It was the six day of being in the Soul Society and everyone was waiting for the inevitable final day coming up. Ichigo and (Y/N) were at the Squad 11th watching Ikkaku mop the floor with his fellow squad mates in sparring matches.

Ikkaku: All right, next!

Most of Ikkaku's squad was scared to fight against him, considering how skilled he was.

Ikkaku: Come on! What's wrong with you guys?! Nobody?! What a bunch of wimps!

Ichigo then got up and walked towards Ikkaku.

Ichigo: Well, in that case I will take you on.

Ikkaku: Oh? You've got some guts, Ichigo. But can you handle it? You're still recovering, right? I'm not gonna hold back, you know!

Ichigo: So are you! And you make it sound like I was sick. I was just injured!

Ikkaku: So? The word applies for injuries too!

Ichigo: No, it doesn't!

(Y/N): Yes it does!

Ichigo: Butt out of it, (Y/N)!

Ikkaku: Then what would you call it? Huh?

Ichigo:Well, that would be... I don't know

(Y/N): Ichigo, please... you're smarter than this...

Ikkaku: See? You don't know, idiot!

Ichigo: What about you? All you do is shave your empty head!

Ikkaku: Huh?! All right! Let's fight then! Whoever wins is right!

Ichigo: All right, come on!

Ichigo and Ikkaku then started to battle, however it was short lived as Kenpachi entered the training room. The color in (Y/N)'s face drained immediately.

Kenpachi: Hey!

Ichigo: Huh?

Squad 11: Good Morning, Captain!

Kenpachi: Huh? Oh, it's Ichigo. And (Y/N) too.

Just then, Kenpachi's lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, made herself known.

Yachiru: Itchy, 'morning!

Kenpachi: Are your wounds all right?

Ichigo: Y-Yeah! Thankfully, I'm completely fine.

Kenapchi: I see That's great. That means now I can fight you and (Y/N) without holding back!

Just then, Ichigo jumped through the window while (Y/N)...



Kenpachi: Hey, wait! You're not getting away! Hold it!

(Timeskip)

Man, my legs hurt. That Kenpachi Chasing us around like that.

(Y/N): Right? I don't know how you survived a fight to the death with that guy. Just training with him felt like I was at death's door. And I had help.

Ichigo: Huh? You fought him, (Y/N)? When?

(Y/N): I think two days after the execution. I found myself at the barracks and Kenpachi kinda forced me to fight. Soi-Fon backed me up though.

Ichigo: Eh? So that little date of yours wasn't the first time you hung out with her?

(Y/N): Oh so this is payback for all the times I teased you about Orihime, huh?

And speaking of the devil, Orihime came running in the direction of the two boys.

Orihime: Ichigo! (Y/N)!

Ichigo: Wh-What?! Oh, it's you, Orihime.

Orihime: There's something wrong! Kuchiki is missing!

(Y/N): Huh?

This statement sent Ichigo, Orihime and (Y/N) on a search for Rukia. They visited Renji and Byakuya on their search but unfortunately they didn't have information on Rukia's whereabouts. Ichigo, however, felt like he had an idea where she would be. And after a few minutes of running the trio met Rukia talking with Kukaku and Ganju.

Ichigo: Ah! So you were here!

Rukia: Ichigo? (Y/N)? Inoue?

(Y/N): Heyo!

Ichigo: It seems like you're finished here. Let's go back. They said they'll open the gate to the World of the Living tomorrow. You're still not fully recovered. Go to bed early tonight to be ready for tomorrow.

Rukia: Oh, that's right. I think you should be the first one to know this. I'm going to stay here in the Soul Society.

Ichigo and (Y/N) were initially caught off guard. They looked at eachother but eventually nodded before turning back to Rukia.

Ichigo: I see. That's good.

Rukia: Huh?

(Y/N): If that's what you've decided, go for it!

Rukia: You guys aren't upset?

Ichigo: Why would we?

Rukia: You guys risked your lives to bring me back with you...

(Y/N): Wrong.

Rukia: Huh?

(Y/N): We came to save you from being executed. We would have taken you back with us if you were still deemed a criminal but that's not the case anymore. You're your own person. You get to make your own choices.

Rukia could only smile at the response she got.

(Timeskip) Next day

The day of departure had arrived. The Ryoka crew were waiting for the last minute preparations to be completed. As they waited, they were saying their final goodbyes to the shinigami of the Seireitei.

Renji was currently talking with Ichigo and (Y/N).

Renji: Make no mistake, Ichigo. Next time I will win!

Ichigo: Yeah right, I'll become even stronger than I am now. You'll be struggling to keep up.

Renji: You talk big, but I'll make you eat those words. And don't think I forgot about you (Y/N)! I haven't gotten my rematch against you yet.

(Y/N): I was hoping you'd forget about that.

Renji: What are you so scared about? For someone so strong you don't have much of a backbone, do you?

(Y/N): Nah I just don't do much fighting for fun. I guess it's a rarity when it does happen.

Ichigo: Oh? Is there any specific reason why you decided to train with Soi-Fon then?

Ichigo said with a sly grin. (Y/N) immediately caught on.

(Y/N): Ah man... You overheard our conversation a few days ago didn't you?

Ichigo: I didn't think Tatsuki would have competition but wait until she hears about this.

(Y/N): Wait a minute, what does Tatsuki have to do with this?

Ichigo: Nevermind...

Speaking of Soi-Fon, (Y/N) didn't see her among the other captains. DId she skip out on seeing him and his friends leave? She seemed to soften up a bit so (Y/N) thought she would take the time off to see him leave. (Y/N) didn't hold it against her or anything.

(Y/N) noticed that Ichigo and Renji went back to bicker with each other (although it seemed friendly). (Y/N) decided to ignore them as he surveyed the area some more. He noticed Kiyone and Sentaro standing with Ukitake. (Y/N) decided to call out to them.

(Y/N): Hey Sentaro! Kiyone!

The moment they locked eyes with (Y/N), they immediately burst out in comical tears as they rushed towards (Y/N).

Kiyone: Why do you have to leave? Now I'm left with this doofus again!

Sentaro: How do you think I feel when I have to stick around a she-devil like you! Come on (Y/N) you gotta stay!

(Y/N): Come on guys, it's not like I'll be gone forever. I can always come back to visit... I think?

Sentaro and Kiyone: You think?

(Y/N): I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure how this whole traveling between realms thing is gonna work. Getting here was life threatening enough. And that's also not taking into account that I need permission to actually need a reason to get into the Seireitei. I doubt they'd just let me in for a simple reason as "Hey I wanna visit some friends." But hey, if you ever come to the World of the Living, I'd be happy to hang out with you guys.

Kiyone: I guess that makes sense...

Just then, a sound was heard from behind the group. The Senkaimon was activated.

Kukaku: This is the official Senkaimon. Of course, I incorporated a Reishi conversion device for you.

Just then, Ukitake stopped the two Shinigamis.

Ukitake: Ichigo. (Y/N).

Ichigo and (Y/N): Yes?

Ukitake: This is for you two.

Ichigo: What is this?

(Y/N): I'd like to know as well.

Ukitake: A Substitute Soul Reaper Combat Pass. It's our old custom to give this to a Substitute Soul Reaper who is deemed useful to the Soul Society. If you two use this, you can become a Soul Reaper whenever you want. Of course, this won't make up for what you have done for us, but-

Ichigo: That's all right. We did it because we wanted to. But, we'll gladly accept this. Right (Y/N)?

(Y/N): Of course.

Ukitake: Thank you. Both of you. And also, (Y/N). I've heard how you helped my two subordinates and how you tried to help with my unfortunate disease, even if it was limited. I can't be more grateful.

(Y/N): No, it's nothing really.

As (Y/N) was wrapping up his conversation with Ukitake, Unohana walked up to (Y/N) before bowing.

Unohana: It was nice meeting you (Y/N). Please do not hesitate to visit Division 4 whenever you're in the Soul Society.

(Y/N): Of course I will.

Unohana: And don't forget those drills I told you about. You have the potential to be a better healer than i am.

(Y/N): You think so?

Unohana simply gave (Y/N) a friendly nod.

Yoruichi then ordered everyone in the group to gather around to make their leave. Orihime was giving Rukia a shirt that Uryu sewed for her. Despite not coming back to the World of the Living, Orihime insisted that Rukia wear it. Meanwhile (Y/N) gave the captains one last glance, not spotting Soi-Fon anywhere.

(Y/N): *whispered* Guess she really didn't show.

Ichigo: You say something?

(Y/N): H-huh? Nah... Well, it's about time we say our last goodbye. See ya, Rukia! Don't be a stranger the next time you see yourself in the World of the Living.

Ichigo: I'll see you later.

Rukia: I know.

https://youtu.be/LU2g2V1iOJM

Just as (Y/N) turned around to make his way to the Senkaimon, he was stopped by a hand grabbing his wrist.

(Y/N): Huh?

???: You were going to leave without saying goodbye?

(Y/N): You had me doubting you'd show for a second, Soi-Fon.

Soi-Fon: I got caught up with things, so I had Omaeda cover for me.

(Y/N): I kinda feel bad for him...

Soi-Fon: Don't.

(Y/N): That's harsh.

Soi-Fon: Hardly. Quite frankly he doesn't do enough.

...

...

...

Soi-Fon: Say... Have you ever thought about joining the Court Guard Squad.

(Y/N): If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to recruit me.

Soi-Fon: And what if I was?

(Y/N): You think I'd fit in a stealth force with a weapon like a scythe?

Soi-Fon: You'd be surprised what my Bankai looks like. A scythe is nothing in comparison.

(Y/N): I never did ask what your Bankai was...

Soi-Fon: It's a secret for our next big fight.

(Y/N): You know as well as I do that I won't be doing any real fighting outside of sparring.

Soi-Fon: Of course, so about my offer?

(Y/N): I appreciate it but I'll have to decline.

Soi-Fon: A shame honestly... Well whenever you do eventually pass away, the offer is still available...

(Y/N): You'd wait that long?

Soi-Fon: Your skills far exceeded my expectations so I think the wait would be worth it.

(Y/N): Then I'll think it over.

Soi-Fon: Well, I'll see you later.

(Y/N): Of course. Like I said to Rukia, don't be afraid to visit if you ever find yourself in the World of the Living.

Soi-Fon: I'm sure you'd find a way to find me if you ever found out I was there.

(Y/N): Speak for yourself, If I remember correctly, you were always the one to find me first.

Just then Ichigo intervenes into the conversation, grabbing (Y/N) by the collar and dragging him.

Ichigo: Alright you two, you're holding everyone back.

(Y/N): R-right. Later.

Soi-Fon: Later.

Ichigo: Sheesh... It's worse than I thought. You two looked like lovebirds.

(Y/N): Alright now you're exaggerating.

Everyone then waved goodbye as the Ryokas exited the Soul Society through the Senkaimon.

To be continued

It's time for the Arrancar/Hueco Mundo arc.