaki." Ichigo took a brief moment to shudder, much to the annoyance of Byakuya. "But, Byakuya had other ideas." The Kuchiki head took over.
"Many nobles tend to be short sighted." He said, with a calm seriousness. "Caring only about their own gains. Unfortunately, my own clan elders are guilty of the same crime." He looked at his new brother and explained his situation. "You represent a great change in Soul Society and are practically guaranteed to become a leader in Soul Society in the future. Their aim is to either get into your good graces or hold you under a heavy threat. Like being ready to have your wife killed at a moment's notice." Ichigo's eyes widened in shock, realizing this was why he felt he needed to watch his back in the Kuchiki manor.
"So Rukia married into your family, putting her under the protection of the Shiba family and a home to be safe in." Kukaku chimed in with a victorious smile on her face. "Since most of the squads got reinspected, it became harder to find a strong and competent enough Shinigami that could be bought and the Kuchiki elders would never sink so low as to go to the lower districts to find an assassin."
"Effectively," Byakuya started again, "you have no obligation to my family and Rukia will be safe with the Shibas." He said, taking a drink of wine. "And since any and all dealing between our clans will be done between Kukaku and myself, they have been removed from much of any new power and authority they may have gotten."
"Don't you fear a reprisal?" Ichigo asked. Suddenly the air around him grew cold as Byakuya exerted his power.
"I am a captain of the 15 Court Guard Squads, and head of the Kuchiki family." He said coldly. "I fear no man or underhanded attempts on my person. You needn't worry about me."
(Later that night at a secret meeting of the Kuchiki Elders.)
"That damned brat!" One of them growled out, reflecting the attitude of most of his fellows. "Who does he think he is?"
"A perfect chance to raise the Kuchiki clan to a state above the other four noble houses and he just throws it away?" Said another, calmer but still angry. "He insults the entire clan AND the traditions that have made us strong!"
"It was bad enough he brought those two peasants into the clan." A third said, speaking in disgust of Rukia and her late sister. "Now he does this? What next, burning down the historical archives?"
"No... not Byakuya." One spoke out, with enough authority that the others seemed to look at him as the leader. "It's that filthy hybrid Ichigo Kurosaki. He's responsible for all of this. Byakuya would still be compliant if he never appeared and everything would be as it should."
"So we remove him." Another said, already planning something. "Prevent him from corrupting Byakuya any further."
"Ichigo Kurosaki is the disciple of Genryusai Yamamoto!" One almost shouted in shock. "Who is capable of challenging that?"
"Not all of the powerful warriors in Soul Society became Shinigami." The leader reminded them. "And some that are still bearing an overpowering grudge against certain members of the Gotei. I have an associate who has an idea, and creating the means, to take care of our problems." He said, thinking back to his ally in a clan second only to any of the Four Great Nobles, Gyokaku Kumoi.
(Illustrated Guide to Soul Reapers!)
Ichigo's Bachelor Party
All the notable men of the Court Guard gathered together to celebrate Ichigo's last night as an unmarried man. There were food, drinks, music, Kenpachi wasn't trying to fight someone... yet, and Mayuri was tied up in the time out corner for asking Ichigo for same kind of sample that got the scientist a black eye. Not as wild as Kenpachi's, but after the weeks of battles and dangers, people were glad to just unwind. Then Yushiro brought out a massive chocolate cake.
"Here you go Ichigo!" He cheered, holding out a cake slicer. "Enjoy the cake. Yoruichi Nee-sama made it herself just for you!" Ichigo was so confused by the image that he never notice Urahara and Tessai coming up from behind with a chair and several high level binding seals.
"That explains so much and yet so little." He said, looking at the confection cutter in his hand and the cake with slight worry. "I'm not sure why, but I don't want to cut it." He said just before Tessai and Urahara got him on the chair.
"Too bad!" He said with glee as dozens of kido restraining spells locked him in place. "You don't need to cut it. Ladies!" He knocked on the cake and out popped Rangiku and Kukaku... with cat ears and tails... wearing micro bikinis. "Remember Ichigo, look but don't touch~." Urahara said while the two bustiest women in Soul Society danced for Ichigo's arousal/torment.
"When I get out of here, I'm kicking all of your asses!" He yelled out, straining against the seals.