Discalimer: Well, it's the weekend, so I've got time to type! Yes! Anyway, diclaimer remains the same, as always. I'll just say right now that for the few who've rewieved, I enjoyed those reviews so much! Thank you! But, before I bore you, read on!

Chapter IV

The bell had just rung when Ichigo found himself at a door on the second floor labled "Rooftop: Do Not Enter." Obviously, he wouldn't listen, and tried the doorknob. It opened with no resistance.

When the door was open, he felt a cool draft, and eagerly walked up the stairway. The rooftop of the school was empty, as far as he could see. It was just an empty roof, surrounded by bars that helped prevent accidents.

Finally, I'll be able to get some peace and quiet.

Ichigo thought, sighing as he dropped his bookbag by the doorway. He made his way over to the center of the rooftop, settling himself in a comfortable position with his hands behind his head.

You know, King, hiding from them isn't going to do you much good.

Hichigo made his opinion known, settling his almost-transparent form beside his King.

Since there wasn't anyone around, Ichigo deemed it safe to talk aloud to his dark half.

"I'm not hiding from anyone. I'm trying to figure out that stupid riddle you gave to me earlier! What the heck is so special about these people?!"

Hichigo cackled, leaning back the same way Ichigo was leaning.

Good luck figuring it out. But I wouldn't strain yourself too hard. After all, you may never be able to figure it out. Instead, just enjoy the scenery.

"That's rich, coming from you. "Enjoy the scenery?" Since when did you get so poetic, Hichi?"

Oh, come on, Ichi. Be a little nicer. After all, I haven't taken over yet, have I?

Ichigo sighed, but agreed. "That is true. So, tell me, are you planning on taking over while we're here? Do I need to be on my guard constantly?"

His alternate personality's silence was unnerving. Looking over at his dark half, Ichigo saw that he wasn't even staring at the teenager; he was looking off to the side, where a shadow could be seen.

"Who's there?!" Ichigo demanded, sitting up.

"How troublesome." Came a tired voice, and a teenager with unruly brown hair pulled back in a pony-tail sat up, appearing as if from the shadows.

"Who're you?" Ichigo asked, noticing that Hichigo seemed to have disappeared back into his warped mind.

"Nara Shikamaru, not that it's any concern to you. What're you doing here? I thought I was the only one lazy enough to ditch class."

The boy yawned, his dark eyes closing. Ichigo decided almost immediately that he liked this boy; his way of speaking slowly with an air of carelessness put him at ease. So, he decided to answer him.

"Kurosaki Ichigo. I'm new."

"Hm, Kurosaki you say? 17 years old, male, 174 cm, 61 kg, type O blood, orange hair, and brown eyes. Son of Kurosaki Isshin, the renowned physicist; moved to this school due to problems at his old home. Yeah, I know about you, new kid."

Ichigo frowned, instantly on alert. "How do you know so much about me? Who are you, really?"

Shikamaru merely glanced at him, before leaning back down. "How troublesome." He said, before closing his eyes in sleep.

Ichigo, still unnerved, got up and, after retrieving his bookbag, made his way back into the school.

Maybe it was a good idea to go class, after all.

Well, there's the fourth chapter! I am on four, right? Ya, I am. So, what'd ya think? I had to put Shika-kun in there, cause I missed him. Anyway, in the next chapter we'll rejoin Naruto, and Gaara, who'll give us some more info on what's so special about the school. Can't wait!

::hichigomate::