This is going to feel very meta but bear with me, everything below this paragraph was written by me back in 2020 during the pandemic. I never uploaded it for reasons I've forgotten but since I already wrote it 3 years ago I want to share it with you all. Maybe I can get some self motivation and continue the story hopefully. But I can make no promises due to how busy I am. Nothing at all has been changed since I first wrote this. Take it away past me!

I just want to say first of all that I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. It's been a very long time since I last updated.

So long in fact that I had to rewatch a lot of One Piece and Bleach to get my energy back.

It was hard writing again. Honestly I still feel like it just isn't for me. But I do have the motivation and a semblance of a story on my mind.

For everyone who has left a review saying that Ichigo was too weak and I wrote his power level as way too low in his fight with Kuzan, I agree.

I've since then reviewed a lot of Bleach and One Piece content to get a vague idea of power scaling and a few possibilities I can work with.

I want to make one thing clear about Ichigo's power level. This is Ichigo at his strongest, probably only eclipsed by his Dangai form. This Ichigo is an absolute power house. I honestly only see a few people who could be a challenge to him with very unique powers.

Do not worry about me writing him weak, I only had him weak at the start to push a short narrative with his fight with Foxy and then Kuzan, but he's getting his power back slowly.

I really appreciate all the reviews. It means a lot, I just wish I could be better at writing.

Now on with the chapter.

Chapter 11

Our favorite lazy Admiral was currently lying down in his favorite beach chair with his signature eye mask covering his eyes.

Usually such a sight wouldn't be out of the ordinary to those who had come to know the man known as Aokiji.

The only oddity that one could point out was that he was currently residing at the bottom most floor of the ship.

After being rudely woken up by the shouting of marines around the ship some time during the night, Aokiji begrudgingly grabbed his beach chair and made his way towards the lower part of the ship where he hoped he would be left alone, leaving the maintenance of the ship to his subordinates.

His plan fell apart very quickly, the lower floors of the ship were just as noisy below deck as they were above deck.

The lower hull was completely abuzz with marines running around the clock to make sure no water from above deck was settling at the bottom of the ship, as well as making sure no water was seeping through any cracks that would lead to devastating consequences.

Many marines tried to ignore their Admiral seemingly asleep amidst the chaos that surrounded him, many wondering how anyone could sleep through this ordeal.

For Aokiji this environment was nothing new to him, always finding places he could get away with a quick nap, and totally not use his title of Admiral to sleep on the job, he would never do such a thing.

Right?

Anyway, Ignoring the chaos surrounding him, and debating whether he did throw around his title a bit too much for a quick nap, Aokiji's thoughts were currently thinking of a way to convince the orange haired oddity to join the side of the World Government.

From what little interactions he had with the teen, he could feel a sense of protection and justice in him that was uncommon among those who ventured the grand line.

But the teens mannerisms and lack of knowledge of the world would suggest he had a sheltered upbringing. Not that it mattered too much with his proposition, the teen didnt have a home and Aokiji was more than willing to give him one, and a job on top of that. He wasn't about to let his newest 'stray' as Garp called him off into the world just to get in bigger trouble.

Whether or not Ichigo would take him up on that offer was still up in the air.

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud creaking of wood to his side and the yells of the marines around him.

"We're breaking water! The hull is under too much stress in this storm! We need to patch this now!" One marine shouted as a few marines nearby rushed around to grab any adhesive and wooden planks they could find to patch the hole.

Aokiji lazily raised his hand to the side peeking out from under his eye mask. The marines stopped what they were doing as a blast of cold air followed by silence of the water being frozen solid against the hull of the ship.

The marines shared glances at each other as they directed their attention to their Admiral who lazily lowered his hand down as he rolled over to get in a more comfortable position.

Sweatdrops were shared along with a few hushed whispers between the marines.

"Just patch up the hole, the Admiral bought us more time and I'm more than happy for it." The marine that was seemingly in charge below deck ordered in a much lower voice respecting his Admirals wish to continue sleeping.

A few quiet 'Yes Sirs' rang among the marines as they quickly patched the leak chiseling at the ice surrounding the hole.

Aokiji tuned out the sounds around him as he focused on the strange energy of the teen he had come to know fondly over the past few days.

He sensed the strange energy from above him which he assumed was from above deck, wondering if the teen was helping Garp keep the ship afloat during the storm.

He let his concentration on the energy fade as he heard the marines yelling again about another hole letting in water.

Aokiji groaned as he lifted his eye mask off his eyes glaring at the leak in the hull that dared interrupt his sleep.

Looks like he wasn't getting any rest any time soon.

The morning sun was slowly rising over the horizon, lighting up the now clear sky in a beautiful array of colors. The ship had sailed out of the storm and into calmer waters.

Ichigo felt his body slump against the railing of the ship with a loud sigh, thankful he didn't get sea sick, or else he'd be a green mess right now with a very empty stomach.

He felt sore in places he thought he would never be sore. Even after the insane amount of training he had been through during his time in the supernatural side of the world after becoming a Shinigami.

He felt drenched to the bone, his clothes completely soaked through as he felt himself shiver slightly.

Glancing around he saw the marines lingering about sharing the same sense of relief he felt. He noticed Koby and Helmeppo in positions similar to his own.

The storm passed with the rising sun, leaving the marines longing for a warm bed and a hot meal, something Ichigo shared a sentiment among them.

"Everyone I want to thank you for your hard work!" He heard Garp shout dragging the attention of all the marines on deck. "Get some rest and a nice hot meal. We should be arriving at Water Seven in a few hours. After we arrive most of you will be on leave and free to do what you want! Just don't mill around with any women you hear me! Don't get too drunk either!" He shouted, earning slow nods from his crew.

Ichigo couldn't help but be surprised at Garps overall appearance, his signature smile was still in place, the only thing off about him was he disheveled hair and more normal looking clothes. If he was tired he didn't let it show.

The marines on board tried their hardest to give a proper salute to their Vice Admiral, most failing due to their fatigue.

"Dismissed!" Garp shouted with a quick salute as the crew slowly made their way below deck, a few lingering on the deck longer returning to their normal post.

Ichigo locked eyes with Koby and offered a small nod of understanding to his pink haired friend, as Koby disappeared beneath the ship.

Garp beamed with his smile in full view watching his crew he was so proud of slowly disappear under the ship. With a huff he walked over to Ichigo whose eyes were glued to his form as he plopped down on the deck next to him giving Ichigo a once over.

"You've seen better days! Hahaha!" Garp couldn't help but laugh at his new friend's overall appearance. Ichigo's usual spiky hair was damp, losing its unique characteristic.

Ichigo could only softly glare at the Vice Admiral, but felt he looked absolutely miserable from Garp's point of view.

"Shut up. You look just as bad as I do." Ichigo scoffed.

Deciding to lighten the mood and glare from his smaller friend he tried to cheer him up and distract him from his current predicament.

"You did good Ichigo." Garp placed his large hand over his smaller friend's shoulder. "Most storms on the Grand Line are usually a lot worse, but we lucked out this time. I'll be relying on you again next time." Garp grinned peeking at the teen next to him.

Ichigo felt his jaw slacken. "Wait! Are you telling me that the storm could've been worse?" He was rubbing his temples trying to imagine what a storm on the Grand Line even meant in this world.

"Absolutely, storms on the Grand Line are famous for being some of the worst on the planet, this was a mild one at best." Garp couldn't help but scoff as his grin faded from his face recalling some of the worst storms he had experienced in his time on the Grand Line.

"This place is crazy." Ichigo muttered more to himself than to Garp.

Just what kind of crazy world did I land myself in?

Giant sea creatures like he saw yesterday, and now hearing about storms that put even the worst ones from his world to shame in their destruction.

He felt his sanity was being put to the test, but he would come out on top and try to take everything in stride as he always had before.

Garp couldn't help but chuckle slightly at those words.

"Everyone says that at one point in their lives on the Grand Line. This isn't a kiddy pool like the East Blue Ichigo. This is the most dangerous place on the planet that has claimed countless lives." Garp finished standing up stretching slightly.

He didn't know what Garp's reference was supposed to mean but took it to heart anyway. He was not to underestimate the ocean in the Grand Line.

"Get changed, get yourself a hot meal and get some rest."Garp suggested earning a few nods from Ichigo. "We will be arriving at Water Seven in a few hours, then I'll introduce you to my good for nothing grandson." Garp grinned as Ichigo smiled back.

He had heard many stories from many different people about Luffy. From Koby, Foxy, Porche, and mainly Garp.

He was really curious about what Garp was going to do when he met his grandson again, but from his previous conversations could assume what Garp had in mind.

"Heard he's a troublemaker, how hard are you going to hit him when you see him?" Ichigo slightly grinned along with Garp. If possible Garp's grin became even wider at the understanding of his smaller friend.

It seemed Ichigo was more observant than the first thought of the teen. What he wouldn't give to keep Ichigo in his crew indefinitely.

"Only hard enough to make him regret becoming a good for nothing pirate!" Garp loudly declared, grabbing the attention of the remaining marines on deck.

The shinigami smiled softly, remembering his good for nothing goat chins antics, attacking him whenever he would wake up in the morning, or when he was returning home from school.

Or when he was eating at the dining room table.

Or when he was bringing friends over.

Now that he thought about it, he got into a lot of fights with his dad. He guessed it was his old man's way of training him to better protect his family when they needed him the most.

His small smile faded entirely, replaced by a deep scowl remembering the note Urahara had left him upon waking up in this world.

I failed them, I wasn't strong enough to protect everyone.

He had trained harder and harder, always coming out on top just barely after every fight.

Were all his battles up to this point meaningless? Why did he train so hard to get strong if he couldn't even protect his family and friends.

Why did I have to survive alone? Was this a blessing or a curse being chosen to survive where everyone else died?

It wasn't fair.

Biting his lip he tried to calm himself.

His dark thoughts were interrupted as a fist crashed down on his head sending him sprawled against the deck of the ship.

Regaining his bearing he lifted his head up with a tick of irritation clear on his face, staring at the man who had laid him out.

"Wh-What the hell was that for!?" Ichigo yelled from his position on the floor, trying to burn a hole into Garp's head with his eyes.

Garp wasn't smiling anymore, he leaned down and picked Ichigo off the floor with ease, settling his feet on the deck of the ship.

"You had a nasty look on your face, and whatever your power is, it felt dark coming off you." Garp explained resting his hand on Ichigo's shoulder.

Ichigo's eyes slightly widened with the scowl on his face lessening. He didn't know he was letting off any kind of Reiastu. During his training in the soul palace before he returned to soul society he was certain he had been able to control his Reiatsu in his momentary lapse of concentration, with his inner emotional turmoil of the death of his universe, he had let his darker hollow Reiastu release uncontrolled out of his body.

He felt disappointed in himself for not being strong enough, but he felt slightly nostalgic being smacked on the head just like his dad always did during hard times during his life.

That sounds really wrong that I'm reminiscing about getting decked by that good for nothing goat chin.

Ichigo let out a sigh trying to get rid of his darker thoughts. God knows what his inner world would look like at this rate. He wouldn't like the amount of shouting his Zanpakuto spirits would tell him about flooding his inner world again.

"Thanks, I needed that." Ichigo brushed off Garp's hand. He tried to force a smile, but failed, deciding to walk past Garp towards the lower decks of the ship.

"Thanking me for hitting you over the head, aren't you a strange one. Ha Ha Ha!" He laughed while walking alongside the orange haired teen.

"It's not like that." Ichigo scowled, but didn't really put any energy into it. "My old man used to knock some sense into me whenever I was going through tough times, literally." Ichigo explained earning a curious look from the Vice-Admiral.

Another sigh escaped the orange haired teens lips. He really needed to learn to control his Reiastu better. He had no problem releasing it, he just had a hard time keeping it all bottled up inside him.

The Vice Admiral had heard from Aokiji about Ichigo's family situation. From how his old friend put it, he assumed his family had passed away tragically, and recently too.

Ichigo didn't show it on his face now, but Garp felt the teen was hurting inside. He could only hope the teen would accept Aokiji's offer to become a marine, even if it was only a part time one.

A kid like him with so much strength was bound to cause trouble in the pirate world, but with the help of the World Government he might be able to make a positive change.

"If anything's ever bothering you, feel free to come talk to me. You could talk to Kuzan but that idiot would probably fall asleep." Garp walked past Ichigo as he turned down the hallway.

If Garp could help set Ichigo on the right path, he'd help in a heartbeat. Even though they had known each other for a short amount of time, Garp couldn't help but see a few parallels between Luffy and Ichigo.

The teen blinked but understood the small gesture of kindness Garp had offered him.

"I'll think about it. No promises." He turned to walk towards the cleaners where he left his Shinigami clothes yesterday. "But thanks for the offer." He said softly, not sure if Garp could hear him or not.

He wanted to sort out his own mental anguish on his own, but talking about his problems with someone like Garp would probably help put his mind at ease.

A chuckle from Garp down the other hallway confirmed he had indeed heard what Ichigo had said.

"Don't be a stranger! Now where are you Koby and Helmeppo! Just because you two were working hard all night doesn't mean you can skip training today!" Garp shouted. The few marines walking by in the hallway scurried off hoping to avoid Garp's wrath.

Ichigo shook his head and continued on towards his room, a lone thought bouncing around his mind.

He reminds me too much of dad.

Stepping back onto the deck of the ship Ichigo felt very refreshed. After a quick shower and changing back into his signature black shihakusho, he made his way to the mess hall and got himself breakfast.

He was somewhat surprised to find Koby sitting at an open table in the mess hall.

Ichigo sat with the pink haired teen and asked why he wasn't training with Garp.

Koby had explained he was able to convince Garp out of training today since he planned on fighting Luffy at Water Seven to prove how much stronger he had gotten.

Ichigo nodded at the simple logic, many times during his time in soul society where he had wanted to prove his strength.

The most notable fight that came to mind is when he fought Byakuya after saving Rukia from being executed. He remembered the feeling of disbelief on the Captains face when he first showed off his Bankai.

The conversation between the two shifted from Luffy to his crew and what Koby knew about them.

The talk shifted around from how Koby met Luffy and Zoro to the rumors and reports about the rest of Luffy's crew. The conversation was very informative, even if these straw hats were pirates they certainly didn't act like the ones from the old times from his world.

Ichigo's thoughts drifted to the conversation he had with Kuzan on the Island a few nights ago.

I'm probably going to meet the same Robin Kuzan told me about in his story.

Now he was wondering what the Admiral was going to do when he met her. He was told the night before that Kuzan would let Garp decide what to do with Luffy and the Vice Admiral declared he wouldn't arrest his own grandson.

But that didn't tell him what Kuzan was going to do when he met Robin again. He would just have to wait and see.

They finished up their meals quickly and went about their own business before they arrived at Water Seven.

Ichigo retrieved his Zanpakuto feeling much more whole with them back on his form, making his way to the deck of the ship.

The upper deck was abuzz and everyone was preparing for the worst. The marines didn't know if they met resistance trying to 'capture' the straw hats. Ichigo knew the truth that Garp was more than willing to let his grandson slip away this time.

The teen spotted the Vice Admiral talking among his two petty officers Koby and Helmeppo.

Everyone had changed into their normal attire and 'freshened up'. The only oddity he could point out was Garp was wearing a bulldog shaped hat on his head. Why that was he wasn't too sure, but he had the sneaking suspicion it had to do with all the dog themes on the ship.

He was about to walk over and join in on the conversation when he caught sight of the island they were approaching. He felt his maw agape at the sight.

The city was tall as it was wide, a massive fountain was the centerpiece of the city, surrounded by a residential district of tightly packed houses. Multiple canals of water flowed by the houses towards the great exterior wall of the city, with different numbered pathways. Another district laid outside the walls of the city almost at sea level with how low it was to the water.

What struck Ichigo as the most impressive feature was he was certain the world wasn't too technologically advanced. Creating a city that looked like a single functioning system for whatever reason it needed massive canals of water flowing through the upper district of the city was an impressive feat.

The massive white stone walls have a vague similarity to the capital of Soul Society, Seireitei. The difference being the houses were much more western In design than eastern.

"Hey Ichigo!" He turned to see Koby waving him over. Walking over to the trio he couldn't help but keep his eyes glued to the massive island city in the distance, something the trio picked up on.

"Yo, Koby, Garp." Ichigo turned towards the last of the three and drew a blank, not remembering the sunglasses wearing man's name.

"Helmeppo!" The person in question confirmed. He had assumed the orange haired teens had forgotten his name by the way he was staring blankly at his face.

"Right of course." Ichigo nodded totally remembering his name before turning his head back to the city in the distance.

Helmeppo grinded his teeth but ultimately threw his hands up in the air. It's not like he could get his revenge against the teen after the training session yesterday. The orange haired oddity had skill and power in spades.

"It really is impressive isn't it." Koby offhandedly mentioned earning a slight nod from Ichigo. Garp was chuckling slightly seeing Ichigo so interested in something.

Helmeppo seemed indifferent, still holding onto a grudge after being beaten so easily during their training match.

"Water Seven, home of some of the greatest shipwrights in the world. It has been a while since I've seen it." Garp crossed his arms taking in the view of the city.

"So the city is a ship repair yard?" Ichigo inquired, it made sense now why the massive canals of water flowed freely in the city. The only thing he could compare such a city to was venice but even this was extreme in a sense.

"That's what it's famous for. If you are that interested in the city, feel free to explore after we are done with my business with Luffy." Garp shrugged. "Ahh before I forget, Kuzan was looking for you. You have time to talk before we make landfall. I wouldn't want you to miss my family reunion." Garp grinned patting Ichigo on the back.

"Yeah, Yeah, I get it. You really want me to meet Luffy, maybe then you'll hit someone else other than me." The orange haired teen winced at Garp's powerful hands earning a boasted laugh from the Vice Admiral. Koby smiled at the antics of the newest member of the ship interacting with a man who he owed his life to. Helmeppo merely grumbled something under his breath, saying something about 'getting payback against that damn strawhat and bounty hunter'.

"Where can I find him?" Ichigo asked.

Garp barked out a laugh at the question, a devious idea forming in his head.

"Knowing him, most likely asleep in his quarters. Go give him a good wake up call for me will you?" Garp grinned. Ichigo smiled devilishly remembering his petty revenge he wanted against the Admiral.

"I'll give him a nice wake up call." Ichigo chuckled devilishly understanding the underlining of the suggestion. He disappeared through the door to the lower level of the ship.

Koby shivered seeing the malicious scowl present on Ichigo's face.

Just what kind of history do those two have?

It wasn't normal for someone who wasn't a marine to be so familiar with some of the strongest people in the world.

After Ichigo left, Koby turned towards his Vice Admiral hoping to receive more than a few answers.

"What is Ichigo's relation with Admiral Aokiji? We all saw them come on board together. Is he a marine in training?" Koby asked.

Garp hummed at the question, bringing his large hand up to his chin. Helmeppo now seemed interested in the conversation after being easily defeated by the teen during their training match the day before.

"Ichigo's a special case. We're scoping him out to see if he's Marine material." He started. "What I'm about to tell you is confidential information, got it? No one hears what I'm about to tell you." Garp paused, swiveling his head making sure no one was in eavesdropping distance.

Koby and Helmeppo both gulped at the serious expression Garp had that they had both grown used to during their training, but nodded quickly nonetheless.

"Good. Now listen, Kuzan and I are just throwing theories around, but we are guessing Ichigo's strong enough to go toe to toe with an Admiral and come out on top." Garp explained crossing his arms, getting alarmed looks from the two petty officers.

"You're telling me that kid could beat Admiral Aokiji!?" Helmeppo cried out, earning a smack on the back of the head from Garp.

Koby was having a hard time processing it as well. He had talked to Ichigo on more than one occasion, while he knew he was strong from their training session, it must have been a breeze for Ichigo to beat himself and Helmeppo in the training matches the day prior.

"Keep your voice down. We don't want anyone hearing about this." Garp barked quieter as he comically crouched down trying to make himself inconspicuous. Helmeppo nodded but felt his head was ringing.

"Kuzan told me he fought against him on a pirate ship, from what he said during his fight with Ichigo, the kid was strong and incredibly fast, with destructive techniques that could easily overpower even the strongest pirates." Koby and Helmeppo slightly paled. "Even though I fought him, it was still considered training. He could deal a mean punch. Ha Ha Ha! I'm glad the kids of today are made of sterner stuff. Gives the world hope." Garp barked his signature laugh. Both Koby and Helmeppo shared a look trying to confirm what they just heard was true.

The two petty officers paled considerably.

Ichigo fought Admiral Aokiji!?

How the orange haired teen was still alive and breathing spoke volumes of the teens strength if what Vice Admiral Garp said was true. While the explanation didn't explain how they ended on good terms after the fight, they would rather save the question for another time.

While it was true there were people on the level of the Admirals, usually they were complacent with the world order, or whatever piece of land they were 'allowed' to rule. Another reason why the pirate crews such as the Whitebeard Pirates were left to roam free in certain parts of the world.

It was much safer for everyone if the strongest pirates were left alone than to have a full on war between the World Government and any pirates who decided to get in on any of the action. The loss of life would be catastrophic, crippling not only the World Government, but the carefully balanced roles of power in the pirate world.

But Ichigo was a wild card. He had no aspirations to become a pirate.

Garp hoped he was leaning more to become a marine, even if it was just a part time one.

He just hoped Kuzan got it through that kid's thick headed skull what good he could do for the world, and the benefits he would receive.

"I'm only telling you this because rumors are bound to spread about his fight. It won't be long until pirates and others in the World Government start asking questions, or look for a fight." Garp huffed.

He was getting old, even by his standards. That's why the World Government needed a new, younger generation to withhold the law and order of the world.

"Does he have a devil fruit?" Helmeppo asked. Usually those who stood at the top of the power chain usually had consumed an incredibly rare devil fruit that gave them a massive boost in power, even though there were those who stood at the top with pure strength and technique alone.

Garp shook his head.

"Believe it or not, no, he doesn't. Whatever power Ichigo has, it's all his own. We've only just scratched the surface of what he's capable of." Garp sighed as the ship was pulling into the port.

"Maybe if Ichigo sticks around, he could help us with our training." Koby smiled hopefully.

"Ooh? Are you saying my training isn't hard enough for you?" Garp grinned devilishly earning a squeak from his two petty officers as they vigorously shook their heads.

"No! No! That's not what I meant!" Koby trailed off stuttering.

Garp couldn't help but bark out a laugh at his subordinates' clumsiness.

"Ha Ha ha! Only if you want another training session overtop of mine. Don't think I'll go any easier on you two!" Garp patted the two on the back. Both winced using all their strength just to stay on their two feet against Garp's legendary strength.

"T-Thank you for giving us the opportunity." Koby smiled through his pain. Did he just make a decision he would later regret? Only time would tell.

Garp's laugh carried across the ship as the ship pulled into port. The straw hats unaware of the strife Garp was about to cause their crew.

Somehow after finding his way towards the room he thought Aokiji resided in, Ichigo knocked against the officers quarters.

A moment passed as he knocked again a bit harder this time.

Still no answer.

"Kuzan?" Ichigo called out.

Still no answer.

Do I have the wrong door?

Opening the door slowly he peeked inside. A flash of irritation appeared on his face as he caught sight of Aokiji asleep in his bed.

"Is sleeping all you ever do!?" Ichigo shouted, grabbing the covers over Aokiji and throwing them across the room.

That seemed to get a reaction from the lazy Admiral who rolled over pulling his eye mask off his eyes staring at the feisty teen who had woken him up.

"Ahh Ichigo perfect timing, I was just looking for you." Aokiji sat up stretching as he got out of bed.

Ichigo had half the mind to deck him then and there. Like hell Aokiji was looking for him.

As much as he would never admit it, he was slowly starting to understand the lazy Admiral. Not that he could stand just how lazy he was.

He really pisses me off.

"What did you want to talk about?" Ichigo reigned his anger, crossing his arms.

Aokiji rubbed the back of his head, letting out a long sigh.

Looks like it's now or never.

"Say Ichigo, why don't you become a Marine under me?" Aokiji left the question hanging in the air.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes slightly, his signature scowl permanently etched into his face as he took a moment to understand the meaning of the question.

"I thought you wanted me to choose my own path?" Ichigo inquired.

"While that was true at the time, I've had time to talk to Garp about your situation, and we've decided what would be best for you." Aokiji started. "But we want you to understand that ultimately it is up to you what you want to do in your life." Aokiji gazed at the teen making sure he was understanding every word he was saying.

Ichigo nodded slowly. "Wouldn't joining the marines be a long boring process of going to a training academy?" Ichigo couldn't imagine himself sitting in class taking lectures.

Aokiji picked up on the teen wasn't outright refusing the offer meaning he was at least considering it.

"Arara, you're a special case. It would be more detrimental to have you enroll in the marine academy than to give you a position of your own, and that's exactly what I'm offering you, your very own special position." Aokiji pressed on.

Ichigo was starting to see the similarities now, he almost reminded him of the time Ukitake gave him his Substitute Shinigami badge.

But Kuzan would surely not offer him something similar. Right? But the look he was giving the teen said otherwise.

"Why would you want to offer me a position in the first place? Would that even be legal?" Ichigo wasn't sure of the legality of hiring someone without training them for whatever position he was being offered. He mentally shrugged remembering Soul Society basically gave him the same deal.

"I have a lot more power than you might think. I can pull a lot of strings to get my way. This is just as beneficial for you as it is for me." Aokiji stifled a yawn. "What I'm offering you is a sort of Substitute Marine."

Ichigo's eyes nearly shot out of his head as he felt a bead of sweat fall down his forehead.

"Substitute Marine? How did you come up with that name?" Ichigo felt himself wincing. It was too damn similar to his old title of Substitute Shinigami. Was this some sort of sick joke?

Aokiji was slightly taken aback by the teens' expressions. Ichigo's normal scowl was replaced with surprise that he had never seen the teen show.

"It's a name I came up with because I couldn't think of anything better. Unless you want me to call it Submarine?" Aokiji felt himself chuckle slightly at the joke. Since when did he get a sense of humor? Other than the ice puns he would always make, those came naturally.

Ichigo felt his surprise fade replaced with annoyance at the pun. Next thing he knew he was trying to kick Kuzan in the head as the Admiral dodged out of the way, expecting the attack.

"Stand still damnit! You know you deserve a beating for that joke!" Ichigo felt his teeth grinding staring at the Admiral across from him.

The admiral sweatdropped at the teens antics.

This kid sure is fast.

"Chill out. Now's not the time to get worked up Ichigo." Aokiji let out a sigh as Ichigo merely glared at the Admiral. "This is an opportunity to give you a home to fall back on. With the support of the World Government you could have a place to sleep at night, and a steady income." Aokiji pointed out. The orange haired teen nodded at the logic.

He certainly didn't have anywhere else to go in the world, and had no money to his name. It would be very hard to try to make a living the normal way. He would assume if he didn't take the offer, he would be stuck doing some part time job like he had during his time when he kept himself busy when he lost his shinigami powers.

But during those days he was merely lost in himself, after having been part of the supernatural world, and suddenly being thrown out of it back into his normal life, after all his hardships to protect everyone he loved, it was too much for him.

He couldn't go back to having a part time job, he didn't know if he could even stand it at this point.

Do they even have part time jobs in this world?

During his mental dilemma, Aokiji kept his gaze close on the expression Ichigo was making, the teen was clearly in deep thought, weighing the pros and cons of such a job.

"The World Government working with people outside of its jurisdiction isn't anything new, Ichigo. Have you heard of the Seven Warlords?" Ichigo shook his head in the negative.

"Of course you wouldn't. How should I put this?" Aokiji put his hand up to his chin in thought, thinking of a way to explain this to Ichigo. "There are numerous pirates in the world that pose a threat to the World Government. The World Government chooses seven pirates of exceptional abilities to help fight for our cause. Many pirates join us for many different reasons, we allow them to reign freely for help at certain times. But this comes back to you." Aokiji finished pointing at the teen, as he perked up.

"While I don't agree with the Seven Warlords, most are corrupt and outright refuse the calls of help when we ask of them, you are no pirate." Aokiji stated.

Ichigo huffed, crossing his arms. Of course he wasn't a pirate, he wasn't cut out for that life. If his stay with the Foxy pirates was anything to go by, it wasn't a life for him.

These Seven Warlords seemed corrupt, he could only imagine the chaos pirates could cause with protection from the World Government. It didn't sit well with him at all.

"So you are saying, if I joined the Marines, it wouldn't be a problem?" Ichigo tried to follow Aokiji's explanation.

"That's where I'm going with this. I'll make sure it doesn't become a problem. What do you say?" Aokiji held out his hand, waiting for the teen to shake and agree on it.

Ichigo paused trying to piece everything together. It wasn't a bad deal that he was being offered. He was basically given free reign to protect who he wanted to under the guise of the World Government. Though there was still much he had to learn.

He knew Kuzan was leaving out key important details, as well as trying to paint the World Government in a better light.

Since when did he start to critically think before taking action? This wasn't like his old self at all.

Maybe if I join him, I can find my reason to protect again.

It wasn't just protecting, he would never admit it, but his time as a Substitute Shinigami solidified his reason for fighting.

He enjoyed fighting.

He had come to the realization during his battle with Grimmjow in Hueco Mundo. Was it the fact his Zanpakuto spirit was Hollow? Or was it the rush of battle he had come to embrace in the supernatural world.

"You can give me your answer before we leave Water Seven." Aokiji lowered his hand walking towards the door. "Take your time." He walked out the door, leaving the teen alone in the room.

Ichigo sighed following after the Admiral. He arrived on the deck, looking around he didn't see Admiral anywhere, but the deck was crowded with Marines carrying muskets and swords.

"Ichigo! Get over here!" He heard Garp shout. Turning his head he spotted Garp along with Koby and Helmeppo in the same spot he left them in.

Walking over he noticed the odd looks he was getting from the two Petty Officers.

"What is it? Something on my face?" Ichigo asked, getting a quick shake of the head from the two.

"It's nothing!" They both shouted in unison, looking away. Ichigo tilted his head confused looking at Garp, conveying with his eyes what the problem was.

Garp chuckled, turning away from them towards the city.

The ship was docked, and the crew was ready to depart. All that was left was for the orders from the Vice Admiral.

"Alright Marines! It's time to remind the straw hats what It means to mess with the World Government!" Garp grinned getting a loud shout from the marines on deck.

Garp turned towards Ichigo who stood among the marines, unmoved unlike the large commotion around him. "Lighten up Ichigo! Now let's get a move on everyone!" He shouted as the marines including Koby and Helmeppo fell in line behind their Vice Admiral as they walked off the ship into Water Seven.

Ichigo sighed following from further back in the pack of the marines, his black shihakusho standing out against the pristine white marine uniforms. The marines around him gave him a wide berth of room as they rushed to follow.

Gazing up he caught sight of just how massive the city was up close.

He would never admit it at the time, but he felt a sense of renewal upon stepping onto Water Seven, this was a start to a new chapter in his life. A life he had been given thanks to his former teacher Kisuke Urahara.

A second chance.

A small but sad smile made its way to his face helping to hide his inner turmoil trying to reason within himself.

Finding my reason to protect huh?

The first step was taken towards his new goal.

The Grand Line, nor the world would ever be the same.

That's all for this chapter.

This chapter took a lot longer than I want to admit to write, usually in the past I'd just sit down and write 5000 words in one sitting, but now I can barely scrape 800 in a single day.

It's just really hard to get my groove back, if I even had one. This chapter took too many damn rewrites.

The only thing I've come to regret with my story is Ichigo's lack of sadness after losing everyone he loved.

I wrote it off as he was too distracted to be sad and such, but next chapter, when Ichigo had free time to himself to be alone, I'm going to tackle Ichigo's sadness, and what drives him.

I have a few ideas but I really don't want to just follow the One Piece manga and just copy panels word for word. I may have to do that sometimes when conversations don't involve Ichigo but I'll try my best to stay away from that.

I really hope to update sometime within 2-3 months but I'm planning an even bigger move than I did last time.

It's going to be very time consuming and I won't have my computer or possibly the internet for an extended amount of time.

Stay tuned for a hopefully much darker themed chapter.

Until next time.

Hello! Future me again and I want to apologize for the lack of updates. Keeping up to date with all of One Piece lore is a lot harder than keeping track of Bleach lore. Main reason why I stopped writing in the first place. I will not promise any more updates but if I get in the mood to write I'll be sure not to wait another 3 years holding onto a chapter.

Seriously until next time. Unless someone Adopts this story. Yeah by the way this story is up for adoption.

Until next time!