Disclaimer: I don't own bleach or any of its characters, nor do I make any money from this. This fic is purely recreational.

This fic takes place after the winter war, while the soul society is enjoying an overdue but shortlived peace.

A/N:So this is my first fic, it's a yaoi mostly Ichi/Renji, but there are other pairings as well. Please review, any feedback or criticism will be greatly appreciated. Hope you like.

Chapter One

"Roar Zabimaru!" was the only warning Ichigo received. He sensed the blade rushing towards him before he even had time to look up. He sidestepped the attack with little effort, and then drew Zangetsu. Ichigo turned and faced Renji Abarai.

"Isn't it customary to warn your opponent before attacking?" he called to his friend, dodging another of Renji's attacks.

"What fun would that be? " Renji replied, retracting his blade. Zabimaru was a large sword with wicked hooks protruding from it. The blade was extremely powerful, and Renji knew how to use it. Fortunately for Ichigo, once extended, there weren't many options, and his red haired friend was nothing if not predictable.

"Fun huh? You sure you're not just trying to get in a cheap shot so you actually have a chance at winning?" Ichigo raised his blade and took a battle stance.

"Oh, you're gonna get it." Renji yelled as he charged, sword first, at the smaller of the two. Ichigo knew better than to block the attack. Renji was all power, no finesse. All Ichigo had to do was dodge and counter. Just before Renji's blade could make contact, Ichigo flash stepped out of the way. Before Renji had a chance to recover, Zangetsu was pressed against his throat.

"I'm gonna get it am I? Seems like you're all talk vice captain." His opponent flash stepped out of harms way with surprising speed. He was getting better and better with each passing day. The man was six feet two inches, and two-hundred pounds of muscle. His blood red hair and black tribal tattoos gave him a sinister appearance. The first time the two crossed blades, Ichigo was more than a little intimidated. If it weren't for the severity of the situation, he may not have found the strength to defeat such a fearsome opponent.

"Don't taunt me Kurosaki!" the man responded while flash stepping through the small clearing with impressive speed. "The fight isn't over yet!" Zabimaru shot toward Ichigo. Renji's handsome face darkened, an evil smirk widening across it as the blade soared through the air. Ichigo flash stepped out of the sword's path, then lunged, full speed, at his opponent. Zabimaru contracted, lightning fast, and guarded against Ichigo's attack.

Ichigo darted past his opponent, then came back in from another direction only to zoom past the vice-captain. He came at Renji from every conceivable direction, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Finally he flashed into the air and swung his blade down on the unsuspecting vice-captain below.

"Hado number 31. Shakkaho!" Ichigo had no time to react. The gargantuan fireball collided with his chest and exploded on impact. He found himself on the ground, the soft grass doing nothing to break his fall. He tried to stand, but found he couldn't. Renji's foot was bearing down on his chest, Zabimaru mere inches above the substitute soul reaper's head.

"Since when can you use kido?" Ichigo groaned.

"I've been practicing. There are 3 Captain positions open you know. Why do you think I've been training with you so much lately?" he said lending a hand to his friend. Ichigo took his hand and with a little help, rose to his feet. Ichigo stumbled slightly, balancing himself on Renji's shoulders. He looked up into Renji's eyes. His stomach tightened slightly. For a few moments he lingered. What was this feeling?

"It is kind of strange that the positions are still vacant." He said, taking a step back.

"As far as I know, Ikkaku and I are the only ones to achieve bankai, and hardly anyone knows about his."

Just as Renji got the words out, a Hell Butterfly passed overhead.

"Attention. All Vice Captains and Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki are to report to the 1st division headquarters immediately."

"Wonder what that's about." Renji murmured. "Come on."

The two were the last to arrive. Renji hurried over to Captain Kuchiki. Ichigo didn't exactly know where to stand, he positioned himself across from the head of the group. Something was wrong. Soi Fon, Kuchiki, Komamura, Kyoraku, Hitsugaya, Kenpachi, Kurutsuchi, and Ukitake were all present, but where was old man Yama? Standing at the head of the group, where the old man should have been was, Captain Unohana.

"Well everyone seems to present." Unohana said softly.

"What's going on Captain Unohana? Where's Head Captain Yamamoto?" Rangiku Matsumoto, Lieutenant of squad 10 spoke up.

"As some of you may know, Head Captain Yamamoto fell ill several days ago. Despite my best efforts-"

"Surely you don't mean…"Renji cut her off.

"Head Captain Yamamoto is dead." She finished.

A/N: Ok, so it's a little short, the next few chapters will be quite a bit longer. Don't be surprised by a few roster changes. Let me know what you think.