Byakuya was already there when Ichigo arrived for his Kido training. A part of him was nervous for the new training; he could barely control his own spirit energy, let alone focus it into an attack or use it for healing purposes. Yet, he was eager for the ability, so that he would not always have to rely on the use of his zanpakuto. Who know, maybe he might event be half decent at Kido?

"Kido is a form of Soul Reaper combat based on advanced spells. These spells are produced using your spirit energy and they fall into two categories: Hado for direct attacks, and Bakudo for battle support. Kido spells are triggered by an incantation, as well as the focusing of one's spiritual pressure and energy," Byakuya stated, watching Ichigo with his emotionless expression. "I want you to learn the incantations for the Hado and Bakudo spells; Lieutenant Abarai will be able to assist you in this. Though, your formal training will take place with me, so you do not pick up any of Abarai's bad habits."

Ichigo nodded in understanding. He knew Kido was not one of Renji's stronger points, but rather Rukia who excelled in the spells. Perhaps later on he would find her for some tips.

"Using Kido is often something you will only use if the opponent is weak and does not require the use of your zanpakuto, or if for some misfortunate reason you are unable to use your zanpakuto. Never use kido against a strong opponent and expect to win without the use of your sword. Kido will not get yourself very far against an opponent who knows the spells."

"Repeat after me; O Lord, mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man, Inferno and Pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, March on to the south! Hado 31!" A red ball of flame shot forth from Byakuya's outstretched hand, blasting into the target set up several yards away.

Moving into a sturdy stance, Ichigo mimicked Byakuya's position as he stretched his hand. Looking at the target, he began to gather his spirit energy. "O Lord, mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man, Inferno and Pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, March on to the south! Hado 31!"

A massive ball of energy shot from Ichigo, pushing him backwards a few steps. He watched in shock as the ball completely pummeled the target and hit the wall behind it. "Perhaps, a little less spirit energy. You are going to drain yourself quickly doing that, but not bad for first try."

A smile appeared on Ichigo's face.

x.x.x.x

The remainder of the week went by much the same; intense training and learning, as well as getting to know the members of his squad. His relationship with Renji continued to develop, their love for one another growing with each passing day. Come one late evening, Renji and Ichigo were getting dressed to go to the bar. They opted out of wearing their regular shinigami robes, and decided to wear human clothing. Renji wore blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a leather jacket, while Ichigo wore dark jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black hoodie; all of which Renji had purchased earlier that day.

"I don't know if I can let you go out like that," Renji said as he looked the orange-haired shinigami up and down with lust in his eyes.

"Look who's talking," Ichigo said as he licked his lips, drawing Renji's eyes to them immediately. "You should wear those jeans more often, but only around me."

The two men eyed each other and were about to reach out, when someone knocked on the door. A growl, low and deep, erupted from Renji's chest. "Must be Ikkaku and Yumichika. Come on, let's go."

Walking out to the front door, Renji pulled it open and grinned at his two friends. "You guys ready or what? Rangiku's going to be there tonight," Ikkaku said with a wicked grin.

The two squad eleven members knew of Renji and Ichigo's relationship, as did most of the Sereitei, and surprisingly the were alright with it; if not even happy for the pair.

"Yeah," Renji said. "Let's get going before the place gets too packed."
The bar was located by the squad eleven barracks, and it only took a few minutes to get too. Once inside, Ichigo inhaled sharply. All over the large room were women and men dancing and drinking. Those who danced were being extremely vulgar or sensual, and it cause a blush to begin to creep up Ichigo's neck. Turning, he looked at the bar where soul reapers were chugging from large mugs. He had never been to a bar before, and he felt himself start to get nervous; he did not want to look like a total newbie in front of Renji. Despite his attempt to remain calm, Renji immediately picked up on it and placed an arm around his shoulders. "Let's go get a drink."

Yumichika was already at the bar, and managed to flirt four jars of sake for them so they did not have to wait in the line. As they all sat down at the counter, the three guys immediately began to down theirs, while Ichigo looked at his questioningly. Taking an experimental gulp, he was pleasantly surprised at the taste, until it burned its way down his throat. It took all his will power not to start coughing then and there, as he felt Renji's eyes on him. "Never had a drink, have you?" Renji asked, already having finished his mug.

Ichigo blushed crimson and shook his head, feeling self-conscious under the three men's stares. "You ain't never had a drink before?!" Ikkaku all but shouted as he chugged down the remainder of his drink. "Renji, you cradle robber!"

Renji spluttered but before he could comment, Ichigo punched Ikkaku square in the jaw. "You can't drink in the human world when you're my age, chrome dome."

Ikkaku rubbed his jaw. "I forgot about that." Looking up, he waved at the bartender. "Another round!"

Immediately three more mugs were slid in front of Yumichika, Renji, and Ikkaku. Yumichika turned to him as he took a gulp from his new mug. "I am not one for drinking myself, so don't listen to Ikkaku. They'll be the ones nursing the hangover in the morning." Ichigo nodded and took another sip from his jug, watching Renji as he chugged his second mug in seconds. The red-head slammed the mug down and waved for another.

An hour later, Ichigo managed to choke down the last of his first mug, while Renji and Ikkaku finished their seventh. Both men were flushed, and their eyes were hooded and had bags underneath them. Currently, Ikkaku and Renji were stumbling around the dance floor, while Ichigo and Yumichika talked with Rangiku, who had arrived moments earlier.

Rangiku was talking about something insignificant, when her face turned pale and her mouth gapped open. Turning around to see what was wrong, Ichigo looked over his shoulder and felt his mouth go dry and all the blood leave his face. Renji was face deep in a tall woman's breasts. Tears rushed forth in Ichigo's eyes. Jumping up, he fled from the bar, hearing Rangiku and Yumichika calling after him.

Running aimlessly, the tears pooled over his cheeks, spilling onto his t-shirt. How could Renji do that? Did he not love him anymore? Did he never truly love him? Or was he sick of him already? Perhaps he had just been some new toy for the red-head; easily disposable when something better came along. Who was he kidding, that woman was gorgeous, and he would always be that quirky, lanky kid with orange hair. Stumbling around blindly, he got lost in the maze that was the Sereitei.

Over an hour later, he was still walking around the dark when a hand shot out and grabbed his arm. At first he thought it was Rangiku or Yumichika, or even Renji, but when he turned around it was the last person he expected to see. It was Yoruichi. "Ichigo," the woman said, sadness clear in her voice.

"Yoruichi, what are you doing here?" he asked, wiping away any evidence of the tears left on his cheeks. The woman regarded him with what looked like pity, and he resented it.

"Come with me," she said, and flash stepped away. Sighing, Ichigo followed her.

When they finally stopped, it was in front of a massive brown gate. Bright white light shone through it, but no matter how hard he tried to look, he couldn't see what was on the other side. "This is the gate to the human world, that the soul reapers use to go back and forth. Go visit your family."

"I can't just leave," he said. "I have duties here."

Yoruichi shook her head. "I've already spoke with Byakuya." In her hands, she held a set of his robes and Zangetsu, which she passed to him. "This is your first independent mission. Hollows are surfacing, and you are to take care of them as they show up."

"Why are you doing this? And how do you know what is going on?"

Yoruichi smiled softly. "Renji got pushed into that woman by Ikkaku; you just caught him at an unfortunate moment. I'm giving you time to cool off and Renji time to sober up so that your relationship doesn't get damaged."

Ichigo felt hope swell in his chest, but he shook it off. "Thanks Yoruichi," he said before turning and running through the gate, back into the human world.