Saving the Damsel

Kenzo makes his way to the west gate. He was going to miss Nemu desperately while he was gone, but this was his punishment for drawing his sword against a captain. Even if he was just defending himself and his lover. As he neared the gate he could hear the familiar sounds of battle coming from just the other side. The pressure of the rieatsu coming from the fight was like nothing he had ever felt before. It intrigued him, almost beckoning him further. He opens the gate and sees the scene of the battle laid out before him. The giant Jidanbo was swinging his prized axes around in what seemed like a clumsy manner, but anyone who knew the guard knew how deadly accurate he was with his blades. Ichigo stood firm with Zangetsu in his hands, parrying every attack Jidanbo threw at him with almost insane ease. His rieatsu flooded the air making even Jidanbo’s, which was just as big as his physical body, seem insignificant. Kenzo knew Ichigo could end this whenever he wanted to. One simple flick of the wrist, and the strongest Gate Keeper Soul Society had ever known would be nothing more than bloody ribbons of flesh. He knew the young man wouldn’t do that, however. He could tell that he respected Jidanbo too much to utterly crush him and besides, this was a friendly sparring match anyways, not a real battle. He watched on as his new captain fought, mostly staying on the defensive with a few sporadic attacks to keep his opponent on his guard. He was keeping this fight on his opponent’s level, drawing it out for his benefit. And if the look on Ichigo’s face was any indication, he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Kenzo could feel the warrior in himself itching to join in the fray, but this wasn’t his fight. He had enough respect for them to stay back. The battle seemed to continue for hours until Jidanbo dropped his axes to his sides holds his hands in the shape of a T, while panting heavily from the workout.

Jidanbo: Okay, I give. You win.

Ichigo: You’re getting better, buddy. You caught me good that time.

It was true, his captain’s haori and uniform sleeve had been sliced cleanly and blood was flowing profusely from the split flesh beneath them. They both laugh.

Ichigo: Ah, don’t worry about it. I’ll just have Orihime patch me up, good as new. Ready to go, Kenzo?

Kenzo’s taken aback. He didn’t even think the two of them had noticed that he was there.

Kenzo: Y-yeah.

Ichigo: Then, let’s go.

He opens a door to the living world. Kenzo tightens the knot holding Hakutaka to his sash, then looks back, Giving the Seireitei one final glance before stepping through the threshold. Who knew when he would be able to see it again. It was only a short walk through the portal until he steps out in Karakura town.

Kenzo: So, am I going to get a gigai, or am I going to stay invisible here?

Ichigo: Well, there’s a gigai being made for you, but since your transfer was a little last minute, it won’t be ready for a few days. Don’t worry though, there’ll be plenty of people her who’ll be able to see you. Get ready, I’m about to take you to Outer Division Headquarters.

He leads Kenzo through the streets of Karakura Town until he comes to Kurosaki Clinic.

Kenzo: A hospital?

Ichigo: No, just a clinic. My dad’s a doctor. Last place you’d expect to find a Shinigami base though.

They step through the door. As soon as the door closes behind them, Ichigo is attacked.

Isshin: WELCOME HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!

The patriarch of the Kurosaki household seems to appear out of nowhere and attack his son with a flying kick. Ichigo only seems annoyed as he puts his foot up, kicking his father in the face before his own attack can land.

Isshin: You’re getting better, son.

Ichigo: What are you talking about? You haven’t been able to sneak attack me for a year now.

Isshin: Who’s your friend?

Ichigo: This here’s Kenzo. I just had him transferred to my squad. He’s going to be staying here for a while.

Isshin: Nice to meet you.

He extends his hand, which Kenzo shakes. As soon as he comes in contact with the man, Kenzo can immediately feel his rieatsu. It was unnaturally huge, almost crippling. Kenzo was almost forced to the ground by it’s pressure. No one since Gen. Cap. Yamamoto had such a staggering effect on him with just their rieatsu.

Ichigo: Come on, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the Division.

He leads Kenzo through the clinic. His two sisters, Karin and Yuzu are in the kitchen. Karin is lazily flicking through the channels on the television with a combination bored/disinterested look on her face. While Yuzu was busy preparing a meal for the family.

Ichigo: Hey girls, I’m home.

Karin: Hey.

Yuzu: Welcome home, Nii-san. Who’s your friend?

Ichigo: This is Kenzo. He’s going to be staying with us for a little bit.

Karin looks over and nods her head a little, acknowledging the new person’s presence. Yuzu was a lot more personable.

Yuzu: Hi there, I’m Yuzu and that’s Karin. Dinner will be ready in a little bit.

Kenzo: Thanks.

Ichigo: Come on, you’ve still got some more people to meet.