" Tatsu, is it okay if I ask you if you would like to come to my grandma's funeral tomorrow . I know she really was grateful that you helped me not be so shy. She told me she kept an eye out for you after your parents died. I understand if you don't want to go . " Hoshi did understand if Tatsuki didn't want to go. They would have all week to hang out anyway.

Tetsu noticed that Ichigo wanted to ask him something but hesitated. What ever it was it could wait . Tetsu still had to talk to Isshin about the concerns he had about going back. He motioned for his friend to come over .

Isshin headed over to Tetsu once he waved him over, wondering what he wanted. He had a feeling it dealt with going back, but he wanted to hear what Tetsu said nonetheless.

"It would be a sin if I didn't go Hoshi-chan, I'll be there," Tatsuki said, knowing that without Hoshi's grandmother she wouldn't be the female she was today.

" I need to ask you something important. When I agreed yesterday that I would testify, I was told that Yamamoto wanted to see how I fared in battle. I'll be given a set of tasks to complete during the test. I assume that they want to see what level of power I have. Is this standard procedure ? I know for some reason I'm still considered enlisted and are treating my exile as a long term mission of sorts. I have to file my observations of my time here . I will be allowed to return but I'll have to keep in contact . I'm sorry about asking you this. " Tetsu said . He hoped Isshin could help him.

" Thank you Tatsu. It's at 11 in the morning at the cemetery where my mom's buried at. She'll be put in the family plot next to my grandfather. Hoshi said and hugged her friend.Hoshi's grandfather died when her mother was a teen. " Ichigo will be there too. I'll be going home with him afterwards. My dad is going to the Soul Society to testify. He'll be gone for the week. "

Tatsuki returned the hug and nodded as she was given the information. The only thing that would stop her would be if Aizen, himself, attacked. Once she thought about that, she hoped that it wouldn't happen. "Your father is testifying? For what?" Tatsuki asked, confused.

"You don't need to apologize old friend, I'll do whatever you need me to do," Isshin said, knowing that if the roles were reversed, Tetsu would do anything and everything in his power to keep his children safe.

" Just promise me that you won't let that bastard Aizen near Hoshi if I don't come back. It's going to be hard enough that I won't be able sense her once I'm there. I need to do this . If it will help their fight and if I can help find a way to reverse the effects or at least help create something that will make shinigami immune to the effects. You know I would do the same if you needed my help. This is the hardest thing I've ever done . Nothing , not even Hotaru's death or me making the decision to fake mine was this hard. Yes, they both were difficult but both times I thought Aizen figured I was dead. Now, I know he knew all along that I was alive and wants my daughter for some twisted reason. " Tetsu took a deep breath. Thinking about all this was very stressful for him.

" He's going to testify about what he knows about Aizen's plan. I don't know much else about what my dad knows and he told me I wouldn't be able to sense him while he was there. But he said I'll be safe here. I know he's worried something bad might happen while he's away. I'm a little scared myself." Hoshi was but she knew her friends would do all they could to keep her safe.

"I promise. Hoshi will be safe with me, even if I have to use that technique again," Isshin responded, making Tetsu nod solemnly. He knew what Isshin was referring to and Isshin would only use if he had no other choice. "I plan on teaching Ichigo that eventually, but I'll have to wait for now." Isshin continued on, as he reassured his friend that his daughter would be safe. He couldn't claim that he knew what was going through his friend's mind, but he knew that it was a stressful and tough decision.

"Tetsu-san knows about Aizen's plan then why..." she bit off the question before she could answer it. he probably hid himself from Aizen... she thought to herself. "Nevermind."

" Thank you old friend for forgiving me. I'll always feel terrible about making you think I was dead all those years ago . I'll always owe you a favor . I'll see you tomorrow after Fumi's funeral. Hoshi seems to be doing alright .I know how hard this is for her lose her grandmother. I miss Fumi myself. I appreciate everything you've done for me. I better take Hoshi home before it gets too dark. We need to figure out what that bizarre feeling is and soon." Testu signaled to Hoshi that it was time to leave.

" I'll see the both of you tomorrow morning then. I'll have my stuff ready to go and in the car. See you both tomorrow ." Hoshi said waiting for her dad. Tomorrow was going to be a difficult day in two ways. Saying goodbye to her grandma and tomorrow being the last time she would see her dad for a week. She hoped he would be safe in the Soul Society .She wanted to ask Isshin sometime what her dad was like in the Gotei 13. She often wondered about her dad's time there.

Isshin thought his friend already repaid that favor when he helped him regain his reiatsu after using the final Getsuga all those years ago and voiced those opinions to Tetsu. He also voiced his sympathies to the man before he took his leave. We have things to do ourselves... he thought to himself before turning to Tatsuki and his son.

"Oi, lovebirds, it's time to head home!" he shouted towards the two, grinning lightly when he saw both blushing and his son quickly coming after him with Zangetsu in bankai mode.

"We'll see you tomorrow," both Hoshi and Ichigo said to the smaller black-haired girl, knowing that tomorrow would be a hard day for her. As the father and daughter duo left, she then heard Isshin call Ichigo and herself lovebirds, making her blush in embarrassment before quickly heading after Ichigo. She may not have had access to Ryuenjin, but she was a black belt for a reason...

Tetsu and Hoshi walked toward home. Testu thought it was too still out. He had her keep aware of her surroundings, knowing this would help keep her reiatsu down. They arrived home safely and Hoshi went to get ready for bed. Tetsu had a few things to do before he did. He made sure things were in order . He also got his report ready for his trip to the Soul Society. He knew he was doing the right thing by testifying.

Hoshi woke up on Sunday . She felt numb. Today she would be saying goodbye to her grandma. She went down to breakfast. Her dad was already up. He noticed the sad look in her eyes.." It will will be alright Hoshi. Your grandma is at peace. Sometimes souls go automatically to the Soul Society. I know you're worried about me going there . I'll be fine. " Tetsu hoped he would be. From what he was told they would let him come back here. He had to trust the Central 46 and Gotei 13. He still believed that he had to fight to protect what he swore to years ago and to protect his daughter.

Hoshi had gotten her bag packed for the week and Tetsu gave her some money in case she needed it. Hoshi had dressed in a black dress ans Tetsu in a suit. They headed toward the cemetery .Tetsu knew Aizen wouldn't attack while she was around people. He knew he wanted her by herself. Yoruichi had told Tetsu this morning that she would be there in the trees in case anything did happen.

Isshin slowly headed into his room and saw that his son was just waking up. He had a black suit on as well as a black tie. Ichigo was also going to wear a black suit as well to the funeral, but he was also going to bring his badge with him, just in case. He didn't expect Aizen to attack, but it would be a good idea to have it on him all the same.

"Don't worry dad, I highly doubt anything will happen," Ichigo said as he noticed the man not being his usual happy and idiotic self. He understood that it wasn't needed, but it was weird to see his father not being stupid. He then turned to the bear that was awake, but kept his eyes closed.

"Kon, keep an eye on them," he said, knowing that Kon would protect his sisters as best as he could. Before long, both headed out of the house, Isshin turning and locking the house and clinic. On the way, they met up with Tatsuki, who was wearing a black dress.

Hoshi and her dad arrived at the cemetery at 10:30. There were a few people there. Mostly Fumi's friends and some friends of her mother's had come to pay their respects to Hoshi's grandma. Hoshi missed her grandma so much . Her grandma encouraged her so much to be brave and to pushed her to ask questions. Tetsu comforted Hoshi . He knew it was always hard to say goodbye. He saw Isshin walking with Ichigo and Tatsuki. He knew Fumi would have wanted him here too . The funeral started and Tetsu knew they were safe but he kept vigilant . He didn't want to have to fight a hollow around those who couldnt see ghosts. As it ended he thanked those who had come, and so did Hoshi. Some of the guests had said many nice things about Fumi . After it was over they would all meet by the car. This would be the last time he would see Hoshi until Saturday.

Tetsu and Hoshi went to the car to meet Isshin and the others. Tetsu knew she would be safe with them. He hated to leave her for this long. He gave her a hug and told her he would be alright. Hoshi had her bag with her. She was grateful for those who came today.


Aizen knew tomorrow was the day he could attempt to capture Hoshi. With Tetsuya not being around it gave him a week to try his latest creations in the living world . He knew Hoshi had trained on Saturday . He would train her himself once she got here. He was pleased things were going the way he expected them to .

Isshin felt a chill come up his spine as he helped Tetsu move Hoshi's stuff out of the car, knowing that his son and Tatsuki would help carry the suitcases home. He knew that Aizen was planning on taking Hoshi, but he knew that everyone in their power would protect her.

I don't know what Aizen has planned for Hoshi-chan, and I may not want to know, but before all is said and done, I'll make sure to give him hell for trying Isshin thought to himself, not realizing that both Tatsuki and Ichigo were thinking the exact same thing.

"Thank you Isshin. " Tetsu said." If Hoshi asks about how I was back then , you can tell her. Just nothing embarrassing. " Tetsu whispered when the kids were out of hearing range. He had a solemn expression on his face. He looked at Hoshi .This was the hardest thing he had ever done. Tomorrow Tetsu Matsuda would be going back to the Soul Society. He had to do this .

Hoshi took a suitcase to help. She looked toward her dad hoping it wasn't the last time she saw him. She knew she would be safe. She felt sad thinking about him being gone. He had been gone a week before , but to her this was much different.

"I'll try and remember to not tell her anything too embarrassing," Isshin said, trying to lighten the tension in the air with a joke, knowing that this week was most likely going to get chaotic. "Just don't forget that I'm coming as well for Asami-chan's Gigai," he said, Tetsu nodding saying that he didn't forget.

" I promise I won't either if Ichigo ever asks me about you." Tetsu said with a grin. " I won't forget. I leave at 4:30 in the morning. I know it's really early . Speaking of going back, how are you feeling after yesterday? " Tetsu knew Isshin was back to full strength . He just wanted to be sure. " By now you should have heard from you Zanpaktou spirit. " Tetsu hoped his theory was correct.

He chuckled lightly at Tetsu's joke, knowing that he was only jesting back in kind, "I've heard from her, but right now she's a little annoyed at me for going through with the final Getsuga, but she'll let me use Bankai at least, but she really doesn't want to speak to me." He said remembering the talk he had with his female Zanpaktou spirit. "I don't mind about it being early. At least this way I can get back before Aizen can attempt anything and get Asami back into using her human body as a normal human being."

I'm glad she did contact you. Don't worry she'll forgive you. I'm glad you'll be able to use bankai if you need it. I'll meet you at Kisukes then. I'm glad you are coming with me even if it is for a little while. I suppose Mayuri-taichou knows Im coming back? Captian Histugaya didn't say who knew I was still alive. But you know how news is in the Seireitei is at times unless only a few Captains know. I know at least two know and that includes Yamamoto. I'm not even sure who's still around. Thank you again Isshin . Tetsu gave a small smile to his friend. He owed his friend his life.

Hoshi wouln't take her eyes off her dad. She didn't want to forget what he looked like in case he didn't come home.

"Shiro-kun knows about the two of us coming back, as does Mayori-san and the General Captain. Other than maybe Renji, I think that's it." Isshin replied, not entirely sure if anyone else knew they were coming back.

" I guess I'll find out then . "Tetsu walked over toward Hoshi and gave her a hug goodbye . This caused Hoshi to start crying. Tetsu told her he would be fine. He would miss her while he was away. " I know you are strong Hoshi-chan . I will be fine I promise you." he said to her. He got up and waved as the four left. He wiped his own eyes as he got in the car. He hoped Aizen would keep away , but knew he wouldn't . Tetsu had to trust that she would be safe.

Hoshi didn't feel much like talking. Today had been difficult. She hoped this week would be a calm one, but knew it wouldn't be . She had to be careful not to go anywhere alone. She didn't want to be captured.

(Sorry about that, long day yesterday)

Ichigo stood to the side, knowing that this might be the last time that Hoshi saw her father. Of course, that would only happen after he couldn't lift his blade or his body. He knew that he would have to keep an eye on Hoshi, especially since he was the only one with Bankai, or so he thought.

( That's alright. I understand about long days.)
" I hope he's going to be alright.Do you think they will listen to him?" Hoshi said solemnly. " I'm sorry about being like this. I've always been able to sense him. It's going to be strange not being able to. "

((thanks))

"He'll be alright, my father is going with him after all," Ichigo said, knowing that despite his father's antics, he was a dependable person when it came to it.

"That may not be the best thing to say. Your father is an idiot after all," Tatsuki deadpanned, causing Ichigo and Hoshi to laugh lightly.

"He may be a perverted idiot, but when the going gets tough, Isshin Kurosaki can and will kick ass. I've seen it before." Ichigo said, causing Tatsuki to raise an eyebrow, not believing him at all.

" I'm glad your dad is going with him. I know I shouldn't worry so much about him. But I still don't know too much about how things are there. Dad has told me a little bit, but said I might find out on my own someday. There's still a lot I want to know about his past too." Hoshi did want to know more about her dad. She knew a lot about her mother's family and their history, she just wanted to know the same about Tetsu.

" I'll see you tomorrow morning then Isshin . I know I'll be back early on Saturday. I just don't know what they have planned for me after I do my testimony ." Tetsu said . He waved at the kids goodbye . He tried to look happier than he felt. He knew Hoshi was trying to do the same.

Hoshi waved back at her dad. She knew she had to trust that he could take care of himself.