Homeward

A week has passed since Aizen betrayed the Soul Society. Even though the Rukia Rescue Squad technically broke laws to save their friend, they aren't punished severely and are allowed to stay in the Soul Society. Currently, Kuroi is running through the streets of the Seireitei. He takes a right turn and stops in front of a building. He enters it and sees Ikkaku sparring with his fellow squadmates. He runs up to him and puts his hand on his shoulder.

"Kuroi, what do you want?" asked Ikkaku.

"Your captain is insane," said Kuroi.

"Tell me something that I don't know," said Ikkaku.

"He's been chasing me all day. He wants to fight me to the death. I've suppressed my spiritual pressure to one of a regular human, but he still somehow finds me. Can you please tell me somewhere that he doesn't know exists?" said Kuroi.

"Well, he-," said Ikkaku.

Kenpachi kicks down the door and surprises both Ikkaku and Kuroi.

"Finally found you," said Kenpachi.

Kuroi instantly runs and busts through the window. He quickly runs down the street. He continues to run until he hears Orihime's voice.

"Kuroi!" exclaimed Orihime.

Kuroi stops running and turns around to see Orihime panting behind him.

"What's going on?" asked Kuroi.

"I can't find Rukia anywhere in the city," said Orihime.

"Where was she last?" asked Kuroi.

"I don't know," said Orihime.

"Renji should know, so let's go ask-," said Kuroi.

"You can't run from me!" exclaimed Kenpachi.

Kuroi stops looking at Orihime and stares at the scarred captain walking towards him. He grabs Orihime's hand and starts to run.

"What's going on?" asked Orihime.

"Just keep running! I'll explain later!" exclaimed Kuroi.

The two friends run through the Seireitei until they reach the Squad Six Barracks. Kuroi jumps up and grabs the windowsill. He pokes his head into the makeshift hospital room.

"Renji!" exclaimed Kuroi.

The interruption of Kuroi surprises the captain of the sixth division and its lieutenant.

"Shut up! I was about to say something cool!" exclaimed Renji.

"My bad. I was just looking for Rukia," said Kuroi.

"What happened to Rukia?" asked Renji.

"If you don't know, then I'll just leave," said Kuroi.

Kuroi lets go of the windowsill and lands on the ground.

"Did you find anything?" asked Orihime.

"No, but I believe that Ichigo should know something. Let's go," said Kuroi.

Kuroi and Orihime run towards the Hono residence. They arrive in a few minutes and open the door. They see Aoi meditating in the middle of the dojo.

"Dad, where's Ichigo?" asked Kuroi.

"He and Rukia went to see Kukaku and Ganju," said Aoi.

"Why?" asked Kuroi.

"She wanted to apologize to Kaien Shiba's family," said Aoi.

"Who's that?" asked Kuroi.

"Kaien Shiba was Rukia's best friend. One night, a Hollow took over his body and went after her. She was forced to kill him. I guess she feels bad for killing their brother even though it was simply self-defense," said Aoi.

"Where are they?" asked Kuroi.

"Kukaku and Ganju live a few miles into the forest. You will know that you're there when you get there," said Aoi.

"Thanks, dad," said Kuroi.

"Whatever," said Aoi.

Kuroi opens the food and grabs Orihime's hand. He proceeds to flash step through the forest for a couple minutes until he sees Rukia and Ichigo standing before Kukaku and Ganju. Kuroi and Orihime dive into the bushes to hear what's going on.

"What do you want?" asked Kukaku.

Rukia bows.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to apologize earlier, but I was a coward and ran. It took me so long to bring myself to come here, so I'm sorry," said Rukia.

"It's ok," said Kukaku.

"What?" asked Rukia.

"It's finished. Your apology is too long," said Kukaku.

"But-," said Rukia.

Rukia is unable to finish speaking before Kukaku punches her on the head.

"I heard everything from Ukitake. He told me how it wasn't your fault and how you're the one carrying the most guilt. In my heart, I would forgive you if you just said sorry. So, it's ok. You don't need to keep apologizing," said Kukaku.

"I am sor-," said Rukia.

Rukia is interrupted by a punch from Kukaku.

"I said to not apologize," said Kukaku.

"Sor… I mean thank you," said Rukia.

"And why are you here?" asked Kukaku.

"I just tagged along. I needed some fresh air," said Ichigo.

"You look just like Kaien. Are you sure we're not family," said Kukaki.

"I don't think we are," said Ichigo.

"That's too bad. You could pass as a Shiba," said Kukaku.

"If you're done talking to Rukia, we have to go. We have to leave for the World of the Living early in the morning. We need some rest," said Ichigo.

"Ichigo, I need to tell you something," said Rukia.

"What is it?" asked Ichigo.

"I'm not returning to the World of the Living. I've decided to remain here in the Soul Society," said Rukia.

"Ok. That's good. If that's what you want, then the best thing for you would be to stay here," said Ichigo.

"I thought that you would try to persuade me to come back with you," said Rukia.

"I would like to enjoy living in my room without being stared at through my closet," said Ichigo.

"Oh shut up," said Rukia.

"They are cute together," said Orihime.

"That's what I was saying, but we can't stare at them all night. We have to leave early in the morning," said Kuroi.

The warm night flies by quickly. As the morning arrives, Kuroi and his friends stand outside of the Senkaimon. Before they can enter it, Captain Ukitake runs up to them.

"Guys, wait!" exclaimed Jushiro.

"Uncle Jushiro, why are you here?" asked Kuroi.

"I need to give you and Ichigo these," said Jushiro.

Jushiro pulls out two badges with skulls on them.

"What are those?" asked Ichigo.

"Substitute soul reaper badges. They will help you turn into soul reapers," said Jushiro.

"We already have the Gokon Tekko and temporary souls. Why would we need these?" said Kuroi.

"Just trust me," said Jushiro.

"Fine," said Kuroi.

Kuroi and Ichigo grab the badges and start to walk through the Senkaimon.

"See you guys later," said Jushiro.

Kuroi doesn't respond and just looks back at him with a suspicious look on his face. Jushiro stops smiling when he notices that Kuroi notices something's up. Kuroi turns his head and walks through the Senkaimon. He starts to run once he sees the slimy walls.

"So, what's up with him?" asked Ichigo.

"I don't think these badges are what Captain Ukitake claims that they are, but it's just suspicion at this point. I'll have to see them in action if I want to see if my theory is correct," said Kuroi.

The group of friends run through the Dangai and reach the training ground under the Urahara Shop.

"Welcome back," said Kisuke.

"Don't try to be nice. You knew that the Hogyoku was inside Rukia, but you didn't tell us. You were going to use us to complete your goals. We nearly died so you could get your invention back," said Kuroi.

"Aizen told you all of this right?" asked Kisuke.

"Yes. Someone as evil as him is more honest than you. It's a goddamn shame," said Kuroi.

Kisuke kneels in front of the group.

"I'm extremely sorry for lying to you all. If you guys were to die, I would never forgive myself. Please accept my apology," said Kisuke.

"I don't have time for your pathetic apologies. I have things to do," said Kuroi.

Kuroi walks past the apologizing shopkeeper and walks up the stairs. He exits the Urahara Shop and flash steps, starting his search for Hollows. Unbeknownst to him, two people look at him from the top of the Urahara Shop.

"Are you sure that this brat should join our gang? He has anger issues," said the small woman.

"He has Hollow powers just like us. We can't just let him not join us. He needs our guidance," said the man.

"You better be right. I don't feel like dealing with any of this crap," said the small woman.

"You have never been good at working hard," said the man.

The small woman kicks the man in his shin.

"Oww! What was that for?" said the man.

"You're annoying, baldie!" exclaimed the small woman.

"I have hair!" exclaimed the man.

"Whatever you say, baldie," said the small woman.