Gordu: Does this curse only works on Ichigo's spiritual powers, or will this affect his magic as well? And have you considered giving him God Slayer magic? The curse will only work on Ichigo's spiritual powers, not his magic. Meaning he would be able to use magic freely, but the curse will affect his magic in the future. No, I have not considered God Slayer magic but will not be going for that. I'm going to have Ichigo learn a more simple and versatile magic (not saying god slayer magic isn't good). I want Ichigo to learn his heritage and use more of his Hollow, Shinigami, and Quincy powers. If I were to use God Slayer then I would have to focus more on the magic side than his original powers, or at least that's how I see it. I also stated previously that I would implement the 7th anniversary of Ichigo into the story (also adding the first Quincy Ichigo unit into the story as well). This would just make things a bit more difficult. I don't think your idea is bad, but I hope my explanation helps you understand my reasoning. I also hope you enjoy the story despite not considering your idea.

Mr Darklord: Are you sure you are not good at fighting scenes? Ya, really sure? This was good, exceeding my expectation when I read that you're no good at fighting scenes. I am glad you enjoyed the fight scene. I'm just not confident in the work I put up.

Sameal fifteen: I like where this story is going giggity giggity gi-g-gity plus I would like the girl to be Ultear. I don't know what the giggity giggity is supposed to mean, but it's going to be Mirajane, not Ultear. Though I admit that Ultear is good-looking.

Laxard: I don't get something, why go with that weird "curse" approach when almost the same can be achieved with Ichigo simply not willing to "exhaust" too many reikis to not harm surroundings and other people? And then seek methods to use more powers without bad consequences for everyone around and stumble into Quincy's legacy that way and use it as a kind of isolation. Yes, there was no need to include the curse in this story, and it does make sense that Ichigo wouldn't want to simply exhaust himself. But I am including the curse just because I want to. I do think implementing the curse will make things more difficult, like explaining what it is and why it's there in the first place. But I have the answer to those questions. I'm just adding the curse because I want to add a bit of mystery (I don't know if people find it that way though). The purpose of the curse is to add mystery and help develop Ichigo's growth. It's not actually the curse that will give him growth. It will be the thing related to the curse. I also have many ideas I plan on adding to the story. I hope this answers your question and I hope you continue reading.

Chapter 9: Finding a new friend

After finishing their preparations, Ichigo and Wendy moved the plates to the table. The table contained two sets of utensils, plates of food, and two cups of water. There was toast, scrambled eggs, and strawberry jam. As the two finished setting up the table. They started dining in. As the two slowly started eating. Wendy held her spoon and grabbed the jar of strawberry jam. This caught Ichigo's attention. He thought it was strange that she was using her spoon to get the jam, not a butter knife. But shortly realized what the girl was aiming for. Wendy proceeded to scoop out a chunk of the jam from the jar and almost shoved the spoon inside her mouth.

Ichigo stopped her and informed her that the jam was supposed to go with the toast, as he quickly demonstrated. Wendy got embarrassed by her actions and apologized for her manners. Ichigo quickly forgave her regardless, it was partly his fault for not telling the girl and assuming she would know.

Wendy got a toast from the plate and slowly applied the jam onto the toast and started eating the bread.

"The food ok?" Ichigo asked mostly towards the strawberry jam the two had made.

Ichigo never learned how to make jam from Yuzu. He only recalled stumbling onto a video on how to make strawberry jam. At the time Ichigo learned something new and found it interesting, but he didn't find it useful, but now that was different. The downside, however, was that he vividly remembers the steps to creating one. He wasn't confident in his memory.

"It tastes amazing, the sweetness the jam gives to the toast is great!" she exclaims.

Ichigo smiled and released a small sigh. He originally thought the food they prepared was mediocre, but seeing her expression, he was relieved. "That's good to hear."

As the two finished their breakfast, the two quickly cleaned their dishes before walking outside. Wandering around the village, many citizens politely greet the two. Wendy didn't know what their plan was for the day. But apparently, Ichigo knew what he was going to do for the day, based on Wendy's assumption.

"Um, nii-san? What are we doing today?" the girl asked

"...I'm looking for work. Roubaul told me that there's someone on the farms I can go help with." Wendy silently listens to the boy. "I don't know if this person will pay me though."

"Why are you looking for work? Roubaul-san is a nice man, he gave us food and a home."

"Yeah, but if this continues, it would feel like we're freeloading," he explained, leaving out the other reason. He didn't want her to worry about his financial problem.

"Freeloading?" she expressed her confusion

"...ah…freeloading is when you take advantage of a people's kindness without repaying them. Kinda like if you were to make my food every day, but I won't help you do the chores…kinda like spoiling someone." he tried defining as simply as he can. "I want to repay him for what he's done for us."

Wendy understood what he was saying and smiled. She was glad that her older brother was a nice and considerate person. But she didn't want him to make money by himself.

"I-I can help." the girl claimed.

"No, you don't have to. It might be a lot of work. And I don't want to get you involved… I can provide for the both of us." he smiled, reassuring her.

"B-but what will I do, h-how long will you be working?" she didn't want to sound rude or selfish. She didn't want to make it focus on herself. But she didn't want to be alone and Ichigo could understand that.

"...Ideally 3 hours, I can't spend my entire day working." Wendy was relieved to hear he wasn't going to work for the entire day, but 3 hours still felt long. Ichigo knew Wendy's perspective. 3 hours would seem long for any kid. He kneeled to Wendy's height and looked into her eyes. "It'll only be 3 hours. I know you're going to feel lonely but don't worry, soon you won't have to."

Wendy was curious, what was he talking about? The only people she knew were Jellal, Ichigo, Roubaul, and Anisa. She wanted him to explain what he had meant but noticed when Ichigo stood back up and walked ahead.

"N-nii-san, what do you mean by that?" she quickens her pace to catch up to him.

The boy gave a small smile, looking back at Wendy, he explained, "There's also another thing we'll spend doing today" the girl patiently listened to his explanation. "Today, our goal is to find you a new friend.

The girl widened her eyes "..H-huh?"

"What, if I go to work, you'll be alone. I don't want that. So to fix that, we're going to try and find you a new friend," he explained. This did explain what he had previously said, but her shy behavior started kicking in.

"A-a new friend," she said quietly to herself. Wendy was excited but quickly got nervous. How was she going to introduce herself? What if that person didn't like her? What if they thought she was weird? Or maybe didn't like her personality. As she continued to talk to herself. Ichigo could tell that she was anxious.

"...Don't worry, you'll be fine. You and I both know that the people here are nice. I'll give you a hand if you need help." Wendy looked back at him and hugged him. She was glad she didn't have to do it alone.

"O-ok"

After their discussion, they headed to Anisa's store. Wendy didn't know why they were heading there. She didn't mind, but how was this supposed to help find her a friend? It didn't seem like the right environment, since they could have gone to a playground where all of the kids would be. The two saw the elderly woman inside the store, she was sweeping. Wendy was the first to enter the store, with Ichigo following shortly after. The doorbell rang as the two entered.

"Good morning," Wendy said as she walked toward Anisa.

"Good morning dear" she replied to her sweetly. "Good morning Ichigo"

"Morning"

"What brings you two here today?" she asked both of them. It was pretty sudden that the two would meet her like this.

"I was hoping you can help us find a new friend for Wendy." he first started "I plan on working, and I don't want Wendy to feel lonely. Are you able to help?" he asked since she was likely to know more than the two of them.

Anisa placed a hand on her chin. "Hmm…I see, I do know someone." This quickly piqued Wendy and Ichigo's interest. "I do hope you're not picky," Anisa said right after, teasing Wendy.

"N-no, I-I'm not picky," she replied, not knowing it was a joke.

"I'm just joking dear, her name is Mio, she comes here sometimes, mostly to fold the clothing. She should be the same age as you Wendy. She's a bit shy and she loves reading books. She is a sweet girl."

As the woman finished her characteristics. The doorbell rang, getting everyone's attention. Someone was entering the store. Wendy and Ichigo had thought it was Roubaul and expected to see his face. But when they looked back at the door, they instead saw a small girl closing the door gently. The girl's appearance was shown as she looked back at everyone.

She had short black hair, looked to be the same height as Wendy, and wore glasses. She wore a red t-shirt and black shorts. She was holding onto a white book with both her hands. The new girl was looking at everyone in front of her. She didn't know there would already be customers. She didn't say anything. She quickly bowed and headed to the change room.

"W-who was that?" Wendy asked Anisa

"That was Mio," she smiled at the two.

That was the supposed new friend Wendy was going to make. Ichigo didn't have much to say. But he looked at Wendy to see how she was doing and immediately noticed her quietness. The girl was speechless. "This is happening too fast, what..what do I do?" she thought. She started panicking. Ichigo and Anisa could see her anxiety taking over.

"You don't need to worry Wendy, Mio is a sweet and considerate girl. She wouldn't be mean to you." Anisa reassured the girl. "If you asked her to become your friend, she would react the same way you currently are. There is nothing to worry about."

Wendy was starting to get back her composure.

"W-welcome," a quiet voice was heard. Everyone looked at the source of the voice and saw Mio wearing grey pants and a black t-shirt. The girl tried to be as casual as she could. The girl noted that she had never seen these two before. She got extremely nervous.

As she made her way to the three, she was interrupted when her foot stumbled on a carpet and fell onto the floor. Luckily her glasses were not broken. Before anyone could help her up, Wendy rushed to the fallen girl.

"Are you ok?" she asked

"U-um I-I'm ok, I'm not hurt." the girl was flustered, she couldn't believe everyone saw her fall down. Before Mio could stand up, Wendy's hands started glowing a turquoise color. Mio was going to ask what she was planning on doing but stopped. The pain she had felt in her knees and hands started to reduce.

"Healing magic?" while Anisa was impressed by her skills with magic. Ichigo on the other hand was proud to see her grow while trying to help others.

"T-thank you" Mio admired the pretty colors while looking at Wendy,

"D-don't worry about it…Um, my name is Wendy, Wendy Marvell, it's nice to meet you" she tried to strike up a conversation.

"I-I'm Mio, Mio Amari. It's…it's nice to meet you too."

As the two slowly talk to one another, Ichigo could see that there was no need to step in and help. She was going to be okay. The boy back looked at the Woman. "Can I leave Wendy here for a bit?" he asked the woman "I'm going to head out."

"Sure, I don't mind."

"Thanks, please look after her…Wendy, I'm heading out," he announced.

Grabbing Wendy's attention, she looked back at Ichigo and saw him about to go outside. "Wait for me, i-it was nice meeting you Mio."

"You don't have to follow me." the girl halted, "You should get to know Mio more. Plus, I asked Anisa if you could stay here for a bit, and she's fine with it."

"O-ok be safe nii-san"

"Yeah" opening the door and walking outside.

Wendy looked back at Mio, she got embarrassed. She remembered what she had said earlier, she bid her farewell but didn't go. As she faced Mio, she was met with silence. The two soon arrived at an awkward situation.

"This is going to take a while," Anisa thought to herself with a small sigh. "Wendy, could you help me in the shop?"

"O-oh yes,"

"That's good to hear, Mio, can you give her a hand if she ever needs it?"

"Y-yes,"

Ichigo was on his way to the farm. He didn't particularly feel any rush. He was taking his time. The more time he took the better. Wendy would have more time to talk and get familiar with Mio. This was the perfect opportunity for her to gain and experience better social skills.

As Ichigo continued to walk, he could see the fences to his right. He was getting closer to his destination. There were many animals beyond the fences. There were sheep, cows, chickens, etc. At least he was familiar with these animals, unlike before. He saw a big red barn up ahead.

Making his way to the barn entrance, he looked around to see if anyone was around but saw no one. He soon knocked on the door, but no one answered. He noticed that the door wasn't completely shut and walked inside. Inside the barn, there were many hay stacks on the side. While many animals were behind fences, making their usual noise. He wandered around "Excuse me," Ichigo said out loud.

"Coming" This time, a voice was heard. It was faint. Presuming that this person was a bit further ahead. He looked where the voice had come from and saw a man near a water fountain. The man saw the boy and walked up to him.

"Hello, how can I help you?" the man asked.

Ichigo looked at the man. He seemed to be in his early-40s. He was taller than everyone he knew, even himself. He had brown messy hair and a bushy mustache. The man was mostly wearing baggy clothing.

"Hi, I was wondering if I can work here."

The man heard him clearly but was confused. Why would he want to work on a farm? Ichigo seemed more on the young side. He didn't know if he should take a boy this young to work on a farm. Usually, kids around the age of 11-12 would be able to work. He didn't think it was a good idea if Ichigo should work. However, he suddenly remembers the chief informing him that a boy would come to his farm and ask to work there.

"Are you perhaps Kurosaki Ichigo?" the man asked recalling the name Roubual had told him.

"Yeah, that would be me."

"I see, are you sure, you want to work here though? There's going to be a lot of work. You could work at a library," he suggested, he didn't want the boy to exhaust himself.

Ichigo took his suggestion but brushed it off. He didn't mind the hard work. There were reasons why he wanted to work on a farm instead of the library. He didn't have to talk as much on a farm as in a library, since he would just be doing labor. He's not always the talkative type. If what the man said was true. This was a great opportunity to train his body. He just hopes that his work would mainly focus on crops and gardens since he didn't want to come back home smelly.

"I am aware of the workload that this job has. But I'll be fine. Thanks for your concern."

"If you say so" the older man sighed in defeat, who would have known that he knew such vocabulary? "That's right, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Daisuke, Daisuke Amari,"

"Amari?" he accidentally said out loud, recognizing the name.

"Is there a problem?" his eyebrow raised

"No, sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. It's just your last name sounded familiar. I recently met a girl name Mio Amari." he cleared the misunderstanding.

The man widen "you met my daughter?" catching Ichigo by surprise. The two didn't look alike and their personality doesn't align either. Daisuke seemed more upfront and expressive, while his daughter was shy and quiet.

"Your daughter? Sorry…but I didn't really see any similarities," the boy said out his thoughts.

"I get that a lot, Mio takes a lot from her mother," he chuckled before bringing up another topic. "Who would have known that she made friends with a boy."

"..I didn't talk to her, although I do think my little sister became friends with her today." he presented a smile.

"You got my hopes up." he started laughing once more. "But that's good to hear. Mio never had many friends, it worries me sometimes, but to know that she has made a friend, I'm happy to hear such news," he confessed.

"Yeah" Ichigo replied with the same sentiment.

"How long do you plan on working?" he switched the topic

"If it's fine, can I work for 3 hours a day?"

"Sure that'll be fine… I'll show you around, you're going to need to know things before working here." he walked off into the barn.

"Right" he followed.

(An hour later)

Ichigo didn't think that they would take an hour going through things, he didn't complain. Daisuke was kind enough to introduce the materials required to work on a farm. The layout of the farm, the different tools that they use, and much more.

"That'll be everything you need to know, do you have any questions?" The man asked as they walked back to the barn.

"Yeah, when do I start working?"

"If you're ok with it, I would like for you to work tomorrow, we're not asking for too much work, you can start slow."

"Sure, I can come back tomorrow," he responds, however, how much is he getting paid? He hesitated, He didn't want to ask such a rude and selfish question.

"The chief did say that you wanted to get paid, correct?" Daisuke asked, wanting to get confirmation from the boy himself. Ichigo simply nodded his head.

"We'll be paying you 2000 jewels per hour," he informed the boy.

Ichigo was caught off guard by how much he was getting paid. From what he estimated last time, a hundred jewels was a dollar. Meaning that he was getting 20 dollars per hour. To be frank, he wasn't expecting to get paid much. He was silent, he didn't know if the man was being generous or if that's how it works here. In his world, the minimum wage wasn't that high, probably 13 dollars for those who are under the age of 18.

"What? Do you want more?" Daisuke teased.

"No, I'll be fine, thank you."

"Alright, I'll be seeing you tomorrow then," the man bid him farewell.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow"

(Back at Anisa's store)

As Ichigo made himself inside the store, the doorbell rang. He saw a woman with long black hair in front of him. The woman looked back at the boy, wondering who it was. He saw two girls popping their heads out behind the woman. Both he recognized.

"Nii-san" she ran to him while hugging him.

"H-hello," Mio said quietly, still behind the woman

"Hi," He slowly waved to her. "Wendy, you behaving yourself?" he was glad to see Wendy doing fine.

"Yeah"

The woman immediately figured out the boy's identity. "You must be Kurosaki Ichigo, I heard a lot from you from Wendy here."

"Hi…you are?"

"Hello, I am Mio's mother Hina Amari."

"...nice to meet you" he didn't think he would meet her here, it must have been a coincidence meeting the family today.

Behind Mio and Hina, Anisa made her way to the door.

"Welcome back," Anisa said

"Hey, thanks for looking after Wendy for me" Anisa simply nodded, accepting his thanks

"Were you able to get the job?"

"Yeah, I met Daisuke-san, he said I was able to work there for 3 hours a day."

"You met my husband?" this got Hina and Mio's attention.

"...yeah, he talked a lot about you two. It's nice to meet both of you."

After their introductions, everyone inside started many conversations. Mio and Wendy would shyly talk to each other, slowly getting along. Ichigo soon learned that the two had some things in common, they are both shy, liked talking about food, and enjoyed reading. They all got to know each other much more.

Just wanted to say that the names I have chosen for the new characters, there's no meaning behind them. I just liked the names and added them to the story.