Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

His story started like this 

A young man who fought for the good of the world. For his family, for love and for peace. There was nothing more noble than that. That’s what they said. He never cared if he was a child soldier they sent into wars. Because he believed what was right. To fight against the wrong. TO protect those he cherishes and to save the world. 

He never thought of being a hero. He did what he had to do because it was what he is supposed to do to protect the ones he loves. 

He had his own family with the love of his life. They had a child together that brought joy to those around him. 

When he passed his friends on the other side welcomed him with open arms. He help them run the Soul Society and at the end of his life there. 

You cannot enter yet, your dream still hasn’t come true 

His story started like this 

His story started like this…..

His story….

His….

His plan started like this 

*******

Ichigo Kurosaki woke up, his eyes searching around the room. What was that dream, he rubs his eyes. Sitting up he wonders….where is he? Was all that a dream? He groans trying to move only to find that he was still wrapped in bandages. 

Wait this…..He has to go save Orihime- How does he know this….he shakes off his uneasiness and runs to find Kisuke Urahara. The man always knew have ideas to help them. And he does. 

So when they set off to Hueco Mundo, something was familiar. The fights, his death there, his Vasto Lorde, and returning to fight Aizen. 

Then His father comes to tell him about the Final Getsuga Tenshou. He learns it with little regret if it meant to defeat Aizen. Though the little that is left of him regrets. He regrets and regrets when everything comes to an end. The pain, the emptiness and he cannot reach his inner world. So he returns to his normal life, as normal as it can be considering what he had been through. Ikumi Unagiya kept him grounded throughout that experience. 

When he receives his powers back, he wouldn’t be any happier however first he had to take care of Ginjo. With much regret, but life moves on so does he. Even if he had thought he found someone who understood him, in the end it was a lie to use him. 

He sighs, staring out the window of his room. He feels something is wrong, he just can’t place his finger on it. When he lies down to sleep he falls into his inner world. For the first time in forever. 

It was as he remembers it to be, the tall blue buildings……he feels like something is not supposed to be here. He forgets when he sees Old Man Zangetsu, wait he looks familiar. Like someone he needed to be careful around. An old foe, his dream- 

“Ichi-nii!” He wakes up to his sister calling him for breakfast. He rubs his head. Did he have a weird dream again? That was weird but he doesn’t question it and gets ready for the day. 

Facing Yhwach was an experience to put it lightly. Even though he did get training from the royal guards. He put his everything into fighting the other to bring peace to the worlds. To protect the ones he loves. He cannot falter at this moment, everyone is relying on him. 

You cannot enter yet, your wish still hasn’t come true

******

Ichigo wakes up gasping, he sits up quickly looking for his calendar. Today was the day Orihime was taken. He must go save- 

The first seed 

He shakes his head, she is in danger he has to go save her. 

He doesn’t ask this time either. Perhaps if he did, maybe he would have an answer to it. His dream was maybe a warning. He should be more careful but he still has to save her. And maybe finally, he will pay more attention to her. 

This life too

Ended Happily 

You cannot enter yet, your wish still hasn’t come true 

****

He finds himself at the turning point of his life. The fateful day of where Rukia gave him her powers. He cannot stop when he sees the hollow coming, So he plunges the knife into his chest. This time, instead of having his first weird looking zanpakuto, he already had his shikai. This was new, however he doesn’t have time for that. 

Easily taking out the hollow, he helps Rukia to safety. 

When he finally had the time he finally questioned it. 

What was everything that he had been through. Are they really dreams or did he time travel back. Or…was it regression. He doesn’t know what to think, he has to see if this was real. See if everything that had happened in his….’dreams’ were truly dreams or were they really did happen. He really can’t get it out of his head and who was that voice speaking to him. He needs to speak to it next time. 

Thus he starts recording the events in a small book he kept with him. 

Rukia getting taken checked 

Losing his powers then checked 

He hasn't worried about that since…he knew he would get them back. Either way, this was his first time relying on his dreams. He needs to see if this is exactly how he expected it to go……however that really didn’t explain his already shikai zanpakuto.

He wonders….

Shaking his head, he needs to focus on getting the training he needs to get his powers back. 

So the story goes something like this. He would rescue Rukia just like he had done with the muscle memory that is coming back to him. He had trained with the Visored’s to stand a chance against Aizen. However he didn’t say anything that he would already do because he didn’t want to do anything out of the ordinary and cause a difference in the timeline.

He defeats Yhwach with the help of his ‘dreams’ as he still calls them. Then he married the woman he had fallen in love with. Orihime and him buying a big home this time was slightly different but it didn’t change much. They had a child together named Kazui. A ray of sunshine. He still fought hollows when he could and would shove it in Ikkaku’s face that he is a translator now. He had come a long way, when he passed into the human world. He is met with his friends in Soul Society. They welcome him into their ranks with Shunsui’s help. He liked to believe he lived his best life. He had done everything correctly, he had lived happily like the other’s had said. 

Of course becoming a captain was never in his plans but he does anyways. He leads with the best example. Ichigo knows because everyone had told him so. So Why- 

You may not enter, Your wish hasn’t come true

*****

Ichigo is back at the beginning, hands holding onto Rukia’s zanpakuto. Making the same decision to become a Soul reaper. His reiatsu this time though was just as strong as his previous life as a captain. But that also comes from the fact that he was a Shiba as well. 

“I never seen anything like this or ever. You have such immense reiatsu is unreal.” Rukia said when she had the chance to examine him. He laughs and plays it off. Though he did ask her to teach him how to keep it under wraps. He had a slight grasp of it from his previous timeline. But he needed more help if he didn’t want to crush anyone beneath him when he let his emotions got the best of him. 

It had happened many times before so at times, he would only be around other captains or people who can handle his spiritual pressure. 

At times like those, he felt kind of lonely because everyone had their own life as well as to entertain him day and night. 

He looks back at Zangetsu and sighs in relief. Good thing he remembered to ask them to stick to looking like this. Well they too had their memories of him going through a few timelines now, they knew what to do. Shiro though seems to be a bit irritated by the fact they had to stay like this instead of going wild. He waves him off, internally of course. 

This time he found himself with some spare time to question himself a bit. The voice said his wish still hasn’t come true. What wish was it talking about? What kind of wish did he have that he most do before he can pass on. Maybe he was doing something wrong? Was Orihime not the person he was supposed to be with? 

Biting his lip or maybe he was supposed to do things differently?

The second seed 

Maybe his true wish was to do things differently from the start? Well he had few chances in his last life and everyone’s life turned out better. Was he supposed to live somewhere else? What else was it that he wished for. The damn voice didn’t even give him a hint. Whatever it is, he is ready to face it. He knows he can protect his friends, he knows he can handle Aizen and Yhwach. He wonders, maybe his true wish was to never lose his powers during that time ... .well nothing wrong in trying to change. Otherwise he would…he looked at his sword much to zangetsu's disapproval. 

So he does just that 

Changing from letting Byakuka Kuchiki take Rukia. Instead he beats the man easily and demands to meet with the Captain Commander. The man didn’t even see him coming when he hid his reiatsu. Of course using Byakuya as hostage and threatening them. Of course not his proudest moment. But he never said he was above threatening someone. 

When he meets the captain of the 1st division. He tries to not let the nerves get to him and lose his hold over his reiatsu. He didn’t want to give away yet that he was powerful. Matching that of a captain level. Though before he would have had anything done. Aizen took his chance and took the hogyoku. 

He sighs, shaking his head. This wasn’t what he wanted but he supposed this would do. When he finally let go of his hold over his own reiatsu and revealed his true shikai. With this and before Aizen would have the chance he leaves the Soul Society and becomes more powerful through the hogyoku. Ichigo struck him down without a second thought, picking up the hogyoku like it was a small stone. “You know, for something so small it sure is a pain to deal with.” He chuckles to himself at least now he doesn't have to go into Hueco Mundo and fight the arrancar while Zangetsu whines in the background about wanting a good fight. “Shut it, it is so annoying to deal with those” He mentally shoves the other. 

Turning back to the other captains, shoving the hogyoku into his pocket. “Now let’s talk business. Yhwach.” 

Without needing much convincing he managed to get them on their side. After all, Yhwach's an old name that Yamamoto is quite familiar with. With much talking and convincing on Ichigo’s part, he was able to set up a plan for when the Quincy King would attack. This time without worrying about losing too many people. 

Helping the other’s train was a bit new to him, but Ichigo does his best, even at times . They don't really agree with him on certain things. But he lets them know about what Quincy would do and how they would take their bankai. So they mostly go with Kisuke to figure that out, though he keeps his lips tight about what they had to do. 

He wants to make sure everyone gets a happy ending. Because of that he is able to bring the Visored’s back into Soul Society. They too needed help in training. It was actually funny to see their shocked faces when he had shown them what he would do. With his own hollow mask, after a few lives of that he was able to maintain it for as long as he liked. “We have much to do.” Ichigo smiles watching everyone train, Rukia though seems worried after all how wouldn’t she. Her best friend changed so much and how would he know an old foe of the Soul Society. Was he a prophet? Her thoughts disappear when he feels a gentle palm hold her cheek. “I can hear you thinking.” His hand slowly trailing down her cheek to her chin and tilting her head up so they can meet eye to eye. 

“You have nothing to worry about. I will protect you.” He whispers softly, Rukia finds that she cannot look away from Ichigo. His soft smile made her heart twist in a strange way. She looks away blushing. “Y-you Idiot! Who said I need your protection!” She storms out the room all the while hiding her face. All the while she can hear soft laughter behind her, since when did Ichigo learn to tease her like that.

Chuckling as he watched Rukia storm away, he made no move to follow her at all. After all he had his own complicated problem to deal with. This time he didn’t have his friends back on the living in on his plans. He made sure to never cross Ishida path, he didn’t want them to get involved this time and live normally. So naturally he really hasn't had the time to hang out with Orihime. 

He leans back against the open window, he sighs. Truly he wishes this would be just over….but his wish hasn't come true yet. He knows this time he will have his true wish. Though now thinking about it, was his wish…Rukia..?

He smiles to himself, well nothing wrong with that after all. When he thinks about her, she is cute. He does like her already to a certain extent but just not there yet so maybe…..his eyes trails towards the training grounds again. “Maybe this might just be it.” He smiles to himself he can’t wait for this future. 

After ending the war with Yhwach and his army. Ichigo was a bit irritated, somehow Ishida still had joined hands with Yhwach. However he wasn’t as strong as last time. Of course he was strong but there was a slight difference that Ichigo took a chance against him. He hasn't left the other dead but just in a coma. He didn’t say anything when he handed Ryuken his son. “Do be nicer to him.” He had said and went back to the Soul Society. 

Going back to the Soul Society he had finally gathered the courage to ask Rukia out. He knew Renji liked her but he wouldn’t help himself. Because he too liked her. 

This time they had a daughter who was the joy of their life. She was a cute child who had inherited her mother’s black hair, a slight difference from Kazui. After putting her to bed and watching her snooze away, he finally found himself thinking of Kazui. Tears rolled down his cheeks when he thought back to his son.

Leaving the room and going on a walk, his mind went back to the cheerful boy. He would have loved to see Kazui again. Feeling selfish on his part that he had given up on his previous family to chase a new dream. If he….he wishes…shaking his head. What was he doing, he has his family right now. He cannot do this to them, wiping away his tears and going back home. Slipping into the bed with Rukia, he pulls her closer to him trying to not hurt her while holding her closely. She turns to him and gives him a small smile. “You ok?” He nods, refusing to talk because he fears if he does. She will know he was crying. 

So his life passed like that, it wasn’t perfect. Rukia and he had a few fights here and there but nothing they wouldn’t work through……Which was kinda a lie. 

“Another fight with the misses?” Shinji had asked when he found Ichigo at a bar. “Don’t know whatcha talking about.” He slurs refusing to sit up from where he had slumped down. Shinji sighs, picking up the other and taking him home. “I just don’t know…it was never this hard…” He hiccups arms going around his shoulders. “Maybe next time I should marry you instead. You are so nice and take care of me.” Resting his head against the other’s shoulder, Shinji was losing it. 

He never knew that Ichigo liked men, the others never even gave a glance to the men around him. Though they witness Ichigo do some ... .very cringe things around the younger captain Kuchiki. Perhaps he should ask. No one ever denied that Ichigo was a very attractive young man. 

That chance never happened as it seems Ichigo and Rukia had worked things out. They were back to their lovey dovey dance again. It was hard to watch, maybe next time. 

There was never a next chance again because Ichigo only had eyes for Rukia. 

You may not enter, your wish still haven’t come true yet 

“Well tell me damn it! You keep saying that but I got everything I ever wanted! Everyone’s happy so Why-” Ichigo screams, he cannot understand. Rukia was happy, everyone around him was happy. That was his wish-

You know very well that isn’t your wish. Very well, let us give you a hint

“What do you mean-” 

Ichigo wakes up in his bed, what- where is this time- He rushes to his calendar. The day that Rukia gave him her powers. Looking at the clock it was almost time. Damn it, why is he here again- and what kind of asshole says he will get a hint and doesn’t give it to him. 

He rubs his head, damn it maybe being with Rukia… his heart clenches because at the end of his last life….he had promised her that he would rather she go first so she doesn’t have to deal with the heartbreak of losing him first. Yet he didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye because she was….

He closes his eyes and tries to feel it, ah yes. He still had his powers. They were always there with him. He didn’t even need to get Rukia’s powers to awaken him. He had noticed that every time he came back, he was a little further behind and his powers seemed stronger. Even if he had to put them on a tight hold so as to not crush the weaker bunch beneath him. He needs to go to the Soul Society- 

Did he have to save everyone ag-

The third seed 

No he has to go save everyone otherwise they will get hurt by either Aizen or Yhwach. He cannot stand by and let the people he loves get hurt. He most do this he- 

The damn hollow he grunts is irritated when he senses the damn thing close by. He sees Senkaimon opening and Rukia stepping through. “Get back in there.” He orders her who seems flabbergasted at his comment. “Who do you think you are-” The hollow takes this time to attack. Huh a little bit early but Ichigo was fast. He uses sonido fast enough and comes back with the head of the hollow. It was slowly disappearing in his hand. “H-how can a human-” the hollow tries to say only to get crushed by Ichigo’s hands. 

“Aren’t you the drama queen now.” Zangetsu giggles, Ichigo holds back the urge to roll his eyes. Looking at Rukia then looks away, there was something irritating him but he doesn’t say. “Take me back to the Soul Society.” He kind of has a plan this time, though he might be lying to himself when he says he has a plan. Maybe he needs to learn a few things from Aizen. Rukia who had been silent this whole time. She wouldn’t say anything because how the hell did this human manage to kill a hollow like that. 

She shakes her head “No-no, why would you want to go there. Who are you!” He rolls his eyes at her, crossing his arms. “Yes I can, even better if you guys can beam me up to the Soul king’s palace.” He jokes lightly, he feels like he is cooked honestly. He just had to run his mouth like that. She frowns at this human, who does he thinks he is. “You must be joking, how can you know about that?” 

He shrugs making some nonsense noise “Don’t know, don’t care. Need me to spell it out for you. Take me to the Soul Society?” He flicks her forehead, maybe he hit her a bit too hard when she fell on her butt because of that flick. 

Wondering how she can look more flabbergasted than before. It must be a Rukia thing, “Or maybe a Kuchiki thing, remember that guy?” Zangetsu points out helpfully. Very helpful honestly, he thought with a sigh. He doesn’t even know what he is doing anymore and he is just going off what the first thought he had come to mind. 

“I will speak with a goat face and you are taking me to the Soul Society.” He leaves the room without giving her a second chance to reply. Finding his father downstairs. He waits outside the room until the man finishes. He kind of wishes he has something to keep him busy with. Cigar- Stop of all things that also came to? Damn. This is getting out of hand. When the goat- his father finishes with the patient. He stops the other before he can be ridiculous again “Stop Captain Shiba.” He smirks at the look of shock on his face. “There's something I have to do, in the meantime be a good father and help me find a way to contact a few friends.” He remembers the golden hair and a mischievous smile. “H-how do you know about that?” His father whisper shouts even though Karin and Yuzu is out with their friends. 

Turning to head back to his room without answering the goat face’s question. “The visored. Find them and bring them to me. I’m sure you know how to get in contact with me.” He heads back to his room, finding Rukia there. “Good you are still here, come on open the Senkaimon.” He gestures for her to do so. Looking offended as hell. “Now wait here you stupid human. Who do you think you are to command me around? You cannot just walk in there like a playground.” 

He blinks, a slow smile spreading through his face. Rukia hides her shock at the deranged smile the other has on his face. “I can just walk around actually. More than you know if you open the door midget. Unless you aren’t able to because you are weak.” He gloats her and she takes the bait. 

“Watch me! And stay close by because I only have one Jigokucho!” She huffs while opening the Senkaimon. Ichigo leaves his human body as easily as switching clothes. Ignoring the gaping look on Rukia’s face. Least last lifetime he learned how to seal his zanpakuto so it's not in constant shikai form anymore and his control over his reiatsu is a lot better now. “I know I'm good looking, take a picture darling~” he winks at her before going through it and she chases after him. 

He looks at the Jigokucho and wonders. “You know, for something that belongs to the Soul Society. Why is it called the hell butterfly instead of the soul butterfly? Do you guys harvest them from hell?” He muse to himself, remembering back to his first few lives with Orihime and Kazui. He remembered how the gates of hell opened and….right that did happen. How can he forget that? Maybe that’s why his wishes didn’t come true. Though he still doesn't understand why he wants to enter the place that the voice said he wouldn’t enter. 

Well that’s the problem yet to come, he must make his wish come true. Hopefully he can do it this time. He will make the perfect ending. 

This time almost goes like last time, except he paid more attention to the golden hair Visored. Though it seemed he also had caught the eyes of a certain scientist as well. 

When he was brushing his hair that night, he had started to let it grow out. A little bit of change to himself isn’t such a bad thing. “You look nice.” Zangetsu had commented once before and he wouldn’t deny it. Because he did look good with longer hair. So far it was down to his mid back, maybe by the influence of Zangetsu it fell straight down instead of spiky like he had expected it to.

Arms wrap around his mid waist and a beard chin rests on his right shoulder. “Kisuke, what are you doing?” He sets the brush to meet the other's eyes on the mirror. “Just missing you darling.” Reaching up to brush the other’s hair, “Oh? Where’s Shinji if you are done with training so most he.” Kisuke rolls his eyes, moving closer to the redhead wanting to be as close as possible.

He knew he got lucky when both of them accepted him into their relationship, Ichigo hadn't been in the world of the living for a few years. Something about suppressing a certain Quincy King, not that he knows how he would do it. 

Ichigo seems to like keeping a tight lip about that stuff. A shame because he would love to know about it. 

Even the Seireitei had kept his secret. Apparently it was shocking enough that no one will ever speak a lick of it. Maybe that’s why he cannot even feel a bit of reiatsu from Ichigo, the man manages to conceal it so well. He wonders if he can ask him to teach him how to do it. 

“Stop it Kisuke, coming too close to the fire, you might just burn.” Ichigo squirms turn to face the other. Bringing his lips close for a much heated kiss, hands roaming dangerously close into the hakama. A knock from the door into the bathroom interrupts them. Kisuke chases after Ichigo’s soft lips when the other pulls away from him, when he can’t he rests his forehead on his shoulder. “Having fun without me?” Shinji walks in stealing a kiss for himself as well. Honestly as much as he loves making Kisuke jealous. It was damn hot to see Ichigo and him make out. 

He hears Ichigo hum before pulling away from his hold, Shinji swooping in to kiss Kisuke as well. “I’m going to start on dinner, clean up. You guys stink.” Ichigo pulls his hair up in a messy bun before leaving the bathroom. They are probs going to fuck and what not but he gets his fun time later. He was rather hungry after all. Being able to hold back Yhwach from coming back was exhausting. He is only able to buy so much time before the Soul Society is ready to face him. 

This time he thinks it is perfect. He has his two lovers, they have some disagreement. But they work it out with communication. Maybe that’s why last time it didn’t work out so well, ah a shame sometimes when he sees the pineapple red hair he does want to bash his face in. He giggles just the thought of it….since when did he enjoy that kind of violence. Shaking his head focusing back on what he was making. 

Curry is always a heart warming meal, and to be honest it was his best dish. Yuzu taught him how to make it, maybe he should go visit them soon. He still hasn’t given the shovel talk yet to their boyfriends. He had given them enough that he knew all the landfills around the area. The horror on those boy’s faces is fun to see. Chuckling to himself, he pulls the ladle to taste it.

“What’s so funny darling?” Shinji peaks over his shoulders to see how long before the curry was ready. He was starving, after all the crazy routine that Ichigo has them doing. He doesn’t even know how the other had managed to convince the entire Gotei 13. Even Central 46 kind of agree. It was hard to believe that there was half agreeing with Ichigo. But whatever it is, he is happy to go along with whatever crazy plan the other has. “Just thinking about the shovel talk, I will give to Karin and Yuzu’s boyfriend.” He couldn't stop it when he burst out laughing, last time the man had managed to scare the young teens into wetting themselves. Ah young love is something for sure. 

Then again he never knew there were so many landfills around the town. He shudders imagining the redhead actually doing it. There were times when he looked like he would and that is what scares him the most. He doesn’t want to believe it but he knows there’s a storm brewing behind those eyes. He wishes he knew how he would help his love, but he can’t. He feels like the closer he is, the farther away Ichigo is. 

Running a hand down his arm. “I wonder if they will be scared enough to wet themselves again.” He jokes lightly trying not to let the other know he has few complicated feelings about him. Ichigo hums turning off the stove. “Set the table, I’m sure they will be that scared haha. I have a few more ideas this time.” 

He watches how the other starts taking out a few side dishes that Yuzu had sent with them the last time. “Yes my lord.” Laughing at the dramatic eye roll. “Where’s Kisuke by the way?” Shinji quickly shuts up and pretends he doesn’t know what he was talking about. “You two I swear.” He sighs, fishing up plating the side dishes and leaves to find Kisuke. 

Ichigo likes to think this was the perfect ending. He watches Yhwach grumble to his knees. The Quincy King kneeling in front of him. Something about this felt satisfying and he knows he shouldn’t feel like this because it was wrong. There were too many sacrifices, no matter how strong Soul Reapers became because of his training. There were bound to be few deaths. When Yhwach takes his last breath, he then is sealed away to be a puppet just like the last Soul King. 

Somehow he starts to wonder. 

Then he stops because he is at his rightful place with Kisuke and Shinji, both being the light of his world. 

You may not enter, your wish still hasn’t come true 

“Fuck! Fucking help me understand what is my wish!” 

Very well, our hint is

Where you want to go you can go, as long as you imagine yourself there and the time of yourself as well 

“W-what do you mean!?” 

A death for time, where you want to be, death brings you there. We will speak to you next time when your wish finally comes true 

*****

He wakes up, the room is dark. 

He hears a soft lullaby from the room over. That can’t be, he pulls him up and off his bed. Has his room always been so big? He follows the singing to his sister’s room. Seeing his mother singing to his baby sisters. He runs into her arms wailing. His mother doesn’t understand what is wrong but she comforts her young son, trying her best to calm the babies as well. 

He didn’t sleep the whole night, he held tightly onto his mother. Didn’t want to let her out of his sight. Perhaps this was his true wish. Is to be with his mother and live a normal life. None of the Soul Reaper bullshit. Ahh…too bad if he cannot be with his loves from the past. But he can finally have the family he wanted and a normal life. 

So like last time he holds his powers back. It has become easier now, he doesn’t even need to think to pull it back. Now it's just a subconscious thing that he does. It doesn;t even take much like it used to. How fun, because he can sneak around now. 

Maybe it was because he was still a child, however there are some urges that he cannot control. Like when he accidentally shoves a kid a little bit too hard. That was an understatement which he did not mean to do. The child was so fucking undisciplined and it was pissing him off. He could always make sure he had the right expressions on his face. He most act like a normal child, because he was supposed to be 5 year old at the moment. 

He thought back to the voice this time, it said a death would bring him through time. What was that supposed to mean…..was she supposed to kill someone to travel through time? An idea crosses his mind, he doesn’t know if he was supposed to feel scare and really shouldn;t be doing this. 

Putting on his best smile and starting being friendly with the other children. He is going to feel bad about this later. But he most test it his theory 

Masaki wouldn’t put her finger on it, watching Ichigo play with the other children and laughing. He was….doing something he shouldn’t was her first thought. But she cannot figure it out, her boy was always a bit of an oddball. He cared a little bit too much about his sisters, and would give odd looks to his father when he tried to show love. 

There was always something off but she just wouldn’t- a loud screech of tires

Screams and shouting. Masaki turns to see a child who had been run over by a car, immediately she looks for Ichigo. Her blood runs cold by what she sees. He stood off to the side tilting his head with his eyes narrowed, like he was waiting for something to happen. 

Masaki runs, picking him up and hiding her child from the crash. “It’s ok, it’s ok everything’s going to be ok.” She doesn’t know if she is comforting herself or Ichigo. 

“Did you do it?” She asks quietly when they reach home, she cannot bring herself to look at her son fearing what he would say. “No.” 

“Ok.” 

She cannot sleep, something is not right. She needs to go find her son is her first thought when she finally gets up from the bed. She hadn't even told Isshin about today’s events. And most adults thought it was an accident. So she didn’t dare to say anything, she fear if she did ... .something else might happen. 

Checking on Ichigo’s room, her heart stops when she cannot find him there sleeping. She rushes to the kitchen to see her child, holding a knife. “I guess my theory was wrong and death was supposed to be mine. Mother, see you later.” He smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes, She reaches for the knife but it was too late and- 

******

He opens his eyes only to find he was a baby this time. Not a 3 year old like last time, how curious. He did imagine he was younger. He supposed this would be as far as he goes. 

When he sees his mother coming, let the baby's instincts take hold for now. He hears Zangetsu in the background “drama queen”. He doesn't have the energy to answer back. This life he intends to live it happily with his family. 

Doesn’t want to think about what he has to do other than be happy with his family. 

Masaki always knew her first child was special to her. In a way he was, as a baby he didn’t fuss much. There was not a lot of crying with how he expected it to be based on the other’s mothers stories. At best he was silent and watching the world around him. At worst he was staring too deeply like expecting for something to happen. 

Some say she is lucky to have a sweet angel like her Ichigo. Yes she was lucky, but sometimes she wishes she had a child who would cry and fight her at times. Not one who would sit down with a book way beyond him and if someone did something wrong he would stare them down until they apologize. Only thing that reassures her is when Ichigo finds something amusing, his sweet smile lights up the room. Isshin seems to have those doubts as well, his family in truth were always known to be a loud bunch. Especially when they were young, so he does his best to bring out the silliness in the child. 

Sometimes it works and the child indulges him. Wait why is he the one being indulged- He watches Ichigo from across the room flipping through a book. He cannot understand what his own child was thinking. Is he failing as a father, he sighs heavily when he finds Masaki looking for her comfort. 

Then the wonderful news comes and they find out they are having another child. Ichigo tilts his head, reaching out to touch his mother’s stomach. “They are twin girls.” He smiles softly at the thought of seeing his sisters again. Where’s the camera when he needs it? Isshin thought seeing how happy his son looked. Like a switch is flipped, Ichigo has been acting more like a child his age. Though he did seem to do more than expected and he would help around the house like he knew what he was doing. 

“Ichigo dear, you know that is more than enough. You should go play.” He heard his mother say when he was cleaning around the house. The job Masaki usually did but she hasn’t been able to since reaching the delivery date. Ichigo looks at his mother, then says “I want to help.” He places the broom down, going over to her side. “I want to be able to protect the family.” He mumbles looking away from her worried glance. He feels a hand brush against his hair “If you are focusing on protecting the family, who would protect you sweetie?” Her voice was laced with sadness. 

Her dearest child looked like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. “My wish for you is to live happily.” Ichigo didn’t know those were words he had been yearning to hear. Hearing it from his mother he cannot stop himself from crying and he knew he must try harder to live this life to the fullest. Maybe this was his true wish. 

So that’s what he does, letting himself enjoy the joys of childhood. Though he was still keeping beware of his surroundings. “Why do you always check around like there’s danger around the corner all the time.” Kisuke had said this once before. Even he didn’t know when it had started but it just became a habit that has stuck around. 

When the dreadful day came at 9 years old. He put on the water works for his mother. “Please don’t go, I-I am scared of the thunder.” Clinging to her arms with all his might. Masaki didn't know what had happened to her darling boy. He was just fine when the rain started but now…..well if he didn’t want her to go. Then she puts her shoes away, bringing Ichigo in for a hug. “Oh please don’t cry, mommy won’t leave and stay home with you.” Ichigo hip cups and nuzzles into her arms. 

“Promise?” Putting on his biggest puppy eyes and she nods. “Staying by your side all day.” She smiles knowing that when Ichigo says something with a certain tone. It tends to be true like the twins they had. There was probably something happening today that her child didn’t want to say so she choose to stay home that whole day. 

Thus continued life, it was never a dull moment. He ignores Rukia’s coming to the human world to do the job. He was not intending to get involved this time, he is going to live this normally like his parents hope for their son to do so. Of course normal for him doesn’t mean he doesn’t get rid of the hollows that show up near their home. And a good way to let off some steam. 

The moments of joy, moments of sadness and he was there for every moment. Doing the things that he had thought to do in his few past time lines. Joining the school festival, having girlfriends and going on dates were just a few things. This time though he chose a different woman in his life. Someone ordinary and they had children, this was the normal life and there he had found happiness. 

When he passed he was surrounded by his loved ones. 

So why is he waking up again as a child? 

Maybe he meant to do something different. Was everything just not as he wished last time. He couldn’t stop himself when he wrote down all his life's on paper. Almost pulling his hair out when he can’t figure out what he was missing. All these lives were perfect. Everyone was happy and so was he. So Why- 

He needs to get out of here, he needs to- ripping the paper to shreds and stomping out the door. His parents' shouts were ignored, finding himself at the river. He doesn’t understand why things like this are happening, he is doing everything in his power to live the perfect life so why is he still here? Why is he in this endless cycle of doing this….. whatever this is. He needs answers, maybe Kisuke can help him- he stops there. In truth, no one can help him. Because each life he remembers they do not. But maybe a familiar face would help though. 

So he made his way to the Shoten, but what would he say when he met Kisuke. Perhaps he should pretend he wanted to buy some candy. Yea he should do just that. 

Walking into the Shoten, he looks around the place. It never really changes, last time he avoided this place like a plague because he didn’t want to see the man who he had loved. Maybe he still does, however now it’s complicated…..He picks up a lollipop to look at pretending to be distracted. While he thinks. 

“My My what do we have here. The lost child of the Kurosaki’s” He turns to find Kisuke crouching at his level. He doesn’t know what to say, all that he wanted to say just disappeared when he saw him. Least Shinji wasn’t here then that really wouldn’t do well for his soul. So he stood there staring at the other with a scowl. 

Kisuke was told that Ichigo was eccentric at best, but now finally meeting the child. He cannot help but feel unnerved by the eyes. They seemed old and held secrets that he knew he would never uncovered. He tries to distract him with a fun trinket from one of the shelves to which the redhead stared at it unimpressed. “Really?” Maybe changing tactics would work and plays the classic peekaboo, he heard somewhere that children like that. But he only earns himself a deeper scowl and a glare. Ok maybe that was only for babies. 

This was a mistake. Why did he come here for? “W-wait where are you going?! Your parents are coming here to pick you up!” He rushes to grab the child who had no interest in staying there any longer. Though he was not expected to fall face first onto the dirt, he hears a familiar laugh and looks up to find Shinji there. Holding a knocked out child in his arms like a sack of potatoes. “What are you doing!” He hears Masaki screech, that’s going to be a hard one to explain. He feels a headache coming. 

Ichigo can’t sleep, someone’s watching him. He sits up from his bed pulling the curtain open slightly and he sees Shinji sitting outside watching him. He can’t stop himself from saying “What’s this ugly muck outside of my window.” That surely got a reaction out of Shinji who looked like he was ready to steal a kid’s candy. He gave the man an unimpressed look, dropping the window and trying to go back to bed. 

The days goes like this, he tries this life as well to live his best life. He met another woman and had children with her. She was a sunshine that he needed and of course few pets around kept them busy. 

*****

Waking up again as a child, Ichigo sighs. What was he doing wrong? His parents were happy, Karin and Yuzu had married great partners. His threats of landfills for them was starting to get boring. 

He lives through this life almost like before but does something slightly different, instead of a woman. He married a man who's smile made his heart beat and he had no regrets when he passed

So why 

Why is he here again 

And again 

Eventually he stopped caring, he woke up as a child this time and he didn’t have the motivation to keep up the pretense anymore. The need to be happy has stopped because everything has become predictable, he knew what was going to happen. But this time instead of stopping anything he is letting it happen. There was no point in trying, his wish. Never came true no matter how hard he tried so why. 

He watched everyone go through their lives like everything is alright when it is not. He remembers that today, he turned to one of his so-called friends. “You are going to die tonight. By the river.” The child looked confused then ran crying to their mother’s arms. He had saved this kid too many times before but this time he wants to just….see the world burn. His heart thumps at that. He gently touched his chest, why did that give him such a reaction? Maybe all these lives are getting to him, he sighs. 

That night he turns on the TV, turning to the news channel already knowing what was going to be there. The news reporter was reporting that the body of a child was being pulled from the river. So much for warning him. He cannot help but grin in satisfaction but he hides it under his palm. “I have said so….” He whispers to himself, an idea comes to him from the depth of his mind. 

What he would do in his next life, it was about time to change things up a bit. He didn’t need to know why he knew that his wish had yet to come. Nor does he care because there’s better things to do. Ichigo goes to find his mother, tugging gently on her sleeves. “I want to play chess.” His mother looked at him with a soft smile “Of course, let me finish cleaning up and we can do that.” 

He places a piece down strategically on the board. “Why does life slumber?” He ask watching his mother place one of her pieces down. A bait, he doesn’t take it though. He had been through this for a bit. Everytime he lost, he would not make the same mistake. “Because one day you will wake up from your dream.” She answers the same answer every life. There was nothing different. Why did he expect anything different because her next move would be her losing on. “Mmm correct” He put down the last piece. “Draw, have a good night mother.”

*****

He wakes up this time on the day of when he met Rukia. But it doesn’t matter because he won’t be going to the Soul Society. He is going to Hueco Mundo, he had been so nice in his last few lives, perhaps he can be a bad thing this time. 

“I’m not a bad thing.” Zangetsu grumbles at him from the back of his mind. Ichigo only shrugs ‘Does it matter’ he rolls his eyes, focusing on the instruction that Zangetsu gave to open a garganta. 

He walks in letting go on his reiatsu as if to announce the king has arrived. He turns into his Vasto Lorde form and follows his instincts to hunt. There was something free about just letting your instinct take over. He would get used to this. 

Taking down Barragan was no easy task but he was able to do it eventually. There’s no success without failure and of course he had watched how Hachi took care of the hollow. Such an annoying skill that had been running around a few times. But thanks to that he is able to finally pick up Kido and put that to good use. So he had taken the throne, becoming something of legends when he appeared to take care of pests that threaten his peace. Such peace can only last him so long before the little bit of life he felt is gone. He is back at square one. 

What should he do this time….he wonders. He can open garganta and the only way to time travel is to die. However, if he can actually control that ability, he wouldn’t have to be dying all the time. 

Then he remembers something interesting Oetsu said something about Chokaimon being able to send someone where they want to go if they make time and arrival time line up. Maybe he should learn that this time, he had plenty of skills already in his arsenal. One has to pick up something before they go crazy. 

Maybe he was already crazy when he struck down his previous friends without a thought last time. Picking up some and letting it flow through his claws. It's not enough, he has to do more. He would take the soul king throne perhaps for fun then what. 

Then what….all this time and he is no closer to finding his wish. 

Turning to return to Los Noches, he should say goodbye before his next endeavor. He needed to see if his theory is correct, if he can use the Chokaimon to his desire. It would work to his advantage after all, nothing wrong in learning. 

His army of arrancars kneel to welcome him back when he arrives at Los Noches, so many different yet familiar faces. Those who opposed him died, those who joined him turned. He was the king above all yet the one thing that he had not conquered was the soul king dimension. oh well it really didn't matter, it will be done soon anyways. 

Taking a seat at his throne, he gestures for the objects of this time fascination, Shunsui and Jushiro, to come to him. They had become quite the beautiful bunch. How can he stop himself from not playing with them? Once they kneel in front of him, he reaches out dragging them closer by the chin. They had resisted the most during the time of capture and he had his fun breaking into them. Even now they are still planning to take him down. Ichigo wonders what they would do, return to the place that is now a mass grave. 

“I'm going to take care of some business soon, I wonder if you two will miss me when I'm gone. Yamamoto's disciple＂ He smirks behind the mask to see the sheer hatred in their eyes. He loved bringing up the old man just to their reaction. He had fun putting the man down, too bad he didn't force them to watch. Maybe next time it's not like he is going anywhere soon. Perhaps acting as a hollow has twisted him a bit too much. Running a thumb along Jushiro's lip he wonders if he should play one more game with them before he leaves this timeline. Mm well he has the time and what not. So many choices to make “Let's play a game＂He announced, hia court breaks out in cheers. Games were never boring to them if only they knew. 

“I will be the hunter and you are all the prey.＂

*****

The fluorescent lights sure are annoying but he actually misses this. The quiet humming and the noises here and there that he can hear from his room. It was nice to be back, the not-the-most-bed and the wind outside. Hueco Mundo never had anything like this. He wonders what he should do once he acquires what he wants. Perhaps mess with Yhwach a bit? He had beaten the man more than once….not a bad idea. 

When he hears the Senkaimon open, Ichigo knows. It was time to go, he put his acting skills to work. He needed to get through this part after all. 

Ichigo sat in his inner world, messing around with a rubix cube he had manifested all the while White Zangetsu seemed to be barbecuing something. Old man Zan finds them like that. “The outside….＂he mentions gaze flickering between the two. Both who seemed to not care at the moment what their body outside was doing. “Just letting it go wild on Urahara for a bit. Call it pay back.＂He finally figure out the pattern to the cube and starts working in it. The old man sighs but doesn't say another thing even though Ichigo knew that he wanted to say something else. 

It seems Ichigo these days has been moving further and further away from them and he didn't know how to stop it. If he goes down on this path, in the end who would come outof it.. When the cube starts breaking, Ichigo sighs and gets up from where he sat. 

“I will be going now, let’s chill next time.” He smiles before vanishing back into his body, which is still holding up against Urahara. 

He catches the blade from Urahara’s Benihime, snickering when he sees the other’s shocked face. “Just messing with you Kisuke.” He reaches up and breaks one of his horns as it is broken, his armor falls off. “Now are you going to stand there and look stupid or….” His eyes fall on the blade in his arms and raise a brow. The man pulls back laughing it off, he knew he had unnerved him. To think was the man who gave him trouble a few life’s ago because of his damn bankai. He wonders if he should worry about that and do something early now, he glances back at Tessai then back at Urahara. “You should get everything ready, we need to go save Rukia soon.” 

When they set out to the Soul Society this time. His decision was to sit back and watch unlike last time when he rushed around trying to help everyone when they got separated. He purposely avoids being alone with Yoruichi. The woman was sharp and he knew she was suspecting something. Much like his last life when he went undercover, she was annoying but because of that he was able to use his sonido more efficiently. 

“Where’s that damn ryoka!” He hears Kenpachi roar from somewhere, he sighs laying back on one of the roofs to rest. He was not feeling like fighting at all, even though Zangetsu was whining to get a chance at it. “If you do that, you’re the one who needs to learn how to use a Chokaimon and I will stay in the inner world for this whole life.” He sighs, closing his eyes with arms behind his back. “Nah, one time was enough, people are exhausting.” Ichigo chuckles remembering the relaxing time he had in his inner world without the need to worry about what was happening outside. 

Zangetsu grumbles and stops whining because he knew Ichigo would do exactly that. He was excited to be out last time however he never knew the amount of responsibility they had to deal with. Yea no never again. 

Much to his displeasure Kenpachi did manage to find him from where he was resting. He moves out of the way fast enough to give him plenty of time to do something else honestly. Why are these Soul Reapers so slow? Can’t believe he lost the first time around when they were so slow. He dodges the barrage of swings from Kenpachi, familiar enough with his move set. He had fought this man more than he needed to admit because it was at one point the only thing that made him feel anything. 

It was a very depressing time but he was over it now. After all going for the Soul King’s throne he had to be the perfect soldier boy. Until he gets up there that is and gets what he needs to learn first. Take down Yhwach then- He catches Kenpachi’s sword, noticing he’s been awfully good at that these days. Smiling sweetly he delivers a punch to his gut, letting the man drop to catch his breath. Ichigo takes out his zanpakuto. 

Not taking the wrapping off the sword, he starts wailing down on Kenpachi. Not to kill but hit the spot that hurts the hardest. Like the elbows, he can’t help the unhinged grin spreading across his face. Zangetsu’s outrage scream about being used like this. “I’m not a fucking shovel you dip shit!” 

To be honest he doesn’t know how long he has been at it before he was dragged away from Kenpachi’s curled up form. Not even Yachiru was able to make him stop, after all he knew what she was and her hits were much to him. Chad had his arms around Ichigo who struggled a bit before turning to give the man a sheepish smile. The man loosens his grip enough for Ichigo to slip out and goes back to wailing down on Kenpachi with his sword. 

“Stop it damn Ryoka!” bald head is here, Ichigo dodges the spear. Using his sword like a bat and hits the shiny head to send the man flying. “Strike!” He cheers, his group looking at Ichigo like he had lost his mind. “We aren't bowling!” Ishida screams at the man, he knew that the redhead was brash but he didn’t know he was like this. “You are here too Ur……Uroe? Oreo?” He doges an oncoming arrow, he is getting awfully good at this too. “It’s Uryu damn it! I've been here the whole time!” Ichigo shrugs, stepping on Kenpachi and over. “Eh wouldn’t have known, since everyone is here we should get going already.” He gestures for them to follow, though he does forget that they cannot shunpo and he is gone. 

It was too late when he noticed that they weren’t following. What a shame, he stops when he sees Renji. Well he might as well do this man a favor instead of his captain. Not to say he didn’t want to see the look on his face. “Roar Zabimaru!” Those were his favorite words, because he knew he would win against this man no matter which life he was living. 

Just as his shikai comes for Ichigo, infusing his hand with reishi and destroying the sword with no problem. It was not his first rodeo so doing this was easy. “And I thought you were…..I don’t know, powerful?” He picks up a piece of the sword and throws it at the other red head. “A shame, too bad your bankai will never be right haha.” Ichigo whispers into the other’s ear as he sonido passes the man. God these days he never knew which one to use so he just uses whichever one he feels like at the moment. Tended to be sonido since he did spend years using that constantly. 

Besides, he needed a little payback from Renji after all. He hears both Zangetsu snort at that, one of them gently reminding him what he did last life to them. Yea it was a good picture. But he is a petty motherfucker, because how can Rukia cheat on him like that last time. 

Coming face to face with Byakuya he lets a bit of his reiatsu go. Hitting them like a truck, he can almost believe that Byakuya’s knees almost buckle under the weight of his reiatsu. So weak, this wasn’t his full power. He wonders if he can win against the other with just letting his reiatsu run wild. Crushing his bones, he snorts at the thought maybe next time. Landing behind the man he easily dodges the sword swiping at him before kicking his hand sending his Senbonzakura flying. 

Using his palm to strike at the man’s chin in a swift movement, he smirks when he hears a sickening crack as the other jumps away. He quickly scolds his face but into his neutral look, giving Byakuya a disappointed look. “Come on now big brother, surely you wouldn’t really let them execute your sister will you.” Crossing his arms and leaning on the railing, slowly turning to look at Jushiro. His gaze sharpens, making the white hair man stop from approaching them. He is still cute as the day he died. Coughing into his hand to hide the grin that threatened to sneak on just thinking about how the man’s blood spill from his sharp teeth before. 

“A-are you ok?” He holds a hand up to stop the man in his tracks. Clearing his throat “Yea, just dry throat. Ya got water?” Completely ignoring the Kuchiki sibling, but plays along with Jushiro. Byakuya’s animal instincts activate as he slowly puts himself between them, something about how this Ryoka act is so fake and screams danger at him. “A-ah yes, I got some here…” Watching how the man fumbles to take out a water bottle and handing it to him, Ichigo tilts his head, staring into his eyes. Something he did often back in Hueco Mundo since he had found the man amusing to watch when he was nervous. 

W-what did he want- Jushiro panics and he slowly opens the bottle. Byakuya feels like he should be doing something but he doesn’t want to get closer. Something in him just says to not move unless he wants his head falling off his shoulders. Holding it out for the redhead, hearing a faint chuckle as the water bottle was taken from him. “Thank you Captain Ukitake.” He gives the man a sweet smile before chugging the water in one go. 

Finally turning back to look at the Kuchiki siblings. “Seems like you still care for your sister.” He smirks, finally pulling his sword and shedding the wrap around it. “It’s ok, I decided I will execute your sister here for you!” Ignoring the screams of outrage from Rukia. Well if he is going to be a Ryoka he might as well put on a good act. Byakuya frowns at that, the dare of this human- “Scatter Senbonzakura.” He commands it to form a barrier between them not expecting the sword to break through his barrier and nails Rukia to the wall by the back of her white Yukata. 

She hangs pitifully on the wall, feet barely touching the ground “B-brother-!” She screams fear dripping in her voice, he moves to get her but somehow the damn human was faster than he is. 

Ichigo had her on a tight hold with the sharp edge of Zangetsu at her throat. “Now now flower boy. Why are you looking like you are going to kill me when I’m about to do the job for you? Aren't you all for following the law?” 

“Sorry Rukia, hold still ok, you might accidentally get cut. He is sharp.” He whispers into her ear when she doesn't stop struggling against his iron grip hold. She glares ‘up’ at him but he doesn’t really care. “Drop her now.” He watches as the normally calm face drops into an ugly sneer, how the hatred in his eyes. He can almost say it's beautiful and it's the best expression on his face. “No, what are you going to do about it?” He snickers, pressing the sword against her throat harder, a bit of drop slides down her neck. Ooops

Sensing a fast incoming- Yoruichi was coming. He tossed the light weight girl into the air to dodge the kick that was aiming for his head. “What the hell Ichigo! Are you trying to save her or kill her!?” She scolds reaching to catch Rukia but her brother is faster and gets to her first. 

Placing Zangetsu on his back and dusting his hakama off a little bit. Bowing to his dear teacher a bit “Sorry, I got carried away. Being the bad guy is fun sometimes.” He gives her a thumbs up then immediately dodges another kick from her. “Ok-ok stop-” He catches one of her foot not expecting her to use that to kick him in the face. He drops her and pretends to be hurt “Ow ow ow-” He whimpers ‘Drama queen~” he clicks his tongue at Zangetsu forgetting that he was supposed to be hurt. So he pretends to faint. Might as well go along with the things how it was supposed to be. 

Training with Yoruichi was pretty simple, pretend to be clueless about bankai then get it. This and that then it was time to go face them at the hill. 

He gets there, stupid bird maybe he should use it to roast these mother fuckers. But Jushiro and Shunsui did their thing just like every time. Then of course destroy the execution grounds, maybe he overdid it when the edge of the hill fell. Hoisting Rukia up and tosses her “Catch her Renji!” He shouts when she is already half way down. “You asshole what if I didn’t catch her!” Rolling his eyes and gestures for him to run, he didn’t have time to fuck around like this. Honestly, he comes to stop the lieutenants using his reiatsu he points down “Kneel” He says looking more bored like it was almost a chore for him to rescue Rukia. What can he say it been more than just a few times of doing this. 

“Y-you bastard!” Omaeda struggles against the heavy volatile reiatsu but ultimately fails and drops to his knees just like the other two. He lets up a little, giving them a soft smile but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Like they weren’t worth to be in his presence but he humours them “Now be good and stay like that. I will deal with you guys later.” He walks pass them to face Byakuya, ugh at least this time he didn’t need to wear that ridiculous cloak. 

He draws his sword when the man comes to him but out of habit he catches the sword easily. Clicking his tongue in annoyance “For the life of me.” He swings Zangetsu at him moving back when the man releases his shikai. “Hado No.90 Kurohitsugi.” He says out of habit every time he faces the man, to contain the petals in one place so he can get an easier opening to reach him. 

Did he force Aizen to teach him this, yea he did. It was annoying and hard at first but he figured it out. He was a quick learner even if he had blown up a few places before he really got a hold of that Kido. He counted it as a win and even better when he found he didn’t always need to say the whole damn thing to activate it. After much practice on Aizen. What can he say, he is petty. 

“H-how can he….” The 4th captain watching the Ryoka boy almost seems to spammed that high level hado. 

Aizen frowns at that somewhere in the trees, damn guess he wasn’t that special- 

Byakuya who was on the defense constantly, gritting his teeth. He cannot let this go on “Ban-” He sees a flash of orange and he is sliced down from his left shoulder. Kicking the man away “Nope none of that. You already lost, give it up buddy.” Ichigo comes over, patting Byakuya on the shoulders gently before he grabs the man’s hair and slams it on the ground. “Your sister is in danger. I will be going on, I will send you a better basket later.” And he is gone just as sudden as he came. What the fuck is the ryoka boy made of. 

Not lying but Aizen’s dramatic exit is so cringe. Seeing it too many times is bad for his eyes, so he comes to help Renji out. “Was it fun pretending to be dead?” He asks to place his sword in front of him like a shield. “It was ver-” This guy is just aura farming so annoying. Honestly as much as he wants to fuck the man. He really doesn't want to do anymore fighting than he needs to be. He would like a gap year from fighting before he has to deal with Yhwach again. And losing his power sucks because he liked being in his inner world. 

He goes behind Aizen and shoves the Hogyoku into his back. “Sshh…I have refined it for you darling. All you have to do is wait patiently in Muken for me mmm ok?” The backlash from having it forced into him causes a big wave of spiritual pressure, it doesn’t affect Ichigo. He was used to this, he did a lot of spying when he had the chance on the hogyoku to see how Aizen refined it so he could use it. It was just so he would find a way to destroy it, that was still in the working process. 

Then knocking Gin and Tosen out was easy. He sighs, nudging Aizen with his foot then looks to Rukia and Renji. “I hope you guys can keep this quiet….right?” He gives them a soft smile that seems more scary than if he gave a threatening one. Something he picked up from Unohana, it gets the job done. They quickly nod and he goes to pick up his sword that he had left on the ground. Great, he is gone to get a tongue lashing from Zangetsu for this. 

When the rest of the captains and his people get here. “So Aizen wasn’t dead blah blah Kyouka Suigetsu something there and he is a bad guy.” Gesturing towards the 3 passed out bodies. “It would be smart if you guys put Aizen in Muken. He has the hogyoku in him. Going to be hell to hold him back without the correct seals. Get Urahara Kisuke to explain the rest. I need a nap.” He turns to leave dismissively. Well he knew his explanation was shit but if he is going to have to repeat this a few times with this and that people. He might as well save his breath for later. 

So in the end they manage to get everything sorted out. He does make an effort to go visit Aizen in his jail with the conceal cloak. “I will make sure you get to the Soul king’s palace. So leave everything to me. Just focus on getting strong, I’m sure you are starting to understand it no? Hah too bad you can't talk yet. I will see you soon.” Without looking back once he goes to find Kisuke who had been invited back under a heavy surveillance. 

“Do you know how Aizen managed to fuse with the Hogyoku ... .as I remember it was not even refined enough.” The man doesn’t even greet him when they meet. Well if he doesn’t do it guess it is Ichigo’s job this time. “Ah, what have I done to not even warrant a hello?” He skirts around the topic of that and skillfully avoids his questions. Something he learned from the man himself after all. They spend too much time together, so he had the best teacher ever. “Unless you did it then I have no idea how it would have happened. I hope I don’t have to beat you like Kenpachi if you were the bad guy.” 

Looking up at the sky darkening, he stands up to leave without ever giving out any useful information to the man. “It’s late now, I need to rest up. Tomorrow is another round of questioning from those old men from Central 46. Oh…I heard from someone that there used to be captains that go hollowfied. I wonder if its Aizen’s doing. If it is…maybe we can clear their name….” He trails off closing his eyes to feel the breeze coming through. He sighs softly “I wonder ... .if you think I'm a bad person Kisuke.” He glances back with sad eyes before looking away. “I would never betray my friends, you know. I know I care too much and hold on too tight….” He wipes his eyes, the tears won’t stop. 

That had Kisuke coming to comfort the redhead who fully hugs the man. Damn it how did something get in his eyes, it fucking hurts! Well at least this would work in his favor. Acting all pathetic usually pulls people’s heart strings. 

*******

When Kisuke finally finds himself alive, Yoruichi joins him in her cat form. “So what did you think?” She question her suspicion almost had her drag Ichigo into a torture chamber to get information out of him He sighs and shakes his head before turning to face her. A wet patch on the front of his clothes. “I don’t think he meant any harm… we don’t know how Aizen got the hogyoku to listen to him. Nor who refined it, you and I know that child is more brawn than brain. And he cried.” He sighs, taking off his hat looking at her tiredly “He is harmless…” 

Yoruichi wants to hit the man but without any proof and whatever act he is doing. Is it really that convincing? She will keep an eye on him from now on, something is just isn’t right and people aren’t talking. 

Falling into his inner world, he goes to one of the windows on the building. “Thank you for your help.” He brushes his fingers against the window gently before joing to Zangetsu on their little hang out. 

*******

The Soul King palace is just as he remembers it to be. They go through training, eat lots of food. His sword gets reforged again because a certain motherfucker broke it. It had him worried, but when he finally had time. He had time to seek out Oetsu to teach him how to use the Chokaimon. It took a while of convincing before the man finally caved in and started teaching him how to use it. 

It went as well as it did with Hado No. 90. A lot of destruction before he managed to grasp it and actually be able to use it. Renji ended up in a ditch somewhere the first time he tried. Not that he really cares, it would had been worse. 

The pain in the ass was just starting anyways. He made sure to finish his fights fast so he can do his dramatic entrance this time. He really hasn't had the chance and he was determined to mess with Yhwach. And do a speech, the fuck everyone had a dramatic one but him so this was his time. 

He had a chair ready when Yhwach appeared in front of the Soul King. “Well Well look what the cat dragged in.” Gently wiping Zangetsu down trying to be cool much to the amusement of Zangetsu who was dying inside his head from wheezing and laughing. 

“I did not know you were here already, my child.” Ichigo shrugs, setting down his swords, not worried since he can call them to come to know whenever he needs them. “Well I had to stop you so obviously.” He points at the older man. “Hado No.90 Kurohitsugi.” Yhwach smirks, letting the black coffin form around him only to destroy it easily. “Powers like this would never be able to hurt me. You know I was going to have Uryu do this for me but since someone broke his arms in more than a few places…..you will do.” 

Ichigo puts on his most dramatic act as if he is being controlled by the Blut Vene to cut the soul king in half only to stop before the blade hits the stone. Much to the shock of everyone around him. “Just kidding~ You really think..? You can control me with that cheap trick? I expected more from you.” He sighs, throwing the sword away like a toy, almost hitting someone but like he doesn’t care. He stopped caring long ago but he can pretend. Not right now, he had better things to do right now. “Because of you, I got something I wanted so I will give you an easy death.” 

Moving faster than Yhwach can see. Instead of using a bow he throws the Quincy silver arrow that he had with hollow reiatsu with enough force. That hit Yhwach on the chest, he calls for Zangetsu and ends the pitiful existence of the puppet. Yoruichi tries to stop him, not fast enough-

When Yhwach falls dead, the throne is empty, Aizen is coming, and they cannot reach stop him before he takes the throne for himself. 

*****

Being the Soul King is an experience, mundane yes. He has new royal guards with him, Jushiro is alive, Shunsui is the new Captain Commander ... .well he just didn’t want to deal with Yamamoto anyways. He has his lovers(Shinji, Kisuke, Aizen and Jushiro) with him. He can get used to this for a bit before he grows bored again. 

And with the power of being the Soul King he is able to truly use the Chokaimon the way he want to. Appearing in places of the past and only need to sacrifice some of his reiatsu to equal out the balance. Which to him is nothing since his reiatsu is limitless and easy to replenish due to his Quincy heritage.

“You are real sneaky Ichigo Kurosaki.” Aizen comes to stand next to the red haired man who was watching the sky view from the highest area in the palace. “Don’t be jealous, Sosuke ... .maybe if you had been slightly faster. It would be you in the throne.” He feels arms drag him away from Aizen. Sighing, “Shinji….” He mumbles patting the other on the chest to make him let go. “No, why did you make him a royal guard too?!” 

He reaches up to flick the other on his nose when he finally lets go, Ichigo straightens up. “He is useful to me and keeps you guys entertained, no?” He trails a finger from Aizen’s chest up to his chin. “Besides, I can keep my eyes on him better.” Before Aizen has the chance to pull Ichigo closer to him the other had teleported away, laughing. “We have guests today to prepare some tea Sosuke.” 

He stops when he hears it “Ichigo….call my…..name” He huffs shaking his head. As if he is going to get himself butchered. Calling Ichibe back is a death sentence to him and he plans to enjoy this a bit longer. Out with the old and in with the new is his motto at the moment. Getting rid of Central 46 was his first priority and installing a new governing body. 

Where everyone must have a background check on them to avoid corruption. Perhaps this is the happiness he had been waiting for. He smiles watching his friends, enemies and lovers having a friendly fight during dinner. What can be possibly better than this. 

Ichigo dreams, he dreams a lot these days. Ever since he took on the handle of being the Soul King he had been dreaming about something. Something important, something beckons him to the bright light. Like a moth to flame, he follows. 

Stepping into the light, he sees the most beautiful sight ever. He reaches out but it drifts further away from him. That…..that was his true wish. The wish that he had been looking for all this time. He finally understand it now. Tears streamed down his face as he watched the beauty in front of him. 

He knows what he must do now, he knows. He understands what his own soul has been telling him all this time. “My King…” Zangetsu tries to reach out but they cannot get any closer. White Zangetsu had never seen his king this happy. Like he truly found his life’s purpose. “We….cannot stop him now….We can only watch from here on out….” Old man Zangetsu mumbles to himself, it was coming now. The prophecy was coming true and no one could stop it. 

Ichigo wakes up in great spirits, he waltzes out of the room he had taken residence in. Dancing and humming his way to the top. “My dream! I found you now. I will make you come true!” He announces loudly to partially no one but himself reaching out to the bright blue sky. Yet his royal g-lovers rush to catch him; however they cannot stop the destruction of the Soul King Palace. The palace starts to fall with it’s king from the sky in a burning blaze. Laughing with a joy that he had never felt before as he fell, none of his lovers can reach him.

“I'm coming.” 

Chapter Text

Eyes slowly opened, he was warm and too comfortable. Just like in his previous life when he burned falling through the sky. That was one of his favorite moments, maybe one of his favorite lives. He would do that one again but first he had work to do. Pushing himself from the comfortable warmth of his bed. The child groans, maybe he was too happy that he forgot that he had to think of where he wanted to go. 

Being sick is unfortunate, he sighs falling back into his bed when it was proven fruitless that he was able to get up and not stumble. Moving himself back under the covers to allow himself to see what was his first move. 

He needs the Hogyoku, he knew that. 

That is the most important source for his wish. Never knowing just how powerful that little marble is. Aizen used it for evolution to reach godhood but what he saw in that dream was showing him that it would be beyond that. 

Just the matter of how. 

The Hogyoku was made for all intent and purpose was to break the barrier between shinigami and hollow. However, just like what its purpose was when it was made. It changed, it adapted. 

Ah, he understands now.

He had to be there when the hogyoku was created. 

So the Hogyoku can hear him.

Hear his desire and to show that Ichigo was powerful enough for it to acknowledge him as the master. 

Mm that wasn’t a bad idea, but how would he be able to be there unless. He sighs unless he went back in time and joined the 12th division? Or maybe join Aizen to help him make it? Ichigo never actually knew how the Hogyoku was made, he was able to refine it due to what he knows. However making one himself was a whole different story and time traveling was not impossible for him. He sighs softly feeling the tiredness creeping up on him. 

Letting himself drift off to sleep, lure by the sounds from the kitchen, must be his mother doing something. He falls into a deep sleep, no dreams come to him this time which was a shame. He wished he could have seen it again. 

Waking up to his mother bringing him breakfast. “Morning sleepy head. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to wake you up yesterday.” She places a tray of food down and leans down to gently touch his forehead to feel the temperature. “Mmm a lot better than yesterday, I'm glad. Would you like me to feed you or be a big boy and eat yourself darling?” She sits on the bed giving him a soft smile. His eyes slowly look at the food then back at his mother, he is tempted to ask her to feed him but. “I can eat myself mom.” She chuckles ruffing his hair. “Alright I will come check on you later.” 

Ichigo gets up going over to the table, picking up the warm soup bringing it to his lips. He had forgotten how good his mother’s cooking was, he couldn't stop himself from eating everything within minutes. Sitting back on the bed satisfied, he supposed he should get to work now. He feels jittery now that the cold has come down a bit. 

“Hey hey hey King what would your family think you're about to leave a dead body behind.” Zangetsu warns when he was ready to go opening a Chokaimon that he had infused with the Soul King power he gained. They didn’t seem to leave him completely which was good because he had plans to use this power. The child hums softly laying back down on the bed. “I can always come back anyways, not my first rodeo.” Zangetsu stays quiet about that, his King seems to care less and less about those around him each time he comes back. 

Immortality like this….is a curse but he doesn’t say that to his King who left the body already. “I can get into the Academy easily. I just need to find the anchor…..” He trails off, closing his eyes and he finds it. Reaching out and pulling, he finds himself in front of Yoruichi and Kisuke. They seemed younger…right this was the past. 

He sighs when he feels blade to his neck. “Wait Sui Feng! That's a kid!” He finds himself in Yoruichi’s arms, the woman seemed to almost growl at the younger woman. “B-but he came out of nowhere and I thought he was an assassin.” The short-haired woman defends herself but looks appropriately chastised. That was a good look on her instead of the arrogant scowl she always carried. Or the look of absolute fear every time he killed her. “Harmless like this one? Look at him!” Ichigo wanted to leave already when the woman held him out like showing off a toy. “But it is true how did you get here?”

He stared at Yoruichi for a long time before answering “I don’t know…I don't remember..” He mumbles softly looking at the floor when she puts him down. Taking a good look at the kid, they were shocked that the child was already wearing Soul Reaper robes even though they were smaller sizes. But it looked cute- wait he looked like a certain somebody…. “A Shiba?” Kisuke provides helpfully, he can recognize the scowl anywhere. 

He gets picked up again almost too violently. Did this man really never picked a child- what the fuck. He whimpers but he cannot his reflexes on kicking the man on the face. Kiseku drops the redhead but Yoruichi catches the child. Sui Feng is much amused after seeing that a child got a hit on the man. “The damn kid packs a punch.” Yoruichi plays shoves the man “Hey no cursing in front of the child. What if he picked it up.” Well being the little shit that is Ichigo he blurts out “Damn.” They all turn to look at him, with how fast they did that he wondered if their neck ever broke. “Damn!” He says again adding more cheer to it. He is tempted to say it again but he would hate to get a hand slap on his mouth. He can mess with Kisuke later anyways, and if they did take him to the Shiba clan… it wouldn’t be too bad. 

He would finally meet Kaien, he had heard a lot of good things about the guy. Though he never met him and well he guessed he would always let the man live this time. Mmmm nothing wrong with that, besides it's not like his existence affected him in any way. 

He looks back at them when he sees them bickering amongst themselves. Ichigo turns to walk away, maybe he can find his way around. It's not too hard, he just has to wait till he is the right age for when he is able to enter the Academy. It’s kinda exciting, this will be his first time going to it because it never crossed his mind. He wonders how much reiatsu he should release so as to not give him away from being powerful. 

So many decisions, so little choices. 

Kisuke immediately goes to get the child who seemed to be bored and was leaving to go God knows where. “Where are you going?” Ichigo looks at Kisuke then at his hand being held gently before frowning at the man but he doesn’t take his hand away. “Somewhere….?” He trails off looking away again. “How about you stay with me?” The look he gets from the child sure hurts, the absolute disgust on the child’s face. Yoruichi starts losing it while Sui Feng tries to hold back her laughter. “No thank you. I have standards.” Kisuke is on his knees almost coughing blood, he cannot believe he got destroyed by the kid. 

Ichigo can’t stop himself from giggling “You should really clean up uncle.” Patting him on the head, does this man never wash his hair? It's……greasy as hell, disgusting. “Eh…anyways see you guys later.” He smiles before sonido away, they were too shocked to follow him. 

******

A few years passed, and they never saw that orange-haired boy again. Even though they looked everywhere. There was not even a peek, when they sent out a scout team. He never understood how the child managed to move so fast. They have never seen anything like that. Well doesn’t matter he got work to do as the new Captain of the 12 division. He was working on setting up his room. 

A knock on the door 

“Come in?” 

He doesn't turn around because he thought it was just Hiyori coming to give him an earful again. It honestly kept him more entertained than he can admit. What he didn’t expect was the curtain of rainfall, orange hair and familiar brown eyes that met his. 

“Hello uncle, did you finally clean up?” Looking like a fish out of water, Ichigo leans back with a soft chuckle. Quickly snapping out of whatever he was, he stands to meet the other. “It’s you!” He holds his shoulders in case he thinks he would leave again like the wind. He watches as the man tilt his head slightly to the side with a slight grin. “Yea it’s me. Did you miss me? I know Captain Shihoin did.” 

He gave the man an unimpressed look at his hand wrapped tightly against his arm. “It hurts, you know. If you aren’t going to say anything. At least let go, captain.” Kisuke quickly drops his hold on the other. Giving a nervous laugh he scratched the back of his head. “What are you doing here?” Finally taking a good look at the young man in front of him, his mouth dries up. The young child had grown up to be a beautiful young man. Shaking his head he started moving things around when he was nervous. 

Ichigo hums softly, going to help the man move things. “Well, I like to think I'm a bit of a scientist myself so….I thought joining the research department would help learn more about the world.” He gently tucks a few locks of hair behind his ear, eyes slowly trailing to Kisuke before looking away. He needed the man to lower his guard so he can be close by when the Hogyoku is created. He can see from the corner of his eyes how Kisuke’s cheeks have a slight pink to them. 

A hook been casted 

“O-Oh ... .well don’t worry, here at the research and development you will never be bored.” Kisuke throws his arms up then starts going on about the projects they will be conducting. 

Mm too easy but he knows the man is not stupid. “I hope to learn a lot from you, Captain! Oh!” He gasps, making Kisuke stop his rambling to look at him worried that the red head drop something on himself. But he finds the young man in front of him too close, he cannot stop the rapid beating heart when his hand is held gently. A small smile spread across his face “I forgot I haven’t introduced myself. Please call me Ichigo Kurosaki. Please to finally meet you!” 

Caught 

The way the man stumbles through his words, he wouldn’t even form a sentence coherently. “Is something wrong captain? Should I go get someone from the 4th division, oh goodness it will be terrible to catch a cold now..” He reaches to feel the other’s forehead who quickly pulls away. “I-I'm fine please umm- you can leave now!” Ichigo looks around the mess around “do you not need help to…” he gestures around but Kisuke shakes his head quickly. He bows to the man before leaving “See you later Captain!” 

Leaving the Captain's quarters he meets Hiyori which he bows before disappearing from the th division. He needs to see how Aizen was doing with his Hogyoku. Hopefully the man wouldn’t disappoint him too much now. He wears the reiatsu concealing cloak that he had improved on to hide his presence completely unless someone is truly looking for him. Well not that it matter because he was already hard to find because of his ability to completely box up his reiatsu, however it doesn’t hurt to be more careful.  

*****

Hiyori storms into the Captain’s quarters ready to be angry for the day again at Kisuke. She didn’t expect to meet Ichigo there. When she first met the man, despite his polite exterior something about the man made the hair on her body stand. So she will never admit to it when she saw him leave the Captain's quarters, she was worried that he had done something to Kisuke. 

It is annoying to deal with a new Captain is all she will ever admit. She didn’t expect to see the 12th Captain hunch over furiously about something. Is that a blush she sees? Making a disgusted face before kicking the man on the back. “Hiyori, what are you doing!” The man rubs his back pitifully while getting up. 

“Seeing what else you have destroyed to fit your crap in Hikifune’s room.” He laughs, giving her a head rub which she protests to. “Anyways wanna go to the Maggot’s nest?” She rolls her eyes but goes with him anyway. 

******

Watching Aizen use his half ass Hogyoku to experiment was quite disappointing. He sighs no wonder the man had to merge the two Hogyokus together. Really with all this wits he wouldn’t make a good one. And well if Kisuke proves himself to do better then. Aizen will no longer be needed for his plans. 

He turns to leave, heading back to his barrack room in the 12th division. There was nothing else to see here. 

Placing himself in every path of Kisuke even if it's just a little bit. Making himself prominent in the man’s view. Slowly like a parasite he worked his way into Kisuke’s mind. Slowly but surely, he would always be just around the corner. At first it was suspicious as to why the Kurosaki boy would always be in the vicinity of where he was. But the redhead just always seemed to just be asking him about what he had discovered. It was almost endearing and he felt like a grandpa with a grandkid. 

Wait- 

“Captain!” He sees Ichigo coming towards with an almost skip to his steps. Is..Is he wearing his hair in a braid today. “Nope I got stuff to make this guy do!” Hiyori steps between them before Ichigo can get any closer. “You do? He seems to be relaxing though. I just have a small question….Lieutenant Hiyori.” She crosses her arms refusing to give up her stance before he sighs shoulders dropping “Alright I will come back later…..” He leaves without much of a fight.

“Sheesh what is up with that guy. He is so weird!” She shudders, turning to frown at Kisuke who only gives her a small chuckle and a shrug.

He goes back to blankly staring “I just think he is eager. Nothing harmless.” He has his doubts, especially how Ichigo disappeared when he first met the child. He knows that the redhead was definitely hiding what he can actually do. Especially with how well he hid his reiatsu, he got to look into that. 

Should he do something to Hiyori? Picking up his tea cup, it wouldn’t be the first time for her either. Except the one time he was surprised she joined his Arrancar army. Gently blowing on the steam, right she was a double agent. Mmm in his first life she was a pretty fun character even if at times she can be annoying. But that gets old pretty quick though she does make it up by having some good instinct. Even with his act she still puts up guard around her and the people she cares about. He huffs going back to some paperwork he is working with, a numb minding task. 

“We should go kill something, we haven’t done that in a while. Because you insist on acting…all that!” He can see Zangetsu gesturing wildly even without the man here with him. “Well….if it gets me in the good man’s graces.” He mumbles quietly to himself so no one can see that he is yapping to himself. A knock at the door and Aizen walks in for some reason. “Lieutenant Aizen, what are you doing here?” He stands up to greet the man. Keeping a smile that he had learned from the Aizen himself lifetimes ago. Honestly despite how much he hated that smile, it has their uses. 

Aizen shakes his head gesturing for Ichigo to take his seat again while he sat in front of him. “Oh nothing much, I realized we haven’t talked much other than in passing.” Ichigo furrows his, well this is new let’s see what kind of games this man is playing. He leans forward, resting his arms on the table. “Well, we aren’t exactly friends to have normal conversation.” He looks down at the report then pulls a book out to write on it. Aizen chuckles, keeping his eyes on the other. He had never felt so much intrigue than when he first met the red head. 

Something had told him that this man would be perfect for his experiment. He wants to see what kind of beautiful hollow he would become. Just their first meeting he had been intrigued by him, ever since then he had kept his eyes on him. It was hard to miss such wild colored hair, not to say there weren't wilder ones. But his eyes always follow the red head when he sees him in passing. “That’s why I thought it would be perfect if we were friends. How about dinner tonight, my treat.” Ichigo hums softly, putting the pen down when he finish writing something then he meets Aizen’s eyes. 

“Sorry Lieutenant Aizen, I got things to do maybe at a later date.” Closing the book and fixing his reports. “A shame, I will have to check my availability again.” Aizen keeps a smile despite the twinge of disappointment. Guess he will have to push the experiment back a little bit and work on his Hogyoku a bit more. It had been..hard to use the thing effectively. “How about I show you out?” Aizen raised his hand, shaking his head. “That’s alright, I can see myself out.” He stands up putting the chair back. Bidding him goodbye he turns to leave. “I didn’t know Lieutenant Aizen is such a messy person. You should go clean up before anyone notices.” Aizen stops turning to look back at the man who’s grinning at him. “Go change Sosuke. I have work to do.” His eyes trailing from the blood and down to certain bits of white on the black hakama then meeting the man’s eyes. “Go clean up.” He reiterates again, waving the other off. 

He goes back to his work, hearing the door click. He muses to himself wondering what Izen would be thinking. Would it be if he can see this, what else did he know or if he had Ichigo. So many possibilities to explore. Maybe he will ask one of these days just to mess with him.

******

Watching Kisuke go into his secret lab where the Hogyoku is being developed, sneaking in was pretty simple when he is able to see the traps with the Soul King’s eyes. Staying nearby he pushed his desires into the still developing Hogyoku with the help of the Soul king’s powers. Honestly, being able to use this was quite fun. 

What he didn’t expect was to die from the explosion of the Hogyoku being destabilized from the overwhelming power.

Waking up at the Academy’s room, he sighs. Maybe he needs a different approach to this, in its developing stage it was too volatile. Too easy for it to lose control and kill everyone within the vicinity, especially when his desire did get mixed in. Wondering what he can do, Ichigo gets ready for the day since he is already here. 

He would brush up on some of his skills on kido, “Remember to say the incantation.” Old man Zangetsu warns him. He nods knowing they wouldn’t see him but he thinks they know he agrees with his words. He pulls his hair up in a high ponytail and ties it with a red ribbon that Kaien had given to him before. 

Maybe he should go check up on him, he hasn't seen him in a minute since starting on the 12th division. Right now he hasn’t gotten there yet and he still has to keep a lookout for when he is going to face that one hollow. It would be a shame for him to die because the man seems to be loved by those around him. Well can’t say Ichigo hasn’t grown fond of the man, it was hard to not get dragged into his orbit. He was a good man ever since he found his true wish. It had made him feel more alive than before. And he was ready to go with motivation….he hated to admit that he started caring again. He had thought he had left certain emotions behind. 

Going through the motions of class, he forgets the incantation again and even worse he used Hado. 90 because it was so braindead. But he feels like he fuck up. Especially with the wtf look Kaien is giving him right now in the meeting room. “So you're telling me, my nephew uses Hado.90 without an incantation like it was a normal Tuesday?” Kaien crosses his arms while Ichigo looks like he would rather be anywhere else. They also didn’t know how to really call each other so they stuck with the uncle and nephew narrative. 

Being a Shiba has its perks when they make stuff up as to why Ichigo can do things that normal Soul Reapers couldn’t do at the beginning of their career. “Not saying my nephew is bad at his studies but like he did that?” Kaien leans closer to Ichigo with the blank stare that he had seen his nephew do a few times when he wanted answers. “Ok let’s say he did do that, why are we talking about it.” the man finally stop his staring and turning to face the counselor. “I mean I was going to say, he is an exceptional student. He would potentially graduate and join the Gotei 13 faster.” 

Kaien lets out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding on, well this is great news then. “I know my nephew was smart!” He pats Ichigo on the back with a big smile. “Then you will be working with me at the 13th division. Oh you are also able to meet Rukia as well. This is perfect Ichigo! What do we have to do.” Ichigo glares at the counselor as if telling him to shut his trap but the man who was used to dealing with this kind of stuff. 

They ended up going over the details for his graduation even though he rather not and just wait it out here. The time isn’t right yet. How annoying, but he puts on his best Aizen smile and agrees. He didn’t want to disappoint Kaien. 

After parting from Ichigo, Kaien wouldn’t wait to tell Captain Ukitake about his exceptional cousin. He knew that they were kind of keeping a tight lip about Ichigo but he was just so proud and he needed to share this. “You are telling me he really did that huh? How long had he been at the Academy?” Kyoraku asks with hint of interest, though the man definitely knew about Ichigo just not how powerful he is. 

He remembered the first time he met the child, all by himself. He would help but take him home worried that he was running around without his parents. Of course with the uncanny resemblance they wouldn’t just let him go. So they decided to adopt the child into the Shiba clan as an honorary member. The child never even mention anything about his parents so…..they weren’t monsters to kick out a child into the unforgiving streets. 

“Yes, there were a lot of witnesses around and he was able to graduate early. I know he will be a great addition to our division.” Shunsui shares a look with Jushiro before he gives out a small laugh. “You know with that kind of news, I'm sure there are wagging tongues already. I wouldn’t be surprised if other captains heard about this already.” He rubs his stubble “Of course he does still need an evaluation before he can join a division and I’m sure the academy would love to show him off ... .you know.” Kaien frowns because that was true. 

Any exceptional student will usually hold a showing where captains are able to come and gauge the new Soul Reaper and if they like what they see. They can pay money to guarantee that the student went to their division. Usually it’s shady but somehow everyone keeps a tight lip about this. Because who wouldn’t want an exceptional student on their side that would continue to grow. “I forgot about that…..that is a problem..” He sits back on the chair with a heavy sigh dragging his hand down his face. This is a mess, what can he do? He would tap into the Shiba’s reserves. So his nephew doesn’t end up in a division with a random stranger. 

Worse would be the 11th Division, a bunch of fighters. He doubted his quiet nephew would be able to handle the rowdy bunch. 

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, “It’s ok Kaien. I will make sure your nephew joins us. You have been waiting for this day and also being a great Lieutenant. I do not know the best way to repay you. However, I can assure you.” His captain is such a savior he would always come through. He is the best. 

The day finally comes where Ichigo has to show his skills and his zanpakuto. Well he doesn't know which shikai to show. Safe option or not so safe option. Choices choices ....”Don’t worry King I’m making the old man choose for you!” Zangetsu announces ‘helpfully’ he gives him a mental thanks. Either way it doesn’t really matter, stepping onto the stage. He checks his surroundings. Mmm there are more people watching him than he thought. The bunch of captains, 2nd, 5th and some others. He supposed the 12th is still open though no replacement yet. 

Also why is the 1st here, do they have that much time. 

Whatever old man’s probably bored and he is also bored. 

“Screw this, I don’t have time for this. Need to adjust my time more.” 

He hears the mumbles of the captains and he sees Kaien jumping from where he had sat. “Ichigo what’s-” He barely managed to dodge the red cero fired his way. 

Then he feels the oppressive hollow reiatsu. Looking back at his ‘nephew’, a shudder runs down his spine when he sees a hollow mask forming on his face and a hollow hole opens in his chest. The captains flash and surround the hollow ready to draw their swords. “Ichigo, you must fight it!” Kaien doesn’t want to believe it, that he was losing his nephew to a hollow. “Fight what, this is me uncle.” The distorted voice said holding out his seal Zanpakuto. “Cleave, Zangetsu.” He watches as the sword splits into two and the hollow disappears before two Getsuga Tenshou fires at them from the back. 

“The damn kid-” He hears Yoruichi starts but gets cut off by the continuous attack of Getsuga Tenshou. Not even Isshin was able to do this. What kind of power did Ichigo really have- He released Nejibana to block the attacks. “He got taken over by the hollow, his reiatsu never felt like this before when he showed us-” he tries hoping to save his nephew. Using his spear to send waves of water to hopefully disarm the hollow. 

The hollows let out a screech, gargantas open from various points in the sky. Hollow’s start flooding in, how would he have forgotten this. The thrill of battle, his absolute control over the hollows that no matter what life he still has over them. They watch as he trails a claw over his mask, Kisuke’s eyes widens “No! Stop him! Otherwise he is going to turn into an Arrancar!” He never moved so fast but it was not enough. 

The nails sink into the mask with a sickening crack, a heavy reiatsu blast them away. “Goodness, the drama is real on this one.” 

They saw a pale figure with the bright orange hair still, but seemed longer though. The mask was gone however the horns stayed on as well as the hole on his chest. The distorted voice was still present though. “You! Give Ichigo back to us.” Kaien shouts ready to attack again, but it didn’t seem to pay any attention to him. It looked around search till his eyes lands on Yamamoto. 

“I can’t wait to rip you apart again.” He swipes his hand across in a fluid motion and Cero's gets fired out in rapid succession. Before he goes to get the old man, the only person ever worth his time when Zangetsu got his chance to come out and play. It is really boring when he can crush people easily. ‘Don't take too long Zangetsu, I know we are not in a hurry but playing too much might get you killed’ Ichigo warns him, he can already see the other laying down to take a nap in the inner world. 

He supposed he is right especially when there’s the fucking Hats and Clogs bastard here. Dodging the fire attacks from the old man, he uses the water from Kaien’s shikai to put out the fire. Laughing how convenient for him, looking over making sure the other captains were busy trying to hold the hollow back. He brings his swords together. 

“Bankai Tensa Zangetsu” 

Horror grows as he watches the swords combine into one and the hollow disappear with speed that he cannot track. Neither does Yamamoto, however he is able to block the attack from the hollow. It grins putting a hand above his sword “Getsuga Tenshou” it said and watches in horror as the man can’t dodge fast enough to avoid the attack. The arena around them cannot withstand the attack as it grumbles from the attack. 

However Kisuke is able to use sabaku to hold back the hollow. Yamamoto didn’t seem to really harm other than the bruise from the Getsuga Tenshou. “As if something like you would kill me.” The old man says raising his flaming sword to cut the hollow down, something like this thing cannot be allowed to live. Especially if it can control other hollows. 

“What do you mean? You are already dead.” 

The hollow smirks, breaking through sabaku like paper. “What are y-” Yamamoto splits in half. “You don’t even know what my bankai can do. Yet here you are underestimating it, sure it’s not flashy like some however…..” Everything around them gets cut in half except for Kaien. “A shame” The hollows let out a manic laugh before turning to Kaien. Ichigo is finally coming out now to see the destruction around and the hopelessness in Kaien’s eyes. Yet the man seemed to be ready to fight him still. Such determination, he wished he still had such hope even when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. But anyone can only last so long before they turn to more unconventional means.

“I cannot falter here you know uncle, maybe one day I can finally be able to put this behind me. You know I wonder uncle if you will be the one I regret letting live. Anyways see you again soon.” 

*****

Ichigo opens his eyes frowning at the ceiling, right he was back at the barracks in the 12th division. Just where he needed to be so he can get back to work immediately, he needs to understand why the Hogyoku reacted so violently to what he did. 

He gets up to get ready for today, after what he did last life. All those certain feelings that came back he managed to push them back into that deep emptiness. He doesn’t need them, not right now at least. He stops when he finds himself reaching for the red ribbon. He picks it up, holding it to the light before he sighs and puts it down again. He really wonders if by the end of everything, he will be facing his uncle if he was still alive then. 

It really reminds him of himself when he was a few lifetimes ago. The hope, to need to take one more step forward and without questioning because he needed to save those he loves…..can he even love now? He sighs, picking up the brush to get rid of the knots on the long hair. Thank God he didn’t need to start at the academy again. He would hate to make the mistake from last life and deal with all that again. 

He goes through the day putting on the charming polite act, ignoring the burning glare from Hiyori. Offering help to those who needed it, then he gets an idea. What if he….he use shards of the future Hogyoku and insert his desire into those shards before having the still developing Hogyoku absorb it slowly so it can get used to his powers and be able to balance out the desire between him and Kisuke. 

It does work but very slowly, he wonders if he can speed it up a bit instead of 1 shard per month. He tells himself patience is virtue, but that damn thing is taking forever. He sighs perching on the tree while watching Aizen use his failed Hogyoku to make more weak hollows. Honestly why is he so bad, so much for being smart. “You are sighing an awful lot.” He hears Zangetsu say but he doesn’t reply because he is watching this new hollow taking over bodies. Mmmm this one would be interesting. 

He follows to watch its evolution progress, that is until Kaien approaches it. “Did he really lose to this pathetic excuse of a hollow?” He sighs he still needs Kaien alive though, well he guess he will have to help his uncle. Ichigo jumps in after hiding the cloak he wore, ending the pathetic life of the weak thing. “You ok Kaien?” He held out his hand for the other to take, who gladly does but he doesn't look quite happy. Not his problem, he had a bigger problem to deal with. “I’m….” He hears him start but doesn’t finish. “It’s good. Go to get checked in the 4th division.” He turns to leave when Kaien grabs his hand “Where are you going?” Ichigo gives him a small smile. "I need to check something then I will be back alright.” That seemed to reassure the other when he let go of his hand. 

That night he tried to feed the Hogyoku some of his powers before it self-destructed again. 

He wakes up again the same day as before, this time though he sets up dinner with Kaien. So the man doesn’t leave to go fight the body taking hollow and he would take care of the disgusting thing. 

“What prompted this?” Kaien is confused because his so-called nephew more often than not likes to stay in one place. So when Ichigo invited him out tonight, he couldn't miss it. Maybe the 12th division is having a good influence on him. Trying to cope with the fact that it has gotten pretty weird under Urahara’s care. “I…just wanted to hang out with you for a while.” Ichigo pokes the food, not exactly having the appetite but he needs to eat. So the other doesn’t think this dinner was suspicious. “Have you been home to see Kukaku and Ganju?” He tries to fill the dinner with small talk. “Oh no not yet, been busy on my end as well. Is…is the 12th division treating you right? If not-” Ichigo chuckles, cutting the other off “Yes, Hiyori and Captain Urahara are fun to watch.” 

That gave him a peace of mind , since he had been pretty worried about Ichigo when his nephew refused to join the 13th Division. It was a shame because he was really hoping to work alongside him. “Anyways I heard you've been working on new research?” Changing the topic of their conversation since he knew that was one thing about Ichigo is that he loved talking about his new findings. 

******

Wiping Zangetsu down from the hollow he just took care of, it was just as bad as the last time. It had left a mess everywhere. He wonders if he should help Aizen a bit. It was starting to look really pathetic if these are the hollows he is able to make now. Which is a great shame, mm why is he helping him again? To make more hollows? Wait he got this backwards he needs to see the work of his Hogyoku and maybe see if it can be used for the one Kisuke is developing. 

This lifetime was also a fail. 

He cannot remember how many lives he spent doing this. It was about to drive him to insanity, doing this over and over again without any new development. Like he was really stuck in a constant time loop. The same words, same choices and the same results. He was losing it, he thinks he can hear the faint distress of Zangetsu but he cannot pay attention to them. Something- there must be something he has to change. But what can he change? He is doing everything he can- And there’s no end to it. Was that dream all a lie? To give him false hope!? What kind of assho- 

You are thinking too much 

Ichigo stops his spiral down to insanity and he remembers this space. This was when he first started. “What do you mean!? I’m doing everything I can!” He fights back against the voice, but he was glad it was here to distract him from the predicament. 

You are protecting your chess pieces too much. Want our advice? 

He huffs about to reject whatever this damn voice was saying because he really wasn’t in the mood and it sounded too amused. But he relents because last time was useful “Fine. Not like I have any other choice.” 

Let them go, it listens to desire. You have too many weakness and you are still protecting something. You must stand alone on top with clear desires

Ichigo looks away even with what he is doing pushing those away. It was right he was still making sure nothing happened to his family. He looks down, biting his lips. He cannot…..

Then don’t ever come, you will just have to get used to your new reality 

“New reality!? What new reality you don’t even know how many times I did this.” 

We don’t need to know. You just have to get used to it if you do not let them go 

“You-!”

Ichigo wakes up but he doesn’t get up, he just stares at the ceiling blankly. It was right no matter how many times he did this. How many times he killed and killed, he never had the heart to hurt his family or let any harm come to them. He either has them think their brother is dead than hurt them himself and those that he cares about enough. They will always have a chance by his side, is his wish ever comes true. 

“King, don't think too much about it. There’s nothing wrong with this….” Zangetsu tries to comfort him but he doesn’t reply. Turning on his bed he curls up, he cannot stop his tears. He cries into his bed because of the hopelessness of his situation. He cannot keep doing this, why can’t he just pass on like everyone else. Why is he the only one stuck here doing this again and again. 

*****

He stood on the edge of the Sokyoku Hill, watching the lights from there. Feeling the wind against him. It was only able to relieve him of his angst so much, already tuned out of Zangetsu’s voice. He moves slowly before taking a seat at the end of the hill. “This is the place where Rukia was going to be executed.” He tells no one in particular because there was no one here to hear him. His situation is hopeless, he laughs softly to himself. Truly telling no one would help him out. 

He really just has to rid himself of his heart. 

He cannot be the same person he was before no matter how much he lied to himself that he doesn’t care and it was all an act. It never was, he was still looking behind him. Looking out for those whom he cared for. He must walk down the path, never looking back to accomplish his goal. But he doesn’t know if he truly can do that. 

Maybe one last perfect life with his friends, ah it was right no matter how many times passed he still called them his friends. They still hold a place in his heart and he cannot have that anymore if he is truly about to embark on a journey of no return. But wasn’t that what he was doing? No….even if he loved what he saw in his dream. He cannot lie to himself that he would have saved his friends from that fate in his own way. He cannot lie to himself anymore because he would have to be one starting over and over again. 

Pushing himself off the ground “No because you have been the one not allowing them to move on as well.” He smiles, turning around and letting himself fall with the stars above him twinkling.

One more perfect life

Then turns to two 

Then two turns to three 

Then three to four 

Then he stops counting 

Ichigo doesn’t know how long he can keep doing this because it is getting more and more repetitive each time even if he tries to change how he does things. The lines began to blur until one day he woke up. Everything was suddenly so clear to him. 

The world had lost its shine to him, he watched people from the second floor cafe he was hanging out with his family. Today was the day Masaki was supposed to die and their family would be broken apart by this event. Yhwach had taken her powers but she was alive. Ichigo’s Quincy power laid dormant protected by the Soul king- at this point can he really say it's the soul king’s and not his? Huh ridiculous. Protected by his powers that Yhwach cannot reach. 

Turning back to his drink, they were here because he had asked Isshin to bring them here. Slowly he looked up to see Karin and Yuzu talking with Masaki, Isshin listening in to their conversation. He cannot find himself to pay attention because he found himself unable to care. Stirring the ice inside while watching it melt. How weird was he finally letting go? When did he stop referring to them as mother, father and sisters. Now only calling them by name inside of him. 

“I want to go home.” He mumbles, tipping the cup of lemonade over much to Isshin and Masaki’s distress. Karin and Yuzu gave him a weird look but they didn’t comment on it, he had stopped bonding with them at some point. He didn’t remember which life but now they didn’t hold his interest. If at all. 

They walk under the rain with umbrellas. Karin and Yuzu were skipping and sharing an umbrella amongst themselves while he was following behind them. Isshin and Masaki were behind him giggling to themselves about something. When they stopped at a stop light, cars were going by in a hurry. 

Then the wind up 

Ah his umbrella is lost

Tires screeching 

Two bodies where flying 

So was he 

The final piece of Hogyoku is complete

Screams where all around him but he cannot help the grin on his face as he takes his final breath 

******

Isshin rushes back home when he feels an oppressing reiatsu back at the house. He opens the door to find the house dark but there was the smell of blood. He held back his thoughts about the worst happening. As he slowly moves through the house turning on the lights. His worst fears comes true, his family was dead but where- where was Ichigo- 

Humming happily as he finds what he is looking for. The red head child finally found the person he had been looking for. A mop of wavy brown hair and bright brown eyes meets his. 

“Hello, I’m Ichigo.” He introduced himself with a bow, the other child seemed to frown before introducing himself as well. “Please call me Sosuke Aizen.” There was something strange coming from Ichigo. Like a snake curling around their prey but Ichigo didn’t seem bothered at all. He hears his mother call him “I have to go, it's dinner time.” He turns to leave hoping to get away from whoever this was. Something in those amber color eyes was mysterious and he feared if he got drawn in by them. He might never be able to escape. 

Ichigo smiles as he watches the other child rush away. He hopes to see if Aizen can become more if he starts teaching the boy now. “I will see you tomorrow.” He says to no one in particular since there was no one else there to hear him. Then he disappears from where he stood. 

It was two weeks before they met again. Aizen found Ichigo drawing on the sand without acknowledging the people around him. The boy was in a soft beige Yukata this time. It looked nice on the other hand. “What are you doing here?” He cannot stop himself from asking, to be honest he was intrigued by the child. He was watching him for a bit before approaching the redhead. People around the child ignored him as if they couldn’t see him. “Just drawing….Will you be my friend today?” He cannot say no to the smile the other had. 

They spend the day doing what many children would do, Aizen for the first time in his life he found something better than books. His mother had acknowledged that her child was smart but she worried he wouldn’t make any friends. So he adapted and learned to smile in a way that people would never doubt him with such a smile. So he did make friends but he held them at arm's length because they did not make good conversationalists. But with Ichigo, the other was brilliant and at times even made Aizen question himself. 

When sunset was approaching, they found themselves at a hill that overlooked the district. It was a nice view of the sunset. If everyday was like this, Aizen wouldn’t mind to stop reading his books. Just to come out and play with Ichigo. He finally notices that the other wasn’t looking at the sunset but at the district. “Is…something wrong?” He asked carefully, following his gaze trying to understand what he was looking at. But he cannot find it as if the other was looking beyond the district. 

“No…..I just think…don’t you think it is very sad. Most souls get sent to the districts when they die in the human world. But when they get here they have no help. It is…sad.” Aizen felt the world stop around him because there was no lie in the other’s words. He looks down to the area where they had considered the slums of the district. “I….” He doesn’t know how to answer that, he felt like he would answer anything thrown his way but standing right here. He cannot find it. “Why did the Soul King- forsaken us? Why doesn’t he help those of us who suffer in the slums? Why doesn’t the Seireitei help us?” He believes he can hear the tremble in Ichigo’s voice; he wants to hug the other child and say everything is ok. 

But he cannot because there was truth to his words, he is lucky because his parents work for the Seireitei and are able to afford a decent living space. They weren’t anything high ranking so of course but they were comfortable. So what about those who are stuck in the slums that can never be Soul Reapers, they will just rot there. “Do you want to change it?” He stops and there's a smile on Ichigo’s face…..it seems all wrong. “How can I change something that only the Soul King has the power to change.” He manages to say but he is intrigued by the proposition made by the red head. He knows that any other normal child would never know this information yet Ichigo knows and he too wants to know. 

Holding out his hand, Ichigo’s smile turns sharp because this was the turning point for his plan. It was time for everything to come together. “You are smart Sosuke, the Soul King up there is nothing but a dead puppet controlled by the royal Ichibe. But of course. As you are now you cannot sit on the throne. You must become something more than a Soul Reaper. If you can show me that you are able to become something more than a simple boy from Sakahone district. I will make you the king of Soul Society.” His smile drops into a neutral look “But if you disappoint me, well ... .I know you wouldn’t because you are different even at this age. However if you do then you are nothing more than trash to me.” 

That day Sosuke Aizen reaches for the hand of someone he finally found as an equal.

*******

Kisuke looks at his secret project, the Hogyoku has finally been completed. It took a bit of an unconventional approach but maybe if his findings are proven useful. Maybe this would empower the Soul Reapers more. 

Except he hears a crack from the marble, he looks at it in alarm ready to use a barrier he had created for this moment. What he didn’t expect was for a dark viscous liquid to leak from it and it came in a big wave. This was not in his calculations- He sees an orange hair figure appearing before he is swallowed by the liquid. By the time it cleared out, there was nothing. No sign of the Hogyoku, the person or the liquid. He hopes Yoruichi never found out about this and it self-destructed. 

Ichigo doesn’t need to know where he is, but he can guess that it was somewhere inside of the Hogyoku. With how it was and the liquid which he picks up some to investigate “Ew King pleasee.” Zangetsu grumbles he can feel the other trying to move his hand away. He sighs but does as said because it was unsettling at most. “Should we find a way out?” The old man questions and Ichigo shakes his head. 

“I need to see it.” 

“And I see you, you are the one who helped make me. My master” 

A voice says all around him before the limit starts making a figure like a human yet not as it does not have facial features. 

“Yes, you know of my desires but I still need you to accept theirs unless it is time for me to act. Though this is certainly a problem because if I do die you would be gone.” He took a few steps forward until he was standing close to the thing. He cannot see but he can hear the amusement in its voice when it speaks. “Don’t worry, you have infused me with the Soul King’s powers. I know what my purpose is, I also know all that you've been through.” He chuckles reaching into its chest “I will make your desire come true master.” 

Chuckling he takes out the Hogyoku, the liquid world melts away far from the lab. The figure still stands as if watching what he will do next. “Would you be able to take a form? It….not easy on the eyes.” It nods and the liquid melts away and it reveals a Byakuya. Before Ichigo can ask why it holds up a hand “I cannot make up a form from nothing so I’m taking one from your memory.” He nods taking a good look at the figure, the hair was different…oh right it was the later look he sported. “Not bad but can we use someone else? It could cause some problems if they saw two captains moving around.” 

It seems to contemplate before taking on the form of Haschwalth except the clothing is more of that of Soul Reapers. “Not bad but change it up a bit. Yhwach would be rolling if he saw two of you.” It nods before going for a shorter hair look and the eyes seem to stay permanently blocked except it did seem to have blue flicks here and there. “Better?” 

“Yes….I will just call you Yoku from now on. Drop the master thing. It's kind of weird.” It-Yoku nodded but replied with “Very creative.” Earning itself an eye roll from Ichigo. “You know my first desire?” It nods looking down towards Ichhhigo’s shadows as it splits into 2 then 3. From it, Old man and Zangetsu emerge. “You're kicking us out now King?” Zangetsu asks with grinning but also removes his hollow mask. The Quincy half doesn’t say much but he stands closer to his wielder. “No but I think this would benefit us in the long run, besides it’s good to have more eyes around. But first…” He raises his palm and 3 orbs appear, one for each. “Take this. It should allow you guys to have your own powers outside of being my zanpakuto. And your ties to ” 

Zangetsu watches as the orb disappears into palm. Nothing really happens but he does feel a change. “That’s……it?” He frowns trying to really feel it, that was rather anti-climatic “Did you want a magical girl transformation? I could make it happen.” He shuts up quickly, damn Ichigo has been getting real good with his powers that he still had since he was a soul king before. He catches an arm full of a black cloak “Put them on, we have work to do and if I find out that you guys have taken it off I will not let it slide.” 

Then he is gone, crisis where they are supposed to follow? It would be easy considering how the 3 of them were connected and would always find each other. The Hogyoku just allowed them to live outside of the inner world. Once they had the cloaks on they followed the pull with the thing behind them. 

Aizen returns to his Lieutenant quarters after a bit of an outing, especially when he had another failed experiment of a hollow. But it was getting better, he would need to up his game if he wanted to earn the approval of Ichigo to sit on the throne. The man did say he can never cut down the current King without a being that has every power balanced out inside of them. That would be troublesome to do. But he can pull it off because Ichigo believed in him. What he didn’t expect was 2 cloak figures lounging around his room. 

One of them stood up, pulling their hood down to reveal the long orange hair. “I was wondering when you will show up.” Aizen chuckles, coming closer to greet the other playfully by holding his hand brushing his lips against the back of it. One of the figures lets off a snort. “Hello to you too, Ichigo. Might I ask who these people are? And I hope you remember to use Kyokko lest Shinji sees you guys before I come back. He is suspicious enough.” Ichigo takes his hand rolling his eyes. 

As if Aizen would be the one to tell him that since the 5th captain can easily see through his Kyokko when he sets one up. Ichigo’s though was harder to detect after all the man hid his reiatsu to the point he would be considered a normal Soul. “You wouldn’t even see through mine at all. There’s still 2 more in here, Sosuke.” Snapping his fingers to indeed reveal two more figures. None of which he can see the faces of because the cloak seemed to have a darkness hiding them no matter which way he looked. “Mmm I supposed I overlooked them because I was excited to see you.” Aizen goes to pour them cups of tea as a common courtesy. Though the redhead holds up his hand to stop him. 

Before something was tossed into his hands, his eyes widened seeing what was contained inside the crystallized cube. It was a powerful seal, probably the work of Ichigo. “The Hogyoku….” He brings it closer to examine it, it was a beautiful sight to behold. “Yours was getting pathetic to watch. So here’s a reward for you. Now I need you to figure out the rest. I have helped you a bit too much, don't you think?” He quickly puts it away in case someone walks in and sees him being too excited about this right now. 

Pulling the hood of the cloak back on, hiding away the bright orange hair. “We will be going now. Until the time is right, I believe this will be our last meeting till then.” Aizen watches as the window is open and they leave. He wished he knew what was going on in that head of his. All these years since they knew each other, he still can’t figure out what he wants. But now that he has the hogyoku that is refined, he should start working on the hybrid Ichigo had mentioned before. 

******

Reaching the hideout that Ichigo had for them. They were able to take off the dark cloaks that hid them and their presence. “You know what to do, correct?” He asks looking at Yoku who nods, before he opens the latch to the underground area. It was much like Kisuke’s study chamber, except for some areas that looked comfortable to rest in and hot spring. “Zangetsu if you want to go wild you are allowed to do that. Just don’t cause too much destruction and away from the place where we will rest ok? Training dummies are over there” He gestures somewhere to the left. Without waiting for the hollow leaves in a quick flash. 

Ichigo smiles watching him go before he goes to rest in the comfortable area. “You guys make yourself comfortable. Do as you like. Everything is ready to go now. All we have to do is wait until Aizen makes his move.” Yoku look around and look at the hot spring with interest before it leaves. All that was left was Old man Zangetsu who chose to stay near him. “You ... .calling you old man outloud is a bit disrespectful because Zangetsu is taken by him. What should I call you because if I did stick to Zangetsu it would be hard to know who I'm talking to. Should I just call you Yhwach, you two look much al-” “Just call Tensa.” The old man cuts him off before something else he rather not hear coming out of his mouth. 

He hears a soft chuckle, he looks over at Ichigo who seemed to know what he was thinking with a soft smile. “Yea, I think that will be a good idea.” Perhaps this was as close as he was like before everything happened. Tensa will keep this close to his heart, he wishes he would have done more for Ichigo. Both Zangetsu and him wish they would take the burden from Ichigo.

*****

“What! They cannot do this! It has to be a mistake!” Kaien rushes into the office where Ukitake was sitting with his head in his hands. “Please tell me it isn’t true, why are we executing Rukia!?” The captain of the 13th division closed his eyes. He doesn’t know how to explain it to his Lieutenant that Rukia had killed a normal human and was protecting a Modified Soul. It didn’t sound like her but there was proof to it. “It…it is but….” Kaien watch as his Captain’s face twist in a grimace “We cannot disprove that she didn’t do it.”

Just as he finishes saying that the office is stormed by the 2nd division. “Lieutenant Shiba is under arrest for killing Captain Aizen.” They quickly have him in bindings and takes the lieutenant away much to Ukitake’s dismay. “You guys cannot do this, my lieutenant would never kill anyone.” He tries to defend however Sui Feng comes in with a warrant signed by Yamamoto himself. Showing the severity of the situation, how can this both those two most talented members in his division commit murder. 

It felt like the same situation with the Ginjo, he tried to stand to go ask Yamamoto himself what this is. Kaien would never do something like that, and as far as he knew they never had problems with the 5th division. Rushing into Yamamoto’s office. “Captain Commander- there most been a mistake because my lieutenant would never kill anyone-” He stops at the hand raised from Yamamoto. The captain had Hinamori in there with tears still running down her cheeks. As she recounted the story to him “H-he had him pin against the wall- I cannot” She breaks down in front of them, Ukitake looks at her with pity because Aizen was admired by her greatly.

However it still didn’t make any sense because he knows Kaien and he just would never done something like this. “There has to be some mistake Captain Commander, Kaien never had any problems with the-” the door to the office slams open and another Soul Reaper comes running in. “SIR Reports are there are ryokas broken into the Seireitei! What are your orders!?” Yamamoto opens one of his eyes and issues an order for everyone in Seireitei to either capture or kill them on sight.

“Honestly I do not understand why you are doing all this.” Ichigo moves one of his chest pieces forward. He kept his eyes on the board, seeing all the patterns and moves that Aizen can possibly make with just that one move from himself. Keeping himself busy for these past 100 years because Aizen wouldn’t make a move sooner was a chore. “Why not? Besides, Urahara has created a second Hogyoku and it is inside Rukia. While the one you gave me has been a lot of help. I have need for the one he has.” He makes a counter move to Ichigo’s play, he is able to gain an advantage over Ichigo at the moment. He wonders if the redhead would let him win this time. 

He watch how the other shrugs pushing another piece up, weird he is not being aggressive today with his moves. “Oh smart, I forgot what you wanted to do when we get to Hueco Mundo. So do I get to join you in shocking everyone?” Aizen nods, indulging the man a bit since he had never seen the other ask for much. And he did get him the Hogyoku that had cut his work in half. “Zangetsu, go break Kaien out of jail and give him his zanpakuto back. I want him to be on that hill as well.” Zangetsu lets out a snort before disappearing away, while Tensa leans down to whisper something into Ichigo’s ear. That seems to bring a grin into his face, making his final move in their game of chest. 

“I win, I need to go see this. Come Tensa, Yoku.” Just like that, both of them disappear from his secret hideout. Aizen wonders what Tensa says to lead Ichigo away from a good game of chess. If by telling by the reaction it must be something amusing enough to draw Ichigo away. He cannot wait to see what it would be. Looking back at the chessboard one more time, a smirk slowly spread across his lips. Seemed like Ichigo already saw something interesting, he tips the bishop over before he too needs to finish his preparations to leave. The games you play…are addicting. 

*****

When the final confrontation came at the Sokyoku Hill. Aizen would almost laugh at how desperately the Abarai kid was about protecting Rukia. But he was not strong enough to hold him off neither is Kaien. He manages to extract the Hogyoku from Rukia before dropping her there. “Why don’t you come out? Didn’t you want to come for this?” He said loud enough for everyone to hear before 4 figures appeared before everyone. The Kyokko drops to reveal the dark cloaked figures. 

The captains and lieutenants watch in stunned silence when one of them lowers their hood. “Hello everyone, I killed your 5th captain. I’m sorry Kaien got blamed.” He apologized with a bow then he perked up with a smile “Please to meet everyone, I’m Ichigo Kurosaki. Isshin’s son-” Zangetsu moves to break the flaming Getsuga Tenshou that was sent flying to hit them. “Ah, Isshin, good to see you here too.” The previous 10th Captain stands before Ichigo with his sword pointing at him. “You!” Ichigo reaches up, placing two fingers on the blade to immediately distinguish the flames of his shikai. “Why are you so angry Isshin? How is everyone at home? Maybe I should visit soon.” 

The enraged look on Isshin’s face only fuels his amusement because he cannot stop the twist grin on his face. “Perfect haha, I hope they are well. Do be a dear and tell them I missed them, Isshin Shiba.” He turns flashing over to Aizen’s side to which the Negacion starts to take them to Hueco Mundo, honestly he would just open a garganta for them but that wouldn’t give as big of an impact. 

When Aizen finishes giving them his dramatic speech, Ichigo looks down at them one more time. “The blade…” he starts meeting Isshin’s eyes “Most go through you.” 

Then just like that 

They were gone 

Joined sides with the hollows of Hueco Mundo. 

Kaien finds Isshin sitting away from everyone as some people were taking care of the injured. “Isshin that was….” He trails off unsure how to continue because his uncle looked devastated at the moment. As well as he showed up after years of being AWOL to see his son join the dark side. “Ichigo killed my wife and twin daughters.” The man whispers loud enough for Kaien to hear. “I didn’t want to believe it…” He looks away from everything “But Kisuke manages to prove it, the reiatsu and the finger prints. I spent years looking for them but ... .I still cannot find them” He continued before hiding his face with his hands unable to finish the conversation anymore, the man was shaking. Kaien didn’t know if it was because of sadness or anger or both. 

Sitting next to his uncle he puts an arm around to comfort the man. “I’m sorry…..and I will make sure we will find them.” They stay quietly like that until hearing Yamamoto approach them. His heavy footsteps and cane can never be mistaken for anyone else. “Isshin Shiba, you have a lot of nerve showing up in Seireitei again.” They turn to meet the head captain but the old man only sighs “But it's good to see you again for now.” Isshin tries to force a smile out to greet the old man; the head captain only shakes his head. 

Of course while they were talking he made sure to listen in on the conversation. To know that it was his own child that had committed such crimes and join Aizen. He didn’t want to bring up more old wounds. 

Once the dust settled, a captain meeting was called, but it did include Isshin. The man’s family was dead and one was a traitor; there was no more reason for Isshin to return to the human world. Not while all that there was waiting for him was an empty house, like a ghost town. “Today’s meeting we will see how to deal with Aizen and Hogyoku. Kisuke Urahara came in and briefed us on it.” The doors opened and they saw the man coming in still in his green outfit rather than the Soul Reaper robes carrying stacks of papers. “So many familiar faces haha.” He goes around handing out the papers to the captains. 

*****

“So this is my room?” Ichigo looks around the room that seems more like a suit with how big it was. “It’s bit and very white. Honestly what’s with the white.” Aizen chuckles, refusing to answer the last part of his questions. “Do you think you will like living here?” He asks Ichigo who went to check what’s in the closet just to make sure there are comfortable clothes in there. “It will suffice for now.” He nods satisfied with what he sees. “You guys can come in now, you know.” They come in slowly surveying the room as well “Would you like me to prepare separate rooms nearby?” Ichigo turns to them as if they were having a conversation with each other silently.

Now that Aizen thought about it, he had never seen their faces at all because they always wore the dark cloaks to hide themselves. Nor has he heard them talk only every now and then, one of them laughing or making amused sounds. What were they? Guess he will have to find out- 

He watched as they took off their hoods. “What? It was all over your curious face you know. So I might as well have them show you before you go on a mission for this.” Ichigo has a shit eating grin on, watching Aizen take in the sight before him. One was an inverted version of Ichigo with a hollow mask that gets pulled off and it sneers at him before plopping next to Ichigo wrapping an arm around him. Like a protective barrier. The other one was a man clad in dark clothing, wraparound glasses with saggy brown hair. Then the last one was wearing a white outfit with neck short blonde hair and dark eyes. They do not seem to care for his presence at all.  

Ichigo pats the white version of him on the hand, like comforting the other? “I know Zangetsu won’t be leaving me. What about you, Tensa and Yoku?” Both shook their heads opting to stay near their wielder either way. Sure they will separate when Ichigo had them do things but it doesn’t feel right being away from each other for so long. Shrugging a bit “Well there’s your answer. We will be fine here, see you later. I’m turning in for the day.” 

Aizen nods, he looks back one more time before leaving when he sees the elder looking man approach Ichigo with a cup of water for the red head. Seemingly content to just drink from the cup the man was holding. Like a pampered prince, well he had business to attend better start now than later. Even though he would have loved to stay here and understand what was the relationship between the 4 of them. 

Waking up to see half of his room being destroyed was an experience but nothing new considering what he had been through before. Hearing the screech from Zangetsu, all he does is to turn in the bed and get more comfortable to go back to sleep. It was nothing new now except the fact that he didn’t have to get up and do the work himself. After all he was not new to assassination attempts by the Soul Reapers and Hollows alike back then when he ruled over Hueco Mundo. Ichigo groans softly when he finds the perfect spot for going back to sleep when something lands on him hard. He glanced down to see Grimmjow beaten badly by Zangetsu sprawl over him. So much for sleeping, he turns to glare at Zangetsu “Seriously?” 

Zangetsu chuckles, reaching over to drag the blue-haired man off of him though it still left blood stains on the sheets. He does not enjoy the smell of blood as much as the sight of it. Swiping a finger across the blood and looking at it closer. “It’s perfect, maybe we should put some red in the room?” Tensa sighs really hoping it would not be blood and instead it's something else. “Your desire is my command master.” Yoku snaps his fingers and there are few added decor to the room, like a red carpet, some flowers and a red blanket. The one with the stain gone. 

Getting off the bed using reishi to wash out the blood from his hands “Well this is an unfortunate incident. Walking over to the big hole on the wall leading outside. He runs his hand against the edges before looking at Yoku who snaps their finger again and it fixes itself into a window. 

“So you really are a walking genie.” Zangetsu comes back with his blanket over his shoulders. “Only when Ichigo’s desire requests for it. I do not grant anything to just anyone.” Setting his blade down before plopping down on the bed ready for a nap. “A shame really because we have a line outside our door.” Yoku stops talking then, it doesn’t like to talk unless absolutely necessary or Ichigo asks it. Well it is a fucking marble with a personality and its an asshole type which is a shame but he can’t say much about it. After all he is also the asshole type for an arrancar. 

*****

To deal with the final step of his game,Ichigo places his final move on the chess board. Before he pushes the black king to drop on the board and roll down to the floor. 

Satisfied

Ichigo arrives with Aizen to the fake Karakura town. Letting Aizen wipe the floor with the captain’s there. After all he needed those evolution, and Yoku must feed power to him. There was no point in feeding large amounts until this moment. 

Zangetsu had asked to go and play and Ichigo had allowed him to do so. There was no need to hold him back after all if he doesn’t get some exercise in. The hollow would get restless and he will have to fight him. Best let it blow out some steam here. 

He had no plan to do anything until he got to the royal place. Then he will have to deal with squad 0. He supposed he had a plan for them after all he was in a way a Soul King in his own right. But that was for later, so he sat back and watched how Aizen would go through several transformations to reach newer heights. Good, he needs to keep doing that until his wish come true. 

“Honestly.” He hears Zangetsu say coming back to him, swinging his blade a few times to get the blood off. “Barragan’s fracciones is just a bunch of jesters. So weak and useless.” He drops sado’s arms in front of Ichigo. Mmm did the man came back from Hueco Mundo? That is weird or did he ever go there at all. Well whatever this should take care of one problem but they have more to go. “Why did you bring them to me?” Nudging it away from him with his foot. “Don’t know, didn’t you love having them on display? Like last time?” 

He clicks his tongue at the other “That was then, this is now. Eat it or get rid of it.” Zangetsu throws his hands up with a dramatic groan before using a cero to blast them to oblivion. “Thank you.” He blocks an incoming attack from Kaien without much of a worry since he has his hierro anyways and right now the man doesn’t stand a chance against him. 

He swiftly sonido behind the man kicking his midsection to send him flying. “You should stay away. I don’t want to fight right now. Shouldn't you go help the captains to fight against Aizen?” Another wave of water that he dodges, he was really hoping he can pop some popcorn to watch but well since he did have time to kill. “Not going to say anything? Well, I was going to say cousin Kaien. If you can make me draw my zanpakuto then I will let you kill me but if you cannot then I will make sure you suffer a fate worse than death.” He giggles reaching into his pocket to pull out a Quincy cross. By the look of shock on Kaien’s face he sighs sympathetically, Isshin most have never spoken to him about it. 

He held his hand out calling for his bow, which formed in seconds. It was a big bow form of reishi which is shining yellow as he is only relying on the soul king powers since both Zangetsu’s are not in him. Pulling the string back 4 arrows appear before he lets go. “Am I shooting this right Tensa?” He looks at the old man for directions since this is his fourth time using it. He receives a nod, which he will take for now though Kaien didn’t break a sweat dodging his arrows. Gritting his teeth he throws one instead which flies past Kaien when it hits a building causing a big explosion. “Ah, let’s try this again.” Ichigo sighs however he did see the Old man point up which he does. A chain drops which he pulls, causing more arrows to rain down on Kaien. 

When he felt Isshin’s reiatsu disappear, he uses pesquisa when Kaien is still busy dodging his arrows. He smirks, perfect he wants to see how Isshin’s final getsuga. The first time he did it because it was required of him to do so. But now someone else had to step in and he was surprised it was Isshin and not Kaien. Oh well. He sees that Aizen’s, Urahara, Gin and Yoruichi was still there. He has some more time before he heads to the Soul Society. “Ichigo do you need me to handle this Soul Reaper here?” He hears Ulquiorra ask coming from a garganta, “Oh did you have fun fighting the ones still in Hueco Mundo?” The man nodded, which made him laugh a bit. He wondered how they died, did Ulquiorra fire a cero through the chest? Now he wished he had stayed behind. 

“Stop forgetting I’m here!” Kaien shunpo over swinging his Nejibana at him, but Ichigo breaks it easily by using his own reiatsu before grabbing the man by his face and firing a Bala at him face blank. Before he drops the man lets him fall, watching as his form turns smaller and smaller before it hits the ground. “I think we are done here. Let’s go watch Aizen troll some kids. Ulquiorra opened a garganta to the Soul Society Karakura town.” The other seems to want to protest but Zangetsu was already growling at him. So he relents and open the door for them. 

Arriving at the real town he watched Aizen chase some kids around before Isshin showed up in his dangai form. Boy did he look different, he chuckles when Tensa hands him a bag of sweets. Man probably took it from one of the stores. “Thank you Tense, I didn’t know you were a thief. Bad habits.” He teased but when he doesn’t give a reaction it really sucks the fun out of it. Well whatever. He follows them to where Isshin was taking Aizen to, when he lands next to Aizen he warns. “This is your final obstacle, if you fall here then you are never reaching the Soul King’s dimension.” 

Aizen huffs but he does focus. The Hogyoku gives him more power as he prepares to face this new Isshin with his Engetsu. Ichigo had warned him about this form already so he knew what he should do to handle the attack. So he doesn’t feel unsettled at all. “When you are finished with Aizen, I can't wait for my turn to beat you Isshin Shiba.” Ichigo gives a calm smile before he sonido’s away to where he is not caught in the crossfire and he can get a good view. 

Isshin was scared. He was so scared ever since he entered the Dangai to train for the final getsuga. His own zanpakuto fought him tooth and nail to not share the knowledge with him. But he needs this to save innocent people from being killed to create the Oken. So he puts his fears aside and continues fighting Engetsu. Just as he was losing a memory comes to him “The blade most go through you.” He doesn't block the last attack from Engetsu, taking the hit from his blade. He really hope when he is done, Kisuke and the rest are able to set his son straight. No matter how many times he remembers that Ichigo brought tragedy onto his mother and sisters. 

How many times he told himself he hated the child. He just cannot hate his son. After all how could he hate the child who was his first born, he had in the end forgiven him. He just wishes that they are able to pull Ichigo out of whatever darkness he has fallen into and become someone who is out to protect what he loves instead of destroying it. He gets ready for the final attack against Aizen. 

*****

When they get to the royal palace. They are met by the royal guards, Ichibe is just as unpleasant as he remembered the man to be. “Well well well what do we have here? A wanna be god.” The man laughs stroking his beard before grinning in his unsettling way he does when is ready to end someone. “Miserable existences. I will put you out of your misery. Protect them Yoku, I will try to make this quick.” 

Ichibe laughs at this child’s insolence, getting ready to change this Ichigo’s name to black slug. To which Ichigo happily lets the man do so when he finally gets the hits in. Except…

“Who said my name was ever Ichigo, you just simply removed my limitations.” He lets out his full soul king power amplified by his others, he holds his hand out. Then close it, the Oken that replaced their bones. “Too much pride, too much righteousness? No no… you are not a good person Ichibe. It’s time for you to die.” He snaps their chains of fate, something he learned to do when he was bored in the Soul King’s palace back then as the Soul King. He wonders if Aizen is able to do the same or is it just him. “My name is Ichigo.” He seals up the power again and gestures for Aizen to follow him. 

Arriving in front of the crystallized form of the puppet. He gestures for Zangetsu to come to him before he cut it down. Letting the throne to be taken by someone else. For a new beginning 

All hail Soul King Aizen 

Long Live Soul King Aizen 

“I have a question, Ichigo.” 

“The less you know, the better it is Soul King Sosuke.” 

“You have intended to avoid this huh?” 

“You are the Soul King now, why do you need answers that will not serve you well.” 

“Very well. I will leave you to your rest. Take care Ichigo Kurosaki.” 

*****

Ichigo rolls the Hogyoku back and forth on the table. He was living in the Soul King’s palace so he could witness the new world and also his wish. Yet it was taking too long and he switched out the Hogyokus, Aizen doesn’t seem to even notice the difference when he does that. 

“Why is it taking so long?” He glares at Yoku who holds its arms up in defense. “I try to feed more power to him, however it seems like the Soul King- powers he obtains is balancing me out.” Ichigo raises his brow before scowling at the Hogyoku’s words. “But why?!” He slams his hand on the table, nearly breaking it. 

The Hogyoku looks out the open room “Because there’s no need for him to keep growing faster. This is too peaceful, there’s no powerful enemy for him to keep growing quickly and like I say Soul King’s powers.” 

The red head looks at the marble form of the Hogyoku as he goes back to rolling it back and forth with his finger. Working for a solution…..

“Now there’s an idea….there’s the idea…” He holds his hand out, the Soul King’s palace tilts and starts to fall in a burning blaze. The Marble that is set still begins to tilt and roll. Seems like no matter who sits on the throne he will always be its master. 

The Hogyoku kept rolling

Rolling 

Rolling down along the falling palace burning as it did. 

Chapter Text

Rolling…..

Rolling…….

The edge…

Then it fell

Amber eyes slowly blink awake, he was in his room again around 7 years old? By the way his doodles are stuck to the wall. Well this is a good age to start, Isshin comes in with breakfast for his darling boy. What he didn’t expect was to be met with a glare but it would have been a trick of the light, especially when he sees the bright smile from his son. “Ah Ichigo you are awake already? I was expecting to have to drag you out of bed for school.” He reaches to ruffle the soft orange hair, however his son quickly dodge his hand. “I couldn’t sleep anymore, I will eat now.” 

Isshin opens the curtains letting the light into the dark room “Ok buddy don’t forget you have a field trip today! Dress appropriately!” Receiving a nod from the child he leaves the room so he can have dinner with Masaki and the girls. Ichigo had said yesterday that he wanted to eat in his room so he can pack everything. So they had left him to his devices after all he was a smart boy. 

“You guys can come out now.” His shadow parts and they step out to see their master as a child. “You are certainly a cute kid.” Zangetsu snickers, reaching to ruffle his hair as Isshin had tried but his hand gets swatted away. The Hogyoku are going over to check out the food. “You should eat before you go to Ichigo. You are still a child after all.” Tensa said gently guiding Ichigo to the table where his breakfast sat. 

He really didn’t feel like eating, food has been tasting like ashes to him for a few lifetimes now. But he had forced it down because he needed to live before, however he had found a better way to keep himself fed and that was absorbing the reishi around him. It was nice and took care of a few problems. Picking up the bowl of soup, taking a big gulp of it before he places it down. “You don’t like the food.” Yoku comments helpfully but he just ignores it and continues eating a little bit before he feels like he was going to throw up. 

Pushing the tray of food away he sat back so what he ate didn’t come back up. ‘Can you give us the cloak Yoku.’ Asking through their mental link communication, nodding it hands them the dark cloaks and a smaller one for Ichigo. “Where are we going to do this time?” Zangetsu asked from where he sat looking outside boredly. “You will see. Now put it on, I wouldn't want to scare our friend.” Zangetsu scoffs, pulling the cloak on as if this doesn’t already make them scary if they appear in front of someone. 

Ichigo focuses on trying to find the anchor of where he wanted to go before he opens a door for them to go through. He walks in before the rest follows him. When Ichigo didn't come down at the time he usually would. His parents go to check on their room only to find an empty room, an open window and half eating breakfast. Of course that would alarm them into contacting the police. 

******

Arriving to the place he needed to be, he told the 3 to wait in the thick of the forest while he went out to meet the person who stood by their lonesome. 

“Greetings, my Soul King.” He gets on one knee to greet the son of the Soul King Yhwach. THe child was still young, if he had to guess it would be around this time when the child finally got his senses. “Who are you? Why do you call me the Soul King” He asks but Ichigo doesn’t answer the first half. “Because you are the son of the Soul King. The one who would lead us to a new future.” For someone who doesn’t know good or evil and just is. The son of the Soul King is learning about the world and Ichigo plans to use this to his advantage. 

Yhwach tilts his head, eyes filled with curiosity watching this hooded figure who seems to be a child themselves but there were eyes on them. He figured of course it would be maybe guards for this child. “What do you mean?” He ask quietly, watching how the small figure stands up and takes a seat on the rock next to him. “A story…a very old story, the first sin of this world.” 

The story started like this 

At the beginning there was one realm of existence. Not everything was harmonious because there was chaos, beings called the hollows appeared. Destroying what they got their hands on, it fell in darkness but one day. A being came into existence, it can and eradicated the darkness. 

So the primordial sea rejoiced, around the same time the 5 noble houses also existed as well. You know the first fear of any being, it is the fear of the unknown. When such fear exists they make people do irrational things. And those 5 houses feared the being that came from nowhere to save them. 

They fear the power behold by him, so they did what they believed would be the best for the realm they claimed. Well I supposed they not only fear his powers, they were also unhappy with what they have and wanted more. Wanted a different realm of existence. So they seal the being into a crystal. Using his powers to split the realms into 3 realms. 

Soul Society 

Hueco Mundo 

Human World 

In doing so, they also created a cycle. Of life and death. When it was only one realm, no one feared death because death was never a concept to them. But when it split, death suddenly was. 

It was enough the 5 houses said 

But in truth is 

It was never enough for them, because they still feared the being even if it wasn’t fighting back. It let them butchered his body, cut his hands and take his organs until there’s nothing but a hollow being. A puppet they use to manipulate those who don't know about the original sin. Such a person is named Ichibe, who is standing in as a royal guard in that palace of a grave up there. 

Ichigo watches how the young Yhwach processes the story. He might have left out a few details that would potentially paint the families in a different light however, that’s not exactly what he wants right now. Or ever half lies and truths never hurt, it just made it easy to manipulate others. He stands again in front of the young demigod. “It is a tragic story, you do not have to believe me now. I just want to put an end to the butchers who put the Soul King in such a position. Just because they butchered him, it does not mean he is dead.” He reaches for Yhwach’s hands again. “He is suffering. I can hear him, he cannot die nor live. His pain is immense and he is begging for help.” 

He gave the hands a final squeeze before he stepped back. “You do not have to believe me like I said before. I will return one day for your answer. By then I hope you find the correct answer Yhwach.” Then just as quick as the figure came it disappeared again. 

******

“Wow you have become a hella good liar these days.” Zangetsu commands when they show up in the Soul Society around the time Kisuke’s Hogyoku is being developed. Then he can just spread the information to Aizen so the man can stop struggling so hard and focus on something else. Of course, he still needs to take care of Masaki, Yuzu and Karin so they can draw out Isshin to fight. Then Kaien has his role to play in so much work to do. “Half truths and lies, there’s no harm in doing that Zangetsu.” He sighs, replacing the Hogyokus and destroys the one Kisuke has so far. “Yoku make your powers in the marble a bit unstable to confuse them. I don’t want that man’s ego to get too big” 

Yoku nods only needing to shift the inner workings in itself so it won’t be as stable as before however it can still use its powers enough. “You are able to absorb the one from Aizen with no problem, yes?” Yoku nods, raising a hand to feel the instability, when it deems satisfied. “Yes, with that one it should be able to fix the unstable nature as of now.” Ichigo grins finally satisfied before leaving looking back one more time. “Do you know what I desire, correct?” It nods again “Then go do as you must, this time it must be perfect.” He snaps his fingers sending Yoku to the time before Rukia gets arrested for whatever crime Aizen will be cooking up. 

Then he heads for Aizen’s quarter’s leaving a note there about the development of Kisuke’s Hogyoku. Just as he was ready to go, something stopped him in his tracks. 

Ginjo would potentially be useful for him to use as well, the chains of fate have been set. He just needs to link them to Hogyoku. It would be a shame to not do that after all, if he is going to be working with Yhwach closely. He needs someone to oppose them, or more than just one. He was able to fight against Yhwach with no problem because of what he was and his true bankai. Aizen will be the catalyst for the Hogyoku, Yhwach will be the enemy then who will be the receivers. 

He has few people in mind, the people who were once his friends. Along with Ginjo, Isshin and Kaien. As long as these players are in the same field, then his true desire shall be able to be granted. He moves the chess pieces rapidly till he places the pieces to where he needs them to be. He laughs in delight when it all comes together, hearing footsteps coming to Aizen’s room. Right he forgot he was using the man’s chess board. Kicking the table that held the chess board across the room seeing break. “Let us go before they see us.” 

He sonido's across the Seireitei, based on what he knows and saw. Ginjo went nuts when he found out about the tracker and the seal. Maybe he should modify it that way it would track but give out wrong locations so the Tsunayashiro family can’t get to them. Perhaps that will give Ginjo more motivation to protect what is his and become stronger to face off against Aizen and Yhwach. 

After finding the badge that Ukitake kept around till he found Ginjo for the role of substitute Soul Reaper. The man was crafty when he wanted to be. It’s only his pure heart that truly kept the man from obtaining new heights. It’s a shame, tweaking with the badge a bit so no one can do it later. When he deems his work done he places it back where it was kept. Finally leaving the Seireitei so he can do his other tasks. 

He needs the perfect set up 

*****

After waiting for a few years for all the chess pieces to fall into place. Ichigo finally decides to meet Yhwach again. Yoku as well finally returning from their mission given by him. “How was everything?” He questions it when it shows up to the place they made a little home out of in the Soul Society. “Everything went according to plan, just as you desire it to be. I promise you that I will give you what your heart desires.” Ichigo nods, bringing himself to get up from the mess of pillows he was resting on. Brushing the long strands back from his shoulder “Very well, let us deal with the Kurosaki family.” 

Pulling up the dark blue yukata he was wearing and fixing his hair. Looking over at Tensa and Zangetsu “You two should wait here. I can handle this myself.” Throwing a dark haori on, they tried not to look at the dark grin he had on. It was disturbing at least and at worst he seemed excited for this. As if all these years he spent planning, this was what he had been waiting for. It wasn’t because it was a weakness for him anymore. It seemed the child had develop a taste for making suffer psychologically, even if its to draw Isshin back into the Soul Society. 

“Do you think we are ok?” 

“No it stopped being ok lifetimes ago.” 

Ichigo arrives in the middle of living in the Kurosaki Clinic. Looking outside and by the smell of fresh cooked food. He made his way to the dining room stopping at the doorway. “Hello Family” watching how they react to him coming back after years of being gone. It was also around this time that Rukia will be coming. Well it doesn't matter, because she is not a problem in his plan. Masaki slowly comes over to her son, the child that went missing years earlier. “A-are you really Ichigo?” Her voice trembles with something but he pays it no mind, feeling hands on his cheeks he leans into them “Yes I am. I'm home mother.” 

When she leans in for a hug, his hand goes through her chest. Blood goes flying hitting Yuzu and Karin on the face. They way in horror as their mother moved with the movement made by the orange hair man as she slowly slid off his arm, blood staining his sarm and sleep. Before Isshin was able to protect his daughters their heads went flying. And he gets shoveled down on the floor. He cannot move when he gets restrained by Bakudo no.99. He sees Ichigo approach Masaki again who was barely clinging onto life. 

“Stop it! STOP IT!!” he desperately screams but those words don't reach Ichigo as he beheads her easily. Swatting his hand a bit as he brings the heads of his family and places them in front of him. The whole time the redhead stayed silent with a smile on his face never dropping once. He sits behind them, his hands touching their hair as if brushing out the knots and tangles. “Isshin, I hope you do avenge them. Mourning with bottles…..I hope you do not disappoint me. Because I will not only kill them here, I will kill their very soul as well alright.” Just as he came suddenly, he was gone. 

All that was left in the house was the screams of a man whose family was killed right in front of him. Kisuke Urahara had put Isshin to sleep when the man wouldn’t calm down, hoping when he woke up he would be able to give more details about the gruesome murders of his family. The family had already experienced a loss when they lost Ichigo years earlier. But now…..it was times like this he wish he can be a better help in the emotion department. 

Upon returning to their little place, Ichigo was quick to go wash up and get the blood off of him. Good thing he had known the best way to get rid of blood since he had plenty of practice in that department too. He hears Zangetsu whistling when he settles down on the water. “So did you take care of them?” The other crouch down near the redhead who only nods watching the blood from Masaki, Karin and Yuzu wash from his hands. “I hope you don’t feel too bad about it.” He frowns when Ichigo freezes up for a second before he tilts his head back. “What do you mean? I stop feeling for them many life’s ago. This is just a means to an end.” It is times like this when Zangetsu wonders which one of them is more twisted, especially with the deranged grin the other had on his face. 

Tensa approaches them with fresh clothes for Ichigo to wear “Anything else you need before we go meet Yhwach?” He hums, closing his eyes before shaking his head. Everything has been set, though “You stay here and hold down the fort. I split my fate into 3 different paths between you guys, so his Almighty cannot see the truth of the end I had set already. So I will be taking Zangetsu with me and Yoku go check on Hueco Mundo.” He gets up from the hot spring picking the towel to dry himself. “We cannot appear to him all together otherwise he can truly see.” They nod before leaving him to get dressed. 

Handing Zangetsu his cloak much to his dismay when he is finally ready to go. He understands because being a hollow they will be entering Quincy territory. At best they can immobilize Quincy and maybe explain their situation and at worst they will have to restart this whole damn thing again. Honestly in a way Zangetsu was starting to understand and get why Ichigo stopped caring and let himself become something twisted. The repetition was getting to him too if he was being honest. 

Landing in the middle of Bazz-B trying to get Haschwalth into a fight was not exactly planned. But well that did raise alarms to those around them, they stood on guard with the blonde hair man ready to draw his sword. However he did raise his hands so they did not attack, at least they wore white cloak this time instead of the dark ones. “Hello Haschwalth, would you mind telling Yhwach I’m here for his answer. I do hope he remembers me.” He smiles but he highly doubts that they can see it because it was a cloak that hid them well. 

Haschwalth frowns at the two figures in front of him, he had never heard Yhwach talking about them and even worse the fact that he cannot even sense anything from them at all. “Who are you?” If he was nervous then he doesn’t let it show, Ichigo noted later. Or maybe the man wasn’t nervous at all and it might just be Ichigo’s imagination. Whatever it is, it really doesn’t matter when he has better things to do. “Will answer that later, now go tell Yhwach I’m here for his answer.” Haschwalth narrows his eyes but he does go to tell Yhwach this. Before he left he ordered the guards to watch the two. 

Feeling a slight nudge from Zangetsu he asks through their link about what is going on. ‘It’s just funny that Aizen chose white and its the same with Quincy. What’s up with bad guys and white’ he hears a giggle at the end of that even if Zangetsu protests that it was not a giggle.  

They did stop talking to themselves when he felt Yhwach’s presence and he looks at the elder man now. ‘Tensa looks better’ He jokes to Zangetsu who he definitely knows is holding back laughter with the way his shoulders shook lightly. “So you were real. I thought it was a dream.” He heard the man say, despite the lightness in his voice, Ichigo can pick up the distrust from them. “Yes I’m real. I said before that I could return for your answer.” He finally pulls his hood down to reveal himself. 

Yhwach raises a brow before he gestures for them to follow him. They walk through this castle-like place before they arrive at their office. Ichigo took a seat without a second thought and Zangetsu stood to guard him in case the Quincy King tried anything to hurt his wielder. “You don’t seem to fear me.” The red head chuckles leaning back to make himself comfortable on the chair and crossing his leg. “Why should I? If you try anything with me. I can guarantee that you will not be going far.” He rests his cheek on the knuckles of his left hand. Haschwalth frowns at the audacity of this boy. Who isn't any older than a teenager. 

“I see, well if I give you the wrong answer. What will you do?” Yhwach asked to take a seat on his end as well, moving some documents off his desk. “Well…..I highly doubt you would. Because I know you better than you know yourself. And you will be the one who will stand above all.” Yhwach amused picking up his cup of tea to take a sip from before setting it down. “You are correct, but what can you help me with? I have my own army which is already captain level.” Ichigo sits up straight, looking into Yhwach's eyes. “Your overconfidence child. Will be your biggest weakness.” 

He stomps the floor, using his powers to show Yhwach being used as that empty puppet like his father. He knocks on the hardened crystal with a smirk on his face “This is your fate, if you continue down the path you set out yourself.” The man frowns examining it himself. Seeing himself just like his father would be, was unnerving. However he still needs more proof before he can trust this person. Someone who shows up out of the blue and turns his world upside down, someone who made him question the world and look for the truth himself. “This can be an illusion. His majesty will never be defeated by the likes of the Soul Reaper.” Ichigo glares at the blonde hair man before he snaps his fingers again. 

The scene changes around him to fire burning, and he was right on Haschwalth's face. “Insolent brat, you do not even know the truth about me. Yet you claim my truths are but an illusion.” He places a finger on his chest and the man gets sent flying back before he hits a wall hard. “Now be quiet.” Haschwalth looks up, meeting the amber eyes shining with a gold glow that seems out of the world. He holds his chest from where he was hit, screams has him on alert only to realize that Quincy's were being hunted down by Soul Reapers.

 Ichigo turns back to Yhwach “Sorry about that, being a teen with a temper sometimes is hard to control.” He chuckles, manipulating the scene to change again. The Lichtreich in nothing but ruins once the fire settled. “You are not telling me everything, but by the power you release when you do that. It is quite frightening. I supposed I will trust in you for now but I want more information about who you are.” Twirling a long strand of orange hair snapping them back into the office. He puts on a small smile “Well, my name is Ichigo. I foresaw many events from the future. One of which Yhwach the Quincy King will experience a fake death before his real death.” 

Then his smile drops as he gets a faraway look, his hands lowering to his lap. “Your second death will be the end of you. Because that is your fate. However I can cut such fate and let you claim back your rightful place and be the one true King.” He lowers and closes his eyes for a second before meeting Yhwach’s. That is weird, this child’s fate is unclear and unreadable to his Almighty. It's as if the future is separated yet into darkness, that has him on the edge slightly. “How might you be able to cut fate if everything is set in stone.”Perfect he has this man without his bubble just a little bit more and he is able to be easy to manipulate. “Because of my bankai.” 

The third time is really the charm, he didn’t know that Haschwalth could move that fast. Yet he did cut his head off 2 times, two more repetitive lives that he gave the earful to Zangetsu. Much to the hollow’s anger. 

This time though he was able to catch the blade and throw the man back. Putting himself between him and Ichigo. “You are a Soul Reaper.” Yhwach said pointently while the redhead just nodded at him. “Why are you helping the Quincy?” Ichigo chuckles, showing the man a Quincy cross and summoning a bow. “Because I’m also part Quincy.” Yhwach laughs leaning back on his chair while Ichigo lets the bow go, dissipating into reishi. “No wonder why I felt there were two sets of power inside of you.” Ichigo hums in agreement not going to give the man more information than he needed. Good thing Zangetsu is outside at the moment cause otherwise he will know that he is also part hollow. 

The power of the Soul King…his powers now were easy to pass as Quincy. It is really nice to be able to mask his truth behind those powers. Something the Almighty struggles against. “My parents were murdered by the Soul Reapers. This is as much as your revenge as well as mine. I will be part of your army.” He held his hand out for Yhwach with a soft smile, unless you were Zangetsu and see it's more like a grin when the other had obtained what he wanted. 

Yhwach grins, taking his hand “Very well, together we shall strike down the Soul Society. In such a case I suppose I will give you a Schrift. We will do the engraved ritual.” Ichigo nods, giving the man a firm handshake before letting go. “Very well I will trust in your judgement as you do with mine.” 

*****

He was offered a room in the place Yhwach resides which he does take after all he needs to stay around to play a secondary advisor to the man. He can feel those icy blue eyes on him as he is being carried to the room by Zangetsu. “What’s the problem, Haschwalth? If you have something to say you should say it.” Slowly he opens his eyes to look at the back of the man, who stops walking to look back at him. “You cannot be this weak to have to be carried back by your guard after the engraving ritual.” He stares at him before smirking at the blonde hair man who only glares at him. “What if I just want to be carried by my guard, nothing wrong with that. Yhwach did say if something happens, I can always tattle to him about it.” 

He can hear the anger in the man’s steps when he continues to lead them to the room that was prepared for them. “Alright here it is, do you need an extra room for your guard?” He opens the door for them, Zangetsu drops the teen off on the bed before going to take a seat by the window. “No, he is good here. He is my closest guard so I would hate for him to leave me.” Haschwalth narrows his eyes before nodding “His majesty asked you to join for dinner. You can ask anyone to bring you there.” Ichigo hums, kicking off his shoes to make himself comfortable on the bed. “And you will need to change into more appropriate clothes. They will be delivered soon. You and your guard.” Ichigo waves him off dismissively, ready to take a nap he appears to be but he just wanted the man to leave the damn room. 

When the door shuts, Zangetsu goes to lock it before he takes off the cloak and goes back to be close to Ichigo. “Are you ok King?” He hums softly feeling the power of the Schrift in him. “He gave me the Schrift L; The Law.” Zangetsu looked confused. “What does that even do?” He frowns but he does check into the inner world to see if there was any damage to the place. 

Seeing none he deems it satisfactory before he is back with Ichigo. “I believe if I create a law, it will be as the law says. Nothing wrong with trying it, let’s go to the training room. They get transported back to where they stayed. Tensa quickly comes to check on them. “I’m fine I’m fine Tensa. Everything is good here.” The Quincy half nods filling him in on their current situation, Ichigo smiles patting his shoulder gently “Thank you for your help. As long as our pieces haven't fallen so far we are good. Now lemme test this out.” 

He looks at Zangetsu thinking hard before getting the idea. “Nothing can cut me.” His eyes flash gold for a second “Try it?” He held out his hand for Zangetsu to cut. Except when the hollow tried to do so, he attacked Tensa instead. “Oh interesting, how about this. The Almighty cannot see Zangetsu, Tensa, Yoku and My Future.” He waits for a second then looks between themselves for a bit “Well something tells me it worked. However we can not be sure till then. Let’s go back for now before they come back to find us. I leave everything here to you Tensa.” The old man nods before Ichigo and the hollow is gone again. 

Just as they get back to the room, they hear the knock on the door. Ichigo moves to unlock it while Zangetsu puts his cloak back on. The attendant hands him two sets of clothes before letting him know she will wait for her because dinner is now and she will take them to the dining room. He nods at her before closing the door. “They are quick, go change Zangetsu.” 

Getting to the dining room after changing in this maze of a place didn’t take that long but he hoped Zangetsu better remember it because he knows he won’t. Walking in, he stops when he sees it’s more than just Yhwach and Haschwalth. “Good to see you joining us. Ichigo come here tonight, you are the guest of honor.” He looks at the empty seat next to Yhwach and he tries to not sigh. It was honestly not how he expected would meet the other sternritters and the elites but it will have to make due. 

He hears the whispers of these soldiers something about Soul Reaper or whatever, seemed like they wasted no time in telling them about him being one. He took a seat while Zangetsu stood behind him. “Your guard is still using the cloak. Is there something wrong with the clothes we sent you?” Ichigo shakes his head eating whatever was placed in front of him, even if it still taste like fucking ash to him. He really wishes he should have said he can’t eat like normal people would but now that is really hard to explain that it’s because he is partially hollow. “No, he just doesn't like showing us his face. He is shy.” A complete lie and if this man keeps this on he is going to start just talking. Just talking means rambling and lying like there’s no tomorrow. 

He hears the sounds of utensils being placed down and he looks up to meet Haschwalth’s eyes, the man sat in front of him but that would be no surprise since he was the right hand man of Yhwach. 

“The first death you mentioned, how do we avoid that?” Ichigo places his fork down already done with eating anyways. “We don’t, we are letting it happen.” Some sternritters slam their hands on the table as protest but Ichigo pays them no mind and only keeps his eyes on Haschwalth. Yhwach raises his hand, a warning for them to sit down. “Why?” Ichigo uses the fork to move the food around, finally breaking eye contact with those icy blue eyes. “Because we need to let him burn, burn his comrades. Yhwach also needs more.” He places the fork back down again and plays with the knife there. Refusing to let on more than needed, the original 13 is powerful and besides he needs the 1000 because of the Hogyoku anyways. 

Yhwach hums thoughtfully, making the blonde haired man look at the Quincy King with a confused look. “Your majesty….you can’t possibly consider it?!” Rubbing his chin looking around the table. The child was right in a way, but this needed more thought before a final decision would be made. “Let's finish eating.” Ichigo picks at his food a bit more before he excuses himself from the table since no one else had said anything and he would rather not force food down his throat. 

When the redhead left, Yhwach looked at the barely eaten food on his plate. “He didn’t eat a lot.” Haschwalth looks at then nods to an attendant to go clear it off. “He didn’t ask for any food for his guards. Either way, what do you guys think?” Looking over the elites, to see what they have to say about the child who is playing prophet right now. 

“His eyes are not right.” 

“Very good at hiding his reiatsu for sure. His guard is something else. Can’t put my finger on it.” 

“Where’s his sword?” 

The king raises his hand to stop them before he hears anymore. He knows his right hand is worried but he had plans in case the boy decides to betray them. In a way though he knew the boy was using him for something, whatever it is he is looking to find out. 

Finally after returning to the room, they see more clothes laid out for them. “Can you please put them away Zan? I want to freshen up.” The hollow grumbles but he does as told because it was not new that the damn child would throw a tantrum. Besides, he thinks Ichigo does it out of boredom and to mess with them when he can. Oh well his little king can be a stinker when he wants to be, he snorts. Then he stops with a confused look. Wait since when did he just stop being an ass and become a babysitter for the damn wielder who didn’t acknowledge him for a long time. He feels he can hear the old man laughing at home from the other side, motherfucker! When Ichigo leaves the bathroom, Zangetsu takes his turn rushing in without a word. 

Ichigo settles back down on the bed again and calls for Yoku to come. Appearing beside him with a sword ready, Ichigo takes it. Pulling it out of the sheath to look at it “This is an asauchi.” He gives the Hogyoku a confused look who in turn smirks. “It is but it is a modified one, I know your desires master. You wanted a weapon that would perform shikai and bankai without a spirit like Zangetsu so you don’t have to use your true power. So of course I created this for you.” Ichigo chuckles and swings it a few times to test it out before putting it back on the sheath. “Thank you Yoku. How 's Hueco Mundo? How are the arrancars doing?” 

The Hogyoku pulls a folder, handing it to the redhead filled with details of what he can gather based on what Aizen is doing. “Huh Isshin is the one going to save her? That's new…..that’s very new.” He grins turning another page to see if there’s anything new but that was really the most interesting piece. When he was done reading he gave it back to Yoku before the others left. He cannot have that here in case Yhwach’s people come around to snoop when he is out for the day. 

Zangetsu glares at the sword from across the room then at Ichigo. “It’s a modified asauchi, it's not going to give me two new spirits to take my attention away.” Ichigo grumbles tired of being glared at because he is trying to sleep right now and he can’t really do that now if the other kept it up. He can feel the bad mood in their inner world too. “Still…why can’t you just use me….or the old man. It’s not like they are going to know.” He mumbles, finally looking elsewhere with his glare, Ichigo sits up from the bed and gestures for Zangetsu to come over. The hollow had refused to be near him when he saw the sword. 

It takes a minute before he relents and goes over to Ichigo, giving him a flick on the forehead. “Because we cannot let them truly see what we can do. We are able to level this damn empire of theirs if we wanted. Best leave them guessing till it is time. Now sleep.” He throws Zangetsu down on the bed wrapping himself around the other so he can’t move away and goes to sleep. Zangetsu wishes he is in the inner world instead of outside. Damn the Hogyoku!

******

Watching the flames burn wildly Ryujin Jakka sure is a formidable blade. He watches how few of the original Gotei 13 are also burned when Yamamoto fought against Yhwach. The King was ‘Dead’ but he will come back. He had asked for Haschwalth to be on stand-by until it was time for them to take the body back to the new city created for this situation. Of course he had told them he would probably be gone and return when the time was right. After all he does want to see what would happen, against the Aizen fight this time. 

Man if he knew it would be this fun to see his plan fall into place. He would have done this way sooner. He stood above a few dead Soul Reaper bodies and he thinks there’s two captains in there but he might be wrong. He couldn’t remember if he fought someone important because of his Schrift. Zangetsu is off somewhere having fun all of this, he was using the modified Asauchi like a free real estate because of the new abilities. It was fun but if he had the choice he preferred Zangetsu over this new sword. 

“New Law the flames cannot touch me.” He watched as Yamamoto tried to engulf him in flames. It didn't work as it was the law of the universe that the flames cannot touch him. Smirking down at the young head captain, “Shriek Higanbana.” He sends a few slash of red reiatsu towards the man who easily dodges but it was they needed to get Yhwach out of here. Pointing the sword at the man he fires a blast like a cero at him. But that was the distraction he needed to use Hado 90 on the man. “New Law No More Flames Here.” The fire immediately as it started was gone like it didn’t exist in the place to begin with. 

When the black coffin breaks Yamamoto was on his knees using his zanpakuto to remain upright. “Who are you…..what are you!?” He is barely able to dodge the attack coming from Zangetsu who looks like he is having the time of his life. He whistled loudly, gesturing for him to come back to his side. “Relax, it’s not time for you to die yet old man. Our King will come back to kill you all soon. After all, he lives in all of us.” Like as if they never existed they were gone just like that. 

“Who the hell was that?” Yamamoto watched in shock, unable to comprehend what just happened. Was someone really there or was it his imagination- but he had more work to do. If what they say is real then he must wipe them out to prevent the Quincy King from ever returning. 

Every now and then his mind wanders back to the young man he saw in that fire. His long hair was the color of his flames, holding what was definitely a zanpakuto but he was fighting with the quincies especially when he remembered the cross he had on his left wrist. He was fighting Yhwach to truly know if the young man ever fought with the bow. But he did warn his star students about him. In case they ever met him.

******

As he said, instead of going to Wandenreich. He returns to where Tensa and Yoku were. He finally managed to wear something much more to his comfort. “Can you please go retrieve the Still silver arrow that Ryuken made Tensa?” The man nods before quickly getting to work, as always. He was efficient and quick so he can always trust Tensa to come back quickly. Ichigo goes to soak in the hot spring for a bit and to unwind. Yoku comes to him after checking on the modified sword. Zangetsu is off somewhere but he is going to call him back now. “Do you like using the modified zanpakuto?” Well he is not going to pass up the chance to tease Zangetsu a bit since he was still salty about that. 

“Yea I don’t gotta scream Getsuga Tenshou everytime I use it, so I think it’s pretty sweet. Bakudo no.81 Danku.” Just like he knew a Getsuga Tenshou would be fired at them and a screech from Zangetsu. “Fuck you!” 

He can’t help but let out a loud laugh at that. “I'm happy you are enjoying it.” It chuckles a bit, handing a towel to the redhead when the other starts to get up from the hot springs. “It’s almost time Yoku. Almost time…..” The Hogyoku watched how its master let out a twisted smile as the man went to put on his clothes. It is happy that it can fulfill the most pure desire out there. No matter how much Aizen needs its power, it will give it to him. His master’s heart's desire is close and it cannot wait to see the day it happens. 

Ichigo gets a flesh set of the Quincy clothes, he wasn’t using the elite uniform yet because it was not time but he would wear these ones. He would remember when Yhwach decided to have him join the Schutzstaffel. There were some protests, but he had instilled a new law that if they weren't happy with it then they can die. There were more than quite a few however he had said he can definitely make up for that lack of power. Which was why he join Yhwach on the first attack, taking out the members he deem important enough and let the rest work out itself. 

It’s only too bad he didn’t manage to kill Unohana, given she was the one who helped Zaraki gain bankai later. Maybe he should do an assassination on her, especially if she is in Hueco Mundo. Mmm he would create the new law that she is only Retsu Unohana and can never be Yachiru Unohana. Then that should limit her back from being able to do that. So many ideas about what he should do, ah it’s unfortunate that he cannot act now considering what’s going on with the Aizen fight. He wants to rip them to shreds but damn that would run his plans. A damn shame. 

“You know master, if you want you can always go fight Aizen before he gets to the real Karakura town. You can make him advance his transformation more. I’m sure Zangetsu can keep the rest busy. Isshin has gone to train in Dangai.” Yoku offers helpfully, he chuckles with delight offering a pet to the Hogyoku. “I knew there was a reason I like you. Zangetsu let us go! Oh Let Tensa know when he comes back ok.” It nods, opening a garganta for them to go through. 

Ichigo takes Zangetsu’s arm, dragging him through the Garganta with him, maybe a little bit too excited. He did look back at the Hogyoku with eyes that said he would end its pitiful existence if it did something out of order. Once it close behind them, It chuckles taking a seat on where its master left him. It was clear it would never betray the master who owns it. Because it wanted to see it, it’s master's vision. Even if its master doesn’t always trust it. “Yoku where did they go?” Tensa came back with a case containing the Still silver arrow. “They went to have fun, will be back soon.” 

He sets the case down gently, even though the arrow was well made. He most be careful with it because he doesn’t know how much force it can truly handle. This was the first time he had ever seen this type of silver. Well as long as it can get the job done, and finally grant Ichigo’s wish. Then he is happy with it. 

Pulling his hair back into a mid ponytail when they arrived at the fake town. “Go wild, go crazy don’t forget your mask. It is still too early” Zangetsu gives him a confused look and gestures to his face “What about you?!” He crosses his arms, then looks straight at Zangetsu and rolls his eyes. “It’s less confusing to see me than to see a hollow version of me.” The hollow flips him off before he sonido's away to keep others away unless they were the key pieces. 

He arrives before Gin opens a Senkaimon firing off a barrage of arrows at them. “Oh, who are you?” Aizen asks calmly, turning to see the newcomer. Tilting his head as he took the new person in. He wore Quincy clothes except they looked slightly different and more refined than what he had seen Uryu wore. “You are asking the wrong questions. Hado no.90 Kurohitsugi.” Ichigo watched as the black form disappeared. 

There were slight cuts to Aizen and Gin of course since they both got caught on it. “I was expecting better, you got cuts, what a disappointment.” He sighs, drawing his bow again to fire shots at them. They move gracefully to dodge his arrows, he fires another one up the sky and makes it rain down arrows. He sees in’s sword coming yet it never hits him because of his law. Honestly he knew he shouldn’t depend on it too much but it was so easy to use. Why didn’t he do this sooner if he can use a power like this sooner. “How are you about to dodge that.” Gin questions but he refuses to answer, it was not time to reveal that yet. 

He shrugs pretending as if he doesn’t know what the man meant. “I dodge a lot of things like the one hitting me right now.” He doesn’t need to turn to see Aizen swinging his sword at him except it never hits him and he jumps back quickly to dodge another barrage of arrows. “I would hate for these clothes to be ruined. Only a few pairs left so let’s play nice.” Going for another raining of arrows. His eyes are watching Aizen to see if he is yet to transform again. When he does that’s why Ichigo will take his leave. 

“What are you waiting for?” He hears Aizen ask but he doesn’t respond because he doesn’t owe the man anything. “A Shiba look look, he looks like Kaien.” Gin finally put the pieces together when he finally figured out why this redhead looked so familiar. Ichigo sonido's behind the man kicking him on the back sending the man flying. He wouldn’t know how far he will go but he hopes he isn’t dead yet well it honestly doesn’t matter because he barely does much to his plan. 

Looking back at where Aizen stood “That was a sonido, only hollows are able to do that. Are you an arrancar?” Ichigo can’t stop the wheeze he lets out and sonido over inches from Aizen and dangles the cross in front of his face. “I never knew you were such a jokester Aizen, but hollows can’t use Quincy cross. But it matters not because” He uses reishi around his hand to cut him down the center so he can force the evolution. When he starts transforming again he jumps back and leaves. He already got what he wanted, next he supposed he will go watch when Isshin fights him off. He wonders what else he can evolve into, he goes to find Zangetsu before they leave the fake town. 

Unaware they have caught the eyes of someone. 

“What was that?” Gin asks to come back to Aizen to see that the man has wings on his back now. Did that child really manage to force another transformation out of Aizen? “Who knows, but I can thank him for giving me this.” How amusing, together they leave for the real Karakura Town.

They headed out for the final battle ground for Aizen with the Soul Society. It did happen about the same except there was a new evolution, of course with the final getsuga the man got sealed up again. His weakness showed at the end, it was a shame if only he didn’t let it show then maybe he would have had a chance. He made sure the Hogyoku will be restoring Isshin’s powers for which is necessary since he needs to have the man there for their final battle. 

When they finally return to their place, he hops over to check out the arrow. “This is a nice arrow, while not necessary. I will get to see his face of betrayal.” He hums placing it back down on the case. “Yoku, you will be handling the package. There’s no need for you to be there when you do have to focus on what you do have to do too. Until the time is right.” He smirks, twirling the mirror against the light. It wasn’t exactly small however he cannot believe this was the one thing that put the final nail in the coffin for Yhwach. Placing it back down on the case he glanced over at Yoku. “How long will it take for Isshin’s powers to come back.” It closes the eyes sensing it on the counter part of it. “About a year.” Ichigo nods, handing the case to Tensa so the man can put it away till it was time for it to be used. 

*****

Placing his brush down, he liked to believe he was a master artist with all the time he had. However it could use some better details, but they did say beauty in the eyes of the beholder. He sat back to take a good look at the finished painting, it was not bad the ever ending flames of Ryujin Jakka burning the Seireitei. Stood a figure like they were the fire as well, snapping his fingers for Yoku to come over. “Pack this up, send it to our head captain commander. I want him to have this.” It smiles making sure the paint is dry before they do so. It would be a shame for it to be ruined before they saw this masterpiece.

Yamamoto’s these days have been well, life was simple back to the way it was before Aizen pulled his little rebellion stunt. Somehow Isshin Shiba managed to gain his powers back which was a bit unexpected. Aizen is sealed in the deepest part of Muken. There was nothing else to do but to take life slowly. So when he got back to his room and saw the painting of the Seireitei burning. He definitely understood this was not to be taken lightly, who would leave something- 

He wouldn’t have time to understand the meaning behind it before the world descended into madness. The Quincy King was back but how- they had made sure to hunt down every Quincy unless they had some survived. He doesn’t have time to dwell on this when he heads to stop Yhwach. 

Ichigo shows up about the time Yamamoto fell. Clicking his tongue in annoyance that he came in a little too late to watch the old man burn. But he does greet Yhwach who stood over the dead body of the old man. “Good to see you again, Ichigo.” He heard Yhwach said before he gets a chance to make a comment about Yamamoto. Knowing the child he had developed an annoying habit that he liked to point out the obvious. “Oh indeed, good to see you too. How was the nap?” Yhwach chuckles, gesturing for them to follow him. “It was good, I heard from Haschwalth you didn’t check up on us during my time gone.” Ichigo shrugs walking up next to him before he stops and pulls his hood up to cover the bright orange hair when he feels Kaien coming. 

Just by feeling the reiatsu he knew the other had gotten stronger but not yet. He still has to go train at the Royal palace then everything will come together. “You-you guys did this?! Hurt my friends.” Oh yeah Byakuya looked pretty beat worse than last time, he wonders if he is going to make it this time. Unfortunate but his role it’s not too important to his own setup, Ichigo stops the attack from Kaien before the man can get close to the king. He holds the spear head before tapping it twice, the spear immediately breaks. He then fires a cero through the man’s right shoulder. Letting his hollow reiatsu out as he let Zangetsu back into his inner world, since it was about time to let Yhwach know of his true heritage. Kaien didn’t stand a chance against him at all. 

“I supposed I did have one more secret, your majesty. Shall we return to Silbern?” He glances back to see them before he opens the passage to it via a garganta. “After you?” He makes a dramatic bow. He follows after them when they enter. Giving one last look at the fallen bunch, he chuckles. “Better get stronger soon. Otherwise it will be too boring for me to play.” 

He can feel Haschwalth stare at him when they finally get there, did the man still have so much problem with him? It was hilarious to think that after all these things he still had a bone to pick. Least when Uryu comes he wouldn’t worry about it too much, but then again he just revealed he had hollow powers. “Let me reintroduce myself, Yhwach. I’m a hybrid of not just Soul Reaper, and Quincy but I’m also part hollow. The one who can cut through the Soul King.” Yhwach was silent for a moment before he let out a laugh. That changes things, really changes things to think that the solution to his problem had been standing in front of his eyes. “So you've been holding out on me this whole time.” Ichigo shrugs, pulling his hood down and Zangetsu comes out of his shadow. “Had I told you before? I was afraid you would become too hasty.” He moved slowly towards them until he stood in front of Yhwach. 

He reaches to touch the man on the head but Haschwalth stops him before he can. The man’s grasp was hard and unrelenting. He smiles before tapping the hand to ask for it to be let go of the blonde haired man but the man doesn’t relent. “I’m not trying to do anything, just showing your majesty something.” Yhwach and his right hand share a look before the man finally drops and lets go of the wrist he was holding. “I cannot tell if you are truly trying to show me something.” He hears a soft chuckle before they see the throne of the Soul King being taken by Yhwach. “I believe that is what will happen soon.” Ichigo shakes his head “Watch closely my Soul King.” 

They watched as the Quincy empire expanded forever, yet something was coming. The royal guard came to fight him, he put up a good fight yet he still lost. Seal away, by them in the same grave his father was sealed at. His empire crumbling, people slaughtered and he cannot see to help them. “This is what would have happened had you been too hasty but now everything is set. You are ready, My Soul King.” Yhwach grins excited, the prophet from ages past knew what he was doing. And he wouldn’t be more excited. 

Ichigo held himself back from grinning, the man liked what he showed him. Now he just has to wait, the man’s ego is big enough that Ichigo at this moment doesn’t need to do anything but wait. “I will keep the Soul Reapers busy while you guys take care of the royal guards. I will know when to be there. The Schutzstaffel position you gave me doesn’t serve me much purpose. I believe there’s someone you guys need to pick up.” He turns to leave as he walks past Zangetsu and pulls the other’s hood down to show them his hollow. The long white hair fell behind him but the hollow doesn’t say anything but to leave with Ichigo. 

Getting back to the Soul Society they find themselves a place to sit, the red head more excited to start on his sketch that he had been working on for a while now. “I think these days you are worse than Aizen with his plans.” The white hair man grumbles scooting closer to his wielder to watch him do his sketchy. It was starting to look fun, he was supposed he is ready to accept it like Ichigo. “We will be moving when the rest of the Sternritter gets here. Then you can really go at it. I already made a law that you cannot die.” Zangetsu cackles clapping his hand, which attracts a few nameless Soul Reapers whom don't have a chance before they are beheaded. They didn’t need any annoyances right now .

Finally when the time came, Zangetsu had set off to do his part while Ichigo wondered who he should go fight. Unohana is already useless as he cannot be Yachiru Unohana anymore because of his law. Maybe he should go find and beat Kisuke up? He stands on top of a tall building watching the fighting around him. He did see those who went up to the Soul King Palace come back already and it should be around this time that Yhwach and his bunch went up there. He has some time before he got to be there anyways. He grabs the leg that tries to kick him on his face, slowly looking to see who it is. Ah, he forgot it was Yoruichi. 

Where is the other person who would fight her, he didn’t quite remember his name. Oh wells, he throws her back before turning to face the 4 people there. A kid that seemed to be Yoruichi’s brother? He remembers that kid, too happy go lucky type and a menace at one point. “New Law Forget that I’m here and leave.” They seemed confused before they left to go fight some other Sternritters. The bambis kept themselves busy with their bunch…..oh right he needs to take care of Mimihagi. Honestly he wanted to fight but when it came down to it, there was no one really worthy of fighting him. 

Unless….he turns to see Grimmjow behind him. He chuckles as he dodges an attack from the Arrancar. “I didn’t expect you to come to me but that is fine. I was getting bored anyways.” He reaches to pull the modified sword to fight the other man since it's been a while since he used a sword to fight. Trading blows back and forth was quite fun. Except too bad it was time he had to go, he already knew some were already getting there to stop Yhwach from killing the Soul King. 

He slices through Grimmjow’s hierro without a problem and leaves the man here. Shunsui should be already about to take Aizen out. With this information he tells Yoku, now to start supplying everyone with massive power to amplify them. Every Quincy, Soul Reaper and Fullbringers that are here as well. 

Getting to the Soul King’s place was easy with the Garganta. Recalling both Zangetsu back into him so he can cut the damn rock down. 

“I’m not going to be the one killing my father. Ichigo, why don’t you show yourself already?” He smirks, stepping out from behind the stone to meet everyone he used to call friends. He gave Isshin a leveled look before pulling out the seal form of Zangetsu without a command he was able to release it to the shikai form. Everyone but Isshin looked surprised. “Getsuga…..” He slices across with the scabbard then down with the bigger blade. “Tenshou” A gold slash of them slid across the palace destroying half of the place. Most of everyone manages to avoid it because he just wanted to show off a bit. Then he finally turns to the crystals where the old Soul King was sealed. 

He raises the scabbard, somewhere he thinks he hears someone screaming stop him but he doesn’t hesitate to slide across it. Just then Mimihagi comes to help hold the Soul King together. Orihime’s powers were rejected and Ichigo engages in battle so Yhwach has time to absorb the Soul King. 

Once he throws everyone out by the Garganta because it was not time for them to die yet. He puts away Zangetsu and leaves as well because the show is going to be starting soon. 

Humming to himself as he colors around the dark circle, it was coming together starting to look like the one in his dreams. He sees the newly Soul King arrive at the Soul Society, he chose a high tower to sit on so he can watch the show. Watching how others join hands with Aizen fighting and he can feel the Hogyoku is starting to exhaust its power, this is perfect. Feeling a blade next to his head, he doesn’t flinch because if Kisuke tries he will be stabbing someone else too. He goes back to coloring because it doesn’t bother him. “Why are you doing this?” He hears the man ask in barely conceal anger, well he supposed they have the right to be. 

He is here enjoying the fight while the world they knew as is being destroyed right in front of their eyes. “I give you two guesses. I’m sure Isshin has told you who I’m.” He giggles holding the pencil out to measure the space where the fighting was happening. “You are being manipulated by him. Otherwise how could a child do this.” Isshin sneers, huh why is he here? Well Ichigo supposed he would be here if he wasn’t over there fighting. He feels Yoku coming now ‘About time.’ Zangetsu grumbles in the inner world. “Wrong, one more guess.” Still not facing them, he adds one more line then his drawing is complete. “You wanted them to fight, you wanted this to happen. Why?” Ichigo slowly holds up his drawing, the world being swallowed up into darkness. His dream in drawing soon to be a reality, with gentle gold light the artbook slowly breaks away. 

Then around them, phantoms of his past self come into existence. He gets up from where he sits and finally turns to face them. “New law you guys cannot move.” He creates before slowly walking through the phantoms. Each one looked happier than the last one, until he stood face to face with his first life. “This was me, lifetimes ago. I defeated Aizen, I defeated Yhwach. I had a family like a dream. I lived that life. But it was never my dream, I fought for everyone else. Each time I did, it was for everyone. I fought, I lived until I wouldn’t hold onto the small string anymore. So I sought to destroy everything, because that is my true wish. To finally be able to leave this world instead dealing with the same repetitiveness. The same patterns and people.” 

He smiles gently at them “This is inevitable, if you kill me now. We will walk down the same path because I will go back and do the exact same thing. You know the thing about lies is that, if you mix it with half truths. People loved hearing them. All I did was tell a few lies and Aizen went to work. Exactly the same thing with Yhwach, and then I waited and waited till we stand here. At this very moment before the annihilation. Ah, I cannot wait to see it.” He turns as just Yoku places the case in front of him. Getting on one knee. “My master, it has been a pleasure to work with you. I will now bring you your true desire.” It said before its human form starts to dissipate, returning to where it came from. 

 “You don’t have to do this Ichigo, we can help you-” Isshin starts only to get backhanded by the redhead. Then he returned to open the case containing the Still arrow. “You cannot help me, I’m beyond help. That’s why I killed them, so you would fight. So you would be useful to me, Isshin.” Taking out the arrow he forms a bow to aim it at Yhwach while Aizen kept the man distracted. 

“It’s show time~” 

The arrow fires, hitting Yhwach. The Hogyoku finally exhausts its powers and collapses in on itself. Creating a massive black hole that ate away at everything. Both Yhwach and Aizen were the first to go, slowly it started to gain mess as it ate the reishi in the 3 worlds. 

Tears streamed down his face as it was just like in his dreams. The beauty of it was magnificent, the world swallowed just like in the dream. He held his hands out as if reaching for it, he looked back at the ones who wouldn’t move but to wait here for their fate. Fear and hopelessness marred their faces, is the perfect look for this special occasion. The sky slowly turned a deep red shade of blood, a blue rim of color decorate the black hole as it devoured the reishi of this world. 

One step 

Two step 

Three step

Then he is on his way to meet his wish in the middle 

*****

You are awake? I did say, this is your best work yet 

Well you know I aim to please 

What will you do now Devourer 

Another game. Another life. 

The games you play are.... certainly something else 

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Hello Human would you like….to become a god