Soljenzoo1: Hi! I like the way this fic is going, being in pre-canon gives us readers a nice view into the characters. I am surprised at how good this is for a first work as I personally know from me messing around how bad they can be. Keep up the good work! Thank you for your kind words.

Khaostichny: It's very interesting. This is the first Bleach fanfic I've read, which doesn't have anything significantly displeasing me in 9 caps. I have high expectations. Thank you for the kind words, I'll try my best to meet your expectations, but that most likely will not happen. I don't know we'll have to see.

Laxard: Is Mio a local spirit's construct, too? Terrifying if it's so. You are also started to add way too many OC characters way too fast. So far the number of canons and originally named "characters" Ichigo meet with is the same. When we are closer to interacting with the canon? Yes, Mio is a local spirit, unfortunately. When will Ichigo meet more of the canon characters? Honestly, I don't know what chapter that'll be in, since I plan on writing Ichigo and Wendy's time in the village until the Oracion Seis Arc (not the entire time, I will do a time skip). I want to add the interaction when meeting Carla and stuff like that. Ichigo will meet canon characters for his first job if that piques anyone's interest. So I hope you stay tuned for that.

Guest: Bruh this story is going on a slow pace. Do a time skip or something. I will do a time skip when necessary. I still haven't written anything about Carla, or Wendy's development. I'm not those writers who skip many developments or plots. Just be patient. If you don't like it, just don't read it.

MugetsuGodIchigo: they also revealed a remake of Yhwach and TYBW Aizen, and another Yama I'm going broke this month. Yeah I'm broke :)

For those who are concerned. Yes, I know the story is going at a slow pace. But I do want to implement more because I don't want to rush things. I hope everyone understands this and continues to read the story.

Chapter 10: Cait Shelter

It's been a week ever since Wendy met Mio. At first, the two were slowly getting comfortable with one another's company. The two never had a female friend, which causes their friendship to start off slow. They didn't know what kind of girl talk they should have and they were both shies. But as the week passed and the more they interacted, both Wendy and Mio quickly got along with one another. The two would often spend time together whenever Ichigo would go to work. Most of their talks would usually be about different kinds of books, clothing, and sometimes magic. Wendy soon found out that Mio uses blossom magic. They would play around and read different kinds of short stories together. Whenever Mio would have to help out at Anisa's shop, Wendy would follow, offering her help. Ichigo would display a small smile whenever the two had each other's companions. He knew that Wendy wasn't alone.

Ichigo on the other hand worked hard these past few days. He was informed and aware of the workload. However, Ichigo soon realized that he should have not underestimated Daisuke's words. One of the reasons why it was challenging, was that there weren't many workers, only around 20 people. He didn't know if that amount of employees were supposedly low or high. But he knew that everyone's responsibilities were divided equally. Even so, the job was still challenging. He had to take care of the crops, carry buckets of water, and feed the animals. He was just lucky that none of his jobs involved anything dirty.

Ever since he had started working. He decided to train his body starting on the day Ichigo would start his first day. The orange hair boy would wake up in the morning, and train his body. At first, he didn't know how he was going to train, since there was a curse situation. But he decided on prioritizing his physical attributes. Since he had a young body. He had no muscles, strength, or cardio. His fight with the Silverback became abundantly clear. As the week had gone by, Ichigo worked vigorously on his training and work.

After another day of work, Ichigo returned home, relaxing on his bed. As he lay on his bed, he pulled out the book under the cover. It was the book he had gotten from the library a week prior. He opened the book where the bookmark was on. He had made some progress but was nowhere near finished. As time passed by, there was a sudden knock on the door. He got off his bed and made his way to the door. He opened it to see two familiar faces. It was Wendy and Mio, the two looked excited for some reason. Was there an event going on? Maybe Wendy was just happy to return home. Wendy had a bright smile, while Mio displayed a smaller smile. She was still shy towards Ichigo. He couldn't blame her, the two never really held a conversation.

"...Welcome back, hi Mio," He said to the two, only for Wendy to grab hold of his hand and start pulling.

"Nii-san there's going to be a guild here"

The word "guild" rang in his head. Ichigo's eyes widened, he had never heard anything from Roubaul. There was no building that looked to be a guild. "...Guild?" He questioned.

"Yeah…There's going to be a guild here," She repeated herself with more excitement. While Mio nodded to her statement.

"...Where did you hear this from?"

"We read it from this flyer" Wendy pulled the flyer from her pocket and showed it to Ichigo. Ichigo has never seen this flyer before. But at the same time, he doesn't read any of the flyers that were on the board. "We asked Anisa if it was true, and she said yes."

"Do you know where it is?"

"Anisa told us to get you so she could show us where it is."

"...Sure, I'll come along"

The three went to Anisa's store. They saw the elderly woman in front of her store waiting for the three.

They made their way to the "guild" but all they saw was a crowd, there were no buildings, only a stage. Where they saw Roubaul next to it. They all saw the crowd behind him. Wondering what was going on.

"I can't believe this took me a week to finally get the approval." Roubaul sighed but quickly smiled, all the hard work he had put up had finally paid off.

"Ah…Hello," the older man waved. They walked towards him and replied to Roubaul's greeting. The two girls were talking with Roubaul, their excitement slowly growing.

"...Is this really ok?" Ichigo asked, breaking the cheerful mood "Making a guild" Wendy and Mio's happy expression was replaced with confusion.

"What do you mean?" Roubaul was the one to question.

"When we first met, you said that the village never had a good history with outsiders…I assume that you would need to interact with outsiders in the future." he elaborated.

"I-I don't remember this" Wendy was the next to speak. Ichigo smiled at her innocent behavior. "You were asleep Wendy," he said calmly, patting her head, before waiting patiently for the man's response. Mio giggled at Wendy's embarrassment.

The man presented a hefty smile. "...You had the same concern as Jellal did."

The mention of Jellal's name got their attention.

"J-Jellal?" Wendy asked quietly, she wasn't expecting to hear his name in this conversation.

"...Yes, we didn't have the greatest of memories regarding the past, and I never really intended on making a guild," he replied to Ichigo's question, this confuses the three children. If he never wanted to make a guild, why change that decision? "But I considered making one after listening to Jellal's request."

"W-what do you mean?" Wendy asked

"On the day he informed me of his leave, he requested that I look after you and Ichigo." He replied to Wendy. "But he also had another request."

Flashback

"...I'll go tell Roubaul about my departure," Jellal said while getting out of his seat.

"I'll do it," Ichigo said as he also got up from his seat.

"That's ok, it's getting late and I'll be quick. The two of you should rest." he exited leaving the two at the hut.

After he made his way outside, he closed the door behind him. The blue-haired boy walked back to where they had last seen Roubaul but to no avail. He asked the locals where Roubaul would be, some responding that he was near the well.

After thanking one of the citizens for directions, he quickly ran to the well. He saw him talking to one of the citizen's sons. He looked to be enjoying his time talking to the child. He should probably bring up this conversation at another time, maybe tomorrow morning. Before he was able to walk back home.

The older man saw the boy and greeted him. "Hello Jellal, is there something you wish to talk about with me?"

The boy looked back at Roubaul, and he nodded. He didn't want to disturb his time. But he also wanted to get this over with. Roubaul apologized to the boy and asked if he could leave both himself and Jellal. The boy understood and went back to his parents.

"...Sorry for bothering you…I didn't mean to interrupt" he started off.

"No, it's alright…what is it that you wish to discuss?" The man understood and knew his apologies.

"...I'm…going to leave the village tomorrow,"

The man was caught off guard by his words. He had expected Jellal to bring up the conversation they initially had when they first met. But he wondered why he decided to leave after he had already settled in. "Why exactly are you leaving so suddenly?"

"...there is something that I must do on my own" Jellal confessed "And I don't want to get Wendy and Kurosaki involved in my matter."

"What exactly?" he sounded concerned

"...I'm sorry… I can't elaborate any further." he didn't want his secret to come out.

"...I understand, but have you discussed this with Ichigo and Wendy-chan?" knowing them, they should have the right to know.

"I have" he confirmed

"That's good" at least he didn't have to worry about Ichigo or Wendy

Before the man could say anything else, Jellal bowed in front of him. The man's eyes widen, the action was so sudden.

"If possible, could you listen to my requests?" he was still bowing

"What is it?"

"...could you please look after Kurosaki-san and Wendy for me?"

Roubaul released a happy sigh "You didn't need to ask me such a thing, I was planning on doing so," he comforted the boy.

"Thank you" his body was still in a bow position. However, that wasn't the only request he had. "Is…is it also possible if you could make a guild for Ichigo and Wendy's sake?" this time he looked up at Roubaul. His eyes displayed a serious expression.

The man was silent, he heard the boy's request and patiently waited for him to explain.

"I know that you said this village never had a great history with outsiders… and I would assume you would need a third party to make a guild. But I believe that joining a guild would benefit them. I want them to have a sense of belonging, and I want them to grow strong." he said honestly

"...I know, my request is unreasonable, we have only just met one another and I'm already asking for so much. But I think that creating a guild also shows a new start for this village. I don't know of this village's history. However, I do think that this village shouldn't be bound to the past any further." the boy declared his honest thoughts.

"...Why go so far?" he didn't think there was a need to make such a request. He promised that he would look after him. Why would he go so far?

The boy simply brought out a bitter smile "...Even though I have only recently met Kurosaki-san and Wendy. They are the first true friends I have ever made…Ever since I was a child, many only wanted to know me just for my status. They never really cared for my feelings. But traveling with Kurosaki-san and Wendy, I never felt this kind of trill or acceptance…I only wish the best for the two."

"...I see, there is no need to bow anymore." He never would have guessed their bond was this strong. As the boy moved from his previous position. He waited for his answer. "As I stated before, I will look after the two" The boy nodded, already knowing. "…and…I will also make a guild for the two."

Jellal was happy to hear of his approval, but he never thought he would quickly conclude. "T-thank you" he bowed once more, showing his gratitude.

"There is no need to thank me, I am simply taking up the request of a friend." He smiled.

Flashback end

Wendy's eyes slowly teared up, he had never thought that Jellal was the sole reason why the guild exists. Mio quickly comforted the girl, patting her back.

"Now that you know, will you join the guild?" he asked the two.

Wendy wiped the tears away. The two didn't need to look at each other for their decision "YES/yeah" Wendy and Ichigo both answered at the same time. The man's lips curved up. He was content that Jellal's effort wasn't in vain.

"Now then, I have to announce the guild to everyone." he walked up to the stage, while Anisa brought the others to the crowd.

As Roubaul made his way to the mic, everyone noticed the chief was on stage, the noise that they had previously made had dwindled. "Hello Everyone, as you are most likely aware, we will be making a guild. I was able to get approval from the magic counsel and I wish that you will help me build the guild hall," he announce out loud. "Are there any questions?"

"...Why did you decide on making a guild so suddenly? Aren't you worried about what will happen to the village if we interact with the outside world?" a man in the crowd asked. Some agreed with the valid question.

"...Although indeed, our history wasn't pleasant. I do believe that we mustn't continue to isolate ourselves from the outside world." the chief answered confidently. "All of that is in the past. I know it is sometimes hard to forget. But I ask of you to consider opening up once more. I'm not telling you to dismiss what happened long ago, but I want everyone to at least give this a second chance."

Everyone in the crowd grew silent. They absorbed and considered every word. Some hesitated, while others were on board with the new change. They shouldn't continue to fear and hide.

"If the chief believes that there can be a second chance. I will follow through," the same man who had asked the question, gave his honest opinion.

"..thank you,"

"What exactly do guilds do?" another asked, they didn't know what guilds are supposed to do. Since they don't have one, nor have they ever asked for help from a guild.

The chief understood the lack of information. "A guild is a place where wizards from all across the world can go to find work and take job requests," he answered

"...Is there going to be a trial or a specific age to join the guild?" this time it was Ichigo who asked, grabbing everyone's attention. He didn't know if there was any qualification to join one. Whenever he played a game with a guild system back in his world. There was always a qualification to join. A specific rank, a player's unit, etc.

"...No, no there isn't'' He started shaking his head "Some guilds chose to hold a test as a qualification. But I'm not testing an individual's strength or wits. Anyone who wishes to join the guild should have the right to do so. However, I don't believe children should join the guild just yet. I don't want to risk their well-being."

Everyone was relieved to hear there was no qualification. Ichigo was pleased to hear his confirmation, there was no need to worry if he, Wendy, or Mio were too weak to join the guild.

"At what age can someone join this guild?"

"11"

Ichigo didn't actually know his true age, back when he came to this world. He speculated that he was around 8-9 years old. He noted that he didn't need to wait too long and he had some time to train before then.

"...Is there a specific goal you want to achieve after making this guild?" this time a woman asked.

"...A home"

Everyone was confused by the man's answer. And thus he elaborated.

"I believe that a guild is a place for people to gather and make unbreakable bonds. They go on jobs together, protect each other, fight together, and they care for each other. I want this guild to be a place where many feel comfortable and the sense of belonging that comes with it. That is my goal for this guild. I will answer one last question for today,"

Ichigo's respect for Roubual has increased. He didn't expect his goal for the guild would be so honest and welcoming.

"..what is the name of the guild"

The chief lips curved upwards. "Cait Shelter"

Everyone stared at the guild, everyone appreciated the name the chief had given it. Wendy and Mio liked the name. For some reason, they thought the name fit well.

However, both Ichigo and Anisa stared blankly at Roubaul, thinking on the same wavelength. "...What a weird name"