I do not own Bleach as it's owned by Tite Kubo, Viz Media and Shonen Jump.
Enjoy.
Chapter 3: Swinging Forties.
Ichigo's POV
I stood there in shock as I try to piece together what I've seen and heard. So the reason little miss rich girl never explained any further details was because of those photos of her and the pineapple-headed bodyguard. From the details on the photos, it appears her on top of him, both naked, as they were looking very intimidated with each other.
"From this picture is proof of Ms. Kuchiki's guilt." Soi-Fon said with her usual stoic expression "Ms. Rukia Kuchiki is trying to hide a secret the fact that she's having a secret love affair with the family bodyguard."
"But what does that bodyguard have to do with anything?" I asked.
"It's simple, really." Inspector Shinji said stepping in "Renji Abarai is from the slums at the Rukon District. He was personally hired by Byakuya after he saved him from some muggers. Knowing the Kuchiki family's reputation of their modesty and honor, it's not surprising. Renji is considered Byakuya's right hand man, as the oldest brother entrusted his best friend to be his sister's bodyguard." That's what I expect from the inspector: he knows a lot of things even I don't know, even from the minimum of things.
"And let me guess, the two fell in love over time." I asked, making a mental note to ask Rukia about this little detail that she let it slipped.
Shushui replied "Correct. If word gets out about those two, then the press will have a hay day for this."
"Then it's settled. From this point on, Rukia Kuchiki is wanted for murder in cold blood." Soi-Fon concludes giving a confident smile as she turns to me "Looks like you're not wanted here after all, Detective Kurosaki." she said smugly.
I cross my arms as I give into some thought. But then it occurred to me as I thought about the tape recording. There was something odd about the timing when the gun shots were heard.
"If that were the case, then why would Ms. Kuchiki bring a gun anyway just to tell the Editor-in-Chief to not show the pictures?" I asked as everyone else was thinking the same thing.
"I think Ichigo maybe on to something." Chad said.
Soi-Fon was about to counter, but Shushui beats her to it "Now that you've mention it, there is something odd about that as well. Why would Ms. Kuchiki be carrying a gun in her person?"
"According to the receptionist, she was here the first time the receptionist told her that he's available around 10pm." Shinji states. "She was there and then she left the bugle building, and then she came back just after the receptionist left."
"Then around that time she bought the gun and waited for the moment to use it in case negotiations didn't do well." Soi-Fon said in her own deduction.
"But the gun shots fired after she yelled at him seems pretty much bad timing if you ask me." I countered.
"Then if that's the case, it's cold blooded murder." She retorted "She ends her conversation by pulling out the gun, shoot him four times, and then ran out of the crime scene. She shot him in cold blood, no questions asked."
As much as I hate to say it, but she's kind of right. The situation looks like cold blooded murder when you see it. But I don't think that's true, cause when I look at Rukia's eyes, there wasn't any signs of a killer in her eyes. If someone's been framing her with murder, than there's one suspect that I can think of for now.
"What about Renji Abarai?" I asked.
"Renji's lucky that Byakuya hadn't heard about the scandal yet," Shinji states "He was here this morning, asking about Ms. Kuchiki's whereabouts. We had to take him to the station for questioning about her whereabouts."
"Wouldn't mind if I go to the station and ask him some questions?" I asked.
"Of course, you can ask him anytime you want." Shushui said before Soi-Fon can decline. Looks like next stop is the pineapple bodyguard and Rukia's secret lover.
/
Karakura Police Department.
So then, I'm back here again. I probably visit my old workplace more than most. But that's just how things work sometimes if you're a former police officer turned private detective. The smell of cigarettes, old coffee and doughnuts filled our nostrils as Chad and I entered Karakura Police Department. All around us, cops were going about doing their work, trying to make this city a better place. I'm being generous when I say try. As Chad and I made our way through the stations we received a lot of stares, chuckles, and some minor insults from our former coworkers. But we just ignored them and strolled right on over to the office of one of our few friends here at this department. As I was about to knock on the door it opened and a short young woman bumped into me.
"Oh, I'm so sorry sir." She said politely and quickly walked away.
"It's okay," I assured her with a raised eyebrow. Chad and I then entered the office and found our friend sitting in front of his desk. A man in suit and tie, black hair, a mustache and a pair of black shades. This was Tetsuzaemon Iba.
"Well, here is a pair I didn't expect to see today." Iba said with a smile and got up from his chair.
"It's good to see you again, Iba-san." I said and shake his hand.
"And how are you, you jolly giant?" Iba asked Chad who only nodded. "Always the silent type."
"Hey, Iba, who was that girl that just ran out your office?" I asked all of a sudden.
"Hm? Oh, her? That was Hinamori Momo. She was the one who witnessed Kuchiki Rukia escaping the bugle last night at the time of the murder. Poor girl was scared to her knees after last night. Could barely even talk." Iba replied.
"I see," I reply, knowing she would be the testimony witness against Rukia. I then went straight to why Chad and I were here. "As you probably guessed, Chad and I are taking on this case. So I would very much like to talk to this guy, Renji, if he's still here."
"He's in the interrogation room. You know the way," Iba said.
/
I enter the sound proof room and found the crimson haired bodyguard sitting at a table across the room. "Who are you?" He asked/demanded.
"I ask the question here, pineapple head." I sternly reply, shutting the door.
"Who are you calling pineapple, carrot top?!" Renji spat. That got me in a frenzy.
"Shut up scarlet! Or I'll check and see if your blood matches the color of that plant of a hair due you got."
"At least I don't look like a rotten orange," Renji mocked.
"You're the one who's rotten, Mr. I slept with my boss sister." I said and this got Renji nervous.
"Wait," He said, getting up from his chair. "What did you said?"
"Yeah, I know about your affair with Rukia Kuchiki. And if you want it to stay a secret you'll cooperate." I threatened hopping that this would calm him down. It didn't. Instead he walked over to me, pulled me by the collar of my shirt and hissed right into my face.
"You son of a bitch. How do you know this?"
I lost my patience right then and there. I took hold of his hand, twisted his wrist, spun him around and shoved his face into the wall. I held his arm in a twisted position, holding him in place. "I will dislocate your shoulder if you don't calm down." I warned him before letting out a breathe to calm my nerves. "Now listen. The reason why I know about you two is because I'm on this case. And I've seen the pictures of you two about to rock each other's world." I then leaned over and whispered to his ear. "She is also secretly my client. She came to me this morning seeking my help. I believe she's innocent and I could really use the help of friends right now." This made Renji sigh with relief. Once I was sure he had calmed down I let him go. "Tell me about what happened that night. What were you doing around the time the murder took place?"
Renji paused, rubbing his sore shoulder, and went on to explain. "She told me to wait for her while she went into the bugle, which I did. I kept watch for Rukia from when she exit the building then goes back in. but between that time I was called by her brother so I went and told her I had to leave. She let me go do my job as she went back into the bugle, saying that she'll settle this alone."
I sighed. "That'll be all, thank you." I say and walk out the room, where I was greeted by Chad.
"Ichigo," Chad said, "Iba just invited us for some refreshments at the Soul Bringer bar."
"Sounds good to me. I could use a cold one," I replied.
/
Before we go to the bar, Me and Chad head down to the coffee shop after we left at the police station. It appears that I've learned two things today. One was that Hinamori girl is one of the potential witness that's going to be testifying against Rukia and Renji wasn't there by the time of the murder took place. If there's one thing I know is that this doesn't look good on Rukia's case. I may need to ask her some more questions about the murder.
In the meantime, me and Chad enters a local coffee and tea cafe Rukia mentioned spending her time in. It was a pretty neat place to be in; no smell of cigarettes for one thing. It was called the 'Unohara Coffee and Tea Shop' where they serve coffee, tea, breakfast, muffins and donuts here. Me and Chad would sometime go there for a quick breakfast to eat cause as we know, Tatsuki is bad at making breakfast.
"Hello, welcome to our coffee and tea shop!" spoke a silver haired woman in a green dress and white apron holding a gallon of coffee "Oh, hey you two. Long time, no see." she said recognized us.
"Hey, Isane." I respond as Chad followed as well. We knew Ms. Isane Kotetsu months ago when we have to do a case for her. Though it involves for some reason that she thinks aliens have been watching her but it turns out it was some heavy-breathing stalker who's been stalking her. Since then we busted him after we caught him following Isane to her house and if it weren't for us she would've lost her innocence.
"So what brings you guys here in the neck of the woods?" she asked.
"Well we're on a case right now and we have some questions." I respond as I had my notebook up.
"Is it possible to speak privately?" Chad ask her.
"Sure thing, guys. I'll have my sister to take over for me." she walked out of the counter as she calls for her sister to take over the register. It was then I felt hungry after starring at the muffins in display as well as the smell of omelets and coffee. Man, am I hungry.
So after Isane's sister, Kiyone, took over the register for her as she follow us to our table. Kiyone asked us if we need something to go so I order me and Chad some muffins, bread, and cups of cappuccinos. I then begun asking questions.
"So Ms. Kotetsu, have you seen a black haired petite women with purple eyes and wears a white dress?" I asked her as Chad picks up a police sketch drawing of Ms. Rukia Kuchiki. We picked up a copy thanks to Shinji, and showed it to Isane.
She gave a closer look as she hummed. "Oh yeah, I've seen her during my afternoon shift!"
"So she was here." Chad respond.
"Of course, she was ordering decaf and some muffins. In fact for a petite girl I've never seen anyone eat that much muffins before." Isane states.
"How long was she here?" I asked.
"Well she's been in the shop for a long while until around 9pm I'm guessing." she said as she goes over what happened last night "It looked like she was waiting here for so long I didn't think she would ever leave. I just can't believe someone like her would buy all of the muffins."
"Have you ever talked to her about what she's doing here waiting?" Chad asked.
"Well, she didn't say much. The other waitresses including myself kept asking if there's something she would like, her response was more muffins and some lattes. She went to the restroom after drinking so much lattes before she leave."
I see, so with her constantly going to the john she would've sneak off to buy a gun. "Are there any small windows in the ladies rooms?" I asked.
"No way! This place is built in between buildings. If there were windows there then some heavy breathing pervert would stare at us." she gave me an odd look until she gasp "Don't tell me you're planning on peaking in the girl's toilet?" she asked cautiously. I did a spit take on that afterwards.
"What!? No!" I told her in defense "I'm just asking questions that involves a case!"
"Oh. Sorry that I've jumped into conclusions, Detective Kurosaki-sama." she apologized with her head down in a bow.
"No problem, Ms. Kotetsu." I respond as I ate the muffin. "That would be all for now." I said as me and Chad finish our food and drink and leave the place. We went to the porsche as Chad drives us out of the corner of the street.
"Ms. Rukia has a strong alibi." I stated, now I got someone to defend Doe-Eye's case.
"But that still wouldn't prove anything, Ichigo." Chad replied.
"What do you mean?" I asked him.
"Think about it. Ms. Kuchiki's only alibis are Renji who drove her to the bugle, and Isane who has seen her been in the coffee shop for 3 hours. But if you think carefully, there will be a speculation that she may have bought the gun before she came to the bugle first thing at 7."
I thought of what Chad said, and I've come to the conclusion that he's right. "I see where you're getting at. The testimony would have conclude that Rukia was carrying the gun in her person, or this case she may have bought a gun from a gun store. Renji wouldn't say anything about it since they'll speculate that he was unaware that she was carrying heat, and she would have bought the gun before she comes to the bugle the second time. Shit, I thought we have this case under wraps!"
"So what now?" Chad asked him.
"For now, let's gather the pieces together for the day. What time does Iba wants us to go to the Soul Bringer?" I inquired.
"About seven." he said, that's all the time I would need.
"Alright, sounds like a plan." I said as I look around the streets, seeing all of the civilians walking around minding their own business. This is going to be one cold case that I'm going to be needing some quick thinking. I'll ask Tatsuki to narrow down any gun stores that the culprit may have bought the gun.
But for now, I'm going out clubbing until I figure out this case.
/
Ichigo's POV
It was still daylight when we got to the bar. This time of year the sun stayed up much longer as the days became longer. Which was fine by me. This winter had been long and somber like every fucking year. As we entered the bar we were greeted by a familiar face.
"I don't believe it," Our old high school buddy, Kugo Ginjo, said as he rushed over to us with a bright smile. "Ichigo, Chad, Iba, it's been too long."
"We've met last week." I told him in a deadpan tone.
"That's a really long time for old buddies like us." Kugo replied. "Now come on. The night is young and so are the women in this place." He told us as he led the way. As we got in we spotted Shinji sitting at a table with a drunken Izuru, Hisagi and Shunsui.
"Hey, you don't suppose the guilty one would be one of those Espada gang bastards?" Hisagi asked in a slurred tone, due to his drunken state. He pointed at the direction of the catwalk and stage at the other end of the bar. Not only did I see, to my annoyance, my landlord Urahara, but also a whole bunch of assholes that were nothing but trouble. They were the Espada, Hisagi had mentioned just now. Among them were their leader, Aizen Sosuke and his lieutenants, Gin Ichimaru, Grimmjow Jaggerjack, Coyote Stark and Ulquiorra Cifer. These bastards have been a real pain in the ass for the police department and myself for many years now. With a frustrated glare, Iba hissed.
"How dare those bastards show themselves here? At our usual hangout place. The worst part is we know they're bad news and can't arrest them without any evidence, not to mention the evidence usually disappear somehow every time we actually got them." He said through clenched teeth.
I place my right hand on Iba's shoulder and told him. "We'll get them eventually. But tonight let's just have a good time. Don't let those fuckers ruin it for ya."
Iba let out a breath and responded. "You're right. We'll get those bastards someday but for now we'll just enjoy the evening."
But right then the lights dimmed out. "What the …? What's going on?" I asked. But then I felt a pair of smooth, female hands wrap themselves around me. I turned around and saw an all too familiar face.
"Welcome to Soul Bringer," My former client, Tia Harribel, said with a seductive tone. Harribel was once a street hooker who was often abused by her pimp. I put him to justice and got her into rehabilitation. I hadn't heard from her since then.
"Tia? Long time no see. What're you doing here?" I asked.
"I work here now," She replied. "And you came at a good time. Tonight the Soul Bringer's special singer, The Dazzling Three, will be performing."
After she said this she gestured me to turn my gaze to the stage. The Dazzling Three, Tia had mentioned were three well known and very attractive singers her at the bar. There was Rangiku Matsumoto with the largest bust. Yoruichi Shihoin, an exotic black woman with equally exotic yellow eyes. And to my surprise, another of my old classmate from high school, Orihime Inoue. Rangiku started to sing with Yoruichi and Orihime being the backup singers. All three of them wore strapless sparkling red dresses that holds their busts, with long slits showing their legs, which caused a lot of men to howl like wolves and whistle. I could see Hisagi, Izuru and Shunsui gazing at the girls with hearts in their eyes. I shake my head. They're as perverted as the last time I saw them. I looked over at the Espada and everyone, except Ulquiorra, were gazing at the girls like hungry predators. Rangiku walks up the catwalk, doing sexy poses and winks at the men in the bar, even kicks one of them for brushing her ankle. She even leaned over at Ichimaru, grabbed his tie and pulled him towards her. She strokes his chin as he moves closer, hopping to get a kiss. Rangiku retreats however as she does what most attractive singers does. Tease and seduces the audience. As she walks back I notice her blowing a kiss at Ichimaru. She should be careful who she gets involved with. Ichimaru is after all Aizen's second in command. The song ended and the bar erupted in cheers and whistles.
"Yeah, Yoruichi! Nice job! Yeah!" I could hear Urahara cheering and whistle. I'm guessing he has a thing for Yoruichi. I'm suddenly more concerned for Yoruichi than Rangiku.
"Kugo!" I turned around as I heard Aizen call for my old school buddy. Kugo walked over to Aizen and the later whispered something in Kugo's ear. Kugo nods and escorts Gin backstage.
"Excuse me guys. I have to go to the rest room." I lied so I could follow the two without having to getting my friends involved. Something fishy was up with Kugo if he was dealing with Aizen. I just know it. What I didn't know at the moment was a certain blue haired bastard following me as I went after the duo.
/
The characters are in place, suspects added. More to the drama and Ichigo has to place the pieces together.
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