The Next Day

During school, (Y/N) was approached by Orihime.

Orihime: Oh! (Y/N)! Have you seen Chad recently?

(Y/N): I haven't, now that you mentioned it.

Orihime: Oh darn. Seems I've hit a dead end once again.

Just then (Y/N) and Orihime saw Ichigo walking outside. Orihime opened up the window and screamed out to Ichigo.

Orihime: Ichigo!

Ichigo turned around in surprise.

Orihime: Do you know anything about Chad?

Ichigo: Your question is too broad. Know what about him?

Orihime: About his condition!

Ichigo: Condition? Did he catch a cold or something?

Orihime: Oh. Then you don't know, either? I thought I should tell him about what happened to Uryu yesterday, so I went to his class. Seems Chad hasn't been coming to school recently. I thought you might know something about him, but I see...so you don't know, either. Maybe I'll visit Chad at home today with a get-well gift.

Orihime then started to blush.

Orihime: S-Say... Would you like to join me, Ichigo?

Ichigo: Sorry. I have plans today.

(Y/N): Oof.

Orihime: Oh... Okay! Of course! This was so sudden! All right, I'll go and let you know tomorrow how Chad's doing!

Ichigo: Yeah, thanks.

Ichigo then walked off.

(Y/N): You'll get him next time.

Orihime:You think so?

(Y/N): Yeah, Ichigo's just in a rough spot right now, so he isn't in the mood to hang out with anyone right now.

Orihime: I wish there was something we could do for him though...

(Y/N): We might not be able to help right now... But that time will eventually come.

Orihime: I hope you're right.

(Y/N): While we're on the topic. Why don't I come with you to Chad's house? Now that you've brought up Chad, I feel pretty guilty of not checking up on him.

Orihime: Of course, though something tells me that's not all.

(Y/N): It's about what Mr. Ishida said yesterday.

If we're to assume that Uryu was attacked by someone going after humans like themselves, then it means the next one to be in danger is either you or Sado.

Orihime remembered Ryuken's words from the previous day and understood what (Y/N) meant.

Orihime: I appreciate you looking out for me. Then it's settled! After school we'll head to Chad's house!

(Timeskip)

After school came and (Y/N) set out with Orihime to visit Chad. As they got there, Orihime gave a few knocks on the door.

Orihime: Chad! Hey! Chad! You there?!

(Y/N): Maybe he's not home?

Ryuken's words rang into Orihime's head once again. Orihime quickly shook those words out of her head and thought positive thoughts

Orihime: *thinking* No! No! I mustn't think like that! I pray that Sado will be back at school tomorrow feeling better!

Orihime took the bag of bread that she had with her and hung it on the doorknob on Chad's apartment door. She even left a note there that said:

Here is some tasty bread! Enjoy it and get well.

(Y/N) brought some medicine with him and left a little note of his own as well.

If you're feeling sick, I brought some medicine. If not, then keep it for future use.

Orihime: Alright, let's get going!

(Y/N): Sure thing.

As the two were walking back home, (Y/N) got a notification on his phone. (Y/N) saw it was a text from Urahara.

Hey, (Y/N)! Hope you aren't in detention! Don't forget that Ms. Kuchiki will be coming in this evening. We'll be discussing the next steps for the project. See you later!

Orihime: Is everything okay?

(Y/N): Yeah. Just a text from Mr. Urahara. He needs me at the shop.

Orihime: Alright. I should be able to get home safely from here.

(Y/N): Alright. Just have your phone at the ready. If you feel like you're being followed or if you run into them directly, don't hesitate to give me a call, alright?

Orihime: Of course.

(Y/N) and Orihime parted ways as (Y/N) headed to Urahara Shop.

(Timeskip)

As (Y/N) entered the shop, he was immediately greeted by Jinta who practically yelled at him.

Jinta: Alright (Y/N), What's the plan?!

(Y/N): Huh?

Jinta: To track down those Fullbringers or whatever they're called! I can't let myself go out like that! That was pitiful! I wanna get back at em'!

(Y/N): Until my dad is done with the investigation, we do nothing.

Jinta: But-

(Y/N): The reason we lost track of them in the first place was our lack of knowledge on them in the first place. It seems our opponent knows us so they have the upper hand.

Jinta looked down a bit disappointed but (Y/N) gave him a pat on the head.

(Y/N): When it's time to fight them again, I'll take you with me.

Jinta's face lit up.

Jinta: Hell yeah!

(Y/N): Well, I gotta meet with Mr. Urahara.

Jinta: He's in the lab. Be careful though, Mr. Urahara made the place a lot more cluttered than it was last time.

(Y/N): Thanks.

As (Y/N) made his way to the lab, (Y/N) made sure to avoid tripping over the moment of stuff now all over the laboratory's floor. As he saw Mr, Urahara, he also saw the container that held the sword responsible for giving Ichigo his powers back. Mr. Urahara then spoke up.

Urahara: You made it just in time! Ms. Kuchiki should be here any moment.

(Y/N) looked around and saw how much of a mess this whole project caused.

(Y/N): Cleaning all of this up is going to be a hassle. Especially these power cords...

Urahara: Ah, don't worry about it.

(Y/N): So did Mr. Kurosaki change his mind?

Urahara: After what happened to Ishida last night, yes...

(Y/N): That explains why you called me in here.

Urahara: I'd rather explain everything in full detail when Ms. Kuchiki gets here.

Just as Urahara said that he heard a voice.

"Urahara! Ms. Kuchiki has arrived!"

Tessai called from the front of the shop

(Y/N): Speak of the devil.

Urahara: Okay! Please come in!

(Y/N) and Urahara could hear Rukia struggling to maneuver through the mess of the lab. (Y/N) couldn't help but feel bad for her.

Rukia finally made her way into the lab with the help of Tessai. Albeit in embarrassment.

(Y/N): Glad to see you made it to the lab in one piece.

Urahara: Welcome, Ms. Kuchiki! There seemed to be a bit of a disturbance... What was the matter?"

Rukia: What disturbance! There was no disturbance, just these power cords on the floor!

(Y/N): I'll see what I can do about the appearance of this place...

Urahara: Okay, sorry. I get it. I'm not organized. Well then Tessai, if you would please.

Tessai: Understood.

Tessai then pushed the cart that held the sword towards the center of the room.

Rukia: This is...

Urahara: This is the sword that will transfer spiritual power to Kurosaki.

Rukia: I know you described it earlier but.. I must ask. Is this a zanpakuto?

Urahara: It's quite similar, but this is not a zanpakuto. However, it follows the same process of power transfer. Thanks to Isshin, I was able to use Engetsu as a base to make it.

(Y/N): That makes sense. Both Ichigo and Mr. Kurosaki both have the ability to use Getsuga Tensho, so their zanpakuto must be the same in nature. Using a power similar or the same as the original source would be the best way to transfer power to Ichigo.

Urahara: Restoring his shinigami powers --- along with his bond with his zanpakuto and the transferral of powers, Isshin's help was absolutely necessary. I finally completed researching the process to make this sword a week ago. And when I asked Isshin for help, he said he wanted to think about it... Restoring his powers meant that Ichigo would return to the battlefield. And as a father, Isshin's concern is completely natural.

Rukia: So what changed his mind.

Urahara: ...Yesterday, Ishida was attacked by someone.

Rukia was surprised by the news.

Rukia: What...!? Who was it!? How are his injuries!?

(Y/N): The only thing we know about the guy is that his name is Shukuro Tsukishima. An old friend of my dad. He kinda just vanished one day so nobody knows anything about how or when he got his abilities, nor what his abilities fully entails.

Urahara: After he attacked Ishida, he went after Calavera and (S/N). Thankfully no harm came to them, thanks to (Y/N)'s interference. Ishida's life is also not in danger and he's resting.

Rukia seemed to calm down just a little.

Rukia: So it's like that...

Urahara: Because Ishida was attacked, Kurosaki realized again how powerless he was... Last night Isshin came and said that he would help, probably because he didn't want to see Kurosaki like that anymore...

Rukia then took another look at the sword and thought to herself.

Rukia: I know that we can use this sword to transfer shinigami powers... But isn't the strength of the powers after the transfer proportional to the amount of power put in? If Ichigo wants to have the same strength that he had before, then this will require a great deal of reiatsu...

Urahara: That's right, I know. That's why we need everyone to give their reiatsu to this sword.

Rukia: Everyone needs to give their reiatsu?

Urahara: That is correct. This will be a very difficult process...

It didn't take a genius to know why it was a problem. In Soul Society, one of the reasons why transferring shinigami powers was a grave crime was because giving someone else your reiatsu was similar to giving them your own identification. And it was only enforced moreso when the Substitute Shinigami came along.

Urahara: Everyone in the living world outside of (Y/N) has already given their reiatsu to this sword. Hiyori, Aikawa, Hachigen... And both Tessai and me as well.

(Y/N): Seriously?

Urahara: Yes. After I contacted them, they came immediately.

Rukia: Then, I'll do it too.

(Y/N): Same here.

However, before any of them could touch the sword, Urahara stopped them.

Urahara: Please wait! I want you two to be the last two people to add your reiatsu.

(Y/N): Why's that?

Urahara: That's right. The reiatsu added to this sword will not mix together, but rather will layer on top of each other like rings in a tree.

(Y/N): Like what now?

Urahara continued his explanation.

Urahara: Ms. Kuchiki will be the outermost circle... That is to say, yours will be the very first reiatsu to go into Kurosaki body. With Ms. Kuchiki reiatsu as the sword's outer covering, (Y/N)'s will be the second layer. From there, everyone else's reiatsu will mix better... This is because Kurosaki has had Ms. Kuchiki's reiatsu in him before and (Y/N) is a hybrid just like Kurosaki, who has perfected hollowfication and received similar training, meaning their powers should realisitically mesh really well.

Rukia: ...So it's like that. Then I will be the last person to add it.

(Y/N): When you put it that way, it makes sense...

Urahara then took off his hat and bowed

Urahara: I'll be relying on you, Ms. Kuchiki.

Rukia: I will also be relying on you.

Urahara: Well then, I will start the preparations to bring this sword to Soul Society. Before tomorrow comes to a close, I will bring it to Kukaku's place in West Rukongai. Ms. Kuchiki, can you help me notify everyone?

Rukia: Yes, leave it to me!

Urahara: Sending so many hell butterflies will be too noticeable. When you contact everyone, please do it either in person or through a text. The Research and Development Institute shouldn't give you any trouble about the texts. I'll take care of that.

As Urahara typed away, (Y/N) felt confused on what was happening.

(Y/N): I would like to think I'm good with technology but I don't know anything about hacking. What exactly are we doing?

Urahara:The Research and Development Institute commonly kept a watch on communications in Soul Society. No matter what channel it went through, be it hell butterflies, spirit phones, or even Tenteikura, all illicit communications were reported and investigated. If investigations found that laws were broken, then it would be reported up to the Chief of the Research and Development Institute.

(Y/N): Captain Mayuri.

Urahara: Correct. And then according to Mayuri's judgment, he would send the information to either Yamamoto or the Stealth Force for the individual to receive appropriate punishment.

(Y/N): For you in particular, the best case scenario is meeting with Yamamoto.

Urahara: And if you were caught doing it, your best case scenario would be the Stealth Force.

(Y/N): I won't deny that whatsoever.

Urahara typed away at his computer. Considering he was the one who invented the Research and Development Institute's surveillance mechanisms over a hundred years ago, he knew his way around it.

Rukia: Your work is progressing so quickly!

Urahara: Since Ishida and the (L/N) sisters have been attacked, this is now a pressing matter."

Rukia: ...That's right. Goodbye then, see you tomorrow."

Rukia looked nervous as she started to leave. Seemingly feeling out of the loop of all the tech talk that's been going on.

Urahara: Ah, see you tomorrow. Also, watch your step...

However, before Urahara could finish his sentence, Rukia tripped over a couple of cords and fell on her face.

Once again, (Y/N) couldn't help but feel sorry for Rukia.

(Y/N): Do you need help?

Rukia: Yes, please.

To be continued.