A/N:: I apologize for the VERY, VERY, VERY LONG delay in updating this story *bows*. Unfortunately my confidence in my ability to write was knocked … However, I have greatly missed writing my little fan fictions. Although I'm aware of my mistakes (my random and overuse of commas – which I am trying to correct … but as they say old habits die hard), I realised that although my writing may be flawed at the end of a chapter, at least I've had fun writing it ^^
Anyway, I would just like to a say a HUGE thank you to everyone who's reviewed, added this story to favourites, alerted it, or added it to a community! And I really hope you all enjoy this extra-long chapter! ^^
Translation
Onii-chan/Nii-chan = Older brother
Sensei = Teacher
Key
"Normal Talking"
'Thinking or Inner Talking'
"Kyuubi Talking"
Italics - Stressed word in thinking or inner talking
Bold - Stressed word in normal talking
Chapter Four - Naruto vs. A Hollow
"We're home," Ichigo announced as he and Naruto walked through the automatic doors of the clinic.
"Move it!"
Frowning slightly, the pair turned.
"Don't just stand there! Move it!" Karin shouted as she charged towards them with a gurney.
"Can't you go around us?!" Ichigo yelled.
"No!"
"Great," the orange-haired boy muttered irritably under his breath before instinctively grabbing hold of Naruto.
"Ichigo, what …?!"
"Trust me."
The blonde-haired shinobi's eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm not going to like whatever you're planning, am I?"
"Probably not." And before Naruto could complain, Ichigo lunged at the blonde-haired shinobi. The pair flew through the automatic doors and landed just outside the clinic.
"Thank you!" Karin shouted as she hurtled past.
"You're welcome," Ichigo muttered under his breath.
"Mind … getting off … me?" Naruto asked then.
"Sorry," the Substitute Shinigami apologised as he stood. "Oh, and thanks."
"What for?"
"I would've thought that was obvious," Ichigo replied exasperatedly.
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh, you don't need to thank me for cushioning your fall, after all I didn't really have a choice in the matter."
"Would you have preferred being flattened?!"
"No, but …!"
"Are you two alright?"
Startled, Ichigo turned to see Yuzu gazing inquisitively at them from just inside of the clinic.
"We're fine," the Substitute Shinigami replied, just as Naruto winced under his breath as he slowly got to his feet. "More importantly, what's all the ruckus about?"
Yuzu hesitated a moment, before gazing down at the box of medical supplies she was holding. "There was a traffic accident at a nearby intersection."
Ichigo sighed, "I'm guessing there was a fatality."
"Two," Yuzu replied solemnly. "A young couple."
With a sigh, Naruto stared awkwardly down at his feet. He didn't have the slightest clue as to what they were talking about, however whatever this traffic thing was it was dangerous. And although he himself was immortal thanks to that stupid fox, it'd probably hurt if he ever encountered this thing called traffic. Perhaps, after he'd explained to Ichigo that he wasn't from this world, he'd ask him what this traffic thing was.
"Where's dad?" Ichigo asked then, interrupting Naruto's train of thought.
"I think … he's in his office," Yuzu replied hesitantly.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. And welcome home you two."
Naruto's jaw dropped slightly. It was a trivial thing, being welcomed home, however those simple words meant the world to the blonde-haired shinobi. Yuzu needn't have said 'you two', however she had included Naruto as though he were already apart of the family.
"I wouldn't get too cosy if I were you."
The blonde-haired shinobi sighed. 'Do you want me to try and exorcise you?'
"Here I am trying to be considerate, and this is the thanks I get?"
'Fine, I appreciate your concern but it isn't needed.'
"Really?"
'Yes!' Naruto replied irritably.
"Fine, but remember Naruto-kun this is all you have left."
'You don't have to remind me,' the blonde-haired shinobi replied bitterly.
"Good," and with that said the Kyuubi fell silent.
Naruto sighed. "Damn fox," he muttered irritably under his breath.
"Uh … Did you hit your head or something?" Ichigo asked then, a frown creasing his brow.
"Huh?"
"You're talking to yourself," the Substitute Shinigami replied pointedly.
"Oh, I was just … Uh, never mind."
"Anything you want to share?"
"No," Naruto replied hastily. "Just ignore me."
"If only that were possible," Ichigo muttered under his breath.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing, just ignore me."
Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly, however he decided to keep his mouth firmly shut.
"Well," Ichigo sighed as he stretched. "We'd better go and see if the old man wants a hand."
"Huh?"
"You definitely need a hearing test," Ichigo replied as he walked back inside.
Naruto hesitated a moment before following. Perhaps Ichigo was right. Naruto could have sworn that Ichigo had simply said 'old man' and not 'my old man'. However, he'd always been under the impression that having that stupid fox sealed inside of him improved his senses? Perhaps he'd been mistaken. He'd have to ask the Kyuubi later. However, what if it wasn't his hearing? Could it have been a simple slip of the tongue? More than likely. After all, the chances of Ichigo calling Naruto 'onii-chan' any time soon were minimal at best. However, either way it brightened the blonde-haired shinobi's mood considerably.
"Thanks, Ichigo."
Frowning slightly, the Substitute Shinigami stopped and turned to face Naruto who almost walked straight into him.
"Did you say something?" Ichigo asked after a moment.
"No, I think you need a hearing test."
xoxox
"You can't take them?!" Ichigo's father shouted. "Do it anyway! We've got patients here that we're not fully equipped to treat! Listen," Isshin began as Ichigo and Naruto slowly poked their heads around the door. "Tell your chief of staff that it's a request from Kurosaki, got it?! Then you'll have as many open beds as you want!" And without waiting for a reply, Isshin slammed the phone down.
"Hey dad …" Ichigo called out hesitantly.
"Dammit," Isshin muttered under his breath. "Freaking underlings dragging their feet!"
"Do you need a hand?"
"No!" Isshin shouted, turning to face the pair. "Just stay …" And then his gaze fell on the blonde-haired shinobi. "Actually," he said slowly. "Would you mind lending a hand, Naruto-kun?"
"I … uh … don't mind lending a hand. After all, it's the least I can do. But I … uh … don't actually know what to do. It'd be different if Sakura-chan were here."
"Oh? An old girlfriend of yours?" Isshin asked teasingly.
With a solemn smile Naruto shook his head. "No, just an old friend."
"Is she a first aider then?"
Naruto frowned, "a first aider?"
"You know, someone who has a basic knowledge of what to do in an emergency and who is able to provide medical help."
"Oh ... umm ..." Naruto faltered. He couldn't exactly tell them that Sakura had been a fully fledged medical ninja, as proficient in her field as Isshin was himself. Of course refering to her as a medical ninja at all would raise all sorts of questions, however Naruto couldn't exactly call her a doctor either. After all, if fifteen year olds here were still required to go to school, then there was no way that Sakura at the presumed age of fifteen could have become a doctor. So despite the fact that Sakura had probably been a hundred times better than any first aider, Naruto had no other choice but to refer to her as such. "Yeah, she was."
Both Isshin and Ichigo frowned slightly. "Was?"
With a sigh Naruto inclined his head slightly. "She's dead."
Ichigo's eyes widened slightly. "How … did she die?"
"Ichigo!" Isshin snapped.
"It's alright," Naruto sighed as he raised his head. "You both have a right to know what happened. She was killed, almost two years ago now by a man called Pain. Or at least that's what he called himself. He left a calling card on her … on her …" With a sigh, Naruto inclined his head once more. "Unfortunately, the police have never been able to catch Sakura-chan's killer."
Of course, Naruto's story wasn't entirely accurate. Yes, Pain had killed Sakura, along with everyone else the blonde-haired shinobi had ever cherished. However, that was where the truth ended and the lie began. There had never been a calling card, nor any police for that matter. But, at least his story sounded plausible. And it looked like Isshin and Ichigo were buying it.
"Is that why you came here?" Isshin asked softly.
The blonde-haired shinobi hesitated a moment before raising his head to meet Isshin's gaze. "That's one of the reasons, yes."
"Is the other revenge?"
Naruto couldn't help but laugh. "No, I've seen what revenge can do to people. Sasuke-kun …" However, at that moment the blonde-haired shinobi clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Naruto-kun?" Isshin said his name firmly, his brow furrowed.
The blonde-haired shinobi silently reprimanded himself for saying too much. Slightly altering the circumstances of how Sakura had really died had been easy, however Sasuke's story would require more than a slight alteration.
"I am so sorry!" Naruto exclaimed after a moment, through the hand clamped over his mouth.
"What for?" Isshin asked.
The blonde-haired shinobi hesitated a moment before moving his hand away from his mouth. "For delaying you! I mean, here I am boring you both with my past when you have patients waiting for you Kurosaki-san!"
"You weren't boring us at all Naruto-kun, however I do have patients waiting for me and I could use your help. So, why don't we continue this conversation another time?"
"Uh … sure …" The blonde-haired shinobi replied hesitantly. "I'd like that." He added with a smile.
"Liar."
'Not really.'
If Naruto had been in the Kyuubi's inner chamber at that moment, he would've seen that stupid fox frown. "Huh?"
'If I could I'd tell Ichigo's family about everyone, but I can't. Only Ichigo can know the truth. If Isshin and the twins found out, they'd …'
"Have us locked up, right?"
'Yeah …' Naruto replied solemnly.
The Kyuubi sighed. "You really like these people, don't you?"
Naruto smiled slightly. 'Is it that obvious?'
"It's …"
"Hey Naruto, are you alright?"
Startled, the blonde-haired shinobi jumped slightly before turning his attention towards Ichigo. "Uh … Yeah … Why?"
"Are you sure? It's just that you're grinning."
Naruto frowned slightly. "I think I should be asking you the same question. Or do you normally ask people if they're alright when they're smiling?"
"Only when that person has just told me how their friend died."
The blonde-haired shinobi hesitated a moment before replying. "As I said before, Sakura-chan died almost two years ago now. It's odd, I thought that after a while I'd start to forget her, but I can still picture her face in my mind. I can still remember the sound of her voice, the smell of her perfume, I can even remember how fiery her temper used to get if you crossed her. However, no amount of mourning will ever bring her back. And deep down I know that she wouldn't want me to mourn her forever, she'd want me to smile."
"You don't know how lucky you are to be able to have that view." Ichigo muttered solemnly under his breath.
"Huh?"
"Look, forget I said anything." And without another word the Substitute Shinigami turned and stormed out of his father's office.
"What's got into him?" Naruto asked Isshin curiously, when he was sure Ichigo was out of earshot.
"My wife, Masaki was killed when Ichigo was just nine years old."
Naruto's eyes widened. "I'm … so sorry. I …"
"It's alright Naruto-kun, really. Ichigo just envies people like yourself."
"Why?"
"Because he won't allow himself to smile when he remembers his mother."
Naruto frowned slightly. "But why?"
"Because Ichigo blames himself for Masaki's death. You see, he was there when she was killed."
"He … was?" Naruto asked hoarsely. So, they were more alike than he'd first thought.
Isshin nodded. "Yeah, however it's a long story and I'd better get a move on."
"Oh … right."
xoxox
"We've got another one, dad!"
Yuzu's voice sounded strained, as though she were struggling to support whoever had just been brought in.
"Well, he's certainly a big lad. Naruto-kun, can you swap with Yuzu? Ichigo, time to work!"
"Ok!" And Ichigo stood and rounded the corner. However, his eyes widened as soon as he saw who Naruto was supporting.
"Chad …"
The silent giant slowly raised his head.
"What …?" Ichigo began to ask softly, when he realised that Chad still had hold of the bird cage he had been carrying around at school. Had Rukia been mistaken about the bird?
"This is no time to be day-dreaming, Ichigo!" Isshin snapped.
"Uh … Right!" And Ichigo carefully hooked Chad's other arm around his shoulders.
"This way," and they slowly followed Isshin into the nearest treatment room.
"Where should we put him?" Naruto asked softly.
"There's fine," Isshin replied pointing to the bed nearest the door. "Yuzu, pass me that chair."
xoxox
"This is pretty bad," Isshin sighed as he examined Chad's injury. "You'll have to take it easy for …"
"I'm fine."
"Huh?!" And they watched as Chad slowly slipped his shirt back on.
"Where do you think you're going?" Ichigo asked his friend as he shakily got to his feet.
"Home," Chad replied simply.
"Yeah right!" Isshin exclaimed as he stood. "Look, there's no way you can be fine with that injury! Just sit …" However, at that moment Chad began to fall forwards.
Isshin was closest, however Naruto was quicker and the blonde-haired shinobi managed to catch the silent giant before he hit the floor.
"See, I told … Naruto-kun?"
"I'm … fine …" The blonde-haired shinobi replied through clenched teeth, however that was obviously not the case. His eyes were shut tight, his breathing was laboured and beads of sweat were now trickling down his forehead.
"Ichigo, take over!"
"Uh … right …" And Ichigo mechanically took hold of Chad as Isshin hooked Naruto's right arm around his shoulders.
"I'm … sorry …" The blonde-haired shinobi apologised as Isshin guided him towards a bed.
"What for?"
"For … being a burden."
"You're not a burden," Isshin replied firmly. "Now, sit." With a sigh, the blonde-haired shinobi reluctantly perched himself on the edge of the bed Isshin had lead him to. "Are you in any pain?"
"My left side feels a little sore, but I'm fine."
"Let me be the judge of that. Now, does this hurt?" And Isshin gently pressed against Naruto's left side with the tips of his fingers. The blonde-haired shinobi winced.
"Would you mind taking your t-shirt off, Naruto-kun?"
"Huh?!" Naruto exclaimed, his cheeks flushing slightly. "But …"
"Don't tell me you're embarrassed to take your shirt off?" Isshin teased.
"Of … of course not!" Naruto replied irritably.
"Well then, let's take a look."
With a sigh, the blonde-haired shinobi carefully removed the borrowed garment and then sat there, half-naked and very aware of eight pairs of eyes staring at him.
"You're going to need a bandage," Isshin said after a moment.
"A bandage? Why?" Naruto asked with a slight frown.
"Your side is very bruised, you might even have a broken rib or two."
"Huh?! That can't be right, I mean I haven't done anything to … Oh …" The blonde-haired shinobi hesitated a moment before glancing sideways at Ichigo, who quickly averted his gaze.
Isshin noticed. "You two weren't fighting, were you?" They quickly shook their heads. "What happened then?"
Ichigo hesitated a moment before replying. "I … pushed Naruto-kun back through the automatic doors and landed quite heavily on top of him, to get out of Karin's way. I … didn't mean to hurt you though, Naruto-kun." He added softly, his eyes focused on the floor.
"I know," Naruto replied with a slight smile.
Surprised, Ichigo met Naruto's gaze. He'd half expected the blonde-haired boy to remind him that this was all his fault and insist that Ichigo now owe him. He certainly hadn't expected Naruto to forgive him so easily.
"I have to say though," he continued almost casually, "I'm surprised you did so much damage, although I should've known something was up when it hurt earlier."
"You could've said something, you know?" Ichigo sighed.
"I know, but at the time I didn't think it'd be this serious and besides, with everything going on I didn't want to worry anyone."
"I … Idiot!" He muttered irritably under his breath.
Isshin smiled. "Would you two like some time alone?" He teased.
Ichigo glared daggers at his father while Naruto tried desperately not to laugh.
"Does that mean Karin and I are going to help you move Chad?" Yuzu asked innocently.
"No, I'll …"
"Yes," Isshin interrupted before his son could finish his sentence.
Yuzu frowned slightly. "Umm …"
"Come on," Karin sighed, taking hold of Yuzu's arm and dragging her out of the treatment room. "We'll go on ahead to make sure the bed is ready."
"I'll be along shortly!" Isshin called out as Karin rounded the corner with Yuzu in tow.
Ichigo continued to glare daggers at his father.
"You know where the bandages are kept, don't you?" Ichigo's father asked conversationally. The Substitute Shinigami simply nodded. "Good." And without another word Isshin carefully took hold of Chad. "Oh, and make sure you bandage Naruto properly."
Ichigo's stare softened. "Huh? But I thought … you were going to do it?" He asked hesitantly.
Isshin shook his head. "I have Chad to take care of. And since you were the one who injured Naruto, it only seems fair that you take care of him."
Ichigo's jaw dropped. "You're not serious?!"
"Oh, I am."
"But!" The Substitute Shinigami exclaimed. However, he knew it was no use arguing. His father would win in the end, he always did.
"You'll take care of Naruto, or I'll have you scrubbing this place clean."
Ichigo sighed, "fine I'll take care of him."
"And remember …"
"Don't worry, I'll make sure I bandage him properly." Ichigo interrupted irritably.
"Well then, I'll leave you two to it." And smiling slightly, Isshin turned and slowly made his way out of the treatment room.
"Well," Ichigo sighed after a moment. "I suppose we'd better get this over and done with."
And he reluctantly made his way over to the medical supply cupboard. Inside was a small collection of bandages among other things. He studied the collection for a moment before picking out the most appropriate bandage, a roll of tape and a pair of scissors.
"Have you done this before?" Naruto asked sceptically, as Ichigo silently made his way towards him.
"Oh, hundreds of times … on a manikin."
"Huh?"
Ichigo smiled slightly. "When I was younger, Dad made me bandage this resuscitation manikin over and over again until I could bandage it with my eyes closed."
Naruto smiled, but said nothing. Imagining Ichigo's childhood had bought back painful memories of his own.
The Substitute Shinigami had expected some sort of reply from Naruto, however his unwanted patient had simply smiled. Worried he had reminded Naruto of his deceased friend, Ichigo decided to quickly change the subject.
"You'll have to excuse my bedside manner, I'm really not … used to … this sort of thing …" He finished hesitantly, realising that he'd probably just made Naruto feel worse than he already did.
However, to his surprise Naruto chuckled.
"I'd noticed," the blonde-haired shinobi replied with a grin.
Ichigo breathed a sigh of relief, before placing the roll of tape and the pair of scissors down on the bed beside Naruto. He then took hold of the unrolled end of the bandage. "Would you be able to hold this for a moment?" He asked as he gently placed the bandage onto Naruto's chest.
The blonde-haired shinobi shuddered slightly at his touch. "Sorry, did that hurt?" Ichigo asked, concerned.
Naruto shook his head, "no. You're hands are just warm."
Frowning slightly, Ichigo rested his free hand on Naruto's shoulder. His skin was cold and he had started to shiver. "We'd better get a move on. Can you hold this?"
Naruto nodded and silently took hold of the bandage. With ease, Ichigo firmly wrapped the soft material around Naruto's chest a few times, until he had the end Naruto had been holding secured into place.
"You can let go now," he said as he continued bandaging his blonde-haired patient.
"I bet your resuscitation manikin wasn't so helpful," Naruto teased as he soaked up what little warmth the bandage provided.
Ichigo smiled slightly, "no. But I didn't have to be as gentle with it." Naruto couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry," the Substitute Shinigami apologised softly as Naruto's face contorted with pain.
The blonde-haired shinobi slowly shook his head. "I'm … alright …"
"No, you're not."
"You're right," sighed Naruto. "But I'll be back to normal soon enough."
"I doubt that," replied Ichigo simply.
"You'd be surprised at how quickly I recover."
"I'll believe that when I see it. Now, hold this."
The blonde-haired shinobi wordlessly held the left over rolled-up bandage, while Ichigo picked up the pair of scissors and the roll of tape. "Don't move," he instructed as he began cutting off the unused end.
"I'm not that stupid," Naruto muttered irritably under his breath.
"Sorry, old habit." The Substitute Shinigami apologised as he placed the now severed end of the bandage down beside Naruto, before cutting off a strip of tape.
"Will that flimsy looking piece of tape really keep this bandage in place?" The blonde-haired shinobi asked sceptically as Ichigo stuck the tape in place.
"As long as you don't pick at it, it will." Ichigo replied.
"I'm not going to pick at it, I'm just wondering if it'll hold."
"Trust me, it'll hold." Ichigo replied with an exasperated sigh.
"Are you sure?"
"Look, I know it looks flimsy but it isn't, alright?! My old man uses this tape all the time. Now will you please stop going on about it?"
"Alright …" Naruto sighed as Ichigo irritably gathered up the bandage, tape and scissors and returned them to the medical supply cupboard. After closing the cupboard door, Ichigo walked back to Naruto and placed a hand on his shoulder. The blonde-haired shinobi shuddered slightly at his touch. "Here," Ichigo sighed as he removed his t-shirt.
Naruto blinked. "Why are you taking your shirt off?"
"Because you're cold."
"You could've just passed me the t-shirt you lent me."
Ichigo shook his head. "It's better if you wear mine, since it's still warm. The t-shirt you were wearing would've lost its warmth by now."
"Ahh …" the blonde-haired shinobi replied simply.
Ichigo sighed. "So, are you going to get dressed, or are you going to continue staring at my chest?"
"What?!" Naruto exclaimed, blushing furiously. "I … I wasn't staring at your chest!"
"Oh?" Ichigo teased.
Irritated, the blonde-haired shinobi grabbed Ichigo's t-shirt and hurriedly slipped it over his head.
"Hey, take it easy. Remember you're injured."
Naruto sighed, but continued to get dressed slowly.
"Better?" Ichigo asked.
Naruto nodded, "thanks."
"Don't mention it," Ichigo replied as he picked up the t-shirt he'd lent Naruto and slipped it on. "Well, time for bed I guess. Can you stand?"
"Of course I can stand," the blonde-haired shinobi replied irritably. However, as he stood his vision blurred and beads of cold sweat started to trickle down his forehead.
"Sit back down."
"Sorry," Naruto apologised as he sat.
Ichigo sighed. "Listen, don't push yourself ok?"
"Looks like I'll be crawling upstairs then. You might as well go on ahead, it may take me a while."
"Don't be ridiculous." And without another word, Ichigo turned and bent down slightly.
"Oh no. There's no way you're carrying me upstairs." Naruto replied firmly.
"Look, you can't even stand up without feeling light-headed, how on earth do you think you're going to crawl upstairs?"
"As I said, it may take me a while."
Ichigo sighed. "Listen, I don't particularly want to have to do this either, but I'm not leaving you down here. So you have two choices, either we can both go upstairs to my room and get some sleep, or we can both stay down here and get no sleep what-so-ever."
"What makes you think we wouldn't get any sleep?" Naruto teased.
"Oh, don't you start!"
"Sorry," the blonde-haired shinobi chuckled. "I couldn't resist."
Ichigo sighed, "I guess we're staying down here then." And without turning to face his blonde-haired patient, Ichigo sat cross-legged on the floor, his arms folded.
Naruto hesitated a moment, before sighing and lying down on the bed. It wasn't hard, but it certainly wasn't nearly as comfortable as Ichigo's bed. And the bright light above irritated his eyes, even though his eyes were closed. Admittedly, he'd much rather be upstairs in Ichigo's room, however for some reason the thought of Ichigo carrying him irritated him.
He'd never had a problem with being carried before when he was injured. However, perhaps Naruto's irritation stemmed from his determination not to rely on his student … too much. After all, students should rely on their teachers for support, not the other way round.
However, at this rate Naruto really wouldn't get any sleep. With a sigh, he opened his eyes and sat up slowly.
"Fine, I'll let you carry me upstairs."
"Finally," Ichigo sighed. "I thought you'd never give in."
"I can always lay back down," Naruto threatened irritably.
"No, no!" Ichigo replied hastily as he stood. "Here."
"Thanks," Naruto muttered under his breath as he gently wrapped his arms around Ichigo's neck.
"Don't mention it," Ichigo replied casually as he carefully picked the blonde-haired boy up. The ease with which he accomplished this task surprised him. Naruto was considerably lighter than he'd expected.
"I hope I'm not too heavy," Naruto said softly.
"You're not," Ichigo assured the blonde-haired boy softly. "Now, let's get you upstairs."
"Good idea," Naruto replied wearily.
And without another word, Ichigo set off at a steady pace.
The blonde-haired shinobi silently allowed himself to be carried, while Ichigo silently navigated his way towards the main part of the house. Ichigo's sure but steady pace and radiating warmth reminded Naruto of the times Kakashi and Ero-Sennin had carried him. He had felt safe, so at ease, and now he was experiencing that same feeling.
Hesitantly, Naruto gently rested his head on Ichigo's shoulder and closed his eyes.
He heard Ichigo's breath hitch, and for a second Naruto was sure he'd complain. However, to the blonde-haired shinobi's surprise, Ichigo remained silent.
'I imagine we'll be arguing again tomorrow,' Naruto thought sourly.
"Well you both certainly remind me of the way you and Sasuke used to act, before everything changed. One minute you're comrades in arms, the next you're at each other's throats."
'I'd noticed. But …'
"But?"
'Ichigo isn't Sasuke. He's different.'
"Hey, are you ok Naruto?"
"Huh?" The blonde-haired shinobi muttered as he wearily opened his eyes.
"That's a relief. I thought for sure you'd passed out."
"Oh … Sorry," Naruto apologised softly. While he'd been conversing with the Kyuubi, Ichigo had reached the staircase.
"Hey, as long as you're ok that's all that matters." The orange-haired boy replied quietly, as he carefully made his way up the stairs.
Blushing, Naruto swallowed hard. "Thanks … Ichigo."
"Don't mention it," he sighed before lowering his head slightly. "I hope Chad's going to be ok."
"Chad?"
"Your last patient." Ichigo replied simply.
"Oh, you mean the big guy?"
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, he's a close friend of mine."
The blonde-haired shinobi hesitated a moment before sighing. "You're not just worried about him because he's your friend though, are you?"
"Huh?"
"You're worried about him for a different reason."
Ichigo hastily shook his head. "No, what gave you that idea?"
"Don't lie."
Dumbfounded, Ichigo hesitated a moment. "How did you know I was lying?"
"It's obvious. You're on edge. Plus, when you saw his injury your expression changed. I was watching you out of the corner of my eye. You know that isn't an ordinary wound, don't you?"
Ichigo's eyes widened. There it was again, that small but undeniable change in the blonde-haired boy that fuelled his curiosity.
"Ichigo?"
The Substitute Shinigami hesitated a moment and then exhaled slowly. "I hope I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure I know what did that to Chad. However, there is someone I can ask to make sure."
"Who?" Naruto asked with a slight frown, all semblance of that change gone.
"You'll see," Ichigo replied secretively.
xoxox
"Aren't you going to turn the lights on?" Naruto asked wearily as Ichigo gently lowered him down onto the bed.
"No point," Ichigo replied as he straightened and walked towards his wardrobe.
"Uh … I can think of one. It's pitch black!"
"Stop complaining," Ichigo sighed as he knocked on the wardrobe door.
Naruto frowned slightly. 'What on earth is he doing?'
"How should I know?"
The blonde-haired shinobi sighed. 'Was that question aimed at you, Kyuubi?'
"No, but I thought I'd answer it anyway."
'I would've preferred it if you'd stayed silent. I'd appreciate some peace and quiet.'
"Charming."
"Hey Rukia … Are you in there?" Ichigo asked then.
"Yes I'm in here," a familiar female voice replied irritably. And at that moment the wardrobe door slid open. Naruto's eyes widened slightly.
"It's … you!"
"Surprised?" The dark-haired girl asked as she leapt agilely out of Ichigo's wardrobe. Naruto nodded. "I'm Kuchiki Rukia."
"Uh … It's a pleasure to meet you Kuchiki-san." Naruto replied, his eyes still wide.
Rukia smiled slightly, "please call me Rukia-chan."
At that moment, Ichigo cleared his throat. "Ok, enough with the introductions. After all, we've got more important things to discuss."
"Are you sure this couldn't have waited until morning?" Rukia asked, trying her best to stifle a yawn.
Ichigo shook his head. "No."
"Alright," and with a sigh Rukia shuffled over to Ichigo's bed and perched on the edge next to Naruto.
"You don't mind if I sit here, do you?" She asked as an afterthought.
"Why … why would I mind?" The blonde-haired shinobi replied hesitantly.
"You do mind though, don't you?"
'Kyuubi …!' However, at that moment Ichigo cleared his throat once more.
"Oh sorry," Rukia apologised wearily. "What did you want to discuss?"
"Did you feel it?" Ichigo asked after a moment.
"Of course I did. And I can assure you it wasn't the bird. A Hollow did that to Chad."
Ichigo sighed. "I thought so."
"Excuse me for interrupting, but what's a Hollow?" The blonde-haired shinobi asked with a slight frown.
"You already know what a Hollow is."
"I do?" Naruto asked softly.
The Substitute Shinigami nodded. "You saw me fight one last night."
"You mean that creature was a Hollow?"
"Uh-huh," Ichigo replied simply.
"Do you think it'll attack Chad again?"
"Hard to say," Rukia replied softly. "It's possible though. However, until it shows up on the radar, there's absolutely nothing we can do about it."
Ichigo hesitated a moment and then with a sigh ruffled his hair. "In other words, this chat really wasn't necessary."
Rukia sighed, "no. But would you have been able to sleep otherwise?"
"Probably not," Ichigo replied. "I'm sorry I dragged you out of bed though."
"It's ok," the dark-haired girl replied with a slight smile. "At least now you should be able to sleep easier tonight." And then with a yawn she stood and shuffled back over to the wardrobe. "Goodnight Ichigo, Naruto."
"Goodnight," the pair intoned as she climbed into the wardrobe and slid the door shut.
"She's going to sleep in there?" The blonde-haired shinobi asked after a moment.
"Yeah. Right, time for bed! I'm exhausted," he yawned.
Naruto sighed. As much as he'd been looking forward to sleeping in Ichigo's comfortable bed, Ichigo needed his sleep more. And besides, it wasn't as if Naruto wasn't used to sleeping on the ground.
"Ichigo, I'll sleep on the floor."
"What?!" Ichigo exclaimed as he stared wide-eyed at Naruto.
"I'll be alright, trust me."
Ichigo shook his head. "No. You're injured, remember?"
"But I'll be fine."
Ichigo frowned slightly. "Sounds like you've slept on the floor before when you've been injured."
"I … have." Naruto hesitated a moment before sighing. "A couple of times."
"Why?"
"Long story," the blonde-haired boy replied evasively.
With a weary sigh, Ichigo made his way over to the bed and slumped down next to Naruto. "Look, if you want to talk I'll listen. Just forget Rukia's even in the room, she's probably fast asleep by now anyway."
"Trust me, you'll understand one day." The blonde-haired shinobi sighed after a moment.
Ichigo hesitated a moment before inclining his head slightly. "I'll admit that I'm kind of fascinated by you, Naruto. You're a complete mystery. And to be perfectly honest I've been trying to think of a good way to get you to open up all day, so that I can learn something about you. However, I genuinely meant what I said before and not just because I'm curious. So please, don't keep shutting me out."
Stunned, Naruto stared wide-eyed at Ichigo for a moment before also inclining his head slightly. "I wish it were that simple, Ichigo."
"So I guess that's it, end of discussion." And with a sigh, Ichigo stood.
"Wait!" Naruto exclaimed as he reached out and grabbed the hem of Ichigo's t-shirt. "I'm sorry, I should really try to think before I speak. It's just I … I can't help it. But I promise you won't always be in the dark."
Stunned, Ichigo turned and stared down at Naruto for what seemed like an eternity. Neither moved, and only the sound of Rukia's even breathing filled the room.
'Idiot! What on earth was I thinking?!' Naruto mentally kicked himself. He hadn't meant to grab Ichigo's shirt, however he had and now Ichigo was staring down at him as if he were some weak damsel in distress.
"Poor thing."
'Oh, don't you start Kyuubi.'
"What? I was only thinking out loud."
'Well don't. I can guess what Ichigo's thinking right now.'
"Oh? What do you …?"
However, at that moment Ichigo gently took hold of Naruto's hand, startling the blonde-haired shinobi and ending his inner conversation with the Kyuubi.
"It's a promise then." Ichigo said softly.
"Uh … You can let go … of my hand now." Naruto replied hesitantly.
"And here I thought we were an item now."
"Huh?!" The blonde-haired shinobi exclaimed, completely missing the mischievous gleam in Ichigo's eyes. "But you … you said …!" Naruto stammered helplessly.
"Oh, I know what I said."
Flustered, Naruto stood. "Uh …" he groaned as he swayed unsteadily on the spot.
"Woah, take it easy." Ichigo said firmly, as he quickly released Naruto's hand and grabbed hold of his shoulder's instead.
"Thank … you …" Naruto mumbled, before falling unconscious.
"Thank you, huh?" Ichigo sighed as he supported the blonde-haired boy in his arms. "Idiot." And he wordlessly swept Naruto's limp form up into his arms, before carefully placing the boy back on the bed.
"At least I got my own back," he whispered as he gently brushed Naruto's fringe aside. "Now then," he groaned as he stood and stretched. "Time for bed."
xoxox
"Morning," Naruto moaned as he slowly opened his eyes.
"Finally," Ichigo responded wearily. "How are you feeling?" He asked as an afterthought.
"Fine," the blonde-haired shinobi replied simply as he sat up.
"I doubt that," Ichigo muttered under his breath as he walked towards the blonde-haired boy.
"I'm fine, Ichigo." Naruto sighed, as he stood.
"Woah!" The Substitute Shinigami exclaimed as he almost lunged to grab hold of Naruto's shoulders. "You know you … uh … shouldn't stand up so … quickly." He faltered as he realised the blonde-haired boy wasn't in any danger of collapsing. 'Idiot!' He mentally reprimanded himself.
"You can let go of me now, Ichigo." Naruto sighed.
Embarrassed, Ichigo hastily removed his hands from Naruto's shoulders. "Well … uh … you'd better get changed." He stammered hopelessly. "Yuzu's already prepared breakfast."
"Great! I'm starving!"
"You're clothes are over there," he said jabbing a thumb in the general direction of his desk. "I'll be downstairs."
"Aren't you going to wait for me?" Naruto asked as he walked towards the desk.
"No, why should I?"
"But aren't we an item now?" He smirked.
"You … you remember that?!" Ichigo stuttered.
"Of course."
Ichigo groaned. "I wasn't being serious you know?"
"Oh I know," Naruto replied with a grin. "But that's not going to stop me from reminding you about it."
"Bastard …" Ichigo hissed as Naruto began to change.
"And another thing, Ichigo."
"What?" The Substitute Shinigami almost barked.
"Thanks for taking care of me last night."
Ichigo sighed, "don't mention it." And without another word he turned and walked towards the door.
xoxox
"Good morning Yuzu-chan," Naruto greeted Ichigo's younger sister cheerfully.
"Good morning Naruto-kun," she replied with a smile. "How are you feeling this morning?" She asked as he sat down next to Ichigo.
"Better, thanks." He replied as she placed a delicious looking grilled fish in front of him.
"I'm glad. Please, help yourself."
"Itadakimasu!" Naruto exclaimed as he tucked in.
"Isn't Karin up yet?" Ichigo asked conversationally when Yuzu had sat down to eat.
"She said she didn't want any breakfast. Seems like she's not feeling very well."
"Huh? Karin not feeling well? Well, now that is rare."
"I hope she feels better soon," Naruto added through a mouthful of food.
Yuzu smiled warmly, "I'm sure she'll back to her old self in no time."
"ICHIGO!"
Startled, Ichigo turned just as his father barged into the kitchen diner. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"Chad-kun … Chad-kun's disappeared from his room!" His father exclaimed breathlessly.
"What?!" Ichigo exclaimed as he stood.
It didn't make sense. Chad wouldn't have just upped and left, unless the silent giant knew he was in danger. But surely he would've told Ichigo. After all, they'd promised each other.
"Come on!" Ichigo hissed, grabbing hold of Naruto's shoulder. "We're going to go look for him."
"Huh?! Why are you dragging me into this?"
"Because we'll be able to cover more ground if there's two of us," Ichigo snapped as he unceremoniously hoisted Naruto out of his chair.
"But what about breakfast?" Naruto whined as he was dragged away from the table and the delicious looking food before him.
"Breakfast will just have to wait!"
xoxox
"Ichigo! Rukia-chan!"
The pair stopped running and turned to see the blonde-haired shinobi.
Ichigo's right eye began to twitch. "Why is he flailing his arms around like that?" He asked Rukia through gritted teeth.
"He's not flailing his arms around, he's waving. Can't you tell the difference?"
"He's flailing his arms around," Ichigo muttered under his breath as Rukia walked towards Naruto.
"Did you find Chad?" She asked.
The blonde-haired shinobi stopped waving and shook his head. "No, you?"
"No, but Ichigo's currently following the bird's spirit thread."
Naruto frowned slightly. "Spirit thread?"
Ichigo sighed. "Look, Rukia and I will explain everything later on. Right now …"
"Look, there he is!" Rukia exclaimed.
Ichigo and Naruto turned to see Chad, who stopped for a moment before running in the opposite direction.
"Idiot! Why are you running away?!" Ichigo shouted. However, Chad continued to run in the opposite direction.
"Ichi-nii!"
Ichigo, Rukia and Naruto then turned to see Ichigo's little sister Karin holding onto a lamp post for support.
"Karin! What's wrong? You look like you can barely stand!" Ichigo exclaimed.
"Ichi-nii …" However, at that moment her eyes closed and she sank to her knees.
"Karin!" And Ichigo rushed over to his little sister.
Naruto watched as Ichigo gently gathered Karin's trembling form up into his arms. He knew Ichigo wouldn't be able to leave his sister behind in her current state, however time was of the essence as Chad was getting away. Gritting his teeth, he took a determined step forward.
"Ichigo …"
"Not now, Naruto! Can't you see I'm a little preoccupied?!" Ichigo snapped.
"I'm not blind," the blonde-haired shinobi replied firmly. "Listen, you and Rukia take Karin-chan home. I'll follow Chad."
"What?!" Ichigo exclaimed. "Don't be stupid, you're injured."
"I'm fine."
"You may feel fine, Naruto. Heck you even look fine, but there's no way you could've recovered this quickly."
"He does have a point, Naruto."
'Huh?! But you know fine well that I've recovered, Kyuubi.'
"Of course I know that, but the brat doesn't. You're just like everyone else in his eyes, normal. And normal human beings do not simply recover from possible broken ribs overnight."
'Point taken, but what else am I supposed to do?'
"Do the normal thing and offer to take Ichigo's sister home instead?"
'No, she needs Ichigo right now.'
"Fine …" the Kyuubi sighed before falling silent once more.
"Ichigo's right, Naruto-kun. It's too dangerous." Rukia added then.
The blonde-haired shinobi sighed. "Look, I'll …"
"Don't!" Ichigo snapped, interrupting Naruto's sentence. "Don't say you'll be fine! Because you and I both know you won't be!" He shouted.
Startled, Naruto stared wide-eyed at Ichigo.
"Well, I wasn't expecting that."
'Me neither,' Naruto replied, his gaze still fixed on Ichigo.
"What now then?"
'The plan hasn't changed, Kyuubi.'
"Uhh … So you're not going to offer to take Karin home?"
'No,' Naruto replied simply.
"Why not?"
'Because I want Ichigo to trust me, and I also want to see how well he copes under a little pressure.'
"So that's why you're being so insistent."
'Yes Kyuubi. Now if you wouldn't mind, would you please keep quiet while I negotiate.'
Irritated, the Kyuubi started uttering a list of curses.
"Listen Ichigo," Naruto sighed as he tried to drown out the Kyuubi. "I owe you a lot, so please … let me do this!"
"But if a Hollow really is targeting Chad, it may decide to attack you Naruto-kun." Rukia said softly.
"I'll take my chances. Besides, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I'll be fine," he assured them both with a slight smile.
"Promise?" Ichigo asked softly.
"Huh?"
"Promise me you'll be fine."
"Uhh … I promise."
"Fine," Ichigo sighed as he stood. "You'd better get going then." He said softly.
"Ichigo?!" Rukia exclaimed.
"But," the Substitute Shinigami continued, ignoring Rukia's protests. "If you do anything reckless, I'll make sure you regret it!"
Naruto smiled slightly, "understood."
"And Naruto, be careful ok?" Ichigo muttered under his breath.
"Oh?" The blonde-haired shinobi smirked. "You're not worried about me, are you?" He asked teasingly.
"Of course not!" Ichigo snapped. However, deep down he knew that wasn't true. He was worried about Naruto and he had a good reason to be. After all, would that idiot really be able to hold off against a Hollow attack until they arrived to back him up? Ichigo sighed, he'd just have to believe in Naruto's abilities … whatever they were.
"No, of course not." Naruto replied simply.
Ichigo's right eye began to twitch once more. "Just get going."
"Yes, sir!" And with a slight wave of his hand, Naruto took off after Chad.
"We'd better get going too," Ichigo sighed when Naruto had almost disappeared from view.
"Maybe I should go after him?" Rukia muttered under her breath.
However, Ichigo determinedly shook his head. "No."
"But he'll …!"
"Don't!" The Substitute Shinigami shouted before Rukia had a chance to finish her sentence. He knew what she was going to say. "You have to follow us," he continued firmly.
"But …"
"How can I fight like this?!" Ichigo shouted, interrupting Rukia for the second time.
Shocked, Rukia's eyes widened. Of course, how could she have been so stupid? If she followed Naruto, she'd leave Ichigo defenceless.
"He knew," she muttered under her breath.
"Somehow," Ichigo nodded solemnly. "Now, let's go."
xoxox
"Aren't you supposed to be following him?" The Kyuubi asked curiously, when Naruto suddenly stopped running.
"Can't you feel that?!" The blonde-haired shinobi hissed as his sharp eyes scanned the surrounding area.
"Feel what?"
"The Hollow's thirst for blood."
"Oh, so you can sense my presence," the Hollow's voice echoed around him. "I'm impressed!"
"That's right! So why don't you just show yourself?!" The blonde-haired shinobi shouted, his hands already clenched into fists.
"Eager to die, are we?" The Hollow asked.
"Eager to get this over and done with," he retorted.
The Hollow's bone chilling laugh echoed around Naruto. "I like you kid, you've certainly got guts if nothing else." It sneered.
"Well, I don't like cowards!" The blonde-haired shinobi shouted, his senses now working overtime to try and pinpoint the Hollow's whereabouts.
"Coward you say?" The Hollow hissed. "You're wrong, kid."
"Would you stop calling me kid? It's rather annoying."
"Oh?" The Hollow laughed. "Kids these days certainly grow up fast."
Naruto sighed, "and Hollows sure are stupid."
"What did you just say brat?" The Hollow asked venomously.
"Well I suppose brat is better than kid," the blonde-haired shinobi mused.
"I wouldn't ignore me if I were you, brat." The Hollow hissed.
Naruto smiled slightly, "or what?" He asked softly.
"I'll kill you," the Hollow replied simply.
"I'm afraid that'd be impossible," Naruto sighed. "But since I'm tired of playing this game, why don't you come on out and try?"
"You'd better not regret this now, brat."
Irritated at the fact that he still could not see his opponent, Naruto gritted his teeth. He knew the Hollow wouldn't fight him head on, however not knowing when it was going to attack frustrated him. He wasn't frustrated because he was concerned for his own safety though. After all, he couldn't die and any injuries he sustained would heal quickly enough. No, he was frustrated because he was worried Ichigo and Rukia would catch up to him before he had a chance to defeat this Hollow.
"I can't let them see me," he muttered under his breath as he desperately scanned the area once more.
The Hollow had no intention of emerging just yet however. Waiting patiently in the space between the Human World and Hueco Mundo, it watched its prey intently. This insignificant little brat intrigued it. He was cocky certainly, however there was something about him that made the Hollow nervous. This prey was different somehow. The Hollow had easily preyed upon and killed countless Humans and Shinigami before now. However, this brat was neither completely Human or Shinigami. He was something else entirely, the likes of which the Hollow had not encountered before. Although the brat's mysteriousness concerned the Hollow, it had a more pressing question on its mind. Whether its prey was edible or not. Well, there was only one way to find out …
Finally emerging from its hiding place, the Hollow attacked.
Caught off guard, Naruto shielded himself as best he could but it was no use. The Hollow grabbed hold of him and slammed him into the nearby wall like a rag doll. As the air was knocked from his lungs, Naruto's face contorted with pain and the Hollow grinned.
"Now that's much better," it sneered as Naruto desperately gasped for breath. "You're not so cocky now, are you?"
"Shut … up …"
"Oh? What's this? Perhaps I didn't slam you hard enough." And the Hollow slowly pulled Naruto towards it. "Let's try that one more time." And before Naruto had a chance to react, it slammed him once more into the wall.
Naruto felt the wall crack behind him as the air was once again knocked from his lungs. This wasn't looking good.
"I hope you're not regretting anything now, brat." The Hollow sneered as Naruto gasped for breath once more.
The Hollow's brute strength surprised the blonde-haired shinobi. He'd been under the impression that it was weak, due to its irritating cat and mouse approach to this fight. A mistake that would cost him precious time.
His arms pinned, Naruto could only hope that his kicks had some effect on the Hollow. However, the force with which the Hollow had slammed him into the wall the second time, had unfortunately doubled the pain in his injured side.
'Ignore it!' He told himself firmly. 'You have to ignore it!'
"Not so confident now, are you?" The Hollow asked smugly as it eyed Naruto hungrily.
"I wouldn't … underestimate me … if I were you," he replied through gritted teeth.
"You know, I really would like to stick around and find out how you plan on defeating me, but I haven't eaten in a while."
His eyes wide, Naruto watched as the Hollow opened its mouth to consume him. He had to act now, otherwise he'd find himself staring at its insides. A sight he'd rather not see. Just as he was about to kick the Hollow however, Naruto spotted Chad out of the corner of his eye. The silent giant was racing towards him.
'Idiot! What is he thinking?! He's going to get himself killed!'
However, the Hollow was so focused on Naruto that it hadn't noticed Chad yet.
"Let's eat," the Hollow hissed before licking the side of Naruto's cheek.
"Uhh … A knuckle sandwich."
"What?" And before the Hollow had time to react, Chad's fist slammed into the side of it sending it flying.
Released from its vice like grip, Naruto slid to the floor.
"Are you ok?" Chad asked as he knelt beside him.
"Uhh … I'm fine. More importantly, what are you doing here? Not that I don't appreciate the help."
"Any friend of Ichigo's is a friend of mine." And he held out his hand as he stood.
Naruto took it and with ease was pulled to his feet.
"I think you made it mad," the blonde-haired shinobi smiled slightly as the Hollow began to recover.
"What mad?"
Naruto turned to frown at Chad. "You mean, you can't see it?"
"The thing I punched just now? No."
"Then how did you know where to punch?"
Chad shrugged, "I don't know."
"Well, it worked. No complaints there. Now you'd better get yourself out of here, you're still injured after all."
"So are you," Chad replied pointedly.
"I'll be alright, I'm sturdier than I look."
"So am I."
Naruto sighed, he obviously wasn't going to be able to get rid of Chad that easily. Although, the Hollow did seem pretty susceptible to physical attacks. Naruto grinned, looks like he was going to be brushing up on his taijutsu.
"Listen up, you may not be able to see it, but I can. If we coordinate our attacks, perhaps we can take it down or at least stall it until help arrives. What do you say?"
Chad nodded.
"Let's go!"
And he launched himself at the Hollow just as it got to its feet. Chad followed suit.
"Dead centre Chad!" Naruto shouted as he attacked from the side.
Both blows hit simultaneously and the Hollow once again skid across the ground before crashing into a wall. However, this time Naruto wasn't going to give it time to recover. He launched himself at the Hollow again, Chad by his side. But the Hollow wasn't stupid. If they couldn't see him, they couldn't attack. A split second before they hit, it disappeared into the space between the Human world and Hueco Mondo. Unable to stop, both Naruto and Chad slammed into the wall.
The Hollow's eerie chuckle filled the air around them.
"Bastard …" Naruto groaned as he slowly recovered from the impact.
"Looks like I've managed to take one of you out though."
"Chad!" Naruto exclaimed as he turned to see the silent giant unconscious on the ground.
"I was hoping that would be enough to knock you out too, oh well." It sneered as Naruto knelt before carefully turning Chad over onto his back.
"Come on, please wake up." Naruto pleaded as he gently shook the silent giant's shoulders.
"It's no use, he's out cold. But shouldn't you be worrying about yourself instead of him?"
Gritting his teeth, Naruto stood. "It's time I got serious."
"Oh? How do you intend to beat me when I'm invisible."
"It's true that I can't see you at the moment, but you'll have to show yourself sooner or later. And when you do, I'll be ready."
"Oh, like you were last time? Don't make me laugh."
"Wrong," Naruto replied coldly. "This time I won't lose."
An overwhelming sense of fear suddenly oppressed the Hollow. The brat wasn't just being cocky this time, he was serious. An enormous amount of energy was surging from him, the likes of which the Hollow had never felt before. It was terrifying. He had to take the brat out now.
Emerging once more from its hiding place, the Hollow attacked. However, Naruto was ready this time. In one fluid motion the blonde-haired shinobi brought his hands up and made the one hand-sign that had come to define him.
"Shadow clone jutsu!"
The Hollow skidded to a halt as at least a hundred copies of the brat suddenly appeared. "What is this?!" It shouted.
"This?" The original replied with a slight smile. "This is just a little trick I learnt back home."
The Hollow faltered and the mass of Naruto's took the opportunity to attack. Blow after blow began to rain down up the Hollow as clone after clone hit its target. However, the Hollow wasn't going to roll over that easily. It opened its mouth and to the blonde-haired shinobi's surprise a swarm of miniature Hollows appeared. They latched themselves onto the nearest group of Naruto's before exploding. One by one the clones disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"There's more where that came from, brat." And the Hollow opened its mouth once more.
Yet another swarm of miniature Hollows appeared and latched themselves onto Naruto's clones before exploding.
"Two can play at that game," and Naruto brought his hands up once more. However, just as he was about to create more shadow clones, one of the Hollow's miniatures latched itself onto him before exploding. The blast sent Naruto flying backwards into a group of clones who disappeared one by one.
"You were saying?" The Hollow sneered.
"I said two can play at that game!" Startled, the Hollow turned just in time to see the original Naruto bring his hands up. "Shadow clone jutsu!"
However, when only three clones appeared the Hollow began to laugh. "This should be interesting!" It smirked.
"Three clones is all I need to take you out."
"You couldn't even do that with a hundred!" The Hollow laughed. "Now you're saying you can take me out with three?! I'd like to see you try!"
However, Naruto was no longer in the mood for small talk. This ended, now. While one of the clones charged the Hollow, he and the remaining clone readied the Rasengan.
"Don't underestimate me!" The Hollow shouted as the clone did its best to try and stall it for as long as possible.
However, Naruto could see that it was becoming more and more irritated by the second. It was only a matter of time before it released yet another swarm of miniature Hollow's.
"It's now or never," he muttered under his breath before charging at the Hollow.
Catching the Hollow off guard thanks to the efforts of his clone, Naruto thrust the Rasengan into it. "Eat this!" He shouted over its agonising cries.
"This … can't be … happening!" The Hollow screamed before it was sent flying backwards into the wall, reducing it to a pile of rubble.
The attack had worked. However, Naruto wasn't taking any chances. Cautiously he approached the Hollow. It wasn't moving, but that didn't mean to say that it wasn't conscious still. He brought his hands up ready to make more shadow clones if necessary, however the Hollow still didn't move. After a moment, Naruto sighed with relief.
"Ichigo will be surprised," he smiled as the last of his shadow clones disappeared. "I can't wait to see the look on his face!"
However, as Naruto turned to check on Chad, the Hollow lunged at him. "Where do you think you're going?" It hissed as it forced the blonde-haired shinobi to the ground.
Pinned, Naruto struggled against its grip as the Hollow towered over him. "Didn't I tell you not to underestimate me, brat?" It sneered.
"My mistake," Naruto replied through gritted teeth as he tried to shake the Hollow off.
"A mistake that will cost you dearly," the Hollow hissed before opening its mouth.
Naruto's eyes widened as a swarm of miniature Hollow's latched themselves onto him.
"Let's see how you get out of this one," the Hollow smirked before disappearing into the space between the Human World and Hueco Mundo.
"Dammit!" The blonde-haired shinobi cursed before the miniature Hollow's exploded.
Naruto's agonising screams filled the air as the Hollow watched the ground around him become splattered with blood.
"That's better," it sneered as the screams died. The brat was finally dead. Satisfied, it emerged once more from its hiding place before the smoke had fully dispersed.
Big mistake.
Grabbing a shard of metal from the debris, Naruto infused his chakra into it before plunging it deep into the Hollow.
"Die!" He shouted as his chakra spread like wildfire throughout the Hollow, causing it intense pain.
"Curse you!" It screamed as it thrashed this way and that.
Gasping for breath, Naruto watched as the Hollow finally disintegrated into nothingness. "Well … I did it," he muttered under his breath.
"Just." The Kyuubi pointed out. "And only because you're immortal. Any normal person would've died a long time ago!"
"Cut me some slack, Kyuubi. I'm injured."
"No, you're torn to shreds!"
"Details, details." Naruto sighed as he began shuffling his way towards Chad.
"Leave him, he's fine. Concentrate on yourself, idiot!"
"I have to make sure he's fine," Naruto replied determinedly. "And besides I'm in no danger."
"You can still lose consciousness though!"
"I'm fine," Naruto sighed as he reached Chad's side.
"Yeah, I can see that."
"Stop with the sarcasm, will you?"
"Then stop being an idiot," the Kyuubi retorted.
Sighing, Naruto concentrated on the sound of Chad's breathing. It was still even. "Well, that's a relief."
"Hey, don't ignore me!"
"Night, Kyuubi." Naruto yawned as he lay down next to Chad.
xoxox
"NARUTO! NARUTO CAN YOU HEAR ME?! COME ON, WAKE UP!"
It was Ichigo's voice.
"We're too late," he heard Rukia say softly.
"No! No! DAMMIT!" And he felt Ichigo punch the ground beside him.
"Ichigo …"
"Don't!" He snapped. "This is all my fault! I shouldn't have let him go! I should've … I should've …" Naruto felt warm, wet droplets fall onto his face. Was Ichigo crying? "It should be me lying there, not him!"
And to Naruto's surprise, Ichigo gently lifted him up into his arms.
"I know how you feel, but right now Chad should be our top priority."
"I'm not leaving Naruto here," Ichigo replied coldly.
"I can't carry Chad by myself."
However, Ichigo refused to move. He continued to cradle Naruto's lifeless form in his arms as the blonde-haired boy's voice echoed in his mind.
"I'll call Urahara-san for help," Rukia said then.
Ichigo nodded numbly. However, he couldn't have cared less who Rukia called. The only person he wanted to see was Naruto, alive and well. Even if the idiot simply argued with him.
"Ichigo, Urahara-san is on his way here. He said he'd be here soon, since his shop's just around the corner from here."
"Ok," the Substitute Shinigami replied coldly.
"Who's … Urahara-san?"
Ichigo's eyes widened. "NARUTO?!"
"Hey … what took … you … so long?" The blonde-haired shinobi asked softly as he wearily opened his eyes.
"Don't talk!" Ichigo commanded. "Just rest!"
"Don't … worry. I'll be … alright. I … promised … didn't I?"
"Idiot!" Ichigo shouted. "Didn't I tell you not to do anything reckless?! Look at you!"
"Sorry … I am … a bit of … a mess."
"A bit?! You call this a bit?! It's a wonder you're even alive! Do you even know how much blood you've lost?!"
"A … lot?"
"Would be an understatement!" Ichigo snapped.
"Over there." Naruto heard an unfamiliar male voice say.
"Looks like … help has … arrived." Naruto said softly.
Frowning slightly, Rukia turned to see Urahara-san and Tessai-san running towards them.
"Am I too late?" He asked, taking in the large amount of blood that had been spilled.
Rukia shook her head. "Naruto-kun's still alive. He's conscious too."
"How is that possible?"
Rukia shook her head. "I don't know."
Frowning slightly, Urahara stared down at the boy in Ichigo's arms. "His chances don't look good I'm afraid."
Rukia nodded solemnly.
"Heh … they're better … than you … think."
"Shh, don't talk. Save your energy." Urahara said softly. The boy's chances were slim at best, but he had to admire his courage.
"Urahara-san, what about the Hollow?" Ichigo asked then.
"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do about it now."
Ichigo gritted his teeth in frustration. Naruto noticed.
"Don't … worry … Ichigo." He muttered under his breath.
"Don't talk!" The Substitute Shinigami shouted.
"Will you … just be quiet … and listen? The Hollow … is dead."
"That's not possible." Urahara replied.
"I'm just … full … of surprises." Naruto smiled weakly.
"Idiot! Even if you had been able to defeat it, in your current state there's no way that you could've!"
"Ichigo's right, Naruto-kun." Rukia added softly.
"But …"
"It's time we got going." Urahara said then, interrupting Naruto's sentence. "Kurosaki-san can you carry Naruto-kun?" Ichigo nodded silently. "Tessai?"
With a slight nod of his head, the man beside Urahara stepped forward. He knelt down next to Chad and lifted the boy onto his shoulder with ease, before standing once more. With a sigh, Ichigo carefully got to his feet too. However, the sudden movement made Naruto's body contort with pain.
"NARUTO!" He heard Ichigo shout his name before he slipped into unconsciousness once more.
xoxox
"Hey, welcome back."
'Kyuubi?' Naruto asked wearily.
"I'm here."
Naruto sighed internally. 'How long have I been out for?' He asked softly.
"Four days," the Kyuubi replied simply.
'Four days, huh?' He mused. He'd been out longer than he'd thought. 'I wonder how Ichigo explained my condition to his father?'
"He didn't."
'Huh?'
"Ichigo didn't take you back to his house, he carried you to Urahara's shop so that Hat-and-Clogs could treat you."
'Hat-and-Clogs?'
"Urahara's nickname."
'Oh? Nicknaming people are we now, Kyuubi?'
"Shut up," the Kyuubi replied defensively.
Naruto smiled slightly. 'So, I'm guessing I'm still at Urahara's shop?' The Kyuubi nodded. 'So has Ichigo visited me at all?'
"The brat hasn't wanted to leave your side."
'Really?' The blonde-haired shinobi asked, surprised.
"He's been really worried about you. The girl too."
'Rukia?' The Kyuubi nodded once more. Naruto sighed, 'I suppose I did give them quite a fright.'
"You can say that again."
'So, will Ichigo be here later?'
"He said he'd be back after school."
At that moment, Naruto heard a door slide open.
"How's he been?" Ichigo asked as he entered the room Naruto was recovering in.
"His condition hasn't changed," Urahara replied.
Ichigo sighed as he made his way around Naruto's futon and knelt down beside him.
"Where's Rukia-san?" Urahara inquired then.
"She'll be along shortly," Ichigo replied as he gently brushed Naruto's fringe to one side.
"I'll go keep an eye out for her then," Urahara said as he quietly slid the door shut.
Ichigo waited until he was sure Urahara was out of ear shot before gritting his teeth. "Dammit Naruto, wake up! Please!" He begged as silent tears trickled down his cheeks and landed on Naruto's pale face. "Please!"
"Only if you promise not to hit me," Naruto replied wearily.
Ichigo's eyes widened. "Naruto?!"
The blonde-haired shinobi smiled slightly as he slowly opened his eyes. "Hey."
"Don't hey me, idiot!" Ichigo snapped as he irritably rubbed his eyes.
"You weren't crying, were you?" Naruto asked teasingly.
"Like hell I was! Beside, where do you get off scaring us half to death like that?! Do you know how many times we thought you weren't going to make it?!"
Naruto cringed, "sorry."
"Sorry?! Sorry doesn't cut it this time! You promised us you'd be alright, idiot!"
"I'm alive aren't I?" The blonde-haired shinobi retorted defensively.
"No, you're lucky to be alive! If it weren't for Urahara-san you'd be dead by now!"
Naruto sighed, "no I wouldn't."
"Excuse me?!"
However, at that moment Urahara, Rukia and Tessai came barging into the room.
"Naruto!" Rukia exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"Hey, Rukia-chan." Naruto replied with a slight smile.
Rukia hesitated a moment before sinking to the floor. "I'm so glad you're alright! I … I thought for sure …"
"You're not going to get rid of me that easily," he replied softly as Rukia wept.
"Well, well." Urahara said then. "This is certainly a pleasant surprise. How are you feeling, Naruto-kun?"
"Well, I've seen better days that's for sure."
Urahara smiled slightly. "I'm sure you have. Tessai, take Rukia-san into the other room and get her something warm to drink."
"But …!" Rukia began to protest as Tessai helped her up.
"Go on, Rukia-chan." Naruto smiled.
Rukia hesitated a moment as she gazed down at Naruto.
"Go on," he encouraged her softly.
Sighing, Rukia nodded. "I'll be back shortly, ok?" She said firmly before following Tessai out of the room.
"This is the first time I've seen her like this," Ichigo admitted softly as Urahara quietly slid the door shut behind them.
"She blames herself for what happened," Urahara replied as he sat down opposite Ichigo.
"If anyone's to blame it's me," the Substitute Shinigami said through gritted teeth.
"Neither of you are to blame, Ichigo." Naruto sighed. "I was the one who insisted on going after Chad, remember?"
"And I should've stopped you."
"No, you did the right thing by letting me go Ichigo. Even though you still don't have the slightest clue of what I'm capable of, you believed in me. So, you pass."
"Pass? Pass what?"
"My little test of course."
"Test?! What on earth are you talking about Naruto?!" Ichigo snapped. "You mean to say that you almost got yourself killed because you were testing me?!"
"Well … not exactly. I didn't plan on getting myself so torn up."
"You make it sound like you're immortal or something!"
"You'd be surprised," Naruto replied softly.
Urahara frowned slightly. "Just who exactly are you, Naruto-kun? According to Kurosaki-san here, you're not a Shinigami. However, no ordinary fifteen year old boy could've possibly survived such an attack."
Sighing, Naruto sat up slowly.
"And just where do you think you're going?" Ichigo asked coldly, placing a firm but gentle hand on Naruto's chest.
"Nowhere," the blonde-haired shinobi replied simply.
"You should lay back down, Naruto-kun. You'll only make your injuries worse if you don't." Urahara said softly.
Naruto sighed, "I'll be alright."
"Enough with the tough guy act already! There's no way you're alright, so just do as your told and lay back down!" Ichigo snapped irritably.
"I'm not acting tough Ichigo, I am alright. See for yourself if you don't believe me."
"Fine," the Substitute Shinigami growled. And he carefully began removing Naruto's bandages.
However, neither Urahara or Ichigo were prepared for what they saw next.
"There's no way," Ichigo said disbelievingly as he stared wide-eyed at Naruto's torso. His wounds should've been open still, but instead they were almost all completely healed. Some had even started to scar.
"Now do you believe me?" The blonde-haired shinobi asked.
"No human could've recovered this quickly," Urahara said pointedly.
"Oh I'm human," Naruto replied with a slight smile. "I'm just a little unique."
"Care to elaborate?" Ichigo asked.
However, Naruto shook his head. "I can't."
"Now there's a surprise," Ichigo replied through clenched teeth.
"Why not, Naruto-kun?" Urahara pressed.
"It's complicated."
"What's complicated?" Rukia asked then as she and Tessai re-entered the room.
"Him." Ichigo replied, pointing his thumb towards Naruto.
Frowning slightly, Rukia turned her attention towards the blonde-haired shinobi. She thought it was strange that he was sitting up unaided, however he seemed perfectly fine. Even his wounds were … And then it dawned on her.
"Naruto-kun, your wounds!" She exclaimed, her eyes wide.
Naruto sighed, "yeah I know. They're healed."
"But how?" She asked as she made her way around the futon to sit beside Ichigo.
"That's what I'd like to know," the Substitute Shinigami sighed.
Just then however, Rukia's mobile bleeped.
"A Hollow?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia shook her head, "a message."
"That's unusual. Does that mean they've managed to track down that Hollow?"
"I don't know," Rukia replied simply as she flipped open the mobile phone issued to her by the Research and Development Institute in Soul Society.
The message title read: URGENT.
Rukia hesitated a moment before opening it.
'13th Division – Kuchiki Rukia,
In response to your recent request to have the Hollow known as Shrieker tracked down, the Research and Development Institute has discovered that it no longer exists. It was destroyed by an unknown entity. You are therefore ordered to track down this unknown entity and deal with it accordingly.'
Rukia's eyes widened. "Impossible," she muttered under her breath.
"What's wrong, Rukia?" Ichigo asked, frowning slightly.
"The Hollow …"
"They found it?" He asked eagerly.
However, Rukia numbly shook her head. "It doesn't exist."
"What?"
"It doesn't exist. It was destroyed by an unknown entity. Naruto-kun was telling the truth."
"Let me see," Ichigo insisted as he almost snatched the mobile phone from Rukia's hands.
There was just no way Naruto could've beaten the Hollow in his condition. However, as Ichigo read the message he began to wonder. The idiot had already defied all the odds by surviving such an attack, and now his wounds were almost healed after four short days?
"Just because it was taken out by some unknown entity, doesn't mean to say that Naruto did it." Ichigo pointed out as he grasped at straws.
"Perhaps," Rukia replied sceptically.
Naruto sighed, "and you still don't believe that I did it."
"Of course I don't!" Ichigo snapped, standing. "How can I when you're such an idiot?! One minute you're all goofy and don't seem to have the slightest clue about things, and the next you act as if you know everything! You get torn to shreds, yet you survive! Now tell me, just who the hell are you Naruto?!"
"Ichigo …" Rukia uttered the Substitute Shinigami's name.
Naruto sighed once more. "I can't."
"Then I'll continue to believe what I want until you do. You coming, Rukia?" He asked then as he started to walk towards the door.
"Uhh … yeah." And she quickly got to her feet.
"Wait!" Naruto exclaimed, and he reached out and grabbed the hem of Ichigo's t-shirt.
"What?" The Substitute Shinigami replied coldly.
"Please, just listen to what I have to say Ichigo."
Ichigo hesitated a moment before sighing. "You've got five minutes."
"Thank you," Naruto replied gratefully, as he released the handful of cloth he'd latched onto.
"So?" Ichigo pressed as he turned to face the blonde-haired boy.
"I still can't tell you who I really am, but …"
"Then this conversation is a waste of time," Ichigo interrupted.
"Wait!" Naruto shouted as Ichigo turned to leave once more.
"I'm not going to stand here and listen to your excuses for five minutes, Naruto." Ichigo replied bluntly. "I've got more important things to do."
"But!" The blonde-haired shinobi exclaimed, standing.
"Naruto-kun!" Both Rukia and Urahara cried out in unison as he fell forwards.
"Idiot!" Ichigo shouted, turning just in time to catch him.
"Thanks," he muttered breathlessly. He still had a way to go before he was fully recovered then.
"I could've told you that," the Kyuubi sighed.
'Why didn't you then?' Naruto asked irritably.
"What?! You're blaming me now? Well excuse me, but how am I supposed to know when you plan on doing something stupid?!"
'You should know by now what I'm like.'
The Kyuubi sighed, "you're completely hopeless."
'I am not!' Naruto exclaimed internally.
"Really? Try telling that to Ichigo."
'Bastard …'
"What on earth were you thinking?" Ichigo demanded then as he held onto Naruto. "Sitting up is one thing, but standing?!"
"Heh … I had to get … your attention … somehow."
"Well you've got it, so talk."
Naruto smiled slightly. "Perhaps … I should … collapse … more often," he mused.
Ichigo's right eye twitched. "Talk or I'll punch you," he threatened.
"Alright," Naruto sighed. "As I … was saying, I … still can't … tell you who … I really am, but … I will … as soon … as you agree."
"Agree? Agree to what?"
"To being ... trained. Remember? When ... I said ... you'd owe me ... for helping you ... clean ... your room after ... it was destroyed ... that time, that ... was my ... price. I also said ... I wouldn't ... tell you ... anything ... until you'd agreed ... to let me ... train you. Although ... I ended up ... helping you ... clean your room ... for ... free ... in the end."
"I'd ... forgotten about that." Ichigo muttered under his breath.
"Thought ... you had. Sorry ... but that's ... the way ... it's got to ... be."
"Fine, I'll be your student."
Naruto smiled weakly. "You ... don't actually ... mean it ... though, do you? You're just ... saying that ... to find out ... who ... I am. You ... actually ... have to ... mean it."
"That's rich coming from the guy who would've already told me who they really were by now, if I'd agreed to being trained by you in the first place."
"True. But ... I've decided ... that it's ... probably a ... better ... idea ... if you ... actually ... mean it, instead ... of being ... forced into it ... because you ... owed me."
"So I'm not allowed to become your student until I mean it?"
"Yeah," Naruto nodded.
"And how will you know if I mean it or not?"
"I'll ... know ..." And with that, Naruto's eyes closed and he became limp in Ichigo's arms.
"Naruto-kun!" Rukia exclaimed as Urahara quickly got to his feet.
"Is he alright, Urahara-san?" Ichigo asked concernedly as Urahara checked his pulse.
"He's fine, just unconscious."
"That's a relief," Ichigo sighed.
"Well, that was certainly interesting." Urahara commented as Ichigo gently led Naruto back down on the futon.
"Uhh," he nodded as he silently placed the blanket Urahara had provided over the blonde-haired boy.
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him."
"Thank you," Rukia replied softly as Ichigo gently brushed Naruto's fringe to one side.
"We'd better head back now," he sighed after a moment.
"Hmm," Rukia nodded as Ichigo stood and stretched.
