Another chapter for you guys.
Hope you enjoy!
One Piece and Bleach both belong to their respective owners.
Chapter 8
Ichigo waited as the ship got closer to them, watching as the ship was closer than 20 meters in front of the duo.
"Did you say Garp?" Ichigo asked his taller companion.
Aokiji remembered Ichigo's lack of knowledge of everything in this world. This was certainly going to be a problem in the future if every single thing needed to be explained to the teen, even though he had already had to explain almost every small detail to the teen.
"He's Vice-Admiral Garp, one rank below me. Don't let his rank fool you, he's considered a hero throughout the world. Only reason he's not an Admiral is because he doesn't want to be one." Aokiji tried to explain to his clueless friend.
"Ohh." Ichigo didn't know what else to say, not knowing what classified someone as a hero in this world. Ichigo himself had been called 'The Hero of The Winter War' many times by the Shinigami from Soul Society, and getting teased a few times by his friends for the heroic name. Garp must of done something pretty important to gain that title, and plenty strong to be on Aokiji's level of strength.
"Let's go Ichigo." Aokiji spoke up as he got off his bike pushing it beside him on the frozen ocean. Following behind the Admiral they were now standing directly next to the front of the ship.
As if on queue a small wooden platform using a pulley rope system dropped in front of them being controlled by two plain looking marines. Ichigo noticed the clothes they were wearing was some kind of variant of the suit Aokiji was wearing. He could read the plain english text 'Marine' written on the back of the suits.
"Ahh thank you." Aokiji casually thanked the two marines who gave the taller man a salute. Ichigo could see how nervous the two marines were being so close to the Admiral, both had small amounts of sweat on their foreheads.
Not noticing or caring about the small distress the Marines were in, Aokiji walked through the small wooden gate a marine had opened for him as he awkwardly lifted his bike over the small wall placing it on the platform.
"You going to stand there all day Ichigo?" Aokiji spoke up getting Ichigo's attention. The teen shook himself out of his thoughts as he followed behind the Admiral, getting curious stares from the two marines operating the small platform. Their eyes mainly locked on the large sword wrapped in cloth on his back. They looked up and down his form at the odd clothes he was wearing, with the strange armor adorned on his chest.
Ichigo paid them no mind, stepping on the platform scooting himself next to the Admiral. The marines gave a shout above them signaling everyone was on. The platform jerked up before it began its ascent upwards.
A moment passed as the ride came to a sudden stop as they reached the top.
Ichigo stared in shock as he looked at the deck of the ship. He couldn't see it from the angle when he was on the water, but from here he could clearly see in the center of the ship was what looked like a house.
It had yellow walls and a red roof. It had an odd resemblance to a dog house. Ichigo couldn't stop his eye from twitching at the odd theme of the ship spotting even smaller dog houses along the many large mast.
A dog themed ship? What the hell…
Aokiji stepped off the platform carrying his bike. Looking around the deck he spotted a few marines close by waiting for orders. Ichigo watched as he set down his bike pushing it to the marines directing them to place it somewhere.
From where he was standing he could clearly see the sweat drops on the marines faces as they were given the bike, seemingly dumbfounded by the size of it. They gave a quick salute to the Admiral before they wheeled off the bike disappearing into the back of the ship.
"Ha Ha Ha! It's been a while hasn't it Aokiji!" Ichigo heard a shout come from the front of the ship. Ichigo turned around catching sight of the man he had seen on the front of the ship prior. He was tall, not as tall as Aokiji but still dwarfed himself by a large margin.
Ichigo was starting to feel self conscious about his height, was everyone in this freaky world taller than him?
"It has been a while hasn't it Garp." Aokiji walked up to the large man shaking his hand. Ichigo watched the exchange feeling out of place in this situation, they were looking at each other like old friends, Aokiji with his more casual smile and Garp with his huge grin.
"I would ask what you are doing here, but I'm certain I already know the answer." Aokiji stopped the handshake getting another boisterous laugh from Garp. The white bearded man would never pass up an opportunity like this to see his grandson, the exact pirate that had escaped on the pirate ship earlier.
"Ha Ha Ha! It was that obvious, huh?" Garp laughed again before turning his head towards Ichigo. The teen caught the older man's stare narrowing his eyes slightly on the teen. Ichigo held his gaze not faltering in the slightest.
He felt a weird vibe coming from the white bearded older man. It was a different feeling to when he first met Aokiji. It was a pricking sensation on his senses. Whatever it was he had no idea what it meant.
"Who might this be?" Garp asked Aokiji directing his gaze to the smaller teen.
"Ichigo?" Aokiji said hoping the teen could state the older man's curiosity.
The teen let out a sigh seeing he had to introduce himself. "Ichigo Kurosaki." Ichigo said plainly. "Kuzan here invited me to travel with him." Ichigo pointed his thumb towards the Admiral in question, explaining his reason for traveling with him.
"Ho Ho Ho?" Garp couldn't help but grin turning to his old friend. "Must be pretty close to be on a first name basis. Ha Ha Ha!" He laughed boisterously patted the teens back with his large hands, his sword and small backpack digging into his back. Ichigo felt himself wince at the strength of the larger man, feeling his aches burn slightly.
"Well that's part of the story, I'll explain later. For now we should discuss our next move." Aokiji gestured they should speak somewhere more private. Garp understanding the sensitivity of the information they would be discussing went to follow after him.
"I'll lead you to my quarters. Your friend can stay here, get used to the ship. Koby! Helmeppo! Get over here!" Garp shouted getting a shout in response.
Stepping forward was a moderately tall teen. He had a young face with pink hair, glasses resting on his forehead over a bandanna, and a short blue scarf replacing the normal tie on the marine uniforms.
"Yes Vice-Admiral!" He snapped a quick salute to his commanding officer.
"Where's Helmeppo? He should be out here on deck." Garp scanned the crowd not finding the man in question.
"He was training below deck last time I saw him." Koby admitted letting his arms rest. The two had become very close friends after going through Garp's hellish training program to make them stronger, Helmeppo felt he was trailing behind Koby so he was putting in extra hours for training.
Garp grinded his teeth seemingly upset with the response.
"Doesn't he know we are on high alert. Well it doesn't matter." Garp turned away from the pink haired teen. Koby let out a sigh of relief glad he didn't get chewed out for his friends ignorance.
"Make sure to take care of our guest here. Get him a new pair of clothes as well." Garp instructed the pink haired teen. "Ohh and inform Helmeppo that I have a special training session in mind for his absence. Ha Ha Ha!" Garp laughed, the Marines shivered know exactly what that meant.
Koby gulped shivering slightly praying his friend would survive a special training session from Vice-Admiral Garp himself. "Yes Sir!" Koby gave another quick salute.
"Wait wait wait!" Ichigo shouted getting everyone's attention on deck. "New pair of clothes? What wrong with these that I'm wearing?" Ichigo interjected feeling a bit insulted. The Haori was was wearing did stick out among the white suits of the navy but they were the only clothes he had left.
Aokiji shook his head catching Garp's meaning before stepping forward catching the teens attention.
"Ichigo, when was the last time you washed them? You may not have noticed but they are starting to smell." Aokiji pointed out. Ichigo curiously raised his brow before putting his arm up to his face sniffing the cloth.
He grimaced smelling his own clothes, it seemed all fighting he did the past few days built up a small stench coming from the black cloth.
"Ohh." Was all Ichigo could voice out, the marines standing close to him seemed to take a step back away from him, expecting the smell to be bad.
"What about you!" Ichigo pointed his hand at the Admiral. "You've been wearing the same suit as well. Doesn't that smell?" Ichigo asked glancing up and down Aokiji's suit seeing if there was anything wrong with it.
The Marines watching took another step back, they hadn't ever seen an Admiral treated this way before and they were starting to fear for the orange haired teens life. Koby was looking at the new teen in a different light, the way he casually talked to the Admiral reminded him of somebody.
The Admiral looked down at his suit disinterested in what the teen was yelling about.
"A side effect of the Hie Hie no Mi is I don't sweat. I rarely have to clean my clothes, unless they get dirty." Aokiji casually explained as the Marines listening didn't know what to do with that kind of information. Guess they had less laundry to do.
Ichigo felt like he lost this short argument palming his face from asking the Admiral such a stupid question.
"Forget I asked." Ichigo tried to regain his dignity. The whole crew was watching so they probably thought he was some kind of idiot.
Ichigo couldn't be farther from the truth, most of the Marines were dumbfounded that somebody could speak to an Admiral like that and live to tell the tale.
"Ha Ha Ha!" Was the familiar boisterous laughter from the Vice-Admiral. "You two get along pretty well! I see why you took him in, quite an energetic kid!" Garp laughed. Ichigo noticed almost all he did was grin and laugh, but he couldn't help but feel like Garp reminded him of somebody.
"I'll explain later, shall we?" Aokiji gestured for the two to move into the ship.
"Take good care of our guest." Garp commanded one more time to the marines, getting a quick salute in response. Garp lead Aokiji into the front door of the dog house building as the Admiral and Vice-Admiral vanished inside.
Ichigo sighed realizing that he was just ditched by the Admiral.
The marine Garp had called out earlier walked up to the orange haired teen putting out his hand.
"Sorry about that. Garp may seem rude but he's a good guy. You probably heard my name earlier but I'll introduce myself. My name's Koby." The pinked haired teen smiled as Ichigo took his hand in his own, a lesser scowl on his face.
"Ichigo Kurosaki. It's fine honestly, I'm used to that kind of attitude." Ichigo tried to convince Koby it wasn't a problem.
"I'd say, the way you spoke with the Admiral really surprised me. Let's walk and talk. I don't want to explain to Garp why I'm doing my job so slowly." Koby scratched his head gesturing for Ichigo to follow him.
"Huh? It surprised you?" Ichigo asked curiously following in step behind Koby.
"Hmm how can I say this." Koby scratched his head in thought trying to think of the right words to say. "I've never seen someone casually talk to an Admiral like that before." Koby opened the door to the dog house waiting for Ichigo to follow behind him.
"Just forget what I yelled at him okay?" Ichigo tried to defend his dignity. Koby chuckled slightly leading Ichigo deeper into the ship.
"If you insist." Koby shrugged. "So what's your relation with the Admiral? With those swords I'm guessing you are a Bounty Hunter right?" Koby's eyes were on the large sword on the orange haired teens back.
"Bounty Hunter?" Ichigo's eyebrow rose at the odd profession. "Not at all. Kuzan asked me to travel with him after he found me on a Pirate ship." Ichigo explained. Koby's eyes widened before turning towards Ichigo.
"You're a pirate?" Koby asked stopping in the hallway as Ichigo shook his head.
"Do I look like one to you?" Ichigo scowled causing the pink haired teen to gulp slightly.
"Pirates come in all shapes and sizes. I didn't mean to be rude. I've met a few really nice pirates, that's how I became a marine." Koby tried to explain to Ichigo. Koby could see the look of irritation on the orange haired teens face, hoping not to make him angrier.
"Are you joining the marines?" Koby asked trying to change the subject. Traveling with an Admiral he thought maybe he'd be interested.
"Not really. I haven't decided yet." Ichigo replied surprising Koby. "The pirates I met weren't that bad either." Ichigo continued on the previous topic. "A little strange but they didn't treat me badly." Ichigo thought back to the Foxy pirates he had left behind.
New world huh? Maybe I'll try to keep that promise to Porche.
Koby smiled sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. Ichigo noticed he had a habit of doing that a lot with their small talk.
"Yeah, my life was saved by pirates a while back. I made a promise to one of them next time I see him I'll be an Admiral. There I go again blurting out my dream." A small blush dusted the pink haired teens cheeks as he rigidly continued his walk down the hallway.
Ichigo followed behind him wondering what kind of meeting with a pirate saving your life could lead him to joining the marines, the exact opposite of the spectrum.
His eyes widened when he realized he had the same turn of events since he arrived at this world. Being saved by the Foxy pirates and joining Aokiji on his adventures.
Ichigo groaned palming his face as the duo walked down a set of stairs, getting curious states from the marines they passed. It seemed the circumstances between the two weren't that different.
"So you want to be like Kuzan huh?" Ichigo spoke up breaking the short silence between the two.
Koby turned back to Ichigo with a small smile on his face.
"Well, something like that." Koby let out a small laugh before stopping suddenly at a door. "Here we are, Garp ordered me to get you a new pair of clothes. All we have on the ship are marine uniforms. You won't mind right?" Koby said waiting for Ichigo's response. He eyed the odd clothes Ichigo was wearing, they were incredibly unique, most likely custom made to fit the teen.
Ichigo looked up and down Kobys uniform, if that's what he had to wear before his Haori was cleaned, he could put up with it.
"I don't mind." Ichigo shrugged signaling Koby to continue. He nodded opening the door entering followed by Ichigo.
He noticed the racks of white uniforms with black pants hung up on the walls. There must have been hundreds of spare uniforms. Did a single ship seriously need so many spare uniforms?
"Fran! Are you back there?" Koby yelled towards the back end of the room.
A moment passed before a muffled shout responded. Opening a small wooden door in the back an old man with a hunch stepped into the room, he had a full head of white hair, and a walking cane in his hand.
"What did I tell you Koby? Knock first!" The old man shouted trying to hit Koby with his walking cane as the pink haired teen comically dodged the attacks.
"I'm sorry! It's important so I forgot!" Koby shouted trying to stop the old man from attacking him further. That seemed to catch the old man's attention as he stopped his assault.
"Ohh? And what might that be?" He said narrowing his eyes on the pink haired teen. Koby felt a bead of sweat travel down his brow from the intense stare from the old man.
"Vice-Admiral Garp ordered me to have Admiral Aokiji's guest here a custom made new uniform." Koby explained gesturing to Ichigo.
Ichigo perked up at the mention of a custom made uniform.
Garp didn't say that.
He shrugged, he guessed a custom made uniform was better than any of the normal ones the other marines had.
The orange haired teen watched the whole exchange between the older man and the pink haired teen with slight interest. It seemed no matter wherever he went in this world there were interesting characters with unique personalities.
"So the Admiral's on board." The old man rubbed his chin curiously staring at the teen. "Well I need to take some measurements." In a flash Ichigo felt himself get assaulted from every angle as the old man moved faster than he thought a man his age could, using a tape measure he had measured every inch of Ichigo.
In an instant the old man was done writing down the teens measurements on a piece of paper before using various equipment in the room already putting together Ichigo's uniform.
"What the hell old man!" Ichigo yelled not expecting the speed he possessed. "You could have just asked!" Ichigo shouted. The old man ignored his retort as he continued his work.
"Would have taken too long." The old man didn't look up from his work as he moved on to the pants. In a flash the uniform was done and was hanging up on a hanger next to the old man's desk. A pair of shoes with socks in them rested below the hanging clothes.
"I'll be in the back." And he was gone. Ichigo tried to keep his jaw from dropping as Koby watched his reaction chuckling slightly.
"Don't let him get to you. He's always like that. A bit shy too." Koby walked over picking up the uniform, it looked like an exact replica of his own uniform.
"Well what's done is done." Koby murmured handing Ichigo the uniform. Ichigo's scowl lessened as he took his new clothes.
"Old man!" Ichigo shouted towards the back. "Thanks!" He didn't know if he could hear him but he still was thankful, no matter how rude the procedure was.
A moment passed as he got no response, sighing he looked at Koby.
"Where can I get changed?" He asked looking around the room.
"There's a small storage room right here." Koby pointed to the side of the room. "I'll wait out here for you to change." He explained as Ichigo nodded, picking up the shoes. He slung the backpack off his back placing it by the door.
Ichigo entered the room closing the door behind him, there was a small light illuminating the room as he glanced around. The room was unkempt as brooms and mops leaned against the walls.
Ignoring the decor he went about taking off his Haori, unslinging and leaning his Zanpakuto's against the wall first. The armor part on his chest was always a bit tricky, while it wasn't metal it was flexible, pulling it over his head he put it down on the ground. The rest of the Haori was easier to get off.
After that was done he stared at the white suit in his hand, the large 'Marine' letters were written on the back as he rolled his eyes. Maybe he could ask that old man to cover that.
It was a strange suit, having a large zipper on the front instead of the normal buttons he was familiar with. He had no trouble getting it on, putting on a plain white t-shirt on under it, even the plain looking shoes fit perfectly.
That strange old man knows his stuff.
Raising his arms, doing a few stretches he noticed the suit didn't strain or rip. Shrugging he reached into his Haori pulling out the letter Urahara's had left him, placing it into the front pocket of his suit.
Zipping up the 'suit' halfway he ignored the ribbon that was supposed to be tied around his neck, leaving it on the hanger.
Looking down at himself, satisfied with his new clothes, and picked up the cloth parts of his Haori pushing open the door, leaving his Zanpakuto's and armor parts in the room.
Koby perked up from his chair standing up looking up and down Ichigo's form examining the new clothes closer.
"Are you sure you aren't joining the marines? That fits you perfectly." Koby said giving the orange haired teen a thumbs up.
Ichigo scowled at the comment. He wasn't going to join the Marines just because he so happened to look good in a uniform.
"As if." Ichigo scoffed. "Where can I wash these?" Ichigo changed the subject of his new clothes gesturing to his older ones. Koby shook his head seeing his compliment had been ignored.
"You can leave them in the basket there, I explained to Fran while you were changing, since you are a special case they will be washed separately." Koby pointed to the side of the room. Ichigo walked over dropping his Haori into the basket.
"They will be ready tomorrow." Koby tried to reassure the orange haired teen.
Ichigo let out a sigh looking down at the pile of his clothes.
"It's just…" Ichigo began catching Koby's attention as his tone had changed. "These clothes are special to me." Ichigo finished surprising Koby. The pink haired teen looked down at the odd black and white Haori.
Ichigo jumped slightly feeling Kobys hand place itself on his shoulder.
"Don't worry. Fran's the best at what he does. Your clothes as strange as they are will be fine." Koby tried to reassure Ichigo. The orange haired teens eyes narrowed on the marine.
"You don't need to insult them." Ichigo scowled as Koby put his hands up in the air trying to defend himself.
"I didn't mean to. They are just really unique, I've never seen anything like them." Koby cringed slightly hearing his excuse.
Ichigo let out a sigh before shrugging.
"I guess they are. So now what? Do we go back up on deck?" Ichigo asked the pink haired teen.
Koby was about to agree but remembered his friend Helmeppo cringing slightly, remembering Vice-Admiral Garp's punishment he had in mind.
"I should tell Helmeppo about his punishment. Follow me." Koby opened the door as Ichigo held out his hand stopping the pink haired teen from leaving.
"One second." Ichigo walked back into the storage closet grabbing his larger Zanpakuto slinging it over his shoulder as it rested on his back, securing his shorter Zanpakuto to his hip. Picking up the armor chest piece he walked out of the storage room placing it next to the basket he put his Haori in.
With Ichigo's back facing Koby, the pink haired teen finally got a good look at the size of the sword. He had seen other Vice-Admirals with larger swords before, but they were to accommodate for their large size, but for Ichigo's size it was impressive if he could swing a sword that big around.
"Shall we?" Koby asked holding the door open for Ichigo. He looked down at his backpack, be decided he would grab it later.
Getting a nod from the orange haired teen they walked together down the hallway deeper into the ship.
The duo got curious stares from the passing marines, mainly staring at the orange haired teens large sword resting on his back.
It didn't take long to arrive at the door as Koby stopped in his tracks.
"This is it." Koby pushed open the door as Ichigo read the sign above him.
Training Room
Shrugging Ichigo followed behind Koby as he got a full view of the room. It was spacious, wooden swords lined up against the walls. It reminded him more of a dojo back in Soul Society, when he trained with the 11th division.
He noticed a single individual in the room. He wasn't as tall as Ichigo was, he had long blonde hair, a long face and butt shaped chin, black pants and a green vest. He was swinging around two odd shaped swords, if Ichigo could guess the swords looked very middle eastern, by his standards at least.
"Helmeppo!" Koby shouted stopping the blonde haired man from continuing his next swing. He let his swords loosen from his grip as he turned to the pink and orange haired duo.
"Koby. What's going on? Who's this?" Helmeppo walked over to the side of the room putting down his swords, he grabbed a towel wiping the sweat from his face.
"You were supposed to be on deck earlier. We were on high alert and you weren't at your station." Koby started scolding his friend. Helmeppo eyes comically shot out of his head as he heard that information.
"Crap! I was training so hard I forgot! Is Vice-Admiral Garp mad?" Helmeppo comically fell to his knees in despair expecting the worst.
Koby walked over patting the blond haired man on the back. "He said you owe him a special training session tomorrow." Koby informed Helmeppo with a small smile, praying for his safety.
Helmeppo lost all his strength as he laid out completely on the wooden floor. "I'm going to die." He cried out as comically large tears started rolling down his face.
Ichigo cringed watching the blonde man's reaction to training. Just what kind of hellish training was he going to be put through? It couldn't be worse than when he learned Zangetsu's name could it?
"Ohh! This is Ichigo, he was travelling with Admiral Aokiji, they both arrived around half an hour ago." Koby explained as Helmeppo's eyes shot out of his heads even further. Ichigo had to do a double take, his eyes were actually trying to leave his head.
What the hell is wrong with everyone here in this world!?
"The Admiral's here too!? Koby, if I die please bury me with honor." Helmeppo despaired as Koby continued to pat his friend on his back, giving him support.
"There's no need to be so dramatic." Koby tried to comfort his friend, trying to not make a scene in front of Ichigo.
The door opened behind Ichigo breaking the three occupants of the room out of their stupor as they turned to the door. Helmeppo's eyes threatened to shoot out of his head again as he saw who it was. The large form of Garp somehow squeezed into the room with his signature grin on his face.
"Knew I would find you three here." Garp began looking over the room, his eyes stopped seeing the uniform Ichigo was wearing. Putting his hand to his chin he looked up and down inspecting it.
After a few moments he gave a comedic thumbs up.
"Glad you joined the marines, Ichigo!" He laughed boisterously as Ichigo felt his scowl harden glaring at the older man.
"Like hell I did!" Ichigo shouted gaining a hardy laugh from Garp.
"Ha Ha Ha! I'm only kidding. I heard a lot about you from Aokiji, says you are pretty strong." Garp said as the teen noticed a twinkle in his eye that wasn't there moments prior. Ichigo's scowl lessened as his eyes narrowed on the white bearded man.
What is he up to?
Ichigo looked behind Garp expecting Aokiji to be with him, not seeing the familiar frizzy haired man he questioned Garp.
"Where's Kuzan?" Ichigo asked Garp as the man stopped his laughing.
"K-Kuzan!?" Ichigo heard Helmeppo whisper loudly behind him as Koby tried to cover his mouth, telling him to be quiet.
"Ohh him? He went to go take a nap." Garp said disinterested as he crossed his arms looking at the two marines in the room.
Ichigo's fist clenched as he felt a tick of irritation on his forehead, his scowl back in full force.
"Of course that Idiot would take a nap in the middle of the day." Ichigo let out an explosive sigh trying to calm himself. He was getting worked up again over something so stupid.
"Ha Ha Ha! He hasn't changed one bit! Now then, Helmeppo." Garp started gaining the blonde haired man's full attention. He visibly gulped, expecting the worst from his commanding officer.
"Y-yes sir!" Helmeppo rigidly stood up giving a sloppy quick salute.
Garp only shook his head, he thought he trained this numbskull better than this.
"You probably heard from Koby that I have a special training course in mind for you tomorrow, for your absence earlier." Garp started getting a nod from Helmeppo. Koby gulped scooting away from his blonde haired friend.
"Yes sir!" He repeated still saluting the Vice-Admiral.
"I'm going to give you a chance to opt out of your training session on one condition!" Garp spoke up catching Helmeppo's full attention. Garp turned around facing Ichigo pointing his finger at the orange haired teen. "If you can beat Aokiji's subordinate Ichigo in a fight, I'll let you off scot free." Garp grinned at his planning.
Ichigo scowled as he felt himself dragged into this situation.
"Wait a moment! I didn't agree to this!" Ichigo shouted earning a loud laugh from Garp.
"You may have earned Aokiji's respect, but this is my ship so you have to follow my rules! No freeloaders!" Garp shouted gaining a tick of irritation from Ichigo.
The teen scowled but ultimately understood Garp's words. He didn't want him just to be a normal passenger on the ship that didn't help the crew in anyway. He understood it, but it didn't help his irritation directed at the older man.
"Fine." Ichigo threw his hands up in the air. "When do we start?" Ichigo asked crossing his arms, mimicking Garp's stance.
"Whenever you want to. Helmeppo?" Garp said gaining the blonde haired man's attention. It seemed he gained a second wind as he walked over to the wall grabbing his two large swords. His attitude did a full 180 as he was now grinning staring at the teen.
"So I just need to beat you to save my hide." Helmeppo grinned. Ichigo scowled, did the he really think that he would beat him that easily.
Ichigo walked to the center of the room a few meters away from Helmeppo, reaching for both his Zanpakuto, his right hand gripping his larger sword's handle on his back, while his left hand gripped the smaller swords grip on his waist.
"Vice-Admiral, what will happen if Ichigo loses this fight?" Koby questioned his superior as Garp thought for a few moments.
"He will take Helmeppo's place in my training! Ha Ha Ha!" Garp laughed gaining a wide smile from Helmeppo. Ichigo scowled at the white bearded man, he didn't need whatever training the old man had in store for him, he was strong enough already.
"Sorry Ichigo, but I won't hold back." Helmeppo grinned as Ichigo rolled his eyes at the threat.
Garp stood off to the side of the wall next to Koby as they prepared to watch the fight between the two.
"Ready!" Garp held up his hand waiting to signal the start of the fight. Both fighters nodded preparing themselves. Garp nodded throwing his hand down. "Begin!" He shouted.
Helmeppo shot forward spinning both his swords in his hand as Ichigo watched his approach, both his Zanpakuto still undrawn. The man was moving fast, but to Ichigo, he might as well been moving at a snail's pace. His speed was impressive, compared to a lower seat of Soul Society.
Slow.
The cloth magically unwrapped around the larger blade on Ichigo's back as he swung it forward stopping the momentum of the blade in Helmeppo's right hand, his smaller Zanpakuto pulled free locking the other sword in Helmeppo's other hand.
Koby and Helmeppo stared wide eyed at the swords while Garp let out a low whistle at the sight. If he didn't know better he would consider them both Legendary swords in their own right by sight alone.
In a flash Ichigo pushed Helmeppo back as the blonde haired man slid across the ground slowing himself down. Helmeppo clicked his tongue in annoyance, even with his new strength he attained from his training he was easily pushed back by the orange haired teen.
Looking up he caught the look in the teens eyes, they were boring into him. He gulped wishing he had his stylish sunglasses on to hide the slight fear he had in his eyes.
"Retreating already Helmeppo? I thought I trained you harder than this!" Garp yelled trying to motivate his subordinate. He knew it was in vain though, the way the teen held himself was leagues above Helmeppo's level of training.
Helmeppo grit his teeth before he charged at Ichigo again. He jumped high in the air swinging his swords down as Ichigo watched his decent.
Helmeppo slashed down as Ichigo dashed backwards. Helmeppo followed as he swung wildly at the orange haired teen who simply dodged the attacks instead of parrying them. Feeling slightly enraged at the insult he dashed forward swinging both his sword horizontal towards Ichigo's chest. In a surprising burst of speed Ichigo blocked both swords with his own.
With a twist of his wrist Ichigo disarmed Helmeppo as both his swords flew across the room embedding themselves into separate walls in the room. Ichigo held up his swords crossing them across Helmeppo's neck, waiting for his words of surrender.
Koby watched impressed by Ichigo's skill, he didn't show much, but it wasn't easy for a swordsman to disarm another one so quickly, by his knowledge at least.
Garp was grinning, it seemed that Aokiji wasn't lying about their first encounter. The Admiral had told him about the fight they first had, talking about the huge display of strength, speed, and the strange energy attack the teen had done with his swords.
If only he could find a way to see more of the teens strength. He rubbed his chin in thought looking down at his other subordinate Koby. He just got another idea.
"I surrender." Helmeppo spoke out getting a nod from Ichigo as he let his Zanpakuto's rest in his hand. Helmeppo stood up with a large sigh, resigning himself to the hellish training he would face tomorrow.
"I didn't expect to be beaten so easily." Helmeppo despaired as Ichigo sweatdropped seeing his opponent.
"Sorry about that." Ichigo tried to apologize for easily beating the guy. The fight wasn't even enough to warm him up and he was left wanting more.
"Ha ha ha! Aokiji certainly wasn't lying when he talked about your skill. What say you fight Koby here next?" He placed his large hand on the pink haired teens shoulder.
Koby's eyes widened as he was about to voice out his distress.
"Don't worry." Garp began as if reading the mind of the teen. "There won't be anything at stake for this fight. What say you try your hand at him?" Garp tried to convince the pink haired teen.
He thought for a moment, this was a good opportunity to see how much stronger he had gotten, he hadn't been able to truly test himself recently.
"I'll give it a shot." Koby said with a burning passion in his eyes. Ichigo sweatdropped slightly not expecting the teen to show such passion in fighting.
"That's the spirit! Ichigo, you won't mind if you put your swords aside for this fight?" Garp asked. Ichigo nodded walking over to the wall about to lean his Zanpakuto's against the wall.
"Actually would you mind if I had a closer look at those?" Garp suddenly asked getting everyone's attention in the room.
Ichigo's eyes narrowed on the white bearded man.
"Why?" Ichigo asked suspiciously.
Garp rolled his eyes before looking back at the orange haired teen.
"I've traveled the world my entire life, but I've never seen swords like those before. Just let an old man like me state his curiosity would ya?" Garp winked at the teen. Ichigo let out an explosive sigh as he looked at the swords in his hand.
If it will help him trust me better, it wouldn't hurt anything showing them to him.
"I don't mind. Just be careful with them, they mean a lot to me." Ichigo tried to intimidate Garp. The old man just grinned as he waited for the teen.
Ichigo walked over leaning the swords on the wall next to the Vice-Admiral. Garp eyed the swords more closely as he kneeled down inspecting them.
Ichigo watched the man making sure he had no Ill intent against his Zanpakuto's.
"When do you want to start Ichigo?" He heard a shout from behind him seeing Koby had positioned himself in the center of the room, ready to start their spar.
He watched as Helmeppo comically removed his swords from the wall, sighing as he pulled them out with a grunt of effort.
"I'm ready now. Shall we?" Ichigo readied himself putting his fist up in front of him, Koby mirrored him as they both prepared themselves.
"Both of you ready?" Garp asked turning away from the swords as he stood up walking to the center of the room. The two nodded as Garp grinned. Stepping back he brought his hand down.
"Begin!" Garp shouted.
Koby shot forward his fist aiming for Ichigo's face. Seeing the fist Ichigo ducked down closer to the ground bending his knees. He sent his leg outwards trying to knock over the pink haired teen hoping to trip him up.
Koby saw the leg aiming for his own as he jumped backwards away from Ichigo before dashing at him again.
Ichigo felt himself get back into the hang of things. It felt like he was back in his old dojo training with Tatsuki.
The two traded attack after attack, neither one hitting their marks as they seemed to dance around one another. Ichigo didn't up the notch of the fight until Koby did it first. If Koby went faster than Ichigo would match his speed with his own.
Koby realizing he wasn't getting the results he wanted decided to use more of his flashy techniques hoping to catch Ichigo off guard.
As Ichigo was swinging his leg in mid air he waited for his moment to act.
"Soru!" Koby yelled as he disappeared. Ichigo's eyes widened as he realized the teen was capable of using a technique not too dissimilar to Shupo.
Koby dashed from the side using Soru, his leg approaching the teen at a blindly fast speed. Much to Koby's surprise his foot was caught by Ichigo's outstretched hand. Pulling his leg he caused Koby's other foot to slide across the ground. Koby losing his balance Ichigo grabbed his arm as he tossed him against the wooden floor before pinning his arms behind his back.
Koby's eyes were wide in shock, looking up at Ichigo he saw his scowl was gone and was replaced by calm calculating eyes.
"Ha Ha Ha! You still have a long way to go Koby! That was a good fight!" Garp shouted as Koby felt that was his signal for his loss. Ichigo let go of of Koby allowing him to push himself off the floor dusting himself off.
Koby grinned turning to Ichigo sticking out his hand.
"I thought I could catch you off guard with that. No hard feelings right?" Koby sheepishly scratched his head with his other hand. Ichigo took his hand shaking it.
"No hard feelings. That was some impressive speed though." Ichigo tried to compliment him, his scowl was gone replaced by a small grin.
"Now about your punishment." Garp began as Koby felt himself shiver hearing those words.
"Wait! You said there wouldn't be any punishment for that match!" Koby whined trying to defend himself.
"Well I changed my mind!" Garp shouted crossing his arms having nothing of the two. "Now go run 50 laps around the ship! GO! Both of you!" He shouted as Koby and Helmeppo dashed out of the room so quickly even Ichigo was surprised at the speed they left.
Ichigo realized it was now only Garp and himself left in the room. The silence stretched out as Ichigo looked at the white bearded man, wondering what was on his mind.
"Thanks for playing along. Gave those two the motivation they needed." Garp said before sitting himself down next to Ichigo's Zanpakuto's. "Come have a seat with me." He grinned patting the ground next to him.
Ichigo sighed sitting himself cross legged on the ground next to the Vice-Admiral.
"You don't need to thank me, I just wanted to help any way I could." Ichigo sighed crossing his arms.
"Still, it will help them in the long run. Thank you for giving them a fighting chance." Garp laughed as Ichigo eyebrow rose curiously.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked tilting his head.
Garp grinned before he brought up his fist and brought it down on Ichigo's head, hard.
"What the hell old man!?" Ichigo yelled scooting out of range of Garp hoping not to get hit again clutching his head in his hands.
"Ha Ha Ha! Kuzan certainly wasn't lying. Ichigo, you do realize my strength isn't something to laugh at." Garp pointed out as Ichigo tried to understand the meaning behind his words.
"What does that have to do with hitting me?" Ichigo narrowed his eyes on the white bearded man earning another hardy laugh from him.
"I just punched you for real right now, if I punched Helmeppo or Koby with that kind of strength, I'd be lucky if they woke up by tomorrow." Garp began crossing his arms. "What I'm saying is, most people don't fight Admiral's and live to talk about it." Garp explained.
Ichigo's hands rested on his legs as he finally understood the direction of the conversation.
"A teen with the strength to single handedly face an Admiral in combat. You're lucky it was Kuzan who you fought, the other two wouldn't have been so forgiving." Garp leaned back letting his head rest against the wall.
"Other two?" Ichigo asked. Now that he thought about it, there were mentions of other Admiral's in the past.
Garp rolled his eyes looking at the teen. "Kuzan sure was right, your knowledge is terrible! Well no matter, I'm talking about the other two Admiral's, Kizaru and Akainu. Those two would have ended your life the moment you even looked away from them." Garp tried explaining the magnitude of the situation.
Ichigo scowled imagining what the other two Admiral's were like.
"It can't be that big of a deal right?" Ichigo tried to downplay the situation.
Garp frowned picking his nose in front of Ichigo, he scowled at the grotesque display.
"Don't underestimate those two." Garp warned. "You could probably avoid the whole confrontation by enlisting in the marines. With your strength I'm certain you could be promoted to Vice-Admiral in no time." Garp pointed out trying to convince the teen.
Ichigo frowned crossing his arms. Just how many times was he going to be offered a job in the marines? It just didn't feel right to him. It would be like if he legitimately joined a division in Soul Society, he couldn't imagine it happening.
Being chained down to take orders from people he knew nothing about wasn't a good feeling either. Would he have to take part in atrocities like Kuzan did 20 years ago on that island? He still needed to learn more about that event.
Noticing he had been in thought for a while, Garp had been watching him closely.
"I can't imagine myself being a marine." Ichigo admitted. He leaned back against the wall next to the white bearded man.
Garp eyed the teen, Aokiji had told him about his small speech he had given when he protected the pirate crew.
Garp let out a sigh standing up. "You remind me of my grandson. If only he wasn't such an idiot." He held his fist, allowing a small curse to pass his lips thinking about his family. "If you can't decide now, get used to the crew on board. See if they can change your mind." Garp reached out his hand to Ichigo. Taking his hand Garp pulled him up off the ground effortless as he walked to the center of the room.
"Now than, want to have a real challenge?" Garp spoke up taking off his coat surprising Ichigo. He walked to the center of the room waiting for the orange haired teen. "What say you go a few rounds with me, see what you're really made of?" Garp grinned as Ichigo couldn't help but smirk at the older mans words.
"You're on old man." Ichigo walked to the center of the room. He didn't let Garp's height intimidate him.
"That's the spirit!" Garp grinned cracking his knuckles.
That day a strange companionship was born between an old man, and a dimension hopping teen.
Author Notes
I know Koby can be spelled as Coby but I checked the wiki and it was spelled Koby so I'm going with that.
Don't really have much to say about this chapter. I know the direction of the story I'm going for and hope you enjoy the ride along the way.
I tried my best trying to understand how a interaction could work between Ichigo and Garp, and I feel this is the best route.
Please leave a review and point out any spelling mistakes.
Until next time.