Disclaimer: Again, all obvious characters are sole property of Tite Kubo.
A/N: Thank you for following this story. I feel Bleach did not get the send-off that it deserved. So, for the sake of my love for Bleach, I hope that I will do this story some justice. BTW, the beginning of this story will be nothing but "where are they now?" and simple recon. I'm going to try and keep this to a 10-chapter minimum. Hopefully I can stick to the basic elements, and not make it too "Plot Armorish" (Yes, I am aware it's not a word. )
Chapter 2 – Sado "Chad" Yasutora
ONE!
The crowd is erupting in excitement, as two professional boxers are in the ring.
TWO!
The referee is counting out the poorly beaten boxer, who is laying in the ring with no signs of getting up. His opponent, staring intently in the opposite side of the ring, is hoping he stays down – but hoping he's still alive.
THREE!
FOUR!
HE'S DONE! RING THE BELL!
The crowd screams in delight as a new boxing heavyweight champion was crowned. The last man standing, is actually in shock. Instead of boasting about his victory, he ran over to his opponent to see if he was okay
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE WINNER OF THE FIGHT WITH A TKO….AND STILL WBO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIIIIIOOOOOONNNN…SADOOOOO "EL DIRECTO" YASUUUUUUUTORRRRRRAAAAA!
Once Sado confirmed that his opponent was okay and not in any danger, he immediately left the ring. No interview, no belt, nothing. In typical Chad fashion, he went off in silence.
Agents, interviewers and groupies alike surrounded Chad in the corridor towards his locker room. His manager and close friend, Mizuiro Kojima, fielded all of the questions as Chad finally made it to the locker room.
Silence.
Sweet, blissful silence.
As he flopped down on the bench at the other end of the room, Mizuiro forces his way in as hands and screams are sticking from the door. With one swift slam, Chad throws a towel over his head.
Mizuiro: Did you forget something? (Holding up the title belt)
Chad: (peeking from the towel) Huh? Oh, sorry (pulls towel back over his head)
Mizuiro: Chad, how long are you going to avoid interviews? You have been the champ for a year, you can't keep avoiding the press. Thank goodness I became your manager and speak for you, because you would be screwed over.
Chad: I know, Mizuiro. Thank you.
Mizuiro: I don't get it, man. You are famous, likable and rich! What do you do after every fight? You sulk, avoid everyone, and go home to your small apartment. You need to get out more. Enjoy life! And another thing…
As Mizurio went off on one of his usual rants, Chad contemplate his thoughts as his face is still under the towel. While he is a famous boxer, he misses fighting – and saving the world. Sure, Boxing was the next best thing once he helped save Soul Society. However, he felt a purpose. A drive. A reason to live. Fighting alongside his friends to take down an enemy was the best part of his life. At this point, he feels like a joke. He went against everything his Abuelo taught him about using his hands for personal gain. Deep down, while he does make a living, he felt wrong. He also feels empty.
Mizurio: You tuned me out again, didn't you?
Chad: Yes. I get it, Mizuiro. I need to take this seriously. You say this all the time. Look, you are a great friend…and a better manager. I just need to think about some things.
Mizurio: What is there to think about? You have another fight in two months. How about you call Kurosaki and the old gang, and we go on a vacation for a week. Sounds good?
Chad: Uh Huh.
Mizurio: Good. We'll do that. Is there anything else bothering you?
Chad: (finally pulling off the towel and going into the shower) No. You will never understand. So, I will be fine.
Mizuiro: I guess I won't. I'm going back to the hall for the press conference. Want me to send the doctors in?
Chad: Yeah.
Mizuiro: Very well, Champ. By the way, great fight tonight.
As Mizuiro walks out of the door, Chad starts the shower and begins to let the hot steamy water trickle down his body as he contemplates his future. He does appreciate everything that his friend/manager does, but he really feels conflicted. As he looks at his hands running under the water, he notices the bruising, the swelling, a finger permanently disfigured from a wrong hit, and most importantly….the words of his Abuelo. Slumping down on the bench in the shower, Chad lets out a huge sigh.
Chad: Maybe I do need a vacation. (breathing a sigh of boredom) I better finish up and get dressed.
Moments later, as Chad is leaving the arena with Mizuiro, Chad's phone rings.
Chad: Hello? Yeah. He is? How? Are you sure? Uh Huh. Okay. Thank You.
A few words, and Chad was done.
Mizuiro: Who was that, Chad? Another endorsement deal?
Chad: No. That was Orihime Kurosaki. She told me he was awake and to come to the Kurosaki Clinic in the morning.
Mizuiro: Who?
Who is awake?
Why would Orihime tell Chad?
Why is Chad contemplating life decisions? What does he really want to do?
To be continued
A/N: Thank you all for following so far. I really appreciate it. I'm trying to find a set day to post new chapters – I may stick to Bleach tradition and do it on Thursdays. Again, thank you and until next week.