.VII.


Slowly regaining consciousness and blinking the blurriness away, Ichigo carefully opened his eyes and looked around. He was back at Urahara's. And as for the demon… … Suddenly remembering of the being, Ichigo quickly jumped off the bed and nearly fell down as headache hit him hard. "Shit!"

"Ah, young Kurosaki! Fancy seeing you awake!" chirped the joyous shopkeeper entering the room.

"Urahara?" Ichigo's eyes quickly searched the room. "Where's Kyuubi?"

"Hmm? He's downstairs filling his thirst and glaring at the terrified kids. Why?"

The tension in the muscles quickly disappeared and Ichigo relaxed, "No reason, really. I a… I just…" now that he thought of it, Ichigo didn't really know what he wanted to say. Frankly his thoughts and mind felt unusually empty for some reason. 'Huh?'

Spotting Ichigo's lost look, Urahara dropped his smile and sat cross-legged next to the teen. "A little confused there I see. Tell me, did anything happen yesterday?"

"Wha-…? Yesterday?"

"Yes. Yesterday. You know – the day before today?"

"I know what yesterday is, bastard!"

"Oh good then, I thought you were becoming stupider."

"Urahara!"

"Aaanyway. Yesterday Kyuubi brought your unconscious self back here in the middle of the night. And I wanted to know – did he do something to you?"

Opening his mouth, Ichigo abruptly clicked it back close and thought, 'Yesterday? Wait… What the hell did happen yesterday? And unconscious?'

Urahara cocked his head in curiosity, "You seem to be taking too much effort into this, Ichigo. Do you even remember what happened?"

Closing his eyes, Ichigo tried to search his fogged mind for any memories of the previous date. "Yes, I do. I think we went for a walk."

Waiting for continuation, Urahara rolled his eyes when he received none. "And?" he pried a bit impatiently.

'And…I don't remember a damn thing!' "And then I fell asleep!" angrily replied Ichigo and stomped out of the room, leaving the perplexed man alone.

Blinking after the sour looking teen, Urahara rubbed his chin. 'What happened between those two?'

..

'Damn it. Kyuubi brought me back here unconscious? Why the hell was I unconscious? What happened? What did he do? Why can't I remember?' entering the kitchen, Ichigo searched for the possible answer to his questions, but it wasn't there anymore. Looking at grumpy Jinta stuffing his face with cereal, he asked, "Hey brat, where's Kyuubi?"

As if hearing the name itself was a curse, Jinta jumped in his seat before glaring at Ichgo and yelling at him, "I don't know! Don't bother me!"

Ichigo's eyebrows arched up, 'What's with him?' Well this sure was an unusual reaction from the usually cocky brat. The redheaded boy looked as if he was sitting on a bunch of needles. That constant fidgeting and secret glances towards the exit door he gave couldn't be called as a normal behavior, which was no doubt saying something. But whatever that was for, Ichigo didn't bother to find out.

"Tsk." Preparing to look in another room, Ichigo halted when a small voice spoke.

"Are you looking for the demon?" asked Ururu.

Ichigo stiffened. These kids knew Kyuubi was a demon? What the hell was Urahara thinking spreading the word out to the blabbermouth and the shy dark-haired girl? "Aa." he nodded to her, "Do you know where he is?"

"Not really. But after he scared Jinta shitless-…"

"AHH! Shut up, Ururu!" abruptly screamed the terrified redhead, recalling how he came to poke fun on the so-called demon only to receive a scare of a lifetime when that demon entered his mind and showed him what he'd do to him if he ever spoke to him again.

"…-I saw him go out." she finished explaining.

'That's just great. I doubt I'll be able to find him now.' Sighing, Ichigo thanked her and headed back upstairs to grab his schoolbag and head home. Good thing it was Saturday.

..

Pacing from side to side, the disturbed fox demon growled menacingly as soon as his vessel approached him. "Why was I wakened so soon?" he asked, his eyes flicking from Naruto's eyes to his four tails that lazily flicking behind his back. Their shape that he thought would inherit the looks of his own has long since changed over the years. They resembled the tails of an actual devil more than they did those of Kyuubi's. Though none of that really mattered to the fox demon now. All he cared was the amount they presented, not the shape. And seeing four tails instead of desired eight, made him angry. It was too early for his rest to be disturbed. "I thought we had a deal."

"It wasn't I who woke you, Kyuubi." said Naruto, staring up at the huge bars of his subconsciousness. "Rest assured, I remember our deal perfectly."

Their deal was a two-sided agreement between a human and a demon. Naruto is to live eight lives to their fullest potential and in exchange, when the time comes – he's to hand himself to Kyuubi. The demon was not to be let out until the eighth time of Naruto's death, when the eighth tail would emerge. It was all too soon.

Glaring red eyes narrowed in deep slits. Kyuubi never was a forgiving being, especially when disturbed. Taking a little step back, Naruto flinched when a huge hand shot out between the steel bars and pulled him inside.

"Who did then?" the demon demanded, his huge hand squeezing Naruto whole.

Glaring at the fox, Naruto clenched the fur of the demon's fingers and rasped out, "Not a morning person I see. Let me go, fox. It wasn't me who woke you. It was a hollow."

Kyuubi's interest perked up a bit. "A hollow?" loosening his hold, Kyuubi let Naruto breathe easily.

"Still just a dark portion of Ichigo's soul," explained Naruto, "However, its growth is spreading rapidly… along with the powers of its vessel." 'And… I'm not really sure why, but it just feels more like a rising demon to me than an actual hollow.'

Closing his eyes, Kyuubi dropped his head back and took a deep whiff of air, searching a certain scent between Naruto's lastly encountered mortals. "Your little brat-friend." A small sneer spread over Kyuubi's mouth as he remembered one specific encounter, "So…that white one. It was his spirit that woke me?"

Naruto could see Kyuubi's eyes sparkle a bit. The demon was intrigued, that much he could tell. Shouldn't be a surprise, it was a long time since Kyuubi got to meet something that would bring him so close to something as 'similarly evil' as Kyuubi himself was.

Though one thing sure did surprise Naruto. During the time he spent in Hueco Mundo he met many different ranked hollows – strong, stronger, strongest and some of them even more stronger than those, but none of them ever took as much interest in Kyuubi as Ichigo's Hollow did. It was strong enough to wake the beast up. Something others in this world had no power in doing.

Perhaps it was due to the past connection he shared with Ichigo; but then again, he never sensed that Hollow in Ichigo when he was a child. So Kyuubi couldn't have grown accustomed to it, seeing that it never existed back then.

Hm. This was becoming bizarre. There were many similarities that Ichigo and Naruto shared. Pain, bravery, protective nature, stubbornness, foolishness and now, resident demons. Snarling at the thought, Naruto opened his eyes, looking back on the road he was walking.

'What happened? What changed him?' Naruto wouldn't lie, he was concerned. Ichigo wasn't supposed to have an evil spirit inside of him. He shouldn't be forced to go through such ordeal. He wasn't a carrier, he shouldn't be.

As Naruto continued walking down the streets while listening to his displeased demon's comments, he didn't really pay much attention to his surroundings. So it was a bit surprising to him when he heard someone abruptly shout out,

"O-oh… oh my Gosh! Is that…is that really you?" a girlish squeak quickly made Naruto stop dead in tracks and look out front. What met him was something he was not prepared for.

'Oh no. Yuzu!'

A girl whom he quickly recognized was running straight for him. 'No, no, no… this can't be! She can't possibly remember me!' Taking an unsure step back, hoping that maybe, by luck, he was mistaken and the girl was not actually addressing him, Naruto prepared to make a mad dash, but grunted when he felt himself bump against someone.

"Kyuubi?" a familiar voice entered Naruto's ears.

'Ichigo?' Peering over his shoulder, Naruto cursed, 'Great!' Of course, the one person he has to bump into had to be the young Kurosaki and not some stupid person just passing by. 'Shit. These damn Kurosaki's are appearing from all sides.' Falling deeper and deeper in his inner musing, Naruto completely failed to carry out his escape and was now forced to face the eager girl standing in front of him.

Staring at the blond with wide sparkling mirth, the girl's eyes narrowed observantly before a wide smile appeared on her entire face. "I knew it. It really is you!" clapping her hands, she yelled in joy.

Naruto was dropped in a state of panic. It's true, he never did erase himself from Yuzu, or Karin's memory for that matter; but he trusted the fact that as four year olds they'll have no clear memory of him either way… Could he have been wrong?

Swallowing a bothersome lump, Naruto cleared his voice, "Excuse me?"

"You're that guy!" said Yuzu, smiling widely, "the guy from 'Snikers' commercial. You know, 'Have nothing to eat – bite Snikers and feel the beat!'?"

"…"

After a moment of silence Naruto's eye gave an annoyed twitched whereas Ichigo burst in laughter. Naruto didn't know anymore if he was glad at the fact that she didn't recognize him (in favor of calling him as some idiot from a food commercial) or not. If anything – it was just beyond irritating.

"How lovely," hissed Naruto through his teeth, "Though sorry little princess, I ain't that guy."

Yuzu puffed her cheeks, "But you look exactly like him. Well…except your hair… and those marks on your cheeks… Oh! And the eyes."

'If there are so many exceptions, then where the hell do you see the damn similarities?' inwardly growled Naruto.

"Give it a rest, Yuzu." chuckled Ichigo, "He's not from the commercial."

Beaming at her brother, Yuzu asked, "Ichi-nii! Is this your friend?"

"Aa… I guess." rubbing his neck uncomfortably, Ichigo looked down at the demon. That was sure a lucky run into; he never expected to meet 'Kyuubi' while on his way home. "His name is Kyuubi by the way."

"Kyuu…-…bi?" Looking at the stranger once more, Yuzu frowned, "Are you suuure you're not from the Snikers' commercial?"

Naruto thought that anytime now and he'll snap. "Yes, damn it!"

"Yuzu, leave him alone," a more serious voice suddenly said, approaching them from the side.

Shifting his eyes towards a black haired tomboy with a baseball cap on her head and a ball under her armpit, Naruto had to admire how the two of them turned out. Even though known as twins, Yuzu and Karin were the exact opposites in all possible aspects. But never the less – just as special as they always were in his eyes.

Stopping next to her brother, Karin's keen eyes quickly set on Naruto. "Have we met?" she suddenly asked, a small frown forming on her forehead.

"See! Even Karin-chan says you're from 'Snikers'."

Naruto's eye gave another twitch and he grumbled out a bitter reply, "For the last time – I'm not from a damn commercial, girl. And no, I don't believe we've met before," he replied to them both.

Luckily for him, Karin and Yuzu did not have such a strong memory as Ichigo could've; back then they were still toddlers after all, who shouldn't be able to remember much…at least he hoped they haven't.

Completely ignoring his snarly tone, Yuzu giggle and grabbed Naruto's hand, giving him a violent startle.

"Well even if you're not admitting you're from the commercial, you're still niisan's friend. And any new friend of niisan is a friend of mine," pulling him along, Yuzu started directing them towards their home. "Come on, I'm about to make some dinner. You have to join."

Finally waking up from that annoyingly warm feeling he felt as Yuzu touched his arm, Naruto hastily jerked his hand back as soon as he saw a familiar area within the sight – the Kurosaki household. 'Why does this always happen'!'

Yuzu looked at Naruto confused and a little bit hurt, as while Karin looked ready to hit him for saddening her sister.

"Oniisan?"

"I – I can't…" in panic Naruto stammered. "I have to go." without as much as a goodbye, he quickly strode away. 'Shit, I almost screwed everything up. Why must those stinking emotions betray me!'

Although Karin and Yuzu didn't see it, Ichigo sure did – for some reason 'Kyuubi' was looking at them with fear in his eyes. Could it actually be possible?

"Kyuubi! Hey wait!" catching up with the mentally devastated blond, Ichigo matched his strides and wanted to demand what was his problem but quickly remembered the look he saw. Even now, 'Kyuubi' looked lost, which was so very unlike that demon. 'But why would he feel like that?' Finally annoyed with confusion and questions that won't be answered anyway, Ichigo made a guess at what was disturbing the blond, "You aren't too comfortable with such things, are you?"

"What things?"

"Simple touches, warm gestures, you know – everything that a human makes?"

Naruto shot him a glare, 'You trying to tell me that I know shit about human feelings and am just an emotional shell of a hollow?' biting his lip, Naruto casted his eyes back on the ground, 'Well…I guess you'll be right there.'

"I'm here for you, you know," Ichigo tried to sound encouraging, "If there's something you'd like to know you can just ask me."

Naruto wanted to laugh, 'Since when did our roles change Ichigo?' Remembering the times when he was the one to usually calm the boy down whenever there was such a need, Naruto found their current situation very humorous. "I don't think such things will ever come as a necessity." a bit hostile said Naruto.

"You never know," silently Ichigo mumble back, missing a dim look reflected in blue eyes.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all. Oh! By the way, there's something I wanted to ask you."

Naruto's eyes widened in disturbance, already predicting what Ichigo was going to ask.

"It's about yester-…-day?" looking to his companion, Ichigo blinked as an empty spot greeted him. A light rise of dust and light imprints in sand were the only indication of 'Kyuubi' ever being there not but seconds ago. "Damn it! You elusive bastard!"

..

After constant tries and prying, Ichigo still couldn't get a clear answer from 'Kyuubi' about that one time when he was brought back unconscious. And his Hollow was no help either, seeing that he was nowhere to be found anyway. 'Tch. This is stupid!'

"Still trying to dig up the truth?" walking pass the young Kurosaki, Urahara set next to him at the small dining table.

"Useless. It's as if something's deliberately not letting me remember what happened," burying his face in his hands, Ichigo rested his head on the table. "And I don't know why, but I really feel that it was something very important."

Humming to himself, Kisuke exchanged looks with Tessai. When he questioned the demon about that night, he got one answer: "I got tired of his talking and knocked him out." If he were to believe the demon's words, then maybe what Ichigo was feeling now was a slight case of amnesia or just a simple loss of memories; though whatever it was, Urahara didn't see it worth his troubles and simply shrugged it off.

"Hey! What's for dinner!" entering the room, Jinta and Ururu took their seats.

"You are." at the same time appearing from the shadowed corner, Naruto glared down at the freaked out boy, who at the sight of him screamed and ran away. Ururu worriedly went after him.

"Mou, wasn't that a bit rude, Kyuubi-kun~?" peering over his teacup, Urahara flashed the demon a warning look, which to his annoyance the demon ignored.

"You're children are irksome." mumbled Naruto before looking at Ichigo. The blond's eyes lightly narrowed at the agitated looking younker. Poor boy looked completely beaten and had a small pout on his lips. Literary, he'd say that Ichigo looked like a sour vegetable, or more like berry (thanks to his name). Naruto hated that look. Grabbing a glass of water sitting on the table, Naruto tipped it lightly to the side and watched as it splashed on Ichigo's orange mop. The teen's startled scream nearly gave Naruto's laughter way. At least Ichigo didn't look half dead anymore. Hiding his smirk, Naruto quickly went on his way. "I'm going to bed."

"What the? Hey!" yelling after the 'evil' demon, Ichigo sprang to his feet and ran after him. "Kyuubi! You damned bastard! Get back here!"

Ignoring the demolishing background sounds, Urahara's narrowed considerately, "Did you see that, Tessai?"

"What exactly, sir?"

"It could be my imagination, but I think that demon is not as cold towards our little Ichigo as he is with everyone else around here. Even from their very first encounter, Kyuubi acted much softer with Ichigo than he did anyone else. And why is that? At first I thought that maybe that's because Ichigo's a kid, but after seeing how Kyuubi acts around Ururu and Jinta, I dropped that theory in the trash."

"What are you trying to say?" asked Tessai.

"Why is it only around Ichigo when that demon's aura seems less ghastly? What does that kid hold that subdues that monster down?"

Petting his moustache, Tessai added his two cents, "Maybe it's the smell of evil in Kurosaki-kun. After all, Ichigo is a Vizard. And the aura of his Inner Hollow could be the one to attract Kyuubi."

"Perhaps. But I don't think that's truly the case."

"Hm?"

"Whether he's trying to hide it or not, I believe that demon strives to manipulate Ichigo. And I have a slight suspicion that it has something to do with Aizen."

"You still don't trust him?"

"He's a demon, Tessai. How can I trust something I have no knowledge of? As far as I'm concerned, Kyuubi could've been deliberately brought to us as an infiltrator. He could get Ichigo's trust and then use it against us. Aizen held that demon within his grounds for seven years. Don't you suppose that'd be enough to tame a creature and teach it to obey its master?"

A small drop of sweat glided down Tessai's temple. "If that is so, sir, then what are we going to do?"

"Nothing we can do now. We'll just have to keep an eye on him. And Ichigo too for that matter. Luckily, we have that demon's powers suppressed and we also know where he's heading whenever he's out."

"Shouldn't we warn Kurosaki-kun?"

"Iie. That could blow the cover. Let's just analyze his actions a bit more before we act."

..

Three weeks later…

Ichigo was glad. Summer vacation was quickly approaching; just a week now and the exams will be over.

"Yo, Ichigo!" slugging his arms around Ichigo, Keigo got only a quick chance to hug him before he was kicked away. "Oww, why are you so mean to me?"

"Stop randomly jumping me and squealing in my ear and I'll try not to be."

"That's true, you're attitude is too much to bear, Keigo-kun."

"Mizuiro, not you too!"

Bidding his arguing friends a silent goodbye, Ichigo made his way home. Upon entering his house he was greeted by a sweet smell of rise and meat from the kitchen and a random attack from his father.

"Slacking off, are you? You should have predicted that, my son! Now what is so important that's distracting you from my covetously amazing attack?"

"Urgh! Shut up!" growled Ichigo as he jumped back to his feet and kicked his father in the chin, "Man! Of all the fathers in the world, why am I stuck with you?"

"Oh you wound me so. Now why don't you come here and give me a comforting hug?"

"Oh I'll give you something alright!"

"OW! NO! Not the nose!"

"Niisan! Tousan! Dinner!"

After punching and kicking his stupidly energetic father a few more times, Ichigo joined his sisters at the dining table.

"How was your day at school, nii-san?"

"Same as always. Boring and tiresome."

"Can't agree more." sighed Karin. "I can't wait for holidays. A sports camp outside town just a month away sounds very appealing."

Nodding, Yuzu's eyes sparkled as she suddenly remembered something. "Niisan. How's that new friend of yours doing? Haven't seen him around for a while." still fresh in remembering that one encounter, Yuzu wondered how 'Kyuubi' was doing.

"Friend?" crawling into his seat, bruised Isshin joined his family. "Hoo, you made a new friend and didn't tell me? Why are you so cold to your daddy?"

Trying to ignore his weeping, attention craving father, Ichigo answered a little under his breath, "Kyuubi's been…busy, Yuzu."

"You should ask him to come over for a visit sometime. I'll be sure to make the most wonderful dinner for him. I feel kind a bad. Last time he was so cold and distant…" lowering her eyes, Yuzu bit her lip. "I think I might have hurt his feelings or something."

"You only met him once, and you're this worried?"

"I know. But I can't help it. He…" cupping a hand over her mouth, Yuzu silently whispered, as if believing that saying her next words out loud would be wrong, "…for some reason he makes me feel strangely nostalgic."

Isshin's hand stopped midair and he silently placed the food down, listening carefully to what his kids were talking about.

Giving her a rare smile, Ichigo shook his head. "Don't worry about him, Yuzu. He's just not…used to the whole family and friendship gathering thing. So is the reason for his attitude."

Yuzu gasped, "Does-does that mean he has no parents…or relatives?"

Ichigo frowned. He didn't really know if demons had families. Then again, the thought of a happy demonic family gathering around a table for a feast – most likely some poor human – gave him chills. But now that he thought about it, he never saw Kyuubi eating anything too.

"Niisan? Niisan!"

"Hm? Sorry, what was that?"

"Mou…you were lost in your thoughts again. You shouldn't space out so much." pouted Yuzu.

"I too think you should invite that weird friend of yours over, niisan," said Karin, backing Yuzu's previous proposal up. Not that she cared much, but for an unspecified reason she couldn't help but also want to see that guy. Yuzu was right – there was that strange nostalgia around him that just didn't make sense. Maybe if she saw him once more she'd understand why it was so. "A little social gathering might do him good. Seriously, that guy's as stiff as a boulder… almost like you."

"I'm not stiff!"

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Now what are my lovely kids talking about? Again you're leaving your daddy behind!"

Rolling their eyes, the three siblings continued on eating under the sound of their father's fake cry.

..

A week later…

Finally, the summer came and Ichigo could breathe a sigh of grand relief. Those bothersome exams were finally over and he could freely relax… at least for a while.

"Kurosaki-kun!"

"Oh, hey Orihime…and Rukia?" looking at the two girls, Ichigo wondered what was up with that tremendous grin they both shared. "What you guys up to?"

"Beach!"

"Huh?"

"Everyone's going. Even captain Hitsugaya and Zaraki." said Rukia.

"H-huh? Z-Zaraki?" not too happy to hear that name, Ichigo cringed. "Wait. He…is going to come to the beach?"

"Un. Kurosaki-kun, you have to come too. We're celebrating the beginning of summer." bouncing on her feet, said Orihime.

"Even Kenpachi is celebrating with us?" still not able to connect those words together, Ichigo stared at them stunned. "No way."

Dismissing Ichigo dumbfound look away, Rukia said, "Think what you want. The point is that we're gathering. What's so bad about a little time of relaxation in the real world?"

"Uuuh… yeah… but seriously… is everyone coming?"

"Most of everyone." said Rukia, "Actually it was Rangiku who started it all. She initiated the idea, Yumichika supported it, which in turn made Ikkaku do the same along with Yachiru, who on her part forced Kenpachi and Byakuya to tag along, who said they'll go only if there were other captains… Aaand so on and so forth – we now have nearly every division heading for the beach."

"A-ha." staring at them for another minute, Ichigo still tried to make himself believe that that could actually happen.

"So? You coming or not?"

"Aa. Sounds fun. I'll go." appearing behind Ichigo, Chad gave a firm nod. Ishida by his side just fixed his glasses and looked expectedly at the young Kurosaki.

"Well I…um…"

"Come on, Ichigo. It'll be fun." slugging an arm over Ichigo's shoulders, Renji gave him one of his creepily huge grins.

Sighing, Ichigo slumped his shoulders; he didn't really plan to go to the beach on this day. He was just planning on heading to Urahara's and dragging Kyuubi (with force if he had to) to see Yuzu and Karin, and his dad. Otherwise Yuzu would never leave him alone.

'Ah…but the beach sounds so fun.' And a chance to see all those prestige Society's captains in swimsuits made him want to laugh. 'This I definitely gotta see. …Wait! But why not take Kyuubi, Yuzu and Karin with me? Yuzu would definitely appreciate an outdoor picnic more. Great, that way everyone'll be happy… except perhaps Kyuubi… But either way, yeah, that sounds like a plan.'

"Oi! Moron! I'm talking to you!"

Jumping back into the reality, Ichigo punched the carrottop away from his ringing appendage, "You don't have to yell in my ear, you idiot! Okay. I'll go. But I'm bringing my sisters and a friend with me, alright?"

"The more the merrier!" cheered Orihime and grabbing frowning Rukia's hand, ran off to go and prepare.

..

"Hey! Urahara! Where's Kyuubi?" entering the shop, Ichigo was just about to take off his shoes when someone appeared behind him.

"No need to yell, I'm right here."

Stumbling from the startle, Ichigo frowned at the glaring demon before he flashed him a smirk, "Do you have any swimming-trunks?"

Naruto's glare went askew. "What?"

"We're going to the beach."

"Why?"

"Why? To relax and have fun of course."

"Did someone say beach?" appearing into the lobby, Urahara came out already in his swimming gear and an umbrella on his shoulder, behind him stood Tessai with his sailor suit and a ringbuoy around the middle.

Both Ichigo and Naruto sweat-dropped.

'That sure was fast.'

'Fool.'

..

Scratching his behind, Naruto ticked with irritation. Where on earth Urahara dug out shorts that matched his size he'll never know. They were in dark blue color, and their length went just a little over his knees. All would've been fine, weren't they so damn itchy. 'Tch. Forget about the damn shorts. What I really want to know is: why did I agree to do this stupid beach thing in the first place? Sure, a swim in the water and basking in the sun could be a nice change once and a while, that is – if I were human again.' sighing, Naruto looked at the people he was walking with: the annoying shopkeeper, his annoying assistant and that annoying Ichigo. So the question – why was he going again? Simple – 'I was forced. Not that it was anything behind the physical struggle. And I guess I can't call it 'force' either then. Blackmail maybe? Tch, no. Well whatever the hell it's called, in the end I'll be getting mercury.'

Naruto was roughly brought back to reality when he felt Ichigo suddenly grabbed his wrist. "Then we'll meet you there." he said to the waving Urahara and pulled Naruto along with him.

'Huh? There where? Where are we going?' It seemed that during all his mental self bickering, Naruto completely missed the conversation Urahara and Ichigo were having.

Looking down at the hand keeping his wrist in a tight grip, Naruto scowled, 'This is getting too close for comfort.' Wrenching his hand free, Naruto looked at Ichigo with a glare, "Where are you taking me so suddenly?"

Ichigo's brows furrowed in confusion and he chuckled, "Didn't you hear? I told you – to my house."

Blood left Naruto's face and he stopped walking. "You-your house?"

"Aa. Now come on. Yuzu and Karin are waiting." Ichigo pushed him on the back to move.

'When the hell did he tell me about that?' mentally screamed Naruto as he watched Ichigo's house appear nearer and nearer. 'Can it be that I accidently agreed to something I had no intention of doing? Damn it, this is the last time I'll talk to myself! I can get seriously killed that way!'

"Okay, here we are." Ichigo's words quickly brought Naruto out of his mind.

'Already? Shit, I did it again!' To Naruto's shock, he found himself standing in front of the opening house doors.

Catching the demon before he ran off, Ichigo pulled him in after himself, which was easier said than done, since the blond suddenly started struggling against his hold. Calling his sisters to get ready, Ichigo looked at 'Kyuubi' in an assuring manner, "Come on in, Kyuubi. Geez. There's nothing to worry about. They don't know who you are." he was positive that 'Kyuubi' was bothered by the thought that they'll be able to tell he's a demon.

Naruto's inner world exploded with humorless laugher. Ichigo had no idea how well they knew him (especially that one particular someone) – only in a completely different sense.

"I-CHI-GO!" a yell suddenly shook the whole house as Isshin appeared with a raised foot in the air.

And here that 'someone' was.

As quickly as he could, Naruto jumped onto the ceiling while Ichigo, in his bemusement at seeing 'Kyuubi' suddenly disappear, was unlucky to receive a kick from his hyper father.

While both went crashing outside, Naruto quickly crawled over the ceiling and into the safety of Ichigo's room.

"So my manly son! Where's your friend!" dusting his hands, Isshin searched around.

Glaring, Ichigo jumped to his feet and smashed his fist into his father's abdomen. "You scared him away!"

Leaving his father rolling on the ground, Ichigo went inside. Yuzu and Karin, dressed and ready for the beach, met him halfway. "Ready, niisan! Where's Kyuubi?"

"Ah…I'll go look for him, you guys wait me outside." running upstairs, thinking that maybe the demon's there, Ichigo wasn't disappointed when he found him in his room staring at a silver necklace in his palm. Closing the door, Ichigo did a double taken when he saw the pendant glow blue. "What are you doing?"

Flinching, Naruto let the necklace go and it fell to the grown with a dull thud. "Nothing," he quickly replied. 'Kuso! What the fuck's wrong with me!' This was just not his day – he was constantly destructed and caught off guard.

Stepping away, Naruto watched as Ichigo carefully picked the sword shaped pendant up and placed it back on the bedside table where he previously found it. From what Naruto could tell, Ichigo was handling that thing with more care than he expected for an object he should have no memory of receiving. "That's an interesting piece of metal you have there."

Blinking his thoughts away, Ichigo ran his hands over the line of the strangely formed pendant. "Aa… It's an amulet."

Naruto's brows disappeared under his long bangs. 'Amulet?'

"It may sound funny but it brings me luck," with a nonchalant shrug explained Ichigo.

"You believe in superstition?"

"No," quickly Ichigo denied, but in the end rubbed his neck and looked away in embarrassment, "...n-not really."

"Then why mention 'luck'?"

"Just…just because, okay," feeling rather ridiculous and childish, Ichigo grabbed the necklace and stuffed it into the drawer, "It told you, it brings good luck. Don't ask why I think so, I just do."

Naruto secretly hid a small smirk, having an idea why Ichigo would call it lucky. It had Naruto's chakra in it after all. "Sou ka…"

"Ichi-nii! How long are you going to take?"

"Ichigo! Stop hiding your friend from your daddy! I don't have all day you know!" that particular yell from downstairs made Naruto stiffen and inch closer to the window. If it comes to worse, he'll have to jump and run as fast as he can.

"I'm coming already!" quickly changing into swimming shorts and throwing a light shirt over his shoulders, Ichigo grabbed his towel and headed for the door. "Let's go, Kyuubi. Looks like my dad's dying to meet you," he remark jokily with a bit of sarcasm. Naruto only wished it was funny, for his dad would be dying alright – dying from an immense anger explosion.

Reaching for the knob, Ichigo blinked when a cold hand suddenly stopped him. "What is it?" his eyes met alarmed blue.

Naruto's ears twitched as he heard Isshin approaching the room. He knew that once he stepped foot within this house, he'd have no choice but to confront that man eye to eye and that is something he really didn't want to do. "I need you to do me a favor."

Ichigo didn't like the way 'Kyuubi's' voice sank; for some reason it sounded urgent. "Right now? What kind a favor?"

"I don't want you to question my methods," said Naruto and released Ichigo's hand. The teen blinked, not fully getting the meaning.

"I don't think I fully understand…"

"Just promise me that!"

Still confused and perplexed by the sudden immediacy, Ichigo found himself nodding.

Suddenly 'Kyuubi's' whole body transformed and before him no longer stood the short, blond haired, blue eyed youngster, but a tall, black-haired, emerald eyed man.

"What the hell! Why…?"

"You promised me, Ichigo. …Please." The fact that it was a half plea, half warning didn't go unnoticed. And Ichigo couldn't bring himself to say 'no'.

"A-alright."

..

Right before Isshin was to kick it, the door opened and he was met with two boys. "Ah… so you must be Kyuubi?" he asked, his eyes quickly turning to look at the stranger standing behind Ichigo.

"No, dad, he's-…OWw!"

Deliberately stepping on Ichigo's foot as he walked pass him, Naruto bowed before the householder, "Yes. My name's Kyuubi. Nice to meet you."

'WHAT THE FUCK?' rubbing his foot, Ichigo stared at 'Kyuubi' bemused. 'Karin and Yuzu both know how you look. Why lie to dad about your appearance? Clearly who you pretend to be now can't actually be the same Kyuubi my sisters saw you as. What the hell are you thinking?'

Blinking at the bowing teen, Isshin grinned and dismissingly waved his hand, "Please, no need for such a formal introduction. Makes me feel older than I am. But yes, it's nice to meet you too." placing his hand on 'Kyuubi's' shoulder, Isshin didn't miss that slight flinch the other gave.

Clenching his teeth, Naruto forcibly took a grip of his powers and locked them all up as far as he could. He knew Isshin was a good sensor type when it came to distinguish an evil energy from good. And his aura was as foul as his soul.

"So…" slowly removing his hand, Isshin did a quick look-over the tense black-haired man and lightly narrowed his eyes. There was something not quite right with this guy. Perhaps it was just him, but for some reason Isshin couldn't feel the guy's presence – it was as if 'Kyuubi' wasn't in front of him right now. Was something like that even possible? "You boys are heading to the beach?"

Looking into Isshin's eyes, Naruto lightly swallowed when he saw the man stare at him with keen suspicion. "Yes."

"Hmm." Peering at 'Kyuubi' for what felt like the longest of hours, Isshin finally dropped his stern look and smiled, "Well…, then make sure to check it's free of sharks before going in, okay?" A sudden ring from Isshin's phone cut their conversation short. "Excuse me."

As Isshin stepped to the side for a little bit privacy, Naruto and Ichigo's looks crossed. 'Why did you hide yourself?' Ichigo mouthed out, but the demon didn't answer.

"Okay, I'll be right there." Pocketing his phone, Isshin grinned and rubbed Ichigo's hair, "Sorry, kids. I would love to chat more but it looks like business is calling."

"Shame. But it was nice meeting you Isshin-san. Even though it was just for a little while." Ichigo stared as the demon gave his father a big grin.

'Oh now that face's a total lie!'

"Likewise, Kyuubi-kun. I like your friend Ichigo. You should ask him over for dinner sometime."

"Tha-that would be very kind of you, Isshin-san." said 'Kyuubi', making sure Isshin didn't catch the bitterness that nearly escaped his mouth.

"Aww…you're so polite."

Ichigo huffed, 'Yeah right.'

"Well. I'm off." waving his bye, Isshin disappeared downstairs and through the doors. Sneaking a small hug to his daughters on the way, Isshin headed for his car with a thoughtful frown. 'Kyuubi huh. Where did I hear that name before?'

As soon as the sound of the leaving car was heard no more, Ichigo let his questions burst free, "Why Kyuubi? Why did you do that? Why transform? And what's with the same use for name? I thought if you're going to change your looks then you'd at least change your name too! What's the point in all that really?"

"You promised not to question me, Ichigo. Keep that promise." brushing Ichigo off, Naruto changed back to his regular appearance and went downstairs.

Ichigo felt like ripping his hair out, 'God, he's really pissing me off sometimes!'

..

As soon as a familiar golden mop of hair peer out from their house, Yuzu grinned and quickly ran over. "Oniichan!"

Naruto momentarily tensed before calming himself down; he constantly had to remind himself that she didn't remember him.

Naruto oof-ed as the girl shamelessly invaded his personal space by crashing into his torso. "Oniichan, don't be mad at me! I am so sorry if I offended you last time. Honest, I didn't mean that at all! Please, please don't be angry with me, if you are! Because if you are, then I'm going to be really really sad and…"

For no clear reason at all, the girl suddenly started blurting out her heart's contents, begging for some kind of forgiveness Naruto had no knowledge of. If anything, Naruto felt at a lost. No, forget lost, he was starting to freak out when Yuzu's eyes abruptly welded up with tears.

"Wh-wh-what?" 'What is she talking about?' trying to pull the girl away while making as little contact as possible, Naruto shook his head, "I… sorry, I don't understand."

To make things worse, Yuzu started crying even more. "Whaaa…, he's so angry at me that he doesn't even want to remember!"

"Whoa-whoa! Wait! No. Stop crying! Why are you crying? No, don't! Oh geez… Alright! I forgive – I forgive you, okay? …whatever it is I need to forgive." this picture was strangely familiar and the moment that thought left his mind, Naruto found his arms full of one happy Yuzu.

"Oh, oniichan! You are so kind!" The girl's bipolar personality suddenly did a huge upturn and she grabbed his torso with a girlish squeal of happiness, clinging to him like to her favorite toy.

'Eh? Wait. WHAT? What the hell?'

From behind him, Ichigo was having a day of a lifetime as he watched the demon crack and try and handle Yuzu's emotional breakdown. Once again Yuzu proved her innocent nature in all its amazement. It seemed that not even the great 'Kyuubi' could stay immune to it.

..

After countless tries and failures that came to dealing with the problem called 'Yuzu', Naruto finally sighed and gave up. In some aspects she reminded him of Ichigo when he was little. As did Karin – only she was closer to the grown part of Ichigo. 'Tch, great, now there are two mini Ichigos with a divided personality. Little sneaky twits.'

Next to him, Yuzu smiled as she held onto his hand, which, as she noted, was not getting warmer and stayed cold. Looking down at her, Naruto stared as she gave him a grin before looking back front. 'Great, she even looks like Ichigo.' Sighing, Naruto glanced at Ichigo himself. The sly boy had a small smirk on his face, as if knowing what he was experiencing and didn't feel sorry for him in the least. 'Che. Why that little…'

"Ichigo! You're finally here!" screamed Ichigo's friends as they finally arrived at the beach.

Slowing down in his steps, Naruto's eyes quickly ran over each and every one of Ichigo's friends. Some looked older than others and some of them were those he didn't expect to see as friends to Ichigo, namely three Soul Reapers he remembered once having an unlikely encounter with – Byakuya, Kenpachi and Jūshirō. The three of them were standing a side farther from the group and conversing between themselves.

Actually, now that he looked more closely, he realized with disturbance that nearly every one of Ichigo's friends were whether a Soul Reaper or someone with special kind of ability, for example – that big tall guy with dark hair covering his eyes and that orange haired girl he already saw once.

Feeling the warmth suddenly leaving his hand, Naruto looked to the side as Yuzu ran off to a black haired girl. That was probably the same girl he saw Ichigo with a few days back before discovering Ichigo's 'unofficial' job. 'Another Soul Reaper, huh… And Yuzu can see her?' Frowning at the notion, Naruto's eyes went back to Ichigo's back, who was chatting with his friends that piled on him. The scene set a warm feeling in Naruto's barely beating heart, which he chose to ignore as soon as he realized its presence.

"Kyuubi-kun~ Over here~" despite the sound of that tremendously annoying voice, Naruto was grateful for distraction. He didn't want to be in the company of Ichigo's friends, who were practically all Death Gods. Though before he set foot to join Urahara and his assistant under a hug umbrella, he was jerked back by Ichigo.

"Guys. This is Kyuubi. A friend of mine from Switzerland." Naruto looked at Ichigo with a raised brow. Sure, he understood the meaning behind it. Urahara had strictly ordered Ichigo to keep quiet about him hosting a demon within his home; and since none ever had any encounters with him before, he said to make 'Kyuubi' as a visiting friend from somewhere abroad. But why Switzerland?

Ichigo's school friends were quick to meet the acquaintance (luckily for Naruto, Tatsuku wasn't there among them), whilst the Soul Reapers hung back. Though despite their seemingly uninterested looks, Naruto could very well feel them try and dig his soul out with their eyes alone. 'Is mercury really worth all this trouble?' again Naruto wondered why he had come here.

"Nani? He can see us?" asked surprised Rangiku.

Naruto grunted, what was so surprising about that? As far as he knew almost every fourth child in this world had some kind of special ability, so why not him too?

"I'm fairly aware of your presence, Shinigami. Though I find it strange that you take it so shockingly." try as he might, Naruto couldn't help when a small hiss went pass his lips as he spoke.

Such snobbish attitude was clearly unexpected and obviously not wise, since almost half of the Soul Reapers now had their full attention on him. It was also amazing that he could tell who they really were, which slightly got them all on edge.

"Interesting. It's not every day you see someone with an outwardly talent such as yourself. Tell me, since when did you realize you could see spiritual beings?" a demanding question came from a short white-haired teal eyed one.

Yet another example proved Naruto that appearances were deceiving. If not for that impressive amount of power hidden behind the reaper's little body, Naruto would've taken him for a mere child. "Since I can remember," answered Naruto in a plain lie.

Most of them seemed to buy it, more or less. But the eyes of a few higher ranked reapers still didn't leave him alone. It almost looked as if they were catching on his bluff, which the next sentence practically pointed out.

"You aren't a Soul Reaper," it wasn't a question, "Nor are you from this country. And yet, you possess such a unique ability? How old exactly are you?" asked Hitsugaya.

'What does that have to do with anything?' For a moment Naruto wondered how much he could give himself, but that thought was soon dismissed as he looked at the short captain who was constantly scowling at him and smirked. "Obviously, older than you." and it wasn't a lie. But that didn't mean the short captain had to know it; all he had to know was that it was a deliberate blow to his pride.

Hitsugaya's wide eyes narrowed in anger, "What did you say?"

Ichigo elbowed him to shut up, but Naruto ignored him, "I said: 'older than you', kid."

"Why you disrespectful little-…"

"Now Tōshirō, no need to get so mad. It's only obvious the kid would think you're younger than anyone of us here. Why don't you take it as a compliment for once? Oh! Which reminds me. Here. I got you an ice-cream." Ruffling Hitsugaya's hair, Jūshirō pushed an ice-cone into the fuming captain's hands and nearly got a black eye for his efforts.

"A brave brat or just a fool, aren't you." a dark shadow suddenly dropped down on him, and Naruto looked up at Zaraki. "You might wanna watch what you say, bozu. You don't know who you're dealing with."

"Aa. Had I had any interest in caring who you are, I might have taken your words into consideration."

Zaraki's eye narrowed and his grin turned menacing, "Care to repeat that, little brat?"

"Stop provoking that kid, Zaraki! We don't need any unnecessary dead bodies right now."

Biting back another snarly reply, Naruto suppressed the desire to let his voice reign free as two women appeared behind Kenpachi's back and a little pink haired girl suddenly jumping on the man's broad shoulder. "Who's this?" she asked with a small girly voice.

"Ichigo's new friend," Yoruichi answered her. "Kyuubi."

"What a funny name." giggled Yachiru.

"Indeed," the bronze skinned woman's golden eyes shifted towards Ichigo. "I think you forgot to mention that your friend has a very sharp tongue, didn't you, Ichigo?" she taunted, a cattish smirk playing on her lips.

Coughing awkwardly into his fist, Ichigo averted looking them in the eyes. This was starting to get fairly uncomfortable.

"Don't be offended when we say this, Kyuubi, but it's rare for people to have such an unorthodox power. Human's, no matter how strong their spiritual pressure may be, cannot develop a power strong enough to see spirits, especially straight out of birth. It takes time." Crossing her arms, Yoruichi did a slow once-over on 'Kyuubi's' appreciative figure. Her eyes slightly lingered on his abdomen, where the spiraled tattoo encircled his belly in strange ancient script. It wasn't the design itself that caught her eye but rather that strange flickering she thought she felt coming from within it.

Trying to ignore the jealousy filled glare he was receiving from the smaller woman standing close next to the purple haired one, Naruto slid his arm across his abdomen and rest it on his hip, effectively covering the center of the seal from view and forcing the woman's eyes back up.

Yoruichi's frown quickly blended into a teasing smirk. "Shy, aren't we?"

"You shouldn't be so curious, Shinigami. I may not be a Soul Reaper like you, but my power comes from passed family ties. It's like a gift at birth or an inheritance if you will," explained Naruto, hoping that that would finally put an end to their snooping. Which apparently it didn't.

The reapers exchanged looks. There was a mutual doubt crossing their eyes. And clearly, there was something else that was troubling them, which they had yet to voice out.

Naruto was beginning to get a little wrathy at their critic behavior. If there was something they were not happy about, they should just spill it. "Is there something wrong?" he asked.

Hitsugaya looked at him with narrowed eyes, "Only that it's the first time I hear of a…gift, which allows you to see spirits without the use of reiatsu. Which you do not even have!"

'Ah…so that's it.' The message was now clear to Naruto. They weren't questioning his ability of seeing them in particular – they were questioning why there was no power in him to begin with. For them, 'Kyuubi' felt like he wasn't even there. There was no warmth no coldness. The young-man felt like 'nothing' that stood before their eyes – an empty existence. And that was bothering them immensely.

From there on, Naruto didn't even try being polite anymore. Their prying had gone on too far for his liking. "Well that's too bad then," he said, looking at the reapers as if sizing them, "I guess you're not all that perfect then huh?" Ichigo visibly flinched next to him and Naruto was sure that he was not the only one to feel the tension wavering in waves between the reapers and him. Naruto knew that he was not making it any better by taunting and glaring at them, but he couldn't help it. He hated people looking down on him.

"Come on you guys. That's enou-…" Ichigo's attempt to interject was quickly ripped away as a tattooed redhead grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him further away from the blond.

"Who are you?" asked Byakuya, his hand grabbing the handle of his appearing sword.

Naruto's brows arched at the impressive weaponry each and every Soul Reaper began drawing out. He guessed he had really crossed the line there. Apparently these people were very easily aggravated. Kind a reminded him of himself. Smiling at them, Naruto raised his hands up in mock surrender. "Such temper. I guess some abilities are just beyond your understanding, huh…"

"Now now everyone. Is that any way to greet Ichigo's old friend?" thankfully, Urahara found the right time to butt in. "Come now, give the boy a break. He's been traveling far just to see his friend again."

"You're familiar with him too, Urahara?" carefully asked Tōshirō.

"Aa. Kyuubi and I go way back. A good friend of mine he is. Ne? Kyuubi-chan~?"

Seeing that Urahara had some unknown connection to this mysterious 'Kyuubi', the reapers let themselves relax. Not that Urahara was the best choice of confidence, but at least he was trustful enough to keep an order and wise enough to know when not to endanger humanity…maybe.

Looking back at the scowling short reaper, Naruto felt himself grow amused at the slight flicker of similarity he could distinguish. Just like Neji and Sasuke – arrogance and superiority was falling in waves from the white-haired teal eyed one. Smirking openly, Naruto allowed Urahara to guide him away.

Spotting something gleam on 'Kyuubi's' left hand, Jūshirō was quick to notice a nasty cuff around his wrist, "Interesting bracelet you have there. Where'd you get it?" Naruto repressed an urge to hide his hand away.

"Modern kids and their bizarre sense of fashion," shaking his head in amusement, Shunsui petted his multicolored shirt.

"Fashion?" as if being summoned by the name alone, Yumichika grabbed the blond's left wrist close to see the cuff better. "This piece of metal? Pft. Wait, why does it look like it's painfully drilling your skin?"

Seeing 'Kyuubi' stop breathing and his pupils widen, Ichigo remembered how the demon felt about strangers touching him and quickly pushed Yumichika away, accidentally forcing him into the water with a loud splash.

"Come now. How long do you all intend to pester the poor guy? I thought you were all here to have some fun?" On cue to Urahara's statement, Rangiku cheered up,

"Yeah! Let's get partying!"

"Rangiku!" even a warning from her captain didn't stop her.

Finally getting a chance to slip away from them, Naruto turned his back to the many mistrustful looks those reapers shot at him and went to join Tessai and the twins – Karin and Yuzu – under the umbrella.

'Each day is just getting more and more depressing in here.'

"You're walking on thin ice there, Kyuubi-kun," came a sudden whisper next to his ear.

Naruto didn't bother to look at Urahara. He was too busy thinking how to ditch them without attacking them first.

"Why don't we go for a little stroll, ne?" petting the demon on the shoulder, Urahara nodded for him to follow.

Reluctantly, Naruto moved after him.

Watching 'Kyuubi' and Urahara leave, Karin couldn't help but think that there was something unresolved about this 'Kyuubi' person. Not only could she see it in the way he was treated by the Soul Reapers and vice versa, but also by this strange aura he was emitting; it was as if it wasn't his own. Even during the short time she was in his presence, she could detect it flickering out of control from time to time – and that especially happened when he was touched by someone.

"You should be careful what you say to them, Kyuubi-kun. Kenpachi isn't one of those you can joke with lightly. And even though Hitsugaya looks like a kid, doesn't mean he's stupid as one. Trust me, you wouldn't want to mess with them. And I'm not even going to start talking about Yoruichi."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, "What about you?"

"Hm? Me?"

"Aren't you going to tell me to watch out from you as well?"

Urahara stopped and looked at the demon with a hard stare. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Crossing his arms, Naruto cocked his head to the side. "I'm surprised you ask. I want to know why are you helping me hide from your comrades…ex-Captain Kisuke Urahara of the 12th division?"

..

"There's something about that guy that just gets on my nerves." said Kenpachi as he stared at 'Kyuubi's' back while he was conversing with Urahara.

"Everyone gets on your nerves," commented Yamichika, passing the ball over the net. 'Ahh… beach volleyball sure is fun. There are so many beautiful bodies to look at,' dreamily he concluded.

"Taichou~! Look alive out there!" yelled Rangiku as she hit the ball in Hitsugaya's direction.

"You're not the only one he bothers, Zaraki!" grumbled Hitsugaya in agreement. Something was telling him that he should watch out for Ichigo's new friend. Rising his hand, he smirk as an idea suddenly came to mind, "Let's see if there's any use for our worries," he said and kicked the falling ball with all his strength.

Everyone in the field gasped as the ball flew pass the net and directly for 'Kyuubi's' head. It went so fast that Ichigo couldn't even manage to shout out a warning. But in the end it wasn't needed, as 'Kyuubi' suddenly inclined his head to the side and the ball smacked right into the shocked Urahara's face. The poor man was hit with so much force that he flew a few feet away.

Naruto's eyes turned to Hitsugaya and he glared, he could feel his menacing intent even before that reaper let it reign free.

That one throw just proved Hitsugaya his own theory, there wasn't any chance for a human to possibly dodge that hit. "There is a possibility of a doubt, Zaraki. Kyuubi isn't a normal human, that's for sure."

Zaraki's eyes flashed in longing for blood, "Maybe I should make sure of that my own way?"

"Kyuubi, you okay?"

"You know Ichigo, he's not the one who got a ball in the face!" pouted Urahara. Why didn't anyone come to help him? Seriously!

"Nice reflexes," smirked Zaraki, as he and other reapers approached them, some to check on the poor shopkeeper, others to stare at 'Kyuubi'. "Wanna join the game?"

'I'd rather go and built a sandcastle with Yuzu.' thought Naruto but decided not to voice it. He was already digging himself in too deep a shit with these pesky Soul Reapers eyeing him like a bunch of hawks. "Why not."

..

Standing next to Ichigo and some of his friends on one side of the drawn field, Naruto suddenly realized that he didn't even know how to play the stupid game.

A bald guy served the ball and Naruto watched as it flew over the net. Ichigo returned it with a swift hit of his hands. After absorbing a few hits here and a couple of passes there, Naruto got the point, 'Ah…so that's how it's done.'

"Stop daydreaming blondie," yelled Kenpachi and suddenly jumped up to meet the ball above the net and hit it with force to bring it down, or more likely to hit 'Kyuubi' square in the face.

On instinct, Naruto sidestepped it in order to dodge to brutal hit. He glared as it left a huge hole in the sand where he just stood.

"Yay, Ken-chan!" cheered a small pink haired girl sitting next to the other cheering girls and boys outside the field.

"Kyuubi," leaning over, Ichigo whispered into his ear, "You're not supposed to let it touch our side of the field or let it fly out of the drawn field. The point is to get the ball to hit the opposite team's field."

'I get it, but is killing someone in the field also a rule?' giving a small glare instead of a nod, Naruto picked the ball and guessed he had to do the same thing that bald guy did when they started.

Standing behind the line, Naruto looked at the smugly grinning madman and growled, with a kick of his palm, he sent the ball a bit too high into the air. The others looked at him. 'Shit! Was it too much?'

Soon the ball came back down and the game resumed. Passing the ball from one person to another the opponent team finally passed it to Kenpachi and Naruto saw him get ready for his scored hit. Guessing that it'd be the same move, Naruto ran straight for the net. The ball was hit and Kenpachi sent it straight for the field. Jumping to counter it, Naruto balled his fist and slammed it into the ball. The encounter was so fast that Kenpachi was not ready to receive a brutal hit of the sand covered ball back into his face. The others gasped as Zaraki went crushing down, the ball falling next to him.

"One:One!" the girls yelled in cheer.

"Hey, taichou. You alright?" Yumichika and Ikkaku helped their stupefied captain up.

"Serves you right for angering a novice," laughed Rangiku.

"Tch, give me that ball. He doesn't know who he just messed with."

From that point on the game was more of a war than it was a sport. Some of the players even decided it best to back down as Kenpachi and 'Kyuubi' raged against one another, no one giving in and no one giving up. If that were to go on, then the others wouldn't be that surprised if the ball suddenly burst in flames and exploded.

"Look at them go!" amazed said Rangiku, watching the ball get punched from side to side like a ping pong in the air.

Sighing at his oblivious lieutenant, Hitsugaya wondered if the sight of sweaty men was clouding her eyes or was it just her. Didn't she honestly find it odd that that brat actually matched Kenpachi's strength?

Suddenly 'Kyuubi' froze and everyone gasped as the ball finally hit the ground on his field.

Kenpachi and his squad screamed in victory, "Yeah!"

Naruto quickly turned to stare at the sea. 'Something's coming.' Out of curiosity, the others followed his example and they all gasped when they saw the water explode and four huge hollows suddenly appear.

The Soul Reapers were quick to act as two of the hollows flew to the air while the other two shot out tens of long tentacle-like things out of their bodies and grabbed onto people lying around the beach – dragging them into the sea for a feast.

Watching the reapers work on the hollows and divide parties to follow the flying ones, Naruto's eyes quickly went to Yuzu and Karin. Ichigo was shouting for Tessai to get them out of here, which he did without a thought. Looking back to the fight the reapers put up, Naruto absorbed as each one of them moved in different grace and used a case of their own special ability. If he had to phrase it from an artistic aspect, he'd say it was beautiful.

Trying to approach it from the back, Renji gasped as four red eyes suddenly appeared on the hollow's back and it roared, smacking him away with a flick of its massive hand.

Naruto stepped aside as the redheaded reaper crashed next to him and tumbled a few more feet further back. The hollow was not done with him as its tendrils went after him and encircled his legs, pulling the redhead back. The poor guy was screaming.

With a battle cry, Ichigo lunged forward and slammed his massive blade through the hollows tendrils, freeing his friend.

Both quickly jumped away as the hollow howled and tried to pummel them into the ground.

From the looks of things, Naruto could tell that the reapers were in a tight bind. There were many people to save and these hollows were hard to beat, considering their size and strength. Such a mess was the beach, and during this whole mess Naruto never failed to forget about the eyes that were watching him, examining him and following his every move.

A loud shrill cry abruptly forced Naruto to look to the side. Not even two feet from him, a girl was desperately clawing the sand while she was being dragged by the hollow's tentacle into the sea. Those desperate brown eyes suddenly settled on him, pleading and begging for help, she even mouthed out a 'please help', but unfortunately for her, Naruto didn't try and do something about it as he just stared right back.

Hope left the girl's eyes and she closed them tightly, feeling her feet touch the water.

Cutting through the tendrils, Jūshirō's eyes widened as he saw what was happening, "Kyuubi! Help her!" he screamed.

Tōshirō cursed, there was no way for him to get there in time.

"Shit!" cutting through the hollow's hand, Byakuya darted for her.

Naruto's eyes flickered to the long haired captain, 'You won't make it.'

A sudden yell of 'Getsuga Tenshō' and the burst of energy blasted the tentacle off. Quickly jumping into the water, Ichigo grabbed the girl and jumped away before the hollow's attack crushed him.

With approving nod, Jūshirō, Tōshirō and Byakuya prepared to take down the hollow with all they got.

Landing next to 'Kyuubi', Ichigo's shocked eyes looked at indifferent and suddenly very cold blue. "Why Kyuubi?"

Why didn't he help? Why didn't he act? Why didn't he do anything? Whatever was that what Ichigo was asking, Naruto couldn't say, and nor could he answer any of those questions. Not to Ichigo at least.

The tight grip and a cough from the girl in his arms quickly reminded Ichigo that now was not the time for that. Cursing, he ran off to take the petrified child to safety.

Finally, under a massive counterattack from enraged captains, the hollows were taken down and the people rescued.

But the hidden eyes watching still remained.

"Kyuubi!" as Urahara approached him, Naruto could identify a mixed look of disbelief and anger. 'What an uncharacteristically rare look.'

"Were you expecting something from me in the battle?" Naruto asked indifferently.

Kisuke's hands balled at his sides, "What I didn't expect of you was to just stand and stare."

"Then I guess now you know what kind of a soul makes a demon, huh?"

"Soul? You don't even have one."

Urahara was angry, that much was certain, but Naruto could give a rat's ass about what he thought. "Wari…but I could care less about humans." Without as much as a glance at the others, Naruto walked away. He ignored Urahara, he ignore the way Soul Reapers stared, he ignored the crying girl he didn't try to safe being hugged and hushed by her parents, but what he couldn't ignore was the look in Ichigo's eyes as he passed him.


:Translations:
Sou ka – I see
Niisan – older brother
Tousan – father
Taichou – commanding officer

:A/N:
Huge thanks to: HikariNoTenshi-San, Princess of Light and Darkness, Ryuubi Maelstrom, Crystalzap, Max The Demon Wolf, kuroXIII, bostafu, Golden feathers Edward, Orannis4, The-lazy-bum, gaaralover1989, deathgod-121, yuseke29, Zoorzh & Lexyaakiddd! :DD

I'm sorry for holding up the upload. I have little to no excuse…just, sorry =/