Favors

Per Kyōraku's plan, Ichigo accompanied the taicho to Soul Society; in order for this to work, the pair of them would need to be seen as much as possible, taking shameless advantage of Ichigo's popularity.

"Is that Kurosaki Ichigo?"

"It is! Look, that orange hair, the cleaver-shaped Zanpakutō as big as he is… it must be!"

Ichigo did his best to ignore the not-so-quiet onlookers and followers as he followed Kyōraku through the Seireitei. He was very tempted to use his new ability to seal Zangetsu, but as Kyōraku had said, he would need to be highly visible for the next part.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kyōraku asked, just loud enough for the Shinigami following them to hear.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Ichigo responded resolutely, just as loud. "Soul Society needs to know how Aizen came to be, and his motivations. Otherwise, we'll just have another one in a few centuries, and maybe that one will succeed where this one failed."

"But surely you could give that in private…"

"No! This is the way it has to be, Kyōraku-taicho. Every Shinigami needs to know this, just in case another one is already in the works… they have to know that I will not tolerate anything happening to my town."

"Of course, of course. I understand, and I'll spread the word. At one o'clock, in front of the Senkaimon, you will have your chance to speak. We owe you that much," Kyōraku admitted.

Both of them noticed how the Shinigami following them – they weren't close enough for Ichigo to see what division they were a part of – dispersed quickly, apparently to spread the news. Of course, none of them knew that that entire conversation had been scripted.

"Alright, Kurosaki-san… thanks for this."

"No problem. If it gets everyone off my back, then I should be thanking you," Ichigo replied. "To be honest, I've been worrying for a while now what Soul Society was going to do… it's nice to be able to actually do something about it."

"Well, we have a few hours… would you care for a drink?" Kyōraku offered.

Ichigo was going to deny the friendly taicho, reminding him about being underage, but as he was opening his mouth, he thought about the idea. Adults drink socially, and to relieve tension, he remembered. And tension has been my biggest problem lately… "I suppose a small drink couldn't hurt," he finally conceded.

Kyōraku smiled and led Ichigo back to a grassy area near division's barracks. Several minutes later, the pair of them were sitting in the grass, drinking. Ichigo was merely sipping his sake, being unused to the taste, while Kyōraku was drinking somewhat faster, but the silence was comfortable between them.

"What's it like, being a taicho?" Ichigo questioned suddenly.

Kyōraku took another drink as he considered the question. "It really depends on the person… but in general, being a taicho means being responsible for your division and the duties of that division. There isn't much call for our combat abilities outside the 11th Division, as Menos-class Hollows don't usually visit the living world, and most others can be purified by our subordinates." He looked up to the azure sky pensively. "The respect is nice, and the responsibilities do come with perks… Excellent pay, and as long as there aren't any problems you can do pretty much whatever you want. Most of the taicho really only have to do paperwork, and even that can be delegated somewhat…"

"Sounds like a pretty cushy job," the Vizard commented.

Kyōraku laughed. "It really is, usually. But there's a reason for that; we do have to maintain our fighting skills, in case we're ever needed."

"How often does that happen?"

"Not very frequently," the taicho admitted. "Perhaps two or three times per century…" He shrugged. "We're the military of Soul Society, so we have to stay strong, just in case. That's just the way it is."

"Hmm."

"Why do you ask?" Kyōraku followed up. "Thinking about changin' your mind?"

"Maybe. If your plan works today, I'll think about it." After that answer, the pair sat in comfortable silence, slowly drinking their way through a bottle. Finally, Ichigo got up and stretched. "I think I'll go see some of the others. Thanks for the drink, Kyōraku-taicho."

"You're welcome anytime, Kurosaki-san."

Every single Vizard in their warehouse was silent, sitting quietly around Shinji, who was absolutely motionless in a meditative position. He'd had the idea to use Jinzen to try to talk to his Inner Hollow, and just in case he had the fight then and there, had Hachi set up a barrier around him, with the other Vizard on standby.

Shinji looked around in his Inner World, standing in an oasis in the middle of the desert. Above him, he could see himself on a mirrored image of the island. It had been some time since he had performed Jinzen, but Shinji knew where to look to see his Zanpakutō spirit, Sakanade.

He dove underneath the water and flipped himself upside down, swimming back to the shore, which appeared as a completely backwards form of the above-ground oasis, and approached the lone palm tree, where a figure was looking out into the desert.

"Sakanade," Shinji greeted the figure. Sakanade took the form of a heavily tanned young man with pitch black hair, with almost all of his body covered in soft white clothing. On the clothing lay reversed words that flowed and changed at seemingly random intervals.

"Shinji. It's been a while."

"It has," the Vizard agreed.

"I had begun to wonder if you would ever accept your own reversed self." Sakanade looked out into the desert again, where a mirage briefly formed into an enormous version of Shinji's mask. "You buried your Hollow far beneath the desert sands, but he still lives, Shinji."

"How do I get him out?"

Sakanade laughed. "All things in this world are reversed, Shinji, you know that! If he is to your left, look right. If he is in front, look behind. If he is beneath…"

"Look above." And when he did, Shinji was taken aback at how his bleached-white Hollow self was looking back at him with anger and resentment from within another reflection of the oasis in the sky.

In an instant, the Hollow form of Shinji leapt up and landed feet first in front of the Vizard. "Hi, Shinji," the Inner Hollow spat. "Come to gloat your victory over me after a hundred years of prison?"

"No."

"Of course not. You're just here because you want something from me. Why should I help you?"

Shinji's expression didn't change. "Because I want to offer you a deal, and rectify a mistake I never knew I made until some kid proved me wrong."

"Hmph. I don't care."

"Not even if it means I give you control of my body?"

That got the Hollow's attention. "Alright, I'm listening."

Ichigo walked into the 10th Division Barracks, briefly focusing on his reiatsu sense to detect where Hitsugaya was, and walking in that direction, eventually coming across a closed door. He knocked.

"Come in."

Ichigo stepped inside and was greeted with a rare surprised expression on the young taicho's face. "Kurosaki!" he exclaimed before getting his facial muscles under control and reassuming his business expression. "It's fortunate you're here, I needed to talk to you anyway."

Ichigo frowned pensively. Wonder what it is? "What is it, Tōshirō?"

The taicho didn't even bother correcting him this time; he was apparently in quite a rush. "Firstly, Hinamori-fukutaicho was attacked last night by an assassin of some sort, but he or she committed suicide via body-dissolving suicide pill before we could find out who it was. We've already ruled out Soifon's forces. Do you know anyone who would know or could find out who it was, discreetly?"

The Vizard blinked in surprise. "Wait, Hinamori was attacked?"

"Yes, she was. Do you know anyone in the living world who could help figure out who it was?" Hitsugaya asked impatiently.

Ichigo quickly ran through the people he knew there. Body's completely dissolved, so I don't think Inoue could help by restoring him. Chad's power is more physical than detective. I don't know much about the rest of the Vizard's powers… He shook his head negatively. "Only Urahara and Yoruichi, and I don't see how they could help much if you already have Kurotsuchi and Soifon looking into it."

"Oh." Hitsugaya sighed, shrinking a little for a moment before fixing Ichigo with another piercing look. "The Gotei 13 is considering asking you to be taicho of the 5th Division."

"I know. Kyōraku-taicho told me," Ichigo admitted.

Hitsugaya stiffened. "Did you agree?"

"No. Why?"

"Thank goodness…" the ice taicho breathed in relief.

"Is something wrong with me becoming a taicho?" Ichigo asked, confused.

"Hinamori is the 5th Division fukutaicho," Hitsugaya explained briefly. "And since she was hit with Aizen's illusion and thinks that you're evil…"

Ichigo blanched. "Yeah, that could have posed a problem."

"More than you know. Worst came to worst, it's pretty likely she would be executed or quietly 'retired' to a prison. I need you to deny any requests of that nature until she's well enough to work with you," Hitsugaya elaborated. "Consider it a personal favor."

"No problem," the Substitute Shinigami agreed easily, not wanting anyone to be executed or imprisoned for being one of Aizen's victims.

"Thank you," Hitsugaya said sincerely, looking Ichigo in the eyes.

"Is something else wrong?" Ichigo queried slowly. "You seem to be in quite a rush…"

Hitsugaya took a deep breath and fixed Ichigo with a piercing stare. "I'm trying to finish my paperwork early, so I can take Hinamori-fukutaicho to hear yours and Aizen's story at one o'clock. I think it will help her, in more ways than one."

"Oh." Ichigo was startled that even the other taicho had heard of it – it hadn't been that long since they'd spoken their plan aloud in front of Shinigami who would pass it along, surely? I'll leave you to it, then."

Hitsugaya merely nodded and began furiously working through the paperwork once more, leaving a slightly disturbed Ichigo to find his way out. How many people are going to want to hear this?

Ichigo stepped out of the barracks and had to blink – he was surrounded by hopeful-looking and awed Shinigami of nearly every Division.

I suppose that answers your question, huh? Cazador remarked.

"It's him!"

"This… this is Kurosaki Ichigo!"

"Is that the famed Zangetsu? It's more impressive than I imagined!"

"Do you think he's single?"

Ichigo felt his face heating up at the last question, and he began looking around desperately for a way out. Flickering into a Shunpo, he reappeared on top of a nearby building before Shunpo-ing again as far away as he could. …Yeah, I'm definitely not becoming a taicho until I absolutely have to.

I don't know, if some of those women are offering…

Shut up.

Cazador laughed in Ichigo's head. I'm your instinct, Ichigo! You can't hide how much you secretly like that idea from me!

Ichigo scowled, but said nothing more. Even if what Cazador said was true, he wasn't going to act on that impulse – he wasn't that kind of man, to take advantage of women like that. Besides, it'll just lead to more trouble than it's worth. Let's go check on Rukia, and then maybe Renji can point me out to a decent place to eat lunch.

But before he could even begin to head towards what he guessed was the 13th Division's barracks, a nearby voice gave him chills. "Ichigo!" Zaraki greeted with a bloodthirsty grin. "Are you here for a rematch?"

Ichigo looked around, and realized where he was: the 11th Division training grounds. When he'd Shunpo-ed away in a random direction, he must have accidentally reached them. Eh, why not? It'll be a good measure of how far I've come. Shrugging, he turned to Zaraki and gave a cocky grin. "Think you can cut me?"

Zaraki gave a boisterous, maniacal laugh. "You're on!" He drew his sword, and instantly, every single member of the division still on the training grounds began to run away to a hopefully safe distance.

Ichigo reached up and grabbed Zangetsu, the cloth unwrapping itself as he brought it to a ready position, also wielding with one hand. Zaraki lunged forward, eyes gleaming as he brought his sword forward for an initial horizontal slice, only to be deflected upwards by Zangetsu, leaving the taicho wide open for a kick that knocked him back into a wall, collapsing it on top of Zaraki. "You'll have to try harder than that," Ichigo taunted.

A sinister, bloodthirsty yellow aura erupted from where Zaraki was buried, sending the rubble flying everywhere. Zaraki's eye patch had been sheared off by a rock, and he looked positively eager as his reiatsu twisted and swirled, forming the image of a skull for a brief moment. "C'mon then, Ichigo!"

The two rushed at each other and their blades clashed together, Shikai against Shikai, with a burst of reiatsu that send dust and debris flying in all directions. As one, they both leapt backwards before reentering close combat. Ichigo jumped over Zaraki's opening slash and the taicho's head, landing behind him before twisting and lashing out with Zangetsu.

Zaraki evaded by jumping forward and twisting himself so he could see his opponent, but was caught off-guard when Ichigo released his hold on Zangetsu, instead wielding the Zanpakutō by the cloth, giving Ichigo extra range and landing a cut to Zaraki's left arm. The taicho ignored the cut and instead took advantage of Ichigo's opening to dash in with inhuman speed.

Ichigo realized his mistake not a moment too soon and yanked on Zangetsu's cloth, but he knew it would take a moment for his sword to return to him. In that moment, he would have to rely on his hand-to-hand skills. He allowed himself to fall backwards, letting Zaraki's unnamed Zanpakutō pass over him harmlessly, lashed out with a brutal kick to Zaraki's left side.

But Zaraki wasn't a taicho for no reason – he was an absolute master of the sword, and of Hakuda. He caught Ichigo's ankle before it could reach him, and for the barest of instants, Ichigo's and Zaraki's eyes met, both looking downright devious.

Zaraki suddenly remembered something and ducked just in time for Zangetsu to fly over his head. Ichigo reached up and snagged it with his right hand, immediately using it to block Zaraki's downward stab towards Ichigo's chest. As the two were deadlocked for a few moments, Ichigo smirked. "You've forgotten something, Kenpachi."

"And what's that, Ichigo?" Zaraki was grinning madly, having the time of his life.

"There's more to my sword than the blade." Without warning, the cloth trailing for Zangetsu's hilt lashed out, wrapping around Zaraki's right ankle tightly. Ichigo pulled, hard, and Zaraki was suddenly falling backwards as his foot gave out from under him. Instinctively letting go of Ichigo's ankle so he could put some distance between them, Zaraki immediately swiped at the cloth and cut the connection between them.

The pressure off Ichigo, he rolled backwards and jumped up to a ready position. Zaraki was up almost as quickly. "You've learned some new tricks, Ichigo!"

"I couldn't just stay a naïve kid, Kenpachi!" Ichigo retorted with a tight grin. "Last time I beat you, I was only just learning how to use my Zanpakutō."

"Let me see that famed Getsuga Tenshō of yours," Zaraki demanded. "Let's test your power against mine! One more attack for each of us, to see who's stronger!"

Ichigo smirked and raised Zangetsu above his head, charging enough energy to make the blade glow a bright azure blue. "Don't blame me if you wind up in the 4th Division's care!" he cautioned.

"Enough!" Both fighters turned to the newcomer, surprised to see Unohana-taicho stalking towards them. Ichigo's Getsuga faded as his concentration failed to maintain it. "Zaraki-taicho, you know perfectly well that Kurosaki-san could kill you quite easily!"

"Well, yeah, but that's why we kept things in Shikai," Zaraki explained. "Just a casual no-holds barred spar, right Ichigo?"

"Right," Ichigo agreed nervously, looking at Unohana's creepy smile and shivering subtly. Somehow, that smile scared him far more than Aizen ever had. Aizen had cut him almost in half, driven him temporarily insane, pushed him to despair, but there was a level of scariness in Unohana's smile that still put all those experiences to shame.

The fear just rose as Unohana turned her attention to the Substitute Shinigami. "Please explain how this was just a 'casual no-holds barred spar,'" she requested calmly with that smile.

"I was just seeing how much stronger I'd become since the last time I fought Kenpachi, Unohana-taicho," Ichigo said quickly, almost tripping over his words in his hurry to excuse himself. "I didn't have Bankai or my Hollow powers back then, and it's not like we were really trying to kill each other," he reasoned. He steadfastly ignored Kenpachi's answering "Keh" of derision, knowing perfectly well that Kenpachi probably was aiming to kill, as always.

Unohana looked around at the blatant destruction of the barracks and nearby areas and mentally sighed. We JUST had this fixed yesterday… And I suppose it is good to know the extent of Kurosaki-san's skills… "I must request that your spar come to an early end, then," she stated clearly. "My division is overworked as it is tending to the wounded and the other general chores; unless you want your barracks to be repaired sometime next month, I would suggest you stop."

Zaraki let out a sigh and lowered his sword, Ichigo doing the same. "Fine, fine… Thanks for the fight, Ichigo. Come by anytime."

"Thanks, Kenpachi. Oh, Unohana-taicho? Could you point me in the direction of the 13th Division?"

Unohana pointed in the appropriate direction. "The 13th Division is that way, just a few blocks away."

"Thanks." Ichigo flickered away in Shunpo, leaving Unohana to her thoughts.

That was far too close, she thought privately to herself. She'd had to hurry to stop them after she'd sensed their battling reiatsu. If Kurosaki-san had won that 'spar', or worse, killed Zaraki-taicho with his Getsuga, then he would have had the 200 witnesses from Zaraki's division right there! He would have been made taicho, despite everything!

She took a deep, steadying breath. Hinamori-chan is getting better, but she must work through far more before she can work with Kurosaki-san even on a professional basis. I just hope Hitsugaya-taicho knows what he's doing, taking Hinamori-chan to hear Kurosaki-san's story…

Ishida, Chad and Inoue watched Kon closely during class; the Mod-Soul had a bad history of perverted actions that reflected badly on Ichigo. But it seemed the Vizard had finally found an effective threat; while Kon seemed impatient and unhappy with being forced to sit in class for Ichigo, and occasionally took a few seconds to leer at some of the young women in their class, he seemed to be largely behaving himself.

Ishida stiffened, suddenly sensing a Hollow in the area. He was about to get up and excuse himself, but remembered his oath. Settling back down in his seat reluctantly, he gave Chad a significant look. Chad nodded in acknowledgment and stood up himself. "Please excuse me; something important has just come up. I will be back shortly."

Before the teacher, Ochi Misato, could reply, Chad had already run out the door. Ochi sighed; she'd grown used to these unexplained, unexpected absences. But strangely, for some reason, she thought she faintly heard a strange sound just before Chad had rushed out. It was almost like a roar, but not one she'd ever heard before. Ochi was about to dismiss it as part of her imagination, but then she saw Mizuiro, Keigo, and Tatsuki give each other significant looks. Did they hear it too?

After another moment's thought, she shrugged. It was probably some idiot gang member yelling downstairs to fight Ichigo and Chad. With that, she resumed the lesson. When Chad returned a few minutes later without a scratch on him, she shook her head – Those idiots never learn; Chad is inhumanly hard to hurt. Ochi knew the rumors that spread, though she had trouble believing some of them herself. Chad's a good kid. Maybe one day they'll leave him alone.

Finally, it was time for lunch, and immediately all of Ichigo's friends cornered Kon. "Kon, why are you in Ichigo's body?" Ishida started the interrogation, his glasses glinting intimidatingly.

"I don't know!" Kon replied quickly. "I was sleeping, and then he just wakes me up, puts me in his body, tells me to go to school and behave or else he'll give me to Yuzu for another Bostov treatment!"

"Was Ichigo with another Shinigami?" Inoue asked.

"I didn't see any," Kon denied. "There could've been some in the house, though, as I just jumped out the window."

"Um, could you guys let us in on what's going on?" Keigo inquired tentatively.

Ishida sighed. "Kon here is an artificial soul developed by Soul Society. His natural form is that of a small round green pill, but when Kurosaki swallows him, Kon takes Kurosaki's body, allowing Kurosaki to emerge in his soul form as a Shinigami."

"Kon is here, while Ichigo is not. We are curious why," Chad summarized.

"This… explains a lot," Tatsuki muttered under her breath. "So, Kon, what do you know?"

Kon thought about it for a few seconds. "Sorry, but I don't know anything. Ichigo was serious as always, didn't see any Shinigami or hear any Hollows…"

"I suggest we visit Ichigo after school then, and find out what's going on," Mizuiro offered. "Besides, I know I have a lot of questions for him. Not everything got explained…" Keigo and Tatsuki nodded as well, feeling the same way.

Ishida sighed and straightened, pushing his glasses up his nose with his middle finger. "As we can't get anything useful out of Kon, we have some time. What do you want to know?"

In the meantime, Ichigo was enjoying a nice, blessedly quiet lunch with Ukitake and Rukia, amiably chatting. Ichigo had been curious what Soul Society had been up to since Aizen's death, and was grimly unsurprised that it had largely revolved around him. Rukia, however, was more concerned about their mutual friends, and Ichigo had related Ishida's resolution to not use his Quincy powers unless a life depended on them.

Rukia stared in blatant shock. "Ishida was so very proud of his Quincy heritage! Why would he…?"

"He said that it was an oath he made to his father in order to get the training he needed to be helpful during the Winter War," Ichigo elaborated.

"I have to say that is somewhat of a relief," Ukitake admitted. Seeing both younger Shinigami turn to look at him questioningly, he quickly expanded on his statement. "He is a very strong Quincy, and while his aid was needed, there is no denying that he destroys souls, rather than purifying them. So, having that sort of oath puts him in a very good light; it prevents unnecessary soul destruction."

Ichigo reluctantly conceded the point with a nod of acknowledgment. "Why do I suddenly have fans?" he asked bluntly.

"Well…" Ukitake chuckled embarrassedly. "Let's just say that fukutaicho aren't known for their discretion… Word got out that you were the one to take out Aizen, and somehow or other a joke Kyōraku-taicho made about what you were got brought up and now the phrase 'Hell's Nightmare' is being bandied about like it's your official title…"

"Wait, what?" Ichigo deadpanned. While privately he had to admit it was a badass title, and one he would have rubbed in Renji's face months ago, all Ichigo really wanted right now was to be left alone and live a quiet life for a while.

"Well, you have to have expected at least some public goodwill," Rukia reminded her friend. "I mean, it's publicly known that you're a Substitute Shinigami, you invaded Soul Society with your companions to save me and succeeded, and won against Aizen, and you haven't even reached half a century in age! I imagine most of them are waiting to see what you'll do next, and want to be nearby so they can witness it firsthand."

Ichigo was starting to feel very sick to his stomach and his face began paling. "Just… how many people are going to be there to hear my story?"

"I imagine a good part of the Gotei 13," Ukitake answered easily. "Most if not all the taicho and fukutaicho, and I'd say about three-quarters of the unseated officers? I hear even the Shinigami Academy has decided to make it a field trip."

Oh no… Ichigo had no problems speaking in public with small groups of people… but in front of almost an entire society? That's just a bit overwhelming…

Why didn't you have problems in Hueco Mundo, then? When you got named King and all? Cazador demanded, confused.

I was too tired to care, and I knew what to expect. They respected strength – no real speeches needed, Ichigo explained quickly.

Abandon your fear, Ichigo, Zangetsu reminded him softly. Accept that it exists, and move past it. Keep moving forward.

Ichigo took a deep breath and nodded. "Are you ok, Ichigo?" Rukia asked, concerned.

"I'll be fine," he replied, still feeling a bit queasy. "Just not used to being on the spot in front of so many at a time."

"Why did you decide to do this, then?" Ukitake questioned, curious. He set down his tea and looked at Ichigo directly, waiting for the young man's answer.

"Everyone needs to know the truth of what happened…" Ichigo trailed off for a moment, before sighing. "You'll understand when I tell the whole story."

"Speaking of, it's almost one o'clock now," Rukia announced. "We should go."

Ichigo nodded and rose from his sitting position. His two companions got up as well, and the three of them began walking to the Senkaimon.

A podium and hundreds of seats had been set up on short notice, and Ichigo could see several 12th Division members working feverishly to set up what looked to be sound equipment so everyone could hear. Everywhere he looked, he saw Shinigami sitting or standing nearby, and Ichigo swallowed hard. A nearby clock struck one.

Ichigo took a deep breath. It's time. "I've come here today to set the record straight, to tell everyone in the Seireitei the truth of what happened, and to warn you." His voice echoed out from the speakers the 12th Division had set up, and he could see the crowd shifting at his last words, so he continued. "My story begins hundreds years ago, long before I was born, while Aizen was still merely a cadet in the Shinigami Academy."

Utter silence met Ichigo's opening, and he could see that every soul in sight was listening. He then continued to explain what he knew of Aizen's past: how he had decided the Central 46 was corrupt, and how he'd come to realize that the Spirit King would have to be replaced. Ichigo went on, repeating what Aizen had told him and Hinamori about his ambition to replace Yamamoto, only to be foiled by Kyōraku having seniority. On and on Ichigo spoke, relating Aizen's struggles to achieve the strength he so desperately needed for his goal. The Hōgyoku, the Hollowification of Soul Society's forces, and the beginning of his plan to steal Urahara's Hōgyoku, Ichigo left nothing out.

"Urahara, with the help of the then-taicho of the Kidō Corps, stabilized the infected Shinigami, who had involuntarily been infected with Hollow powers. They would become known as the Vizard. But Aizen had covered his tracks well, and the Central 46 deemed Urahara to be the one who had performed the Hollowification experiments, and demanded the Vizard be treated as Hollows and immediately killed."

Ichigo paused as the entire crowd began murmuring and muttering at this. "Urahara, with the help of Shihoin Yoruichi, managed to smuggle the Vizard out to the real world, where the Shinigami-Hollow hybrids sweat and bled to maintain their sanity, burying their Hollows deep within their souls, and gaining their powers.

"At some point, my father, Kurosaki Isshin, was a taicho here in the Gotei 13. He lost his powers and came to the living world, falling in love with my mother, a human named Kurosaki Masaki. And that is where I finally come in," Ichigo continued. "I was born 15 years ago, and for as long as I can remember, I've been able to see ghosts. Nine years after that…" Ichigo's voice choked, but he swallowed and soldiered on. "Nine years after that, Aizen ordered a hit on my mother, and she was devoured in front of me by the Hollow known as Grand Fisher, in a successful attempt to give me the motivation I needed to grow as strong as possible so I could reach Aizen's level."

Ichigo was forced to wait a minute as he heard a mix of very loud, very vehement reactions. Finally, when it quieted a bit more, he continued on. "I was fifteen when a Shinigami jumped in through my window, looking for a Hollow that had appeared nearby. Her name was Kuchiki Rukia, and despite her efforts, she was defeated and my family was about to be eaten by the Hollow."

Ichigo closed his eyes. He could still hear that fated conversation as clearly as though it were happening right now.

"Do you want the power to save your family?"

Ichigo's eyes snapped open. "There was no other way. Rukia gave me her Shinigami powers. With them, I slew that Hollow, and entered a world I had never known existed."

The Vizard skipped ahead a bit, not wanting to go into detail about his fight with the Grand Fisher, and then described how Rukia had been retrieved by her brother and Renji, and then sentenced to death by Aizen, who had killed the Central 46 and was acting in their stead. He related his experience in the Shattered Shaft to regain his powers, and mentioned the side effect of developing his Inner Hollow.

"As you all know what happened when my friends and I invaded Soul Society, I'm going to skip directly to the end," Ichigo said bluntly. "I mastered my Hollow powers because without them I didn't stand a chance against Aizen. And I killed him in the end. But this is not a story of good and evil, this is a story of tragedy.

"Aizen was a very lonely soul. I know this because every time we fought, I felt the heavy solitude echoing in his Zanpakutō, and it only grew over time. Since the beginning, he was always better, stronger, smarter, more ambitious than everyone else around him. But while he faked it well, Aizen didn't know how to truly connect with people, he couldn't understand emotional motivations. That never changed, even when he became a taicho. In our last fight, Aizen held immortality in the palm of his hand, and gave it up at the last moment because he chose death over eternal solitude. That should tell you something about his character. In the end, when you look at everything he did, Aizen did what he thought was right. And I killed him because I thought I was right. And that is what makes it a tragedy.

"If Aizen had used more peaceful methods, he could have been a revolutionary, universally hailed as a harbinger of better times in Soul Society. Peace to the more violent Rukongai districts, equality of all souls, careful research of traditionally forbidden ideas to find useful, safe ways to help people…" Ichigo threw his hands up in the air exasperatedly. "I don't know what it sounds like to you, but to me, those don't sound bad.

"And that brings me to my warning. I guarantee you Aizen was not the only one who saw these things and thought to do something about it. Unless something changes, another Aizen will appear one day. And he will study what Aizen did, see where he made mistakes, and create a better plan. So I implore you, find ways to improve the quality of living not just the Seireitei, but in all Soul Society. After all, I'm sure many of you have friends and family members somewhere out there. I know I do."

Ichigo stepped down from the podium. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hitsugaya holding a sobbing Hinamori and he felt a wave of pity wash over him. Poor girl.

Kyōraku stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat. "Thank you, Kurosaki Ichigo. You may be pleased to know that Soul Society has just passed an edict that to prevent another such tragedy, the Central 46 must design and implement a working local justice system into each district of the Rukongai before they can address any new issues. In the meantime, the Council of Taicho will address any issues deemed critical by the Central 46. It is our hope that in doing so, many of the injustices noted by Aizen may be avoided in the future."

Ichigo barely withheld a grin; there were 80 districts in each compass direction of the Rukongai. Designing and implementing justice systems for 320 districts would take time, a lot of time. Years, decades, perhaps even centuries! By the time the Central 46 finished, Ichigo and his friends would probably be long dead, making the point moot.

Kyōraku could not have done this without Ichigo using his fame to publicly humanize Aizen, thereby giving the new edict the background of being a necessary measure, enough for the Central 46 to not be able to simply reject the edict. Now, if they did, the Gotei 13 would have ample reason to abolish the Central 46 on the grounds of them being unwilling to resolve an ongoing critical issue, and they'd have the public support to do it, too.

Two men just hogtied a government, Kyōraku mentally chortled. If this is what it's like to be sōtaicho, I could definitely get used to it. There's a certain satisfaction to legally sticking it to the Central 46.