Protector and The Hornet

Returning Home

Ichigo and his friends were all ready to go back to the living world with Yoruichi. Before they left, Captain Ukitake gave Ichigo his substitute's badge so he could leave his body without using a mod soul.

"Thank you," replied Ichigo as he took the badge form the captain.

"It could be dangerous if mortals use it," warned Ukitake. "For that reason, it's invisible to the eyes of normal humans."

"Right, I'll keep that in mind," replied Ichigo as the captain nodded and stepped back so that Rukia and Renji could say goodbye.

"Take care Ichigo," said Renji. "You better not lose to any hollows after beating me."

"Don't worry Renji," replied Ichigo. "I'll make sure that doesn't happen." He then looked at Rukia. "So you're staying here until your powers recover?"

"That's right. My powers should come back faster in the soul society due to the concentration of spirit particles here."

After he finished talking to them, Ichigo sawSuì-Fēng out of the corner of his eyes. They made brief eye contact, and she nodded to him. Her gaze was as cold as it normally was, though he could tell that she was concealing her true feelings from the crowd. It was a secret that only he and Yoruichi knew about.

With all of the goodbyes done, the group of ryoka and Yoruichi returned to the living world, where Urahara greeted them. Eventually, school started and there was a new classmate, Shinji, who later revealed that he was a Vizard, a soul reaper with hollow powers. He tried to convince Ichigo to join up with him, but failed.

Later, Aizen's hollows, the Arrancar, began moving. First there were two, Ulquiorra and Yami, they had only come for reconnaissance. However, shortly after that, a larger group of hollows led by one name Grimmjow appeared. If the Soul Society hadn't sent a group led by Captain Hitsugaya, the Arrancar would have laid waste to Karakura town. However, there were still heavy costs, and Ichigo was humiliated and badly wounded in his battle with Grimmjow. The only reason he survived was because of Grimmjow being ordered to return to Hueco Mundo.

Realizing that Karakura Town would become the new front line in the battle against the hollows, head Captain Yamamoto decided to send another captain to the world of the living to assist Ichigo in his training.

"Aizen's army of Arrancars is more powerful than I feared," said Yamamoto, and I now know that he has some sort of plan for Karakura town, which is why we have to increase our strength there. Do understand, captain Suì-Fēng?"

"Off course, head Captain," repliedSuì-Fēng politely, maintaining her cold mask.

Yamamoto took note of that before continuing. "Not that you need to tell anyone this, but there is an ulterior motive for me selecting you specifically." He noted her gaze faltering somewhat as she recalled the time he had found her with Ichigo in a compromising position. "I take it that you are close to Ichigo Kurosaki, so that is why I want you to go to the living world and train him. He has great power and potential, but he needs to learn more control. No doubt you were in the process of teaching him that when he was here."

"Yes...I was," repliedSuì-Fēng, as if expecting to be scolded.

"You've done well as a captain," replied Yamamoto. "I am confident in your ability to pull this off. Dismissed."