I don't own Naruto or BLEACH.

I would only willingly give my life if my friends or an innocent person were in danger. But aside from those reasons, I would not accept death easily.

Three years have quickly passed since Naruto Uzumaki was admitted to Shin'O Academy. During those years, he garnered some attention for his excellence in the four fundamental skills of a Shinigami and was even considered a prodigy by his peers. Many held him in high regard, with the thought that he would graduate earlier than the standard six-year curriculum—among the likes of Ichimaru Gin and Shiba Kaien, who enlisted in the Gotei 13 a year after joining the Academy. It was a feat that was deemed impossible and should be put in the same category as the two shows that show Naruto's possible future.

Aside from those events, there hasn't been an interesting occurrence in his life. Although his friendship with Rukia and Renji continued to flourish after learning the similarity of their lives in the Rukongai, Individuals who came from poverty and violence, dreaming of a better life, were the majority of the time the primary source of their determination. One of the reasons Renji and Rukia aspired to become Court Guards was to escape the lifestyle, and another was to honor the lives of their deceased friends.

However, it was more complex for Naruto, since he dreamed of a higher achievement than simply escaping the Rukongai. It was to atone for his failures and to forget the lingering horrors of the time he was alive. And to manage this, it was necessary to become a court guard and protect the lives of the entire Soul Society. It was easier said than done; thus, his determination to achieve the said goal was higher than anyone's.

A crescent moon was apparent in the starless skies, beaming a single light on the Soul Society. The crickets chirped quite loudly during the silent evening. Everyone was fast asleep, anticipating the activities for tomorrow. The same couldn't be said for Naruto. Every night, for the past few months, whenever he would shut his eyes, a voice would always call out to him, drawing him to a pitiless void before he awoke full of sweat and his heart thumping. After numerous instances, he would rather stay awake and ponder his past.

He always thought he was strong, and he was, well, physically. Mentally, he was weak. One tragic event caused his whole world to break down. At some point during his stay in the afterlife, he felt the urge to give up and became slightly nihilistic. It was out of character for him, considering he was always an optimist. Fortunately, he surrounded himself with people who helped him recover his resolve. It lights up the once-extinguished fire inside him. It reminded him of his Nindo and the Konoha Will of Fire which is why becoming a Shinigami became important for him. He wasn't acting for himself anymore, but for his friends and the innocent lives of different worlds. That is the only way he can forgive himself.

The door creaked open as Naruto shifted his attention. Rukia was calling out to him with a whisper, gesturing for him to follow her. As they walked on the streets of Seiretei, they tried their best not to get caught. He was starting to wonder what her business could be, considering she was always following the rules. Academy students had a curfew, and they should have been sleeping already. They continued walking until they entered the middle of the forest in the Rukongai. It was a miracle that they evaded the gatekeepers. Well, Jidanbo has always been kind to him, so maybe he deliberately ignored his actions.

"What are you doing?" He asked, his face full of worry as Rukia acted strange. "Where is Renji, anyway?"

Rukia folded her arms and scowled. "That idiot won't wake slapping his face multiple times, but he was knocked out. Stupid buffoon," she scoffed.

"Maybe because you keep hitting him, and he can't wake up," Naruto muttered in concern as he scratched his head. "So, what are we doing here?"

"Oh, that's right! Help me with Zanjutsu." She unsheathed her katana—an Asauchi that was given to students upon entering, where it would eventually become a Zanpakuto. "Renji and I are in a predicament. We keep receiving low scores on our sword skills. I don't know why."

"Low scores? Aren't you two just ranked below me?" asked Naruto as he furrowed his eyebrows. He certainly did not forget the weekly scores shown by their instructors on how much they improved. He was first, Rukia was second, and Renji was third. "Besides, your form is more flawless than mine. I just happened to have more strength, which is why I can beat my opponents."

Rukia clicked her tongue, unable to think of a lie. Asking for assistance was only a pretense; her true motive was to find out what was bothering Naruto. For the past month, she always noticed him looking solemn before he would smile when he was caught in the act and say "nothing," which led her to assume that he was hiding something. She had no right to pry, but if it was bothering her friend, she couldn't leave him be.

"N-no, that was the score from three weeks ago. "After Izuru and Hinamori passed me, my scores dropped me to fifth place," she chuckled nervously, hoping he wouldn't become suspicious."Can you help me then?"

Naruto thought for a second before he shrugged his shoulders. He was indeed confused since his mind had been filled with distractions. "All right, show me your stance."

Rukia did as she was told and looked at him for approval. He's lucky he bought her it was difficult for her to do what she did,"Is this right?" She saw him place a hand on his chin to observe any flaws.

"No, your stance is good. As I said, your form is flawless. What you lack is brute strength. Now, show me an overhead strike." He watched as she did what he told her and nodded as he realized her mistakes. "I found it." He moved behind Rukia, which surprised the dark-haired woman, and held her arms while leading her. "You don't use your legs, which is why there is not enough strength. Before you swing, you must put energy into your legs and not just your arms."

"L-like this?" She stuttered as she felt his breath on her neck, which she wasn't used to with his close again, he gently demonstrated how to strike properly while guiding her with the sword. "EEP!" She flinched upon feeling the cold hands on her legs, not realizing that she had just kicked him.

"Ow!"

"Are you alright?" Rukia widened her eyes as she quickly approached him. "I'm sorry."

"Y-yeah, I'm fine," Naruto held his hands up to stop her as she continued to apologize. "But what was that for?" He stood up while rubbing his cheeks. He wondered why his face always had to be struck by women.

"I was just surprised that you were touching my ankle."

"Oh, then it's my fault." The tables turned as it was his turn to apologize, and she tried to stop him. "I shouldn't have touched you without asking first." It was one of the lessons he learned from his travels with the perverted sage, Jiraiya, that casually touching women will put you one step closer to your casket. It was terrifying. "Do you still need my help?" He asked with a tense chuckle, hoping he wouldn't get attacked again.

"Right!"

Rukia struggled to pretend she was a complete beginner—she was far from it—but she needed to find out what was bothering Naruto, but her actions seemed to be in vain as he was completely silent, only speaking if she asked a question or criticized her form. It was getting tedious, and she was losing patience.

A few more attempts at faking followed until they both took a rest and sat down on the grass. A blast of wind swept by as they both fixed their eyes on the sky. Rukia turned her gaze to Naruto and noticed his vividly glowing cerulean eyes in the moonlight. She was so distracted by his blonde hair that she never noticed it.

"What is it?" asked Naruto without turning his head, surprising her as she was caught in the act and quickly averted her eyes, causing him to smirk. "If you think I'm handsome-! Ow!" He stopped as Rukia struck his face.

"Don't fool yourself," she said blankly.

"Fine…" He pouted before they went back to sightseeing.

"You know, I've been noticing that you are acting differently the past few weeks," she remarked as he quickly shifted his eyes towards her. "I know it's none of my business, but I just wanted to know why that is

Naruto was surprised at her straightforwardness and the fact that his friends began to notice his change of attitude. He always thought he did a good job of hiding it. That begged the question: should he tell her the truth? However, part of him refused to become a bother to anyone, which is why he kept it a secret in the first place. "I-It's nothing. I was just getting tired from all the training, that's all. After all, being ranked number one has a lot of pressure." He replied sheepishly. Rukia has always been perceptive, which made him even more nervous after he remembered.

Rukia furrowed her eyebrows, as she was not convinced. Observing his slight twitching and the sweating of his forehead, he wasn't a great liar. Or was she just a good observer? "We've been friends for three years. Don't expect me not to know if you're acting strange. So, tell me."

"There is no hiding from you, huh?" Naruto snickered. It was a good thing that Rukia was insightful. Out of their friend group, she was always the emotional anchor. Both he and Renji trusted her completely. "I guess there is no use in keeping it a secret anymore." He laid his back on the ground as Rukia waited.

"During the past few months, I have kept having trouble sleeping. Remember the time I told you about the orange-haired man I saw a few years ago?" He inquired as she nodded."Well, whenever I would shut my eyes, he would appear and call out my name. I was drawn to this mysterious person, and every time I tried to approach him, I always woke up covered in sweat and feeling fear. My sensei from before has told me that it was an act of my inner spirit trying to get to know me. But what's bothering me is that I can't even get close to it. I just don't know what to do."

Rukia took the time to ponder as she tried to give an answer. She has never heard of anyone having the same experience as Naruto. The only way someone can build a relationship with their inner spirit is through harsh training and countless fights, where their Asauchi determines their Zanpakuto (according to the Academy).

"That is a common occurrence," a feminine voice commented.

Naruto and Rukia immediately unsheathed their katanas and took a fighting stance, preparing to fight off the intruder, until a woman with golden eyes emerged out into the open from the forest. Naruto widened his eyes as he remembered her. She was the examiner when he and Renji took the entrance exam.

"Y-you are that —!"

"Yes, I remember you from three years ago," she commented as an individual landed next to her, wearing the same outfit—a black long-sleeve shirt and pants. "I see that you've grown quickly," she said, taking note of his height and his blonde hair that was slightly longer than the last time she saw him.

"What are you doing here?" asked Naruto, confusingly. "And what did you mean by a "common occurence.""

"Oh, nothing. Just strolling around the forest. Isn't that right, Soi-Fon?" She asked her companion, who nodded her head.

The now-named Soi-Fon was much shorter than the golden-eyed woman, had short black hair with bangs, and had sharp eyes that were glaring at Rukia and Naruto.

"And what I meant by "common occurrence" is that all Shinigami have gone through what you're going through. Since you mentioned that you were unable to reach this "person," it just means you are not ready." Noting the perplexed Rukia and Naruto, she further explained. "Getting to know your spirit is not as straightforward as saying "hello." You need to have resolve and a clear mind." The last statement made Naruto twitch, which made her look at him suspiciously.

"I-I see…"

Rukia saw Naruto's concerned expression as she turned to face him. She was aware of what was going through his head. She questioned whether he was telling her the truth when he said that the only thing upsetting him was not knowing his inner spirit since he was considering a means to have a "clear mind." He left out more than what he initially said, which made her worry for him.

"And now that you know, I will take my leave," said the woman as she began to leave, along with her companion.

"Wait!" Naruto called out as the woman stopped to turn. "I was wondering if you could help me. I've been having trouble having a "clear mind"—or whatever that means and I figured you could help me, since you seem to know a lot. Please." Rukia and the other two were surprised by his request and how desperate he looked. "In return… I can—!"

"Stop." She sighed and closed her eyes to contemplate before making a decision. She has heard of the rumors circulating around the blonde—about how he mastered the fundamentals of a shinigami and was recommended to enlist in the Gotei 13 as a junior. "All right, since you seem promising, I'll help you." She saw Naruto beaming. "But on one condition: I want you to keep this a secret." Naruto was confused but nodded in agreement.

The request was odd, but Naruto would do what he was told. He couldn't care less about her own affairs. What's important for him is to acquire the strength to move forward. And the first step was to fight his internal problems.

For several weeks, Naruto practiced with the woman with the golden eyes, or, as he would eventually learn, Yoruichi Shihoin. He had no idea who she was, but Rukia was more than shocked since she was practically worshiping the woman. It turned out that Yoruichi was the 22nd head of the family and a member of one of the four aristocratic houses. Naruto was made aware of the woman's power by this, although he was unconcerned about it. She wasn't a real god; she was still only human. Having said that, he continued to treat her like a regular person. He wouldn't even consider kissing her shoes to ask for forgiveness or bowing to her. It was ridiculous. However, it didn't mean that he didn't respect her.

Yoruichi was also referred to as the "Flash Goddess" when she mastered the Hoho technique known as "Shunpo," which was also one of the first things Naruto was taught. When he first trained with her, Naruto was slow as a snail in comparison to Yoruichi. She was quick, calculative, and ruthless. Whenever he would neglect something, he would pay for it by getting hit by one of her Kido spells.. So, after a few attempts, Naruto quickly adapted to her speed and was able to evade some of her attacks, which greatly surprised the woman. She had never seen someone so quick to adapt, and it made her realize that he was truly one of a kind. Even Soi-Fon, one of Yoruichi's bodyguards and second-in-command, was quickly humbled after she was beaten by Naruto effortlessly. As a result, she was pissed off and jealous of the blonde, simply because she felt that Naruto took away Yoruichi. Although, she eventually learned of his true nature.

(Flashback)

Yoruichi and Naruto had just ended their training session for today after working out together for the past two weeks. Although studying Shunpo was not as simple as he had anticipated, at least he was progressing quickly. When he trained with her for the first time, the tip of his sword couldn't even touch her. However, in his training today, he was able to graze her shoulder slightly, which made him happy. Although he felt odd after his successful attack, he felt that she was holding back against him. Nevertheless, he can't complain. He was surpassing the version of himself from yesterday every day.

When Naruto heard a twig break, he went in search of the cause and saw Soi-Fon practicing her Hakuda, a form of hand-to-hand combat akin to Taijutsu. The blonde assumed the woman had a stick up her ass when he first saw her. Every time he tries to make friends with her, he is instantly rejected. It made him chuckle as he remembered how similar she was to Sasuke.

Yoruichi was the only person to whom Soi-Fon ever showed emotion toward to or spoke with, which was not unexpected given that she was both her commander and perhaps a friend. It was also evident that she was obsessing over Yoruichi and was looking up to her.

Feeling someone staring at her, Soi-Fon immediately stopped and glared at Naruto, who was leaning next to a tree, leaving the latter to smile awkwardly as he was caught.

"What do you want?" Her chilly tone made it clear that she didn't want to be disturbed. "If you have no business with me, then leave." Naruto frowned and walked up to her, leaving her confused and alert. "Don't take another step."

Naruto raised his hand and stopped. "You know, what is your problem with me?" Ever since I started training with your captain, every time I look at you, it's like you wanted to murder me." He nervously grinned, as he theorized that that might be what she truly felt.

"You are correct. "I do intend to murder you in cold blood," Naruto flinched and gulped, slightly sweating. He took a step back after she went to pick up a towel. "Your face just makes me want to kill you." You are a pest, a nuisance, and a piece of garbage."

"Damn, not holding back, huh?" Naruto comically remarked at Soi-Fon's bluntness. "And what's wrong with my face? Rukia always tells me to shave my growing mustache, and she helps me pick haircuts that suit me." He touched his face to see if there was something wrong. He then checked to see if his breath was bad, but there was nothing wrong with him.

Soi-Fon stared at him with a blank face before she walked away. "Just keep your distance from me." Don't think of talking, staring, or thinking of me. As long as you follow those, I will not get in your way."

Naruto smirked after her statement. "Oh? So, you think you're pretty enough for me to even think about you?" He asked, and he saw her widening her eyes. "Don't fool yourself. You may look all right, but in comparison to your master…" He stopped as Soi-Fon completely faced him, her face fuming with anger. However, Naruto was not in the least threatened. It only made him internally laugh as his teasing worked. "Or is it because you never experienced a man's interest, which is why you are cold towards me? You know, I see you as a tsundere. And your actions towards Yoruichi prove that."

That was the last straw, as Soi-Fon tackled Naruto and held a sharp wakizashi on his neck, ready to slice at any given moment. "Don't you dare refer to Captain Shihoin with her first name. You do not deserve that right," she stated flatly. If anyone were to disrespect her captain, they are as good as dead. "And for the record, it's not that I never experienced a man's interest. Those buffoons are not worth my time. They are all scared when they see me. I would rather have them feel fear than infatuation. In addition, you are one of them. You are worthless scum."

Naruto chuckled as he noticed her surprise at how calm he was in his situation. "Really~? I see, you are a heartless woman—a weird one, too. If you keep acting that way, you will never find a husband. Just saying," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I do not intend to. After enlisting in the Stealth Force, I have given both my soul and body to Captain Shihoin. Worthless things such as a husband or family are trivial to me. I've given her my life, and it's up to her to do whatever she wants with it. If it's to die, I'll gladly do so. My loyalty to her is the only purpose in my life."

"How stupid," remarked Naruto as he pushed Soi-Fon away and gave her a serious look. He finally gained insight into her loyalty. "I agree that showing loyalty to someone is vital. Acting in their best interests rather than your own, though? That is something I cannot stand. Do you know how important one's life is?" He asked rhetorically as she glared while listening. "We are given a will of our own. To think of our own. And you tell me you will gladly die when she tells you to? You're stupid!" He stomped towards her and grabbed her shirt. "I would only willingly give my life if my friends or an innocent person were in danger. But aside from those reasons, I would not accept death easily."

He released her and sighed in worry before he started to walk away, but not without looking back at her. "Refusing to betray someone is commendable, Soi-Fon. Just don't mindlessly give your life without a reason, even if that person tells you to. I'm pretty sure you know what's right or wrong. Besides, I doubt Yoruichi is the type to tell you to die for her. I may have only known her for two weeks, but I know she would hate to see her subordinate die for her sake."

"Shut up!" Soi-Fon shouted as Naruto furrowed his eyebrows. "Do you know what the job of a court guard is?" She asked with a smirk. "It is to give one's life for the sake of the Soul Society. The military would comply blindly, since it's for the Soul Society. Everything is for the Soul Society. So, for a person who hates throwing their life away with no reason, such as you, what would you do? How will you accomplish your goal of becoming part of the Gotei 13 if you go against their philosophy?"

Naruto placed his head down to ponder before he looked up with a smirk and eyes full of resolve. "Then I'll gladly change that stupid philosophy!" Soi-fon looked at him as if he were telling a joke. "The Soul Society is not just a place. And the people are simply not just citizens. We are one big family in one big house. Family members should not want their loved ones to die without a reason. That is how I see the Soul Society." he said with a grin, leaving her speechless." If I have to sacrifice myself to protect the people of the Soul Society or for my friends, then I will do so. But only for that reason."

"What difference is that compared to mine?"

"The difference is that you would die willingly for whatever reason! But for me, I would die so my loved ones would live! Your loyalty to Yoruichi is not out of your own free will. It's what you feel you must do because it is your duty. With that said, are you truly loyal to her?" Soi-Fon widened her eyes as she had a moment of reflection.

No, she refuses to believe something so absurd. Of course she was loyal!

And it is entirely her choice...

She doesn't know what to say. Ever since she was a child, she was trained to completely follow and give their lives to the leader of the Stealth Force. And for Soi-Fon, it was Yoruichi. She was unconcerned about dying for after meeting Naruto, she doesn't know what to do.

(Flashback End)

A series of muffled voices continued to perch on her ears. It was calling out for her, but she was too drawn in by her own imagination. A place where she was with Yoruichi, only the two of them, with no disturbance. However, an individual emerged in the middle. A blonde, blue-eyed person with weird whiskers. It was Naruto! Soi-Fon awoke and lurched forward as her hand was caught by someone. Looking to her side, she saw Naruto.

"What the hell do you want?!" She growled as the blonde let go of her. "You damn bastard."

"Hey, hey, calm down!" What did I do?!" Naruto backed away and raised his hands. "I've been calling out for you for the past few minutes, but you're not answering."

"Then leave me be, if that's the case!" Soi-Fon glared as Naruto sighed. "So, what do you want?" She asked while standing up, preparing to walk away.

"I was wondering… If you're hungry," he asked, slightly embarrassed as she raised an eyebrow. "You know that one restaurant in the Seireitei? They serve good ramen there. I was wondering if you want to come." With an innocent smile, he offered.

Unexpectedly, Soi-Fon's eyes widened. It was the first time she had ever received a dinner invitation from someone other than Yoruichi. That being said, she was mostly to blame because she has consistently shown a lack of warmth for everyone. The blonde remained persistent nonetheless, much to her displeasure. Simply put, he refused to go.

Soi-Fon sighed and nodded as Naruto smiled. They started to leave as the blonde began to list all the varieties of ramen he would eat like a little child, which made her grin a little. She was confused when Naruto paused and pointed in amazement at her. "What?"

"You laughed just now," Soi-Fon was looking at him as Naruto gaped as she walked past him. "Am I dreaming?" He stared at the skies before receiving a punch to the cheek.

"Shut up."

"But you just laughed!"

"You're paying then."

"WHAT?!" Naruto cried as he pouted.

Soi-Fon was astonished by Naruto's appetite as she watched him finish his eleventh bowl of ramen. She was beginning to question whether it was really possible, but it was obvious that she was not seeing things. She, however, only consumed one dish because she had a smaller appetite than him (of course). Still, his diet was astonishing for a person who was in good shape.

"What?! You're done eating?" asked Naruto in surprise as he ate more calmly, wondering if he made her uncomfortable. "Don't worry, I'm paying for all of this, as promised."

"No, it's not that." I was trained to eat less, so whenever I am on a mission, I can fill myself up with a simple ration." She explained as he nodded in understanding. "But I'm surprised you could eat that much."

"Oh, yeah!" Naruto replied as he ate his twelfth bowl. "This is nothing. I could eat a few more. Back when I was alive, I was a self-proclaimed "ramen god." As Soi-Fon stared at him blankly, he stated. "Ahh~! That was good." He patted his stomach and started looking for his wallet. However, it wasn't present, causing him to gulp.

Soi-Fon furrowed her brows as Naruto acted strangely. "What are you doing?"

"Have you seen my wallet?" He asked without batting an eye as he continued searching. He looked down on the floor, but there was nothing. I must have left it in the forest. "Stay here. I'll be back," he said before he dashed outside, leaving Soi-Fon to grit her teeth.

"You damn cheater! You're going to make me pay!"

Naruto rushed back into the trees and jumped from branch to limb. He had no idea how soothing it was, but serenity was not what he was seeking. After sprinting out in such a manner, he was more than confident that Soi-Fon would be pissed at him. She must have thought he was eluding her in order to make her pay. Hmph. I'm not like the perverted sage. I would never dine and dash.

As he continued to move, he suddenly heard a series of voices coming from below. Quickly maneuvering, he hid behind the bushes to observe his surroundings. What he saw perplexed him. There were three individuals kneeling in front of a man with brown hair as he received something. It was gold dust. He then opened his other palm and revealed a small, bluish-purple orb inside a cube. As a result, the gold dust suddenly disappeared after coming close to the orb.

Naruto narrowed his eyes as he felt they were doing something suspicious. However, seeing that they were wearing black shihakusho, it means they were part of the Court Guards, making the blonde more confused. What are the Court Guards doing in the Rukongai?

Finally, the three individuals kneeling stood up before they walked away and disappeared in the forest, leaving only the brown-haired man. Then he looked in the direction Naruto was hiding, leaving the latter surprised as he backed away. However, he suddenly felt a dark aura behind him, and as he slowly looked back, the brown-haired man was there, gazing at him with a smile that was anything but friendly.

This man was terrifying! Ever since he encountered Orochimaru, Naruto has never felt this level of fear towards someone. He began to sweat profusely as the man slowly walked towards him. Since he was sitting on the ground, Naruto struggled to back away. However, he suddenly came to a stop as someone else was behind him. Looking up, there were two more men.

"My, what do we have here?" one of them asked in a slithery voice.

"Shall I take care of him?" Another asked as he began to unsheathe his katana.

"W-Who the hell are you guys?!" Naruto yelled as he stood up, took out his weapon, and prepared to fight them off. "How did you know I was here?"

The brown-haired man touched his sword and placed it down with no effort, surprising Naruto as he realized that his weapon was stolen.

"Since when were you under the impression that I wouldn't know you were here?"

Before the attacker stabbed him in the chest, that was the last sound Naruto heard. His eyes widened, and he started to choke on his own blood. The katana that had penetrated his chest wouldn't budge no matter how hard he tried to pull it out; instead, it kept stabbing him severely.

I'M DYING! NO! NO! NO!

He continued to plead, but it was futile. When the man retreated his weapon, blood gushed out of his chest, leaving him to plop in his own blood on the ground.

A/N: I initially planned to publish this chapter last week. But since I was so busy, I didn't even have time to type it.

I know things are kind of slow, but I just wanted Naruto to interact with the characters that'll be important later on. With that said, next chapter is when Naruto's time in the Academy will end. He'll finally join the Gotei 13.