Chapter 3: Mermaid pipe dreams part 1
Soul Society
Yamamoto was conducting the Captain's meeting and where all the day to day agendas and preparations for the Winter War were discussed in considerable detail. The meeting was about to end but the old man had other ideas. There was one important item that they have yet to deliberate and it all had to do with Ichigo. The Substitute Shinigami has been in Yokai Academy for about a month now and the reports the strawberry has submitted to Soul Society has proven negative findings so far.
Considering their opponent was a former Captain and indeed Aizen is one clever bastard that has an evil tendency to hatch multi-layered plots of such intricacy that only his devious mind could cook up and pull it off without a hitch. It would't be a surprise if luring Ichigo to that other dimension was part of some ingenious plan that they have yet to figure out.
"As you all may know that Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki Ichigo has undertaken a mission of outmost importance for Soul Society." Yamamoto began. "There was evidence that Aizen was accelerating the production and evolution of his Arrancar Army but he is not working at Hueco Mundo as we have anticipated but elsewhere..."
"What do you mean Yama-jii?" Kyoraku asked.
"That Aizen has moved his facilities to a pocket dimension in the World of the Living..."
"You mean Yokai Academy Captain-General?" Unohana asked.
"Ah I see that you have read the reports..."
"What do you know of this Yokai Academy Unohana-taicho?" Soi Fon asked curiously.
"The Exorcist was a close friend of mine and that I help him cast the kido to stabilize the barrier that separates the Academy and the World of the Living. You see, the school is located in a pocket dimension which exists in parallel to the Earth and even Soul Society itself."
"Interesting, Unohana-taicho. If you do not mind I would like to ask a few questions about this "pocket" dimension and the utilization of this barrier after the meeting." Mayuri told her.
"If you want, I'll send you a copy of the notes and my friend's paper on the theory. Perhaps that would better considering I only helped with the barrier stabilization not creating the barrier itself. You're going to have to ask the man yourself if you want further details."
"That would be fine..."
"So why the hell did they need to put up a barrier in the first place?" Kenpachi asked. "It sounds like a big pain in the ass if ya ask me."
"Zaraki-taicho, I would suggest that you...refrain from using such coarse language, please." Retsu said smiling. Even though she didn't sound threatening, Kenpachi gulped and didn't say a thing more.
"It is because it is an institution used to educate monsters to co-exist with the humans."
Several of the Captains looked at the wolf faced Komamura and blinked...
"I once went there when I was but a young cub..." he said as a way of explanation. "But that was obviously a very long time ago..."
Silence...
"Uh so, how long has Ichigo been in Yokai Academy, Master?" Ukitake asked.
"I believe it's been a month now. He has diligently been reporting in every week but my reports from him was abruptly cut off. That was 3 days ago..."
"What do you think could have happened?" Toshiro asked.
"Who knows, it could have been anything really. " Kyoraku answered him. Then he turned to the old man. "Yama-jii do we have a Shinigami Representative stationed at the school?"
"There hasn't been one that I could recall. As far as I know from what I could glean of the old records, there has not been a Shinigami stationed there since 500 years ago..."
"Perfect..."
"What are you getting at Shinsui?"
The flamboyant Captain looked at his superior officer and grinned. The old man twitched an eyebrow and he hasn't seen that much enthusiasm and exuberance from his pupil since Shinsui's time as a student in Shino Academy. Now he's just too laid back and just laze too much these days. Yamamoto is sure that he's been driving Lt. Nanao crazy of his lifestyle but the old man has to remember that he looks things a little differently than his other Captains. Despite his easy going manner, Shinsui is one of his most accomplished pupils and a very powerful Captain in his own right.
"It's a perfect excuse for us to send a Representative there now isn't it? It kills two birds with one stone. Number 1: we can reestablish a relationship with the Yokai and thus rendering our soul purifying services to them. Number 2: we can check up on Ichigo on how he is doing and as an added bonus, the strawberry has instantaneous backup. You said it yourself Yam-jii, we can't spare anyone right now with the Winter War looming but I think sending people the Substitute is familiar with would make his job and ours a lot easier."
"Master he does have a point..." Ukitake said in support. Shinsui nodded to him in appreciation. "I'm sure that we can spare at least one of the Lieutenants and once contact has been reestablished and the situation with Aizen has been resolved, we can send in a permanently stationed Shinigami to the school later."
"Very well then. Do any of you have anyone in mind then?"
"I will send Renji immediately." Byakuya said with his eyes closed. "I believe he and the Substitute are familiar with one another."
"I see. For now we send Lt. Abarai to make contact with the school's Headmaster until negotiations are complete. Then have him brief Ichigo so that we know how he's faring. You have your orders. Dismissed!"
Thirty minutes later in the 13th Division's Barracks...
Renji who was briefed by his Captain of his mission ordered the pineapple to report to 13th for further orders. With his gear in tow, the red head found himself face to face with the gaunt Captain. Ukitake explained further what he needed to do and that was to make contact with the Yokai and to find out what happened to Ichigo. The Captain then produced a rolled parchment sealed in wax and the pineapple quickly put it away in his satchel.
"You can stop eavesdropping now, Sentaro, Kiyone, and Rukia..."
Renji in half lidded fashion opened the door and 3 of them unceremoniously fallen into a tangled heap on the wooden floor. The three of them were ashamed and the two third seats immediately found that their paper work was calling to them and is far more enticing than the present situation. The two of them bowed to their Captain deeply and murmured a few words of apology before they skittered out of the office in half walk half run pace. Rukia who was still rubbing her aching bottom stood up in attention while whispering and swearing at 2 certain 3rd seats who were a bunch of lily livered cowards...
"I'm sorry Captain, but I couldn't help overhear your conversation so..."
"Didn't know you're such a nosy busy body Rukia?" the pineapple said grinning.
"Shut the hell up!"
In her ire, the diminutive Shinigami kicked her childhood friend on shin making the pineapple hop in pain. The laid back Ukitake chuckled at their antics...
"So if I got this correctly, the Soul Society is sending Renji to reestablish contact with the Yokai but in reality we just wanted to know why the idiot hasn't been reporting lately, right?" Rukia asked.
"Yup that's pretty much the gist of it." Renji said to her.
"I'm going with you..."
"Uh NO! Captain Kuchiki will have my hide skinned, tanned, and hanged to dry if he finds out you went with me and got in harm's way! Besides aren't you suppose to be recuperating or something?"
"I'm pretty much healed up already so you can't use that excuse to prevent me from going..."
"Captain Ukitake could you please talk sense into her?" Renji pleaded.
"Common Captain, knowing THIS idiot!" Rukia said pointing to the affronted pineapple. "He's bound to screw it up in one way or another. He needs a back up and I think I'm recovered enough to be able to do that role. Besides, I needed to say a thing or two to that OTHER idiot too anyway!"
Ukitake listened and then held up his hand for them to stop their bickering before their confrontation turned into blows. The two of them nervously anticipated his answer...
"Renji does have a point though Kuchiki, Byakuya would certainly be worried about you."
"But Captain..." Rukia began to protest.
"Let me finish...But I'm sure that he'll let you go if you tell him and not just run off." Ukitake explained. He then turn to Renji. "And she does have a point Abarai, you will more than likely need back up considering our knowledge of the Yokai have been lost all this time. There was no mention in the meeting as I recall that Abarai can't choose another Shinigami for back up."
Rukia was showing signs of victory and Renji sighed...
"Kuchiki tell your brother that I have authorized you to go with Renji on a joint mission." the frail Captain commanded. Then he turned to the pineapple and said. "Follow just as we have planned and I will smooth things over with the Head Captain of the alterations, so you don't have to worry. Now go at your leisure and report in about a week. You'll are dismissed!"
Yokai Academy
It has been exactly one month that Ichigo has been sent by Soul Society to find out what Aizen's plans were and sabotage those efforts. Unfortunately, so far the strawberry has only been purifying regular Hollows and an occasional Menos or two but that was the extent of the so called "threat" thus far. The old man has insisted that Ichigo report on his progress and after the third week of boredom, he just didn't bother with it altogether. What's the point of telling Gramps that he killed more low level Hollows? That was just a complete waste of his and the old man's time and he figures he'll report the major stuff later... when and IF it happens.
Meanwhile, since the Hollow population seemed to have exploded in the last few days has made Ichigo's life a little interesting, if not more complicated. Leading a double identity is just a pain in the ass now that he thought about it. Moonlighting as a humble student by day and then hunting Hollows at night has been in many words...exhausting. In fact, his activities as a Shinigami was the number 1 topic discussed by the entire student body. For the several few who were fortunate enough that Ichigo saved them from having their souls devoured, were the ones very supportive of the mysterious man in black and has declared him a hero! Like some kind of urban legend, Ichigo's exploits at night has elevated him akin to that of a celebrity. Better that than exposing his identity to the public that's for sure!
Technically, he's not suppose to be in the Academy as the mission was to be hush-hush. Still, it couldn't be helped the Yokai that he saved had briefly saw him dispatch their beastly tormentors. Ichigo with a bit of ingeniousness in his part has been using shunpo to keep his identity secret from the public. If there was for some reason he couldn't get away and the students were about to find out who he was, he put on his Hollow mask to preserve his anonymity. Of course, they didn't have wool over their eyes either as "someone" must have killed the things that were stalking them but he was just too fast for them to see who has done the deed of rescuing them from certain death. Nevertheless, it didn't stop the "fans" for trying to get a picture of him but their efforts fell short as the photographs ended up too blurry and therefore useless. The strawberry sighed and thought the whole thing ridiculous. Still just as a long as he can help them in anyway he can, then he could tolerate their shenanigans for awhile. Suddenly there was a scream and Ichigo vanished in shunpo.
The victim this time was about to get herself flattened by yet another giant Hollow. She screamed and waited for the creature to tear her delicate flesh and rend her body limb from limb. Ichinose Tamoe was beside herself. This was suppose to be her senior year and she wanted to have as much fun and make memories that would last her a lifetime. Now she was about to get squished flatter than a pancake and get eaten by a monster with a hole in the chest! She didn't want to go this way! The black haired mermaid wanted to be just like her cousin Arielle who found herself a prince and lived happily ever after!
Although he was human, they loved each other nonetheless and her red headed cousin seemed to have found happiness that has eluded her all her life. Tamoe wanted to have a handsome stud for a husband and wanted a lot of kids! Now her dreams of a big family and that castle by the sea was evaporating before her eyes. Her bitter tears of disappointment cascaded down her smooth, delicate, porcelain cheeks.
"Wait, isn't there suppose to be a phantom swordsman who's going to save me?" Tamoe thought hopefully.
Tamoe like everyone else has heard the rumors of a man clad in a black kimono and who wielded a giant sword whenever one of these things appeared. She has talked to many of the Yokai that the he has saved and everyone of them told her the same thing: that he was so fast that they couldn't see when he attacked and killed the monsters and then vanish like a whisper in the wind. One of her swimming club members told her that he saved her from the creatures and to this day she couldn't help but gush over his heroics. Apparently, Misa had to fall in line as the entire female population had a mad crush on the Phantom just as the idiotic male population had a thing for Akashiya Moka. The one thing that Misa told her that stayed with the president was the intoxicating feeling she felt when he exerted his enormously strong Yoki. Although he may look intimidating at first she couldn't help but feel safe in his arms. Needless to say, they both ended up blushing for some unknown reason thereafter...
The black haired beauty suddenly looked up when she heard the piercing inhuman scream of the thing. She then found the creature's attacking arm was on the ground in a bloody mess, not far away from her. She then looked for the thing and her eyes widened in surprise! For there right in front of her was the Phantom himself standing before her and putting himself as a kind of barrier to protect her from the monster. Tamao found herself blushing madly as her eyes drank in his image that she will remember for the rest of his life...
Standing tall, proud, and with no ounce of fear in his demeanor, holding his massive sword unsheathed in her defense. He looked so much like a swashbuckling hero she's read in her human romance novels. Although she thought that humanity as a species were detestable creatures; they sure do have a lot of imagination and she enjoyed reading and watching their soap operas on t.v. very much. For Tamao was a romantic at heart and like all girls her age, her concepts of love and romance were tempered with novels and movies mixed in with her pure naivety. Her club members also enjoyed such things and there was no weekend she could remember where all the girls gathered at her dorm room and watched romantic movies all night long. The simple pleasure of eating popcorn and relishing a good film with friends was something the black haired president looked forward to at the end of the week.
Before she could even blink, he vanished again. The hero suddenly appeared above and behind the creature and with one swipe of his massive sword turned the thing into what looked like ash. Then she found herself face to face with a menacing skull mask and found his eerie yellow eyes fascinatingly mesmerizing.
"Are you alright miss?"
Tamao flinched slightly as she heard his hollow voice echoing but she remembered that this man has just saved her life and she will not thank his efforts with fear on her part. She tried to speak...
"Y-yes t-thanks to you!" she whispered. "A-and i-it's Ichinose Tamoe."
"What was that?"
Tamao has found her courage and with a clearer voice this time she replied...
"The name is Ichinose Tamoe and I wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving my life!"
"Just doing my job ma'am..."
Tamoe however had other ideas and she could proudly say to her girls that she was the first Yokai to ever hug the Phantom. She smirked and can't wait to tell them all about it. Ichigo looked at her in astonishment as the girl who obviously was older than him caught the strawberry by surprise. It was a good thing that he was wearing his Hollow mask because he was blushing quite madly from embarrassment! He stuck Zangetsu on the ground and held the girl rather awkwardly as the girl cried in his embrace. Dammit, he wasn't good with this stuff but nonetheless he tried his best to comfort the girl...
"Shh, it's over now. As long as I am here I will protect you and this school from the Hollows, alright?"
"You called those things Hollows?" Tamao said looking up at him. "What are they and why are they attacking all the students?"
"It's a rather complicated story that's too long to tell. You don't have to worry about the details. Rest assured that I will be here whenever they appear..."
"So how will I get a hold of you if they attack again?" she asked.
"Just flare up your Yoki to it's maximum and I will come!"
"Thank you..." Tamao said demurely. "So what do I call you? A lot of people have been saying things like the black clad man, The Phantom, the Reaper and a whole slew of other names..."
Ichigo blinked, he didn't know that people were talking about him like that. Ironically, he felt like Superman right now. Of course, Louis Lane coined that name for him and this isn't exactly like a DC comic. He quickly tried to think of a cool code name but he couldn't quite figure out what to call himself. Then it hit him...
"You can call me Zangetsu from now on..."
Deep down in his Inner World he could feel the old man chuckle in amusement...
"Zangetsu...or Slaying Moon" Tamao thought. "With his vast and enormous Yoki, I'm sure that he could pierce through the heavens and slay the moon...it's only appropriate.
Then she gave her hero an alluring smile...
"Thank you Zangetsu-san. Please take care of me from this moment on..."
She heard the imposing man...chuckle.
"I will try my best." Ichigo said chuckling. Then he heard another Hollow scream. "If you would excuse me Ichinose-san but it seems that duty calls."
"Go then...you are needed elsewhere..."
Ichigo then took his zanpakuto and was about to leave when Tamao caught him by surprise again and the president of the Swimming Club put a chaste kiss on the cheek of his mask. Needless to say they were both blushing in embarrassment...
"W-what was that for?"
"Think of it as a good luck charm..."
"I see..."
The Hollow roared again...
"Go get them...my hero!" she whispered.
Ichigo nodded then he disappeared to the mermaid's astonishment...
Tamao was blushing but she couldn't quite help herself. Here she was complaining to her friends that they weren't doing memorable things and she has just acquired so many memories in one morning! Now more than ever she will from now on relish the second chance that Zangetsu-san has given her. She was in such a good mood that she literally skipped like a giddy school girl on her way to the Academy. She couldn't wait till she get to class and tell her friends what happened to her.
"Wouldn't they be so jealous!" she thought giggling.
Yokai Academy...Ichigo's class
"Well then everyone, this academy's goal is to train monsters in adapting to human society. So starting this day forward, you're all to take up some club activities. Our perfect emulation of being human can only be achieved when are able to understand them. And what better way to facilitate this comprehension of the human psyche through the sweat of club activities."
A student raised his hand...
"Umm Sensei..."
"Yes?"
"I guess you would get an F for transforming right?"
Everyone pointed at a tail that had a mind of its own swishing back and forth from under the teacher's skirt...
"Wow...it's a tail..."
"A tail?"
Then to everyone's surprise the teacher went up to the offending student and suddenly scratched him in the face. The unfortunately injured student found himself walking awkwardly while his head comically gushed with blood. The entire class sweat dropped...
"Damn...Note to self remember not to piss off the teacher...ever." he whispered to no one in particular.
Moka on the other hand with her accursed sharp hearing, looked at him sternly and tried without success to suppress her mirth. Who would have thought that the strawberry had a sense of humor? It seemed that Kurosaki Ichigo is as multi-faceted like the surface of a newly cut diamond and there is so much more to him than the cool, scowling delinquent persona that he shows in public. Actually she didn't know what to make of him as they have gotten along fairly well since the day they were left alone together on that day. In the 15 years she has been in this Earth she couldn't quite remember when she was left with a boy...alone where very tantalizing and dangerous things that could happen between people of the opposite sex. She shook her head and blushed...
" Akashiya Moka get your head out of the gutter dammit!" Moka chastised herself.
Oh they'll get into a heated argument once in a while but their relationship has improved since the chilly first day of school. Their bickering and usually intense quarrels evolved to joking and sarcastic banter between them. The class and Nekonome-sensei watched with pointed captivating interest as the two of them were on a roll one day and that tiff went back and forth that lasted the entirety of homeroom! Even though such entertainment was free and far more enticing than the Algebra class that Ririko-sensei is teaching at the moment, the passion and the enthusiasm in which they conduct their little...debates were getting out of hand. Each time they argue, their Yoki aura flares up violently and saturates the classroom so much so that it made some of the delicate and weak of constitution (namely Tsukune) visit the infirmary quite often!
With those two always having a bone to pick with, it's no wonder that the entire student body thinks there is something going on between them. All the bluster, the screeching, the screaming, and the death stares were all just a thin flimsy excuse so that they can be together or so the rumors say.
"Ichigo and Moka are always portraying that they hated the others guts but the reality was they were really madly in love" says a romantic amongst them selling pictures of the two together. Ironically enough it was one of the hottest items most coveted by the students...
Still another rumor flying around states...
"All that arguing is just theatrics...in reality they really adore each other in private..."
That little piece of juicy gossip started when Moka slipped in the rain and Ichigo pulled her up to help. Apparently he didn't know his own strength and they both ended up in each others embrace and their faces dangerously close to one another. Shocked beyond belief, the beautiful Vampire froze and Ichigo for some reason was mesmerized with her crimson eyes and didn't let her go immediately. Then he realized what he was doing and comically let her go like he just touched something dangerous! Moka knew that it was sweet of him to help her out and Ichigo apologized for getting too close which the Vampire dismissed. In the end both of them were mortified that they even touch each other and were redder than tomatoes thereafter! That of course started another round of bickering that's become everyday routine at the school. One's day is not complete without listening to the...ahem..."happy" couple's little tussles.
They of course deny these preposterous allegations with vehemence and such ferocity that it actually made it all the more suspicious that they have a thing for each other! In a rare case of working in concert, the odd couple of the strawberry and the Vampire tried to cow everyone into submission with flares of their Yoki and with cold murderous stares. It worked but knowing people they will always talk but it was in hushed circles. They didn't want to upset the "demon" couple if they could help it! Both Moka and Ichigo sighed and let the matter go...at least for now.
The teacher knocked Moka out of her musings as she listened...
"Understand? Everyone will participate in some kind of club activities. Be sure to visit a lot of groups and decide which one you want to enter. And make sure to visit the newspaper club. I'm the advisor so if you're interested please come see me. We can always use new members."
"Wow that was the most blatant shameless plug if I ever heard one!" Ichigo whispered blandly.
Class was dismissed and Tsukune, Moka, and Ichigo lingered until everyone left. The brown haired boy then came up to the two...
"So Moka-san, Ichigo what clubs are you guys going to check out first?" Tsukune asked curiously.
"I don't really care, I'll just look around I guess." Ichigo answered. "What about you Akashiya have something in mind?"
"Chi...I really have no time for something as useless as club activities." Moka replied. "I think it's just a complete waste of time!"
"But whether you like it or not my dearest Moka, you have to pick a club. Nekonome-sensei's orders. I'll drag your pretty little ass kicking and screaming if I have to..." Ichigo said smirking.
Moka looked at him astonished but she smiled at him as well and with mock severity she replied...
"I like to see you try..." Moka smiling at him sweetly. "Come get this sweet little ass and see what happens!"
Without thinking she turned around while patting her luscious bottom at him for emphasis and looked at him alluringly. She was pleased with the desired effect as Ichigo blushed furiously while Tsukune had to staunch a massive nose bleed. Moka-san may seem strict but she can be a dangerous seductive temptress herself if she wanted to...
"What the hell! Are they like...flirting or something!" Tsukune thought sweat dropping.
There was a tense silence in the air before he suddenly heard Ichigo laughing and Moka giggling for no reason. The brown haired boy's sweat drop grew even larger...
"Common Moka-san it should be fun! Maybe we can all be in a club together!"
"Fine if you insist..." Moka said huffing. Then she turned around and looked at the strawberry. "Well are you coming or not?"
"Well excuse me your Highness..." Ichigo said recovering. Then he mocked bow at her in a grand flourish that made Tsukune guffawed in amusement. "Ladies first..."
"Hmmph!" Moka replied as she looked up ignoring him. But deep down she couldn't help but smile at his antics...
"Let's go and look around for a little bit till we find something interesting..." Tsukune suggested.
Thus the intrepid trio walked into the sea of Yokai as they have crowded and filled even the cavernous hallways of the school. Every nook and cranny were filled with students trying to recruit members for their club. There were several instances that the Phantom Photography Club, the Chemistry club, and the Acupuncture club tried to entice them to join. While Tsukune was panicking and comically hyperventilating because after all they were kinda scary in his opinion and having a heart attack while going to club activities is not a very good thing for his health nor is it conducive to his objective anonymity. Ichigo snorted and just ignored them while Moka's temper began to rise from being harassed constantly. A massive knot began to appear on her forehead and when black Yoki started leaking out of her body, the students began to give them a wide berth while the very irritated Moka stomped forward leading the two boys...
Then they found themselves in front of the Kendo Club and that caught Ichigo's interest...
"Hey guys, why don't we check them out..."
"Sure, I didn't know you have an aptitude for sword fighting Kurosaki." Moka said insolently.
"There's a lot of things about me you don't know Akashiya..."
"And thank Kami I don't..."
Which ironically was a big fat lie because she wanted so much to know about him. She just wasn't going to admit it...
"Umm, g-guys...I t-thought we were going to check the Club out?" Tsukune said trying to keep the peace. Since when did he become the liaison for these two anyway?
They entered the gym and as people crowded as two combatants in gear clashed their shinai together in a sharp snapping sound. In the end, the one to the left had deflected the overhand sword strike and he countered by thrusting his sword forward hitting the attacker in the on the throat and he fell to the ground. With that being the match point, the two combatants put away their respective swords and bowed to one another.
"Was there anybody else who wanted to challenge our ace? If you win, you don't have to pay the club dues for the 3 months and we have a variety of prices as well..."
"Sure why the hell not...I'll give it a go..." Ichigo said.
Tsukune and Moka looked at the strawberry in astonishment. The crowd surrounding the impromptu arena were stunned as well. Whispers began erupting from the crowd discussing this very interesting event. Moka was pleasantly surprised and waited in anticipation what the strawberry could do. Then she caught herself and blushed.
"Why am I so excited about this useless match?" Moka thought. "It's only Ichigo after all. It's not like he's going to win or anything..."
The boy in the arena has beaten every and all comers all day since this morning. Quite frankly he was getting bored. As Ichigo was being helped in his armor, he has dismissed the strawberry already. He waited patiently and before he knew it the imposing size of Kurosaki Ichigo was before him. He gulped the big lump that was forming on his throat something tells him to be wary and for some reason even with his protective gear on...he could have sworn that he felt Kurosaki glaring at him...
"If you guys are ready begin..."
Shiro with both his hands holding the handle of his shinai tightly inched closer towards his opponent. Still Ichigo didn't make a move and he had his sword to his side which pissed the boy off. It's as if he's not taking him seriously! With Ichigo being so open like he was, he could strike with impunity and end the match quickly. He made a feint to his left and quickly scored a point on the right side of his head. However, before he knew it he found himself on the floor gasping for air. The audience was so surprised that they all had their mouths shaped like an "O" and were flabbergasted as the didn't know what happened at all. It's as if Ichigo hit his opponent and defeated him in one strike and they were so amazed that they all clapped with appreciation for such excellent displays of masterful swordsmanship.
Moka however, saw the entire sequence of events with her sharp Vampire eyes. What the audience perceived as 1 strike was in reality in fact three too fast for their eyes to catch. As the strawberry's opponent went in for his initial attack, she saw him lean to the side to minimize the damage to his head as the strike was quite powerful. While Shiro was still in that same striking position, Ichigo launched his attack. First he hit the side of boy's gauntlets, then he hit him on the temple and finally a thrust through the throat. With the score being 3-1 and his opponent couldn't possibly continue, Ichigo won in a very stunning fashion.
The fan girls who found out that he was in the ring, flocked in by the dozens and tried to cheer for Ichigo. Obviously disappointed that they couldn't strut their stuff but they squealed in delight as the Substitute Shinigami's opponent tipped over like a felled tree and twitched rather pathetically on the floor. They were screeching so loud that they were grating on Moka's nerves and raised her Yoki and glared at them distastefully. Ichigo removed his helmet and drew a breath of fresh air and grin which made all the girls shriek in glee all the more. He removed his armor and made his way towards his friends...
"You left yourself open deliberately didn't you?" Moka asked without preamble.
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Because it's a similar tactic we Vampires use. The purpose is to lull your adversary in overconfidence, lure them by making yourself open to any attack and then spring the trap and counterattack with no mercy. In any case, if you were using a real sword then he would have been good as dead!"
"Ah I see..."
"That's amazing Ichigo...I didn't know you were a master swordsman." Tsukune said.
"Oh it's nothing, it's just something I do on my spare time no big deal."
To Moka however, it was as if he was trying to deflect the question and dismissing what her own two eyes saw. She had to admit that the strawberry's swordsmanship is superb. It has a refined grace, confidence, and skill that only life and death battles could temper. But that would be impossible! How can an annoying louse like Kurosaki Ichigo would have a reason to take up the sword? For the first time, Moka's curiosity of Ichigo's true monster identity has become a gnawing interest. The silver haired girl could care less about everyone else because after all other monsters are inferior to the Vampire. For the strawberry's case however, it's different. Even though there are no Yokai that can surpass her race in speed and power but Ichigo however has changed that perception. She doesn't know a lot of Yokai that uses swords but it is obvious that his skill will even challenge Issa, her father whom is considered by many to be a much renown master swordsman himself.
"The more things I find about you, the more questions that pop up in its place. What secrets are you still hiding from me Kurosaki Ichigo?"
"Hey Ichigo where are you going?" Tsukune asked. "Aren't you going to join the Kendo Club?"
"Nah, just wanted to teach that punk ass a lesson in manners. He was obviously toying with people who clearly does not have a background in martial arts and needlessly humiliating them in public. Why would I join something that has completely forgotten Kendo's creed of honor? Common you guys let's go...this place disgusts me!" Ichigo said glaring at the club members who visibly flinched at his intense gaze and flared his spiritual pressure short of flattening all the people to the ground.
Moka looked at the strawberry in wonder. So deep inside the bad attitude and confrontational bad temper is a boy who is steeped in a complex sense of honor. Unlike the Vampire's code who dismisses inferior beings as weak. His however, champions them and that is a concept she's trying to wrap her mind over. To fiercely protect those who cannot fight for themselves is alien to her as she was always been taught that two things by her father: "might makes right" and "only the strong survives." These two concepts have been the keys to her ancestor's survival for millennia and as a Vampire she believes them whole heartedly. She supposes that she can admire his dedication and his adamant belief to protect everyone. It certainly explains why he actively keeps an eye on Tsukune. She bit her lower lip and asked herself why was she doing the same as well? Perhaps it was something she needed to think about...
"Damn why are we always finding the creepy ass clubs!" Ichigo complained. "I'm sure that there's a normal club somewhere in this mess right?"
"Then why don't you join the swimming club?" someone said.
"Huh?" Ichigo said confused.
Ichigo turned around and blushed to his ears...it was the girl he saved this morning! Right in front of him was a beautiful girl in a two piece swimsuit. She wore an open white shirt and a sarong but the clothes she wore couldn't quite hide the titillating and well toned body. The girl had silky shoulder length black hair that she let hung loose on her smooth and alluring shoulders. The strawberry had to admit that she was beautiful but his shy aversion to anyone showing flesh has gotten it's claws on him and cursed Yoruichi for some reason...
"I am Ichinose Tamoe and I am the president of the swimming club." she said smiling at him. "Why don't we swim together?"
"Oh it's the swimming club! DAMN those girls are HOT!" student A said enthusiastically.
"Yup I wouldn't mind joining if the girls look cute like that!" student B agreed.
"The members of the swimming club are all female. The ladies will end up paying special attention to the first boy who joins..." Tamao said holding the blushing cheeks of Ichigo.
Moka who had her arms crossed obviously displeased, tried to ignore them but she couldn't help get irritated for some reason.
"Hey I wanna join!"
"Ya I wouldn't mind swimming with hot girls!"
As Tamao took Ichigo's arm and led him outside; Moka just stood there and didn't follow the perverted idiots outside. At first she was calm, collected, and was obviously trying to reign in her temper. She blinked. Why was she getting upset over that idiot strawberry for? It has nothing to do with her and besides he can do whatever he wants with his time here. Seriously why would she be jealous of Tamao for? Then she almost leveled a wall and extricated her buried fist as she comically gritted her teeth as the cow DARED to rubbed her boobs on his arm! The roiling mass of black Yoki emanated from the obviously aggravated Vampire and the students backed away in fear. Tsukune noticed and he too backed away a little bit before he got ambushed by a certain bluenette...
"There you are Tsukune!" Kurumu said pouting. "Where were you hiding? I was trying to find you so we could join a club together."
"Mmmphh!"
"Oh it's you..." Moka said blandly. "Uh you know you're suffocating him with those weapons of mass distraction of yours, right?"
"Well good morning to you too Moka-chan!" Kurumu answered rather happily. "Hey where's Ichigo? I couldn't have sworn that I saw him with you guys."
Moka who had her eyes closed didn't answer and pointed towards the hallway, a large knot forming on the side of her head. Kurumu looked where she was pointing and was surprised that a girl was attached to the strawberry's arm. She had to admit she was a little jealous that bimbo was holding Ichigo's muscled arm but she shook her head and reminded herself that avenue for her is gone. The bluenette looked at the silver haired Vampire and it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that our little Moka had a very bad case of J-E-A-L-O-U-S! So the rumors were true that there was something going on between them! Quite frankly, she rather prefer Moka hooking up with Ichigo than that other woman. Despite their endless arguments, she had to admit that they do look cute as a couple if they ever hook up. Kurumu grinned. She's going to have fun playing the devil's advocate and she's sure they'll thank her when they end up together...
"So Moka-chan why aren't you going after Ichigo?" Kurumu asked innocently.
Moka opened her eyes and glared at her balefully but there was a tinge of pink on her cheeks...
"Struck a nerve I did...tee hee hee!" the bluenette thought. "Wow this is going to be way too easy!"
"Chi...and why pray tell am I going to do that for?"
"Oh nothing...I figured with all the rumors flying around that you guys are going out that you'd take issue with the whole thing..."
"Are you mad? Why would I want to go out with a nuisance like Kurosaki?" Moka said vehemently.
"Well it's obvious isn't it? You're attracted to him!"
"Now that's the stupidest thing I ever heard coming out of your mouth!"
"Well it's true...You wouldn't be this upset otherwise." Kurumu answered unperturbed. "Kami I love being a devil's advocate..."
"First of all Succubus! I have no feelings for that big idiot of a strawberry and I never will! Secondly, I could care less what Kurosaki does with his spare time because it has nothing to do with me! So WHAT if he's into skanky looking girls and he's a big hentai freak! Why does it matter that he's blinder than a bat and his tastes in women are something to be desired when he knows he can do better! He can do whatever the hell he wants for all I care! Thirdly you of all people know that Vampires have a weakness for water so why the hell would I go near a place that I'm vulnerable to huh?"
"Hmm, sounds like a way too many excuses to me!" Kurumu said impishly. "And what do you mean he can do better? Is "better" referring to yourself perhaps?"
"W-why y-you..." Moka growled and was blushing to her ears.
"Okay I get it. Let's for now say that you don't care about him like that but he is your friend right?" the bluenette pointed out. "I know he's my friend and I wouldn't in good conscience leave Ichigo hanging and being taken advantage of by that "fishy" woman!"
Moka blinked at her...maybe if she think of it that way there wouldn't be this ridiculous talk her "supposed" attraction to him will die. And it will save her some face while she's at it. Wait does that mean that she does have a thing for him? The confused Vampire blushed and shook her head vigorously. As much as she hate to admit it, Kurumu did have a point. Ichigo obviously is being taken advantage of and because he is her friend it is her duty to save his sorry ass from getting himself into too much trouble! She is doing this because he's so helpless without her and it would be very self gratifying if he owed her a favor. Now that she thought about it, she liked the idea more and she finally grinned and anticipated how the strawberry will react...
"Chi...Fine and let's get that idiot out of there before he gets himself into more trouble...
"Yahoo...Operation Save the Strawberry has commenced!" Kurumu said rather enthusiastically. "Common Moka-chan and follow me! We'll save Ichigo from that "fishy" lady yet!"
Moka slapped her forehead. What was she thinking and what did she get herself into this time...
to be continued...
A/N- Wow, it's another update...you guys are real good at motivating a guy to write...lol
-Well this was suppose to be longer...I was planning to combine this, Gin's introduction, and Yukari into one massive super chapter but I still have Uzumaki Chronicles to write...So lo and behold the next chapter...I figured I might as well flesh out Tamao's character a little bit...And note the Little Mermaid reference...lol
-I figured that naming our "hero" Zangetsu was kinda ironic and funny in a way...Technically if you think about it, the old man IS Ichigo since he is a part of his soul...If anything I was going to go with The Reaper...I think it's sort of appropriate considering he is a Shinigami...Oh well, tell me if I should change the name or not...
-Thanks for the reviews, the favorites, and the alerts...
-If you have any ideas please do tell
-Cya kiddies in the next chapter...