(Squad 1 Barracks: Office)
"Remember my boy, patience." Yamamoto told his young student as the master and apprentice did the most mind numbing and grueling activity: paperwork. The moment Ichigo came into the squad, being assigned the rank of 4th seat, he was given restraints on his wrists and ankles that were proportionate to his strength. After that he was expecting more physical and mental conditioning, instead he was helping Yamamoto deal with his increased workload after another twenty arrests among the nobility that prompted a near complete replacement of the next Central 46. Now, three days later, it was still tea, calligraphy, basic katas and exercises, and paperwork with very heavy weights on his being. "This is tedious, but I'd still rather do this than face the wars to come."
"Understood Sensei." Ichigo responded, struggling against the weights on his arms to finish signing the two hundredth report that day. "I was just expecting more when you had me come here under your personal supervision."
"Oh there certainly is." The dragon said as he took a comforting drink of his tea. "Your other teachers note that you grow with experience and I agree with that. The other captains have orders to attack you at random." He said as if discussing the weather. It took Ichigo a second to register what the old man said and before he could ask, an ice dragon slammed into his side and out of the office. "Like that."
(With Ichigo)
'Cold. Cold. Cold! Cold!' Was Ichigo's thought process as the ice dragon of Hyorinmaru dragged him away from the barracks and into the open. "Hado #33, Sokatsui!" He yelled out, vaporizing the dragon in an instant with superheated flames. The second the flames died out, Ichigo felt something coming from behind. He turned to see Komamura with his large ghostly shikai coming down on him. 'Crap.' He thought as he solidified his defense as the blade slammed into him and sent him into the ground below. He still felt the wind knocked out of him as he crashed into the ground. He pushed himself up just as the phantom blade of Tenken came down again and again until Ichigo caught it, Blut pulsing through his veins as he threw the blade off and flashed in front of Komamura. With a roar of strength, he slammed his fist into the large man-beast's stomach and sent him flying. Almost immediately, Soi-Fon took his place and retaliated against Ichigo. With the weights on his being, he was barely able to block most of the attacks and was soon subject to many rapid strikes on his face and torso before a palm strike to his chest floored him. As he pushed himself up, gasping for breath, he sensed more ice dragons coming while Soi-Fon prepared to stomp his head in.
"Want me to come in?" He heard the warped voice of Zangetsu ask. He took the brief second to analyze his situation. Three captains were attacking him at once, two were using their Shikai, and he was being heavily restrained. "I'm always ready, just say the word." He said, hunger for battle evident in his tone. Ichigo felt like he shouldn't do this, but he also hated to lose.
'Get 'em.' He told his spirit, feeling Zangetsu's smile in his mind. Just as Soi-Fon's foot was about to smash Ichigo's head in, Zangetsu manifested and sent her flying with a single kick to her face. Not wasting a second, he turned his attention to the coming dragons and blasted them with a single Cero blast. Ichigo pushed himself up and stretched out his body, Soul Reaper and blade shared a glance before pulling out Ichigo's cleaver and Zangetsu's white katana. Ichigo charged at Toshiro while Zangetsu continued his attack on Soi-Fon, both readying a Getsuga swing. Toshiro blocked with a wall of ice while Komamura came to Soi-Fon's defense with his Shikai. The wolf was pushed back quite a ways from the power of the attack while Soi-Fon circled around the horned Hollow spirit. As she reached Zangetsu, Sajin recovered and brought his blade down again. Zangetsu showcased his speed and dexterity by dominating the battle, easily blocking all of Soi-Fon's attacks and deflecting all of Komamura's swings. Meanwhile Ichigo was fending off all of Toshiro's dragons with all of his long range abilities.
"You've improved!" Hitsugaya yelled as he sent another wave of dragons at Ichigo, hiding one coming from behind.
"Hado #91, Senju Koten Taiho!" Ichigo chanted, casting a weakened version of the Kido, but it was still enough to get the job done. The explosions blocked out the sound of the last dragon and he was struck with the piling ice that was enveloping him. Ichigo forcefully pried himself out and pushed off the remaining chunks to shoot toward the small captain, getting close enough to slam the hilt of his blade into Hitsugaya's stomach. As he doubled over, Ichigo turned his blade to the blunt side and brought it down like a hammer, sending him crashing down. The hybrid shot a glance to his Zanpakuto, pretty much playing with Soi-Fon and Komamura. "Predators." He sighed, knowing his blade. "Bakudo #61, Rikujokoro." He said, binding the young captain as he slowly got back up and locking him in place. He then joined his Zanpakuto, matching Komamura's latest swing as Zangetsu wordlessly struck a hard blow on Soi-Fon. She staggered before throwing a kick, which Ichigo blocked by throwing Sajin off balance and letting Zangetsu attack him. They kept that dance of teamwork going until it was painfully evident that the hybrid had won that fight.
"Ichigo!" Yamamoto roared, freezing the three Shinigami while Zangetsu returned to his place in Ichigo's inner world. "I am disappointed in this performance Ichigo." He dispelled the sealed restraining Toshiro before continuing his lecture. "This is YOUR training Ichigo. Maintaining constant vigilance, adapting to a fight with unknown variables, building your experience and instinct until you know how to fight any foe shortly after confronting them, moving without thought." He scolded before reaching his student and giving a proud smile. "That said, you've shown an excellent display of your abilities and judgment in battle. It has also been quite some time since I've seen such trust and understanding between Soul Reaper and Zanpakuto." He waved his hand over Ichigo's wrists, dispelling the restraints on his body. "Take the rest of the day off to rest and recover my boy. There's more work tomorrow."
"Yes Sensei." Ichigo said, feeling lighter than air now that his weights were off, before disappearing in a quiet burst of speed.
(Kuchiki Manor)
'Why am I here instead of the Shiba house?' Ichigo wondered, walking up to the main house of the Kuchiki family. The old feelings of tension he had before in the manor were gone as most of the staffed greeted him with a smile. He came to the backyard to find Rukia in her kimono drinking tea under Byakuya's cherry blossom trees. 'Oh right. She moved back here.' He smiled as he saw his wife notice him. She put down her tea and hurried to him.
"Ichigo, it's good to-" She started with a smile before being interrupted by a happy cry.
"Ichigo!" A voice came from above, prompting the two to look up as a Homura materialized above them. "Hi." She then dropped on top of the hybrid with Shizuku appearing next to Rukia.
"Sorry, she was excited." He said while Homura hugged Ichigo tightly. "She's been wanting to see you again for a long time, but we were training and you were busy." Ichigo pushed himself up, with the young Vizard hanging off his neck.
"And can I ask why?" He asked, prompted Rukia and Shizuku to look at each other for a moment.
"Rukia's, our big sister." Homura said, making him look at her over his shoulder. "You married her and saved us. You're like our big brother." She squeezed a little tighter before Ichigo grabbed her collar and set her down in front of him.
"Another pair of siblings huh?" He said, patted her on the head and getting her to purr. "I'm good with that." Homura beamed at Ichigo while Shizuku smiled and after that, they teleported away to continue their rounds. "They're coming into their own aren't they?"
"They've attained Shikai and you've seen their teleportation." Ichigo nodded and opened his mouth. "No, Urahara still doesn't know why they have that skill, so you can't copy it. Stick to your ridiculous speed." Ichigo closed his mouth, letting her pull him to the place she was sitting before. "Whether they were born with that ability or it was the result of the Hollow parasite is still in the air as he's trying to determine between two theories on their teleporting. Either they disperse into Reishi and reform, or they use a form of Garganta to open portals between locations instead of dimensions."
"Still something I'd like to know how to do." He said, laying his head into her lap while she strokes his head. "Another useful skill in combat."
"Ichigo, you've fought Kenpachi to a standstill at the strongest anyone has ever seen him, very few people can match your speed, and everyone agrees you're one of the ten most powerful in Soul Society. Why do you want more?" She asked, already believing her husband was now strong enough to fight pretty much anyone, but Ichigo stared into the sky.
"I asked old man Yama why he had me study swordsmanship under someone else and continue learning Kido, Hakuda, and Shunpo under Tessai and Yoruichi." He started, watching the distant clouds drift by. "He told me that Yachiru was the greatest sword master in Soul Society, Tessai is the best at Kido, and Yoruichi mastered all aspects of their martial arts and is known as the 'Flash Goddess' for a reason. Of their respective skills, they are better than him. He stressed skill because he noted one thing they had over them, power. Just because they were more skilled doesn't mean they could challenge him with that considerable power. Kyoraku and Ukitake even admitted that if they had to fight Yamamoto, it'd be stalling him at best. But power alone is not enough and he wanted me to truly master everything I could as soon as possible." The return of the Quincy is still a secret only captains and few others knew about, everyone else is only aware of Aizen's threat. He never said anything but Ichigo felt some sense of urgency with his master, that Yamamoto was concerned about something involving the Quincy King. For now, Ichigo had to focus on his training. Rukia bent over to kiss her husband.
"Whatever may come, you'll be ready for it." She said with a confident smile. "You protect, it's in your name after all." Ichigo returned her smile before pulling her in for another, grateful kiss.
(Next day)
"Feeling recovered Ichigo?" Yamamoto asked his student as Ichigo returned to the Head Captain's office. He simply nodded and presented his wrists for the weights to be reapplied. "Tamashi no Shibari." As Yama cast the spell, manacles of Reishi appeared on Ichigo's wrists and ankles before disappearing from sight, and he almost collapsed under the weight. "These are double what you were wearing last time Ichigo. Now come along, there's work to do."
"Sensei," Ichigo called to the old man, "I know Yhwach is a dangerous opponent, but how far do I have to go until you think I'm ready?" Yamamoto turned to face his student. He then lifted his cane and thrust the disguised blade at Ichigo. Ichigo suddenly felt much lighter and also heard something break and collapse. He turned around to see the Repentance Cell, the last mark of Soul Society's cruelest punishment, turn to rubble. He turned back to his teacher and took a step forward, almost falling over before noticing that his left shoulder was completely gone.
"I'm not sure you'll ever be ready in time Ichigo." The dragon said as Ichigo grasped at his missing limb in pain before restoring himself. "But until you are capable of matching me when I'm serious, you'll be no match for him." The hybrid pushed himself back up, even as the binds restored themselves. "Always strive to improve Ichigo, never believe enough is enough." Yamamoto continued walking into his office as Ichigo soon followed. The second he reached the steps, he felt a blade tear through his chest and out his side. When he realized that it was an illusion from killing intent he used his Sonido to get up the stairs, just as Kenpachi brought his blade down on Ichigo's previous position and through his copy.
"Are you kidding me!?" Ichigo growled, pulling out his blade to prepare for his stronger opponent, when he saw something that chilled him to the bone. Unohana was coming to join, as Yachiru.
"I would've been there yesterday, but we were deciding who'd do the fighting." Kenpachi said as his predecessor reached his side. "We decided to see if you could handle us both. All part of your training, you know." He sported a malicious grin, one that Unohana had as well.
"Enough!" Yamamoto yelled out. "No good can come from this." He yelled out before undoing Ichigo's spirit binds. "Now get away from the Seireitei. A battle with all three of you would be catastrophic." He said before going into his office, leaving Ichigo alone with the two Kenpachis. He looked at the two, who sported sadistic grins, before running as fast as he could with all his speed. The two blood thirsty warriors simply stared at the spot the hybrid was formerly standing in, tracing his movements to the edges of the Rukon districts.
"I knew it should've just been one of us." Zaraki sighed, Unohana picking up on the hybrid's trail.
(Squad 12: SRDI)
'This is really unsettling.' Kisuke thought to himself as he and his observation team scanned the data. Multiple Garganta were opened that appeared at random and Shinigami ended up missing. He felt it was familiar but he couldn't remember where. 'What is this?' He wondered when Akon came running to him.
"Captain, take a look at these." The horned man said, handing Urahara a clipboard with some scanning data. He flipped through the pages, scanning each one with a meticulous eye until he reached the end.
"Hollow Reishi, that's obvious, but what is that other part?" It looked like it was Soul Reaper Reishi, but it was incomplete. This was an anomaly, the last time that happened everyone lost their memories, and before that was the Dark Ones incident. They did not need something like that happening now, not with the Hogyoku reacting through its seals. "Get me Ginjo, Tsukishima, Riruka, and Giriko. I won't be joining them later." He said, needing to revise his schedule for this latest development. Maybe it had something to do with why Benihime seemed so distracted.
(Beyond the Rukon borders)
"Damn, he went far." Zaraki noted as he and Unohana followed his Reishi through the massive forest. Nothing was touched beyond the Rukon because it was determined that the 320 districts were enough to house and maintain the balance of souls, leaving behind untamed wilderness and uncharted lands. She thought he'd be trying to hide at first, still a child in her eyes, but now he was lit up like a beacon. They soon found him, sitting in meditation as the two closed in on him. Zaraki boldly strove forward to his only rival while Unohana felt more cautious, seeing his lips moving. "Come on Ichigo! I thought you promised to always fight me." The two saw Ichigo shake his head and she heard what he was whispering to himself.
"Limit of the thousands hands, respectful hands, unable to touch the darkness. Shooting hands unable to reflect the blue sky. Seeping crest of turbidity. Arrogant vessel of lunacy. Boil forth and deny. The road that basks in light, the wind that ignited the embers, time that gathers when both are together, there is no need to be hesitant, obey my orders. Grow numb and flicker. Disrupt sleep. Crawling queen of iron. Eternally self-destructing doll of mud. Light bullets, eight bodies, nine items, book of heaven, diseased treasure, great wheel, gray fortress tower. Unite. Repulse. Fill with soil and know your own powerlessness. Aim far away, scatter brightly and cleanly when fired" Yachiru's eye's widened as she jumped away from Zaraki, just as he became enveloped in a massive black box. "Hado #90, Kurohitsugi." Ichigo finished, having Zaraki get crushed and lacerated by the spells.
'A double incantation of high level Hado spells? He's been practicing.' Unohana thought in approval as she kept her eye on Ichigo, waiting for the next spell, when she heard him from behind her.
"Hado #91, Senju Kouten Taiho!" He finished, holding the Kido to his bow as he unleashed a barrage of arrows mixed with the spell. She was so impressed with his progress she forgot to dodge and erected a Danku barrier, which deflected about half of the attack from hitting her. The rest enveloped her in the explosion as Zaraki unleashed his Reiatsu to escape the black coffin, both being injured and all too excited to continue the fight. "Conditions met, second limit release." Ichigo whispered as he brought his hand to the squad 1 symbol on his chest, unleashing the full torrent of his power. Unohana's eyes widened and her predatory smile grew more savage, matching her husband's as they faced the hybrid.
'Almost there Ichigo.' The first Kenpachi thought as the two charged at the hybrid. 'Just a little more and you've matched Yamamoto's power. Not his prime, but age has done little to slow him down.' She got in front of Ichigo and swung her blade, making him duck and jump back, only to find Kenpachi's ax coming down to him. Ichigo clapped onto the sides of the ax blade and was cratered into the earth. The two juggernauts wrestled in a match of tug-o-war with Zaraki's Nozarashi while Unohana up from behind, swinging at Ichigo's unprotected back. Her blade dug an inch into his body before stopping and she saw the Reishi pulsing in his veins. The hybrid forced Zaraki's attack to the side and threw a back kick into Unohana's chest, sending her flying back.
"Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini. Look upon yourself with horror and tear out your own throat. Bakudo #9, Horin." Ichigo chanted quickly, pointing at the two Kenpachis and binding them in cackling yellow and orange energy. The binds lasted for a moment before the two overpowered the spell and charged. Ichigo was about to let Zangetsu back out before they heard hundreds of howling Hollows, making the three fighters stop. "That's not good." Ichigo said, feeling all of them head to their location.
"They interrupted our fight, I'm more than a little annoyed by that." Zaraki said, glaring around them as the Hollows surrounded them. "But this might be good, I was getting annoyed at sharing you."
"That's a little creepy Zaraki." Ichigo returned to his rival, standing back to back with the berserker.
"I was talking to my wife." He growled, making Ichigo look to the woman in question.
"This is our date night and I wanted to try something I thought I'd like." She explained, sighing in disappointment. "A free for all would've been better, but thanks for the threesome anyway."
'I feel violated.' Ichigo thought, feeling greatly disturbed as the Hollows came. All kinds of them, from regular to Vasto Lordes. "This has never happened before has it?" The hybrid asked as a Vasto Lorde that resembled a werewolf charged toward Ichigo. Before getting too close, Kenpachi yelled.
"Duck!" Making Ichigo and Unohana crouch, leaving Zaraki enough room to spin and swing his massive ax and cleave through the Vasto Lorde and many other Hollows. "There is nothing I cannot cut, for I am the Kenpachi." The man growled before saying something that chilled Ichigo to his core. "Bankai." Moving as fast as he could, Ichigo grabbed Unohana and dashed away as Zaraki's Reiatsu exploded. The yellow light expanded to engulf much of the forested area and a good number of the slower Hollows, that was the good news. The bad news was most of the Adjuchas and Vasto Lordes were chasing him. He believed that because of the previous Vasto Lorde aiming for him. He stopped and let go of Unohana, charging his fist with Reishi. As another Vasto Lorde got close to him he turned and threw his punch.
"Bala." Ichigo said, fire the attack with enough power to send the Hollow flying back with a hole in its stomach with a shockwave pushing the other Hollows away. "We have to stop them here, see if you can't get the message to anyone else." He said before throwing his blade skyward as the Hollows returned. "Mayonaka no Ha." He said, bringing his hand down with a storm of swords. Many of the Hollows were felled and the trees behind them were torn asunder as Zaraki revealed himself, now looking like an Oni demon. The two caught the Hollows in a pincer attack, leaving Unohana free to use Tenteikurai to project the message to everyone in Seireitei.
"Attention everyone! A massive force of Hollows have appeared twenty miles away from west 80 Runkon at coordinates-" She continued while watching the two decimate the Hollows, except more Menos kept coming. Ichigo and Zaraki were eventually separated, with three Vasto Lordes following Ichigo. "Believed to be sent by Aizen! Hurry now!" She ordered with urgency as she picked up her blade. 'Aizen must be after him! He's the perfect evolution Aizen craves so badly, so of course they'd come for him!' She chased them into a clearing as Ichigo unleashed more of his Reiatsu, giving it that noticeable Hollow feel. What she saw after that defied all logic for her. The Vasto Lordes were kneeling before him. Before she could react, Ichigo devoured all of them and unleashed a roar. Suddenly the Hollows began to flee, disappearing through their Gargantas and away from Ichigo and Zaraki. Soon they were all gone and Ichigo collapsed. It wasn't long before most of the Gotei's captains and lieutenants arrived, Urahara immediately going to Ichigo's side while Yamamoto went to Unohana.
"What happened?" He demanded, knowing that she felt the same thing he did. Ichigo's full potential.
(Squad 4 Barracks: Hospital)
"-still not sure what happened." Unohana reported to Kisuke and Yamamoto, telling them what she saw and how the fight went. "What I saw at the end, that has never happened before."
"Well there's never been anything like a Vizard before, and there's never been anyone like Ichigo before." Kisuke responded, going over the completed history of the hybrid in his mind. "It's like he takes a look at all of my predictions and go for the ones I think of but consider the least. In this case, commanding the Hollows." He said, letting the gravity of the comment sink in. "So much Reishi in one person is like forbidden fruits, the most intoxicating meal but way too dangerous to try to eat. Ichigo would be constantly hounded by Hollows if I didn't disguise his scent after he started training, but there's a limit to what could be held back. I thought the Hollows that came after Orihime was kidnapped were hunting him specifically but this presents new data."
"Are you suggesting that Ichigo could subjugate Hollows?" Yamamoto asked, feeling disturbed at first but then considered the implications of building their forces against the Quincy.
"Hollows are creatures based on instinct." Urahara conceded, thinking of the possibilities himself. "Maybe like an alpha of pack animals or even a queen of an insect colony, whatever it is, it could be a game changer for the war with the Quincy and maybe the next two thousand years." They stopped when Toshiro came in.
"Is Ichigo alright?" He asked, finally having the time to come in and ask about his friend. "Can he get visitors?"
"HE'S trying to sleep." Ichigo groaned out as he pushed himself up. "But I guess that just isn't going to happen now." Unohana gave him a glass of water that he took gratefully, downing the cup quickly.
"When did you wake up?" Genryusai asked his student, worried about his mental state.
"Toshiro came in and asked if I was okay." The hybrid said, feeling his head. "Throbbing headache but I remember eating a couple Vasto Lordes before blacking out. Something I thought would stop happening after Aizen's betrayal." He said, trying to stand before staying down. "Can I take a break sensei?"
"That should be for the best." Yamamoto agreed, patting the boy on the back. "Take a few days to yourself and get some rest. Training can continue later Ichigo." He departed, planning to look at the strategies and plans for Yhwach's return.
"As for me, Ichigo here's what I'll need." Urahara started, looking Ichigo in the eye. "According to what we've learned on the Quincy, Yhwach's control is close to absolute and he'd be able to kill any of them at a moment's notice and then he'd absorb their power. If this works, we could free any Quincy willing to side with us from Yhwach's control. Something that only Tsukishima can help with. The Fullbringers are setting up a facility hidden in the land beyond south 80. It should be ready in a few days, and you can test the theory."
"What's going to happen and what are you going to do?" Ichigo asked, knowing better than to give Urahara his FULL trust. The man chuckled, proud that Ichigo learned that lesson.
"I have something else that demands my attention." He answered honestly. "Another anomaly, and I'd rather not risk another surprise threat to everyone so I'm going to stay here and check. Tsukishima is going to test whether or not he can free you with his memory rewrite ability." Something on his person started beeping. He pulled out his phone and took on a more serious look. "I have to go now." He left and Unohana joined him to make her rounds, leaving Ichigo and Toshiro alone.
"So, you have a few free days." Hitsugaya said, using a tone that usually leads to asking a favor. "Mind helping with something?" Like that.
(The next day: Squad 10 Training Field)
"UGH! Come on Haineko, work with me!" Rangiku complained to her sword, having spent the last ten minutes frustrated and trying to enter Jinzen to train with her Zanpakuto. She then winced and tried to stretch her shoulders. "I love my girls, but they sure give me hell with my back."
"Mind if I help?" She heard someone asked, turning to see Ichigo coming up to her.
"Well I certainly wouldn't mind cutie~." She teased with a smile as Ichigo got behind her and grasped her shoulders. He slowly began working them, focusing mainly on the parts of her that bore the weight of her breasts. She hummed appreciatively as he continued to massage her shoulders, then she gasped as she felt a strong heat from his hands.
"A trick my dad taught me." Ichigo explained, his hands glowing with healing Kido. "My mom has big breasts too so he developed it for her and you should know why I needed to learn."
"Orihime certainly does have big ones too, doesn't she. Oh, yes that's it!" Rangiku moaned as he relaxed a knot she didn't know was there. He kept up the massage, before finding himself drawn to her neck. Beautiful smooth and white skin, luscious curves along her body, and alluring scent that flooded his nose. Before he knew it, his lips found her neck, on a tender spot that made her gasp in pleasure. His hands slowly dropped to her sides, tracing her waist while still using that Kido spell, making her shiver and loosen up further until she was melting into him. He continued to trace his kiss from her neck until he was closing in on her lips, before jolting awake from their haze.
"Sorry, don't know what happened." He said, his hands resting on her inner thighs until backing away. "I remember you smelling good and..."
"Well, nice to know I can still snag the best guy in the Gotei." She cheered like a kid, trying to hide her blush and arousal from him. She then settled down to try and achieve Jinzen, but like her, Haineko was not into and this time for the same reason. "Ugh. This still isn't working! Haineko's just so moody and lazy."
'Pot, meet kettle.' Ichigo thought, reflecting on how lazy Rangiku was sometimes. He then got in front of her and sat down, getting into the Jinzen position as well. "Rangiku, here's my advice. Zangetsu is a mirror image of myself, the darker and much more aggressive parts of myself. My instincts." 'And probably the reason I planted that hickey on your neck' He thought, idly looking at the reddening splotch on her neck. "From when I was a kid to my current age, I never once tried to control him but worked with him. From your complaints, Haineko has your bad qualities. Like laziness."
"I'm not.... okay yeah." She said, conceding his point.
"I'm guessing Haineko is indeed a cat?" He asked, earning a nod from Rangiku. "You ever try to make a cat do anything it didn't want to?" She made no comment. "Learn to work with your Zanpakuto, use what you know about it to both your benefits." She looked to her sword and focused, meditating again before going into her trance for a second.
"She's ready to work with me." Rangiku said with a smile, something Ichigo returned. He got up to leave as Rangiku prepared to continue her training.
"Rangiku," Ichigo started just before she went into her trance, "you don't have to prove anything to me or anyone else. I know you're a beautiful and strong woman and likely will be for a very long time, even among Soul Reapers. You just need to believe that about yourself." She blushed again before returning to her meditation.
(The next day: Beyond South Rukon)
"....I think the worst thing is that I'm not surprised." Ichigo said as he looked at the dollhouse on the stand, sporting a face with a blush and glasses. "Does it really have to look like this?" He asked, turning to Riruka who was glaring at him with a pout.
"I only work with cute things." She adamantly declared, refusing to budge on her aesthetics.
"Lighten up Ichigo." Ginjo said, holding up a tablet from Urahara. "Just get in there and let's finish this already." Ichigo sighed, then tensed up as he felt something smack his butt. He turned to see Riruka giggling perversely before opening the mouth/door of the dollhouse.
"I permit you." She said, sending Ichigo into the building. Inside was a glass capsule and scanners in the center with computing machines along the walls. In there with him was Giriko sipping tea along with Tsukishima, who was reading the end of a book. He finished and activated his Fullbring.
"Book of the End, my Fullbring, allows me to insert myself into the past of people I cut." He said, pointing Ichigo into the capsule. "I'm also able to manipulate those past memories to suit my needs. Then I came up with an idea and Urahara calculated the probability. Uryu helped me test it, but this is the first major test." Ichigo crawled into the capsule and Tsukishima pointed his blade above Ichigo's heart. "I'm going to stab you, and rewrite your past. Your blood is still bonded to Yhwach as are all Quincy. This is a past event that I will attempt to rewrite. You will be freed from the Quincy emperor." Ichigo's eyes widened and felt his Quincy blood react, partially with anticipation and partially with fear. "If anyone can survive this, it's you Ichigo." The hybrid listened to his Quincy blood, the manifestation that swore loyalty to him.
"If this works, I'll be gone." The older spirit said. "But, if this can free you from him, then do it. All I've wanted, was to protect you."
'I know Zangetsu.' Ichigo told his power as he nodded. 'I know.' Tsukishima plunged his sword into Ichigo and the hybrid drifted into the darkness of unconsciousness.
"Contract one, for 12 hours this capsule will contain him so long as this dollhouse stands." Giriko said as Tsukishima slammed the capsule shut. "Contract two, for 12 hours Ichigo will sleep as long as we're within 100 meters of this dollhouse." Tsukishima looked at the stairs leading up to the second level, the living quarters.
"Wish I brought another book."
(Illustrated Guide to Soul Reapers)
Momo's current progress
"Really, I'm fine." Hinamori protested to Isshin. After finally dragging her out of the squad 5 office, for the fifth time coincidentally, Shinji filed for leave to the human world with Isshin for her. The hope was that the man could provide the gentle family touch he didn't have the care for. She was proving... difficult for the father. "I knew him best so I should be able to find out anything he's hiding." She still never let go that Aizen hid something to prove his innocence for her to find.
"Hinamori, I know this is hard to accept." Isshin tried again. "But we've scoured everything we could and we still can't-"
"Isshin, go outside for a minute." Masaki told him, coming into his office. Having learned to trust his wife, the man got out of the room. Exactly one minute later, he could hear Momo bawling her eyes out.
"He was just so nice to me!" She cried between wails, Masaki gently rubbing her back whispering sympathetic words in her ear.
'How the hell did she do that?!' He yelled in his mind.
Rangiku and Haineko talking
"Come on~, I know he's got you all hot and bothered~." The cat teased her wielder. "Make him take responsibility and pay you back for the times you relieved his tensions."
"Ugh. This still isn't working! Haineko's just so moody and lazy." Rangiku complained.
"Tell that to your panties, lady." Haineko retorted, listening to the advice the younger man gave her wielder. She scoffed when Ichigo told her work with the Zanpakuto, but Rangiku took it to heart.
'The sooner we do this, the sooner we can take a nap.' She tried to reason with her blade. 'If we get stronger, we might score some time in the world of the Living. Maybe get some more perfume, I know you like that'
"Tempting..." The ash cat admitted as she thought about it. It's been a while since Rangiku just went shopping. "Fine let's do it."
"She's ready to work with me." Rangiku said with a smile, one Haineko shared. Rangiku was getting ready when Ichigo said his bit.
"Rangiku, you don't have to prove anything to me or anyone else. I know you're a beautiful and strong woman and likely will be for a very long time, even among Soul Reapers. You just need to believe that about yourself." He said, making his departure. Haineko's response?
"GRAB HIM, TEAR OFF HIS CLOTHES, AND RIDE TILL YOUR LEGS GIVE OUT!" She yelled, going into heat.