It's been a while, yes, I know. College has been hectic and I struggled to catch up (with my procrastination kicking me in the ass), but I did it. Barely.
Anyways, in some chapters I received a negative review(s), and I would lying if I said that it didn't affect me. However, there's one thing that I disagree with it. They could have said that I've been inconsistent instead of being contradictory. Contradiction is one of the themes that I am tackling in this story (that I've been slowly introducing), inconsistency is actually my writing problem and I'm always aware of it. Despite reading this fic multiple times, I will admit I would miss some things because of my short attention span that it can potentially cause conflict within the story.
But thanks to this review, despite being negative, I actually did some edit to a certain chapter that I believed caused the reviewer to think Kanao being "contradictory". It doesn't actually change much what Kanao has to do in the entire story, only recontextualize her motivation/outlook.
If you're lazy, here's the (relevant) change I made:
Old:
"I didn't save you because you were special," she responded. "I saved you because I know you."
New:
"I didn't save you because you were special," Kanao replied. "I saved you because I was there when there was no one who wouldn't."
Because those people who suffered she saw had at least someone on their side. She simply lend a hand for those who can't stand up on their own.
You can go back chapter 2 if you want to read this in context there.
On that note, I actually don't mind constructive criticism since this is sort of my 'first' fanfic that involve, uh, I dunno, originality I guess? Most of my works was OC-insert until this one. I want to improve my writing and I want to know what you guys think. If you think I've done something wrong in the story, please don't hesitate to tell me.
Anyways, happy reading! And sorry for the long author's note.
(Chapter unedited. There will be mistakes.)
How surprising.
So this one was the victim that everyone thought.
I know there was another one but that is a different story.
For this one was a familiar face who had somehow forgotten mine.
excerpt of certain Shinigami's encrypted report
Observers from Overlooking Gaze: Audience
…
If Kanao's sense of time was right, it has been a week since she had started her training.
Her impression to the training was weird but somehow still helpful. It wasn't about going through trials and conquering to move to the next, it was about 'reawakening the former instincts', according to Kanroji's words. "Memories may be forgotten, but not your instincts. It is part of you, engrained on you, because you experienced what you've been through," Kanroji had told her.
Trial and error. That was their—no, her training about. Kanroji taught her the basics first, and was not surprised when Kanao immediately mastered it for a day only by seeing it. Next was fighting Zenitsu, who somehow surprised her that she was actually expecting a level of intensity from him compared to what she had been expected of him.
So they fought and fought. Each time she fell, she would stand up with proper stance as if it was natural. Each time she lost her grip of her wooden sword, she would grip it firmly as if it was ordinary. Each time she was defeated, she fought back as if it was what she should do. Each moment of the time she trained she learned that she never thought that she already had with her.
The tenacity to never back down.
Once again, Kanao and Zenitsu had fought, and find themselves on equal footing. She would block and retaliate, dodge and swing her weapon, and stabilize her breathing consistently throughout the fight. Kanao knew that this will have a different outcome compared to their prior fights. No one will emerge victorious.
But then something changed, Kanao noticed. Zenitsu changed his stance and the look on his eyes, almost closed to slits, was directed at her closely. Too closely. Kanao almost went still, realizing what was happening.
Eyes. Eyes that look at her. Intent. Intently. Eyes that look at her intently.
Directly at her neck.
With a speed she can't see with her own eyes, he disappeared. However, already sensing his intent, she dodged. She doesn't even know she dodged, she was simply compelled to just move.
It took her a moment that she had jumped, looking down at Zenitsu who stood dumbstruck with his own wooden sword outstretched at her previous position. Kanao landed on the ground behind him, looking back at him, as shocked as him.
Kanroji, who had been watching them in the side, said to her—
"—that I have passed her training, and I will be accompanying you, Iguro-san."
Iguro simply hummed, acknowledging her words. Kanao followed him after she reported what transpired in her training with Kanroji.
They walked in the streets of Flower District, or rather the 14th District. Kanao has no idea why her current teacher, Iguro, chose to be here, but she guessed it was probably only for now. She decided to follow behind him silently, trying to ignore the stares they received.
"Tell me," he started. "In here, what do you see?"
"Uh…" Kanao looked around. "Extravagant buildings and… smiling people?" she said, unsure.
"That's true," he said. "In the outside, it has always been like that." Iguro was silent for a while. "In Seireitei, compared to here, what did you see?"
Kanao looked at his back, surprised. How did he—
"I have my ways, Tsuyuri Kanao," Iguro replied to her silent question, not even turning his head to her.
They continued their way awkwardly. Kanao doesn't know how to respond the unexpected question, not knowing the intention. "I think Seireitei and the Flower District is not much different. Except for the exuberance by the people in here."
"You think?"
"My time in Seireitei doesn't leave me much for comparison. I was only there briefly." Twice, she silently added.
"Then I'll change my question. What was your impression when you were there compared to the second one?"
He even knew that… Kanao wondered how he knew her activities, suspicious. "At first… I thought there were lots of ordered buildings, and a certain white tower in the center. In the second time… I haven't really looked around. I just want to go home."
"Was there any people in there?"
"Of course," Kanao said. "Although, I didn't interact with them." Truthfully, she actually avoided them. She opted to walk with less people, and besides, her time while walking in Seireitei, or rather walking back to go home for Rukongai, was during night time. There weren't any people around in the first place. Except for a certain slit-eyed shinigami with a particular white haori, which she somehow encountered each time when she was there.
"Hmm. I see," Iguro said, still walking ahead of her. Then both of them went silent.
Silence accompanied them as they stroll. Looking around, Kanao realized they were simply walking in circles around the 14th District. They have passed the same building and the same people, and those people eyed them, which might be the reason why they were receiving stares as they passed them.
"That reminds me," Iguro started, as if remembering. "Why is Agatsuma Zenitsu not with you?"
"Zenitsu reasoned that he had nothing to teach me, so he left."
"Tsk." Iguro clicked his tongue. And even without turning around, Kanao can feel him scowling. "I'm sure he just wanted to spend time with Kanroji."
That is a likely thought considering Zenitsu, but… "I think he was going somewhere."
"You think? Where do you think he's going?"
"…he said something about visiting someone," she said, remembering his downcast eyes and solemn behavior when he said his reason why he can't teach her before leaving. "Something about… a grave."
Iguro was silent, their footsteps somehow deafening between them, then sighed as they finally stopped their walk. "Then forgot about him. For now, this is my first task for you." He turned around and pointed to a corner.
Kanao looked at the mean-looking thugs who seems ready to fight. "…first task?" she looked back at him, hesitant.
"Yes. First task." He nodded, then tilting his head to where he pointed. "My lesson doesn't only involve fighting, but also strategizing. Beat those good-for-nothing thugs with a sense of mind and purpose. Go."
…why does it feel like he has grudge against them and he was sending her to beat them up? Kanao shook those thoughts away. She walked towards the thugs and attempted to interact with them, which proves to be futile as they immediately showed hostility to her.
The thugs laid in the ground, writhing, as Kanao walked back to Iguro. "I did it," she said.
"Good job," he said, crossing his arms. "So? How did it feel?"
"When beating them up…?" Seeing him only staring at her, she continued, "Um, I feel… nothing."
"You failed, then."
"Huh?"
"I told you to beat those thugs with a sense of mind and purpose, but you didn't even spare a single thought about them."
Kanao frowned. "If they are good-for-nothing thugs, I don't think they deserve a thought from me."
"Oh, they do," he said. "That they are troublesome thugs, and you are beating them up for greater good."
But I think the methods are not that good, either… Kanao didn't dare to voice her thoughts.
Iguro sighed. "Follow me. Since this doesn't work on you, I'll look for another one."
Leaving the unconscious thugs behind, Kanao cast them a backward glance as they walked away. For some reason, she felt like she had seen them before. She silently followed behind Iguro.
Leaving the 14th District, they entered the next district. They weren't much change in the 15th District, with its creative buildings and a little confusing structure—which she just noticed—erected around them, fitting for the district's theme of artistic entertainment. Although, as Kanao and Iguro traversed ahead, they entered yet another dark corner.
"Here." He pointed. "Look at them."
Kanao blinked, tilting her head. These thugs… she had definitely seen them before. "And then?" she looked at Iguro, confused.
"Beat them up."
Despite still confused, she approached the thugs. It wasn't until she has took a close look at them that she finally knew why they looked familiar to her. "You… aren't you the one who almost took Hara-san away?" she said, pointing at them in surprise.
"Huh?" One of them turned to look at her, then backed away in fright when they saw her. "What the!? What the hell are you doing here?!"
"I… uh…" Kanao looked back at Iguro, seeing him with his arms crossed with a murderous look aimed at the thugs. "Uh, I was supposed to…" she trailed off, remembering the words when she was last visited by the Black Zeal from a certain corner. If she touches any of the members of Black Zeal, she would get severely punished. That's already too late, she thought, inwardly face-palming. She finally recalled the faces of thugs she beat up earlier. They were the same faces who gathered around her with keen, suspicious eyes.
"Supposed to what?" the other thug asked, the same thug who had attempted to take away Hara from the establishment.
"…I'm supposed to ask you question," she said, finally.
The thugs looked at each other. I know. It wasn't a good lie, she acknowledged.
"…alright. What's your supposedly question to us, to some thugs in the corner?"
She spared a glance back at Iguro, who looked confused. "Why are you all here in Blue Company? Aren't you all supposed to be in Orange Zeal?" she asked.
One of thugs scowled, clicking his tongue. "Ever since Boss' disappearance, we're no longer working as a group. We're in disarray and the members are currently scattered. Miki doesn't seem to be motivated to lead in our leader's position. I heard he was shamed by Boss."
Boss… she thought. They must be talking about Inosuke. "This Boss of yours… he disappeared?"
"It's been weeks, I think. I don't know. Time in this world is so confusing."
Then ever since I was approached by him, he didn't went to Black Zeal anymore? "Do you know why—"Ah, she remembered as soon as she said those words. It was the time when Inosuke was demanding a strange Fang of Vengeance. Her Fang of Vengeance, which he told her was a fair fight between them. "Are you searching for your Boss?" she asked instead.
"To be honest? We want to. At least, the two of us wants to." The thug pointed his thumb to his companion. "I don't really know what's happening, but it seems like Miki is planning something. Most of the members of the group followed him."
"Who is this… Miki person?"
They shifted uncomfortably. "You remember that guy who talked with you and beat you up… a few weeks ago? Anyway, that was Miki, the Noble Pretender."
Kanao remembered. It was the guy who had strange manner of speaking. "You mentioned most of the members went with him, where are they now?"
"We don't know. Since we didn't went with his plan, we're just being a bum here with nowhere else to go."
"I see." Seems like she will having a quick visit with Inosuke after this, Kanao guessed. "Thanks for answering my questions." She bowed in courtesy at them before she turned around and went towards Iguro, ignoring the confused 'huh?' behind her.
Kanao was about to say something, but she saw Iguro being distracted with an incredulous look on his face, looking at the certain direction. She followed where he was looking, and froze when she saw it. Shinigami? What is the shinigami, especially so many of them, doing here in this place? "Did something happened?" she said, confused.
Iguro was silent, and Kanao saw him contemplating as if searching what to do before he turned to her. "You didn't beat them up."
"…I didn't," she replied, not expecting those words. Isn't the shinigami lurking around more important?
"And?"
She searched for the right words, shaking the matter away about the shinigami. "And because I have already beat them earlier, I decided to approach them with a sense of mind and purpose. So I talked with them." Kanao was surprised how those words flowed from her mouth, despite being made up at the spot. "And talking with them instead of beating them is part of a strategy," I think, she almost added. Iguro would surely question her if she said that.
Her current mentor threw her a suspicious look. "And what did you talk about?"
"About their Boss."
Iguro raised an eyebrow. "About Inosuke? What did they talk about him?"
It was Kanao's turn to give him a suspicious look. "You knew they were Black Zeal the whole time."
"No. They were not Black Zeal. They were never one in the first place."
Looking over at Iguro's annoyance, she recalled the thugs' desire to look for their Boss. "I wonder where he is..." Kanao will have to search around the Flower District to look for him. He tends to pop up in unexpected time and place.
"Who knows? Probably having a fight or something," Iguro said, indifferent. "Now for the next lesson, let's face your fears."
Kanao blinked. "Does that mean I passed the initial lesson?"
Iguro didn't respond and raised his arm. She waited for something to happen and his long sleeves shifted as if something squirming inside, then a small white slender head peeked out from the edge of his sleeve.
Kanao stepped back, her body tensing, seeing a familiar silhouette of a snake as her mind instantly went back to her encounter in a small house with a strange amalgamated snake.
"Facing your fears," he said in affirmation, looking over at her reaction. "This will be the lesson is about. I know, Tsuyuri Kanao, of your encounter. That's why I'm lending Kaburamaru to you as part of your lesson."
She eyed the snake first, the familiar white-skinned slithering snake, pointing its beady eyes at her. Hesitantly, she warily outstretched her hand and slowly reached the snake. Kanao twitched when it eagerly twisted around her arm, sliding its way until it came to rest around her shoulders. Kanao felt like she was turned into a stone, unable to move.
"Take care of Kaburamaru for me," he told her, then turned around to the direction where the shinigami was seen lurking. For a moment, he stopped and looked at her. "In order to pass this lesson, get acquainted with Kaburamaru. That's all." Then he was gone in the corner.
Kanao doesn't know when she stood there, frozen with a white slithering animal resting on her shoulder until someone poke her in the back. "Hey, are you okay?" came a worried voice behind her, which she recognized was one of the thugs she interacted earlier.
"Yeah," she replied flatly, still rooted in her spot.
"Hey, um… about what happened before," the thug said, strangely nervous. "We're kinda sorry about it."
"Yeah," Kanao replied.
"I know it's strange we're apologizing about it, but you're the one who raised a hand against us, you know? It's, sort of, our policy to repay it."
"Yeah."
"Yes, we know it was bad trying to drag away the Oiran. I guess, consent is the most important thing, right?"
"…"
"That's why, umm… this time we're doing this the right way now so, umm…"
"…"
"With your, uh, permission, will you go out with me?!"
"…"
"Hey! I'm supposed to be asking that, not you!"
"That's your fault for asking too late, idiot! I'm asking her first!"
"…"
Kanao was only vaguely aware what they were talking about, only a blur and a static that registered in her mind. However, before she realized it, she was by herself without the thugs earlier. Blinking in confusion, she looked around looking for them, then looking down at her new companion, resting, coiling in her shoulder, seemingly satisfied. Seeing it asleep, she finally moved from her spot slowly, gently moving forward to her destination, trying to not to awake it.
But still, she wondered. What happened to the thugs? Kanao can faintly remembered that they were asking something from her and then they were gone.
Pleasant and lovely disposition.
Perhaps I should have expected she always had it with her.
But still, to find her here in this place…
Why is she here?
– excerpt of certain Shinigami's encrypted report
Kanao sat in her usual spot outside her 'home'. As much as she wants to pretend that doing her 'hobby' in observing the people entering the Flower District, she can't ignore the now awake snake who seemed interested what she was doing and imitated her observing to the people. She discreetly glanced at it before she returned her eyes in the street.
Facing her fears… how will she do that? No one taught her how nor did Iguro give her a hint. Confused, Kanao decided that she return to her 'home' that was situated between the 14th and 13th district and give it some thought how to face her fears. And so here she is. Going back to her usual undying hobby.
"Then, tell me, what do you fear?"
Now that reminds her, someone asked her that question. Someone with a towering figure with strange spiky hair.
"Pleasant Eyes!"
Kanao nearly lost her balance and was close to fall to her back when someone—with suspiciously familiar figure with certain pink hair—hugged her out of nowhere. She looked down at the small shinigami burying her face to her chest. "Kusajishi, it's been a while," Kanao greeted.
"Yes, it has been a while!" Kusajishi beamed at her, her arms still wrapped around her. "I was worried! I didn't see you for a while and I thought something had happened to you."
She… wasn't wrong, Kanao thought. Many things happened since the last saw the little Shinigami. "I'm fine. At least now, I'm here." For now. Kanao won't be staying much longer now that she accepted the offer to become a Shinigami. Kusajishi doesn't have to know that, for now.
Kusajishi smiled widely. "I'm glad." Her eyes trailed to the coiling, slithering in her shoulder. "Whoa! Is that a… snake?"
"I'm looking after it," Kanao assured, seeing the tiny Shinigami cast a cautious eye to Kaburamaru. "The owner has to take care of some business." Oh. Now that reminds her… "Kusajishi, is there some Shinigami other than you patrolling in 15th District?"
The tiny Shinigami pondered. "I think so…? I dunno the entire details myself, but I heard they will be monitoring the Flower District more closely than before."
Is it because of an intruder that Muichiro talked about before? "Do you know the reason why…?"
"Like I said, I dunno the entire story." Kusajishi shrugged. "But I hope they don't have to be… so intense? My time here would be spoiled if they keep hovering around here," she said, pouting.
"Hmm." Well, Muichirou did say that the public doesn't know about the intruder to prevent panic. This is probably Kusajishi's way to hide the entire reason.
"Anyway, enough about the Shinigami," Kusajishi said, stretching herself as she sat beside her. "It's our time, and I'm on a break. Do you know some fun stuff to lighten up my boring day?"
"I…" Kanao blinked at her. "I'm afraid I don't know any… 'fun stuff'…"
"Should have expected that," Kusajishi laughed childishly. "Well, fun times! Let's talk about fun times! If you don't know about it too, then let's just… talk, I guess."
For some reason, Kanao felt guilty. Then she immediately shook it away. Kusajishi is the one who approached her, her—a person who doesn't know anything but has an undying hobby to observe people. Why should she expect that she knows anything… about… fun…
"My apologies, Kusajishi," Kanao found herself saying. "I'm afraid I don't know… anything… of… fun…" Damn, she thought. Why is this so hard to say this…?
"Seriously?!" the little Shinigami exclaimed. "I know you have a lame hobby, but to this extent—"
Kanao simply sighed. "I know."
"…you know, people would normally shout at me for being insensitive."
"They do?"
"Yeah."
Well, she can understand why they would yell at her, Kanao guessed. But… "I know I have a lame and boring hobby. I have accepted that a long time ago. Yelling at you won't do much to stop you from saying it."
Kusajishi had a strange expression. "…really?"
"That's just how people are. I observe. I saw people react to certain things, like getting angry, getting reduced to crying, or smiling happily. Why should I try to argue with you when it's true anyway?"
And that is the reason why she doesn't react. Kanao knows what they are trying to do when people approach her. Make her laugh, make her sad, make her angry—she knew the intention behind it. Why should she react when it doesn't draw a genuine emotion from her?
Besides, her reaction doesn't held any significance. To them, it was just a game. People trying to change an emotionless girl's expression. What a sight it must be.
"You're just like Ken-chan!"
"Eh?" Kanao turned her head to Kusajishi in surprise.
"Ken-chan is the most honest person I've met! He does what he wants to do, he fights who he want to fight, and speaks what he wants to speak. You're just like him. A person who does things because they can."
Kanao frowned. "…I don't think that's the definition of an honest person." But still, Kusajishi was right, she silently admitted. Honest means being direct and true. And the description Kusajishi said about her Captain was not wrong. In a way, Zaraki Kenpachi is an honest person.
"Really? But I won't take back my word. Ken-chan is an honest person, and so are you!" the tiny Shinigami giggled. "I'm such a pro for choosing great friends. Good job, me!"
That… flustered her a bit. Friend. Kusajishi does truly see her as a friend.
"Ah! Not only Ken-chan is an honest person, I think he's a great one, too! Tall, dark, and rough. A true definition of a handsome person!"
Now that… doesn't sound like Zaraki Kenpachi from the last she saw him.
"But most of all, he doesn't fear anything! He's the most dependable person, too!"
Then, tell me, what do you fear?
…Fear. Fear, huh? Kanao glanced down at Kaburamaru, who looked like he—is it a he? she wondered—was glaring at Kusajishi.
"Ah, right! You never introduced that pet snake. Does it have a name? What's its name?" Kusajishi leaned closer to Kaburamaru who hissed at her when she was close enough. "Wha—?! That's one of meanie snake!" The Shinigami backed away, startled.
"His name is Kaburamaru," Kanao replied, halfheartedly.
"Kaburamaru? Nice to meet you, Kaburamaru!"
"…Kusajishi."
The tiny Shinigami turned to her, ignoring the vicious hissing from the white snake. "Yeah?"
"Does… Zaraki-san really doesn't fear anything?" Kanao asked.
Kusajishi nodded without hesitation. "Yes."
Well, Kanao should have expected, she guessed. "…what about you? Do you have something to be afraid of?"
"I do."
Now that is a surprise. "Really?"
"I'm afraid… of not seeing Ken-chan anymore. I want to be with him forever."
Ah. That is a pretty common fear. Kanao should have expected that.
"The reason that is a fear of mine because," Kusajishi continued, "I'm afraid if I'm not with him, Ken-chan might lost his way. I have to be there to guide him, point directions where he wants to go. Ken-chan is bad at choosing roads, after all.
"Most of all, I'm afraid he will choose a road I can't see. If I can't see it, who will guide him to the appropriate direction?"
"…I see." Kanao didn't expect her reason would go in that direction.
"What about you, Pleasant Eyes?" Kusajishi asked her, with a strange melancholic smile.
"…my fear," Kanao glanced down at Kaburamaru, now resting at her shoulders. "This guy, probably."
Kusajishi looked confused.
"But I don't think that counts."
"What do you mean?"
"Fear, for me, is something I can't handle. Something I can't… control. This little guy with me is something I can handle. It's true that I'm afraid of Kaburamaru, but he's not something I fear."
"Hmm." Kusajishi frowned thoughtfully. "Hmm...? I don't think I understand what you mean. Aren't they the same thing?"
"Well… you're not wrong. Fear and being afraid can mean the same thing."
"But… you don't see them as the same?"
"You could say that."
"?" Kusajishi looked even more confused.
Kanao can't blame her for that. She had always categorized Fear as something… unknown. Something that can't be grasped. True, Fear is being afraid, but with a difference that she can't reach it—she cannot conquer it no matter what she does.
"In other words," the tiny Shinigami said after a moment of confusion. "You have no fears, but you're afraid of Kaburamaru."
"Well… basically, yeah."
Kusajishi nodded. "Yup. I still don't understand."
Kanao sighed. "I won't blame you."
"Well—"Kusajishi started but a familiar ringing interrupted her. She pouted. "My time here is up. My denreishinki is ringing. Well! At least, we talked, Pleasant Eyes!" The Shinigami stood up before turning around to Kanao with a wide smile. "That was fun! You were lying you didn't know about fun."
"I… it-it was fun…?" Kanao trailed off, confused.
"Yup! Fun takes many forms! What we just did was one. Two friends talking about fear, that's the fun part!"
Kanao thought otherwise. It was a depressing topic to talk about. Why does she think that was fun…?
"Until we met again, Kanao-chan!" Kusajishi waved at her as she ran ahead. "Don't you dare disappear on me when I visit again!"
Again, with that name… Nonetheless, Kanao raised a hand to the fading form of the pink-haired Shinigami among the crowd. As the tiny silhouette of Kusajishi disappeared, she looked down at the slithering companion on her shoulder. Was she only overthinking that being afraid and fear being different? She will admit that they are, maybe, the same thing but…
I can handle Kaburamaru, she thought resolutely, didn't I say so that I don't fear him?
Hesitantly, she lightly touched the snake. As if confused, Kaburamaru raised its head, looking at her.
They had a stare down for a while. "Let's…" Kanao started, hesitant. "Let's be friends, Kaburamaru."
Kaburamaru made a noise and incline its head as if nodding at her words.
Was it just her, or was Kaburamaru was smiling at her?
…
Suffocating. Closed space and lack of fresh air traveling around.
How truly suffocating Gin found himself in this position.
And yet he stayed. He has to stay, attending and observing. He ignored the pleasant smell wafting around, its hypnotic fragrance swirling. He ignored the pleasant disposition of the women walking around, their lovely smiles mesmerizing. He ignored the atmosphere of the place, pretending to be one of the customers of this establishment.
"Are you not having fun, Shinigami-sama?" a charming voice said.
Gin offered his usual, unpleasant smile. "My apologies. This is my first time being here. But I'm sure you're trying to make me comfortable, right?"
The Oiran in his arm smiled, that professional, stiff, 'this is my job I'll ignore how unpleasant he is' smile. "I'll try my best, Shinigami-sama."
He ignored the Oiran, opting to look around the suffocating room. Warm colors of brown and red bathed the room, giving an inviting atmosphere yet sexual atmosphere. Most of the furniture are made of wood. Consistent warm colors also decorated the walls and ceiling, the intricate swirling designs that gives that disposition of luxurious yet relaxed environment.
Oirans walked around like a slithering snake, capturing and seducing customers to make them 'feel good'. However, Gin was surprised the variety how Oiran treat their customers. Most commonly, a sexual companion was expected. Secondly, a drinking buddy was also expected but not quite common. And lastly… Gin swept his gaze to a particular Oiran. Rarely, a simple talking buddy was enough for a 'feel good' treatment.
"Hara?" the Oiran perked up, noticing him gaze. "Ah, that inexperienced one? Her services is limited mostly for talking customers. Sometimes, she drinks but I've never seen her disappear 'behind the curtain' with the customers she's entertaining."
"Behind the curtain…" That must have mean sexual services, Gin thought.
"Of course I'm much better than her. I can do all kinds of services."
He stopped the Oiran's hand to travel to a suggestive place. Gin gave her a smile. "A companionship is enough me, dear. Don't go too far than I asked."
The Oiran flinched. "Y-yes. I'm sorry, Shinigami-sama."
Gin swallowed a sigh. There is nothing more he wants to do than leave this establishment, but… He returned his gaze to the Oiran they called Hara. How surprising. She's here. He wondered how she landed in this place.
However, the most curious thing is that she doesn't seem to recognize him.
He continued to stare at Hara's direction. The Oiran he stared at perked up, looking at to him. Gin offered his usual smile. She returned it with her lovely smile. That gesture confirmed his suspicion. That is definitely her. Ubuyashiki Amane was one of the people who returns his smile and not think there is ulterior motive behind it.
Oh? Gin raised an eyebrow, seeing another Oiran approaching Hara. She has the same hair color as Hara, mesmerizing deep blue eyes with otherworldly shine on it. Gin chuckled. How surprising. Amane—or rather, Hara is friends with his target of observation. The appearance of that Oiran matched the description he was given.
A tight grip on his arm made turn his head, looking down at the Oiran who immediately painted her face her usual 'professional' smile. Gin decided to have some fun. "You were twisting your pretty face into scowl, didn't you?" he teased.
"Un-unconceivable, Shinigami-sama!" she whispered, panicking. "A scowl on an Oiran's face is unbefitting!"
"But I know what I see, dear."
"You-you saw wrong! An Oiran must be always beautiful."
"Beautiful, pleasant, and lovely, am I right?"
The Oiran beamed, blissfully ignorant. "You are right, Shinigami-sama!"
"Hmm." He feigned a thoughtful face. "But… a true beauty is someone who has equally beautiful on the inside, right?"
"…eh?"
"You were glaring at your fellow Oiran, dear. I wonder what sort of thoughts was going on in that pretty little head of yours."
"I—"The Oiran looked offended, which was within his expectation. "There was nothing in my thoughts, Shinigami-sama. What are you talking about?" she said with a strained smile.
His smile widens. "Oh. There was nothing on your head. I understand."
"Wha—! That is not what I mean!"
"Life is not a competition," Gin ignored the Oiran's words, "nor a plaything either. Companionship is not to be underestimated, dear, human beings are social creatures. There are many forms of pleasure and they are not ranked according to experience." He put a finger to her lips. "Be careful to twist your beautiful face with that rotten personality of yours, my dear experienced Oiran."
Gin stood up, leaving the stunned Oiran behind. He approached where Hara and his target to their 'stall'. Hara stood up when she saw him and elegantly bowed to him. "Welcome, Shinigami-sama. Is there a problem?"
He decide to return her bow with a smile. "Your name is Hara, right? You're friend told me about you."
Hara blinked, and made a suspicious glance at the Oiran he left behind him, who probably looked incensed by now. "She did…?"
"They weren't exactly positive," he told her bluntly.
"Ah," she laughed nervously. "Well, I have that reputation. Especially that I have a bodyguard now," she whispered the last part.
Gin decided to ignore the whispered part and turned to Hara's fellow white-haired Oiran. "I'm afraid I wasn't able to know your friend's name."
"Right." Hara turned to her fellow Oiran. "Her name is Erika. Unlike me, she does all kinds of services."
The Oiran—Erika, pouted. "I can introduce myself, Hara." After that complaint, she offered an elegant—perhaps more elegant than Hara made earlier—bow. "My name is Erika, Oiran of Red Light District. As Hara said, I can give services what my customers prefers. I assume that… our friend made you unsatisfied?" She made a pointed look behind him, probably at the Oiran he left.
He waved his hand. "No, no. Your friend's services is enough for me. I just decided to approach to tell you something before I go."
Both Oirans tilted their heads.
"Walking alone at night is dangerous, ladies. Make sure you have someone with you when you go home."
"Did… something happened?" Hara asked.
"Nothing in particular. Just telling you a warning."
"That is suspicious of you to warn us something like that, Shinigami-sama," Erika pointed out.
Gin laughed. "I get that a lot. I may be a creep, but I'm not that kind of creep. I'm just telling to be aware of a certain creep who targets beautiful ladies like you."
Hara stiffened. Erika noticed her friend's state and glared at him. "We appreciate your warning, but we can't be sure if that certain creep is about you," she told him harshly.
"Can't blame ya for that." He shrugged. "Just warning ya, ladies. Keep that in mind."
He let out a breath when he's finally out in the establishment. If there are other missions in here, he'll make sure to avoid it, or run away maybe. It was quite troublesome to be given such mission. Especially that the intruder was involved in this.
Well, at least, he's done for now. As promised, he has look for a certain Rukongai resident now that he's here in Flower District.
Terminology used in the chapter
(taken from r/bleach, wikia and google)
Denreishinki (Divine Messaging Machine): A handheld communication device that works across dimensions. Usually in the form of an early 21st century mobile phone.
Oiran (First Flower[?]): A high-ranking courtesan. Also considered as a prostitute but they were distinguished from them since they were highly trained entertainers and had a greater degree of choice who would be their customers. ([?]According to the Wikipedia, the first kanji of Oiran means 'flower' and 'leader' or 'first' in the second).
Rukongai (City of Wandering Souls): The slums outside of Seireitei where souls from the World of the Living/Human Realm are sent.
God, I finally finished this one. I first wrote this in December-January but college got in the way. Once again, big apologies for the very, very late update.
And also, remember when I said before that there will be a spinoff, Garden of Stars? It's out of the window now. Instead the ideas from it will migrate in this fic in the future (kind of mini-)arc.
I have created a spotify playlist for this fic. The current list is short but that may be increase as this story continues. Search Wild Flower soundtrip to look up for it.
See ya in next update! (And hopefully it won't be next year)