Welcome to the next chapter!
Benny Farr; Yes, you're right about that~
shephawk; Yeah, he and Orihime have some history together. And yeah, we shall see what is going on with these Quincy~
Ochsee; She surely is yeah. Soi Fon will have a good role in the story.
Chronosign; Yeah, they are good choices. Sakuto has some plans up his sleeve, and how he and Kisuke will interact is going to be rather interesting. If the opportunity arises, and there's good reasons why they're there, then it would be interesting to see what would happen with them.
Rider126; It seems that she has done yeah, even if only briefly~ That would be interesting~
ShadowUzumaki55; It did yeah, lots of people seemed to be really excited to see the fight. Unohana for a few moments seemed to revert to the old ways that she had when seeing the fight happening. Soi Fon is yeah~ Rukia seems to be going through a good deal for sure, but yeah she has her friends supporting her. Urahara always has some plans~
Gist57; Yeah, she could be.
Silver crow; Yeah, its a good start to the day~ Rangiku and Sakuto's relationship shall be explored as the story goes on. Yeah, Sakuto did that for Yachiru. We shall see who that Quincy is. Seems like Mayuri did in his own way. Yeah, if Sakuto and Sosuke went all out, then it would have destroyed a good area of land. That is Kenpachi for you. We shall see what happens with Sora. Sakuto and Sosuke will have flashbacks if it is relevant. Ukitake probably did. Sakuto has his reasons. We aren't sure when Isshin did. Maybe Rangiku could. Sakuto's involvement with Quincy shall be explored. They would be interesting. We shall see with Orihime. Depends who the enemy is I suppose. Sosuke and Sakuto do have high opinions of one another, they simply have differing thoughts to certain things. Sakuto vs Sosuke is going to be quite the emotional fight. Yeah, it would be cool if they could fight together against an enemy like that.
Guest 1; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
danielsnow; She is a cool character. Sakuto will have his ways of counteracting his brother.
Guest 2; Thank you for the harem suggestions!
Skull Flame; Yeah, he has done~ She would be cool.
Guest 3; Thanks very much for the harem suggestions!
Reviewer Requiem; Yeah, that would be an interesting story to try out. That would be nice with Uta. Those are cool nicknames. Yeah, he could teach that to them, thanks for the suggestions!
Orihime fan; Yeah, they surely did~ Yup, he will be visiting her rather soon. Glad you liked it. Seems Nemu does huh.
Guest 4; Not sure about Toshiro yet.
Guest 5; Thanks very much, glad that you like it!
Guest 6; That would be an interesting idea to try out, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 7; Sakuto will have his moments like that yeah. Sakuto and Sosuke are rather close yeah. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 8; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 9; Thank you for the harem suggestions!
With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 4
Orihime stretched as the sunlight hit her face through the gap in her curtains.
The apartment that she stayed in was a rather nice size for her, and her bed was spread out all over the floor.
The pillows were scattered around her head in a messy formation, and her cover only half covered her body.
She let out a small yawn when she knew she had to get up, twitching her body side to side.
"Morning is here…!"
Being the peppy, and cheerful girl that she was, Orihime got out of her bed, and does her morning routine at a brisk pace. She didn't seem to be in any sort of hurry, so she took her time with doing the mundane tasks that she usually did throughout the day.
That was until there was a knock at the door.
"Could it be Tatsuki-chan?"
She wondered, though found it unlikely due to the fact that she knew Tatsuki was busy that morning.
Shrugging, she went to the door, and opened it.
When she did, she got the shock of her morning, when stood there, was Sakuto himself, who gave a bright smile.
"Hey Orihime-chan, how've you been~?"
Orihime became excited, and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him rather tightly.
"Sakuto-kun! You're back!"
He chuckled, and hugged her back, petting the back of her head.
"Nice to see you too~"
Orihime giggled sweetly, pulling back, upon noticing that Nemu was stood behind him, wearing a T shirt that had 'Vacation Time.' written on it, giving Orihime a perplexed expression for a few moments, who then shakes her head, and looks back to Sakuto.
"Please come in Sakuto-kun! Your friend too!" Sakuto thanked her as he stepped inside together with Nemu. "Ooh, I also met Kuchiki-san, you're right, she's very formal at times~"
"Haha, yeah she can be. Though, she's able to relax once she feels like its okay for her to do it. Ooh yes, this is Nemu Kurotsuchi-san, she's like me, a Vice Captain."
Orihime bows, as Nemu stands there without really showing any kind of emotion.
"I am Nemu Kurotsuchi, you may address me as Nemu."
Orihime was surprised to see how rather stoic Nemu was. Not that she thought it was a bad thing, but she could feel that Nemu seemed to be a rather quiet person by nature. But that didn't matter to Orihime who greeted the young woman kindly.
"Nice to meet you! You can call me Orihime, or Inoue, whichever you thinks best~"
Orihime said with a chipper smile, Nemu didn't respond verbally, and nods a single time.
Orihime didn't know what to say, and looked on with a sheepish grin.
Sakuto chuckled lightly.
"I wouldn't worry Orihime-chan, she's like that with pretty much everyone. But, she's a really great person." Sakuto sat down on the prompting of Orihime, sitting opposite of her, with Nemu sat close by. "So, I guess you're going to get ready for school, right?"
Orihime looked perplexed why he would say that for a moment or two, as it completely slipped out of her mind.
But that soon enough disappeared from her mind as she recalled.
"School...right, school! Hehe, yes I have to go to school. What about you Sakuto-kun? How long are you staying here this time?"
"Well, if all things go well enough, for about a month, maybe a bit more depending if anything comes up or not. So at least a month~"
Orihime's eyes lit up when she heard that, she became really happy, and cupped her hands together in a sweet manner.
"Really? An entire month?"
"Yeah, that's right~"
Orihime looked rather thrilled about that, and seemed to show it on her face very well.
"Wow...we have so many things to do Sakuto-kun!"
He always did like the excitable nature of the young woman.
"We surely do. But first, lets go to school, and see how everyone's doing~"
"Including your nemesis~"
Orihime said with a delightful smile, Sakuto laughed while Nemu looked confused.
"Sakuto-sama, you have a human nemesis?"
"Eeh...well, its a bit tough to explain, but you'll see soon enough Nemu-san~"
Nemu was curious as to what was going on, while Sakuto gave a knowing smile right back to the young woman…
As that was going on, there was what looked like a seemingly young petite woman who has brown eyes, along with blonde hair who wears her short hair in spiky pigtails with her bangs clipped together by three clips. She's wearing a white shirt and a red jogging suit, the latter with white lines running down from the shoulders, as well as yellow flip flops. Strapped to her back, was a rather long sword compared to her short stature.
"Stupid Shinji, telling me to go and get the damn food for the day. Why doesn't he get it the lazy bastard...? Always trying to piss me off. I'll give him the sandal when I get back...hear that Shinji…!? Seriously baldy, you're going to get it from me!"
The young looking girl, who's name is Hiyori, storms through the streets. Because she wasn't in a Gigai, she was invisible to most people, besides a few people that could see her. Though that wasn't that many.
However, one could see her, and that was a slender young girl with long, straight, dark brown hair and brown eyes, wearing what appeared to be a pure white school girl outfit, almost as if it was a cross between a school outfit, and a military type outfit as well.
The young girl looked towards Hiyori, who kept stomping down the street, drawing irritation to the young girl.
"Honestly, there's some annoying Shinigami out there. Always acting so outlandish, really they all need to stop being annoying. Especially when I'm trying to...ugh, and I thought I'd only have to deal with one Shinigami in this region as well. Guess I'll have to take care of a few more annoying ants."
The girl murmured, and tried to walk away, when Hiyori paused, feeling something go through her.
"Huh...spiritual energy? Doesn't feel like a Hollow."
Hiyori thought to herself, while looking around.
As she did, the young girl who noticed Hiyori glanced back towards her, causing her a moments pause.
"Well, it seems she might've sensed me, didn't think she'd be that perceptive to my power...maybe I should have some fun with her."
The young girl went towards a back alleyway, then she pushed off of the ground. Almost like she was bouncing on the very air itself, she reached a rooftop, where she saw Hiyori continuing to look around.
So she took her hand and from said hand, she formed what looked to be like a very small bow the size of her finger. Then with that, she formed a tiny arrow no bigger than an average sized spider, which she manipulated when she fired it towards Hiyori.
When Hiyori sensed an incoming attack, the arrow was narrowly dodged by Hiyori, causing the young girl watching Hiyori to snicker.
"What the hell was that?!"
Hiyori demanded from whoever was looking and listening, which in the crowd full of not spiritually aware humans was very little.
"Wow, she's got a loud voice. Hehe, now she is going to be pretty fun to play around with. Though she did dodge it, pretty good I suppose. I will have to make the next one a little faster."
Forming another arrow, she shot it towards Hiyori thinking she was going to get her.
However, to the girls surprise, Hiyori managed to dodge it seconds before it reached her, with it hitting the ground.
"She dodged it again...I guess I should stop playing around and get a little more serious."
As she murmured it, Hiyori turned her eyes behind and upwards.
Locking eyes with the seemingly school girl, Hiyori growled, and leapt up into the air.
"Oi you! What do you think you're doing huh human?! Firing arrows at people all of a sudden!"
"Hmm? Speaking to me in that so not elegant manner? You are a loud mouthed bitch aren't you?"
Hiyori opened her mouth wide, and looked bewildered at this girl.
With a twitching eyebrow, Hiyori showed an antagonistic look on her face.
"You are calling me that? How can you call me that, you tricky bitch?!"
The girl made a disgusted face.
"Ugh! What a mouth you have!"
"You started it, I'm merely finishing it!"
The girl folded her arms underneath her bust, giving Hiyori a sly grin as she did so, knowing that it would trigger Hiyori, or at least she hoped it would.
"You really should stop the screaming, you're going to attract Hollows with your Hollow screeching. Shinigami."
"I ain't a Shinigami, get your facts right. And I don't have a Hollow screech either!"
Confusion wrote itself over the young woman's face.
"You are carrying a Zanpakuto on your back. Unless you're simply cosplaying, then you have to be a Shinigami."
Hiyori scowled, and glared hard.
"Quiet baldy!"
"I have long beautiful hair, thank you. Much better than yours."
Hiyori looked perplexed.
"I didn't actually mean about your hair when I called you baldy...ugh, whatever. So, why did you fire at me human? You've got ten seconds to answer."
The girl scoffed.
"Why? What's gonna happen if I don't tell you?"
The girl confidently spoke, only to get an annoyed look from Hiyori.
"Well, it involves my sandal, and your head. You seem smart, do the math."
The girl shook in fake worry.
"Ooh, I'm shivering. I'm so scared of the little Shinigami wannabe." The girl took her small bow and arrow, blowing it up to a larger size, giving Hiyori a moments pause. "Well, looks like to me that you're the one who's stopping for the moment, huh? It doesn't matter to me if you do or don't, because I'm going to be winning this fight!"
The girl fires off an arrow, forcing Hiyori to unsheathe her sword, and deflect the arrow with said blade.
"What the hell is your emotional damage human?! Picking fights with me for no reason at all! I didn't do anything to you yet! Now that you've forced my hand..."
However, as Hiyori went to make a move, the enemy girl made it to Hiyori's right hand side, close to her body with an arrow pointing towards her. It was so dead on point even Hiyori wondered how strong this girl truly was, if she was hiding her power, or if she merely was fast and didn't have the power to back her up either.
"I would hardly call this a fight. A fight implies us actually clashing. I'd call this more of a one sided beat down."
Hiyori growled, and swung her sword for the girl, who vanishes in a burst of speed, appearing a few feet backwards, still having an arrow pointing towards Hiyori.
"Beat down, is it? Look, don't give a crap on what you've got against Shinigami, but you try and attack me, and I'll show you the meaning of pain!"
"Show me the meaning of pain? Okay, show me your definition of pain, then I'll show you mine. I've been itching to decimate something lately. Want to be my test subject by chance?" Hiyori got angered by the girls flippant attitude. "Besides, you say you aren't a Shinigami. Then, why do you have a Zanpakuto? Did you get kicked out by chance?"
Hiyori scowled at the sneering expression on her opponents face, and shot forward towards the girl, who casually fired off a few arrows, blocking the girl from Hiyori's view.
Hiyori swung her blade out a few times, batting away the arrows, only to see that the girl had vanished, and so Hiyori stopped, looking around.
"Looks like you lost me, Shinigami. Not fast enough for me, are you?"
Hiyori snarled, still looking for the young woman.
The young woman in turn snickered "That was fun, gotta do it again sometime." as she took off.
Hiyori on the other hand wasn't thrilled by this, and began searching around for the girl so she could understand more of what actually just happened.
A small time later, Rukia hopped from rooftop to rooftop, trying to figure out what it was that happened the previous day, with the unknown girl firing off an arrow, to the feeling she kept getting. Either one was a mystery in of itself, but both of them.
She wondered if she should report it, yet she didn't have any evidence either were a threat. Or even if one of them was a real thing to begin with since she hadn't seen it before.
"Damn, what should I do…?"
Rukia pondered within her mind, walking back and forth across one of the rooftops of the houses she had happened to find herself surrounding. Along with that, she saw many people walking around below her, people going about their daily lives, either going to work or to school.
She then stopped someone that caused her to let out a surprised breath.
Rather she stopped to see two people walking in school uniforms, were Sakuto, and Nemu, who were speaking with Orihime. Well, Sakuto was anyway, Nemu was simply in the background, writing some notes within her notebook.
"Then the giant robot came down from the sky, and began shooting its lasers like bang! Bang! Bang! Ooh yeah, then the giant robot came across this little girl, who taught the robot about feelings! The robot learned to love after all, while always thinking it was simply a machine. Isn't that like a really sweet story Sakuto-kun?"
"Ooh wow Orihime-chan, that sounds like a fantastic movie~ We should watch it together~"
"Aah, yes~ That would be so much fun~"
Having to see what was going on, Rukia flash stepped down towards them, landing just before the young man himself.
Rukia opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her, and she simply looked at his face with a bewildered expression, especially since she never thought that she'd see Sakuto there of all places in the human world during her time in Karakura.
Sakuto looked towards her, and waved.
"Hey Rukia-chan, what's going on? You're looking lively."
Seeing his completely calm self, Rukia in turn didn't even know what to think about this, what was going on, and why this was happening in the first place if she was honest with herself.
"V-Vice Captain, what are you doing here?"
Orihime giggled at how formal she was being, while Sakuto winked towards her.
"Vacation Rukia-chan."
Rukia looked towards Nemu, who held up a shirt that had 'Vacation Time.' written on it, only bringing more questions for the young woman.
"I...I see. Here though? I'm surprised you'd pick here of all places."
"I came to visit my old friend Orihime-chan, so it makes sense that I'd come here, right? Speaking of, she was telling me that you and her hit it off yesterday. I'm glad for you Rukia-chan~" Orihime waved strongly, with Rukia looking on with a curious expression. "So, how goes the Hollow slaying?"
Rukia was still in a state of shock, so she didn't know how to respond to that for a few moments.
"W-Well, not so bad I guess. Nothing too dangerous has happened or anything like that...though there has been something strange happening."
Sakuto raised a brow.
"Strange how?"
Rukia wondered on how to word it, as even she didn't fully know what to think about all of this.
"Well...to be honest, I can't be sure. There was someone that fired an arrow of energy yesterday, and they were being rather mysterious. But I never got a chance to see who it was, they stayed in the shadows."
"An arrow of energy, and stayed in the shadows huh. Hmm, I wonder..."
As he thought about it, Rukia raised an eyebrow.
"Do you know who it was Vice...Sakuto?"
Sakuto furrowed his brows at the young woman's question.
"Well, without seeing I can't say for sure. But the only beings I know that could be involved, or at least are the more famous for firing arrows made of spiritual energy, are the Quincy."
Nemu raised her head, and as if she was an encyclopedia, she began explaining briefly on her knowledge of the Quincy.
"Quincy. A being that is said to be fuelled by their ability to gather Reishi, and create weapons out of that power. They slay Hollows similarly to Shinigami, however methods differ for a number of reasons. However not many Quincy are around this day."
Sakuto thought that was a pretty good description.
"Yes you're right about that. But there are survivors out there, very few and far between. Though for a Quincy to be in this town, and they stayed in the shadows huh...hmmm, well I guess that we can investigate to see what comes of this anyway. Could be a good chance to explore different people and how they're going about their lives, right Orihime-chan?"
"Yes, I think that's the best Sakuto-kun. We could even make new friends~"
"Exactly right Orihime-chan, making new friends is always good."
Rukia did appreciate that immediately he'd come to help her, but she also felt guilt since this was her time to protect the town, and she didn't want to have to worry Sakuto either.
"Vice Captain, you're on vacation. I wouldn't feel right if you got involved in a situation that I should deal with."
"I'm still your Vice Captain regardless if I am on vacation or not. If there's a potential enemy that is threatening you, then you can rely on me for support Rukia-chan. Whatever this persons goal is, we shall see it through and deal with it together."
Rukia placed a hand on her chest, and for a moment, she felt rather warm inside.
But that was soon replaced with a raised eyebrow as she thought of something.
"Sakuto, what is a Quincy exactly? It sounds like a familiar name, but I am unsure entirely."
He could understand why she didn't know what a Quincy was, so he did a quick explanation.
"A Quincy boiled down is basically a human that has spiritual powers."
Orihime gasped, and points to herself.
"Like me?"
Sakuto chuckled, and shakes his head, as his eyes briefly drift up towards one of the buildings, and a lifting of his lips happened ever so slightly, before turning his eyes back towards the others, and continued on.
"A bit different from you Orihime-chan. Basically the Quincy are those that like Shinigami, exterminate Hollows. However unlike us, they don't have Zanpakuto, and are able to use their powers to fire off arrows or use them in other forms, to create spirit weapons. Either bows which is the usual, or even swords depending on what they like to use, I guess it really depends on the Quincy like Nemu-san explained. It could be any kind of weapon I suppose now thinking about it. Maybe even modern day ones like guns and such. They even have their own set of spells they can use."
Rukia was astonished to hear that, and wished to learn even more.
"I had heard stories, but to think they actually existed."
Sakuto inclines his head.
"It isn't common knowledge for those that came after 200 years ago, Quincy aren't really talked about these days. So, tell me what did this person do Rukia-chan?"
"To be honest, I was under the impression that if I made a wrong move, they might've attacked me. I don't know what to think when it comes to them, and what they could want. Whether they even want anything from me, or if I am simply in the way of their plans, I really don't know. All I know is that they fired the arrow, and make vague hints about not liking Shinigami."
Sakuto folds his arms, and thinks for a few moments about what was being said.
"I see. Well Quincy and Shinigami are opposites, so it doesn't surprise me that a Quincy would see a Shinigami as a hostile enemy, especially given the history between our two people." Sakuto raised his hands up above his head, and stretched. "Either way. If the Quincy doesn't do anything, then lets leave them be. They could be a trickster type that only wished to rattle you. However, it still could be a danger, so lets take the necessary precautions just in case they decide to try something, and if we have a chance and find them, then lets keep our eyes peeled."
Rukia nods a single time, believing that to be the best course of action.
"Yes, you're right. If they don't attack, then we've got no reason to either. Though to be honest I don't know how this Quincy is going to respond to us if we see one another again. Incidentally..." Rukia looked Sakuto up and down, seeing his clothing, the same for Nemu. "...why are you in that outfit? Are you attempting to blend in with the students?"
"In a manner of speaking, I am trying to blend in. In fact, we're off to school~"
Rukia thought she hadn't heard that right, so she asked.
"Come again?"
Sakuto thought that Rukia looked rather cute when she said what she did.
"Well, its always fun to go to school, and that's where Orihime-chan is. Plus, this is also good for Nemu-san to see how humans interact with one another. Hey, why don't you come Rukia-chan? It isn't like you've got anything else to do while here, right? Beyond slaying Hollows and we can always get you out of class simple enough if one shows up during the day."
Rukia placed a finger to her chin in deep thought.
"That is true, I have been wondering how to fill the day when there's no Hollow attacks. But, is it really okay?"
"Sure it is, its perfectly fine. Its a nice chance to see what its like within this world, and be able to explore a number of things."
Rukia thought that did make a good deal of sense, and she had to admit she was intrigued to see more of this life that Sakuto had built within the human world without her knowing about it, so she didn't have a problem with going.
"Then, if its okay, I'll go as well."
"Awesome, lets go~ I'll grab you a Gigai."
Rukia was astonished, and watched what was happening.
All the while, Sakuto glanced up and towards a building, beginning to notice a certain presence within Karakura town. He didn't voice his thoughts, and simply walked off together with the others, heading for their day at school.
However, from the distance, a certain man wearing a hat and clogs looked down towards them. Trying to keep to the shadows as much as possible, and wearing what seems to be a cloak, his eyes danced between the different people Rukia was interacting with.
When it came to seeing Sakuto, that caused the man's eyes to widen, and he looked on without saying anything. Not revealing anything on his face. Not even showing how he felt through his gaze either. All he could do was look on towards Sakuto, and think about a number of things going on now.
A small time later, Sakuto, Nemu, Orihime and Rukia who now was in a Gigai and dressed in the school uniform of Karakura High School, walked into the classroom. Chatting away, Sakuto and Orihime looked to be having the time of their life.
"So, I heard that Don Kanonji might be coming to Karakura soon Sakuto-kun! We should go!"
"Don Kanonji? Who is that?"
Sakuto wondered, so Orihime with a bounce in her step explained.
"He's a spirit medium! He has a TV show! Its really popular here, even I think its really good to see it sometimes."
"I see, I wonder if they have any actual spiritual powers? Or if it is merely a lie?"
Orihime posed, and placed a finger to her chin.
"Well, maybe he's the real deal? People seem to think so. We could see for ourselves really soon."
"Why not? Even if a fake, I'm sure that it would be an entertaining evening if you're suggesting it Orihime-chan."
Orihime gave a gleeful smile, and a peppy expression.
"Yes! Leave it to me Sakuto-kun! Now, I'll show you his special laugh that you have to do when you see him!" Orihime placed her arms in a cross over her upper body, fingers digging into her own shoulders. "Bohahahahahaha!"
Giving off a cute laughing sound, Sakuto lightly laughed, and mimicked her.
"Bohahahahahaha!" Sakuto then gave a thumbs up. "Right?"
"Exactly right Sakuto-kun~ Bohahahahaha!"
"Yeah! Bohahahahahaha!"
While doing that together rather loudly and drawing a good number of people to look towards him and her, a sigh came from within the classroom.
"Great, they're both bohahahaing now." Tatsuki revealed herself, and looked towards Sakuto. "Oh, the ever so elusive boyfriend of Orihime's has returned. Now I'm sure that Orihime is going to be excited, she's been talking a lot about you lately." Orihime gasped, and blushed sharply while also looking rather embarrassed. Sakuto gave a hearty laugh as Tatsuki approached. "How're you doing Sakuto?"
"Aah, not so bad Tatsuki-san, you?"
"Can't complain. Though now that you're here, your nemesis will become aware."
Rukia looked towards Nemu and whispered.
"He has a human nemesis?"
Nemu blankly looked back towards Rukia, and didn't answer, giving the smaller Shinigami a moments pause.
Sakuto gave a slight bemused smile.
"No way, it can't be..."
"Rival for my Hime's affections! So you've come back, have you?"
Rukia jumped at the voice, while Nemu furrowed her brows, seeing a red haired glasses wearing young woman stood there, her eyes fixated upon Sakuto.
She stormed over, and stood face to face with Sakuto.
While she looked rather stern, Sakuto gave an almost amused look right back.
"Hello, how are you?"
He said with a peace sign, which only seemingly ignited strong feelings within the young woman.
"So, have you come to steal Hime from me?"
Sakuto placed a hand to his forehead, and let out a breath.
"I don't know about stealing or anything of the sort. But I couldn't keep away from Orihime-chan, we're too good of friends for me to do that."
"Even then, she's the most precious girl in this school, I can't have her being seduced away!"
Rukia was bewildered what she was seeing.
Orihime looked awkward at how the young red headed woman was being.
Tatsuki let out another sigh.
"Honsho, don't start your weird crap now. Especially speaking about seductions when nothing of the sort is happening."
The girl turned towards a less than amused Tatsuki.
"Tatsuki-chan, you're worried that he's stealing away Orihime-chan too right?"
"No, because I'm not in love with her like you. Let them be happy, don't get in their way of happiness, okay?"
The red headed girl huffed, and turned her head.
However, she then locked eyes with Nemu.
Her jaw hit the floor, and her body squirmed side to side.
Love hearts replaced her eyes, as she whispered "This is a Goddess in human form, exactly like Orihime-chan. My, oh my...what a sight to behold." while making her way over to Nemu.
Nemu with her usual stoic manner watched without blinking, until the girl stood face to face with her.
She took Nemu's hand gently, tenderly and peered into the stoic Nemu's eyes.
"Hello there Goddess, my name is Chizuru Honsho, what's yours?"
Nemu looked down at their connected hands, and tilted her head left and right, as if she was trying to analyze the situation of what was truly going on.
"Though I am unsure of why you called me a Goddess as I have no such title, my name is Nemu Kurotsuchi."
Chizuru melted at the voice of Nemu. She thought it was rather stellar.
"Its because you're very wonderful, Kurotsuchi-san. That's exactly why I think you're a Goddess." With an ecstatic grin on her face, Chizuru circulates Nemu, but then shoots Sakuto a strong look. "Rival, you may have Orihime-chan, but this girl...I wont let you take her!"
Sakuto shares a look with Tatsuki who in turn shakes her head at Chizuru's eccentric ways.
Nemu blinks, then turns her eyes to Chizuru.
"Sakuto-sama, though we are of the same rank, is my mentor when it comes to the ways of the human condition among other subjects, and has many accomplishments, and my admiration. So, I would like to ask that you please treat Sakuto-sama with kindness."
Sakuto face palms as does Rukia with how bluntly she said that.
Tatsuki looks amused, while Orihime giggles, looking towards Sakuto who in turn gives a happy smile.
"Seems like she admires you greatly Sakuto-kun~"
"Yeah~ Nemu-san is a very unique girl, I'd not have her any other way, I simply adore her unique take on the world."
Nemu overheard that, looked towards Sakuto, and though didn't voice it, she was happy to hear him say that.
Chizuru on the other hand seemingly ignored that, and moistens her lips.
"Ooh my, that's a cute way of speaking. But you don't have to look to him, I'll teach you anything you want to know~ Wow...ooh my, and who's this?" Rukia glances at Chizuru, who in turn looks towards Rukia with a grin, causing Rukia to make a surprising dash behind Sakuto, peaking out to see Chizuru giving her a pout. "Ooh, you don't have to go over there."
"That's fine, I'll stay with Sakuto for now. Thank you though."
Rukia pushed her head so she was behind Sakuto.
Chizuru huffs, and returns her eyes to Nemu, who remained stoic.
"Now Kurotsuchi-chan, why don't we get better acquainted with one another? Maybe a dinner perhaps? Candlelight dinner maybe? Ooh, then we can go to the movies together, and enjoy our times together~ What do you say?"
Hearing that, Tatsuki tightened her hand and began saying "Who the hell does she think she is? Harassing the new girl on her first day." but before she could walk over, Sakuto placed his hand out, and looked towards Nemu.
"I wouldn't worry Tatsuki-san, I think Nemu-san is going to be able to express what she thinks."
Tatsuki paused, and looked towards Nemu, and to Tatsuki, it seemed that Chizuru couldn't even get super close before Nemu politely moved out of the way.
Nemu herself then turned towards Sakuto, wishing for an answer.
"Sakuto-sama, would my data of this being an attempt at romantic encounters be accurate?"
Sakuto nods his head.
"Yes, that's right. What do you feel about that Nemu-san?"
Remaining stoic in her expression, Nemu looked deeply into the eyes of Sakuto, ignoring the attempts of Chizuru by politely keeping her at bay.
"I am currently processing, and I believe I have come to my answer. Would it be okay to say it to this individual? I do not wish to cause anyone grief or distress."
"Its alright Nemu-san, you say what you think is best, okay?"
Hearing that, Nemu turns to the excited Chizuru and shakes her head.
"According to my initial data, it seems to indicate that you wish to pursue a romantic endeavour with me, and confirming with Sakuto-sama, that seems to be the case. However, at this time, I would like to decline your offer for romantic endeavours. Though, I believe it is best to express gratitude for thinking of me as a potential partner. I am currently studying romance in many forms which allowed me to come to this conclusion, and I encourage you to find the right one for you."
Chizuru face faults, while Sakuto blinks curiously.
"Well, that answered that." Tatsuki nods with a sly grin while Rukia looks between them as Sakuto approached Nemu. "I didn't know you had grown an interest in romantic endeavours Nemu-san."
Nemu nods, and explains.
"Recently, I have been beginning to see the merit of having a romantic partner." Nemu pulls out a book which had 'romance for beginners' written on the front, and looks at it for a few moments, then towards Sakuto. "Incidentally, Sakuto-sama. Today, you have fully functioning retinas for which you and I can gaze into one another's eyes, and begin seeing the spiritual energy between us."
Sakuto slowly nods with a bewildered expression, while the others were confused, even Tatsuki murmured "Was that an attempt at flirting?" while Orihime added "So sweet~" believing that Nemu was trying her hardest, and fully supported her.
"That's great Nemu-san~"
Rukia looked on, seeing Nemu was rather satisfied for the moment, so the Shinigami folded her arms and looked on curiously.
"Well, its only been a few minutes yet everything seems to be rather fascinating."
"Yeah, its fun isn't it Rukia-chan? To study the behaviour of being in high school. Not much different to the Academy in ways, yet they're also rather modern so they've got a good number of differences to us, don't you think?"
Sakuto whispered to her, with Rukia being rather intrigued herself.
Rukia thought that made sense, and could only nod, then grimacing when she saw that Chizuru was waving towards her.
As all that was going on, a black cat stood on top of a rooftop, eyes gazed towards the window, and locked upon Sakuto.
Without revealing anything, the cat watched for a few more moments, before vanishing out of sight, out of mind, with Sakuto looking out the window with the corner of his eyes.
A while later, when it came for lunch time, Sakuto went with Orihime, Rukia and Nemu towards the schools roof. Tatsuki was going to go with them, but it seemed something came up at her karate club, so she couldn't attend.
Leaving the four alone, they discussed various things, while Sakuto kept glancing out of the corner of his eye towards various parts of the town.
Orihime noticed, and questioned him.
"Is something over there Sakuto-kun?"
Sakuto glanced once more, then turned his eyes towards Orihime with a cheerful smile on.
"Nope, just admiring the town, that's all~"
Orihime wondered about it, but shrugged it off pretty quickly, as she faced Sakuto fully.
"Ooh, I see~ So Sakuto-kun, where are you and the others going to stay?"
"Eh, we've got some options. Why do you ask?"
Sakuto assured her, but Orihime shakes her head.
"Well I was thinking Sakuto-kun, that you could stay with me~"
"Are you sure we'd not be an inconvenience?"
He pondered, Orihime gave a visible denying shake of her head.
"Of course not! I'd love for all of you to stay with me Sakuto-kun!"
"We couldn't do that without at least giving you something back Orihime-chan. So at least let me pay you for it, okay?"
He offered, knowing that she lived alone, and didn't want to put her out of pocket.
"If you want to...but, I'd be okay without it Sakuto-kun."
"Hehe, yes I'm sure you would be. But it would be three more mouths to feed. Don't worry, I have some ideas on how to have some money given to you."
"Then I shall prepare a bank heist."
Nemu bluntly stated, causing Rukia to do a spit take.
"W-What!?"
Nemu, remaining stoic faced, turned to Rukia.
"Sakuto-sama said that humour can break the ice. I believe I told a joke. Though, it seems to not have been successful."
Rukia slowly nods her head as she gazes towards the stoic Nemu, then looks towards the bemused Sakuto.
"So Vice...Sakuto. Inoue was telling me that you and her met when you came across her brother."
Sakuto nods, and explains.
"Yes, that's true. I first met her on the night her brother was trying to go for her. I managed to save her, and give her a moment with her brother. After that, it seemed that it awakened some spiritual energy within her. It grew more and more, to the point where she could see spirits. Though, I have a feeling she already had some dormant energy within her to begin with."
Orihime nods, and continues.
"I remember it very fondly. After that, I saw Sakuto-kun one day, and called out to him. He came over, and we began talking. Then another one of those Hollows came for me. Sakuto-kun stopped it from attacking me."
Rukia understood more about what was going on.
"I see, so the phone was to guide you away as you said...right, I see."
Nemu who had been silent for a short time, began speaking up.
"Sakuto-sama, you were looking out for this girls safety."
"Yes, that's right. Because of her innately high spiritual powers, she's a good target for Hollows. I didn't want anything to happen to her, so I took precautions in case something would be drawn to her."
Orihime gave a cute smile on her face, as they continued having lunch together.
While they were talking, Rukia's phone suddenly goes off.
Playing the theme song of Chappy, Sakuto and Orihime look to Rukia, who takes out her phone, and silently listens to the song for a few seconds along with nodding her head along with the beats of the song, Nemu on the other hand looked towards Rukia and then wrote something down in her notepad.
"...Looks like there's a Hollow. Thank you for alerting me Chappy."
Sakuto sweat dropped while Orihime looked over Rukia's phone, and gushed.
"Ooh wow, your phones really cute Kuchiki-san~"
Rukia, hearing that, placed a hand over her heart.
"Thank you Inoue. This wonderful mascot is called Chappy, he's very popular within the world of Shinigami."
"I'd say he's got a decent following."
Sakuto added, Rukia glanced towards Sakuto, and gives a strong nod.
"Yes, its because Chappy is so cute, and one of the best things to come from the Shinigami. To be honest, I think Chappy as the mascot of the Kuchiki clan would have been really good. Alas, it seems to not be the case. Even then, I should go and deal with this Hollow."
Sakuto agreed.
"Yeah, go and do that Rukia-chan. Though, I'm sensing there's apprehension. Are you worried about that potential Quincy?"
"I wouldn't say worried, I'd more say cautious. Their arrows were rather fast..."
Sakuto understood why Rukia would feel some worry about this new potential enemy.
"Nemu-san and I will go in the shadows, and watch over you, okay Rukia-chan? If this potential Quincy wants to fight, then we will be there to back you up."
"Thank you, that would be appreciated."
Sakuto nods, and turns towards Orihime.
"See you soon~"
"Yes, but be careful, Sakuto-kun."
He found her words sweet, and thanked her.
"Thanks, we will. See you soon."
With that, the trio took off once getting out of their Gigai's.
When Rukia made it to her Hollow mission that she received, she took out her sword, and began running towards it. Moving at a rapid pace the Hollow seemed to be oblivious to Rukia, who in turn was ready to slay it out of existence.
Sakuto, and Nemu also arrive, sticking to the shadows, and watched in case anyone did come and see Rukia in person.
However, the moment her blade was going to slice across the Hollows face, she saw an arrow once more pierce it.
"It must be that Quincy...friend or foe, I wonder..."
So she leapt back, and got into a stance, all the while looking around the area, trying to find the source of the arrow.
However this time, she didn't have to look very far, as a certain someone made a face to face look with her.
It was the same girl that confronted Hiyori previously, and also Rukia as well, who looked down towards Rukia from atop a roof, and stared defiantly, and somewhat condescendingly as well.
"Decided to show yourself this time, did you?"
Rukia expressed her surprise, while Sakuto looked towards the girl, trying to take in everything about her.
The girl gave a coy expression, as she twirled what appeared to be a bow of energy within her hand. Though Rukia thought it resembled more of a crossbow than anything due to the size of it, Rukia didn't really worry about that for the time being, and was more concentrated on the enemy before her.
"You make it sound like I was being sneaky on purpose."
"Weren't you?"
The girl snickered, as she ran a finger through her hair.
"I was merely curious, on who it was that I was seeing. Are you a Vice Captain perhaps? You have a decent flow of spiritual energy at least, so you've got to be that, right?" Rukia blinked as the girl focused her eyes upon Rukia. "Not so talkative today I see."
"Considering how you're being elusive, I'm trying to figure out your agenda."
The girl lightly stuck her tongue out, and pointed it towards Rukia.
"Isn't that the best part of a mystery? Its better if we're able to keep the other guessing, wouldn't you say?" Rukia didn't appear amused, while the girl switched to being rather sweet, to having a serious expression on her face. "I also came here to give you a warning, Shinigami."
Sakuto focused upon the girl, while Nemu looked between Rukia and the mysterious girl, observing their interactions.
"A warning of what?"
Rukia replied, unsure of what to think.
The girl leaned forward, as her spiritual energy danced around her. Sakuto could feel the flow of her power, and was rather surprised what he felt. Though he also felt something else about it, something he was sure that would be useful for later on.
"This town, doesn't need Shinigami, as I am here now. You can leave, and not return here."
"This town is under the jurisdiction of the Shinigami. I don't know what you want entirely, but I believe you are a Quincy? If so, then there is no need for us to be enemies. We can be civil with one another."
The girl looked briefly taken aback.
She never thought that Rukia was say such things.
But then the girl gave a bright smile that oddly caused Rukia to feel a sense of unsure feelings to come over her.
"Someone as young as you knows of the Quincy? I thought that our race would've been lost to time when it came to guys like you."
"Perhaps. I don't know everything, but I do know you're a human with powers. Powers that can match Shinigami, am I wrong?"
The girl scoffed, she thought she'd be able to keep up the mystery a little longer.
Though, she also wasn't going to let it get her down either.
"So, you know what I am. That's fine, I don't need to hide what I am, as I am immensely proud to be a Quincy. Better that than some scum Shinigami like you."
Sakuto heard the bitterness in her voice.
The resentment that accompanied it began to form within Sakuto's mind what she was thinking.
Rukia on the other hand also could feel similar things. Though she didn't have the full context as to why this girl felt the way that she did.
"I see...I don't know what you've got against Shinigami-"
"Shinigami, it really is a name that suits beings such as yourself. Considering what you people did to us, I've got every right in the world to hate you. But, I'm a reasonable person. So I'll give you the warning. Leave, and we can forget about one another. I've decided to set up shop in this town, rich with spiritual energy, ripe with opportunities for myself. It would be better if you didn't get in my way Shinigami. So that's why, the warning for you, is to leave and not become troublesome for me. I don't want to fight unless I have too."
Rukia could understand now what this girl truly was, and what she wanted.
However, Rukia wouldn't give the satisfaction to this girl.
"I am sorry, but I simply cannot leave. If I did, then the Gotei 13 would wonder why, and they'd come to investigate themselves. I don't know how much power you hold, but even you who knows of Shinigami, would understand that the Shinigami have great power."
"Ooh, are you threatening me with that?"
"No, I do not wish to cause violence between the two of us. I want to settle this peacefully."
Sakuto thinks "Well said Rukia-chan." as he watches silently, believing that Rukia was handling the situation very well, and he was rather proud of her to stand her ground in the face of a being like this girl who clearly was showing aggressive movements.
"Peacefully? If only there were more Shinigami that wished that huh? Then maybe this would've turned out differently. But, alas, I don't think that we will have much choice in the future. I want you to leave, and you want to stay. We have to come to some sort of agreement, right? I am a reasonable woman, so if you want to discuss that with me, then contact me."
The girl formed a bow and arrow, attaching a piece of paper to it and fired it off for Rukia's feet.
Rukia bent down and picked it up, reading the name on it.
"Bambietta...Basterbine...I take it, that's you."
"The very same. I will give you sometime to think it over, but don't take too long. In the meantime, leave the Hollows to me. If you haven't contacted me soon with your answer, then I'll come to find you."
Rukia hums as the newly named Bambietta turned her back to Rukia, and channelled spirit energy underneath her feet.
As she was about to take off in one direction, she sensed another spiritual energy coming, and thought "Persistent woman, seems she wont be shaken off so easily." before taking off in a different direction all together, leaving behind Rukia and the others to ponder what she was up to.
Upon hearing that, Nemu looked towards Sakuto.
"Sakuto-sama, what happened in that meeting. Is she going to use force?"
"I think she's the type that could if we don't comply. And I did sense a good deal of power coming from her. Yet something else as well...I suppose we will learn about her soon enough. Seems like she's gone for the time being."
Nemu looked towards the area that Bambietta left, and then towards Sakuto.
"Does she pose a threat, Sakuto-sama?"
"Based on her interactions then, she does harbour hatred for Shinigami. Would she actually try and attack one? Hmm, honestly I think she could do. It really depends on what her deal is about Shinigami. If it is for the hatred of what happened in the past, or if there's a deeper meaning. Either way, I can still feel her so if we..."
Sakuto paused, and looked towards the left, confusing Nemu.
"Sakuto-sama?"
As Nemu asked, he vanished, and appeared beside Rukia.
Before she could comment, Sakuto whisked Rukia into hiding, and the three stayed in the shadows, out of view from a good area around them.
"Sakuto, what's going on?"
Rukia wondered, while Nemu also noticed something coming towards them.
Sakuto focused for a few more moments, before he thought "To think she'd also be here." and turned to the others.
Then just as he was going to answer Rukia, when Hiyori suddenly arrives, yelling "Come out!" as she appeared on a rooftop up high. Rukia and Nemu appeared confused, Sakuto himself went a little wide eyed when seeing her.
"Come on you idiot! Gonna try and fire some more arrows at me?! I'm waiting for you! I know you came here, so come out! You wanna fight me?! Then lets go right now! I wont be beaten so easily!"
Sakuto blinked at that.
"The Quincy girl also came towards Hiyori-san? For what purpose?"
Rukia and Nemu both didn't know what was going on, while Sakuto silently watched Hiyori look around the different parts of the area. Though they managed to stay hidden, and therefore Hiyori didn't notice them, Sakuto was simply bewildered upon seeing her.
Hiyori couldn't find anything, and took off running across the sky, Sakuto let out a breath.
"Vice Captain...what was that about? Who was that woman?"
Rukia wondered, Sakuto hummed for a moment, before turning to Nemu, and Rukia.
"Well, she is an exiled Shinigami. In fact, she was the former Vice Captain of Squad 12."
"My squad, Sakuto-sama?"
"Yes, though this was before Mayuri-san was Captain. Well, seems like it isn't going to be the easiest of vacations, huh."
Rukia tilted her head in wonder, while Nemu looked towards Sakuto.
Though he didn't show it, she wondered what his connection with Hiyori was, and why he seemed to be looking rather fondly when speaking about her.
End chapter!
So this chapter dealt with Sakuto and Nemiu finally going to the human world, and first meeting up with Orihime, and began catching up, even heading to school with her, where they came across Rukia, who also decided to go along with them. While that was going on, Hiyori was introduced, and came across Bambietta, who began antagonized her, and then chased her for a good while. Then near the end of the chapter, after getting to know some of the classmates, Rukia came up against Bambietta briefly, who gave Rukia a warning. Then Hiyori came along, with Sakuto recognizing her right away and it seems that a certain candy shop owner is keeping their distance for the time being, watching and waiting for the right time.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Sakuto; Rukia, Orihime, Nemu, Momo, Tier, Nanao, Rangiku, Soi Fon, Nel, Yoruichi,