Ichigo Awakens

(Shadow Karakura: Silbern Fortress Meeting Room)

"So.... why?" Sirzechs asked, the only thing he could fully process after hearing Rias explain what happened. Himself, Ichigo, Azazel, Issei and Rias were brought to the main headquarters of Squad 15 a couple of hours after Hiyori revealed the experiment the young Devils were made a part of. "Was it really just a random experiment and they were unlucky?"

"No. Urahara calculated the odds and made it seem like it was chance, manipulating the events leading up to it with just enough separation that it seem like he was uninvolved." Ichigo admitted as a Quincy Soldat brought them tea. "He prefers being several steps ahead of anyone else, that's why he's one of the scarier Captains." Ichigo took a cup and sipped. "Let that cool down." He advised while everyone else took their cups. "Anyway, after reading through the Sacred Gear research that Azazel provided and our own observations, it's clear that will and desire are huge factors in one's growth with their Gear." The two leaders nodded, knowing this information. "However, he concluded that Issei's own growth, while consistent, is dangerously explosive and will likely be detrimental to his long term health." That news shocked Rias and Issei while the others held stoic expressions. "The prevailing theory is that, in a way, he still hasn't gotten over what happened with Raynare."

"Because he isn't really being himself." Azazel said, shaking his head. "I figured that was the case, but I wanted to try and ease into confirming that. Soul Society doesn't really do 'delicate' do they?"

"More like we'd rather not waste time with guesswork." Ichigo countered, taking a long drink of his tea. "From the readings we have and predicting his growth and tendencies, the hypothesis is that he'd start burning through his life force till he had a normal human life span again before the new year." A statement that cause the Red Dragon and Crimson Princess to gasp in horror while the Fallen Angel and Satan remained stoic, though they did seem more tense at the knowledge. "We've already taken steps to rectifying that with their new training program, but until we address the core issue than Issei will still be a danger to himself."

"And that's not even considering whether or not he'd be facing any opponents that can kill him instantly or have a plan to do so." Azazel continued, glancing over to the subject of their talk. Issei was seeming to have a crisis while Rias cradles his head, her mouth moving like she was whispering soothing words into his ears. "I suppose we can put his training on pause while we help him sort this mess out. Since the next game is actually an ambush by the Old Satan Faction and you offered to handle it, we can afford to do so."

"Finding someone that can be in the know and help with this might be difficult though." Sirzechs said, rubbing his chin in thought as he reviewed the many possibilities of people he could recruit and dismissing many.

"I might have an idea we could try." Ichigo started, gaining everyone's attention. "Squad 4 is the Division in charge of healing, mainly as a hospital focused on surgery and medicine. However, during the peace time of the last ten years, Captain Unohana has expanded that by having a number of her squad study mental health and therapy practices in regards to those issues. We can have one of them assist with this." There was a pause with Azazel and Sirzechs giving him raised eyebrows, silently asking him 'seriously?' "If it makes either of you feel better, you can stand in with him to make sure we don't do anything painful or traumatizing this time." Their looks didn't waver. "On purpose." Ichigo finally admitted.

"That's the issue." Sirzechs said, leaning forward. "Too often your measures prove less than desirable despite the successes that they yield. Hence the supervision my Knight performs, which I'm on the fence about considering his reports of your particular 'methods'. I hear he still rubs his neck on occasion."

"I believe he claimed it as 'The closest I've been to death in a long time'." Azazel added, thinking back to when he listened to Okita reflecting on the incident. "And how can we be sure this isn't just another attempt at testing something with Issei?" Ichigo paused before taking out his phone and started calling Urahara.

"Kisuke, is there anything else you planned on testing out? I know you have ears on this meeting and don't try to deny it." Azazel and Sirzechs's mouths twisted in annoyance while Rias and Issei started scanning each wall with a paranoid frenzy. "Okay, send Akon and have him explain it." The Commander said with sigh before ending the call. "Give them a minute." He said, taking his tea and downing it. "Excuse me-" Ichigo started before the same Soldat from earlier came in, this time with a bottle filled with a glowing brown liquid and several hand sized glasses.

"Sir, your cousin ordered us to bring you this brandy in the event you mentioned Captain Urahara." He said, setting down the glasses before pouring them half full. "Made from apples harvested from the fruit bearing Dragons." Sirzechs and Azazel took their glasses and calmly examined their drinks... that Ichigo immediately downed.

"Delicious, and was just what I needed." He said as the sliding doors of the Dangai opened, revealing a man with spiky black hair, a tired expression, and four spikes poking out of his forehead, holding a wooden box and dressed in the standard Shinigami uniform with a white overcoat. "Hello, 3rd seat Akon."

"Sir." The Squad 12 member greeted with a nod, before placing the box before the gathered leaders and opening it to reveal a glass ball. "This is a prototype the Captain is interested in testing; a memory projector." He said before touching the ball, causing it to glow and making a holographic image appear above it; the image of looking over data spread sheets. "The idea is that it links with the person touching it and projects the memories of that person. Either consciously thought of or unconsciously, we need more tests. Maybe it can help with the therapy." He suggested, making Ichigo look back to the Satan and Fallen Angel as they looked to each other.

"Issei, this is up to you, but I'll be with you each step of the way." Azazel said while Issei looked to Rias, almost begging her to be there too. She smiled and was about to say something before Ichigo spoke up.

"Sirzechs, I think Rias needs to take some private lessons on being an effective leader." He said, making Rias tense and glare at the Shinigami while the Satan silently asked for an explanation. "Taking into account the matter with Kiba and this recent revelation with Issei, we can fully determine Rias's take as a leader." Ichigo poured another glass of brandy for himself and lifted it up. "She prefers overwhelming power, gathering quality people but forgetting to properly nurture them beyond the most immediate circumstances with Rating Games. She showers them in genuine love and kindness so they become loyal to her and ease their past traumas, but she doesn't try to understand them. Like dressing a stab wound with a few wrappings of gauze when a broken shard is still inside. It's fine to treat the surface wound, but one must still address the core injury." Ichigo turned his attention to Rias again, who flinched. "Her entire peerage seems to have similar baggage, and none of it was addressed until recently." Sirzechs took a drink of his liquor, an act mirrored by Azazel and the Soul Reaper.

"I... have to agree Sirzechs." The Fallen Angel admitted. "The training I assigned to half of her peerage was about dealing with their personal issues. Maybe we should take advantage of this respite we have, for their sakes." The Lucifer looked to his comrades, then to his sister, who looked conflicted before giving a determined nod. The Devil sighed before looking at Ichigo.

"If she cries again because of you, we're going to have to fight."

The meeting ended soon after that and the group split off, Sirzechs returning to the Devils' Netherworld to get some more work done while the Ichigo brought Azazel and the Gremory Peerage back to Soul Society. Once there, he sent out a message through a small flock of the black Hell Butterflies. After a few seconds several of them returned, flying about the different members of the group with Ichigo telling them all to follow the butterflies.

(Issei's Therapy)

"Welcome Issei Hyodou and Sir Azazel, I'm Squad 4 Captain Retsu Unohana." The woman greeted as the pair made their way to their destination, a building in the SRDI vicinity. The room they were led to was wide and seemed ready for combat training rather than therapy. Unohana greeted the two with a kind motherly smile, wearing her captain's uniform but returned her hair braid to cover the scar on her chest. "I am the one that will help with your therapy."

"Whoa, quite the beauty we got." Azazel said with a smirk, giving an appreciative gaze while Issei nodded in agreement. However, there was something about her smile and expression that made them resist any attempt at undressing her in their minds. "So, how are you planning this exactly?" Unohana gestured for them to get closer as she moved to the center of the room, the floor opening to allow a glass ball on a pedestal to rise up.

"I was planning on having him bring up several key moments of his life over the past few months and giving another perspective on it, starting with his 'date' with Raynare." She said as they gathered around the ball, Issei tensing up with his body refusing to move. His left hand starting to shake as a part of him wanted to reach out and touch the memory projector, but something in him was actively fighting against him reliving that memory. He jumped in shock as he felt Unohana gently take his hand and held it in front of the ball, just out of actual contact. "It can be something else first Issei, if that is more comfortable. But, you need to take the first step." She said, letting go as the young Devil's hand floated just ahead of the ball. Taking another breath to steady himself, Issei thought back to the day he died and grabbed the memory projector.

The sphere glowed with light as the image took form from Issei's point of view. It showed Raynare in her human disguise, wearing a white top over a short black dress, walking next to him through a busy street. Issei's first date playing out for all to see, looking through clothes and accessories before heading to a small cafe to enjoy a parfait and a melon soda float. It got to the falling sunlight of dusk as she stood in front of a fountain, Issei thinking he was going to score a kiss, only for Raynare to reveal her true nature. Her derision and cruelty as she mocked his childishness, like playing house with a little kid, in their date before running him through with a spear of light and telling him to blame 'Him' for giving Issei his Sacred Gear in the first place. Issei finally tore his hand away, not wanting to relive the memory any longer, as tears fell from his face in as he silently cried.

"I... kept thinking about her for a few days." He said, a slight shudder in his breath as he tried to control himself. "Trying to convince myself that this didn't happen, that... that 'Yuuma' didn't do this. But then everything happened and... I thought I had come to terms with 'Yuuma'."

"That greedy fool," Azazel muttered in frustrated disappointment, "she was just supposed to watch him, but wanted to make a name for herself."

"She also just wanted to hurt you Issei." Unohana said, giving a slight frown at what they just watched. "I've known many people in my life and those that are most desperate to feel strong are often the most cruel with it when given the chance." The Shinigami and the Devil looked to each other. "It was unnecessary and cruel because she likely understood that she herself was actually pathetic and refused to accept it."

"And the date?" Issei asked. "Was it as boring and bland as she claimed?"

"For her probably." The captain responded, making the Red Dragon hang his head. "But, she was also wearing a false identity and went into this with low expectations being hurting you. There's also the facts that 1; this was your first actual attempt at a date and 2; you knew very little of her and her genuine interests. Both factor in your elation at having one and her false identity and desire to play you." Hearing that, Issei brought his head back up to look at Unohana who was smiling kindly again. "You can be forgiven for how it went, especially since a proper first date should be about getting to know someone better or held after you knew that person's interests enough to show them an enjoyable time. Like your date with Rias." That made Issei feel a tad better, evidenced by his smile. "Then again, that was more 'her' taking 'you' out and you just went along with everything." The words manifested as arrows and stabbed into him.

"And with that, we should probably move on to the next matter in relation to your 'love life'." The Captain suggested while gesturing for Issei to touch the sphere again. "Rias has shown her interest in you, Asia is clearly infatuated as well, and even Koneko and Akeno seem to wanna catch your interest. So why is it that you always seem to keep a certain degree of separation between yourself and them?"

"Hey, I want nothing more than to claim Prez's virgi-..." He tried arguing before realizing that failed to call Rias by name.

"Don't think, feel." Retsu advised to the Dragon. "Let the device find the answers." Issei nodded and reached out, thinking about whether Rias and Asia loved and how he felt about it. The first image that appeared had Raynare taunting Issei's date as pathetically boring, the same as that Reigai copy of her based on Issei's memories from earlier. It wasn't too surprising, it was his first attempt and she did everything to crush his will, but then it switched to a new image. Asia in a thin dress, thanking Issei for being her friend, as the life drained from her being after her Sacred Gear was extracted, and Issei's desperate pleas to the Biblical God to save her. The next image showed a tall man with short blonde hair, wearing burgundy pants and blazer over a mostly unbuttoned dress shirt, and he was beating the shit out of Issei.

'His first fight with the Phenex boy.' Retsu thought, recalling the incident only because of the bloodline power of the clan, and the stagnant complacency it would breed. 'Though it appears Issei suffers from a lack of confidence rather than overconfidence.' The Captain concluded as the final memory was defeat from Saji in the last Rating Game, cursing out Issei and spelling out just how pathetic the young Devil was. When he pulled his hand away this time, tears had started to run down his face once more. "So, you just feel unworthy of their love because you are too weak? Is that it?" Unohana asked in a tone that spoke of kindness while her hand went for her sword hilt.

"I couldn't save Asia, I had to sacrifice my arm to save the woman I tell myself I love, and my drive doesn't even compare to Saji's." Issei admitted, wiping his eyes with a shuddering breath. "I... I really am a pathetic los-"

"Block." Retsu immediately said as she pulled her Zanpakuto from its sheath and swung it at the Devil. Issei barely had enough time to summon his gauntlet, bringing it up to shield him from the blade's edge, while tilting it in a way to diffuse the force of the Captain's swing. The result still sent him sliding back with his arm throbbing from the attack. "If you were still at the same level as you were when you fought Riser, you'd be dead." Retsu explained to the Devil in a tone that put both him and Azazel on edge for a moment before she sheathed her blade. "What I saw was someone that has been on the bottom rung and is now trying to improve himself." Issei and Azazel relaxed as Unohana walked over to them, the sense of danger fading away again. "You continue to doubt yourself not because you're weak, but because you haven't seen how much stronger you've actually become."

"But Saji was right, wasn't he?" Issei countered, thinking back to the other pawn's words. "Despite everything, I've made no real effort to-"

"You've made effort, but not the same level of effort." The Captain stated, interrupting the Devil and leaving him confused. "Much like how your Sacred Gear operates, you've proven slow to start but your improvements have essentially doubled in short order. The main issue there is that the resulting costs have always taken a heavy toll on you, both physically and mentally. Asia's death, however temporary, has clearly left a scar on your heart." She gently took hold of Issei's shoulder and pulled him back to the sphere. "That scar is a reminder that people die, even the most kind and innocent, if those close to them are too weak to protect them. This is something you already started to address, but you had yet to truly consider how far was really needed to go in that. Your defeat to Riser made you ready to sacrifice anything for power, but even if it was for a noble end you would end up with the mindset that it would be fine if only you paid a price, regardless of how anyone else might feel on the matter. Your fight with Saji made you realize the difference in wills between you, and thus you began to question yourself again."

"Th-that's..." Issei tried to think of something to argue against those claims, but her words were making sense.

"You were once human, you have the spirit of a Dragon, and became a Devil. Why are you so content?" Retsu challenged, confusing the Red Dragon. "You've seen your limitations, you know your goals, you understand the steps you need to take, so why do you hesitate?" Issei again tried to come up with something, anything, that didn't seem like an admission of his weakness. "Sorry, that was a little harsh. My point, Issei, is this; out of everyone who has any amount of say in your desire to court Rias and maybe Asia, you are the only one that doesn't think you deserve their love. You also know what you need to do in order to change that." Issei nodded in agreement.

"I have... I NEED to get stronger." He said, gaining a look of resolve in his eyes. "Strong enough to keep Prez... to keep RIAS and my friends safe and happy." Unohana nodded in approval.

"Very good, let's get started." She said, unsheathing her blade once more and surprising Issei again.

"I suggest you follow her instruction very carefully partner." The Devil heard Ddraig say. "I get the sense that she was a fighter first and a healer second." Before Issei could ask anything, the Captan was in front of him with her blade coming straight for his neck. He blocked with his gauntlet and was sent flying back again, his arm rattling from the blow.

"Don't get distracted." Retsu advised, undoing her hair braid. "I sometimes forget to hold back when I'm excited." Both Issei and Azazel got a sense of dread as Retsu turned into Yachiru.

(Rias's Lesson)

The crimson haired heiress of the Gremory clan followed her black butterfly to a large two story facility of the white stone that made up the majority of the Seireitei with shining bronze colored tile roofs, a nameplate reading 'Shin'o Academy Main'. A part of her wanted to geek out over the all the traditional looking aesthetics but she was dissuaded from doing so with the way the people around her seemed to act with her presence. It wasn't fear or hate, more like a mix of apathy and condescension, ultimately the most unsettling feeling she's had in a long time. For the first time in a long time, she felt alone and vulnerable.

She wished she had Issei with her, or Akeno, or Asia, or Kiba, or Koneko, she would even accept Sona or Sirzechs with all of his unrestrained doting, someone to ease these feelings. She thought she was ready after Ichigo and her brother warned her that despite everything so far, many of Soul Society still did not have a positive views of Devils after what the Naberious clan did. Hate was one thing, apathy was far more painful. She shook her head harshly and slapped her cheeks, forcing herself out of her head as she focused on her coming lessons. As she crossed the entryway into the grounds of Shin'o Academy, a woman with black hair tied in a loose bun with an asymmetrical design and blue violet eyes behind small no framed glasses, flashed before her.

"Hello Ms. Gremory. I am Nanao Ise." The Shinigami stated, introducing herself to the Devil. Nanao was wearing a similar outfit to those of the students Rias saw, the white shihakusho with blue pants for the boys and red for the girls, though Nanao was wearing black pants with a black haori. "Follow me, I'll take you to Headmasters, Kyoraku and Ukitake." Rias nodded and followed, taking in the sights and the sounds, the clacking of wood and various yelling with some sounding like chants while the rest were lectures and gossip, and more than a few times she heard some talking about purging Japan of the foreign supernatural beings. She failed to restrain the sigh that escaped her lips, something Nanao heard. "Is everything okay Ms. Gremory?" She asked while they continued walking through the building's halls.

"Just getting a sad reminder of how loathed the Devils are." Rias admitted sadly. "I grew up hearing stories about Japan from my brother's knight, Okita Soji, and I wanted nothing more than to come and live in it. Sure, most of the time I was in what was considered 'Devil Territory' and the most I've gotten to explore was Kyoto for a field trip, but I haven't felt like I wasn't welcomed. Not since... today."

"Hmmm." Nanao hummed, thinking the matter over. "Many of older souls are from eras before Japan was willing to be more open to other cultures, and the Nekoshou Incident ten years ago did the Devils no favors, but we can attribute this to the fact that we've been isolated from the other factions for almost the entirety of our history." She guessed as they proceeded along. "Truthfully, the Gotei's current unity is only really possible because of Captain Commander Kurosaki, Captain Ishida, and the efforts of Headmaster Kyoraku back when he was the Captain Commander."

"Really?" Rias asked, surprised after knowing how connected Ichigo was to the Angels and even the Greek pantheon.

"Indeed. Only little more than a decade ago did the Gotei incorporate the Arrancar, Quincy, and other spiritual ability users." Nanao explained, slipping into a history lecture. "Since its creation over a thousand years ago by the first Head Captain, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the original Gotei 13 only consisted of those that had the power to become Soul Reapers. For the years that followed, they battled the Hollows that devoured the souls of those that had not passed on yet and the Quincy that disrupted the Balance of Souls we are meant to protect. It remained that way, until one of Soul Society's most vile criminals decided to overthrow the system, setting up the conditions that led to the birth of Commander Kurosaki, the perfect union of Shinigami, Hollow, and Quincy."

"Commander Yamamoto held his position as Head Captain of the Gotei for over one thousand years because no one else could challenge his might, but he saw the potential in Commander Kurosaki and began training him to succeed him once war with Aizen became inevitable. As he grew in power, Ichigo managed to convince the Hollows to serve him as king after besting Aizen, allowing the creation of division 16, the Arrancar Division made up of Hollows that were given Soul Reaper powers. The Quincy were another matter since the majority of them were fanatically devoted to their original king and consisted of the more violent and depraved who were happy to kill in his twisted name."

"Sounds like a few Exorcists I've heard of." Rias interjected, getting a quick smack to the head.

"Quiet during class." Nanao said before blushing and adjusting her glasses. "Sorry. I forgot this wasn't a classroom lecture and I tend to be a little... strict."

"No no, it's alright." Gremory quickly said. "Keep going. I'm interested to hear the rest." Nanao gave a small smile before clearing her throat.

"Anyway, the Quincy were originally bound to the old king by their very souls and in turn worship it as a god. Through very careful means, we found a way to sever those bonds and free the more pragmatic of the Quincy willing to see the monster their king was and rebel against it. In the end, Ichigo unleashed a terrifying new ability that removed the Quincy king from existence and ended the conflict. We know there was a king, but nothing else. During the preparation for the war with the Quincy, Commander Yamamoto had some of our agents leave Japan to seek out anything we could find on the Quincy and even recruited some foreign allies, two of whom being old allies of the Commander. They agreed to take Commander Kurosaki under their wing after Commander Yamamoto passed, instructing him to travel across Europe for his training before returning to Soul Society to become a captain and eventually succeed as the third and current Captain Commander of the 16 Court Guard Squads."

"Whoa." Rias breathed out. "Wait, third?"

"Yes. Originally, Yamamoto's chosen successor was to be Headmaster Kyoraku, but he decided he would just hold the position until he thought Ichigo was ready for it. He prefers the peaceful life." Nanao explained as they reached a set of double doors with a nameplate reading 'Headmasters Kyoraku and Ukitake', barely avoiding a man and woman that ran down the hall and... competing over something? "Ignore them." Nanao said as she opened one of the doors. "Headmasters? I brought Ms. Gremory."

"Come in, take a seat, we'll be with you shortly." A kindly but tired voice called out as Rias entered the office. Inside she found two men sitting on opposite sides of a table covered in stacks of paperwork; the one on her left seemed middle aged with a shadowing beard, long and wavy brown hair, wearing a pink kimono over a similar outfit to Nanao's and two hairpins in his ponytail and the one on the right had a pale complexion but a gentle visage with long white hair wearing the same black and white teacher's outfit with his haori reading 'Headmaster'. On the walls were some shelves with books and scrolls, a few flower vases, a couch, but the most prominent thing that had the Devil's attention was a calligraphy painting of a pillar of fire with what seemed like a person inside. Rias took her seat and waited while the two men continued their work.

"Nanao, could you have this delivered to the Kido training hall. This might help with those 'problem students'." The man in the flower kimono said.

"Yes Headmaster Kyoraku." Nanao said as she took the paper and flashed away.

"I'd lose my head if not for her." The man said, stretching himself out before standing up. "I'll go first with her Juushiro. Try not to overwork yourself."

"I won't, and go easy on the girl." The other Headmaster said with a chuckle while Kyoraku pulled out a rather large board game box.

"Come along Ms. Gremory. Let's play a game." Kyoraku said as he walked out of the office, a confused Rias following him before reasoning that the game must be part of her lesson. The two made their way to an empty library room, Kyoraku quickly claiming a table and setting down the box before opening it. "I've heard you're familiar with chess an the like, so hopefully you won't find this too complicated." He started taking out the contents of the box.

"You don't have to worry about that. What are the rules sir?" Rias said as she studied the various pieces; thirty figurines with different emblems on them that resembled a sword, a staff, and a fist, a small deck of blank white cards, sets of dice, a small crystal ball stand, and a large game board.

"Here's how it goes. Each side gets fifteen pieces, five for each of the three combat types of technique, magic, and power, to try and create their desired team. Once you have your team, you place the piece on the card while infusing your Reiryoku, or Magic in your case, into the cards and roll your dice set. The numbers determine the average stats of each piece while your supplied energy gets a random attribute and personality. The cards tell you everything about your pieces and I advise that you keep an eye on everything and address any issue that may come up. Once you're ready, we both supply our energy into this crystal to get our field and hide our pieces from the other player. From there, we mentally direct and control the pieces as they move about the board, only seeing the opponent's pieces when our pieces can see them. Make sense?"

"I... think?" Rias relented, trying to wrap her mind around all the mechanics that went into the game. Kyoraku smiled patiently before removing the crystal from the board.

"How a about a few practice rounds until you get the hang of this?" He suggested, gathering all of his pieces and, basically, activating them.

"That would be appreciated sir." The Devil said as she mimicked his actions and got ready for the first round.

(With Ichigo)

"Thanks for looking into that Saka." The Shogun said, his phone at his ear as he called the London offices of Soul Society. Since the Kuoh Summit, Ichigo had doubled down on research into Dragons, particularly any with notable history and myths. Trying to figure out any advantage he could get in case they appear as enemies or to track down anything that might be useful for materials. Unfortunately there was nothing about Ophis, so he had to content himself on something else. "So... did they agree?"

"Parting with any part of one of the Heavenly Two is a very costly endeavor." The head of the Patchworks division of Wing Bind said. "These body part aren't cheap or abundant. What are you offering in exchange for this claw of Albion and why do you want it?"

"I can offer you a collection of scales from Tiamat," Ichigo offered, "though, she might be more Goddess than Dragon at this point. Then again, that might make them more valuable. As for why I want the claw, Tiamat says she needs it for something that should be an asset to both the alliance and Dragon kind as a whole." There was a pause as the hybrid said that.

"Send us periodic reports after you receive it. Beyond that, we accept the trade. We'll be sending you Albion's claw tomorrow in exchange for twenty of Tiamat's scales." The voice said before the call was ended. Ichigo set down his phone and walked over to the balcony of his off, looking out to the mountain Tiamat had constructed to serve as her roost in Soul Society.

"What the heck are you planning Tiamat?" The Shogun asked before opening a gate to the Royal Realm. He needed to go for a walk.

(Back with Rias)

"Brain... hurt." The Devil groaned, lying face down on the table in the library. After a few practice plays to get used to how to play the game, they played for real... and Rias was soundly defeated each time. There were no turns, just continuous movement controlled by their wills. It was fascinating to see them move by her mental command, but she learned quickly that trying to control everything moving at the speed of her thoughts was far more difficult than she expected. On top of that, the factors of stamina and morale played into the game and she still didn't understand how to control those despite Kyoraku's advice before he left her to practice alone. "How do you usually keep up your team's morale?" She never worried about that in a fight before and how would it translate in this game anyway!?

"Having trouble?" She heard Ukitake say, raising her head to see the other Headmaster taking a seat across from her. With him was a tea kettle, a few cups, and a lot of snacks and sweets that seemed like a siren call to her. "Here. Try to relax." He suggested, pouring her a cup of green herbal tea with a heavy lavender scent while pushing a few cookies toward her. "Take a moment and collect yourself." Rias immediately took him up on that offer, breathing in the tea's soothing scent before taking a drink. "That game of Shunsui's has always been difficult, for anyone that tried to play it." The old man said, taking a piece between his fingers and looking it over. "The intention was to make it as close to a real time battle scenario for strategy training."

"I can certainly see that." Rias relented while eating a cookie, letting the tea and sugar work their charm on her. "I'm still so used to chess that I keep forgetting about the other variables in this game." She picked up one of the cards, currently blank but she could still see the morale numbers drop. "Stamina is easy to solve, but I keep forgetting about it. But what's this about morale? How do I keep it high?" She asked with a hint of frustration.

"Ask them what's going on and talk to them." Ukitake told her simply, earning a dry look from the Devil.

"Okay fine." She said, relenting as she started another round. "So.. how does everyone feel?" She asked, feeling a little silly before her eyes bulged at seeing the cards reflecting some form of answers of her pieces being ready to serve. "IT WAS THAT SIMPLE!?!" She roared in frustration.

"Shunsui has a habit of partially explaining things to his opponents." The older man told her with a smile, finding the matter funny. "His particular power basically turns games into the rules of combat, like 'tag' or 'red light, green light' as a style of fighting. He has to make sure his opponent knows the rules of the game, but he's very selective of that information to ensure he remains at the advantage. He still hasn't gotten out of it since he's fully aware that he can be recalled to active service at any time."

"But he's retired right? Would lord Kurosaki really force him out of it when he's so strong?" Rias asked, surprised by that idea.

"Rias, my dear friend was one of the first graduates of this academy to reach the rank of Captain back when our teacher was the leader of the Gotei, and master intended Shunsui to succeed him for a very long time. He'd make every effort to ensure the peaceful option was taken while doing his duty as a Shinigami, but nothing was too far if it meant victory. He understands the burdens and responsibilities of leadership better than most of the Gotei and was all too eager to pass it down to Ichigo the moment he could." Ukitake explained while Rias gave rapt attention to him. "He knew every major figure under his command and how best to utilize them, made sure to understand them and say what he needed to say in order to keep them in high spirits but also made sure they knew his word was law when necessary. He passed down the mantle of Captain Commander because he made sure Ichigo understood all those same lessons. Difference is, Ichigo needed to learn to stop shouldering everything himself. You... need to be more proactive."

"I keep hearing that." Rias admitted, finishing her tea. "And..." she thought back to everything that has happened since meeting Issei. "I will be. Right! One more treat then back to training!" She said before reaching for... nothing. The snacks were gone. "What the-"

"Thanks for the snacks Uki-jii!" Rias's eyes shot over to the Kenpachi child, Yachiru Unohana, holding all of the snacks before flashing away. The Devil looked on in shocked disbelief while Juushiro just smiled and waved.

"Ahh~. Happy children heal the heart." He said while Rias just pouted angrily.

(Later that day)

Rias was standing next to the Senkaimon gate that would lead back to Kuoh, a copy of Kyoraku game with her to practice with, as she waited for Issei and Azazel since it'd be rude to leave without them. Her wait was relatively short as she had only been waiting for ten minutes before the Fallen Angel and her pawn made their appearance. She turned and felt her jaw drop when she saw both of them being lead toward her by another Shinigami.

"I-I'm sorry, but what happened!?" She demanded running up to the two of them, both of their eyes wrapped in bandages, and scaring the Devil heiress.

"Rias? Is that you?" Issei asked, reaching out to her. "It's so good to hear your voice!" Gremory felt a measure of joy at hearing her favorite pawn finally call her by name, but that was superseded by the worry she had.

"Well Rias," Azazel started, "what happened was; Issei went right into training after his therapy session, since he resolved to get much stronger, and started sparring with a Captain of the Court Guard Squads."

"I remember that." The Red Dragon said as Rias took his hand. "Please tell what's happening. I can't actually feel my hands." The Devil looked at Issei in shock again.

"For good reason." The Fallen Angel added. "Ichigo let his killing intent do the work, Unohana was more hands on and he can't remember what happened, his body certainly does. Made him practice swordplay, magic, and hand to hand fighting until they broke and bled. Made them completely numb while he recovered." Rias decided to test that by taking Issei hand and putting it on her left breast, feeling some anxiety when his fingers didn't move.

"Rias? Are you doing something with my hand?" He asked, feeling his arm move and some pressure, but nothing else.

"Nothing important." She said, refusing to break his heart in that moment.

"Anyways, this happened because Issei needed to learn a hard lesson, apparently, and I got caught in the crossfire. Hence." Azazel gestured to his own face.

"I see. Well, come on then. I'll lead the way." Rias said as the Senkaimon activated and a black butterfly appeared to guide them. "By the way, we'll be coming back over the next two weeks." She announced. "We've got to take advantage and get as much training and practice as we can. As a team!" She said with a smile, unknowingly filling Issei with dread.

(Royal Realm)

"GRAH!" Ichigo roared out as he suddenly appeared, shirtless and dripping wet with sweat and water as he fell to his knees. "That.... seemed... heavier... than usual." He panted out, desperately trying to catch his breath after walking down the Irazu Sando. As his breathing settled, his body glowed with a light emanating from his chest. "My fault for gathering more things I want to protect." The Irazu Sando was created to test those capable of shouldering the burden of all existence like the Soul King, but had since become Ichigo's preferred training method. Once only representing the World of the Living, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo while the Soul King was sealed, now reflects the weight of everything Ichigo wishes to protect, as designed by the Soul King himself. A weight that only grows with every bond the hybrid makes.

"This calls for a trip to White Bone Hell, then the Gatonden." Ichigo decided, taking a step before hearing the Soul King's order.

"Bring me Rukia and Kenpachi."

(Omake)

Don't Anger Unohana

Issei was covered in a sheen of sweat with several cuts over his body, his upper clothes hanging on by threads under the mercy of the cold eyed woman before him. It was jarring to see the motherly Unohana switch into such a ruthless and efficient combatant, something his partner warned him about as she forced him to push beyond what he thought he was capable of. His left arm was covered in the red gauntlet of his Boosted Gear and he was holding the Holy Sword Ascalon, a straight sword with three notches on both sides near the base and a gold guard that resembled dragon claws. He attempted to use his doubling ability, and Unohana cut off and reattached his arm before making it clear to not do that again. His movements were still clumsy, but the Captain gave him all the help he was going to get from her already in how to sword fight.

'I just gotta... get... one hit!' He thought as he fought to block attacks that seemed effortless to Unohana. 'There's gotta be a way to distract her.' He thought, before getting an epiphany. "Right. Her." He said before charging his power. She made it clear she wanted him to fight dirty, so he would. He rushed at he and she casually deflected his blade swing, but he did touch her Shihakusho. "Dress Break!" He shouted, snapping his fingers and destroying Unohana's clothes. "You're mi-!" He called out, thinking she was distracted by her sudden nudity. What he got, was her blade's tip literally pressing against his heart.

"Good attempt." She said, still emotionless and without shame of her naked form while holding her blade and ready to pierce through. "It would work on any shy or innocent maiden. But your mistake was assuming I was either." She pulled the blade from his chest as he dropped to his knees, his mind flashing back to Raynare killing him before Unohana dropped down to his level and got her motherly expression again. "You're making a lot of progress Issei, you should be proud." She said as her hands glowed with healing Kido as she healed the hole in his chest. "I'll make sure Rias pampers you a lot for your hard work."

"Thanks Cap-" Issei started as she got back to her feet, only to stop when she cut through his eyes. "AHHHH!" He screamed as he grasped his bleeding face.

"Don't worry, this is an easy fix." Retsu said before turning her smiling face to Azazel, who was paralyzed with fear. This whole training session he watched as Issei was killed and revived repeatedly by the woman, so quickly he never noticed he died even once. And now her focus was on him.

"I saw-" He started saying before he felt something pierce his eyeballs. "AHHHHH!"

"Now to wipe both of your memories of this scene." She said lowering her arm that shot the needle like Kido spells into Azazel's eyes. "After all, my husband is the only man that gets to see me like this." Spoken with an innocent smile and a blush, while the two men grasped their bleeding eyes.