Chapter 5
Kisuke groaned as he flopped onto the ground of the squad 2 barracks. Yoruichi raised an eyebrow.
"So, tell me again why you're here," she said.
"Yoruichi, I'm a wreck," Kisuke said. "And I can't figure out what's bothering me!"
Yoruichi tilted her head, much like a cat. She studied Kisuke for a long time before snorting in laughter. Kisuke lifted his head from the ground to look at his friend.
"What's so funny?" he asked.
"You're so dense sometimes, I swear," Yoruichi sighed, shaking her head fondly. "You know, I visited your squad three times the last two weeks."
Kisuke blinked in surprise.
"You did? I didn't see you," he said.
"You were too busy," Yoruichi said.
"Well, yeah, I'm busy with my research, but that doesn't explain why I didn't see you." Kisuke said.
"Oh, you weren't busy with research, Kisuke," Yoruichi said. "Those three times I visited was when Hiyori and Ichigo were sparring in the courtyard. You were always watching them. You never intervened until the last time. You even asked me if you could show Ichigo the secret underground training area. You've never done that for anyone else."
"Yoruichi, what are you trying to say?" Kisuke asked, sighing in exasperation.
"Lady Yoruichi is trying to say you have feelings for Ichigo," a new voice said.
Kisuke blinked and looked over to see Sui-Feng standing in the doorway. She bowed, a tray with a teacup in her hands.
"My apologies for butting in," she said.
"No problem; you spoke the truth, Sui-Feng," Yoruichi said, chuckling. "Come on in."
Sui-Feng walked in and set the tray down.
"Thanks," Yoruichi said, taking the tea. "Have a seat, Sui-Feng."
Sui-Feng sat down on the other side of Yoruichi as the purple haired captain sipped at her tea. Kisuke remained on the ground, staring at the ceiling.
"Feelings? For Ichigo?" Kisuke frowned.
"Anyone can see that you're fond of Ichigo," Yoruichi said. "I mean, she's a likeable person, although she could stand to talk and socialize and smile more. The point is, you're beginning to like her, and not in the way we other soul reapers do."
"Are you saying I'm falling in love with Ichigo? That's absurd," Kisuke said, sitting up. "Not to mention, if Isshin heard you saying that, he'd skewer me. He's the overprotective type."
"You may think it's absurd right now, but give it time and you'll realize it yourself," Yoruichi said. "You told me you were a wreck. I gave you an answer of why you felt that way."
Kisuke looked at the ground, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Take some time to think about it, but don't take too long," Yoruichi said. "Someone could take Ichigo from you before you even have a chance. You wouldn't want that, right?"
Kisuke blushed and he stood up hurriedly.
"I'm going to go now," he said, walking out quickly.
Yoruichi laughed and turned to Sui-Feng.
"He's a dense one, isn't he?" she stated.
Sui-Feng nodded in agreement.
"Do you think Ichigo likes him too?" she asked.
"Hmm...I think Ichigo is fond of him," Yoruichi said. "It's harder to read Ichigo since I haven't known her as long as I have Kisuke. Plus, she doesn't seem to be the type to be all that good with emotions, much like Kisuke. Perhaps I should pay a visit to Isshin, ask him if Ichigo has changed a little recently. He's the closest one to her, so he'll know even the slightest change. Yeah, that sounds good."
Ichigo was cleaning the lab when a hell butterfly flew in. It flew over to her and hovered in front of her. Ichigo blinked in surprise before holding up a finger. The hell butterfly landed and played its message. Once it was done, Ichigo lowered her hand as the hell butterfly flew away.
"What was that about?" Hiyori asked from behind her.
Ichigo turned to her friend.
"I've been summoned to the squad 1 barracks," she said. "That's all it said."
"Well, you better get going then," Hiyori said. "I'll tell the captain."
Ichigo nodded in thanks as Hiyori took the broom from her. Ichigo flash stepped out of the squad 12 barracks and made her way quickly to the squad 1 barracks. She knocked on the doors. A squad 1 member opened the door.
"Ichigo Shiba, I've been summoned," Ichigo said.
She was directed inside and led to an office. Lieutenant Chijiro Sasakibe looked up from where he was working on paperwork.
"Ah, twelfth seat Ichigo Shiba of squad 12, thank you for coming," he said.
Ichigo bowed in respect.
"Lieutenant Sasakibe," she said.
"I called you here because I have looked over the reports of the recent graduates from the academy, including yours. It states you have one of the highest scores in combat." Sasakibe said. "Therefore, I am giving you the option of transferring to another squad more suited to your skills. My apologies for being blunt, but you don't seem cut out for research."
"I have been getting restless." Ichigo admitted. "Perhaps it is best I transfer to a squad where my skills will be utilized."
Sasakibe nodded. He held out a paper. Ichigo took it and scanned it. Her eyes widened slightly.
"Are you sure about this, sir?" she asked. "I don't doubt your decisions, but..."
"I understand your hesitation, but I think your skills will flourish greatly in this squad," Sasakibe said.
Ichigo hesitated before nodding in acceptance. Sasakibe intertwined his fingers together.
"Your new captain will be notified. You are to report to your new squad tomorrow morning," Sasakibe said.
Ichigo bowed and left the office. She folded the paper and tucked it into her shikakusho before flash stepping back to the squad 12 barracks. Hiyori was yelling at Kisuke, who was just smiling sheepishly. Ichigo stepped into the laboratory. Kisuke was the first to see her.
"Ah Ichigo, you're back," Kisuke said, turning to look at the orange haired soul reaper.
Hiyori stopped yelling and looked at her friend.
"That was quick. So, what'd they want?" she asked.
Ichigo took out the paper and walked forward, holding the paper out to Kisuke.
"I've been transferred to another squad," she said.
Kisuke took the paper.
"What?! To where?!" Hiyori demanded.
"Squad 11, under Captain Zaraki."
