I'm glad i kept this story on my favorites list for so long. When I was younger I didn't appreciate it as much as i do now.

I love your version of Jushiro and Shunsui's childhood. It makes more sense to me unlike the one Kubo displayed. I really wish that he altered their childhoods differently. Anyways, great job and keep it up with your works. :)

You’ve done such justice to their characters in this. You’ve laid the little breadcrumbs about their powers, personalities and burdens from the beginning to end. Juushiro’s struggle and wisdom. Shunsui’s reluctance to be his father, then wanting to be like him and finally accepting it. His father was a shadow in his life and yet the most influential personality. This last chapter was so hard for me to read. When his mother said those things about watching his father go down the same path, I felt her pain. My dad was an amazing person but an alcoholic and a womanizer. But my mom loved him just the same. This story felt so real. Ahhhh! You are so goooooood at this! I cried for them, rooted for them and laughed for them. The best part is there’s so much more to read as well! Your fic was so good and touching that I ended up telling my mom most of it too. Wow okay I’m such a weirdo. But I just love Juushiro and shunsui anyway and this story was one of the best depictions of them. So perfect.

I’m really loving this story so far. This chapter especially made me cry. Death is hard. But it’s harder to see the devastation it causes on those left behind to suffer the loss. You’re exceptionally amazing at this. Thank you for writing this story and blessing us with this insight into Ukitake and Kyouraku :)

This was a perfect way to end it. Kyouraku really didn't have any other choice. He may have been backed into a corner there by his brother but the reality is that he was putting himself in that corner intentionally. He knew he had no desire to heir to the clan or to really be involved in any clan relations and he was just using the like father like son idea as a crutch.

Overall I am thoroughly impressed by what you have written here. You are delving into these characters deeper personalities without ruining the image I already have of them. I look forward to reading about the academy adventures for these guys and will get a head start on it right now!

Yay academy time! I'm excited for that part of the journey for sure. Seeing how Ukitake and Kyouraku meet and develop their friendship. So pumped!

On another note. I liked how you wrapped up Ukitake's part in the story. He really didn't fit a clan head persona and I'm glad his intelligence is guiding him in the right direction. Though I do find it amusing that he didn't notice his sensei testing him in his abilities...he's certainly perceptive enough to have picked up on it.

Looking forward to seeing how Kyouraku's part is wrapped up.

Oh boy. Poor Kyouraku. That's one way to realize you love someone and have it end right there. Poor guy sure does carry a lot of weight on his shoulders.

His reiatsu techniques are very strong :)

Im off to the next one!

A more calming chapter with self reflection and the support of another. I was glad to see the tree hadn't actually died. It certainly provided a great amount of optimism a day hope for Ukitake. Guess I'll just have to keep reading to see how that effects him in the long run.

Oh boy. That was quite a climactic chapter for Kyouraku. He has very strong beliefs...to be able to get two men to stand down from outright battle is indeed impressive even if it didn't end the way he was expecting it to. And oh no! You better not have done what I think you have. I like Saku.

So much heavy content. I love it though. Watching as he struggles with his emotions and his own body. I like what's his Zanpaktou stand for and the wisdom they have to share is truly revealing. can't wait to see how he improves himself and what further obstacles he has to deal with.

Well that was a nice one. Very liberating for Kyouraku! He can be a very introspective man I'm beginning to notice. I like that about him. I wonder how him, his brother, and mother will truly get along? I also really hope that's not the end of Saku.

Another awesome chapter! Very heavy however it's important for that character development. Poor Ukitake though being stuck in his own body like that and having to be reminded of that one thing his mind wanted him to forget about. Looking forward to more.

Oh no. I really liked where that was going but of course a story cannot be without its strife and conflict. Sad that we didn't get a little more teasing in first. I liked the start of that chapter though. Kyouraku really Is smarter than he acts...he's just not as forward about it as Ukitake.

Looking forward to more!

Damn. Okay that was a rough one. It started out so nicely and then boom...it all came crashing down around him. A good way to bring him into his reiatsu powers though. Poor guy though...that's one hell of a way to lose your parents. And even worse because now he's definitely going to blame himself...at least initially.

Off to the next chapter I go.

Well how wonderful of you to leave a note...DO I want to actually know what comes next...Yes Yes I do.

I am greatly enjoying this story right now. Very well written and the characters personalities are really flowing through nicely.

I dread whats next but I move forward anyways.