Disclaimer: I don't own BLEACH.

Warning: OOC-Ness, Angst, Mystery, Slight Romance

Off-topic Rant: I had a lot of things happen to me in a short few days so this chapter was slightly slow. Thanks for waiting, you guys! ^.^

Special Thanks: 235 Views, 152 Visitors, 1 Favorites, 1 Follower, 2 Reviews. Thank You so much for the love you all have bestowed on this story! ^.^

Staring at the wooden sandals revealing under the table, the fan that the 'Principal' is using to shield his face and the dark-green striped bucket hat that the Principal had, it really shouldn't surprise Rukia by now who the 'Principal's' identity was as she sat down on a chair in front of his table. "I really shouldn't be surprised by now, should I?" The Principal was silent and it was successfully pissing Rukia off as the Principal removed his fan and revealed a grin underneath the fan, showing that he was amused by Rukia's reaction. A sigh. "Spill, Urahara. How in the hell did you bribe the Principal of KaraKura High, Urahara?"

Urahara, still grinning, pointed his fan at Rukia. "You weren't surprised, Rukia-chaaaaaaaan?" Rolling her eyes at the dramatic reaction of Urahara's, she folded her arms when Urahara pointed to his heart. "You have hurt me here, Rukia-chaaan~ My whole point of being the Principal of KaraKura High was to make you surprised~" Seeing Urahara sitting in the Principal's position just reminded her how Karma can hurt. "And, what do you mean I bribed KaraKura High's Principal~? There was nothing of the sort~" Yup, it definitely was Karma. Wasn't she just talking about how luckily it was for her that Yoruichi was the one assigned to her and Kaien but not Urahara? Definitely Karma. "Rukia-chaaaan, answer me~"

Yup, Karma. "Since you are the Principal, I don't think I really need to negotiate anything with you." Urahara gazed at Rukia in confusion. "Kaien wants to be near me, I'm sure it was Yoruichi's idea and he wants to come with me to KaraKura High." Urahara was about to agree when Rukia continued. "Everyday."

Urahara stayed silent for a second which Rukia raised her eyebrow. Now, that's a surprise for Urahara to stay silent. Was there a problem? "That's gonna be a problem, Rukiaaa-chan~" Rukia was silent. That's a surprise. "Even though I own the school technically, I still have to discuss this with the other teachers~" Really, his laidback voice is making it a little hard for Rukia to accept that he had rejected him. But, Kaien would have to take it.

"I don't really mind."

"But!" Urahara's sudden exclamation was loud that it slightly scared Rukia. Did he even hear the part where Rukia said that it was okay? She sighed. "I can accept your request on one condition." Rukia had stayed silent. Was Urahara threatening her? She narrowed her eyes and didn't respond. "You accept the class that you were assigned to without any questions." Rukia was surprised that Urahara's tone had turned slightly serious before returning to the laidback voice. "Then, of course I would let Kaien-kun roam in KaraKura High~"

Great, all of her hopes were ruined. She was really hoping that Urahara would take the position of 'Principal' more serious and not allow Kaien to roam in KaraKura High. Apparently, that was too much to ask for, wasn't it? "Interesting, Urahara." Said principal gazed up at Rukia. "You had the feeling I would turn down my assigned class?"

Urahara shook his finger at Rukia. "I didn't say 'Turn Down', did I~? I said 'Without any questions'~"

Rukia narrowed his eyes. Urahara was planning something. By his words, Rukia knew Urahara was planning something. Something in her gut instinct told her when Urahara was planning something, the results can't be good at all. "I'm surprised you have such low confidence in me, Urahara." Urahara grinned. "Show me the assigned class then."

Taking a paper, Urahara pushed it forward to Rukia. When Rukia inspected it, her jaw nearly dropped in shock before narrowing her eyes. "Are you sure it's this class I'm assigned to, Urahara?"

Yoruichi knew that Kaien had wanted to ask her something. Kaien was getting too curious for his own good. The existence of Kaien was already a mystery itself. It certainly wasn't to her but she knew Kaien had a lot of questions he had wanted to ask about his birth. Where was his Father? Had he disappeared? Yoruichi knew she had the answer to all of that but knew as well, it wasn't in her place to tell Kaien. And, Kaien had asked to go to the park, of all places. After taking care of Kaien for a few years by now, Yoruichi knows that Kaien's favorite place was the amusement park. But today, he had requested to go to the park. Well, it was certainly Kaien's choice, Rukia had agreed to that. When Yoruichi had asked Kaien about his choice, his only answer was that he wanted to go to the park really badly. Yoruichi knew Kaien better than that. "Yoruichi-san?"

Yoruichi flinched. "Kaien, what is it?"

"Why am I always cooped up in the house?"

Of course, Yoruichi knew that this question would pop out sooner or later. She had hoped to avoid this question, if Kaien ever had one. "That's because your Mama cares for you, Kaien." Kaien gazed up at Yoruichi, suspecting her words but Yoruichi simply ruffled Kaien's hair. "It's true, Kaien." Kaien continued gazing at Yoruichi. "Your Mama saw the news that there were many kidnappers in KaraKura Town and therefore, Mama doesn't want to sabotage your safety." Kaien didn't buy it and Yoruichi knew, if she was told the story herself, she probably wouldn't buy it herself. But, that was the best answer she could give. Any other answers laid too close to the truth. Too close.

"You promised no more questions, Rukiaaaaa-chaaan~" Urahara said in a singsong voice.

Seriously, the way Urahara tended to drag any alphabet 'A' in his way of talking was kind of annoying. But, simply looking at the names 'Ishida Uryu' and 'Kurosaki Ichigo', Rukia was really getting a headache now. This was why Urahara had thought she would be turning down the assigned class, wasn't it? She sighed before clenching the paper and it was more than obvious that she was upset by this piece of news and angered but she couldn't do anything due to the request that Kaien had made. After a few moments of silence, she spoke. "Ishida is a Quincy."

Urahara's expression froze for a while. "If that was asking a question-"

"I wasn't asking, Urahara." Urahara's expression turned serious. "I was stating a fact."

"I'm surprised you know about Ishida being a Quincy, Rukia-chan."

Rukia stiffened. Great, she had allowed her mind to do the talking than her mouth. "Is that why you assigned me to this class?"

"No questions, Rukia-chan~" And, Urahara's back.

But, Rukia had a vague idea. In Soul Society, there was a lay habit of referring Shinigamis to 'Balancers' or rather, regulators. The two flows filling Soul Society and the Human World are constantly exchanging. And, each of the 2 world had a soul balance. Maintaining that is the work of Shinigamis. But then, one day, the Quincies appeared in Soul Society. Shinigami purifies but Quincy completely kills them. In other words, the Hollow that are sent to the Human World doesn't return to Soul Society. And, if left alone, the balance of the 2 world could, or rather, would crumble. It would be the end of 2 worlds. It wasn't as if the Shinigamis hadn't tried, they had certainly tried and talks were held by the Quincies and Shinigamis' for numerous time but the Quincies had refused to address the complaints. And so, the decision to annihilate the Quincies' were handed down by Soul Society. Who was at fault? Rukia doesn't know. But, focusing on the situation at hand: Ishida is a Quincy. The resident Shinigami is more than incapable of dealing with the Hollows. If she wasn't wrong in the assumptions at all, Ishida had been the one cancelling out all the Hollows that had resided in KaraKura Town. Yet, was there no other way out of this? "You know the rivalry between Shinigamis and Quincies." Urahara was silent and Rukia gazed up at Urahara, noticing the unasked question that Urahara had before sighing. Was she stupid? How would Urahara not know seeing that he gave her all the information about Quincies? Sighing, she stood up. "Fine."

"Fine...?" Urahara was a bit surprised and Rukia rose an eyebrow. So, Urahara had really thought that she would turn down the offer.

"You really have that low of a confidence of me, Urahara." Releasing the crumpled paper that was probably useless, she moved out of her seat. "I will take up on the assigned class as long as you allow Kaien to roam around the school freely. Though, I expect him to have the best protection, no less."

Urahara snapped the fan shut. "Deal~" Rukia gazed at Urahara before walking out of the Principal's office. "Wait, Rukia-chaan~" Turning her head to gaze back at Urahara, Urahara skipped in front of her. "As the Principal, I have to escort you to your assigned class~" Rukia stared at Urahara as he walked past her. Lowering his hat, Urahara spoke the next words that made Rukia narrow her eyes just a little. "Your expression just now reminded me of Byakuya-san, who would do what he could do to protect you."

Rukia couldn't help but widen her eyes. "You have news of Nii-sama?"

"Nope!"

Rukia was beyond annoyed. "Then, why did you mention Nii-sama?"

"I just found your reaction amusing~"

Rukia rolled her eyes. Why had she gotten into such a big reaction? Looking away, she couldn't help but recall Urahara's double meaning when she had mentioned the rivalry between Shinigamis' and Quincies'. Urahara knew, even if he asked, Rukia wouldn't have been able to give him a direct answer. That's why he chose to stay silent. But, Rukia had to ask herself. Which side was she on?

Do you consider yourself a 'Shinigami', Rukia-chan?

Kaien had requested another location and asked Yoruichi about that location. A location that Rukia would like. Therefore, Yoruichi had brought him to a riverside. Streams of water were flowing through the riverside and Kaien didn't know why but he felt attached to this place somehow. Was it because his Mother liked this place? Probably, probably not. Reaching the place, he stood up and walked nearest to the river. Touching the water as it flowed past his hands, he was certain it was a soothing feeling. Was that why his Mother loved this place? "Yoruichi-san." Yoruichi turned to gaze at Kaien who was in front of her. "Why had Mama loved this place?" Now, that was a question Yoruichi had never asked herself. Whenever Rukia was feeling sadness, she always came to this place. This was where Yoruichi and Urahara always finds her, mostly Yoruichi since Urahara never bothered. If Urahara had come looking for her, Rukia would probably call him a Pervert though. Smiling in the memory of how Urahara would claim to be hurt that Rukia doesn't want him and beg Yoruichi to find her, those days were always fun. But, as to why Rukia particularly loved this place, Yoruichi had no idea. "Youruichi-san?"

Yoruichi snapped her attention back to Kaien before smiling. "I don't know, Kaien. What do you think?" Kaien gazed at Yoruichi curiously. Wasn't he the one asking the questions? Why was the question being directed back to him? "What do you feel when you touched the water that was flowing past you?"

Kaien thought for a long moment and attempted to touched a second time before standing up and facing Yoruichi, with a bright smile on his face. "Inner Peace."

Was it really because of Ishida that Urahara was assigning the class to Rukia? If it was, Urahara was probably taking a risk of himself or rather, all 3 of them being revealed to who they are. But, why had she agreed? Was it because she knew that having Ishida as a friend in KaraKura Town meant having an ally? Had she really just thought that? Quincies would rather surrender their pride before making friends with Shinigamis. And, Rukia knew that Quincies' pride were never to be surrendered. But, this thought had brought Urahara's words back to Rukia's mind. Who exactly is she? Does she consider herself a Shinigami? If she doesn't consider herself a Shinigami and only wants safety for Kaien, Yoruichi and Urahara, what does Soul Society mean to her? Yet, would she rather see the balance of 2 worlds being tilted or would she rather save that from happening? Rukia didn't know the answer. "Urahara, do you know of Kurosaki Ichigo?"

Urahara was surprised Rukia had asked about Ichigo. "You know about Kurosaki-san, Rukia-chan?"

Rukia simply shrugged. "Not exactly 'Know'. A few thugs were creating trouble in KaraKura High, saying that they had some scores to settle with Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Ah, I see." Urahara sighed. "Kurosaki-san has been up to some trouble again, hasn't he?"

Rukia gazed at Urahara. Since when did Urahara even care that students were creating troubles? "Has he been always this much of a troublemaker?"

"It seems so, Rukia-chan." Rukia nodded her head as Urahara continued. "During the past year that Kurosaki-san has been in KaraKura High, troubles had formed in KaraKura High since then. And, his spiritual pressure is a problem too."

So, not only does Rukia has to deal with a Quincy, she has another human with spiritual pressure to worry as well? Though, judging from the battle she saw back then, Ishida and Ichigo seems to be on good terms. Rukia sighed mentally. "I feel like I'm more of a tool than anything to you, Urahara."

"How could you think that way, Rukia-chaaaaan~?" Urahara whined.

Rukia simply sighed. Urahara as the Principal of KaraKura High. She will be damned to Hell.

"Inner Peace?"

Kaien nodded and Yoruichi was confused how could Kaien think of Inner Peace when associating with Water. Was that how Rukia thought? "When Kaien touched the Water, it was a soothing feeling." Yoruichi nodded her head. "As if..." Kaien was struggling for the right words to form. "Like nothing mattered."

"Nothing mattered...?"

Kaien nodded happily this time. "Like... It doesn't matter what happened on the outside, just feeling the water made Kaien have Inner Peace."

Yoruichi thought for a moment and was simply amazed. It took Kaien just a few sentences but it had brought out what Rukia had thought. Yoruichi was certain by now that Rukia must have thought the same way. Kaien was still Kaien after all. Being the one who understood Rukia the most back in 13th Squad Division, Yoruichi wasn't surprised to know that Kaien still had the same ability, to understand Rukia even when Rukia isn't here, to say the right words of what Rukia was thinking even when Rukia wasn't here. "I'm sure your Mama thought the same way as you, Kaien." Kaien turned his gaze to Yoruichi as Yoruichi smiled and gazed at the water. "Honestly, Rukia never told us why she liked this place at all but I would always find her in this place. Maybe she thought the same way as you, Kaien. Maybe she liked this place because just by looking at the waters, she could instantly feel Inner Peace and maybe, at that moment, nothing really mattered to her at all." Kaien continued staring at Yoruichi. "Because you are her son, that's why you understand her the most, don't you, Kaien?"

Kaien seemed satisfied by the answer and nodded happily.

"That's your class, Rukia-chaaaaaan~" Urahara said in a singsong voice.

Rukia stared at the classroom in front of her. Did Urahara say that this was her class? It didn't even look like a classroom at all! Everybody was talking with their friends, getting into groups. Rukia didn't even know what to say as she glared at Urahara. What can she say? She accepted the assigned class after all. Seeing Urahara grinning beneath his fan... When had he brought his fan along? Rukia was even more pissed. "You are so using me as a tool, Urahara."

"Rukia-chaaaaaan~"

"See you, Urahara."

"Kaien, do you want to hear a story?" Bouncing his head up and down, Yoruichi chuckled as she took Kaien's response as a 'Yes'. "Sit beside me then and I will tell you a story." Yoruichi patted the spot next to her and Kaien had already sat on that spot. Stories with Yoruichi had always been amazing. It was undeniable that Yoruichi could tell good stories when she wanted to. "I will tell you a story but you have to make sure you don't tell Mama about it, okay?" Kaien nodded, already eager for Yoruichi to tell the story than the promise intended. "The story is about you, Kaien."

Knowing that she had to get this over with sooner or later, she stepped into the class, causing the whole class to go silent. Ichigo and Ishida stared at the new teacher. Wasn't she the teacher that helped...? Yeah, she definitely was. They stared at Rukia as Rukia didn't even look at them. Judging by how the whole class was staring at her just like how Ishida and Ichigo did, it wasn't difficult to know that the whole class had probably gotten wind of the news how she had scared the neighborhood students away. She hadn't even started her Hell yet but there was already some unwanted attention from the class. "Rukia-Sensei...?"

Ishida's voice was hesitant, not wanting to believe that Rukia was their teacher. Rukia gazed at Ishida for a mere moment before gazing at Ichigo, realizing that he's having the same expression as Ichigo. Placing the books down on the table, Rukia stared at her new class. Well, she had better get used to this. "Thank you, Ishida." Rukia smiled and Ishida, too stunned to react, sat back on his seat. "I apologize, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Rukia, a new teacher that just joined KaraKura High. I was assigned to be your Homeroom teacher not long ago so I really had no idea although that's no excuse for being late." A simple bow. "I hope we can take care of each other for the year ahead."

"A story... About me?"

Yoruichi nodded. "Kaien, you wanted to know why Mama worries about you constantly, right? Why does she treat you like a baby but you are already 5 years old, am I right?" Kaien nodded, wondering what Yoruichi had to say. "That's because Mama always treated Kaien as a baby." This isn't helping at all. Kaien, hearing the explanation that Yoruichi provided, wasn't even satisfied and pouted, turning his head away from Yoruichi and she giggled. Even his pouting face looked like a baby. "Now, Kaien, it's rude to not wait for someone who hasn't even finished speaking." Yoruichi used the fingertip of her fingers to nudge Kaien. "I'm sure Rukia taught you better than that." Still pouting, Kaien turned his head back to Yoruichi. "Kaien, do you know you almost died once?"

"Kaien almost... Died once...?"

"Yup, Kaien almost died once." Now, Kaien gazed at Yoruichi, wanting her to speak more. "In fact, a kidnapper found Kaien and wanted to take Kaien away from Mama." Kaien's eyes shone brightly. Could Yoruichi use Kaien to remove some of the guilt off Rukia? It was worth a try, definitely. "The kidnapper nearly killed Kaien but Mama was worried about you, Kaien. Therefore, she begged Uncle Urahara..." Kaien was listening to every word. Uncle Urahara was involved as well? Rukia had always told Kaien not to be associated with Urahara but by the way this story was going, Uncle Urahara sounded amazing! "To save you and Uncle Urahara did, by inventing a medicine and helping you." Kaien clapped his hands and gazed at Yoruichi, smiling brightly. "That's why Mama doesn't allow you to go out anymore, Kaien. She's afraid that the same thing will happen once more and she will lose you all over again."

Kaien was curious now. "But, why does Mama not allow me to go out then?"

Yoruichi smiled. "Because Mama loves you too much for her to lose you all over again. And, because she feels guilt." Yoruichi had taken on a serious tone and Kaien gazed on in confusion, not understanding what Yoruichi was saying at all. "Guilt is a funny thing, Kaien. It can cause you to do things you weren't meant to do at first." Nope, still not understanding. "Besides, you are going with Mama to KaraKura High tomorrow, aren't you?" As a response, Kaien smiled brightly. That, he understood.

Introductions of the whole class were given one after another. It was basic responsibility to get to know more of her students in the first day, she figured. She had kept a bored expression throughout the whole introduction and Rukia had randomly picked out students to introduce themselves. The most weirdest thing was, Ichigo looked pissed off by her expression and Ishida looked... Cautious as hell. Rukia smiled mentally. Yeah, around her, Ishida would be cautious. Since she had the Bracelet, Rukia doubted that Ishida knew anything about her being a Shinigami. But, as a new teacher currently assigned to their class, anybody would be suspicious. But, Rukia couldn't really find it in herself to care as she gazed at the class, wondering who the next person would be. The class was waiting for Rukia like a freaking time bomb and honestly, Rukia felt like laughing. Looks like nobody ever bothered to ask them to introduce themselves before. Looking at the list of names that she had taken from Urahara's office, she spoke. "Looks like orange-haired students are a coincidence in this area, isn't it?" Gazing at the 2 students who had orange hair, she saw Ichigo having a tick on his forehead. That's amusing. As Ichigo was about to defend that it was freaking neutral, Rukia pointed to a girl and closed her file. "Inoue Orihime, your turn."

That expression of Ichigo's was definitely priceless as Rukia didn't bother to spare him a glance. Throughout the introductions, Inoue's name came up that one time when one declared her love for Inoue Orihime. What was her name? Mahana... Something like that, right? Damn, Rukia was not good at remembering names whom she had just met just now. Saying about Inoue, she fidgeted her fingers and stood up, sparing a shy glance at everyone in the class. "U-Um... My name's Inoue Orihime and it's my second year..." Rukia deduced that she's a shy one. And, looking at all the guys who was staring at her except for one Kurosaki Ichigo and one Ishida Uryu, she wondered what kind of class she had just stepped into. Although, Ishida's gaze also stopped at Inoue, that is, while Ichigo remained undisturbed. "I'm g-g-good at cooking."

Rukia raised an eyebrow. How was that information relevant to her? "What are your specialties, Inoue?"

With regarding to cooking, Inoue's smile got even brighter and Rukia could tell this was a topic Inoue felt comfortable with, at least comfortable enough to shift off the shyness she had moments ago. "Red bean paste is my favorite! Sandwich red bean paste with wasabi..."

Rukia could tell that the class were almost gagging. Inoue's good in academics, she could tell but cooking... She shook her head mentally. For Inoue's sake, should she have a cooking period? But, she had one more question to ask. "Do you have a hobby, Inoue?"

Inoue seemingly gleamed. "I don't really have a hobby but I'm currently in the Sewing Club!" Sewing club, huh? Yeah, Inoue would be in the sewing club. It wasn't hard to imagine Inoue being in the Sewing club after all. "The same sewing club with Ishida-kun in it!"

"Inoue-san!"

Apparently, that was Ishida and Inoue hadn't thought too much of it when speaking. So, Student Council President and Sewing club? Ishida sure has a busy life, in addition to him being a Quincy. She wonders when would he find the time. Switching her attention back to Inoue who gave a sheepish smile back to Ishida who had a slight shade of red on his cheeks and pushes his glasses up to avoid suspicion, Rukia smiled. This class certainly was interesting. "Inoue, do you like sewing?" Inoue gave a nod and Rukia could tell that Inoue was a shy yet good student. Well, judging as how her results are in the Top 10, that is. "That's good to know. You may sit down now." Inoue sat down, feeling happy about her introduction and Rukia gazed at Ishida who visibly flinched. So, the great Quincy was afraid of something after all. Suddenly, Inoue raised her hand and Rukia was confused. "Inoue, do you have something to ask me?"

Inoue stood up. "Rukia-Sensei, you said that orange hairs are a coincidence in this area." Ichigo still remained undisturbed but he was paying attention to Inoue's question. "Have you seen any others with orange hairs in KaraKura Town, Rukia-Sensei?"

Inoue's tone was suspicious, a suspicion forming whenever it had came to Kurosaki Ichigo. She had suspected that Rukia had met Ichigo. Though, it was weird that Inoue had such daring personality when it comes to Ichigo. She's seeing something, although she doesn't know what exactly it is. In response to Inoue's question, Rukia shrugged her shoulders. "Not particularly, Inoue. Why do you ask?"

The atmosphere was tense and Inoue was fidgeting, back to her shy demeanor now. "O-O-Oh. I just thought Rukia-Sensei has met Kurosaki-kun before..."

Rukia smiled. "Why would you think that, Inoue?"

"N-Nothing..."

Taking her gaze off Inoue, she gazed at Ichigo who had looked more relaxed and Ishida as well. Of course, if word had gotten out that they were in a fight, she doubted Urahara would do something about it but it wasn't in Urahara's hands, either. "Student Council President, your turn."

Ishida stood up and gave a simple bow before speaking. "I'm Ishida Uryu, my second year in KaraKura High and my hobby is sewing."

Rukia nodded. "I understood that from Inoue, Ishida." Ishida gazed at Rukia while Rukia looked at the file for a moment before snapping it shut. "Interesting. Student Council President and the President of the Sewing Club?" Ishida stayed silent and Rukia continued. "I wonder how you find time for these 2 clubs. But, seeing your academicals results aren't bad at all, you probably are a genius in academics, huh?" A hint of pride formed in Ishida and Rukia shook her head mentally. Quincies will be the death of KaraKura Town and Soul Society someday. Looking at Ishida then at Ichigo, Rukia wondered mentally why they were on good terms. Ichigo had spiritual pressure, she could sense them now. But, why would Ishida be friends with Ichigo? Looking at Ichigo, he seemed really bored with this class. "You can sit down now, Ishida."

Ishida sat down and eyed Ichigo before nudging him, as if warning him. But, Ichigo dismissed his warning. Rukia noticed all of this before she smiled. And, that's why Kurosaki Ichigo's academics was in the Top 50. Was it one of the tops that Ichigo considered proud of? Well, she doubted Ichigo really cared but... "Kurosaki Ichigo, your turn." Ichigo stood up and, with a scowl that could scare kids away, showed the scowl to Rukia. Rukia, unfazed, gazed at Ichigo. Wow, some hostility there. "Such a charming expression, Kurosaki." A glare was directed her way. Does Ichigo treat all the new teachers that way or was it because she had helped him with such a low trick? "Would you get on with the introductions? I don't have all day, you know."

Ichigo was never good at words. "Ichigo Kurosaki."

Rukia rolled her eyes mentally. "Your words must be worth a million dollars, Kurosaki." Ichigo went silent. "Is your hair neutral?" Ichigo glared at Rukia for even trying to ask that but Rukia simply shrugged while Ishida was observing Rukia. "What? You can't blame me for asking that since you never provided any information about yourself." Ichigo sighed but shook his head. Rukia gazed at Ichigo. Could Ichigo be useful for providing information? Taking the file and opening it without looking at Ichigo, Rukia spoke. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Kurosaki. In this file, it states that you are friends with Ishida, am I right?" Ichigo stayed silent, not wishing to comment. "Mind telling me how that happened?"

"No obligations, Rukia-Sensei."

Rukia looked surprised at Ichigo's answered but remained calm. What did she expect? Rukia was a stranger in their class, she hadn't expected Ichigo to open up to him and state why a mere Quincy had became friends with a Human with decent spiritual energy. Why had she expected Ichigo to open up about it anyway? Rukia closed her eyes to calm herself down for a moment before opening her eyes. Taking the file she had left on the table and snapping it shut, so loud that it scared the other students, Ichigo wasn't oblivious to the fact that Rukia was angered but he really couldn't be bothered, really. Knowing that the bell was about to ring, she walked out of the class but not without a last gaze to Ichigo. "Right. Class dismissed."

Replying To Reviews In Progress:

Redly24: Thank You for your review. It encouraged to write one more chapter just by seeing your reviews and it lightened up my spirits seeing as how my life has been Hell the past few days. Thank You. ^.^ I hope this chapter is up to your expectation as well. ^.^

hopelessromantic: It's a mix of FB arc and Substitute Shinigami arc. I might add a little of the Fillers arc but I wanted it to go along with how Substitute Shinigami Arc started, how Rukia is captured back to Soul Society. I hope I can make it work though since that's a difficult plot to follow up on but I will try my best. ^.^ Yes, both Rukia and Ichigo have met before. As to 'When' and 'How', you probably have to figure out as the story goes though Rukia is involved in Ichigo's life, definitely. As to Ichigo being the Father of Kaien or not, maybe he might be in future chapters but for now, nope, he isn't. ^.^ Hope that answered your questions. ^.^

Final A/N: Reviews make me happy~ ^.^ See You Next Time. ^.^