Disclaimer: I do NOT own bleach. My name is not Tite Kubo last time I checked.

"Normal speech"

'Thoughts'

Flashbacks/dreams

#4#

Tick… Tock…

The pendulum kept its steady rhythm of left to right, never wavering in its strikes and not even hesitating to stop and wait for those that had been left behind.

Tick… Tock…

It stroke once more, keeping up with its never ending dance of ticking and tocking even as many men and women, hollow, shinigami, quincy, human, gave up on living and decided to stay shrouded in the shadows of the past, being left behind by the eternal tick of the unwavering clock.

Tick… Tock…

The pendulum continued on its tracks, never looking into the past, never looking back, always stepping into the future something he came to envy from the clock at some point in time, something he longed for as if it would stop the suffering that just seemed to increase as time flew by, time that for him had just suddenly stopped.

Tick… Tock…

He hated that tick, he really detested the steady rhythm of time leaving him behind but he knew more than anything that he just hated himself, something he had barley come to understand, something he had feared all along and was finally able to accept.

Tick… Tock…

Mostly everyone would like to know when he had started to stay behind. They all knew he had just stopped but when it had started they just couldn't decipher. They couldn't guess if it was when he first lost someone truly dear to him or if it had happened when the war had started to take a turn for the worst.

Tick… Tock…

They never realized that his scowls and smiles were as fake as a nameless zanpaktou being called a real one but they didn't notice… no, more like they were unable to because at some point in time Kurosaki Ichigo had just become a master at concealing his feelings.

Tick… Tock…

Ichigo had actually thought of when he had started to hate the blasted tick of a clock but the only conclusion that he could think of was that he just didn't know. He didn't know if it was the day that he had found Yuzu, Karin and Isshin coated in blood at his doorstep half dead yet half alive. He didn't know if it was the day he had lost his dad, someone from his immediate family that had been there since the beginning even if he had been goofing around most of time. He didn't know if it was the day he had lost the whole Ishida family in one night. He seriously, didn't know.

Tick… Tock…

That pendulum would someday make him go insane he thought to himself, because the more he thought of the situation the more he seemed prone to think he had not lost everyone but rather the fact that he had basically failed to protect them even if he had no fault what so ever.

Tick… Tock…

He really didn't know if the whimpers of pain and anguish triggered such a thing either but he could still hear them so vividly as time went by, time that ticked and tocked in a mocking way that just made the oranget cower more and more by the screams and cries of his allies that just made the clock something to hate even more.

Tick… Tock…

That noise, noise he could so vividly hear even now, laughing at his incompetence of being there and making the yells, whimpers, cries, the ticks so unbearable even in sleep, something that just seemed to drive him crazy even now. Something that just kept running amok through his head…

Tick… Tock…

THUD!

Pain, pain was the first thing that he registered once he had been abruptly kicked out of his dream, pain that seemed unbearable at the moment even if he just fell a dull twinge while trying to get on his feet from the cold wooden floor. He started to get up slowly while supporting himself by using the desk that was previously used as his pillow. He stayed quite to himself even as his inner thoughts ran amok with the sense of inner pain and memories that just made him silent in more than one way.

"Ow…"

He stood at his full height while groaning thanks to the slight pain. He gazed through the open window that had brought a gentle breeze into the room making his tanned colored skin gain goose bumps from the chills that ran down his spine. He sighed, thinking how stupid it was of him for sleeping on the desk but thought nothing of it right after when he realized how meaningless it was.

He turned once more to look at the full body mirror that was at his left, mirroring his disheveled form with slightly long orange locks that brushed lightly down his neck in such an unruly and messy manner that made him look like someone from the Rukongai when he was actually someone from such a high class many would be jealous.

Ichigo sighed once more while running a hand through his slightly spiky locks to try and make them at least a little bit neater while failing graciously. He thinks nothing of it as he starts walking towards the bathroom that was attached to his room, only turning once to look at the silent clock that was plastered at his bedside showing that it was barely five in the morning and that he had no need to be up so early.

He brushed it aside.

He strode into the bathroom to try and get a warm bath and the silent yells accompanied with pleas for help out of his mind, something that had kept on torturing him since he had awoken from his not so peaceful slumber. The water eased the pain as it felt warm and encasing around his body giving him a sense of relief and peace while distracting him from his inner musings. Once finished he changed into his uniform, knowing that he would be unable to sleep even if his classes started at seven and that he still had time to catch a small nap so as to say.

Ichigo dried his short yet long orange hair while trying to distract himself and looked at the new timetable he had gained just yesterday, knowing that it would be a pain in the ass to try and stay low when he just so happened to jump four grades in one go.

"It's going to be harder to fool the teachers…"

That was his current train of thought, he didn't want to start thinking about his dream even if he knew it was unavoidable, even if he knew that it would be talked about the moment he saw his inner spirits and since he was actually planning on going to visit until it's time for his lessons he knew it would be sooner rather than later.

He let down the towels to let them dry on their own, leaving them extended so that they wouldn't smell. Ichigo turned to look at his window, bringing a hand slowly to touch the corner of the paper made window with much care and patience one would think he was about to touch something very fragile. He let out a small pulse of reiatsu and it resonated silently with something that seemed to start on that corner, expanding itself throughout the whole room while giving a shimmer that showed there was a barrier.

He brought down his hand, satisfied with the response he was given and taking a deep breath to level out his reiatsu, knowing that it was most likely fluctuating slightly thanks to the more than normal use he just so happened to be using mere seconds ago, after all, checking a captain level barrier for fractures or deformations was not an easy task. When decided it was more than okay he let it disappear back into nothingness, knowing that even if it was technically impossible to discover it was best left invisible.

He sat down on his futon while deciding he would go visit his inner spirits for some morning sparring, wanting to keep up with his reflexes and abilities and not let them diminish and get rusty, he just hopped that he could avoid talking about his dreams like last time that he was able to push the topic aside.

#4#

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

The bell signaling the entrance to class resounded through the hallways of the shinigami academy. Sound making every student go into their destined classes so that they would not get scolded, more than actually wanting to be punctual. The teachers followed right behind, getting into their respective classroom so that they could start to teach the lesson of the day, lessons that had barely restarted thanks to the fact that winter break had just ended.

In a particular classroom the chatter of gossip never stopped even as the teacher entered the room, they were all so concentrated on the newest revelation that they had yet to even notice her presence.

She cleared her throat trying to gain at least a small part of their attention to no avail and having to resort to a major alternative. She slammed her thick, hard covered book on the desk, making every student jump in their seats and those who had yet to be seated scurrying over to their seats. She smirked, loving the started reactions she had gained before looking around the room to see if she finally had their attention.

"Very well, now that I have silence we can start with class. But before that I have the honor of introducing a new classmate that has just been transferred into this group."

The curious mutters started again, showing how they were talking of that precisely some seconds ago. The teacher smiled, loving the suspense she seemed to be giving the students that were waiting expectantly the newcomer. She smirked once more before turning towards the door to call out to the one that just so happened to be outside, making the new classmate walk inside with a face of indifference making many stare wide eyes at the orange haired boy.

"Well class this here is your new classmate. Present yourself please."

He nodded, turning to look at the class with a composed demeanor even if he had around thirty pair of eyes directed towards him, not even twitching when several snickers or mummers resounded in the closed up room.

"Hajimemashite, my name is Shiba Ichigo, I hope we can get along."

He gave a shallow bow, surprising many at the formal yet informal way the orange head seemed to carry himself, obviously being from nobility but not really giving the air of an arrogant everyday prick.

Ichigo in return didn't think anything of the curios gazes he seemed to gain, not really caring when the whole classroom -and most likely the whole school- seemed to talk about him. He gazed once more around the room before his amber eyes widened ever so slightly thanks to the two that happened to be seated in the back, making his expression a bit more livelier but far from looking surprised for a normal person even if he was.

'What are Kyōraku-san and Ukitake-san doing in the academy?'

He was thoughtful, trying to think of all the possibilities as to why the hell one of the oldest captains of the soul society was still in school and came to a terrifying and bone chilling conclusion.

'I'm even more into the past than I thought.'

He tried to remember his frequent talks with the two captains to try and draw out any number of years they might have mentioned to see if he could finally gain an exact number in how back he had gone to no avail, he just couldn't concentrate at the moment that was for sure.

He was abruptly interrupted by the teacher's voice gaining his attention even if he had yet to show that he wasn't paying attention in the first place.

"Shiba-sama could you take a seat?"

Ichigo had the urge to groan from the suffix, hating how in the past they were even more prone to being formal even if you were a brat in the academy, he really despised this more than anything.

He turned to look at the teacher with a small, very much fake –even if mostly no one realized- smile on his face while trying to give his friendliest voice possible.

"I don't mind if the suffix isn't added. And this goes to everyone. I'm not particularly fond of being referred to as –sama."

The teacher seemed surprised by this for a second before nodding and giving out an equally honest smile. Ichigo could have sworn he heard a small mummer of a voice talking in between each other and couldn't help but shudder at the sudden bad feeling he got. In the end he chose to ignore it and follow previous instructions and sitting down on a free seat at the end left side of the room quite close to the two future captains since they just so happened to gain his curiosity, something that was quite hard to do given the fact that he had been something akin to uncaring in the past present and future.

Ichigo heard the teacher start her lesson, starting with basic shinigami duties since her class just so happened to be office duties, something that was very much frowned upon by the majority of the shinigami officers and in training but since he really didn't care he quickly tuned out from what she was saying, deciding that taking out his notebook and writing small notes to show that he was paying attention even if he wasn't was more than needed -he didn't want to be scolded so soon.

The orange head turned to look at his left when he heard a small sound but once he did he quickly regretted it because he was suddenly face to face with none other than Kyōraku Shunsui that was curious with wide gray eyes that made his own amber go wide as well. Kyōraku gave a wide smile that made Ichigo completely forget about the calm captain of the 8th and only see and over excited boy with brown hair that just so happened to be in his class.

"Hello Shiba-san, my name is Kyōraku Shunsui and this here is my best friend Ukitake Jūshirō, it's nice to meet you."

Ichigo composed himself rather quickly when he noticed how the white haired male was eyeing him with something akin to sympathy, apparently very much used to seeing Shunsui in his current state of mind.

"Uh… hi…?"

This seemed to surprise the other, not taking Ichigo for being a shy person since he had spoken his mind in front of the class like if it were something normal, he raised a brown eyebrow ever so slightly before shrugging it off knowing that the orange head had to be surprised since he had suddenly spoken up just like that so instead he decided to try and be friendly, after all, that was basically the idea.

"You want us to stalk the new kid?"

Yamamoto shook his head, very much exasperated since the boys before him seemed to be getting the wrong idea and that could be bad.

"No no no, I want you two to look after the boy. He's new to some of the stuff you 5th years already know and more than anything he needs someone he can depend on if he needs it."

This time Ukitake decided it would be best to answer, knowing that Shunsui was still most likely thinking of something else and not what Yama-ji had in mind.

"So you wants us to keep an eye out for him?"

This time Yamamoto was more pleased thanks to the fact that at least one of the two was understanding and that maybe the idea wasn't as crazy as he had thought of at first.

"Exactly. I don't want you guys to follow the boy around and stalk him, I want you to look out for him."

"Maybe even befriend my boy."

The three turned rather quickly to look at the 10th squad captain, the two students very much surprised by the sudden appearance of the shinigami captain and the fact that he had called the reason of their discussion my boy.

"Ryōtarō, what are you doing here?"

The raven head smiled before looking at the two that had an expression of awe and respect, they were really surprised by the presence of the captain and head of the Shiba clan but more than anything they were surprised by the fact that the new prodigy was apparently the Shiba captain's son.

"Well I wanted to see how things were going for Ichigo but from the looks of it he declined the offer of help didn't he?"

The headmaster sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose, obviously tired of the dilemma that happened to be starting thanks to a single boy that didn't want aid.

"Yeah, that's true he did reject a guide but I'm trying to pin Shunsui and Jūshirō on him so that might make a difference."

The Shiba head shook his head, not wanting to give the two academy students a job that would be pretty much thrown their way. He didn't want to involve the boys in his case unwillingly and that was precisely what was happening.

"They shouldn't be pushed into this. It's my problem I just wanted to see if Ichigo would accept anybody on his own accord, not much for being a guide but just to have someone but apparently that'll be impossible with my unsociable son in the equation."

He shrugged, knowing that it was impossible from the beginning but still wanting to try. He was brought to attention when his sleeve was tugged and as he felt it he turned to look at the brown haired boy, a little bit taller than his own son but not by much.

"Um, Taicho… could this Ichigo happen to be the prodigy?"

Ukitake face palmed while Yamamoto groaned, apparently very much fed up with Shunsui's comments. Could the boy not read the mood?!

"Well yes that's my boy. Why?"

Shunsui's response was to give a wide smile surprising everyone present when he suddenly took a turn for the better and started to act more cheerful.

"I'll keep an eye on him. He sounds interesting and I bet he could be a good friend if he only opens up."

That sole sentence seemed to give the young Shunsui trust, trust and acceptance from the Shiba captain which was happy with the current outcome, enjoying the fact that maybe, just maybe Ichigo would finally make friends.

"I'll leave that to you then…"

"So, how are you taking this jumping grades thing?"

Ichigo glanced back to look at the younger Kyōraku Shunsui, looking his way even if he was still facing the lesson.

"Well… It's fine."

Shunsui frowned, not really liking the small responses he was gaining from the orange head. He wanted to get the other talking, was that too much to ask? So instead of trying to point that out he tried to get a bit more conversation from the boy, not really caring for that class or the fact that Jūshirō was trying to gain his attention, most likely to get him to stop… well, from doing what he was doing.

"When I asked I actually meant about the rumors. You know, gossip and all that stuff isn't bothering you?"

This time Ukitake couldn't help but interject in the conversation, thinking that this was a bit less straight forward than what he had thought that Shunsui would start as.

"He's right about that. It must be a lot of trouble and pressure for you."

Ichigo seemed thoughtful for a second before he turned to actually look at the two this time since he noticed that they weren't necessarily asking something as troublesome as he had first thought they –Kyōraku- would do.

"I don't let it bother me. The gossip didn't start when I jumped grades you know so I kinda got used to it."

This surprised the two as they had not expected that kind of answer, much less an answer at all so when he actually did answer they couldn't help but glance and look at each other and then back to the orange head that was paying attention once more to the class

"So you really don't care?"

His amber orbs turned slightly to look at the white haired boy that held a somewhat saddened expression. So instead of just shrugging the question off like he would have done to anyone else and also knowing that he wasn't prying and was only genuinely curious and slightly worried -so Ukitake-like he couldn't help but see the kind smiling captain of the 13th instead of the young boy in front of him- Ichigo decided it would be okay and answered honestly.

"No… I've never really cared. I just let them talk all they want. It won't change who I am anyways."

After that neither of the two boys spoke up again, deciding to just spare a glance or two at the Shiba prodigy every once in a while with curiosity and well hidden worry, knowing that even of the orange head did talk and wasn't actually cold it would still be hard to get him to open up. Ichigo was just that kind of person.

A tough nut to crack.

#4#

Once the class came to an end Ichigo couldn't help but feel relieved, he wasn't necessarily comfortable with the various glances that the whole class gave him even if he had just told Kyōraku and Ukitake he didn't care. It was just so troublesome and annoying he was lucky his temper had been completely under control and that he no longer had the urge to punch the first person that turned to look at him.

Ichigo heaved out a sigh as he strode through the long hallways of the academy and towards his next class, he still gained mummers and glances but it's not like he could make them stop so he ignored it, trying to keep the most neutral face he could muster since he had a family to think of and as such he couldn't just scowl at anyone that crossed his path like before.

Once the gym came into view Ichigo abruptly stopped, glancing back to stare out the window when a rather familiar spiritual pressure made its way to his senses. Apparently he wasn't that far behind in his thoughts about that presence because the moment he actually turned was the moment his amber eyes met the familiar figure of the 4th squad captain even if said person wasn't wearing his usual attire.

The orange head was rather surprised by the unexpected appearance of Tenjirō and decided to call out to the man, striding over to the window and peering out to gain better access so as to say.

"Oi! Tenjrō-san!"

Said person turned to look at the orange head, giving a feral grin upon locking eyes with the target and walking over to the Shiba while ignoring the various glances and mummers they seemed to gain.

"Yo, Ichigo. How ya doing squirt?"

Ichigo just scoffed and rolled his eyes before giving a half heartily open palm strike as a greeting to the man, barely avoiding the small smile that seemed to creep it's way on his lips without permission as he felt at ease in the company of someone that wasn't there for convenience or just plain curiosity.

"Who you calling squirt? I'm not that shorter than you anyways."

Tenjirō's grin only seemed to widen as he was obviously expecting an answer along those lines but thought nothing of it, opting to recline himself on the wall to relax while speaking to the orange haired brat he considered in a way as a friend.

"Oh, but you're still younger so height doesn't change a thing."

The Shiba prodigy didn't seem to take hard the not so subtle offence and only shrugged it off, huffing in obvious exasperation while shifting himself into a more comfortable position on the window frame and somewhat mirroring the older man.

"Well then that just means that I'll be a brat in your eyes forever."

"Exactly my point. But of course that's something you should have noticed years ago."

Ichigo seemed to give up on debating with the man any longer as he really didn't care about anything that was said to him and much less when he was taunted by said person, he was only fooling around and trying to get Ichigo riled up so it was something that wasn't needed to get bothered about. So instead of pursuing the line of talk any longer he decided to get to the main point while he still had time and his class was yet to start.

"So, what are you doing here? And lacking your uniform as well."

"I came looking for ya actually."

The Shiba was actually shocked by the response before he hid it well and turned to look at the raven head to see if he wasn't pulling his leg or something only to find him serious as ever –which wasn't much by the way- and no joking around expression in place, looking a little saddened which was kinda rare and –as Ichigo suddenly noticed- lacking his usual pipe as well.

"Why?"

"Well… I'll be leaving today… in a little while actually."

Tenjirō honestly looked troubled for a second before he hid that apprehension deep down and turned to look at Ichigo, sad smile forming on his face while replacing his usual amusing smirk.

"I'm going to the royal palace."

Ichigo sighed before he gazed up into the blue sky, knowing that the man was most likely waiting for his answer but not really being ready to give one just yet so he tried to delay it if just a little. He noticed that the eavesdroppers he had gained at first were now only mild and really just there and not almost falling over while trying to hear and not look suspicious at all. Ichigo noticed that the clouds passed with a slower trail than usually and looked troubled, so much like his inner feelings that for a moment there he actually felt like showing it out in the exterior as well. Upon realizing where his thoughts were going towards he couldn't help but scold himself in his very own way because he had known this day would come so he didn't need to feel this way, it was just useless crap.

The newest prodigy never really turned to look at his companion but he decided staying silent was worse than actually speaking up so he did. Trying to convey his thoughts and –as girlish as it may sound- feelings so that the –previous- 4th squad captain could get the message through and maybe just maybe go in a bit more peace than what he would leave as if Ichigo decided to stay silent.

"You know… I kinda knew this day would come someday… it would be awfully stupid of the spirit king if he didn't notice your talent even if you are a nut job but even so it's a little sad to know you'll be leaving…"

This time Ichigo did turn to look at the man and he let the playful smirk grace his lips as he said the last words, words that may not hold much significance but more than anything held a hidden meaning and purpose.

"Now who'll play tag with me huh?"

The message seemed to do its job as Tenjirō's smile returned to its playfulness and mischievous nature, giving many passing students the shudders but more than anything giving Ichigo a response of thanks.

"Yeah well you'll have to find a new kitty to play with."

Ichigo seemed to be taken a back for a moment as he was suddenly reminded of a certain someone but quickly hid it, thinking how ironic life was and that Tenjirō had no idea of how right he was.

"Ha, I guess I'll find one sooner or later."

They shared a glance before the older man pushed himself off the wall and turned to look at the orange head with a wide smirk, thanks and a little bit of melancholy written all over it as he raised a hand to say bye and leave in a swish of shunpo, the only thing left that said how he once stood there being the soft breeze of the movement, movement that would seem magical and fast to any student but a certain Kurosaki Ichigo, or as he was going by now, Shiba Ichigo.

RIIIIIIIIIIING

"Ah shit."

#4#

Dodging was the first thing that came to mind when Ichigo entered the dojo 20 seconds late, and as his senses never actually failed him he went with the flow, knowing that it may look weird for any outsider but not really being able to stop himself since he was already moving to avoid a roundhouse kick that was directed his way by pure instinct.

He bent himself back almost making a complete ark and showing just how flexible he was for a man. He got his bearings back quicker than one would think and returned to his normal posture, barely stopping himself from returning the gesture when he finally noticed that the person that had actually delivered the kick in the first place was the hakuda teacher. What he did do though was getting in a defensive stance, more than prepared to receive any more attacks even if he highly doubted the teacher would try so again and even more so because Ichigo was now ready for it and there would be no more surprises.

"Ah, I wanted to teach the newbie a lesson."

He was completely right in thinking that he wouldn't be attacked again when he took in the teacher that just so happened to attack him, having to suppress the small chuckle that wanted to escape his lips at the posture the hakuda teacher ported.

The man had chocolate colored skin with bright yellow eyes and black, mid-back hair. He had his arms crossed in front of his chest and had a very visible pout in place, showing just how disappointed he was that Ichigo had dodged his attack and more than anything, effortlessly.

But, when his previous words sunk in Ichigo couldn't help but scowl, very much annoyed at the fact that he was being belittled –even if he was supposed to be an academy student- and that the teacher was most likely doing it just for his own amusement. But even if he himself was not at all amused he decided to hide his annoyance with his usual blank façade.

"Isn't it better that I was able to dodge?"

The raven head was thoughtful for a second before he shrugged it off, not in the least bothered by the obvious point and the fact that the whole class was actually watching with glittering curiosity and some sort of awe because the previous 1st year had avoided an attack that would have been too much for even them to handle –the only reason why they might be able to dodge is because they had learned the hard way that this particular teacher liked to attack out of the blue.

"Maybe, but still, you took my fun away."

Ichigo didn't seem amused one bit by how this particular instructor was more than just a little off and that he seemed to ignore his point, not really caring for the fact that he was cutting time of the lesson and that more than one student was throwing dirty glances his way. But before he could even get a good look of who was being an ass at him the over enthusiastic teacher brought his attention, apparently finally have finished his sulking of how unfun it was and that it would have been better if he had let the kick hit.

"Well anyway. My name is Shihōin Takahiro and I'm the Hakuda teacher for advanced 5th and 6th years. I hope you don't disappoint Prodigy-san."

Seeing that they were finally getting somewhere, Ichigo gave a shallow bow, not at all surprised by the fact that the man before him was a Shihōin and that he acted the way he did. Shihōins had a knack for being playful and serious the next second.

"Like whys, Shiba Ichigo, I hope I keep up to your designated standards."

And with that the class began, being practical for its majority and only having some small explanations of stances and attacks but all being mostly demonstrated and needing a somewhat open area in which they just so happened to be in.

The Shiba prodigy -as he was called by the Shihōion instructor- followed perfectly throughout the lesson, receiving various praises on how he was very advanced for a previous first year and that apparently it was a good idea to send him all the way up to fifth. Though, even with all the moves and stances Ichigo had done perfectly the hakuda teacher had decided that said orange head would do a mock battle next class to show what he was really made of so that he could ascertain just how talented he really was.

The orange head had only shrugged off the challenge with only mild disturbance, feeling that was pretty well masked as his disturbance was directed to how harder it would be to hide his knowledge and ability in front of a whole 30 set of eyes.

On the other hand, what had happened that did bother Ichigo and what he had noticed throughout the whole class was that he kept on receiving dirty looks from a small group of punks –as he had come to dub them- that just looked ready to jump him, having a certain dangerous feeling to them and more than anything just plain jealous –though if they noticed this last fact was still a mystery to Ichigo, probably not anyway. But, even if one or two of the members of said punks sometimes came close to hitting him when practicing Ichigo didn't let it bother him, knowing that these kind of people where prone to exist here and everywhere and that he could do nothing about it and much less during class.

The thing that the orange head didn't notice however was how he received slightly worried glances from a certain Ukitake Jūshirō and Kyōraku Shunsui, the two boys seeing clearly the ordeal and not liking it one bit but not being able to do a thing any ways.

At the end of said class the bell rang and everyone scurried out to the cafeteria, knowing that there would be a line if you waited even a second longer and that all the good food or at least the better ones would be over soon.

Ichigo did so as well, knowing this fact and only limiting himself to a low level of shunpo –academy level- to get a higher chance of getting out before the first years that were still very clumsy in said art arrived. He did get the expected results and the moment the orange head was able to secure himself an onigiri bento he left, going out the doors and going to his usual eating place under a tree to eat in peace –Ichigo didn't particularly liked to eat in the cafeteria.

While the orange head had done all this the two boys still kept on observing –stalking- him, checking out his every move and frowning upon seeing him leave. It was kinda incredible that even with Ichigo's ridiculous colored hair his absence was not really noticed and that apparently it was a very common occurrence.

Kyōraku groaned before bringing up a hand to yank at his not so long brown locks, obviously exasperated by the prodigy's behavior and finally seeing the depth of the problem.

"Great, and I thought the problem was hard when I noticed the nasty looks Kei and his goons sent him. This is just plain hard!"

Ukitake gave his best friend a compassionate glance, knowing that even if he would complain and laze around of how annoying it was to actually do stuff when he brought his mind to do something he would do it.

"Well, it was your idea to take in the responsibility before seeing the grievance if the circumstances."

"Not helping Ju-chan."

The white haired boy just shrugged, not caring that his long life friend was throwing a fit for something that was quite useless to broad about or either the fact that they were now moving on to a bench in the outside, place they usually went to eat when they wanted space for themselves while he was still listening to the brown haired male's whines.

"Ah! This is so stressful!"

"Don't brood Shunsui, there is nothing we can do about it."

"But Ju, Yama-ji said to look out for the new kid and help him if he needed it but he's a prodigy. What can we do?!"

The white haired boy rolled his eyes, having had enough pf his best friend's complaints. He glanced to the side when something orange brought his attention, turning to look at the side and seeing the prodigy eating on his own under a tree.

Upon seeing this Ukitake couldn't help but sigh, thinking how Shunsui was right, and how it was just so hard to approach the kid and the worst of all was that he was too good at what he did he didn't even need help, they couldn't go up to him with the excuse of helping him out.

Kyōraku just turned to look at what he was seeing before his eyes landed on the culprit of his demise, glancing back to looking at his best friend with a face that read all over it see what I mean? That just plained pissed the white haired male –not really showing it and not being much anyway since he really couldn't seem to hold his anger.

Ukitake was about to sigh once more and agree with his companion when all of a sudden a loud noise brought both of their attentions, turning to look in the direction of the orange haired prodigy so fast one would think they had just gained a whiplash, and what they saw just made them widen in eyes.

To be continued…

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