Human World, Karakura Town.
"Hahaha, I'm incredibly proud to see my son become a Captain in the Gotei 13!" — Isshin smiled from ear to ear as he looked at Ren and Ichigo, who were in their Shinigami forms.
Although Ichigo's appearance hadn't changed much, Ren's look had almost completely transformed. He had removed his blindfold entirely and was wearing a simple pair of all-black glasses. Over his standard black Shihakushō, he wore a white haori bearing the black kanji for "five."
"I don't think he's nearly as impressive as Nii-san, who refused this position," Ren said with a sarcastic smile, pointing at Ichigo, who had declined the 3rd Division Captain post and instead asked to remain in his previous position while being transferred to the 5th Division. He had no intention of moving to live in the Soul Society since he still considered himself human and wanted to live as one for a long time.
"Spare me your silly philosophy. I didn't refuse the post for some cold drama like that," Ichigo muttered, crossing his arms behind his head with a lazy expression. "I just don't want to live in the Soul Society… at least, not now. Karakura is still my home."
"Heh… of course," Ren raised an eyebrow lightly before looking away. "Staying here means you'll remain close to your family… and also close to her."
Ichigo froze for a moment, his ears coloring slightly red.
"S-Stop saying unnecessary things!"
Isshin laughed heartily, slapping Ichigo's shoulder with exaggerated force, making his body shake slightly.
"Ooooh, don't be shy, my boy! Youth, love, and the strong Kurosaki blood! Just like your father in his golden days!"
"Shut up!!" Ichigo shouted, pushing his father away, while Ren stood by silently, expressionless but secretly enjoying the usual Kurosaki family chaos.
Karin stepped out of the house, chewing gum carelessly, hands in her pockets.
"You're annoying as usual… but anyway, congrats on the promotion, Ren-nii."
"Karin-chan, thank you," Ren replied calmly, giving a slight nod.
Yuzu also came out carrying a tray of tea, her face bright with a cheerful smile.
"Welcome back, Ren-nii, Ichigo-nii! I made tea specially to celebrate!"
Ichigo waved his hand.
"Ah, that's kind of you, Yuzu."
"By the way, where are Tsukiko-san and the others?" Ren asked, looking toward the house, noticing his father's wife and daughters, Hina and Rui, were absent.
"They went shopping," Isshin waved casually, then started walking toward the side yard, where he sat on the wooden porch without concern.
Although Tsukiko had been a Shinigami, Rui and Hina were ordinary humans with no knowledge of the supernatural world. Tsukiko had suggested going shopping with her daughters to give her husband and sons some time together during such a happy occasion.
"By the way, Yamamoto-jiisan asked me to ask you if you'd like to return to the Gotei 13, as it seems he might appoint you as a Captain in one of the Divisions without a Captain," Ren said, glancing sideways at Isshin while taking a cup of tea from Yuzu with a smile. "Thank you, Yuzu."
"Hahaha, it seems you've grown close to that scary old man," Isshin smiled carefree as he looked at Ren sipping tea happily. "Tell the old man I don't care about that. I'll help if needed, but I won't return to the Soul Society. My home is here, not there."
"I'll make sure to tell him," Ren nodded, not mentioning Yhwach, since everything had already been decided and there was no need to worry them unnecessarily.
Several Captains had been assigned to Wandenreich to assassinate the still-unawakened Yhwach and completely destroy Wandenreich, while the rest would remain in Seireitei for contingencies. Kurotsuchi Mayuri was researching ways to penetrate the Schatten Bereich.
Ichigo and Isshin had not been informed of any of this yet, as other threats like Aizen and the Khaos Brigade were still lurking in the shadows. Therefore, it wasn't possible to focus all their forces on the Quincys, and it was decided to leave Ichigo and Isshin, along with the members of Urahara Shop, in Karakura Town to be ready for any move from Aizen or other factions.
According to Mikazuki's information from Yhwach's spiritual fragments, the other side was still in a deep sleep from which they wouldn't awaken anytime soon. They hadn't regained their power yet, and killing him would be like killing a child if they could reach him.
Thus, this was an operation focused on assassination followed by extermination, since Yhwach could regain his power if the other Quincys were wiped out, making things extremely complicated.
"Are you listening, Ren-nii?" Karin said sharply, pulling him from his thoughts.
"Sorry, I was a bit distracted," Ren smiled faintly and apologized. "So, what is it?"
"I'm saying that in the last Jinzen session, I was able to communicate with my Zanpakutō Spirit," Karin said proudly, thrilled with her progress, especially since Isshin had praised her as a genius for connecting with her Zanpakutō Spirit so quickly. "And according to Father, it won't be long before I learn my Zanpakutō Spirit's name."
"That's wonderful," Ren said, raising his hand to gently stroke Karin's slightly longer black hair. "To celebrate, you can ask me for anything. Don't hesitate—when you master your Shikai, I'll grant you another request. How does that sound?"
Karin and Yuzu were already junior high students, and Ren knew they were maturing and would need many things, so he wanted to take this opportunity to help them with whatever they needed.
"This goes for you too, Yuzu," he added before she could protest. "Tell me when you've mastered your Quincy abilities, and I'll grant any request as well."
Karin beamed, lifting her chin with a proud little smile:
"Then I'll think of something worthy of the occasion."
Yuzu froze in place, holding the tray with both hands, her eyes wide with hesitation.
"A-any request…? Isn't that too much…?"
"It's a promise, not charity," Ren replied calmly and firmly. "And I don't make empty promises."
"Uh… o-okay…" Despite her hesitation, Yuzu nodded with determination, not wanting to disappoint her older brother. "I'll do my best."
"What… seems like you're the caring, considerate older brother, and I'm just a heartless brat," Ichigo muttered, hands in his pockets, looking grumpy.
Ren chuckled lightly at Ichigo's complaint, then glanced at his father, who was still smiling nonchalantly.
"Don't worry, Ichigo. Even a heartless brat can find a place in the family's heart sometimes."
Ichigo turned his face away, trying to hide his slight blush, while Karin and Yuzu exchanged playful glances, enjoying the warm family atmosphere.
Isshin raised his hand enthusiastically, shouting:
"Come on, kids! Let's celebrate! Let's enjoy our time together, away from any worries!"
Ren smiled, setting his tea cup aside and looking at Ichigo.
"Karakura Town is our home now. Let's focus on our little moments instead of anything else."
Karin grabbed Ren's shoulder and smiled confidently.
"So, what shall we do to celebrate?"
Ren looked around and nodded.
"Let's start with a simple family dinner. I'm thinking of showing off my meat-grilling skills."
Karin laughed loudly, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Your grilling skills?! Ren-nii, since when do you know how to grill meat?! Isn't your specialty just slicing ingredients?"
"…" Yuzu and the others also gave Ren a worried look, as they didn't want to get sick from his grilling despite having a clinic.
"You bastards! I'll make sure you regret those looks," Ren grumbled in annoyance, returning to his human form and disappearing to buy meat and other grilling supplies.
Karin laughed, swaying lightly.
"Ah… this means dinner will be fun. At least we hope Ren-nii doesn't turn it into a disaster like we feared!"
Yuzu hesitated, raising her eyebrow, but smiled shyly.
"Ah… well, at least he's trying, right?"
Ichigo sat on the wooden porch, grumbling but looking less tense.
"Alright… I just don't want us ending up with burnt food or a mess in the yard."
Isshin laughed loudly, shaking his head:
"Hahaha! Don't worry, Ichigo! No matter what happens, tonight will be full of laughter and fun!"
...
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