Several days later, Shane met Renji and Rukia at Urahara's shop.
"Hey guys," Shane said in greeting and was rewarded with a punch to the stomach from Rukia. "Idiot! Where have you been?" she asked angrily, then smiled.
Shane rubbed his middle and said, "Wow, I missed you too."
"Yo," Renji said with a wave. Shane finally got a good look at the others. He frowned and asked, "Renji, what are the rest of them doing here?"
Renji glanced to the others. "Well, Rukia is here because she has experience in the Real World and knows Ichigo. I came because I'm a pretty reliable guy."
"I figured you and Rukia would come, but them?" Shane asked.
"I invited my friend Ikkaku, since I figured we could use more muscle and Ikkaku wouldn't leave without Yumichika. Rangiku tagged along because didn't want to be left out, so therefore, Captain Hitsugaya had to come too." Renji explained.
Shane looked to the rest of them and shook his head. Ikkaku suddenly glared at Shane, as if remembering something. "I think I know you from somewhere," he said.
Yumichika looked Shane up and down and made a disgusted face. "Why would you want to remember someone like that?" he asked. Ikkaku suddenly pointed his Soul Slayer at Shane. "I know! You're the guy that took out all of 11th squad when Yumichika and I weren't there."
"Uh, yeah, that was me," Shane said and laughed nervously. Ikkaku stamped his feet in frustration. "How could you do that when I wasn't around! When we got back and found out what happened, I wanted so badly to fight whoever took out our squad mates so easily."
Captain Hitsugaya rolled his eyes. "Calm down Madarame. Let's not forget the reason why we are here."
Rukia looked out the window. "It's still morning. Ichigo will be at school by now."
"Okay everyone, gather together now," Urahara said, finally appearing. Everyone circled around Urahara. "You all are here to help the Substitute Shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki and to act as a liaison between Soul Society and the Real World. Meet with Kurosaki and return here. If you decide on other arrangements, please let me know." Urahara looked grave. "I can't stress the importance of this enough. We know Aizen is up to something and more Arrancar could appear at any time. Be careful." With that, they all departed from the shop.
Shane hung back to talk to Rukia. "How long have you been waiting?"
"We arrived yesterday," Rukia said. "We were ready to go immediately, but Urahara insisted we wait for you." She frowned. "What were you doing, anyway?"
Shane thought for a moment and said, "You know, I'm not sure I know what happened."
Rukia smiled and said, "Oh, I have something to tell you,"
"What's up?" Shane asked.
"Normally, the Squad Lieutenants don't have any subordinates directly under them, but Captain Ukitake has assigned me to work under you," Rukia explained. Her brow furrowed and she stroked her chin. "I can't figure out why he would do something like that."
Probably has to do with a certain captain named Kuchiki, Shane thought, but said "I don't know either."
"Well, whatever happens, don't get any funny ideas," Rukia warned.
"Whatever could you mean?" Shane asked innocently. "I would never dream of insulting a woman of the great house of Kuchiki."
"Stop that!" Rukia said and playfully punched Shane on the arm. He smiled and they walked the rest of the way to the school in good spirits. Before they entered the school grounds, Captain Hitsugaya directed them to a discrete location.
"What are we doing in such a nasty place?" Yumichika asked, wrinkling his nose.
Captain Hitsugaya handed out faux bodies.
"I haven't done this in a while," Shane said, trying to loosen his body up.
"What are these clothes?" Rangiku Matsumoto asked. She curiously picked over the shirt and blouse.
"These are the school uniforms of Ichigo's school," Rukia explained. Shane saw a bit of hesitation in Rukia's eyes before she merged with her body. I'd feel the same way if I were her, Shane thought.
"This shirt is too constricting," Rangiku complained and undid the buttons to half way down her shirt, barely containing her considerable bust. Shane blushed when he saw her. "Uh, Lieutenant Matsumoto, do you even know the meaning of the word 'modesty'?" he asked.
"What? What's wrong with the way I look?" Rangiku asked. "Besides, you're a lieutenant now and we're in the Real World, so call me Rangiku." she said and put her arm around Shane and drew him in close. Shane was petrified, afraid to move. Rukia couldn't help but laugh.
"That's enough Matsumoto," Hitsugaya warned. "We need to be on our best behavior so we can blend in with the humans."
Shane managed to escape Rangiku's grasp. "I'm gonna go on ahead, okay?" he said and took off.
Shane cautiously made his way through the school grounds and up to the classroom. Shane carefully peeked inside the door. Since Summer Break was over, some of the students were already wearing the winter uniform. He noticed Ichigo had some bandages on his head and had a far off look in his eyes. Shane gasped when he saw Orihime. Her head was bandaged and her arm was in a sling. He noticed Chad's seat was empty and Tatsuki was staring out the window. Shane picked his way through the room, taking care not to be seen by Ichigo or Orihime. He stopped in front of Tatsuki's desk and waited. Tatsuki seemed oblivious to everything except her own thoughts.
"Hey there," Shane said. When Tatsuki didn't respond, Shane made a fist and hit her on the head.
"What the-" Tatsuki roared and jumped to her feet. She blinked in surprise when Shane smiled at her.
"That's the Tatsuki I remember," Shane said quietly. Tatsuki noticed everyone staring at them.
"What are you all looking at!" Tatsuki shouted and everyone resumed their business. She then turned to Shane, glaring. "What's with you hitting me on the head?"
"I've been standing here for about five minutes and you didn't even see me," Shane said. Tatsuki decided to forgive him and smiled. "How long are you back for this time?" she asked.
"Oh, indefinitely," Shane replied. Looking into her eyes and reading her body language, Shane could tell she had something to talk about. "Why don't we meet up after school. They still have the Karate Club, right?" he asked.
"Sure. I'll meet you there," Tatsuki said.
Before Shane could say anything else, the door flew open, revealing five strangers. As they walked in, people started whispering.
"Whoa, who's the bald guy?"
"That kid looks like he should be in elementary school."
"Who's the beautiful girl?"
"What's with that guy's weird hair?"
Ichigo took notice and his eyes went wide with surprise. "Wh-what are you all doing here?" he asked. Shane immediately noticed Rukia wasn't with them.
Tatsuki leaned over and whispered, "Do you know these strange people?" Shane sighed and thought of the best way to explain. "Uh, yeah. I know them from America. When I told them about my experiences here, they all enrolled in the same exchange student program as me," he said. Tatsuki gave him a blank look that said she didn't believe him. Shane sighed and said, "Karate Club, after school okay?" Tatsuki nodded.