Candice woke up before Arata and she was in a sour mood. After awaking, she peaked under the cover to see if Arata's meat rod was up with morning wood. However, to her immense disappointment, it wasn't. And so, she tried to make it stand herself, grinding her lower, exposed sex against it or simply using her hand. To add more fuel to her chagrin, nothing she did worked and she ended up frustratingly turned on with nothing to remedy it. Her movements did, nonetheless, roused Arata awake.
After the two fully awoke and dressed, Candice went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Arata didn't voice it but he did not expect the woman to actually know how to cook. Candice somehow must of felt his thoughts and chuckled, "Hey, I ain't just called Candi because I'm sweet, you know". To that Arata shrugs and follows behind her.
She prepared a simple dish; scrambled eggs and toast with butter. A quick and easy dish to start off the day.
"As much as I like having you all to myself, I feel like this isn't a permanent stay. How long do you think it'll take for you and your cousin to settle things?" inquired Candice as she ate.
Arata simply shrugs. "I do not know but I will try to find a solution as soon as possible"
"Damn. My company ain't cutting it for you" she said sarcastically.
Arata simply shrugs and continues eating. They finish and Arata bids her farewell as he leaves for his job. Candice cleans up as she thinks about her circumstances. She was in a perfect situation to try and learn more about Arata. There was a mysterious aura behind him that Candice wanted to uncover not just for his majesty, but for herself as well. She is as curious as a cat whenever she felt like it.
At Karakura High...
Arata stands by as he monitors the students enter the school.
Prior to arriving, he quickly walked to Orihime's apartment and made sure keep very quiet. He fetched his metal armor and them made his way to Kisuke's. Upon arriving, Arata asked the shopkeeper if he could modify his armor to accommodate his soul reaper form to which Kisuke gave a laugh at, proclaiming how easy that would be, but agreed.
Ichigo, Chad, and Uryu walk by and nod at him. Orihime enters the gate next and she looks at him for a few seconds before looking ahead of her.
Even now, the answer to why she feared him alluded him. He sighs heavily in annoyance before he notices someone approach him. He looks to see Tatsuki Arisawa, Orihime and Ichigo's friend, walking to him with visible confusion on her face.
He still remembered her reaction to him living with Orihime. The orange haired girl forgot to inform her best friend about his stay and to state that she had a reaction to finally finding out did little justice.
*Flashback*
A knocking at the door interrupts his T.V viewing and Arata walks to answer the door. As soon as he open the door, a fist comes flying to his face. He catches it and stares down at the person that fist belonged to. It was one of the students at Karakura. A black haired girl with brown eyes and a face just showing her ire.
"Why the hell are you here Mr. Takahashi?!" she shrieked as she tried to wretch her hand back.
"I should be asking you that. I live here" he said simply.
"Since when?!" she demanded.
"Tatsuki!" said Orihime as she exited the kitchen. She explained to Arata who Tatsuki was, stating that she is her best friend, and Arata lets go. Orihime then goes on explaining to Tatsuki that Arata was her cousin and that he was now living with her.
Tatsuki glares up at Arata impressed he could actually catch up one of hr punches but also suspicious. She knew Orihime had no other family other than her aunt and only now did she tell her about her "cousin"? She wanted to voice her doubt but held her tongue. It was clear to her that, at least, Orihime did not mind Arata's company. She actually seemed pretty happy.
*Flashback End*
This was why it confused Tatsuki why Arata did not accompany Orihime to school. Since being introduced to her "cousin", she had seen the two were always close to one another. They always came and left school together but now they are as separated as strangers. She asked Orihime about it but all she got was a forced smile and an assurance that everything was fine.
A load of bullshit, she thought.
"What happened between you and Orihime?" Tatsuki interrogated upfront.
Arata just shrugs, just like how he replied to Candice. "I have no idea. All I know is that I scared her and-"
His collar was suddenly grabbed and he was pulled to face to face with an angry teen. "If you somehow hurt her, I swear to god, you'll beg for mercy" she threatened.
Arata had to admit, this girl was aggressive like a tiger and loyal like a wolf. She is gonna go places, Arata thought.
Their interaction began bringing in attention from the other students but they were for the most part left ignored. "I did not hurt her. She saw me fight someone and when she came to see if I needed medical attention, she got scared for some reason" he vaguely explained.
Tatsuki frowns, disliking the vagueness of the statement, and lets go of the man's shirt. "Orihime doesn't like fighting. Didn't that cross your mind?"
Arata nods but breaks her claim. "True but she had seen me fight before. She wasn't scared then so why would she be scared now?". The warning bell rings and breaks their conversation. "Get to class woman"
Tatsuki scowls up at the executioner as she walks inside the school. "I don't know what you did Arata but you better fix it. I hate seeing Orihime so upset"
He says nothing back as she leaves him be. He walks inside a few minutes after.
Later...
It was the same old. Arata came to the shop, transforms, and starts his training. After practicing with Kisuke and then Tessai, Arata moved to Yoruichi. He has still not been in contact with Unohana yet but felt that was going to change in the near future.
He still hasn't figured out a way to reconnect with Orihime yet. Probably because he was still trying to figure out what the hell he did to scare her so bad.
Maybe you can take her out to dinner? She is pretty simple, you know. Or how about a gift? Girls love gifts.
Hitokiri's suggestions did sound safe and nice but he had a sinking feeling that would not solve everything. Orihime may be simple but she wasn't dumb. It will seem like he is trying to buy back her trust. Even the emotionless Arata can see that.
He walking around the rocky training grounds on his hands with Yoruichi looking on with a uninterested disposition. Even though she, Kisuke, and Tessai offered to help him, all he ever did was sleep, eat, work, train, and repeat. She remembers the time she told him to chill out or he will overwork himself but it would seem that he did not take her words to heart. She sighs tiredly as she watches with mild amusement at the hand-walking Arata.
She would be lying if she said she was not interested in the man. He just radiated an aura of mystery around him. Then there was his overall demeanor. She had seen many soul reapers and her own soldiers harden themselves but none of them came close to Arata. He was unrelenting, undeterred, and unbreakable.
For the most part, she thought.
It wasn't just her either. Kisuke and Tessai have been scouring every document for some clue as to where he might have came from. Aizen was the first suspect but with how obvious Arata was, he was put aside for now. Whenever they questioned Arata, all they ever got was vague clues and breadcrumbs.
She smiles as she comes up with an idea. "Hey Arata!," she called out. "Wanna take a break and head out to town with me?"
"No"
The one word answer made her frown. "Come on! You've been training nonstop. You're going to hurt yourself one of these days. Let's have some fun" She said.
"I will manage"
She places her hands on her hips and kicks Arata's stomach, knocking him on his back. "You're strong but not godly. You come here to train everyday and if you don't stop, your body will crumble under all the stress you've been putting on yourself. How can you fight properly if you're sore beyond relief?"
The two stare at each other before Arata stands up and shrugs. "Fine" he relents. He transforms back into his streets clothes with consisted of sneakers, jeans, and a black tank top. "Also, I don't come here everyday".
Yoruichi's face softens and she smiles. "Just wait at the entrance while I get changed". He nods and head back up to await the werecat.
After some time, Yorichi come out in a different set of clothes. Seeing as how casual he was dressed, the ex-captain went casual as well, dressing in similar clothes with black leather jacket over her. "Let's be off" she said and the two walked off into town. Arata feels a slight chill down his spine and he looks around.
It is as if someone is watching them.
Later...
As the day sky transitioned to night, the student and teacher walked around busy streets of Karakura's inner town district. The two mostly walked around.
Actually, it was mostly Arata following Yoruichi around as she check out multiple shops. She also bought a few bags of stuff and made Arata carry them. It was if they were a couple.
He still felt like eyes were on him. He tried sensing their spiritual pressure but whoever it was knew how to cloak their presence. Even as he and Yoruichi sat in a ramen restaurant, he still felt eyes staring daggers at him.
Yoruichi notices that Arata was staring off into space and tapped his hand. "Hey big guy. What're you thinking about?"
He shakes his head. "It is nothing. Just bored. Following you around while you shop is not exactly what I call a 'break' or 'fun'".
The flash goddess chuckles. "Aw come on. It can't have been that bad. I know you were looking around too"
Arata looked at her confused. "I have no earthly clue what you are talking about" he stated.
"I saw you looking at every manga stand in every shop we visited. I know you were interested so why didn't you pick up a volume?" Yoruichi questioned with a smile.
Arata shakes his head again. "I was not interested," he denied. "I do not know what you are talking about".
Now that he was thinking back, truthfully, some of them looked like good reads. He knew how to read and write from his mentor so there was no problem there.
Yoruichi saw right through his lie however. "Arata, look at me. I used to be the captain of squad 2 and the punishment force. I am a highly skilled assassin and soul reaper but... I am also a woman who likes to shop and have fun. And, if you didn't know, I like to drink or paint in my free time"
"And your point is?"
"What I'm saying is that it's okay to like other stuff. That's the beauty of people. We're capable of being more than what we are broadening our horizons. If you start reading manga, all the power to you"
Arata simply hums in response and sips his glass of water through his straw. Her words then start to process in him. Looking back, everything he has done till now has been based on necessity and aim to be the greatest warrior he can be. He has never once considering getting himself a hobby. Other than killing that is. "I'll think about"
Yoruichi had hoped for a more bigger response but smiles nonetheless. "That's more like it" she comments. "Moving on to other topics, Ichigo told me and the guys you unlocked your shikai. Congrats". Arata nods in acknowledgement. The werecat then asks, "What's their name? Your zanpakuto I mean".
"Hitokiri"
"'Manslayer' huh? That's pretty fitting for you considering how you like cutting people up" she chuckled.
Her statement make him look at her. Did she know what he did? That he killed those gangsters and the rapist? It did not bother him that she knew but what if she refused to continue teaching him because those events?
Yoruichi somehow senses his thoughts and calms him down. "It's okay Arata. I'm not mad at you or anything. Neither is Kisuke or Tessai".
"Why?" he asks.
She leans back into her chair and relaxes as she says, "Well, for starters, you only killed criminals. If it was innocent people, then we would've had a problem. It isn't so difference from me and the guys actually. Like I said, I was and still am an assassin. Same goes for Kisuke, who used to be one of my subordinates. Me and him used to end lives like those of you killed because they were a danger to the soul society and everyone around them. That, and... we know you aren't such a bad guy"
The first part he understood but the last part stumped him. "Just so you know, I enjoy what I do. I like fighting and killing. If that is sign of goodness here, then I question the moral stability of today's world"
"Yet you only target criminals" she points out smiling. "You may enjoy the things you say, and even though your likes disturb me a little, the fact remains that you don't do anything to people who aren't criminals or provoke you. You're actually pretty patient with people"
Arata sighs. "Is that really your only statement supporting your argument?"
"Not really" she chuckles. " You're also pretty considerate for others-"
"Wrong," Arata immediately says. "I care little about the opinions and thoughts of others around me"
"Then why are you sleeping at another girl's house just to give Orihime space?" Yoruichi smirks.
Arata narrows his eyes. "How do you know that?"
Yoruichi then chuckles mischievously. "Hardly anythings gets past a sly cat" she says playfully.
Arata scoffs at her. "That is purely out of my self interest. The woman's fears of me would only hinder my living conditions with her"
Yoruichi simply rest her head on one of her hands as she leans a bit on the table. "Alright," she chuckles. "Whatever you say Arata. But, personally, I think you care more about the people around you more than you think. Oh, our food is coming"
As the server sets the bowls down, Arata continues to dismiss Yoruichi's statement. He was apathetic. Orihime's feelings are only a hindrance to him. He was not acting her behalf, only his.
Hitokiri mean while shakes her head in amusement. No matter what Arata tells himself, nothing can get past her. She is, after all, his zanpakuto and zanpakuto know their masters just as well or maybe even better than their masters themselves.
In her case, it was definitely the latter.
Later...
As Arata walked Yoruichi back to the shop, Arata's feeling of being watched persisted. The worst part was that he had no clue if it was an enemy or not.
Here. I got something. It's sort of like a radar that can pinpoint reiatsu signatures. Try it. Maybe we'll catch this stalker with it.
With nothing to lose, he lightly shrugs and uses this newly acquired ability. In his mind, flame-like projections come up and he was able to track them from his location. He reached out to the one closes to him, which resembled a small flame.
'Is that...?'
He remembers Yoruichi talking about this person before and how friendly the two were. He even got to see her when he went to the soul society. Perhaps he can...
"Yoruichi. Stop" he says suddenly. He puts down the bags and walks up to Yoruichi.
"What is it?"
"Close your eyes" he says simply.
The flash goddess's heart begins to beat faster than before. "My, my Arata. What are you planning to do?" she teased.
"You will find out"
She chuckles and closes her eyes. He gently grasps and lifts her chin with one hand and use the other to move his mask until his lips show. He slowly closes the distance between them. Yoruichi feels Arata breathe tickle her lips as does Arata. The two were about to embrace and share a steamy smooch when...
"LADY YORUICHI!" shrieks a familiar voice.
Yoruichi feels someone's reiatsu flare up and before she knew it, Arata lets go of her, sets his mask back, and dodges a kick aimed at his head.
Standing before Arata and Yoruichi was Yoruichi's former pupil and current friend, Captain Soi Fon.
The little bee's face was contorted in anger as she glared swords at Arata. How dare he try to kiss her goddess!
"W-when did you come here Soi Fon?" Yoruichi stammers.
"Since the beginning of our outing" Arata answered.
"I was on my way to visit lady Yoruichi when I saw you and her go out to town!" Soi Fon yells. "How dare you think yourself so great to take lady Yoruichi on a date?! AND HOW DARE YOU TRY TO PLACE YOUR FOUL LIPS ON HER SOFT, PRECIOUS LIPS?!"
"Wait. What's a date?" Arata asks. He was ignored however.
"Wait. Hold the phone. Were you even going to kiss me Arata?-" Yoruichi questioned before Arata answered her immediately.
"Nope. I used you as bait to bring this little girl out" he bluntly said.
If he hadn't phrased it like that, she would've been impressed at his thinking and wouldn't have bopped him on the head, knocking him out.
"You show him lady Yoruichi!," Soi Fon cheers. "That mongrel doesn't deserve-". She however did not finish as she was also bopped on the head.
The werecat groans as she eyes her two knocked-out students. She was impressed that Soi Fon's stealth skills greatly improved but could not help but feel a little aggravated to having been interrupted. Especially when she and Arata were so close!
She takes her bags and drags the two to the shop.
Meanwhile, in Arata's mind...
Arata, only six, stands holding a real, steel katana in his hands. He shakes with unease as he looked at his beloved mentor and self-proclaimed "big sister".
Sakura the Hitokiri.
They stand in front of Sakura's house, in the middle of jungle. Sakura always preferred the solitary life the jungle provided as it offered a peaceful, quiet atmosphere to train and rest.
"S-Sakura-nee chan, please. I don't wanna do this" cried the young boy.
"Nonsense," Sakura dismissed. She was holding a wooden sword in her hands as she and Arata stood six feet from each other. "This is necessary for your training with me".
The two were about to spar, only, it was only Arata that wielded a deadly weapon. The reason for this spar was simple; Arata was afraid of Sakura.
He had been from the moment he first laid eyes on her. He was only a runaway in the streets when he saw the infamous hitokiri walk into town. However, as a lone child on the streets, he was hard-pressed for money. He knew how wealthy a common hitokiri was and if Sakura was the best of the best, then she must be carrying a lot of steel on her.
He took a chance as a desperate child with nothing left to lose. He purposefully bumped into her, acting as if it was an accident, and took one of her pouches from her. Seeing that she did not notice, he walks away.
He thought he was in the clear but, after about ten minutes, she somehow tracked him down and took back her money. Thinking he was gonna die that moment he steeled himself for the inevitable.
Only, it did not come. Instead, Sakura pats his head and commends him for his successful theft. She then made an offer to him. Come with her and become her student or continue to live on the streets.
As much as he wanted to get away from this crazy woman, his aching body and growling stomach did the talking. He reluctantly agreed.
Now, for his first lesson, he had to land one cut of whatever size on Sakura. That was easier said than done!
"I'm not afraid of you" he stammered.
What an obvious lie that was. "Shame on you for trying to lie to your onee-chan" she teased.
Arata blushes as she could see right through whatever he says. "S-Sorry"
"This spar will build your resolve. I won't attack aggressively but I will if I see hesitation and force you to attack me" she said
"I don't get it! How is this suppose to make not fear you anymore?!" he cried.
"You will see" Sakura said simply. She starts making her way towards him, forcing him to back away in fear.
"I... I don't want to hurt you onee-chan" Arata whimpers.
"To bad. Because you will". She held back significantly, otherwise this "spar" would end prematurely. That was the last thing Sakura wanted. She wanted Arata to toughen up.
The little boys yelps as he blocks the initial strike. Even though Sakura was holding back, the power that swing had was enough to make his arms shake. She continues attacking with her watered-down attacks, trying to coax the boy into attacking back.
Arata was better than most boys his age when it came to a blade. His father often taught him how to handle a weapon prior to becoming a depressed drunk so he was able to block some of the attacks but sadly, the hitokiri was too quick for him and he was constantly hit by the wooden stick. Now donning a plethora of bruises on his arms and legs, he shakes in trepidation.
Sakura shakes her head in disappointment. This was going nowhere but, hopefully, that will change soon. "If you don't start attacking, I will aim higher at your tender neck and small head". The threat instills fear in the boy and to her delight, he steps up to her, albeit hesitantly.
He remembers the words of his father. Both hands on the handle. Feet shoulder width apart. Blade and point angled towards opponent. And most importantly, breathe.
With a battle cry, Arata attacks, starting with an overhead attack, to which Sakura easily blocks. "Too choreographed. And too slow. Again". And again he did. Multiple times as he went on his own offense. He was blocked each time. "Come on Arata," Sakura encouraged. "Go wild on me. Make me pay for all the pain I gave you! COME ONE!".
Her words ignited a spark in the little boy. He yells and swings with only one hand and Sakura allows him to push her back. With renewed vigor, he attacks and alternates his sword between his hands. To Sakura's surprise, the strength in each attack was greater than when he was using proper form. This boy had raw potential but it needed more refining.
Arata endurance was not like the one he has today. He was beginning to pant from the exertion and the power in each of his attacks was dwindling with each swing. He needed to think fast otherwise Sakura would attack him again.
With nothing left to lose, he kicks with all his might at Sakura's unprotected shin. She buckles and Arata see this small window of opportunity and takes it. With one last battle cry, he diagonally swings his blade across Sakura's chest, from her left shoulder to her right side. The cut was large but not too deep to be fatal. She will survive.
Sakura smiles wildly underneath her mask. This "spar" worked as a charm. She falls down on her back and Arata comes back from his battle high. He drops his sword in disbelief of his actions and hurriedly comes to Sakura's side crying for forgiveness. "I-I'm so sorry nee-chan. I-I-I couldn't control myself. Oh god, you're bleeding. Please don't die nee-chan"
Sakura chuckles, "I survived deadlier hits than this. I'll manage. Just head inside and fetch the box underneath the table, You'll find a medical kit inside". Arata does as he is told and gets the med-kit. Sakura shrugs off her top to which Arata looks away with a large blush. "Awwwww. Aren't you just the gentleman" she said pinching his cheek.
"T-This is no time to joke around. Just tell me what to do"
They then work to healing Sakura. After an hour, the two lay side by side looking up at the blue sky. Sakura was content with only slight pain. Arata meanwhile was still confused. "Why did we do this nee-chan? You could've died from this"
"Simple: we did this to make you no longer fear me. How can you be my pupil if you are too scared to be in my presence?"
Arata understood that much but that still did not answer his question. "But why this? Couldn't we have done something else? Something... safe?"
"We used this method because I needed show you something about me"
"And that is?"
"That I'm still human" she said. "I am devoid of any morals or principles. I have unearthly strength and speed. I have the ability to make kings, queens, and the most seasoned warriors tremble before me... but I am still human. I am no god. I am not invincible. And that is what I wanted to show you"
Arata's eyes widen at her words. He only realized now that he was viewing her in an impossible light. That she was this untouchable goddess of death he couldn't hope to even touch. Yet now, all that crumbled as soon as he spilled her blood. He had to admit, her plan worked. He was still scared of her as before but now, he looked up to her. It was an extreme method but he guessed it was needed.
She spoke again, directing his attentions. "Humans. Nothing more than skin and bones. That's all we ever really are and what we will continue to be. Always remember this Arata: no one is invincible. No one is unkillable. They may be harder to take down than others but, at the end of the day, they can be killed. Remember that when you face hard opponent or even situations"
Arata nods, ingraining her words in his mind for years to come.
"Now then," Sakura then said. "I need to head to the market. We have to eat dinner don't we?"
"Let me get the food nee-chan!" Arata said. "Please just rest"
The hitokiri chuckles. "You promise you won't buy any sweets this time?"
"But candy is sooooo good!" he whined.
She chuckles again and gives him two pouches of steel. "Okay Arata. I swear, I spoil you too much sometimes. Just be back before sundown alright?"
"Gotcha!" and Arata ran off from the secluded house.
In Kisuke's shop...
Arata awakens and looks around him. He was in Kisuke's shop, laying on a futon. An agitated "Ahem" makes him turn towards Yoruichi. She was smiling but it was apparent she was agitated.
"I have to say Arata, I'm impressed you were able to use Soi Fon's affections toward me to lure her out but you really need to work on your phrasing"
The bump on his head throbs violently. "Sure, sure". He looks around and notices that the small captain was not with them. "Where is Soi Fon?"
"She woke up before you and headed back to the soul society. Also, here" and she gave him a rag along with a bottle of rubbing alcohol.
"Why are you giving me this?"
"Because she drew on your mask"
The silence that followed was uncomfortable until Arata broke it. He got up and heads the bathroom. Yoruichi follows behind him as he looks as his reflection. He saw that the captain drew a smiley face on where his nose was, a mustache, and triangular goatee. "I am going to kill her" he said.
Yoruichi chuckles nervously, somewhat unsure if he was serious or not. She leaves to allow him to clean his mask. After finishing, he saw how late it was and decided to call it a night, and went to head home.
Before he left the shop though, Yoruichi stops him. "Did you have fun today Arata?" she asks.
Arata thinks about it. Other than being knocked unconscious, the day was... "It was fun I suppose. You?".
Yoruichi smiles. "It was heavenly. Perhaps we can do this more often?" she suggested before she walked up to him. She brings his head near her and she pecks his neck with a small kiss. Arata had not felt that sensation in a long time. He had to admit... the feeling of her lips on his flesh was cooling. "See you later Arata" and she head back to her room. He nods and makes his way back to Candice.
On his way back, he notices an open shop near him. A humble manga and comic book shop. He thinks for a moment until he decides to check it out.
He leaves twenty minutes later with the first volumes of three stories. One was about a giant robots or "mechas" as they are called, the other was about the hunt for a serial killer, and the last was about an ex-gangster turned teacher.
Hopefully he will gets him money's worth.
He continues his walk back when he recalls his dream. He had not thought about Sakura in a long time. Is she well, he thinks to himself. Maybe she's dead. Maybe someone already finished her off. He shrugs as he thinks that. She and him are very much alike. They both like fighting and killing and did not mind if they faced their deaths during a battle. He then wonders how she would react to this world and the powers he developed. How surprised she would if she saw Arata now.
It was then a light bulb goes off in his head. His subconscious is probably trying to give him a solution to his problem. That had to be it!
Finally, he had found a solution. Orihime won't be fearing him anymore after this week.
