Epilogue

"He has spent his time and money cleaning up our streets after the worse biological incident this city has ever seen. He is a true leader and all around good samaritan." The speaker was a rather round stubby gentleman he was the mayor of Karakura Town, as he spoke he made sure to gesture with his hands to emphasize his point. "It gives me great pleasure to give a key to our city to one of the best and brightest of his generation-." The crowd began to cheer he barely heard his name being called, he stood up smiling a forced smile he didn't feel like he deserved such and honor. His wife stood up with him holding their two year son in her arms. He bent down and kissed them both.

He wore a tailored made black suit, black shirt and red tie with black ankle length over coat his black leather shoes clicked as he walked towards the stage. His coat swaying in the wind he ran a hand through his shiny orange hair a slight smirk on his face. His guns were secure in their shoulder holsters safely hidden beneath his coat. If only these people knew the truth behind his triumphs would they be so quick to give him this award.

So much had happened in the three years since he ordered the hit on Mayuri Kurotsuchi and Hiyori Sagaki and murdered Sosuke Aizen and Genryusai Yamamoto in cold blood. At first he had been hesitant about coming forward going public with his association with the three companies but once all his real threats were gone he had no reason to stay hidden. So after his college graduation in a televised news conference he broke the news and told the truth. That he was the owner and CEO of all three major companies and that the Angelic Dolls worked for him. At first no one knew how to take the news because he was so young most found it down right laughable, but in the end all his contributions and efforts to help clean up the city had proven to be all the evidence people need to take him more seriously.

As he made his way to the stage his two best friends were two steps behind him. He walked up to the mayor shaking his hand and taking the large bronze key. They posed for a picture before Ichigo stepped up to the podium for his speech. He looked out into the crowd

"I would like to thank the city of Karakura Town for this honor, this is wonderful city with wonderful people in it. I would like to thank my Uncle Shinji Hirako for believing in me and letting me run his company without hesitation. I hope he's having fun in his retirement. My father for supporting me in my decisions even though he doesn't always agree with them. My uncle Kiskue and his wife Yoruichi for putting that extra spice and kick into my days" he winked his eye "they know what I mean." The crowd laughed even though they didn't get the joke. "My Presidents and Vice Presidents of all my companies for keeping things running smoothly in my absence. Sorry Stark guess nap time is gonna have to wait just a little bit longer buddy." Again the crowd laughed but like before they had no clue what the joke was. "I like to thank my two best friends Uryu and Chad for being there and keeping me out of trouble and having my back even when I probably didn't deserve it." He turned to look at his friends who just bowed. "My wife and son Orihime and Shirozan for being the light at the end of the tunnel everyday of my life. And lastly to my twin and uncle who are no longer with us I carry a part of you with me every day of my life and you are the reason I stand here a changed man. Thank-you all." There was a resounding applause as people stood up and paid respects to the man who changed Karakura Town back into the place it used to be.

But what was not mention or acknowledged was the sacrifices he had to make to do what he did. He wasn't perfect and he had made his mistakes he had lost so much and yet gained so much in return. And somewhere in those long months part of his innocence was lost and in it's place was now a certain darkness that he kept at bay. He walked back to his seat as his son wobbled towards him. Swooping him up in his arms he looked at the little boy who was smiling ear to ear. His bright orange hair and gray eyes flickered in the sunlight, he was mimicking the crowd as he clapped his little hands together in honor of his father.