OooOoOooO

"Attachment"

Chapter 8

"Uzumaki Naruto…" Kisuke murmured as he watched the blonde boy walked out of his shop this morning–now in that special gigai he had given the boy. "Now why does that name sound familiar?" He wondered to himself as he rubbed his chin in thought.

Even though it was cruel of him to give a boy that gigai, the blonde man knew that it would benefit the little Shinigami in some ways. And there was the fact that Ukitake Juushiro was the boy's captain and Kisuke knew the white haired man would pull his subordinate through.

But somehow, he found himself slightly bothered by that name.

When Tessai came into the room, the blonde man wasn't facing him so Kisuke wasn't able to tell the large man's pale countenance.

"Tessai, does Uzumaki Naruto feel familiar to you?" Kisuke asked quietly.

The man fidgeted.

"I don't recall, Kisuke-dono." The man answered softly, looking over his shoulder almost anxiously. "Uhm… but I think Yoruichi-dono knows…" He murmured silently.

Gray eyes widened as the blonde man finally turned around from his sitting position.

"What?"

"She knows about that boy." Tessai started. "And she isn't…pleased with the situation."

Kisuke subtly stiffened.

"What do you mean?" He asked lazily, trying to feign nonchalance as he snapped his fan open and covered the lower half of his face.

Tessai said nothing but he just stepped aside just as a woman entered the room. Dressed in an orange jacket with tight dark trousers was none other than his friend, Shihouin Yoruichi. He was mildly surprised that she came in her human form. Usually, she wouldn't be bothered with it and tend to laze around in her cat form.

And by the deep frown on her face and the lethal glint in her eyes, Kisuke knew he had just done something severe.

"Why Yoruichi-san!" He stated cheerfully as a grin made its way to his face, waving his fan as he tried to ignore the woman's obvious ire. "It's been a long time~" He drawled innocently.

But he wasn't in the least surprised when she slapped him.

"Why did you give that boy that gigai, Kisuke?" She demanded, voice harsh and straight to the point.

"Now, now. That was uncalled for." He uttered light-heartedly.

"You just gave Aizen free reign to kill that boy." Yoruichi growled angrily, her suppressed reiatsu steadily streaming out of her in thick waves. "We both know that Soul Society will come for him and his immediate fate would be execution."

But what she said made his blood freeze.

"Execution?" He murmured faintly as he closed his fan and gently put it on the table. "Juushiro-san is the boy's captain, he could pull him through it. We both know him." It wasn't just a fact but the blonde was testing waters to get the information from the purple haired woman.

Golden orbs narrowed.

"That boy is Minato's son, you idiot!" She hissed at him. "The Kuchiki are not going to let this down. Even Juushiro's hands would be tied for this. And we both know what feelings Aizen harbours for that boy's father."

"Minato's son?"

He suddenly understood why a feeling of dread washed over him when the boy had introduced himself.

Kisuke tipped his head down.

Of course, Uzumaki had been the last name of Minato's wife. He should've known–and Yoruichi's anger was justified since she was rather fond of Minato and his son's death would break him. He wasn't thinking clearly. After all, he had been waiting for a long time to finally be free of the burden that was the Hogyōku. Kisuke realized that he had been too eager, too fearful, and too arrogant when it came to that orb that had destroyed lives a hundred years ago.

"Shinji wouldn't like this." She commented quietly.

That made Kisuke sigh wearily.

"I should've known." He groaned to himself as he pressed a hand to his forehead to stop the ensuing headache.

Shinji would probably murder him if this reaches him.

"You should have." Yoruichi stated coldly. Then she sighed resignedly. "Kisuke, this is one of the stupidest things you've ever done aside from creating that equally stupid orb. I may not know the boy but I don't think he deserves this." She remarked tiredly as she leaned on the wall.

"I know, Yoruichi." He muttered under his breath. "But you'll watch him, right?"

She nodded without hesitation.

"I would, but just until Soul Society comes for him." Yoruichi answered, she had come here in hopes of visiting an old friend then she just had to discover from Tessai what he had done recently. "Let's just hope that things work out." She stated softly.

Then a flare of reiatsu was felt and Kisuke found himself looking at a black cat.

"For now, plan something that would rectify this." The masculine voice of the cat advised.

"Would I get a kiss for it?" He inquired slyly with a grin, his fan mysteriously appearing on his hand as he covered his seemingly innocent face.

Scratch marks appeared on his forearm.

"Hey, Ichigo? Did I mention that you're old man is really, really annoying?"

The orange haired teen scowled as he looked at the blonde boy beside him. They were on their way to school together and the morning hadn't been exactly pleasant when Isshin had barged in unannounced and unwelcomed. Apparently, the old goat found it amusing to toss the blonde out of his sleep right into Ichigo who was still quite asleep himself. Normally, the man would wake him up just in time to prepare for class – but no, they were literally thrown out of their sleep at the crack of dawn.

Dinner the night before was quite…eventful. Ichigo was still undecided on which to settle for; aggravation or amusement.

Isshin had practically harassed Naruto with questions such as 'What kind of cat is Yoruichi?', 'Why are you so short?', or even 'Can I hug you?'. So Ichigo hadn't been too concerned when Naruto had chucked a bowl at his dad's head. Then it became a verbal battle in which it was Karin, Naruto, and Ichigo versus Isshin with Yuzu as the peacemaker.

"I don't really keep count but I would say that it was the fifteenth or sixteenth time." The teen replied as nonchalantly as he could.

The blonde growled as he kicked the ground.

"Is everyday always going to be like that?" It was quite evident that he wasn't too keen on being manhandled so early in the morning.

"I'll talk to him about it."

Naruto gave him a glare.

"Is he the listening type?" He questioned skeptically.

"I will talk to him." Ichigo emphasized with a deep scowl on his face.

The blonde scoffed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Fine but it's just annoying. It's only my first day so I'm kind of amazed you're even sane right now–" There was a pause. "Wait, you aren't." He corrected resolutely, recalling the night Ichigo had recklessly fought the hollow.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ichigo asked as his eyebrow twitched.

"Oh, I don't know. What do you think I mean?" Naruto inquired casually, his lips tilting up to a grin.

"Look here, you brat–"

"Kurosaki-kun!" A voice called, effectively cutting Ichigo off.

Both boys looked over their shoulders just to see a girl with burnt orange hair running to them. As soon as she reached them, she smiled brightly. Then her gray eyes landed on the blonde boy and her eyes seemed to lighten up with recognition.

"Uzumaki-kun!" She greeted with a light bow of acknowledgement.

"Inoue-san!" Naruto returned with a grin and a blush of embarrassment.

Ichigo blinked as he looked back and forth between Orihime and Naruto with a confused stare.

"You know him, Naruto?" He asked the boy with a raised eyebrow.

The boy ducked his head as his cheeks flamed redder. The teen wondered what had made the boy so embarrassed about, did he have a crush on the girl? But he couldn't look Ichigo in the eyes more than Orihime.

The orange haired girl proceeded to answer for him.

"I met him with Tatsuki-chan yesterday morning on our way to school!" She chirped happily, oblivious to the young looking boy's plight. "He kept on kicking this vending machine." She put a finger to her chin with wonder. "Uzumaki-kun looked like he didn't know how to use it so we decided to help him out." She finished with a chuckle.

'There goes my excuse.' Ichigo lamented as he remembered what he told the guys yesterday.

"But it turns he lost his money. Speaking of," Her eyes shifted to the blonde. "Did you find the dog that stole your wallet, Uzumaki-kun?" She asked with concern, her question so full of worry that made Naruto looked away in embarrassment, his face practically burning.

Now Ichigo's eyebrow rose as his brown eyes glinted with amusement.

"A dog stole your wallet?" He murmured with a disbelieving hint in his tone.

"Look," The blonde hissed at him quietly so the girl wouldn't hear. "I didn't know that those stupid machines required money. So I told them the first thing that came to mind, got it?" He felt the need to explain just to lessen the humiliation.

Ichigo raised his hands in surrender but a smirk had already made its way to his lips.

"Why so defensive?" He asked as his smirk solidified.

Naruto instead turned to the bewildered Orihime with a grin.

"Ignore the idiot." He stated cheerfully. "Thank you for the concern Inoue-san. Yes, I…found my wallet." He said somewhat awkwardly but the grin remained stationary.

A fist made its way on top of his head, digging and rubbing further but not painfully so.

"Now, who are you calling an idiot?" Ichigo questioned menacingly as his eye twitched. "I'm not the one who let a stupid dog steal my money." He uttered with sarcasm. "And don't forget that this idiot is the one currently providing for you."

"A-Ah! Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime squeaked, trying to prevent him from further harming the blonde.

Before Ichigo knew it, a foot made contact with the back of his knee, making him stumble forward slightly. He looked just in time to see Naruto doing a spin as the same foot kicked him in the gut that had him doubling over. It's not as strong as before (when the blonde had punched him) but he was so stunned that he didn't really react.

Judging from Orihime's wide eyes, she didn't seem to expect it too.

Naruto's expression by now was totally calm. But Ichigo managed to make out the anger and humiliation in those cerulean blue eyes.

"I don't exactly fancy the fact that I have to depend on you." The boy stated coldly as he narrowed his eyes with contempt. "So don't rub it on my face like I don't appreciate it." He growled before bowing to Orihime and ran ahead, leaving the surprised teens on his wake.

"I – I think you made him angry, Kurosaki-kun." Orihime pointed out hesitantly.

Ichigo sighed as he realised what his off-handed comment must have sounded like to the blonde boy. The fact that the boy was basically powerless (since he gave Ichigo his powers) and clueless in the Human World (from the vending machine incident) meant that he was practically vulnerable and had no choice but to rely on Ichigo. His pride must have already taken down a peg by admitting that he had no place to stay and no one to actually turn to in this world.

By 'rubbing it off' must have really struck a chord…

'Shit…' Ichigo cursed inwardly.

"Oi, Ichigo! Why the hell are we even in the cafeteria?" Keigo whined as he pulled the orange haired teen's sleeve.

"Not that I am against it, but why are we here?" Mizuiro asked as well as his dark eyes swept through the crowd of students in the place, waving every now and then to acquaintances he saw.

It was currently lunch time and they had been wondering why their orange haired classmate suddenly felt the need to go here. Usually, due to this place being as packed as it is, Ichigo tended to avoid it since he stood out with his hair and preferred their secluded spot on the rooftop. Even Chad was sending questioning glances towards Ichigo's direction.

Ichigo grunted as brown eyes searched the place.

"Oi, Ichigo! What the hell?" Tatsuki gritted out as she pushed a guy off of her roughly as it was crowded.

"It's alright, Tatsuki-chan!" Orihime grinned brightly beside her friend. "Kurosaki-kun is just looking for Uzumaki-kun! He works in our cafeteria!" She informed as her own eyes searched the crowd as well.

Tatsuki then growled menacingly at the name.

"That shrimp?" Turning her eyes to the carrot-top, she frowned. "Why are you looking for that kid?" She questioned suspiciously, but there was a certain emotion in her eyes that didn't know if to soften with a smile or blaze with annoyance.

He didn't answer as his eyes caught the glimpse of spiky blonde hair. He instantly waved his way through the throng of students, his scowl deepening as he realized just why he didn't really like it here in the first place.

Amusingly enough, Naruto was there. He seemed to be cleaning a table if the rag and garbage bag in his hands said otherwise, but a group of girls Ichigo vaguely recognized as seniors were surrounding the boy. The poor blonde was blushing so badly at the attention, attempting to scurry away to no avail. Ichigo almost laughed when he saw one or two pinched those chubby cheeks followed by giggling. It seemed they had taken a liking to the boy.

"W-What! Mizuiro!" Keigo cried as Ichigo looked over his shoulder to see him. The orange haired teen didn't realize that all of his friends had followed him. "Look! That kid is practically hogging all those beautiful girls!" The lower lip trembled as tears spilled from the brunette's eyes quite comically, eyeing the scene with envy.

A fist found its way on Keigo's face.

"You idiot! Stop speaking nonsense!" Tatsuki yelled at him, her eye twitching.

Ichigo made the move to approach but as soon cerulean blue eyes caught him, they narrowed into slits. Naruto then promptly bowed to the girls and exited rather quickly to the kitchen. Stunned at the abrupt change, the girls looked downtrodden. Then they all glared at Ichigo, accusation in their eyes as the orange haired teen flinched and recoiled at the sight.

Whatever attempt Ichigo had now to apologize was thwarted due to Keigo's insistence they get out of here since they could hardly breathe through the crowd. Though he didn't want to admit it, his resolve had wavered at the genuinely angry eyes.

He would apologize later after class, he decided with determination.

Ichigo was growing frustrated at the blonde boy.

He had gone back to the cafeteria straight away after class, only to have Tanaka Jiro (the person who ran the school's cafeteria) shoo him away like some street rat. He scowled as he recalled the obese man, his eyebrow twitching in annoyance as those eyes kept staring at his hair.

'What the hell is wrong with him?' He wondered sourly to himself, on his way back to his house.

After all, he could apologize to the blonde boy then and give him a piece of his mind. He just couldn't understand why the little brat kept avoiding him, it would only worsen the issue if not make it a bigger deal than it really was. Ichigo almost chucked it up to being childish…

…almost. It was real anger that flashed in blue eyes. He wasn't that stupid.

He sighed heavily.

It was when he was about to take a turn on another block that the screeching of tires was heard followed by a loud honk. He would have thought nothing of it if it weren't for the terrified shriek that followed said sound.

He didn't even have any second thoughts before he was rushing to the source.

Brown eyes stared at the car with wide eyes, baffled that it had just run away after the driver had hit someone.

Then Ichigo ran to the distressed girl on the sidewalk, he recognized with a start that it was his classmate Inoue Orihime. He was seriously getting concerned when he heard her sobbing, was she hurt? He grimaced a little.

Teary gray eyes looked up at him.

"K-Kurosaki-kun!" She cried out in both surprise and slight relief.

"Inoue, were you just hit–"

Ichigo stopped as he saw Orihime hovering over the blonde boy he spent the majority of his time looking for to apologize. Naruto was sitting gingerly on the pavement, holding his bruised left leg with a hiss of pain. Blood streamed down his temple and there was a nasty purplish bruise on his cheek.

"What happened?" He instantly demanded as he kneeled beside the boy.

Orihime hiccupped as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"It's nothing." Naruto bit out but lacking the angry lustre Ichigo would have expected to receive from the boy.

"The hell it's nothing! You're bleeding!" Ichigo growled loudly, glaring at the boy.

"It's not his fault, Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime quickly intervened. "I – I didn't see the car coming and Uzumaki-kun saved me! He got hit instead so please don't be angry with him!" She pleaded as she got between them, shielding the blonde from the carrot-top's view.

Ichigo took a deep breath to calm himself down.

"It's alright, I'm not blaming him, Inoue." The male teen stated evenly, voice grim as his expression.

Her gray eyes searched his brown eyes for a few seconds before nodding vigorously. She then turned extremely apologetic eyes to the blonde boy, tears once again starting to roll down her cheeks.

"I'm really sorry, Uzumaki-kun! And thank you very much." She muttered sincerely.

Naruto nodded and gave her a weak grin.

"Don't worry! I'll be fine, I've had worse wounds than this." He was attempting to reassure her but she just cried harder at the knowledge he just imparted.

'Oops, wrong thing to say.' The boy thought nervously.

"We should track that asshole down–" The orange haired teen started angrily.

"Eh?" Orihime's eyes had gone wide.

Naruto shook his head.

"No need, what matters is we're fine." He said, ignoring his injured state.

Ichigo pursed his lips at that then breathed out an impatient sigh before scooping up the blonde boy in his arms carefully as he stood up, avoiding contact with the injured left leg. He heard the blonde hissed again and the small frame momentarily shook with pain.

"I'm going to bring you back to the clinic." He said with such finality that left no room for arguments.

Orihime dusted her uniform off with a resolute look on her face.

"I'll go with you." She declared firmly.

Ichigo looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Are you sure?"

She just nodded sternly, wiping her tears away with the back of her hands.

"I just want to make sure that Uzumaki-kun will be okay, it's the least I could do since he just saved my life." She gave them a strained smile, her flushed cheeks darkening with a blush.

"Alright," Ichigo nodded. "Dad can also check on you, just in case."

"Thank you for worrying, Kurosaki-kun! I could also call Tatsuki-chan so she won't get worried about me." She thanked the taller teen, her smile becoming genuine.

He just grunted as they strode to his place not too hurriedly in order not to do more damage. And he was also slightly exasperated that Inoue had brought out his worrisome self, if it weren't for Naruto, he would be nursing the girl instead.

Then he remembered something.

"Hey, Naruto?"

Cerulean blue eyes looked up at him.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't really thinking when I said that. I should have known better with you powerless and all." He stated softly under his breath so Inoue won't hear.

The boy tensed at the last statement but gradually relaxed and scoffed.

"Stupid teme, I'm still annoyed but I know what you just said was true." Naruto admitted awkwardly. "And I was being…childish too, but it's not you I'm really angry with. So I avoided you to cool off or something like that. Heh, just forget about it! Just a misunderstanding." The blonde laughed but abruptly stopped as he cradled his throbbing leg.

Ichigo stared at him in surprise. He wasn't expecting it to be this easy. Then he smirked.

"Yeah, just a misunderstanding, brat."

"Hey!"

Orihime chuckled as she followed the bickering duo.

Naruto waited for Orihime to go outside of the clinic to help Yuzu in the kitchen before turning to the orange haired teen who was sitting on the additional bed beside his.

"Oi, teme." He called quietly.

Brown eyes looked at him expectantly.

"What? You need anything?" Ichigo was already standing in front of him before the blonde had managed to say anything.

Naruto shook his head, Ichigo would hover over you if he's worried. Karin had warned him about it but he didn't actually picture the scowling teen to be a mother hen. Actually, it wasn't just him. The boy was overwhelmed when the whole family had been all over him in concern.

The feeling was…refreshing and warm. Nothing to worry about other than the concerned faces, no duties getting in the way, no restrictions, just these people anxious for his well-being…

He shook his head to clear it from those thoughts. Then he turned sober as he recalled something.

Bandages were wrapped around Naruto's forehead, a plaster on his bruised cheek, and equally bandaged leg. He was just glad that the limb wasn't broken, that would just hinder things. But he also bruised his shoulder according to Isshin. Thankfully, there was a spare crutch in the clinic for his use. Though he was annoyed for having to use it at all.

"When I saved Inoue-san… I sensed a hollow nearby. Not just an ordinary one but it was leaking out to her own reiatsu. Like it had been lingering around her for a long time. When you arrived, it just…vanished." He informed the orange haired teen, slightly disturbed. "Did someone she knows recently die?"

Ichigo frowned at the news.

"Her older brother died three years ago in a car accident. You think it has something to do with this hollow?" He questioned confusedly.

Naruto sighed tiredly and was about to massage his temple when he remembered that it was bandaged. So he settled with combing a small hand through spiky tresses of blonde hair.

"Ichigo, there's something I have to tell you." When he was sure that he had the teen's undivided attention, he continued. "Hollows are previously souls too."

"What, I thought those were monsters?" The carrot-top's brown eyes flew wide.

"They were once good souls, you know? Either they were devoured by another hollow or they let negative emotions take a hold of them, consuming them that led to their transformation. But you're not totally wrong, they're basically monsters when they get to this stage."

"So every hollow we kill, we kill off another soul?" Ichigo choked out, his face horrified.

Naruto shook his head firmly.

"Our zanpakutōs aren't just weapons. There's a reason why it's a Shinigami's main tool and partner in their profession other than being representation of our powers. It doesn't kill hollows exactly but it cleanses their souls, and would be sent to Soul Society as a spirit once more. Think of it this way, you are only killing the monster but you're freeing the spirit. It's like a soul's stage of insanity that they harm others."

At that, Ichigo looked extremely relieved.

"But what does this have anything to do with the hollow that was following Inoue?"

"I told you that they become hollows when souls let negative emotions take over them, right?" The teen nodded. "To soothe their suffering, they go to the closest person to them. Mainly a lover or family. Their anguish and envy for the living forces them to target those loved ones. And I'm suspecting that if this hollow had followed Inoue-san for a long time that it might be…" He trailed off, staring meaningfully at Ichigo.

"Her brother." The teen concluded with a grim face.

"Kurosaki-kun! Uzumaki-kun!" Orihime abruptly entered with a wide smile, not noticing the tensed atmosphere. "Dinner's ready!"

"Hai!" The blonde answered enthusiastically.

Naruto then looked at Ichigo who nodded.

"Shiro-chan! Wait up!"

Toushiro sighed heavily as his eyebrow twitched. He looked at the girl who stopped beside him as she grinned.

"It's Hitsugaya-taicho. How many times do I have to remind you, Hinamori?" He asked irately, but with no real heat behind it.

"But you're still smaller than me." She pointed out jokingly with a smile.

A white eyebrow twitched again.

"What are you doing here, Hinamori?" He decided to ignore the jab and turned serious teal eyes in her direction.

The question seemed to sober her up as her smile slowly disappeared.

"You're visiting her, right?" She asked with a wistful look. "I – I would also like to see her too. Naru-chan didn't want to so I'll do it in his place. Besides, I–" She cut herself off with a shake of her head. "No, I mean, we – you, Naru-chan, and I – miss her." Momo said with a sad smile.

His eyes softened and he didn't deny her statement.

"Uzumaki didn't want to see her? He still blames himself?" He inquired quietly as he looked at the ground.

"He always did, Shiro-chan." She stated softly, noting that he didn't twitch or react to the nickname. "Even though he denies it, I could see that burden on him. Whenever I asked him if he wanted to visit her, he refuses."

"That boy, he's always been an idiot." He snorted as he resumed his walk, the streets now the familiar face of Junrinan. He feigned obliviousness to the people who were giving him a wide berth, eyes wide as they stared at his white haori. He was already starting to hear whispers about them knowing him at some point but he ignored it.

'Now that I'm not just a kid who releases reiatsu unintentionally, they suddenly know me.' He thought bitterly.

"Don't be so hard on him." Momo gently admonished.

"I'll stop when he starts listening to me." He uttered seriously as his teal eyes flashed a brief icy blue. "Uzumaki never listened."

"A–Are you referring to his promotion?" She asked hesitantly.

"I am."

Momo now have a stern look on her face.

"But Shiro-chan! He earned it!"

"I told him that he's not ready, he still accepted it. Hinamori, do you remember what happened during his graduation?" His eyes snapped to her, hurt and anger simmering in them.

Brown eyes widened.

"He's only doing what he thought was right." She defended sadly.

He scowled as he crossed his arms.

"I understand but it doesn't mean that he had the right to attack a captain. He still doesn't have the heart to become a Shinigami at all." He stated monotonously, his voice oddly hollowed.

She frowned deeply.

"Don't tell me that you doubt him as well…" Her voice had gained a steely quality to it, but there was raw hurt in her voice.

He winced inwardly.

"If I do, then I wouldn't be helping Ukitake in reigning in Central 46. I'm just saying that his duties isn't dedicated to the Goteijuusantai, his priorities mainly lie on what he feels. Mainly, to his friends and his family."

"But… aren't we the same?"

They arrived in front of their old house where they all used to live with their grandmother.

"There is a difference, Hinamori. Whereas it is one of our priorities, we understand our duties. I'm not saying that he doesn't, but being a Shinigami isn't that important to him like it is to us at this moment. He could abandon it in a heartbeat if it means endangering those precious to him. The only reason he's even following the rules is for our sake than the Gotei." He answered levelly, his eyes narrowing.

There was a moment of silence where they just stood there.

Momo then smiled, the lips tilting up with strained pain and sadness.

"I – I think I understand, Shiro-chan. He was ready to face the consequences, right? He didn't even want us to get involved. Naru-chan didn't even care what consequences they will give him." The raven haired girl's voice gained an indignant hint into it. "In fact, he never even cared in the first place, right? As long as no one gets involved because of him. Sometimes, I really worry for him." She rambled out.

Toushiro scoffed under his breath.

"You should. He's still the same insecure and unsure kid we met those years ago. His lack of self-worth has not changed as I see it. Even if he had that carefully built self-confidence, he's still as cautious as before, if not more."

He then began precise and bold strides to the house, his movements not belying his uneasiness. Momo trudged silently behind him, her soft brown eyes shifting once to his form before looking resolute again.

Then they saw the form of their grandmother sitting on a cushion behind a low table as soon as they entered the house.

Toushiro bowed politely as Momo smiled brightly at the sight of the elder woman.

"Baa-san."

"Her condition still hasn't changed, you can see her for yourself." The old woman's soft yet raspy voice told them knowingly, her smile widening at the sight of their surprised faces.

"H-Hai, arigato." Toushiro nodded reluctantly before bowing again and walking out of the room to the one at the end of the house, Momo hastily bowed as well as she turned to follow while their grandmother sighed and let them be.

The old woman noted the absence of the blonde boy that was supposed to be with them.

"What am I supposed to do with that boy?" She wondered out loud to herself.

When the two Shinigamis entered the room, the room was still eerily silent as before the last time they visited. The soft breathing of the lone occupant was the only thing heard, and Toushiro was glad that to hear it than he would care to admit.

Walking to the bed was a woman with long hair which color was undistinguished in the dark, her pallid face still serene despite the eternal spell of coma over her form.

Gingerly holding her hand, teal eyes softened considerably as he fought the pain from seizing him. While Momo put a supporting hand on his shoulder, a slight hitch in her breathing as she stared at the woman as well.

"Kushina-san…"

"Thank you for dinner, Kurosaki-san!" Orihime bowed politely with a happy smile on her face.

Isshin was about to tackle her when Karin held him by the back of his shirt, effectively cutting off his task and his oxygen. The black haired girl turned exasperated eyes to Orihime who just giggled at the sight, though her eyes momentarily flickered with worry for the man.

"Come back again, Orihime-chan!" Yuzu beamed beside her father. "Take care of her and Naruto-kun, Onii-chan!"

Ichigo nodded as he ran a hand through his hair uncomfortably.

Orihime bobbed her head enthusiastically.

She then headed out followed by Ichigo and Naruto who insisted on walking her home. Though the blonde boy was having difficulty due to the lone crutch he had to support himself with. But neither of the teenagers complained at the slow pace as Orihime hummed under her breath.

"So, you're living with Kurosaki-kun?"

Both of the male jumped up at the sudden question, gray eyes staring at Naruto curiously.

He blushed as he looked away.

"Yeah, some family problem." The blonde went with the story Ichigo gave his family.

Her expression seemed to fall.

"Oh, well, don't worry! Kurosaki-kun's family are great!" She encouraged, trying to find the good side of the situation.

A blank expression made its way onto Naruto's face before something intense reflected in his eyes as he looked at the sky almost wistfully, a small barely noticeable smile tugging at his lips.

"You're right…" He murmured faintly, garnering looks from Orihime and especially Ichigo.

Orihime was about to ask something again when the ground beneath their feet shook and the familiar reiatsu of a hollow rained down on them quite heavily. Ichigo, who had been silent throughout the whole trip, looked back to the boy with wide eyes. Naruto just nodded solemnly as he brought out the red glove, motioning for Ichigo to crouch down in front of him. The teen did without question.

Stumbling with his crutch, the blonde boy weakly punched Ichigo's soul out of his body. Orihime's eyes widened as her mouth fell open in surprise, seeing Ichigo had just lost consciousness after that dreaded feeling settled on them. Instantly, she went to check on him almost frantically.

"Kurosaki-kun!" She called to the unconscious form.

Ichigo eyed her and guessed that she couldn't see him in his Shinigami form. So he put himself in front of her, feeling that familiar reiatsu dashing to them in front, the power leaking out wildly. He didn't have to wait too long as a large hollow appeared in front of him almost out of thin air. Naruto moved closer to the girl.

It was a reddish cobra-like hollow with a black tail, a hole was present on its chest, while shaggy black hair framed its masked head.

Somehow, a part of Ichigo recognized this hollow as Inoue Sora.

"Look, let's make this quick. I'll be purifying your soul so you could go to Soul Society and Inoue won't have to worry about you." He started out calmly as he unsheathed his large zanpakutō with a grim smirk.

The orange haired male then ran up to the hollow with his sword raised, ready to cut the mask in half. But the hollow dodged at the last second and swatted him away with one of its large hands, sending him through a wall two blocks away.

Orihime's attention snapped at the sudden explosion while Naruto grimaced at the impact.

But the hollow seemed to be intent on the girl as it slithered to her fast, and the blonde was reminded of Orochimaru again. He tried to gather up some reiryōku but pain spiked from his chest at the action. So he used his crutch to at least attempt in smacking the hollow away.

Large hands just swiped at them, Naruto hit a nearby wall while Orihime screamed.

"Inoue-san!" He yelled with panic, his crutch a good three or four foot away from him.

Blue eyes snapped to where Ichigo landed.

"Ichigo!" The blonde called for the teen, not knowing what to do as he watched the girl's soul separate from her body. Fear gnawed at him, helplessly watching the sight.

The boy didn't have to look directly to know that the black, red, and orange blur was the temporary Shinigami rushing back at the hollow. His fist clenched as he was reminded of how useless he was at this moment.

"Stay away from her!" Ichigo shouted as he cut one of the hollow's arms.

It howled in pain and amber orb settled on the male teen.

"You can't do anything about it, Shinigami. She's dead." The twisted and distorted voice of the hollow said with manic glee despite the earlier pain as brown eyes stared at the girl huddled to the wall–obviously scared of the hollow. Or specifically, the chain dangling down her chest, connected to her unconscious body.

Wide horrified eyes looked Orihime with denial and disbelief.

"No… Inoue…" Ichigo spluttered.

She raised her eyes to look directly at Ichigo who was in his Shinigami form before shifting confusedly at the other Ichigo passed out on the floor. But the orange haired teen could see the concern in those gray eyes when they looked at the crouched blonde boy opposite from her.

"She's not dead." A quiet voice cut in. Ichigo looked at Naruto who was giving a strained grin at Orihime. "Her Chain of Fate is still whole and connected to her body," There was certain tiredness and weariness to his tone.

"She's dead!" The hollow insisted loudly, as its remaining hand clutched the girl's soul by her shoulder. "You're mine, Orihime. Only mine! No one can have you, do you understand?" There was harsh possessiveness in its tone, the distortion slightly giving way to a low baritone voice as the girl's eyes widened in surprise and recognition.

"N-Nii-san?" Orihime called weakly.

Naruto's eyes wildly shifted to the hollow then to the frozen Ichigo.

"Baka!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. Orihime and Ichigo looked at him in surprise while the hollow's grip on the girl's shoulder tightened. "Stop gawking there!" The boy stood on his legs, limping to Orihime's direction too slowly for his liking, ignoring the pain shooting up his left leg.

That seemed to wake Ichigo up from his horrified and guilt-stricken trance at the thought of failing to protect a friend. Scowling deeply as his eyes narrowed with resolution, he ran at the hollow and slashed its side. The hollow backed away, its remaining hand covering its bleeding side. Ichigo didn't waste any time to position himself back protectively in front of the girl.

"K-Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime squeaked quietly, heavily confused as her concerned gaze turned to the creature she knew that was her beloved brother. "It's him, wasn't it? Nii-san…" She didn't wait for confirmation as she stood shakily.

Ichigo's eyes widened.

"Inoue! What do you think you're doing!"

She shook her head determinedly as she turned teary eyes to the hollow.

"Why? Nii-san, why would you do this?" Orihime asked desperately, tears leaking out her eyes.

The masked head slowly turned to her direction, the vibration of the dark reiatsu around it a testament to its anger. There was also a loud growl emanating from its throat as amber orbs glared at the girl, the Shinigami, and the blonde boy who was now checking Orihime's body.

"Because you've completely forgotten about me!" The hollow shouted shrilly, hatred seeping into its tone. "You used to always pray for me! Then when you met those friends, you've done it less and less until you stopped altogether! You couldn't stop talking about that girl named Tatsuki and this boy named Ichigo. I was hurt and lonely, I am what I am now because of you! You did this to me!" It accused abhorrently.

"I don't understand! Why didn't you just tell me?" Orihime shook her head, her frame trembling.

"How could I? You already forgot me." Strangely, its voice was devoid of emotion when it said this.

"N-No, I didn't, Nii-san!" She insisted distraughtly.

The hollow growled again and made to attack Ichigo again who was ready to retaliate when something–none of them expected–happened. Orihime had placed herself between Ichigo and the hollow at the last second, its mouth enclosed around her shoulder, wounding it. Then with tears still streaming down, she proceeded to hug the hollow around the head. This surprised not only Naruto and Ichigo but also the hollow itself too.

"Inoue-san…" The blonde faintly called.

"I'm so sorry, Nii-san. I never forgot about you. I just didn't want you to worry for me so I – I thought I'd let you know that I have others who are taking care of me and that I'm happy. Please, don't hurt others anymore! It's my entire fault!" Orihime cried as she tightened the embrace.

"Orihime…"

"I love you, Nii-san." She whispered to the hollow.

The hollow didn't say anything for a moment. Then to their shock, the hollow chuckled, lacking the mocking or distinct sinister lilt into it.

"I think deep down, I always knew that. But it made me feel much better when you prayed for me…" There was that warm fondness into its voice and Orihime smiled.

"I'm sorry…" She apologized again.

Ichigo glowered as he glared at the hollow.

"Don't be so selfish, you idiot! Inoue always wore the hairpins you gave her! She never took it off because it reminds her of you!" Naruto and Orihime looked at him in surprise. Especially Orihime since she didn't know that he knew–they were only friends through Tatsuki after all. "You're not the only one who's sad, did you even think about her?"

The hollow backed away from her and shook its head before facing Ichigo with its head lowered.

"I apologize. Then do what you have to do, Shinigami. If I remain like this, I may lose myself again."

Ichigo stepped past the girl and gave a brisk nod. Almost solemnly, he jumped in the air and slashed down its mask in half. The white mask slowly dissolved into particles, revealing the smiling face of Inoue Sora.

"I'm sorry, Orihime. I wish for your happiness, and farewell."

She smiled shakily but with genuine happiness that was highlighted by sadness at her brother's abrupt departure.

"Goodbye, Nii-san."

Then the hollow slowly disappeared into spirit particles as well. That was the moment Orihime's knees decided to give out, her shoulder bleeding slightly. Naruto instantly knelt by the girl's side, glowing hands healing the injury. The boy ignored the sharp pain in his chest, if he couldn't fight then this was the least he could do. By the time the wound had closed, Orihime was already unconscious, her head on the boy's lap.

"She's alright, we could still bring her soul back to her body. After I alter her memories, you have to get her home." He stated at Ichigo's silent inquiry.

The teen sighed.

"That's good to hear."

Naruto just frowned deeply, bothered by the lack of progress with his powers. But he was relieved that they came out alright out of the ordeal. Then his eyes shifted to Ichigo's prone and soulless body still at the middle of the street.

'I think we will need a Gikongan for him…'

"Well?"

Rukia shook her head at her captain.

"They still couldn't get a hold of his reiatsu, it just…disappeared. What if something happened?" She turned worried violet eyes to the direction of Juushiro, her hands wringing awkwardly in nervousness.

Juushiro gave her a gentle smile though there was also a hint of concern in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Rukia. I'm sure he's fine."

"But–" She began to protest but was cut off by her captain shaking his head firmly.

"If they still didn't come up with something, I'll send you to Karakura to check on him. We just have to trust him for now, we both know how strong Naruto is." He stated with a sigh as he patted her head.

She nodded reluctantly.

"If they still can't detect his reiatsu, then I'll go there and find him so I could punch him for worrying us." Rukia said with a weak smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

He chuckled at that.

"That you should, that you should."

AN: Whoa, didn't think that this chapter would also be long. Review please.