I do not own Bleach as it belongs to Tite Kubo, Viz Media, and SHonen Jump.
Enjoy.
Chapter 2: Blood is Thicker Than Water.
Ichigo's POV
Here I am, pointing my gun at the doe-eyed dame. She was about petite, wearing a dirtied white dress that you see rich folks wear. She also has on a pair of white gloves and heels, all dirtied up. She looks like she's been in the dirt of the streets.
"What do you need help with, ma'am?" I asked as I lowered my gun down. Wouldn't want to clean the whole place down. As soon as Tatsuki and Chad came down to meet with me to see the girl before us.
"Ichigo, are you alright!?" Tatsuki asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I respond.
"Please, you gotta help me." Doe-eyes begs as she has her hands raised up.
"Ichigo, who is this?" Chad asked noticing the girl in front of us.
"That's what I'm trying to know!" I snapped as the two looked at me in shock. I sigh, I shouldn't have snapped at them "Sorry, but I really need a cig."
"Rukia Kuchiki." Doe-Eyes answered my question. "My name is Rukia Kuchiki, and I need your help in solving a crime."
I stared at the small, doe-eyed dame as I can tell that she is radiating fear and anxious. Seems like she's been through a brief traumatic experience. Almost as if she's running from something but from what?
"Tatsuki, make some herbal tea for our guest." I told her as Tatsuki nodded and went to the tea maker. "Ms. Kuchiki, come with me in my office upstairs."
"Y-Yes." Ms. Kuchiki respond as she follows me heading upstairs as Chad stood beside Tatsuki who's making tea for the doe-eyed dame.
/
I decided to hear this woman out. I didn't really trust her seeing as she had broken into my house but I was so desperate for a case that I'd take anything right now. I led her into my office where I let her sit in front of my desk. I took my normal seat on the other side of the desk and I finally popped the question.
"Who the hell are you?"
"My name is Rukia Kuchiki." She replied as her whole body was shaking.
"Why did you break into my house if you need my help? You do know there's a front door, right?" I told her.
"I can't be seen in this neighborhood. The cops are looking for me." Rukia replied, looking down on her hands that were fidgeting with her gloves.
"And why are the cops after ya, if I may ask?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
Ignoring my question, Rukia started ranting. "I can't go to the slammer! My brother would disown me, I would shame by deceased sister forever and I would end up in a cold, dark, dank prison where I become someone's bitch for a pack of cigarettes and-and-and…"
I walked over to her to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, Miss Kuchiki." Rukia stopped babbling like a crazy person and looked up at me with tears in her eyes. I asked her again. "Now tell me, why are the cops chasing you?"
Rukia looked away and sadly replied. "I've been blamed for the murder of Editor in Chief Kaname Tosen."
"Say WHAT!" I cried in shock. "Okay, now you've got my interest." I say as I sit on the counter of my desk. "Tell me everything. Everything that happened."
"Okay," Rukia sighs as she starts to explain.
/
Flashback, Rukia's POV:
It all started at a evening of yesterday. I was with my bodyguard that time, Renji Abarai. I was at one of my family's summer homes in Komatsu to escape from the blabber-mouthed reporters. I stayed in my summer home for the rest of hour, until I've been caught by one of the photographers outside of my home. Because of the flash I took notice of the peeper!
The nerve of him I thought, as soon as I notice him he dashed like a roadrunner. He took a picture of me without my permission, and it's not just any picture, but an embarrassing one at that! I'm not going to let this go for a moment as my bodyguard found the bag the photographer dropped. And that's where I found the photographer's camera bag belongs to: "Property of Karakura Bugle" it reads.
So in order to get that paparazzi scumbag to folk over the camera and the negatives. My bodyguard drove me up to town at the Mashiba district, where all of the busy workers and beatniks live and go; filled with businesses and apartments as well as factories. I stopped by the building, seeing that they're opened on a Sunday.
I went inside the building, going to tell those exploiters that I demand those pictures. It was 7 at the time as the receptionist told me that I would need to speak to the editor in chief by 10. I was mad that I had to wait but kept my cool. Rather than wait in the office I decided to go to the coffee shop across the street. I spent there for 3 hours, eating their muffins and drinking decaf lattes. They were both good.
By 9:50pm I left the coffee shop as I went back to the bugle. I have my bodyguard leave so no one will suspect someone like me can be seen in a town like this. I went to the office, seeing that the workers were walking out to go home. I asked around and they say that the boss is at his office which is at the top floor. I went up to the top floor as I walk down through the empty cubicles. As I entered in his office, I saw him type writing as I see the photos on his desk.
"Excuse me, sir." I spoke to get his attention.
"Yes, what is it that you-" he stopped as he took a good look at me as he looks at the pictures "Ahh, you're Ms. Kuchiki. I didn't expect a surprised appointment from you."
Cutting to the chase, I immediately told him "I want you to give me those pictures."
"I beg your pardon?" he asked me.
"Mr. Editor-In-Chief, I request that you hand me those photos and not to publish them." I told him.
But the Editor-In-Chief Kaname Tosen just give me this deadpanned look as he told me "No."
I couldn't believe that he actually said no to me. Does he even know who I am?
"Please sir, I can pay you generously if you don't post those photos." I said desperately while trying to not sound desperate.
"I don't take brides, ma'am." he said to me while smiling like a demon. "You see, here in Karakura Bugle, we have a policy in whatever story we received and decide which will be on the front papers. This story is going to be a big talk in town. Can you imagine all of the quarters I can get to post a story like this?"
I was shocked to here those words. He refused to stop pressing the story all because of money? I have not realized how greedy commoners can be these days. I argued with him for minutes, but he couldn't be convinced. It was then our argument lead to this.
"HOW CAN SOMEONE ACT SO CRUEL TO THOSE IN NEED! JUST PLEASE DON'T POST THE STORY!" I shouted at him. But then the next thing I know, gun shots were heard next to me.
I witnessed Chief Editor Tosen covered in blood. One of his eyes has been shot as I covered myself for safety. I felt some blood spreading on my arms covering my head, as I witness Tosen getting shot out of nowhere. I couldn't tell where it came from but my brain keeps telling me to run.
So I ran out of the building through the fire escape, avoiding to get shot as I skip out of the building and hide out of the alleyway. But from what I failed to notice was that there was someone who spotted me running from the fireplace of building. I wanted to use the pay phone to call my bodyguard, but the town's police will hunt me down. The next thing I knew, I was alone. Alone and on the run by the police.
Flashback ends
Ichigo's POV
"And that's the whole story," Rukia finished.
I leaned on my desk, thinking about all the things she had told me. I had a feeling that there were some things Rukia wasn't telling me. I don't think she would tell me though, even if I asked. So I decided to play along for now. After all I finally got a case.
"Alright, Miss Kuchiki, I'll look into the case." I told her and her face beamed with relief.
"Thank you. Thank you so much," She said, nearly crying. "I promise you wards of cash for this."
"Sounds good to me," I said with my arms crossed and smiling. "But for now I need to send you into hiding. With the authorities chasing you I know just the right person. TATSUKI!" I called for my secretary.
"What?!" She spat back in annoyance.
"Call Ishida and tell him I've found a new employer at the morgue." I replied.
/
I've prepared myself for the trip to the investigation. After hearing Doe Eye's story I'm going to take on her case. I got everything I need for the case: notebook to take notes on many spot on clues, gloves to hold evidence while not messing up the suspects of the fingerprints, plastic bags to hold evidence, and of course my black six shooter. Out of all the guns my black six shooter is considered my favorite.
Soon, as I get prepared I hear the door opened downstairs as I hear Tatsuki shout "Ichigo! Uryu's here!"
I sigh in annoyance. I knew to expect him to come here soon after the call. Soon I came down seeing Chad, Tatsuki, and Doe Eyes present. The petite woman, now wearing Tatsuki's clothes as well as a long coat and for some reason a fake mustache. She looked nervous at the new guest, which is understandable.
"Morning, four-eyes." I greeted Uryu.
"Kurosaki, you've mentioned about a new employee for my morgue?" he asked as he noticed Rukia, confirming it might be her. "Is that Ms. Kuchiki?"
She look shocked as I sigh. I knew that Uryu can see through her disguise.
"Um...I don't-a know what'cha talking about, mista." she said in a fake Italian accent. Who does she try to fool.
"Relax, Rukia. Uryu figured out your identity." I told her.
"Yes, I can never remember a Kuchiki when I help set up for your brother's wife's funeral." he said as he gives his usual stoic look. "My father is very grateful in your family, but I must ask. Why are you here in a run down neighborhood in the home of a hooligan?"
"Oi, don't talk like I ain't here!" I said with anger.
Rukia smiled as she felt like trusting Uryu as she respond "Well Detective Kurosaki was kind enough to hide me in your place while everything's clear."
"Clear? hiding?" Uryu repeats.
"Oh well I've been framed for a murder I didn't commit." she said as Uryu looked at her with a baffled expression.
"Excuse me." Uryu stands up as he marches towards me, grabbing my arm as he drags me to the kitchen. He stops dragging me as he glares at me "Ichigo...WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SETTING ME UP FOR!?" he demands with an angry expression.
"Calm down, Uryu." I told him "I just need her to be out of the radar for a while..."
"By sending a murder suspect to me!?" he growled as he calms his nerves down as he adjusted his glasses "I don't know if I want to go through with this, Ichigo. I can't let her stay at my family's funeral morgue."
"Hey man, I need this." I told him "She's innocent and I'm going to clear her case. Just give me a week until I clear her name, alright? Besides, you owe me one after what happened."
Uryu looked at me with a disbelief look. Knowing that he can't win the argument. He tiredly sigh as he looks down on the floor, then look me in the eyes "You have one week, Ichigo."
I smiled as I held my fist up "Count on it, Ishida." I told him as he raise his fist as we fist bump. We soon got out of the kitchen as Uryu looks at Rukia.
"Be prepared, Ms. Kuchiki. My line of work may not be the faint of heart." he told her.
"Thank you, Mr. Ishida." she thanked him as she makes a bow "I will be your best employee in working at the morgue!"
"Do you think its a good idea?" Chad asked me in whisper. "Letting her work at the morgue with Uryu?"
"Eh, I think she'll be fine." I said with a shrug. "Now come on, we got a murder mystery to solve!"
"That is so lame." Tatsuki states, hurting my pride a little.
/
Chad and I leave my house and went straight for his car. His 1940 Porsche which he valued very much. Why wouldn't he? That thing is a fucking pearl and the most expensive thing he's got. He always makes sure it's clean and polished and the engine in top shape.
"How you were able to afford this with a private eye detective salary I'll never get." I said as I sat in the front seat.
"Some of us like to invest," Chad replied and started up the engines. "Now hold on," He said in a monotone and drove off at top speed, nearly hitting my neighbor, who had gone out to get her mail.
"YOU INCONSIDERATE FUCKING CUNTS!" She shouted at us.
"She doesn't act like a sweet old lady," I said as I realize that she will report this to Mr. Hat'n clogs. I sigh and turn on the radio to listen to the news. To my misfortune, the most obnoxious radio anchor in Japan was the one broadcasting the news of the Karakura Bugle murder.
"Nasty things going on down here in rainy Karakura!" Don Kanonji cried into the mike. "Last night at Karakura Bugle, a murder transpired! Our beloved Tosen Kaname, the man responsible for bringing us our daily news, was killed by a most vicious killer. The police refuses to answer our questions but regardless, we will have to put our faith into our trusty peace keepers and believe that they will bring this inhuman scum to justice. Bwahahaha!" He finished with his trademark laugh and shut the radio. I really can't stand that guy. How he became a radio anchor is beyond me.
/
We finally make it to Karakura Bugle where many cop cars were parked outside the building. Most of the cops were busy eating doughnuts and drinking coffee to do their work. Incompetent morons. We didn't waste any time as we went into the building.
"Excuse me," I call to receptionist, Lisa Yadomaru. "I'm private eye detective Ichigo Kurosaki," I said, showing my badge. "And this is my partner, Chad." The giant greeted her with a nod. "I'm here to investigate the murder of you chief editor. Can you tell me on which floor the scene of the crime took place?"
"3rd floor, detective." Lisa replied.
"Thank you." I say and Chad and I went straight to the stairs. "Oh no." I groaned at the sight of Karakura's Police Department's finest was already there. Lieutenant Sgt. Omaeda, Sergeant Soi-Fon, Inspector Shinji, police photographer Hisagi, forensic officer Izuru and Captain Shunsui. Most of these guys don't have a problem with me, however Soi-Fon and her follower Omaeda has always been a pain in my ass for so long.
"Hey, look." Omaeda said, pointing at me with a smug grin. "It's the bleach hair detective!" He says, using my hated nickname. "And what do you think you're do-" I cut him off by landing a hard blow on his face.
"Good day to you, Lt. Sergeant." I said, walking past the obese man. Omaeda groans, rubbing his sore, bleeding nose.
"Why you miserable good fer nothing-I'll have you arrested for this!" He spat, getting back on his feet. I stopped him with a glare.
"Just try it." I dared him and that coward quickly backed off.
"What do you want, Kurosaki?" Soi-Fon demands. I turned my attention to the much shorter police officer.
"I'm here to do your job for you, again." I reply, putting emphasis on the word 'again.'
"I don't think so." Soi-Fon hissed. "This investigation is police business. Not some lowlife private eye-"
"Soi-Fon." My old friend Shunsui cut Soi-Fon off. "Let them pass. He could be of good help to us." He tells her and she lets me and Chad through. While Soi-Fon hates my gut she is still a strict rules follower and simply can't disobey her commanding officer. "Sorry about that, Ichigo." Shunsui says, shaking my hand.
"That's alright. I'm used to her antics by now." I assure him. "So what'd we got?"
"Well," Shunsui started, leading Chad and I to where Tosen's body had been laying. The floor was marked with a chalkboard pen. "… we've determined the time of death: 10:15pm, Tosen was shot in the left eye, through the mouth, chest cavity, and shoulder. Cause of death is the shots through the brain and heart artery, as bullets were shot four times through Tosen. The gun was a store bought .357 black magnum as even though there aren't finger prints. Clearly the suspect had been wearing gloves."
"They'd been stupid if they hadn't." I reply. Shunsui went on.
"We've recovered a necklace at the fire escape." He said, showing me the necklace, which had been placed in a plastic bag. "Notice the family crest on it?"
"The Kuchiki family symbol." I answered.
"Yes." Shunsui said. "This belongs to the sister of Byakuya, Rukia Kuchiki. We've already sent some men to their estate to question Byakuya."
I didn't respond but simply looked around the room. "Why would Rukia want to kill Tosen in the first place? Besides that necklace, do you have any evidence that points towards Miss Kuchiki?"
"Only this." Soi-Fon replied as she reveals a tape recorder and starts playing it.
"Excuse me, sir." I recognize Rukia's voice.
"Yes, what is it that you-Ahh, you're Ms. Kuchiki. I didn't expect a surprised appointment from you." A male voice. Most likely Tosen.
"I want you to give me those pictures."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Mr. Editor-In-Chief, I request that you hand me those photos and not to publish them."
"No."
"Please sir, I can pay you generously if you don't post those photos."
"I don't take brides, ma'am. You see, here in Karakura Bugle, we have a policy in whatever story we received and decide which will be on the front papers. This story is going to be a big talk in town. Can you imagine all of the quarters I can get to post a story like this?"
What and asshole I thought to myself. If I had been there I probably would have broken that guy's nose.
"HOW CAN SOMEONE ACT SO CRUEL TO THOSE IN NEED?! JUST PLEASE DON'T POST THE STORY!"
That's when we heard gunshots and the recorder ended.
"That evidence enough for you?" Soi-Fon asked, to which I didn't respond.
"What photos were they talking about?" Chad asked.
"Most likely these," Soi-Fon replied, showing us photos of Rukia, mounting a red haired guy, with lots of tattoos on him and had his hair tied up so it made his head look like a pineapple. Both Chad and I were baffled.
"Who's the pineapple head?" I asked.
"Kuchiki's personal bodyguard, Renji Abarai." Soi-Fon replied.
/
What a Twist! Hope you like the roles for each of the characters put in. Wonder what happens next? Stay tuned and find out! Also check out and read Titans LA on ultimate-drax's profile.
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