Chapter Text
Epilogue Episodes Summary
After the end of the Thousand Year Blood war, Ichigo set out to train and gain greater experience in the desire to better prepare himself to take over as the future leader of the Shinigami. This mission took him from Kyoto, across Europe, and to the center of the Middle East, training and refining his abilities. He trained in Senjutsu, spearmanship, magic, statecraft, and assassination under different masters of each skill, meeting and befriending many figures from the different realms and pantheons. Main among these were the Archangel Michael, the Devils Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan, the God of the Dead Hades, and his masters, Scathach and the first Hassan. When he finished his studies abroad, he returned to Japan and back to his wives and children to be a proper father while being made a captain in the Gotei to train his leadership skills before taking full command. All while keeping in contact with the various leaders around the world.
As Ichigo did that, his allies back home continued their own training and growth. Uryu strengthened himself as the new Quincy King, steadily building up their numbers once more to become the main force of the Living World unit of the Gotei, occupying the Shadow Side. Squad 15 now consists of Quincy, Fullbringers, Witches and Wizards to manage Dragons, and Yokai. Various candy shops would spring up around Japan to act as bases and bureaus for Squad 15.
Tatsuki refined her martial arts and learned Senjutsu, Chad and Jackie took the remaining Fullbringers and went out to find more and recruit them, Orihime gathered more familiars, and Rukia became captain of Squad 13. The Arrancar rebuilt the castle of Las Noches under the direction of Harribel and were likewise building their numbers, civilizing the dread desert and culling the rampaging mindless Hollows and Dark Dragons. The Yokai of Japan have been doing their part, putting in great efforts to strengthen themselves after the attempted genocide of the Nekoshou people by the hands of the Naberius Devils. The act was thwarted with Soul Society's aid and for the sake of peace the Devils relegated their activity to only the Kuoh area of Japan.
When the original overseer was mysteriously assassinated, Kuoh's Devil rule come under the authority of Rias Gremory, sister to the leader of the Devil Faction. Wanting to prevent another assassination of an overseer, Soul Society sent Orihime Inoue Kurosaki to Kuoh Academy as the Home Ec. teacher and the club advisor to Gremory's Occult Research Club, keeping an eye on her and her entire peerage as they performed their duties and try to keep Kuoh peaceful. Things started shaking up when the Fallen Angels of the Grigori tried killing one Issei Hyodou, whom Rias would turn into a Devil. From there it would be revealed that Issei possessed the power of the Sacred Gear, Boosted Gear, and was partnered with the Heavenly Dragon Ddraig
Issei would prove his worth to his mettle by fighting back against the Fallen Angels that tried to kill him, saving a new friend and ally in the process, and again when he pushed himself beyond normal limits to free Rias from an unwanted engagement while also winning her heart. All of this was observed by the Gotei, making sure Devil matters stayed their own concern. Unfortunately, that would change when one Yuuto Kiba came across a mad exorcist wielding a stolen sword.
(Kuoh Town: Squad 15 Bureau/Soul Dragon Candy Shop)
The bases were always in small out of the way locations in the various cities, never anyway obvious, never drawing too much attention, but never anywhere truly inconvenient for those that sought to use it. This one was a simple two story building with a sign that read 'Soul Dragon Candy' with a small photoshop banner of a petite girl with golden amber eyes and white hair in a stereotypical witch's outfit riding atop a cartoonish dragon. One wall was lined with old retro arcade games while the opposite side had jars and canisters filled with various candies and sweets. The day was ending and the shop was closing for the day, leading to the coming exchange.
“Bye! See you next time Koneko~!” A woman with shoulder length red hair called out to a petite teen with white hair wearing the Kuoh school uniform and carrying a bag of candy. “She's such a cute mascot.” The woman said as she shut the doors and put up the 'Closed' sign. “Hey Keigo? You ever feel bad about bugging her and her friends with that surveillance bacteria?” She asked her friend and co-worker who was counting the money from the register.
“Can't be helped Chizuru.” The man said as he closed the machine. “Gremory and Sitri are persons of interest and have to be kept safe. Ichigo said he'd rather not have to stop Sirzechs or Serafall if they went on a rampage because their precious little sisters got hurt.” Chizuru Honsho, a red head with red half framed glasses wearing a pink shirt with blue jeans, and Keigo Asano, a slim man with shaggy brown hair wearing a beige shirt and slacks with a brown jacket; both are human members of the Living World unit of the Gotei, working as intelligence and support in Kuoh. “I'm more surprised that they made it so easy.”
“'In exchange for helping with advertisem*nt as the store mascot, Koneko Toujou will receive 2500 yen an hour for shoots and a free bag of candy each month'.” Chizuru said, reciting the deal they made with the young Devil as she continued to close the shop. “They never checked if it was altered in any way and we never said she had to share, only encouraged it.”
“They don't even suspect Orihime. Which is honestly pretty fair.” Keigo continued with a laugh. “Orihime's gotten much scarier over the years. Must come from being a mother, saintly and airheaded in appearance, but she's got eyes all over that school.”
“Not to mention how aggressive she-”
“Guys! Come check this out!” They heard their third teammate call out over the intercom. They quickly made their way to the back room and pulled up one of the mats, revealing a hatch. They pulled it open and jumped inside, entering a small elevator with buttons that read Observation, Rest, and Training. They pressed the Observation button and felt the machine move them down a level, opening to a series of fourteen monitors in front of a man in a chair. Each monitor was a first person view and had the vitals of each Devil infected with the surveillance bacteria. The one that was biggest at the moment was one that read 'Yuuto Kiba', showing a dark road in the middle of a rain drenched night, facing against a man with chin length white hair, red eyes, a dark cassock and white clothes underneath, wielding a long blade akin to a Kris sword with a diamond shaped center and spike guard that was radiating an orange aura.
“Wait, isn't that Freed Sellzen?” Chizuru asked, surprised to see the deranged exorcist again. “Where has he been Mizuiro?” Mizuiro Kojima was their third and was agreed to handle the monitoring of the Devils since Keigo and Chizuru admitted they'd probably spend more time perving on the teen girls while Mizuiro preferred older women. The man himself had chin length black hair and was wearing a white button up shirt with a blue tie and gray pants.
“No idea. He just challenged Kiba to a fight with his 'Excalibur' sword.” Mizuiro said, shocking them as the fight came to an end with Freed fleeing because of a summons. “We need to report this back to Soul Society. Get ready to receive guests, I'm betting this will get our bureau booked.” He told the two as he started composing a report back to Soul Society.
(Earlier that same day: Soul Society)
For centuries the divide was clear; a sparkling white city in the center with a system of towns and cities spread out in a series of districts. The nobility and military mainly focused within the Seireitei in the center and the various souls that don't make the cut left to make some kind of life in the many Rukon districts. Never a paradise, just a harsher life to lead until they finally move on to reincarnate. Ten years ago, with the removal of the corrupt leadership at the time, revolution came and life was actively starting to improve. The impoverished districts further from the center were slowly started to recover as businesses, training academies, and the power of the Gotei strengthened to the point that it could reach and bring order to the harsh lower districts. While still meant to for normal souls to live out the remainder of their lives before going through the cycle of rebirth, it became less awful. Now the cities were cleaner with more stable structures rather than ramshackle slums and people were actually willing to talk to each other. Especially after the Dragon Initiative.
Off to the West, in the hidden side of the city of London, was the headquarters of the West Branch of Soul Society known as the Wing Bind Agency, mainly dealing with the management and rearing of dragons and draconic beings. In preparation for the war with the Quincy, Uryu Ishida went to Reverse London in an effort to try and find anything useful to the war effort. While he did pick up some useful tools, materials, and skills, he found much greater value and potential in the Dragons and what impact they'd have to Soul Society and the Gotei as a whole. After the war, his proposal was accepted by both branches of the Soul Society and they worked together to offer the other what they could utilize the best.
Now the Soul Society's Rukon districts stretched out a full 100 in each direction, with ranches filled with various creatures that were considered 'draconic' by the members of Wing Bind for farming food items and crafting materials. There was a type of dragon for everything and managing those creatures brought and economic boom to the Rukon, though now they filled the skies and landscape of the realm. This was the modern day Soul Society.
(Soul Society: Squad 2 Barracks)
Sitting at an opulent desk was Yuushiro Shihouin, captain of the 2nd division and current head of the Shihouin family. He had long purple hair with golden eyes and dark brown skin, a slim figure of lean muscles, wearing the standard black Shihakusho of the Shinigami with a white Haori over top with the kanji for 2 in the middle of the back to signify his rank and division command. As he was going over recent reports on training in his division and more experimental assassination styles, something lurked about in the rafters above him. Seemingly unaware of it he kept working as the stalker slowly crept closer, finding the perfect chance, and then jumping to their prey.
“Nice try Yuuichi.” The captain said before twisting around and snatching his nephew from the air, a happy smile on both of their faces. “Ditched your mom and sister again?” He asked while ruffling the kid's orange locks, all while the kid laughed. Yuuichi Shihouin was the child of Ichigo and Yoruichi Shihouin, bearing the clan's dark skin but having his father's orange hair and brown eyes, and a trouble maker.
“I just wanted to come see you uncle Shiro!” The kid said with a giggle. “Mom wanted to stuff me in formal wear for today's ceremony.” Hearing that stunned Yuushiro who looked at the clock and took a sharp intake of breath.
“Aw crud.” The captain said as he set his nephew down. “We have to go Yuuichi. Maybe if we get there before Sis, she won't force you into one of those stuffy formal robes.” That's when both of them felt their skulls shake as a shift and harsh punch struck both of them.
“Both of you are too slow for that!” They heard a woman shout, turning to find Yoruichi Shihouin. She was the former captain of the division and the former head of the clan, choosing to step down to save her friends from Soul Society's unjust system at the time. Since then she's chose to remain in retirement and serve to mentor the martial arts of the Gotei, raising her twin children. She wore an orange bodysuit with a black Haori with 'Sensei' on the back, her once long purple hair trimmed down to chin length. Next to her in a white kimono with a raven theme was her daughter Qin-Fon. She was a lighter shade of brown than other Shihouin with black hair in a bob cut and piercing red eyes. Qin-Fon was the next heir of the Fon family, the servants of the Shihouin clan, but the previous head, Soi-Fon, died before she could bear a child. Wanting to honor the memory of her dear friend and protege, Yoruichi became the surrogate for Soi-Fon's remaining fertile eggs and had Ichigo sire the resulting child. A mix of Reiryoku within Yoruichi's womb when her own body ovulated to have Yuuichi caused Qin's now unique appearance, but that never stopped Yoruichi from treating her with any less love.
“Please master Yuuichi, behave for lady Yoru-” Qin started in a stoic manner.
“QIN! What did I say about your actions away from those old bastards?” Yoruichi scolded, causing the girl to blush and look embarrassed.
“Sorry!” She said with a bow, turning to her brother with an angry look. “Listen Yuuichi! Mom said today's an important day for dad! So stop being such a pain and get into something presentable!” That earned her a headpat from her mother.
“Good girl.” The matriarch said with a smile. “Now come on you two. I want you to look ready to greet the rest of your siblings!” That got an excited look from her kids as they flashed out of sight, heading home to change. “Probably should've told them that sooner.”
(Main Senkaimon: The Door between the Living World and Soul Society.)
Normally there was only supposed to be one way into the Soul Society and that was through the gates known as Senkaimon, a tunnel through dimensional space in the void between realms of existence. Due to experiments into Hollows and their powers of dimensional travel, the Gotei gained a greater ability to traverse the realms. However, while the main Senkaimon gates still saw their use, most of the time they were ceremonial and decorative. This wasn't the case as the massive gates lit up to reveal a large group of people. The Kurosaki family and extended group of friends.
The first two were Isshin and Masaki Kurosaki, the parents of the family, Isshin in a black suit and Masaki in a blue and white dress. Flanking them were their daughters, Karin in a brown sweater with a white button up and a plaid skirt with her black hair in a messy ponytail while Yuzu had a white blouse and khaki pants with her sandy blonde hair in a messy bob. Walking with them were Ichigo's wives, Orihime Inoue, Tatsuki Arisawa, and Senna Shiba, Bambietta Basterbine, Candice Cattnip, and Yasaka, all in formal dresses or pantsuits for Bambi and Candi and a Shrine Maiden's robes for Yasaka. With them were the children; Kazui, son of Orihime and Ichigo, with somewhat smooth and spiky orange hair and brown eyes wearing a Shihakusho. Twins Jared and Rachel, children of Candice and Ichigo, both Quincy in stylish white while proudly displaying their green hair, Jared having his electric greenish yellow swept back and Rachel with her richer green in a braided ponytail with bangs framing her face. And the oldest with Kunou the fox yokai daughter of Yasaka and Ichigo, dressed in a ritual shrine maiden outfit like her mother's. The last relative was Uryu Ishida, the reigning Quincy King and cousin to the Kurosaki clan, dressed in a formal military uniform with a black cloak draped over his back with a five pointed cross in a ring with a skull in the center. The last two companions were the Fullbringers Chad and Jackie Yasutora.
To their side a tear opened in space, the method used by Hollows known as Descorrer to open the Garganta, the void between realms, with five more people coming through all of whom in white suits. Leading the procession was Tier Harribel, wife of Ichigo and Queen of Hueco Mundo, Neliel Tu Odelschwank, another wife and a mother to another of his sons, Abareru who had fiery green hair, horns on his forehead, and two red lines running over his eyes, and the two most trusted of the Arrancar, Grimmjow Jagerjacques and Ulquiorra Cifer. The Arrancar were Hollows given Shinigami abilities, looking somewhat human with a hole and a mask fragment somewhere on their body. Years of further research helped to complete the Hollows, removing the holes that were once present and leaving their mask fragments as mostly accessories, the lone exception being Harribel herself who found her mask fragment more of a nuisance. Especially in her love life.
“Well, I'm off to get my wife and kid.” Uryu said, splitting away from the group. “I'll see you at the ceremony.” He said before flashing away as the two groups met each other. Seconds later, Yuuichi and Qin appeared themselves with Yoruichi behind them.
“Brothers! Sisters!” The two shouted, rushing toward their siblings as they responded in kind, laughing merrily as they did so.
“This is what it was all for.” Isshin said, smiling as all of the kids laughed, hugged, and did elaborate handshakes. “A bright and happy future.”
“Indeed.” Orihime said with a smile as her sister wives nodded in agreement. Well... most of them. Senna ran off to play with the kids the moment they started moving. “Though I do wish we weren't so separated by duties all the time, the burden of keeping the peace is a heavy one.”
“We're still missing one.” Bambi stated, looking ahead to see a man with white spiky hair in a captain's uniform walking toward them with a tall woman with long icy blue hair by his side.
“Hey Toshiro and my 11th daughter Esdeath!” Isshin called out to the captain and lieutenant of the tenth division. “Here to show us the way and where's Rukia and little Hisana!?” Toshiro went to his captain while Esdeath wen to mingle with her sister wives. Unlike the others, Esdeath came from another world that Ichigo traveled to and was taken by him and his strength.[Read Soul Conviction].
“Don't worry my sisters.” The icy woman said with a smile. “Rukia will be by soon, seeing as Byakuya has a bad habit of keeping Hisana around for too long.” The rest of her sisters sighed, sadly not surprised by the noble's brand of doting on his niece.
(Kuchiki Estate)
Deep within the Seireitei was the homes of the Great Noble Clans whose families founded Soul Society after committing a grievous sin against the Soul King and taking on special roles from then on, with the Kuchiki protecting the historical records of Soul Society. Or rather, the history they were told was the truth. The current head of the clan is also the captain of the sixth division Byakuya Kuchiki, one of the most esteemed and powerful captains of the Gotei and a master of all Shinigami combat styles. In the ranking of power and ability, he sits among the top five of the active members of the Gotei. Within his estate, the man in question was carrying a tray with cookies and two cups of steaming tea as he made his way to the Kuchiki training grounds. There, swinging a practice sword repeatedly, was his niece, Hisana Kuchiki, daughter of his sister Rukia and Ichigo.
“That's enough Hisana. Break.” He calmly ordered as he set the tray on the porch and sat down, taking up one of the tea cups. The girl had long spiky black hair tied in a ponytail and indigo colored eyes and wore the standard student outfit of a white Shihakusho with red Hakama pants, sweating from the exertion of the exercise.
“Yes teacher. Thank you sir.” She responded, keeping a calm and focused look as she sheathed the wooden katana to her side. Once that was done she looked over to the captain and her expression lit up. “Uncle's cookies!” She cheered as she flashed to his side, immediately grabbing one that looked like a cartoonish bunny. “Yay!” She said before nibbling away at it, Byakuya smiling at the child as he passed her the other tea cup.
“It's good to see you're improving Hisana. Ten minutes of constant swings is no small feat at your age.” He complimented, feeling a weight on his side as the girl leaned against his shoulder.
“I have the best teacher!” She said with a smile, prompting a small one from the noble as he rubbed her head. “Can I have another cookie?”
“Take all of them. You know I only make them for you.” He said as she went to snatch up another, before an angry voice rang out, causing the girl to quiver.
“That's enough young lady!” They heard a woman shout, turning to find the captain of squad 13 and Hisana's mother, Rukia. The current captain of the 13th division was a petite woman with long black hair and purple eyes that was currently glaring at the uncle and niece. “Hisana! Your siblings are already here and your father's promotion ceremony is in half an hour, yet here you are, sweaty and disheveled! Get cleaned up and get dressed now young lady!”
“YES MOTHER!” The young heiress squeaked out before rushing to the baths for a quick shower. Rukia then turned his glare to her brother.
“I know you love doting on her brother, but I expected you to actually keep track of the time.”
“Apologies sister. I tend to give in when she asks me for anything.” He admitted, causing Rukia to sigh.
(Squad 12; Mayuri's personal lab)
Squad 12 was dedicated to scientific research and development with the lieutenant of the division, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, being in charge of anything that required an utter lack of morality. Within this secret lab was the man himself, dissecting a Dark Dragon's body with three assistants helping him carve up and study the rage filled creature and all in white scrubs as they examined the body. They were his daughters, Nemu Kurotsuchi and Nemuri Hachigyo, and his grandchild Ichinose Ishida, child of Uryu and Nemu. His daughters were his original apex of artificial life creation, made by mixing artificial souls and bodies to create an artificial life capable of growing and adapting as a living being. Nemu was the oldest as a full adult with her sister Nemuri being a ten-year old child, same with her child Ichinose. Once Ichinose was conceived, they were extracted from Nemu's body and kept under observation as they slowly grew and developed, showing traces of Mayuri's designs and natural Quincy powers, becoming Mayuri's new pride as evidence of his creation's ultimate success. They continued on before the doors opened to reveal Uryu and the captain of Squad 12, Kisuke Urahara.
“Nemu, Ichinose. Let's go.” Uryu called out, gaining the attention of his wife and kid.
“Yes.” Nemu answered, turning to her child. “Say goodbye to your grandfather Ichinose.” The child nodded to her before turning to Mayuri, removing their mask and cap to reveal their androgynous features with black eyes and chin length black hair.
“Thank you for the lesson grandfather.” They said with a bow and no expressed emotion in voice or action, before joining their parents.
“Hold down the fort Mayuri.” Urahara said. “As usual, you're in charge till I get back.”
“Yes, whatever. Just go.” The lieutenant said, notably annoyed as he focused on studying the corpse with Hachigyo as his only company now.
“Do you miss Ichinose already master?!” The girl suddenly yelled.
“No. And don't yell.” Mayuri quickly denied, knowing that he told an obvious lie.
(Squad 11 Grounds)
Squad 11, the squad meant for front line fighting and using overwhelming force to defeat their enemies. Their captain being the strongest swordsman of the entire Gotei, bearing the title of 'Kenpachi' and generally regarded as an unstoppable monster on the battlefield. The only way to get the title of Kenpachi was to kill the previous holder of that title. Officially there have been 11 people to hold the title. In actuality, there were only two that ever held the title and they were both alive. In the squad's training grounds was a large and broadly muscled man with long and spiky hair, covered in scars and swinging a dull practice katana in a continuous stream of practice swings. This was the current Kenpachi, Kenpachi Zaraki, the strongest Shinigami swordsman in existence. For centuries he had no desire to gain strength, being content with his current level and finding anyone that might prove entertaining. But factors in his life changed, with a small child hanging off his sword being the prime example of that change.
“Faster papa!” The girl cheered, holding on to Zaraki's sword as he continued his swings. This was Yachiru Kenpachi Unohana, daughter of the Kenpachi pair. She had short black hair in a bob cut with sword hair clips on her bangs and gray eyes, though her eyes remained shut as she held on to Zaraki's sword as he continued to swing. For a few more times before he held the sword level to look his daughter in the eye.
“Yachiru, what are you doing?” He asked his child, who responded with swinging off his blade and onto his body, crawling her way up to his shoulders and hugging his head.
“Mama sent me ahead to tell you to get ready!” She happily cheered, holding on as he proceeded to put the sword away. “Uncle Ichigo's promotion is happening soon!”
“Must've lost track of time.” He said, heading for the doors of his squad's barracks to find his wife, Retsu Unohana, formerly Yachiru Unohana and the first of the Kenpachi, now retired as the captain of the 4th division and one of the most skilled healers of Soul Society. The most notable change to her appearance was how she wore her hair, no longer braided in front of her scarred chest but instead hanging over her shoulder.
“You'd also never make it if we hadn't come to get you.” She said as her family joined her. “Sometimes I wonder how you ever found opponents to fight.”
“I just look for whoever has the strongest Reiatsu.” He responded as they made their way to the first division barracks. The Kenpachi family may be the most terrifying in Soul Society, but they were also the most wholesome... to the shock of many.
(Yamamoto's Grave)
Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto was known for many things; founding the Gotei, being the most powerful Shinigami, creating the Soul Reaper Academy, but to the three at his grave and offering their prayers, only one mattered. Teacher. Juushiro Ukitake a former long time captain in the Gotei now a governor of the civilian sector and wearing a koi fish themed yukata, Shunsui Kyoraku as Yamamoto's successor as the Head Captain of the Gotei wearing the Shinigami uniform and the Squad 1 Haori he'll be happy to be rid of, and Ichigo Kurosaki, the future successor of the title wearing a black bodysuit and white Haori with 8 on the back. Ten years ago they burned their master's body to ashes and bid him his final farewell, letting the effects of the Quincy War catch up to them.
Ukitake's frail body, despite having replaced all of his internal organs and muscles, could no longer do anything too physically demanding. Kyoraku, preferring to laze about as much as he could, still felt himself dull during the time of Soul Society's peace and thought it was time to pass down the mantle. Ichigo's was worn with his many battles and travels, his spiky orange hair reaching his chin and almost obscuring the scar over his right eye. Standing a ways behind them was Ichigo's lieutenant, Nagao Kagetora, a woman with long silver hair and golden eyes.
She originally hid in the distant outskirts beyond Soul Society's territory, being disgusted by how corrupt it was, and built a small community for those that sought a better life than the slums of the lowest districts. Eventually she was encountered during the Gotei's expansion and would fight them, believing the Shinigami to still be corrupt bullies until she lost a battle against Ichigo, who recruited the woman as his second in command. Now she serves him loyally, bearing witness to the changes of Soul Society that he had caused. She continued to stand watch over the three when another person, Nanao Ise, Kyoraku's niece and lieutenant/secretary, appeared.
“Sirs. It's time.” She said to them, prompting each one to rise.
(Squad 1 Barracks courtyard)
Despite the relevance of the event, it was being kept a fairly modest affair. Only the captains, their lieutenants and occasional third seats, and permitted friends and family were in attendance. However, Urahara had a way to broadcast this throughout the Soul Society and shadow side of Japan, having spent eight years modernizing the realm with equivalents to technology in the Living World. While the immediate and most relevant people to this matter were in attendance, the matter was being watched by every notable figure related to Japan's pantheon. They watched and waited as Shunsui Kyoraku and Juushiro Ukitake took the stage.
“To everyone in the know, I was only ever a place holder for this title and position.” Kyoraku stated, shedding off the Squad 1 Haori and folding it up. “For over two thousand years master Yamamoto led the Shinigami, from brutal and vicious killers to the ordered and disciplined military that it became today. However he only held that position for so long, entirely because no one else was capable of matching him in combat, a master of all the combat styles of the Soul Reapers. However the times have changed and we have expanded as well. Thus the Shinigami need a leader that can embody this new era.” Ichigo stepped forward and between the two, bowing before his seniors as Kyoraku returned the gesture and presented the Haori.
“Having the powers of the Shinigami,” Ukitake continued as Ichigo stripped off his squad 8 Haori, “the Quincy, the Hollows, Fullbring, and traveling the world to gather more skills, weapons, and abilities. Master chose Ichigo Kurosaki to be the one to ultimately succeed him. We have deemed that the time has come to leave the future of the Gotei in his hands.” The hybrid then took the first division's Haori and donned it, turning back to the assembled members of the Gotei and now feeling a great weight on his shoulders as he took a moment to consider the responsibility on him now. The crowd looked at him expectantly, and Ichigo felt himself choke a bit.
The last time he felt like this was when he first became a captain and had to address his squad for the first time. Back then, aside from a couple of people, they were a small group of random faces. Now that scope expanded over tenfold and many of his friends were now direct subordinates with a clear difference in rank and position. His mind was blank before his eyes focused on his wives and children. Seeing them, some of the main reasons he sought continuously greater power, creating a safe and peaceful home and future for them, calmed his nerves.
“Everyone, I accept this burden.” He loudly declared to the assembled Shinigami. “I thank you all for your trust and will do my best to live up to your expectations.” There was a calm applause from the assembly and Ichigo thought he was done. That's when Yasaka stood up, holding up a bronze mirror that starting shining.
“Forgive me my love,” the nine tailed fox begged, “but Lady Amaterasu has something she'd like to add.” As she said that, an image of a woman with long black hair dressed in a white kimono with red floral patterns and shined like the sun appeared in a type of holographic projection.
“Ichigo Kurosaki.” The sun goddess spoke, her voice soothing the hearts of those that heard it. “In recognition of your power and accomplishments it is only right that I, Amaterasu, mother of the people of Japan and ruler of Takamagahara, hereby appoint you to the rank and position of Shogun.” Hearing this shocked Ichigo, but he kept his expression calm while this caused a stir among the rest of the people watching. As he was trying to make sense of the situation, he noticed Kunou making her way to him, holding something wrapped in white silk.
“This is a gift from her ladyship.” She said, with practiced eloquence. “Take it and use it with pride.” She bowed while holding out the 8 inch long package. Ichigo took it and carefully unwrapped the silk to reveal a closed black folding fan. Taking hold of the gift, Ichigo felt himself asking a simple question.
'What-'
(Later that day in the Squad 1 main office)
“THE f*ck!?” He roared out as he sat at his new office desk, finding a pile of letters on top of a mountain of reports he already has to go through, skipping out on his promotion party just to get everything done. “Seriously!? Shogun!? Why the hell is she making me the de facto leader of the country?!” Uryu was the only other person in the room, helping him sort through all of the paperwork.
“Well... not the whole country.” The Quincy king answered. “Just the spiritual and supernatural.”
“Semantics.” The hybrid growled going through the mail and reports. “Invite to the next Night Parade in Kansai, census on the Yuki-Onna in Hokkaido, invite to go drinking with Shuten Douji, a letter from the border patrol confirming the presence of two exorcists from the Church, another invite from Shuten Douji, an invite from Serafall to be her plus one at Devil party, invite from Shuten Douji. Getting her those drinks from Europe and the Netherworld was a mistake.” He lamented as he moved on to the various reports.
“What did you expect would happen?” Uryu asked as he focused on summarizing the reports from the Shadow Side of Japan. “Bringing that Oni any liquor is tantamount to making a blood oath of kinship.”
“Yeah. And maybe when we actually catch up with this I'll take her up on that offer.” He said, seriously considering forgoing any protection from intoxication and just getting as plastered as he could. “But there is one thing that's bugging me. Not annoying me, but I'm actually concerned about this. Why make me the Shogun?” He asked, completely calm and analytical. “And why now?”
“Has the Soul King said anything to you?” Uryu's tone being much the same. “Do you want me to look ahead?” Ichigo pondered this for a moment.
“Not yet. Let's give this a bit more time because if it was an actual issue, then the Soul King would've said something.” Agreeing on that the two returned to their work before Kagetora came through the door, now wearing a white blank Haori with a shoulder badge to show her place in the first division and as lieutenant.
“Lord Kurosaki, we've received word from the Kuoh base. Freed Sellzen is in Kuoh and in possession of a stolen Excalibur.” She quickly reported while kneeling.
“That lunatic is back? Is there a reason why we didn't have him killed when he first showed up?” Ichigo asked, annoyed by the psychopathic fallen exorcist.
“Because at the time he was the Devils' problem and didn't engage any of us in any meaningful way aside from a couple extra souls.” Uryu answered, equally as disappointed.
“That's stupid.” Ichigo grumbled before returning his focus to Kagetora. “What about the two from the Church?”
“We can confirm they've entered Kuoh and will be meeting with the Devils in the school to discuss the current situation.” She answered.
“'Discuss', right. Aside from a few, most of the Church's humans are zealots, warmongers, or borderline robotic. Dispatch a platoon to Kuoh, orders are to keep the peace. I'll send Grimmjow as the commander.”
“Sir!” Nagao responded as she ran off to complete her order. Uryu turned to his cousin with a raised eyebrow.
“Grimmjow? Seriously?”
“No one there would be interesting enough for him to fight and he'll pacify them thoroughly.”
