When the Healer's Bell Tolls

By Bubbajack

Beta/Co-Autor: IcySnowSage

Disclaimer: We declare that we don't own shit as per the advice of our legal counsel Suction Cup Man. "Fuck you! Look at me go!" Fate Stay Night and other franchises are owned by Type-Moon and Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo.

Ch.1: Academia.

A thick mist covered the grounds of Shin'o Academy the day Hanataro Yamada arrived. Pulling his red reed kasa hat down lower over his head with one hand and adjusting his cloak over his shoulders as he pulled his black scarf over his chin, he made his way into the building. 'It's so peaceful here… it's unnerving, I keep thinking I'll be jumped at any moment. It is so stifling. '

Making his way inside he met a woman so aged and wrinkled, he couldn't see her eyes. Her gray and white streaked hair was pulled up into a tight bun and she seemed to be nodding off from her place behind a desk with a snooze bubble coming from her nose. "Excuse me ma'am?" he called gently, surprising her awake with the bubble popping.

"Hmm, oh, you need something sonny?" She asked in a creaky elderly tone that was also very kind.

Bowing he said, "Yes, I'd like to join this… academy please."

An air of surprise surrounded the woman, "Eh? Oh, where are my glasses? I can't see without them," She fondled around uselessly for a moment only for the young man to politely reach out and pluck thick glass frames from the desk and present them to the woman. "Thank you, dearie," she said as she put them on her face, revealing she had pale green eyes under her wizened folds. "Well, you're a young one, aren't you?"

"Yes ma'am," he said quietly.

She nodded at the blade at his hip. "You already have a Zanpakuto too, unusual…" She leaned in and stage-whispered, "I reckon you got it from a dropout, eh? Don't worry old Chiyo won't tell anyone."

Pulling the black cloth wrapped sword out of his obi, and handing it over for her inspection he replied, "Something like that, yes."

She ran her hands down the length of the sword from its bone-like handle and viper skull for a guard to the tattered black cloth wrapped around the saya that was held in place with rings of bone. "A very interesting sword, is this a snakeskin wrap on the grip?"

Hanataro leaned in close. "I think so? I never really thought about it before. Ow," he said when the woman whacked him with a paper fan.

"Boy, pay attention to your sword! It's a part of you and should be respected. Every small detail is telling you not only something about the sword, but yourself as well," She lectured.

Hanataro bowed. "Yes ma'am," He decided to take a chance and unsheathed the sword, revealing its hollow nature. "It has even more odd features."

Peering closely at the hole, she muttered to herself, "Oh, what's this then?"

Drawing the sword from its sheath fully, he said, "Observe," He stabbed himself through his own hand, causing the woman to almost cry out in shock only for her to stop when she saw black smoke rise from the wound and be sucked into the sword, slowing filling up the blood groove like it was a gauge.

'It is a gauge, but what happens when it fills completely, and how is it filling in the first place?' wondered lady Chiyo.

As if reading her mind Hanataro replied, "This sword of mine, doesn't cut, it only heals until the gauge is full."

"A Zanpakuto that heals when it isn't in its Shikai state? That's unheard of!" The elderly woman sputtered. Most Zanpakto only truly gained a semblance of their abilities when the shikai was released, but to have such a specific ability made her think that the wielder must be some form of pacifist.

"I was surprised at first too," He returned a sour note in his voice. "It's not exactly useless, but… Ow, again."

Swatting him again, she threatened, "Don't speak of your Zanpakuto that way boy. Insulting it is the same as insulting yourself."

Hanataro bowed. "Yes ma'am… So, do you think I can join this Academy?"

The old woman smiled, "I think we can find a spot for you," She gave him a once over, "Your what? One-hundred-fifty-three centimeters?" Seeing the boy nod, she reached into one of the many wooden cubby holes behind her and pulled out a white and blue uniform. Passing it across the counter to him, she said, "Change into this and we'll see how it fits,"

Pulling off his cloak, and hat he said, "Please look after these, they're important to me."

He came back out of the changing room shortly after, wearing a white shukushou and blue hakama pants. "How do I look?"

The elderly woman appraised him silently for a moment before nodding in approval. "Good, though I should warn you the Academy has something of a dress code, I don't know if they would allow you your kasa, cloak, or even your sandals."

Hanataro looked down at his wooden geta sandals, their bottoms covered in metal. "Why? What's wrong with them?"

The elderly woman did her best to explain. "Nothing, and I'm sure they helped you survive out in the wilds of the Rukongai but here a sense of solidarity is expected."

"Is now a bad time to say I already know how to fight?" Hanataro questioned.

'Oh boy, he's one of those,' She thought. 'One of the ones who, just because he survived in the Rukongai he knows how to use a sword. The zanjutsu instructors are going to have fun with him.'

Still, he was polite, which was rare from people past the Inner Districts, so she decided to warn him. "I would suggest you forget everything you think you know about fighting. It'll just get you in trouble here."

Hanataro bowed. "Thank you Chiyo-san, I am in your debt."

The old woman shook her head, "No, you're not, I'm just doing my job," She waved him off, "Now get out of here. Let this old woman rest and try not to get kicked out on your first day, won't you?"

The boy bowed one final time, "Of course Chiyo-san have a pleasant rest of your day," He replied as he stuck his kasa on his head and swung his cloak around his shoulders.

'You know,' He thought to himself as he walked the cobblestone streets of Shin'o Academy, 'I probably should've asked Chiyo-san directions. I've no idea where to go next.'

"You think?" His Zanpakuto, always so clinical and precise when speaking, replied with a bit of biting venom. "Also, 'not exactly useless' Hanataro?"

'Hey Hisa, you've gotta admit a sword that doesn't cut is about as useful as tits on a breastplate,' Hanataro argued think of some of the more ridiculous things his family had told him about the living world.

"… I will secede that while you are not entirely wrong in that assessment, you are not wholly correct in your correlation with myself either. I 'can' cut, sharper than any blade as you well know Hanataro. It just takes a minute."

'Point,' Hanataro acknowledged. Seeing a trio of people standing in a graveyard of all things which he found a bit odd to have on campus but, he asked his other half a simple question, 'Do you think we should ask them for directions?'

"It couldn't hurt. If you don't, we're both still lost. Nothing ventured, nothing gained I suppose,"

So, he approached, making out finer details of the trio as he did so. Two of them were men, one was a girl. The first man was tall, with red hair tied up in a bun making it look like a pineapple, his head covered in tribal tattoos.

The second man seemed listless by comparison to the first and the blonde's long hair covered his left eye as he stared down almost mournfully at the gravestones.

Lastly was the girl, chocolate brown eyes were framed by black hair, which were being kept in pigtails. All three were wearing Shin'o Academy uniforms.

"Excuse me," He asked, getting the girl's attention first.

"Yes? Can we help you? Are you lost?" She asked sweetly trying to be cheerful in the somewhat depressing setting.

"I am exactly that actually," Hanataro replied, tipping his hat up slightly to look the girl in the eyes.

The red-haired man smirked, "The instructors are gonna have fun with you newbie."

The girl elbowed him. "That's not nice Renji-san," She bowed, "I'm Hinamori Momo, nice to meet you."

Returning the gesture, he replied, "Yamada Hanataro, you as well."

Hinamori leaned in close, bending down to examine his cloak, "Yamada-san, where did you get this? It looks nice."

Smiling down at the mountain patterned cloak, he replied, "My mother made it for me,"

"That's so sweet!" She cooed, "So you were born here then? Not many can say that."

Hanataro nodded. "I was, growing up was… different."

"What district did you grow up in?" The red head interjected, arms crossed, scowl on his face.

"District Eighty Akuma no Su in Western Rukongai," was Hanataro's reply.

The trio stared at him when he said that, even the blonde who hadn't even responded to his presence snapped his head up to look at him with his single eye.

"An eightieth District… how? I-I mean you seem very well adjusted for someone coming so far away from the Seireitei," Momo corrected herself, bowing in case of any slight.

Raising a hand he said, "You're fine, and to answer your question, my parents and extended family were swords masters in life, they taught me how to fight."

"Wow~!" Momo said with stars in her eyes. "That must've been amazing! I'm better with Kido than Zanjutsu but still."

Rubbing the back of his head, Hanataro replied, "I am not terrible, I suppose. Or so they told me," Wanting to take the attention away from himself he looked at the headstones and asked, "Who died?"

"My parents," It was the first time the blonde had spoken and his tone sounded perpetually tired and morose, "It happened a long time ago."

Reaching into the folds of his robes, Hanataro pulled out a calabash that had a thick white rope wrapped around it. Pulling a cork off the top he poured some of the contents out onto each grave.

"Oi! What the hell are you doing?!" Renji roared, his hand going for his sword.

Placing the cork back on the gourd, he replied somberly, "One of my uncles told me that his own sensei taught him that the dead should never leave this world without knowing the taste of sake. This is my tribute for the fallen. Kenpai."

The blonde rose to his full height for the first time, showing he was a bit taller than Hanataro himself but not the giant that Renji was. He stared at him for a moment before he bowed, "Thanks, I'm sure they enjoyed your offering."

"You're welcome… I do have one question though?" Hanataro asked.

"Yes? Oh, you were lost, you probably wanted to know where to go right? You can just follow us today," Momo informed him, smiling helpfully.

"That's great," Hanataro replied distractedly, "But what I really wanted to know was who that person is over there and why she's been staring at us for the past several minutes?"

The others looked behind the boy, to see a very familiar face.

"Rukia come over here!" Momo urged. She'd been distant ever since that day.

"I can't… sorry Momo. I should go," The girl rushed past the group only for the kasa wearing boy to suddenly appear in front of her smiling.

"Excuse me Miss Rukia, was it? But, unless I'm wrong, we're all heading to the same place, so since I'm new, it would be nice if we all went together, yes?"

'I… was that Shunpo? I didn't feel his Reiatsu though,' Rukia wondered. "I-I suppose you have a point, But I'm-"

He cut her off by clapping his hands, and smiling, "Excellent, how kind of you. You truly are a good person to show me around like this, that you are."

"I no really," Rukia was at a loss, stumbling for words, flushing in embarrassment at how easily she was being outwitted.

He offered her his hand, "Shall we go Miss Rukia?"

Before Rukia could reply, more like snap at this mysterious man and run off, she felt a push behind her back, and the young man caught her as she stumbled. Looking back, she saw Momo smiling, "C'mon if we don't hurry, we'll be late for class."

Her gaze flicked to Renji who was sullen and scowling, and she resisted the urge to wince. 'This is for the best,' she told herself. Turning back to this Hanataro Yamada person and realizing he was still holding her, she quickly extracted herself from his arms, coughing a bit to hide her embarrassment. "I um thank you for that."

"You're most welcome," He replied, "Now which way?"

'He's not wrong we are headed the same way so… it wouldn't hurt to help someone new right?' Rukia thought to herself. "The Zanjutsu hall is this way, come on Yamada-san."

"Many thanks, Miss Rukia," Hanataro spoke with his blue eyes shining mischievously

She flicked her ice blue eyes to his ocean blue. "Just Rukia is fine, now follow me."

'Every year we get one of these guys,' the tattooed Shuhei Hisagi thought to himself as he saw the new blood walk into his class, a kasa hat on his head, and cloak over his Shin'o uniform. 'Tough guys from the Rukongai who think they can skirt the rules, and then I gotta set em straight.'

So thinking, he said, "Alright everyone, we'll be pairing off and sparing today but before that. New guy, weren't you told about the regulations here?!"

Hanataro nodded. "I was sensei, yes."

Crossing his arms, the Shinigami asked, "Then why're you still wearing that cloak, scarf, and kasa?"

Hanataro was silent for a moment, before he replied, "This cloak, scarf, and hat symbolize my pride. One cannot be forced to give up one's pride, one must hand it over willingly."

'Was he in a gang or something?' Hisagi wondered. Scowling, he said, "Look, I don't care what gang you belonged to in the Rukongai kid! I'm telling you, get rid of the cloak?"

He didn't expect the young man to suddenly go from being in the back of the class to a mere meters away. His face was covered by that hat of his, but Hisagi could feel and even see the boy's Reiatsu. It was red like spilled blood and flaked off of him like feathers of some unknown avian predator. "Take that back," he said in a low tone. "The Shinsengumi were no gang."

"You actually intend to fight me over something like this?" Hisagi asked, placing his hand on his Zanpakuto. "Over your pride of being in some group in the Rukongai?"

Hanataro placed his hand on the sheath of his own weapon. "Sometimes, pride is all one has Hisagi-san. As I've already told you, one cannot be forced to give that up. Now, take back what you said, and this doesn't need to happen. You didn't just insult some group. You insulted my mother and uncle with your words."

'Hanataro was a natural born, and he said he was taught by his mother, so she must've been part of this Shinsengumi when she was alive,' Momo realized. "Be careful Hanataro-san, he's a Fukutaicho!"

"Don't worry Miss Momo, I'll make this quick," His usually kind demeanor had been replaced by something cold, analytical, and calculating.

"New guy is about to eat some humble pie," Renji noted shaking his head at what he thought was another upstart being arrogant about their "supposed" skills. "He should've just taken the cloak off, it's not that big of a deal."

"Don't be too sure Renji," Rukia said, her eyes on this mysterious boy. 'Why isn't he attacking if he's so angry?'

"Yeah, and clearly it's a big deal to him, so don't be mean," Momo chided.

Hanataro stood there waiting for the instructor to make a move, when none was forthcoming, he sighed, "I was going to try and let you turn this into a teaching moment by going first, but if you insist the student go before the teacher, I shall indulge you, Fukutaicho."

Hanataro disappeared in a burst of speed, again leaving behind no trace of Reiatsu. It was only Hisagi's highly honed instincts that he managed to turn and parry the slash that was aimed at the back of his neck… he did not however anticipate the second strike that came in the form of the sheath crushing his sword arm at the elbow with a sickening snap of bone.

His eyes turning to pinpricks as pain lanced through his arm, Hisagi bit back a curse and a groan of pain. 'He attacks using both the sword and sheath using Iaido? He reminds me of that student Ikkaku,' Hisagi thought with a pain twisting grin as he switched his zanpakuto to his weaker hand. "Round two kid. Nice strike."

"What happens if I break your other arm?" Hanataro asked conversationally.

"Then I'll use my mouth now c'mon!" Hisagi challenged as he rushed in, holding his sword in a reverse grip in his opposing hand. He slashed at the boy this time, not letting him blitz him, that had been his mistake before… or so he thought. For just as his blade was about to make contact, he took a single step back and to the side, it was a minor adjustment, but one that let him avoid the Fukutaicho of squad Nine's attack by a hair's breadth, before he sheathed his sword, and retaliated.

"Mumyou: Sandan Zuki."

It happened in an instant. Three thrusts all in the same place, at the same time, all at once.

Shuhei Hisagi was lifted off of his feet and thrown across the room before landing on his back, air forced out of his lungs. Groaning, he put a hand to his bruised sternum as he turned to look at the boy who was holding his still sheathed zanpakuto at his side. Holding his still bruised ribs, Shuhei stood on shaky feet and asked, "Just what was that attack just now?"

"A question I would like answered as well, Hisagi-san," spoke up an eloquent female voice.

The entire class turned to see an older woman, her long dark hair done in a long braid going down her front walking towards the front of the class. She had a kind matronly smile on her face and was wearing a white haori coat over her black Shinigami robes.

"C-Taicho Unohana! What a surprise!" Hisagi said, bowing as best he could with a broken arm and bruised ribs. "I didn't know to expect you, Taicho," Seeing the students staring blankly, he snapped, "Stop gawking and show respect! This is Unohana Retsu! The Taicho of the 4th Division of the Gotei Thirteen!"

"Hello Taicho!" The students bowed. All but Hanataro who didn't take his eyes off Hisagi.

"Now, now," She said smiling, "There is no need for that, as for why I'm here, I was out picking herbs in the mountains and decided to visit the academy on my way back," She looked the Fukutaicho over and frowned a bit, "You've been taking it too far again I see." She turned to the young man she saw use such an… interesting sword technique. "Did you inflict these wounds young man?"

"Yes ma'am," He replied, not taking his eyes off his opponent.

"Show proper-" Hisagi began only to stop when the Taicho raised a hand, "I see, might I ask why? This seems a bit far for a spar."

"We weren't sparring ma'am, he insulted my family's pride, and I demanded retribution," was Hanataro's curt but respectful reply.

Unohana asked, "How so?"

"He demanded I remove my cloak," He nodded down at it, the deep blue contrasting with the sharp white evoking mountainous imagery." Yet it is a symbol of my family and our brotherhood as members of the Shinsengumi, as the Wolves of Mibu, and guardians of the Western Eightieth District."

Those who didn't know which district Hanataro came from were muttering amongst themselves now and even Rukia had covered her mouth in shock.

The Taicho nodded, "I see, so it's important to you?"

"Yes… also my mother made this for me, like hell I'm handing it over," while holding the cloak close to him.

"Momma's boy," Renji scoffed. Only to get elbowed on both sides by Rukia and Momo.

Even Izuru threw in his two cents. "Not cool Renji," he commented lazily while thinking about any clothing his parents may have left for him.

The Taicho ran a single finger down the cloak, it was closer to her own haori jacket in thickness and of fine quality to boot. "This is well made, however there is a good reason for him to want you to take it off, at least for your time here. You see only those of Taicho rank are allowed to wear coats, and your cloak could make others mistake you for that of a Taicho when you are just a student."

Hanataro was silent for a moment before he said, "Ah, I see… Do I need to give up my hat as well? It was a gift from a friend who… is no longer with us."

Unohana shook her head, "No, such a memento is fine. I have a couple of questions for you young man….."

"Yamada Hanataro, Unohana-taicho," was the polite reply as Hanataro bowed.

"Yamada-san then, what was that sword technique you used just now on Hisagi-san?" She opened her eyes just then and they seemed eager, almost bloodthirsty to him and the smile that accompanied the crazed look she was giving him gave off an air that made her seem hungry for battle.

'She's almost as scary as mom when she's mad at dad… or in the mood. I'll never forget the time she got drunk,' Hanataro thought to himself. 'I got drunk hoping to forget about it, but it didn't work.' Giving his head a shake lest he recall more nightmare fuel, he replied, "That was my mother's personal sword technique, that she passed down to me. Also, Miss Unohana? Could you please stop looking at me like that? You're reminding me of my mother when she's angry, only you're not quite as scary as she is, and it's kinda freaking me out."

'His mom's even scarier than Taicho Unohana? Just what kind of monster is she?' Hisagi asked himself, his knees shaking from fear just from seeing the dreaded smile, while she leaked some of her reiatsu.

'Is his mother an Asura?!' The majority of the class thought at the same time all of them were quivering from feeling just a fraction of Unohana's spiritual pressure. Some Imagined a large muscle-bound woman with three heads and six arms. None of them could be any more wrong about what Hanataro's mom actually looked like.

'He's so very interesting!' Unohana thought to herself, 'I wonder, have I been backing the wrong horse all this time?' As she thought this, she felt her old scar ache beneath her braid as if berating her thoughts. "My apologies Yamada-san…" She paused for a moment before asking, "Are you by chance related to a Seinosuke Yamada?"

"He's my older brother. Why do you know him?" He asked, turning and focusing the entirety of his attention on her for the first time since their conversation started. "He used to visit, then send the occasional letter, but over the past few years there has been absolutely no word from him. No visits, letters, nothing. Not even so much as a carrier pigeon."

Unohana frowned, becoming morose. "Oh, I see," She spoke in a polite tone. "Would you please come with me Hanataro-san?"

Confused by the woman's behavior, he complied. Once outside the dojo with the door shut, she turned to him and bowed, "I apologize, but I regret to inform you that your older brother has passed away."

"I… what?" Hanataro was confused. "How?"

Not raising her head, the Taicho explained, "He was sent to the Human World as aid when a group of Shinigami were overrun by some particularly strong Hollows… when he went to render aid… he didn't make it, I'm sorry."

Hanataro felt cold and numb inside. "I… see. Tell me Unohana-taicho, what rank was my brother in your squad?"

Rising, she was quick to reply. "He was my right hand, my Fukutaicho. He was a bit… acidic in personality but he cared about the people in his squad. I couldn't have asked for a better Fukutaicho."

Hanataro nodded before he slowly reverently took off his cloak, and folded it up, "That sounds like Seinosuke alright." He handed the folded garment, and handed it to the Taicho saying, "Here, I want you to take this, and keep it. Hang onto it. Until the day you think I'm good enough to take my brother's place. Then, I want you to give it back to me. Can you do that for me Unohana-taicho?"

The healer gingerly took the coat from the young man. "Of course," She smiled at him. "You'll have to work hard, you know? To become my Second Seat?"

Hanataro nodded, expecting nothing less. "I'm looking forward to it."

Glazing back towards the dojo where a trio of heads were peeking out of a crack in the open door that she smiled at, she said, "I should heal Hisagi-san before I go… though that reminds me, why didn't you unsheathe your sword when you used your mother's attack?"

"My Zanpakuto in its sealed state, cannot cut anything, it only heals, even wounds it inflicts are instantly fixed," He informed the Taicho.

"Oh my! A sealed Zanpakuto with a special power? How unusual?" Unohana said seemingly to herself before smiling a genuine smile. "Yet a perfect fit for the Fourth. I look forward to working with you in the future Yamada-san. Are you sure you don't want me to fix Hisagi-san before I go?" She offered.

Hanataro waved a hand, "I'll take care of it ma'am no worries. I look forward to working with you as well," He bowed, handing the woman her basket of picked herbs and seeing her off before returning into the dojo. He looked back and called, "One last thing Unohana-taicho, Yamada is mine and my brother's courtesy name, my last name is actually Sasaki."

Shin'o Academy, even though it was meant to train the next generation of Shinigami, was still a school like any other. As such, rumors and gossip were its lifeblood. Thus, by lunch, everybody knew that Hanataro Sasaki had not only defeated Shunsui Hisagi in a spar, but his Zanpakuto was also incapable of cutting. The wise were impressed by his skill and gave him a wide berth… but unfortunately not everyone who was accepted into the Academy was let in for their brains. The less intelligent of the bunch became emboldened, ignoring the bit about him defeating a Fukutaicho in a spar and focusing more on the fact that he had a sword that couldn't cut. Thus, marking him a target in their eyes.

As Hanataro tried to enter the lunch hall he found his way blocked by a trio of taller burly looking trainees. "Excuse me," He asked kindly, "But could you move?"

"You hear this guy?" The one on the left said, "Has a sword that can't cut jack shit but he's trying to tell us to move."

Hanataro sighed. He just wanted to get something to eat. 'Why do people like this have to exist, making life difficult for others? They're like cancer cells,' He thought as he let his hands fall to his sides, finger's giving a subtle twitch.

"Heh, look at this wimp, he's not even willing to defend himself," The thug on the left moved to shove the young shinigami, only for him to suddenly be blasted backwards, slamming into the nearest table before coming to a stop.

The remaining one looked back and forth between his friend and their so-called target incoherently. "What, what the?"

"I'm hungry and you're in the way," Hanataro said this before he moved forward and rammed his elbow into the gut of the remaining shinigami, who doubled over him before passing out. 'I shouldn't have done that,' He thought to himself. 'But I get easily agitated when I'm hungry.'

"You're just like your mother Hanataro," His zanpakuto spirit laughed. "When it's time to eat, even your father knows better than to be late to the dinner table."

'Yes, I suppose so, I hope mother's health improves. Hopefully not having to look out for me all the time will help.'

"You are not a burden to your parents Hanataro, surely you know this?" His inner spirit berated.

"I know, it's just… she's not getting any better, Hisa, so I'm worried. Why do you think I want to join the Fourth Division in the first place?" Hanataro grumbled under his breath completely ignoring all the stares and whispers that were being sent his way. He was far too caught up in his own thoughts and worries to pay them any mind.

After getting a simple meal of rice and fish with some tea, he looked around for a place to sit. He saw the perfect place. An entire table had no one but Miss Rukia sitting at it. He saw Momo waving at him and returned her greeting as he went and stood next to the other girl. "Are any of these seats taken?" He asked.

Rukia looked up from her meal, "Oh, Hanataro… I… no."

"Oh good, for a second there, I thought you were surrounded by those people from the Second Division. I heard they were supposed to be ninja's you see and for a second I thought they were so good; they'd taken up the rest of the table and you were surrounded."

Rukia looked around herself, "But there's no one here, Hanataro."

"Exactly! That's how good at stealth they're supposed to be."

Rukia blinked for a couple of seconds then shook her head as she smirked. "You're weird, you know that?"

"I'm not the one who's literally turning the air around her colder Miss Rukia," Hanataro pointed out.

Rukia stiffened a bit at that remark, "I'm sorry I didn't realize."

He waved her off. "Don't worry, it doesn't bother me. In fact, it just means I need to keep close to you during the summer months."

Rukia glared at him a little bit. "I'm not an air conditioner Hanataro-san."

He smiled at her teasingly from under his kasa. "Are you sure? Cause you seem to be doing a pretty good imitation of one Miss Rukia."

"Very," She said dryly, "So why did you come over here other than to tease me?"

He shrugged. "You looked lonely, like you could use some company, so I decided to join you. Would you like me to go?"

Rukia found herself smiling again, "No, it's fine. Thank you for spending time with me."

Nodding at her plate, which had tempura shrimp, and noodles on it along with flounder rather than a standard white fish, he asked, "Is there some sort of secret handshake or hand sign one needs to learn with the lunch lady to gain access to the secret menu?"

Sighing and thinking 'It was good while it lasted,' Rukia replied, "No, you just need to be adopted into one of the Four Great Noble Houses."

"Ah… So, you gonna eat that or not? Cause if not I will," He said after a moment.

Rukia blinked. "You heard what I just said right?"

Hanataro nodded. "Yeah, Noble Family, that's great, I just don't care. You seem like a good person, and that's all that really matters to me. One thing you should know about me, Miss Rukia, is that I will treat people the same regardless of status, that I will. If you are a good person, I will treat you well."

That made Rukia smile a bit, "And if someone is not a good person?"

"Aku, Soku, Zan," was the three-word response she got.

"What?" His response confused her.

Taking a sip of his tea, he replied, "To Slay Evil Immediately, that is the creed I was raised under. It was further expanded upon that one should only kill not for political beliefs or the ideals of another, but only for my own code and creed. Lastly, I was taught that I should also only kill to prevent stagnation. For if something…or someone outlives its time, and overstays its welcome, they begin to atrophy, to stagnate. Stagnation leads to rot, and thus, brings about the lack of progress. The evening bells of mourning and succession should be allowed to toll before that happens." Seeing Rukia staring at him, he ducked his head, "I apologize, I suppose I got a bit long winded there."

Rukia gave her head a little shake, "No, no it's fine, it's just… Most people don't become Shinigami for such a reason. Most of the time, they just want a better life than the one they were handed in the Rukongai." She seemed to be thinking back when she said that.

"That is… not entirely wrong either," Hanataro replied as he stared up at the ceiling "There are people I want to help back home, but I can only do that by receiving the training this academy can provide."

"The family you mentioned earlier?" Rukia questioned.

Hanataro took another sip of his tea. "Indeed," Yet he chose not to elaborate. Instead, he said, "I think now is as good a time to knap as any."

Rukia gave him a deadpan stare. "You're going to sleep right here?"

Cocking his head to the side, Hanataro reached into the folds of his uniform and said, "Who said anything about sleeping?" He pulled out a small pouch and opened it revealing two small stones. One looked partially carved while the other looked worn from being repeatedly struck. "I'm knapping Miss Rukia, shaping stone. It's a hobby."

He proceeded to demonstrate by striking the partially shaped stone against the worn one chipping away at it. He kept doing this, shaping the stone until it took a familiar shape to Rukia. "Is that Chappy the Rabbit?"

Hanataro held his creation up to his eyes. "It seems to have taken that shape, hasn't it?" It did look like a grinning bunny oddly enough. "Hmm, I guess that's the shape this particular stone wanted to take," He very carefully carved a loop for a piece of string and pulling a couple of threads from his own top wound them together to form a cord before he offered the finished piece to the Kuchiki princess who was watching mesmerized. "Here, why don't you take it?"

Letting the piece of stone fall into her cupped hands, she looked at it. "I… Are you sure?"

"Sure, it can be a sign of our friendship," Hanataro told her with a smile.

Rukia clasped her hands around the small stone token. "I… Thank you Hanataro," She frowned, "I don't have anything for you though."

He waved her off, "That's fine Miss Rukia, having your friendship is enough for me, that it is."

The gonging of a bell signaled the end of lunch. Collecting their trays, Rukia said, "I'll find something to give you Hanataro," She promised as the two made their way to their next class.

'I seem to have no aptitude for Hado,' Hanataro thought to himself.

"It is not lack of aptitude, Hanataro, yet lack of refined control of your Reiatsu," His Zanpakuto Spirit opined. "Healing Kido simply requires Reiatsu be applied to the afflicted area but for Hado, reiatsu must be compressed and refined, with tight control and must be maintained. I dare hypothesize that you would be more apt with higher level Hado than not as they require less control and more reiatsu."

Hanataro sighed, and pointed out the obvious, something his spirit overlooked from time to time, though he was prone to it as well, "They aren't going to teach high level Hadou to Academy students Hisa."

"True… perhaps ask Miss Hinamori for assistance? She seemed quite skilled in this area of Shinigami arts."

"Got me there, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask her," Hanataro said as he put the finishing touches on his latest knapping project, it looked like a peach tree in full bloom.

He found her at the target range they'd used for kido practice earlier. 'Amazing,' He thought, 'She's still going at it, she's so dedicated.'

"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!" Momo incanted as a crimson sphere appeared in her upraised palm. "Hado #31: Shakkaho!"

The sphere shot forth like a cannon shot once the name was invoked and hit the wooden humanoid target in the center of mass causing it to explode. Hinamori lowered her arm and sighed, wiping the sweat from her brow on her sleeve. "I think I've got it down."

"I must agree," The girl spun on her heel when she heard a voice behind her, 'I didn't feel anyone's reiatsu! When did he get there?!' Putting a hand over her beating heart she said, "Hanataro-san, you scared me."

He bowed, "My apologies Hinamori-san, I didn't mean to do so."

"It's okay, did you need something?" She asked, smiling.

Letting his kasa fall behind his head, he replied, "Yes, I was hoping Hinamori-san could help me with hado if it wasn't too much trouble? I seem to have trouble with it… and you… don't."

"Of course…" She then raised three fingers, "On three conditions."

Bemused, Hanataro smiled, and decided to humor her. "Oh, what might they be?"

The small girl proceeded to tick off, "Firstly, I'd like you to sit with us at lunch. I tried inviting you over today, but you ignored me," She glared at him lightly with puffed out cheeks for that, "Secondly, I want to know how you keep suppressing your reiatsu like that, it's like you're invisible or something!"

He bowed, "Oh, my apologies, I thought you were just waving earlier… I propose a counteroffer. You, Kira-san, and Abarai-san come and sit next to Miss Rukia… it isn't right that she is made to eat alone just because she was adopted into a Noble House."

Momo grimaced. She knew he was right of course. It's just she was told it wasn't wise to even make it seem like you were trying to get in the way of the Kuchiki Clan in any way. 'But I feel like I'm losing a friend,' To her, it felt like she was losing Shiro-chan all over again when she left for the Academy in the first place. She hated that feeling, and resolve flared in her heart. "You're right, I can't force Izuru or Renji to show up but, from now on, I'll be there."

"Good, now as for that second thing you wanted," He smiled at her as he seemingly shimmered out of existence.

Momo looked around utterly confused. "Eh, what was that an illusion! Was he not here the whole time?!"

"Not exactly."

"Gah!" Momo jumped spinning in midair to find Hanataro was now standing not too far away behind her, smiling a bit.

"Boo," he said teasingly, only to duck as a crimson Hado sphere nearly hit him in the head. "Aren't you overreacting a bit?"

Making her way forwards, the Kido expert poked him with her sheathed zanpakuto, confirming he was in fact, solid. "How? What was that?!"

"That, Hinamori-san, was a technique I was taught known as Sphere Boundary," Hanataro proceeded to explain, "It is done by suppressing one's reiatsu as much as possible before slowly diffusing it, within the natural reiatsu in the environment making one undetectable."

"That's…" Momo didn't have the proper word to describe it. 'Incredible? Amazing? Astounding? None of them seem sufficient' She settled for, "Something I'd really like to learn if you'd be willing to teach me."

Hanataro shrugged. "Sure, but there isn't much to teach. You just suppress your reiatsu and then blend it with the environments. That's literally all there is to it. All I ask is that you don't teach this to anyone else without my express permission."

She nodded. "Alright, but can I ask why?"

"Oh, it's just sensei told me that, and I quote, "If those lazy, half-baked, bastards in Onmitsukido want to learn how to do this, they can crawl to me on their hands and knees and beg in the dogeza position."

Momo felt her mouth drop, and she covered the faux-pas with both her hands. "He… He said that about the Stealth Force? But wasn't he afraid they might've been listening?" Momo looked around furtively as she said this as if just mentioning their name would cause one to jump out of the shadows of the practice field.

"Apparently not," Hanataro shrugged. "I'm not too concerned either honestly,"

Momo went bug-eyed, "But, but they're the Onmitsukido they could be anywhere!"

The other young soul shook his head. 'She must've grown up in a low number district.' He thought. "No, any District in the Rukongai after thirty, the people there are lucky to have shoes. So realistically they have next to no presence past maybe District Thirty-Five. No matter how good they are, they just don't have enough manpower to keep an iron grip over the whole Rukongai."

Momo looked like she was having trouble processing that, "Really, but I was always told things like, if you don't behave, the Onmitsukido will come get you, and things like that."

Smiling a bit, Hanataro asked, "Hinamori-san… what district did you grow up in?"

Suddenly remembering what district her friend came from she looked away ashamed. "I'd rather not say."

He shrugged. "Why? It can't be worse than mine. I doubt you came from someplace like Zaraki or something right?"

Momo shook her head, "No it's not that, it's just when I think about where you grew up, it hardly seems fair."

"That's life," He replied casually, shocking her with his calmness. "It isn't fair. You can sit there complaining about it, or pick yourself up, dust yourself off, pull your sandals on and do something about it. I did, and so did my family."

Momo smiled at the ground. "Yeah, you're right. I grew up in West District One."

The would-be medic gave a whistle. "Wow, nice place, passed through there on my way here."

"It is," Momo affirmed. "It's peaceful."

"Almost too peaceful… though I did meet some interesting people there. Anyway, what was that third thing you wanted?" questioned Hanataro since Hinamori did hold up three fingers.

Putting her hands behind her back, she smiled at him sweetly as the sun was setting behind her. Hanataro would remember this moment as very picturesque. "Could you call me Momo? All my friends do."

"Certainly, Miss Momo."

His need for propriety caused her to giggle covering her mouth with one hand, "Close enough for now I suppose," She then asked in a serious tone, "Now, what seems to be your problem with Hado?"

"According to my Zanpakuto Spirit, I simply have too much Reiatsu which makes it damn near impossible to use Hado which needs fine control."

"You already can speak to your Zanpakuto?! Do you know its name!?" Hinamori asked.

"Possibly," Hanataro said evasively.

"Oh, come on! Don't tease like that!" She complained.

Placing a hand on the hilt of his sword, Hanataro replied, "What I know or don't know about my Zanpakuto is between myself and him, as it should be. Now, what about my Hado problem Miss Momo?"

Pouting slightly, Hinamori replied, "Well, you could just try saying the name of the Hado in question instead of going for the full incantation. I mean, usually that weakens the hado, but if you've got so reiatsu that you can't use Hado in the first place then it shouldn't matter," She motioned towards the targets. "Go ahead and give it a shot."

'What do you think Hisa?' He asked his sword spirit.

"Go for it… but Hanataro, must you call me by that insufferable nickname?" the sword replied.

Ignoring his complaint, Hanataro faced the target raised his palm and said, "Shakkaho."

A crimson sphere twice the size of Momo's shot forth from his palm, blasting away the target and putting a melon sized hole in the wall behind the target. The two looked at each other and acting on impulse, Hanataro grabbed Momo putting her in a princess carry before activating Sphere Boundary and using Shukuchi to flee the scene before they could be caught.

Once they were safely away, Hanataro dropped concealment and said, "I think we're safe Miss Momo… Miss Momo?" The girl was clinging to his shihakusho top, refusing to look him in the face. "Are you alright?" She shook her head. "Did I scare you again?" Again, she shook her head.

'No one's ever carried me like that before! I-I didn't mean to blush and now… Now we've stopped and I don't want Hanataro to see my face. It's too embarrassing!' were the rabid thoughts running through Momo's mind.

"Would you like to stay like this for a bit till you've calmed down, Miss Momo?" He asked kindly. She stiffened in his arms for a moment before she rapidly nodded.

"Ha dif ou kno?" She asked, voice muffled by being pressed into his chest.

"Not the first time this has happened to me, my sisters used to get like this all the time when I carried them like that… for some reason."

"Get a clue you idiot," Hisa drolly responded.

"Nuu," Momo cried into his shirt.

He patted her head with his free hand, "There, there it's okay. Look, I even got you a present," Pulling out the small stone peach tree he'd made earlier. Pulling more threads out of his sleeve he made another cord and strung it. "See? A symbol of our friendship."

Momo peeked out from the folds of his Shihakusho top one chocolate brown eye looking at the item as her cheek glowed bright pink. "You gave something like that to Rukia earlier."

"Yes, I knap, work stone as a hobby, I like giving them as gifts to my friends. We are friends are we not?"

She pulled away even though he was still holding her, and her face was pink. "Yeah, yeah we are Hanataro."

"Good, that brings my total number of friends up to three."

"Just me Rukia, and someone else?" Momo asked, "Also you c-can put me down now, please."

"Of course," Placing her on her feet, he pointed at his crimson red kasa hat as he explained, "The person who made me this was a dear friend… But she is gone now."

Momo covered her mouth. "Oh! I'm so sorry."

Hanataro smiled but it seemed forced and sad, "Don't be. It was her choice. She was afraid of something. She thought something or someone was coming to get her."

"I'm so sorry Hana, but I refuse to go back. A cage no matter how pretty, how gilded, or perfumed, is still a cage. I'll never forget you," He gave his head a shake, he didn't need to remember her last words right before she… made her decision.

He was taken out of his dark thoughts when Momo shook his arm looking at him worriedly. "Are you okay Hanataro?"

He smiled. "Yes, but if you'll excuse me it's getting late and I should be going. Thank you, Miss Momo, you've been a great help," So saying he disappeared in a burst of reiatsu-less speed.

"Hanataro… what happened to you?" Momo wondered as the sun faded below the horizon.

When he looked back on it, Hanataro would view the first three weeks at Shin'o Academy as his favorite memories of his time spent there. He wasn't exactly sure what happened between Rukia and the others back before he arrived, with Hanataro being his passive aggressive self, forcing bridges to be mended more or less. Momo was the first person to join him at the table the next day smiling and asking if she could sit down. Izuru just kinda lazily plopped himself down tiredly next to her the day after that. He didn't say much, but the fact he was silently showing support meant alot to Rukia and Momo both.

The only real holdout was Renji. When he saw what the other two had done, instead of making his way over and sitting with them, he went and sat with other friends of his, a bald man, and effeminate looking man. Hanataro felt the gulf between Renji and Rukia grow wider. 'Is this my fault?' He wondered. 'Should I have just left well enough alone?'

"Don't be ridiculous, Hanataro," Hisa chastised. "If that baboon wants to be stubborn, then let him be. If he's like the animal he acts like, then maybe he's gone to fornicate over hiss perceived loss."

'I don't want to know how you know that Hisa,' Hanataro thought back as he rubbed his eyes wishing he had bleach for his brain at this moment.

The sword spirit was quick to reply, "I only know what you know about Hanataro, meaning you must've come across the information at some point."

'Uncle Kyo?' The young Shinigami guessed.

"An apt deduction as any," Hisagomeru replied. "Forgetting about the Neanderthalic Monkey for a moment, what do you plan to do here exactly?"

'Learn healing Kido, I told Hinamori that yesterday,' thought Hanataro with clear intent behind his purpose here.

The Zanpakuto Spirit sighed, hearing thunder overhead in its inner world signaling its master's confusion. Not wanting him to be sad, as that would bring forth a dirge of rain, the spirit explained, "Beyond that Hanataro. Okay so say you learn healing Kido, you cure your mother's ailment… then what? While it is nothing short of an admirable goal it does not seem like a long term one. What I'm asking is, is being a healer really what you plan to do with your whole life?"

'I haven't really thought about it,' He replied after a moment of contemplative silence.

"Perhaps you should," Hisagomaru advised, "As once you heal your mother, I fear you shall find yourself directionless and quite bored in the Fourth Division. Just because your brother was the Fukutaicho there, doesn't mean it would be a good fit for you as well."

Before he could respond, Hanataro was snapped out of his semi-meditative state by a nudge to his shoulder. Looking over he saw Rukia looking at him worriedly. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine, I was just talking with my Zanpakuto."

Icy blue eyes widening, she said, "So Momo's guess was right, you do have a proper zanpakuto already."

"I knew it!" Momo said, raising her voice a bit as she pointed at the boy who just smiled innocently.

"What's your spirit like?" Rukia asked curiously.

Hanataro paused for a moment thinking on how to respond. "He likes to tease me, but he means well. He reminds me a lot of my older brother actually."

Izuru piped up, "The one who was the Fukutaicho of the Fourth Division?"

"Yes," Hanataro nodded. "I should probably send a letter home about that. Mom and Dad deserve to know."

"What were you and your spirit talking about?" Momo asked, trying to distract him while Rukia sent Izuru a chilling glare.

"Whether I should join the Fourth Division or not actually," Hanataro replied, "The reason I want to join up is because I want to become proficient enough in healing Kido to heal my mother's illness, but he pointed out that after I do that, I may not be a good fit for the Fourth."

"As skilled as you are, the Fourth Division would be a waste of your talent Sasaki," spoke up a new voice that only two people there recognized.

"That's kind of you to say Toshi," Hanataro said as he sipped his tea.

"Shiro-chan?!" Momo squealed happily as shot up from her seat and proceeded to squeeze the small white-haired child behind her to death. "It is you! Oh, you decided to follow me after all!"

"Let me go bedwetter Momo!" The young boy growled as he tried futilely to push her off of him.

Rukai looked between the three. "Do you three know each other?"

Momo looked confused while trying to hide a blush at Toshiro's nickname for her. "You know Shiro-chan Hanataro?"

"I told you I met some interesting people in the First District, didn't I?" Hanataro replied as he finished off his tea and turned around seeing Hinamori squeezing Toshiro like her favorite plushie made him snicker. "He was one of them, the other was a… boisterous woman with some rather large assets."

"Stupid cow," Hitsugaya mutters.

"Large assets... and Sasaki?" Rukai said coolly as she glared at him.

He nodded. "Yes, Yamada is actually a courtesy name shared by myself and my brother, and trust me, she was… large, it was most certainly her defining feature, alongside her bright blue eyes, long orange hair, and her ability to hold her liquor."

Toshiro muttered again, "She probably stored it all in her udders, the Cow."

"Shiro-chan, that's not nice…pff," Momo couldn't help but snicker a bit, he'd never seen him act like this before, and it amused her.

Hanataro stood, finished with his meal. "Anyway, since you just got in today, I'll show you around Toshi."

"Oh, I can do that Hanataro-san," Momo interrupted, "You don't need to,"

"Miss Momo, didn't you want to heckle the Kido instructor about some Hado or another? You can't do that if you're playing the tour guide now can you?" Hanataro replied easily.

Momo looked down, "That's true," She looked to Toshiro, saying, "Behave for him Shiro-chan."

"I'm not a child Momo," Toshiro replied easily even as his stomach growled for food.

Snagging a couple of rice balls off of Rukia's plate he tossed them to the young boy and said, "C'mon Toshi, the tour is leaving. Make sure to keep your tray in the upright position at all times while on Sasaki tours thank you."

Rolling his eyes but smirking a little, the small boy replied, "What tray Sasaki?"

As they walked off Momo hid a chuckle behind her hand, "He's quite good with kids isn't he Rukia?"

"Yeah," she said a bit uncomfortable thinking about how soon, far sooner than she would like all of the sudden, she would no longer be a part of Shin'o Academy. As she was now a Kuchiki and that meant she didn't have time to be held back in the academy. She had an image she had to uphold now. 'I'm glad I can call them my friends for now at least.'

She imagined she would have to keep her distance from them once she joined her division in a few weeks. Until that happened, Rukia intended to enjoy these peaceful days for as long as they would last.

Rukia looked back somberly towards Shin'o Academy. She had stopped near the gates and was fondly reminiscing about the short time she'd spent here. 'Good luck everyone.'

"It's time to go," Byakuya Kuchiki said coolly from his place a few steps ahead of her.

"O-Of course," Rukia stumbled over her words. 'How should I address him?' "Nii-sama?" She tried.

"Yes?" He replied after a moment.

Rukia paused before asking, "What Division will I be joining?"

Byakuya paused for a moment before replying, "I've made arrangements for you to join the Thirteenth Division under Ukitake-taichou, one of the oldest Taichos in the Seireitei."

"Oh, thank you… Can you tell me anything about the Thirteenth?"

Before the noble could open his mouth, a sharp whistle rang out, and a familiar voice called out, "Oi, Rukia! You're leaving without saying goodbye? That's kinda rude you know?"

'Hanataro,' Rukia stopped in her steps and turned around, seeing the boy she least wanted to see, because leaving him behind would be the hardest. Ever since she told Renji of her adoption, he had become distant, their former strong relationship, strained. Yet Hanataro didn't care; he treated her normally and helped her mend some bridges. That was why it hurt so much to leave him behind. She gave an awkward smile while clutching her necklace that he made for her beneath her shihakusho. "Hey … I-I'm really not good at goodbyes."

"Who is this?" Byakuya asked, turning around to regard the newcomer with a calm discerning gaze.

Hanataro bowed, "My apologies, Kuchiki-taicho, Sasaki Hanataro. I'm a friend of Rukia's and can't just let her walk away without saying goodbye."

"Ah, Unohana-taicho speaks highly of you. She is… eager to get you into the Fourth Division. You are related to her former Fukutaicho Seinouske are you not?"

Nodding, Hanataro replied, "Yes, Taicho, but my brother chose to go by his and my shared courtesy name."

"You're a noble?" Byakuya asked.

Laughing awkwardly, Hanataro replied, "My mother was, when she was alive. I don't know if it counts for anything here, though. Her courtesy name was Fujiwara no Kaneyoshi. My father, too, was so prodigious with an odachi, he was granted the courtesy name of Ganryu."

"Impressive," Byakuya said after a moment.

It was Rukia who was impressed she had, short of the time he said he was going to adopt her, never heard Byakuya speak this much. 'Hanataro always has this effect on people.'

"Thank you Byakuya-taicho, I won't take up too much of your time as I'm sure you're busy, but in my experience, relationships are like glass."

"Glass?" Rukia commented.

Hanataro nodded. "Yes, they are fragile, easily broken, and the broken shards cut deep," He said philosophically, "They can however, if well cared for, be tempered with time. Yet, even the most well-tempered glass will break eventually, and when well-tempered glass breaks even though that's hard to do, it'll hurt even more." He noticed Byakuya grimaced at his words even as he smiled at Rukia, "I'm hoping that won't happen between me and you for a very long time, but it won't matter if the glass we've forged here is left fragile."

'That's a very roundabout way of telling me to keep in touch,' Rukia thought with a smile gracing her lips. "I get it, Hanataro. I should've said goodbye properly."

"And?" he needled.

"And I should've said goodbye to Momo, Izuru, and Toshiro too," Rukia said, looking away.

Cocking his head to the side, Hanataro asked, "No Renji?"

"I don't think he'd take me trying to say goodbye well," Rukia said flatly.

Hanataro nodded after a moment's thought. "True, he has been acting like he had his asauchi up his butt lately."

Byakuya cleared his throat. "I do believe it is time we should be going."

"Oh, right!" Without thinking, Rukia wrapped Hanataro in a quick hug. "Bye Hanataro! Tell the others goodbye for me!"

Cupping his hands over his mouth he called back, "Oh, I won't need to, by the time we get outta here, you'll be taking us out to drink to celebrate! You hear me, Rukia Kuchiki?! I'm holding you to this!"

Once they were out of earshot Byakuya said, "Hanataro Sasaki is an interesting person."

"Sorry Nii-sama, he can be a bit pushy sometimes," Rukia said quietly, the foreboding silence having fallen back down around the two once Hanataro's presence could no longer be felt.

"It's fine… Who is this Renji person?" He asked after a moment of silence.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Rukia replied, "Renji Abarai. He came from the Rukongai with me and was the one who interrupted our initial meeting… he didn't take the news of my adoption well," She finished with a disheartened sigh.

"Ah, the Monkey, I remember him," Byakuya recalled a look of distaste crossing his face that Rukia couldn't see due to walking behind him. 'I may have to keep an eye on both Abarai and Sasaki, each for different reasons.'

Back at the Academy, Hanataro had just rejoined his year group. "Sasaki, where were you?" Hisagi called out when he arrived.

Bowing, he replied, "Just saying goodbye to Rukia, she just left Hisagi-fukutaicho, and I wanted to see her off."

The tattooed man ran a hand through his messy raven black hair. "That's fine I guess, but I hope you didn't hold Kuchiki-taicho up too much, he's a noble you know, and nothing good happens to people who get on their bad sides."

"He seemed nice enough, if a little quiet," Hanataro replied. Turning to his friends, Hanataro replied, "Rukia said she's sorry but she didn't want to keep Kuchiki-taicho waiting, but to make it up to us, when we graduate, drinks are on her."

Momo and Izuru, who were looking disheartened, lightened up at this. "That sounds like Rukia-san." Izuku said tiredly.

"So where are we going?" Hanataro asked his friends.

It was Hisagi who answered, "To the World of the Living to practice Konso. I know you probably won't ever use it due to going into the Fourth Division Sasaki, and they are practically forbidden from going there, but it is a basic skill that every Shinigami is meant to know."

'Konso huh? Sounds simple enough. Besides, I've always wanted to go to the human world. I've heard mom and dad talk about it often enough. They say it's more… Energetic than the Soul Society. That it moves faster and at a less sedate pace than here.'

As he passed through the Senkaimon, he wondered what wonders the Human World had to offer.

If only he knew what was in store… Poor bastard.

Word Count: 10,184 Number of Pages: 24 Date Completed: 1/1/2022

AN: Welcome everyone to an old Bleach fic from back in the day I decided to revamp with Snowy's help. I do hope you all enjoy it. Now, I'm sure Snowy has something he wants to say to everyone.

Snowy: This story is very small in character size. We monstrously decreased the harem. It is still large but only slightly larger than issei's canon harem in dxd. That is a feat you guys have no idea. Now first things first. No this is not the Type-Moon universe. All fate or fgo characters are the real people who lived and died. We just took the soul society as the afterlife and some people reincarnated. Now we aren't going to spoil much but let's just say there are some "famous" people in fate who have a key role in the bleach verse that me and bubba edited.

Correct Snowy I've made a few but notable changes to a couple of people and things. That'll become more apparent later on. Your words as always are wise Snowy. We here at Icysnowsage Bubbajack Productions do hope you enjoyed this fic. Till next time, Happy New Year everyone! Peace!