[Welcome, new user! You have been added to the {Gamer}'s data bank! Please select a world!]
[Highschool DxD]
[Avengers]
[Bleach]
[My Hero Academia]
[Alright! An odd choice, but whatever you're comfortable with. Which species would like?]
{Male/Female}
[Human {Fullbring}]
[Quincy]
[Hollow]
[Shinigami]
[Visored]
[Expected of you, Player. I suspect you don't want to be a part of Xcution, as they are boring, filler assholes. Join Xcution?]
{Yes/No}
[Thank goodness- I mean, wise choice, Player. Name?]
{Name: - _ _ _ _ _ _}
{Name: Gēmā Mondai}
[Hysterical, User Gēmā. You cannot change this after starting. Are you sure?]
{Yes/No}
[Welcome to the {Gamer}, Bleach addition!]
-0-
Gēmā blinked brown eyes open, staring up at a cream ceiling. A ceiling fan spun happily in the middle of the room, the lights blessedly off. Sitting up and looking around, he found himself in a decently sized room with dark, wooden furniture and white walls. The wooden floors were stained light to mirror the cream ceiling.
His sheets were a warm gray, a little heavy on his legs but it was a comforting weight. He threw it off him, finding himself only in light gray sweats, and found a mirror in the attached bathroom.
He had red hair, a pale red that more matched human red, more of an orange, but darker than Ichigo or Orihime's. His eyes were a warm brown, his shoulders broad and he had to be at least 5'11". Tall as hell.
"Nice," he hummed to himself, his voice a bit gruff and husky from just waking up.
[Welcome to {Home}, User Gēmā! This is your safe space from any intruders! It warded against every race and from detection. Not even the famed Urahara Kisuke can break into this place.]
[Take a look around, Player. This will be your home for the foreseeable future, in between the Urahara Shop and Karakura High. Both have been wave pointed on your {Map} on the {Menu}.]
[Quest! Just the Start]
[Explore the house and its different functions. Explore the {Menu} to get the basics down and once that's done, {System} will alert you to new functions!]
[Rewards: Class Assignment, 1 Common Weapon Randomizer, 20 XP]
Nodding to himself, he set out to explore the house. The rest of the house had the same theme, cream ceiling, white walls, and blonde-stained floors. It turned to white tile in the kitchen and bathroom, which was great because they were way easier to clean.
He had shiny, chrome kitchenware and soft, fuzzy, gray couches around a knee-height coffee table of a darker wood than the floors. There was a flat screen of reasonable size mounted to the wall, all his favorite games under it, organized in an entertainment center behind glass doors. Systems were organized in it above them, hooked up via a RCA splitter to the TV. The wires were gathered together with a large twisty tie so it they weren't messily all over the place.
Nice touch, {System}.
Dinning was limited to the small bar that separated the living room and the kitchen, the barstools were soft, though, so he didn't mind.
"{Home} not {HUB}, right?" Gēmā asked aloud.
[1 WIS]
"Cool." A downstairs bathroom and three guestrooms later, he felt he knew the place rather well. He flopped on the couch, opening his menu, the world graying around him as the world held its breath. "Auto pause?"
[It can be negated with a thought. By people joining your party, they can also see the screens. Besides that, no one can see it or what you do in this space. You cannot deal or take damage, and if in battle, cannot move.]
"Fair enough," he grumbled. He clicked on {Stats} first, looking through the depressing stats before him.
[Gēmā Mondai]
[Lvl. 1, Title: Gamer]
[STR: 9] {Physical DMG}
[END: 7] {Stamina}
[AGI: 8] {Speed. Yoruichi clocks in at 256}
[VIT: 9] {Health}
[INT: 5] {Magic DMG}
[WIS: 7] {Mana Pool}
[LUCK: 10] {Duh}
[REI: 150] {Reiatsu. 70-90 is normal for humans}
[Extra Points: 15]
They were horrible stats. Awful. He started it out with better stats in fucking Dark Souls.
Gamer Problems. Is he right, fellas?
He decided to even things out, get him some of the basics.
[STR: 10]
[END: 10]
[AGI: 10]
[VIT: 10]
[INT: 10]
[WIS: 10]
[LUCK: 10]
[REI: 150]
[Extra Points: 0]
Holy God (Kami?), that's so much better. Gamer OCD was a real thing, okay? Shut up. Apparently you can't put any points in reiatsu, either. He went back to the main menu, narrowing his eyes the {Abilities} tab. Did he already have abilities?
{Bringer Light Lvl. 1 Active}
[The high-speed movement of the Fullbringers. Can evolve with increased AGI and REI.]
{Soul Manipulation Lvl. 1 Active}
[The ability to call forth the soul in inanimate objects. Will it work on the living?]
{Fullbring Lvl. 1 Active}
[The {Gamer} counts as your Fullbring, so this is more for proficiency than for use. It's up to you to determine the item it's hooked to.]
{Observe Lvl. 1 Active}
[Where would a gamer be without stats? This lets you find out information that may be left out from just looking at something.]
{Dead View Lvl. MAX Passive}
[Requires REI: 120]
[The ability to see the dead. We thought to throw you a bone since this whole world depends on this skill. You're welcome, Player.]
"Coolio." His {Inventory} was empty but for a credit card (which he found hilarious), so he spent no more time in it. {Instant Dungeons} was empty but for his {Sanctuary}, or {HUB} he guessed.
[Quest Complete!]
[Familiar with everything now? Cool! How about we get the ball rolling!]
[Rewards: Class Assignment, 1 Common Weapon Randomizer, 20 XP]
[Level Up!]
[Quest! I.D.s and HUB, Sweet HUB]
[Bout time we bust open the {Sanctuary}! Learn about monster dungeons and get started in your journey.]
[Rewards: 1 I.D., 25 XP]
Humming to himself, he figured before he got into all that he would get himself something to eat. Gēmā wandered over to the kitchen, opening the fridge to only find enough food stocked for a couple of sandwiches, so he made himself two with the plan to recheck his stocks and make a list.
He opened his {Inventory} to peek at the {Weapon Randomizer}. It was locked with a {Class} requirement. It was blinking in the {Menu}, a whole tab for {Class}. He went into it and was surprised when {System} stayed quiet. He looked them over, snorting at them.
Swordsmen, Kido Master, and Archer. He would suspect that it was more geared toward the specifics of each race, so he just picked swordsman, shrugging.
He then went to his {Inventory} and open the randomizer, chuckling when a little box appeared with a piece of paper taped on with Scotch tape reading 'Open Me!' in a handwritten font. It trickled him and he had to make sure not to die of asphyxiation.
It gave him a common {Longsword}. Steel with a red gem in the pommel. The cross guard was engraved to look like it was wrapped in vines. The handle was 7 in. and the blade itself was 3 ft. 2 in. It was well balanced and fit well in his hand. He equipped it and banished it to his {Inventory}.
While he was there, he {Observed} his card which had the grand total of 150,000 ¥, which isn't much. He figures it'll be enough until he gets his dungeons running so he can farm for money.
Or get a job somewhere. The shop, maybe? He'd have to ask Kisuke about it.
[Quest! Urahara Kisuke]
[Our resident evil genius is hiding away at the shop. You should probably go talk to him and tell him what's up before he finds out without you knowing.]
[Rewards: 4 Allies, Peace of Mind]
[Bonus: Get a job at the Urahara Shop.]
"I'll get {Sanctuary} over with before I go to Urahara," Gēmā decided.
[A good choice, but you cannot access the I.D.s until you've linked {Gamer} to an object. We suggest you go to Urahara and see if he has something for you.]
[Quest Update: Urahara Kisuke]
[Require an item to connect your Fullbring to.]
[Rewards: 1 Fullbring]
"Or I can talk to Urahara now," he huffed. He was kind of excited. Urahara was one of his favorite people (he couldn't call them characters, that's weird) but he was a slippery bastard. He wondered if he could pinpoint the Hogyoku in the shop.
He hoped not. Something gave him the feeling that that would be a bad thing.
[Thank Kami that you've already graduated high school, am I right, User Gēmā? No need to deal with pesky teens.]
"Thanks, {System}," he sighed in relief. He did not want to get into high school again. "It would put me closer to Ichigo and the crew, but I'd rather not go through school, thanks."
[We understand, User Gēmā. You should get going! You're running out of daylight, and despite not really needing rest unless injured, you shouldn't be out after dark.]
Nodding, he wandered outside and sucked in a breath of fresh air. Well, it would have been fresh, if the air didn't suddenly get heavy and nearly knock him over.
[That would be Kurosaki Ichigo. He will be waypointed on your {Map} at all times unless he magically learns to control that monster energy.]
The little {Mini Map} that had appeared as soon as he left the house happily added a little chibi Ichigo that looked rather cross on the {Map} and Gēmā noted he was at Kurosaki Clinic.
He wandered to the shop, humming a tune that was probably a little two metal to be hummed and wandered into the Urahara Shop. Tessai was outside, fixing something on the door and straightening it. The hulking mountain of a man turned, shade glinting in the dying light.
"We are closed for today, sir," Tessai informed, honestly sounding apologetic about it.
"That's fine," Gēmā huffed. "Not here for anything like that. Was wondering if Urahara was in."
"The boss is in the back. Let me escort you." Gēmā followed the large Kido master to a little sitting room, taking a seat at the low table when prompted. He was offered tea, which he took, and waited.
When the man himself appeared, bucket hat and all, Gēmā couldn't help a smile. "Urahara," he greeted. "I'm Mondai Gēmā. Sorry about coming in so late but it had to be done sooner rather than later."
"Ah, a pleasure, Mondai," Urahara chuckled, his paper fan whipping out as he took a seat. Tea promptly appeared in front of him, a different brew than his own (most likely a favorite of the shopkeeper's), completely out of nowhere.
Tessai was scary.
"I was hoping to get introductions and explanations out of the way so me and you could cause havoc together," Gēmā chuckled. "First, I was wondering if you had something I could use. Like a ring or something. I'll need it to show you what I'm talking about, and please nothing you're attached to. I'll feel bad."
Urahara blinked at him and asked for his ring size. He answered, amazed when he pulled a plain, silver band from his sleeve.
(He had a portal in there, Gēmā swore. No matter what {System} said.)
[Attach Fullbring {Gamer} to {Silver Ring}?]
{Yes/No}
[Congrats! You have acquired {Gamer Band}! We have auto equipped it and it cannot be removed, so no worries about theft.]
The ring vanished in pale, green sparks and reappeared on his finger. The plain band had a quote on it now, and it made Gēmā chuckle.
'I hope I can be here, as a voice, as a friend, while playing games for you if you feel lonely or depressed. Jack is here.'
A beautiful quote, one that had helped him once upon a time.
"So. Just press yes, Urahara." He sent him a party invite, smiling when his gray eyes widened. Getting acceptance, Gēmā tilted his head in thanks for the trust. "{HUB: Sanctuary}."
The world around them shifted, placing them both on their feet in the middle of a sunken dais. Beautiful stained glass made a dome above then, colored light filtering in. A large sitting area with the same warm grey theme as his house with two couch-loveseat combos around a coffee table.
A door lead off to the side with {Office} on a gold plaque, another was a separated male and female bathrooms with their own plaques. Another door was labeled {I.D.s}, but it had two boards over it, so he didn't worry about it.
"How curious," Urahara hummed, looking around. The walls and floor had the same scheme as his house, making the area light and airy. "You made a whole dimension with two words."
"Cool, huh?" Gēmā bragged a bit. "To be honest, this is the first time I've been in the {Sanctuary}. I needed to connect my Fullbring to an item before I could get in. Thanks for that, by the way."
"Can you create any plain you want?" Urahara asked, wandering around and poking and prodding at the different furniture and peeking in doors.
"No. My Fullbring, {Gamer}, does what you'd expect. I can see people's names and levels, stats and all. The dungeons," Gēmā threw a thumb toward the door that was locked, "have different beasts in them to help me get stronger whenever I want. I haven't figured out if there's a time difference between here and outside."
[1 WIS]
Urahara blinked at it, intrigued when the {System} spoke up.
[The World of the Living moves at .5 speed while in the {Sanctuary}. Example: 30 min. WoL time is 1 hr. in-game time.]
"Nice. So you can hyper train in here," Gēmā noted. He turned to Urahara, raising an eyebrow. He had a mad scientist gleam in his eyes, calculating and scheming away in that quick mind of his.
"You said a Fullbring?" the shopkeeper questioned, getting an eye roll.
"If you play like you don't know about Xcution, get out of my house," Gēmā snorted. "You know everything, or at least, know enough to fake like you know everything."
"You seem very familiar with me, Mondai," Urahara pointed out, his fan flicking into existence.
"I am and I'm not," Gēmā huffed. "I know of you, of what the future holds, but I don't know you, if ya get what I mean."
"You're from the future?" he asked bluntly, making the {Gamer} snort.
"From a future in a different world," Gēmā confirmed. "I'm not telling you details, but I can tell you that. I know about that marble you made, and I know what will become of it."
[Immortal Object]
Benihime hissed against the green shield holding her at bay. Gēmā hadn't seen him move but had expected it.
[{Sanctuary} is a safe zone. No player nor party can be killed here.]
"I can't kill you here and you can't kill me," he stated plainly. "I'm not here to threaten you, Urahara. I'm here to help." Grey eyes narrow and scan him, coming to some conclusion because he sheaths Benihime. Urahara sighs, taking off his hat to run pale, long fingers through his blonde hair. "How much do you know, exactly?"
"Aizen, Visored, Ichigo being a weird hybrid," Gēmā rattled off. "The shattered shaft works but goes cross-eyed. Everything's messy."
A little weight seems to peel off Urahara's shoulders, letting out a deep breath as he replaced his hat. A smile spread on his lips, this one a little more real.
[I.D. Marionette has opened!]
The two boards holding the door closed fell off but never hit the ground, bursting into green sparks. Gēmā blinked at it, hoping that it meant mannequins and not a certain puppet from a certain Five Nasty Ass Fools he knows.
You know what, he would take that over mannequins.
"Mind joining me on an expedition?" Gēmā asked, sending Urahara a grin that was all teeth. The scientist played thinking it over, tilting his head and tapping his chin with his fan.
"Why not?" he chirped, leaning slightly on the cane he didn't need. "Perhaps it'll explain what an I.D. is. I highly doubt it means identification."
[Instant Dungeon(s).]
Urahara hummed, moving toward the door with the I.D. plaque. Inside was a large, circular room with a raised dais, many doors leading out. The one to the left of the entrance (which was labeled {Sanctuary} for convenience) read Marionette on its plaque. He guessed they would fill out from left to right as he unlocked more.
"After you," Urahara teased, bowing and gesturing towards the door. Rolling his eyes, Gēmā opened the door and strutted forward, Urahara coming in after him and closing the door behind him. They were in a forest it seemed, standing in the only clearing for miles. The woods beyond the first three rows were dark as hell and the door vanished as they stepped into the grass.
"Are we stuck here?" Urahara questioned, staring at the place the door had vanished from.
[User must request to exit.]
"Makes sense," Gēmā hummed.
[New ability!]
{Sense Bloodlust Lvl. 1/10 Passive}
[Let's you sense malice, and as you level it up, you can sense the direction.]
[Sensing bloodlust!]
Gēmā deadpanned at the faceless mannequins that crawl out of the woods in a spider-like fashion, bent backwards and limbs bent in weird angles.
Clicks of something straining in their bodies filled their ears and in the next second Benihime and Gēmā's {Longsword} are brandished. Maybe he can convince Urahara to give him one of those blank swords the Shinigami use.
Together, they shred the dolls, Gēmā getting a little better with his sword as he moved along. {Slashes} and {Thrusts} later, he has about six Marionettes as little followers and enough {Doll Parts} to make an army of them.
"We should probably go," Gēmā offered, glancing at the shopkeeper. Urahara hummed, glancing at the door that appeared next to them. As soon as it did, the mannequins froze in whatever position they were in, a few mid-air. "That's handy."
They wandered back into the {Sanctuary}, happy with their haul. He gave Urahara a quarter of the 389,032 ¥ they had gathered, waving off the half he was offered. Killing all those dolls had put him on the cusp of level five, so doing one more quest should put him over.
[Quest Complete!]
[It always good to know your {Sanctuary} Always make sure to check out new add ons.]
[Rewards: 1 I.D., 25 XP]
[Level Up!]
Like that.
[I.D. Shades has opened!]
[Crafting unlocked! It can be accessed in the {Sanctuary} or with the command {HUB: Craft Station}.]
A door appeared across from the {Office}, beside the bathrooms. They both looked at it and dashed over giddily. Urahara looked like a kid in a candy store, eyeing all the contraptions that lined the walls. Gēmā found himself drawn to the empty table, instinct calling up a menu.
With the {Doll Parts}, he could make a {Blank Set} of armor. It didn't give much and looked really weird, but a bit of defense is better than nothing. The set bonus was kind cool, though.
[{Crafting} is now Lvl. 2!]
The blank mask had no holes to see through, but Gēmā could see through it clearly. Bracers and shin guards were made of bone-like porcelain, the set bonus giving him three extra sets of arms. One wrapped over his shoulders, coming from behind, under his arms and hands placed on his shoulders. The other two wrapped around his middle, loose enough to move easily.
[3 VIT, 5 END]
[Set bonus: Six extra object slots.]
"Handy," Urahara joked.
"Bet it would be in a lab," Gēmā agreed easily, smirk all teeth. Urahara's eyes widened. "I charge per hour, sir."
"Are you asking for a job?" Urahara asked, fan hiding his face but his grey eyes lighting up.
"Sure. I'll see about giving you a space in here so you can hide things."
"Hide things?" the shopkeeper asked, gears turning.
"Anything but the marble," he corrected quickly. "I don't think it likes me. Call it a hunch." He watched the scientist deflate and honestly felt bad.
[Quest Complete!]
[It looks like Urahara will keep you. Good job, Player!]
[Rewards: 4 Allies, Peace of Mind, 1 Fullbring]
[Bonus: Get a job at the Urahara Shop: 25XP]
"Come on, Urahara, let's get outta here. {Exit}."
They left in a tube of green code, ones and zeros landing them, seated, in Urahara's living room. The scientist smiled happily, grin mischievous.
"Welcome to our dysfunctional family, Mondai."
"Gēmā is fine, Kisuke."
The fan flicked open. "How bold of you, Gēmā. Should I fear for my virtue?" The {Gamer} snorted.
"I should ask the same question, candy store owner." Urahara gave him an offended look as Gēmā cackled, waving over his shoulder as he made his way out of the shop.
-0-
They exchanged numbers via the party chat (like... Wtf) and he got his new work schedule for that week and a list of everything he needed to do. Smiling to himself, he set out for his first day of work.
He had his red hair in a high tail, pooling over his shoulders if he leaned too far forward. A dark blue shirt and casual jeans let him move freely, his boots thumping on the ground in even steps.
He was given a red apron to match his hair, given a tour and explanation of everything (even stuff he might not have to do) and all of his questions answered with accuracy. He had been bringing a box up front to restock some of the candies when someone he recognized walked through the door. The happy chime of the bells made him look, smiling at the two men that had walked through.
"Hello, welcome to Urahara Shop. Can I help you, gentlemen?"
"So," the blonde huffed, sizing Gēmā up with his eyes and a cheshire grin, "you're a new hire?"
"I am," he answered, turning to face them and raising an eyebrow. "Are you looking for Kisuke? He's in that back."
"Am not," Urahara joked, pointing his fan at him like a scolding finger. "Don't lie to customers, Gēmā."
"Sorry, boss," he chuckled, waving him off and going back to his job.
"He da one?" the blonde asked, the albino still eyeing the newbie with distrust.
"He is. Mondai Gēmā, this is Hirako Shinji and Muguruma Kensei, a couple of the Visored." Both men tensed, betrayal making them bare their teeth.
[Sensing bloodlust!]
[{Sense Bloodlust} is Lvl. 2/10]
"No need to get all anal," Gēmā huffed. "Due to my ability, I've known about you for a while." Half truths are better than lies. "I had asked Kisuke about it and he didn't tell me anything. I saw one of you and your title said Visored so I asked again. It's not his fault, it's mine for being a snoop."
"Title? What do you mean?"
"Please press yes," he offered instead of answering. They accepted the invite cautiously when Urahara did so willingly. "Now look above my head."
[Mondai Gēmā. Lvl. 13 {Fullbringer}]
"The fuck is a Fullbringer?" Kensei asked, checking over Hirako's head to see if the kid's claim was true.
[Hirako Shinji Lvl. 47 {Visored}]
"A human whose parents absorbed Hollow energy while they were in the womb, hence the powers. They originate from Hollows," Gēmā explained. "There's a group of them running around somewhere and most of them are assholes."
"A bit of an anti-Quincy, huh?" Urahara joked.
"Sort of," Gēmā chuckled, shrugging. He drummed his fingers against his thigh nervously. "Not sure if the sourpuss Ishidas would like that title, though."
[New title!]
[{Anti-Quincy}]
[x2 damage to Light enemies.]
"Well then," Gēmā chuckled, glancing at Urahara as he read over his shoulder.
"That's hilarious," Hirako snickered.
"It's a good then y'all are considered Dark, eh?" Gēmā joked. "That would hurt."
"How come you're only level thirteen?" Kensei asked, narrowing his eyes at Gēmā's name tag.
"I only awakened this ability recently," he answered honestly. "I've only had last night to level at all."
"Don't you sleep?" Urahara asked, curious.
"Nope. As long as I eat and drink, I don't have to sleep unless I'm resting my stats. For my reiatsu levels and my health."
"That's cheating," Urahara whined, slumping dramatically. They laughed at him, and nearly jumped when the {System} chimed again.
[1 Friendship with Hirako Shinji Muguruma Kensei]
[Quest! Befriending the Outcasts]
[You've seemed to earn the trust of the mad scientist, so here's a real challenge! Befriend the Visored!]
[Rewards: 8 Allies, 100 XP, Rare Weapon Randomizer]
Gēmā snorted, rolling his brown eyes. "Way to make me look like an ass, {System}."
[Aim to please, User Gēmā.]
The Visoreds sorted in amusement. "Does it sass ya like that all the time?" Hirako teased good naturally.
"Pretty much. It's passive-aggressive normally," Gēmā chuckled. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you, gentlemen, but I a job to do." He turned back to the shelves but kept an eye on the three as they made their way to the back of the shop to talk things out.
Hopefully, Urahara can put some trust in them. Or, at least, leave them open minded. He dismissed them from his party when they left, waving at them as they closed the shop door behind them.
"That went well," Urahara chirped, fan out to actually do its job instead of hiding the shopkeeper's grin. "I honestly thought they would skewer you. You played along nicely. I think their might be evil genius potential there."
"Or manipulative bastard potential," Gēmā snorted. "So, what next, boss?"
-0-
Once he had gotten home after a long day at work, he checked all his stats. Strength had gone up by three, his endurance by five. His {Observe} skill had gone up four levels from him just using it around the shop. All the odd Shinigami stuff and even the candy.
Since he had leveled last night, had sixty points to spend. Once he had evened everything, it looked like this:
[HP: 679/680]
[SP: 102/340]
[MP: 240/240]
[REI: 2,250/2,250]
[STR: 25]
[END: 20] (5)
[AGI: 25]
[VIT: 25] (3)
[INT: 10]
[WIS: 15]
[LUCK: 15]
[REI: 150]
[Extra Points: 4]
Satisfied, he decided to go to bed, wincing at his stamina bar. That, and his paper cut itched.
-0-
A week into working at the shop, Urahara offered to help him with his swordplay.
[Relationship status for Urahara Kisuke as been changed to {Mentor}.]
It was also then that Shihouin Yoruichi showed up. That was a blast.
"So you know about everything?"
"Everything."
"You know how to keep a secret?"
"Sure do. You can try, but I'm not saying a word other than what Kisuke has probably already told you."
Her grin was feral and pointed, eyes lidded in giddy joy. "You'd make a great assassin. I think you've got it in ya."
"I bet I do. I wouldn't mind tips."
[New title!]
[{Novice Assassin}]
[10 AGI]
"I'm stealing Gēmā after his shift!" Yoruichi shouted toward the back.
"That's fine! Can't stop you!" Urahara sang back.
"Wow, did my mentor just pass me off? I'm insulted," Gēmā gasped, dramatically putting the back of his hand on his forehead and leaning back a bit. "Oh, the humanity!"
Yoruichi looked like she had caught a canary. "Me and you are going to have some fun!"
[Relationship status for Shihouin Yoruichi as been changed to {Mentor}.]
"Now that that is over with," Gēmā huffed, asking the werecat and Urahara to join his party. He yelled to Urahara to text them if he needed anything and he teleported he and Yoruichi to the {Sanctuary}.
"Neat," she hummed, wandering around. The {System} had put in a cat tree for Yoruichi's cat form with a little cubby with one of the most comfortable beds he's ever felt in his life.
[{Dojo} unlocked! It can be accessed in the {Sanctuary} or with the command {HUB: Dojo}. You can leave a {Marionette} to act as a sparring partner.]
[New ability!]
{Hand to Hand Lvl. 1 Active}
[Why use weapons when punching a dude in the face works just fine?]
[x2 XP with {Mentor} Yoruichi]
"You get twice the amount?" Yoruichi hummed from over Gēmā's shoulder. "I guess it recognizes my awesome."
"{Observe}."
[Shihouin Yoruichi]
[Lvl. 43, Title: Flash Goddess]
[HP: 2,160/2,160]
[REI: 7,440/7,440]
[STR: 135]
[END: 105]
[AGI: 256]
[VIT: 98]
[INT: 153]
[WIS: 146]
[LUCK: -13]
[REI: 496]
Gēmā snorted. "Your luck is negative thirteen because you're a black cat." She cackled, obviously amused at the {System}'s humor.
They enter the newly added {Dojo} and Gēmā put one of the twelve {Marionettes} he had into the {Dojo}. It materialized to the side, dressed in a white gi with a black belt and black headband. It amused him that the {System} dressed them.
"Alright, let's see what you can do," Yoruichi smirked, baring sharp teeth.
They tussled for nearly an hour and a half before calling a break. His {Hand to Hand} was now level three and his stamina was three fourths gone. His agility and endurance had went up by eight and three respectively.
According to Yoruichi, he had a nack for it and was developing fast, but all of Gēmā's muscles protested otherwise. Every hit counted from ten to fifteen, crits going up to twenty five. Damn it, those bruises hurt.
He had been finally able to use his {Bringer Light} to give him a boost, which was great (15 AGI when in use) but it ate his reiatsu. Leveling it will make it use less and simply getting more reiatsu will help.
He asked Yoruichi about it over lunch and she gave him the tip to meditate, expand and constrict his reiatsu in waves to fine-tune his control and to stress his reserves.
He tried it, pushing out all his reiatsu to stretch. He let it hang for a moment, noticing Yoruichi didn't even flinch, but she did raise a brow. He curled it in tighter than he normally had it, trying to vanish. Both her brows went up this time.
"Your control is pretty good. I can barely feel you. Some polish and you'd be nearly undetectable," she praised.
"I'm pretty sure the new dungeon I opened might have something for stealth. We can take a peak," Gēmā offered. His stamina was nearly full now after a break and lunch.
"Sure," she hummed, following him to the I.D. room. He turned and opened the Shade door, letting his mentor in first before closing the door behind himself. They were in what looked like an apocalypse setting, ruined buildings and twisted, bare trees. It was unnaturally quiet and it made the hair on Gēmā's neck stand on end.
[Sensing bloodlust!]
He dropped, a sickle slashing across where his neck had been.
"Good reflexes!" Yoruichi praised, kicking the thing into green sparkles. The next one he saw, he {Observed}.
[Shade Lvl. 10]
[HP: 400/400]
[SP: 190/190]
[MP: 140/140]
[STR: 20]
[END: 10]
[AGI: 25]
[VIT: 10]
[INT: 5]
[WIS: 5]
He had to duck again and he swore the stats were lying to him. He and this Shade had the same amount of agility and he came out of nowhere.
"I didn't hear that coming," Gēmā admitted, putting his back into his mentor as they were surrounded.
"Me neither. It must be an ability of theirs."
[Added!]
{Silent Steps}
[Shades are completely silent! Perhaps you can use their materials for the same purpose?]
"Makes sense," Yoruichi snickered, likely finding this as simply another challenge. "I need to brush up anyway. Getting rusty." Confirmed.
"Let's get 'em, then," Gēmā smirked, brandishing his {Longsword}. He chopped one in half, getting a critical and nearly killing the poor bastard. Yoruichi was slaying them by the second, moving from one opponent to the next fluently. The items she gained were shoved into his inventory while the money stacked in the corner of his vision to be split later.
"Why do you need to work for Kisuke if you can just get money like this?" Yoruichi asked, kicking the head of one of the Shades.
"He's got info on the spirit stuff," Gēmā said truthfully, "and Kisuke is a scary motherfucker once he puts his mind to something." The werecat only cackled, completely agreeing. They exited the dungeon, satisfied with their haul. He had three {Shades} at his disposal and some {Shade Cloth} that could modify anything to be silenced. He had also leveled in there somewhere, earning more stat points and a couple extra strength and endurance points.
"We gotta get you a better weapon," Yoruichi hummed, eyeing the {Longsword}.
"I was hoping Kisuke could help with that. I was wondering if an Asauchi works on spiritually powered people," Gēmā huffed, dismissing his weapon as he stepped into the {Sanctuary}. "I feel like that would be a much better choice, no?"
"He'll be interested in finding out," she smirked, forcing him into letting them out and dragging him to Urahara. He was handed a blank sword and everyone got quiet as Urahara got his thinking face on.
[Acquired Asauchi!]
[Quest! Soul Bonding]
[Go meet the other half of your soul! You might need a little help from Urahara for the 'being dead' part.]
[Rewards: --, 1000 XP, 1 Legendary Item Randomizer.]
"That's weird," Gēmā commented. "One of my rewards is blanked out."
"It might be the name of your zanpakuto," Urahara reasoned, his thumb rubbing on the curve of Benihime's hilt. "I suppose that even the {Gamer} cannot tell you before they do."
"It says you have to help me with the whole 'being dead' thing," Gēmā chuckled, giving his boss a look when he tried giving him an innocent smile. "Don't try and act all cute with me, Kisuke. I'm aware you are a mad scientist."
"And this is why I like you," Yoruichi snickered. Gēmārolled his eyes, grinning at his mentors.
"I'm ready whenever you are," Gēmā stated, turning back to the blonde. "It's probably a good thing that I do anyway. Most of the cool stuff happens in the spirit world. Might as well get knee deep."
"A good view, I suppose," Urahara chirped. "You can get real sneaky as a Shinigami, free of human barriers."
"With me as a teacher, you're going to be the best ninja ever!" Yoruichi cheered, looping an arm around Gēmā's shoulders. He indulged her, smiling fondly.
-0-
"That hurt a lot less than I thought it would," Gēmā commented, rubbing where his soul chain had formed not four days before. "Honestly, having my soul severed from my body should hurt more."
"A painless death is the least I can do for my favorite student," Urahara waved off, Tessai setting down tea on the low table of the living room.
"Currently, I am your only student," Gēmā deadpanned. He nodded to Tessai, sipping on the herbal tea he had come to enjoy.
"True," Urahara chirped, a mischievous gleam in his eyes, "but that also means you're my worst student."
"I have two teachers and you still hold that title," Gēmā teased, cocking a brow. The shopkeeper put a hand to his chest, rearing back in offense. Before he could open his mouth to make the obvious joke, a set of three scratches ran across the man's face.
"Think before you speak, simpleton," Yoruichi warned, fur ruffled and voice deep. Her black tail twitched in irritation as she turned to Gēmā with sharp, yellow eyes. "Why am I your favorite, Gēmā?"
"It hurts that you're suspicious," he sighed dramatically. "You're more thorough in your methods, I feel. I feel less like I'm running and more like I'm improving."
She puffed from her spot on the table, pleased as she sauntered off, tail swishing smugly.
"Really?" Urahara asked, a little more serious.
"I improve when you sic Benihime on me, but I prefer Yoruichi's method," Gēmā confirmed. "I get what you're trying to do, but I'm not Ichigo. I don't improve by being swung at."
"Fair enough," Urahara chuckled. "I've noticed it as well. I was actually planning something new for our next session."
"Glad you've figured that out," he laughed, taking the offered Chocolate Bar of Apology.
[1 Friendship with Urahara Kisuke.]
-0-
The first time Gēmā ran into Kurosaki Ichigo was a few levels later, but he hadn't expected to be so far back in time. It was then that he realized what was going on canon wise.
Gēmā threw a right hook and knock a guy out cold, huffing at the disrespectful bastard who had aimed at the orangette's back. The large Mexican teen was chained to a chair, watching them closely as Ichigo panted and collapsed onto the ground, holding up a gold medallion.
"This is yours, right?" Ichigo asked, grinning in triumph. "How come you didn't fight back?"
"I promised abelo that I wouldn't use my strength for myself," he answered, standing as Gēmā unhooked his chains. The Mexican helped Ichigo up before turning to the other redhead.
"Sorry about intruding in your fight," Gēmā huffed, kicking the man he had knocked out. "He was coming up from behind, so I punched him."
"Fair," Ichigo chuckled, hooking his thumbs in his pockets. "I'm Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Yasatora Sado."
"Mondai Gēmā, a pleasure. I can patch ya up if you need it. My work is just up ahead and I have no doubt my employer will not mind." He thrust a thumb over his shoulder, giving them a smile.
"It's alright, I'm not too banged up," Ichigo waved off. "Bruises at most." Gēmā nodded, checking the teen over anyway. He looked to be favoring his left side, but he seemed to be fine otherwise.
"You two heading home? It's getting a little late, isn't it?" he asked, looking at the position of the sun for reference.
"On the way, yeah. Thanks for the save, Mondai," Ichigo confirmed, looking at the time on his phone. He gave both of them a wave before jogging off. Gēmā and Sado watched him go, the redhead humming in thought.
"You watch his back for me?" he asked, turning to face the giant of a teen. "You said that you wouldn't use it for yourself, and I respect that, but you don't meet people like Kurosaki everyday." Gēmā left him with that, wandering back to the shop for his night shift.
When he arrived, Urahara was waiting for him, fan out and leaning on his cane.
"I see you've met out knight in shining armor," Urahara joked, leading him in so the could have a cup of tea before Gēmā's shift.
"I didn't think I was so far back," Gēmā thought aloud. "He's still in middle school. It's really weird to see it. Even weirder to think he's only thirteen or fourteen at this point."
"Thirteen," Urahara informed, handing his student his green tea before nearly collapsing across the table from him with a tired sigh.
"You should take a break from evil genius-ing," he advised, taking a sip of his drink.
"Then who would evil genius?"
"Leave it to me for a bit," Gēmā offered, smiling pleasantly. "I need to make some friends anyways." Urahara seemed to think on it, cogs turning behind metal eyes under their concealing shade.
"Sure," Urahara agreed, rubbing his face with his hands. "I need sleep."
"{Observe}."
"Cheater."
[Urahara Kisuke]
[Lvl. 52, Title: Shady Shopkeeper]
[HP: 1540/1540]
[SP: 20/1,360]
[MP: 1432/2050]
[STR: 139]
[END: 127]
[AGI: 186]
[VIT: 135]
[INT: 221]
[WIS: 196]
[LUCK: 42]
[REI: 537]
"Yeah, sleep is a thing that needs to happen," Gēmā agreed. "Go on, Kisuke, I've got the shop." He watched Urahara drink the rest of tea before standing and placing his empty cup in the sink. "If anything happens, you'll be the first awake."
The scientist seemed satisfied with that and left his shop in shop hands of his apprentice. Gēmā put away his own cup before moving to the list Tessai had left for him on the counter. It wasn't much, just to stock and make sure everything is in order. He did so, raiding their fridge for an apple while he was at it, and nothing seemed amiss that night. There was a few flares of reiatsu from Hollows, but they were quickly snuffed by whatever Shinigami was stationed here for now.
He left a note to Tessai about Urahara's stamina level, to make sure the scientist actually rested for the day, before he headed out for his break. A little burst of reiatsu got him on the roof, letting him enjoy what little stars he could see from here. Karakura wasn't big, per say, but being so close to Tokyo had its downsides. He stayed up there for a little longer than his fifteen minutes, but that was alright, he was done with everything and he doubted Tessai would berate him for getting some fresh air.
He swore to God he was coming down with something. His limbs felt heavy and his sinuses were causing havoc. He'd never tell the friendly shop hand, though. As much as he loved the big man, his medicines would have him comatose for a week.
He went back inside, tidied a bit, and then clocked out but didn't leave. He made himself another cup of tea, resting his head in the table as he thought out his plan. He had Hirako and Kensei to vouch for him, so he could go straight to the Visored. That felt a little risky, but it would be worth it if he could earn their favor. He doesn't know how much Urahara has told them, so he'd have to fish for that first.
Oh well, he'd do it later. He very much doubted anyone but Rose was awake before ten and at four in the morning he knew no one was up. It was around six when Tessai trailed into the kitchen, topping off his cup with the rest of the kettle to put some more on. He watched the larger man make breakfast, the two children trickling in at their own pace and Urahara coming in last. He sat down with a yawn just as breakfast was set on the table.
"How was your nap?" Gēmā asked, looking amused. He didn't need sleep, so watching Urahara grumble like an old man without his newspaper and coffee was amazing.
"I got your note," Tessai informed, "I'm happy to oblige."
"Thanks," he hummed, putting another bite of hash brown in his mouth. He whipped his fork at Urahara who only gave him a dead, tired stare. "You are taking he day off. No lab, no scheming, nothing. Today is a brain break."
"What will you be doing today, Gēmā?" Urahara countered.
"Talking to the Visored," he answered. "Better now than later. Give me Hirako's number. I know you got it."
After getting the number, he called on Urahara's phone and barked at the blonde to answer the next call before switching phones. He dialed the leader of the Visored as he left the shop, moving toward the warehouse district.
'Asshole.'
"I'm glad you remember me." Gēmā grinned chaotically. "I'm on my way to the warehouse district. I don't actually know where y'all are so if one of you could come get me, that would be great."
'Who said we'd let your ass in, eh?' Hirako asked, sounding bored.
"You like my snark, so shut up," Gēmā countered. "You got a better place for all of us to meet? The shop is off limits unless you want to invoke the horrible fury that is Tessai on a mission."
He could feel the shudder through the phone, so he had his answer.
'I'll come get ya, ya brat. Geez, no respect from you teenagers.'
"Keep talking like your a thousand and I'll have to keep picking on you," he teased.
'I'll find you, so don't get spooked.'
"You wish," he laughed, hanging up. He whistled a tune as he wandered door the sidewalks, stopping by a little corner store to buy him a Dr. Pepper, before the man himself pulled in next to him.
"Hello," Gēmā offered first, shooting him a look from the corner of his eye. "Figured I'd get all the awkward 'I know about you' things out of the way."
"Fair," the blonde chuckled, his piano grin widening a bit in amusement. "I'll introduce you to the crew. Of course, ya might have to trade a few nicks with a few of 'em."
"One of them being you?" Gēmā asked, raising a brow. He was given a slanted smirk as an answer.
"How much ya level up since I last saw ya?"
"I was at thirteen, right? I'm level twenty-six now." He whistled in appreciation.
Gēmā knew they had reached the hideout when his eyes kept sliding away from a spot. He let Hirako enter first, following closely after to slip passed the wards. Inside was a large, half-ruined warehouse that had seen better days.
Gēmā couldn't help but marvel at it for a moment, taking in the Hollow reiatsu that had his own sparking in response. Hirako gave him a sideways look.
"I don't know," he chuckled, giving a halfhearted shrug. "It's the Hollow reiatsu. My energy eats it like it's candy."
"Really?" Hirako asked, lifting a brow as he opened the doors to the warehouse.
"Yep. It should help get rid of any access around the place. Think of me as a sponge." All seven of the other Visored looked at him strangely, trying to figure out the context with so little information.
"This is Mondai Gēmā, the one I was fighting with earlier," Hirako introduced, slumping like he wasn't prepared to slit Gēmā's throat if he looked at his family funny.
"A pleasure. I'm sure Hirako and Muguruma had only praises to sing," he joked, giving them a lopsided smile.
"Shinji said you were creepy," Love outed, getting snickers from Rose next to him.
"Hirako's creepy is very different than mine, I guess. Take Aizen's slimy ass for example, he's sneaky, not really creepy."
He expected swords at his throat but only had to dodge a flip flop to the face.
"He's an asshole!" Hiyori barked, snaggletooth bared in anger.
"Agreed," Gēmā huffed, nodding.
"How'd he fuck you over?" Kensei spoke up, white brow lifted.
"He hasn't, yet." They noticed the heavy lean on the last word. "I know what he's done to you and what his plan is for the future. I came here to make a few allies, if not friends. Aizen is a bitch and the sooner I can see his head rolling the better."
"We can side with you on that one," Lisa added, looking up from her book to take in the stranger. "How'd you find us again?"
"A life hack. At this point, that's what I'm calling it," Gēmā shrugged, amused. "Please press yes. You won't explode or anything."
They all blinked at the baby blue screen that appeared in front of them, the rest following Hirako and Kensei as the rolled their eyes and pressed yes. They scanned each other, brows furrowed at the {Visored} title above their heads.
"Ya did level quite a bit," Hirako chuckled, eyeing the bar above Gēmā's head.
[Mondai Gēmā Lvl. 26 {Fullbringer}]
"Aye," he agreed, puffing proudly. "I wanted you guys to understand that it wasn't Urahara or anything. I snooped which is my bad."
"Your bad indeed," Rose chuckled. Gēmā gave him a smile.
"I want all of you to know something about me," he stated, turning serious. "I know more than I should and I know what will happen after all this. I am probably the least trustworthy person to try and earn anything from you, but I'm trying to set everything right. Something is coming and I don't just mean Aizen. You're all powerful, captain level fighters. I'd be foolish not to see that.
Perhaps I'm trying to get a bone here, but I was wondering if we could keep in contact. Having your help in upcoming events would be one of the greatest boons I can put in my deck, currently."
"Who are you allied with?" Love asked in return, shades glinting. "We ain't cool with Soul Society."
"I'm no where even near their little circle," Gēmā denied immediately. "You think that I would let a bunch of old coots tell me what to do? Have Head Captain stick-up-his-ass tell me how to live? You're mad."
[1 Friendship with Hirako Shinji, Muguruma Kensei, Kuna Mashiro, Aikawa Love, Yadōmaru Lisa, Ushōda Hachigen, Sarugaki Hiyori, and Otoribashi Rōjūrō.]
Gēmā laughed, a deep, truly amused sound from his chest. "Talk shit and make some friends, check," he joked.
"That's one way to do it," Hirako agreed, grin wide and eyes sharp.
[Quest Complete!]
[Talking $@* just works sometimes.]
[Rewards: 8 Allies, 100 XP, Rare Weapon Randomizer]
"Nice," Gēmā sighed, his lips quirking up at the ends and Hirako burst into laughter next to him.
"A weapon randomizer? Open it! I wanna see!" Kuna exclaimed, launching onto Gēmā's broad back with all the force of a bullet. He chuckled, letting Visored gather before opening the box.
{Recurve Firebolt [Rare]}
[A bow made of many layers of fiberglass with a wooden core. Used for horseback, forest warfare, and hunting. It packs power and speed, but accuracy is a little off. This one lights stuff on fire!]
It had a red limbs, engraved shallowly with what looked like cracks painted to look like they were glowing from the red backdrop. The riser was metal, wielded to look like a phoenix, the grip cut into its belly. The string was taunt, curving it into its '3' shape.
The quiver (which was filtered with normal, wood-and-feather arrows that could be changed if he made some special ones) was metal, red wood edging the top and bottom and carved into vines to constrict the metal cylinder. The strap was simple leather, a buckle made of silver holding it together.
"That's so cool!" Kuna gushed, brown eyes wide in excitement.
"It's a beautiful weapon," Rose added, looking at the fine metalwork of the riser. He glanced up at Gēmā, curious. "Do you happen to know how to use it?"
"I don't," Gēmā admitted. "It just comes to me, mostly, as part of my ability. I'll still practice of course and figure out what I can."
[1 WIS]
"Trail and error is one of the best ways to learn," Hachi agreed smoothly. "I suppose if you don't have anyone to learn from, that's all you have to go on."
"If I happen to shoot Kisuke in foot, power to me, right?" Gēmā half-joked. Hirako's grin nearly split his face.
"I'd give ya thirty bucks to record it for me."
"A deal then."
-0-
Not a week later, a USB and thirty dollars changed hands.
[1 Friendship with the Visored]
"I'll play it on my worse days, listen to his screams while I go to sleep."
"Whatever turns your gears, Shinji."
-0-
[Title Gained!]
[{Expert Assassin}]
[20 AGI and {Silent Step}]
"Nice, but cheating," Yoruichi chuckled, looking over his shoulder at the light pink screen. He had changed it to his favorite color (fight him) in the {Options} in his {Menu}. "I'm going to teach you that without your little life hack."
"I thought I was pretty good at it," Gēmā countered with no heat, a smirk tugging on his lips. "I could probably get past most Shinigami, if not a few of the lieutenants."
"Don't get cocky," the cat huffed, her tail curling around his bicep. "You've only been training with me and Kisuke for a year."
"A very educational year," Gēmā laughed. Yes, educational.
Shinji was a master prankster. He doesn't know how many times he's gotten another of the Visored or Urahara. Endless, he's sure. Under his careful tutelage, Gēmā was unstoppable.
"You're a quick study," she admitted. "I still say it's cheating."
"Spoil sport," he teased, reaching up to scratch behind her ears. He stood from the large rock he had been resting on and headed for the ladder of Urahara's basement. He rolled his shoulders, careful of Yoruichi, and frowned. "I've got a feeling."
"A bad one?"
"No... just a feeling. It's kinda weird." He popped up and replaced the hatch, wandering into the shop where he felt Urahara and another. He opened the door and his breath caught. Kuchiki Rukia stood there in all her glory, hands on her hip and looking aggravated.
"You aren't supposed to anger the customers, boss," Gēmā chuckled, scratching Yoruichi's ears when her nails grounded him. "What can I help you with, miss?"
"I would like to rent a room, if it's not too much," Kuchiki sighed, loosening a bit. She sent a violet glare at the shopkeeper who hid his grin behind his paper fan. "He was being difficult."
"As he's been prone to be," Gēmā laughed, rolling his eyes. "If he's being that way, don't hesitate in getting me and I'll set him straight."
"My, my, Gēmā," Urahara cooed, "I didn't know you were into that, and with your boss in front of a customer? Naughty, naughty." Kuchiki went red, waiting for the redhead to just punt the man to the moon.
"I know you get a kick out of being watched," Gēmā chuckled, turning to the soul reaper again with a lifted eyebrow. "A room? We can do that. This way, please."
"Mu, you abuse this humble shopkeeper, Gēmā," Urahara pouted as he turned to enter the back again. Gēmā rolled his eyes.
"Is he always like that?" Kuchiki asked worriedly, looking over her shoulder at the closed door. He lead her deeper into the shop before answering.
"Not always. He has a serious streak when he needs it," Gēmā assured with a soft smile. "You can come to us for anything you need, miss."
"Kuchiki. Kuchiki Rukia," she informs, loosening a bit more, like she's already gotten comfortable. Gēmā couldn't help the smirk that followed the thought.
She would be the center of so much chaos and she didn't even know it. At this point, though, Gēmā didn't know if he meant Aizen or himself causing said chaos.
"Here you go, miss Kuchiki. I hope your stay is pleasant," Gēmā chirped, gesturing to the empty guest room. "You can hash out a price with the owner. I'm sure Mr. Urahara will make some time."
"Of course," she huffed, bowing as an after thought. "Thank you for the help."
"Of course," he charmed, leaving her to her devices.
He meandered to the front of the shop again, scratching behind Yoruichi's ears and watching her jump off his shoulders and saunter off before addressing his boss with a devilish grin.
"And so it begins," Gēmā hummed, pleased. "Let's enjoy this."
"Like I said," Urahara chirped, fanning himself, "you definitely have mad scientist potential."
"Manipulative bastard potential."
-0-
Now, he's absolutely sure that the Quincy kid was following him. His father has already labeled him a danger to humanity, which is fine. Uryu's stalking was getting awkward, though.
"You know," Gēmā called out casually, "usually stalkers are better at hiding through experience. You new?"
"I'm not a stalker," Uryu huffed, coming out of the shadows of a building to Gēmā's right.
"Could'a fooled me," he joked. "So, what's up? You want something, Quincy?" He reveled in the way his eyes widened behind his glasses before he schooled himself. Gēmā gave himself points for giving the teen a crisis.
"I've noticed a new Shinigami in town is all. You tend to use a bow and arrow, which is very odd. I'm simply curious if you were mocking us," Uryu explained, long-winded and proper and she straightened some more. He was in his school uniform, it looked like. Freshly into high school, no doubt.
"Mocking you?" Gēmā huffed, amused. He lifted a brow at the teen who visibly tensed, upset. "I think you do that just fine on your own."
"What do you mean by that?" Uryu hissed, offended. Flickers of reishi curled around his hand, nearly forming the fabled Quincy bow.
"You're a bitter child that is working of fumes and rage," Gēmā stated, watching him closely as he recoiled back like he was slapped. "Quincy are honorable and loyal, logical and righteous. If you are an example of a Quincy, I fear for your race. You are one of the last, yes? Do your race proud, then."
He turned and left the archer to his thoughts. Let him chew on that for a few days and lets see what happens.
-0-
"You gave that kid a case," Yoruichi cackled, draining her sake like she'd been thirsty for the hundred years she's been exiled.
"I must ask," Urahara hummed, nursing his own saucer, "what was your objective there?"
"To make him think about his life," Gēmā snorted, green tea warming his hands, "and the little brat breaks some Hollow bait that works a little too well to be a coincidence. I'm trying to break him of bad habits before he does something stupid is all. If it still happens, we'll figure it out."
"How honorable," Urahara chirped, raising his glass before tilting it back as Yoruichi had. "I'm going to be needing a lot more than this if I'm going to be dealing with so many teenagers."
"Kurosaki, Ishida, Inoue, and Yasutora. Geez, you need a daycare permit for this." Urahara hummed, refilling his and Yoruichi's cups.
"You forgot one."
"Damn it, Kisuke, I'm twenty-three! I'm not a teenager!"
-0-
Gēmā narrowed his eyes when Ichigo finally accepted Rukia's powers. He was much closer to them than the shopkeeper was, so he was sure that he would just let him handle it. He let Ichigo handle the Hollow, he materialized next to Ichigo's family, moving them to a safer spot in the house and looking them over.
He gracefully ignored Isshin's faking.
"Hey, it's you!"
He stood and turned to the newly turned Shinigami, looking him up and down. The teen had filled out since he had last seen him, so much taller and a gangly thing. That huge, false blade was rested on his shoulder, threateningly gleaming off the dinning room light. His scowl was feirce, but it softened when he realized he was helping his sisters.
"Hey, there, Kurosaki," Gēmā greeted with a lazy wave. His eyes landed on Kuchiki in her white robes, powerless and spooked. "Miss Kuchiki."
"Wait," Ichigo blinked, a lightbulb going off, "you can see ghosts?"
"Been able to for a long time," Gēmā informed. "I had assumed you knew that by my reiatsu. I usually brush people when I walk by just to see. You reacted."
"I did?"
Gēmā raised a brow at him. "Anyway, Kurosaki. I would appreciated it if you could keep the volume down about all this. Most people cant see spirits so being real sneaky bout these things is a big thing."