Ok so this chapter was fairly bad in its grammar and I and a few others have given it a few looks over to try and make it more readable and...change the fact that it was Black Cat, not a Black car that was following the two at the end of the chapter.

So in this case, thank you to Aroneden, and Mattock345 as well as grammerly's google doc Extention for hopefully a slightly better reading experience.

(Also I do not know why, but reviews seem to be on a delay before they appear in my story. Please know that I am getting them in my email so I at least have read your reviews even if they have not appeared yet. At least I know they will get to the comments section in time. But besides that, I do get them when you make them.)

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"I have a question," Ichigo said as class ended and the classroom vanished into the empty dream void.

"I am all ears Kurosaki" his laughter echoed in the void "I have nothing else to do...quite literally."

Ichigo let out a breath and then continued, (What was the use in having access to one of the greatest minds in the world and not using it?) "There is an issue that has come up with my sister."

"The one with potential or the one without?" Ichigo narrowed his eyes and Azien smoothly continued "The one who inherited more from your father or the one who did not."

"Yuzu," He said.

"Hmm, that is interesting, what seemed to be the problem?" Very quickly and clearly he went through what was happening: the hollows, the fact that her very essence seemed to attract them, how it even affected him when he used his hollow's senses, and everything else. Aizen took it all in, had him go through the story twice more asking more and more pointed questions, some of which Ichigo did not have the answer to.

"Given that Kisuke is looking into this I can assume he has tried all the obvious methods of assistance, so that narrows things down some." Aizen was talking to himself, Ichigo was sure of it. "This sounds like it could be related to the Quincy Bait but that is not quite it, no, even with the bait they will not starve themselves at its lack." There was a palpable energy in the air as if this man bringing the entire force of his mind to bear on one subject was enough to warp the dreamscape around them.

"However the bait is a creation of the Quincy, therefore it implies that they have the methods to make it. If they have the methods to make it, they must have something to give them those methods. However, it would not make sense for it to come from their bodies or souls, would it? ...They are natural enemies of the Hollow and their power is anathema to each other." there was the sound of fingers drumming through Aizen's shape did not move. "Perhaps I am looking at this the wrong way, I assumed you and your other sister were examples of a stable hybrid. Shiganimai's can be fed on by hollows, Quincy power has to be destroyed, as they destroy the soul, in any normal circumstance the powers could not exist in harmony."

Ichigo had already lost track of where the man was going with this but he held his tongue and waited "By the time those twins were born, most of the influence of the White was gone from the mother, therefore she was more Quincy than hollow"

"Wait what?" Ichigo asked though the man ignored him.

"For you and your sister, the powers you were born with exist in you, they are part of you but still separate. For the other...what if that is a fusion." the drumming increased. "Yes, it could be possible that the two become one and merge into something…" the man looked up. "That is a possibility that I can give you, your sister might be a fully stable hybrid, or rather, something else. It is feasible that it might go so far as to make a new species, but that is unlikely, I would suspect that the little power she was born with merged into something new. You called it pure, refined, that is something connected to Quincy, so what if her power is trying to become something useful. This refinement is her soul trying to evolve a defense, with all that goes on around her, it could be possible." Aizen let out a sigh "That is my thoughts right now, I have no data to work with, and I have never heard of something like that existing. So make of my musings what you will, in the interest of being more helpful, I will turn my mind to see if I can think of some way to hide her issue."

While he really wanted to know what all that talk about his mother had been, this issue was more pressing, and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt Masaki would want Yuzu protected more than him knowing more of her past. "Thank you, Aizen"

The man nodded, and with an effort of will, Ichigo fell away from the dreamscape into darkness.

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If his sisters or his dad noticed that he and Tsubasa had slipped out for a few hours last night, no one said anything. Breakfast was bright and early, and both devils, while a little tired, made sure to show up for it. "Good Morning, Big Brother," Yuzu said brightly.

The words were like pure nostalgia as he walked over to hug her tightly against his chest. His smile faltered as both Karin and Tsubasa winced at the same time. He glanced down and saw nothing wrong, so…

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How in the world he missed Yuzu taking in his smell neither girl knew but for once they were both grateful for the denseness that seemed to be protecting him here.

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She let go and pointed at the seat with the spoon in her hand "Sit, sit, let's eat breakfast."

His dad was already at his seat nursing a cup of coffee. It was odd how a man who could wake you up in the morning with a flying sidekick, would then go and act like he needed coffee to live. He himself did not drink coffee all that much; he had never needed it before and even less so now. (Yuzu knew this already, which was why he had a glass of water waiting next to his food) They all sat down, gave thanks for the food, and started to eat. He and Tsubasa devoured the meal just about as fast as they could while being polite. Last night's fun had tired them both, and his sister's food was just the remedy for that. Both were well into their seconds when Isshin spoke, "So what are today's plans, son?"

Ichigo glanced at Tsubasa who nodded "Well, after breakfast Yura is headed out to meet up with the rest of our peerage, and I am going to spend the morning catching up with my baby sisters. This afternoon I am going to drop in and surprise my friends from school, and this evening Koneko is coming over to spend the night and meet you all."

"Sounds like you have a full day," Karin said dryly. "I don't remember you keeping so close to a schedule."

"Well I changed when I became part of the student council and that was before I became a devil."

"Do we get to pick what we do?" Yuzu asked.

"Yes, and if you want to get something or go somewhere money is no object."

"Hell Serafall would be offended if you tried to use your own money" Yura laughed.

"Going shopping with Onii-San," Yuzu mused "It's been a long time since we went grocery shopping."

"You could also get some clothing, you could get the newest phone," Ichigo shrugged. "I am serious. We can do what you want, and that goes for you too, Karin."

His sister paused in her eating to give that statement serious consideration, and his dad raised his eyebrows. "What about me, son?"

Ichigo gave him a look "You tried to wake me up with a dropkick, be happy your mortgage is gone."

That got a laugh from his old man though Yura gave him a disapproving look, and Isshin leaned away gulping slightly. "So, I assume you want to be there for my work out?" Karin asked.

"I would like that, yes" he replied.

"Then let's make a deal, devils do that, right?"

"...I mean… I have not been able to pull it off yet but… you're my sister, just ask."

Karin groaned. "That was a joke, brother. Look... let's make a deal; you train with me every morning, and the rest of the day, you relax and enjoy this vacation."

The first word that was going to come about his mouth was "No," however, he caught himself and actually gave her words some thought. He did not quite agree with her assessment of his use of free time, but...this was a vacation, so perhaps it would be good to see if she was right. He let out a long breath and nodded, "Ok."

His sister nodded and glanced at Yuzu "Is it ok if we do that after breakfast."

Yuzu nodded "Sure though I would like to watch if that is alright."

Karin visibly held back a no and let out a sigh. "Sure, you know everything by now, so why not."

"Yay!" her radiant smile raised the temperature in the room by a few degrees and seemed to infuse life into every person present…In fact, quite literally, as he felt his spiritual power react to it for the briefest moment. Odd… a quick glance showed that everyone seemed to be affected, but no one seemed to notice why.

"Of course, that means I am going to have to help you clean up," Ichigo said, "After all, I can't waste any time."

It was Yuzu's turn to resist the urge to tell him no and accept the situation as it was, Yura gave him a confused look, and he explained: "Yuzu has a strong idea of proper place, we all have our jobs in the house, cleaning is hers."

"Oh" the Rook did not seem to get it but...it was a part of their collective grief in a way. They made it a point never to think of it that way, but they all had their own issues from Masaki's death. "I guess then I'll help too if that is all right" she gave a small smile to Yuzu, who smiled back.

"Then we will get it done really fast," his sister intoned. "So yes, I would be honored."

Tsubasa coughed and looked away at the statement, looking a little embarrassed at Yuzu's kind words. Thankfully, the rest of the meal went by in a more normal manner. Eventually, Tsubasa said goodbye to all of them for now and even got a fist bump from Karin. "Well... I got to go back and face the music."

Ichigo blinked "What do you mean?"

"Kaichou might not be happy with me" Yura smiled "But that's ok, I win either way that turns out."

It was an effort for his face not to turn red but he succeeded "Well good luck"

"Thanks," she grinned. "Though first, let's get some dishes done."

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Sona felt more than a little nervous as she sensed her Rook approaching. Today was a free day of sorts, and many members of both Peerages were out and about to explore this new town, but given the nature of the bet she had made last night, those involved had remained.

Rias and her Sister were both sitting on a bed leaning against one another whispering and giggling in a way that made her very nervous. Koneko was playing some sort of mortal game device with Asia and both seemed so absorbed into the game as to be deaf to all around them.

Orihime and Akeno were… well they were helping each other groom. Right now, the Queen was combing the girl's lovely orange locks as they traded tips of how they took care of their bodies. The scene looked so domestic and so natural that it was perhaps the oddest thing of all in this room.

"Koneko dear" Akeno called out "It seems our wayward Rook has returned, would you please get ready." The Neko glanced up and nodded as she rolled her shoulders, she was wearing a light brown long sleeve top that left the tops of her shoulders bare and a black pencil skirt with a slit on her right side to allow for more natural movement. Her feet were bare as she had felt no need to get fully ready so long as they had to wait, and that left her silent as she padded over to beside the door.

The rest of the girls went quiet as the anticipation built up like a storm, they heard the happy whistle, the footsteps, then, at last, the door swung up, and Tsubasa Yura walked in looking very pleased with herself. So she was caught off guard when Koenko moved- pushing her back against the wall as the door clicked shut behind them.

For a heartbeat, the Sitri Rook looked like she was going to strike whoever did it, but the moment passed as she recognized who had her. Plus Koneko's white cat ears were twitching as she very clearly began to sniff the Rook, it started at her chest level and then went lower "Hey, buy me dinner first!" she laughed, as the girl went down to crotch level before pulling back, letting go of the Rook and turning to face the room with a triumphant smile on her face "They did it!"

Rias blinked and tilted her head, studying her Rook for a moment then sighing, "Oh darn, looks like my Ass is really on the line then." Inoue blushed scarlet and looked to be regretting becoming part of the bet, Sona...well Sona looked livid.

Tsubasa took one look at her King then sighed, "Ok what did I miss?" Serafall gleefully told her as she eyed her sister like a predator "Oh," the Rook paused. "Well, fuck me then."

"Sounds like that is exactly what happened," Akeno giggled.

"Everyone out," Sona said in a voice like winter ice.

It said something about her tone that even Serafall left without only a quick saucy grin at the Rook. At a truly blinding speed, each girl was dressed and out of the room. A silence fell in the room after that, as Sona sent a quick message to her Queen. "Yura Tsubasa," her voice was cold, and the Rook shivered in what Sona felt was appropriate fear. "Did I not set very specific rules for the conduct of a member of my peerage while a guest in our man's home?"

The Rook looked like she was going to say something but thought better of it and nodded "You did."

Sona let out a breath, and water vapor seeped from it. "Please, explain why you decided to disobey me. I am not an unreasonable woman, you could have done this at any other time, yet you chose now." Tsubasa just nodded, "If you have some excuse, you may say it now." there was a moment of pause "It will not save you, but you may speak it."

"I would like to point out that Rias Gremory has not put any such restrictions on her peerage."

"True but that is them, and this is us, and my peerage has a set punishment for people like you." the Rook shivered in fear again, and Sona felt a cold satisfaction at it. At least her methods of discipline were a detriment even if it had not stopped her wayward Rook. Not that she did not understand, the draw of their man, the desire from him was powerful but they all needed to control it. There were times and places where they would not be able to do what they wanted and her Rook had failed...plus, Sona herself was going to be the one paying the humiliating price.

Sona sat down on the edge of the bed and sent one hard look at her Rook, Yura looked away as she walked forward and very carefully bent across Sona's lap. The motion caused her skirt to shift up and reveal her rather racy black thong to the open air. Sona grit her teeth at sight and her hand shook slightly before she thought, "Oh well, it will be more effective this way." With a single pull, she yanked down the skirt leaving only Tsubasa with only a small slip of fabric as protection. Her hand glowed with magical power "1000," she said threateningly, though most of her peerage knew by now that was just her being mad. There was a difference between punishment and torture, so 1000 spankings were more like fifty to one hundred depending on the severity of the affront, and this was direct disobedience from a Rook so perhaps 120 would do. "We begin," she said.

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(Meanwhile in the mind of Tsubasa Yura)

"Oh fuck the hell yes!"

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Akeno Himejima glanced at Koneko as they walked passed Sona's room and heard a crack "One hundred Yen Yura did this on purpose because she wins both ways."

Koneko glanced at the Queen "Sucker bet" she replied

Akeno held back a laugh, "Do you think Sona is ever going to notice that her Rook enjoys it?"

"Not unless someone tells her…" Koneko smiled, "I doubt the possibility has even occurred to her."

"What are you two talkin' about?" Rias asked, visibly wincing as the next crack was heard through the door.

"Just girl stuff," Akeno said, smoothly winking at Koneko. "Just getting some tips about what I need to do in bed with our man."

"Oh," she blushed then tried to hide the fact that she did. "Well, that is not appropriate."

"Really, dear?" Akeno asked as they left audible range of Sona's room

"Yes," Rias, as her red face calmed down. "We are on vacation."

"I know" Akneo grinned "But it's just so much fun to see you blush."

Rias glared "I may not be as strict as Sona but if you push me."

Akeno waved off the threat "You know as well as I do that such tactics do not work on me."

"Yes, which is why I would do something like make you act like a true nun for a week" That did make the Queen wince.

"Point taken Buchou."

"Good" Rias grumped as Koneko let out a soft giggle, today was going to be fun.

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"What's wrong, Nee-san?" Yuzu asked as Ichigo frowned in the direction of the hotel where his harem and the peerages were staying. The words brought him back to the present; there had been a weird shiver all the way through his bond, a surge of emotion that carried the intense sensation of arousal, juxtaposed by a different wave of cold, rational anger. It had taken his mind away from the dozens upon dozens of hollows that were shadowing them from a distance. Karin could feel them as well and she looked more than a little on edge. Ichigo did not remember when he decided to take hold of Yuzu's hand, but given that Karin had done the same, he did not feel awkward about it.

But the hollows were just constant, they did not attack, but they did not stop. Hell, with him here they might have been keeping a further distance away than usual. What was more, everything he had been told was correct, they did not so much as look at anything else, anyone else, move towards anyone else. Even with his own senses, he could smell her, and she smelled good, and that was with his senses separated from his hollow.

Thankfully their destination was in sight and it was guaranteed to be one of the safer places in this whole city. "Well, well, well, welcome back Ichigo" Kisuke Urahara waved "And to you Karin-san."

"Oh, my sister gets an honorific, but I don't?"

"You owe me way too many favors for that" they shook hands and Krain just stepped passed them headed to the trap door Yuzu tagging along behind her looking around at the new place in confusion. It only got worse as Karin opened the door and walked down some stairs into what was a separate dimension.

"Wow," was his baby sister's only word.

Kisuke titled his head in thought, "Brought her in one the secrets have you?"

"She more than deserved it," Ichigo replied. "Thanks for letting Karin use this place."

"Not a problem, it gives plenty of footage for my study into what the hell you are doing to the people around you."

Not even surprised that the man had somehow figured that out, Ichigo let out a tired sigh and waited until Yuzu was out of earshot, "Any progress on what is going on with Yuzu?"

"No," he said at once, "Nothing I have tried works, I was hoping that you and your unique perspective might offer some insight."

Ichigo hesitated, trying to think of a reason he would know to say what he was going to next but having nothing…. not that it would stop him. "Karin and I are alike in how our power works, both halves of our nature are at peace but not the same thing." he let out a breath "What if Yuzu's power, however small it might be, becomes one...does that do anything?" The man froze for a moment as the words clearly had more effect than Ichigo expected. "It's just a thought," he finished before quickly moving after his sisters, feeling the man's eyes on his back as he descended into the basement dimension.

At the bottom of the stairs, Yuzu was looking around her head swiveling like mad "This place is bigger than Karakura Town."

Krain glanced at her, and a little half-smile made its way across her face. "That's kind of what I said the first time I was brought here."

Ichigo went down the last step and nodded, "Can you do the Flash Step yet?"

Karin hesitated, "A little, but I only do this for an hour every day, so Yourchi-san says I am doing well considering."

"You only spend an hour training your superpower" Yuzu mumbled so quietly that only Ichigo's enhanced hearing was able to pick it up. Her further mumbling was cut off in a squeal as Ichigo picked her up, one hand under her back the other under her legs. For a moment, he wondered why she was wearing her school uniform again, but considering the company he kept, that did not seem like the biggest deal. "Let's go," he told Karin before leaping off in a familiar direction, Yuzu flinched at the high speeds and curled up against him.

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It did not take them long to find a decent spot, one where Yuzu had shade, something softish to sit on, Ichigo had still not even come close to being decent at the power of Imagination but he could make a pile of fluff. And it was out of the way, with the bonus of an X shaped canyon that Ichigo himself had been the cause of. The memory brought a smile to his face. It felt like that training had been a lifetime ago. "Hey Bro," Karin deadpanned. "Are we going to do this or are you just going to stand there with that dopy look on your face."

"Rude" Yuzu called out, but Karin ignored her.

"Oh, I would not miss this for anything, Karin" he closed his hand, calling his blade to him; the compact shape of the Sealed Zangetsu was a comfort. He had not pulled it out in this form lately, but for right now he wanted to be careful with his power. He swung it around a few times to make sure it was still familiar before resting it on his shoulder.

"Your sword is kind of small, big bro" Karin said before reaching down and...and into her shadow, he blinked in surprise as she pulled out her Zanpakutō. The hilt was black as the void, not a bit of fabric or decoration. From his vantage point, it might as well have been made of obsidian or even darkness itself. He only saw it because it was outlined against the lighter black of Karin's clothing. The blade, though, the blade was the color of purest moonlight, which seemed to reflect any light that touched it into a softer tone.

Her hilt was large enough for two hands, the blade thicker than most Zanpakutō, and its length combined with the hilt made the weapon almost as tall as Karin. He watched her take a proper grip and bring the weapon to its guard.

"Beautiful," he said simply.

"Amazing," Yuzu whispered in a tone of pure longing.

"She is alright" His sister shrugged "A bit loud and demanding." She moved her hand as she finished her last word and reached down to pull off an ankle band and set it to the side. At his questioning look, she said "I can't control my…" she hesitated. "Changes, I have not had the practice."

Ichigo resisted the urge to frown at that, it had not been all that hard for him but then again everyone had different struggles. "How drastic was the change?"

"My body is something akin to a Shinigami; I say akin because people can still see me unless I focus. I'm faster, stronger, have better reactions," she gave him an annoyed glare "I'm also aging like one now so I can look forward to fifty years of puberty, thanks for that by the way." Ichigo winched "And on that lovely annoying note" she deadpanned while taking in a breath "Let's get this started."

When she moved it was quick, not Knight quick but his sister was a girl who had worked her ass off to get fit. To become fast, to become the best on her team. That aspect of her was on full display as she closed with him. Her two-handed weapon moved with unsurprising swiftness, and the blade was a solid diagonal cut aimed at his shoulder. He blocked with an easy motion, and steel resounded on steel. The blow, however, was soft, light, and he realized a feint.

With inhuman agility she spun in the opposite direction, her foot flashing up in a very Yourichi-like kick. He titled his head back and felt the wind of the blow tickle his chin. His palm shot out open-handed to grab the kicking leg's thigh and shoved. Karin went sailing about thirty feet into the air before she twisted and gathered the necessary power under her feet to find her footing in the air.

"Dangerous," he said, "If your opponent is ready or can react fast enough that kind of attack leaves you wide open." To his surprise, she simply nodded at him with not even a snarky reply. With a slight bend of her legs, she leaped at him, and Ichigo decided to do some of his own training as well.

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"Your body is fine," the priest said, "We can skip the time required to train your body." A warm smile came across Cardinal Vasco's face "A problem with many supernaturals is that they delude themselves into thinking that their inborn power, strength, and speed is a sign of health and vitality. It is not the same thing, it is nowhere close." he let out a sigh "You, however, started as human or at least mortal, you forged your body to be at the utmost perfection that those without power can." For a moment, the Priest looked at him but Ichigo got the feeling he was not the target of the gaze "But that is the secret, just because you are perceived to lack power does not mean that is the case."

It should not surprise you that I took inspiration from those who came before me, I took inspiration from the east, from the west, from above" he pointed to heaven "And even from below: everyone has knowledge to offer. As humans, we have learned to turn that into our strength."

They were both sitting down on the deck, watching as the first shards of light began to peek over the horizon. Vasco seemed to bask in that light, that small sliver before which the darkness retreated. "The east knows well the importance of breath, more so than the west has ever learned. When one is breathing they are doing more than simply taking in air." he laughed. "The air is part of life, it is a force all its own, and our body distributes that force as it sees fit. The first part of my training for you is to learn how to breathe in such a way as to increase your air capacity, to increase the oxygen in your blood. Once you finish this, we will move on to the next stage."

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Ichigo took in a breath, he took it in just as he had learned, and the force of it was almost visible as his lungs expanded and he focused on that. Holding the image in his mind's eyes of a flood of power going to his arms and legs. And perhaps it was just a rush of oxygen, but they seemed to tingle with sudden vibrancy. Feeling almost light, he danced to the side, avoiding his sister's attack and deflected her next. His lungs, strong as they were, strained with the effort of taking in so much. He had almost passed out several times on his first day, and now had a better understanding of just how fit of a body one had to have to do this.

He no longer felt light-headed, but it was an effort, it required focus, and in real combat, it would have been a liability. Until he could use it without conscious thought, it would remain only the focus of his training. For the first time, he counter-attacked with his blade, feeling the power behind it as it moved in time with his breath, sending an almost giddy feeling though his whole body even as it labored to take in more, almost feeling as if he was suffocating on the air itself.

Karin pulled back and blocked his blow, though the force of it caused her to skid back six feet. She frowned in annoyance and sucked in a breath of her own. Black reiatsu began to rise around her outlined in a white the color of moonlight. Ichigo his blade aloft in one hand and used the other to beckon her forward. His sister obliged, and their weapons crashed several times within as many seconds, sending sparks flying in every direction. This time she held her own matching him blow for blow as he gave way to her onslaught, grinning the whole time. "Remember, you are allowed to think, sometimes there is only room for instinct and muscle memory, but if you get the chance, outthink your opponent."

She responded with an upward slice that sent a shower of dirt and pebbles at his face, closing his eyes and focused on her with his spiritual sense. Meeting her next attack and countering it, spinning past her and slamming his hip into her side to knock her sprawling. "Just like that," he said, shaking his face and opening his eyes. "I've seen that before and I've learned to adjust."

Karin got back to her feet and asked "How did you do that?"

"You can sense ghosts, and you can sense Yuzu; you can train those senses to do more. Every part of me is covered in spiritual power. If you can process it the right way, your mind's eye can almost see what a thing like me is doing."

His sister closed her eyes and held up her blade, Ichigo obliged by closing his own, and they spent the next ten minutes practicing just that. They only stopped once Karin was able to block his practice swings a few times. It was nothing close to what she would need for combat, that would come with practice, but it was enough that she got what he meant. She had felt what he was saying, and could now practice on her own. As soon as they opened their eyes, she attacked him, as if that interlude had never happened. Ichigo fended her blows off with focused, directed strikes and watched as her attacks became focused and directed, more considered than her moves from the start.

He slipped up a little, his foot rolling on stones, missing small outcroppings, and other details that his lack of focus was costing. It could have been fixed by taking a step into the air, but making training easy was missing the point.

"Keep breathing" he whispered to himself, doing so each time he lost the rhythm, for he was not just breathing hard, oh no that would have been too easy. It was a special way, a secret way, something that used parts of him he had not known he had. He could only be thankful for the fact that they had been just as strong as the rest of his body.

Ichigo sidestepped a downward slash and flicked his blade at Karin's head, turning the blade flat as he did so. Just touching her, then flashing away before her next attack could hit. She took a break for a moment, thinking about what had happened, and then was on him again. Around and around they went, as Ichigo struck her each time she made a mistake, and each time she came back just a bit better. Karin would be a terror if she dedicated herself to this; though he hoped that the will to use her power would not come at the price of having to lose something.

"Well," she said, pausing to breathe. "The hour is almost up." he blinked in surprise. "Now I'm going to take out my frustration on you and make you take me seriously!" before he could respond she spoke the words of power "Reign over the endless Void, Getsuryu (The Moon Dragon)" Black power flowered out of the sword and shrouded her, forming into a Shinigami Robe that warped and flickered over her body like a shadow itself. From her back, something that looked very much alive tore free. It looked like a small dragon, its scales smooth as obsidian and blacker than the void itself. The only thing that was not black was moonlight colored eyes, which gave him a single glance before encircling Karin's head. Its body boiling like liquid as its shape changed into that of a crown that hovered an inch out from his sister's brow. Her sword remained the same size, though all around him, the false light of the training dimension faded to be replaced by the moonlight emanating off her blade.

Her skin became paler, softer looking, and her eyes gained an otherworldly glint as she focused all her attention on him. "Getsuga," -he leaped back- "Tenshou!" She swung her blade and the power flowed forth, taking the form of a giant, serpentine dragon… in fact, if you replaced it with ice it would look very familiar... Before he could think too hard on that, his hand shot up, and he channeled his power to form his shield, the mark of the Quincy flaring to life as the attack opened it's maw and bit down on it.

It was his turn to be shoved across the landscape, his back slamming into a rather large cliff face and grinding into it. Somehow he kept his breathing and pushed back with all the might of his base form. He was doing fine up until the moment it exploded. The shield shattered, causing his blut to flare up to a blue brilliance as the stone behind him shattered. The darkness swallowed him in a flood of pain for a single intense moment. Then it vanished… only for the remnants of the cliff to collapse on top of him.

That part was merely annoying as he shoved and pushed his way out of the rubble, noting that he was now missing a shirt, one pant leg, and three-quarters of one shoe "Ouch," he said. Yuzu was staring at him with wide eyes, and he waved "Not hurt!" he called out. She blinked and blushed a little as Karin made a strangled sound.

He focused on her and nodded "That was awesome."

"Good 'cause I'm not done, Lunar Tide: Pull"

It came as a surprise when he was suddenly and abruptly yanked forward as the familiar shift of gravity encircled him. Had he not faced effects like that before, he might not have been able to react, the action did make him lose his breathing technique, but that was a work in progress.

His power flared blue-white as he dug into the air, slowly halting his progress, Karin's darkness flared in response, and the pull intensified. But his power kept rising, even in his base from it was greater than hers, and while he was not able to move back, he did stop about thirty feet away. He noted that her right hand was outstretched with its palm open and that with her left she was pointing her sword at him "Getsuga" he put both hands on his sealed blade.

"Getsuga," he intoned.

"Tenshou!" They both cried as the dragon of darkness shot forward in time with her swing, Ichigo focused his summoned power into the blade itself, making it burn like a torch against the oncoming night and brought his blade up. It took just about everything he had to do it; the attack was that strong, stronger than his own Getsuga Tenshou when he was only a month in. With a cry, he redirected the energy up and away, over his head to bend and slam into the ground far behind him and explode with such a force that the shockwave almost knocked him off his feet. One look at Karin told him that the more powerful Getsuaga came at the cost of much more power. He could modulate his attack, and perhaps that weakened it some, while he was willing to bet that Karin had to attack with that force.

Her breathing was almost ragged as she took a hold of her blade once again "Come on, Attack me, brother."

"Getsuga Tenshou," he replied, sending a small curved blast of energy, which Karin caught on her blade and held as she was pushed back almost fifteen feet before deflecting the reitsu up. It detonated in the air in a much smaller explosion.

"That's an hour," she gasped out and fell onto her back, her Shikai form vanishing, her sword turning into a shadow and merging with Karin's like water flowing into a pond. She looked at him "You know, they talk about how powerful you are. Yoruichi, Kisuke, they both do. I just don't think I ever fully understood it until now." She glanced over at Yuzu who was still staring as if in a trance, and given what she had seen of the fight he could not blame her.

Karin cursed under her breath and hissed "Yuzu" her sister blinked and looked over at her and blushed again before looking away.

"Both of you were so cool," she said.

"Right that's what you were thinking" Karin snarked before trying to get up and failing, Ichigo reached down and hauled her channeling his power into her body through the mark. "W-what are you-" Karin gasped before her whole body relaxed, and she made a small squeaking sound. "Ohh..." her breathing quickened even as her legs found new strength.

She took two steps away and shook herself before glaring at him, at his confused look she sighed and seemed to let it go "Thank you."

Ichigo nodded and went over to Yuzu. As he approached, she lowered her gaze, and he winced. "Hey," he said, using his hand to tilt her head up. Her eyes were very wide, and even a little scared, "We are still your siblings, no matter what you saw."

She blinked twice in confusion as behind her, Karin put her face in her hand "O-O-ok" she replied and looked down. Nodding Ichigo swept her up in his arms feeling her stiffen again but relaxing much faster than last time. Her head was tilted down so he could not see her expression, but he could have sworn he saw a horrified look flash over Karin's face. But as he looked harder, there was only her regular board expression.

Ok, well, that was weird, but he could ask later. "Let's hope Hat and Clogs has some extra shirts," he murmured as he and Karin began to move back to the stairs. "Well, Soccer practice is going to suck" Karin sighed. "I can feel the burn already. How freaking strong are you?"

"I am a Rook," he replied.

His sister rolled her eyes "Well, you go get Yuzu's shopping done and meet up with me later, bring popcorn, soda, and something sweet cause we are going to watch some sport, I don't care which."

"Noted, baby sis."

She gave him a hard look and brooked no dissent. "Good, cause you are going to sit down, relax, and like it, do you understand me?"

"Yes mam"

It was then that Yuzu entered the conversation. "So what can you tell me about this Koneko girl? I would like to be able to talk to her about something when she comes over." she paused for a moment "Also do you have any big plans this week?"

"When Asia and Akeno have their turns, I am going to take them on the date they deserve after you two are heading off to bed." he hummed "Beyond that I need to catch up with my old friends, introduce you to the rest of my new friends and if your willing to help, I want to work out with you what kind of party we can do for everyone on the last day of Vacation."

"I would love to help," she nodded eagerly "We can buy most of the stuff we will need on this trip."

"I just hope your dates are relaxing," Karin murmured.

"They are" he said, drawing a skeptical look that made him laugh. "Trust me, Karin, I fully plan for nothing bad to happen on this vacation.

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"Lord Tokinada" The man glanced up from his screen and the servant was very careful not to flinch. The screen looked upon a scene of carnage, dozens of the poor and destitute taken off the street thrown into a pit and told that only one of them was getting out. The poor souls were told that they had to fight for their lives and left with that. It looked like the fight was winding down, a single man stood over the body of a woman, her hand clenched around his ankle, fingers digging into his legs so hard they drew blood.

"Shikuyama" The green-haired man said with a pleasant almost giddy tone to his voice "Please come in, take a seat and enjoy the show."

Not daring to refuse his lord, the man dressed head to toe in black, with a mask across his face moved to sit down, "I think I will actually let this one live" the man cooed. He pressed a few buttons and the screen was zoomed in to the man's face. There was a crunching sound that signified the women's death "Tell me Shikuyama what do you see?"

Even for one as thoroughly trained and conditioned as a Death Guard could not help but feel sick. Not that it mattered, not that he would or even could show it. Before him was the man who held the reins of government. He was told to protect him at all costs and literally could not do anything less. "Horror, despair" he replied with a practiced dispassion "Like is about to try and kill himself."

"Oh no" Tokinada turned his green hair whipping around his head "we cannot have that, guilt like that has to be savored, has to be...cultivated" he pressed a button and gas began to fill the room as the screen went blank. The Nobel shivered "Honestly there are so few who get to experience such a depth of despair, blackness so deep that their very soul is crushed" To the death guard that smile was the most terrifying thing he had ever seen "You would think they would thank me, thank me for ending their pitiful existence, sending them back into the wheel of reincarnation faster. You would think they would be overjoyed to feel something that so few have ever achieved." a joy that was something close to sexual appeared on the man's face "At least I have the pallet to enjoy it."

The Death guard did not say anything to that as he waited to fulfill his duty, the man got up and poured two drinks handing one to the guard "A toast to art" The death guard raised his glass and drank, in that moment not caring if it was poisoned...in fact the small part of him that was still his own person might have preferred it.

"Well thank you for listening Shikuyama, I must admit I have had to terminate so many who did not know the value of a good conversation, now what brings you to me?"

The guard handed him a paper "Message from Captain Kurotsuchi with the time and date when he will be ready for the procedure."

Tokinada opened the scroll and read it "Well, this is a bit slower than I had hoped but I do like his specifications about how much more powerful this weapon is going to be…" he pursed his lips "So I will forgive him the speed" he put down the paper "Tell the Death Guard, they move to capture the target on Sunday, I want it on the good Captain's operating table as soon as possible."

"They will be done Lord" Shikuyama whispered before departing the room as quickly as he felt he was allowed.

Tokinada watched the man go with a smile on his face, good help was hard to find but once you did it was invaluable. "Tell me" he asked the empty room "How much do you think this is going to hurt him?" he paused for a second to answer his own question "Hurt the Ryoka? Oh, it will drive him to the depths of despair from which there is no return" Tokinada smiled "And when that happens, will you be dead or...will you come to us with murder in your eyes?" that last part did not matter in the slightest. The Ryoka was an obstacle and to a man on the way to absolute power well...obstacles had to be removed. This Ryoka had been and still was a force of change and not the kind of change that Tokinada wanted for himself. "Or" he waved a hand "He could find the resolve and push through." that last one would be dangerous but he doubted it would come to that, everyone had a breaking point. It was all about finding the right leverage, and on that note, Tokinada dismissed the Ryoka from his mind. The next time he would hear about it, he fully expected to receive news of his death, or news of his breaking, either one worked. He had other things to think about, plans to bring the Goto 13 into the fold, ferment resentment among the poor, refill his prison with new toys, and most importantly of all. Bask in the greatness that was himself, leader of the new government, and in time...perhaps even King, and not the husk of a thing that was the Soul King, but the kind of King this place truly deserved."

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It took a bit for Yuzu to get comfortable with the fact that she could get anything she wanted. Even then she was careful, buying led lights to replace the ones going out. Upgrading on their old vacuum cleaner, buying the nice work she wanted to try cooking with. There were a lot of small items like that, and she moved with the efficiency of a mother on the move.

It was the reason why when they dropped it all off at home he decided to treat her to a little something special. It had occurred to even his slow mind that Yuzu might be impressed by things that had long become commonplace.

Which was why they were currently about a thousand feet in the air, flying over what seemed like the endless pacific ocean. "Faster" his sister howled as she snuggled tightly against him, her eyes wide with excitement as they dove for the water. She screamed as the blue rushed at her only for him to pull up at the last second and skim just over the tops of the waves. He spun from side to side to avoid the bigger waves. He manifested a shield in front of them and rammed through a larger one shooting up skyward in a shower of salt water that peppered their bodies in a pleasant chill.

"Nee-san!" she howled as her body shivered with the sudden cold of the water and air. He focused on his power of Imagination, holding the image of a cocoon of warm air around them as he pulled to a stop to hover over the coast of Japan. Below them fishing boats went about their work, Yuzu sucked in several breaths as the adrenaline flooded her system. "This is amazing," she whispered. "Is this what it is like for you all the time?"

"A little" he admitted.

"Wow"

Ichigo's eyes snapped to the west as he felt a surge of corruptive power, this little trip had the upside of avoiding the hollows that had been stalking his sister. But now it seemed that more than a few were...rising up from the sea? He hugged Yuzu tighter to him, just for a moment so she did not see when he pulled out his hollow. Dragging it from the depths of his soul, White appeared behind him, the perfect position for a surprise attack...but White was him, White could no more hurt his baby sisters than he could. He did not need to say anything, but he did mouth the words "Kill them" It was the command of a king to his horse, and White responded with zero hesitation vanishing from sight. Mere seconds later, the sensation of other hollows began to die away. "So Yuzu, where do you want to go, what do you want to see?"

"Mt Fuji" she said at once.

He laughed "Of course, well no time like the present"

"It will have to be quick," she said, "I need to start dinner soon."

"As you command Lady Yuzu," he said in a baritone. She made a happy sound as they shot off back over the mainland, his hollow following soon after, always at a distance and much more proactive with any hollow that got close.

Wrapped as they were in a bubble of warm air Yuzu was free to just take it all in, the landscape, the houses, the car, and people. This perspective, flying above the world there were few views like it. So she barely noticed as he began to circle, searching for a place that was hardcoded into his memory even if it was foggy.

A memory of a time his mother had been pregnant and his father had taken them on a trip for what he called the best view in the world. "I see it" Yuzu whispered, the clouds parting to reface the snow-capped peak of the natural wonder of Japan. She did not seem to have any more words for the moment, and that was when Ichigo found the proper place. He began to slow and lower them towards the ground. Yuzu looked down and her eyes went wide as he brought them to a stop in a grove of the most lovely Sakura trees she had ever seen. He sat her down and held her shoulders until her wobbly feet would support her then let go to take a spot at her side. "When I was very little, our dad took me and mom to this spot." Yuzu became very still. "We had a picnic right here, I don't remember what it was but I know it was good. Dad and mom stood under those trees right there" he pointed to two of the larger ones, and the wind began to blow and wiped the pink leaves around him in a scene right out of an anime...Looking back I can guess that dad had a hand in that...but it is one of the happiest memories of my life." he put his hand on her head "But it does not compare to the moment I became your big brother."

He heard some sniffles as she reached to intertwined her hand with his "Yuzu Kurosaki, you are amazing, I am in awe of you, of how you act, how you push on. How you deal with all of us and the crazy that we bring, I am in awe of how strong you are, because when I was faced with the fact that I was powerless I ran. I ran away because I could not stand it…" he gently leaned over to kiss her forehead "I want you to know that no matter what anyone says" he gently tapped her heart "no matter what you say, You Yuzu Kurosaki are perhaps the most amazing person in our family."

At those, he felt a pulse of something, something within the earth as if the very land itself for just a moment took notice. The wind began to whip and pink leaves began to swirl around them, neither sibling could say anything for at that moment there was only the present.

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Issei Hyoudou let out a nervous breath, he could feel eyes on him. Jealous eye...granted it was not because he had Kiba levels of good looks, no it was because both of his arms were draped around some of the most gorgeous girls in town. He was a bit better dressed than normal, with a black colored shirt with the Gremory symbol on the back. The sleeves were a little short but his arms, now showing visible lean muscles did not look too bad to him.

Momo looked like a dream, with a yellow tank top with two layers to the clothing. One part was almost skinned tight and he would admit drool-inducing. Her huge oppai strained against its hold, but on top of it was a covering called a frilly crop top, it was an almost see-through and thus was tantalizing to the extreme. Her skirt was a deep green almost an inch shorter than the school uniform skirts. Which had Issei praying for random wind gusts, long knee-high socks, and slip-on black shoes completed the outfit.

On his other arm, Ruruka looked just as stunning, around her chest was a tight almost elastic white band that went from under her shoulders to just above her belly button. While her oppai was nowhere near as massive as her friend, the tightness of the covering made it clear that they were there and they were nothing to sneer at. Over that band, she was wearing some sort of shirt that covered her shoulders and arms but seemed to have had its middle cut out so that anyone could see the tight strap she was wearing. Her skirt was slightly shorter than what Momo was wearing, though its color was a solid black. He had caught or more likely been allowed to catch a flash of her pantsu, It was a pink thing with two small red bows on the front and back, stretched comfortably tight over her backside.

They were going on another date, another date! Last night's one had been slow, careful, really a test run in his mind to see if he could get through it without hyperventilating. And he got through most of the night, only having to resort to a paper bag when they had been walking back to the hotel and passed a fountain. Some part of him had expected hurt and disappointment from the two girls who were trying their best to help a wreck like him. But none of that had been evident as they stayed with him. Holding him, giving him encouraging words and acting with complete understanding. It was that last part that gave him the courage to try again.

So he endured the stares of jealousy as they were taken to their booth why they all squeezed into one side. This place they were at was not the fanciest place but it did have a higher price tag that Issei could normally afford. However, Rias had just dropped a card in his hand and told him to have fun while he was here on vacation and honestly, he could not think of a better way to spend money than on these two.

"You're looking a lot better," Ruruka said, her lovely eyes sparkling like they always did.

"Ya well" he scratched the back of his head "I feel a lot better about this ya know"

"Well this is our second date," Momo said with a gentle emphasis on that word "And if our first one was any judge, it's going to be amazing."

"Uh" he scratched the back of his head nervously "Thank you"

In short order, they were brought menus and made their orders and Issei took a moment to really look around the restaurant, rather than stare at Momo and Ruruka's oppai the whole time. It was a small venue with close-packed booths, a bar with some chairs and it was rather full as it approached meal time. The walls were wooden with pictures of the family that owned and operated the restaurant going back three generations.

They were still the center of attention or rather he felt Momo and Ruruka were the centers of attention but somehow that made him feel a bit taller, a bit more vibrant in knowing that they for whatever reason had picked him.

"How is your mom and sister doing Momo?" he said, turning his gaze back to her, he remembered her talking about having to move her family which included her single mother and little sister out of Kohu doing the battle.

She gave him a radiant smile "They are doing well, Kaichou made sure they had the best housing available, and I talk to them every day." She winched a little at her next words "They don't know I am still in the city, I told them that I am with Kaichou which is true but well I left out a little bit of it."

"What do they public think happened?" he mused.

"No one is sure," Ruruka said, there are way too many videos and people who saw all the explosions, the water that fell from the sky, and a dozen other things. The Japanese government with the support of our people are working to downplay and try to make it seem false. Though Kaichou expects Khou's population to drop sharply of its original citizenry and then boom with seekers of all kinds. Knowledge, occult, conspiracy theorist, tv shows the works.

"Oh" Issei blinked slowly "I see"

"Anyway, thanks to Kaichou they are going to come back to a home much better than they left free of charge" Momo finished.

"Wow" was all he could say in return "Buchou is doing the same for my folk's place, as far as I can tell everyone is getting an upgrade."

"Most" Momo nodded "Some of them are moving in"

"What?"

"Akeno, Koneko, Asia, and probably Rias, are going to move in with Kaichou." That insistently sent images of a kind that were inappropriate given his company. But of course being girls they seemed to know the direction of these thoughts.

"It's not impossible" Ruruka grinned "Though my bet is that Sona will only tolerate Rias doing things like that to her." There was a moment of pause "Well her sister… you know what I'm not going to think too hard on that." too bad for her as he sure as hell was.

"Stop it" Momo leaned over and took his arm, putting it between her Oppai and squeezing with a pleasant tightness. The moment yanked his mind back to where he wanted it to be most, and that was right here. "Stop teasing him."

"Sorry" Ruruka did the same, though not quite to the same effect as her friend, it was just as good. All Oppai were amazing, not just the big ones "But after years of Gen-kun not even bothering to notice, well it's kind of fun."

"Well, I am glad to be a source of amusement" Issei replied with one hundred percent certainty"Now how are your mom and dad doing?"

"Same as Momo's Kaichou has them in the best place, they know I am with Kaichou...and mine also know that I am a devil so I can be a little more honest."

"Really?" Issei asked.

"Its a long story but to make it real quick, my mom found one of the papers and used to summon a devil to fulfill her wish...she got me" the girl shivered "She and dad were...um...naked when they did that and though they never told me why they were summoning I think it was to get… a partner for a threesome."

Issei blanched at the thought of arriving in a similar situation "That sounds scaring"

"Not just for me" she shook her head "But it turned out for the best, I told them what had happened, Kaichou and I had a long talk with them. Kaichou gave them...contacts that more suited their desired contracts. We never spoke of the incident again and things have gone pretty well."

"How are your folks doing?"

Issei smiled "Buchou gave them a cruise."

Their food arrived and it was really good, each getting large bowls of noodles, soup filled with the most delicious and fattening things you could imagine. "So what are you girls planning on doing tonight," Issei asked when he was able to slow down and enjoy the food.

"Well we have some popcorn, some soda, and lots of movies on the hotel TV, we were kind of hoping you wanted to Netflix and chill with us so to speak."

Well that sounded like a lot of fun "Sure, I like movies, have not had much of a chance to watch for a while so why not." Both girls looked highly amused at his words and that was fine though he could not help but get the feeling he might have missed the point of the question...no that was not possible, Netflix and chill were pretty clear. You chilled out and watched tv, it occurred to him that he would be alone with them in their hotel room…perhaps if he was feeling really brave they might let him cop a feel.

"Good, we really hoped you would say that" Momo leaned over and kissed his cheek, after which Ruruka did the same. For the rest of the dinner, a dopey grin was stuck to his face and he didn't mind in the slightest.

By the time they left the restaurant, it was growing dark...which meant they could all see better and felt more energetic. Such was the life of being a devil, he walked with a girl in each arm as they made their way back to the hotel, it felt a little odd to walk without fear down alleys, and quiet streets, going whichever way was the fastest. None of them felt any fear of doing so, even with the monsters Ichigo said roamed this place. Of course, neither they nor the monsters could sense each other so that made some sense. "This place" he said after a bit "There is something about this place" absently minded he scratched his right arm.

"I mean we know it's weird" Momo offered "Not that we can sense it or anything."

Issei shook his head "This place feels" she seemed to struggle for the right words "Heavier" Both girls looked at him with more than a little concern, " Guess I will just ask Ichigo when I see him again" he shook it off "Not really a big deal"

"Well if it does become one you know who you can come to," Ruruka said.

Issei smiled at them both "That means a lot, thank you both"

"Good" Momo nodded. "And there is our hotel, let's go Netflix and chill."

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Ichigo sensed Koneko before she knocked, the smell of cooking fish had filled the house and he felt the Neko stop. Felt the flare of her power as her cat parts emerged, sensed the way she had to fight them down before knocking on the door.

He shook his head, a little disappointed that she had decided to hide them but understood. It was her body and since she was more than willing to show them in private he could let it be. Karin watched him as he got up to walk to the door, the girl had been giving him the stink eye ever since he and Yuzu returned. She had taken one look at the Radiant Yuzu and seemed to take offense to something. Well perhaps she thought he worked harder on her sister than herself, he would have to use tomorrow to prove her wrong.

Waiting until he heard the knock on the door and pulled it open with a smile, Koneko...had changed clothes. She looked adorable, in a long yellow sundress and a wide straw hat. It took him a moment to get that they were for her to be able to hide the cat-like part of her body should they emerge. While her expression was the same calm mask it usually was, the pattern of dress that told him that she was nervous. He pulled her to his chest encircling his arms around her, careful not to muss her hat "How was your day Koneko?"

"Fun," she said dryly returning the embrace "Rias and the others are still out there, exploring, shopping, and stuff like that."

"Well I'm glad you could make it" he led her inside "Just in case everyone needs a refresher this is Koneko Tenjou and she is only one year younger than me so don't you dare dad." Said man looked like he had been about to say something stupid but his mouth snapped shut and he coughed.

"Right, well Koneko be welcome in our home."

Koneko swayed a little and nodded before her nose twitched again "Fish?" she said hopefully.

"Yep, my mom's secret recipe Ichi-ni told me what you liked so that's what I made."

The Rook actually teared up a bit "Thank you" she mumbled linking her hand in his and her strength was such that he could feel the nervous tension in her body.

"Karin" he spoke gently.

The girl glanced up and nodded "Sup"

"Sup" Koneko responded.

They both locked eyes in a stare that seemed to transfer more information than was actually apparent. Karin paused to put down her book, look at the girl for a long hard few seconds. After a moment she shrugged "Well, welcome I guess."

"Thank you"

Ichigo led her over to the couch but she skipped it and pulled him past the thing and over to the chair he normally sat at. She gave him a look and he debated just for a moment as to if he should give in...then decided that it was not worth it. So he sat down and Koneko made herself comfortable on his lap.

Over that the Kitchen Yuzu stared at them with a look of what he could not place on her face, she mumbled something and looked down to where she was preparing the food. "Do you need help?" he asked.

"Huh?" she blinked looking up "No, no, no I got" she smiled sweetly "Besides you did all the work taking me to Mom and Dad's spot It's my turn to help."

"Our spot?" Isshin asked.

"The one under Mt Fuji" at her words the expression on Isshin's face went through a series of changes, memory, joy, pain, nostalgia, and something more.

"Ah" he wiped his eyes "I forgot you were old enough to remember Ichigo" This was his dad when he was truly remembering their mom. There was no dramatic crying towards the poster, no mention really, his eyes were just drawn to it and the bittersweet smile on his face was pure. "That" he nodded "That is something I should do with all of you."

For a moment the Kurosaki Family was united in their dad's words "I would like that a lot" Karin whispered.

"Good" he nodded sharply "I will make some plans, we will go before your brother leaves...at some point."

"Take all the time you need," Ichigo assured him.

"Right, right, this is no talk for our guest" he went over and took a seat on the couch so he could give Koneko the parent stare. "So how long have you known my son" And as they sat there, his dad tried to pick his girlfriend's brain clean about every detail of their relationship. From the way he spoke Ichigo guessed he had done the same to Tsubasa...though he suspected she might have told him much more than he bargained for. Koneko for her part was calm, direct, polite, and only glared when she felt a question was too prying...

By the time he was done with his interrogation, Ichigo had his arms around the girl and murmured his awe at her patience into her ear. "Lastly," Isshin said, "How many children do you want?"

Ichigo winced but was surprised when Koneko answered "I don't mind how many" there was a tone of longing in her voice and he made sure to keep his mouth shut. After all right now, and for the extended future having children could or even would kill her. He gave his dad a look that told him to leave off and after a moment his old man nodded.

Thankfully Yuzu had finished dinner and so Koneko got to experience what she would later call the best fish in the world and she had tasted Akeno's baked fish. "So what do you do?" Karin said during dinner, "I mean what's your job in this...Peerages thing?"

"I smash stuff, people, obstacles, rocks, and if I can't smash it I'm throwing it or trying to smash it."

Karin made a humming sound "I take it the source of your strength does not actually correlate to muscles?"

"Yes and no, becoming stronger the real way will help but" she shrugged "As you might guess my body type is not the best for that."

Karin laughed "Nice, that's something I would not mind getting ahold off" Both Isshin and Yuzu looked at her and she shrugged "Just idle thoughts, I have no intention of drifting any further away from humans than I have to."

Koneko shrugged at that "I was never human, to begin with, so I don't really have those kinds of hangups."

"Oh um" Yuzu blushed "Is it impolite to ask"

Before she could finish Koneko shook her head "You, but I don't really want to answer."

"Ah" Yuzu sounded understanding but disappointed "Ok"

"Perhaps when I get more comfortable around you all, I don't know if you can tell but I am incredibly nervous" They all stared at her with her dry monotone speaking, her calm expression, and easy cadence.

"Sure," Karin said drawing out the world "Nervous"

That got a little smile from the Neko and Ichigo deftly changed the subject "So what did you, Rias, and everyone else get up to?"

"Mostly exploring, Sona was a bit late as she had to deal with some discipline issues, one a completely unrelated note Tsubasa Yura did not join us today."

"Oh" he tried to keep his face neutral but now that he was thinking about it, he could literally feel the Rook's satisfaction all the way across town. It was an odd mutation to the bond he shared with so many, Tusbausa Yura was satisfied with some residual pain still affecting her body...something she was enjoying immensely. He blinked, once then twice before he pushed the sense away and came back to himself. "Rias and Akeno even took the time to help some high school students getting mugged" this time the rook really did smile "The look on their faces as a bunch of girls kicked them from here to kingdom come was amazing. One of them, I think his name was Keigo, tried to ask Akneo out right there. She let him down easy, though the other one seemed more amused by the whole ordeal."

Ichigo winched "Was his name Mizurio?"

"Yes, do you know them?"

"They are two of the people I am going to meet tomorrow. I guess I will have to thank Rias for the save."

"May I ask how did you two meet?" Yuzu interrupted "If it's not too personal."

Ichigo nodded "It all started when I actually bought her some candy" he patted her on the head "This one had quite the sweet tooth when there are no fish around." Koneko made a playful swat at his fingers but it was not enough to make him stop "She was looking at a candy store window with such longing and...and well I kind of assumed she was around your ages" he gestured at both his sister's so I bought her some candy.

"Only after I made it clear to him that I was not a little girl" Koneko growled

"Yeh" Ichigo said "My shin was hurting for a week after that."

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"Um, do you want me to heal that?" Asia asked very gently.

She, Akeno, shared the hotel room with the Rook of Sitiri as well as Koneko though she was going to be gone all night. Tsubasa Yura was lying on her stomach with a pillow under her thighs keeping her pelvis elevated off the bed. She was only wearing her shirt and that was it, leaving her still red bottom naked for all to see. The Rook glanced over from the episode of Iron chef she was watching and smiled just a little "One Sona would just repeat this season on my ass if she found out I accepted any healing, Two I don't mind and I think you two can understand my meaning" Akeno gave her lascivious grin but said nothing "Three while I don't mind the idea of having a repeat of today I have to make sure my King thinks this is actually a punishment.

Asia blushed even though she had experienced a few of the same things herself, however she did not think she enjoyed it as much as the girl across from her did. "So" Akeno gave her a stern look "I know Ichigo is going to take us on a date next week and I know it seems to be his policy to wait for sex until then. However are you doing to take that Asia-chan"

The girl gulped and spoke with a rabbits voice "N-N-no"

"Good" the queen leaned back on her bed "So tell me exactly what you are doing to do to him when the lights go out."

Yura turned her head to watch Iron Chef and ignore the two girls, she honestly did not expect Asia to actually pull off what Akeno was coaching her on. Not unless the girl had some steel to her that the Rook had not seen yet, Akeno on the other hand well she fully expected the girl to seduce their man before the night was done when it was her turn. Not that Yura minded, after all" she smiled to herself "She had beaten both of them to that prize."

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Rias, Sona, Serafall, and Orihime shared a different hotel room though only the kings were there at the moment. Both girls lay back on their shared bed, well shared for the moment, Serafall had claimed the bed when they were sleeping, so it was Rias that ended up with Orihime at night. And what fun they were, the girl made the cutest sounds of embarrassment at Rias's habit of sleeping in the nude. And it was the girls own fault for being so warm, soft and huggable, who could blame her for wrapping the girl up at night. Though in all seriousness her sleeping habits might need to be looked into by a specialist if she automatically would latch onto whoever was sharing the bed with her.

"You seem more tired then I would have thought" she teased her friend

"I kind of used a lot of my willpower this morning" the Sitiri heiress muttered "I was so angry, and now I feel stupid as to how I thought that particular order would be obeyed."

"Well my brother said a good leader does not give orders that will not be obeyed" she paused "or at least has the power to make sure that everyone obeys" she laughed "I'm not spotless on that record either as one might see with the whole Kokabel incident."

"Yes..well" Sona blinked "That's right, where is your new knight?"

"She will follow in a few days, she is spending some time with Vasco, getting used to her new body, speed, and strength, I think the old priest is teaching her a thing or two."

"Well growth in any form is good" Sona rolled over to look at Rias and the redhead did the same.

"Tell me something, did you ever see us in this sort of situation?"

Rias shook her head "I mean I had some fantasy about us fighting over the same guy and me winning but no" she reached out and brushed a strand of Sona's hair away from her eyes, the gesture surprisingly intimate. "No I did not foresee this, and believe you me if I had I would have found a way to milk this for all it was worth."

Sona felt a shiver go through her body at her best friends touch "You know I truly believe that"

"You should, I am baaaad devil" Rias drew out the world in a western accent.

"You did steal the teddy bear"

Wow just saying those words took both of them back, "Seras" Lady Gremory whispered as both embraced in a hug that was just short of improper….not that Lord Gremoy who was watching the scene would have minded.

"Venelana it has been far too long" their foreheads touched for a moment as they savored the memory of their youth but only for a moment. They parted and Venelana took a step back "The last time you saw this little one she was nursing.

"Mom" A little Rias moaned. She was only about two feet tall though her long red hair had grown out past her waist. Her mother had dressed her in a casual shirt and skirt and brushed her hair with a shine.

"Well, the last time you saw this one" Saras's expression flickered "Well it was not in the best of circumstances." She gently tugged the little girl out from behind her, Little Sona had been in an almost formal black dress, her wide eyes taking in this new place and settling on the redhead her size. "Sona" her mother urged "What do we say?

"Oh" she took in a breath and bowed "Nice to meet you"

"Rias" Venelana chided.

"Oh right, hello" she pranced over to the new girl and grabbed her hand "Wanna come play in my room, there are lots of toys and big brother hardly ever plays with me anymore."

"Um" Sona looked back to her mother in panic as Rias began to drag her off.

"Have fun you two" Venelana called out "Remember to share."

"Ah" Rias laughed at the memory "Leave it to you to pick on the one toy I did not want to share."

"I could not have known that it was a gift from the Maou"

"Yes, we had quite the fight over it"

"That was my first fight" Sona admitted "And we ended up tearing the darn thing"

"And getting punished for not sharing"

"Well I got punished for helping to break the thing and after that it was."

"Rivals for life" Both girls said at the exact same time in the exact same manner "I thought we would hate each other" Rias giggled.

"So did I, I guess we can both be grateful our mothers saw it for what it was."

"You mean they forced to together until we were friends"

Sona shook her head "It was pride on my part, I wanted to be your friend but I was scared."

Rias sighed "Now you have to go and make it all weird…" she shrugged "I guess I was a little worried too but it worked out."

"Sure for now, but where do you see this going?"

Rias looked her friend right in the eye, her expression piercing and thoughtful "Do you really want to know what I think?" Sona nodded "It honestly would be easier to show you and very quickly tell me if I am wrong."

Sona frowned a little and tried to ignore the sudden rise of butterflies in her belly as her mind worked out the possible course of events that could unfold. Her mouth felt dry and body tense as she nodded. A small yelp escaped her as Rias rolled on top of her pinning her to the bed, her large breasts pressing into her smaller ones. Sona's lips parted a little as her best friend leaned down and kissed her. Not a chaste kiss either but a full-on, hardcore kiss that seemed to steal the breath from your lungs. Rias pulled back and licked her lips "Wow you taste good" her eyes were burning with the power of destruction, Sona's own were vibrating like ripples in a pond "Well" Rias asked, "What do you think?" Sona did not answer, she just stared with wide eyes. "Ah, guess you need another test?"

Sona found her head nodding as Rias kissed her again and this time she fully responded, she could not move very well with Rias on top of her but her hands moved to encircle the girl's waist and they were both squirming in place. When Rias pulled away again she said "I want an answer Sona, is this where you think our relationship could go?" For a moment her pide held her lips in place, but that only lasted a second and she gave her a small nod "No" Rias whispered "You have to say it"

"Yes" Sona gasped "This is what I thought, but I wondered if you would not feel the same. If I was reading into things."

Rias made a sound of approval "Honestly I was thinking the same thing, I knew the group bond was powerful but I….you know before all this is I" she shook her head "No matter I think we have an answer"

"Yes" Sona blinked back tears as she licked her own lips "I think we do"

The Gremory Heiress leaned down and kissed the Sitiri Heiress, as their mothers had done so long ago.

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Karin waited until everyone went to bed, waited until she knew they were asleep before slipping out of her covers and moving to stand in the hall with her arms crossed. As she expected their guests gently padded out of her guest room and froze when Karin made a motion down the stairs "Not going to stop you and my brother from...doing whatever it is you do, I just want to talk." there had not been a chance this night as the girl had shown no intent to meet them one on one. Something that made Karin suspect that she had been telling the truth about her nervousness. Still, the girl followed and took a seat on the couch as Karin did the same "I wanted to talk to you" she said, cutting right to the point. "About my brother and something else." Koneko nodded but did not say anything " While I am sure you know this, I will make it clear anyway. My brother has a lot of trouble living for himself" Koneko tilted her head a little as she watched her.

"My brother will put just about anyone before himself if it comes down to it, I need to know that you, that everyone he had decided to share his life with will not let him just throw away his everything." Koneko nodded slightly "He is dolt, a lovable, strong, caring, dolt and he needs firm hands to guide him to make sure he is happy. And I don't he feels happy, I man that does things that make him happy, that he learns there is more to life than fighting, fucking and training." She leaned forward "He needs to remember that beyond everything he is right now, Ichigo Kurosaki is a person and a person has limits even if they only exist in the mind." She reached out and grabbed Koneko's hand making sure their eyes were locked onto one another "Please promise me you will help him be happy."

"I promise"

Karin nodded "Thank you" and let go of the girl's hands "Now about the other thing...she let out a sigh "As I am sure you noticed, Yuzu has a...infatuation with our brother."

Koneko nodded "I could smell it"

"That...I did not need to know that, anyway I and someone else are working to turn that unhealthy energy towards something else and I was wondered what you thought of it"

Koneko tilted her head again, and her gold eyes glowed in the dark "I truly do not care" she said at last "I have no stake in this nor would I if your sister acted or did not." At Karin's expression, the Neko winched "I'm sorry but that is my truth, I am with him, I want to make him happy, I want to be happy myself. I don't care how many he is with, because he loves me. He loves how I look, how I act, all my problems and issues, that is what I care about."

Karin leaned back and closed her eyes "I...can respect that, however, I would ask that you do not encourage Yuzu."

"I will not" Koneko agreed.

"Good, that's one thing out of the way, now I somehow have to get through his thick skull that taking a girl to sakura trees under Mt Fuji is not the kind of message he should be giving even if it's a place where mom and dad took him."

That got a smile from Koneko "You know he is probably very proud of himself about that."

"I know" Karin groaned "And honestly if it had been me or if sis was not such a brocon it would have been fine."

The Neko stood up "Thank you for having this talk with me Karin Kurosaki, if you ever need any help" the Neko flicked her a paper. "Put your blood on the circle and call me."

Karin looked like she was struggling not to imminently throw it in the trash "Oh...ok"

With one last smile, the Neko left the girl on the couch and with perfect quiet made her way up the stairs and to a simple wooden door. She waited as Karin came back up, still holding the paper she noted and slipped into her room. The Neko waited until she heard the sound of the girl lying down in bed before gently pushing it open.

She had kind of expected what she saw, Ichigo Kurosaki was fully dressed and sitting on his bed his eyes closed. His normal brown eyes opened as she entered and he stood up to walk over, pull her up off her feet into a kiss and close the door behind her. Now that they were by themselves her cat ears and tail exploded out as she tried to grab him tighter "Not here" he whispered, "I don't feel comfortable with how easy it is to hear things through the wall."

Koneko gave him a look, "No I was not spying on you and Karin, she was probably reading you the riot act" he shook his head "Honestly I don't think she realizes how like me she is...or perhaps she does and that is what worries her. Anyway, I have a place to take us where we can have some fun, how does that sound?" Koneko leaned into his neck gently teething his skin with her canines and purring loudly "I will take that as a yes" he whispered.

The neko felt as they left the ground and went out the window and the excitement, blessedly free from her heat, excitement that was purely her own flooded her body. Tonight was going to be a good night, she could tell.

Neither of them noticed a black cat leaping into the air to follow them.

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And we leave it at that, and I have to tell you all that I really like writing chapters like this, I am currently working just about every day and its so relaxing to come home and write sexy funny things that make me laugh.

Anyway as some people pointed out there has been very little in the way of pov from other characters so I splashed in a little more, Issei is getting lucky, Sona and Rias are becoming their mothers, Ichigo is being the best big brother he can be and no one is going to tell him otherwise. Yourichi is a voyeur and hey right in the middle of this damn thing you got a look at one of our villains and how he thinks. I hope you all liked it even if it was a bit all over the place.

By the time this chapter is up my little side story on A03 where we look at what is going on with both of our boys and see my interpretation of how it went.

Now onto the comments of the week.

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Hollowichigo12

I do look forward to seeing the Head Captain's reaction to Ichigo having a harem now. I can almost picture him either freezing in place or yelling 'what' at that piece of news. Though it sounds like the Gotei 13 is doing the tried and true method of a political marriage alliance with Ichigo and Rukia.

Was the scent thing with Yuzu based on the scent thing from Demon Slayer? I remember some humans in Demon Slayer smell really good to demons.

For the first part you will just have to imagine his reaction, though in my mind I don't think that would bother him over much, I see his reaction more along the lines of "This really does not change our plans at all" followed by "It might actually make the easier."

As for the second part, ya its were I got the idea but I put my own twist on it.

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Black Magic99

So is saji the new yamcha? thinks he is all that but slowly disappears in the background? i just dont see what place he has with the main cast. somehow you made everyone relevant (except the les girl) in some way. but saji was just there. lol he is probably more relevant off screen as he is, than him being with everyone.

He will be back dont worry, he just needed a change of scenery, some time to develop his powers, give Lady Seras enough time to *Punch*Smash*Crack* (Author limps back to the keyboard) Lady Seras to be the best teacher with ulterior motives whatsoever.

So far the only place im not with you is God. i get that ichigo is an anime MC but not only does he have the Q god connected with him (meh whatever) has a connection with aizen who may not but all bad and is definitely not a future problem (meh why not) but God? is a part of him too? WHYYYYYYYY L?

To that first part he is no longer connected to the Quincy God, the White God cut that off a while ago as well as Ichigo's connection to the Soul King that all Shigamai have.

As for Azien and the White God well I just wanted to and it fit into the narrative in my head as for how this story is going. Thats all really.

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Hybrid Sin Genesis

Loving your work as always. By the way, have you seen 5th anniversary Ichigo from Bleach Brave Souls? It looks amazing in my opinion

I mean I already stole the bow idea and pieces of his current bankai from from Brave Souls, I will definately be using the new form shown because Holy Shit it looks cool.

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Beowolf 43

I like it so far, but one thing that absolutely MUST happen to improve the quality of this story is a more even distribution of the two casts. Bleach characters haven barely received any screen time if they werent Ichigo's friends and or family.( Kisuke and co fall into grey area). Rangiku, Renji Toshiro Byakuya Kenpachi and the rest. I just feel that focusing so much on Yamamoto and Kurotsuchi whenever you show that little bit of the Seiretei is just doing them a bit of a disservice.

Sorry about that, most of this story is about Ichigo so a lot of what you see the Seiretei get up to is what connects to Ichigo's story

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SilverSurfer24

Great chapter overall, though I have to respectfully disagree with your interpretation of Ichigo's view of what a harem should be.

Understandable.

Still, to say that Ichigo is okay with his girlfriends being in an open relationship where they all can do what they want is just so far off from what I believe a Devil would act like.

I really wish I had been better at articulating what my thought process about how this would work. I was speaking of Inter Harem relationships between the various girls within his Harem and how he would not be jealous of that. But me being me I managed to fuck that up. But at the very least I got a lot of fun conversations with people about that Authors note.

I hope the clears some of what I was trying to get it, I mean I have Sona and Rias making out in this chapter lol.

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Comment of the Week

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Aesir 19

I was very entertained by the dialogue around Yuzu, you can already see the plan being hatched by Serafall if Yuzu truly wants to be with Ichigo. You have me stumped on what has changed with her powers the make her ambrosia to Hollows.

With her life being in danger at Karakura, and I think you mentioned during a conversation between the Maou many chapters ago, that Devil powers are anathema to Hollows. This would point to Yuzu being safest if she returns to Kouh (Devil territory) with Ichigo and his new family (and furthers Sera's plan!). Assuming they survive the Soul Society's stupidity.

You my friend are very astute =)