Greetings everybody and welcome to chapter 17 of Soul of Fire. Last time it took me longer to update, so I'm happy that I managed upload sooner this time, so I bring you a little bit shorter but quicker chapter.
But first things first. GOD DAMN! People sure can't stop commenting about Natsu being paired with Yoruichi! I've seen so many reviews related to them that I just can't believe it!
The previous chapter sure got a lot of reactions from you all, but I assure you that this one will answer a lot of things that you were probably asking. But enough said. I'll answer a couple of reviews from the last chapter before diving into the story.
Guest Isa:
Do not worry my friend, there will be no harems in this story. Though I will admit that I do plan on building Natsu's relationships with a lot of different people at the same time, the final decision for the pairing choice will remain strictly to only one girl. Nothing more, nothing less.
Regarding Yoruichi, I can see why you would consider it to be somewhat of a fast action for her to take, but I can assure you that it has nothing to do with falling in love or anything of that sorts. Though I consider your description of this being a fleeting thing somewhat more accurate. Whatever the case, the details regarding the events from the previous chapter will be more profoundly explored here.
There's also the fact that even Hiyori states that as Shinigami, their lives are always on the line and they could end at any moment, so they always try to live their life's at their fullest. Considering that, I highly doubt that someone like Yoruichi would hesitate to take action if she was somehow attracted to somebody in particular. In this case that would be Natsu.
Leasla7373:
Natsu definitivamente obtendrá un Bankai. Y pues que gran coincidencia, pues en este capítulo veremos un poco sobre ese tema. Y no te preocupes por las parejas compañero, eso está en orden.
erasenpai946:
Glad to hear that you liked the last chapter. As I said before, writing Yoruichi is a fun thing to do and I can see why Kubo loved drawing her as well. Who knows what kind of future there is for their relationship, but there's potential there for some interesting plot points. We'll be seeing more of Acnologia soon. And I have a few surprises for Ichigo as well. There will be some mayor differences with the main cannon timeline due to Acnologia's intervention and the influence he will have in future events.
kawabanga258:
Glad that you enjoyed the chapter. The relationship between Natsu and Byakuya is something odd that came to my mind, but I kind of thought that it would be an interesting thing to work with. Though Acnologia will definitely be a piece of work when it comes to his rivalry with Natsu. As you saw from their last encounter, it will not be a pretty thing.
eralmeida8:
Yeah, the relationship between Natsu and Byakuya is something that will be interesting to work with. Regarding Acnologia's plot, well I can say that it will be a slow workout but the guy will have a couple of things prepared for both the story and his character.
jeferrayane:
Aizen will be a fun card to play with. I have a couple of things in store for him, which in a way includes Acnologia to some degree, just as it was hinted not long ago. Though if Aizen really attempts to do anything against Acnologia then he will surely not go blindly or without knowing his opponent's strength. And thanks for the comment, I sure feel happy that people seem to enjoy Natsu's and Yoruichi's interactions so much.
MeteorElDrago:
Thanks! I really appreciate the support! Yeah, it is a real shame that there aren't enough stories with Natsu as a protagonist, but that's what I'm trying to fix.
Well, I guess that's all for now. Please be sure to let me know what you think of this chapter, suggestions and constructive criticism are more than welcomed! With that said, please enjoy!
Chapter 17: Conflicted Feelings
There was a great deal of things that Natsu Dragneel did not know about. Stuff like math, names, places or even people for that matter. Those were things that went over his head most of the time. And not surprisingly, that included girls as well.
It was a topic that rarely crossed his mind, and when it did, he was quick to dismiss the thought completely before moving on to something more interesting. You could ask anybody and they would all probably answer the same thing.
Natsu Dragneel knew nothing about woman.
So when a pretty girl actually went as far as to kiss him of all people, what do you think his reaction would be? Simple. To stand there like a complete idiot that somehow forgot how to even breath.
Igneel never prepared me for this!
Seriously, how did it even come to this? Sure, he knew a fair share of girls that could probably be considered attractive and all that, but when you grow up in a place surrounded by them, you kind of get used to it by now.
And that ladies and gentlemen is the reason why he is not considered a superficial person, or so he likes to think…
"…ey, I'm talking to you. Snap out of it, fool."
Natsu was suddenly brought out of his train of thought, blinking in surprise before finding himself looking at what appeared to be a very angry looking Soi Fon. Her face was adorned by the same frown she always wore.
"Quit acting as if you were brain-dead." She told him with a scowl. "I swear, if you continue getting distracted like this then I will definitely end up killing you for wasting my time."
"S-Sorry, I space out for a moment."
She gave him a hard glare, but her features softened soon afterwards before releasing a deep sigh. "Forget it. Let's just start all over again." Natsu nodded and sat down on the grass. His eyes closed as he focused on the task at hand.
Controlling his breathing, he again tried to reach out for his own Reiryoku. It was an exercise meant to increase one's overall control of their spiritual energy, or so he was told.
Normally he wouldn't be bothering to use such boring training methods and instead do something more physical. However, he understood that in order to become stronger, learning how to control his new powers was a necessity he could not overlook.
Soi Fon watched silently as the Dragon Slayer finally concentrated on what he was doing. She could feel the Reiatsu flow around him, moving and twisting into different shapes but never leaving his side at any moment.
It was a huge difference when compared to the huge leaks of raw power he was emitting not long ago. If she dared to say, it almost felt like a complete different Reiatsu.
He really has improved, hasn't he? Soi Fon thought with authentic amazement. It was hard to believe that this was the same guy that no more than two months ago was described as an empty-headed walking spiritual disaster.
Shaking those thoughts out of her mind, Soi Fon turned her attention back at her own training.
She knew that Yoruichi-sama had her own duties to attend to and could not come to the training session she had scheduled with Natsu due to a sudden meeting she was called for along with the other Captains of the Gotei. Something related to some strange deaths in the Rukongai, but she was not told much about it.
Soi Fon was by no means pleased with her given orders, as she would rather focus in her own training. But she will do as Yoruichi-sama instructed and she will do so without question. That doesn't mean she has to like it though.
"Sting all enemies to death, Suzumebachi."
Grasping onto her sword with her right hand, the entire sword began to glow white before shrinking in size. When the emitted glow died out, it revealed her Zanpakuto in its released state.
With the transformation done, Soi Fon moved at an untraceable speed before landing a solid kick on the trunk of a near tree. The impact forced the wood to shake uncontrollably to the point of almost breaking it, causing hundreds of its leafs to fall down from their resting place.
She readied her Zanpakuto at her side while her eyes tracked the incoming objectives without letting a single one out of her sight. A look of concentration over took her as her body reacted, moving with ease all around the area and using her blade to pierce all of the leafs right in the center with perfect accuracy and precision.
It was only a matter of seconds before she was done and a grin graced her lips as she watched the leafs land on the ground with satisfaction. All of them with perfectly placed holes.
"Wow! That was so awesome!"
Startled, her head quickly shot to the side to see Natsu standing next to her.
"W-When did you…" Her words were cut short when Natsu attempted to get a better look at her Zanpakuto, considerably reducing the distance between them.
"I didn't know your sword could change form too." His head tilted to the side. "What are you doing anyway? Looks like fun."
It took Soi Fon a few moments to gather her bearings, still surprised by how the Dragon Slayer was able to approach her without her noticing.
"A-All Zanpakutos can do that." She quickly answered. The proximity between them unconsciously made her face turn into a slight shade of red. "And… And I'm working on my Bankai training, so stop bothering me."
"Ban…kai?" He slowly repeated the foreign words for the first time ever.
"Yes, a Bankai." Soi Fon frowned, her previous blush now gone. "You do know what that is, right?" Natsu shook his head, much to her own annoyance. "You can't be serious. Has Captain Ukitake not explained it to you yet?"
"Not really." Natsu responded. "I mean, he says a lot of stuff most of the time, so maybe he did said it and I just kind of forgot about it."
Soi Fon was forced to hold an exasperated sigh. "You really are an idiot. Not only that, but a hopeless idiot that is."
"Isn't that a little bit harsh?" There was a little bit of sweat running down his face.
"Shut up and listen, cause I'm only explaining this once." She told him with a hard glare "A Zanpakuto has two stages of release. The first one is Shikai, which is the one the Head-Captain already taught you. And the second stage is called a Bankai."
"Second release." Mumbled Natsu as his eyes glanced at Shōkyaku in his back.
His Zanpakuto has remained awfully quiet ever since the incident with Acnologia now that he thinks about it. He should probably try to talk to him soon and see what's up.
"Yes. It is also mandatory for a Captain to be able to perform both, so every Captain you have known so far has mastered both Shikai and Bankai."
"But what's so special about this Bankai thingy?" Questioned Natsu. "I mean, you are making it sound as if it is some sort of big deal."
"You really don't get it do you?" Soi Fon frowned with contempt. "A Bankai is not just a flashy trick you can just learn. It's the pinnacle of a Shinigami's power. In terms of the Zanpakuto's combat ability, the difference between Shikai and Bankai depends on the individual's innate talents and training, but generally it's five to ten times greater.
"Wait hold on, seriously?" Natsu's eyes widened upon hearing this. "That many?"
"Yes, it is surprising the amount of power one can achieve once they have access to it. But because of that even for someone with talent, it can easily take ten or more years of training to even use it, let alone fully master it."
Just the idea of increasing his own power ten times over in an instant sounded crazy. If all of the Captains really have a Bankai, then just how powerful do they really are? His thoughts soon drifted to Shinji and the first confrontation they had.
Natsu could barely keep his own excitement from fully displaying. If he could learn this technique. If he could achieve this second release and multiply his power ten times over, then just how powerful can he become?
This… This may be exactly what I need! Natsu thought. If I were to posses my very own Bankai, would that power be enough to finally destroy Acnologia once and for all?
There was nothing assured, but if Soi Fon's words had any true in them, then it was very well worth a shot. The only issue at the moment however is that he had no idea of how to do that. "Does that mean that you have a Bankai too, Soi Fon?"
"No, I do not." She responded. "I still have yet to fully master my Shikai, so a Bankai is still out of the question."
The Dragon Slayer's head tilted slightly before smiling. "Then how about I help you with that?"
"Help me?" Soi Fon repeated in an incredulous manner. Just the mere thought of him of all people assisting her in any way was ridiculous on its own. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?
"Honestly, I have no idea." Natsu responded bluntly with a casual shrug. "But I thought that since I don't have a Bankai either, then maybe we can help each other out."
"What exactly are you proposing?" Her arms intertwined in skepticism.
"Simple, let's continue training together just as we are doing right now." Natsu offered. "After all, I bet we can both get pretty strong if we keep working like this. I mean, I've seen you in action, so I kind of want to fight you."
To say that Soi Fon was slightly taken back by the odd request was putting it lightly. Training with others wasn't something she commonly did, especially due to the fact that she hardly interacted with any members of her own squad. Though she was fine with that, as she was more of a loner after all. That way she avoided interacting with any of the bothersome people that could hinder her progress.
As such, she was more than inclined to decline the invitation. After all, the only person she has ever acknowledged to be partnered with for a training session was none other than Yoruichi-sama herself. Anyone of less standing than her was bound to be rejected at a moments notice.
However, for reasons that were simply beyond her, Soi Fon found herself unable to turn down the offer as soon as it came.
Was she actually considering accepting?
She personally did not like the idea of spending her precious time with the pink-haired idiot of all people, regardless of how much she has grown to tolerate his presence.
Soi Fon had to admit though, the Dragon Slayer was indeed powerful. Considering that she was an assassin who's main role was to observe and analyze a target's strength and weaknesses, she would lie if she said that she wasn't interested to see the depths of his true power.
And so she made her choice.
"Very well then, I accept your terms." She said with a stern look. "But don't get the wrong idea, I'm agreeing to this only so I can have a chance to wipe that stupid look from your face."
Natsu didn't seemed troubled by her threat at all. Instead his lips turned upwards, turning into a toothy grin that showed nothing but excitement.
"I look forward to it!"
A few hours later. Seireitei. Research and Development Institute. Barracks of Squad 12…
It's been no more than a few hours since a state of emergency was announced throughout the entirety of the Seireitei. The level of this mysterious threat was still unknown and the full seriousness of the situation had yet to be fully uncovered aside from what they already knew.
The Reiatsu of Captain Kensei and his men have disappeared completely.
Only a certain number of individuals were aware of this, though nobody knew what happened to the missing group or the other Shinigami who were close to the scene before this happened. That's what made the situation highly dangerous.
A group of Captains has already been dispatched to investigate, but Urahara feared that they may not be enough. It was not that he didn't trusted their strength, but something about this whole thing just didn't feel right.
To make matters even worse, he has sent his own Lieutenant to collect samples from the area where the disappearances have occurred no long before the state of emergency was announced.
He was preparing to leave as soon as night falls, when the security around the Seireitei was at its lowest. By this point however, Urahara only hoped that it was yet not too late.
Knocking suddenly came from his door. Now this was unusual. Almost no one ever came to see him, let alone in his personal quarters.
Whoever came to talk to him, Urahara deduced that it had to be something important. Opening the sliding door in one swift movement, the blond scientist couldn't help but surprised.
"Huh, Dragneel-san?"
"Yo! Hey huh…" The Dragon Slayer greeted with hesitation. "Got a moment to talk?"
Seireitei. Barracks of Squad 2…
"I take it everyone has already been informed of the current state of alert." Yoruichi spoke, looking down at her subordinates kneeling before her.
"Yes Captain. Everyone is ready and awaiting your orders." The Shinigami at the front responded, bowing his head with the utmost respect.
"Good. Make sure to remain at stand by and ready for action at any moment. Head-Captain's orders, understood?" Her hands rested against her hips. "You are all dismissed."
Everyone nodded before vanishing, leaving the Captain all by herself.
Releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding, Yoruichi sat down, stretching her arms as far as she could as if trying to relieve all of the accumulated tension. Ever since the meeting regarding the disappearances of Kensei and his squad members came to an end, Yoruichi's work has done nothing but increase three times it's normal amount.
It went all the way from tasks such as increasing the number of patrols, solidifying the Seireitei's defenses or reorganizing the whole squad. Yoruichi had to make sure everything went smoothly.
She was a professional in her job, so she could handle a couple of extra errands without spilling as much as a sweat. But that does not mean it could not become exhausting though. And if that wasn't enough, her mind still couldn't stop thinking over what happened the other day in the field. More specifically, about what she did.
The kiss they shared.
She was yet not sure if doing that was the appropriate thing to do, especially after seeing how he reacted soon after the deed was already done. If that was either a good or a bad thing, she had no clue.
However, there was one thing she knew; that kiss felt good.
It was hard to explain, but when their lips connected she felt as if they were on fire. His were warm but strong. Wild but caring. It was indeed a strange sensation, but not one she regretted experiencing.
But do not misunderstand. Yoruichi was mature enough to know that what she was feeling had nothing to do with something as childish as falling in love or anything like that. She was not some teenage girl desperate for romance and clinging to the slightest sign of affection after all.
If anything, her feelings for the Dragon Slayer were more like a healthy attraction for the opposite sex. He has shown to be a kind individual, yet he is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He's both strong and reliable. He also isn't bad looking either, mind you. But most importantly, he's fun to hang around.
While she never gave too much thought to the idea of ever involving herself in a relationship, it was a subject that she has grown quite curious to experience. Perhaps if she and Natsu were to know each other a little bit better, their relationship could turn into something more. Something more like a…
"I have returned, Yoruichi-sama." Soi Fon announced as she entered the hall.
"Yo, Soi Fon! Just exactly the girl I wanted to see!" Yoruichi greeted with open arms. "So how did it went?"
Judging by the way Soi Fon walked, Yoruichi could see that she must have gone through some rough time. It was hard to see at first, but the young assassin looked somewhat exhausted. Her clothes were all tattered and had burn marks all over.
But that wasn't all. There was a different air surrounding Soi Fon, as if her very presence had somehow changed. Yoruichi couldn't help but give her a curious look in wonder.
"It all went well, Yoruichi-sama." Soi Fon gave her a slight bow. "I trust that your meeting went without any issue as well?"
"You could say that." Responded Yoruichi, not wanting to get too much into details. "Sorry for making you take my place by the way. That meeting was so sudden that I just didn't had time to look for someone else."
"N-Nonsense!" Soi Fon rebutted. "You were only performing your duty as a captain should. It's that idiot who should be grateful that you even spared him a minute of your time!"
Yoruichi couldn't help but laugh. "If that's what you think, then go ahead. But now that you mention it though, where is he anyway?"
Soi Fon's previous face of adoration turned into a scowl. "He went to see that man."
Seireitei. Research and Development Institute. Barracks of Squad 12…
"Yoruichi kissed you? Well, that's certainly unexpected." Urahara admitted. "I mean, I always knew she was more into younger guys, but never would have I thought that she would be interested in you of all people. Tea?"
Natsu gave him a silent nod of appreciation as he took the offered drink. After telling Urahara about what happened between him and Yoruichi the other day, the Dragon Slayer felt as if a weight has been taken off his shoulders.
He heard somewhere that Urahara and Yoruichi were close friends, so he thought that it would be best to ask him what he thinks about the whole thing. The pink-haired Shinigami was still confused about what happened, so he thought that maybe if he were to speak with someone who knew Yoruichi it would help him figure out what to do next.
"I admit, it is unusual for her to do something as direct as this. She normally teases people, sure, but never has she shown any physical demonstration of affection as far as I am concerned."
The Dragon Slayer frowned. "What do you mean as by as far as you are concerned?"
"As I said, I've never heard of Yoruichi ever being interested in anybody in that sort of way, so I don't have much experience in the subject."
"That's very helpful." Natsu said sarcastically as he took a swig of his tea.
"Now, now, don't be like that Dragneel-san." Urahara reassured him with a wave of his hand. "It's just that you are probably the first person she has ever attempted to do something like this. Who knows, perhaps she does like you in a certain sort of way."
"I… I really don't get it."
"Don't try to think too hard on it, it only gets more complicated the more you try to understand it." Urahara said with a sympathetic tone. "Anyway, what did you do after that? Did you guys did, well… you know, that thing?"
Natsu blinked, unsure of what the blonde Captain was getting at. "What do you mean by that thing?"
"I mean if you did anything that can be considered…" He paused to consider his words carefully. "Let's just say explicit."
The Dragon Slayer gave him a strange look, not understanding what the scientist was asking until a few seconds later. Natsu's face turned completely red.
"Wha-what? Of course not! I mean, the kiss was getting a little out of hand, sure, so as soon things started to get too weird I got out of there fast!"
"So you left as soon as it happen." Urahara concluded with a nod. "Have you tried talking to her about it?"
"Not really." Responded Natsu. "I was suppose to see her today for our daily training session, but she was busy so I had to train with Soi Fon instead."
"I see." Urahara nodded to himself. "Then the best advice I can give you is to simply go talk to her and sort it out."
"What? And that's it?"
"Pretty much, yes." He shrugged. "I can't say that I speak from experience, but sometimes the most complicated of problems can be solved by the simplest of actions."
The Dragon Slayer stayed silent while in thought. Somehow that idea never crossed his mind, but now that he thought about it, it does make kind of sense.
To be perfectly honest he never gave the thought of settling down with someone much consideration before. Not even in life and especially not now in death.
Igneel's explanations regarding females were very limited and he didn't have anywhere to turn for advice about the subject.
Now that he thought about it, the only person who he may have ever developed any sort of feelings that may have come close to being romantic was perhaps Lisanna, but ever since her return from Edolas there was not anywhere enough time for a real relationship to flourish due to all the stuff that was happening back then. He also wasn't completely sure if he could afford the time to build such a thing when he's still focusing all of his efforts into defeating Acnologia.
Still, he knew that this isn't something that he can just ignore. Whether Yoruichi's feelings can be mutual or not, he couldn't tell for sure just yet. However, he could not leave this matter unattended either. No matter how one may look at it, Yoruichi was someone that has done so much for him and he would go as far as to call her a precious friend without a second thought.
The question is; Was he willing to go any further than just friendship with her?
"Just talk to her, huh?"
CHAPTER END
Things are progressing nicely so far. It seems that only one chapter left before the story goes into a series of time-skip. This will surely be entertaining to work it, especially when it comes to building Natsu's relationships with the rest of the Bleach cast.
With that said, the Acnologia chapters are just one more chapter away before I can go into him. I have to say, I'm pretty excited to work with him and expand his character a little bit. You all probably think that Natsu is the only character I want to develop, but ho ho, how wrong you all were.
Anyway, I guess that's all for now. Please make sure to tell me what you think of the story and any suggestions and constructive criticism are more than welcome.
I wish you all a wonderful day!