Tangled Souls:
Arc I: The Substitute and the Runaway:
Chapter 3: I choose to fight!
x-x-x-x-x-x- TS -x-x-x-x-x-x
Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck wearily, as he walked through the doors of Karakura High. Waking up and racing downstairs in a panic about the night be for–only to find his family perfectly healthy–was quite jarring. Especially due to them insisting it had been a drunk driver who smashed into their home. It had him questioning everything he'd experienced. Was that Soul Reaper just some dream he'd had? But then how come the wall was blown out in exactly the same way?
Cleaning up had taken longer than expected, leaving him to arrive just as the first half of the day ended and lunch would begin.
He trudged up the steps to the fourth floor. He crested the top of the stairs, and walked towards the door to classroom 3C, shoving it open with his foot.
The room was partially filled, not everyone was back from lunch yet. Of those who were, he made a bee line for his friends, grouped together near the middle of class along the bank of windows. The noon sun shone through the windows, brightening the room. Tatsuki smiled at him mockingly as he approached.
"Well, if it isn't Ichigo, finally decided to join us, huh?"
"Tch, you know why I was busy Tatsuki." Ichigo slung himself down into his usual seat, noting the bag under the desk in front of him. Come to think of it, there were a couple more desks than normal. "Do we have a new transfer or something?"
"You bet Ichigooooo!" Keigo exclaimed, rushing towards him excitedly.
Without a second's hesitation, Ichigo held out his fist just in time for Keigo to run into it and crumple to the ground. The brown-haired boy rolled around on the ground dramatically, crying out in pain.
"Hey Keigo." He greeted nonchalantly.
Ever resilient, Keigo popped to his feet as though nothing had happened, like the demented children's punching bag that he was. Impervious to being beaten up by girls for his lewd actions and always bouncing back when Ichigo didn't go along with his antics.
Tatsuki butted into the conversation, adding, "There's actually two transfers, Ichigo."
"Yeah, the Naruto guy seems nice enough. But the second one is a real cutie!" Keigo exclaimed.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow, silently asking Tatsuki for more information. She would be the more reliable source anyway. The black-haired girl shrugged. "Naruto came in first. He's a blond guy, natural. And get this, he's into martial arts! I can't wait to spar him." Tatsuki had an excited gleam in her eyes, as she described the new transfer. Ichigo couldn't help but smirk. His childhood friend loved competition, and she'd been frustrated ever since he stopped sparring with her. "The second transfer came in later, she didn't have much time before classes. Though from the way she looked at him when she first came in, I think they might know each other." Her comment drew a wail of despair from Keigo.
"Dammit, of course they do, pretty boys like that have all the luck."
"So, this other transfer, what's she like?" He asked, more out of casual interest than anything.
Tatsuki smirked, looking at something over his shoulder. "Why don't you ask her yourself." Ichigo followed her nod, only to find his eyes flying wide open.
There, standing with a disarming close eyed smile, was the Soul Reaper, wearing his school's uniform and giving off the bubbly air of a high school girl.
"Hi there, I'm Rukia Kuchiki, nice to meet you."
Stunned, Ichigo barely reacted as Rukia extended her hand, showing a message scrawled across her palm that read 'Make a scene and you're dead.' The message jarred him from his shock. Standing up abruptly, he began to blurt out a reply, "What the–
"Ichigo, I don't have any books yet, you think we could share?"
That was all he could take. Standing abruptly, Ichigo seized Rukia's hand and led her out of the room. People whispered, their voices like hissing insects followed them, but he paid it no mine. He was too worked up over this crazy woman just appearing at his school. Was she stalking him? Sullenly stuffing his hands in his pockets, Ichigo jerked his head towards the roof access door. The petite Soul Reaper smiled cheerily, following behind as he stalked towards the door.
The sound of the door slamming shut behind them was particularly loud in the silent atmosphere atop the school. The sky was clear. A breeze laden with the lingering chill of winter swept across the barren concrete courtyard, bringing with it the scent of newly bloomed flowers.
"Just how far are we going Ichigo? Such a secluded place, just what kind of thoughts are on you mind?" Rukia's voice dripped with inuendo, tucking her hands behind her back demurely, she had a mischievous look in her eyes.
Ichigo felt his cheeks flare hot. "Don't say stuff like that, it's disgusting!"
"Geez, how rude. I spend all night learning modern colloquialisms, and you don't even appreciate them. Not bad, eh?"
"Shut up, just explain why you're here." He wasn't about to fall for her goody two shoes act.
Rukia put on an air of fake confusion. "Explain?"
He gritted his teeth; the little thespian was getting on his last nerve. "Yeah, explain. Your work here is finished, so why are you sneaking into my class? You should go back to that Soul Society Place!"
The Soul Reapers gaze grew cool, the teasing smile melted into a blank stare. "That isn't possible, I'd have to be a soul reaper to do that. Last night, you took all of my power instead of just half. So, I can't go back, not until they've returned."
Ichigo felt his mouth go dry; he couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. "What about the other transfer. They say you're close, is he another Soul Reaper, because he could help you back." He was grasping at straws, Ichigo knew that. But he really did want to help Rukia out. The supernatural was a hassle enough when it was just spirits. Hollows and Soul Reapers, he didn't have time for that.
All of a sudden, Ichigo felt a chill go down his spine. He felt a sense of déjà vu, as he heard slow clapping, and a low, rough voice called out.
"Well, he's sharper than he looks. Good guess there, Berry-boy." Ichigo spun to face the newcomer, a heated retort on the tip of his tongue. The words died in his throat, as he came face to face with a tall blond boy standing five feet in front of him. He was several inches taller than Ichigo–who was tall himself at nearly six foot–with a wild shock of blond hair, and three odd markings on either cheek. The sight of him gave Ichigo the oddest feeling they'd met before. "Names Naruto Uzumaki. Unfortunately, there's a couple of problems with your theory. Namely, I'm not exactly welcome back in the Soul Society at the moment. If I tried letting Rukia back in, it'd do more harm than good for her."
He licked his suddenly dry lips, before asking, "Then … what do you do in the meantime?"
"That, is quite simple." Rukia was the one to answer, pointing a dainty finger at him. "Until my powers are recovered, you shall take my place.
"No way," Ichigo instantly felt annoyed. Why was she trying to pawn off her job on him? There was a perfectly good Soul Reaper right there!
Unfortunately, Rukia didn't seem to share his opinion. She crossed her arms with an affronted look. "So, you'll simply let souls be devoured by hollows, even knowing I can't perform my duties because I helped you?"
"Look, I only took your powers to save my family. I'm not about to risk my life just to help people I've never met."
Naruto snorted derisively. "So, ya take her powers just to save your family, then turn the other way when she needs you to fulfill her duties? Ain't that gratitude for ya."
Ichigo's face burned with shame, but he didn't budge. He had school, on top of needing to look for a job. He couldn't go gallivanting off at the drop of a hat to chase rogue spirits.
"Save it for someone who cares."
The two Soul Reapers shared a look. Rukia fingered the pocket of her blazer. A silent question seemed to pass between the two.
"Don't bother. The kid isn't gonna bother to help. No point pushing it for now. Like I said, leave everything to me." Ichigo looked between the two. He was missing something, part of an earlier conversation, perhaps. Without another word, Naruto turned to walk away, though not before shooting one last parting shot at Ichigo. "Never thought I'd see the day Masaki Kurosaki's kid turned a blind eye to those in need."
"What did you just say?" Ichigo asked dangerously. Naruto stared at him coolly, pinning Ichigo in place. Why did he feel … nervous. It was like he was facing a deadly predator, waiting for an opportunity to tear him apart.
"I'll see you two later, there's a hollow that needs cleansing."
Without a word of explanation, Naruto disappeared, leaving Rukia and Ichigo on the rooftop alone. Naruto's parting words stuck in his head.
x-x-x-x-x-x- TS -x-x-x-x-x-x
Hours later, Naruto's departing speech still rang through Ichigo's head. He spent the rest of the day distracted; it was nothing to brush off his friends' concerns. Once the final bell rang, he was out the door with his bag slung over his shoulder, heedless to the calls of Tatsuki and Keigo.
He walked through the Karakura streets on autopilot, taking his usual path that went through less busy side streets.
He was locked inside his head, mulling over the words Naruto had said. 'Never thought I'd see the day Masaki Kurosaki's kid turned a blind eye to those in need.' Aside from the obvious anger the words brought, confusion came swiftly after. Had the blond been saying–as it seemed–that he knew Ichigo's parents? That brought even more questions. He'd always assumed he and Karin were oddities for being able to see ghosts. But did his family have more involvement in the supernatural? He almost scoffed at the idea goat-chin was involved. His father was completely spiritually ignorant. His mother on the other hand … he tried to dismiss the idea. She couldn't have been. Otherwise, she would have recognized the ghost that day. She wouldn't have rushed down the bank. Wouldn't have died. The familiar pill of guilt tasted like acid,
The most annoying part was Naruto's presence. Ichigo felt as if he was familiar with him, yet he'd definitely never met the blond.
"Damn that blond."
Who was he to bring up his mother? What was worse was Ichigo couldn't shake the thought that Naruto was right. His mother had been so kind. She always wanted him to be kind too. Perhaps he was being selfish, but there were others to handle the situation.
"Forget him, I've gotta finish that resume. Then I can start looking for a–"
Ichigo came up short. There, waiting in front of his house, was Naruto, leaning against the wall casually.
After a moment of shocked silence Ichigo hustled towards Naruto. He was mindful not to shout and make a scene, he didn't want the neighbors to get nosy.
"What are you doing here?" He hissed.
Naruto gave him a smirk that set Ichigo's blood ablaze.
"You and I need to talk."
He couldn't be serious. After what the blond had said, he expected Ichigo to just listen to him? Ichigo scoffed, shouldering past Naruto roughly.
"Go try and sell it to someone else. I already said I wouldn't get involved."
An iron grasp landed on Ichigo's shoulder. He felt a … jolt, go through him, that was the only way to describe it. One second, he was about to enter his house, the next he was watching his body fall to the ground. Ichigo stumbled back in surprise, yanking at his black robes in a panic as he felt a heavy weight on his back.
"That wasn't a request kid."
Ichigo gaped at Naruto, or rather, the Naruto's. There were two, one wearing the familiar robes of a Soul Reaper, the other the Karakura school uniform. And yet, instinctually, Ichigo could tell the one in the uniform wasn't Naruto. It was the way he carried himself. There was none of the brash swagger of the blond.
"What the hell is going on, why am I out of my body?" It was hard not to panic for Ichigo.
Instead of answering his question, Ichigo found himself being seized by his shoulder. The next instant they were standing atop a tall apartment building. The building looked out across Karakura, over the river bisecting the town, and into the mountains surrounding it. The sun was going down. Everything was painted in a burnt orange light. Ichigo blinked, as he recognized their school just a few streets away.
"How'd we get here so fast?"
Naruto chuckled, the blond walked to the waist-height ledge and sat on it, facing Ichigo with one leg pulled to his chest and an arm perched lazily atop it.
"That was a Flash Step kid. High speed movement technique Soul Reapers use. You'll be learning it in your training."
"I already told you, I'm not gonna be a Soul Reaper, there isn't gonna be any training."
His words didn't seem to sway Naruto, those bright blue eyes of his seemed to glow in the dying light, pinning Ichigo in place. When the blond spoke, it was with a disconcerting certainty. "You sound so sure about that, but you should wait ta hear what I've got to say. Come on, be honest, I'm sure you've got questions."
He shifted uncomfortably. He really didn't want to give Naruto the satisfaction of being right. But Naruto was the only one who could answer the questions that had been bugging him all day.
"Did you know my mother?"
"As a matter of fact, I did. Your parents and I are old friends. Which is why I know that once you realize what exactly Rukia has done, you'll change your tune about doing her job."
There was an edge to his tone, the type someone spoke with when they were hiding bad news. Ichigo's confidence was shaken.
"She gave me her power, sure, but she'll get them back. I don't get the big deal."
Naruto let out a humorless laugh. "You wouldn't, being human an all. But for a Soul Reaper, giving our powers to a human isn't allowed."
"Not allowed?"
The blond shook his head. "Perhaps I should say, illegal. Highly illegal." Ichigo began to get a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. "If anyone in Soul Society finds out what she did, Rukia would be locked up for decades. She didn't just risk her power; she risked her freedom. Considering that, I find it hard to believe Masaki and Isshin's kid would be okay letting that debt go unpaid."
He clenched his fist so hard blood streamed through his fingers. "I didn't ask her to give them to me. It's not my problem." His words rang hollow. They tasted like ashes on Ichigo's tongue.
"Come on Ichigo, you don't really believe that. Besides, you act as if you've been dragged into this. Truth is, you were always going to be a Soul Reaper. It's in your blood."
Ichigo couldn't breathe. It was like a giant had sat on his chest. "What … did you just say?" Surely, he'd misheard. He expected Naruto to crack a wry grin and admit to the joke. But no grin came. The blond stared at him soberly.
"It's just like I said, it's in your blood. You're fifty percent genuine Soul Reaper." It was the night air that made him shiver, not the unnerving gaze of the Soul Reaper. At least, that's what Ichigo told himself. "Even if that wasn't the case, your spirit energy is identical to Rukia's right now. Trust me, you don't want Soul Society snooping around and finding a half soul reaper. Face it, Ichigo, you really don't have a choice here."
Though the blond's words rang true, they were a bitter pill to swallow. What went unsaid, though Ichigo realized implicitly, was he wasn't the only Soul Reaper human hybrid in town. He had his sisters to worry about.
Naruto drew him from his thoughts, as he stood and motioned for Ichigo to join him. Reluctantly, he did so, walking to the edge of the roof.
"Besides, Ichigo. You and I are a lot alike. Even if you want to deny it, you care about people. So, I'm willing to gamble on it."
The blond pointed down to the ground. Across the street, lay a park. A wide field of grass surrounded a rectangular patch of ground ringed in cement and covered in woodchips, with a slide and monkey bars, as well as other play structures. A little boy slid down the slide with a happy laugh, a short length of chain trailing from his chest.
"What are you on about?"
The blond smirked, though there was no humor in his eyes. "In about oh," He tapped his wrist, as if reading an imaginary watch. "A minute, that kids gonna be attacked by a hollow."
Ichigo's heart fell into his stomach. "What, then why are you standing there?"
"I told you, I'm willing to gamble." The reply was cold. It reminded Ichigo eerily of when Rukia had spoken to him in his room, the first hint at Naruto's true age. "If I'm right about your character, you won't be able to stand by while that kid is attacked. Fair warning though, Ichigo. If you choose to save that kid, you're choosing to fight. You're either all the way in, or all the way out. Tic tock now, time to decide."
The orange-haired boys stomach roiled unpleasantly, filled with hesitation and doubt. He despised being manipulated. Yet, could he really just let that kid's spirit be consumed?
"You can't be serious!"
He received only an impassive look in return, Naruto's eyes were like chips of frozen sapphire.
"Dammit! Fine, I choose to fight!" Ichigo shoved the blond aside, racing to the ledge and taking a flying leap.
He was expecting to fall, yet somehow, he just knew what to do. He stepped on air like it was solid stone, leaping down an imaginary set of stairs as he raced to the young spirits side.
The boy fell down in surprise, looking at Ichigo with wide eyes. "Whoa Mister, you scared m–" He cut off with a hitch, as Ichigo drew his massive sword with the sharp hiss of metal scraping against metal.
Wielding the massive blade as if it was a baton, he brought it down, just as the air seemed to tear apart into strips of rectangles. A masked, insectoid head poked through, only to be sliced off by Ichigo's blade.
The hollow slowly disappeared into particles of light. Ichigo stood there, panting. It slowly dawned on him, exactly what had just happened. He clenched his fist in frustration.
"Well, I was right about you." Naruto proclaimed, as he gave Ichigo that infuriating smirk. The ginger boy grit his teeth while Naruto turned his attention to the child spirit, who still seemed shaken up. He knelt, patting the child on the head. "There, there, little guy. Let's get you passed on. It'll be safer where you're headed."
Ichigo watched from several feet away, as Naruto used the end cap on his sword to send the child's spirit on. It was a bit odd, watching the blond be so tender. At first, Naruto seemed like little more than a smartass jerk.
Once he was done, Naruto stood, tucking his Zanpakuto back into his sash.
"Would you really have let that kid get eaten?"
The infuriating blond smirked. "Of course not, dumbass. But like I said, I knew you wouldn't leave him. People like us, we need to protect. Whether it's our family, or a stranger. No matter how hard you try and hide it, it's obvious you're kind."
It was infuriating to have a stranger read him so well. But it couldn't be helped. "Alright, so where do we get started?" he asked bitterly.
"Your training will start tomorrow. I'll get you after school. There's still some prep I have to do." Naruto turned and began to walk away into the slowly descending night. "I suggest you get home, Ichigo. It's a decent walk and we've got school tomorrow."
Ichigo scowled at the blonds back. The least the bastard could do was give him a lift back after taking him here and guilt tripping Ichigo! With a grumble of descent, he began to take the long walk back to his home.
Luckily, it wasn't too far. But it was still a pain in the ass. Lights illuminated the streets under a pitch-black sky. The moon was beginning to wane, covered over in a light layer of cloud. Cars flashed by along the dimly lit roads as Ichigo found entered the familiar confines of his neighborhood once more.
His family home was the same as ever, the lights were on inside, and he could hear Karin and Yuzu's voices from outside. But his attention was largely taken by the imposing form of his father, leaning against the front door of the yellow home. And he was staring right at Ichigo. No–not at him–Ichigo reminded himself. His father couldn't see spirits. If he was half Soul Reaper, somehow, it had to come from his mom.
He was certain about his conclusion. Then, his father spoke five words that shook him and made Ichigo question everything he knew.
"We need to talk, son.
x-x-x-x-x-x- TS -x-x-x-x-x-x
Well, what did you think? Ichigo has made his choice, but now he's going to learn surprising secrets about his past. Next time, I hope to begin moving the story at a faster pace.
If you enjoyed this, chapter 5 is out on my Pa tre on, as well as chapter 60 of Uchiha Chronicles. As always I want to give a big shout out to my patrons who support my work.
⸻ Patron Shoutout Wall ⸻
Odin Darkfeather, Chillz90, Kit Arashi, MASTERCHEIF1229, Cody Lyle, Cory Toler, Tyler J Renshaw, Aneeq Moodaley, Kyle Alexandr, hunter jensen, SIRDBZ, James lars, Jabes Affonso, Sankha123, Glizzy, Echoes at Dawn, Kirk O'Dell, firedemon12, Rúben Pais, Bobby, Lil Mickey D, Ty'Ree Gary, guncannon93, Ash Cascagnette, Horacio, Pope Gregory Trivium III, Damon Frey, John Brown, Matt Walther, Christopher Thomas, BigBadDetonation, Tyler Swigerr, anime gaming, Yuto, Arnzok, Diego Silva, Natsubi123, redacted, Stewart Willis, Flashfox, Michael Alvarez, Romane McLeod, William Hurst, WallaBenga, nasapeepolover116, Leeland, Lutescu Mihnea, itsjust_khris, Beepo2332, Leeland, Jorge Ramos-Barreto, John Chastain, Mark Parker, Benjamin Goffer, Vallyn Fera, Ron, cookiedo, Ricardo Adams, Currtsy, Ignaccio Besser, Devon Strand, SupremeRuler17, Calvonta Ard, Decoy_M9, James Hines, Moon, lonelynib, Kenyan White, Morgan C Williams, Benjamin, Zach SH VD, King_Atlas, Jackmin, Saul Deras, Alan Azargushasb, Andrew Coleman, Rexadas, aroeah126, Hogan58, LemonGrass, Kevin Lopez, Ivan Olguin, Dominic Spindler, Francis Johnson, cory williams, Patrick Wooding, Liron Krasniqi, Barson, Kevin Deshazier, Francisco Jimenez, Jeremiah Macias, Sean Ciccalone, Lil Uber Vert, James Sampson, Carlos Neftali Benitez Vazquez, Steve Dixon, King230, Leafy, Sandeep S, Ismael Colibaly, Zeekstreme05, Mason Davis, GFuel_Duey, Koji, JJM 521, Whosevershark, Dillon Shropshire, J, Nick Wieber, Steve, Stavros Theodosiadis, Casey Needler, Uriano De Oliveira, Jonah Vogel, Y O, Taquarius Crawford, Setsuna, Ionescu George, William Casey, Jack Michael Jackson, Rexadas, Nicolas Fritz, Mark Parker, Sterling Swartz, Drew Edwards, Dildeep Singh, Anthony Dunn, Justin McClendis, Ернур Ануаров, Justin Bui, McMoiwst, Jabari M Hamilton, Ben Guerrerro, Crissoto, cristian.
Until Next Time,
RinneTaicho, Signing Off!