Chapter 32: Past Pains and Coming Change
(Flashback: Kenpachi's party)
Thousands of warped howls echoed through the air as massive Hollows cried out in primal instinct. A second later, they were swept away by a massive beam. For every one slain, there was another ten after. Spinning blades flew toward their marks and tore a Gillian asunder, while a segmented whip blade slashed down several other of the empty husks. An elephant like beast roared in anger as three figures with a spear, a scimitar, and a multi bladed sickle, cut it to pieces.
"Man!" Ikkaku yelled as the body of the slain Adjuchas faded. "This is one hell of a party!"
"It does serve as good training. I'm glad you dragged me here." Hisagi responded as he and Renji joined him, Tetsuzaemon, and Yumichika. "But do those two ever slow down?" They turned to see the blood knight captain cutting through entire groups of Hollows of all sizes with the sheer force of him swinging his ax. The hybrid was doing much the same with pure Reishi attacks covering the barren wasteland with explosions. The thousands of Hollows falling like sheets of wet paper.
"That's what makes captain Zaraki so great!" Ikkaku said in excitement and admiration. "The man who loves battle so much, his corpse would keep fighting long after death! Now he found the one person to keep up with him. A perfect hybrid with instant regeneration!"
"Don't sell yourself short Hisagi." Yumichika told the lieutenant, trying to lift his spirits. "That's a pretty impressive Zanpakuto." Hisagi lifted one of his large dual sided Kusarigama blades.
"Thanks, but I just don't like it." He said, looking over his blade. "It looks like it's solely meant to kill." He continued to give his blade a pensive, brooding stare, unaware that everyone was looking at him like he said something incredibly stupid.
"What did you just say?" Ikkaku said, calm but furious. "Would you like to repeat that?" Hisagi looked up in confusion.
"It just irks me for some-" He tried to explain before Ikkaku cut him off.
"Shuhei, what are we? What is our title?" He slowly stood up, glaring at the lieutenant. "I believe we're called, Soul Reapers, Shinigami, Death Gods. Do you know what this means Hisagi?" The squad nine lieutenant suddenly felt very nervous around the bald man. "It means, WE! TAKE! LIVES! HISAGI!" He roared at his fellow lieutenant. "Any weapon with an edge is meant to kill and reap lives! My own shikai is a stick! A fragile freaking stick! Do I think it's stupid, do I disapprove of it? NO! I master it! Because it's MY WEAPON!" He roared at the tattooed man. "I don't care what half assed sentimentality Tousen tried to teach you, but there's nothing that can be attained without bloodshed." He said as he rose up. "While you waste your time, being all emo or whatever, I'll focus on my task." He turned to face the direction of Zaraki and Ichigo. "Making sure I can keep up with my captain! BANKAI!" He roared, getting consumed by a whirlwind of Reishi, revealing three massive blades, a shaolin spade and guando, connected by chains to a large ax blade. "Ryumon Hozukimaru!" He yelled before leaping towards the main fight with Ichigo and Kenpachi.
"Yeah, he's right." Renji said before getting up. "You're an idiot Hisagi." Then he left to join the fight.
"You have such an ugly attitude." Yumichiki responded, deciding to have a drink with captain Kyoraku. "No wonder Rangiku is going for Ichigo."
"What!" Hisagi cried, just now hearing about the matter.
"Yeah, Ichigo's getting himself a harem." Tetsuzaemon explained. "And pal, you never had a shot with her at all." Hisagi turned white and started to shrivel up like a dead plant. "In fact, I think you should be disqualified from this game. I'll talk to the captain about that." He said as the last to walk away, leaving Hisagi to suffer his shock alone.
(With Kenpachi and Ichigo)
The Hollows were being slaughtered mercilessly as the two cut through them like grass. Kenpachi swung Nozarashi with enough force to create airblades and sheer brute strength to crush an Adjuchas's head with one hand. Ichigo seemingly teleported around the battlefield, bisecting everything he cut with ease and giving himself more to his Hollow nature. It didn't take long for the smarter Hollows to realize the danger and attempt to flee. Unfortunately for them, the bait was too potent for them to think clearly. A large centipede hollow attempted a sneak attack on Ichigo before Ikkaku slashed through it's skull. He was accompanied by Renji who summoned a massive skeletal snake.
"When the hell did you two learn bankai?" Kenpachi growled, punching a hollow into red mist.
"A little before Rukia's execution." Renji answered. "Captain Kuchiki said that mastering bankai and attaining bankai were two different things. I figured now was as good a time as any." He made his massive construct spin and grind away at most of the surrounding hollows. Zaraki turned to glare at his lieutenant.
"Forgive me captain!" He said with a deep bow. "I mastered my bankai long ago. I just wanted to continue to serve under you sir!" He explained before Kenpachi threw him into the ground.
"You should've told me sooner!" He yelled. "I was expecting you to challenge me to a rematch for decades! Now you show you would've been a promising opponent? That pisses me off." Ikkaku pried himself out of the ground. "Now come on! The party's not over yet!" He roared as jumped back into the fray, cleaving a dozen Gillian in half. Ikkaku grinned as the dragon emblem on his ax filled up.
"Yes sir captain Zaraki!" He roared readying his blades... and accidentally cutting into Ichigo's back.
"AH!" The hybrid exclaimed. "Watch where your swinging that!"
"I'm actually more surprised that I cut you." Ikkaku said.
(Present Day, Soul Society: Central Underground Prison, Lowest Level)
"-and then I beat Ikkaku into unconsciousness, waited till Zaraki got bored, and we called it a day." Ichigo told Unohana, who asked what her fiance's bachelor party was like. "I think I blacked out a few times and ate a Menos or two, it kind of just blurs together." He finished recounting the story from what Yumichiki said and his own knowledge. Unohana simply smiled.
"Sounds like it was a lot of fun." She said as they continued to descend into the darkness. "Appropriate for him, but still so childish. At least now he says he won't hesitate to kill his opponents because he says he's keeping a promise of only one opponent. You, Ichigo Kurosaki." The doors opened to reveal a massive dark room with sparse candle placements, making it seem to go on forever. "Yes, you restored him to his true strength, undoing my greatest crime." She mumbled, though Ichigo heard her.
"I've been wondering, you two seem to know each other." Ichigo stated. "What's the story, and why are we down here?" He asked as the veteran captain turned to Ichigo, her gentle smile and look becoming more and more cold as she talked.
"The creation of the original Gotei was millennia ago." She started. "They were referred to as Balancers and kept the balance of Life and Death, thus leading to the original war against the Quincy and Yhwach himself." She slowly began to undo her braid. "The first generation was filled with nothing but thugs and killers. That lack of empathy made them known as the strongest and eventually ended the war with our victory. Genryusai founded this force and the institution that would train more soldiers, but the other captains were left to their devices. The first Kenpachi, was known as the most diabolical criminal that Soul Society had ever known and set the roots of the 11th squad that is still adhered to even now." Ichigo's eyes widened as Retsu Unohana became a different person in front of him. "One day, while looking for people to kill on the furthest edges of the Rukon lowest districts, the Kenpachi came across an animal in human form. Feral and beastly, this child knew no fear and attacked the Kenpachi with such power and bloodlust that the first Kenpachi knew she discovered her successor. Having been injured with the only scar on her body." She said, revealing her scar and becoming Yachiru Unohana, the first Kenpachi.
"You were the original Kenpachi?" He asked, suddenly fearful of the woman. She let out a chilling laugh.
"I mastered all forms of swordplay and killed constantly to quell my thirst for blood." She continued to explain. "Zaraki was the last fight I enjoyed as Kenpachi. Using the healing techniques I learned to prolong my fights, I became the captain of the 4th division as Retsu Unohana. Unfortunately, in an effort to continue enjoying his fights from then on, he subconsciously made himself pathetically weak. I resolved to one day return him to his true power and die, making him the true Kenpachi. But then, you showed up." She said walking toward him, making Ichigo feel like death was coming for him, making him freeze in fear. "You fought him. Continuously, practically killing each other, and restoring him bit by bit. That was to be my final fight Ichigo Kurosaki, and you took it from me." She unsheathed her sword. "You wanted training? Genryusai told me to teach you swordplay." Before Ichigo could react, she slashed through his throat. "First lesson, boy; reaction time." Ichigo coughed out blood as his neck healed, then she cut through his eyes. "Don't worry, I can heal you from the brink of death. Just try to survive."
(Squad 11 Barracks)
Kenpachi stood in front of his entire division, Ikkaku kneeling next to his captain and covered in bandages. He bore a scowl that would match that of the hybrid currently training in the deepest depths of Soul Society. Everyone waited, under the heavy oppressive glare of the strongest berserker in all of the Gotei. They shivered in fear, waiting for the man to say anything, jumping when he started growling.
"Your lieutenant recently revealed that he knew bankai." He said. "I fought him long before I became a captain and enjoyed the battle. When we met after I took the title of Kenpachi, I was expecting a rematch. Now he reveals that he was a captain level fighter, a low tier captain but still. I missed out on a good fight, and that pisses me off. So, is ANYONE ELSE HIDING ANYTHING!?" He roared, making everyone cower as they professed their innocence and loyalty to their captain. "SHUT UP! I hate secrets. In my opinion, they make everything ugly." He said while keeping an eye on Yumichika, who flinched when he said ugly. "Something you want to say Yumichika?" The campy seated officer went in front of his captain and knelt in front of him.
"I'm sorry sir." He said to the berserker. "I knew about Ikkaku's abilities but kept silent since he asked me to. As for my own secret..." his eyes drifted to his best friend, his captain, and his squad before he steeled his nerves, "I don't have a melee type Zapakuto." There was a loud collective gasp as Yumichika let out his biggest secret. He kept his eyes on the ground, waiting for Zaraki's judgment.
"...Okay. What else?" He asked, completely indifferent. Everyone looked at Kenpachi in shock of his complete disregard of the squad's unspoken rule. "What can you really do?"
"M-my Zanpakuto is really a kido type." Yumichika elaborated. "Tear in frenzy: Ruri'rio Kujaku." He called out, letting his blade become a group of glowing peacock feather vines. "Anything caught in these vines will have their Reiatsu stolen." To his back he could hear the murmurs among his squad, a look of shock on Ikkaku's face hurt the most. "I never wanted anyone to see this power because squad 11 is full of melee fighters. I never wanted you to think any less of-" He tried to say before Zaraki unleashed his shikai and slammed the massive handle against the ground, making everything shake and the ground fracture.
"SHUT UP!" He roared again. "I can barely hear Yumichika over your damn chatter! I don't give a damn whether his abilities are melee or kido based! He should be praised as the most loyal of all you!" He turned to Yumichika again. "Am I right in guessing that you would've rather died than reveal your real strength?" He asked, making his prospective third seat nod. "And you became one of my strongest fighters despite the handicap you put on yourself. I would have never figured it out, so why did you step up?"
"B-because," Yumichika stuttered, "I didn't want to appear ugly in your eyes captain!"
"Since when the hell did I care about beauty?" He asked as Yumichika realized the lapse in logic.
"Aren't you marrying captain Unohana? The one everyone agrees is the most beautiful woman in the Gotei?" Ikkaku asked.
"Looks got nothing to do with that." Kenpachi told them. "It's because that woman gave me this scar." He pointed to his scarred face, making everyone exclaim in shock. "The first real enjoyable fight in my life. Always wanted a rematch with the first Kenpachi." He said, shocking his squad further. "But, Ichigo's the only person I'll fight from now on, so I figured 'what the hell?'" Everyone stared at their captain in shock of the revelations, and the entire squad started panicking as they remembered their treatment of the 4th division. "Oh right. Yumichika, here's what'll happen. I don't want to see you here until you become proficient in kido spells. After that, if anyone has the balls left to challenge you, fight to become third seat again." He turned and left. "And no holding back you punk!" He threw over his shoulder as he walked away, the entirety of his squad having a collective freakout.
(Las Noches: Aizen's study)
He was a patient man, waited centuries, played the nice guy, gained loyalties and manipulated everyone while he built up his army. It was sure to pay off when he finally recovered Urahara's Hogyoku to strengthen his own and create his Arrancar while improving himself to become the ultimate being. He enacted his plan, retrieved the orb from Rukia's body, defeated Ichigo, and escaped, all as planned. However it didn't take him long to learn the object he took was a decoy, a fake one with the same energy signature of a real Hogyoku, completely incompatible with a genuine article, and only able to create a scarce few incomplete Arrancar. His calm demeanor gave way to rage as he lashed out at having been outsmarted, his loyal aides were caught up in his wrath and both needed immediate surgery. Now he's calm and furious, watching and studying every single recording he has on Ichigo Kurosaki.
"Captain Aizen~." Called out Gin as he entered the room. "The Espada are waiting for you sir." He was impressed that they managed to pull one over on Aizen. Now Aizen was studying his greatest experiment, and most dangerous wildcard. The subject of the meeting today, who to send to gather data on that hybrid. Aizen rose from his chair and followed Gin to the meeting of his top ten Arrancar. They reached the long table with the Espada flanking both sides, waiting for their master and his orders.
"Hello everyone." He said, calm as ever but with no trace of mirth. "I've called this meeting because I have a mission to give to two of you." Each one gave a varied look of interest. "I want intelligence on Ichigo Kurosaki. Two of you are to go into the world of the Living and gather information on him. For this, I've decided to send Ulquirroa," he pointed to the pale white Arrancar with half a helmet, "who has experience spying on Ichigo."
"I apologize for the lack of information on his growth lord Aizen." The white bat said with a bowed head. "I shall not fail this time." Aizen nodded his approval before pointing to the largest of their group.
"And Yammy Llargo, whom I want to test Ichigo." The giant tanned Arrancar grinned in excitement. "He's no doubt undergoing training to become a viable weapon against me and I want an idea on his growth. If you can capture him, do so. If not, kill him. He's too dangerous to leave alone." He rose from his throne to return to his study. "Be sure to prepare yourself properly." He warned. "We don't have the time to replace you if you die." He returned to the study and watched the image of Ichigo destroying Ginjo and Tsukishima again, paying close attention to the look of shock on the hybrid's face. "Still just a boy." He murmured as he planned to strengthen his Hogyoku.
(Silbern: Yhwach's throne room)
The Quincy king looked over his assembled Sternritters, gathered by his second in command for the purpose of gathering information on his two 'lost' children. The Heat, the Explode, and the Thunderbolt, interesting choices in his opinion. He remembered Bazz-B, the red haired mohawk Quincy who only got as strong as he did from Haschwalth's ability to aid other Quincy's growth. He would turn Uryu back to his divine light, being one that formerly hated him and now serves willingly. Bambietta, the slender Explode that had a tendency to kill his soldats to vent her petty anger, and Candice, the vain Thunderbolt that focused more on her looks than her power, they would bring him Ichigo. Provided they knew the limits and rules of their mission.
"You have been gathered here before me for a special mission." He said in his dark, rumbling voice. "One of the War Powers, Ichigo Kurosaki, and the Gemishct Quincy that survived my Holy Selection, Uryu Ishida, seem to be siding with our enemies." A look of anger passed through his soldiers. "However, I would not see my sons slain for their misguidance. They know not their destinies. Instead, you are to bring them back to us, their real family. Do not force them, as they will resist, and only kill them as a last resort." He said before letting his power flare. "The two of them are more valuable than half of the Vandenreich. Do not fail me." He said, waving his hand to dismiss them. "Bazz-B, you will go to Uryu. Bambietta and Candice, Ichigo will be yours to sway." He commanded as they left.
"Do you truly believe they can be swayed your majesty?" The Sternritter Grandmaster inquired, remembering Uryu denouncing his kind during his battle with Mayuri. Many were furious with him abandoning his heritage, others were curious about his blasphemous equipment given to him by Urahara. He was an object of hate amongst many and a sign of rebellion against their Father.
"They are my children as well as any of you." Yhwach dismissed casually. "My blood runs through them. They will return to the light, one way or another."
(Shiba Household)
Rukia and Rangiku followed Orihime and Tatsuki as they went to see, 'Mama Masaki'. They way Orihime and Tatsuki acted put them both on edge. As if they were going to their execution, which Rukia had experience with. Rangiku was interested to meet the woman that made her former captain shape up and Rukia heard nothing but praise about her from the Kurosaki family. Now, they were terrified of incurring the matriarch's anger. Rukia had to meet her as they would soon be mother and daughter by law and Rangiku wasn't about to back out when she felt this committed. They reached the Shiba grounds to find Karin and Yuzu playing against the twin attendants, simultaneously training their Quincy powers to gain an edge against the older attendants with the adults watching.
"Masaki Okaa-chan!" Orihime called out, gaining the Quincy's attention. "We're back! And we brought some friends!" Everyone stopped the game to meet the girls.
"Orihime! Tatsuki, Rukia!" Isshin cheered, running with a noticeable limp. "My third, fourth, and fifth daughters!" He said, happily hugging the three slowly taking note of his former lieutenant. "Hey Rangiku, here to visit your former captain?" He asked as the blonde Soul Reaper chuckled nervously.
"Yep, and to be your sixth daughter." Tatsuki said with a mischievous grin that would not be out of place on Yoruichi. Isshin paled and grasped the lieutenant by her shoulders.
"Just run. Don't look back and don't-" He tried to warn before feeling his wife's hand on his shoulder.
"Hold on Isshin." Masaki said slowly, already gaining a menacing aura. "I'd like to meet this supposed, sixth daughter." She moved her husband out of the way and ran a critical eye over the lieutenant, then suddenly reached out and began to grope the bustiest woman of Soul Society. After a few seconds of that, Masaki gave her judgment. "Those boobs are too big!" She pouted. "My Ichigo would never give in to someone who acts so shamefully."
"She actually reminds me of you a little." Isshin said, making his wife glare at him. "Remember how we first met?" Masaki actually took a second to reminisce.
"Oh yeah." She giggled at the memory. "You were so flustered back then."
"Yeah yeah. She's playful and lazy, but when it counts she's definitely someone you can rely on." Isshin explained as he came in front of his former lieutenant. "But this begs the question, why ARE you interested in Ichigo?" Rangiku actually blushed as she fished out Gin's letter.
"He was doing what Gin asked, and I wanted to see what kind of person he was." She explained timidly. "So I made it tempting, like I was vulnerable and willing." She felt Masaki's demonic glare burn into her skin as she continued. "But he simply comforted me, didn't try to take advantage of the situation at all, and took care of me." Masaki lightened up on the glare. "I want to see more of who he really is." They waited until Masaki let out a sigh.
"Fine, but don't think I'm letting you do whatever you want." She then turned her attention to the diminutive Soul Reaper and noble. "So, you're Rukia Kuchiki." She said, making Rukia feel like she's shrinking under Masaki's gaze. "Just one thing before we get started." Rukia lowered her head, shaking in fear at whatever it was her future mother in-law had to do. Then she felt something being placed an her head. "You make such a cute bunny!" Masaki squealed along with Orihime and Rangiku.
'I now have no trouble believing they're related.' Rukia thought in deadpan as she, once again, had bunny ears on her head. 'Though the difference in actions is shocking.'
"But in all seriousness Kuchiki-san." Masaki said while returning to a focused state of mind, and petting Rukia's head. "I know what it's like to be forced to marry against your will. I myself was forced to play that part in politics with the Ishida family before I met Isshin. So I can sympathize with you."
"Well, I don't think I can protest too much." Ruckia said, enjoying Masaki's strokes. "He saved my life, made me feel better when I was sad, he saw me for me instead of a member of the Kuchiki clan. All in all, I don't not like him." Masaki smiled, happy that her boy was becoming a splendid man after all. Isshin did alright without her.
"Okay fine." She said, relenting to her kinder nature. "You can both pursue Ichigo. But no more naughty business until he's married! Got it!" She growled, making the girls see a Han'nya apparition before her. They all nodded frightfully. "Good. Now you have to prove yourselves." She said, releasing a sinister laugh.
(With Ichigo)
Unohana ended their training, leaving Ichigo as a carved bloody mess on the floors of the prison. His regeneration was long since spent as she kept putting him on the brink on death, time and time again. She regarded him with disgust he never knew she was capable of before. Now he sat in meditation, trying to focus on controlling his Reiatsu, plagued by her words.
"How pathetic." She said to him. "To think you've undone my greatest sin with such a cowardly resolve. You had your chances to block, fight back, even kill me, but you hesitated every time. There is only ever one Kenpachi, one unrivaled warrior among the Shinigami, every generation. The nine between me and Zaraki were false Kenpachis and he should have killed me to take the title. And the worst of it is that a child like yourself freed him from his self imposed binds." She healed him and dragged his tired body to return to the surface. "You have the same problem he gave himself, you're scared of your own power. Afraid to kill again? Aizen and especially Yhwach will not have the same problem. We only beat the Vandenreich because of our ruthlessness. You are a soldier of Soul Society now Ichigo. And no matter what anyone says, soldiers kill people. How you use that power is up to you." Her words replayed in his mind as he meditated, shattered his focus as he watched Ginjo and Tsukishima get destroyed by his power, than going for his friends.
"AHH!" He screamed, causing a violent explosion of Reishi around him. He gasped for breath as the images faded from his mind. To his side was Genryusai, making tea in pure serenity.
"Something troubling you, my disciple?" He asked as he finished brewing and poured out two cups. "Something Retsu said?"
"Yes sir." Ichigo breathed out, sitting down across from the elderly captain and taking one of the cups to sooth his nerves. "She told me about the history of the Gotei, and called me pathetic for my hesitance in fighting again." They took a drink as Yamamoto mused over Ichigo's troubles.
"Those were indeed dark times Ichigo." He spoke in a tired voice. "I myself am ashamed of the things I've done. The death of Yhwach was necessary, but not all the Quincy. It was my own anger and arrogance that let the war get as terrible as it did. It was only your proof of Yhwach's return did I compromise my own morals and let humans join the fight that we failed to stop. As for your current hesitation, I do not fault you, and Retsu is clearly mad at you for making her chosen successor spit in the face of the unspoken law of the Kenpachi." He set down the cup and looked at Ichigo directly in the eye, his stare reflecting over thousands of years of wisdom and experience. "Ichigo, there is no doubt that you will be expected to end the lives of more people. Treasonous Shinigami, these 'Arrancar' Urahara speaks of, the Quincy, even more regular humans, if they present a threat that will not be swayed to peace or restrained, they will have to be put down. Not because the law dictates it, nor because their ideals or opinions clash with our own, but because they will not stop threatening that which we care for. I treasure the peace we now have and saw any criminal as a threat to that peace. You have to be willing to protect what you treasure, no matter the lengths or costs." Ichigo lowered his head in thought of what his aged teacher told him. Genryusai took the eastern tea set and put it in front of the hybrid. "Now, make the tea." He ordered as Ichigo took the items and repeated the ceremony his master taught him.
"Am I to return to the Living world after today?" He asked as he mixed the water and the sencha powder. He finished and poured the mixture for his teacher.
"Yes Ichigo." The old dragon took a sip and smiled as he drank. "As captain and lieutenant, you and your father must be there to oversee matters and keep the peace in the world of the Living. Also to get more practice in making tea. This is nowhere near passable." He said bluntly, making the boy twitch in anger.
"Making tea was the last thing anyone ever thought to teach me gramps!" Ichigo yelled indignity. "Your first lesson for me was how to throw a punch."
"Which still took three days, if I recall. Dismissed lieutenant." The ancient general commanded, making Ichigo get up and leave. 'Yes, terrible tea. But it did show me you're returning to a calm balance. Keep growing my boy.' Genryusai reflected before disposing of the tea.
(Illustrated Guide to Soul Reapers!)
Karin and Yuzu's first class
The two sisters wore the red and white uniform of Shin'o Academy and stood in front of the class as the teacher introduced him.
"These are Yuzu and Karin Kurosaki, daughters of captain Isshin Kurosaki." Said a gray haired man, introducing the twins to the class. "Because of their situation, they will be in class on a limited basis and they are not to be treated differently. If I found out about any bullying or special treatment, the perpetrators will be punished." He turned to the girls. "Go take a seat." Karin found an empty spot for her and Yuzu, while Yuzu asked their new teacher a question.
"Umm, sensei? We heard our brother will be training under the captain commander personally." She said, immediately getting the class talking. Some impressed, some angry at the arrogance of the half breed. "Will he be alright?"
"Girls. I know lieutenant Kurosaki impressed the Commander, but he is too busy to waste his time taking on any student." He said as a black blur broke through the wall next to him and slammed into the back of the room, revealing Ichigo with a fist indention in his stomach. Barely a tenth of a second later, Yamamoto appeared in front of him.
"And that's how you throw a punch, boy." He said sternly. Ichigo fell to the ground as rubble collapsed on top of him. "I want ten thousand of those for each arm within an hour. If you run out of time, you start over." He turned around to walk out of the hole he made when he demonstrated what he wanted. "Now get to it. The clock's ticking."
Uryu and Nemu's date: aftermath
Uryu slowly woke up, remembering his forced date holding a cloth rag over his mouth and making him pass out. When he did, he was met with bright lights, a warm soft bed, an odd draft, restraints around his wrists and ankles, and a naked Nemu laying next to him.
"Wh-wh-wh-what's happening!" He yelled as he tried not to stare at his bare companion.
"Oh good, you're awake." He heard Mayuri's voice coming from the speakers around the bright room. "This is just an experiment we need you for. Don't worry, you might enjoy it... unless your gay and prefer to bottom."
"What the hell are you talking about!" Uryu yelled indignantly when Urahara apparently showed up.
"Mayuri did you finish the- WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" He yelled out. "You should know better than this! Nemu, get over here!" Uryu breathed a sigh of relief, believing Urahara could help. The lights suddenly dimmed to mimic candle light as smooth jazz started playing and Nemu came out in tantalizing white lingerie. Uryu could only stare and blush at the artificial person. "Much better. Continue!" He said cheerfully.
"SOMEONE HELP ME!" Uryu cried out.
Rukia's Initiation
Ichigo and Chad found Uryu in a rather... compromising, position and broke him out. Ichigo even punched Urahara in the face a couple times and ripped off Mayuri's arm. Now, safe from the insane scientist, they talked about their days.
"I think we made some progress on activating a second Fullbring for me." Chad told them. "And Jackie seems to be making progress as well. Riruka's been running into things all day though. You'd think at some point she'd stop listening to Jackie."
"I had a rather pleasant date at first." Uryu said, reminiscing. "Visited some shops, got ideas to improve my own designs in needlework, a rather enjoyable chat, and a lovely picnic lunch." Then his mood soured. "Until I spat out a pill and then got drugged of course."
"And I still wonder if you really wanted us to save you like you said." Ichigo said making Uryu shoot a glare at his cousin.
"And what happened to you, oh mighty lieutenant?" He asked, making Ichigo look into the distance and start shaking.
"Worse than you Uryu." He said cryptically. They reached the door of the Shiba household, with plans to enjoy their last day of the weekend. "I just want to hit the hay as soon as possi...ble" He opened the front door to find Rukia, in naught but an apron, pantyhose, and bunny ears.
"W-we-welcome home d-d-darling, pyon~." She said, looking at Ichigo. "Wo-would you l-like a ba-." Stopping when she noticed Chad and Uryu with him. Ichigo reached out and pet his fiancee before closing the door. Just in time to hear his mother start lecturing her on proper teasing foreplay.
"I wanna go home~." Ichigo groaned.