Does Man Make The Monster?
Chapter 24
On Hard Times
(A/N What another chapter so soon? Yes, while I'm in the mood for it I'll just drop another chapter on all of you. Please enjoy. I hope this one turns about better.)
SOUNDS/sound
Thoughts
(Last Time)
She suddenly found herself moving towards the door and out into the hall. If this Shihoin was right and this wasn't the end of everything she might as well bite the bullet. She raced down the stairs and opened the door leading into the café, almost hitting Touka with it as she mopped up the floor. She spotted Yoruichi and Ishida about leave. She just did catch them.
"Hey, what are you doing down here?" Touka asked a little flabbergasted. "Go back upstairs!"
Akane barely even looked at her and stepped out onto the café floor.
"Ishida, Shihoin, I'll do it! If I wait I'll never agree to it! I'll do whatever I have to get out of shithole!"
"You have to be absolutely sure, Hayashi. You only get one chance," Yoruichi affirmed, facing her.
"I'm sure. I'm very sure," Akane exclaimed.
"All right, by this time next week you'll be a whole new person." Yoruichi smiled at her.
(Present)
Amon sat on a park bench as he took in the fairly warm afternoon air. It was his day off thank goodness and he needed it. He and Mado were pulled off Hayashi's case almost two weeks ago. He was kind of glad he wasn't on a man hunt for anymore. They were put back on the Binge Eater case and a couple other miner cases. It was nice in a way as it made things feel normal again.
He looked up at the blue sky scattered with thick clouds. He wondered where Ichigo and his family were. They had literally vanished leaving a totally empty building. The cryptic message of "you're chasing ghosts" no one could really figure it out. It had to be a metaphor for something most concluded. Well, they certainly vanished like ghosts. That was for sure.
There were just so many holes left to be filled like why would Ichigo save those two ghouls in the first place? Was it really Eyepatch that convinced him to do so and why did Ichigo agree. Mado came up a few theories of his own after hearing Amon's but the young investigator's help up the best. He really was angry at Ichigo for what he did and he really did at times wished Ichigo had just remained dead. It would have been easier on everyone but he just had to come back and cause complete chaos. Yet, he wanted to talk to the bastard and get the answers he needed to put his mind at ease.
He slumped a little in his seat thinking back about his two incounters with Ichigo. Well, three if counted spotted him running toward the tunnel while he took on Eyepatch. He had thought is strange from the very start and really looking back at it how did he miss Ichigo's mannerisms and tactics. Ichigo was good switching his skills to fit the situation. He had a default style he always used but on those special occasions when the enemy was little more than he bargained for Ichigo would change how handled a fight. How did all three of them not realize it was him from the start? He really felt like an idiot as neither he, Akane, or Mado picked up on it.
However, one thing Amon had never seen before was that temper. Ichigo took a while to really get riled up and Ichigo had every intention of seriously hurting Arima. If Urahara hadn't pulled him back and restrained him the Special Investigator might not be in such good health. Then again his little sister was attacked, his father shot, and Akane threatened. Arima had it coming though Amon would never say that to anyone.
A small cloud slid over the sun, bringing a little shade to the area and a brief, chilly breeze. He rolled up his coat sleeve and looked at his watch. It was close to one in the afternoon. He left his apartment just to get out of the place. He thought about getting lunch. It wouldn't hurt as he could use something else to occupy his mind.
He stood and started thinking about where he should go to get something to eat. He wasn't that far from the noddle shop Kusaba and Nakajima use to eat at all the time. He hadn't been there in a good long while. He turned and started towards the small restaurant. It was going to a little sad going there after all this time.
When he arrived it was quite full. Everyone clearly had the same idea as him. He walked in and tried to find a seat. He luckily found the last seat in the shop at the end of the counter. He really did count his blessings. The man behind the counter soon greeted Amon with a familiar smile.
"I haven't see you in quite a while. How have you been?" he asked, pulling out his pen and paper.
"I've been all right," Amon answered in a dull voice.
"Do you want your usual? Shrimp tempura and chicken onigiri?" the cook asked with a rather sly look.
"Uh… Well, uh… Yeah, sure," Amon said as the cook chuckled and walked off.
His assistant came back by and set down the two bowls to the other patrons beside him. Directly beside him was a young woman with mocha skin, deep purple hair pulled into a ponytail, and she most beguiling amber eyes. To her right sat a man around his age with rectangular glasses framing his blue eyes, his hair blueish black, and had one of his bangs tucked behind his left ear.
He looked down at the woman's bowl. He could smell the spice coming off of it. He just couldn't understand how people could eat something so spicy. To each their own he shrugged. The two started to dig in and quietly talk amongst themselves. A couple minutes later his own food was set out in front of him. He divided his chopsticks and started to dig into his bowl.
It was boring here for some reason. He kind of missed having Nakajima and Kusaba there with him. The Rabbit's trail had gone completely cold now along with Daughter Ghoul. They were really keeping their heads low. He took a bite of his tempura and looked around the shop a little more. He really did feel odd being there after so long. He had come back a few more times after Kusaba was killed but eventually stopped after a while. The food was still good.
He ate in relative silence as he listened to everyone else chatter around him. Every now and then he listened in on the pair beside him; they talked about the food, about the man just moving to Tokyo from a smaller town, some old childhood stories, and other assorted conversations. It wasn't long before he was looking at the bottom of his bowl. The two beside him also seemed to have finished their bowls roughly around the time as him. Well, there was no point hanging around here anymore.
He paid for his meal and walked back outside onto the sidewalk. It was just a little after 1:30 and there was nothing to do. He let out a small yawn as he started back towards his apartment. Maybe he should catch a nap when he got back. He felt so drained for some reason today. His day off hadn't been so great. He wanted to enjoy it but there was nothing joyful about it.
He turned and started back to his apartment. Since there was nothing to do it might be best to just sleep part of it away. He rounded a couple of blocks when came upon Shinohara and Juuzo. It would be lunch hour for them since they were taking a day shift. He gave a smile and waved at them. Shinohara did the same as Juuzo ran up towards him.
"Hey, hey!" Juuzo exclaimed, slide to stop a little bit.
"Hey, Juuzo," Amon gave him a weak grin. "Good afternoon, sir."
"Good afternoon to you, too. I wasn't expecting to see you today, Amon," Shinohara said, coming to stop in front of Amon.
"I'm just out to be out. I just didn't feel like sitting in my apartment all day," Amon answered.
"Restless for some reason?" Shinohara asked, looking a little puzzled.
"I guess," Amon lightly rubbed the back of his head. "I really don't know."
"Huh? You don't know?" Juuzo said, looking up at Amon. "When I'm restless I would love to just wonder around but someone doesn't like me doing it."
Juuzo gave Shinohara sly look but his partner didn't respond. Juuzo face fell in annoyance and he crossed his arms. He adjusted he jaw and looked back up Amon. A thought then struck him.
"I know! Let's have lunch together!" Juuzo almost shouted. "C'mon, c'com! Have lunch with us!"
"Uh, well," Amon said, looking down at him a little surprised.
"Why not? It will occupy some time for you," Shinohara shrugged.
"I thank you for the offer, sir, but I've just finished lunch," Amon answered a little sheepishly.
"Well, that stinks! You're no fun at all," Juuzo snorted and crossed his arms.
"I'm sorry," Amon answered him.
"Well, you can at least accompany us if you'd like?" Shinohara offered. "Since you have nothing to do it will kill some time for you."
"Well, I…" Amon thought it over for a second. He was only going to back to apartment for a nap. Of course he had nothing else to do except maybe some dishes. "I suppose I can."
"Greeeaaat!" Juuzo said, roughly grabbing Amon coat sleeve and yanked him down the sidewalk for a moment. "C'mon, slowpoke! I'm suuuuper hungry today!"
"I can walk on my own, thanks," Amon jerked his arm free.
"Juuzo, you promised to behave if I took you out for lunch today," Shinohara stated and Juuzo made a sour face.
"Right, right! Okay, Mr. Amon, I'm soooo sorry for pulling on you," Juuzo bowed overly deep to Amon. "There, I apologized like you always tell me to do. Don't take away my parfait! "
"It's not too late to run," Shinohara whispered into Amon's ear.
Amon was tempted to do just that but if he suddenly declined there was no telling what Juuzo would do. He might as well just go with them for the company. It would save some fuss.
"No, I'll still join you," Amon sighed.
"Then let's go already," Juuzo exclaimed, hurrying down the sidewalk. "Hurry it up slowpokes!"
"Juuzo, slow down! Don't run down the street," Shinohara snapped, racing after him with Amon right behind him. "Juuzo!"
Amon sighed as he looked at his glass of soda and nonchalantly ran a finger down the smooth side. The condensation rolled down the side of the glass and a bit of moisture came off on his finger once he swiped it away. Shinohara insisted on at least buying him something to drink. He had finished about half of it by now. It was just a lemon lime soda.
Juuzo was digging into a rare steak like there was no tomorrow. The young investigator insisted on getting one. Shinohara really didn't want to pay for it but did so reluctantly. Shinohara ended up getting himself a bowl of noodles after Amon mentioned that's what he had for lunch. It was one of the cheaper items considering Juuzo's lunch was a little more on the pricier side.
Amon and Shinohara talked about different things with Juuzo cutting in every now and then through bites. Amon wanted to ask so badly about what fully happened with Ichigo and the others when they were in Karakura Town but knew it wasn't his place. So he kept that question to himself; he didn't wish to get into trouble.
He ran his finger down the glass again making another long streak. The waiter came by and gathered their plates. Juuzo quickly ordered two parfaits but Shinohara was putting an end to that..
"Only one today," Shinohara broke in. "You ordered steak and that was expensive enough."
"Please," Juuzo begged, putting his hands together.
Shinohara just stared at his young partner and then turned towards the waiter.
"One strawberry parfait," Shinohara ordered as the waiter turned and left.
Juuzo fell back in his chair with a pout and crossed his arm angrily.
"Keep that up and I'll take it from you and keep it for myself," Shinohara said, picking his own cup of cola.
"Aww, you wouldn't," Juuzo whined.
"I most certainly would and I've done it before. If you'd stop acting like a child and I'll stop treat you as one," Shinohara stated, taking a sip of his drink and it set back down. "You're too old to be acting like this."
Juuzo slumped down deeper in his seat with his bottom lip pouting more than before. He got a small backhand to his right shoulder by his superior. Juuzo wiggled this way to sit up straight in his chair. Amon pitied Shinohara having been tasked to watch after the young loon. Juuzo, however, highly respect the man even though he gave Shinohara a hard time. It was a very odd partnership but it was working for them.
"Amon, are you sure you don't want anything else?" Shinohara asked and Amon shook his head.
"No, sir, like I said I'm still full from earlier," Amon answered, picking his glass and took a sip, before setting it back on the table.
"Suit yourself," Shinohara shrugged.
"I really do appreciate it but I just can't eat anything else," Amon said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
He still felt like crap. He put his hand back down and noticed Shinohara had a concerned look on his face.
"Still feeling drained?" Shinohara asked and Amon gave a small nod.
"When I get back home I'm going to lie down most likely," Amon replied.
"You've been like this for a while now," Shinohara said as Amon looked at him oddly. "You're not overworked, are you?"
"No, sir. I'm fine. It's just been a lazy day for me," Amon fought a sigh.
Shinohara turned to look at Juuzo who still had a pout on his face and looked away opposite of them. The well-seasoned investigator sighed and turned his attention back to Amon. Shinohara wasn't sure about the overworked part but he knew what was troubling Amon. The man was highly depressed. With the truth about Ichigo being brought to light it hit him like a freight train. Then there was the imprisonment of Akane and her highly bizarre rescue.
Shinohara knew it was Mado that submitted the report and the odd man asked that he remained anonymous. He knew why. If Amon ever discovered who actually submitted that evidence, things would not end well for either of them. Amon trusted Mado with his life and if the truth was ever revealed it would devastate Amon to no end. What's worst, Shinohara knew Akane was very much innocent. Ichigo would never involve her in what had happened to him. It wasn't within Ichigo's nature to endanger people or involve them in his problems.
Akane forced Ichigo into that fight even though he tried to talk her out of it. It came to the point where he didn't have a choice but to engage her; especially after she drugged him. He then recalled when Ichigo swooped in clear out of nowhere while he fought the Owl. Ichigo sliced open a quinque suit of all things and even had the raw strength to rip the back off. He remembered Ichigo stating that he was still him regardless of what he looked like. That had been proven true by his actions. If Ichigo had changed with his appearance he highly doubted that Ichigo would have helped him.
Shinohara was still puzzled about that bright light that Ichigo tossed into the air. Right after all power was cut. Everything electronic stopped working. Even the data on the cameras had been destroyed. Whatever that object was, it was meant to keep things hidden. There had to be more than one of those devices. There were a least four of them but the strange object disintegrated, leaving nothing for them to investigate.
There were still so many questions that needed answers. Like how Ichigo ended up the way he did, how he could produce those energy blasts, and that strange cold sand he produced with that phantom sword of his. There were a lot more question than could remember. A second later the waiter returned with a parfait in hand. Juuzo eyes widened as the dessert was set down in front of him with a clean spoon and extra napkins.
"I had extra whipped cream put on top and even an extra cherry," the waiter said as Juuzo's eyes widened more and a large grin cut his face.
He felt a kick to his ankle. He gave Shinohara a tiny glare before turning back to the waiter.
"Thank you very, very much," Juuzo said happily.
"You're welcome," he said, leaving to check on another table.
Juuzo wasted no time digging in into his parfait. He quickly took the cherries off first and ate both of them at once. Amon gave the young investigator a weak grin as Shinohara shook his head. Honestly, how did Shinohara put with Juuzo?
Shinohara tuned back to Amon. He didn't know how to help Amon as he was ordered not say anything about what happened back in Karakura Town. He knew Amon saw a highly edited video to make Ichigo look like a villain. It didn't help that Ichigo slammed Arima to the pavement. He had every right to be angry at Arima. If Urahara hadn't used that strange yellow rope there was no telling was Ichigo would have actually done. He had never see Ichigo that angry before. Ichigo had his moments of anger but that night he was border lining on rage. He even tried a second attempt but Urahara kept him restrained.
"I… I wish I could help you," Shinohara mumbled, casting his eyes down to the table.
"Sir?" Amon turned his attention to the special investigator.
"I wish I can help you with what's happened," Shinohara whispered, drawing in a deep breath and slowly let it back out. "My hands are tied and they must remain that way."
Amon looked at him a little surprised. Shinohara knew what was going on with him? Was it that obvious? Maybe it was. Mado even voiced his concerns. These last few weeks had been absolute misery for him. He was just tired of it all and wished that everything would just hurry and find a resolution. He wished quite often that Akane was with Ichigo and his family. She hadn't been seen in so long that it was a large possibility.
"I know, sir," Amon gave a very subtle nod.
"Perhaps you should take some time off," Shinohara suggested. "You do have some vacation time, don't you?"
"I do but I'm okay," Amon replied.
"I think you should take it. Staying in this environment isn't doing you any good," Shinohara stated, folding his hands on the table. "I can't make you of course but I think you need to walk away for a few days."
"Really, sir, I'm fine. It would only eat at me more if I was away," Amon said, reaching out and ran his finger down the side of the glass again.
"If that's what you really want. I think you're just torturing yourself," Shinohara turned back to Juuzo as he put the last bite in his mouth. "Huh? You inhaled that whole thing already?"
"Hehehe! It was just too good and I didn't want it to melt," Juuzo said, licking little whipped cream from the corners of his mouth. "But I really could use another one."
"No. That's enough. We need to head back anyway before we're late," Urahara said, waving down the waiter for the ticket.
The waiter retrieved their ticket and the trio got up from the table. Shinohara paid for the food and they walked out the door into busy Tokyo streets. It was here they would split up. Amon said his good byes to his fellow investigators before they tuned back toward HQ.
Amon turned to look at them once more before he headed on back toward his apartment. It did kill a little time for him but his bed was still calling his name. He tried to stifle a yawn as he walked down the sidewalk. He couldn't shake the dread pushing down on him. Working seemed to help drive that darkness away. Down times like this gave his mind had a chance to wonder. It usually wondered towards what he wanted to avoid.
It wasn't long before he arrived home. He opened the door and walked in to the quiet apartment. He locked the door back, kicked off his shoes, and placed his coat on a hook. He was glad to finally be home. He picked up his feet and headed for the bedroom. He briefly looked at the few dishes in the sink. He just clicked his tongue at them and continued to his room.
He walked through the door and sat on the soft mattress. It squeaked a little under his weight as he took off his socks and shirt, setting them in a pile of clothes on the floor. The cool sheet felt good as he slid under the covers and pulled them up. He rested on his back and stared up at the ceiling, blankly, waiting for sleep to take him. He wished Shinohara could talk to him and drop a hint or two. It might put some things at easy but he knew that wasn't going to happen.
Ichigo sat in his doorway and looked up at the night sky. He often wondered how the Spirit World had a night and day. The stars of course were vastly different than the ones found in the Living World. The area was quiet save for the insects and frogs. He let out a long sigh.
He overheard something about Uryu finding Akane but that was pretty much it. Ichigo didn't learn where or how Uryu managed to do it. Somehow Toshiro was involved with everything as well. He asked Toshiro about was going on and was told to not stick his nose in it. Yoruichi retuned earlier that evening and he attempted to get some information out of her. She just avoided the topic all together much like Toshiro had done.
He didn't like this. Not all. What were they doing with Akane behind his back? He couldn't get anything out anybody. It was so frustrating! What was this big secret that he wasn't allowed to be a part of? If it really has something to do with his old partner he wanted to know what it was. Why wouldn't they say anything to him? Were they trying to make sure he wasn't involved for his sake? If that was the case why don't they just come out and say it? It wouldn't hurt so much.
He stood up and slid the door closed. The room was dark with the exception of one small oil lamp in the corner of the room. It was around 2 in the morning he guessed. He just wasn't tired. He had gotten into the habit of not sleeping very much. His dad was driving him crazy about it. It wasn't like he was forcing himself to stay awake until nearly sunrise, when he finally got tired enough to sleep.
He put a hand on his leather mask and traced it up to his sheathed horn. He hated the mask but it was his idea and it did allow some freedoms. It was a necessary evil and after the adjustments he could tolerate it. The sores were completely gone at long last. He stood in his room and just stared at his disheveled futon on the floor. He would love to just curl up and fall asleep. It would make the night go by faster. He walked over to the lamp and blew it out before he walked over to his bed and slowly crawled in.
He could try again he guessed. He didn't know how well it would work but his dad kept insisting to force himself to lie down. He pulled up the covers and just stared into the black void of his ceiling. He was still super awake and he didn't see how this was going to help.
He's mind was on everything but sleep. This honestly was doing him no good. He sat up and looked around his dark room again. This just wasn't working. He got to his feet again and found himself in the doorway again looking up at the waxing moon. Seriously, how does this world have its own night and day cycle? Why was Hueco Mundo stuck with internal night, completely starless, and only lit by a crescent moon. Where did light come from to hit the moon? Why was he even caring? Was he that damn bored? This was getting to be ridiculous.
He couldn't leave his room at night without permission or emergency reasons. As he didn't have permission and there was nothing warranting an emergency he was stuck there. This was just driving him insane. Having his own room was proving to be more of a nightmare rather than a blessing. Everyone else shared a room with someone. He would like to have someone to talk to when he was like this. All these rules were driving him insane. Don't do this and don't do that.
He missed being able to do what he wanted. He missed going out at night and having some sort of excitement. This place was ridiculous. C46 was ridiculous. Government as a whole was ridiculous. He got up again and opened the door, resting his head on the doorframe and lightly beat his head into it a couple of times. This was just another long night. There was nothing to do to pass the time either. He turned his eyes back up to the sky. This really was the pits.
He often weighed his options about going back down to the Living World. It would give him freedom but at the same time he would be banished and he could never see his family or the others again. He didn't want that. He was staying solely because of that. He rubbed his only bare eye and looked down at the two wooden stairs under his feet. This really was just eating him from the inside out. He ran his hand through his orange/white hair noticing he was long overdue for another trim but Unohana had to be present while Ururu cut his hair. Only she and Kurotsuchi were allowed to take off his mask, no one else. Not even Toshiro.
He fell over backward into his room and looked up at the ceiling again. Criminy this was boring as hell. He covered his face with both hands and ran them down, pausing briefly at his jawbone. He then threw them the side and sat up again. He paused at the person standing in front of him. Yellow/ black eyes blinked at the redhead standing front of him.
"Jinta? What are doing up?" Ichigo asked, looking at the young man in his PJs.
"I just woke up for no good reason," he answered, dully and crossed his arms. "Had to use the bathroom. I heard you moaning and groaning and came to check to see if weren't dying or something."
"Haha… Funny," Ichigo snorted. "And I wasn't moaning or groaning."
"Well, you were doing a lot of sighing like some lovesick schoolgirl," he answered just dully as before and Ichigo eye twitch in annoyance. "You still can't sleep?"
Ichigo shook his head and scooted over in the doorway to make room. Jinta walked up the steps and sat down with a flop beside Ichigo. There was a small bit of silence for a couple of moments.
"Are you really that miserable?" Jinta asked.
"Well, I'm not happy," Ichigo responded and stared up at the dark sky again.
"I suppose that was a bit stupid question to ask," Jinta snorted. "Have you talked to anyone about it? Like the midget for example?"
"You better make sure he doesn't hear you call him that. He just does tolerate me calling by his first name," Ichigo said, looking back at Jinta. "I have some but it's Central 46 that makes the larger choices. I was happy enough that Oshima came down to approve that my mask could be adjusted. I don't think I can ask for too many favors. Not even small ones."
"Well that sucks," Jinta grumbled.
"Yes, it does…" Ichigo gave a small nod.
"Why don't you just go old school and do your own thing?" Jinta suggested, taking a couple quick jabs at the empty air in front of him. "You know, screw the authority and have some damn fun?! Totally cut loose!"
"I would love to do that but… I have so many restrictions on me that if I do I could lose my freedom or worse," Ichigo hung his head down and rubbed the back of his neck.
Ichigo really was no fun to be around. Ginta narrowed his eyes and pouted a bit.
"You're no fun anymore. You're so lame."
"Maybe I am."
"Hey, you shouldn't be agreeing with that!" Jinta snapped, slapping Ichigo on the back of his shoulder. "Level with me, muttonhead. You're not just putting up with this crap for us, are you?"
Ichigo snapped his head up to look at Jinta. An annoyed expression was planted firmly on his face.
"Of course not! I made the choice to come here so I wouldn't be hunted down and I didn't want any of you hurt either. Being what I am I really didn't belong in the Living World to start with," Ichigo replied, turning his eyes to his hands clawed hands. "It's for the best that I stay here. People know me here and I'm happy with that."
"Geeeezzz, you are such a bad liar," Jinta groaned out loud and Ichigo glared harder at him with a touch of anger. "You just said you weren't happy and then you say you are. So which is it, carrot top?"
Ichigo's eye twitched a little more vigorously at that question. He could be both! He might not like it here but he did have his family and friends so that made things tolerable.
"It can be both," Ichigo retorted.
"Yeah, sure…" Jinta drawled, sticking his pink in his ear to scratch it. "For a happy guy you sure do mope at lot."
"I don't mope!"
"Please, you are all kinds of moody."
"I'm not moody either!"
"Then what were you doing when I walked up? You sure didn't look joyful."
"I was bored. Most people aren't 'joyful' when they are bored."
Jinta just gave a really sly look and Ichigo responded with a deeper scowl. The redhead just grinned and waved Ichigo's expression off like it didn't matter.
"You sure do have a lot of excuses," Jinta pointed out. "Why don't you talk to your dad about how you feel instead of just letting it eat at you?"
"I'm perfectly fine, Jinta. I just need time to adjust to things. This is a big change for me and the rest of you," Ichigo countered. "You can't deny that this hasn't bothered you either."
"Please, I'm perfectly adjusted. It didn't take me anytime," Jinta boasted quite proudly.
"Bollocks," Ichigo growled as Jinta deflated at little. "I know you're still having issues along with Ururu, Orihime, and my sisters. My dad and the others are well adjusted to being here for obvious reasons."
Jinta clicked his tongue and crossed his arms tightly over his chest again.
"Okay… So maybe there are a couple of things that have gotten to me," Jinta grumbled. "But I know you have a lot more issues than I do."
That was the last straw for his patience. Ichigo clinched his teeth and gave Jinta a very nasty glare.
"For the last damn time! I just need to get use to this fucking place and then I'll be fine," Ichigo bit out rather harshly.
Jinta leaned away from him quite taken aback by Ichigo's venomous response. So the hollow really wasn't in the greatest of moods after all. He looked Ichigo up and down briefly, beginning to feel uncomfortable. It was clear that Ichigo was actually angry with him. He accidentally hit a nerve that he didn't mean to strike. He quickly looked away from Ichigo before getting to his feet. He knew when to cut and run.
"Okay, well… I'm going to head on back to my room now," Jinta said, playing it all off like nothing was wrong. "I'll see you later… I guess…"
He stepped off the small stairs and started his way back to his room. Jinta honestly didn't mean to piss Ichigo off. Maybe it was best that Ichigo worked out his own issues. Pointing them out seemed to be the last thing the hollow wanted or needed.
"Jinta, I'm… I didn't mean to snap like that," Ichigo called out.
"Tch, whatever… I really do need to head on back to bed," Jinta looked over his shoulder at Ichigo, trying to hide a sympathetic look. "You should try to do the same, crabby pants."
Jinta continued on back to his room, which wasn't that far from Ichigo's. He slid open the door and ducked inside. Ichigo watched as Jinta vanished behind the wall. He slapped a hand over his face and shook his head. Maybe it was time he had an actual talk with old goat face. He had had emotional issues in the past but for some reason was one of the worst. For crying out loud he practically bit off Jinta's head. He was pretty sure the redhead didn't mean anything but it just hit him wrong. Once again he felt like a fool.
"This place is making me crazy," Ichigo mumbled under his breath.
He got up and slowly closed the door. He had enough stargazing for tonight and ruining good things. He stood by the door for a quiet moment just staring at the floor. What had he done? He hastily shook his head to get rid of some negative thoughts. He picked up his feet and walked over to his bed. If he hadn't lashed out, Jinta would most likely still be hanging around. He screwed that up big time. He nestled down in his covers and stared back up at the dark, shadowy ceiling. He shouldn't be acting like this. This wasn't him. Come sunrise he was really going to sit his old man down and have a nice long talk.
Something had to be done and soon. There was something wrong and Ichigo could feel it.
Toshiro looked through the papers laid out in front of him. It had been a couple of days since Yoruichi returned from Anteiku to give her opinion on the situation. Akane agreed for the most part but once she actually learned how they were going about things, chances were she might just back out permanently. It really would be wise to ease her into this.
Urahara and Tessai sat in front of his desk waiting to see what the young captain thought of their plan. Toshiro made it quite clear to everyone that Ichigo was to be kept out of this. He didn't need to be mixed up in something involving his past. Ichigo might be told about it later; much later when it wasn't so relevant. The hollow was rather high strung lately and this was the last thing he needed to be involved in.
Ichigo finally did break down last night. He closed himself and his father off in his room. They remained in there for close to two hours. There were several screaming matches between father and son. No one spoke of the arguments and they tried not to pry. In the end Isshin stormed out in a rather foul mood. He slammed the door shut to Ichigo's room as he left. Something clearly snapped as Isshin or Ichigo were currently not on talking terms. It was mostly likely a family matter and Toshiro's nose did not belong in it.
He studied everything carefully to make sure he understood what was to happen. He also wanted to make sure Urahara didn't slip something under the radar. Urahara was a master of such trickery. More than likely he had something else planned but didn't have it presented in the notes. The icy captain might want to bring that up while they were sitting in front of him.
"Well, this is very unorthodox and I'm pretty sure it's illegal," Toshiro said, looking up at the paring and folded his hands on his desk. "Very illegal. You want to switch out her current body for a gigai?"
"By doing that she will be assigned a new life. We'll use her original body as a way to get the CCG off her back," Urahara explained. "With an actual body in custody they will most likely close the case on her."
"I read that but you were vague on how this is to work in her favor. They have to be made to fit the soul correctly as that's how they properly function," Toshiro pointed out.
"I am more than aware. Fundamentally her major body features like height, weight, bone structure, facial features, and so on will remain the same. However, we can do some cosmetic work. Change eye color, hair color, and skin tone. Considering she's missing an eye no one will think twice about her should she and an investigator pass. The gigai will have the left eye perfectly restored."
"You plan to take Orihime with you so that when you remove her from her body Orihime can heal her wounds. It will leave her original body with the scars and give Hayashi back her full sight when she enters her new gigai."
"Wounds can transfer between souls and physical bodies. I want to make sure everything is covered. She'll have her eye back and her shoulder fixed."
Toshiro sifted through the papers a little more. This was a little too simple for Urahara. Way too clean. Both Tessai and Urahara had a couple of odd grins. Toshiro wasn't fond of those smiles.
"What else do you have planned that isn't listed on these?" Toshiro held out one of the papers and lightly waved it at them. "I don't want you sneaking something extra in behind my back."
"Do you honestly think we would do such a—" Urahara grew quiet as the office took a sudden dive in temperature. "There might be a little something extra…"
"How little?" Toshiro stressed through his clinched teeth.
"Uh, well…" Urahara scratched the back of his head as the office grew colder still.
"You see, considering her past with ghouls and if there is that strange off chance that something happens… We want to make sure she can fend for herself a little better than before," Tessai spoke up in Urahara's place.
Toshiro just stared at them with a blank face before giving a slow blink. He slowly leaned in a little more on his desk, his lips curling in to form a thin line.
"Yes or no. You plan to modify the gigai in such a way that she will be slightly above human capabilities?" Toshiro asked, looking between both men, his face growing slightly red.
"Maybe…?" Urahara shrugged and Toshiro's glare deepened along with the color of his face. Urahara sighed. He might a well explain. "Look, it's more of an insurance thing. If we know she can actually take care of herself we will be able to cut ties with her completely. She can go and do her own thing and we won't have to worry about her. Hopefully she won't be put into such situations."
"I would hope not and I would prefer that you don't add on this 'insurance.' She might be more inclined to do stupid things knowing that she has an enhanced body," Toshiro countered. "If she's anything like Ichigo I worry. I understand your reasoning but I would prefer that she just has a completely normal life from here on out. That to me is safer than anything else."
"Will you at least consider it?" Tessai asked as Toshiro shook his head.
"I will not! My problem is that I don't trust either of you not to slide it in regardless of my instructions. I know very little of gigai manufacturing and that's what has me worried," Toshiro bit out. "For crying out loud, you created an inflatable version… Which is wrong on several levels."
Urahara and Tessai tried not to chuckle. Toshiro let out a low groaning growl. These two were supposed to be adults?
"Yes, funny… Very funny. I know what I said so knock it off! You're supposed to be the adults," Toshiro snapped, leaning back in his seat, his arms folded. "I know you want her to be able to protect herself and to shake off Ichigo's fears. It's just that I see the modification as being more harmful than helpful. I'm asking you to not add it in. She doesn't need to be taking on any unnecessary risks."
Urahara and Tessai let out a couple long sighs. Toshiro was absolutely adamant about not letting them tinker a little more with the gigai.
"Just to make sure you don't try something funny I want to be there for her final fitting," Toshiro stated with the deepest voice his prepubescent throat could muster.
Well, crap… Urahara and Tessai looked at each other and then back Toshiro. Toshiro meant every bit of it. The mini captain really didn't want anything extra added to the gigai except the cosmetic modifications. Perhaps, Toshiro was right. A simple life would be easier to control and safer. It was true that she wouldn't make any unnecessary risks if she just remained a normal human being.
"Here's another question… Ghouls, as we know, have a heightened sense of smell. Will the gigai retain her smell?" Toshiro asked.
"I don't believe so. As they are all made out the same materials I don't see smell being an issue," Urahara answered quickly.
"Okay, second question. In order for her to enter the gigai her Chain will have to be severed from her original body. Basically we're killer her," Toshiro said and then cringed. "That came out wrong. I didn't… Not in that way… Okay, how will that work? She's not a shinigami and her Chain will still run out with time even being in that gigai. We're not going to have to do a Konso on her, are we?"
"Goodness, no. You have nothing to fear about that. We will spare her that fate. I actually have a solution for that very thing. It will be something similar to what I had to do with Isshin. There will be a couple major differences in the process of course, but the final result will be the same," Urahara explained. "The final gigai will act like a normal human body. It will age, get sick, and even reproduce. She will be alive by the time everything is said and done."
"Can you guarantee that? I will not permit this if you can't actually follow through," Toshiro warned.
"You have my word, Captain. Everything will go according to plan."
"Uncross your fingers from behind your back, Urahara… Tsukabishi, you too."
Both men sighed and uncrossed their twisted fingers. Toshiro was going to make sure everything went according to his plan and not theirs. Just to be sure he was going to watch them like a hawk.
Between working at the shop and craft lessons after hours Uryu's battle suit project took a little longer than expected. It didn't help that he assisted in helping Hayashi with her issues. Uryu ended up taking the outfit and using his own machine to finish it up at home.
Schooling would start soon and he wanted to make sure this project was out of the way before he was bogged down with his studies and homework. He walked into the shop early morning with the suit folded nearly in a white box. He spotted Uta behind the counter getting the register ready and counting out the money.
A couple large binders sat on the counter with their plastic sheathed pages littered about the floor. This disaster was a costumer's doing right before closing last night. The ghoul got angry that Uryu was working in the mask shop and wanted Uryu removed from the store. He didn't want a human involved with any of his dealings and in retaliation opened the catalog binders and threw everything out of them. Uta threw the man out rather unceremoniously.
They looked at the mess and just decided to fix the issue come morning. Uta was in sour mood having his property damaged and someone threaten him and his new employee. The rule was that Uryu fixed one binder and Uta fix the other. It looked like Uta was still working on his.
"You're here early," Uta said, looking up at Uryu. "Oh? What's in the box?"
"I finally finished it late last night," Uryu walked over to the counter and opened box. "Take a look."
Uta looked at it already a touch impressed from he could see. He reached in and pulled it out to study the final product. He unfolded it and looked at as a whole. It was exactly as he had requested. The stitching looked good with the seams put together well. He noticed a little extra fabric in the seams.
"I see you left some extra fabric," he showed Uryu a seam. "Is so it can be taken out?"
"Yes, considering it's so formfitting I wanted to make sure it could be adjusted should it not fit right. I want to do a proper fitting before I reinforce the seams," Uryu answered and Uta grinned.
"You really know your stuff," Uta said, continue to study it from the neckline to the bottom of each pant leg. "Everything is in good order. I am very impressed, Ishida. You will do well here after all."
"Thank you," Uryu gave a small head nod.
Uta folded the suit back up and placed it nearly back in the box. He closed the lid and brought it into the back room. Uryu followed to take off his coat and get his station ready for the day. He grabbed the items and materials he was working with yesterday before pulling his project out of a plastic case. Uta was meticulous about things and Uryu needed to keep in the habit.
"I will go on ahead and call him. I know it's rather early but I want him here before we start getting get in our usual flow," Uta said, scrolling through his phone for the number. "Ah, here it is."
He clicked the dial button and put it to his ear. Uryu quickly got to work cutting out a pattern. He was nearly done with that and once everything was cut he'd start to piece the remaining catalog back together. Uryu was given the simpler projects to get a good grasp of basic techniques before he advanced. He had studied Uta as he worked on more complicated masks. Uta was rather fast from years of practice. Uryu was like that with clothes when he wasn't flooded with other things.
Uryu wasn't told who the suit belonged to and Uta was keeping it a secret for some reason. It annoyed him. Why was Uta doing that? Was it meant to be a surprise or something?
"Sorry to wake you but I wanted to let you know that your suit is finally complete," Uta said, talking into his phone. "I want you to come early so we can do a fitting."
Uryu kept his attention half on his project and half on Uta. Maybe he could learn a name this time.
"Oh, I see. Yes, I can do the repairs for you. How did it happen?"
There was a pause as Uta walked over to a file cabinet and start the thumb through it.
"That's not good if the strap over your eye broke. It tore there, too? Whatever did you do to damage it that much?"
Uta pulled out a file and looked through the papers.
"Please be more respectful of my work in the future. I make my masks sturdy but if you get careless and stress them they can rip as you learned."
Uta pulled out a sheet with a diagram of the mask on it.
"The seams aren't too complicated. I can most likely patch it up while you are fitted this morning.—Yes, the earlier the better—Very well, I'll see you shortly."
Uta hung up the phone just as Uryu made his last cut for the pattern.
"I'll handle the repairs of his mask while you do the fitting. After all, it is your creation," Uta said, setting his cell on the table by the door. "Do you want any coffee?"
"Considering the hours I put in last night I could use some," Uryu nodded, taking the pins out and putting them back the case.
"And just how much sleep did you get?" Uta asked, walking over to the pot and grabbed a clean mug from the small cabinet overhead.
"Around 3 or so," Uryu answered with a shrug.
"I've done that myself several times. More than I can count actually," Uta hummed, pouring the coffee into the mug and grabbed a few containers of cream that he bought just for Uryu. "I'm sure this is nothing new to you either."
"No, I've spent whole nights sewing and went to school or work the next morning," Uryu said, pulling the thin paper from the fabric and set it aside.
"The many sacrifices we make for our art," Uta said, setting the cup down on another table close to Uryu.
"The struggle is real."
"Absolutely."
Uryu was under the front counter fixing the catalog. He noticed a couple of pages were still missing but he didn't see them on the floor. Destroying the catalogs had been done purely out of spite for Uryu working there. This wasn't the first time that day someone had an issue with him. It was just that one ghoul that acted like a fool and thankfully Uta handled it once things got out of hand.
Uta had gotten the first binder fixed not long after Uryu arrived. But the Quincey still didn't know where the last two pages had disappeared to. He noticed a small gape under the counter and floor. The slit was big enough to devour a couple pieces of paper. He squeezed his fingers under the counter, feeling the rough unfinished wood scrape the tops of his fingers. He blindly searched under the counter for the remaining pages.
His fingertips finally brushed the smooth plastic he was searching for. So they were under there. One by one he slowly inched each page out. He flipped them over to look at the page numbers to get them order. Finally he could get this finished and get back to work. The door rang and a couple sets of feet started towards the counter.
"Be with you in a moment," Uryu said, lining the holes up to the rings.
"Um, hi," a young man peaked over the counter. "Where's Uta?"
"In the back," Uryu answered, putting the binder back on the shelf and looked up at the ghoul with the eyepatch. "Can I help you?"
"I was told my outfit was finished," he said, brushing a bit of white hair from his face. "Who are you exactly?"
"Ishida Uryu. I'm the new assistant," Uryu answered and a second later Uta stepped out.
"You made it, good. You brought Banjo with you, I see," Uta said, quickly looking down, noticing he almost stepped on Uryu's fingers. "Tight spaces, sorry."
Uryu stood up without a word and brushed off the knees of his navy blue pants. The two ghouls behind the counter looked at the human a little surprised if not bewildered. Why was a human working for Uta? That didn't make much sense. What made things even more bizarre was that they were stark contrasts to each other. Uta had a dark alternative look while his "new assistant" was very conservative. It just didn't look right in the shop.
"Ishida, I would like you to meet Kaneki Ken and Banjo Kazuichi," Uta said, gesturing to each person.
"So, you're Kaneki, huh? I've heard about you quite a few times," Uryu taking in the young man in front of him.
"Have you? What did Uta say about me?" Kaneki asked turning to look at the shop owner.
"Actually, Uta was rather mum about you for some strange reason. To put it bluntly I'm a close friend of Shiro's," Uryu said without hesitation. "I was here in Tokyo while the raid was going on but I never participated."
Both Kaneki and Banjo looked at him surprised.
"So, you're friends with that Shiro guy? No way," Banjo said, walking up to the counter.
"Yes way. We've been friends since we were 15," Uryu answered, flatly.
Kaneki looked the human up and down. Ishida had an aggressive stance that said he didn't like him. He only assumed that body language when Uta addressed him.
"You don't seem to be very fond of me. I'm guessing my reputation was less than stellar with him," Kaneki asked, crossing his arms. "You've got a stance about you that says you're ready to fight."
Uryu just pushed up his glasses.
"I've had my fair share of troubles, lately. You'll forgive me if I'm tense. It's not necessary you," Uryu stated.
Kaneki gave him a small snarky grin. Working here the human most likely already pissed off a few people. So perhaps it had just become reflex. But he couldn't shake the thought of Shiro planting a nasty opinion into the man's brain. It made perfect sense that Shiro wouldn't have talk highly of him, resulting in Ishida's standoffish behavior.
"Hey, that night at the raid was a rough for us both. I know we both exchanged some bad words and made some regrettable choices. If you'd let me, I would like it if you didn't hold anything against me," Kaneki said, putting out his hand. "I would like to start off with you on better terms."
Uryu's blue eyes just looked at the offered limb. He wasn't sure about this. Ichigo told him that Kaneki seemed kind enough to those that were closest to him. However, he didn't give a rat's ass about anyone else. Maybe it was just that night talking. It had been very rough on everyone involved. Ichigo had talked about how nice Kaneki had been before he was kidnapped. With some hesitation Uryu took the offered hand and gave a stiff shake.
"So, uh, what did Shiro have to say about me?" Banjo asked, pointing at himself.
"He said you were annoying," Uryu answered bluntly.
"Oh…" Banjo sighed, looking quite disappointed.
"But also added that you very kindhearted towards your comrades and had a flair for the melodramatics," Uryu finished as Banjo looked at him with a mix of happy and a bit of embarrassment.
Kaneki gave a small snort trying to stifle a chuckle.
"That's about right," Kaneki smilled as Banjo glared at him.
"Thanks a lot… So, Ishida, how did you end up here?" Banjo asked, looking around the shop. "This is the last place I'd look for person like you. No offense of course."
"Trust me, I've heard it a lot already and worse," Uryu replied. "I don't exactly go with the décor."
"That is something I've been trying to fix these last few days," Uta mumbled and got a dirty look of Uryu. "It's just that he's too stubborn for his own good."
"That still doesn't explain why he's here," Kaneki repeated the question. "This isn't a safe place to be for someone like you."
"I've been told that a lot, too. I can assure you that I'm fully capable of defending myself," Uryu said giving a sly smirk. "Uta can attest to that."
Kaneki and Banjo turned to look at the shopkeeper and he sighed.
"I'd rather not bring that back up but he is correct. He can handle himself in a fight," Uta gave a small nod. "Terrifyingly, I might add."
"So does that mean you're an Esper?" Kaneki asked and Uryu gave a firm nod of the head.
"I'm a particular kind. I specialize in producing projectiles by pulling energy from the air," Uryu answered.
"He's aim is dead on, too," Uta added.
"What happens if one of those projectiles hits something?" Banjo inquired.
"Ka-boom," Uryu said as Banjo took a couple terrified steps away from the counter.
"R-remind never to piss you off," Banjo said, keeping his distance.
"As for me being here… Yoruichi and I ran into Uta the morning we were headed home," Uryu started the story. "We were getting breakfast for the group and he followed us the rest of the way back. Along the way we talked about various things, which led to us talking about sewing. He was impressed with the cloak I had made for Shiro."
"Very impressed. I got a closer inspection of it when Shiro was at Anteiku. When I arrived at their little hideaway I offered him a job. He declined at first but I kept the option open. He eventually decided to take up that offer when he decided to attend Kamii University," Uta finished up, leaning forward, and resting his elbows on the counter. "He's been with me just short of two weeks. It's been… Interest I guess you could say. Adjustments have been made on both sides."
"We're still making adjustments," Uryu sighed.
"So you're attending Kamii University? I was there for literature courses," Kaneki grinned a little. "It a good school."
"Medicine is my course. I plain to become a surgeon," Uryu responded.
"His father is the proud owner of a hospital in Karakura Town," Uta added.
"Oh, that must have its benefits, right?" Banjo said and Uryu nodded.
"I get free care and a little extra attention," Uryu gave a ghost of smile.
"I say that's a win," Banjo mused. "You and you old man must be pretty close."
"Actually… Nine times out of ten we can't stand to be in the same room together," Uryu groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I can't say he was MIA when I was growing up but he wasn't that involved either."
"But you still get the perks?" Banjo asked look at bit baffled.
"I said 'we can't stand each other' I never said anything about hating each other. Our ideologies and personalities clash more than anything," Uryu dully answered.
Banjo gave a bit of a frown. That all sounded quite complicated.
"If you don't exactly admire each other why are you taking on the same profession as him?" Banjo ask another question.
"Money," Uryu huffed out. "Can you stop asking questions now?"
"Uh, yeah, sorry… I guess I was getting a little personal," Banjo awkwardly rubbed the back his head. "I don't actually talk to humans very often."
Kaneki cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention.
"Not to cut in but I'm here to get fitted for that suit," Kaneki said, looking at Uta.
"Of course. Come on around to the back," Uta pushed off the counter and motioned them follow.
Banjo and Kaneki walked around and entered the back room. Uta turned on one of the lamp for the magnifier before turning to Kaneki
"Can I have your mask?" Uta asked as Kaneki reached into a small satchel and pulled the mask out. Uta could already tell was badly damaged. "You really did do a number on it."
Uta studied the damage a little more closely under the light of the magnifier. He frowned at what he found. This was worse than he first thought.
"I thought you just popped a few seams but you actually tore some of the leather. Let me make sure I still have the material in stock," Uta set the mask down at the station and went over to his collection.
"This is yours," Uryu walked over with a white box and handed it to Kaneki.
Kaneki set the box on a table and quickly opened it. It looked like he had hoped. He pulled it out and let the outfit unfold itself as he held it up. He looked it over several times and felt the fabric. It was perfect from what he could tell.
"Oh, wow… Uta, you really did a good job," Kaneki said, unzipping the upper part of the back.
"Your gratitude needs to be redirected to Ishida. I only worked on about a quarter at most," Uta said, grabbing a bolt of leather from the shelf. "I didn't hire a novice. What were you into again before coming here?"
"Men's tailored suits and also I worked on cosplay costumes on the side," Uryu grinned as Kaneki and Banjo looked quite surprised. "The only thing I'm new to is leather working. If I wasn't mixed up in other things I would have had that done in roughly two days' time."
Kaneki looked back down at the outfit in his hands. Ishida did all this? Now he really was impressed. He gave a faint smile before handing it off to Banjo. The older ghoul took the time to inspect is as well.
Kaneki quickly got undressed and put on the skintight suit. He slipped in his legs and pulled it up to is waist before putting his arms into the sleeves. Uryu zipped him up and fastened the small hooks at the top.
"I have one hook at the top and another hook right under the head zipper to hold it in place so it doesn't unzip at the worst possible times," Uryu said as Kaneki flexed his arms and walked around a little bit. "Is there anywhere that doesn't feel quite right?"
"It feels good so far," Kaneki said, reaching behind his back and felt his bare skin and the edge of the hole. "That's big enough. I don't feel anything pulling or restricting."
"That doesn't look bad at all, Ishida. How long have been sewing?" Banjo asked as Uryu turned his attention to him.
"A very long time. I started when I young but got more into it while in high school," Uryu explained. "I make all manner of things; plush toys, bags, purses, blankets, clothes, and more."
"I can't make a single stitch or even thread a needle," Banjo chuckled a little.
"You shouldn't feel bad. Not many people take the time to learn even the simplest stitch. Okay, Kaneki, I just need you to spin around a couple of times for me," Uryu ordered and Kaneki did just that. "Looks like it fits well. Wear it a little bit, no fighting, and break it in so you know what needs to be fixed before I reinforce the seams."
"No fighting?" Kaneki gave Uryu a curious look.
"Shiro told me quite a bit of your plans and it's very obvious what the suit is for. I'm not going to judge you for it," Uryu answered stepping out of the way as Uta walked by with his bolt of leather. "I just don't want you to do anything rigorous until those seams are strengthened."
"That does make sense, I guess. So I can take this with me today?" Kaneki asked and Uryu nodded. "Good. I'll let you know what bothers me over the week."
"Go on and get back on your clothes," Uryu said as he unfastened the hooks and unzipped it for Kaneki.
Kaneki slipped out of his suit and Uryu folded in nearly back into the box. Uta was already working on dismantling parts of the mask to replace the torn leather.
"Is it really that bad?" Kaneki asked, pulling the shirt over his head.
"Damaged leather is damaged leather. If I don't do this right the seam will come loose again or the leather will tear more." Uta said, ripping out the unwanted seams. "I'll ask you again not to abuse my work. I thought I was just fixing some busted threads but that is not the case. I will need you to return tomorrow. This will take some time."
Kaneki made an apologetic face and rubbed the back of neck.
"I didn't mean to do that, really… I can come back tomorrow, that's not a problem," Kaneki said as Uta pulled off the first piece of torn leather.
"If there's nothing else you need you are free to go," Uta said, briefly looking at Kaneki before going back to work.
"Thank you again, Uta, and thank you for this, Ishida," Kaneki picked up the box and lightly bowed to both of them. "I'll keep you informed."
"Please do," Uryu said, walking to the door.
Kaneki and Banjo walked behind him and back out into the main store.
"So, Ishida, can you do basic repairs, right?" Banjo asked and Uryu looked at him.
"That's a redundant question," Uryu breathed dryly.
Banjo felt like an idiot for saying that and the look he received for Uryu said the same thing.
"Yeah, I guess it was. Look, I have a couple shirts that I'm a little attached to and they aren't looking so good anymore," Banjo said as Uryu just stared at him.
"Bring them and let me see what I can do," Uryu said and Banjo gave a please grin.
"Thanks. One is from a band I like and I'd hate to just throw it out," Banjo said. "Can I bring them over this week?"
"I don't care," Uryu shrugged.
"Great! I'll bring them by! When I find them…"
"Please, wash them when you find them."
"They're already washed. Don't worry about that!"
"Then there is no problem."
"We'll see you tomorrow," Kaneki said, giving a nonchalant wave as he started towards the door. "I'll be careful with the suit until I can get it back to you."
"Thank you. Take care," Uryu waved to them as they walked out the front door.
Uryu let out a long moaning sigh before rubbing the bridge of his nose. So far they had been the most agreeable to seeing him there. He was thankful for that.
"So… Your thoughts, Ishida?"
Uryu turned around to look at Uta inside the back room as he pinned a pattern to a fresh piece of black leather.
"My thoughts on…?" Uryu drawled, stepping into the back room.
"Kaneki of course. I'm guessing you've heard several versions of him by now," Uta said, looking up at his assistant briefly. "The kind, timid bookworm and the rage filled, monster. Having seen him for yourself, what do you see?"
"You want my honesty opinion?" Uryu asked, remaining in the doorway.
"Yes. I didn't talk about him as to not influence you more than you already were," Uta answered, putting in the last pin. "You know, first impressions?"
Uryu chewed on the inside of his bottom lip. Just what did he think of Kaneki? Banjo seemed pretty straight forward. He was just what Ichigo described him as; annoying but he did have a strange kindness to him. As for the main question… Uryu wasn't sure of Kaneki. He was "pleasant" enough but Uryu had the sense to always watch his back. Much like he did with Uta. Uta also had a "pleasant" front but Ishida wasn't buying into it. Kaneki was more likely to attack outright, while Uta seemed more like a manipulator. With that being said he trusted Kaneki more for being easier to read; not that it was saying much.
It was good that Uta did keep his opinions to himself. Ichigo already shared two different opinions and a third from another source might muddle his thoughts more. First impressions were... Complicated? He didn't know how else to put it. Kaneki wasn't keen to learn that he and Shiro/Ichigo were friends. The ghoul stated that errors were made that night and maybe there had been. Even still, Uryu couldn't shake the feeling of animosity that Kaneki had for Ichigo. He didn't outright say it but the undertones were undeniable. Kaneki was a very guarded individual and for good reasons from what little he knew.
But as a whole, and not divided, Kaneki was…
"Self-destructive," Uryu said in a very monotone voice.
"You think so?" Uta mused.
"I know you see it, too," Uryu was just as cold as before.
Uta just gave a faint smile and sat down his work onto his work station.
"I have seen so many terrible things in this city, Ishida, that I've become immune and uncaring to the blight of others. Kaneki is not the first to walk down this path and he will not be the last. He's turned to power to fix the society that he views as 'wrong.' By any means necessary he will fight against the 'wrong' he sees."
Uryu let out a long sigh and leaned up against the door frame. Immune, huh? Well, Uryu was not and this was bothering him deeply. He recalled someone that went down that path and fell into insanity just to destroy a world he saw as wrong.
"I've seen what a person like that is close up before. It's terrifying and I don't want Kaneki to become that. The person I speak of found the world so wrong that he truly lost his mind to correct it. He found the power he wanted and used it to kill people and manipulate others. Towards the end he became so drunk on power that he grew overconfident thinking no one could touch him. But when someone could finally match him toe to toe and he became much more desperate to win. He truly went mad in the end and is now serving a lengthy sentence. I'm not saying Kaneki will go that far but I think he'll reach a point where he'll regret something and can't repair the damage."
Uta hummed a little amused as he leaned back in his chair. He had see many ghouls go the full distance like Uryu explained. They either fall prey to their enemies or lose themselves to their own personal demons. Uryu was right in that Kaneki could still tip one or the other. One little thing could either stop Kaneki in his tracks or send him diving off the deep end.
"Let's hope it never comes to that but trying to talk sense into him will not work," Uta pointed out. "He's well past that point. Your friend tried for only a moment and instantly got the blunt end of Kaneki's displeasure."
"Oh, he told me about that. He was none too happy about it," Uryu shook his head. "I was just giving you my honestly opinion. Kaneki is self-destructive and I worry for him."
"Ishida, if you don't mind me asking, just who was this person you spoke of?" Uta drawled. "The one that fell into madness."
"His name was Aizen Sosuke."
"And the one that brought him down?"
"It was… I was Shiro. The battle cost Shiro a lot and it could have even killed him," Uryu hung his head a bit. "Let's just say Aizen was a super powered entity and leave it there."
"Very well. If that is where you wish to leave it I will not pry. But, just so you know, I am quite fascinated with the underworld you and the others exist in. I would like to learn more about it in time."
"You might not like what you find," Uryu looked back up at him.
"Hm. I will be the judge of that," Uta replied, picking up his work again. "Like I said I've become immune to a lot of things over the years."
"Immune to your world, not mine," Uryu countered, pushing off the doorframe and walked over to his own station.
"Like I said, Ishida, I'll be the judge of that."
(A/N Well, I feel like this chapter was a bit stronger than the previous. Please let me know what you think of this chapter. In enjoyed right this one. See y'all later!)
Millie M. Banshee