Ichigo truly had to wonder just how he allowed Ikumi to rope him into the weirdest jobs sometimes and this certainly wasn't the norm, by far. Here he was, a passenger in her work van where his belongings were packed in behind him. It was a four hour trip one way to Tokai from Karakura Town which was on the outskirts of Tokyo. He would have much preferred just to catch the train, but then he would have had to buy the essentials and he didn't really want to start spending money before he had to, and Ikumi had offered her van for the trip saying she wanted to see some friends in the area. That's how he ended up here at least.

He still didn't know who the Employer of this job was, it paid five times any of Ikumi's other jobs and he was the one being employed, through the Unagiya Shop, he believed that Ikumi was getting a pay for the use of one of her workers on top of his own pay, so she wasn't exactly at a loss, she could hire someone else in his absence. He hadn't really broached the subject with his boss about her pay for the job.

All he really knew about the job was that he was going to be a private tutor for a second year High School student. Which in itself was a surprise to the former Shinigami. Sure he had made up his grades and even landed himself in the top percentage of his year within Japan with the last tests he took, but he didn't expect a job to come of it. Hell Uryu, Orihime and even Chad placed above him.

He had come to the conclusion that whoever was paying him, was loaded and the kid was either really bad at their grades, a trouble maker or someone who just needed a little extra push. Either way Ichigo was fully aware that he might be walking into a job where he had to deal with some snobbish brat which he really wasn't looking forward to. He'd see how it went and if it fell through he'd go back to Karakura. The only reason he took the job was because the pay was good and college wasn't free.

The Employer had set him up with a place to live, although he was the one who had to pay for his own living expenses. Rent, utility's and even food was his to deal with. It would certainly be different from his usual lifestyle, but not unwelcome. It would get him ready for life after he left home. It wasn't all bad, he wouldn't have to be on constant alert from surprise attacks from his old man, and while he would definitely miss Yuzu's cooking and Karin's company, Ichigo was honestly looking forward to living on his own for a while.

Ikumi turned on the indicator, bringing Ichigo from his thoughts as she turned the van and drove into a small apartment complex. Ichigo winced slightly, it certainly wasn't the greatest looking bunch of apartments, it'd have to do it's not like he was expecting luxury apartments. Ikumi pulled the car up and put it in park.

"Alright, get to work unpacking. I'll go get the keys from the manager." Ikumi ordered as she opened the car door.

By the time Ichigo got to the back of the van to start to unpack, he saw Ikumi being invited in for tea by an elderly couple who must be the property managers. She gave him the familiar 'get to work glare' as she went inside. Rolling his eyes slightly he opened the back of the van and began to bring out the boxes, he already knew where his apartment was going to be and taking the boxes to the door would at least save some time until Ikumi came back with the key. He'd just introduce himself to the managers at a later date.

Luckily by the time he had brought the last box up the flight of stairs, Ikumi was making her way back. Seemingly satisfied with not having to do any of the work. Ichigo leaned on the railing as he waited for her, simply taking in the view over the river that ran by the apartment complex. From what he knew, his new school was within walking distance from the apartment which was always good and he wouldn't need to catch public transport, another expense he wouldn't have to worry about.

"The Manager said that it might be a little dusty since nobody has used this place in quite a while." Ikumi stated as she produced a key and opened the door with it. "Just air it out and you should be fine." Ichigo grunted in response as he picked up a few boxes and headed inside.

It wasn't a large room by any means. A small bathroom, no bath, just a shower, separate toilet, a few storage spaces, one in which he saw a folded up futon which was undoubtedly his bedding, he'd definitely need to air it out before climbing into it tonight. The kitchen was even smaller but had the basic necessities for cooking, even an all in one washer and dryer.

"Your first month of rent has already been paid for. After that it's up to you, remember that you don't begin tutoring for the next week. This will allow you to get accumulated with your new school." Ikumi explained. "Your first day of school is tomorrow, so I suggest you don't be late."

"Yeah, yeah." Ichigo grumbled still bringing the boxes in from outside as Ikumi gave him lecture after lecture as she took note of his new accommodation. Finally when all was said and done, Ichigo's belongings were inside and Ikumi handed him the key to the apartment.

"You should have some savings, so use that if you need anything." Ikumi stated as she headed for the door. "No doubt your employer will contact you before your tutoring begins, he has your contact information." She explained as Ichigo followed her out. "Other than that, I think you're mature enough not to do anything stupid." She smirked at him.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Ichigo remarked.

"If you need anything from Karakura Town, let me know and I'll see what I can manage." Ichigo nodded, knowing she was reliable enough to ask if he had forgotten something. "Also, don't forget to contact your family, I know it's just an easy train ride back and forth between here and Karakura but you should still call and check in."

"I got it." Ichigo nodded, Ikumi gave him a sidelong glance before smirking, raising her hand up and slapping him square in the back.

"I'll be in the area for a couple of days." Ikumi added as she started heading down the stairs. "Call me if something comes up." She finished and headed down the stairs, Ichigo watched as she crossed to the van before getting the driver's seat and before he knew it she was already gone leaving him alone. Sighing he ran a hand through his hair and headed back inside, he needed to sort out his stuff, air out the futon as well as get his uniform ready for tomorrow.

X-One Week Later-X

Ichigo raised a hand up, blocking the sun bearing down on him. It had been several days since he had started at Asahiyama High School, it was much more prestigious than Karakura Town so he was feeling slightly out of place, but making due as best he could. As per usual, his appearance gave him trouble, most people tended to avoid him as much as possible, not wanting to catch his ire. That was until he had made it known in P.E class that he was more than a capable athlete and after his first day, clubs were hounding him to join them, already gaining a positive reputation. It seemed the students here were known for getting sports scholarships.

Just like back in Karakura Town, it was a bit of extra pocket money for him and they were more than grateful for the help. At least until he started tutoring where he no doubt would have to give it up to focus on the student he would be teaching. As of yet he hadn't heard from his employer, no doubt he'd be hearing from them soon since the start date was supposedly tomorrow after school had let out.

Currently he found himself on the school baseball field, filling in for one of the club's absent members during a test game before their upcoming match. He had a runner on second and third and this was the last pitch of the game.

Gripping the bat he tapped the tip at the plate at his feet a few times before raising it up. Chants of his name from the other students caused his brow to furrow, their little game had drawn a bit of a crowd. At least he wouldn't be standing out too much after this, no doubt the clubs would keep pestering him though.

Giving the bat a test swing he got into position, the pitcher eyeing him down. After this he could go get some lunch and then all he had left was an afternoon class before he headed home. He had already started a couple of lesson plans for his would-be student, but first he would have to see what level they were at before he fully committed to where he could start.

Hands gripped the bat as the pitcher sent the ball straight for him. All it took was one swing, the bat hitting the ball with an echoing clang and off it sailed, far out into right field. It wasn't worth the effort but Ichigo ran to first, keeping an eye on where the ball was, it wasn't until he had made it past second base that the ball was up again in the air. Focusing, he shot forward passing third and heading for home. The cheers only got louder and the tension rose, coming to a skidding stop over home he heard the ball hit the players mitt before a call of.

"SAFE!"

Dusting himself off as he got to his feet, he had told the team he wouldn't play in their official matchs, and not for their lack of trying but they had gotten a little better in the time he had spent with them. His time with Karakura's Team, a team this one would go up against if they made it later on into the season, gave him a little better knowledge about how the better teams play and he had shared it with Asahi's school's team.

Either way he was done. He saw that the Captain was heading over for him but Ichigo shook his head, already knowing that he was going to ask him to join the team full time.

"You really won't join?" The captain of the team asked as he pulled out an envelope from his pocket, no doubt the money that the team had put together to pay him.

"Sorry, I'm starting to tutor someone tomorrow and I won't have time to practice with you anymore, or any of the other sports teams." Ichigo told him as he took the offered envelope tucking it into his pocket. "Good luck for the season though."

"Thankyou for the help." He bowed his head, Ichigo simply nodded and headed off. He ignored the onlookers, most too intimated to come and speak with him. He may be better recognized but to most he was still scary looking to approach freely.

Heading back to the school building to grab some lunch before the last class started for the day he found his way to the cafeteria. It was absolutely packed with students. He fit in with mostly everyone else, with it still being summer, he was in the summer uniform, a simple white button up shirt with dark blue slacks.

Heading for the order line he lined up behind some kid with bluish-black hair styled in a bowl cut with two strands sticking up from the back of his head that seemed to be focused on some studying notes. Ichigo had come to realize that the school was clearly for the academics of the country, while his test scores were up there so he wasn't struggling; it was by no means a walk in the park. The line moved up and the one in front of him was next in line, putting away his cram cards he didn't even look up at the menu board.

"One Barbecue Beef Combo, without the Beef." He ordered without hesitation. Ichigo raised an eyebrow slightly, what the hell had the kid just ordered? Wasn't that just rice, miso soup and some veggies?

"Coming right up!" The lady behind the counter called back as he paid, at least the order didn't take long and the kid before him was already with his meal and heading to find a seat. Ichigo walked up next to the counter, glancing up at the board as the lady behind the counter spoke.

"What'll it be?"

"I'll get the… chicken karaage mentai flavour set." Ichigo told her and she nodded before calling out the order as Ichigo pulled the envelope from the Baseball Captain and handed over the money for the meal before placing the rest into his wallet. Getting his change, Ichigo waited to the side for a moment, taking a look back at the cafeteria. He saw the kid that had been in line before him scowl as he looked for an empty seat before sighing as he walked away, out of the cafeteria to find somewhere else to eat. "No seats left?" He pondered, curious to where he himself would sit.

"Chicken karaage mentai flavour set." Ichigo turned back and took the offered tray and headed out into the mess of the cafeteria. Standing for a moment looking for a seat, maybe he would have to find somewhere else to sit too. As he glanced around he saw some people turn their gaze away and start whispering, causing his scowl to increase, while his rep had gained with the sports clubs, it hadn't so much with everyone else. He was about to follow the earlier kids' lead before he saw two people stand up from a nearby table taking their trays with them.

Shrugging he headed for the empty seat and placed his tray down, just as someone else had put their tray down colliding it with his. Ichigo blinked in surprise as he looked up to find a girl, clearly not in the Asahiyama High School girl's uniform, instead wearing a dark blue sailor fuku uniform. She had medium-length reddish-orange hair and a large ahoge. She had a notable pair of stair hairpin accessories near both of her eyes.

She looked up at him with just as much surprise on her face as he did before that surprise turned to shock as she took in his features than slowly turning into fear at his delinquent looking features before it turned into a more annoyed look.

"Hey I found this seat first, go find another." She declared with a huff no doubt from her trembling hands she was just trying to act tough. Ichigo groaned as he looked around, there were seriously no other seats nearby. He didn't like to use his looks for bad... but… "Hey! Are you even listening to me!? Find another seat! I was here first!" She was kinda being a brat.

"Beat it." Scowl increased ten fold, fierce gaze, cold tone that made thugs back in Karakura wet themselves. It was no wonder those around them stopped eating and looked on in fear and he honestly didn't blame the girl for almost breaking down in tears. Yuzu would kick his ass if she knew he had made a girl cry. She stood looking up at him fearfully, tears pooling in her eyes as her body trembled.

"God damn it." Ichigo mentally groaned he was just starting to get a good rep and now he did something stupid like this? There was probably no coming back from this one. "Just sit down." He told her as he pulled his chair out, she flinched and her whole body recoiled at the action as he sat down and picked up his chopsticks and glanced at her meal tray. "It'll get cold." He told her. The girl looked frightened, looking around to the nearby students for help but it didn't seem anyone was going to intervene. Nervously she pulled out her chair and sat down opposite him, with her head lowered. "Well that ruined lunch." Ichigo sighed to himself.

He glanced up to see her doing her best to do anything but make eye contact with him as she went about eating, he had noticed it earlier but did she really intend to eat all of that? Shrugging he guessed he should review his last test, if he was going to be tutoring someone he should at least know his own mistakes before going on to someone about theirs. Placing his last mock test down on his tray beside his food, he began to look over them as he ate. There was silence for a time before he heard a soft whisper.

"Isn't that a bit rude don't you think?" Blinking he looked up to see the girl fidgeting and having been caught she quickly looked away, she also looked slightly flushed. Did she need to go to the nurse's office or something? "You're studying in the middle of lunch?" She accused him, while still nervous it seemed she had enough nerve to still berate him.

"Just looking over my last exam." Ichigo told her, as he picked up a piece of fried chicken with his chopsticks.

"Oh?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow slightly, she had gained some sense of confidence back it seemed considering she was on the break of tears just minutes ago. "You must have gotten a pretty rotten grade huh? Can I take a look?" She immediately snatched his test from his hands and brought it up to look at it. Sighing he raised his hand up.

"Give it back."

"Let's see here… Kurosaki Ichigo. You scored a…" Her eyes traveled to the bottom of the page before she looked around it back at his annoyed expression. "A… a 96?" She asked as if she was looking at the correct answer.

"I may look like this but I take my schooling seriously." He muttered as he took the test back from her. "Don't judge people solely on their appearance." He added with a scowl making her lower her head.

"I'm sorry." She bowed. "I hate to admit it, but I'm not that great with my own studies. I envy you." She told him. Ichigo glanced over at her, it seemed like it was something she was honestly too hard on herself about. He might not know her, but it was clear by her expression that she was someone who tried her best. It was odd, just how did she manage to get into this school if her grades were that bad, maybe she was scraping the bottom line and had just made it through.

"Just keep at it, you wont get anywhere if you give up." He told her as he went about eating, deciding it was probably too rude to continue reviewing his test answers.

"I know!" She clapped her hands together bringing Ichigo's attention back up, she sure was chatty when she got going. "Lady luck must have brought you to my table! You should help me study!" She declared.

"First of all, not your table." Ichigo scowled as she smiled sheepishly. "Second of all, don't rely on fate or luck, it'll get you nowhere." She puffed up her cheeks and did her best to scowl at him. "And thirdly, five minutes ago you thought I was going to beat you up and take your lunch money." He added pointing his chopsticks at her.

"I did not!" She defended as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Alright! So I thought you were a little scary!" She groaned. "But please! You're nothing like you look! Just a little help?" Ichigo was about to downright refuse to do so, he would already have his plate full dealing with his tutoring of one student. However if he managed it properly he could at least get her grades up a bit if she was really as bad as she says.

"Fine." Ichigo sighed. "But, starting tomorrow I have another student I'm supposed to be tutoring. You come second after them, got it? Considering I'm actually getting paid to do so." He added.

"R-Really!? You'll really do it!?"

"Meet me in the school after the last bell, bring your most recent tests so I can see where you're at and see how much you need to improve to get your grades up." He added causing her to flinch… were her grades really that bad?

"Wait, you want to study at school?" She questioned.

"Where else are we going to study?" Ichigo asked.

"We could go to my place?" She suggested with a smile before Ichigo shot the idea down.

"Yeah, no." Ichigo shook his head. "I'd rather not be run out by your folks for the way I look." He told her. The girl was about to speak up before Ichigo continued. "It's better for me and you this way, no weird rumor's start and we won't be distracted by anything."

"I guess that's fair." She nodded. "Alright, I'll meet you at the library after school! I'll be looking forward to it." She happily nodded before eating her meal with gutso, she seriously was going to eat it all. Ichigo shook his head and went about eating his own before stopping.

"The hell's your name?"

"Eh!" She panicked. "I'm sorry! I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Nakano Itsuki!"