This is ExileDragon47, formerly known as Devilmaycry407.

I want to make a small announcement that the link to my new discord and Youtube channel are in my profile.

With that out of the way, new the chapter.

Ichigo walks to Hanzo Academy with his school bag over his shoulder as he yawns. Last night got him working pretty late than usual as many Hollows appeared, hunting down ghosts as he had to deal with them and sending the souls to the Soul Society. Ichigo had no idea why there were so many Hollows last night, but he was too tired to figure it out, as hunting down Hollows alone is really stressful.

"Good morning, Ichigo-kun," A familiar voice called, causing Ichigo to turn around to see Asuka running up to him.

"Morning, Asuka," Ichigo said as she stopped before him. "How are you today?"

"I'm fine. How about you?"

"Pretty good so far..." Ichigo let out a yawn, causing Asuka to look at him.

"Are you alright, Ichigo-kun?"

"Yeah, just tired. Been studying late last night." This was technically true since he was studying last night until his Shinigami badge alerted him about a Hollow. "I haven't gotten enough sleep last night."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Ichigo-kun. It is quite amazing you study so hard to keep your grades up." Asuka always saw him studying while they were in class together. She admires how dedicated and hard-working he is to keep his grades up, even though he sometimes gets into fights. "Just try not to work yourself too hard, Ichigo-kun. It's fine to take a break once in a while."

'Try telling that to the Hollows...' Ichigo mentally sighed as he gave Asuka a grateful smile. "Thanks, I appreciate that, Asuka."

"It's no problem, Ichigo-kun. I'm just glad to help out a friend," Asuka said with a smile.

-later-

The school bell rang, causing Kiriya to end his lesson. "That concludes our lesson for today. Go to your next class, everyone," Kiriya said, causing everyone to grab their stuff and exit the classroom.

Ichigo and Asuka are the last groups to come out as they walk down the hallway together. "You not having trouble with your study?" Ichigo asked.

"I'm fine, Ichigo-kun. The lesson you gave me really helped out," Asuka said, causing him to smile.

"I'm glad to hear it, Asuka," Ichigo said.

"Ichigo~!" They heard a familiar voice when an arm wrapped around Ichigo's neck and pressed his face into someone's breast, causing them to look to see Katsuragi flashing them with a smile. "How are you doing, Ichigo?"

"Katsu-nee?! What are you doing here?" Asuka asked in surprise at her sudden appearance.

"Just giving Ichigo a Katsuragi's greeting," Katsuragi said with a smile. But Ichigo pried himself out of her grasp and looked at Katsuragi with his usual scowl.

"A simple greeting would be nice, Katsuragi," Ichigo said.

"Eh, come on, Ichigo. Don't tell me you don't like my greeting," Katsuragi said with a pout. "I thought you might like it."

"I don't. I'm not the kind of person that would enjoy that," Ichigo responded.

"I see... Then how about this!" Katsuragi shouted as she grabbed Ichigo's head and pressed it against her cleavage.

"Katsu-nee!" Asuka shouted in shock.

"Well, Ichigo. How do you like these kinds of greetings?" Katsuragi said with a grin when Asuka pulled Katsuragi by the collar, causing her to let go of Ichigo's head.

"Stop it, Katsu-nee! Ichigo-kun doesn't like that when you do that to him!" Asuka scolds her friend, causing Katsuragi to chuckle.

"Oh, come on, Asuka. He doesn't mind one bit," Katsuragi said.

"Yes, I do mind!" Ichigo shouted, glaring at her. It has been like this since Katsuragi started to hang out with them, as she teased him whenever she got the chance. "I told you, I'm not the kind of person that would enjoy that."

"Oh, don't be so shy, Ichigo. I was just having a little fun," Katsuragi said with a grin.

"By groping Asuka's chest and teasing me with your body?" Ichigo said with a deadpan expression. "You need to stop doing that."

"Ichigo-kun is right, Katsu-nee," Asuka agreed, placing her hands on her hip. "We are getting very uncomfortable with your habit."

"Oh, don't be like that, Asuka. I know you like it when I grope your beast, and besides..." Katsuragi said with a sly grin as she grabbed Ichigo's hand and placed it on Asuka's breast, causing their faces to turn red.

"Katsu-nee!" Asuka shouted in embrassament.

"I bet you want Ichigo to feel your breast too..." Katsuragi said seductively.

"I do not!" Ichigo shouted, pulling his hand off Asuka's breast.

"What are you three doing?!" They heard a voice coming behind him, causing them to turn around to see Ikaruga walking up to them with a stern look on her face.

"Ikaruga-san!" Asuka shouted as they moved away from each other. "Listen, we can explain."

"Well, save it. Honestly, Katsuragi-san, I expected you to be groping Asuka-san but to involve Kurosaki-san in your inappropriate habit," Ikaruga said.

"Oh, come on, Ikaruga. I was just teasing him," Katsuragi said with a grin.

"That was beyond teasing, Katsuragi!" Ichigo exclaimed with his face still red.

"Regardless, you should know how to behave properly," Ikaruga said, causing Katsuragi to place her hands behind her head with a pout.

"Okay, I'm sorry. Happy now..." Katsuragi muttered, causing Ikaruga to nod her head.

"Good, now you two head to your next class," Ikaruga told them, which they obeyed, causing them to leave and head to their next class.

"Thanks for stopping her, Ikaruga. I was trying to get her to stop for a while," Ichigo said, causing Ikaruga to turn her head and glare at him.

"Well, You shouldn't have thanked me because you are the cause of their behavior," Ikaruga said, causing Ichigo to blink his eyes.

"Excuse me?" Ichigo asked in a confused tone at the sudden accusation.

"Are you really that dense?" Ikaruga asked. "Then allow me to explain then. Ever since you came into our lives, things have become different, and Asuka-san and Katsuragi-san have started to change because of you."

"Why is that the problem?" Ichigo asked. "What's wrong with them changing their behavior? All they wanted was to get to know me, that's all."

"Save your excuses. It is best for you to not get involved with us," Ikaruga said as she walked to her next class before muttering one word. "Outsider..."

Ichigo rubbed the back of his head as he watched her leave. "What's wrong with her?" Ichigo muttered before shrugging as he walked to his next class.

-after school-

The school hours were done as Ichigo exited the building with his school bag over his shoulder.

"Ichigo-kun!" Ichigo heard a familiar voice call out to him, causing him to turn around to see Asuka running toward him with a smile.

"Hey, Asuka," Ichigo greeted as Asuka stopped before him, panting a bit. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine... Katsu-nee and I got scolded by Ikaruga-chan for our behavior," Asuka replied.

"You too?" Ichigo asked, causing Asuka to be confused. "Ikaruga blamed me for being the cause of your and Katsuragi's behavior."

"That's not true, Ichigo-kun! You're not the one that caused our behavior to change," Asuka defended him, still shocked that Ikaruga would think something like that. "We just wanted to know who you are as a friend."

Ichigo smiled, knowing that Asuka won't blame him for their behavior change. "Thanks, Asuka."

"No problem, Ichigo-kun. Still, I wonder why Ikaruga-san would think something like that?" Asuka wondered.

"Who knows. I still wonder that myself." Ichigo shrug as he thinks that Ikaruga must be overprotected as her friends.

"Still, I'm sorry that Ikaruga-san scolded you for that."

"It's alright. It just shows how much she cares for you two. That's all."

"But Ichigo-kun, it still doesn't feel right for you to be scolded for our behavior," Asuka said when an idea popped into her head. "How about I take you to my family sushi restaurant as an apology."

"You don't need to do that, Asuka."

"I insist. I have to make it up to you for getting in trouble because of us."

Ichigo was about to deny it, but when he saw that determined look in her eyes, he knew saying no won't stop her.

"Alright, let's go to your family sushi place," Ichigo said, causing Asuka to smile.

"Thank you so much for understanding, Ichigo-kun," Asuka said as she took Ichigo to her family sushi restaurant. It was a short walk from school, and when they finally reached their destination, Asuka opened the door and was greeted by her grandfather.

"Asuka!" Hanzo greeted with a smile joyfully.

"Grandpa!" Asuka says as she gives her grandfather a hug.

Ichigo smiled at the good relationship that Asuka and her grandfather have. Hanzo noticed the boy standing at the door and wondered if he was her granddaughter's friend. "Asuka, do you know him?" Hanzo asked, looking at Ichigo.

"Oh, right. Grandpa, this is my friend, Kurosaki Ichigo. Ichigo-kun, this is my grandpa, Hanzo," Asuka introduced them to each other.

"Nice to meet you," Ichigo greeted, placing his hand out, which Hanzo grab it.

"Nice to meet you too, Kurosaki-san," Hanzo said, shaking his hand as he let go. "If I have to be honest, I wanted to meet you since you helped my granddaughter overcome her fear of frogs."

"It was nothing. I was just giving her some good advice, that's all," Ichigo stated.

"Don't be so modest, Kurosaki-san. Asuka has spoken highly of you and hasn't stopped talking about you. I may be starting to think that my granddaughter might have a crush on you," Hanzo teased, looking at Asuka.

"Grandpa! I don't have a crush on Ichigo-kun!" Asuka exclaimed with her cheeks red, causing her grandfather to laugh.

"Relax, Asuka. I was only teasing you," Hanzo said, causing Asuka to pout.

"That's not funny, Grandpa," Asuka grumbled as they took their seats. She orders some futomaki rolls and Ichigo some nigiri for themselves as Hanzo goes to the kitchen to gather the ingredients while having a conversation.

"Here, sorry for the wait," Hanzo said, placing their food in front of them as they began to eat. "So, how did you meet my granddaughter, Kurosaki-san?"

"Well, I was heading to Hanzo Academy when I bumped right into her at Kaminarimon Gate. I noticed she was wearing the same uniform when she fell to the ground, so I helped her up, and we decided to head to school together," Ichigo exclaimed, causing Asuka to nod.

"Ichigo-kun and I have been in the same class together and helped me a few times when I was having trouble. Since he saved my life and helped me overcome my fear of frogs, I wanted to get to know him," Asuka said with a smile.

"I see," Hanzo said, looking at the pair. "I am quite grateful to you for saving my granddaughter's life, Kurosaki-san. I don't know what I would do if something happened to Asuka."

"You don't need to thank me, old man. I happened to be there at the right moment," Ichigo said when his Shinigami badge started to beep. "Sorry, Asuka. I just remembered I have something important to do. How much I pay you for the sushi?"

"Oh, you don't need to pay, Kurosaki-san. Consider this even for saving my granddaughter's life." Hanzo said, causing Ichigo to nod his head.

"Thanks, see ya at school, Asuka," Ichigo said as he exited the restaurant and closed the door behind him.

"Quite an interesting man, isn't he?" Hanzo asked.

"He is," Asuka agreed with a smile.

"By the way, can you tell your friends that I will visit them tomorrow?"

"Sure, Grandpa." Asuka grabbed her bag as she was about to head back to her dorm.

"Oh, and Asuka..." She stops as Asuka turns around to see her grandfather's serious expression on his face.

"Keep an eye on Kurosaki Ichigo for me."

"Umm, okay. But I'm sure that Ichigo-kun will be alright."

"No, Asuka. I don't mean for his sake. I mean for you and your friends' sake."

"Eh?" Asuka said in a confused tone.

-with Ichigo-

As Ichigo is far away from Asuka and her grandfather, he goes behind the corner and shallows a mod soul as he exits his body. He made his way toward the Hollow location before telling the mod soul to take his body back to the dorm.

When he arrived, Ichigo saw a couple of Hollows in the area as they were chasing after two children. He grabs Zangetsu by the hilt and charges when one of the children trips on her feet. The huge Hollow with a bee mask was about to grab her as the boy wrapped around his arm to protect her and closed his eyes, hoping their end was quick.

But it didn't come when they heard a painful roar, causing them to open their eyes to see the Hollow's arm cut off and Ichigo standing before them. "Get out of here, kids!" Ichigo shouted, causing them to get back onto their feet and run. He dodges when a Millipede-like Hollow attacks him with its tentacle as Ichigo slices it off, causing the Millipede Hollow to roar in pain.

Ichigo saw a huge Hollow with a boar mask charging toward him and was about to smash him with its fist. But he dodges its attack and leaves a cut mark on its arm, causing the Hollow to growl as it was to squash Ichigo with its other hand.

But he jumps into the air and releases a Getsuga Tensho at the Hollow as the wave of blue Reiryoku cleaves it in half. Ichigo landed on his feet and sliced the Millipede Hollow in the face when it was about to attack him from the side, causing it to fall into its back and disappear.

He turns his attention toward the Hollow to see it glaring at him for cutting its arm off as it lets out a roar in anger and charges toward Ichigo. The Hollow was about to hit him with its fist, causing dodge by rolling between its legs and swinging his Zanpakuto at the Hollow's ankle.

The Hollow roared in pain as it fell onto its knees and swung its fist backward toward Ichigo. But evaded its attack by jumping over the Hollow and swinging Zangetsu across its face. Ichigo landed on his feet as the body of the Hollow fell to the ground and dissipated into particles.

He places Zangetsu over his shoulder and looks around for those two kids he saved from almost being eaten by the Hollow. When he found them, Ichigo saw the boy standing in front of the frightened girl as he looked at him with a wary expression. He sighed and walked toward them, causing them to take a step back in caution. When Ichigo got close to them, he bent his knee to their height and gave them a comforting smile. "It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you," Ichigo said in a comforting tone, causing their expression to change as he looked at the boy. "It's quite brave of you to protect her with your body."

"Yup, onii-chan is very brave," The little girl said with a smile, causing Ichigo to look at them."

"You two are siblings?" Ichigo asked as he couldn't see a family resemblance between them.

"No, we are siblings," The boy replied with a sigh. "I died a few months ago in an accident. I wandered around Asakusa a bit when I found Akira crying at the park. She died a few weeks after my death, and Akira wandered alone without anyone being there for her. So, I took her with me, and since then, she has been calling me onii-chan a lot." He places his hand on top of Akira's head and gives her a comforting rub, causing her to giggle. "At first, I always reminded her that I'm not her actual brother, but over time, I'm starting to think of her as my little sister. That's why I am willing to protect her, no matter what."

Ichigo smiled as he saw the determined look in his eyes. It was the same look he had when defending his sisters from being bullied. "Well, it's good to see that you are protecting your sister, even though you two aren't related to each other," Ichigo said with a smile as he was ready to send them to the Soul Society. "Can you tell me your name, kid?"

"My name is Kenta," The boy, now known as Kenta, replied, causing Ichigo to perform a Konso on them on their forehead.

They turn into butterflies as their souls enter into the Soul Society.

-the next day, at homeroom-

Ichigo is writing down some notes while paying attention to Kiriya's lecture. Unknown to him, Asuka looks at him with a sullen expression as she remembers what her grandfather said last night.

-flashback-

"What do you mean, Grandpa," Asuka asked in a confused tone.

"I don't have proof, but I feel that Kurosaki Ichigo is more than he's letting on to be," Hanzo said, thinking about the orange-haired boy.

"You mean he could be a dangerous person?" Asuka asked, worrying and a bit skeptical about her grandfather's accusation toward Ichigo.

"I'm not sure about him being dangerous, but it is possible. Perhaps, my time as a shinobi has made me overly cautious about other people. But I swear I feel an aura around him," Hanzo pondered as he looked at her granddaughter. "Tell me, Asuka. Have you noticed anything strange about him? Anything that was out of the ordinary?"

"Well, there was this one time when I was helping Homura-chan find her friends. During that time, we met Ichigo-kun, and he offered to help us when we noticed his expression change before the invisible enemy attacked." Asuka replied, placing her finger on her chin. "There was also a time when my friends and I were walking on the street when we saw a couple of skateboarders yelling at Ichigo-kun and were about to punch him, only to be smacked with his foot and have his face implanted into the ground."

"I see," Hanzo said as this confirmed his suspicion that Ichigo was anything but ordinary. "Keep your guard around him, Asuka. We have no idea what he is truly capable of."

-flashback end-

Asuka stares at Ichigo, wondering if he really is someone more. 'You can't be a dangerous person... Right, Ichigo-kun...?' Asula pondered as she tried to ignore what her grandfather said and just paid attention to the teacher.

Unknown to her, Ichigo noticed that Asuka was staring at him with a gloomy expression as he wondered what was wrong with her. "You notice too, Ichigo," Zangetsu said.

'Yeah... She has been staring at me with that expression for quite some time. Did something happen last night when I left her old man's restaurant?'

"I'm not sure... But whatever the case, I'm sure you will be able to help her," Zangetsu said, causing Ichigo to nod.

The bell rang, causing everyone to grab their stuff and leave the room. Asuka grabbed her bag as she was about to leave. "Hey, Asuka," Ichigo called, causing her to look to see him walking toward her. "Are you alright? You've been staring at me for quite some time."

"I'm fine, Ichigo-kun. Just thinking about what my grandfather said to me," Asuka said.

"About what?" Asuka didn't want to tell Ichigo that her grandfather was suspicious of him.

"I'm sorry, Ichigo-kun... But it's something that I need to figure out on my own..." Ichigo feels like Asuka is hiding something from him about what happened last night, but he doesn't want to force her into talking about it.

"I understand, Asuka. I won't force you to tell me what happened last night," Ichigo said, causing Asuka to let out a sigh of relief. "But just to let you know. If you're ready to tell me what is troubling you. Just tell me, and I will do whatever I can to help you."

Asuka was touched by Ichigo's compassion and understanding of her well-being, causing her to smile. "Thank you, Ichigo-kun."

-later-

Asuka is with Ikaruga in the shopping district as she tells her friends and teacher that her grandfather is coming to visit. "A welcoming party for my grandfather? You don't have to go that far," Asuka said, looking at Ikaruga.

"I feel obliged to," Ikaruga said, holding a grocery bag. "Hanzo-sama is considered a legend. He deserves a warm welcome." She turns her head toward Asuka as Ikaruga notices her expression change. "Asuka-san?"

"Yeah, Grandpa is absolutely amazing," Asuka said, feeling slightly inferior to her grandfather's accomplishment. "Even though I overcome my fear of frogs. I wouldn't have gotten over them thanks to Ichigo-kun's advice..."

"Even though that Kurosaki-san has helped you with his advice. You and Katsuragi should remember that Kiriya-sensei ordered us not to interact with people outside the shinobi world."

"But Ikaruga-san..."

"Bean sprouts are so expensive." A female voice muttered.

"Huh?" Asuka said as she and Ikaruga turned their attention to see Yomi in her shinobi outfit. When she noticed them looking at her, Yomi turned her attention away from the bean sprouts and toward the two good shinobis. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"Y-yeah..." Asuka agreed awkwardly, causing Ikaruga to grab her wrist and walks away. "Ikaruga-san?"

"We aren't allowed to talk to strangers," Ikaruga reminded Asuka, looking at her when an arrow flew past her head and hit the cafe board. They turn their head to see Yomi aiming her wrist-mounted crossbow at them.

"Only commoners eat bean sprouts, so it's only natural you don't even care," Yomi said with a smile. "This is why I despise naive girls raise... like a princess. I'm quite upset with you. I won't complain about luxury vegetables eaten by the wealthy raising in prince."

"Huh?" Asuka said in a confused tone.

"But even now, cheap goods like bean sprouts, the poor man's staple food, have gotten more expensive. How could this have happened?" Yomi asked.

"Bean sprouts? Um, that's not a topic to talk about while you're pointing that thing at me," Asuka said, raising her hands. However, Ikaruga quickly grabbed the arrow and threw it back at her. As the arrow flew past her head and hit the bean sprouts sign.

"It's you..." Yomi said, aiming her wrist-mounted crossbow at her. "I'm talking to."

However, Ikaruga simply turns around and takes Asuka with her.

"Wait, Ikaruga-san!" Asuka called.

"We aren't allowed to speak with outsiders," Ikargua repeated, leaving a confused Yomi.

"But she's probably..." Asuka was about to finish what she was saying.

"I see. You really intend to continue ignoring me," Yomi said as she raised her hand. "Shinobi Kekkai!" Yomi summoned a barrier that surrounded them, releasing a gush of wind as flying glass flew around them.

"A Shinobi Kekkai!?" Asuka cried out in shock as they turned around to look at Yomi. "I knew it!"

"What's your game here?" Ikargua asked.

"If I had to bring it to the point. It's because you're a spoiled little princess from a rich family of industrialists," Yomi answered.

"What are you getting at?" Ikaruga asked again.

"I bet your parents showered you with love all your life," Yomi said with a dark look. "A carefree, comfortable life with your loving family, greeting all you want."

"Ikaruga-san!" Asuka shouted as Yomi walked up to them.

"Please step back, Asuka-san," Ikaruga said.

"But..." Asuka said as she wanted to help her friend.

"It seems I'm her target," Ikargua stated as Yomi's wrist-mounted crossbow disappeared and was replaced with a greatsword, Ragnarok. "Shinobi Tenshin!" Ikaruga's outfit changed from her school uniform to her shinobi outfit as she summoned her odachi. "When faced with danger, one must overcome!" She drew out her sword and went into her stance. "I'll fight gracefully."

A gentle breeze blew between them as Yomi made the first move. "Lavender Bloom!" Yomi shouted, sending a wave of lavender energy when she swung Ragnarok. Ikaruga blocked Yomi's attack with her sword, but the attack was too powerful, causing her clothes to rip. When the attack died down, Ikaruga looked up to see Yomi in the air and struck at her with her sword, blocking Yomi's attack.

"Ikaruga-san!" Asuka cried in worry as Yomi backflipped away from her.

"She's so strong!" Ikargua stated, glaring at her opponent.

"You won't be able to grace me with those weak attacks," Yomi taunted as she ready her next attack. "Melody of Roses!" Yomi thrust herself toward Ikaruga with her sword as she intended to finish her off. But she disappears, causing Yomi to gasp as Ikargua is above her.

"Prepare yourself!" Ikaruga shouted as she was ready to strike her down.

However, Yomi smiled, and Ragnarok was placed with her wrist-mounted cannon. "Secret Ninja Art: Niflheimr!" Yomi aims her cannon at Ikarga and fires, creating a huge explosion as she screams in pain. Ikargua's clothes are completely torn apart, leaving her in her black undergarment as her sword stab into the ground beside her.

A shinobi's battle armor represents a warrior's motives, personality, and ideals, so large amounts of physical or psychological damage can destroy it, making it vanish into thin air.

"Ikaruga-san!" Asuka cried out in worry as she ran toward her.

Ikargua pushes herself up with a despairing look on her face. "She didn't even give me enough time to activate my Secret Ninja Art," Ikaruga said with a disbelief tone.

"Are all the girls of the light factions this weak?" Yomi questioned, walking toward them.

"If that's what you call me, you have to be a dark shinobi," Ikargua concluded, glaring at Yomi. "Answer me this. Why're you and the invisible enemy after us? Are you two working together?"

"Your condescending attitude really pisses me off," Yomi growled, giving her a dark glare before calming down and letting out a smile. "Anyway, I only wanted to test your skills today. As for the invisible enemies, we're not actually working together since they also attack one of us."

This answer shocked Asuka and Ikaruga as they were sure that those invisible enemies might be Evil Shinobi.

"Eh?!" Asuka gasped.

"What do you mean by that?" Ikaruga asked.

"We're not sure. But since they attack both of us, we expect these invisible enemies must be Renegade Shinobi." Yomi said.

Renegade Shinobi. Shinobi, good or evil, who have been exiled from the shinobi world and marked for death.

Yomi turns around and walks away, leaving shocked Ikaruga and Asuka to themselves. "Feel free to savor your expensive food and enjoy the time you have left," Yomi said, disappearing before their eyes as the Shinobi Kekkai vanished. Ikaruga sat back up as her school uniform appeared, making her get back on her feet.

"Are you hurt, Ikaruga-san?" Asuka asked in concern.

"Just a few bruises," Ikaruga replied with a downcast expression as Asuka looked at where Yomi had disappeared.

"All I could do was stand idly by and watch," Asuka muttered as her body trembled in fear until she heard Ichigo's voice in her mind.

"Cast off your fear." Ichigo's voice said, causing Asuka to stop trembling. "Look forward. Go forward. Never standstill. Retreat, and you will age. Hesitate, and you will die."

'Ichigo-kun...' Asuka thought as she remembered Ichigo's advice to her when he was helping her overcome her fear of frogs. Asuka's expression change as she has a determined look on her face. 'Ichigo-kun is right. I need to cast off my fear. If I even hesitate, my friends will die.'

-a few minutes later-

Asuka and Ikaruga are walking down the street with a bag of groceries in their hands. "We brought a lot of ingredients for Hanzo-sama's welcome party, but fortunately, we managed to stay within our budget," Ikaruga said, bringing her bag up with a smile.

"Yeah," Asuka said with a smile, causing Ikaruga to giggle.

"Now we just need to cook our tastiest dishes!" Ikaruga shouted with a smile.

"Um... I wonder how she knew you're from a wealthy family," Asuka wondered, looking at Ikaruga.

"It wouldn't be hard for a shinobi to find that out if they wanted to."

"I see," Asuka understand, turning her head away from Ikaruga. "The business conglomerate run by your family really is super famous."

Ikaruga's expression changed when her family was mentioned, causing her to speed up her walks. "Let's go," Ikaruga said.

"W-wait for me!" Asuka shouted, catching up to Ikargua.

-later, at the abandoned school building-

"Please forgive me!" Ikaruga shouted as she was on her hands and knees, bowing her head toward Kiriya. "I violated your order and made contact with an outsider. I'll accept any punishment."

"The girl attacked you first. Don't worry about it," Kiriya assured.

"There's nothing more shameful for a shinobi than disobeying a direct command."

"You're being overly serious again."

Ikaruga raises her head and looks at Kiriya. "Kiriya-sensei, you won't be able to maintain order if you're always showing leniency!" She pushes herself up and places her hand on her chest. "I beg you, sensei! Please, punish me!" Ikaruga pleaded, causing Kiriya to sigh.

"I overheard your conversation," A familiar voice said as Henzo entered the room.

"Hanzo-sama!" Ikaruga and Kiriya shouted in surprise.

"Kiriya, Ikaruga is absolutely right," Hanzo agreed with her. "She has a keen sense of shinobi's responsibilities."

"Hanzo-sama, but..." Kiriya trying to explain.

"Then I'll discipline her personally," Hanzo said with a smile, causing Ikaruga to look at him in shock.

"Hanzo-sama, you're personally..." Ikaruga said.

"...disciplining her?" Kiriya asked with wide eyes.

-later-

"This is great. Could you go at it a bit harder?" Hanzo asked while Ikaruga was on his back, wearing a pink and white nightgown with hearts on them.

"Of course," Ikaruga said.

"Good, Ikaruga!"

"Hanzo-sama! You're so stiff." Ikargua said as she gasped while the others were watching her giving Hanzo a massage.

"I'm quite old, you know?" Hanzo said as Ikaruga now used her elbow. "That's the spot!"

"So that's how Hanzo-sama's punishing her?" Katusragi questioned with a smile.

"Jeez! Don't force Ikaruga-san to give you a massage, Grandpa!" Asuka said as she walked toward her grandfather, causing Hanzo to look at her.

"It's something she really wanted to do. Oh, right there!" Hanzo roared, causing Asuka to look at her friend.

"Ikaruga-san, let's switch places," Asuka said.

"I'm fine," Ikaruga said, causing Asuka to drop to her knees.

"You see, while I was home, he had me do stuff like this all the time, so seeing you go at it made me want to do it again," Asuka explained with a smile, causing Ikaruga to think for a moment.

"I understand," Ikaruga said as she backed away. "Please, take care of the rest then."

Asuka got on her grandfather's back and pressed her fists against him. "This brings back memories from my stay at home," Asuka said, putting a lot of pressure on Hanzo's back.

"Sure does; you're still being too rough," Hanzo groaned.

"Don't complain when your adorable granddaughter gives you a message!" Asuka stated, breaking Hanzo's back.

"Ouch!" Hanzo cried, feeling intense pain from her granddaughter's message.

Katsuragi laughs at the scene as she and Hibari look at each other. "Not even a legendary shinobi like Hanzo-sama can say no to his granddaughter, huh?" Katsuragi said as Ikaruga walked behind them.

"Makes those two look like a family," Ikaruga said with a smile.

"Well, they are family!" Katsuragi stated, looking at Ikaruga when a cloud of smoke appeared in the room, causing everyone to cough and reveal a serious Kiriya.

"Sorry, I'm late," Kiriya apologize. A moment later, everyone sits on the floor, eating their food, while Kiriya and Hanzo drink their sake. "Ikaruga's parents connected me just now."

"Ikaruga's?" Hanzo questioned, looking at Kiriya.

While the two veteran shinobis are talking to each other, the rest of team Hanzo have their own conversation. "What was that evil ninja who attacked you like?" Katsuragi asked.

"Well, she was really fickle," Asuka replied.

"What the hell that's supposed to mean?" Katsuragi questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Was she strong?"

"I was frozen in place. If Ikaruga-san hadn't been there..." Asuka said, ashamed for not helping her as she looked toward Ikaruga. "I'm so sorry, Ikaruga-san."

"It's all right. I'm the one who asked you to stay back," Ikaruga stated.

"I see! So you kicked her ass!" Katsuragi shouted, getting excited about it. "Damn! I wish I'd been there!"

"No, I held back during the battle," Ikaruga stated. "A shinobi has to avoid senseless fights, after all."

"Tsk! I give her a serious beating," Katsuragi said, turning her attention toward Asuka. "Like this!"

Katsuragi tackled Asuka and groped her beast, causing her to shriek. "What're you doing!? Stop it!" Asuka pleaded, trying to get Katsuragi to stop while Hibari and Yagyu watched the pair.

'I lied,' Ikaruga thought to herself with a sad expression. 'To be honest, I didn't stand a chance. Not even I...'

"Ikaruga," Kiriya called, getting her attention.

"Yes, sir!" Ikaruga said, seeing that her teacher was looking at her.

"Got a minute?" Kiriya asked.

"Sure," Ikaruga replied, getting on her feet.

"What's going on?" Hibari asked, looking at her them in concern.

"Oh, it's nothing," Kiriya replied as he and Ikaruga left the room.

Hanzo appears in front of Hibari and Yagyu, startling them with a smile. "You two seem to be very close," Hanzo said.

"We really are!" Hibari cheered, turning her head toward Yagyu. "Right, Yagyu-chan?"

"I merely want to protect Hibari because she's so unreliable," Yagyu stated.

"Stop treating me like a child!" Hibari complained, causing Hanzo to laugh.

"Intimacy is a beautiful thing," Hanzo said, getting close to them. "I bet you bathe together, too, don't you?"

"We do!" Hibari answered with a smile. "We wash each other's back!"

Hanzo giggled with a blush as his hand let out a groping motion. "I wish I could join you sometime!" Hanzo said as Asuka looked at her grandfather with a scolding expression.

"Grandpa, stop being a weirdo," Asuka said, causing Hanzo to look at her.

"Don't get the wrong idea, Asuka. I simply want to get to know them better," Hanzo said.

"That's Hanzo-sama for you! He really gets it!" Katsuragi cheered as she moved behind Asuka and groped her breast, causing her to scream and Hanzo to walk away with a laugh.

Meanwhile, Kiriya and Ikaruga are having a private conversation. "My big brother went missing?" Ikaruga asked in a surprised tone.

"We were wondering if you could provide any relevant details, and that's why your family got in touch with me," Kiriya explained.

"I won't be able to help you at all. My brother and I rarely spoke with each other," Ikaruga stated.

"I see," Kiriya said.

"Sorry," Ikaruga apologize, bowing her head to her teacher.

"Oh, it's alright. I just wanted to let you know about it. He's family, after all," Kiriya said, causing Ikaruga to lift her head.

"Family..." Ikaruga muttered, thinking about her family. "Yeah, he is." When she finished talking to Kiriya. Ikargua made her way toward and was about to open the door when she felt a presence, causing her to turn her head at the empty dark corridor.

The door opens up, revealing Katsuragi holding a battle of sweet sake in her hand. "What's wrong, Ikaruga?" Katsuragi asked.

"It's felt like someone was watching from back there," Ikaruga replied, causing Katsuragi to be surprised.

"What!?" Katsuragi exclaimed as the others ran out of the room to see nothing.

"There's nobody there," Asuka said, causing Ikaruga to look at her teammates.

"It must've been my imagination," Ikaruga said with a smile.

"Are you okay, Ikaruga-san?" Hibari asked in concern.

"I'm perfectly fine," Ikaruga answered before clapping her hands. "Let's go! The party will be over in half an hour!"

"Okay!" Asuka and Hibari cheered.

"Aww, I thought we'd be partying all night long," Katsuragi complained as the rest returned to the room.

But Ikaruga stopped midway at the door and looked toward the end of the hall. 'Fighting an evil ninja on top of the conversation just now must've really shaken me,' Ikaruga thought to herself, feeling stressed. 'I need to pull myself together.'

-later-

After the party had ended, the girls returned to their dorm as Ikaruga was taking a nice warm back. However, Ikaruga's conversation with Kiriya about her brother still troubles her as certain memories about her and her family start coming to her.

-flashback-

"She'll stay with us as your younger sister," A man said as a younger Ikaruga with shorter hair stood beside him. "Try and get along with her, okay?"

"N-Nice to meet you," Ikaruga greeted the man before her. He has long black hair with his bang covering his forehead, dark blue eyes, an open dark blue coat with a maroon shirt underneath, dark blue pants held by a black belt with a silver belt buckle, and black shoes.

"So you're the one..." He said, tilting his head. "My dad bought you somewhere, didn't he?"

"Watch your mouth, Murasame! She's a distant relative," The man scolded his son.

"Does it matter?" Murasame said, causing Ikaruga to look surprised. "You abandoned me all the same. 'Dad'."

"Don't give me that attitude! He shouted, causing Murasame to get up from the couch and glare at Ikaruga with intense hatred in his eyes.

On a later day, Ikaruga and her adopted father are having a private conversation. "Um..." Ikaruga called as she tried to find the right words.

"Don't let it bother you. At times you must be heartless even in the face of your own blood relatives. That truth is law for shinobi," The man said as he handed the Hien toward her.

Ikaruga takes it and looks at the sword with confusion. "What's this?"

"Hien. It's a famous sword, which has been passed down in our family for generations," He explained. "I'll entrust it to you, my daughter."

"Thank you, otou-sama!" Ikaruga said, looking at Hien. Unknown to them, Mursame heard the entire conversation, causing his hatred for his adopted sister to grow as he disappeared.

-flashback end-

Ikaruga was adopted to take the place of Murasame, the family's first son, since he didn't have what it takes to be a shinobi.

'Why did he run away from home?' Ikaruga questioned in her head as she finished bathing and dried herself off with her towel. She puts on her nightgown and slippers as she walks upstairs toward her room. When Ikaruga was about to grab the handle, she felt a presence in her room, causing her instinctively pull out a shuriken to prepare for the worst as she burst open the door and turned on the light to reveal a man going through the chest. "Who're you?" The man wore an unzipped, long white coat with a dark blue shirt underneath, white pants held by a brown belt, and black shoes. However, it was his voice that surprised her.

"Hey, that's a dangerous toy," He said as he turned his head toward her, causing Ikaruga's eyes to widen.

"Onii-sama!"

"Been a while." Ikaruga put away her shuriken and stared at her adopted brother with a questionable expression.

"Why are you here, Onii-sama."

"Don't call me that. I don't have a sister," Murasame clicked his tongue and glared at his adopted sister with hatred while pulling Hien out from the chest. "Not when I have this." Murasame stood up and opened the window, causing Ikaruga's eyes to widen. "See ya," Mursasame said as he jumped out the window.

"Wait!" Ikaruga jumped out of the window and chased after her brother as Murasame tried to get away. But no matter how far he tried to put between himself and Ikaruga, her ninja training kept close the distance. They stop at one of the riverside walks in Asasuka as Ikaruga looks at her adopted brother with a questionable expression. "What're you going to do with Hien?"

"What I'm going to do?" Murasame questioned, looking at Hien in his hand. "It's mine to begin with. I'll do whatever I want."

"You're wrong. Hien was given to me by Father-" Ikaruga stopped herself as she covered her mouth, causing Murasame to glare at her angrily.

"Father? You're so shameless. You really think you're part of my family?" Murasame question. "I may not be able to wield this, but this sword is a family heirloom. It's not something an outsider should carry around with her. Hien was... Hien was supposed to be... If only... If only you didn't exist!"

His words cut Ikaruga deep down to the bone as she regretted that day when she was adopted into his family. "What's going on here?" They heard a voice, causing them to turn their head to see Ichigo talking toward them in his casual clothes.

"Who are you?" Murasame asked, glaring at him.

"Kurosaki-san!" Ikargua shouted in surprise.

"Hey, Ikargua. What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?" Ichigo asked in confusion when he turned his head toward Murasame and saw Hien in his hand. "Who is this guy?"

"This is Murasame, my older brother," Ikaruga replied, causing Murasame to glare at her.

"Don't call me your older brother!" Murasame snapped, causing Ichigo to glare at him angrily.

"what's your problem? She just called you her brother," Ichigo stated.

"Shut up! An outsider like you would never understand! She was adopted into my family, and Hien was given to her by my old man!" Murasame shouted, causing Ikaruga to look at the ground in shame. "If she didn't exist... Then Hien would have been mine!"

There was a moment of silence as Ichigo stared at him for a moment and sighed. "That's stupid," Ichigo said, causing Murasame and Ikaruga to look at him.

"What?!" Murasame shouted in anger.

"You heard me. Just because someone isn't born in your family doesn't mean they can't be your siblings."

"What does it matter? She is an outsider like you. She doesn't deserve to have my family heirloom."

"So that sword is more important to you than your sister. That's pathetic. I met a couple of older brothers in the past, and they are willing to risk their lives to protect their younger siblings, rather they are blood-related or not," Ichigo said, remembering Sora, Byakuya, and Kenta, whom he met yesterday after he saved him from the Hollows when he tried to protect his sister. "Someone like you who thinks that sword is more important than your sister can never be strong. You're just greedy and selfish, and someone like isn't as strong as the rest of them, including me."

Kurosaki-san..." Ikaruga muttered as she couldn't believe that Ichigo was willing to defend her despite how she acted toward him. However, Murasame gritted his teeth in anger as a civilian like him dared question his worth.

"You bastard..." Murasame growled as he pulled a kusarigama out of his coat. "I'm going to make you regret it."

"Wait, Onii-sama!" Ikaruga shouted, trying to stop him. "Kurosaki-san isn't a part of this and-"

"Shut up!" Murasame screamed, throwing the kusarigama at her.

"Look out!" Ichigo shouted, dragging Ikaruga to the ground as the kusarigama cut off the railing.

"I'm impressed that you're willing to risk your own life to protect her," Murasame mocked, pulling the kusarigama in his hand. "But unfortunately for you... I was placed sixth in a district-wide chain sickle tournament in elementary school!" Murasame throws an iron ball at Ichigo as it gets closer and closer to his hand.

"Kurosaki-san!" Ikaruga cried out as she was about to save him. But in the blink of an eye, Ichigo grabbed the railing off the ground and used it to deflect Murasame's attack.

"What?!" Murasame cried out in shock as he and Ikargua couldn't believe that Ichigo managed to deflect his attack. "A lucky fluke." Murasame throws his iron ball again, and Ichigo deflects his attack like last time. He gritted his teeth in anger as Murasame constantly attacked Ichigo repeatedly. But Ichigo either dodges or parries his attack as he approaches Murasame while Ikaruga watches the scene in shock.

'How is this possible...? A civilian like him shouldn't be able to do that. Even if he got into a fight with a couple of delinquents. No one should be able to do that,' Ikaruga thought to herself as she saw Ichigo parry one of Murasame's attacks. 'Furthermore, what is his move? It's not like any swordsmanship I have ever seen before.'

Murasame, however, is getting increasingly nervous as he expects Ichigo to be nothing more than an ordinary civilian. But the way he moves and acts is anything but ordinary as Ichigo knocks the kusarigama out of his hand and hits in on his shoulder, causing him to scream in pain and let go of Hien. "Damn it!" Murasame growled, causing him to see Ichigo pointing his weapon at him. "You bastard... You're a shinobi, aren't you?"

"Huh? A shinobi?" Ichigo asked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" Murasame shouted, glaring at him. "You are a shinobi! Which side are you on?!"

"Look, I don't know what you talking about, nor do I give a damn. You tried to hurt your sister with that stupid weapon of yours... And someone like that really pisses me off," Ichigo said, raising his weapon as Murasame shivered in fear. He swings his weapon at him, causing Murasame to close his eyes and raise his arms to brace for the impact. However, it never came as he heard a clanging noise, causing him to lower his arm to see Ichigo drop his weapons and grab him by the collar. He pulls him closer to his face as Ichigo gives Murasame give him a death glare among death glare. "If I see your face in this town again. I'll make sure to send you straight to hell!" Murasame screamed, causing Ichigo to let go of his collar as he got onto his feet and ran. Seeing him gone, Ichigo sighed and grabbed Hien off the ground as he turned around and walked toward Ikaruga. "Hey, Ikaruga. Are you alright?"

"You idiot!" Ikaruga screams at Ichigo. "Why would you do that!? You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"Because that bastard deserves it," Ichigo said without any hesitation. "He thinks that stupid family heirloom is more important than his sister."

"But he's right, Kurosaki-san. Hien has been passed down in my family for generations. You can't possibly understand how it's worth."

"So what. If it would be up to me. I would have tossed that piece of junk away or used it to protect something. Because to me, protecting someone I care about is more important than some stupid heirloom."

"Kurosaki-san..." Ikaruga stared at Ichigo in pure shock as she had never met someone who would have protected someone more important to them than some heirloom. Hearing such conviction from him causes Ikaruga to smile as she has never someone like Ichigo Kurosaki. "Thank you, Kurosaki-san."

"No problem, Ikaruga," Ichigo said with a smile when his Shinigami badge started to beep. 'A Hollow?! Now?!'

"What's wrong, Kurosaki-san?" Ikaruga asked in concern when she saw his expression change when Ichigo saw an attack coming toward them.

"Watch out!" Ichigo shouted, dragging Ikarga to the ground as a loud explosion happened. Smoke covers the street as Ikaruga coughs at the surprise attack.

'The invisible enemies?!' Ikaruga shouted as she couldn't believe the invisible enemies would attack her. But she has something more important to attend to. "Are you alright, Kurosaki-san?" There was no reply as fear started to infest Ikaruga's body. "Kurosaki-san?" Fear was starting to grow as Ichigo didn't utter a word. When the smoke started clear as she saw Ichigo lying beside her with blood leaking from his head. "Kurosaki-san!"

Ikaruga started panicking as she couldn't believe Ichigo would risk his life to save her again. "Are you alright, Kurosaki-san!? Say something?!" Ikaruga shouted in concern, shaking his body to wake him up. She placed her finger on his neck when she felt a pulse, causing Ikaruga to sigh in relief that he was alright.

But now, there was an even bigger problem for her. The invisible enemies are here, and Ichigo is caught in the cross fight. Ikaruga couldn't just leave him here as she was afraid that the invisible enemies might have killed him for inferring their plan, and she couldn't just transform into her shinobi form due to the rules and the chances of Ichigo waking up.

"Protecting someone, I care about is more important than some stupid heirloom." Ichigo's words rang into her mind as her fear disappeared and was replaced with a determination to protect someone dear to her. Ikaruga grabbed Ichigo by his arm and placed him over her shoulder. "Just hang on, Kurosaki-san," Ikaruga said as she planned to take him somewhere safe. Unbeknownst to her, there was a Hollow on top of the rooftop as it watched its prey trying to get away. The Hollow jumped off the roof and was about to devour them when suddenly a kick knocked it away from them.

The Hollow turns its head to see Ichigo in his Shinigami form when he exits his body after he saves Ikaruga from that attack. He pulls Zangetsu off his back and charges at the Hollow, but it flies into the air to evade Ichigo's attack and dive straight toward him.

Ichigo dodges its attack and leaves a massive imprint on the ground as he swings Zangetsu at it. But the Hollow uses its arm to block his attack and use its claw to stab him, causing Ichigo to nearly evade it in time and have a small cut on his side.

He clicks his tongue and releases a Getsuga Tensho at the Hollow as it flies up to the sky. Ichigo uses shunpo to appear in front of the and slice off its wing, causing it to scream in pain and fall to the ground. He let out a battle cry and sliced down the Hollow as its body started to dissipate.

With the Hollow gone, Ichigo sighed and placed Zangetsu back on his back as he went toward where Ikaruga was.

Meanwhile, Ikaruga placed Ichigo's against the wall as she tried to wake him up again. "Just hang on, Kurosaki-san." Ikaruga asked in concern, shaking his body. Ichigo saw Ikaruga with his body and quickly went inside, causing him to slowly open his eyes. "Kurosaki-san! Are you alright?"

"Yeah... I'm fine... Through, my head is starting to hurt," Ichigo groaned, rubbing the side of his head.

"My place has medical supplies there. I can treat your injuries there."

"It's fine, Ikaruga. It's just a scratch," Ichigo stood back on his head and handed Hien back to her. "Here, I didn't have the chance to return it to you when we were attacked."

"The sword..." Ikaruga grabs Hien from Ichigo's hand and smiles at him. "Thank you for returning it to me, Kurosaki-san."

"Don't mention it."

"But can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Why did you do it?" Ikaruga asked, causing Ichigo to look at her in confusion. "Why did you stand up for me? After how I treated you yesterday. I thought you hated me."

"Hated you? What are you talking about? What you were doing was being concerned about your friends. Nothing more."

"But I treated you horribly at school. I've even scolded you for something you didn't do wrong. I shouldn't have deserved it from you."

"So what. It doesn't matter to me one or another. If I see someone in trouble or something is wrong. I'll do it in an instant. And besides, like I told your asshole brother earlier. There's nothing more important than protecting the people you care about."

"Kurosaki-san..." Ikaruga muttered as she stared at him in complete awe. She knows Ichigo is different from your typical person, but this is entirely something else. She never thought he was so understanding, caring, and willing to protect someone, even toward like her. Ikaruga couldn't help but smile as she started to see in an entirely different light. "Thank you, Kurosaki-san."

"Don't mention it."

"But can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Where did you learn how to move like that?" Ikaruga asked, causing Ichigo's body to stiffen. "How is it that you remain calm when Onii-sama attacks you? How is it that you know when that attack going to happen?"

"Well... You see..."

"Kurosaki-san... Is there something that you're not telling me?"

Ichigo starts to sweat as Ikaruga becomes suspicious of him. 'This is bad...' Ichigo thought to himself. 'I can't tell her I'm a substitute Shinigami and was sent here on a mission. She probably thinks I'm crazy or something... Wait!' Ichigo thought of something as he remembered what Murasame had said earlier. "What about that stuff he talks about shinobi earlier."

Now it was Ikaruga's turn to be nervous as the Shinobi world was about to be kept secret from the public. "Why does he ask me about being a shinobi? What's this faction stuff he talking about?" She mentally cursed her adopted brother as she couldn't believe Murasame would expose the Shinobi world to Ichigo. "How about this. I won't ask you about your secret if you do the same. Deal?"

Seeing that there was no other option, Ikaruga sighed as it was the only thing to keep the Shinobi world a secret. "Deal," Ikaruga said as Ichigo extended his hands toward her, causing them to shake hands. "Good night, Kurosaki-san."

"Night," Ichigo said as he was about to leave but stopped for a second." Oh, by the way!" Ikaruga stops and turns around to see Ichigo toss his jacket toward her. "You might want to wear that. After all, you don't want people to get the wrong ideas."

She was momentarily confused as Ikaruga looked down, causing her face to turn red in embarrassment as she forgot that she was still wearing her nightgown. "Eep!" Ikaruga shrieked as she quickly put on his jacket. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Ichigo said as they returned to their respectful dorm. However, unbeknownst to them, there was a man standing on the street pole. A legendary shinobi.

Hanzo watched the entire scene as he expected Murasame to come here to take Hien back, but he didn't expect Murasame to run off with the sword while Ikaruga pursued him.

Another one was that he also didn't expect Ichigo to show up out of nowhere and defeat him. Murasame wasn't a proper shinobi like her adopted sister but still a shinobi nonetheless. So for a civilian to defeat him was unheard of.

Furthermore, he notices Ichigo's expression change as he quickly saves Ikaruga's life when one of the invisible enemies attacks them. Hanzo was shocked as he didn't sense their presence in the area. When he saw Ikaruga carrying Ichigo's body. Hanzo knew he had to protect them from the invisible enemies when he noticed an imprint from earlier. Something that isn't human.

'Are these invisible enemies, Yoma?' Hanzo pondered to himself. 'It could be a new type of Yoma we didn't know about. If so, the girls are in more danger than we thought. Furthermore, Kurosaki-san's is something else. I never see a civilian remain so calm when facing a real weapon and his swordsmanship... I never had anything like it.'

He is glad that Ichigo isn't a threat to his granddaughter and her friends. This proves to him that Ichigo isn't an ordinary person. He hoped that Asuka would keep an eye on him.

-the next day-

Ichigo, Asuka, and Katsuragi are having their lunch on the school rooftop and enjoying their meal together. "You girls sure you two want to have lunch with me?" Ichigo asked, as he didn't want to get them into trouble because of him.

"It's fine, Ichigo-kun. We like spending some time with you," Asuka said.

"Yeah, It's not like Ikaruga is going to find out about this," Katsuragi said with a grin.

"Find out about what?" A familiar voice asked, causing everyone to freeze stiff, and they turned their head to see Ikaruga standing at the doorway with a lunch bag in her hand.

"Ikaruga-san?!" Asuka cried out in shock and worry. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I was walking down the hall when I noticed you and Katsuragi-san walking toward the roof. So I follow you two and find that you and Katsuragi-san are eating lunch with Kurosaki-san," Ikaruga explained, causing Asuka to chuckle nervously and Katsuragi to pout.

"Are you going to lecture us again?" Katsuragi whined as she was prepared for this. But they were shocked when Ikaruga shook her head.

"No, in fact. I was quite curious about him myself," Ikaruga stated.

'As long it isn't any involved with my Shinigami's duty. I'm fine,' Ichigo said in his head.

"Furthermore, I like to return something to him," Ikaruga said as she walked up to Ichigo and handed him a bag. "I washed the jacket that you lent me last night.'

"Oh, thanks," Ichigo said, taking the bag.

"What's this...?" Katsuragi said with a teasing grin as she overheard their conversation. "What this about Ichigo lending you his jacket. Are you two on a date or something?"

"That's not it!" Ikaruga shouted with her face red.

"She's right. I just lent her my jacket because she was wearing her nightgown in the middle of the street last night," Ichigo explained, causing her grin to grow even more.

"Wearing a nightgown in the middle of the street. I didn't think you would be so bold, Ikaruga," Katsuragi jokes playfully. "Are you trying to seduce Ichigo with that outfit?"

"Katsuragi-san!" Ikaruga shouted, causing Katsuragi to laugh and Ichigo to facepalm.

"When are you going to stop...?" Ichigo asked as he felt like Katsuragi was enjoying this way too much.

Holy shit! You don't know how long this take me. 9,674 words in this chapter and making sure that the characters are acting the why they should be. I know that Murasame was acted out of characters but I have to make it so the scene with Ichigo before them and having Ikaruga gaining some interest to Ichigo. Beside, I don't want to make Ikaruga take interest in Ichigo on the later date.

Anyway, I want to asked readers who would you pair Ichigo with any Senran Kagura girls.

My favorite pairing would be Ichigo and Miyabi as they have some similarities with each other.

They both lost they mother at the young age.

They both have serious expression all the time and rarely smile.

They care deeply for the people that are important to them.

They both have inner demons. Hollow spirit in Ichigo and Yoma spirit in Miyabi.

They both strong will.

They lost control of their power one times.

If they any pairing that you think fit Ichigo. Leave the name and reasoning behind these pairing.