A random idea that came to mind a couple weeks ago. Figured I'd try and mold something out of it, and got this idea for a small one-shot/drabble with Naruto/Bleach.
“Ichigo, look out!!!”
Ichigo jumped away as a giant foot nearly crushed him to a fine powder. He reappeared by his Vice-captain's side, battered and torn, “Damn it...Rukia, how many more of them are there?”
“I...I think this is the last one. Shunsui-taichou and Kenpachi-taichou managed to decimate the two in the southern Rukongai districts, and Hitsuguya-taichou and Rangiku managed to take out one the one destroying the northern wall of Seireitei...” She gripped her zanpakutou tightly, “Ichigo, we need to fall back until-”
“No.”
Rukia looked to the Thirteenth Division captain standing before her. Fifty years ago, Ichigo had died a natural death, and was granted his teenage body when his powers were at their prime. He had become one of the most admirable Soul Reapers in all of Seireitei, and quickly earned the trust of his entire division. He also gained the reputation of visiting the Fourth Division barracks more often than any of the other captains, being the reckless spirit that he was.
“Ichigo, please...”
“No, Rukia. This is the last of the Vasto Lordes. If I can defeat it now, it will be over and we can rest. All the other captains are too far away or incapacitated at the moment.” Ichigo argued, looking to the dark haired woman.
“Then let me help.” Rukia demanded, “I may not have bankai yet, but I can still fight by your-”
“No. If you get involved, then I'll have to divide my attention between protecting you and-”
“Damn it, Icihgo! I can fight!!! Don't go and do the old 'shoulder the burden by myself' act on me! We've been through this a thousand times!” Rukia was shedding tears, “That Hollow is strong enough to decimate you, and you know it!” She grabbed him by his haori, “Please...let me help you.”
“Rukia, stand back, leave if things get bad.”
“Ichigo-”
“That's an order.”
“I-”
“If not for me, Rukia, then for the baby.”
Rukia bit her lip, placing a hand over her slightly swollen stomach. She shed a few tears and spoke, “Don't die on me.”
Ichigo pulled her into a hug, “I can't die; I'm already dead, remember?”
“....idiot.” She sniffled. Ichigo made to move, but Rukia didn't let go, “I love you.”
“I know.” Ichigo replied, “We're married, remember?”
Rukia watched her husband of forty years now Shunpo into the air. He raised his reiatsu level significantly, getting the attention of the Vasto Lordes.
He was a bit surprised; from what he recalled, Vasto Lordes were relatively smaller than most Hollows, standing at the height of most humans. This one wasn't especially bright, but it was still deadly, “Looking for me, big guy?”
The Vasto Lordes laughed, “There you are, Strawberry. Come to finally admit defeat so I can devour you?”
Ichigo snorted in laughter, “Devour me?” He pointed his sword at the gargantuan beast, “That won't be happening.”
The behemoth roared before charging at Ichigo, a ball of light forming in it's maw. Ichigo smirked before his eyes lit up with blue, “Bankai...”
- - - - -
Orihime and Isane both looked up from their respective wounded that they were healing, and looked up to the sky. A blue light intermingling with black and crimson could be seen. A crippling wave of spiritual pressure hit Seireitei, and Orihime immediately knew who it was, “Isane-taichou...”
Isane shook her head, “Inoue, you need to stay here.”
“B-but Kurosaki-kun is in-”
Isane frowned, her eyes showing the strain this battle was putting on her, “I know, Inoue...but as the Fourth Division Vice-captain, you must tend to the injured first. Ichigo-san is still fighting and doing well. He'll be-”
Her words were interrupted as a massive explosion rocked the entire area around them. There were screams as buildings began to crumble.
Orihime closed her eyes while ignoring her desire to go help Rukia and Ichigo, “Please survive, Kurosaki-kun...”
- - - - -
Grimmjow never really would admit it, but he didn't mind being an ally of Seireitei. It had it's perks; he could travel freely to the mortal world and enjoy the luxuries it had, and he was given the same status as a captain in terms of respect.
Plus, he could fight Ichigo whenever he felt like it.
He growled as an all-too-familiar reiatsu signature exploded in the northern part of Seireitei. He flexed his claws, looking to the giant beam of red and black light as it ascended to the sky, “Damn it, Kurosaki. What are you trying to do now?”
He never expected to find naturally occurring Arrancar attacking Seireitei alongside Vasto Lordes. He was able to dispose of most of them with relative ease, but...
“Grimmjow! Above you!!”
Grimmjow looked up before fading from view as a Cero nearly blasted him into dust. He landed by the person who had warned him, giving a nod, “Thanks, Harribel.”
Harribel said nothing, raising her giant sword like cannon and firing a high pressured blast of water at the Arrancar, “How did they get through so easily? Unohana-sotaichou said that our barriers would hold against most assaults of this caliber.”
“Hell if I know.” Grimmjow shrugged, “Anyway, looks like most of the weaklings are dead. Just a few Arrancar left now.”
“Kurosaki-san is fighting that giant Vasto Lordes though.” Harribel noted, “We should help.”
Grimmjow sighed; she was right. Despite how much of a respectful hatred/admiration he held with Ichigo, he knew when the orange haired captain was reaching his limits. He saw the former Substitute Soul Reaper activate his mask no more than a half hour ago, and he had just activated it again.
“Let's go, I think he's running into trouble.”
“Right.” Harribel replied, and the two were gone in an instant.
- - - - -
Ichigo panted, his mask echoing every breath he took as he glared at the massive beast, “You're a glutton for punishment, you know that?”
The Vasto Lordes just snickered, “Haha! Big talk for a little insect like yourself! Once I crush you, I'll take care of that precious little Lieutenant of yours!”
Now it was personal, “You won't lay one finger on my wife, bastard.”
A deep, rumbling laugh could be heard from the massive Hollow, “You think so?”
Ichigo shook his head, “No. I know so.”
The Vasto Lordes said nothing further, instead raising his hands above his head, and forming a giant ball of spiritual energy that easily dwarfed any explosion Ichigo was capable of creating. Just standing one hundred yards away was causing Ichigo to sweat bullets.
That attack wasn't meant for him. It was meant for all of Seireitei!
Ichigo gripped Tensa Zangetsu, and looked behind him to Rukia. She was watching, hands gripping sword, waiting for the slightest indication that he was revoking his previous order to stand down.
Lifting his mask, Ichigo smiled. His yellow irises reverted to brown for a moment, his gaze soft and loving. Rukia seemed to be able to read his mind at that moment, because she immediately started screaming his name while running to him.
“Ichigo pulled his mask back down, and closed his eyes, “Zangetsu-ossan...I'm sorry, but we're not going to be making it out of this one.”
He felt a hand grip his shoulder, “It was an honor to be by your side for all these years, Ichigo. Don't hold back; I'll give you everything I have for this final attack.”
Ichigo nodded, “Thanks...”
Ichigo shot off towards the giant Vasto Lorde. The Hollow, sensing a further and incredible increase in his opponent's power, prepared to launch the attack.
“Getsuga...!!!”
“Die, Shinigami!!!!”
Ichigo was positively glowing with red light, streaks of black and blue rippling off him, making him appear like a comet, “...Tenshou!!!!!”
Rukia shielded her eyes as the skies erupted in a blaze of light, “Ichigo!!!!!!”
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Retsu Unohana stood before the group gathered before them. Some were captains, others Vice Captains, others lower officers, some just residents of Rukongai.
“...for Ichigo Kurosaki, he saw protecting those he cared about not as a duty, but a simple part of life. That belief extended to not only friends and family, but those who were unable to fight, or unwilling.” The now First Division captain lowered her head for a moment before continuing, “I believe that Kurosaki wasn't afraid of death, but acceptant of it. Though, what happens to one who has already died?”
There was a silence that hung in the air as she looked before he group, “There is an old legend I recall back in my earlier years as a captain that states that when a Shinigami dies, there soul will go to another realm of existence that we ourselves cannot reach. It is believed they remain there until the time comes when a force draws them out. That force is the soul of a new Soul Reaper. The soul of the one-time Shinigami and that of the young Shinigami merge. The soul may lie in dormancy for weeks, years, or eons before they finally awaken and speak to their new owner.”
A few of the older Shinigami smiled at this; it was a wise-tale, more than anything, but it had its origins back in the early years of Seireitei. Perhaps there was some truth to it, “Ichigo perhaps will rejoin us soon enough. That is why we must cherish every new soul in Soul Society; that new soul may indeed hold the life of our loved ones within them.”
After her speech, a few others spoke, among them being Orihime, Uryuu, Chad, the reinstated Chief of Research, Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi, the now retired Jushirou Ukitake, Neliel Tu, and, much to everyone's surprise, Grimmjow. Every one of the remaining former Espada from ages past said a few words to honor the fallen captain and the one man who had defeated Sousuke Aizen years and years ago.
The last one to speak was Rukia Kurosaki, who had adopted the fallen captain's name the day the two exchanged vows in the Kuchiki clan courtyard in front of friends and family.
“Ichigo was, before anything else, a peaceful spirit.” Rukia chuckled while wiping away tears, “He loved the rush of a good fight, but he hated death and unjust killing. I suppose he was always in limbo between acting tough and trying to be sensitive of those around him. For that, I loved him, and still do.” She closed her eyes, “When he asked me to marry him, I was surprised to find that he was willing to resign as captain when I said there would likely be difficulties with me serving as his Vice Captain while also being his wife. He said that he didn't care, and that if they put up that big of a stink he'd switch divisions or just quit all together.”
She placed a gentle hand on her stomach, “When we found out that I was pregnant, he immediately sent word to his two sisters in the human world and informed our father-in-law, who was living in the upper Rukongai. He was so excited that he was going to be a father, and...and now...” She bit her lip before continuing, “...he died to protect both me and our child, as well as all of Seireitei. For that, I will forever be grateful. So please, if you take any of this with you later in life, take that belief Ichigo carried with him. Treasure those you love, and let them know you care. Ichigo showed me this in the ultimate fashion; giving up his own life.”
The funeral pyre was lit, and Rukia was given Ichigo's old haori. It had a few tears on the edges from years of fighting, and smelled of him. She held it close as the flames burned. The cloth wrapped around her deceased husbands body ignited, sending embers of light into the sky along with the smoke. She noted that the sky seemed to open up, as though it was making an opening, taking in Ichigo's soul. It was an odd thought for her; a possible afterlife after dying in the afterlife.
She smiled, and watched the flames burn. It hurt, but she wasn't afraid to go on. Ichigo had long taught her that her happiness was what mattered most to him. He died so she could live on and bring a child into the world. He died so that Seireitei would continue to exist, and protect the living world.
He died so that life would continue.
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
“Uzumaki, please come forward.”
A blond haired teenager of sixteen years looked up as he was called. He looked nervous as hell, but managed to stand up and walk towards the front of his group of peers.
The dark haired woman with a braided ponytail, who the blond knew as the Commander General of the Gotei Thirteen, handed him a black yakuta and hakama, and the rest of the articles of clothing that all Shinigami typically wore, “Welcome, Naruto Uzumaki, to the Gotei Thirteen.”
With that, the graduating class of Academy Students erupted in cheers. All seventy students, among them being Sakura Haruno, Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuuga, Gaara, and many other good friends he knew since his days in the Rukongai, stood up as they continued cheering.
- - - - -
“So, the Thirteenth Division, huh?” Kiba asked, giving his blond haired friend a slap on the back, “I hear the captain of that division is pretty cute! Rukia Kurosaki, if I'm right!”
Hinata sighed, “Kiba-kun, try and be serious about this. Naruto-kun is the first of us to get nominated into a division.”
“Well, yeah, but you were nominated to the Fourth Division a day after him! It's not fair that Inoue-fukutaichou and you are on a personal level.”
“I wouldn't worry about that, Kiba. Chances are that you'll be put into the Eleventh Division, seeing that Kenpachi-taichou actually thought you had potential when you openly challenged him...and survived.” Gaara spoke, “I think Kira-taichou said he was going to put word in for me going into the Third, though it may just be wishful thinking.”
Sakura smiled, “Don't worry, Gaara. We're all going to be in a division I'm sure.”
“What about you, Sakura-chan?” Naruto asked, “You hear any word yet on where you're going?”
Sakura grinned, “Yeah, I looks like I'll be in the Fifth Division with Hinamori-fukutaichou and Uryuu-taichou.”
The five continued down the road, chatting away about their hopes on their future as Shinigami.
- - - - -
“Rukia-taichou...what am I doing wrong?”
Rukia smiled, sitting down beside her newest pupil, and likely soon-to-be seated officer, “Naruto, there's nothing 'wrong' with what you're doing. Contacting one's zanpakutou is different for every person.”
“I know, but...Sakura-chan's already heard her zanpakutou's name, and she's not even a decade into her officership.” Naruto sighed, “Maybe I'm just meant to have a zanpakutou that won't talk to me.”
Rukia laughed, “Naruto, have I ever told you about how my husband became a Shinigami?”
“Er...no, but I've heard bits of it from other captains.”
Rukia nodded, “Well, when he first became a Soul Reaper, his powers weren't actually his own...”
- - - - -
Naruto panted heavily as he stood before a B-class Adjuchas Hollow. He had never faced such a ferocious opponent before, and he had been one of the front line people in the District Forty-two Defense two months back. That was a dangerous fight; he almost lost an arm out there, and had Orihime-fukutaichou not been there...
He shook his head, now wasn't the time. He shuffled his feet, and raised his reiatsu as far as it would go. Shikai or not, he would defeat this bastard. He killed two of his fellow officers, but he wouldn't let their deaths go unavenged.
“It's over bastard!!!” Naruto screamed, blood, sweat, and tears mixing with his spit as he screamed. He charged at the beast, hoping above all hope that he'd be able to lay a killing blow on the Hollow before one of its barbed arms impaled him.
He jumped into the air, and...
- - - - -
Naruto found himself at a small waterfall. Looking around, he noted two things about this place; it wasn't in the Rukongai, and it was somewhere he had never been before.
What was oddest of all was that when he looked up, he saw...land? He looked below him to see an infinite sky of stars, a sun, and moon, all in one.
“What the hell? Did I eat something bad before I left for Rukongai?” Naruto mumbled to himself as he walked down what appeared to be a stone path leading to the bottom of the waterfall. Taking a closer look, he noticed the waterfall was actually made of...light. Bits and pieces of light, floating up to the weird land-sky as they fell from the mighty falls.
“Well, about time you showed up.”
Naruto whirled around to see a young man, probably no more than a year or two older than him. He backed away, studying the odd figure. The man wore a large black cloak that flowed behind him a bit. As the cape waved with the apparent wind, Naruto noted the slight change in colors amongst the midnight black color: red, orange, yellow, green, blue. It was like looking at a puddle of gasoline, subtly reflecting all colors off it's surface as it moved in the breeze. Aside from that, the man had a black bandanna around his head, the ends of the headpiece dropping down past his shoulders. He had what appeared to be an red armor of sorts on, and a large katana strapped to his back. Probably the most notable feature though, was his hair. It was a striking orange color.
“Are you...my zanpakutou?”
The man smiled, “Damn straight. Name's Tenkishi.”
“Tenkishi..." Then it dawned upon him, "Hey, I heard your name! Haha!!” Naruto cheered. He looked back to the man and grinned, “Heavenly Knight, huh?”
“Basically.” The man smirked, “So, looks like you need my help.”
Naruto felt an odd sensation envelope his entire being as power flooded into him, “Wh-what-?”
“It's time we show the world our power, Naruto. I'm not about to let you die, and I know what you want to fight for; those you care for." He held out his hand, and continued, "Show them what you're made of, Naruto. My power is now yours." Naruto looked to the man's hand, clasped it, and shook it. Then his world went white.
- - - - -
Naruto's eyes snapped open, and he saw himself plummeting towards the Hollow beneath him. He clenched his sealed zanpakutou tightly, and recited the words his new partner had told him, “Strike down from the star-filled sky, Tenkishi!!!”
Naruto's zanpakutou glowed with a white light, sparks of blue colored lightning and wind manifesting from his blade. The Hollow seemed to suddenly become aware of the danger it was in, but it was too late. Naruto made a slashing motion with his glowing blade and shouted the battle cry that echoed in his mind, “Getsumei Satsu!!!”
The light around Naruto's shikai shot down onto the target, making a clean slice through the middle. Naruto landed before the beast, and with a quick flourish of his blade, severed the monster in half horizontally. The creature screamed out in agony as it was purified.
Naruto looked to his newly awoken zanpakutou, and grinned, “Wow...” He held it in the air, “Tenkishi...definitely the coolest blade I've ever seen.”
- - - - -
Rukia and a few other officers stood a ways off, having arrived just in time to see Naruto Uzumaki just unleash his shikai for the first time upon an Adjuchas. Only Rukia seemed to be smiling though.
Something about that blade just...familiar. The attack Naruto used, the fashion in which it was used...
“Kind of reminds you of Ichigo, doesn't it?”
Rukia turned to see the Vice-captain of the Sixth Squad by her side, “Hey, Renji...” She nodded, “I think that speech Unohana-sotaichou made those years back might hold some truth to it. Getsumei Satsu...Moonlight Slice. It just...” She smiled, “I guess Ichigo wanted to find a soul that would stand out.”
Naruto stood in place, his legs wobbling a bit as he finally settled down. His reiatsu was still a bit unstable from what Rukia could sense, but he seemed to be able to hold onto his shikai well enough.
“We better get him to the Fourth Division barracks.” Renji went on, “The kid looks ready to collapse.”
Rukia nodded, and with a quick flash step appeared by Naruto's side. The blond took note of his commanding officer's presence, and straightened up, “Ah! Rukia-taichou! I didn't know you were here!!!”
Rukia smiled, “It's alright, Naruto.” She placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, steadying him a bit, “Are you alright?”
“Heh, y-yeah...just a bit dizzy. That's all.” Naruto responded, his sword having reverted back to its sealed state, “...I finally did it.”
Rukia nodded, “You did.” She helped guide her soon-to-be Vice captain—because he was getting that promotion for sure now—and continued, “Naruto, your shikai's attack. I saw it, but...what was the attack called again?”
Naruto smiled, “Getsumei Satsu. It's Tenkishi's special attack. It concentrates my spiritual power into an electrical wind that takes whatever form I need it too. I...need more control, since it was kind of draining just getting it to form a blade and slash that Hollow in half.”
“Tenkishi...is that the name of your zanpakutou?”
“Yeah.”
Rukia bit her lip a little, unsure if she should delve into such things, “If it's not too personal...what does your zanpakutou's spirit look like?”
“Well, he's got a really cool cloak around him and some neat armor. He seems to be a pretty chill sword.”
“Anything else about him?” Rukia asked.
“Oh, he has orange hair. I was a bit surprised; I thought he'd be blond like me, but I'm not complaining.” the blond replied.
Rukia halted in her tracks, and her grip tightened on Naruto's shoulder. He winced a bit, and looked to see Rukia quietly shedding tears, smiling. She looked down to her pupil and spoke softly, “I...I see.” She let out a sigh before chuckling, “Naruto, would you like to be my new Lieutenant? I haven't had a second in command in fifteen years.”
Naruto's eyes lit up, “Seriously???” He caught himself and tried to appear professional, “Er...I mean, it would be an honor, taichou.”
Rukia snorted in laughter, “No need for that right now, Naruto.” She loosened the grip on his shoulder a bit, “I'm glad I have you I my division, Naruto. I think you'll make a great Vice captain.”
“Heh, I sure hope so, Rukia-taichou.”
Rukia watched the blond as he was treated by the Fourth Division officer who had come with them, laughing away as he was bandaged up. Her smile slipped a bit, but she was still happy. Ichigo seemed to have taken to Naruto as a kindred spirit, and was now his zanpakutou. A fitting way for Ichigo to continue on as the spirit of a blade in such a bright and energetic youth.
- - - - -
Later that night found Rukia standing in front of a picture of Ichigo that was placed in her room on the wall.
“Ichigo...I wish you were here...” Rukia thought to herself, “Our little Hisana's growing up so fast...she's taken after you with the her stubborn attitude. Nii-sama loves her though, and while she can be a bit of a pill at times, she's a loving girl at the same time.” She chuckled, “She says she wants to be like me and 'Unohana-obaasan' when she get's older and can become a Shinigami.”
Rukia stroked a hand across the grinning portrait of her deceased husband, “Ichigo...I know that while you're now a part of that boy...a part of you still exists with us too.” She held herself tightly, “Watch over Naruto for us, Ichigo. I'll do everything in my power to insure he becomes everything you would want a boy like him to be.”
Rukia sighed before blowing out the single candle in her room. Tonight had been an emotional night for her. Obviously there was the chance that Naruto's spirit was just one that resembled Ichigo, but...she just seemed to be able to recognize the blond's power right away.
She crawled into her bed, and decided to make the proper preparations for Naruto's promotion tomorrow. As she closed her eyes, she felt a warmth crawl over her being, and for a moment, she swore she felt a hand wrap around her waist gently.
“I love you, Rukia.”
Rukia's eyes snapped open, and she looked around her room. No one was there. No sounds could be heard but her breathing.
She felt a few more tears run down her cheeks, but she smiled. Resting her head against the pillow once more, she whispered back to the voice that seemed to come from somewhere deep within her.
“I love you too, Ichigo.”
Well, let me know what you all think. Random idea is random, I know.
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