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Chapter Text

Soul Society

The landscape was rubble. Once grand buildings of both Sereitei and Wandenreich were nothing more but destroyed rubble underfoot. Peppering the landscape were the black cloaked members of the 13 Court Guard Courts, their swords clutched tightly in their hands. In tandem were the white and blue uniforms that were stained with blood of both allies and enemies alike, the soldiers of the Quincy lying dead and forgotten by their king. To state that the landscape was a massacre would be a disservice to the death both Shinigami and Quincy have inflicted upon one another.

And at the climax of this blood shed, by the cruel machinations of fate, was Ichigo Kurosaki. The seventeen year old stood tall against his near eldritch adversary, his black shukakkusho torn and ripped, his muscular frame coated in his own blood. His Bankai held firmly in his hands, coated by the same ceramic material that he couldn't help but feel similar to the mask that used to adorn his face. However, his face was bare and exposed, showcasing his frown on his face as he stared down the Emperor of Quincy. Brown eyes furrowed in determination, he would brush locks of his orange hair aside to stare down the man who would threaten his friends, family, and the world.

"Yhwach!" The teenager roared, his grip on his blade going from one hand to two.

The man would turn, his form less of the royal and elder form of the king of Quincy and more of a monster from Lovecraft. The only remnants of the man was the manic smile and his mustache, his skin poking out from the sea of black that covered his body. Glowing golden eyes would flicker and stare outwards at the young man, as the new Soul King would hold his hand outwards. Yhwach gave no reply, crouching down as he prepared to launch himself at the young man and tear down the traitor to his race.

A young man who would cut the very heavens to save his friends, against an ancient god-being who wished to dictate the fate of the world, and those very friends Ichigo sought to protect. A clash that would, if left uninterrupted, would be written in history or forgotten by it.

If left uninterrupted.

There was a third combatant in this scenario, one who had been lying in wait to land a disorienting blow against Yhwach. The quiet, black haired man with the white button-up and black slacks would launch himself from the rubble. His viper smile touching his face, holding aloft his sword as he would thrust towards the Quincy. The bookmark would flutter from the hilt of his sword, as Tsukishima would interject with his Book of the End to this equation.

Ichigo would swing back his sword, as his spiritual pressure would begin to rise. The golden Aura of his energy coalesced and compressed, as Ichigo would swing his blade. 

"GETSUGA-"

Yhwach would close the gap, his hand outstretched as the black shroud would obey their god's command.

Tsukishima, his blade flashing forward, trying to help the Shinigami turned ally, an all out attack to save the future.

The power to break fate. The power to ensure it. And the power to manipulate the past. The collection of these three various powers and abilities of the triage of characters at this moment would mix and twist reality. A brief moment of reality audibly cracking, as space and time would fluctuate and bend.

Before everything was gone in a flash of white.

???

Ichigo Kurosaki would wake with a start and a blistering headache. His vision was blurry, as he tried to blink the sleep away as he sat up. 

Ugh what the hell… why am I in… is this a bed?

His eyes would shoot wide awake, as his hand went to his back to grab at his sword.

"Wait I was in the middle of a-!?"

The teen would be grabbing at open air, his hands brushing against the collar of a shirt that he was not wearing before. He would pause, fully awake as he stared down at himself. He wasn't wearing his shukakkusho of his Bankai, nor was he covered with enough bandages to make a mummy blush. No, he was just wearing a basic red t-shirt and a pair of pajama pants. Staring past his clothes, he would see that the blanket he was covered with wasn't one he was unfamiliar with.

It was his blanket. The blue sheet with the white cross (which now sat as a sour irony on his tongue, heritage considered), the window bordering his bed. He was in his room. He would kick the sheets off the bed and stand up, stumbling a bit and frowning. He felt… a bit shorter? Not by much, only by a few inches, but he could feel his body was different. Not poisoned or manipulated or hurt, just… weaker? Not as toned as he was used to. It didn't escape his mind that it was his human body and not his spiritual one. 

Actually, for that fact, he couldn't feel any spiritual energy or pressure. No flicker of his friends and family, assuming this was Kurakara town proper, no flicker of the rogue hollows before they died. Hell, he didn't even feel his own spiritual pressure and energy. For a brief moment, fear clasped at his heart. The feeling of powerlessness, of not being able to save his friends and family, and whatever caused this, it felt like he was drowning. But before the depression could take a firm hold of his sensations, he would catch the calender on his desk… and frown.

29th of May, 2003.

"No freaking way… that's the same day-"

"IIIIIIIIIII-CHIIIIIIIII-GOOOOOOOOOO-"

His door would bust open, as a figure would be flying towards him. Ichigo would grab at the man's face, and roughly slam him to the ground. The close cut beard that was more stubble than beard, the spiked up and styled black hair, the stupid smile of pain and the pharmacist get up, only confirmed the assailant was none other than his dad, Isshin.

"YOU are so crueeeeel, doing this to your father!" The patriarch of the household whined, struggling under his son's grasp.

"Can it, geezer! What the hell, I thought you'd given up that shit?!"

"Whaddya mean Ichigo? Can't his old man love his son with displays of physical achieveme-"

In a fell swoop, Ichigo would push open his window with his leg, and angrily chuck his father out the window. His father would give out a "mournful" yell of curses about how Ichigo didn't love his old man and all the stuff he used to say…

And Ichigo Kurosaki would give a gaze to the street, where a glass vase was sitting on a pedestal, with a wilting white flower drinking in the water… and the ghostly visage of a young girl in pig tails and face covered in blood floating by it. The girl Ichigo would, later in the day, make thugs apologize to. The alley were, no doubt later this night-

Rukia Kuchiki would visit Ichigo Kurosaki and change his life forever.

And Ichigo would yell in defiance, in anger, and in confusion.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?"

Ichigo "Strawberry" Kurosaki

Age: 17 15

Hair: Orange

Eyes: Brown

Occupation: Soul Reaper Time Traveling High Schooler!?

Chapter Text

Kurosaki Clinic/Household

Cold water would rush down the pipes of the bathroom as they awash Ichigo, his forehead pressed against the tile of the bathroom. He had debated smacking his forehead against the tile in some way to wake him up. But, he suspected that would cause no progress in his situation outside of brain trauma. Forgoing the headache of the physical kind, he devolved into his thoughts.

Ok. So, let me think. I seem to have gone back in time, or I'm under the effects of a very complicated Zanpakuto or Schrift. Not ruling out the later option, but I doubt even Sosuke Aizen could develop something like this. But, Sosuke Aizen would WANT me to think that… ugh, too complicated.

Taking the soap, Ichigo would begin to lather his body in absent instinct, going through the daily motions. While the Substitute Soul Reaper was sent back in time, he wasn't going to dismiss hygiene. Saving the world worked up a sweat, and like damn he was going to be remembered as a teenager reeking of body order, soul body or not. 

I have time to kill before I confront those two idiots who messed with the girl's flower. But what do I do? Carry on the day like normal, trying to remember step by step with what I did? Screw that. Hm… maybe Hat-n-Clogs can help out. 

Turning off the shower, Ichigo would step out and grab a firm hold of a towel, drying himself off and staring in the mirror. He forgot how… skinny he was when all this craziness started. He wasn't in Kendo or Judo anymore, and he was healthy, but he wasn't as… toned he supposed? During the time without his powers and before Ginjo butted into his life, Ichigo was essentially a Substitute Sports Player, and his body had undergone the rigorous trials and exercises therein. Seeing as this was before that, he was still in the string bean punk phase of his life.

He did notice that his posture was different as well. He wasn't slouching as much, his permanent scowl was moreso a neutral line, and his eyes seemed more tired and mature than his younger self. The solution of "beat the bad guy, break the spell" to this scenario was becoming less and less likely unless the person had stalked Ichigo for most of his life.

Still not striking you off my list, Aizen.

Drying off and getting dressed in another t-shirt and jeans, Ichigo would hop downstairs to where his younger siblings were at. Karin was dressed in her soccer clothes, leaning in her chair as she idlely picked at her morning rice bowl. Her eyes would go off her food and towards her descending brother, giving a wave with her chopsticks.

"Yo, Ichi."

"Nii-san!"

Yuzu's voice came from the kitchenette and her blonde head poked out, smiling widely and waving a rice spoon to greet her brother. Wearing an apron and a yellow sundress for her age, Ichigo would smile and wave at both… before both of his sisters would be a bit confused.

"All right, who are you and what have ya done with Ichigo?" Karin spoke, grabbing a clump of rice and eating it softly as apart of her joking statement.

Ichigo would blink, getting a bad sense of deja vu when dealing with Tsukishima before remembering when he was. This was during his… what did his dad call it?

"MISAAAAAAAKI-CHAAAAAAN! OUR DELINQUENT SON IS SO RUDE TO ME!!!!"

Ichigo's face would melt into an annoyed expression with his eyebrow ticking softly as his father, covered in branches and scrapes, was currently kneeling at the wall sized picture of his deceased Misaki-chan. Right. Delinquent. Seeing their brother's face go back to normal, both younger siblings would shrug it off as just a hiccup in the universe before Yuzu offered Ichigo his breakfast rice and orange juice.

Taking a seat across from Karin, Ichigo would take in this moment. It felt so foreign, sitting at a table, enjoying breakfast, the fate of the world not being threatened by some machinations of people who wished for godhood/revenge/godhood with revenge. It was a normal day, with his somewhat normal family. He would enjoy it, before knowingly diving back into that crazy crazy world…

Urahara's Shop

Ichigo would walk down the dusty streets that lead to Urahara's shop, scratching the back of his head. He kinda missed being able to walk on air and fly, even if it came with the downside of giant masked beasts wanting to eat his soul. But, he surmised that would all end tonight, one way or another. 

As he walked down the road, he began a mental check list of all the important events soon after he got his Shinigami powers. There was saving Orihime from her brother turned Hollow. Meeting Kon and learning about Mod Souls. There was assisting Chad with the serial killer Hollow. There was Don Konoji and the hospital incident. Uryu's Hollow Hunt game which led to Orihime and Chad awakening their Fullbring. Then, finally, Byakuya and Renji taking away Rukia. Those are events that should relatively keep the course of the timeline. But, seeing as how most of those events ended up with Ichigo extremely hurt, dangers threatening innocent people, and resulting in him losing his powers to the stuck up Byakuya, Ichigo didn't really know if those should stay in their whole integrity. Additionally… why should he let these people get hurt when he had the power to prevent it?

These thoughts would plague the teen's mind as he crossed the threshold into the dusty lot that the Urahara Shop currently sat. It was the type of place where it was blink and you miss it sort of deal. Ichigo would realize just how easy it was to just walk by and not even realize it was a shop. Probably apart of Urahara's secret genius. Ichigo would approach the entrance area, knocking his knuckle against the wood of the door.

"Oi, Urahara-San. You uh. You home?" The teen would wrack against the wooden door again, waiting for a moment. After no response, his fingers would loop into the handle and attempt to pull it open.

"JINTA HOME RUN!"

Ichigo would step back and instinctively cover his chest with his arms as a wooden bat cracked harshly over his forearms. The orange haired teenager would wince and take a few steps back, as the assailant made himself known. The short red headed kid with a scowl that could rival Ichigo's stood in the now open doorway. A Yanase Japanball bat was firmly held in his hands like a club, the boy ready to fight. On his white t-shirt would be the word "Urahara", labeling him as an "employee" of the establishment.

"Stay back you delinquent! We already said we didn't need no protection money!" Jinta Hanakari spoke defiantly, swinging the bat side to side. Ichigo would rub at his slowly bruising forearms, giving an annoyed noise from his lips.

"Damn it, why does everyone keep calling me that? Look, Jinta, just put the bat down and we can ta- SHIT!" 

Ichigo would be cut off as he would shoot out his hands to catch the offending bat. The sport tool once more struck Ichigo, this time pushing him back a bit as he skid through the sand lot on his feet. Gravel and sand would kick up in a small cloud, his lung coughing harshly at the entire ordeal.

Right. I'm still just a human, and Jinta is… actually, Urahara never said what he and Ururu were. I know they aren't normal thoug- DAMN IT NOT AGAIN!

Once more Jinta charged towards Ichigo, swinging the bat at the teenager. Said teen would side step the bat this time instead of blocking it, his bruised arms thankful for the change in tactics as the ground would somewhat crater from the blow. While he was nowhere near how strong he was in his Shinigami Form or even when undergoing his Fullbring Training, the experience and fighting styles he knew were still with him. This included his time in Karate with Tatsuki. 

With an unspoken apology, Ichigo would grab the boy's shoulders and sweep Jinta's leg while pushing him down. A text book deashi barai as Jinta would tumble into the dirt with a heavy thud. Having taken care to not stop on the dazed boy, he would rush towards the door once more… only for two new opponents to be standing guard.

One of them was the massive man with a semblance to that strange exorcist guy. Wearing glasses that hid his eyes, close cut hair, and arguably one of the most glorious mustaches Ichigo has ever seen, was Tessai Tsukabishi. He would tighten the apron around his form, giving a grunt as he rushed at Ichigo.

Behind him, wielding a massive bazooka-like device with talismans all over it, was the pigtailed Ururu Tsumugiya. She had that same sad, meek expression on her face as she settled onto a knee for a firing position, her blush settling underneath her eyes.

"S-sorry." She spoke quietly as Tessai would engage Ichigo with a shockingly fast bear hug, squeezing the time traveler with his strong arms. His stoic face would glare at Ichigo, as the teen could feel Tessai'a resolve to protect Jinta come through.

"Damn it let me see Urahara! You need to trust me!" Ichigo said as he tried to squirm out of Tessai's grasp. The steward of the shop either didn't hear Ichigo or simply didn't care as he began to, in the most urgently of ways, carry Ichigo out. Ichigo's desperation started to mount more and more, as arguably the one man who could help him was out of reach. He dug through his mind, trying to remember what he could say to get Urahara's attention…

"KISUKE URAHARA! I KNOW ABOUT THE HŌGYOKU!" Ichigo shouted and kicked, as Tessai would slowly raise his hand to chop at Ichigo's head to knock him out or shut him up… before a lax tone came from the open door Ichigo was working towards.

"Now now Tessai, let's not jump to conclusions."

The soft clicking of sandels against wood would come like a malevolent march towards the front door, as the man of the hour stepped into the light. A white and green bucket hat sat on his head, casting his eyes in shade that outlined the twin piercing orbs of interest. Platinum blonde hair framed his face as a curious smile touched his lips, the black haori he wore fluttering softly in the breeze. His wooden sandels would click on the floor as he walked onto the steps, cane in one hand as he held his hat firmly on his head with the other. 

"You're… not from around here, Right?" The ex-captain said, twirling the cane softly around his fingers.

"I am Ichigo Kurosaki. Son of Isshin Kurosaki and Masaki Kurosaki." Ichigo said, still in the process of being bare hugged by Tessai and held at bazooka point by Ururu. Jinta was slowly standing up, grabbing his bat and gritting his teeth. 

"Can't say I'm familiar with those two. Oh, unless you mean you're apart of that strange family who runs Kurosaki Clinic down the road-"

"Cut the crap Urahara! You made my dad's Gigai so my mother wouldn't succumb to wounds by a Hollow attack!" Ichigo said before wincing as Tessai squeezed harder on Ichigo. Before the teenager found a new sensation of a strained spine, Kisuke would settle his cane on Tessai's shoulder. The unspoken command clear, Tessai gently placed Ichigo back onto the ground before dusting off the boy's shoulders with his palms.

"My my… This day got a whole lot more interesting. Jinta, Ururu? Be swell hosts and prepare the guest room. I feel like Kurosaki-san and I are going to have an… interesting discussion." Kisuke said as the two kids would pause in confusion for a moment. Jinta in angry confusion, Ururu more neutral before she gently drags Jinta back inside before he can start complaining. Tessai would follow after them, leaving only Ichigo and Kisuke staring each other down.

"So, Ichigo Kurosaki… care to tell me how you know about the Hōgyoku? And, the truth of your parents for that matter." Kisuke spoke, his tone dancing with the prodding of a man of science with a gun in his hand. Which, with the cane being a sheathe for his Zanpakuto, was not far off. Ichigo would calm his breathing, unclenching his hands as he stares at Urahara.

"I, am from the future. I think. And I need your help, Urahara-san."

Kisuke Urahara would stay silent for a moment, before that smile dropped as quickly from his lips as it had spawn. He would turn, motioning Ichigo to follow him as he did so.

"I don't know what's worse. The fact that you completely blindsided me today with what you know and I had nothing planned… or the fact I believe you are telling the truth. Come, come. We have refreshments inside, and this heat is absolutely dastardly!"

Urahara's Living Room

Ichigo find himself settled on a small cushion in front of a low table, a small cup of jasmine tea steaming quietly in front of him. His expression was deadpan as the host of the shop noisily slurped from his tea in an almost dramatic fashion before settling it down, exhaling.

"Tessai always makes the most lovely of teas! You should really try it, Kurosaki-sa-" Kisuke would stop as Ichigo held up a hand in exasperation.

"Don't tell you put something weird in my drink. I expected that heavily make up scientist to do that, not you." 

Kisuke would raise an eyebrow as he settled himself into a more comfortable position, his hands crossing in front of him in contemplation. His over exaggerated smile settled more into a slight smirk, his hat once more casting its shadow over his eyes.

"The more you talk, Kurosaki, the more inclined I am to believe you're indeed someone associated with time. Clairvoyant, legitimate time travel? Is this the cause of your Shinigami powers manifesting? Or maybe something else?" The ex-captain would prod softly, seeing how the teen reacted.

Ichigo would sigh and cross his own arms, his eyes closing in frustration as he scowled. "Can't really say, Hat-n-Clogs. All I know is I was in a massive fight against the Quincy King to determine the fate of the universe and-"

Kisuke would spit his tea out slightly and cough, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. Kisuke knew that there was some Quincy bouncing around (considering his help with Misaki and Isshin), even after the genocide all those years ago. But, with Ichigo claiming he fought the penultimate Quincy, it was something that dumbfounded Kisuke. Sure, if Ichigo had said something about Aizen eyeing up his Hōgyoku that would be one thing. But…

Kisuke would study Ichigo intently after his statement. He was calm, if not a touch irritated, and spoke bluntly and candidly about it. He has zero gains in showing this information to Kisuke, and the genius suspected the bot was telling the truth.

"All right… so… as I was saying, I was fighting the Quincy King and had interference from… another attack I think? And I was unleashing a Getsuga Tensho, he was using his weird reality warping powers, then I… woke up." Ichigo continued, as Kisuke mopped up his spit take but still listened intently to what Ichigo said. 

"So… how did it get to that situation? What led to you fighting the deity of Quincy, former enemy of the Shinigami long since thought dead?" Kisuke inquired as he leaned forward. 

Ichigo would sigh, grabbing at the base of his nose before exhaling. 

"All right. I'll give you the abridged version. It all started when a couple of thugs knocked over a ghost girl's vase…"

Street outside of Kurosaki Clinic

Ichigo firmly planted his foot into the face of the punk Toshi-Bro, one of the actual delinquents who knocked over the flower vase of the dead girl floating nearby. Ichigo would exhale softly, channeling his scary smirk and look towards the group.

"All right. Anyone wanna tell me if they know why this vase and flower are so important?"

"Doesn' it belong to dat dead gur-"

The man would be interrupted with a non-chalant kick from Ichigo as he was sent tumbling beside his friend. 

"Correct! Now, since you are being rather smart, I suggest you apologize before I turn you into a street mural!"

The crew immediately began to beg and weep and apologize before skittering off like a collective swarm of bugs. Ichigo would sigh, picking up the broken vase and flower as he turned it over in his hand. He has spent most of the afternoon talking with Kisuke Urahara, having started at this moment. The cool glass pressed against his fingers as he stared at the floating girl nearby. One half of her head was extremely bloody, no doubt from the accident that caused her death.

"There ya go. They shouldn't bother you anymore. Sorry I had to go rough on them."

"You're fine, mister. I had asked you to deal with them anyhow." The ghost spoke softly, exhaling as she relaxed. "Now I can finally relax a bit with this time I have."

Ichigo would nod and was about to make a comment on that, before frowning. He recalled that, after the Hollow attack on his Clinic, that this girl didn't show up anymore. And considering the only ghost Rukia performed the spirit burial on was in his house…

"Say, why don't you hang around at my clinic over there, just for tonight? Who knows, maybe quality time with a friendly face can speed up your going to heaven."

The ghost would hang in the air, a bit confused as she looked around. She would tug on something Ichigo couldn't quite see, no doubt her Whole Chain.

"Well, I can hover in the backyard best I can. But I don't think I can leave… where I died." The girl said, her tone getting sad and her mouth dropping into a frown. Ichigo would smile softly and nod his head.

"That works just as well. Well, see ya around!" Ichigo said as he began to walk away, before the girl would speak up.

"C-can I ask for your name, friendly stranger??" 

The high schooler would stop and turn around, giving her a smile and tucking a thumb to his chest. Tonight, he would save more than just his family, timeline be damned. The Hollow wasn't going to eat this poor girl, and he would make sure she was protected until then.

"I'm Ichigo Kurosaki."

Soon to be Substitute Soul Reaper.

Chapter Text

Kurosaki Residence

Ichigo would be laying in his room, as the dusk hours began to trickle in. He felt a pit of anxiety build and boil in his stomach as he was practically counting down the minutes till Rukia arrived. The day where everything changed and he became a Shinigami.

Looking at his hand, Ichigo would entertain his mind in his thoughts. Without his powers, he always felt… incomplete. Hollow, ironically enough. A fact he was sure Zangetsu would be chuckling at the sheer irony of. But, the Fullbring incident had cemented how integral his powers had became for him. He didn't like the idea of his friends not having him. 

Then again, he did remember how they were at the end of the whole Sternritter battle. His friend Chad was demolishing entire city blocks with his Brazos Del Diablo y Gigante . Honestly, the Hispanic pugilist being a peaceful man at heart probably did wonders on the delinquent population at large… and Karakura Town's infrastructure funding. Honestly, Ichigo was determined to get his longest friend up to snuff before they invaded Soul Society this time around.

Then there was Uryu Ishida. As much as the dude was a pain in the ass, the glasses toting raven haired Quincy was a powerful marksman and even better smart ass. The fact that he's technically Ichigo's second cousin on his mother's side was a bit much to process for Ichigo. And his whole "I'm going to turn traitor but in reality I'm gonna backstab Yhwach and I can't tell anyone", Ichigo legitimately wondered if Uryu was taking lessons from Sosuke Aizen of all people for "over complicated plans that blow up in my own face." For the most part, he didn't need any training for the most part before they invaded Soul Society. 

Then there was a certain auburn haired woman that would come to Kurosaki's mind. Orihime Inoue. Ever since he helped cleanse her brother, Ichigo has been paying close attention to the girl. Her Fullbring, Shun Shun Rikka , was especially terrifying when Ichigo sat down to consider it. The power to reject events that had happened and heal things beyond reasonable repair, the power to negate attacks and launch them back at the foe, or the power to just split a foe in twine. If Ichigo's motif was the sword, Orihime was his shield, and no one else's.

Huh, odd way to think about it like that-

step

Ichigo would sit up as he didn't realize darkness had crept and replaced the dusk light with moon beams, as there was the one person responsible for changing his entire life, for good and bad.

He always saw Rukia as a close friend, if not sister figure to him. The petite woman entered his room through his window this time, which was facing towards the yard. Wearing her black Shinigami attire, the raven haired woman with piercing eyes would stare around the room, muttering softly to her self. Settled at her side was her Zanpakuto, the sealed Sode no Shirayuki settled tightly on her hip. 

"It is near… and it was hiding another spirit" she spoke, seemingly unaware that Ichigo had noticed her.

Ichigo slowly got up from his bed, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it. The moment he had met Rukia Kuchiki and the world changed. Question was, would he carry out the kick as his past self had done, to get Rukia's attention?

Well. He still needed to pay back for the rude behavior she gave during her first go around.

The teenager would deliver a kick to her rear end, sending the Shinigami tumbling over herself. Ichigo would muster up an annoyed expression, but he wondered if his excitement to see his friend was also showing. Regardless, he would play his part to perfection.

"It is near my ass, JUST WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!?" Ichigo yelled, knowing full well this may get the attention of his father… then again, maybe things would be different this time around?

"You… you can see me?" The Shinigami asked, pointing to themself in confusion as Ichigo exhaled, walking over.

"Yea, I can see you. What, you some burgler or something? Here to steal drugs, or cash?" Ichigo said, being a bit quieter than he was last iteration as Rukia would stand up aggravated. The woman would put a hand on her sword, frowning.

"No… I'm not hear to steal anything. It shouldn't be possible for ordinary men to see me… as I am-" the woman would begin to say, before Ichigo would interrupt. 

"A Soul Eater? Or some other ghost I've never seen before?" The orange haired man stated, a small shit eating grin touching his lips. Rukia would grow visibly irritated, having her bluster stolen by Ichigo's misclasification of who she was.

"A Shinigami , a Soul Reaper. Let me explain…"

One exposition later

"So, you're a Shinigami working on behalf of this Mystical afterlife called Soul Society…" Ichigo said, before flipping his table and throwing it at Rukia. "Yeah right! You must be a super senile ghost if you think I am going to believe that!"

Rukia would dodge, her eyebrow twitching as she thrust out her hand. 

"Bakudo Number 1: Sai!" [Binding Spell 1: Restrain]

Ichigo's arms would lock to his sides as he tumbled forward, paralyzed by the low level unchanted Kido. He would play the part, flailing onto the ground as he looked over his shoulder. Rukia would begin to withdraw her blade, staring down at Ichigo.

"You're lucky spirit law dictates I cannot kill humans that Soul Society hasn't deemed a threat. However…" Rukia would begin to push the hilt of her sword towards a spot near Ichigo, pressing it to a ghosts forehead. This ghost was a middle aged man who unfortunately died within the clinic some time ago, having suffered a heart attack and not treated in time by a more equipped hospital. The man was crying softly.

"P-please… I don't want to go to Hell."

"Fear not. You are not going to Hell. You are going to the Soul Society. And unlike Hell, it is a peaceful place." Rukia spoke gently and softly, giving the man a proper Soul Burial, as he became encompassed in light before vanishing, a Hell Butterfly fluttering softly before vanishing.

Peaceful place my fucking ass. You have Kenpachi and Kurotsuchi running around. Ichigo scoffed in his head but kept his mouth shut.

"You know, this place has a lot of ghosts. I had performed Soul Burial on a small girl in the backyard just before coming in here. Now, to explain…" Rukia would squat down and take out her notebook as Ichigo would feel chills go down his spine as Rukia began to explain Hollows and Wholes.

It's close… am I taking to much of a risk here? Yuzu and Karin are going to get attacked soon… Dad can't use his Shinigami form until I do my training with Urahara. Even then I think he stepped out for groceries today. Playing this to close to the book may cause them to get seriously hurt like last time.

"Look, if you're here to hunt one of these Hollow things, shouldn't you be doing that instead of making these dumb drawings!?" Ichigo said, working against the Bakudo slowly as dread began to fill his stomach.

Rukia's eyebrow would twitch as she quickly doodles a silly mustache onto Ichigo's face, smirking victorious over the orange haired man.

"Goes to show what you know, brat. I came to this house because I detected a powerful presence, one only a Hollow can encompass." Rukia stated calmly as Ichigo began to rub his face on the floor. He felt the heavy pressure on his back, the sure sign that the Hollow was nearby…

"It's here. I can feel it. It feels really heavy and thick like a suffocating dog, right!? If it's here, we need to get down to my sisters now!" Ichigo said as he began to struggle from his constraints.

Rukia would open her mouth to say a retort, before frowning and focusing her senses. A pregnant pause would linger in the air, before a smashing crash would occur downstairs. Rukia would begin running out of the room as Ichigo wiggled towards the door as well.

"Let me help! That's my family down there Ru-" Ichigo would say before Rukia would turn, her sword being unsheathed in quick fashion and cutting off Ichigo's words.

"Be quiet, human! This a Hollow, all you would be doing is getting in the way!" Rukia said before rushing downstairs. 

Ichigo would stand up, moving to run behind her as he did so. His heart was pounding in his chest, blood rushing in his ears. He forgot how much legitimate danger his family was in tonight. His father was powerless until Ichigo got his powers properly, Karin and Yuzu didn't get to see the Hollow so they were being attacked by air… 

His early warning to Rukia seemed to have adjusted the scenario. The Hollow known as Fishbone D (Ichigo thought that was such a stupid name) had just crashed through the wall, and the debris had struck Karin and injured her. The Hollow was reaching for Yuzu, the fish-skull face opening up and visibly drooling from both its mask and its inner mouth. The pale blue skin was decorated with the black tear drops all over made it an imposing figure, but compared to the Hollows and Arrancar Ichigo had battled, this was small fry.

Ichigo would force his arms against the magical bindings of the Kido, his eyes staring forward. He felt the "magic" strain against him, but his need, his duty to protect pushed ever stronger. The magic began to give way…

Rukia was currently going through different stances, her sword twisting and pointing downwards as she spoke softly.

" Dance, Sode no Shi- "

The Shinigami'a concentration would be broken as she felt the Kido she applied to the strange orange haired teen get completely destroyed. Not broken, not wiggled out, but purely usurped and decimated. This sudden shock to her system would make her pause her Shikai incantation, shock on her face as Ichigo Kurosaki would grab a firm hold of a wooden chair.

"HEY FISH FACE!" 

The Hollow would turn towards the offending voice, before being smacked across the face with a chair. The wooden furniture would explode into a flurry of splinters and broken pieces, Ichigo holding two of the legs like swords. He would attempt to attack the Hollow's knee with both sticks, before it lazily backhanded him into the street. 

Ichigo would crash and tumble, dropping one of the wooden legs of the chair as he hit the opposing street wall with a hard thud. He inwardly cursed to himself, grabbing at his head and shakily standing up.

Damn it, I forgot how much of a pain in the ass this thing is. And unfortunately I have to stand by as Rukia…

Ichigo would look up. Sure enough, the Hollow was rushing right at him with its Maw agape to consume him. The soft sound of feet on the concrete, as the image of Rukia would appear before Ichigo and interweave herself between human and Hollow. The sacrifice for such a play was a massive bite from the Hollow, chomping harshly onto Rukia's chest as she shoved part of her sword into its mouth. The Hollow would reel back in pain, blood from Shinigami and Hollow mixing onto the ground with wet splits.

Rukia would stumble and collapse next to Ichigo, panting harshly from her wounds. Her eyes were half lidded, her body slightly paler from the wound. Ichigo would stand up shakily in front of her, the Hollow reeling back from the wound.

"Give me your sword. Let me kill this thing." Ichigo said, holding out his hand. "I have to protect my family. I have to protect you. I can do it."

Rukia would sit up against the wall, exhaling softly as she closed her eyes. She was contemplating something, before holding out her blade towards Ichigo.

"I have… a better idea… a human like you can't take that thing on alone. I'll have to-" she winced in pain, bracing her hand against the ground. "I can give you the power. You just need to impale yourself on my blade."

Ichigo would look down at the sword pointed at him. The moment of truth. Last time he was terrified at such a prospect, angry he wasn't able to protect his family. He recalls Yuzu on the brink of death, begging softly for Ichigo to save them. Now, with his family not as hurt, he knew this was resolve in his chest to continue his walk. He felt empty and incomplete, not being able to defend his family to the fullest. He was annoyed Rukia kept calling him human, but he would step forward towards her sword.

"That sounds like the best plan we got. Let's do this, Shinigami."

Rukia would smile softly and in pain, holding the blade over Ichigo's heart. "It's not 'Shinigami.' It's Rukia Kuchiki."

"I see. I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. Let's hope this isn't the last greeting between us."

Rukia would shakily hold the sword up towards Ichigo's chest, as Ichigo's hand would come to the hilt and brace the sword. A knowing look between each other, as the Hollow roared and began to charge.

Rukia pushed the blade forward.

Ichigo would make its aim true.

A massive explosion of white and black would occur on that street, blinding Fishbone D and halting it's movement as it braced its arms over its eyes.

Schlick thump thump

The Hollow would roar in pain, as blood spurts from its shoulders. It's arms twisted and moving on the ground like worms. It would stumble and groan, glaring at the slowly dissipating cloud of smoke and debris from where Ichigo and Rukia were.

Standing there was Ichigo Kurosaki, his bright orange hair moving slightly from the breeze his Reatsu had created from being unleashed. His body was clad in the black Shukakkusho of the Shinigami, with white trim along the hems of the top and bottom. Where things begin to diverge were the two red braided cords that made an "X" shape over his chest and going behind his back, where two sheathes sat on his back, also making a similar "X" cross pattern. In both his hands were two massive katana, more akin to a Zanbato than a standard katana or daikatana. The blades were both extremely thick and razor sharp, with wrapped hills. One was black, the other white. 

Ichigo would roll his wrists, the weight of both blades like second nature to him as he stared down the Hollow. Rukia would be sitting beside him, wearing a white Shukakkusho with a stunned expression on her face. No doubt realizing she accidentally gave Ichigo all her Reatsu rather than just a sliver of it. She immediately realized how messed up the scenario is, and she'd have to seek out help from… exiles.

The Hollow would roar once more in anger as it crouched down deep and low. It's head would angle at Ichigo as it shot forward like a rocket, both its mask and inner mouth trying to devour Ichigo Kurosaki.

The Substitute Soul Reaper would offer a small, confident smirk, before swiping both his swords. The force of the swings unleashed shockwaves that knocked the Hollow to the ground, as Ichigo blurred with speed towards its location. By instinct, Ichigo had utilized Shunpo to close the distance and holding both his blades upwards.

"I HOPE YOU REALIZE YOUR MISTAKE WITH MESSING WITH MY FAMILY, FISH FACE!"

Ichigo would slam both blades down into the Hollow, splitting it into four pieces. It would give a dying scream, before being purified and fading from existence. Ichigo would exhale, placing both of his blades back into his sheathes. He would turn to look for Rukia, frowning when he sees she had vanished in the middle of the last strike. But, with his Reatsu having returned, Ichigo never felt more at home or complete. 

Ichigo Kurosaki: Substitute Soul Reaper.

Chapter Text

Kurokare Clinic

Ichigo would sigh, rubbing his head softly. Rukia had vanished after the fight, and he was still in his spirit body. He had work to be done. First was making sure that his family was all right. Thanks to his intervention in pushing Rukia to act faster, both Yuzu and Karin only suffered rudimentary scrapes and bruises with some head injury. Taking some of the medicine from their clinic, he would treat their wounds and give them antibiotics before setting them to bed. He would wait for his father, having settled his body back in his bedroom.

After an hour of waiting, Ichigo would inevitably grow bored and look over his attire. It was significantly different last time he took Rukia's powers, namely the fact he had two swords rather than one. Additionally, he could feel his Reatsu was more tame, under his control. He wasn't a water faucet turned on all the time anymore, and was more refined. But, he decided to check in on the other voices in his body.

He would go inside and into his room, before sitting on the floor. Setting his swords in his lap, he would inhale then exhale, beginning to focus his Reatsu inwards. The outside world would begin to muddle and fade away, as Ichigo performed Jinzen (Sword Meditation) and began to go into his inner world…

Ichigo's Inner World

His feet would settle on the floor, a deep breath leaving his lips as Ichigo opened his eyes. The sky above was clear and blue, not a single cloud casting shadow overhead. He stood atop of a horizontal city, with skyscrapers sliding out towards a skewed horizon. And of course, the massive glacier that Ichigo was famil-

"... wait what the hell?" Ichigo spoke to himself as he began to make his way towards the massive ice structure in his mind. He was used to his inner world being rather crazy. Submerged in rain water, having working computers, home to crazy battle manic doppelganger and personification of the King of Quincy. But this ice was new. Making his way to the glacier, he would begin to climb it with a combination of the strange air walking technique and Shunpo.

Reaching the summit of the ice did nothing to make the situation any less strange. The peak of the glacier was flat and smooth, with part of a sky scraper poking out and above it. Where windows normally would be, it seems to have images transplanted on them from Ichigo's past. His fight with Kenpachi, with Byakuya, and with Grimmjow. Several smaller instances with lesser Hollows with Rukia's powers. But, two scenes kept repeating in front of… somehow an even further odd sight.

The sight was both foreign yet familiar. The woman had settled into a sitting position in front of two of the windows. With soft lavender hair giving off a purple shine, the woman wore a white kimono with long white sleeves, a soft pink obi belt with a yellow rope obi belt just above it, and a beautiful katana of snow white sitting on her lap, with a long silken ribbon coming from the hilt. The woman would turn her icy blue eyes away from the windows playing out the memory of Ichigo gaining Rukia's powers, both past and current. The icicles in her gaze did nothing to quell Ichigo's rapid heart beat.

"You're… Sode no Shirayuki-" Ichigo would say, before ducking out of the way as the woman tossed her sword at him, holding it by the silken ribbon. She would pull on the silk and reel her blade back to her hand, staring at Ichigo.

"You have my partner's power, Kurosaki , but you don't have the right to call me by my name." Shirayuki spoke in a regal, cold tone. She would stand up, brushing off the ice from her form as she began to walk towards Ichigo.

The orange haired teen would hold up his hands. "Now, Ms. Zanpakuto, I meant no ill will. I just fought you in my past life and knew your name th- SHIT!"

Another swarm of icicles would be thrown at Ichigo's position as he dodged out of the way, sliding across the ice. He would continue to hold up his hands, even as Shirayuki rushed onto his position with sword in hand.

"You and I both know you end up going back to Rukia anyhow!" Ichigo said, as the woman would stop mid-swing. She would frown, inwardly conflicted before exhaling. 

"You're correct in that notion, Kurosaki, however it's not until she is forced into a gigai to drain her powers, almost executed, then further brutalized by a traitor from what your memories entail." The spirit spoke with the same icy drip and tone, unhappy with the current circumstances. 

"However… that was a different time. Wasn't it?"

Ichigo would wince, seeing the full extent of memories that Sode no Shirayuki had looked through. Hesitantly, he placed his hands down as well, his eyebrows furrowing.

"Yeah. Yeah it was." 

"So… you can change the circumstances of that incident with her, then?"

Ichigo would think for a moment, but slowly nod. "Of course. If you've seen through my memories, you know I tore through half of Soul Society to get to her. I fought Kenpachi for god's sake!"

Sode no Shirayuki would crack a hint of a smile at that analogy, showcasing some worth. "That is fair. Something tells me that we have to play by some of these events in the past."

Ichigo would nod, sighing in irritation as his talk with Kisuke came back into his mind. They had started to plan out the Soul Society invasion, even adjusting the circumstances of Rukia's Gigai. Things were going to be different this time, Ichigo would be sure of it. 

"Unfortunately, yeah. She still needs to be put onto that farce trial and execution timeline, but I've got a head start on Aizen's plans." Ichigo responded, before frowning and looking around. 

"Somewhat unrelated question, but have you seen a tall, brooding old man with glasses and a Cloak as well as a color swapped, pale doppelganger of myself? That's my Zanpakuto spirit, and I haven't seen them yet."

Shirayuki would pause for a moment, before walking back to the building she was in front of earlier. She would move a few sections of ice around before pushing forward a medium sized cube of ice, with Ichigo's Zangetsu entombed inside of it.

One prisoner of the cold was a tall, black clad man of around late 40s, early 50s with a pair of sunglasses over his eyes. His black hair was waving in one direction, even in the ice. His short sword was on his hip, more akin to a longer knife with a finger guard on the hilt rather than a sword. He had a somewhat annoyed expression on his face. 

The reason for his annoyance would be a character that looked like a dark reflection of Ichigo. Pale white skin that looked more like porcelain than snow, with black scelara orbiting twin yellow irises. Dressed in a white Shukakkusho with white main colors and black trim, with a black sword on his back with a hollow portion in the middle of the blade. It looked to have been mid annoying its other half before they were frozen by Sode No Shirayuki.

"If ah… do you mind unfreezing them?" Ichigo asked the non-frozen Zanpakuto spirit, as Shirayuki would give a small smile.

"Only partially. If they were allowed full purvey over this place, I could end up completely ejected. And if my presence is ejected before Rukia can get a Gigai…"

Ichigo would sigh and press a finger against his temple. "It would mean it would take even longer for her powers to get back, even with taking steps to make sure she gets them fast."

Sode no Shirayuki would nod as she begins to thaw out the heads of both the Zangetsu. "However, I can let them talk with you. And, Kurosaki-san? Thank you. Had I not known better, I would say you have a deep affection for my partner."

Ichigo would roll his eyes at that notation, giving a bit of a sigh. "She helped change my life and world in a massive way. She made me feel like I could protect my family and then some, and she got my head out of some shifty situations. I see her as a great friend, but she ain't really my type."

A small, uncharacteristic smile would touch Sode no Shirayuki's face as she would go to the skyscraper earlier, brushing her hand across it. The screens would flicker and change, as one of them began showing the moment Orihime was questioned about her outfit by Ichigo before fighting Yhwach.

"No, I think I know exactly who your type is, Kurosaki-san."

Ichigo became as red as a Strawberry, picking up a sizeable chunk of ice and chucking it at the window displaying the memory. The ice would shatter against it as the image vanished, and the woman chuckle. Ichigo held a hand to his flushed face, exhaling softly before an all too familar voice spoke behind him.

"Ya know, if she didn't freeze me in ice, I'd say I kinda appreciate that woman." The malfested voice of the Hollow/Shinigami portion of Zangetsu came free, it's head having been thawed out.

"Hush, Hollow. The intruder may have done us a service in freezing you." The Quincy voice spoke in his calm, somewhat echoing voice as he looked at Ichigo.

Ichigo would stare at his Zanpakuto spirits frozen in ice, exhaling softly as he scratched the back of his head.

"So, Zangetsu-"

"Suuuuuuup?"

"Yes, Ichigo?"

Ichigo would face palm slightly, realizing that both entities are going to be responding to Zangetsu. He thought for a moment, his nail gently scratching his chin.

"All right, before this gets any more confusing, gonna lay some ground rules. My Hollow and Shinigami portion will be called White."

"Bit unoriginal ain't ya, king?"

"Bite me. And my Quincy portion will be called Old Man.

"This seems appropriate, Ichigo. "

Ichigo would nod, as he managed to get over the headache that was the Zangetsu effect.

"All right. With that out of the way, my next question is: What can and can't I do while we have Rukia's powers inside of us?"

"As it stands, while you are capable of using techniques like Getsuga Tensho-"

"And Getsuga Jūjishō!"

"Zangetsu, as it's form in both Shikai and Bankai, are suppressed by Sode no Shirayuki. Of course this doesn't diminish your Reatsu, your innate abilities like Shunpo."

"It just means that I'll be using an unbalanced, sealed Zanpakuto for the time being. And chances are Sode no Shirayuki won't lend herself as a Shikai."

"Not likely. Ice princess over there is more likely to give you the cold shoulder more than anything else. Chances are you can't even use Hollowfication since, howdy do, its tied with me."

Ichigo would exhale as he thought to himself for a moment. Currently, as it stands, he was as effective as he was when fighting Yhwach. His sword skills, his techniques, Reatsu, and knowledge of fighting retained with him. In reality, his only loss right now is that he's using swords he's not familiar with, and he can't utilize Shikai, Bankai, or his Hollow Mask. 

"When we are properly reintroduced, Zangetsu, I am going to ask for additional training and techniques. I didn't have to much time to really practice and use you both to the full extent, both sides. I'm sure there's some Quincy and Hollow stuff I could be able to do. Like that Blut whatever-"

"Blut Vene and Blut Arterie. "

"Thank you, Old Man. And I could try to use a Cero like I did against the jackass Quincy King."

"That wasn't JUST any old Cero either, that was a Grand Rey Cero! Only proper Cero for a king~"

"... right. But that is the game plan."

"It sounds reasonable and acceptable, Ichigo."

"Fuck yeah! This is the type of shit I wanted! You willingly becoming stronger, and not out of convenience!"

Ichigo would nod and exhale softly, smiling at his Zanpakuto. One offered a kindly smile in return, the other a manic grin.

"Let's try not to be as sloppy this time. I'll head on up back to the real world and get some shut eye. I could use it after this exhausting day."

"Very well. Good bye, Ichigo."

"Yeah, try and dream about that bombshell Orihime girl!"

Ichigo would smacking the spirit on the side of the head, once more flushed as the Hollow giggled madly. Ichigo would begin to flicker softly, before fading from his inner world. The two frozen spirits would look at one another, as White would smirk at the Old Man.

"So… we gonna tell him about the other cool thing we can do now that we are complete, or?"

The old man would offer a tight smile to his counter part, turning his head to look at the vile thing.

"Let Ichigo rest for now. It's been a mentally taxing day on our master."

White would roll his eyes at the comment as he settled his head to the side, annoyed at still being frozen in place.

"All right, all right… oi, Ice Princess! Can you at least turn us to the skyscraper so we can watch to!"

…

"Why is it getting colder- OH DEAR SOUL KING SHE'S MAKING IT COLDER! HOLD ME OLD MAN!"

Old Man's eyebrow would twitch in a rare expression of irritation as White flailed in their frozen state, exhaling softly.

"This is going to be a long autumn…"

Chapter Text

Karakura High

To say that the weeks leading up to Ichigo returning to high school was boring was a massive understatement. His family had woken up from the attack with their false memories of a truck crashing through the wall and it being boarded up in the morning. He performed his menial chores, help his father with the clinic, assist with ghosts best he could. The normal song and dance.

The day when school was back in session was one Ichigo was oddly eager for, despite being a teenager. Dressing in the summer school uniform of a white button up dress shirt, grey slacks with black loafers and a black belt, Ichigo would enter into the massive courtyard.

The main building loomed overhead with its four stories, the crystal blue windows sparkling softly in the early morning light. The light murmur of conversation picked up in the air as kids began to file into their dedicated friend groups and circles. The branching building from the main one was only three stories, but provided enough shade to escape the late August sun from raining down on the pour students there. Ichigo would walk through the crowd, pushing into the building. 

Being one of the taller first years had its advantage, as Ichigo had some room to move thanks to his naturally intimidating build. He would begin climbing the stairs to head up to the third floor where first years, minding his own business as his thoughts dances idle from one to another.

"IIIIIIII-CHIIIIIII-GOOOOO- ghack!?!"

Ichigo would hold up his satchel with his heavy textbooks, as a teenager had flung themselves at Ichigo with a flying tackle hug. The unfortunate result was the teenager hitting the rigid satchel face first, losing all forward momentum before sliding down like a cartoon character.

"ICHIGO! YOU'RE SO MEAN! THAT REALLY HUUUURT!"

Keigo Asano would clutch at his face, his brunette hair styled with bangs to open up to his always smiling, somewhat silly face. His legs flailed around a bit, selling the drama of Ichigo's "betrayal".

Ichigo would chuckle, offering a helping hand to the fallen Keigo.

"Maybe you should leave it at just fist bumps, man. Lunging at me like a monsters is just gonna get you the Kurosaki special."

Keigo would blink a bit in surprise before taking Ichigo's hand and hoisting himself up. Ichigo stood firm, giving Keigo a pat on the shoulder.

"I'll see you both when I can, yea?" Ichigo said with a friendly wave and smile before heading towards his class. He would slide his fingers into the handle, opening up the sliding door and stepping into the classroom. The din of noise and students made the ambient sounds of the room make Ichigo really feel at home.

He would find his assigned seat, noting he was put in between Orihime and an empty desk, no doubt Rukia. Speaking of Orihime, Ichigo would turn to look at the girl, a gentle eagerness prying into his brain.

The somewhat ditzy girl was sitting against the wall, staring up at the ceiling while seemingly in deep thought. Her orange hair tumbled down her shoulders, like cascading flames given silky form. Her warm brown eyes would keep staring as she had a soft smile on her lips. Her blue hair pins had tucked some of her hair behind her head, allowing for her rather cute face to be exposed. She wore the gray cover to her uniform over her body, as though shielding away from prying eyes. Which, with people like Keigo and Chizuru running around, was of some good merit.

'You know, I never noticed how cute Orihime looks.'

"And she's got a really rocking bod." "Ichigo" also thought, as he gave a small shrug.

'I mean yeah she's beautiful li- WAIT WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY HEAD!?' Ichigo would mentally scream at his other self, surprised at hearing voices in his head. The nasty malfested laugh in his head only confirmed White's presence. An exasperated sigh confirmed Old Man's.

"I do apologize, my boy, but this is something new to us as well. It seems that with complete synergy with your Zanpakuto, you can speak with your spirits."

"Course we won't use this to much, buuuut it's good to fuck with ya every now and then. Or to comment on Orihime and her nice rac-".

"Ms. Visitor, if I may ask kindly for you to silence my other half?"

"You can silence me BUT YOU CAN'T SILENCE THE TRU-"

A pregnant pause in Ichigo's mind, as his face was deadpan. After a few moments, Old Man sighs. 

"Please, enjoy your school day Ichigo."

Having been distracted long enough, he would begin to walk to Orihime, who was deep in conversation with two of their friends.

The first who was deep in conversation with her was Tatsuki Arisawa, arguably her best friend and Ichigo's Karate rival from childhood. Her hair was short and dark, spiked out to the sides with brown eyes as well. She had a somewhat irritated and confused expression on her face, tinged with a hint of worry.

Standing behind then was the black haired, green eyed Mizuiro Kojima, tapping on his phone and talking to them. He had a neutral expression on his face, as Ichigo began to walk over and picking up pieces of the conversation.

"-truck ran into their clinic last night." Mizuiro said, typing away on his phone.

"A truck!? Is he injured or… Dea-" Tatsuki would begin to say, as Ichigo approached her from behind. He would slam his satchel onto her desk, causing her to jump.

"Yes Tatsuki, I'm dead, and I'm here to haunt you. Boo." Ichigo said with a bit of a deadpan, but a hint of a smile touching his lips. Tatsuki gave him an annoyed look as Orihime gives a soft giggle and Mizuiro would give a wave.

"Good morning K-k-kurosaki-kun!" Orihime said, stuttering a bit and nervously holding a hand near face. Ichigo felt his heart thrum and dance a bit, warmth going through his chest.

'Was… she always this cute? Then again I never got to know about Orihime till the Sora incident…'

"Ah, good morning, Inoue-san." Ichigo said, offering a warm smile to Orihime. 

To say Orihime malfunctioned would be an understatement as her face became extremely flushed as she wiggled a bit in her seat. Her hands would dance into her hair, antsy playing with it as she whispered quietly to herself. 

"Hehe... ah... yes it is a good morning! Great even!" Ichigo could hear Orihime whisper, as he mentally face palmed. Right, he forgot that he wasn't as close to Orihime until said Sora incident. He was so use to speaking kindly and joyously to her, it slipped naturally into his speech.

Then again, he already changed so much in this timeline. Speaking of which…

"Oh, you're Kurosaki-san?" Ichigo would hear from behind him as he turned. To his lack of surprise, Rukia was sitting in the desk next to his, dressed in the school uniform. She would hold out her hand, with writing on it that said Tell anyone and you're dead. 

"Do you have a textbook I can borrow?"

Ichigo would smile, handing her his textbook as he took his seat, exhaling.

"It's of no problem, Ms… ah, I'm sorry, what's your name?"

"Kuchiki-san."

"I have no problem helping you out, Kuchiki-san."

Karakura School Courtyard

"So! You're probably wondering why I'm at your human school, Ichigo Kurosaki!" Rukia stated, marching in front of Ichigo as he had his hands in his pockets. 

"Lil' bit. Care to explain to me, ya highness?" Ichigo said, poking fun at Rukia's higher than thou attitude that started poking through. He would earn an icy glare from the Kuchiki.

"If you must have all the answers, then I am willing to give them to you. That fateful night, when I but meant to give you a fragment of my power, I had the folly of bestowing all of it onto you, Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Just… Ichigo or Kurosaki is fine. No need for my full legal name." Ichigo said, physically wincing at being talked down to like a child. Which, considering the circumstances… well, he was 17 before the time incident, he was on the threshold of being an adult. It doesn't matter Rukia is literally triple digits in terms of age.

"Very well, Kurosaki-san. Since you're the vassal in which my powers lie within, therefor and thereof, you must take on my duties as a Shinigami!"

Rukia waited with baited breath for Ichigo to give an answer, the Substitute Shinigami blinking softly before shrugging.

"Sure, I'm down. Is it killing Hollows and purifying Wholes, yes?"

Rukia would seem… extremely confused as she was about to monologue if the answer no was given. "Not… quite. You extinguish Hollows, not kill them."

Ichigo would raise an eyebrow in curiosity. Now this was new and diverging. No doubt with his talk with Kisuke and how things needed to change, including Rukia off the rip. Maybe the strange ex-captain added his own spice to the equation.

"For you see, our Zanpakuto are blades of purification, no matter the use. For Wholes, we perform Konsō, or Soul Burial. This lays the soul at rest, and allows them to be ferried to Soul Society. For Hollows, they are more aggressive and are driven to consume souls. Wholes may become Hollows if they aren't given Konsō in time. That's where our blades come in."

Ichigo would nod, showing he was following the entire time. Push comes to shove, when she wasn't relying on the silly drawings, she can pretty good at explai-

"Here, I drew a picture of what happens when a Hollow is slain." Rukia would pull out a notebook with a cartoonishly drawn rabbit Soul Reaper slicing a bunny Hollow in half. Rukia would draw in a happy soul leaving the Hollow's body. "When a Hollow is slain by a Zanpakuto, it is purified of the sins committed as a Hollow and is allowed passage into Soul Society. Depending on their connections in the human world and who remembers them, some may reincarnate. Others may appear as they did as a Whole, with their memories in tact."

"I see… dumb pictures aside-"

"I will seal you with what little power I have Kurosaki-"

"Visual aides aside, I get it. Wholes get sent to the afterlife with Konsō, and Hollows get sent when we Purify them with our Zanpakuto."

Rukia would huff, putting away her art as she slapped on a red glove with a skull symbol on it, surrounded by black and blue flame.

"Let's see your first day on the job. There's a playground nearby with a Whole and a Hollow trying to devour it."

Rukia would charge forward, slamming her palm into Ichigo's chest. He would be ejected out of his body in slow motion, floating in the air for a bit. Rukia would grab his body and… haphazardly toss it into a nearby recreational shed, tossing a tarp over it. Ichigo's eyebrow would twitch as he began to run towards the playground.

"Do ya mind treating my body with a smidgen more care? I still need to come back to it." 

"Can it, delinquent- job to do, Whole to save."

Ichigo would exhale softly, annoyed at starting from square one again… but bappy to see Rukia giving a small smirk at Ichigo's willingness to take her job.

Playground

Ichigo and Rukia would arrive on the scene, as Ichigo immediately withdrew his swords. The playground, a source of fun, was wrought with devastation. Monkey bars bent and scattered about, the slide decimated, and a little boy with a chain from his chest quivering underneath the main structure of the play place. The Whole.

The source of this destruction was a medium sized spider Hollow, around the size of a sedan. It had six pointed legs sinking into the ground, it's mask having a cruel and crude frown on it. Unlike last time, this thing had a long, crude looking tail that became a lethal looking needle. It stalked around the playground, making a show of hunting before it turned to the kid. Giving a roar, it would scuttle towards the play place, tail raised high…

Clang!

Ichigo would intercept the Hollow known as Hexapodus, his two blades crossing into an X and catching the tail with the edges. The Shinigami would smirk at the creature.

"Sorry, bug. Play time is over!" Ichigo stated, to the audible groan of Rukia. He would plant his foot firmly into the Hollow's face and kick it backwards. It's legs would flail about a bit before sinking into the ground, it's chattering hiss escaping it's mask.

Once more it would charge, this time aiming at Ichigo with its tail. He would position the flat of his blade to the side, causing the tail to be deflected into the ground. His other sword would follow up with a deft slash, cutting off its tail with an audible thump. The Hollow would hiss in anger, chittering and slamming its legs into the ground in a tantrum.

"Hm. Not much of a beast without that tai-"

"ICHIGO BEHIND YOU!"

Ichigo would swiftly turn, bringing up both his blades as two massive claws would crash down on his location. A crater would form underfoot, as Ichigo strained a bit at the surprise attack.

Looking up between his swords, he would see another Hollow. This one was a massive bear with sickly blue fur all over its body, with massive claws coming from its paws. It's mask was that of a calm but deadly bear, it's red eyes staring down at Ichigo as drool came from its mouth.

The Bear would growl and attempt to gnash at Ichigo with its maw. Ichigo would kick off its stomach and float backwards. He would turn, seeing Hexapodus once more scuttling towards the Whole.

"Shit!"

Ichigo would move downwards, striking at Hexapodus. The Hollow's sharp legs would shoot upwards, clanging against Ichigo's slashes and diverting them off from their original target. Ichigo would grunt in frustration, before the Bear appeared once more, it's paw clenched in an uppercut. Forced to go onto the defensive again, Ichigo would place the flats of his bladed together like a shield, mitigating the strikes damage. The kid was screaming and crying behind Ichigo, as the Shinigami would land in front of him. 

Scooping him up, Ichigo quickly brought him over to Rukia and settled him beside her. "Watch him, they'll need my full attention."

Ichigo would twist around, his blades in hands as he faced down both Hollows. While such enemies weren't of any danger to him, the goal was to protect the kid and purifying them all. Being double teamed like this, and the fact both Hollows were just a bit stronger than what he would have expected was throwing him off balance. 

'Old Man. I can manipulate my Reatsu into different shapes as long as I make a Quincy Cross, yea?'

"It can be at any point, but a conduit is required. It doesn't necessarily need to be a Quincy Cross."

'White, I can fire Getsuga from any point of my sword?'

"Now you're thinking like a proper king!"

Ichigo, with this knowledge in hand, would charge forward between both Hollows, landing in the playgrounds sand box. With a burst of Reatsu from his feet, the sand would explode upwards and clouding the vision of Rukia, the Whole, and the two Hollows. Ichigo would crouch low, as he built up Reatsu behind his two swords.

"Getsuga…"

Ichigo would fire off both small scale Getsuga Tensho behind his blades as he spun rapidly. The force of these swings would drag both Hexapodus and Bear from the centrifugal force into the path of his next swing, also firing off another series of small scale Getsuga behind them.

"Kidōsho!" [Moon Fang: Piercing Orbit]

Both Hollows would attempt to escape the second slash of the new technique, but be cut in twine. Blood spewed from their faces and torsos, as each Hollow was wetly split and decimated. Their bodies and blood would begin to dissolve, having been purified with the sword. Ichigo would sheath one of his blades, looking over his shoulder and smiling.

Rukia seemed rather dumbfounded as Ichigo walked over to the crying kid, kneeling down in front of him.

"Hey, no more tears. Let's get you out of here."

"T-t-thabnk you mishta! Blaghsgsga!"

The Whole would continue to cry as Ichigo would press his hilt to the boy's forehead. He would become embraced in a soft golden glow, before vanishing. A Hell Butterfly took his place, moving away to ferry the soul to the Soul Society.

Ichigo would stand as Rukia would clear her throat. "Beginners luck, taking on two Hollows at once. Nothing more. It's only because of MY Reatsu."

"Rukia? Thanks for letting me help you out." Ichigo said, walking past her and towards the school. The Kuchiki would be dumbfounded, before sighing and walking back Ichigo to rejoin his soul and body.

Inoue Household

Orihime Inoue was on a super happy cloud at the moment, wiggling in her bed with a massive stuffed animal in between her arms. Her first day of school and she was in a class with most of her friends, everyone was so nice, and Tatsuki didn't have to beat up and crude dudes!

But the moment that stuck with Orihime the most was a certain orange haired teen. His peach skin turned upwards into a smile that had Orihime's heart doing a marathon, his voice filled with a warmth she never heard from the strawberry, and smiling at her with such kindness and joy! She would squeal and clutch even tighter to the bear, it's poor button eyes almost popping off.

"Today was an amazing first day! I know! I'll treat myself to peanut butter and jelly and leeks!" Orihime exclaimed as she went to the kitchen. She opened her fridge, grabbing her last leek and kicking the door close. She would begin to walk forward.

Suddenly, something cold and sharp grasped her shin as she stumbled forward, hitting the ground hard and dropping her leek. Said leek would unfortunately land right into a trash can filled with old linens and a dirty air filter, staining it with dirt. The girl would frown, before looking at her leg. It began to swell and bruises as she sighs, standing up and leaning against the counter top.

"Oopsie me… guess I clipped the fridge there. Ah well! Just means I get to have leeks with Tatsuki tomorrow!"

Orihime would him, going to prepare her replacement meal of peanut butter, jelly, and pineapple slices. Slithering in the depths of her room however, would be a masked face, struggling in barely restrained anger.

"All she talks about… forgotten… just nothing but Tatsuki… and Ichigo."

Chapter Text

Karakura Town

"So… Kurosaki. Care to tell me how you managed to do that strange attack yesterday?" Rukia Kuchiki would state blithely, looking over her shoulder.

The orange haired teen scratched gently at his chin, looking off and to the side. Ichigo was trying to play dumb. Sure, the sandy screen he threw up with his Reatsu did hide most of his fight. But, Rukia was a rather sharp one.

"No idea what ya mean, Kuchiki. I had to fight two giant monsters with swords, so I fought best I could." 

The icy glare shot from Rukia sent shivers down Ichigo's spine. He forgot that the woman was still in that growing pain of having a stick firmly lodged up her-

"Dude, you're like. REALLY bad at lying-"

"I for one am in agreement with the crude Hollow."

"Ah, you do care~"

Ichigo mentally shut the two out for a brief moment before he exhale. Looking down at Rukia, he settled his bag on his shoulder.

"I took karate when I was younger, and I read a fair share of shounen when I was super young. It's a magic sword, and I just kinda… imagined it cut better?" 

Ichigo said, giving a shrug as Rukia exhaled. Before she continued to berate and question Ichigo, his mind got a massive sense of deja vu. This intersection was near a neighborhood market. One that a certain auburn haired girl would be coming home from.

"Kurosaki-kun!"

Sure enough, Orihime Inoue waved from across the street, wearing a lavender shirt and skirt covered in flowers. She carried a bag of various food stuff with a leek poking out of it. She began crossing the street, still waving as Ichigo would hold up a hand in greeting.

SKREECH!

A truck had rounded the corner, going way to fast. Ichigo's reactions kicked in before anything else did, as he pounced across the street. Scooping up Orihime, the duo tumbled out of the way of the truck. Ichigo landed in a crouched position, Orihime in his arms like a princess carry as he exhales softly, before staring daggers at the truck.

"OI, SLOW DOWN JACK ASS!" Ichigo barked out, before staring down at Orihime. "You're not hurt, are you Inoue-san?"

Ichigo then checked on his charge, exhaling softly. His hands were on her shoulders and scooped under her knees, so she wouldn't be flushed from being grabbed inappropriate by accident. But, as Ichigo looked into those orangey-brown eyes, he could swear Orihime was like a deer in headlights. Her eyes were wide, and she was stock still in his arms. She gives a meek sound as Ichigo righted her up, clearing his throat.

"Still uh. Still got your stuff from the market?" Ichigo looked off to the side and towards the ground, the awkwardness in the air thick. 

"Uh-uhm, yes. Thank you, Kurosaki-kun." Orihime bowed her head in respect, before popping up with a wide smile. "I got ingredients for my leeks and peanut butter tonight!"

Ichigo blinks, seeing Orihime dig through her bag before taking out the green and white root. Twirling it around the vegetable like a baton in a circus, Orihime's demeanor shifted to one of her normal carefree self. Ichigo's lips gently curled in a smile at her playful nature, before he laughed along side her. 

She stopped twirling, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she bounced from foot to foot before wincing. "Owowowowowowowowie! Darn it…" 

Lifting up the hem of her skirt, both Ichigo and Rukia saw the massive purple bruise having formed on her leg. Having become in tuned with his Reishi sensing abilities, he could feel the acrid nature of the wound, the dark heaviness of Hollow Spiritual Pressure. 

"Inoue-san, are you OK? You seem to be bruised. I can run to the clinic, grab some gauze and patch you up?"

"N-no! I mean, no need Kurosaki-kun! It's just probably a bruise from that car swerving around and going all crazyyyyy~"

Orihime stated, bonking herself in the head with the leak in a playful manner and sticking out her tongue. Ichigo's frown stayed on his face, before sighing and shrugging in defeat.

"All right, all right. Ain't gonna baby ya. Take care, Inoue-san."

"You too, Kurosaki-kun!"

The bubble of energy and auburn hair ran down the street, skipping every other step as Ichigo would smile, watching her go. He stood like this for a moment, before a certain icy Kuchiki poked her head into frame.

"So. That your girlfriend? Thinking of doing degenerative things wit-"

Ichigo whipped around, giving Rukia a thump on her nose as his signature scowl shot back onto his face. To the disdain of the orange haired Substitute Soul Reaper, the chuckling of not only White, but Old Man and even Sode No Shirayuki played out in his head.

"She did seem rather ravishing in that dress, yes King?"

"White, don't be so crass. Though… for one thing, she has come to your thoughts as of late."

Before Ichigo could threaten the aspects of his soul, he exhaled and reoriented his attention onto Rukia. "She's a good friend of mine. We met under more… dour events. You see, her brother got into a bad accident. Pour girl had to come with him, rain and all, to the clinic my family runs. The geezer did everything he could, but… he didn't make it."

Ichigo turned, looking down the direction where Orihime went. Hands settled in his pockets, he remembered the rainy day all too well. 

"I see then… Kurosaki-san, though it isn't pleasant, I every right to believe that the girl-"

"Inoue-san."

"That Inoue-san was attacked by a Hollow. We should stake out her place, and make sure that she isn't attacked again."

Ichigo would turn and look down at the smaller Soul Reaper. He didn't like having to play his part in all this, but he had to act stupid for right now.

"I am not stalking outside of her house and being some creepy dude like that."

"But, Kurosaki-"

Ichigo would whip out his phone, pressing some keys before holding it up to Rukia's face.

"That's my number. You can stake out her house and, if anything goes array, call me and I'll rush over. But, I have errands to run."

With that, Ichigo turned on his heel as he began to run away from Rukia, his mind working through how tonight would end…

Kurosaki Residence

Ichigo was sitting in his bed, looking at his phone and scrolling through the older device. He didn't realize how much he had actually liked the smartphones he had utilized in the future. His fingers thumbed at the keys awkwardly as he worked through typing each button twice over, sending texts and the like to Keigo and others. 

Of course, at this rate he was fully aware that Rukia had infiltrated his house and was hiding away in his closet. Being on the lookout, he could hear the faintest noises of her adjusting her position, or that his door was firmly closed instead of haphazardly left open. He had to once again play dumb, and it irritated Ichigo to no end.

It only further compounded the issues he was having with Urahara. The man was a genius, and through his help Ichigo is determined to make Rukia's capture much more beneficial than negative. He even managed to sneak in some training during his "errands", getting back into fighting shape with his two swords. But, the issue came with the subject of time travel.

"Well, you see Kurosaki~kun, I… don't know how else to describe it."

"Spit it out then, Hat-n-Clogs! What's there an issue with? If it's spiritual energy or needing me to cut through space and time or whatever, I just need to get stronger!"

Urahara sighs and pulls a whiteboard out, sitting down.

"So, kid, time travel can work in many different theoretical ways. I'm smart, but I'm not the Soul King, and I don't think that living corpse is any wiser. To put it very simply, it can either be what's called Multiverse Theory, or Linear Time Theory."

Urahara begins to draw a single line as he labels it with dates and the like.

"With Linear Time, time doesn't branch or work into different realities. It's all one coherent branch, with everything set in stone. Event A happened, which lead to Event B, which went into Event C, ya get it. Now, the problem with this is, that in the case of time travel, you need to perfectly replicate your steps one to one. If Event A changes and becomes Event A.2, then Event B physically cannot happen because Event A didn't happen as it was supposed to. Instead, it'll…"

Urahara erases the line from the point of Event A, and take out a different marker. 

"Erase the events of Event A or change it to the point its irreversible. In this instance, the point in which you came from doesn't exist anymore, due to your changes here in the present. You've already changed what normally happened. You have two swords instead of one, two Hollows engaged on the playground, you came and sought me out. If Linear Time Travel is the reality instead of theory… then you can't go back, because there's nothing to go back to."

"So… what about Multiverse Theory, then?"

Urahara sighs as he flipped the white board.

"Good news, you can, in theory, go back to the same point in time that sent you back."

"The bad news?"

"It's a multiverse, if this theory is correct. We'd be shooting into the dark of multiple possibilities. We have zero idea of any other diverging timelines out there, and even if we managed to prove it exists, the crux becomes trying to find where you came from, Ichigo Kurosaki. And we don't have any knowledge of what type of time we are working with, or even if these theories are right to begin with."

"So… I'm stuck here?"

"As I see it, yes. You're stuck here, and that timeline you knew is either gone or lost in the nexus of infinity."

Ichigo grips his fist at the recollection of his talk with Urahara. Of course, his luck had come to be that he couldn't go back. But, he had been given a glimmer of hope. This was a do-over, of all the mistakes he made. He could help his friends get stronger, and he could properly protect people from the worse the world and Soul Society has to offer. He could protect those who couldn't protect themsel-

"KUROSAKI!"

Ichigo snapped out of his fugue state, turning to see his closet door opening and Rukia slapping on her rusty trusty Soul Smack Glove. In her other hand was her flip phone device, one that used as both as an ordinary phone and Hollow detector.

"We need to get to Inoue's place, now! There's a massive Hollow at her house!"

Ichigo opened his mouth to speak, before glove met face and his body shunted into its Soul Reaper attire. Growling for multiple reasons, he would open the window to his room.

"Explain on the way there! You were right, I was wrong! You can rub it in my face later!"

And another change… maybe Urahara was right. As much as I despise it. But, won't change my plans right now! I'm coming, Inoue!

Inoue Residence

Ichigo and Rukia would land in front of the apartment Orihime had claim to, as once more Ichigo felt like the situation has changed. Instead of seeing Sora… no, Acidwire. That was the monster trying to eat Orihime. It was considerably larger than before, as it could get into the second story window without leaving street level. It's upper body was currently poking in, terrorizing the two girls inside. He heard remnants of an argument, as his body took over.

In a blur of speed, Ichigo appeared in Orihime's quaint living room, holding his blades in a cross motion. The massive claw of Acidwire slammed down on Ichigo's blades, sparks raising from the clash. Orihime would jump in shock, the chain connecting her soul self to the physical body off to the side. 

Tatsuki Arisawa was struggling and shivering hard in the corner, a bloody claw mark on her shoulder from the wound Acidwire had inflicted. Rukia rushed to Tatsuki, quickly taking out healing tools and began to work on Tatsuki.

"You… KUROSAKI ICHIGO!"

Acidwire howled in anger, causing Orihime to wince in fear. Ichigo held firm, looking behind as he braced his legs into the ground. "Inoue, are you ok?"

"K-kurosaki-kun?! Wha… what are you doing here?"

Ichigo open his mouth to reply before Acidwire howled and brought his claw back. Ichigo sheathed one of his swords as he held his sword in two hands. He would bat aside Acidwire's follow up, bringing his hilt up to Sora's mask. He would swing hard, aiming to break it like last tim-

clunk

A sound like faint metal came from the mask, as Ichigo realized that, just like before, this fight was different. Acidwire whipped around, striking Ichigo with his tail as Ichigo brought his sword in response. The scream of metal on metal confirmed Ichigo's suspicions at the issue he was having.

Acidwire had Hierro [Iron Skin]. 

"KUROSAKI! YOU TOOK HER FROM ME!" Acidwire raged, swinging his claw towards Ichigo once more. Holding his blade in two hands, Ichigo bats the claw up into the ceiling, before swinging his blade around. Building Reatsu on the edge of his blade, he swung firmly at Acidwire's mask. This time, his blade struck true, carving off a piece of Acidwire's mask. Like before, his eye and hair peeked from behind the mask, a look of absolute hatred burning.

"... Sora?" Orihime says softly, stepping forward next to Ichigo to look at the monster. The Hollow hissed at the name, moving to cover up its face before ultimately giving up on it. Orihime hesitated, clutching at Ichigo's shukakkusho in fear.

"There you go… taking her away from me, like you did before. You know, she used to pray to me. All the time. Praying I was OK, that I was fine. But then… these two!" Hissing angrily, the Hollow would point to Tatsuki and Ichigo. The former was stabilized thanks to Rukia, the latter grabbing his second sword once more and withdrawing it. 

"Your well wishes and hopes were swallowed by telling me of your new FRIENDS! Day in and day out, it was nothing but Kurosaki-kun and Arisawa-chan. No longer kept in your thoughts! Tearing us apart!"

"That's not true, Sora! I thought…" Orihime began to tear up, rubbing her sleeve against her face. "I thought by telling you how my life was getting better, how I wasn't alone anymore and I felt… protected that… that you would be happy."

"Oh, don't worry dear sister… you can make me happy. Simply join me. As apart of the dead!" Acidwire screamed, thrashing his claws at Orihime. Ichigo slides in between them, holding up his swords and catching his claws on the edges of his blades. Acidwire continued to scream, swinging his tail through the wall to strike at Ichigo's head. 

Ichigo would flip his swords to form a cross shape, catching the tail within the blades X-formation. He would push upwards, the tail screeching against the blades as it hit the roof, before he used Shunpo to move forward.

Urahara's training sessions may be bullshit, but damn if it isn't effective bullshit. Especially with his Quincy side coaching him.

"Thanks, Old Man."

Ichigo was in his element. Bringing his blades up, he swings skyward to Sora's face. Once more, the defensive Hierro throws off his blades, Ichigo's angle not quite proper. The Substitute Soul Reaper wasn't expecting Hierro this early, and while he could just use Getsuga Tensho, too many people would be caught in the blow back. Acidwire took this opportunity to twist to Orihime, slithering forward and opening his maw wide…

As Ichigo saw Orihime embrace Sora before he could consume her. Ugly sobs wracked the girl's body as Ichigo felt something twist inside of his chest.

"I… I didn't want you to worry. I thought… you'd see I was… I'm sorry, Sora-kun! I know you're just angry and scared and think I abandoned you." Orihime said, shivering and shaking from her sadness as Ichigo stepped forward. Sora slowly backed up, looking down at Orihime's face as his eye melted from rage to incredible guilt. His eye latched onto the blue hair pins in Orihime's hair, before he gave an anguished groan.

"She never stopped wearing those pins you gave her. They are always taken care of, polished brightly, and fit perfectly. You gave them to her. Yes?"

The Hollow groaned, clawing at its mask as it nodded in affirmation. After a few moments, ceramic cracking noises came into the room before Sora snapped the mask off. His face, now tear filled and looking up a bit, would exhale deeply.

"Y… yes. They were my last gift to her. Kurosaki… please… lend me one of your blades."

"Sora, you can't! You can't kill yourself because of this!" Orihime said, rushing forward to her brother, grabbing one of his claws in hopes of helping him. Ichigo would stay quiet, before holding his blade out.

"Don't worry, Inoue-san. My swords help turn people from monsters back into people. They are going to Purify his sins as a Hollow before he's sent to Soul Society."

Orihime stopped, as Sora smiled down at both of them.

"My little sister… you've grown up so well. I love you so much. Please, keep praying for me."

Orihime nods tearfully, giving his hand a hug before hesitantly stepping back. Sora would take the sword to his chest, laughing softly.

"Who knows, we may even meet again… and Kurosaki-san? Take care of her. Please."

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

Sora smiles, before impaling the sword into his chest. With a soft glow, the Hollow became purified from his soul as he dissolved in blue light. Shimmering softly, he would fade away into dust. Ichigo sighs, turning towards Orihime as he was ready to explain everything…

Pompf!

Before Rukia popped the strange memory device in front of Rukia, causing her to collapse. Ichigo groaned, going to Orihime as he looked down at her.

"Come on, Kuchiki! You can't do this to one of my friends! What did you do to her?"

"Who told you how to use Shunpo?"

Rukia said with a cold tone, motioning for Ichigo to put Orihime's soul back into her body. Ichigo's shoulders would drop a bit, doing as she motioned and aligning Orihime with her mortal self. He sighs, standing up and crossing his arms.

"How are you able to use Reatsu so effectively to boost your sword swings? How were you able to cut through the armor of a Hollow? You aren't just a human, are you?"

"It's… hard to explain."

"Well then EXPLAIN! I gave up my powers to you because I thought you needed them. But here you are! Using Shunpo, utilizing high level Zanjutsu movements with sword play, taking hits that would devastate even a seated Shinigami."

Ichigo hesitated, grabbing at his sword hilt and placing his blades back into his sheathes. He has made one to many slip-ups, and it was coming to fruition. 

"All right. Are you familiar with Urahara's Shop?"

???

"Are you familiar with Urahara's Shop?"

A screen showcasing Ichigo Kurosaki would play out, sitting firmly above a massive desk of various technology and the like. Buttons glowed of various colors, blinking and having different Kanji on them. The figure in the chair would sit back, crossing his fingers in thought. 

"Ichigo Kurosaki… curious and curious."

"Something up, Captain~?

A voice came from the back of the room, as a pale figure stepped forward. Garbed in a white Captain Haori with the number 3 marked on the back of it, the slit eyes of the silver haired man flicked towards the seated figure. The small blade hung from a cord at his hips, his mouth in a snake-like smile.

The figure gives a gentle chuckle as he stood up, grabbing at a set of glasses nearby and holding them idly, beginning to stand up.

"Ah, Ichimaru. Slithered in when I wasn't looking."

"What can I say, I got bored waiting around and teasing the little Captain of Squad 10, and Tousen is a solid stick in the mud~ hm?"

Gin stepped forward, looking at the screen with his thin smile.

"The strawberry child of the Quincy? What of him is curious?"

"It's of no concern for you, Ichimaru-san. It doesn't change the plan in the slightest, and we will keep moving forward. Even that fool Urahara doesn't know what we are planning."

The figure pressed a button as the screen would go off. For a brief moment, the figures face would be reflected in the black nothing of the screen. Brown hair framed a face of dark intelligence, brown eyes boiling with plans and ideals of a better world under his hand. Placing the glasses on his face and smoothing out his hair, the face would be gone, replaced with the guise of a mild mannered man. 

"Let's go. I believe I have a meeting with Momo. A few more seeds and she will be set."

"Of course… Lord Aizen."

Chapter Text

Urahara's Shop

"I can't believe you." Rukia Kuchiki firmly stated, crossing her arms and staring at the duo in front of her. Ichigo seemed drained, having to bounce from fighting a supercharged Acidwire, to talking with Rukia about his situation, and Urahara being Urahara.

"Believe it or not, Ms. Kuchiki, but Kurosaki-kun here is a tried and true time traveler!" Urahara said, opening his fan and flapping it softly in his own face.

"Or he could be an enemy spy, or a rogue Shinigami, or some other unknown factor! Just because he knows my brother and his Zanpakuto doesn't make him a time traveler." Rukia said, somehow trying to cross her arms even more as her frown grew. Ichigo sighed, before kicking up onto his feet.

"You're a seated member of the 13th Squad led by Jūshirō Ukitake. Compared to most of the other captains, you look up to him because he does things because they are right more than a job, and he taught you the two fight philosophy. A fight for your life, and a fight for pride. You learned this during a fight with Lieutenant Shiba, while he fought a strange Hollow that possesed his body and you had to kill."

Rukia pauses for a moment, thinking hard. She frowned, shaking her head. "OK. You obviously know stuff you wouldn't put together by spying and recon. But I'm having trouble wrapping around the fact you're supposedly a Captain level Shinigami as a human."

"Then what, do you want to see me fight to that extent? We don't even have anyone of Captain level right… here…"

Both Ichigo and Rukia slowly turned towards Urahara, fanning himself and whistling to the side. Ichigo would slowly smile, his hand twitching a bit.

"Alright Hat-n-Clogs. You wanna help explain this situation to Rukia, let's show what I can do, former Captain."

Urahara sighs, snapping his fan shut. His bucket hat would go down, his eyes becoming visible underneath the hat as he does so.

"You sure, Kurosaki? You're asking a mighty fine favor on my behalf…"

"And you get to see someone who will help you against the Josh Groban looking traitor."

Urahara stopped and settled down his fan, looking over to the side, where an album of "To Where You Are" was displayed on a shelf labeled "Misc.". "You know, he does look a bit like Josh Groban- nevermind that. Very well, Ichigo. I do suggest however we should take it…"

Urahara kicked open a hatch behind the counter, a smile on his lips. Unlike the previous one, this one was a proper Urahara special, one where he knew the punchline to a joke yet to be told.

"Downstairs."

Ichigo and Rukia climbed down the ladder into the massive sub-basement Urahara had made. It seemed like a wasteland, with very little vegetation, raised cliff faces and plateau. Stone monoliths towered towards the fake sky underneath, as well as various ravines and chasms. 

The trio landed on the ground, Urahara lifting his cane.

"And just a press of my cane and we can jettison your soul out once more. You ready, Kurosaki~kun?"

Ichigo nods, before Urahara pressed the butt of his cane into Ichigo's forehead. The familiar weightless feeling overcame Ichigo, shunting him from his body, his soul popping out. Landing on the ground, Ichigo got used to his form once more, bouncing lightly on his feet. Rukia stood off to the side, watching intently.

"OK. So, prove you're capable of these claims."

Ichigo gives a laugh, withdrawing a sword and settling into a stance. Grabbing onto it firmly with both hands, a sense of pride welled in his chest.

"Never change, Rukia."

Ichigo stated, slipping into the state he was familiar with during his timeline. Reatsu welled up around his body, a golden Aura flickering brightly to life. Streams of the spiritual pressure gathered around him and his sword, before he took a breath.

"Getsuga…"

His foot stepped forward, cracking into the ground with the weight of his energy. The golden light gathered more and more around his blade, swirling like a torrent of energy given freedom. Even in his mind, Zangetsu stirred eagerly at the familiar sensation of Ichigo's signature technique.

"TENSHOOO!"

Ichigo swings his blade towards a particularly large stone structure. A crescent of golden light spawned forth, carving through the landscape. Crashing into the monolith, the shockwave cleaved the structure in twine, both stone haves crashing into the ground. Ichigo twirls his massive blade with ease, resting it on his shoulder as the dust from his attack settled. Turning his head, he saw the expression of the shocked Kuchiki and the more subtle smile of Urahara. 

Walking towards Rukia, she snapped herself out of her stupor before crossing her arms once more, standing firm but softening her body language.

"So. Kurosaki. Suppose I'm open to hearing about this time travel nonsense. What all happened to lead you here."

"Well, it all started the day you stabbed me in the chest…"

Some time later…

"So, let me get this straight. From this timeline, Ichigo Kurosaki, you helped destroy several hundred Hollows and defeat some with bounties on their heads while assisting your friends, but you also took out a Menos Grande-"

"With a rough prototype of Getsuga Tensho, pretty much."

"After this event, my brother and Renji came, slashed up your ability to use my powers, then took me to the Soul Society to try me for my crimes in a fixed system by a traitor Captain of the Gotei 13. Which this part is the most believable portion so far."

"Your brother was still an asshole for just leaving me in the rain."

"Shush. After that, Captain-in-exile Kisuke Urahara came to you, awoke your latent Shinigami powers, allowing you to spearhead an operation into the Soul Society with a Quincy and two advanced humans with spirt powers, one of which Ms. Buxom."

"Believe it or not, I seem to commit invasions to save most of my friends it seems."

"During this invasion, your team managed to defeat several seated members of various squads, taking down Vice Captain Renji Abarai, the walking monster that is Kenpachi, and ultimately ended up with you learning Bankai in three days where you then bested my brother, a proper Captain with a Bankai."

"... you know, when you start putting it that way, I-"

"Then, with my unjust execution undone, the puppetmaster of the whole operation was shown to be the quaint Captain of Squad 5 who has this ridiculous Zanpakuto that allowed him to fake his death near flawlessly and could conjure forth illusions that fools every sense we may have. All to grab an item Urahara-"

"Hey, that's me!"

"That Urahara laced my Gigai with to resonate with my soul and hoped it was annihilated when I was executed by the Sōkyoku , suppressing my ability to regain Reatsu properly, all in vain as Sosuke Aizen managed to get this Hōgyoku."

"... well, that was me in another timeline, obviously hehe. I would never do that here!"

Ichigo shot Urahara a glare as the man held up his arms in innocence. Rukia huffed in indignity.

"Aizen, now flanked by two other traitor Captains, would then go to Hueco Mundo to amass an army of Hollows with Soul Reaper capabilities called Arrancar, escalating in scale from 10 to 1. During this time, he managed to learn that the buxom girl we saved early-"

"She has a name ya know-"

"That Inoue-san 's spiritual power had manifested in the rejection of causality. Seeing this, he kidnapped her to Hueco Mundo, causing you to gather a ragtag group of individuals once more to invade yet another plane of the afterlife to save one of your friends, soon reinforced by myself, Renji, my brother, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and even Kenpachi ."

"Honestly, I think he joined because Byakuya said there would be good fights."

All three would pause at the idea that the prim and proper Byakuya convincing the barbarian Kenpachi to join him in a fight. The image was quite humorous for all involved.

"During this incursion, you began to utilize a Hollow Mask more efficiently from your time training with Visored, which are Soul Reapers with Hollow powers. With this power, you managed to defeat these Arrancar Espada of 6 and 4, with the latter potentially even stronger than 4. In doing so, you "died", your Hollow taking your body for a ride as you destroyed 4 and wounded the Quincy while Inoue-san worked her best to snap you out of it, ultimately ending when the… when Ulquiorra broke your mask, ending the transformation. Unfortunately, he still died."

Ichigo frowned, the memories of that event rather sour. He could hear White give an awkward cough, being the main force behind that.

"After that, you came back to Karakura, found out your dad was a Soul Reaper, one of Aizen's co-conspirator went turncoat to try and steal this item, died in doing so, and causing Aizen to evolve, forcing you to sacrifice your Shinigami powers in a chance to stop him, and doing so with Urahara's help."

"Yep. Saying all the greats right now."

"And this is before the Fullbring recruiting you, you regaining your Shinigami powers, the Quincy invading the Soul Society, learning you're half -Quincy which just adds to the soup of your soul's entitities, all culminating in a clash that led you back in time."

Rukia exhaled, rubbing her temples as she went for a cup of tea Urahara had prepared. Drinking it down slowly but surely, she settled the cup on the plate before her.

"On one hand, this story is fantastical and utterly hard to believe. A mild mannered Shinigami being a mastermind behind several conspiracy and tragic circumstances of Soul Society? The line between Hollow and Shinigami so finely walked that the line itself is but a blur at this point? You being an experiment Mayuri would happily dissect-"

Ichigo visibly grew pale at that notion. It was a miracle that the mad Captain never took a scalpel to Ichigo while he was unconscious in the Soul Society. 

"But see, you KNOW who Mayuri is, the most secretive Captain with anti-spy devices. You described Kenpachi as a man who is in constant battle mania and loves it. You said my brother, in less eloquent terms, was stuck in his ways but noble. You're able to describe things that you wouldn't know before hand. And even if you were a spy, why didn't you have the power to save your family and rely on me?"

Ichigo looked a bit hopeful, a soft smile on his face. Rukia returned the smile in kind, leaning forward with fingers lacing together.

"Its hard to discount some issues I may have… but, its hard to say you haven't shown yourself eager to help others. Very well, time traveler Ichigo Kurosaki. Consider me in on this idea of yours. What are the plans?"

Ichigo smiled as Urahara sat down with a fresh brew of tea, a small black cat rubbing its flank against his leg. Ichigo felt his eyebrow twitch just a hair, knowing full well who that "cat" was. Choosing to hold his tongue, he leaned back, resting on the palms of his hands.

"Well, it first starts with your Gigai, and teaching you Zanjutsu in between Hollow Hunts. You can't rely on Kido with this Gigai, but we aren't going to make you powerless."

Rukia's eyes sparkled with glee, the coldness melting away into a softer, more snow-like gaze. Picking up her tea once more, she smiles as her icy facade cracks away fully.

"Good. Because this time, I prefer not being a damsel in distress."

Chapter Text

Karakura High

Ichigo was dozing off a bit on the school rooftop, sipping rather idlely on his drink as he waited for more of his friend group to show up. Currently, it was Rukia, Keigo, Mizuira, and surprisingly enough, Orihime and Tatsuki. The former had to convince the other vehemently to join them on the roof to eat, but it wasn't an unwelcome surprise. 

Ichigo leaned back, closing his eyes and enjoying the warm autumn sun on his face. Moments like these, the calm and the soothing air, it's why he fights. Hearing his friends joke and talk about their lives and knowing full well that they were safe for the moment put his heart at ease. Sure, there were terrifying invisible masked monsters that he had to purify with a magic sword(s) that talked in his head and several megalomaniac god wannabes, but right now? This is what Ichigo enjoyed. What he fought for.

"It's nice. Ain't it, King? Being strong enough that you could break anything in your way."

'Zangetsu? Odd time for you to speak up. Especially when I'm not… well. Fighting for my life.' Ichigo thought to one half of his Zanpakuto, surprised that it was the Hollow half speaking.

"Need I remind you that I am you, Ichigo? I prefer it when this place isn't a flooded city."

"I concur. I detest the rain."

'Old Man Zangetsu. Weird to hear you both agreeing on something.'

"Ichigo Kurosaki, we inherit your soul. Your feelings, reflections, wants, needs, fears, all of it. Your episodes of despair and sadness…"

"Shit gets flooded more than the beach during a typhoon."

Ichigo's brow twitched before he heard his friends gasp and ask questions. Opening an eye, Ichigo sees the one friend absent from the ensemble approach the group.

To call Yasutora "Chad" Sado tall was an understatement to the Mexican-Japanese teenager. Compared to the others of his group, Ichigo included, he towered over them with his height, his uniform jacket only outlining his frame even more. Brown wavy hair cascaded over his face, hiding his eyes for the moment as he gives a wave of his right hand. Held firmly in his left hand was a golden cage with a white cockatiel in it, giving soft chirps and "mimicked" words it spoke.

To both Ichigo and Rukia, he was missing the bandages Ichigo had described earlier in his recollection of his timeline. Ichigo clears his throat, waving a hand.

"Yo, Chad! What's with the bird, new pet?" Ichigo spoke, greeting his friend.

The gentle giant gives a small bow of his head to Ichigo. "Yes. He is a bird that is cursed. My friends gave him to me, and not soon after a girder crashed just behind us."

Ichigo and Rukia shot each other another quick look as Orihime shot onto the scene. "Oh no! You're not hurt, are you Chad-san?"

"No. It had missed us by a small margin, but I had braced to take the impact. The bird was happy we weren't hurt." Chad said, holding up the cage where the bird chirped happily. 

"Chad a hero. Chad a hero! chirp!"

Keigo stood up from the group, slapping Chad on the back where little movement came from the taller teen. "Of course he's a hero! So, what's the bird's name? Snowball? Winter? Oooo ooo does it even have a name?!"

The bird flapped its wings, before trilling out once more. "Yūichi! Yūichi is my name!"

The group of friends began to gather around Chad and the bird, asking it to say this word or that word, as Ichigo and Rukia shot another gaze at one another. Another change, this one diverging a bit more than Acidwire and Hexapodus. Before the two could discuss in hushed conversation, the lunch bell rang out to send the students back to class. Neither Rukia or Ichigo took note as Orihime held out a hesitant hand, before curling inward and picking up her lunch.

Streets of Karakura

Ichigo and Rukia walked through the streets of Karakura, both of them fiddling with a bracelet on their wrists. The bracelets seemed to be friendship bracelets, with several clay beads with the phrase "Good Friends Are Rarely Quiet!" across them. The dynamic duo pressed a finger across the word "Quiet", channeling a faint amount of Reiryoku into the bead. The only sign the device was active was a faint blue glow now surrounding the Japanese sign. Assuring one another that Urahara's invention worked, Rukia spoke up.

"So. As you might expect. I have questions." The Kuchiki stated, her icy tone having melted away to one Ichigo was more accustomed to in the future. The ginger man gave a wave of his hand for the woman to carry on.

"The first one. Why try to do things like you did before? Wouldn't it make sense to go in and take out Aizen if you are really this strong?" Rukia said, turning on her heel to look at Ichigo with an inquisitive gaze. 

"Ah well. I'm not one for "plans" really- when you were taken, we kinda busted in with no plans but beat everyone up. Same with Orihime. And… Uryu now that I think about it. Although he kinda saved himself." Ichigo said, thinking out loud for a moment before shaking his head.

"But that's besides the point. I want to use Soul Society as a way for Chad, Uryu, and Orihime to also grow stronger. I saw what they are capable of, and I always felt bad that I kinda sidelined them. I became a Shinigami to protect those who can't protect themselves, but I also never helped those three get to a state of self protection. The second reason…"

Ichigo's demeanor sours, his lips turning downward as he fiddled with a clay bead.

"Is Aizen. That man can probably outplan anything I do, and no amount of preconceived timelines can help. Ever notice how the standard Hollows we've been fighting have been odd? I only fought Hexapodus before. But then I got double teamed. Sora as Acidwire had Hierro, which normal Hollows just don't have. At least. They didn't. Now this Hollow hunting Chad, Shrieker, it didn't drop a girder directly at him or his friends this time. Something is going to be fishy with that one, and I feel like Aizen's involved."

Rukia nodded with understanding, as the two walked silently side by side together. After a moment of silence, Rukia takes out a Pez-like dispenser with a rabbit head on top of it, her thumb running over it.

"OK, so why did you speed up getting Konpaku Souls? And why that strange lion headed one specifically?" 

"Oh, that one is easy. When Shrieker attacked, we got separated because my sister got overwhelmed with Reatsu. And I had to take her home, in my human body. So, I was thinking, I either take your glove-"

"Not happening Future Boy-"

"-or I grab Kon and sidestep him being a menace at my school and making crass remarks at the girls." Ichigo said, his eyebrow twitching at the nickname Rukia seemingly conjured from thin air. He would take out his own Konpaku Soul device, the lion head roaring proudly. Having that talk with Kon about being alive and having a body sooner rather than later was something Ichigo had to handle.

Soon, the duo stopped in front of Kurosaki Clinic, Ichigo looking down at his compatriot. "Any hits on the Hollow alerts?"

"Nope. Strangely quiet day." Rukia said, flipping open her phone…

Just as it began to blare, and a heavy presence washed over the block. Ichigo stumbled a bit, not from the strength of the Reatsu, but caught off guard from it. Rukia seemed to wince at it, looking around.

"What the- what's with this Spiritual Pressure!? Ichigo, do you think that's Shrieker?"

Ichigo didn't respond, his body acclimating to the Reatsu rather fast. He began to ran in the direction of the Reatsu, hoping that it wasn't another change in events.

Warehouse

Yasutora "Chad" Sado was currently huddled away inside of an abandoned warehouse in Karakura, holding the cage close to his chest. Inside, the parakeet chirped, pecking at the cage softly.

"You don't need to keep protecting me, Mister! You'll be hurt by the thing. It's all right now." Yūichi spoke from his cage, as Chad pants softly. He had a large cut across his cheek from where a rock was flung at high speeds at him, with his clothing tattered and dirty.

"It's OK... I'm fine… my only saving grace… is that I'm tough." Chad said, his voice like smooth rocks tumbling through a river.

The sound of heavy footsteps alerted the human of the coming chase, as Chad left forward. The wall he had been reclining on exploded with force, as he could hear something heavy thumping forward. Dodging out the door to the building, he would begin to run down the street, his feet hitting the ground. 

"I just wish I can see the monster." Chad grumbled, as his legs burned from the effort of running. Zipping through streets and backaches, moving through shortcuts, Chad gave his hundred percent to move and twist through his home town while being pursued by an invisible monster. The parakeet gave a sad chirp, looking behind Chad with fear and worry building in its small eyes.

"I don't think you'd want to…" Yūichi spoke.

Chasing behind them was a creature the size of a sedan. It had a humanoid body in shape, with two legs and arms covered in blue-green fur. Patches of skin were exposed on its stomach and arms, contrasting the fur on the rest of its body. The human torso had a massive hole in its chest, leading just below the brown fur collar on his neckline. Two wings sprouted from the shoulder blades, almost like a second set of arms. Clawed fingers were on the tips of these wings, flexing with murderous joy and excitement.

The worst part of the monster to Yūichi, was its face.

It had a broken mask, only covering the figures jawline. Exposed was the man who murdered his mother, his ugly face sneering with vile iintent.The face of the serial killer who took his mom away from him. The hilt of a sword could be seen behind his head, as he still chased after Chad and Yūichi.

"Come on, kid! You gonna let your friend die!? Hahahahaha!" The monster spoke with murderous glee, picking another piece of stone from the ground and pitching it at Chad. The human tried to sidestep the Hollow's attack, but caught a glancing blow on his shoulder blade and stumbled. This caused Chad to get confused on his position in the town, and stumble into a back alley dead end. He turns, his arms holding the cage close to his body.

"Chad! Just let me go! Run away! Save yourself! You're going to die!" Yūichi squeaked out, flapping his wings. Chad's face remained resolute, his eyes staring forward as he could see the thing's feet crater into the ground.

"Calmas [Calm down], Yūichi. I won't let him hurt you." Chad said, as he settled the bird down beside him. Noting a trash can nearby, he would grab the lid and hold it like a shield, ready and willing to fight.

The beast known as Shrieker would give a dark cackle, stopping as it leisurely picked up another rock. 

"To be honest, kiddy, I'm happy this last play date of ours has been so fun. This meatbag is holding up more than those other maggots! But… PLAY TIME IS OVER!" The beast reared back its hand, ready to pitch a rock through Chad's skull…

Before a satchel full of books hit his head, causing him to miss aim and throw the rock into the wall next to Chad. Cursing in pain, Shrieker would turn to the person who assaulted him.

"WHO DARES- oh. Ohoho~"

Orange hair danced in the wind, as a new figure had entered the fray. Standing there in their school uniform, now devoid of the satchel they had, was a determined but scared figure. Her hands held up a large branch, her orange eyes looking terrified at the being that was assaulting one of her friends. Orihime Inoue swallows her terror down, ready to be like the man she admired and protect her friends.

Shrieker saw this display of heroism, as a cruel smile twisted on the Arrancar's face. 

"A new challenger approaches…"

Chapter Text

Alley in Karakura Town

Orihime held the large branch with shaky hands, not quite sure what she was doing. Her palms pressed into the wood as she saw the nightmarish half-man, half bat thing threatening Chad and his bird. Or, at least parts of it. Squinting her eyes, Orihime could only see bits and pieces of the thing occasionally, but it seemed very much blurred in her eyes. Whatever it was, it was hurting her friend.

"L-leave them alone!" She said, taking a step forward to take another swing. Shrieker's large arm came down, blocking the stick with ease. A glimmer of excitement burned in his eyes, as he wasn't expecting new prey to enter into his game. Dark laughter escaped behind his partially broken mask, raising its other arm up to squash the girl.

"Don't die to quickly!" he jeered, his fist going down to Orihime… before it stopped all forward momentum. Shrieker was confused, before he noticed pressure around his waist. His feet leaving the ground as the sky twisted forward and the Arrancar was chucked hard into a wall with a crash. Chad panted, sweat stinging in his eyes as he points to where he was.

"Inoue-san, grab the bird and run!" The Hispanic titan spoke before turning to the crater of the invisible monster. He heard it shift from where the debris was, Orihime running behind him and dropping the branch. She grabbed Yūchi's cage, running behind Chad. Her eyes glanced to the thing he had thrown, seeing it raise its arm.

"Sado-kun!" was all Orihime could afford to scream out as she began to run as fast as she could from the alleyway. Chad's arms came up to shield him, as Shrieker's fist hammered down onto him. The street cracked under Chad's foot as he stumbled backwards.

"Fucking lousy-" Shrieker swore, it's hands digging into the fur around its neck as the wings on its back would spread wide open. Chad, using the thing's moment of hesitation, grabbed the stick Orihime dropped and held it tightly with both hands before throwing it with all his might at what he assumed was the thing's head. The splintering of wood as the item made contact affirmed Chad's guess, seeing a faint outline of a face in pain with the splinters and dust of the stick. He sprinted out the alley, running towards the bouncing head of orange and squawking of a bird.

"Sado-kun!" Orihime shouts, clutching the cage tightly to her chest as the two ran. Orihime turned her head behind her, seeing the murderous creature flap the set of wing arms and take to the sky. The figure was hazy, one arm digging into its furry collar as the other withdrew the blade from its back.

"Normally, I take pride in how slow I kill people. But you've taken the fun out of this!" Shrieker hissed as he threw out a rain of strange, toad-like creatures down onto the duo. The Arrancar swung its sword, one of strange design. It was somewhat forked and left a hollow opening at the tip of the blade. The blade seemed to be cut unevenly, as a strange and metallic clicking was heard from it.

The creatures on the ground began to glow a bright, white color as they jumped towards Orihime, Chad, and Yūichi. The largest of the trio grabbed a large metal trash can, bracing himself in between the bright lights he was able to see.

KRA-KOOM!

A massive explosion blew the trio down the embankment next to the sidewalk, tumbling down the grassy hill. Orihime clutched the bird cage close to her, with Chad rolling in synergy with the trash can. Taking a rough landing, the duo got up with bird cage in hand, injured and bruised. Orihime had a cut on her arm, whereas Chad sustained some burns on his hands where he held the trash can. Both took deep breaths, Orihime looking upwards.

"Sado-kun, its flying. W-we need to hide." Orihime said, standing up as Chad grabbed the cover of the trash can in one hand, a large river rock in the other.

"There is a bridge, up north. Should provide cover. Inoue-san, where is it?" Chad replied, clutching the rock as Orihime squinted. Shrieker began its descent, a dark cackle escaping it's lips as Orihime pointed.

"There!"

Chad would rear back his hand, and pitched the stone as hard as he could. The cocky Arrancar misread the speed and force of the rock pitched by Chad, and took it hard to the face. The sickening crack of ceramic and flesh echoed, as Shrieker's head reared back. Orihime does a small jump in exultation.

"Direct hit Sado-kun!"

Their victory was short lived. A livid, bloodthirsty scream ripped from the Arrancar's body as it began to flap its wings. Its other pair of arms rip and tore at its fur, raining down more frogs. Waving it's sword once more, the humans began to run towards the cover of the bridge.

"Scum, SCUM! YOU SHOULD BE IN PAIN, NOT ME! DIE!"

The former serial killer raved, as explosions rocked down on the riverside. Chad rushed behind Orihime, holding up the trash can akin to a shield as he bats away the glowing lights. Closer and closer, the bridge shone like a beacon of safety. The crack of explosions ripped behind them, tearing apart the ground. Chad continued to bat away the creatures, as Orihime shouted out directions and was his eyes. With this, the duo dove under cover, Yūichi crying and screeching from his parakeet body.

"I am sorry! I am sorry! Please don't kill them! Please!" The boy cried out, as Shrieker landed hard on the ground. The Arrancar moved towards the humans and bird, its long tongue snaking out over human lips and Hollow Mask alike. 

"I, am going to skin you alive, and wear you like suits. I will use your bones as chopsticks. You HURT me. I don't LIKE being hurt. You couldn't just struggle or plead for your life with weakness." Shrieker spoke in sadistic pleasure, withdrawing the sword from behind it once more.

"Sword, your left." Orihime whispered with a tremble as Chad clutched the battered lid tightly. The woman was absolutely terrified. A monster was hunting them down, one that could make explosions and fly. But she had to be strong. Strong… like Kurosaki-kun.

Shrieker lashed out with his blade, as Orihime shouted for Chad. The Hispanic giant pushed the trash can like a punch towards where the blade was. The unusual strength of the man made the trash lid dent heavily as it deflected the sword into the ground. Shrieker roared in fury, before Chad followed up the deflection with a clenched fist. While the Arrancar was invisible to him, Chad aimed his fist at the general center of where that sword had swung. Mammoth strength and iron resolve, Chad swung hard into the solar plexus of the Hollow, following up with a swift right cross with his now ruined trash can lid.

"Fucking ANTS!" Shrieker's ferocity bellowed out, his free hand grabbing Chad at his torso. With a harsh chuck upwards, Chad was slammed against the stone bridge above before thrown at Orihime. The orange haired woman was hit by her friend, both of them tumbling out of the cover of the bridge. Shrieker stalked towards both of them, Orihime trapped underneath the unconscious form of Chad. Raising its blade high above its head with both hands, Orihime clutched Yūichi's to her chest, ready to shield the boy from harm.

I'm sorry, Kurosaki-kun. I…

"DIE! DIE! DIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIE DIE!" Shrieker shrieked in a manic choir, swinging down the guillotine onto Chad and Orihime…

plink

Orihime's eyes hesitated open. No fierce pain of cold steel through flesh. No sound of Chad's death rattle or her own. Blinking a bit, she saw a new figure standing over her and her friend. A black robe flowing around his torso, with two large swords on his back. His outline was fuzzy, much like the monster which had been hunting them, but that spiked orange hair was all but confirmed who their savior was.

Ichigo Kurosaki held the blade with his pointer and middle finger, the Arrancar standing there with a stunned expression on his face. A growl escaped the beast, as Ichigo looked back with a deathly cold gaze with hot anger in his pupils.

"Another Soul Reaper. Couldn't wait your turn to die? Just who the hell do you think you are- "

Shrieker was interrupted by his face being grabbed by Ichigo, and effectively pitched away from Ichigo, Orihime, and Chad. His body cracked and bounced against the stone, before the weight of Ichigo's Reatsu crashed down on him. The Arrancar stumbled up to the best he could, before the orange haired man appeared in a blur. No sword had yet been drawn, but an emotion long since foreign crept into his heart.

Fear.

Ichigo stood over the evolved Shrieker, one hand going to his sword as he slowly withdrew it. His Zanpakuto shook in his hand, their anger resonating with his own.

"What… what are you?"

Ichigo held his sword with two hands, as his Reatsu lessened on the Arrancar. The clay bead bracelet on his wrist hummed with energy, as his eyes stared down the serial killer's with disdain.

"A friend of Yūichi's. And those two you hurt. You like playing games, Arrancar?"

Ichigo swung his blade to the side, dust and debris kicking up across the river bank and pushing the water from the shore for a brief moment. 

"Then let's play."

Chapter Text

Kurakara Riverside

"A… game?" Shrieker questioned, looking at the Shinigami in front of him. The Arrancar grasps his sword tightly, a pause in the air as Reatsu swells from the newcomer. 

"I'm not one for games. But. I need information." Ichigo replies with a terse voice, his right hand clutching one of his swords. The beads on his clay bracelet simmer softly with his Reiryoku, Ichigo taking comfort with Urahara's anti-espionage measures. Looking at Shrieker, a quiet anger burns within Ichigo's eyes.

"Here is the rule. I ask a question, and you answer it best you can. If you lie or withhold all the answers, this bracelet will alert me. And you don't get a warning when I attack you."

The Arrancar cackles darkly at the idea brought forward by the Shinigami. "All you Shinigami act so pompous, before screaming like children when I devour you. All right. I'll play…"

Shrieker eyes behind Ichigo for a brief moment, seeing his creatures lurch forwards to the Shinigami. The Arrancar felt terrified, but if it could just get the jump on this annoying red head…

"First question: what is your name?"

"Heh… My name means nothing to a walking dead man!" Shrieker yells, as his toads hop onto the Shinigami and latch onto him from head to toe. Scratching his sword on the ground, the clicking noise reverberating through the ground and air. The teenager's eyes looked at the Arrancar, as the glowing of the frogs floods his form. Explosions rocket the position of the teenager, as Shrieker gives off a gleeful and malice filled laugh of relief… before a hand clutched tightly around his face.

"Not giving me an answer qualifies as a wrong answer." Was all the serial killer heard before Ichigo jettisons him into the sky with a rough throw. The Arrancar flew awkwardly in the air, stopping and hovering with a flap of his wings. Shrieker narrows his eyes and searches for the Shinigami. 

“Now, let's try again.” Ichigo's voice spoke from behind Shrieker, the Arrancar turning to see the teenager barely phased from the explosive onslaught from before. Outside of some minor burn marks and tears in his clothing, Ichigo stood more or less unharmed. 

Shrieker swings his sword in desperation but to no avail as Ichigo catches the blade. His palm clutching the side of the oversized Zanpakuto, Ichigo pushes the sword back to Shriker. “What, is your name?”

“Shrieker!” The creature shouts with venom in its voice, rearing back its blade. A tight smile touches Ichigo's lips, before a sword flashes out from its scabbard and towards Shrieker.

“Top left swing from right hand.” Shrieker's ears picked up Ichigo's words, as the Arrancar attempted to shield from the blow with his blade flat up. Ok, I can't outspeed this brat, but I am stronge-

KRASH!

Shrieker flew back far with a crash of steel, souring across the sky as Ichigo rests his blade against his shoulder. Seeing the Arrancar gain more height, Ichigo tilts his head to the side.

“Oi, White. I'm stealing some of your asshole tendencies for this.”

“Oh sure, like that wasn't obvious with the whole face grabbing thing. Twice in a few minutes, how original." The splintered voice of Ichigo's Hollow/Zanpakuto would pipe up, the mental image of it crossing its icy arms in mock anger popping into Ichigo's mind.

“To be fair, White, you are quite literally his darker reflection.” The Quincy portion of Zangetsu piped in before Ichigo shushes both of them. All three of them go quiet, a serious anger burning in the soul of Ichigo.

“... ya know boss. When we finish this, use the geezer's way. Fuckers going to Hell anyway. Might as well use him for target practice.”

“For once Hollow, we agree.”

Ichigo sees Shrieker go higher into the sky, giving chase with a fast movement technique, one with a hint of a sonic base to it…

Kurakura Riverside, Ground

Rukia Kuchiki applied more of the balm and ointment she got from Urahara's Shop to the injuries of Chad and Orihime. The duo's injuries were serious but not life threatening. Orihime was suffering from some bruising, cuts, and a dislocated shoulder from having Chad thrown at her with the explosions affecting them both. She was conscious, another good sign she wasn't as injured compared to Chad.

The Hispanic giant was currently unconscious on a couch nearby, that while dirty suited as a resting place. He had no doubt a broken shoulder and several fractures across his arms as well as bruising, being the shield for Orihime in this encounter. The bird cage holding Yūichi sat nearby, sad chirps and cries of “Please be OK, Chad” coming quietly from the boy-bird's mouth.

The two women were quiet as Rukia applies the salve to Orihime, the taller of the duo wincing.

“Kuchiki-san, i-its OK. I think that's enough. Chad may need more.”

“Quiet. I did all I could for him, and he needs rest. It's just a bit more.”

“But its… it's cold-”

Rukia loosk up, a bit exasperated by the woman sitting in front of her. Here she was, wounded by an odd Hollow and complaining that the medicine being used on her was cold? She scowls softly before applying the medicine once more.

“It's going to be cold- you just got out of combat. Your body is gonna be warm and heated from all your running. Just how-”

“Will Kurosaki-kun be ok?”

The Kuchiki stops applying the medicine and looks at Orihime once more. She would see the orange haired girl looking out from the under the overpass, trying desperately to see the man fighting on her and Chad's behalf. Eyes full of concern, hands clenched in nervousness, Rukia sighs in seeing the care Orihime had for Ichigo.

“He will be. He's strong, and he's fighting with everything he's got.”

“B-but he struggled against Sora! And he got hurt and I got bit by my brother and and-” Orihime began to ramble as Rukia's frown deepened.

“Wait. You, remember all that?”

“Am I… well. I first it was just a weird dream I had with Ichigo saving the day. I tend to have a lot of weird dreams but this one felt like, SUPER real. So I just walked around but then I saw Chad being chased by something super fuzzy and had a mask like my brother, but it was broken! And then Ichigo showed up-”

“Yes Orihime, I was there for this bit-”

“And he looked EXACTLY like my dream! Martial arts clothing, two big swords! Super strong! And then I stopped and went… was it a dream at all?” Orihime spoke, quieting down as she fiddled with the bandages around her fingers. “I'm just… worried since that monster was just super difficult against Chad and I.”

Rukia stands and walks over to Orihime, patting the girl's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. The schoolgirl gives a deep exhale, brushing a length of hair behind her ear.

“Oni-chan, Tatsuki-chan, and Kurosaki-kun. All of them keep running in and protecting me and getting hurt. And I feel really bad I can't stand up for myself and BE with them protecting people. You!”

She points to Rukia, the Kuchiki being caught off guard by the sudden motion.

“M-me?”

“Can you help me be strong?? Can I get super powers like Ichigo? Do I need to swing a sword or hammer?”

Rukia laughs softly, sitting next to Orihime and shaking her head.

“No, Ino- Orihime. At least, not to the extent of Ichigo. He is a one time case, and it cost my powers. He's using mine as he gets used to all the weirdness around him. But, Ichigo is going to need friends like you and Chad by his side. Especially with other things in the future.”

“What do you mean other things-”

A sudden but swift pressure interrupted Orihime, as the air itself became heavy for a second. Both girls became pale, Orihime looking up at the sky once more.

“Rukia… did… did we feel Ichigo's anger?”

Rukia could only nod, seeing a flash of golden light manifest from Ichigo's form…

Moments ago, in the sky

Ichigo was having little effort with Shrieker. The Arrancar kept trying to over power him in their clashes, and his sword was suffering from it. Standing in the air, Ichigo saw the spiderweb cracks laced all over the broad sword from his onslaught. Taking his blade, Ichigo hefts it over his shoulder and stands idle.

“So far you've been truthful that I can see. You were turned into this by a man with glasses and a white coat soon after this game with Yūichi began. You killed a few Shinigami. You are capable of unleashing a second form, but don't know how. I think… I'm done with you.” Ichigo spoke plain and simple, exhaling.

Shrieker growls and roars, holding his four arms out as four ominous orbs of red energy settled in his palms.

“That is it! I am tired of being treated as lesser! I am going to ERASE you from this world, then skin that invader and bitch and tan their hides! I will destroy this entire town before I devour that brat Yūichi!”

Ichigo's form would stop, eyeing the Cero the Arrancar was charging up. It annoyed him, but the threats against his friends to such a vile manner… a surge of anger sparked through Ichigo's Reatsu, as both his Hollow and Quincy spoke in unison.

“Kill him.”

Ichigo swings out his sword, as two golden Getsuga formed in a cross manner, similar to that of Getsuga Jūjishō. However, instead of launching the technique, Ichigo grabs a firm hold of the cross of golden Reiryoku, holding it up…

“Manifest the drawstring...”

Ichigo hears the Quincy speak, drawing back and manipulating his golden Reatsu with a baseline of green energy, the color of his Quincy Reiryoku. 

“Keep it tense, but don't break it…”

Ichigo held the pose, as Shrieker pulled back his arms and thrusts them forwards to Ichigo. An arrow shaft would form, connecting to the Getsuga Ichigo had manifested in service of its arrowhead.

“CERO! [Zero Blast]”

“And fire!”

“GETSUGA JÄGER! [Moon Fang Hunter]”

Shrieker blasts four combined Cero blasts towards Ichigo as he fired his technique, the makeshift bow going with the four star pointed arrow. The Cero would be diverged and split into harmless rays, the golden arrow splintering the technique and lodging itself into Shrieker's chest. The serial killer could only gape in shock and surprise, before the arrow began to glow. A massive explosive rending of two crossed Getsuga came from the arrow, the Arrancar shrieking in pain as his form became encompassed in golden Reiryoku. Ichigo would stand in the sky, waiting and waiting…

Before the air rippled behind Shrieker, and a massive arm skewered the soul of Shrieker, manifested from a massive gate with skeletons over obsidian stone. Shrieker could only gurgle, as it's body was dragged into the Gates of Hell, closing with a resounding slam and dematerializing. With the confirmation of the Arrancar dead, Ichigo would begin his descent.

“Remember that, as a Quincy, you can manifest and control Reiryoku however you please, regardless of the state of your Zanpakuto.”

“However, as the old geezer stated during our training, you need to use your Shinigami Reiryoku if you want to purify Hollows instead of exterminating them. And it needs to be a form you're familiar with.”

“Hence the Getsuga being the focus instead of a bow like Uryu.” Ichigo said as Zangetsu nodded in agreement, the orange haired man landing on the ground. He would exhale and pull out a bunny shaped cell device, tapping on it for Kon to come and return his body. He would make his way over to Orihime, who looked at him with awe but an iota of… he couldn't tell. But she had her own emotions, and he wasn't going to pry. Rukia looked more relieved than anything, though a question did linger in her eyes. Orihime ran outwards, a roll of bandages in one hand and balm in the other.

“Kurosaki-kun! Are you hurt, injured, wounded?” Orihime said, looking over him with concern as she looked him over. Ichigo gives a laugh in return, trying to wave her off with his hand.

“No, I am good Inoue-san.”

“Liar!” Orihime said, grabbing Ichigo's hand and splaying out his fingers and opening his palm. There, on the center, was the faintest of cuts from when he grabbed Shrieker. 

Huh, his mask must have cut me… wow Orihime has soft hands-

Orihime would take the balm and spread it onto Ichigo's wound, causing him to wince a bit from the antibiotic and the cold of the balm, before feeling her massage it in.

“Kuchiki-chan says I need to massage in the balm for it to work!” Orihime said, holding Ichigo's hands in a soft vice grip. While he could just shrug her off, he just find it in his heart to say no to those pleading, helpful, somewhat cute eyes-

Cute?

“Uh, sure Inoue-san!” Ichigo said, his brain tripping over the wording he used to describe Orihime as the girl gives a nod of victory. A sly smile crawled its way onto Rukia's face, an idea coming to fruition.

“Maybe she can even work in your clinic, Ichigo.” Rukia called over, as Orihime jumped onto the idea and latched onto it.

“Yes, that sounds like a good idea! This way I can help you when you get hurt doing… whatever this is.”

“Yes, amigo.” A voice came from the couch as Chad sat up, his bangs hanging over one eye as a brown eye stared at the area Ichigo was. Holding the bird cage of Yūichi, Chad sat forward a bit, his voice reverberating underneath the overpass.

“What exactly is this?”

Ichigo and Rukia shot each other a look, as Orihime relinquished Ichigo's now bandaged hand and walked to sit next to Chad. With a silent agreement, they began to tell the story of how they met...

Chapter Text

Karakura Riverside

“...and that is what led me to be a Soul Reaper. Since then, I have been purifying Hollows and burying Wholes.” Ichigo states, his hands clenched in front of him. Still in his Shinigami garb [and having radio'd in Kon to retrieved his body], Ichigo looks up at the faces of his friends. He wasn’t hoping to get them wrapped up in everything this fast, however the issues with both Sora as Acidwire and Shrieker moved up the timeline.

So, this is the butterfly effect Hat-n-Clogs was talking about, eh? He is right, this shit is hard to keep track of.

Ichigo studies Chad and Orihime, trying to get a feel for them. Ichigo was rarely keen on reading emotions in the past, and it was exacerbated here. Orihime was easy. Her large, warm eyes had so much concern but also pride for what Ichigo was doing in her eyes. She had a soft and caring smile on her lips, Ichigo feeling relieved at seeing that she was not angry or upset at him. It felt like a weight on his chest melted away.
Chad, however, was a brick wall. His long bangs covered his eyes, not giving Ichigo a good idea of what was going on in his head. His hands were in his lap, holding Yūichi's cage with the bird/boy settled on his perch. It was a tense, quiet moment before the giant spoke.

“So… you can help Yūichi?” Chad said. The teenager looked down at the bird, it's chirps coming out with his voice. 

“Does… does this mean I have to say goodbye, big brother Chad?” Yūichi said, hopping antsy as Chad shook his head side to side.

“No, that's not quite right amigo. You will see your mother. No more scary monsters. No more bad guys. This is… hasta luego . Or, ‘see you later.’”

Yūichi settled down a bit, chirping gently as Ichigo steps forward. Chad opened the cage as the bird hopped out, Ichigo kneeling and holding up the pommel of his sword.

“Ready to go, Yūichi?” Ichigo spoke, before the bird chirped and hopped around. If the beak could form into a smile, it was trying its best to do so.

“Thank you so much Chad! And you to, orange haired lady! I'm glad to have a big sis and big brother like you! And thank you Mr. Ichigo! You're a superhero! Hastur lugo! ”

Chad gives a soft chuckle from his throat at Yūichi's attempt at Spanish. The young man gives a gentle pat of Yūichi's head before nodding to Ichigo. Pressing the pommel into Yūichi's forehead, the bird glows a soft blue and a final chirp before Yūichi spirit moved on. The bird clicked its tongue into its beak, making coos and noises more befitting of a bird. Chad gently placed the parakeet back into the cage and onto his lap, his face wincing with some pain.

“So…” Rukia moved into vision of everyone there, the memory adjusting device held loosely in her right hand. Her thumb played with the bunny shaped head of the device as she seemed to be struggling with something in her head. “I guess… I won't be using this?”

Ichigo shook his head, opening his mouth to speak. What he didn't expect was seeing his body running up from behind Orihime in Chad.

“Give me a sec, Rukia- and toss me your glove.” Ichigo motioned to the other Shinigami, as the woman chucked the glove at his hand. Slapping it on, Ichigo Shunpos behind his body and gently pressed his hand to “his” own back. Kon’s Mod Soul ejected from his mouth and into the dirt, as Ichigo returned to his human body. Shivering and righting his orientation once more, the time traveler picked up Kon's soul and placed it into a small case until they could get his lion stuffed animal again. Ichigo regrouped with his friends, taking a seat next to Chad as he placed his hands together.

“Put that away, Rukia. It's effects are kinda hit or miss anyhow, and it doesn't feel right taking this away from them.” Ichigo said as Rukia placed the tool back into her satchel, crossing her arms.

“We can't exactly have them walking about with this knowledge, however. Their Spiritual Presence will surely attract Hollows now, especially hanging around you. They'd just get in the wa-”

“Nuh uh!”

Orihime's voice cut in, her head bobbing in front of Rukia's face. The raven haired woman shot back at the sudden energy from Orihime.

“Sado-kun and I managed to survive that weird bomber dude! I even tried to hit it with a pipe, and Chad did a lot of work! We aren't helpless.”

“... Inoue-san is right.” Chad spoke up, attempting to stand before stumbling and going onto one knee. A wet cough left his lips, as spittle and blood mixed into the dirt below. Ichigo moved swiftly, grabbing ahold of one of his oldest friends and supporting the big man.

“We can discuss this a bit later, but we need to get you guys to a hospital, or… at least a clinic. My house isn't far from here. Come on.” Ichigo stated, supporting Chad as Orihime and Rukia walked beside him. Rukia stepped closer, trying to quietly whisper.

“Look, this isn't a good idea. What if-”

“Tomorrow is Saturday. We can take ‘em to Urahara's then and there, but right now they need help. Like I said, a bit later. Please, Rukia.”

The Shinigami hesitated for a moment, shocked at how far Ichigo was going to make sure his friends were safe before anything else. Noting that Orihime was limping along, she nodded at Ichigo before going to the other woman of the group, helping her with the trek to the Kurosaki Residence.

Kurosaki Clinic and Residence

“Oi! Old Man! We got some injured people down here from… uh- some weird trash fires exploding nearby?” Ichigo said, quickly realizing he wasn't good at the whole “lying” thing rather fast. Chad still laid on his shoulder, but Orihime managed to walked through the door. Rukia quickly vanished, no doubt to talk with Urahara about the strange occurrences happening. It was understandable, and Ichigo was kinda glad he could just be with his normal, human friends and family.

“WHAT!? MY YOUNG SON IS BEING A DELINQUENT AND SET OFF TRASH FIRE EXPLOSIONS THAT HURT HIS FRIENDS!?”

Well. Mostly normal family.

Isshin Kurosaki made his way into the foyer of the clinic ran out of the Kurosaki household. His upper wear comprised of a Hawaiian styled button up shirt sitting underneath a doctor's coat, with khakis and socks with sandels as his lower wear. The man had naturally rugged features, with a short cut beard that framed his face and a sharp head of black hair that resembled Ichigo's own style. His face dropped from the goofy and exasperated display of emotion to a serious face that matched Ichigo's own, seeing just how bad things were.

“Well. I can see this is no funny business. I got the big guy. You take her to a side room, check her for shrapnel.” The soldier-like orders shot from Isshin's mouth to Ichigo, as the son nodded in affirmation. Ichigo has never been shy about helping his father put at the clinic, and the two worked like a well oiled machine. Say what you will about Isshin and how strange his child-rearing tactics were, but the man had Ichigo's respect when it came to being a doctor.

Ichigo settled Chad on his side and grabbed Orihime's wrist, guiding her to another room. Cracking the door, Ichigo settled Orihime down on the treatment bed… before freezing up.

“Uh… so I need to… check you for shrapnel wounds and the like… and uhm.” Ichigo stumbled out his words like a drunken monk, as his brain finally caught up to the situation. He had been so focused on being a medical aide that he kinda sorta forgot the “patient” assigned to him was Orihime.

“Mhm! I know that, Kurosaki-kun! What do you need me to do?” Orihime said, smiling happily and beaming brightly. Ichigo calmed down significantly, feeling the light radiating off of Orihime's smile. 

“Well. For shrapnel wounds, we need to identify entry points. And. Uhm. It looks like most of the damage is done to your torso, so to remove anything still sticking inside of you you kinda need to-

“Oh, right! It's like a splinter from holding a wooden spoon for too long as your singing fake karaoke! Ya gotta take out the bad bits!” Orihime nodded to herself with the sage wisdom she had. Ichigo, both appreciating her understanding but also confused at what she meant by fake karaoke, exhales.

“Yep. Now I just need you to take off your shir-”

Ah. Right.

Clothing.

Now, by all means, Ichigo wasn't a pervert. Nor was he a prude. He understood what he liked at his age, and what he enjoyed. However, he had several unlucky circumstances with his prior timeline when it came to strange “circumstances.” Yoruichi revealing her true form. Rangiku trying to bribe him with her breasts. Rukia floating naked in Squad Zero's Hot Springs. But, the freshest and most shaking circumstance was Orihime's outfit before fighting Yhwach at the Soul King's Palace. 

Yeah, it was to far. And Ichigo needed to kick Urahara's ass firmly for suggesting his friend to wear such a thing. But now, here he was, realizing that once more his friend that he really cared for was put into a compromising situation…

“Heh. You want a peek, don't ya kin- ”

Ichigo mentally swore at White before he moved behind Orihime, clearing his throat. Orihime blinked owlishly at him, not really understanding what was going on.

“To get the shrapnel out of you, I need to figure out where it is at. Now, Inoue-san, this requires you to take off your shirt. I am asking you to check your front for any wounds related to the incident. I am not going to look. Do you understand?”

The pink dusting Orihime's cheeks confirmed what Ichigo was asking of her, and so the Substitute Shinigami turned around and stared firmly at the wall. Shuffling could be heard from where Orihime sat, as she hummed to herself. Was she as nervous as he was? I mean, asking a girl to… Ichigo shook his head as he could feel White looking at him smugly from his soul.

“Good news Kurosaki-kun! I don't have any of the shrap-thingies from the front!”

“Oh, well that's good-”

“Bad news, I felt some pain in my back! I think some of the stones are stuck back there.”

Ichigo exhaled. Of course the universe wasn't going to make things easy. It's fine. He's seen Orihime in her swim suit and that outfit. He's been in worse scenarios.

So why do I feel like a massive pit is in my stomach…

Ichigo settled a stool behind Orihime, and sat on it. On a table nearby were tweezer, disinfectant, swabs, and bandages. He gripped the stool for what felt like hours, before he finally looked up at his friends back.

“Huh. Lilac and lace. Tasteful. ”

Sode-no-Shirayuki, please!

“YOU ARE ME AND THE BLADE IS YOU AND I REFUSE TO BE SILENC-”

White's ramblings were firmly cut off by the sound of ice. Ichigo wipes at his face a bit, before concentrating on her back. Her skin was smooth and somewhat pale, with noticeable stones and a piece of metal in her back. The shrapnel wasn't deep, but it did look uncomfortable.

“OK Inoue-san. Stay still.”

“I w-will!”

Ichigo gently pressed the metal depressant to the woman's back… who proceeded to shoot up from the touch 

“C-cold!”

“Ah. Sorry, Inoue-san. This is honestly my first time working with this type of thing and I-”

“Kurosaki-kun, y-you're fine. You are doing your best to help me. And… and it's very cool!”

Ichigo's head looked up at Orihime's, an eyebrow raised. She wasn't moving as much when she talked, he noted. Her head turned to look at him, a nervous smile on her lips. She was just as awkward with all this as he was.

That made Ichigo relax.

“Oh really? I'm cool, Inoue-san? Can't say so after you took on a monster that threw bombs at you.”

“Nuh-uh! Sado-kun did most of the work there. I just took Yūichi and ran as fast as I could!”

“You still tried to help protect him, Inoue-san. You got the battle scars to prove it.”

plink

“Well… I mean, I guess so huh! I was like a superhero or something! Like from Hoho's Unorthodox Tales , with Horatio Hotaro and his friends fighting the evil Leo!”

“... I guess that's a show you like?”

“Yep! It's an old show my brother showed me when we were growing up. He always liked those silly Shonen. I think I like em now to!”

“So what. You saying you're going to start flying around and shooting lasers out of your hands?”

plink

“Nuh-uh! That's your job, Kurosaki-kun! But you use a sword instead of martial arts!”

“Oho? So you're saying I'm some sort of Shonen Protagonist?”

“You even got the spiky hair and everything! Super special blasting powers, moving through the air like woosh worship, going “You hurt my friends, prepare for a butt kicking!”

“Well, it wasn't exactly like that-”

“Ichigo, you were mad. Like. Mad mad .”

Ichigo stopped, putting the last piece of shrapnel onto the plate where the others laid. Orihime's back now had small irritated zones around the bandages and sterilized areas, but she was a clean bill of health. But, Ichigo's eyes drifted from Orihime's back to her face. She was smiling at him, but some worry held in her eyes. Her orange hair fell behind her head like a curtain, and Ichigo focused solely on her face.

“It was… scary. But nice. But also scary. And I am happy that you are on our side. But I don't like seeing you scary, and trying your best to super duper destroy a bad BAD Hollow. And I really don't wanna be a silly useless girl.”

“Inoue-san-”

“I wanna help you, Kurosaki-kun!”

Orihime turned fully on the bed, her arms crossing over her chest. Ichigo, in kind, looked up at her face. And strictly her face.

“You are my friend. And you are handling a lot on your own. You said something about a Urahararararara-san? That he can help Sado-Kun and I?”

Her warm eyes stared down at Ichigo, and he hesitated. Throughout the prior timeline, Ichigo was relied upon from so many parties. He felt like he had to escalate further and further just to make sure people lived at the end of the day, especially his friends and family. So yes, he was afraid…

But he also knew what Orihime and his friends could do. He walked with them towards Yhwach, she had defended him against the swirling mass of black that was Yhwach with the Soul King. The Orihime that stood beside him still resonated with the Orihime in front of him. No matter the timeline, she was determined to stay by his side.

And he felt better, knowing that.

“Yes, he ca-”

“ICHIGO! HAVE YOU HANDLED YOUR OTHER FRIE- oh am I disrupting someth- WAIT A MINUTE-” Isshin Kurosaki crashed into the scene like the personification of a wrecking ball he was. Both orange haired individuals jumped in surprised, with Ichigo turning away and Orihime slamming her shirt back down. Their faces matched the scarlet hue of both of them, as Isshin wailed in the hallway.

“MISAAAAAAAKI-CHAAAAAAN! LOOK AT WHAT OUR DELIQUENT BOY IS DOING! MESSING AROUND WITH A PATIEN-”

“Inoue-chan, your treatment is done. I'm afraid I have to deal with my father's delusions.” Ichigo sighed out, as Orihime became only a fainter shade of pink. She stood up, fingers thumping against her thighs before she gave Ichigo a lightning fast hug.

“I mean it, Kurosaki-kun. I'm here for you. No matter what.”

Ichigo could feel his ears burn before Orihime took off, as Isshin continued to wail. Ichigo stuck to his stool for the moment, looking out at where Orihime left.

“... I uh… yeah. Me to.”

Ichigo stood up, brushing off his pants and disposing of the shrapnel and swabs he used, before walking past his dad and delivering a smack upside the head, subduing the man.

“I'm heading to sleep, Old Man.”

Ichigo stated, yawning before entering into his room. The clear night sky showed outside, with the crescent moon far above Karakura Town. Ichigo flopped onto his bed, the heavy day weighing onto him before he drifted off into sleep…

Ichigo's Inner World

… before shunting up awake, once more surrounded by the horizontal buildings that were everywhere in his inner world. Now, both sets of Zangetsu seemed free to move about and do whatever Zanpakuto Spirits did in their off time. Sode-no-Shirayuki was still present, but was noticeably transparent and flickering. Ichigo sighed in relief, meaning that Rukia’s adjusted Gigai was working, and she could have her powers back soon.

“Ichigo.”

“King. ”

Both Old Man and White stepped forward, dressed more so for combat rather than a talk with their owner. They had a serious look on their faces, before White broke the tension.

“It's about time we tell ya.”

“Tell me? What do you mean tell me- as is, I already know so many secrets I'm surprised my head hasn't exploded.”

“Ichigo Kurosaki. In the wondrous world of Zanpakuto, ranging from Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Sode-No-Shirayuki, Kyoka Suigetsu, that your Zanpakuto seemingly had no innate special ability?”

Ichigo opened his mouth before shutting it. In truth, he never knew why Zangetsu was so… weird. Then again, he never bothered seeing and learning from Zangetsu as deeply as before.

“Honestly, yeah. Quite a bit.”

For once, both Old Man and White smiled and spoke in unison, as his Zanpakuto.

“Tonight you learn what exactly Zangetsu can do.”

Chapter Text

Ichigo's Inner World

Ichigo felt… well, calling the situation he was in “weird” didn't quite cut it. His duo of Zanpakuto spirits led him inside of a building of his Inner World, something that Ichigo never bothered to explore himself. Old Man and White walked side by side, the two normally antagonistic seemingly allied in their goal to enlighten Ichigo. The trifecta of individuals entered into a classroom with only one desk. Ichigo could already see where this was going and sat into the seat as his Zanpakuto walked to the windows.

“So! King! What do you know about Zanpakuto types?”

“... uhm. Well. There are types.”

“Ichigo. I believe he wishes to inquire what you know of the three types of Zanpakuto can manifest.”

“Bah! No fun, geezer.”

Old Man ignored White as he pressed his hands against the glass. Three of the windows glow with a soft white color before shimmering with images. In one window, Toshiba Hitsugaya's Hyorinmaru and Genryūsei Yamamoto's Ryujin Jakka appeared, the swords of ice and fire respectively. In the next pane, Kisuke Urahara's cane-shaped Benhime and Sosuke Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu appeared side by side, causing Ichigo to frown a bit. He never saw the illusionary blade in its Shikai state, but he was thankful he recognized its sealed state. Finally, Ichigo saw Ikkaku Madarame's Hōzukimaru and his own Zangetsu, albeit in the first Shikai he had.

“So. To begin, we will talk about Elemental Type Zanpakuto.” Old Man said, pointing to the pane with Ryujin Jakka and Hyorinmaru.

“Basically what it says on the tin. If it uses an element of nature, it's an Elemental Type.” White piped up from where he was sitting. To no one's surprise, he took it less seriously compared to his Quincy counterpart.

“Quite. We don't need to stick to long on this one, but obviously we are not this type of Zanpakuto. We lack elemental properties.” The Old Man pressed his hand to the pane as the images vanished.

“Next up we got the Kido-Type of Zanpakuto. Now, Kido-Type are fucking weird. They are defined by not being definable between the other two. These are actually most Zanpakuto that exist. Illusions, generic Reiryoku blasts, gravity manipulating, poisons even!

“Indeed. While we share some characteristics as a Kido-Type with the Getsuga techniques, that is moreso due to lineage rather than our ability. ”

Once more, the panel of glass vanished as the last one seemed to bloat. Before either spirit could respond, Ichigo piped up.

“So I guess that you guys are melee-type? It makes sense. All my variations seemed to boost closer combat over long range, and during my Bankai test with the old man it involved.. well, lots of different looking swords.”

Zangetsu looked at their master, both spirits having a sense of pride in their souls.

“Holy shit, he is capable of intellect! But, ya close enough. The proper term is “Power-Type” Zanpakuto.”

“Swords of this variety increase the user's capability to fight, as you said, but may also have their own downside. Some require a charge up, others have a berserk state.”

White snickered softly at the berserker comment as both Ichigo and Old Man shot glares at him.

“Lauging ass aside-”

“Rude.”

“His issues in the past aside, I understand that you two are a Melee Type. But outside of Tensa Zangetsu, I don't think I've gotten to much of a boost with most things.

“That's where you're wrong. ”

It was White's turn to stand up and begin his lesson. A flick of his wrist caused the wall of windows to shine brightly before Ichigo, blinding the teenager for a second. Blinking the spots from his eyes, Ichigo looked at the wall of windows and saw every single iteration of who he was. His initial Shikai and Bankai. His post-Fullbring reclaiming of his powers. Obtaining his True Shikai and his “Horn of Salvation” Bankai. Even his Dangai and Mugetsu states, fully on display.

What rubbed Ichigo into the world of confusion was the other forms. His body clad in a lizard-like Hollow form during his training with the Visored. The different Hollow Masks he wore as a Shinigami. The strange berserker form he had under gone when fighting Ulquiorra. Even his two Fullbring states, with the shadowy fake of his Shukakkusho and his more armor like form.

“All right so buckle up, your Majesty. All these fucking things have our influence. You ever think it was weird your outfit changed so many times? How your Shukakkusho seemed to track your Reiryoku, but nobody else had that stipulation? ”

“How, even as a Fullbring, you could manipulate a miasma akin to Getsuga Tensho? And it chose the form of not a blade, but a shroud and armor? How you are fated to have the right tools when necessary? ”

Ichigo drank in the information set out in front of him. The changes and various transformations he had undergone was quite substantial. To his knowledge, the Visored at most had a form like the lizard-like one when they got their Masks. Byakuya's Senbonzakura had a lot of abilities, but it retained the same shape of “lots of swords”. Some Bankai had a visual transformation, but only stopped at escalating to a stage above or, in the case of the weird scientist, forced experimentation. Which means…

“Zangetsu is both the blade and the Shukakkusho?”

“Ding a ring! King has a brain after all. Instead of shooting Cero when you used my masks, your Getsuga got stronger. When you needed one last power boost to beat the edgy bat Arrancar, it was I who transformed ya.”

“There are downsides, however. As all things are, Quincy and Hollow capabilities cannot mix. When utilizing more Hollowed inspired powers, my own will be suppressed. And the same for using my Quincy capabilities.”

“Your Shikai state is probably the most balanced you'll be. When we can pull off stuff with Reatsu with inspiration from either side. Getsuga Jäger is the manifesting of Reatsu akin to a Cero, and manipulating it like a Quincy.”

“Additionally, you can dictate how we look like in your Shikai state, derived from the other Shikai states you were in. Ranging from your initial actualization to your twin sword True Shikai. Whichever you feel more comfortable with at that time. ”

Ichigo listened intently to the duo talk and discuss his power set, grasping the information well enough. It made sense that his mixture if heritages was gonna be a pain in the butt. He did raise a hand during their explanation.

“What about Bankai?”

“That's where things get super fucky.” White spoke crassly, clicking his remote. On screen showcased three branches with three forms, two of them nothing more than silhouettes at the moment. The middle form and the one revealed seemed to be akin with his Bankai against Yhwach.

“Tensa Zangetsu has three diverging forms and power dedications. Tensa Zangetsu in its base state is balanced akin to our Shikai state, where you can emulate the different types of Bankai you've had during your evolution. Keep in mind that this changes your weapon, Shukakkusho, and the Visored Masks you can make, but your power will be at the same peek regardless.”

White begrudgingly nodded at Old Man's words, before taking out a long metal prodding stick and smacking it hard against the window underneath a black silhouette with horns. Ichigo could feel his blood grow cold in his body.

“Now, if you want to specialize in using your Hollow-half more, you go from Shikai to Tensa Zangetsu: Pálido Blanco. [ Heavenly Chained Moon Fang: Pale White ] Here, you get a little beastly, and turn most of your body into a form similar to your other forays unto Hollowfication. Which, I don't regret~”

“So, assuming I even entertain using this portion of my powers, do I have to go into a mindless frenzy as all the other times?” Ichigo questioned the Hollow portion of Zangetsu pointedly, his eyes cutting sharply into him. While he had no control over himself in the various berserker states he had suffered from, he felt blame in his heart for those he had hurt or killed during such incidents. Even Ulquiorra…

“Nah, at most your anger would be focused. This state is highly offensive, sacrificing the durability of the Quincy powers as well as losing your ability to freely manipulate Reatsu. You'll be restricted to Getsuga and Cero techniques, but your close quarters combat ability skyrockets, as well as a minor healing ability.” White explained away, brushing his chest as the Old Man cleared his throat. 

“What White had failed to mention, is that you cannot switch freely from one Bankai form to another. Before utilizing his, my own, or going back to base Tensa Zangetsu, you'll need to revert to your Shikai and let your soul balance out again. This may take some time, so if you intend to use all of out capabilities, keep this buffer in mind.”

Ichigo nods, but his mind wanders over to the eldest of his twin spirits. “So, what does yours do then?”

The Old Man had a touch of a smile on his lips, the glasses glaring over one of his eyes and hiding it. “I won't reveal what the form looks like, but I can share its name and it's capabilities. Tensa Zangetsu: Dunkelheit Kind. [ Heavenly Chained Moon Fang: Child of the Dark.]” 

Ichigo's nose scrunched up at the name of the form. The words of Yhwach during their first encounter lingered in his head and, with Zangetsu encompassing a younger incarnation of the Emperor of Quincy, he suspected it was no accident that the Quincy based form used that same wording. But he held his tongue.

“Dunkelheit Kind takes on the form of a shadow along your body, playing into defensive and utility qualities of your Quincy bloodline. You'll lose the ability of a traditionally manifested Zanpakuto as well as your Hollow abilities.” The Old Man raised a hand to stop Ichigo from commenting, the orange haired time traveler holding his tongue for the moment. “In spite of these consequences, your body would take on a certain state of both Yhwach and your incomplete Fullbring form. You'll have your Reatsu coat your body in a black substance that you can will into weapons of your choice as well as providing defensive bonuses to your Blūt. However, the strength of the ability lies within… a diluted Almighty. ”

Both Ichigo and White would turn their heads in shock towards the Old Man. To Ichigo, it unfortunately made some sense. The Quincy bloodline he had came from Ywhach himself, right down to a manifestation of his soul taking on a younger form of him. It made Ichigo's hands tense up before the Old Man began to speak.

“This isn't the Schrift we have come to be annoyed by. When I say it is diluted, I mean it is only related to the Almighty by its source. This power, which I will call Vorahnung [ Premonition ], allows you a glimpse of two seconds into the future. This future is not guaranteed, nor is it capable of being changed by you. Vorahnung is also incredibly taxing, and over use of it will significantly drain your Reatsu at rates you've yet to feel. ”

“I see… this is, a lot to think on. Thank you so much for explaining what you are, Zangetsu.”

“Bagh. None of that soft shit, King. We are you, and you are us.”

“It would be rather fortuitous to all involved parties involved that we remain alive as long as possible.”

A faint ringing and vibrating noise would escape into the atmosphere, as Ichigo sighed. He didn't realize how much time split between the real world and his internal one. He would stand up, going to Zangetu and giving them both a hug. Both the Old Man and White pat his back hesitantly, not expecting this sort of reaction.

“All right. I think I got everything under control. This is the first step towards making everything better this time.”

“We will keep the sky clear.”

“And make sure no fucking rain falls on us again.”

Ichigo smiles before stepping back, as he allowed the alarm of his phone to wash over his mindscape. With this knowledge on hand, he felt like he wasn't speaking false platitudes anymore, nor was he lying to himself.

He would fix things this time around. And make sure that their halcyon days come back safe and sound.

Chapter Text

Kurosaki Clinic

Ichigo awoke from his sleep, his body feeling recharged and rested. The fact that mental conversations with his Zanpakuto didn't drain him or make him tired was a relief to the orange haired teenager. Not only was the feeling of fatigue gone after the night’s rest, but he felt more… complete. More whole? It was a nostalgic feeling almost, back to when he learned about what Zangetsu really was, the business with his mother and father, both White's and Old Man's true identities…

Wow, my lineage is… really messy.

Ichigo thought to himself, stepping into his shower. Slow moments like these didn't really happen after he got his Shinigami powers. Sure, he bathed and had a normal life, but there was an edge that he'd be called away at a moment's notice. A Hollow attack, some Gotei 13 business, the weird afro dude needing help, all of it compounded into a sense of anxiety. That anxiety was still very much etched into his soul, but… these days are few where it wasn't overwhelming. It didn't help that the fast approaching Monday was… well. Their yearly visit. He had to start pushing forward with his plans to help make a better future.

Shower done, dried off, and clothed, Ichigo made his way down to the clinic of their household. Sitting on a cot, now donned in his practically iconic violet button up shirt was Yasutora “Chad” Sado. Peeking underneath his sleeves were the bandages for his recovery, clean and white. His brown hair cascaded over his eyes, as a large hand waved up in greeting.

“Buenas dias, Ichigo.” Chad spoke out, Ichigo sitting down on the cot opposite of him.

“And good morning to you, big guy.”

Chad gave him a somewhat perplexed look, tilting his head to the side. “Tú comprendas Español? (You understand Spanish?)"

Shit. Ichigo thougut. I forgot I had taken some Spanish during my later years of high school. It felt instinctual.

“Uh, yeah, you know. Learning some things in my off time, all that fun stuff. It's only the basics.” Ichigo said, cursing internally at how terrible of a liar he was, and the fact he was lying to begin with. A pause was in the air before Chad nodded, taking in the answer.

“I appreciate the attempt. It's nice to know someone else understands my abuelo's language. Even if small.”

The giant of a teen stood up, exhaling softly with a wince. Ichigo knew the big guy was hurting but admired the endurance and strength to keep pushing regardless. 

“Today we head to a Mr… Urahara's Shop, yes?”

“Yeah. I know the way. You sure you're good enough to walk?”

“Your father did well to patch me up. He is a fine médico.”

“Well. At least stay for breakfast. Yuzu won't mind helping you get some food in you, and it would be a shame to miss her cooking.”

The Hispanic giant pondered for a moment as a smile touched his lips. He nodded his head, and motioned for Ichigo to lead the way. The duo of friends made their way into the Kurosaki Residence of the building, the smell of sterile rooms and cotton swabs replaced with the smell of eggs, cheese and rice, with the sound of frying echoing in the house. Sure enough, working in the kitchen was Yuzu. 

The 11 year old girl was hard at work, maneuvering herself over to several pans of cooking food. Dressed in a simple yellow sundress and a chef's apron, the blonde haired Kurosaki wiped her brow with the back of her forearm before turning around. Her brown eyes sparkled with joy at seeing her brother and his friend, waving to them.

“Oni-chan! Sado-san! You're just in time for my egg rice sushi!” The girl exclaimed happily, showcasing the cooking pans were of eggs, some sushi rice being fried, and strips of nori laid out and prepared. “Please, have a seat! I'll be done in a moment.”

“Sure you don't need any help, Yuzu-chan?”

“Nope! Just sit down and relax, silly.”

Ichigo rolls his eyes, ruffling his sister's hair before sitting at the table near the kitchenette she worked in. Chad followed suit, sitting across from Ichigo with his back to Yuzu.

“Does… she know?” Chad spoke in a hushed tone as Ichigo shook his head.

“No one else but you and Orihime, and Rukia. Don't want them worrying.”

Chad nods sagely as the two enjoy the ambient sounds of Yuzu's cooking. Ichigo valued that in Chad quite a bit. Sure, he loved hearing Orihime talk about her interests (White gives a soft chuckle at this thought) and talk shop with Tasuki, but he enjoyed the comfortable silence Chad conveyed. They could talk later and just enjoy this moment. Soon, the smell of food approached them as Yuzu laid out their breakfast in front of them.

“Enjoy!”

Sitting in front of both teenagers were two plates holding six sushi shaped pieces of food. The rice at the base was slightly brown and fried, with a piece of egg folded in an omelet on top, a hint of cheese leaking out of fold. All of it wrapped in treated nori, and smelling absolutely delicious. The duo picked up a piece and ate one, the sound of soft crunching echoing as they did so. The taste of the fried rice mixed beautifully with the omelet and egg, the nori providing an additionally texture to it that made it all have a satisfying crunch to it. The meltyness of the cheese inside of the soft omelet provided a beautiful catalyst with the crunchiness of the rice and nori, a trick Yuzu had learned from watching a foreign cooking show. The duo eat in silence, before rinsing their dishes and placing them in the sink.

“Gracias, Kurosaki-chan.” Chad said, a soft smile on his lips as Yuzu blushed from the compliment.

“I don't know what that means but thanks!”

“It means thank you, Yuzu. That breakfast was needed after yesterday.” The elder brother praised, once more ruffling his sister's hair to her dismay. “I'll be hanging with Chad today. Tell the old man I'll be back late.”

“OK! By Sado-san! By Ichi-nii!” Yuzu waves away both teenagers as they gathered their things and walk out the door.

The warm island air washed over the duo as they began their walk towards Urahara's Shop. While he wasn't one for warm weather, Ichigo did enjoy how brightly the sun seemed to cascade down on them. Not a cloud in sight, and the humidity wasn't as suffocating as it could be. It wasn't for another few minutes until Chad spoke up.

“So. A few weeks of being a Shinigami. Why wait till now?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

Chad's large frame looked down at Ichigo, his brown eye staring at him firm and stalwart.

“You've been fighting these monsters for a few weeks now, one even assailing Inoue-san. Why keep it a secret for so long?”

“I… I didn't want to worry anyone, you know? Besides, who'd have believed I was fighting invisible monsters that could devour souls?”

Chad gave an enigmatic grunt, his bangs covering his eyes as he stared ahead. Another few moments of quiet.

“What if you had died? Would we then expect Kuchiki-san to appear and inform us our friend died?”

“I mean that's not fair-”

“Ichigo.” Chad's tone was solid, walling off Ichigo's argument and even using his given name. The orange haired man stop, exhaling and looking at his friend in the eye.

“Look, Chad. I get it. Purifying Hollows and burying Wholes is a… complicated issue. Especially with how my powers are at this moment. But you guys knowing would have put you guys into danger.”

“I'm sure Inoue-san didn't know when she was attacked by her Hollow. And neither of us knew about this when… that bat thing attacked.”

“... that. Is true.”

Chad nods his head in affirmation, his hands sliding into his pockets as he walks ahead.

“My abuelo would say you had machismo, trying to be confident and strong by yourself. Back in México, a man with machismo did the hard stuff himself, not worried about consequences. You, mi amigo, had a sense of machismo yesterday. You toyed with that thing and got hurt.”

“It was just a small cut-”

“But it was a cut still. You're not infallible or all-powerful. You may be stronger than you're letting on even to others, but can you affirm that you're invencible?”

Ichigo opened his mouth in retort, before closing it. He was confident in his skills and techniques, especially with Zangetsu, but even from the original timeline he came from, he had rough spots. Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, Aizen, Gin, Yhwach… 

“No, I can't.”

“I understand wanting to help and protect us, Ichigo, but you aren't going to be everywhere. We also don't like seeing you hurt or in pain, either. You're our friend as much as we are yours. We can all come back home less hurt, juntos (together).”

Chad lands a gruff hand on Ichigo's shoulder, causing the shorter of the duo to stumble a bit. The Shinigami rights himself, giving a playful scowl to his Hispanic friend.

“All right, all right. I'll accept the help.”

“From all of us?”

“From you, Chad.”

Chad frowns and shakes his head, the stone road becoming the more unkempt and sandy that denoted they were close to Urahara's Shop.

“From all of us, naranja (orange head). Inoue-san would like to help to. Even if she can't fight like we can, she does well with what she's given.”

“I know but..”

She's not as strong as she was. Or, will be? Time travel hurts.

“I'm sure if you encourage her, she will do her best.”

Ichigo side eyes Chad, trying to get a rid on the big, enigmatic giant. Stone faced and stalwart, he couldn't quite get a pin on the man. Ichigo exhales, scratching at his chin.

“All right, all right. I'll just need to… figure out what to do.”

Chad nods, and gives Ichigo a friendly tap with his knuckles. Kisuke Urahara soon walked out with Jinta, the red haired kid looking up at Chad.

“So ya want me to bring this big ass man down to that place to, boss?”

“Language Jinta!” Urahara flared out his fan and buffeted his face, a wide Cheshire smile on his face. The pre-teen rolls his eyes. “Lead him to Tessai and Orihime are at! Ichigo and I need to do some… talking~”

Chad gave a questioning look at Ichigo, who played it off with a shrug. The giant was soon dragged away by Jinta, leaving the ex-captain and Ichigo standing side by side. The falsetto idiot act fell away from Urahara, taking out a cell phone device and handing it to Ichigo.

“You sure this is a good idea? Chances are Aizen has his eyes on you, and so soon before Grand Fisher as well… now you want to tempt fate by contacting them?”

“Chad and Inoue-san are in the loop faster than I expected. It's best if they begin developing their abilities sooner rather than later. And besides… maybe I can convince these guys not to be a pain in the ass this time around.”

A neutral expression set on Kisuke's face, his hand holding on his cane for a moment.

“I'm coming with you, if you meet up. Issei and Yoruichi can hold down the fort here, and I prefer not revealing my location.”

“And I doubt they'll want to reveal their headquarters, even when I know where they are at. Best to meet in a neutral ground with both parties.”

Urahara gives a wry smile, looking up at the rooftops. The brim of the hat hid his eyes, but Ichigo could tell they were smiling with ideas and mischief no doubt.

“All right then~ go ahead and ring them up on that do-hickie there. It'll be untraceable and good to go!”

Ichigo closes his eyes, remembering the number he saw his old “friend” type into his phone, remembering the swanky bar area with a rotary telephone. The buttons dialed on the phone, before a soft ringing could be heard. Soon, the phone picked up and a posh, somewhat brisk voice answered the phone.

“.. yes?”

“Hello? I'd like to speak to your boss, on matters of expediting your goals.”

A hushed commotion could be overhead, before the man's voice cleared up and spoke once more.

“I'm sorry, I believe you may have the wrong num-”

A flash of anger crossed Ichigo's eyes, not liking the indirect issue.

“Fine then. Tell Kugō Ginjō that a fellow Substitute Shinigami has a proposition for him, to help with his goals. Meet at… Karakura Park, noon today. This is a one time offer. Tell him that “Time Tells No Lies.””

The voice on the other end audibly stuttered before Ichigo shut the clasp of the phone tight, exhaling through his nose. Urahara leaned over, flashing the fan our once more.

“Think they'll come?”

Ichigo began to walk away, his feet crunching in the dirt as he sighed.

“I hope so. I really don't want to kill those guys a second time around. Besides…”

Ichigo's hand reached into his backpack, feeling the soft head of Kon inside as an idea formed inside of his head.

“I'll give them exactly what they want.”

Chapter Text

Karakura Park

“Ugh. Do we HAVE to meet with these fuckos?” Ichigo heard White complain in his head, mentally hearing Shirayuki withdraw her blade and White complain at her now.

“The… other portion is quite right, Ichigo. This is an interesting plan you have, but the pain they gave you still echoes.” Old Man offered his words, and had Ichigo not known better he could see the duo perched on his shoulders.

“Well it's either this or risk Inoue-san and Chad getting their Fullbring through Urahara's methods or Uryu's stunt, which I'm also going to try and change.”

“That is fair… but-”

“What's to stop them from stabbing you with Tsukishima's bullshit? ”

Ichigo exhales as he had took a look around the park, sitting at a table. He touched the bracelet on his wrist, activating the anti-spy field so that Aizen would be left in the dark of this deal. That was an issue he had taken into account, the minor paranoia taking seed firmly in his brain. His eyes scanned around the area, fingers tapping in idle nervousness. He knew Urahara was around the area, but even with his sensory capabilities the strange ex-Captain wasn't in his senses. But he highly doubted the scientist would up and disappear. Ichigo straightened up when he did feel two familiar presences. His eyes scanned the area where he felt Kugo Ginjo and Shukuro Tsukishima made their way into Karakura Park.

Ichigo could only physically see the leader of X-cution. Tall, lean, his brown eyes dark and furrowed as he glared around the park. Combed back black hair framed his face, gone any iota of that friendly nature he had first approached Ichigo with. Even in the summer heat he wore the fur collared black leather jacket over his white t-shirt, the chain hanging from his pocket no doubt having his Substitute Shinigami Badge tucked snugly into his pocket. Ichigo couldn't see the co-leader of the organization, but he did feel his presence begin to move around the perimeter of the empty park. Ichigo didn't raise his head when Ginjo approached and took a seat just across from the orange haired Shinigami.

“So. Lovely day, ain't it?” The man's gruff voice assailed Ichigo's ears, the current Soul Reaper raising his eyes to stare at the former one. 

“Mhm. Yes, it is.”

The two sat in silence for a moment, Ginjo's hand going into his pocket to no doubt grab at his conduit for his Fullbring. Ichigo rolled around his tongue in his mouth for a bit, before exhaling.

“So, you're the leader of Xcution, I take it? Ginjo?”

Ginjo grits his teeth for a moment, the sound of the chain of his focus echoing under the table. Ichigo's mind was well aware of the other presence skirting the perimeter, towards behind Ichigo.

“Yeah, and you're the snot nosed punk who put his head into business he has no right to. Who the hell are ya?”

“I am an associate who can help give you and your organization the power to evolve further. You and your organization have the skills and capabilities to help my friends unlock their power.”

Ichigo hated how… Aizen-like or even Yhwach-like he spoke. Methodically, making the transfer and gifting of power for the gains of oneself. He's sure that many Arrancar, Quincy, hell even some Soul Reapers had similar offers to ascend up their respective ladders of power. But he knew that the type of people he was speaking to, right now… their thoughts only mingle in how they can be benefited.

“Tch. Won't even give me your name and you really expect me to trust my people to you? Why shouldn't I just kill you right now?” Ginjo spat out, moving forward across the table. Ichigo stayed completely still, feeling the presence of Tsukishima approaching from behind.

Ichigo Kurosaki could have decided to swallow Kon's pill and go into his Shinigami outfit. He could have just released Zangetsu and completely torn up Tsukishima and Ginjo here and now, make them submit through force. Ichigo, even restrained by the scenario with Rukia and not using Zangetsu, was arguably still capable of being one of the Special Threats feared by the Sternritter. Had any other individual with Ichigo's powers, they would simply make the two Fullbring kneel and submit. 

Ichigo Kurosaki was not that type of person.

KLANG!

KRRRSH!

Ginjo's Cross of Scaffold and Tsukishima's Book of the End sparked against the small veins of blue that had manifested on Ichigo. Even with the massive blade held by Ginjo, Ichigo did not flinch, did not move, not even with the blade pressed against his face. Ginjo growled and applied his hand to the back of his blade to push more into Ichigo, but failing to break through Blüt Vene. Tsukishima's footsteps brushed against the grass swiftly, making distance from Ichigo and frowning.

“I… didn't cut you?” The cool voice of Tsukishima said in disbelief as Ichigo turned to stare at the man. Still dressed in the bottom up white top and black pants with suspenders going up his torso. His black hair was still wavy in the air, his normally cool composure marred by a frown on his face. The thin blade in his hand looked like most other katana, had it not been for the strange book mark ornamental strand at the bottom of the hilt.

Book of the End, one of the most troublesome abilities Ichigo has ever had to deal with. It was a Fullbring that could insert itself into the past of whatever it cut. Sentient or inanimate. He recalled Byakuya telling how Tsukishima inserted himself into Senbonzakura's past and knew of all the techniques it learned and trained with Byakuya, even down to a supposed secret maneuvering the Kuchiki Head had. Even if Ichigo got into a traditional sword fight with Tsukishima, if the man had inserted himself into Ichigo’s past, it could cause so many issues down the line. Ichigo didn't dare use his borrowed powers from Rukia either, as chances are clashing his sword that uses Rukia’s spiritual presence as a base, his friend or her Zanpakuto could be affected by Book of the End.

And that's where Blüt Vene comes in.

Ichigo foughht Tsukishima in the past before with a very incomplete Fullbring. That was just his Reatsu manifested and sloppily controlled, but it serviced itself well at the time. In the past, he clashed with Tsukishima's Book of the End several times and didn't suffer its ill effects. So even though it was a sword to “cut through anything”, it did have its flaws and things that could deny the blade its purpose. It was a very niche counter to it, however Ichigo was somewhat grateful to have that Quincy bloodline, even with some of the strings attached. 

The teenager scratched the back of his head, letting an exhale leave his lips. “So, let's try this again. We can either fight like maniacs, alerting Soul Society the presence of two high skilled Reatsu users and an unknown Shinigami duking it out in a park, or are we going to sit down and talk this out?”

A pregnant pause sat in the air, all parties eyeing up the other and making heads and tails of the situation. The quiet went on longer than Ichigo would have liked, but both men soon disabled their respective Fullbring, as Ichigo negated his Blüt. Sitting down at the table, Tsukishima would be the first to speak up.

“So… you aren't with Soul Society?”

Ichigo shakes his head, exhaling softly as he settled into a more relaxed position.

“No. My name is Ichigo Kurosaki, and my situation as a Shinigami is very… unique. My powers are, for lack of a better term, on loan until a plan starts in motion. Then I'll get my actual powers back, and work to change a lot of things.”

Ginjo rolls his eyes as he slams his elbow onto the table, giving an exasperated and disbelieving wave.

“Riiiight, a lone Shinigami who wants to upend the societal injustices of an ancient society. Join the club.”

“At one point, maybe I would have joined Xcution, if things didn't go well.”

At dropping the name of the organization, the two Fullbring had an extremely quizzical expression cross both their faces. Ichigo remained quiet, fingers intersected as he let that information sink in.

“I'm well aware of the goals your organization has, as well as the vendetta you personally share. But I also know that, as it stands, 6-7 Fullbring, even with evolved powers from a massive influx of Reatsu, won't be enough to invade or destroy the Soul Society. However… My goals are not to destroy Soul Society, but be an event to incur change as a whole.”

Ginjo gives a dark scoff at the idea while Tsukishima didn't respond with any sort of emotion to Ichigo's claim. But, both men remained quiet and Ichigo continued.

“I have two people who have the potential to become Fullbring. I know that Xcution has the resources and supplies necessary to help them reach that goal. I also know that when I gain my powers properly, that I'll have more than enough Reiryoku to help Xcution realize a second stage in their evolution. Now, this is a one time offer. And there are going to be some ground rules…”

Tsukishima and Ginjo quickly looked at one another, a quick trade of words between the two before looking back at Ichigo. Ginjo was, of no surprise, frowning heavily at Ichigo whereas Tsukishima had a more soft but snake-like demeneor.

“Very well, Ichigo Kurosaki… let's make this deal.”

Ichigo sighs softly, as he felt Zangetsu also give an air of relief. Good. No more fighting for the moment, and at most it seemed like Tsukishima would be willing to hear him out more than Ginjo. But, Tsukishima was just as crafty as Ginjo, so Ichigo had to be careful with exactly what he penned in this deal. 

“So. These two individuals have the potential to be Fullbring, and need a controlled environment to work in. I'm well aware that you have within your retinue two individuals that can make safe areas. A… Riruka Dokugamine and Yukio Hans Vorarlberna.”

Ichigo eyed both men tensing at giving out the full names of the two Xcution members, further showcasing Ichigo's knowledge on the group. 

“Good. Keep them off balance, Ichigo.”

Spurred by Old Man, Ichigo would continue. “The reason I am asking for these two is so we don't need to give up the location of either of our hideouts. Xcution would remain hidden, as well as my own location where we train. Yukio is able to make use of abandoned buildings and refurbish them to training areas, and Riruka specifically has tools and abilities to draw out Fullbring in a controlled environment.”

“And why the fuck should we give them up to you lot? Just gonna off them when you get the chance? What do we even get out of this?” Ginjo exploded, gritting his teeth as Ichigo saw the faint nervous air to his eyes. Ichigo crossed his fingers and sat forward, mimicking a pose Urahara had done in the past.

“We will both have combatant parties at the location as a third party for the two duo's. It can be one of your subordinates or even yourselves, and my side will have myself and others of equal caliber. As for what you'll get…”

Ichigo unclasped his hands and concetrated hard into the air around him. He hasn't tried anything like this, utilizing Reiatsu as a human without any Innate powers. But his thoughts turned to his mother, a Quincy by birth, and knowing full well that Quincy could exert such pressure. Its why he could use Blüt so easily as a human, even without manifesting into his soul self. Hell, even against Acidwire his Blüt activated and forced itself through, regardless of the powers Rukia had given him. It was a part of himself he kept suppressed and actively avoided or never took to understand. He went to Urahara, Yoruichi, even the Visored to help his powers and grow into them, but whether it was because of the time or pressure at hand, he never could explore what it meant to be or use his Quincy heritage.

So, he dug deep into his soul, the one that resonated with his mother, with Old Man Zangetsu, and manifested his Reiatsu. It wasn't a brute force or suffocating nature, but it was a presence. It far surpassed anything a human could do and had the potential to be on par with Ginjo and Tsukishima's Reiatsu if he actually tried.

“That, is what I can manifest as a human, without the direct access of my soul. My current powers are on loan from another Shinigami, to explain shortly as possible. It's a pain in the ass to recap it all, but when that power is gone back to them, my own will take its place.”

Ginjo and Tsukishima once more had contemplative thoughts to themselves, hushed words and spoken dialog trading between one another before Tsukishima looked up.

“What's stopping you from just giving us the borrowed power?”

Ichigo gives a grunt, looking to the side. That was something he had entertained at one point, but the timing of everything had to be wire thin. The new gigai that Rukia was in more than allowed her powers to come back while hiding a Hōgyoku inside of it, but it was timed that when Ichigo “lost” his powers, her powers would come back near instantly while hiding their return to anyone around her for a week. However, if Ichigo were to give her powers to the duo right now, it wouldn't be enough for Xcution, and she'd be stuck in a same situation in the past.

Powerless and defenseless when Aizen came for the Hōgyoku.

“Unfortunately, she will need her powers back. We are dealing with enemies that need all the help we can get. She's providing herself as bait to lure one said enemy out, as they tend to stick behind in the scenes. Also, no offense to her, but I don't think she has enough to evenly split between 7 members evenly.”

More discussion, more whispers, as White gives a deep sigh.

“Wow these mother fuckers like to run their mouths… what's so hard to get that they are essentially being knighted by a King?”

“Xcution is a closely knit group, from all we can see. Any risk to them could result in them dying or being destroyed.”

“Sounds like they don't realize they don't have the instinct to push forward by themselves.”

Ichigo struggled to roll his eyes at the idea of his doppelganger unironically using the whole King and Instinct lines again. However, Ginjo looked at Ichigo and begrudgingly held a hand out. 

“Three days a week, afternoons only, at two hour intervals after they have their Fullbring. I, Tsukishima, or a member named Jackie will be accompanying Yukio and Riruka. As SOON as you get your powers and help us, the deal is done, and we ignore each other.”

Ichigo thinks for a moment, dissecting the words, picking it apart. It can work, and while Tsukishima was an issue…

Two hands clasp in agreement, and Ichigo makes the deal set.

Urahara Shop

Ichigo sighs, the late afternoon sun beating down on him. The negotiations were tense, and agreements were made, but it didn't make the teenager any less comfortable. The air shimmered beside him as Urahara once more appeared, taking off the strange cloak the man used to get around stealthily. 

“So… get the readings needed from Tsukishima to develop an antidote for his Fullbring?” Ichigo asked the former captain, a more serious look on Urahara's face than he normally had.

“His ability is… a nasty piece of work, Kurosaki. I can easily work an antidote out for future cases, but I'm glad you were as thorough in your deal as you were.”

Ichigo rolled his eyes. The current agreement made between Ichigo and Xcution would boil down to joint training in neutral areas between both the Fullbring and Ichigo's friends, with Yukio and Riruka training Chad and Orihime to develop their powers. Since Tsukishima was going to be a “guard”, the need to develop the antidote and potential immunization to Book of the End was for this exact purpose, as they didn't want to risk Tsukishima compromising their party.

But, Ichigo was rather tired of the talks and practical politics of this entire ordeal. Making his way to the hidden trap door of Urahara's base, he kicked it open and frown slightly as he heard the sound of… running water?

“... Urahara. What type of training are they doing down there?”

Urahara whipped out his paper fan, fawning it in front of his face with a false innocent nature to it. 

“Oh, nothing too taxing! Just general water resistance training set up by Yoruichi~chan~”

Ichigo's eyes narrowed as he just descended the ladder into the massive underground basement.

Sure enough, there was a new structure inside of the training grounds. It was a massive glass box around the size of a soccer field, with glass walls going up to 6-7ft from Ichigo eyeballing it. Four figures were in the pool, separated into different areas of the pool with another standing just beside it, a cat at their feet. From the colors of the hair from this distance, it seemed Chad and Orihime had paired up against the two kids and were running rather… strange drills with them, for lack of a better term. Chad worked on dodging Jinta's large club, whereas Orihime was avoiding punches from Ururu.

“You see, Kurosaki-san…” Urahara's voice reached Ichigo as the man floated down the ladder, the Shinigami having a knowing smile on his face. “While they don't have their powers quite yet, I saw fit to give them general training of dodging and defending themselves with opposition of superhuman capabilities. The water is both a type of resistance training, and simulates being underneath general spirit pressure. The advantages you've told me of Fullbring means I don't need to risk other training reserved for Shinigami or Wholes. Albeit, my ways are… limited for now.”

Ichigo stepped onto the ground and began to make his way over to the pool, digesting Urahara's words. It was a fair dissection of the reasoning, and Ichigo was happy it was better than the type of training he had undergone. Though the mischievous shine to Urahara's eyes did leave him on guard for what the Shinigami had plann-

“Kurosaki-kun!”

Ichigo’s head turned towards Orihime, meandering a bit before locking on her form… and his heart immediately shooting up in pace.

She was pressed firmly against the glass wall, wearing a bikini and displaying what normally laid under school clothes. Ichigo's eyes ripped away from the yellow and green bikini she wore pressing against the glass and looked up at her face. That did nothing to calm his beating heart, as her face was flushed from the exertion of her training. Her brown eyes were oceans of warm chocolate, a smile on her face giving her a slight dimple as her orange hair was matted to her face and shoulders, only further framing the shining smile on her face.

She's beautiful, Ichigo thought to himself.

“Holy shit? What was that I heard? Is that… is that the King acknowledging a girl is hot?”

“White-”

“No no Old Man, you do not understand how emotionally constipated King is- this is a breakthrough he acknowledged that Inoue is smoking hot!”

“...you had me convinced until that last part.”

Ichigo turned flush as he prepared to berate the voices in his head before he could hear Orihime again.

“-saki-kun? Kurosaki-kun? Earth to Kurosaki-kun! Oh no! Ururu-chan, I think Kurosaki-kun has heat stroke! His face is like suuuuuper flushed!”

The quiet pigtailed girl shot out of the water and landed by Ichigo, her bazooka holsters on her shoulder as she aimed it at Ichigo. The substitute Shinigami held up his hands in defense.

“Wait no I'm just-”

Spl ash!

The bazooka erupted in a force of high powered water, launching Ichigo back against the ground and spinning onto the floor. His head knocks softly on the glass of the training pool, distinctly aware that trails of orange hair dripped into his view, soon followed by a concerned face of Orihime.

“Hmmmm… he's still a bit red Ururu-chan! But I think he needs to cool off in a more fun way!”

Urahara stepped into view, smiling down at Ichigo as he held a pair of black swim trunks.

“Kurosaki-san needs to help someone else train in the water. Put these on.”

Orihime gives a pout before smiling down at Ichigo. It did nothing to calm Ichigo's heart, captivating by her face as he struggled to really figure out everything right now.

“You'll have fun, Kurosaki-kun~ I'm going to hold my breath and dodge underwater again!”

The sounds of splashing finally snapped Ichigo out of his stupor, holding up a hand to an Orihime no longer there. “I, uh, hey, Inoue-ch- wait. Why does Rukia need help?”

Ichigo sat up from the water and stumbled a bit, holding the swim trunks in hand. Urahara simply undid a small screen from the side of the pool and pulled it up over Ichigo, covering the young man in linens to obscure him changing.

“Why, it was at her request, Kurosaki-san.”

Chapter Text

Urahara's Training Grounds

If you told Ichigo that, after a day of tense negotiations with a group of people who had tormented him so thoroughly on the past that he would be clad in black swim shorts and standing on a platform for an impromptu kendo match with pool noodles, his thoughts would align with you being as crazy as his father. But here he was, an orange pool noodle that rivaled the length of his entire arm in his hands as he squared off against Rukia with a smaller white noodle in her hands.

But, Ichigo took to the “training” like a fish to water. Rukia was surprisingly swift with her noodle, giving a few good jabs to Ichigo. The longer noodle kept Rukia out of range for a bit, but she had been learning to close the distance against taller and larger foes. 

“Rukia, I know” thwack “you wanted to train with me but” poke pike block “why exactly are we using pool noodles instead of swords?” Ichigo asked during the flurry of foam strikes the shorter girl was throwing at him. The icy Kuchiki gave him a warm smirk, attempting to trip him with the noodle.

“Well, from what Urahara said, the hardest part of your plans is over until I get taken back to the Soul Society.” She stepped forward, twisting the noodle to strike at Ichigo's chest.

“OK but that doesn't really answer-”

“Ichigo. What do you think I did during my time in the Soul Society? Just train and train and train? Rather oafish if you ask me.” 

A leg sweep came from the shorter woman, causing Ichigo to jump over it and deflect a follow up thump from the noodle.

“No, I still had hobbies, and friends, and things outside of study. Even Renji took time off to write poetry..”

Ichigo frowns, picturing the wild red headed trying to practice his paint strokes. No doubt writing about a bunny or something to try and impress Rukia, if he knew anything of the man from the past.

“Still not getting why you're lecturing me on this.”

Rukia rolls her eyes, swiping her free hand and casting the very same Bakudo on Ichigo that she had used in their first meeting. 

“You need to lighten up.” Rukia said before kicking Ichigo into the water. 

The rush of water in his ears and the quick catching of his breath would be the only response he could offer. Quickly surfacing and climbing onto the arena, he would grumble swears under his breath.

“If” cough cough “I don't continue to get better, then I can't protect them.”

“OK. That's doltish.” The woman counters, Slav squatting to look at the recovering Ichigo. “Nii-san doesn't really know who I or Renji are. He spends his time training, working to care about order. Sometimes… the distance hurts.” 

She sighs and helps the taller man up, Ichigo rolling his shoulder as she stares up at him. His lips open with his rebuttal.

“Listen, I know you're well meaning and another friend in a line of surprise lectures, but if I don't plan everything out and take precautions with what I know, then things can go as bad if not worse.”

“So. To beat Aizen, you've resorted to acting and thinking like him?”

The statement drove an icy dagger right into Ichigo's core as he stumbled for a moment. Aizen was responsible for most of the unfortunate events Ichigo worked to stop. The creation of White infecting his mother and forcing his father to give up his powers by proxy. The death and strife of so many people, the casual use of people and their lives and nothing more than pawns. Aizen didn't see bonds or people as anything more than stepping stones to his ambitions, and ultimately even his Zanpakuto abandoned him.

As Ichigo looked around the pool, his eyes stared fondly at Orihime working with a foam shield through the water, gritting her teeth but having a wide smile that earned a small one from Ichigo. Chad has hanging by the side of the water, speaking dimly with Tessai on topics Ichigo couldn't quite hear. His memory of the initial morning with Yuzu and Karin surprised but happy he was warmer than normal, the short halcyon afternoon of eating lunch with his friends. 

So, Ichigo did just that. His body relaxed, his strikes with the noodle got less serious and more playful. He took his time to just… have fun. He swam laps with Chad, talked with Orihime and Rukia, treated the entire thing like a relaxing day at the pool. Time seemed to melt into itself and become liquid, and by the time night crawled onto the clocks, Ichigo was doing his best impression of a pruned orange.

The teenagers left the pool, with Ichigo going back to the strange portable changing room to dry off and wear his normal clothes once more. Opening the curtains revealed Kisuke Urahara, looking a bit more dour and serious than normal. 

“Kurosaki-kun.” The scientist would produce a small paper seal with 斬月 (zangetsu) on it, as well as a deep black pill with a white lime through it. “If I recall right, your next event is visiting your mother's grave, yes?”

Ichigo's lips curled into a frown. Indeed, in the coming days, he will visit his mother's grave. He gives a short nod to Urahara.

“The patch there is an experimental suppression patch. For one hour, Rukia's Zanpakuto spirit would be “pushed behind” Zangetsu and allow you to use the full capabilities of your Shikai. This is a one time thing, and will only work with your circumstances right now. The pill is for your father.”

Ichigo flinched a bit, surprised at his dad of all people being brought in so soon. He… well. It was strange.

Isshin Kurosaki was an enigma to his son. The local doctor acted like a cartoon character when around the household, almost to the point of bodily harm with how many plunges he's taken from the second story window. But there was an entire side to him that Ichigo had never really… prodded or questioned. The Shinigami side, the former captain side, the past Isshin abandoned to save and fall in love with Ichigo's mother. Outside of sitting down during the attack with Aizen and his explanation of Auschwalen (Selection) , Ichigo didn't really talk with his dad about any of this.

“So… you what does this pill do before I ask my dad to swallow it?” Isshin's son questioned, hus fingers folding over it.

“It will start his process of regaining his Shinigami abilities. All of them.”

Ichigo felt his eyes go wide in his skull. Working to return his father's powers so soon? Before he could question, Urahara held up his hands.

“By all accounts, he should start getting his powers before you regain yours. With Aizen more than likely changing things because of your strange displays with other Hollows and the death of an Arrancar, as well as the Quincy King no doubt being stirred on schedule, having a former Captain on your side as soon as possible is of utmost priority.”

Ichigo thumbs the pill, biting his lower lip for a moment… before reluctantly putting it inside of a capsule and placing it in his pocket.

“Fine. I'm not happy about it, but fine.”

“Excellent! Take care, Kurosaki-kun!”

And like that the serious air vanished between the duo. Ichigo sighed and climbed up the ladder into Urahara's Shop, before blinking at a hand coming down to help him up.

“Hey hey, Kurosaki-kun!”

Orihime's chipper voice made Ichigo's heart do a small dance in his chest, before a smile touched his lips. Taking her hand, he hoisted himself up to look down at her, taking note that her still wet hair clung to her shoulders, her smile still bright regardless of the encroaching night outside.

“Soooooo, it's getting dark out, and I was uh. Was wondering since we kinda walk the same way we uhhhhhhh make sure we team up! So no bandits or surprise Hollows get us!” The girl shouted ecstatically, nervously doing karate chops and poses. Ichigo snorts softly through his nose.

“What sort of friend would I be if I allowed you to be alone and at the mercy of… bandits?” Ichigo said, playing along with the bit as Orihime visibly vibrated with happiness. The duo collected their things as the sky melted into lavender.

A comfortable silence fell over the duo as the cicadas sang into the summer evening. Orihime hummed a song only she knew the beat to as Ichigo swam in his own thoughts. 

His mother… her anniversary was next week, the end of the month, and a ball of nervousness coiled in his gut. He wasn't at fault of her death, it was a Hollow and that damn Quincy King… but the guilt of running to help the “girl”, of trying to be someone his mom could be proud of, to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. And he caused her death. It was his fault, he was stupid and should have said something to his mom before he began to run towards the girl, unawareofthemonsterthat-

“Kurosaki-kun?”

Orihime's voice punched through his sober memories as he blinks the stinging sensation from his eyes. Her head tilts with concern.

“Are you ok?”

“U-uh yeah, Inoue-chan. Sorry to worry you.”

While Orihime's cheeks did dust pink at the more familiar name he had been using, it didn't stop her from holding up her fingers and pointing at him.

“Beep beep beep. You hear that? It's the fibber rader . You're not telling me a fib, are you Kurosaki-kun?”

Ichigo's face would go a bit flush as well from embarrassment. He wasn't that bad at lying, was he? But, looking at Orihime and the concern on her face, Chad’s words from the morning lingering in his mind…

“Next week, we go visit my mother. She uh… she passed away, 9 years ago.”

Orihime's frown only deepened as she understood, walking quietly next to him as the heavy topic settled over them.

“I… see. I am sorry for your loss, Kurosaki-kun.”

“It's fine, Inoue-chan. Its… just a harder time for me. Since I was there when she died.” Ichigo worded carefully, not wanting to dump his traumatic memory on one of his closest friends. He really hope she didn't ask how she die-

“What was she like?”

The question melted the building anxiety Ichigo was feeling once more, a soft smile touching his lips.

“She was the center of our galaxy. A bright and shining sun. She helped my dad with the clinic, helped myself stand up for others, she did everything she could do to help people, regardless of the circumstances involved. She loved us, honestly and dearly… and it's my fault that warmth isn't here anymore.”

Ichigo looked away in shame from Orihime, sighing as he kicked a pebble a bit too hard down the road.

“She sounded lovely. Though I think she would say you weren't the reason she died.”

“Inoue, a Hollow killed her. It tricked me into running after it, acting like it was a girl about to jump into the river and my mom ran to protect me-”

“Kurosaki-kun”.

Orihime's hands slid into his, her warm hands soothing his cold feeling and somewhat classy hands. His face looks up to see her eyes with both concern and… defiance?

“Your mom died 9 years ago. That makes you, 8? 9? You didn't know about Hollows back then, and you went to save a person like your mother taught you to. Your mother was the type to help people no matter what, is what you said? You're her son .”

“But, it is my fault. If I didn't run then-”

“Your mother dying was not your fault. Just like the car that killed my brother isn't mine.”

An icy dagger of realization cut into Ichigo’s head at how selfish he was being. Here he was, trying to take blame that wasn't aimed at him to begin with, with a girl who probably felt like that with her own brother. Her hands left his and she hesitantly held out her arms to her side.

“Y-your mother would probably say “Young man I won't have you saying such bad things about my son” o-or something like that! But I know she would be happy seeing you protecting people and making friends and baking and living and all of this!”

Ichigo stops and stares at the sky. The night was cloudless, with the stars sparkling brightly in the sky and the crescent moon angled in such a way it reminded him of his mother’s smile. A smile which crept onto his own face. 

His arms gently wrapped around Orihime, earning a squeak of surprise from her before she snapped her arms to hug him back.

“I… thank you, Inoue-chan. I needed that.”

“N-n-n-no problem Kurosaki-kun!”

The woman scrambled from the hug, her face tinged a pink as she dug into her purse for something, Ichigo not knowing what. But, an idea crossed his mind.

“Actually. I know this is a bit much to ask but… would you like to meet her, next week?”

Orihime stopped digging through her purse and looked up, thinking for a moment.

“Uhm… when will it be?”

“Next Thursday. You'll have take off school, but I think it would be good to just… have a friend this time around.”

Orihime pushes a finger against her chin, miming a thinking pose.

“Hmmmmmm, I have been doing good in my classes lately, and my attendance has been splendirific. I think I can miss one day to help a friend. BUT!” She pulls out her phone from her purse, no doubt the item she was digging through to retrieve. A small strawberry charm with a sun charm hung from the flip phone. “I t-think we should trade numbers j-just in case. So, uhm. Please Kurosaki-kun?”

Orihime did a small over the top bow as she held her phone to Ichigo. He rolls his eyes in good humor as he takes her phone and opens it up. Navigating to the contacts, he inputs his number and folds it over before handing it to Orihime. She snapped the phone open, peeking out behind it.

“I’d like to have a picture of you, Kurosaki-kun. To go uh, with the contact.”

Ichigo couldn’t help himself. He gives a laugh from his lips, an honest to good one as the snapping of a lens goes off. His face stops mid laugh as he reaches for the phone.
“Hey, I wasn’t ready! You can’t use that one!”
“Nope! Now I have photographic proof that Kurosaki-kun can laugh!”

He shoots the woman his signature scowl, earning a giggle in return. He takes out his phone and offered it to her. “Alright, your turn.”

Within moments, Orihime’s phone number was firmly cemented in Ichigo’s phone. He holds up the phone, waving the camera at Orihime as she picks up on it and shoots her natural smile. A click of his lens and it was done. It was only after all that, that he realized his heart was beating fast. They had reached a crossroads, as Orihime pointed down her street.

“This is where I go. Have a good night, Kurosaki-kun.”
Ichigo gives a soft wave, watching as Orihime walks down the street and soon vanishing out of his sight, a smile still touching his lips.

“You too, Inoue-chan.”

Kurosaki Residence

Ichigo Kurosaki opens the door of the clinic and quietly walks inside, hoping not to disturb his family with his entrance. He placed his shoes to the side before walking any further, taking care to walk to the kitchenette.

“Glad you could make it home, son.”

Ichigo inwardly cursed at the timing of all this, but figured it was better now than later. He would turn to look at the couch where his father sat, still wearing his doctor’s coat and Hawaiian shirt underneath. The normally goofy facade he had was gone, one replaced with seriousness.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I was..”

Ichigo pauses, thinking for a moment, before walking into the living room and sitting opposite of his father.

“I was working with Urahara, down at the shop.”

That earned a raised eyebrow from Isshin as Ichigo swiped the bracelet on his wrist once more, activating the anti-spy device. Isshin didn’t change how he sat, but his face was an enigma to his son.

“Care to tell me what it was you were working on that kept you out well to 10pm on a school night?” His words were practiced, careful, and prodding all the same. Times like these, he could see why his father and Urahara were close as fellow outcasts.

“Shinigami training. Currently borrowing powers from a Shinigami and I am more or less doing her job.”
Isshin’s eyebrow further raised as he leaned forward, matching a posture Ichigo was more than familiar with.

“So. You know?”

“Urahara informed me about you and mom, yeah. Told me to give you this.” Ichigo took out the pill and rolled it to his father, the elder catching it swiftly with his fingers. “Said to get ready in case the other guy starts making moves.”

Isshin understood without any need to explain, taking the pill and chomping on it before shuddering.

“Eck. Dark Chocolate. Damn that man.”

“So… wanna talk about how I am a Shinigami, you were a former Shinigami, and all that?”

Isshin smacks his lips, trying to get the taste out of his mouth before exhaling. “To be frank, it is a bit late for all this. Yes, I am aware of your situation with the Kuchiki. Yes, I was the former captain of 10th Division, and yes all that. There isn’t really much to tell that is important right now.”

“I would still like to know some things about you… Dad.”

Isshin seemed off guard when Ichigo used that word. Ichigo wasn’t all too surprised at his reaction, as he rarely called his dad by his proper title. His father reorients himself and gives a chuckle, leaning forward.

“All right. One hour to talk. Then you go straight up to bed.”

Ichigo rolls his eyes but plays along with his father. He thinks for a moment, touching all the various stones of what little he knew about his father.

However, one thing did pop out. Something his father had performed during his battle with Aizen, and further showcased when he explained White and his mother. Something that always gnawed at Ichigo’s curiosity, now giving him a chance to pursue his father on such a thing.

“What do you know, about Getsuga techniques?”

Chapter Text

The smooth road under the tires of the Kurosaki 1990 Toyota Corolla did nothing to soothe Ichigo's anxiety boiling in his stomach. Clouds smothered away the sun, the expansive sky a muddy gray giving the somber occasion its backdrop. Ichigo glanced sideways at his father, the man having a neutral expression on his face. The hard whitening of his knuckles told he was just as anxious as Ichigo was.

Their talk a week ago and the application of restoring his Shinigami powers had led to a lot of fruit to both sides. Ichigo was told somewhat of his father's life in the Seireitei, including the fact he was a captain as well as a part of the Shiba clan. Ichigo… honestly didn't care about this knowledge. His father's past as being in the very hierarchy Ichigo had fought against was nothing of surprise, given he went hand to hand with Sosuke Aizen with a Hōgyoku. And Ichigo didn't really care about the Shiba business, just as much as he didn't care he was loosely related to Yhwach. He was Ichigo Kurosaki, and that was that. Isshin continued, telling him the story of how he met Misaki, edited to not include the Quincy bits. Ichigo internally frowned, but he surmised his father didn't trust him with the information of a third supernatural species quite yet. In turn, Ichigo explained his own edited events of how he became a Shinigami with Rukia's assistance [his father verbally scoffing that a Kuchiki being nice was unheard of, a sentiment Ichigo had chuckled at.] With all the knowledge laid bare, Ichigo shared his “theory” that the monster that had attacked his mother could strike at the Graveyard when they planned to visit, since they would be going with a more appetizing Reatsu.

And thus, there they were, Isshin driving his family into the hunting ground of a monster who had taken his wife away. Ichigo had an admiration for his father, knowing how hard it was to bring his family and his son's friend into the lion's den to the very thing that haunted the family.

Right. Her.

Ichigo looked over his seat, seeing his sister's had effectively sandwiched Orihime between them. Yuzu and Orihime swapped baking tips for their bread and food, with Karin occasionally voicing her confusion at some of Orihime's choices in ingredients. They trio in the backseat had gotten along swimmingly, bonding and talking as though they were more family friends than a person Ichigo had introduced to literally that morning. Every gaggle of soft laughter that came from the backseat helped ease the otherwise somber air that had gripped the two girls, as Orihime's presence did wonders for everyone in the car, Ichigo included. It helped she had developed Shun Shun Rikka [ Six Flowers of the Hibiscus Shield] just the day before. 

That was a… particularly harrowing ordeal. She was placed into a simulation Yukio had made, where her brother was attacking Ichigo, but supercharged and nearly killing him. It seems the trigger of her brother and someone she dearly wanted to protect helped her manifest Shun Shun Rikka. Of course, since the Psuedo-Acidwire was still charged by Yukio, Orihime barely survived the encounter, forced to push herself to almost exhaustion. Ichigo didn't like that her evolution was considerably more taxxing than Chad's [who had gotten his a few days prior], but was happy she was safe and had her Fullbring.

The car slowing down and the sound of gravel under tires made Ichigo snap out of his ruminations of yesterweek. The parking lot was at the hill where the graveyard resided, the family and Orihime stepping out of the vehicle. Ichigo made sure to take care of grabbing the items for their visitation, his father gingerly grabbed a bouquet from Yuzu as Karin helped carry some stuff. Orihime nudged into Ichigo's personal space, something that the Shinigami didn't mind. The walk was equally somber as the ride, the sound of feet scuffing against stone steps before Isshin slipped into his hyperactive dad mode. It took him longer than it did in the past, but Ichigo suspected he didn't like the idea of his family walking into a trap. Thankfully his sister's didn't notice, and the luggage he personally carried didn't weigh him down.

Then he saw her.

Just out of the corner of his eye, Ichigo saw the small silhouette standing nearby some trees. A somber looking girl with short black hair and a white poncho dress covering most of her body, eyes glassy and lacking emotion. Concentrating for a moment, he tried to see that thing. The Grand Fisher. And see it he did. But it definitely was not the ugly hamster he had fought in the prior timeline. No, this Grand Fisher had a more dark and tanned humanoid body and towered well into the trees it was surrounded in. It wore shaggy armor with its greenish fur acting more like a cape, with a massive blade on its back. It had an open palm, where the tendril connected to the lure writhed in sick anticipation. Ichigo clenched at his pocket where Kon was, wanting to end this thing right here and now. It was only through remembering his plan that he didn't go right now and risk his family. Soon, they walked past Grand Fisher and his bait, the creature lumbering away through the trees. Towards the cliffs nearby, if Ichigo remembered correctly.

Shaking off his worry, he eyed Orihime and his father. Sure enough, they either saw what he saw or a part of it. A silent agreement came between three parties when they stepped through the threshold of the graveyard. 

It was a quiet affair. Yuzu and Karin went to the grave, gave their mourning prayers, speaking quietly. Isshin motioned for Ichigo to go next, knowing full well his father had a more private ritual with his mother's grave.

Orihime stepped right next to him.

Ichigo looked down at the shorter girl, an inquisitive eyebrow raised. Orihime stared at him, Ichigo recognizing the stalwart attitude that popped in her eyes on occasion.

“I'm here to make sure you don't say anything your mother would disapprove of.”

Ichigo gives a small snort of amusement, looking back down at the grave. “I'm not exactly going to say “Hey mom! Fought off a few dudes trying to bully my friend Chad. Don't worry, they got an ambulance.” Something like that?”

Orihime gives a giggle in turn but shakes her head. “No, silly. You blaming yourself, or saying sorry you couldn't do more. Tell her about your new friends. What you're doing. I'm sure she would want to hear what her son has been up to.”

Ichigo's chest seized for a moment, a bit bewildered at Orihime's unorthodox but sage advice. The orange haired girl puffed out her cheeks, crossing her arms under her chest.

“What? I can be super duper serious to!”

That earned a genuine laugh for Ichigo's lips as he nudged Orihime gently on the shoulder. Not feeling like Grand Fisher was nearby, he took a knee to get on level with the grave.

Masaki Kurosaki .

Even after all this time, the pain stung in his chest. But, he swallowed it down. Exhaling. Looking at the grave and imagining his mother.

“Hey, mom… it's uh… it's been a while. Since I've been honest with you. Every time I've said I'm fine or I'm OK these last times, they've been lies. I feel guilt, I feel sad, I struggled to deal with the thoughts of my own mind. I've struggled to be the hero my family and friends need. There's been… a lot of times I've been deemed a failure.”

He closed his eyes, remembering all the times he failed to save people, to fight for them. The amount of times he crumpled, the blade shattering, his powerlessness, his weakness.

“But everytime he's fallen, Kurosaki-san, he's stood up again.”

Ichigo snapped from his spiral of his past as Orihime had kneeled next to him. A pang of guilt hit his chest at potentially disappointing her, but her attitude and demeanor had a shine to it. Not happiness, but… what was it she saw?

“O-oh! Um, sorry sorry! I'm Orihime Inoue. I'm a friend of your son's. He's actually made a lot of friends recently!”

Ichigo gently nudged Orihime, clearing his throat as the girl blushed a bit as she puffed her cheeks out once more.

“It's true-”

“Yes, Mom. Your little boy has more friends than just Tatsuki now. Don't worry, we still talk occasionally. Uhm… I guess I'm doing well in school? Struggling a bit with English, but I'm working through it. And I'm still being a good brother. Dad is a bit eccentric as always, but don't let him know he's got some cool bits about him.”

“WHAT'S THAT!? PRAISE FROM MY DELINQUENT BOY!? IT IS A MIRACLE!”

“Quiet old man we are in a graveyard!” Ichigo yelled back, shaking his fist a bit. But a smile touched his lips. This is what his mom would have wanted to see. Him being alive, with his family, living life with his friends. Even these small spats, she'd laugh like Orihime was struggling against. Looking at the grave, he felt… content. A weight he didn't know existed left his shoulders. He stood up and gave a bow of respect to the grave, Orihime and his family smiling…

Before the rancid presence made itself known.

Ichigo clenched his teeth, taking out Kon's container as he opened it and popped the Mod Soul into his mouth. His soul ejected from his body, watching it stumble a bit before standing up straighter.

“OK. Dad. Orihime. I'm going to take care of that. Just stick here in case anything else tries to get to you all.”

“Tch. Don't boss me around, brat.”

“OK Kurosaki-kun!”

Nodding, the Shinigami began to run towards the treeline, to the cliffs, the Shikai Seal firmly in his palm. Before he left the graveyard, he managed to hear something before leaving.

“... why are there two Big Bros?”

月

Ichigo arrived at the cliffside, the sun cresting low as the sky took on a dark and muddied purple. A single tree went over the cliff, the leaves being bristled by something invisible at first, before it made itself visible. 

“Well well… the orange haired brat. All grown up. And a delicious Shinigami at that.”

Grand Fisher's voice rolled with a gluttonous tone, its elongated tongue rolling over its teeth and lips. Ichigo suppressed a shiver, grabbing at his large sword. The Hollow turned Arrancar chuckles, it's own arm lazily grabbing at the larger blade on its back, taking it out and swiping at the tree. The plant fell into the ocean as a wet chuckle escaped Fisher’s lips.

“Oh, that's a mighty big blade there, boy. But, mine is bigger. Don't you know anything about your own kind? The bigger the sword, the bigger the Reats -”

“Like Hell I care!”

Ichigo moved, rearing his sword back and swinging it at the Arrancar. With an uncanny speed, the beastly thing deflected Ichigo’s blade with its own. The grin poked up from the remnants of the mask, the eyes of a malicious glee.

“With a sword this big, I'm at the level of a Captain. ”

Ichigo's eyes narrowed, pressing his blade more against Fisher’s as the Hollow swung its palm, batting at the Shinigami. Ichigo disengaged, moving back and holding his blade up for the follow up. A clash of steel launched him towards the treeline, stumbling a bit as he did so. Ichigo's guard went up, as a humanoid approached him from the front-

His mother .

He stopped, the Lure took advantage of his hesitation and grabbed him. Grand Fisher was soon behind Ichigo, raising its blade high.

“This it? So much for avenging your mother. At least you got to hug her one last time. Hahahahaha!”

Ichigo swung his blade at the tether connecting the Lure to Grand Fisher’s arm, earning a gasp of pain from the Hollow as its swing went wide. Ichigo moves back, his feet moving through the soil as he held his blade up.

“That… that fucking hurt! That's it. I was told not to do this by that freak, but fuck it. This meal isn't worth getting hurt. ”

Ichigo's eyes went wide, his sword spinning in his hands as he charged at the Arrancar.

“No! Don't you dare-”

“ Lure, Pejesapo. ” [Angler]

An explosion of Reatsu threw Ichigo off, causing the Shinigami to stop as the Arrancar utilized Resurreccion. This was not good at all- the sky blackened and darkened as a fat rain drop landed on Ichigo's nose.

The sickly green Reatsu cleared away, revealing Grand Fisher in a a form similar to when Ichigo knew it as. The beast was in a quadruped form now, with four long claws pressing into the soil. It's seaweed fur covered its body in mass, oily in look as a stench took over the field. It's mask was firmly over its face, even more detailed and enhancing the dark kabuki smile it had before.

No, what concerned Ichigo was the things sprouting from its back.

Lures. Plural. Nearly a dozen that Ichigo could immediately count, all having bodies and shapes of various people, including his mother and the young girl disguise. These things made no attempt to even seem human, all monstrous parodies of themselves with needle shaped teeth, razor sharp claws like Fisher's, and jaws disconnected with strange growths coming from their forehead that had sickly green light's blinking on them.

“How… how many people? How many souls did you consume?”

The rain began to fall harder and harder, the beast quiet as the storm fully began to fall. It's eyes stared down Ichigo, milky white but not blind.

“Enough.”

Ichigo roared in anger, rushing towards Fisher once more. The Lures attacked in tandem, swinging their claws, biting at him, immediately slowing down his path. The teen deflected most of the attacks, but a claw or a bite got through. Pain shot in his body as he ran back to the tree line, panting softly. This was definitely higher than the borrowed power Ichigo gave him, and it was only by the grace of his Blūt Vein that his injuries only slowed him down.

“I'm going to kill you. Then, I am going to devour your family, your friend, your entire city. This is my hunting grounds, now. Your mother gave me but a taste of what delicacies I could find here~ ”

“Like I'll allow you to do that you giant pri-”

“Ichigo?”

Ichigo's blood ran cold, the rain on his skin not even compared to the dread that grasped his heart. He twists around, seeing his little sister. Karin. 

Shit.

She was the one who originally saw Fisher, and she more than likely saw Ichigo go to Shinigami state. Ichigo didn't need to look at the Hollow to see what it's next plan of attack was.

The Lures moved.

Ichigo moved.

Karin screamed.

CLANG! CLANG! Squelch.

Ichigo interposed himself between Karin at the Lures, his blade held with the flat up. He managed to deflect and stop most of the attacks, but one of them got through his guard, striking him in his arm. He was being overwhelmed. Gritting his teeth, he turned to Karin, unharmed.

“Go! Run back to Dad and Orihime, now!”

His little sister quivered, in shock, as Ichigo groaned. He swung his blade, cutting a Lure's connection to Grand Fisher. The puppet fell to the ground and vanished as the tendril whipped back into the Arrancar's back… before it formed a new Lure onto the tendril, and re-engaging with Ichigo. He needed his Shikai.

“Karin, RUN NOW!”

That seemed to shock her out of it, her legs kicking off and running back towards the graveyard. The Arrancar gave a sickly chuckle, its Lures retracting to itself and hovering around him.

“Brave little girl… but our little spat no doubt attracted some other Hollows. My Reatsu, yours flaring around wildly and in panic. Don't you understand, BOY!? WE MADE A FREEDING FRENZY!”

The Hollow laughed wetly, as the Masaki Lure moved in front of him. The strange growth began to glow bright green, Reatsu building up more and more as the Arrancar aimed it at Ichigo.

“Unfortunately. I don't want to share my feeding grounds. I'm going to level this forest, then feed on the corpses. Good bye, Ichigo Kurosaki. ”

Ichigo's hand slapped against the back of his right one and applying a seal, holding his blade forward. Bloodied, battered, beaten down against Grand Fisher, rain pouring down. Despair grew with the rain. Ichigo absolutely hated the rain. It always reminded him of his failures. His powerlessness. That night with Masaki, that night losing Rukia, that evening of Orihime being taken, losing his powers as a Fullbring, Soul Society being attacked. He hated the rain. He hated despair. He hated those who hurt his friends, family, the town he cares for. But most of all, he hated being powerless.

So, no more.

As the light grew to dwarf anything else, a green Cero fired at Ichigo, wide in size, and easily able to take out the forest. Ichigo stood stalwart, his voice quiet, nearly unheard to everyone but his Zanpakuto and himself:

“Protect. Zangetsu.” [Moon Cutting Blade]

And the world turned golden.

月

Mayuri Kurotsuchi thought today was going to be another dull one. A recent series of failures with his experiments resulted in fifteen dead subjects with no progress on surviving the initial injection of the explosives implanted into them. A pale hand dragged against his painted face. If there was anything Mayuri hated, it was lack of progress and nothing being discovered, good or bad.

That and Kisuke Urahara, the fashionless traitor.

He entered the Shinigami Research Institute's elevator, the cold steel doors slamming shut and giving him time to ponder his reflection. Recently he had been enjoying wearing a simple lavender puffed up color that spills over his Captain Attire. His black and white face stared back at him, the asymmetrical hat dipping to the left in his reflection. His right hand rested on his Zanpakuto, tapping the elongated nail against it as he pondered exactly what mistakes his assistants have been doing. He noted to test their methods on themselves. 

Soon, the elevator opened up to the massive room filled with screens upon screens, glowing in orange diagrams and lights with occasional live footage of problem areas in the Seireitei or the Living World. Considering none of his subordinates immediately went to inform him of anything, a disgusted sigh escaped his lips.

Another boring day.

BLARE BLARE BLARE BLARE WOOOOOOOP WOOOOP BLARE BLARE BLARE

Suddenly, each screen became coated in warnings, graphs and measurements foreign to anyone but 12th Squad. Mayuri went over to his second most intelligent subordinate, the Third Seat Akon. The Shinigami raised his head up, the four metal spikes on his forehead retracting some of the orange lights.

“Third Seat. Care to explain what these readings are showing you? I was… preoccupied beforehand with some unwilling participants.”

“Of course, Captain. It seems to be an absolutely massive source of Reatsu coming from Karakura Town.”

“Ah yes… that place in the Living World that's been having spikes lately. What's the readings at for this particular spike?”

“That's the issue sir. We still aren't done measuri-”

One of the devices exploded, causing the Shinigami sitting at it to go flying. After a moment, the alarms died down and everything returned to standard on the screens. Mayuri marched over to the broken machine, twisting a knob on it to manually print out its last findings.

“To cause such damage to a machine, one I had personally calibrated… kukukuku.”

When fully printed, the mad scientist's frown slowly twisted into a grin of excitement. These readings. The fluxes in Reatsu. The signature . Oh. Ohohoho.

“Akon, find Nemu and tell her to request a full Captain's meeting. These reedings… kukuku.”

Today was no longer going to be a boring day.

月

Sosuke Aizen does not curse. Cursing is beneath him. But when every single spy device he had been planting with various Hollow attacks in Karakura Town exploded at the same time, right as Ichigo Kurosaki was going to reveal his Shikai, right as the experiments with proto-Arrancar through his Hōgyoku was showcasing its peak with Grand Fisher, all of it being destroyed in a flash of golden?

Sosuke Aizen does not curse. But by the corpse in the Palace he was feeling one build on his tongue.

Inhaling and exhaling, he sits back down in his chair, looking at the mostly ruined command board he had. He could salvage this, but it would take some time. His main concern right now was Ichigo Kurosaki.

To be frank, seeing the boy working to unlock his own Shinigami powers even while borrowing the Kuchiki's power was of great interest to Aizen. Showcasing Quincy abilities like Blūt, even moreso. But… having these abilities, and a release of his Shikai being powerful enough to destroy his high powered espionage systems? This escalation of power was not in Aizen's calculations. It worried him. He held his Zanpakuto in his hand, his Kyoka Suigetsu. There's been a part of his blade he had kept hidden throughout the Gotei 13, not even releasing it in combat or battle. But… he may have to rely on the function he has only used once, and that one time began his crusade, to replace the stagnation.

His thoughts were interrupted as the door opened up behind him. The snake that was Gin Ichimaru slithered in, waving his hand.

“Hihi, Aizen~Sama. Mayuri Kurotsuchi called a meeting for all the Captains to meet, yea. Figured it may deal with your cooked board and that ginger boy.”

Aizen didn't show any emotion, standing up as he grabbed his glasses. Swiping his hair forward, placing the glasses on, he gives Gin a mild mannered smile.

“Well. Best not keep the Captains waiting, then.”

月

Orihime didn't know what war felt like. But the beating down rain, the panicked breathing, the paranoia of things hiding that you can't see. She could think this was war like one of those Gundam or Shonen shows she saw all the time.

Karin had ran off towards this gross feeling that Orihime knew was probably the big nasty monster that Ichigo was afraid of. But she could feel both him and the monster fighting by the changes in the air, and she was concerned for Karin. 

The other Hollows popping up didn't help.

It was like a dark game of Whack-a-mole, with various Hollows creeping towards the battleground and Orihime firing off Koten Zanshun [Solitary Sacred Cutting Shield] to kill them. Orihime hopes her abilities ended up saving the Hollow and helping it reincarnate, but she was more fearful of Karin and Ichigo being hurt.

Speaking of, the raven haired girl ran face first into Orihime's stomach, knocking the wind out of the older girl as she stumbled.

“Karin?? Are you ok? What's happening?”

“I-ichi-nii is fighting something horrible!”

Ichi-nii. Karin only started to call Ichigo that when she was implicitly terrified and needed her older brother, from what Orihime was told. She shushes Karin and strokes her hair, trying to comfort the girl. Her eyes scanned around, as Hollows began to really start converging. Tons of them, all hungry and drooling as they looked at Karin and Orihime. Orihime's hand flew up, the raining pouring down harder and harder on her.

“Santen Kesshun! I reject!” [Three Sacred Links Shield]

A dome of golden energy surrounded Orihime and Karin, defending them from the Hollows. At least, that was originally Orihime's intent.

Then the world became heavy, and exploded in gold.

The explosion rattled Orihime's shield, but it held firm against the waves of Reatsu. The Hollows nearby all became nothing, the trees being blown away from whatever caused this massive explosion. As quickly as it manifested, the gold rescinded back towards the epicenter of the explosion. Orihime gasped, her shield fading as she held tightly to Karin, who had gone unconscious from the swell of power. Orihime stared around to find who caused this explosion, before shock and awe filled her heart and face.

“... Kurosaki-kun?”

月

Ichigo Kurosaki stood in the aura of golden light, before it all ebbed back into him once more. His Shukakkusho had changed, with a black yakuta with white hems on the wrists and ankles, wearing traditional socks and wooden sandels of a samurai. A red braided cord ran over his chest that connected to a holster on his back, where a blade would normally be. Said blade was firmly in Ichigo's hands, a large butcher shaped zanbato, with black on the blunt side of the blade and more of a silver color on the sharp edge. The bandage was firmly wrapped around Ichigo's right arm, not unlike the manner of when he fought against Aizen. His face had a small change as well, with a broken Hollow Mask hanging to the left side of his face, his left eye having black scelara. He motioned the point of Zangetsu towards Grand Fisher, the Arrancar backing away in shock and fear from the Shinigami standing in front of him.

“Tell me, Fisher. Is this a level beyond of a Captain’s?”

“This… it's impossible! Impossible! I should be able to devour you! Die, die, die Ichigo KUROSAKI!!! FRENESÍ CERO! ( Frenzy Cero)

Each of the Lures became illuminated with green light, the tell all signs that all of them began to charge Ceros. Ichigo inhaled softly, taking a step back as he reared back Zangetsu. It all felt like breathing. Natural.

“Getsuga Tenshō.” [Moon Fang, Heaven Piercer]

A shockwave of gold erupted from Zangetsu, swallowing up the Ceros. Grand Fisher's curses were drowned out as he was purified by the technique. The attack continued, going up and skywards, parting the clouds and eliminating the rain as the sky cleared. Ichigo inhaled softly, feeling his Shikai resonate through his body.

Soon. This will be permanent. Soon.

He was broken from his thoughts as a tackling hug grabbed him from behind, causing him to stumble a bit. Turning, he saw Orihime, eyes wet with tears, a sniffle coming from her as she worked to not cry more. He gently held her, letting the warmth wash over both of them, not a word needing to be spoken.

There was no more rain that day.

Chapter Text

Ichigo started awake, grasping at the sheets of his bed. The night sky glimmered with stars outside of his window, the moon in a crescent shape being the only light from the sky. He pressed a palm to his face, a grimace formed on his face from the past few days after Grand Fisher's attack. The Zanpakuto spirits in his head stirred but stayed relatively dormant, giving Ichigo the chance to express his own thoughts. 

He had Rukia suppress his sisters’ memories of the attack. He didn't like that he was pushed to do such a thing, but he wasn't expecting Grand Fisher to be an Arrancar, down to a Resurreccion. The Hollows are escalating in strength and power and he had a sneaking idea that Sosuke Aizen was behind this. Even with Urahara's stealth devices and the like, Aizen no doubt had picked up on his Shikai.

Then there was Uryu.

Uryu Ishida is a stubborn person to his core, and Ichigo preferred not to go into a Hollow hunt like beforehand. Uryu's pride as a Quincy pushed a lot of his thoughts in this early stage of their relationship and Ichigo looked around at how to prevent an escalation. He couldn't find an immediate answer in his house, so he turned inward.

“Hey. Old Man.”

Ichigo felt the presence stir within his soul, his Quincy part making itself known. “You've summoned me, Ichigo.”

“You are a portion of that Quincy King, right? A younger portrayal of him. Would it be silly of me to ask how Quincy get their cross?”

Silence was the answer for the longest time, but Zangetsu's Quincy half did not balk away. After a minute, a mental exhale came from his Zanpakuto.

“A Quincy Cross is a tool for Quincy to manifest their spirit weapon. Most of these items are made from metal infused with Reishi.”

“OK. And how are they usually made?”

“Two ways. One is that a smith makes it for a family or group of Quincy. The Ishida family have their own designated smith in their patriarch, as that is where Uryu got his Cross.”

“And the second?”

“Yhwach bestows it upon someone with parts of his Reashi. As I am a fragment of him, I can potentially make you a cross if we have some metal.”

With that, Ichigo collected as much scrap as he could. Bent yen coins, some broken and no longer usable scalpels, even going through old homework assignments and prying staples from them. With his menagerie of metal on his desk, Ichigo held out his left hand.

“Is this enough?”

“It should be. Channel Blūt Vein into the palm of your hand, then exert it outward.”

“Alright then, Old Man.”

With that, Ichigo channeled the Quincy technique into his hand, Reishi of gold flecked with blue going into the scrap. He realized this is what Yhwach had used to force him to kill the Soul King. Blūt Vein Anhaban. Then, in the softest of whispers…

“Schmiede.” (Forge)

The words of a young g̵o̶d̸ came into being, the metal twisting and melting into itself. It obeyed, forging and breaking and reforming itself until a Quincy Cross laid before Ichigo. It had a bracelet in the shape of a chain with thin wiring attached to a cross with three spokes inside of a circular border. One spoke was pure silver in color, one a pitch black, and the spoke pointing southward was part white, part black. Ichigo hesitantly picked it up, feeling the Cross spark to his touch.

“Odd. It doesn't look like Uryu's or any of the Sternritter I came in contact with.”

“The design of Ishida-san's cross is based purely off their family preferences and design. The cross my future self took upon represents Wandenreich, the empire he had after the genocide of our people. This is the cross of Lichtreich, the Empire of Light that I oversaw in my age.”

Ichigo held onto an aspect of his person that he had been running from. Being a Shinigami he was proud of. Having a Hollow as a part of his person was something he had grown to accept would always be a part of him. But, being a Quincy… he felt no honor or pride in that. The supposed god child that made Quincy saw his people as fuel for his crusade against the very universe. Ichigo related to his anger at the state of his father, but it didn't excuse him for what he did. Or will do. 

Ugh. Time Travel.

“Do not let my future self dictate the actions of all Quincy. Do we not deserve a right to live as Shinigami, Humans, or dare I even say, Hollows?”

“... You deserve that right.”

“And yet you falter in your thoughts.”

“Because it's… hard. Hollows and Quincy being poison for one another, for Quincy literally. But extermination of either species isn't right, universal balance be damned.”

Zangetsu became quiet at his words, and Ichigo sensed the Old Man more than likely took a seat on one of the skyscrapers. Then, a gruff chortle of a laugh came out.

“Ah, such a complex question for a child such as yourself… addressing the flaws of mistakes thousands of years ago by beings that far outlive your lifetime several times.”

“Holy shit, why is it we are philosophic in the damn hours of 3am?” The crass voice of White breaks through the mire of talk. His presence settles with Zangetsu, both of them evenly balanced within his mind. Having the Hollow representation, Ichigo decided to ask.

“What about you, White?”

“What do you mean what about me? I lived for a whole ass day before your ma and pa leashed me to them. But I don't think Quincy or Hollows deserve extermination. Shit’s complicated but they just wanna survive. Their instincts drove them into the wrong direction but they panicked.”

Ichigo could feel his soul be at ease. Looking at the three spoked cross, he felt more at peace with his Quincy heritage. Yhwach was an outlier. A megalomaniac messiah figure who had many issues with the world and went about it in terrible ways, for equally terrible crimes the Soul Society did. They both had terrible people and did horrific things, and he'd never say he was fully aligned with Soul Society to begin with. 

But thoughts of Rukia and Byakuya. Of Uryu. Of the many outliers of good people within those factions who wanted to fight for a good and generous cause. The mixed metals of his cross suited him perfectly: a fusion of mismatched and opposed forces in harmony. Just like how the staples and nails mixed into-

A thought went through Ichigo’s head. A nugget of a thought, an idea seeding and forming inside. Maybe… just maybe there was a way to make sure Quincy could remain alive and not put the universe out of balance.

“Hey, Old Man. This weapon making… you can do it out of any metal?”

“Yes, Ichigo. Do you have an idea?”

“Maybe… it's arguably the longest of shots. But let's see if, in the future, Mr. Number One Zanpakuto Maker wants to add another item to that title…”

月

Ichigo walked down the street when he knew Uryu was tailing him. He had been doing his Shinigami work as normal, cleansing Hollows, heading off Don Kanoji before he could screw with that Hollow, even taking down a rogue Gillian. Enough to make a presence to any and all spiritually capable individuals within Karakura Town.

Sure enough, the glasses wearing, raven haired Quincy stepped from the corner of the street where he was hiding. His Cross hung loosely around his wrist, the first silver one he had been using before Soul Society. His white shirt without a wrinkle in sight with his uniform going well with his no nonsense attitude.

“You, Kurosaki Ichigo. Tell me, are you a Shinigami?” Uryu's cool and collected voice shot out, catching Ichigo's attention proper. The orange haired teen rubbed the back of his head and turned to look at Uryu head on.

“I'm a lot of things, but Shinigami is one of ‘em. Why, who's asking?” Ichigo played it cool, composed. Going in hot headed and confused last time got him talked at by Uryu before he surprised him with the bait. Well, not this time. His words immediately had their effect, disarming the Quincy with a look of confusion. As quickly as it brooched his face, Uryu became composed once more as he held his arm to the side. The four pointed cross flew from his right wrist, manifesting the rudimentary spirit bow in hand. Ichigo had to appreciate that, out of the various swords, gift balls, outright guns and even exercise weights, Uryu stayed true with a bow down to the end. 

“Shinigami Kurosaki Ichigo. Do you see this Spirit Weapon? This is the weapon of the Quincy. It is used to hunt down Hollows… and to take out things they hate. And I hate Shinigami.” Uryu spoke, a touch of venom to his words as Ichigo remained calm. Uryu was always dramatic with how he worded things.

Then again, Ichigo did break into a spiritual city and learned Bankai in three days to block the strength of 1,000 Zanpakuto to save a friend, so he was very much the pot to Uryu's kettle. Not wanting it to delve to much into a dangerous territory and see the bait, Ichigo flexed his own right hand, his three spoked cross coming from his sleeve. The look of utter shock and confusion on Uryu's face did not stop Ichigo from smiling.

“Oh, neat. Maybe you can teach me some things, then?” Ichigo smirked, and decided to push the envelope even more to really make the sell. He began to channel Reishi into his cross… not noticing how his Zanpakuto were trying to warn him.

A flash of gold and green emanated from his hands, briefly blinding both teenagers before exploding in Ichigo's hand, sending him flying back a bit. He held firm to landing in a standing position, but his school uniform got a bit busted in the process. Old Man's voice rung in his head with an admonished tone.

“Ichigo, you have to much latent Reishi to try and make a normal spirit weapon, nor did you have a good idea of your mental construct. While you are a Quincy, you still have limitations due to the vast reserve of your Reishi.”

“... thanks for the heads up after the fact, geezer.” Ichigo groaned inwardly as White gave a guffaw and Old Man grunted but remained quiet. Ichigo quickly glanced at Uryu, seeing his fellow Quincy standing there absolutely astonished.

“A Quincy… and a Shinigami… but- how is this possible?!”

“Well, when a Quincy and Shinigami love each other very much-”

“You know that's not what I mean, Kurosaki.”

“OK, look unnamed Quincy who still hadn't introduced himself-”

“Ishida Uryu”

“OK. Look Ishida, we can continue yelling at each other in the streets and add to the weirdness of Karakura, or we head to my dad's clinic nearby so we can sit down and talk this out.”

The two teens stared each other down, Spiritual Pressure building for a moment before finally… fizzling. Uryu sighed and steppped forward, his feet brushing over stone like he was gliding.

“Kurosaki Clinic, I guess?”

Ichigo gave a nod before the duo began to walk down the street. It was quiet, not quite conversational or deep. Ichigo knew that his friend had a lot to process, and that building their bonds anew would take time. This wasn't the same Uryu who warned him of Ginjo, who faced his full Hollowfication head on, who gave up his powers against Mayuri of all people just to survive. That Uryu was there, but behind the shields he had placed specifically against Shinigami. 

The duo arrived at the clinic and Ichigo quickly motioned for Uryu to head upstairs. His dad wasn't home, no doubt running a resupply for the Clinic. Opening the door, Ichigo entered his room as he felt Rukia's presence in his closet. He had told her to sit in and listen to his conversation, to help her calm down at the fact of befriending a Quincy.

“So. How are you both Quincy and Shinigami?” Uryu shot out his question without hesitation. 

“Well, putting aside the sarcastic answer, my father was a Shinigami who met my mother, the Quincy. Due to circumstances involving a dangerous Hollow, my father gave up his life as a Shinigami to live in a Gigai and spend time with my mom while she recovered. Eventually feelings developed and they had myself, Yuzu, and Karin.” 

Uryu's face twisted, no doubt questioning Ichigo's lack of information. The orange haired half-breed held his palms up in defense, falling under scrutiny from Uryu.

“Hey listen, it's what my Dad told me. Word for word. I know he was hiding stuff as well but I figured I'd learn when I get stronger.”

“OK. Where is your mother then?”

Ichigo felt his heart grasped by sadness, the phantom sounds of rain in his ears for a brief moment. “She… died, unfortunately. Gave her life fighting a Hollow so I could live.”

“My condolences. My mother passed away when I was young…”

The two let the silence of grief take over the room, letting it settle in. When the weight of their joint grievance faded away, Ichigo sat forward and crossed his fingers together.

“So, while I am a Shinigami, I'm also a Quincy and we do share a common ground. You seem like a good person, Ishida. And I know other good people who can use powers to help protect Karakura. I'd like to welcome you to that group.”

“... you're not even going to ask why I hate Shinigami? Why I was ready to fight you? Your story seems… relatable, Kurosaki. But you're either to trusting or looking to manipulate me.”

Ichigo shrugged and leaned against his wall. “If you share your issues, you're welcomed to do so and I'll listen earnestly.”

Ichigo watched as Uryu had a mental battle within himself, before he opened his mouth.

“My grandfather was the one who taught me the honor of a Quincy…”

月

On top of Karakura Hospital, a man stood against the railing. His white hair was neatly trimmed and hanging over his glasses as his blue eyes stared at the town he called home. His beige overcoat floated when the wind played with it, his white polo over his frame as he sighed. His idle hands worked at the five spoked cross hanging around his wrist as he heard the door of the hospital roof open.

“Hey-o! Ryūken, how have ya been pal?” The overly cheery voice caused the doctor to physically wince in annoyance. He turned from the town, seeing the only person he'd consider an “acquaintance” in this town.

“How many times have I told you, Kurosaki, to call me Ishida?” Ryūken’s tone dripped with annoyance as the Shinigami-turned-human walked up next to him, resting on the railing.

“Oh take that stick out your ass! Just wanted to thank you for helping me get more supplies for my clinic.”

Ryūken rolls his eyes, knowing full well the man wouldn't have ascended several flights of stairs just to thank him for more gloves and saline. The air grew still for a moment as Isshin's tone grew more serious and “business-like”.

“So, you felt that too, huh? Our kids… seems like they met.”

Ryūken's eyes slowly glanced over to the residential housing, having felt his son's presence before feeling that of a massive charge of Reishi and even seeing a golden flash. No doubt Isshin's brat, as showy and annoying as his father. That wasn't what grabbed Ryūken's attention from Isshin's comment.

“It was only a matter of time. I'm more surprised you were able to sense it, Kurosaki.”

The Shinigami had the gall to laugh at Ryūken as he shot a look of ire at him. Isshin rolled his eyes, further pushing Ryūken's buttons.

“OK, ok, yeah. When Ichigo asked me about his powers and everything going down lately, Kisuke gave me something to start pushing my recovery. And while the supplies are nice…”

“Spit it out, Kurosaki.”

“I need your help, Ryūken.”

The Quincy looked at the Shinigami, looking for any deceit, any barb or humor hidden within the man's body language. Instead, he found that admirable sense of self, of passion with his words, and a seriousness more befitting of a former captain of the Gotei 13. He saw the man continue to speak, not losing that air but only emboldened by it.

“Our sons are getting their powers, and are no doubt the target of those bastards. I cannot, in any good faith, stand by and let my flesh and blood die. I refuse to lose another family member by being useless. Not again. Even if you don't care about Aizen, that fucker that killed Masaki and Kanae is starting to kick. And when he does wake back up, I'm aiming to get my revenge on him.”

Normally, Ryūken admonished Isshin for using his dead wife's given name so casually. The man's words held no ire or disservice and held that passion of pain and revenge that stirred even Ryūken's heart.

Gloved hands covered in blood, plunged into his wife's torso. He had to know what killed her, what took away the one who had been by his side, who made her break her promise. When his tweezers made contact with silver, anger clenched his heart.

“Fine. What exactly can I do to help you, Kurosaki?”

Isshin's face broke in an annoyingly stupid grin as he clapped his hands. He began to pace. 

“While Kisuke and Yoruichi are fantastic training partners, I need someone who is both specialized in range and who actually wants to kill me a little bit. And so, I figured who better than to go to my old buddy Ryūken!”

Ryuken glared at Isshin, his thumb going across his Quincy Cross as the small handbow appeared in his hand. The blue light hummed with the precision of a scalpel as well as its lethality.

“OK. The range I can understand, Isshin. And while I do want to see the Shinigami pay for what they did to my father, I'm questioning why lethal force is necessary.”

Isshin's smile became more of a focused grin, staring down the Quincy as he took out a glove and placed it carefully on his hand. With a push, Isshin ejected himself from his Gigai, clad once more in the Shinigami Shukakkusho with his tattered captain haori tied to his waist. He settled his blade to the Quincy, drawing a hand to knick the slightest bit of blood.

“Because, Ryūken, you're the only person I trust to push me to Bankai condition.”

Ryūken allowed himself a smile on his lips, drawing his bow and forming an arrow of energy, aiming for the man's annoying face.

“Such a troublesome mindset, Isshin. I look forward to wiping that grin off your face. And if you damage my hospital, I'll take it out of your clinic's budget.”

“That's the spirit! Burn, Engetsu! (Scathing Moon)”

As the Captain's Shikai ignited in front of the Quincy, Ryūken exhaled as they began their spar. The thought of Uryu, of Kanae, of Masaki… all people he has failed one way or another. Of Ywhach sitting in his throne of shadows, of the threat he posed to the world. Of that cocky Shinigami Aizen who had pushed the circumstances of Masaki's poisoning…

Ryūken felt eager to push his friend to be better. And hoped Isshin felt the same.

Chapter Text

Ichigo sat in class, idly moving his pencil across the English Sheet assigned to him and his peers. It had been days since his encounter with Uryu and their subsequent folding into the group. Honestly, with the ease in which it went, Ichigo had imagined it to be nothing but a dream the next day. It didn't seem the case, but his mind wandered on more than just the subject of Uryu.

The progress of his friends with their abilities had been going well. Chad seemed to be moving at an exceptionally higher pace than last time, no doubt due to Ichigo's secret being revealed sooner rather than later. The “machismo” talk stayed firmly in Ichigo's mind when he sparred with Chad, pushing him to be an equal. He even started seeing signs of Chad's Fullbring evolving onto his other arm during Yukio's simulations.

Orihime's growth was in a divergent manner than Chad's or Uryu's. Instead of escalating in power or making her counter shield during the Fullbring incident, she instead was experimenting on the shapes she could make with her Shun Shun Rikka. While still restricted to triangles for her Santen Kisshun and ovals for her Sōten Kisshun, she had made them larger to shield or heal more people, even learning the levitating trick with Santen Kisshun at a rapid rate. What made Ichigo curious was the application of turning the faerie Tsubaki into an on hand weapon for Orihime. At most, she had managed to turn Koten Zanshun into a strange claw formation when she struck with her hand. When questioned, Ichigo got the most Orihime-like answer ever: “I'm tired of being a princess. I think a dragon would be cooler!”

Ichigo admired that comment for a long while.

Then came to Uryu. While Ichigo had done his best for the Quincy, he knew this current iteration of his friend wouldn't have the same strides as Orihime or Chad. His evolution came from sacrificing his Quincy powers against Mayuri and having them restored somehow. He hoped that damnable butterfly effect didn't screw up that.

The bell finally rang, freeing Ichigo from both his thoughts and his school for the day. If his estimate of events was right, tonight would be the night that Byakuya and Renji came to take away Rukia. But he suspects it won't be that easy when push comes to shove. The changes to even the smallest of events had him deeply concerned, especially when he released Zangetsu to protect Karin. It felt great to have his Zanpakuto for a moment, but with how many different paranoid parties were involved in Karakura Town? Yeah, it wasn't going to be easy.

All Ichigo could do was wait until they came for Rukia. He kept himself contained in his room, closing his eyes and meditating. Instead of either Zangetsu approaching him, instead the icy chill of Sode no Shirayuki settled in his mind.

“... Are you confident, child, that Rukia will be safe?”

“Yeah, for the most part. Her powers will come back at an accelerated rate, and Urahara tweaked her soul so she can still meditate with you.”

“I see… And the Hōgyoku?”

“I convinced the man to not put it into Rukia. He's keeping his hidden for right now, until we can figure out what to do with Aizen.”

“Because of the Quincy Empire?”

Ichigo wriggled his nose at being reminded of them. While Soul Society was heavily flawed in many ways and Hueco Mundo was a might makes right sort of deal, the Wandenreich was… another monster in every sense of the word. They were planning on universal upheaval, a shaking of the foundation so vital it will kill and eliminate billions of souls. The idea of a world without death being forged by killing everyone but Yhwach? Ichigo could not and would not stand by that.

But, thoughts of the future began to wane, matching the sun's travel across the sky. Ichigo enters his house to the greetings of his siblings, and some of his own. He marches upstairs to his room, changing out of his uniform into leisure wear before laying on his bed. Now, all he had to do was wait.

月

Uryu Ishida was having an ok day, to say the least. While he was displeased at the strange shopkeep Shinigami for repeatedly telling him about the supposed “wall” he had hit, he had made up for it by experimenting with the shape of his bow and arrows. Narrow needle arrows, broader ones, even able to manifest two at a time now.

That, and also obtaining fresh knitting supplies from the local Daiso store. The new off white and navy blue thread he bought was going to look great on his next project.

But, he felt them. Three, no… four heavy presences nearby. All suppressing themselves, but still dense with energy and power. He frowned, looking around. He didn't hear of any recent deaths lately, so no Hollow activity to be found. And Shinigami should not be patrolling these parts, and yet-

“Huh? Hey! Ishida!”

The Quincy snapped his head towards who called out his name, his right hand flexed to let his cross rest in the palm of his hand. He was a bit off guard when he saw Rukia had walked towards him with… the larger half-Mexican teen. Yasutora Sado, or “Chad”. But they weren't the Spiritual Pressures he felt. No, they were significantly stron-

“Move, amigo!”

Chad pushed Uryu out of the way as his right arm became clad in the dark magenta and black of his strange power. It had a Reatsu that made Uryu feel ill, but that same arm stopped a blade aimed at Uryu's neck. His Spirit Weapon manifested in its amorphous bow shape, taking aim at the assailant.

“Why couldn't you just go down… the slash wasn't fatal.” 

A dour tone left the attacker's mouth, a flash of silver once more being batted aside by Chad's arm, pushing him back. The attacker was…

“A Shinigami?”

“Lieutenant Kira!?”

Uryu's eyes snapped between Rukia and the blonde man with blue eyes and a constantly depressed expression, a flare of frustration in his eyes as he tried to fight against Chad's arm. 

“We are here to bring you to Soul Society.” Once more the dour tone came out as this Kira man pushed Chad back, flicking his sword. Once more the big teen engaged with a punch, forcing Kira to block with the flat of his blade. But this combat wasn't Uryu's focus.

It was the presence approaching Rukia from behind.

Twisting and drawing his bow, he manifested a thin needle of an arrow and fired it over Rukia's shoulder, a frown on his lips as he saw the newcomer’s blade deflect the arrow aside. A flash of red and a strange device rested atop of this Shinigami's head, his face tattooed with a feral snark to his mouth. 

“Shit! Damn, can't ya make this easy on us?”

“... Renji?”

“That is Lieutenant Abarai to you, Officer Kuchiki!” 

The pineapple haired Renji Abarai stepped forward, smoke swiped away from his sword as he approached Uryu. Uryu prepared two more arrows, his current max.

“I don't know what you four Shinigami have planned for Kuchiki-san. But it doesn't seem like she wants to come willingly.”

He released the volley of arrows at Abarai, the Shinigami deflecting those projectiles as easy as the last shot before he made his way to Uryu. All the Quincy could do was block the incoming sword with his bow.

“Well then, stranger, let's see what is best: your fancy bow or my sword?”

月

Chad was not having a good time. The man, despite his low energy, had a skill to him that used minimal effort for maximum effect. Every straight or jab, he used the flat of his blade to push just off course before he stabbed at Chad. Chad, in turn, used the shield of Brazo Derecha de Gigante (Right Arm of the Giant) to mitigate the damage as he shoulder checked in a manner to throw the swordsman off balance. It was a continuous flurry of these, of precise strikes and blocks that led the duo to a current stalemate. Soon, the Shinigami called Kira spoke.

“I sense no ill intent behind your strikes. No killing intent. Do you see this as a game, human?” Kira spoke before he swung his sword in a downward angle, a harder attack to tank head on. Chad launched an El Directo (One Direct Strike) into the ground to launch him back. Having dodged the sword, Chad assumed a boxing stance, squaring his shoulders.

“You are just doing your job, Shinigami-san. I don't wish to cause mortal harm to you.”

“... is that cockiness I sense from you?”

The man vanished in a blur, causing Chad to panic for a moment before the shifting of sound behind him alerted of Kira's approach. Having trained against Ichigo using a similar technique, Chad launched a spinning backfist, fueled by another El Directo to force the Shinigami to defend. The tactic worked, as Kira blocked the rapid strike and stumbled back, regaining footing.

“The opposite, Shinigami-san. I do not like fighting. I raise my fists to protect mi amigo, but I find no glory or sport in war.”

The Shinigami paused and tilted his head for a moment, a calm expression washed over him. His sword points to Chad, motioning softly.

“I… see. Battles are to be feared. Those who revel in it are fools. You, though… I wish to have your name.”

Chad frowned, still set up in a defensive boxing stance as he kept a firm eye on the Shinigami.

“Yasutora Sado. But, everyone calls me Chad.”

“I see. It is with respect then, Chad-san, that I reveal my Zanpakuto. Raise your head… Wabisuke. (The Penitent One).”

The Shinigami flicked his sword, as a white glow encompassed it before the momentum of the flick turned the sword inward upon itself, forming a hook shaped blade. Chad could feel the air weigh heavy around the man, Kira's eyes locked onto him.

“Please, survive long enough for Ms. Kuchiki to be captured. I would hate explaining why you died…”

月

Uryu questioned what he did in a past life to attract loudmouths with bright hair. Ichigo, Orihime to a small extent, and now this Abarai man who kept getting into his space. The pressure at close range threw off his spacing, and his space was not amicable either. The man had forced him into a gathering of trees in the park, which gave him cover when Uryu did have range.

“Come on, Glasses! Where is that pompous nature you had earlier huh?”

The man launched himself at Uryu, as the Quincy fired off a few arrows that, to his annoyance, were deflected like the rest. Renji closed in fast, as Uryu drew his bow then… fired directly at a tree trunk, causing the tree to fall between Renji and himself. The Shinigami gave a shocked grunt, the sound of flesh hitting the wood of the trunk.

“Weasel ass shit! This won't slow me down!”

Uryu jumped up into the branches of the trees, preparing his arrows as the trunk was launched at him. Good. Range was his forte. A volley of stronger arrows pierced through the trunk, turning it to splinters. To Uryu's annoyance, Renji had vanished once more. Uryu twisted around, firing arrows in a volley to prevent approaches by blindspots. 

“Who's the weasel now, hiding in the woods…”

“Screw you!”

Uryu's head snapped towards the sound, twisting his body as he fired arrows of a looser structure. While they lost a lot of lethality, arrows barely held together by his Reishi gave them more control over directionality. A trick that Kurosaki had showcased with his “Getsuga Tensho” being able to curve if he did faster manifestations. Sure enough, his curved arrow struck flesh and something metallic, a curse yelled from Renji behind the trunk.

“Got you.”

The Shinigami sprinted out from the tree, growling as his visor was broken with a thin streak of blood on his forehead. He twisted his sword in hand before sprinting forward, his hand going across his blade.

“I'd rather not have to bother Captain Kuchiki with handling you! Howl, Zabimaru! (Snake Tail)”

Uryu frowned as the blade transformed into a larger, segmented and jagged weapon. He readied an arrow, launching it at Renji.

“Your sword changing shape won't do much at this range.”

“Heh.”

Uryu's confidence became concerned as Renji swung his blade with force. That concern intensified when the blade stretched out, shattering through his arrow and slashing forward, catching his shoulder. Pain ripped through his body like lightning as he dashed back a few branches, feeling blood drip down his arm. He readied his bow once more as Renji approached, his smirk appearing on his face once more.

“So. Who's the weasel now?”

月

Something was wrong. Chad knew it after the second strike he blocked. He felt slower, sluggish, almost like he had been taking major damage. His Gigante felt like it weighed a ton, but the lethality of Kira's strikes didn't feel exactly powerful. In fact, they felt like he was holding back.

“... I'm surprised, Chad-san.”

“Surprised, Kira-san?”

The Shinigami stalked the perimeter, his attitude not quite becoming “friendly”, but that malice was gone in place of introspection. His sword was gripped in front of him, keeping it between Chad and himself for distance.

“My Wabisuke doubles the weight of whatever it strikes. The average human arm weighs… seven to nine pounds, depending on muscle mass. Your arms are more than average bulk, so I am weighing it on the end of maybe… ten pounds. I struck it once, making it twenty pounds. Just now, a second time, putting it at forty. Quite astounding… but…”

Kira spun his blade before moving forward, rearing it back and making a wide arc to strike at Chad. Chad steps back, his arm feeling heavy as the blade strikes nothing but the air. Kira takes a step forward and performs another quick slashed, forcing Chad to use his non-Gigante arm and batting it aside. He could feel the blade's ability weigh down that arm too, forcing him into a kneeling position as he succumbed to the weight. 

“Inevitably, hopeless. I commend your effort, and you can at least survive, knowing the terrors of battle.”

Kira's voice came as he made his way behind Chad, tapping the man's head with the flat of the blade. Chad fought to make sure his head didn't dip, didn't bow. He still had some of his personal pride, damn it.

“Tell me. What is going to happen to Kuchiki-san? I ask that, as a fellow man. What is going to happen to my friend?”

Chad didn't need to see Kira to know he had put the man off guard. A few moments passed before the blonde knelt behind Chad, his voice somber.

“She will be judged by our laws. More than likely, she will be held, then… put to death or incarcerated for centuries. Either way, a hopeless outcome.”

Chad closed his eyes, focusing. This… no. He made a promise to Ichigo. To fight for his sake. Chad's resolve burned brightly, as he had to do something. His shoulder always fed into his fist. So, what if…

“Lo siento, mi adversaria. El Reverso Directo!” (I am sorry, my opponent. Reversing Directed Strike!)

Chad reversed the properties of his ability, drawing in energy from his fist and blasting it out his back funnel with full power, catching Kira right in his chest and face. The Shinigami launched backwards through several nearby structures before hitting the wall by the street, cracking into it. A surprised look was all on Kira's face, his body rigid in the stone as Wabisuke fell from his hand and hit the ground. After a brief moment, the sword flashed and transformed back into a katana as Chad felt the weight lift off his shoulders.

“I hope you can recover, Kira-san. I feel like we'd have much to speak about.”

Chad stands up, shaking as the funnel on his back twitches before forming into the small shield form once more. He felt drained, not knowing how much power he had put into the attack, but it was enough to earn him the victory. Now, to meet up with Rukia and-

“My my. Catching Kira off guard? An accomplishment, human.”

Chad spins around towards the voice, cocking his fist and striking towards it. He was confused as he hit nothing but air. He swore the voice came from right behind him-

“That's a pretty mean punch you got there. How does it compare… to my small little sword?”

Killing intent. The heavy weight of the world fell onto his shoulders as he twisted and held up both his arms to shield himself. He glimpses at the man who was now his second opponent. Lanky, wearing both the black garb of Shinigami but also a strange white coat as well, with equally white hair, a thin lined smile, and squinted eyes that seemed hard to see through. Held in front of him, in a strange grasp, was a wakizashu blade, aimed directly at Chad.

Chad reinforces his arms, pumping as much energy into Gigante as he could, a shield manifesting and growing due to the output, covering his vision…

But not before he saw the venomous, gleefully malicious eyes of blue of the newcomer as he spoke.

“Shoot to kill, Shinsō.” (Godly Spear of Killing)

After that, all Chad saw was white, before blackness swallowed him whole.