Disclaimer: I don't own either Naruto Shippuden or Bleach.

Hello again my loyal readers, it's time for the next chapter of Naruto: The Shinigami Sage! So the next two chapters are going to involve Naruto helping to fight Shrieker. In my opinion, Shrieker was a pretty good Hollow. He definitely added character to what Hollows were and gave them more personality then just mindless beasts.

Also, I'm not entirely sure what the difference is between a cockatiel and a parakeet, so I'll just go by how they say it in the anime dubbed.

Anyway, the harem is still expanding, so you still have plenty of time to convince me to add more. After all, this is just the beginning of the story, but I've decided that the harem will be either fourteen to fifteen girls.

-Naruto's Harem-

Yoruichi Shihōin

Soifon

Isane Kotetsu

Rangiku Matsumoto

Tia Halibel

Mila Rose

Apacci

Sung-Sun

Nanao Ise

Kukaku Shiba

Rukia Kuchiki

-maybes-

Retsu Unohana (Lots of people love her, but she's just too motherly to me.)

Nemu Kurotsuchi (I do hate the way her captain/father treats her. Hell, he's worse then Orochimaru!)

Lisa Yadōmaru (Look out Naruto, she's a female Kakashi!)

Mashiro Kuna (Maybe. She's funny, attractive, and has a very nice ass. Heh, Sorry, but I know that I'm not the only guy who thought that!)

-possibles, but no promises-

Tatsuki Arisawa (She is beautiful and tough, it's like she's a more attractive version of Sakura, just without hitting Naruto for no reason.)

Cirucci Sanderwicci (Uryū let her live, but that Arrancar showed up and killed her. Am I the only one who thinks that was unfair for her?)

Loly and Menoly (I'm not fond of them, but most people are. They don't have to be in the harem, but just become friends with Naruto and the rest.)

Yin and Yang (Those Arrancar girls were treated by their master like Sasuke treated Karin, so Naruto could be their new and better master.)

Haineko (She's like a mix between Yugito and Samui, a busty cat.)

Zabimaru "Chimpette" (I know she's a Zanpakutō Spirit, but she's pretty sexy.)

Sode no Shirayuki (I think Naruto can melt that woman's icy demeanor, among other things.)

Nozomi Kujō (She needs to learn how to live and be happy.)

Riruka Dokugamine (She is pretty cute, even if she has an obsession with stuffed animals.)

Jackie Tristan (She's not too bad on the eyes if you think about it. Plus, another mature women.)

However, I am starting to lean towards adding Haineko and Sode no Shirayuki because of the fact that their masters will be in the harem. I'm also leaning towards Chimpette, because I'd be the first to do the Naruto x Zabimaru "Chimpette" relationship. As someone pointed out, this relationship would work. Somebody asked how they'd work it out since she is both a Zanpakutō spirit and got Snakey chained to her.

I'm not gonna answer the first one, but ask for Snakey, Chimpette can unchain him anytime she wants. She could just form her physical body and leave him in Renji's sword. Speaking of which, Renji will be very protective over Chimpette since she is like a sister to him.

Anyway, let's get to the chapter!

Chapter 4: The Cursed Parakeet

Late at night, Chad and two of his buddies are seen near a construction site with one of them talking about a parakeet that's cursed.

"A cockatiel that's cursed?" A blonde friend asked.

"Uh huh. All the people that've owned this bird have gotten into these really terrible situations and died." A black haired friend explained.

"Wow, you serious? That's not a good sign." The blonde friend stated.

"Hey Shigeo, you wanna take him?" The black haired friend asked.

"So please, tell me. Just how stupid do I look to you? Here's an idea, why don't you set him free or dump him some place?" The now named Shigeo suggested.

"Now that would be too cruel. Well how 'bout you Chad, what do you say? Isn't he cute" The black haired friend asked, holding the caged parakeet to be at eye level with Chad.

"Hey knock it off. You know Chad has a weakness for cute things." The Shigeo said.

As they're conversing with each other, none of them notice an invisible being on top of the construction site. However, the parakeet noticed and started screeching and flapping its wings wildly in fear, getting Chads attention. They all then heard something and looked up, only to see a steel beam falling towards them.

"AHHHHH!" Chads friends yelled while he stood up, the beam landing on him, creating a large cloud of dust around them.

(Hueco Mundo)

A shadowed Hollow is seen speaking to another Hollow, who had returned shortly after dropping the beam on Chad and his friends.

"We shall continue it. We shall continue our quest to devour. In order to fill the emptiness of our existence, we must continue our never ending quest to hunt them down. And above all, it is the spirit of a Shinigami that is most delicious. Once you have tasted it, you will never forget it. You will crave it always." The Hollow stated, watching as the other Hollow vanished before speaking again. "However, there's only one soul I want to devour more then anything, and that's the soul of the one who humiliated me so many years ago. Your soul will be mine boy, I swear it."

(World of the Living)

As the dust clears, Chad is revealed to have stopped the metal beam with his back. Said object bent with the gentle giant standing as if he didn't even feel it.

"Ch-Ch-Chad?" The black haired friend questioned, lifting his head off the ground.

"Y-Yeah, are you alright buddy?" Shigeo asked, surprised out of his mind.

"Yeah, I think I'm okay." Chad answered calmly, blood sliding down his face from a wound on his head.

"Y-Y-You're okay? Then how come you're bleeding bro?" Shigeo asked, surprised that Chad wasn't the least bit hurt.

Before Chad could speak, he was stopped by a voice that got their attention fast.

"Thank you so much for saving me." The parakeet said with a child's voice, shocking Chads friends while the gentle giant looked at him. "Hello there. My name is Yūichi Shibata. So what's your name mister?"

"What? Did you hear that? That bird is talking just like a real person." Shigeo said, surprised at this new knowledge before them.

"Yeah, I heard it. It is cursed." The black haired friend stated in fear.

"I'd really like to know your name mister." Yūichi said, while Chad lifted himself up a bit.

"Yasutora Sado, but most people call me Chad. I'm fifteen years old." Chad introduced.

"Check it out, Chad's interested in the bird." Shigeo stated, watching the teen and bird interact.

(Karakura High School)

It's been a few days since the whole Sora incident and Naruto, Ichigo, and Rukia are seen standing on the school roof while lunch was going on. Naruto was eating his lunch and was currently drinking from a juice box while Rukia and Ichigo talked.

"Jeez, there's not even a trace of that burn left. It's nearly healed in just one day." Ichigo said as he inspected his head where Sora had injured him.

"Don't be so surprised. I got the best grades in my Kidō class and I had a talent for it. Healing your wound was easy." Rukia stated, drawing Naruto and Ichigo's attention.

"You got graded? So what then? there's a school for Shinigami?" Ichigo asked.

"Not surprising. I had to go to an academy before I could call myself a Shinobi. After all, they wouldn't let people go into the field to fight without training them. Right Rukia?" Naruto asked, getting a nod from her.

"Yes. You could call them the same thing. The only difference is that we learn to fight and defend ourselves in combat against enemies." Rukia stated, making Naruto and Ichgo glance at each other before looking at her.

"So basically, it's like regular high school." They stated in unison, making Rukia sweatdrop.

"Uh… I guess you could say that. Anyway, tell me, how do I drink from this thing?" Rukia asked, holding up the juice box in her hand.

"You gotta poke a hole in it. You just use the sharp end of your straw." Naruto answered, almost not believing her.

"What straw?" Rukia asked, not seeing said item.

"So, you're together again? Uh huh, you three seem pretty chummy." A voice spoke, drawing Naruto's and Ichigo's attention to see that it was Mizuiro with his lunch.

"Mizuiro shut up. Come on, does it really look to you that any of us are chummy?" Ichigo questioned.

"Maybe." Mizuiro said before walking over. "Well, to be perfectly honest, you three do seem pretty close, but people are gonna talk. And if they talk enough, people are gonna think that you're a gang or something."

"Whatever. If I really cared about what people think, then I would've dyed my hair black along time ago." Ichigo stated, putting his straw into his juice box.

"Yep, same with me. Not a lot of guys liked my whisker marks, thinking that they were tattoos, when actually they're birth marks. The same can be said for my hair. But I didn't care, because they're what make me who I am. If others have a problem with it, they'll just have to deal with it." Naruto stated before going back to eating his boxed lunch, Ichigo nodding at the fact.

"Yeah, that's true. Some people should just accept what others are like." Mizuiro said in understanding.

"So this is the straw." Rukia said, getting Mizuiro's attention, who saw her examining the straw and box. "Short, but now I have to know where do I poke it."

"Hi there, how ya doing?" Mizuiro said, getting Rukia's attention.

"Why hello there! You're um… Mizuiro?" Rukia asked in her cute girl style.

"Heh, that's me. I guess we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Mizuiro Kojima. I really like-" Mizuiro began, only for Ichigo to interrupt him.

"Picking up chicks." Ichigo stated, surprising Mizuiro at his comment while Naruto chuckled in the background.

"Wha!? Ichigo, that's not cool!" Mizuiro said, trying to defend himself.

"Watch it. He may look like a dork, but he's a real player. Seriously." Ichigo said to Rukia, making Naruto raise a brow at the black haired boy.

'He's a player? I find that hard to believe.' Naruto mentally stated. 'Then again, I'm a pretty good player myself and I don't look like much, so I shouldn't talk.'

"Cut it out! You'll permanently damage my reputation! Besides Ichigo, you know older women are really more my style." Mizuiro said.

"Like I said Rukia, watch this one." Ichigo stated, both him and Mizuiro turning to Rukia, who wasn't paying any attention to them.

At this, Naruto turned to Rukia, who was struggling to put her straw into her juice box. He then got Ichigo's meaning, thus trying desperately not laugh out loud at the fact that Rukia is much older then she looks. He could only imagine Mizuiro's reaction if he knew that.

"Just forget it." Ichigo said, ignoring Rukia's struggle.

Before any of them could speak, a new voice appeared out of nowhere, revealing that it was Keigo with his lunch.

"What's this! The two new transfer students Naruto Uzumaki and Rukia Kuchiki are here with you guys! How did that happen!?" Keigo exclaimed in surprise.

"I was just sitting up here by my lonesome until Ichigo and Rukia showed up together. Ichigo said that he wanted to spend some alone time with her." Naruto answered, surprising Ichigo while Rukia still paid them no mind, paying more attention to her juice box.

"Huh!? I did not!" Ichigo yelled, shocked that his friend throw him under the bus like that.

"Ichigo did!? Hahah, what a guy! Good job!" Keigo yelled, patting Ichigo on the shoulder and giving him a thumbs up with anime tears streaming down his face.

"I didn't say that damn it!" Ichigo yelled, turning red in embarrassment.

Keigo then walked over and stood in front of Rukia, getting her to look away from her juice box and turn to him.

"Greetings, I'm Keigo Asano! Welcome lovely lady to this garden of manliness!" Keigo exclaimed with a salute.

"Uh… hello." Rukia said, a sweatdrop on the back of her head, making Keigo run back and forth childishly with his arms flailing.

"Yeeeaaah! lunch party! Right here! right now!" Keigo yelled.

"Some party! Noodles and juice!?" Mizuiro exclaimed.

"Shut up! It's the feeling that counts! So Rukia, if you find yourself needing anything, just call on me. I'm here for you." Keigo stated, completely forgetting about Naruto.

"Great, open this!" Rukia said, handing Keigo her straw and juice box.

"No problem. Your wish is my command." Keigo said before bumping into Chad, who was standing right behind him.

"Hey Chad." Ichigo greeted.

"What's up big guy!?" Naruto greeted cheerfully, to which Chad waved at them, getting everyone to notice his bandaged hand and face. "Hey Chad, what's with the bandages?"

"Whoa, you got hurt. How? What happened to you?" Keigo asked.

"I had a mishap. A steal beam fell on my head." Chad answered.

'A steel beam fell on him and yet he says it like it was nothing. Jeez, just what the hell is his body made of? Isobu's shell?' Naruto thought with a sweatdrop.

"Yeah right! Nothing in the world is as strong as my shell! I'm a living fortress!" Isobu exclaimed, flabbergasted that Naruto would compare a human to his shell.

"My hand got hurt when a motorcycle ran into me. The rider that hit me got banged up pretty bad. The force of the collision threw him off and he was knocked out. So I picked the guy up and carried him to the hospital." Chad explained.

"That explains why you were late today." Naruto commented, getting nods of agreement from everyone. "I thought it was weird that you weren't here today."

"Well it's good that you're okay man." Ichigo commented as Chad placed the caged bird that he had with him on the ground.

"Hey, so where'd you get that bird?" Keigo asked.

"My name's Yūichi Shibata, it's nice to meet you. What's your name?" Yūichi greeted.

At the sound of the child's voice; Naruto, Ichigo, and Rukia were shocked to see such a thing. Naruto might have worked alongside talking animals before, but Yoruichi didn't count since she could transform into a cat and as far as he knew, nobody could even use chakra anymore. So, the bird couldn't have been a summoning.

'What the hell!? There's no way that's a summoning or even a transformation. No, that's a normal bird, but there's a soul trapped inside of it. It's a Jinchuuriki, but in reverse. Somethings not right here.' Naruto thought as he stared at the caged bird.

"So Chad, just where did you get this bird?" Ichigo asked warily.

"Someone… gave me him." Chad answered after a long pause, which made them all sweatdrop.

"Hold it! There you go again, getting lazy and cutting your story short! Come on! That's a bad habit you have Chad! Now explain! Spill it!" Keigo yelled, pointing at the gentle giant that sat down.

"That was the whole story." Chad stated.

While Keigo and Chad were having their one sided argument, Naruto and Ichigo were staring at the bird before them. Though Ichigo was wondering if it was evil, Naruto was trying to figure out how a boys soul got put into a bird to begin with. He's dealt with things like it before, but this one didn't feel like any of them.

"Don't worry." Rukia said, breaking the two out of their thoughts. "You're right, there is something in that bird, but I don't think it's evil. It's probably just a lonely soul. You know, one that didn't have many friends. But we can't leave it, or it might become a Hollow. Tonight, we need to perform a konsō."

"Oh great, that's just what I need, another sleepless night." Ichigo grumbled.

"It doesn't help to complain." Rukia stated.

"She's right Ichigo. After all, you chose to do her job, so you gotta deal with it. Besides, give it some time and you'll get used to it." Naruto said, patting him on the back.

"Yeah, I know." Ichigo said as he took Rukia's juice and put the straw in for her.

Naruto and Rukia though glanced at each other, thinking the same thing. Ichigo had sensed the boys soul in the bird due to his concern for others. This means that he was beginning to understand a Shinigami's power without even knowing it. Ichigo then handed Rukia back her juice, which she drank gratefully.

"I gotta tell ya'," Ichigo began, catching Naruto and Rukia's attention. "back in eighth grade, that was when I first met Chad. The color of my hair always got people's attention, but not in a good way and I'd end up in these fights. Actually, the day I met Chad, his timing couldn't have been better. I was in the middle of this little scrape. These guys really ment business."

Ichigo remembered how some punks were beating him up and one was about to hit his head with a brick. That was until Chad appeared and knocked the guy away from Ichigo and how he began taking the beating for him without fighting back.

"That was the day I met Chad and Chad never fights back, no matter how much people egg him on." Ichigo finished, all of them watching Chad feed the bird.

"That is some friend you have there Ichigo. To stick up for you like that without fighting back, it's to be admired." Naruto said, taking a bite of a rice ball.

"Yeah, it really is." Ichigo agreed.

"This juice is good." Rukia commented.

"Enjoy." Ichigo said simply.

As they continued to have lunch, Naruto looked at Chad and his bird closely with narrowed eyes.

"I know what you're thinking Naruto. Yes, it is strange that of all things, why the body of a bird and not some other boy or something else. This is too suspicious to be ignored." Gyūki stated, getting a mental nod from Naruto.

'Yeah, I know. Tonight, while Ichigo and Rukia are dealing with Chad and his bird, I'm going to do some looking around. This has the smell of foul play written all over it.' Naruto mentally stated.

Later at night, Naruto is seen in his Shinobi outfit with his Zanpakutō at his waist searching for anything, but didn't know what. He had looked into the cursed bird that Chad had and found out that everyone who've had it have gotten into terrible accidents that killed them. Finding this suspicious, Naruto believed that someone or something was doing these things, but he wanted to be sure. It had been a good few hours since he started looking and was about to call it a night. However, a powerful Reiatsu had appeared out of nowhere, so he headed for it.

Once he arrived, he saw that it was a big car wreck with multiple people hurt. However, his attention was drawn to a familiar face that he can't mistake for anything. Chad is seen being loaded into an ambulance with his bird in his hand. However, Naruto was looking at the big mark on Chads back, which was no doubt a handprint.

"I see, so a Hollow is behind this. I thought that it was odd that these accidents that people got in were revolving around a bird. Not to mention that the bird has a kids soul in it. This Hollows been using Yūichi to lure unsuspecting people in so it can devour their souls." Naruto stated before trying to pinpoint the Hollows location now, but couldn't. "Damn. I guess it's hiding between worlds. I have no choice but to wait and see where it appears next."

Naruto then headed back to his apartment to wait for the Hollow to reappear.

The next morning, Naruto is seen wearing his outfit from last night, having already called in sick at school. Right now, he was searching for not just the Hollow, but after getting a call from Ichigo, he was looking for Chad and the bird as well. It wasn't easy looking for them though. He could easily sense Ichigo and Rukia because of their Reiryoku, but sensing Chad or Yūichi was not as simple since they aren't spirituality aware like the other two. So now, Naruto was trying to aid Ichigo and Rukia in their search for Chad.

However, Naruto soon sensed a Hollows Reiatsu appear out of nowhere and it was near Ichigo and Rukia.

"If that Hollow is near them, then that means Chad is too! I gotta hurry!" Naruto yelled, running at top speed to their location.

(With Ichigo and Rukia)

As Ichigo and Rukia are running down the street, they stop to see Chad run from around the corner with Yūichi.

"There! It's Chad!" Ichigo yells, catching said persons attention before he runs down the street. "Chad, stop running away! You need my help, hold up!"

"Ichigo." A strained voice called, getting Ichigo and Rukia to turn to a tired Karin.

"Karin? What are you doing here? You look really sick." Ichigo said worriedly.

Karin tried to speak, but couldn't before falling to her knees.

"Karin?" Ichigo said, moving to her side.

"Ichigo, you need to get Karin home now so we know she'll be safe." Rukia said before turning to where Chad ran. "I'll handle them."

"Are you kidding me, I can't just leave you." Ichigo declined.

"Just do as I say! I know what would happen if we leave her here. You'd be worrying about her when you fight the Hollow and that can't happen here no matter what." Rukia explained, getting Ichigo to reluctantly understand and pick up his sister. "Go on, get moving! Get her home! And get back here quick."

"Rukia, I hope you know, right now you don't have the strength to fight a Hollow by yourself. Please, don't risk yourself for my sake. If Narito shows up before me, let him handle it." Ichigo instructed.

"Don't be stupid. A veteran Shinigami never takes unnecessary chances with a Hollow. Besides, Naruto should show up sooner or later, so I won't be alone for long." Rukia stated, giving Ichigo a smile for his thoughtfulness. "Now go."

"Right." Ichigo said before running back to his house while Rukia ran after Chad.

"You're gonna be alright Karin. You just hold on and hang in there." Ichigo said as he ran his little sister back to his house.

"I-Ichigo… I came to tell you… I saw it. I saw the memories of the spirit possessing that bird. Maybe it was because I'm the closest in age to that human soul. His strongest memory flowed into my mind and I saw it all! I saw exactly what he saw! His mother's murder. It happened right in front of him. You must tell him that if he goes to the other side, she'll be there. You gotta help that poor boy! Please do it! Don't let him be… alone anymore. All the terrible pain he's had, it needs to end." Karin begged, remembering everyone of Yūichi's memories like they were hers.

(With Rukia)

As Rukia followed Chad, she was having hard time keeping up.

'Damn. I can't even catch up with him. This gigai I have is worthless, I can't even fly. Next time I get a temporary body, I'll make those R&D imbeciles give me one stronger then this. This gigai's legs barely run and it's heart and lungs are slowing me down. This is bad.' Rukia said mentally, doing her best to catch up to Chad.

"Mmmm, you smell good." A voice spoke out of nowhere, making Rukia stop in her tracks.

As she's looking, she feels the Hollow next to her and looks over her shoulder to see Shrieker appear.

"You smell wonderful, delicious. Time to eat… your soul!" Shrieker yelled, raising his hand to crush her.

Rukia quickly dodged the attack and turned to face the intimidating Hollow that was looming over her. Shrieker has features resembling a frog and retractable bat wings on his arms.

"So you're still alive? You're tougher then I thought, and you can see me quite clearly. That makes me curious. Just who are you?" Shrieker asked.

Rukia's answer came in the form of her kneeing him in the jaw. She then grabbed the top of his mask before flipping onto his back and began chanting a Kidō.

"Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws. Hadō #33. Pale Fire Crash!" Rukia yelled as she jumped into the air, firing a ball of blue flames from her palm into Shriekers back.

'I did it, I got my powers back.' Rukia thought with a smile before it disappeared in shock from Shrieker appearing from the smoke unharmed.

(With Chad)

Chad is seen having stopped running due to the sound of an explosion back where he ran from.

"What's going on? Hear that?" Chad asked Yūichi as he looked back down the road.

"It's attacking her." Yūichi said worriedly, getting Chad's attention. "It's that young lady who was chasing us before. The monster is attacking her right now. It's going to hurt her really bad."

"You just stay here." Chad said, putting the cage with Yūichi in it on the ground. "I gotta go."

"What are you going to do?" Yūichi asked in fear for Chad's life.

"I'm going to help her." Chad answered, turning to run back to Rukia's location.

"Wait, please! Don't go! It's just too dangerous! No! Don't do it! Don't go!" Yūichi begged, only for Chad to place him on a stone wall and run back toward Rukia. "You don't understand, wait! It's not me I'm worried about, it's you! I really don't care what happens to me, but you're nice mister! It's just that I don't want to see you get hurt like all the others! He's a monster and you won't even be able to see him! He will kill you! Don't do it! No, please! Stop! He'll get you to! Don't go!"

(With Rukia)

'Oh no, my spell. It didn't even hurt him.' Rukia thought in worry.

"Heh, I see, so that's what you are. I know that spell, it's a Shinigami spell, but yours was so weak it had no bite to it. Too bad." Shrieker mocked, causing Rukia to jump away from him.

'It's just as I thought, my Kidō hasn't recovered its force. My spell has no affect.' Rukia mentally said in irritation.

"My, my, a tender little Shinigami whose lost her power. Mmmm, and you do smell so delicious. This is bringing back such wonderful memories. You see, I've already had the pleasure of devouring two other Shinigami who tried to help this boy pass on to the Soul Society. And I assure you, they were mighty good eating." Shrieker said, making Rukia glare at him in disgust.

"The boy? You mean the human soul that's in that bird?" Rukia questioned, hoping to buy time for either Naruto or Ichigo to show up.

"That's right." Shrieker answered.

"What's your problem? Why have you pursued this poor kid so relentlessly? Tell me why!" Rukia demanded.

"I might be more inclined to give you an answer, if you were to let me have a little nibble." Shrieker stated, intensifying Rukia's glare.

"You Hollow scum." Rukia said venomously, making Shrieker laugh.

To Be Continued…

There you go! I hope you liked it, but the good stuff starts in the next chapter. Someone asked this question, what about Orihime? Ichigo and her will become a couple in much later chapters with some help from Naruto to Ichigo and Orihime getting help from Rangiku.

Also, I'm glad that some of you have taken a crack at trying to figure out. I would like to say that the enemy is the only one strong enough to become an Espada, but it's neither Zetsu or Kaguya, because they're permanently sealed inside of a moon in another dimension.

Anyway, right now Naruto is racing to catch up to Rukia, Ichigo's racing to get Karin home then make it back to Rukia in time, and Chad's racing to help Rukia fight Shrieker. Who will make it to her first? Find out in the next chapter!