Protector of Teyvat

by BlueAcePhoenix20th

After the long battle against the Quincy king, Ichigo finally won the war as he slayed the man that caused so much destruction, but alas his victory was short, with Yhwach having a trump card in his final breath. Ichigo is now thrusted into a new and mysterious world, trying to find his way back to his own. What will lay in store for the substitute Shinigami. Rating M.

4. Life in Mondstadt

While I'm on vacation I'll work on this if I have nothing to do or place to go, but to when I can get it done and upload it, I hope it doesn't take 2 months. But I am on vacation so I can relax a bit. Though after my long 19 hour flight, might feel a bit tired the first few days.

Date of writing: 21th March 2024

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Genshin Impact, they are owned by their respective owners.

---

Chapter 4: Life in Mondstadt

Mondstadt: Anemo Archon statue

"So, you're saying Dvalin is his true name?" Ichigo asked Venti, the bard in question gave a simple nod as the news is revealed to him. "How come you never try to tell anyone about this?"

"I have tried, but would anyone believe a simple music playing bard?" Venti strummed his strings on his lyre, a sad smile as he recalls the many failed attempts, only to be met with either applause for a tall tale in their opinion, or be called delusional. "Plus, I was in the middle of calming Dvalin down, until someone interrupted me, if I recall some orange haired swordsmen in the forest?"

"Not my fault the wind power I got moments ago yesterday decided acted on its own, there was no warning." Ichigo replied back, defending his statement.

"You say that, and yet you were able to level an entire Hilichurl camp all by yourself." Venti countered back with a smile.

"How the hell do you know that?" Ichigo asked, his eyes narrowing at the news of the battle field he left.

"News travel fast, especially those in the bard system, how else do we bring news in a form of a song. Ehe." The young bard giggled, the tone of the string strummed by his lyre.

Ichigo isn't buying that explanation, even if what he says is true, he can sense something is off about this bard, so for now he should keep his guard up full time with him until then. "Fine then, why not do it again, calm your friend down from destroying Mondstadt."

"Well after the failed attempt yesterday, Dvalin's heart now sank deeper, the darkness holding onto him is stronger." Venti explained with another strong to his lyre. "I would need the Holy Lyre der himmel now, and some purified crystal tears from Dvalin himself."

Ichigo raised a brow at the word, 'crystal', he then digs through his pockets and pulled out the crimson crystal in hand. "When you say 'crystal', you mean this?" Ichigo ask as he shows Venti the one he holds in hand.

Venti takes a look and examines it, though he seems less pleased looking at it, shaking his head. "You have the tear, but it's still corrupted, I can't use it, unfortunately..." the bard lets out a sigh with another shake of his head. "It needs to be purified."

Looking back down at the crimson crystal in his hand, he wondered if it's possible to be done, then he remembered the two abilities of Quincy and Hollow to be able to absorb energy, that might be able to purify the crystal tear in hand. 'That's where I come in then, eh, Ichigo?' the voice of his Hollow side spoke within his inner world.

'Will you be able to do it?' Ichigo asked in his mind.

'Of course I can, while Quincy abilities can absorb energies, Hollow powers can too but devour it, so sit back and hold that crystal tight, close your eyes while I handle the rest.' Ichigo did as instructed, holding on to the crystal as Venti stares at him, confused by his action on what he's doing. Then his eyes widen as the crimson now slowly turns to teal color, it appears to be working.

Ichigo can feel the negative energy in his hand being absorbed into him by his hollow power, but it wouldn't have a negative effect on him, as Shiro explained, he will be devouring it. As the last of the energy have been absorbed, Ichigo opens his eyes to the crystal tear in his hand, now purified as he stares at the object of what he did. "Well I'll be, it seems you did it, and looks like you can help me."

"Help you with purifying these crystals?" Ichigo asked as he fiddles the crystal in his hand.

"You're half right, we also need the Holy Lyre der himmel." Venti said with a wink, trilling his finger with the lyre in his hand.

"Can't you use the one you have now?" Ichigo asked with a raised brow, pointing at the one Venti holds. The sound of getting a specific lyre just to use these crystals on sounds like going the extra mile to do whatever this bard has in mind.

"Because, my dear friend, the Holy Lyre is needed because it has magical properties, and by combining with the tears it will free Dvalin's heart from the clutches of the darkness." Venti said with a wag of his finger, soon putting the regular stringed instrument away as he walks towards the large building behind him. "Come, now that I found a cleanser, my plan requires the lyre from the cathedral."

Ichigo sighed, it seems he's been dragged into a scheme he didn't sign up in, but he followed anyways, as he seems to be more than meets the eye. Friends with a dragon? And to know his name despite a long time ago? Something is definitely suspicious with this bard in question.

---

Mondstadt cathedral

Venti entered on in as he walks forwards, with Ichigo not far behind as he stepped inside to see the size and decorative parts of the interior. He stood and eyed the surroundings, taking note of the details. It's like those he's seen online, but he is standing there.

Hard wooden seats on both sides, stone pillars supporting the building, and a stage in the middle. He can see a few people still inside, praying, some nuns attending to the people around. There was a single Fatui member in the corner with light brown hair with black coat. Better steer clear of them. His eyes focus back to the center where Venti is conversing with another nun as he walks closer to hear.

"I'm sorry, but we cannot lend our Holy Lyre unless you have permission from the acting Grand Master." the nun said, rejecting Venti's request as the bard now ponders what to do next.

"Hmm, then you leave me with no choice." Venti spread out his arms, puffs out his chest as he smiled to the sister. "Rejoice, for I, Barbatos, the Anemo Archon have returned, now-"

"I have no time for none sense, good bye." Venti's speech was cut short as the sister walks away, but not before eyeing Ichigo, she paused for a bit but not before shaking her head from such thoughts to enter her mind. 'Focus, sister, I must not allow myself to sin...' and so she is gone from sight.

Venti hanged his head down in defeat, his arms drooping down as he stares at the floor tiles at his failed attempt to secure the holy lyre. "So, my suspicion was correct, you are more than meets the eye." Ichigo said as he witnessed the bard revealed his identity so easily.

The green bard soon recovered from his deflated defeat as he rises back up, soon adjusting his hat as he stares at Ichigo. "And what if I am, does that change anything?"

"In fact, yes, it does, I have questions and you might have the answers I need." Ichigo said, his voice a bit demanding.

"Okay, let's calm down, Paimon thinks this isn't a good place to raise your voice." Paimon said in a hushed voiced, trying to prevent a loud verbal conversation, trying to not disturb the peace.

Before any other words were said, a pale skin woman in a nun outfit walks up to the three, "If you are gonna start something, I'd suggest you take it outside." they turn to see another sister to the church, her large breasts being hugged by the outfit and her fishnet stockings exposed in between the dress. Dark circles under her eyes stare at the group as she crosses her arms across her chest. "Or else there will be trouble."

"We were just about to leave, forgive us, hehe..." Paimon said in a meek voice as she flew behind Ichigo for cover, he and Venti soon leaves the cathedral, exiting the doors as the nun stares at them.

'First I see him in the hotel lobby, now here.' she soon resumes her duty before she looks forward to clocking out, oh to enjoy a mug of beer later at Angel share.

---

Mondstat: Anemo Archon statue

"So, now that you know I'm the Anemo Archon, what do you wanna know?" Venti asked as they stood below at the base of the statue, below where the hands lies.

Ichigo stares at Venti, then to the statue, he can see the resemblance with the braids from the sides as he looks back at the bard. "I wanna know if you know the name of that lady with white hair that uses cubes to attack, know where I can find her?" Ichigo asked as he crossed his arms, waiting for an answer. If Venti truly claims to be the Archon, he should hold the answers he's looking for, and a possible lead to get him home.

"White hair lady that uses cubes? That's very vague, you'll have to be more specific." Venti said as he ponders on what Ichigo asked, thinking hard to narrow down anyone he knows. "Though... there is one I've heard, the sustainer of heavenly principles, though that's all I know, I was never well acquainted with her."

"Sustainer of heavenly principles? What kind of name is that?" Paimon asked, the name sounding too ridiculous to believe.

A ridiculous name, but a lead, that's all Ichigo needs, to know where to find her now, "Any way you might know where she is?" Ichigo pressed further with his questions to the bard.

"I could tell you, but what can you do for me?" Venti asked with a smug smile, with holding the information Ichigo needs to gain what he wants. "I've told you some information, but the rest isn't exactly free, if you know what I'm saying..." the bard cast him a knowing look, bargaining with the Shinigami for a deal.

"What, you want money in exchange?" Ichigo asked, not finding this amusing at all, but if it means he can go home, he'll do it.

A shake from Venti's finger, indicating a 'no' to that question. He walks up beside Ichigo and adjust his view towards the cathedral. "No, my dear companion in arms, my request is you get me the Holy Ly-"

---

Goth Grand Hotel: Ichigo's room

"Ichigoooo, come on, open uuuup." Venti knocked on Ichigo's hotel door as he tries to get his help.

Meanwhile, the orange hair substitute Shinigami was not having it, sitting on the couch with a deadpan expression as he stares at the door where Venti continues to pound at the door. "I'm not gonna do it, Venti!" he said loudly throughout the room so the bard can get the message, all while Paimon reads the monthly knight magazine on their bed.

"But you have to help, my friend needs it to be healed, plus don't you want the information?" Venti banged his head against the wooden door, soon hearing footsteps approaching as it swung open.

"Not with me ending as a thieve in the process, plus if the knights finds out, it'll add to their suspicion of me." he spoke in a hushed voice, not wanting anyone in the halls to hear, soon pulling the bard inside and locking the door.

"Which is why we sneak in at night without anyone knowing, use it, and put it back before anyone finds out." Venti explained the plan to Ichigo like it's the easiest plan he ever come up with.

Ichigo gave Venti a deadpan look, his arms crossed across his chest at the stupidity he is hearing. Paimon lowered the magazine to give them a judging head shake slowly before resuming back to reading. "Oh wow, Amber won a leg race three times in a row." Paimon said to no one in particular.

A sigh escaped Ichigo's lips as he took a seat on the couch, soon palming his face with his right hand. "You realize, this isn't gonna be as simple as you think, plus if it does fail, I'm taking all the blame for all this." he stared at the wind god that took a seat across from him on his bed.

"If you do it, I'll tell you everything I know, you are looking for information, aren't you?" Venti crossed his legs as he stares at Ichigo, dangling the bait in front of him to see if he'll budge. "Plus, if we succeed, you will be called a hero for saving Mondstadt."

Debating his option presented to him, on one hand, it's a risk, and getting caught will probably put him in jail and shatter the small reputation he is making right now with Amber and the others, on the other hand, get it done, get the information, find that crazy sustainer lady, and get him home. After a few minutes of pondering, Ichigo lets out a long sigh as he stood up. "Fine, let's just get this over with."

Venti smirked as he got off the bed, nodding his head at Ichigo's answer. "Good to see we have an agreement, partner."

Meanwhile Paimon lowers the magazine and stares at the two with a deadpan look of her own, oh the event that is about to go down.

---

Mondstadt cathedral, much time later

After the sun has set Ichigo snuck in through a window that Paimon helped open as he got in, soon pressing himself against the walls to avoid any detection as he makes his way to find the hidden stairs Venti told. it didn't take much time at all as he soon finds it from a hidden switch, opening a staircase that spiral down the floor.

He soon took the first step as he quietly descends into the basement to retrieve his target.

---

Mondstadt cathedral: basement

Upon getting down to the basement floor, he can see that it is heavily guarded with knights all around, so Ichigo quickly duck behind a small shelf to hide himself as he looks around for an opening. 'Is it necessary for this many knights to guard one lyre?' his eyes hovers above, the guard's line of sight doesn't travel above their heads, so he Shunpo above, close to the ceiling of the basement as he creates a platform below his feet with reishi.

Meanwhile Paimon stayed to keep watch, letting Ichigo know he's clear to go, and so he did as he makes his way to the far back on the other side, seeing a door way and a lyre placed on a pedestal. When the guard turned around and walks to his next route, Ichigo swiftly and quietly landed and passes into the next room, there he sees another person inside.

A slender figure stood before him, wearing all purple cloak with a hood up, smirking at him as she took the lyre. She quickly blew a kiss in Ichigo's direction before disappearing with a wink before a hand reached her.

'Fucking hell!' the substitute cursed as he let get away with his target, now he must retreat before the guards notices as he leaves in a Shunpo back to the entrance of of the staircase.

"Did you get it?" Paimon asked in a hushed voice, now seeing Ichigo but now with the lack of a lyre. "What happened, where's the lyre?"

"I'll explain later, for now, we need to leave." Ichigo grabs onto Paimon as she physically and mentally prepares herself for another fast traveling.

As soon as Ichigo left, a guard passes by the door, taking a glance inside as he continued walking. Soon realization hit him in the face as he backtracks and looks inside, a pedestal, but a lack of a lyre. "Sound the alarm! The Holy Lyre is gone!"

---

Mondstadt: Anemo Archon statue

Venti sat on the statue's hands as he gazes down at the city with a gentle smile, the cold breeze blows against him as he dangles his feet over the fingers, swaying back and forth slowly as he lets out a soft sigh. This city has progressed since his parting, letting the people have their freedom as time moves on, but yet they forgot one of their protectors, now he has a chance to make things right soon. "Not too long now, Dvalin..."

Venti's thought were soon disrupted as Ichigo appears on the statue's head in an instant, carrying Paimon in hand. "Venti, bad news, the lyre got stolen!"

The bard turned around, a look of shock on his face as his heart sank, their one chance to save his friend now taken away as the news hit his face like a truck. "What do you mean?! How?! Who?!" he didn't get to say another word as the alarms in the cathedral sounded off, and they have to flee the area quick.

"No time, we have to go, now!" Ichigo quickly Shunpos away to the nearest roof as Venti uses the wind to propel himself forward to follow Ichigo from behind, soon landing next to the orange hair swordsmen.

"Follow me, I know where we can hide." Venti says as he began to lead the way, all while the guards began to roam the streets at night as Ichigo follows the bard not too far behind.

They fled from rooftop from rooftop, making their escape towards the walls close to the North-East side, soon spotting the building Venti has in mind as he lands down to the ground and makes his way inside, taking a glance behind and seeing Ichigo just got there right behind him. "Act natural." and so the two, or rather three heads on in, with a dizzy Paimon.

---

Angel share

Diluc stood behind the counter, organizing the bottles of wine on display as he stocks up on the ones that are empty, soon hearing the bell above the door chime, he turns around to greet the nightly costumer. "Good evening, welcome to Angel share." his eyes landed on the two, this caught his attention as he recognizes one of them. "Celebrating your victory tonight with a drink, I see." the redhead asks with a raised brow.

"Why yes, he is treating me tonight." Venti answered as he stepped forward to the front counter, leaning his body on top of it. "We're hoping we could get a less conspicuous table, do you have any for us?"

A bit of an odd request, but the bartender abide nonetheless, but will keep it in the back of his mind till later. "There are tables available on the second floor, feel free to take a seat there." Diluc pointed towards the staircase leading to the second floor. "Aren't you a bard? Why not sit front and center?" he questioned Venti as she looks at him in the eyes.

"Thank you, good sir. And not tonight, the paid performance can be for next time." Venti smiled with a wink as he goes on up, leading Ichigo up to the second floor, while Diluc kept his eyes on the orange hair Shinigami.

The two soon got to the second floor as they stood besides the railing, overlooking down to the first floor as Ichigo sat Paimon down on a nearby table, holding her head in one hand, and her stomach on the other. "No more for tonight..." Paimon said in a dizzy, soon laying down on the surface of the table. No sooner when they got to the second floor, two guards from the Knights of Favonius entered the tavern as they look around, to which Venti and Ichigo backs away from the edge of the railing.

"Excuse us, Master Diluc, have you seen anyone suspicious coming in?" one of the knights asked Diluc, while his partner looks around the empty tavern and spots no signs of anyone, and to the second floor above.

As the guard finished with his question, the bartender walks in from the back door, holding the supplies and notes for Diluc. "Master Diluc, this is last week's accounts and the wine you-" he trailed off, seeing two knights in the tavern speaking with the owner. "Am I... interrupting anything?"

"No, Charles, and you can set them up on the shelf, I'll handle this." Diluc instructed his employee as he then turns back to the knights in front. "What happened? What commotion caused so much guards to be mobilized at this late of the hour?"

"Haven't you heard, Master Diluc? Some thieves have stolen the Holy Lyre." the other knight explained to the owner of Angel share of the current situation at hand.

"Oh? Now why would a thieve wants to steal something that can't sell off, they have better luck stealing from my cellar." Diluc commented with a shake of his head, thinking the idea of the Holy Lyre to be stolen.

"Pardon?" one of the knights asked, trying to understand what was said.

"Off topic, I believe they went that way." Diluc pointed to the opposite side off where they came from, leading them elsewhere.

The two saluted as they bid the two bartenders farewell as they exited through the door, continuing with their chase. After the two are gone, Diluc turns to Charles who has finished stacking up the bottles of wine on the shelf. "You can head home tonight, I'll close up."

"Are you sure, Master Diluc?" Charles asked as he finishes off with putting the mugs away, drying off his hands.

"Yes, I am capable of locking up, enjoy your night." the redhead said with a nod as the other bartender nodded in return, exiting through the front and saying his farewell to the owner. "And do be careful on your way back, don't wanna be caught labeled as suspicious by the knights."

Waving to Diluc with a smile, Charles nodded again. "Thank you, and good night." and with that said, he closed the door and head on home, all while the fewer nightly costumer are finishing off their drinks, paid up and headed their merry way on home, leaving Diluc, Venti, Ichigo, and Paimon in the now quiet tavern. With that the redhead bartender locks up the back door and heads on to lock up the front door for tonight.

Once everyone has left, it is now the time to head back down, where Venti attempts to grab a bottle of wine for himself. "Tonight, I'll have a glass of..."

"You can put down that bottle that you're gonna steal from behind the counter." Diluc said sternly as the sound of the door locking can be heard.

"Something cold." Venti finished his sentenced as he turned around.

"I want answers, now." Diluc demanded, crossing his arms as he narrows his eyes towards the bard

"Can I get a glass of wine first? I'll pay you... in a form of performance." the bard offered with a sheepish smile as he scratched the back of his head.

Diluc looks Venti up and down, taking notice of the bard's facial feature, not humoring him at all with his offer. "Aren't you a little young to drink? Besides, I'm sure it's past your bedtime."

Paimon held in a laugh from the last comment, finding it to be funny given Venti's looks as the bard has a tick mark on his forehead. "I'll have you know, I started drinking when you-" Venti was soon cut off by a cough from Ichigo, reminding him to still play the act of a mortal bard. "Anyways... payment." Venti dug around in his pockets and pull out a few Mora.

Diluc stares at the handful of Mora and lets out a sigh before shaking his head. "That'll get you about three glass." he made his way over the counter and began to pour out a glass to Venti. "So, how did you get involved in this?" the bartender soon directed his gaze onto Ichigo.

"He has some information I need, so, I followed through with it, just didn't think his plan was that stupid." Ichigo sighed as he took a seat at the counter, rubbing his temples at the end result of their operation.

"Well for one thing, you three are fools, but an interesting bunch, I like your guts for even doing something like this on your second day in Mondstadt." Diluc said to the substitute as he held up a bottle to offer a glass, to which Ichigo declined.

"Sorry, not a big drinker, I don't drink alcohol either." Ichigo declined with a wave. "Got any natural juice?" he asked the redhead.

Diluc gave Ichigo an approving look and a nod, soon making him a mug of grape juice and slides it to the orange hair substitute. "I like your taste." with that done, he turned back to Venti. "So why would you steal the Holy Lyre der himmel."

"We didn't stole it, someone got it before we do." Ichigo took a sip of his juice, taking in the flavor. Honestly with a dad being a doctor his choice of beverages isn't that vast, wanting his son to drink healthy. So the choices are between water and natural juices. "Some chick dressed in purple got there before me and warped away."

"So the new hotshot I heard of the knights failed in the attempt on stealing, what would the acting Grand Master think if she hears about this?" Diluc commented on Ichigo's misfortune at hand as the substitute took another sip.

"Like I said, I needed the information, and I wasn't even the one who stole it." Ichigo placed the mug down to ease his rising headache. "They don't trust me that much already, so Jean finding out will put me in a difficult position."

"It would, wouldn't it? Shame you joined the Knights of Favonius side, I was beginning to think they found someone to aid in their insufficient group, and to take on the Fatui, weak." Diluc said with distain in his voice at the mention of the knights, holding much venom in the group as he poured another glass to Venti.

"Seems like you don't like the Knights of Favonius." Paimon pointed out as she stares at the redhead bartender while he did his work.

"We just have different approaches, that's all, I have my own hopes for this city, I don't feel like talking about it." Diluc took a deep sigh and calmed himself down before returning to the matter at hand. "Now, answers. Why did you try to steal the Holy Lyre, and where did the actual thieve went off with it."

Finishing his second glass of wine that evening, Venti set his glass down as he wipes his lips off. "You sure you wanna know? It could implicate you in the affairs of the Knights of Favonius." Venti asked with a smile as he wave his glass for another round.

"That's fine, I somehow always end up in their affairs." Diluc poured the third glass for the bard as he sets the wine bottle away as he awaited for the answers.

"If I tell you the story with a performance, will you believe me?" Venti asked as he stood up, bringing out his lyre.

"Must you tell it in a performance?" Ichigo asked as he finished up his drink, not seeing all that difference in a song or story telling.

"I am but a bard, of course I have to, ehe." Venti get out a giggle with an outstretched tongue as he began to tune himself.

"It depends, I'll make my own judgement." Diluc said as he refills Ichigo's mug with another round of group juice. The redhead crossing his arms as he awaited for the story to be told.

"Then will I get paid? Say... another glass?" Venti asked, bargaining for another refill from the tavern owner.

"Your reward will range from between five Mora and the Holy Lyre, it depends on your story." Diluc narrowed his eyes towards the bard, not finding the bargain to be humorous as his patience is running thin.

Laughing nervously, Venti began to clear his throat to prepare himself for an explanation in a form of his many performances, strumming the strings as he began to sing. "The story I want to tell at...~ The sky dragon heeding his grave calls...~ Brutal battle with the wicked dragon...~ ingested venomous blood and fell into slumber...~ Only to awake and expelled in abhor...~" Venti finished off as he took the last sip of his drink.

A surprised expression now etched on the redhead's face as he takes a moment to let it all sink in, the truth now revealed to him and Ichigo as Diluc gathers his thoughts on the matter. "What in the world did I just witness... This is confidential information, why did you let me know?"

Venti shrugged as he placed the now empty glass down, smiling towards the redhead. "Who knows, perhaps the wind are changing." the bard then lays his eyes on Ichigo, having high hopes for the swordsmen. "What say you, Master Diluc?"

"Interesting." Diluc thought out loud as he began to think of a few ideas. "Give me some time, I'll organize some contacts, and I'll let you know in a day or two." he soon retrieve the empty glass from the counter as he prepares to wash it, soon turning to Ichigo. "As for you, you're not a suspect as they didn't get to see your face, so you should be safe in the meantime."

Ichigo nodded as he finished up his drink, soon beginning his side of the story, retelling the event in the cathedral and getting down to the basement, only to be stolen by a woman dressed in purple. "Hmm... did she wear a mask?" Diluc asked the orange hair substitute for another other detail.

"She wore a face mask that covered up her eyes, just like the Fatui guys wear, it's like an identical match." Ichigo said as he recalled her winking through her mask to him right before disappearing in front of him.

"Then it's safe to say she's connected to the Fatui, I've heard they have members just like you described to me. For now, you can get some rest, I'll inform you all when I get some information." Diluc walks over to the back door and unlocks it, letting Ichigo leave as they said their good byes for the night.

Ichigo held onto Paimon and Shunpo his way back to his hotel for the night, awaiting for further information on the situation.

---

Mondstadt: outside the city

Far from the city, on top of a hill stands a single lone figure stood as he hears the commotion, awaiting for his subject to return. No sooner as he finished his thoughts, the purple cloaked Fatui member walks up to him from behind, kneeling down as she presents the prize she stole. "I have it, sir." she spoke as she bowed, presenting the stolen Holy Lyre der himmel.

Scaramouche turned to his subordinate as he looks down at her, soon taking it as he calls upon another member of the Fatui, throwing it at the black cloak male member. "Hide this so that they won't find it, and if they try to take it back, kill them on the spot, scram." the young member of the harbinger said as the male member took the lyre away without a word, not wanting to speak to upset the harbinger.

He looks back at the kneeling female member as she still remained in front of him, letting out a sigh. "What? Expecting a praise? You're dismissed." he waved her off, telling her to begone.

She held it in her frustration as she rose and warps away, leaving Scaramouche to himself as he watches the knights scatter around Mondstadt, searching for their missing Holy Lyre but to no avail, enjoying the sight of the knights running around like headless chickens. "Was it necessary to treat our comrades like that?" a female voice said as she approaches the smaller harbinger.

She wears a white dress with a mask in shape of a butterfly, a red coat hangs over her shoulder as her heels crunch under the grass she walks, her black gloved hand brushes her white hair away to get a good view of the young member of the harbinger

Scaramouche gave her a side eye before scoffing, crossing his arms as he kept his gaze down at the city. "I do what must be done, Rosalyne."

The woman now called Rosalyne stares down at the knights of Favonious, enjoying the little chaos that have been caused as she smirked at the small boy. "If you want the subordinates to work harder, make them work for an approval, that'll get them to put more effort in their task." her single eye looks to the young member as she brush her hair to the side. "You do you, but when you have no one left, don't come crying to me, boy."

She turns to leave, leaving the purple hair harbinger as he rolled his eyes. "Shouldn't you have a Gnosis to get? Still biding some time?" the woman only turned her head slightly to him, the wind blowing against her hair as she scoffs.

"Patience, all will fall into place when when the time comes." she said as she disappear into the night.

---

Goth Grand Hotel

The purple cloak Fatui member walks back to her room, soon taking off her disguise, reverting back to her regular attire to reveal Anastasia, letting out a frustrated sigh, her hand scratching her hair. "The no respect, I work my ass off and he shows up bossing us around, the nerve." she said under her breath, taking a corner to walk down the hallway to her room.

She digs around in her pockets for her keys, not paying attention as she walks, soon finding it as she accidentally bumped into someone in the halls, dropping her keys before their feet. "Hey, watch it!" she froze in place as she saw who she walked into. The person she was chatting with that morning.

"Oh, sorry about that." Ichigo said as he bends down to pick up her room key for her, soon handing it back. "Here you go, sorry again."

"Oh, no no, I'm sorry, I wasn't watching, totally my fault!" Anastasia waved it off, soon taking in her key into her hand. "Say, wanna... want to grab breakfast with me? We can have a nice chat while we do." she made her attempt again, still wanting to find out more for their organization and goal in mind.

"Um, I'm sorry, but I can't." Ichigo opens the door as, soon heading in but felt his free arm being pulled on. He inwardly sighs, turning to deny her invitation but stopped at what he saw.

Anastasia held onto his arm with her both hands, giving Ichigo a pleading look, the sad puppy dog eyes. She mentally berates herself for doing something so embarrassing, kicking herself that she would stood so low. 'Why do I have to put my pride down for something like this, ugh Anna you're pathetic!'

Paimon looked between the two, flying inside as she wants no part in this as she leaves the two alone, heading for the magazines again as she waits on Ichigo to come in.

The substitute closed his eyes, trying to not stare, but her tug on his arm made it difficult, those eyes used by Yuzu back in the day made it difficult to say 'no', and he is trapped in her clutches. "Fine, one breakfast."

The female Fatui member took a few seconds to register what Ichigo said, her hand loosing their grip as she stares into his eyes. Ichigo waved a hand in front of her but to no avail, but soon she regained her composure as she let out a screech for joy despite being late. "Thank you! I'll see you in the morning!" she made her way to her room, coincidentally right next to Ichigo as she unlocks it, then waving good bye as she shuts her door, heading on inside.

Ichigo watched as she disappear into her room, sweatdropping at what just occurred before him, soon heading back inside before anyone wakes up and sees him out in the halls.

Ruffling his hair, Ichigo sat on the couch as he thinks about what he agreed to. "So, should Paimon stay out of your little 'date' tomorrow?" Paimon teased as she peeks over her magazine she is holding, wiggling her eyebrows with a smug smile.

"It's not a date, we're just grabbing breakfast together." Ichigo explained, he didn't really need this tonight after the failed attempt of getting the Holy Lyre, now his travel companion teasing him. He just wants to sleep this over and forget about tonight, letting out another sigh, getting up and making his way for the shower.

---

With Anastasia

With Anastasia, she giggled to herself at a successful convincing she put up. Stepping out of the shower with a towel wrapping around her body, she dries her hair with a smile, humming a tune. Sure it was frustrating to be bossed around and be treated like trash, but if she can get information out of the knight's new ally, she'll be praised for her work by Signora.

So a breakfast date with him to gather any information is a chance she will take, plus she does find him quite handsome. "No, it's just a mission, that's all." she shook the thought out of her mind, focusing back at the task, she can't let personal feelings get in the way.

Changing into her nightgown as she lays in bed, trying to get some early sleep as she looks forward for tomorrow... for the mission! Yes. the mission, of course. "It's just a mission, it's just a mission..."

---

With Ichigo

Ichigo steps out of the shower in his night attire, after washing up his clothes he made a mental note to buy new types of underwear. For now, he climbs into bed, 'Hopefully tomorrow will be better, by then Diluc should have info on the whereabouts on the Holy Lyre.' he shut his eyes, getting some rest for tomorrow to face his challenges for tomorrow.

Hours later: 8AM

Ichigo woke up from the sound of the alarm blaring, reaching his hand to hit the snooze button, letting out a tired yawn as he got out of bed. He made his way to the bathroom to freshen up for the day ahead of him.

Paimon sat up in bed with a messy hair, her crown crooked a bit to the side as she adjust it back in place. Her eyes slowly opening to get used to the sunlight shining into the room. "Must Paimon be interrupted from her sleep?"

"You do want breakfast, don't you?" Ichigo asked as he soon began to rinse his teeth, soon finishing it by washing his face. When Ichigo finished his sentenced he felt a breeze past by him as he turned to see Paimon beginning to brush her teeth to prepare for food.

As Paimon gets busy cleaning up he went to check on his clothes, still feeling wet, not having it dry yet. He's in a dilemma right now on what to do for his usual attire, but an idea came up. He gathers a small amount of Anemo in his palm as he uses the wind to dry up his clothes faster, feeling the fabric as his idea is a success. 'Well, this does hold it's benefits other than combat uses.'

With Anastasia

She checks herself in the mirror, brushing her hair as she made sure she is presentable, letting it down, untied. It's not like she's up this early because she couldn't sleep, no, why would she think that? She smiled as she added a bit of foundation to her, 'It's a simple breakfast, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't look good, right?' she kept telling herself that, somewhat in denial.

Doing one final check up and nodded to her look, deciding to go without her mask today, showing off her blue eyes, she exits her room and walking over to Ichigo's. She took a deep breath as she knocks on the door, awaiting for his response. With a bit of waiting standing in front of the door, she heard it being unlocked as Ichigo opens up the door to reveal the substitute Shinigami in his normal attire. "Morning, comrade~ Ready for our breakfast together?~"

"Yeah, I'm ready." Ichigo said with a nod while Paimon stares at the two with an amused look, soon floating past them to head for the food, leaving the two to themselves. "So any reason why you want to grab breakfast together?"

"Can't a pretty woman ask a handsome man out for breakfast? I'm interested in you, I want to get to know you more." Anastasia smiled to him as she took hold of his arm, dragging him with her with a smile on her face, somewhat excited for it.

He's still reluctant, not believing her story entirely, but maybe he cam get some info on the Fatui out of her, see what their organization does. "Maybe if you score lucky, you two can share a bed tonight." the voice of his Hollow commented within his inner world.

'Shut it, I want no inputs from you if it involves girls.' Ichigo countered as they now are grabbing food, filling up their plate as the two sat down on a table. "I got to ask, why did you join the Fatui?" the orange hair substitute asked, starting the conversation off with her as the main topic.

Anastasia leaned into her hand as she rests her elbow on the table, recalling her time when she first joined the Fatui. "Well, I was motivated by our Archon, the Tsaritsa, I joined so aid in her goal and her ambition." she gave him a simple answer with a smile.

Paimon, who is munching down on a pancake larger than she is, eavesdrops on their conversation on a table right behind the female Fatui member, all while keeping an eye on their so called 'date' not date.

"You're from Inazuma, right? Tell me about yourself, why did you leave, and what brings you here?" Anastasia began to ask, remembering her original task.

"Well, I grew up in Inazuma, but after my mom died, me and my dad moved, the place hold too much memory." Ichigo came up with a half lie, but it still held a bit of truth in it. "And as for why I'm here... I'm just traveling, and stumbled upon the crises here with Stormterror." he took a bite of his eggs, explaining to her his version of the story.

"So I take it you're the type of guy that helps people, why not join us, we could use your help." Anastasia asked, taking a bite of her food as she leans in more. "Even better, they could put me as your partner, wouldn't that be nice?~" she cast Ichigo a seductive wink his way.

"She definitely wants you." the voice of Shiro said to Ichigo as the scenario plays out, laughing at the situation the substitute is in right now. "Say yes, she even changed her look up for this date!"

'Shut it! And it's not a date!' Ichigo countered back, holding down his rising blush while keeping his cool, silently taking a deep breath to calm himself down. "I do help others out, yes, but I do it because I want to, if I see trouble, if they can't defend themselves, I want to protect them." he leaned back into his chair, reminiscing the early times when he obtained his powers. Saving Rukia, saving Inoue, and then saving Soul Society in the end, it's by nature at this point.

"How noble, I do like that in a man." her smile increase, finding him more charming by the minute. "Makes you more irresistible, more reason I want you to join me- us." she quickly corrected herself.

"Sorry, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline that offer." Ichigo said with a shake of his head. "I'm sure you have your reasons for joining, but I also have my own, and I follow my heart in believes for what is right." crossing his arms, he stared into her blue eyes with his own, as if he's looking deep into her soul. "I once was saved by a friend of mine, and that friend paid the price, the organization she works for didn't like what she did and took her away, sentencing her to death, so, I ain't gonna be the worse scum ever and ignore it."

"What did you do then?" she asked, holding onto baited breath.

"I stormed into this organization, took down their best fighters, and saved her life, her crimes was dismissed afterwards." Ichigo said as he recalled the grueling fights and training he had to do, but it was worth it in the end.

Anastasia stares at him, an admirable look on her face as her expression soften up, "Your 'believes', huh, I wonder... would my path have been different if I have you to look up to?" she leaned back, looking down at the floor. "I've done so much thing for our Archon, it is questioned to be wrong at times." she crossed her arms, her legs crossed as she remember her times in the Fatui that involved cruel outcome for the poor victims. "I think it's too late for me..."

"It's never too late change, sure you have to own up for what you've done, but if fight for what's right in your heart, then there is a chance for you, I believe that to be." Ichigo finished up his food as he got up to leave, walking past Anastasia as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "I believe in you can make that change on your own."

With that said Ichigo grabs Paimon and left, leaving Anastasia on her own as she stares at the retreating figure of the orange hair substitute. She face back forward, looking down at her hands, going over his words that rang in her head. "I take it your little 'date' didn't go so well?" her thoughts were cut off as one of her co-workers sat in the now empty chair across from her.

"So, anything you got out of him?" the female Fatui member asked for the details.

Anastasia smiled sadly, with a shake of her head slowly. "No, I just learned that he's just a noble guy." this got a confused look from her friend but she didn't have the time to ask as Anastasia got up to leave. "I'm gonna head out now, bye."

She got what she bargained for, but she bit off more than she could chew, leaving Anastasia with her thoughts as she heads back to her room.

---

Mondstadt: at the adventurers guild

With a sigh Ichigo decided to get some extra money on him today as he makes his way to see Katheryne, soon greeting him with a smile. "Ad astra abbyssosque! Good morning, Ichigo!" the raven maid member greeted with a smile as she waved to the two. "Looking forward to another job request today, I see?"

"Hey Katheryne, and yup, Paimon and Ichigo are ready to tackle more jobs, so bring us the Mora!" Paimon said with a confident smile as she place her hands on her hips, ready for another easy job.

"Morning, and yeah, just wanted to earn a bit more so I could pay back to some friends I owe." Ichigo said as he waited for her to hand him his paper on the detail of the job. The extra Mora would be nice, plus there are the times where he needed to pay Amber and Lisa back from their treat of the meal.

"Well, I do have one that specifically requested for you, Ichigo, I'm sure you know who it is." Katheryne soon hands the paper to the orange hair Shinigami as he reads who would ask for him.

With a soft chuckle he reads it to be from Ellin once again, adding a praise in the request as she wants to continue the training. "Alright then, I'll take it," Ichigo accepted it as he began to walk towards the usual training ground, thinking of what should he teach her today. Then an idea came in mind as he made a small detour to 'With Winds Comes Glory' as he greeted the shopkeeper. "Hey, Marjorie."

The owner turned to see Ichigo and greeted him with a smile, happy to see him once again. "Well hey there, Ichigo, not accompanying Lisa today on your little date?" she giggled with a tease to the substitute's displeasure, letting her a soft laugh.

"It wasn't a date, I was helping her carry those overdue books." Ichigo said as he fights off a growing blush to his face, turning away to hide it from the shop owner.

"Oh sure you were." she said sarcastically, letting out another giggle as she soon gets back into business. "So, what can I do for you this fine morning, anything of interest?" she asked the orange hair Shinigami.

"I was wondering if you have a wooden sword and a hat for me." Ichigo asked, to which Marjorie began to recall if she have those in stocks.

She stood and thinks for a moment before a snap of her fingers as she went into her store. "Wait right here, I'll be with you in just a moment."

Ichigo and Paimon looked at each other before waiting like Marjorie requested, soon she exits out with a wooden sword in one hand, and a black fedora with a red lining in the other, both look to be in fine condition as she showed the two items to Ichigo. "Will these do?"

---

Knight of Favonius headquarters: back training ground

Ellin swung down her sword, hitting the wooden target on the spot as it fell over, feeling a bit sore from yesterday's training but looks forward to it nonetheless, excited to see her teacher today as she practice a few more swings as warm up before he gets here. She can actually feel progress being made, and and it motivates her to keep on pushing harder in today's upcoming training.

"We're here." Ellin heard the sound of Ichigo as se turned to him and greeted her teacher with a smile and a wave, soon approaching him after her rounds. "Early up, I see." Ichigo said as he looks towards the knocked down targets.

"Yup, I couldn't really sleep last night, so I just woke up at the crack of dawn." Ellin chuckled slightly as she scratched the back of her head, a bit embarrassed by what she told him as she straighten up. "So, what's in for today's training?" she asked with a hint of excitement in her eyes, feeling giddy in her feet.

Ichigo soon placed the fedora he held in his left hand on his head, soon using his free hand to point at it. "Today's lesson is you're gonna have to knock this hat off my head." he said with a smile as he can see the confused look on her face. "This training is to work on your swordplay more, you're just swinging it right now, it's time you develop your own style."

"Alright then, simple enough." Ellin smirked as she tried for a sneak shot, bringing her wooden sword for a upwards diagonal swing for Ichigo's hat. To her mind she thought it would be an easy target, but her smile disappeared as Ichigo rose his right hand that he kept hidden behind his back, blocking her strike as he holds a wooden sword of his own.

"You didn't think it'll be that easy, did you?" Ichigo brushed her blade away as he steps back and placed Zangetsu against the wall, turning to see Ellin going for a downward strike, only to be blocked again as Ichigo raised his sword above his head. "The second lesson also involves how good you can dodge, you'll fight tougher enemies in the future so you better pay attention good and learn to survive." he pushed Ellin back a few feet as with a swung of his wrist

She skid a few feet back as she regained her footing, soon holding the sword steady as she stood straight. "Got it!" she rushed back in, focusing on her target as she took her swing at Ichigo, all for it to be blocked as he stood in his spot, not budging in inch. Her strikes all either kept being repelled or deflected as she kept on aiming for Ichigo's head, none ever making their marks.

"Your intention are obvious, if your opponent knows where you're aiming for, of course they will focus to defend that spot, think of another approach!" Ichigo said sternly as he goes in for the attack now, using minimum strength as he swung at the speed she can keep up with.

Ellin rose her sword up in time as she felt a boulder's strength in that swing, but she didn't have time to think as another strike comes her way. She didn't have time to raise her hand in time and dodges the swing, narrowly almost hitting her shoulder as she rolled away from her teacher, soon rolling back onto her knees. "Good reflexes, but don't lose sight on your target, I could have struck you during that roll, think if it's safe to go for that action before executing it."

Ellin gave a nod to Ichigo as she side steps around him, approaching closer in a zig zag pattern to confuse him. Soon when she's within range she goes for a thrust, only for her blade to be swatted away as Ichigo aims a blade in a downward thrust to her. She closed her eyes and braced for the strike, but felt a hand chop her head as she opens her eyes to see the orange hair substitute. "Don't ever take your eyes off the enemy, keep them in your sight, or it's over for you." he scolded her with a sigh as Ellin nodded at his advice.

The two face each other off once again, Ellin falling over a few times from Ichigo's strong strikes and her arms feeling sore for blocking those heavy swings at her, her legs aren't doing much better as she are beginning to tire from dodging and charging. "Alright then, take a ten minute break." Ichigo said as Ellin stopped mid swing.

"What? But I can keep going." she protested as she spoke in large pants, only for Ichigo to raise his hand to her with a shake of his head.

"Your body is about to give out, I can tell." Ichigo soon sat don with his legs crossed as he allow her moment to rest, to which her body did as she collapsed on her knees, soon sitting down across from her teacher as she mimics his sitting.

"Ichigo, sir, how did you managed to get so strong?" the brunette asked with a curious look as she catches her breath, leaning to grab a bottle of her water.

"You can drop the 'sir', no need to be formal with me. And to answer your question, it all started when my family was in danger, I tried to safe them, but I was weak at the time, then a friend came to the rescue, I owe her a massive debt, she taught me how to fight, but then, her organization found her and deemed her action of saving us a crime, so... they sentenced her to death." Ichigo relaxed his posture as he looks up in the sky, retelling his story once more to his student.

"What? Why?" Ellin gave a confused look as she leans in, waiting to hear more. "Why was she punished for saving people?"

"Because her organization doesn't allow to be involved with human lives, she's... a spirit." Ichigo twisted the story slightly to make it somewhat believable, with a world like Teyvat that has monsters and multiple gods, this isn't too farfetched. "She helped me and gave me some of her powers, and that was a crime."

Ellin tugged her knees closer to her chest, very much wrapped up in his life story. "Then what happened? Is your friend... dead?"

Ichigo shook his head, soon lowered his gaze back as he stares back at her. "No, I refuse to let it happen, I owe her my life. So, me and a small group of my friends stormed her organization, I fought against many of their strong leaders, all to save her, I didn't give up." Ichigo lets out a deep sigh before continuing. "I fought a dancing bald guy, a fighting obsessed maniac, and a prideful prick of her brother that followed the law over his own family."

Ellin gasped as she placed a hand over mouth, "Her own brother would see her death than to save her?" she said in disbelieve.

"He was too prideful, belongs in a royal family or some shit, he couldn't go against the wishes of his elders but that didn't fly with me, so, I challenged him and beat his ass and shatter their law. In the end, I saved my friend, after I challenged their stupid law and won, and she was pardoned for her crimes." Ichigo finished as she closed his eyes of his first time invading Soul Society.

To say Ellin is awestruck is an understatement, leaving her speechless as she stares at Ichigo with stars in her eyes, her admiration for him increased as she felt inspired even more. "Ten minute break is up, let's continue." her daze is interrupted by Ichigo as he stood up, stretching his arms as he held up his wooden sword. Ellin smiled as she got up too, taking hold of her blade as she stood ready.

Their wooden swords clashed once again, Ellin feeling motivated even more now in her training with a smile on her face, the admiration for her teacher grew and the proud feeling to have him teach her.

---

Hours later: 3PM

The sun now hovers high above in the sky, the shining ray cast down as the now tired Ellin lays down on the ground, sweating heavily as she lets out deep pants, her body and clothes covered in sweat as her limbs lay spread out, unable to move another inch. This felt more tiring than yesterday and she didn't have a hit in on Ichigo once.

Ichigo on the other hand, stood in front of her with a neutral expression as he sees his student on the floor, tired and exhausted, the wooden sword resting over his right shoulder, his free hand in the pockets of his hakama. "Should we call it quits for today?" he asked, haven't broken a sweat yet from the hours of training.

"Yes..." is all Ellin could say, taking in deep breaths as her stomach began to growl, a small blush spread on her face, but feeling too tired to care as she groans in place, turning her face to the to hide her embarrassment.

Ichigo chuckled, soon placing his wooden sword by the wall as he also picks up Ellin's as well. "Alright, let's go get lunch, my treat."

Paimon, who has been napping through out the training, woke up at the mention of food as she flew over to Ichigo as she tugs on his sleeve. "Food? Finally, Paimon is starving!"

Ellin tried to stand up, but finds the action to be difficult to do, struggling to get up from the ground as she groans more. She then sees Ichigo walks over to her, having already retrieved his Zanpakuto, and helps her up, swinging her arm over his shoulder as she lazily stands on right side. His right hand holding onto her hip as his other hand holds onto her own, resting over his neck. "T-thanks..." she stuttered out, looking away with a deeper blush than before, having to be this close to her teacher.

"No problem, you are tired, so come on, I'll take you to Good Hunter." Ichigo said as he and Paimon made their way there, with a tired Ellin taking slow steps.

---

Good Hunter

Sara cleaned up the stained plate, washing off any remains one it as she rinses the soap off, now clean and placed to the rack to be dry. When she finished and seeing she got some free time, she sat down at her chair and resumes reading with a smile on her face, a new book she checked out from Lisa. Flipping through the pages where she placed her book mark, she continued where she left off.

She leans into the book more, the story very much captivated her, heavily invested as she brought a palm up to her lips, biting it gently, waiting for the next lines to be said, she turned the page... and it ended with a cliffhanger. "Oh come on!" Sara threw her hands up in frustration as she tapped her feet.

"Must be a good book if it gets you that invested." Sara froze, hearing a male voice as she stiffly turns her head to see Ichigo, with and amused look, Paimon, with a curious look, and Ellin, staring deadpanned at Sara.

"How long were you standing there...?" Sara tried to compose herself, letting out a small cough as she placed the bookmark back in place as she walks back in front of the counter.

"Long enough for me to get hungrier." Ellin said, feeling tired as she slouch against Ichigo more for support.

"Long enough for us to see you let out an outburst." Ichigo said with a chuckle as he helps Ellin sits down near a table, the swordswoman relaxing against the chair.

Sara's hands covered her face from the increasing blush, trying to calm herself down from the display of embarrassment in public. "Sorry you had to see me like that." she went over to the counter, menus in hand as she tried to regain her composer.

"You don't have to be, if you like a book and can express yourself, be proud of it." Ichigo took a seat across Ellin, placing his Zanpakuto down at the side. "You're passionate about a book, don't be embarrassed about it." he said in an attempt to make Sara feel better.

She passes out the menus as her face began to die down of the blush, taking in deep breaths as she lets Ichigo's words sink in. "Right... You're right...' taking a deep breath she gave the substitute a smile. "Thank you. Now what can I get you all to drink?" she said, going into her work mode.

"No problem. I'll have some water for beverages, and for the food, I'll have a steak, medium." Ichigo said, placing his order as Sara wrote down the order as she looks to the other two.

"Paimon will have the two steaks, medium too! Oh, and a glass of water for Paimon." Paimon said with a cheerful smile as she can't wait to stuff her face with food.

Sara smiled as she turned to Ellin, holding up the menu as she looks over the items. "I guess... I'll join in on Ichigo with the steam, medium, and to drink, I'll have a lemonade." she placed the order as the swordswomen hands the menu back, leaning back into her chair as Sara leaves to make their food. "Who knew today's training would be this hard..."

"Trust me, it was much harder when I did with my teacher, he basically chased me around with a real sword like a maniac until I get a cut on his hat." Ichigo said as he finally took the fedora off and placed it on an empty chair, resting himself as he leans back.

"Really?! That sounds crazy, your teacher sounds harsh..." Ellin said under her breath, if only she knew half of it. She wouldn't survive a day what Ichigo went through, so he's taking it easy and modifying it to human standard so it won't be too hard.

"You wouldn't want to meet him, a real nut job, but... he did teach me the basics and how to fight so he's not all bad." Ichigo closed his eyes, the time Kisuke saved him from the verge of dying, the awakening his Shinigami powers, the ten days of training, and pushing him against the wall so he can learn the name of his Zanpakuto, and most of all, those seventeen months of no powers, feeling powerless, and he came through for him and the other Shinigami in Soul Society. Even if the man annoyed him at times, he's still grateful for what he's done.

"He... is also considered a genius, so truly, I am grateful for what he's done." Ichigo expression softened, his mind going back to his world, and how Kisuke will find a way to get him home.

"Wow, so what are your other teachers like?" Ellin leaned forward, her arm resting on the table, her chin rest on her uplift hands. Her look of curiosity and wanting more stories of Ichigo's journey to become this strong, her eyes glued on him.

Chuckling at her question, Ichigo stared back at Ellin with a smile. "Fine, one more story. There is this other teacher, she... can be a bit much sometimes." he put it simply, without making Yoruichi sounding too weird to the young swordswoman. "She helped me obtain a greater power when I was up against the prideful brother I was about to safe, the friend of mine was about to be executed, so time was against me."

Sara came by with their order as she set down their food, smiling at the mention of Ichigo's story. "Sounds like a story I would be interested to read one day, maybe put it in a book!" the shop owner let out a smile as she stayed by to listen on as well.

"I dunno, I don't think it'll sell to well." Ichigo said unsure of himself, taking a sip of his glass of water.

"I would buy it, and maybe I'll even ask for an autograph~" Sara teased with a smile, letting out a giggle to which Ichigo averted his gaze.

"Anyways, the story?" Ellin interrupted as she took a bite of her steak, all while she has attention on Ichigo, stuffing her face with the piece of cooked meat with anticipation in her eyes.

"Fine. So time was against me, the harsh training kept on without rest, as soon as I obtain that power I didn't have much time to rest, the execution day is in a few minutes, so I made haste and got there, they were about to kill her when I showed up just in time." Ichigo cut his steak as he took a bite, enjoying the lunch he is now having.

"I freed my friend, she is now being escorted by a friend I made along the way that didn't approve of her execution either, so now in came her brother, the rematch. It was a long hard battle between us, blood was shed, cuts were made, but ultimately, I won in the end with a final strike." Ichigo finished his story, continuing eating while Ellin is left star struck with a mouthful of steak. "Ellin, chew your food..."

Ellin, snapping out of her star struck stupor, tried to chew the steak down as she swallowed it down as she took a large sip of her lemonade. "That was amazing, you're amazing! I must know your secret!"

"Hate to break it to you, Ellin, but there is no secret, I just train to be strong so I can protect those who are dear to me." Ichigo took another bite of his steak, wiping away his mouth. "So long as I have those I want to protect behind me, I can keep fighting, don't you have someone you also wanna protect?"

Sara, who is invested into the story took a seat at the side, looks to Ellin as she is now deep in thoughts. "Of course I do, I have my dad who gave me the wooden sword, he supports my dream to be the next Grand Master, and Mondstadt, of course." Ellin said as she held the knife in her hand gently with a small smile. "I truly love this city, and I am thankful for my father for raising me and supporting my dream, that is why I train my ass off to be strong to protect them all."

Ichigo smirked at her resolved, taking another sip of his beverage and gave her a nod of approval. "Good, keep holding onto that motivation."

"After meeting you, I am motivated to be strong like you too, Ichigo." Elling pointed her knife at the substitute Shinigami, a smirk on her features with passion filled in her eyes. After your story, I want to grow even stronger, and one day I'll obtain my vision, one step closer to my dream!"

"Well, I believe you can do it, don't you agree, Ichigo?" Sara got up from her chair as she patted him on the shoulder, "I'll be going back to kitchen duties, later." and so she went back to her kitchen to clean up the pans that was used.

"I will agree on Sara, but until you can pass my test, I'll see your progress blossom." Ichigo finished up his plate of steak, looking over to Paimon who resorted to eating with no utensils and just chew it all.

"Please do, watch over me and help me get stronger." Ellin finished up her food too, soon leaning back with a content smile on her face. "That felt so good, food coma is gonna be a pain later." she let out a small laugh as her stomach now feels full with her body relaxing.

"Will do." Ichigo said, finishing his water and getting up to go pay to Sara, leaving Ellin and Paimon at the table. Taking out his bag of Mora he paid the cook for the meal as she counted the money and nodded. "Thanks for the meal, Sara."

"It's my pleasure, take care." Sara smiled, putting the money away as she resumed cleaning up.

Ichigo got his Zanpakuto as he straps them back in place along his fedora, with Ellin getting out of her chair and Paimon feeling bloated with the meat in her stomach. "You didn't have to pay for me, I could have covered my share."

"It's my treat, plus I am technically using your money since you are paying me." Ichigo countered, making their way to the adventurers guild where Katheryne stood.

"Oh, right." Ellin chuckled as she got to Katheryne and signed the paper for Ichigo, then giving it to the raven haired woman. "Another successful job well done, thanks again Ichigo, bye." she bid farewell to him with a wave and makes her way back home with a skip in her step.

Both Ichigo and Paimon waved good bye to her as she went her merry way, watching her leave while Ichigo sighed, deep inn thought. He wasn't sure if the teaching role was for him, but if what Ellin sees in him made her motivated, then he guess he's doing a good job, a teacher is supposed to inspire their students, after all. "Seems like you really made an impression on her."

Ichigo turned to Katheryne with a smile while she hands him his payment, placing it with the rest of his own in his pockets. "I get that, she has a good head on her shoulders, she'll do great."

"She will be a great knight with your training." Katheryne said with a smile, bowing to the two as Ichigo and Paimon made their leave.

Behind the two they are followed by a large barrel, making it's way slowly to catch up. Ichigo heard the wooden clacking and turned to see it approaching, stopping in his tracks as the barrel collided against his legs. "Can I... help you?"

Venti popped out, revealing his head with a whisper. "Yes, Master Diluc has gathered info on the Holy Lyre, meet us at Anger Share tonight at eleven." the bard spoke in a hushed voice before looking around.

"And you're in a barrel because?" Paimon asked, floating down to get a peek inside but was shut with the lid closing on her.

"To avoid the knights, I'm a suspect." Venti said before leaving, everyone seeing a barrel with legs running by, looking it like it's the weirdest thing they've seen.

The two look at the display, no words was said for a good minute before the silence was broken by a voice behind them. "Hey, young man, over here!" they turned to see a raven haired man with a good amount of facial hair on his chin with a stern look with a body well built, waving them over. "Yes, you, come on over."

"Well we have a bit of time, so Paimon thinks this should be worth our time." the small fairy flew towards the man, with Ichigo having nothing else to do until eleven, he followed Paimon.

Within getting in close to the man, Ichigo can see a furnace, a few swords, and an anvil the mam stood in front of, from the appearance, he guess this man is a blacksmith. "Sorry for calling you out so suddenly, the name's Wagner, and I couldn't help but see a well made sword on you." Wagner indicated as he points to Ichigo's Zanpakuto on his back and waist.

"Oh, well here, careful though, Zangetsu isn't an ordinary blade." Ichigo grabbed the hilt of the larger Zangetsu as the wrappings undid itself, soon handing it over to the blacksmith. The raven haired man held in in both arms, almost falling forward, surprised by the weight despite looking light in appearance. His eyes widen in excitement as he examines the fine handiwork of the blade.

"Zangetsu... Slaying moon, that's some name." Wagner said, having been familiar with Inazuma's culture and their blacksmith work before, inspecting the sharp edges of the blade and seeing not a single chip to it. "I got to say, whoever forged this, he's some kind of genius, I've never seen any blade like this before."

"Well, he does claim himself to be a number one Zan- sword creator." Ichigo quickly corrected himself, almost slipping up on his mistake.

"Then he earned that claim, whoever this guy is, he's a God of sword maker if I ever see one." Wagner let out a hardy laugh as he used some strength to hold onto the handle of Zangetsu, "Interesting that is has no tsuba, but I can dig your style."

No sooner a blond hair man wearing a black shirt underneath with a brown vest returned, seeing his friend Wagner holding Zangetsu. "Woah, did you craft that?" the new arrival asked to which Wagner shook his head.

"Nah, I can't take credit to this beauty, this work is beyond me, Schulz." the blacksmith soon turned to his friend as he held it sideways to let him examine it closely.

Schulz, the blond man place his hand on the flat end of Zangetsu, feeling the smoothness of the steel blade as he cracks a smile and gave it a whistle. "Now that's a sword." he soon turned to Ichigo with an excited look. "How much you selling it for?"

"Zangetsu isn't for sale." Ichigo said with a stern look, crossing his arms over his chest as he means business.

"Haha, I wouldn't sell this either if I was the owner." Wagner handed Zangetsu back to Ichigo, then faced his friend once more. "So, where's the ores?"

"Um... about that..." Schulz nervously avoided Wagner's eyes, trying to explain the lack of minerals in hand. "You see, I was about to get my hands on them but a bunch of Hilichurls spotted me, so I made a run for it, so I couldn't collect the ores like you asked, sorry..."

The raven hair blacksmith sighed, but placed a hand on Schulz's shoulder. "As long as you made it out alive, then it's fine, we'll find another supply."

Overhearing the two's dilemma, Ichigo placed Zangetsu on his back as he called out to the two. "If you want, I can clear them out for you." the substitute said as he offered his assistance.

Wagner weight his options, either put in a request to the adventurers guild and wait longer, or take the help now, as they are running low on supplies, and his orders needs to be done, plus with how well made the sword is, he bets the wielder is as skilled with it. "Alright then, I'll accept your help. I never got your name, kid."

"Call me Ichigo. So, where are the ore deposits located?" Ichigo introduced himself as Schulz walked up, handing the substitute a map of the area.

"Here, this is where we get most of the ores, you can't miss it since it's in an open area, and right now it's being surrounded by Hilichurls." the blond blacksmith explained to Ichigo as best he can.

From what he can see, the deposits is located North-West of Mondstadt, just over the lake near the forest of Wolvendom. Ichigo folded the maps, looking at the two with a nod. "Alright, I'll be back in a bit." with that he makes his way out the front gate with Paimon in tow.

Wagner and Schulz both waved the two farewell, the raven haired man only wishes he went along to witness the sword skill in action, but he has work to be done. "Get the furnace burning, I have no doubt he'll bring us the supplies we need, we gotta prepare for the order soon."

---

Wolvendom

Upon arriving to the location, Ichigo looks around the area, searching for the spot he is instructed to go. It didn't take long as he sees a bunch of Hilichurls setting up camp at the ore deposits. "Looks like this will be a piece of cake." Ichigo reached for his Zanpakuto but was halted by the voice of the Quincy side of Zangetsu.

'Hold it, Ichigo, we can use them as practice for your training.' the voice spoke in Ichigo's head from within his inner world.

'Oh? Well I don't see why not, this is as good time as any.' the substitute agreed as he listens in on the advice.

'First, concentrate on your reiatsu, try to gather it in the palm of your hand and shape it into a bow.' Ichigo did as instructed, holding out is his left hand he begins to gather energy into the palm of his hand, though a bit rough, it somewhat forms into a small blue bow made of reiatsu, but not as large as Uryu's. It's a size that can be considered a toy which isn't that impressive. 'It'll do, now focus and draw the string, form an arrow out of spiritual pressure,'

Using his right hand to pull on the unstable bow, it soon shattered as Ichigo didn't get the chance to even form the arrow yet. "Fucking hell." he cursed under his breath, soon attempting to form the bow again. "Uryu makes this looks so easy..."

"Who?" Paimon asked with a questioned look as to what Ichigo is trying to do.

"Nothing..." Ichigo said as he focuses on the bow again, growing into the small bow again as he pulls on the string, this time holding on longer, forming a shaky arrow. It didn't last for three seconds before it shattered with the bow following suit, "God dammit!" he clenched his fist, soon taking a deep breath.

'It takes time, Ichigo, let it flow naturally.' the voice of Zangetsu said, calming down Ichigo with his words.

"You're right... this is all new to me." the orange hair substitute took a deep breath and focus on the task again, forming the bow again, keeping his spiritual pressure staple, the arrow soon formed in between his index and middle finger. Now he needs to aim and make the shot. Keeping the bow at a head length distance, he aimed the arrow at the nearest Hilichurl, firing it and killing the monster in a clear head shot. "Yes!"

This alerted the rest of the horde, their attention is now on Ichigo as they all rush towards him, a few others stay back to loud up their crossbows. 'Remember, fight with only using a bow.' Kuro reminded Ichigo as the monsters made their way closer.

Ichigo sighed, but he does learn better in the midst of battle so there was no complaint. Paimon flew up and hide in a tree, away from any danger coming to her, looking down to observe the battle below.

Ichigo fired another shot, only grazing the side of the monster's head before he jumped off the hill he stood at, avoiding their tackles. During midair, he aims his shot, trying to focus on a single target. His eyes landed on the archers at the back as they are stationary targets, shooting another arrow only to it in the legs this time, the creature letting out a scream in pain.

It wasn't a kill shot but he will have more time to practice, so he landed in the middle, both sides surrounded by Hilichurls him. Ichigo dodged an arrow that was aimed for his head by side stepping, soon drawing the unstable string and fired off another shot. This shot shattered the bow but the arrow and hit the injured monster in the head before falling over dead.

He stared down at both sides, the group of Hilichurl rushes towards him. Ichigo began to gather reiatsu to materialize the bow once again, with the incoming creature winding up it's club for a swing, and behind Ichigo, another aims it's crossbow for his head.

The archer fired the arrow, flying through the air, while Paimon gasped and covered her eyes, not wanting to see the results to this, but curiosity took over and she peeked through her fingers.

Time slowed down for Ichigo, with the bow formed in his hand. He eyed the incoming Hilichurl as he jumped slightly and twisted his body, avoiding the arrow as it pass by his face, and landed a round house kick to the incoming Hilichurl in the head. While still in mid air, he fired a quick shot to the archer, hitting it in the chest as the monster fell over, soon dying from the shot.

Landing on his feet, he gave the down Hilichurl a stomp to held him in place as he unleased another shot in close range, killing it as well. Ichigo looks around, only five left, the archers are dead, so close quarters combat against his range. All of them grouped up together, soon rushing towards him.

In Ichigo's mind, he thought of an idea as he pulls on the string, adding in Anemo into his shot as the bow and arrow fluctuates unstably, the arrow creating rushing wind as Ichigo fired his shot, only to explode in front of him. A failed attempt as he wave away the dust and dodges the incoming strikes, avoiding every attack while he concentrates on making his bow again.

Ducking down to avoid a swing, he throw a punch to the gut and the Hilichurl clutched it's stomach, kneeling over before being sent backwards by a kick to it's chin by Ichigo. The others charges forward, not giving him time to form his weapon. So for the time being he'll have to use his hands to defend until he find the opportunity create his bow.

Ichigo ducks and another strike and elbows it in the head, sending it rolling over towards the one on the floor as it's trying to get up, forcing it to fall over again as it's comrade fell on top. This gave Ichigo another idea as he rushes at another Hilichurl with Shunpo, sending a quick sweep of his leg into the abdomen of the creature, causing it to join the increasing pile of the others.

The remaining two charges at the substitute before he got the upper hand and launches a jump kick, sending both flying back. Now all are gathered in a single spot as Ichigo quickly forms his bow and adds in the Anemo element into the shot, firing the arrow. This caused the bow to break again but in time for the arrow was shot, traveling across the field in a fast speed, connecting to one of the Hilichurls as the arrow disperse into a void of razor winds, spinning around in enclosed circle and shredding them all to pieces.

Jumping back from the dust kicking up, Ichigo shielded his eyes while the attack died down, soon no trace of monsters left and the ores cut out of their rocks, making his job done in the matter.

Paimon flies down and landed on Ichigo's head, patting him for a good job done. "You did it! Paimon never doubted you for a second!"

"Thanks, now let's get these back." Ichigo went and started to pick up the ores and white iron ores, while Paimon manages to hold about three. The two nodded and made their way back, but behind the bushes peeks out a wolf boy, watching everything that played as he sees the two leaves.

---

Mondstadt: front entrance

Ichigo walked through the main gate as he turned a left, gathering many looks from the citizens at the large pile he is holding. Seeing Wagner still at it with hammering away at the sword he's making. As he made his way close to the blacksmith the raven haired man looks up and smiled, seeing the large amount of pile Ichigo is carrying, surprised by his strength. "Woah-ho-ho, look at that, it's like a mountain of a pile." Wagner said, giving the two a hardy laugh.

"It was a cakewalk, so where do you want these?" Ichigo asked to which Wagner pointed next to the furnace, soon setting it down along with Paimon as he dusted off his hands. "Alright, that should do it." he soon looks to the busy blacksmith, resuming his work as he grabbed a piece of ore. "What do you need these for if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well with the battle with Stormterror, the knights are deployed out in combat everyday, so they ask me to make them more, the longer this goes on, the more casualties they suffer." Wagner said as he began to melt to ore, soon forming the sword of many.

"I see..." this situation made him realize it's greater than it seems, from both perspective a dragon that is now corrupted and the knights suffering of casualties, it truly does opens his eyes to the situation in Mondstadt and that it needs to be resolved soon. "Well I'll leave you to it, good luck."

"Thanks again, I owe ya." the blacksmith bid farewell while Ichigo heads towards to the direction of where they are to meet tonight, seeing as the sun is about to set.

---

Angel share

Charles served up a drink to a customer at the table as he returned to the counter, then hearing the door opened he sees Ichigo and Paimon entered inside, greeting them with a nod. "Welcome, Master Diluc is expecting you, he'll be here shortly." Charles informed the new arrivals as he poured a drink for the substitute Shinigami. "And he said to give you some grape juice while you waited, please be patient on the second floor until he arrives."

"Oh, well thanks." Ichigo got handed the mug while Paimon follows him upstairs, seeing Venti sitting in the far back corner, waiting for them. "I see you're out of your so called 'disguise' now." Ichigo took a seat across from the bard, taking a small sip of his drink before Paimon leans in for some as well.

"Well with me in here, no knights would think of looking for me." Venti let out a sigh, leaning back against the wall with arms folded behind his head.

Hours later: 11PM

As Charles closes up he called out two the remaining guests inside, alerting them the coast is clear. "Everyone left, you can come down now." just then Diluc enters through the back door along with another company with him.

Ichigo sat up and stretched his legs, soon going over the rails and jumps over and landing down on the first floor quickly, he turned to see the owner himself arrived along with someone else he wasn't expecting to see.

"Hello, Ichigo." the acting Grand Master herself, Jean said as she sees him before her.

---

That should be a good stopping point here, I did want to write a bit more but here should be good enough, I wanted to add an extra day long rather than Diluc instant getting Jean involved like the main story. Plus to give the citizens in Mondstadt a bit more interaction and their own story. The this is Genshin used them once and haven't explore much with the characters (unless some are involved in future events at the time of writing this). Like Anastasia, used in the opening scene she was introduced, so it gives me more room to write a story for her. Also giving her the nickname Anna was a small touch on my part.

They should be able to wrap up Dvalin story in the next chapter or in 2 chapters, depending.

And the interactions with Ichigo and the people he hang out with today will have a future impact, trust me, it's called setting up.

Alright, onto with answering the reviews.

Kaleidoscope's Beauty: Kaeya is keeping a close eye on Ichigo with that one, his single good eye. Anastasia never saw it coming haha.

Dxhologram: I had a rough 2 months of recovery back to back and my motivation took a hit for it, but noq I'm back babyyyy TT^TT also got that covered in this chapter, Ichigo learning the Quincy ways now.

carlcj23: FIXED THE TYPO THANK YOU *^* Well small thing abut me is I don't know what time people usually eat lunch, since I work long hours my launch is either 4PM or as late as 7PM, so apologies if that confused you on their eating schedule since I sorta based it off mine. I had dinner as late as midnight. I'll try and fix that in the future chapters. Also sorry with the Lisa bit, I was in a rush before my flight so I had to rush that a little.

AccursedZoo8098: It shall be done, but in my added twist ;)

TheMoonInstinct: Yeah back when I first searched it didn't have any good ones, so I decided. "Might as well do it myself" Also honkai star rail is a future project but not yet, I wanna focus on this first.

Stand Up Be Strong: While I understand your point, do are valid. But that was only a game and made to establish to trust the traveler quickly. A wanna add a dept of realism, a bit if suspicious on why someone without a vision can use the elements. Venti even has a fake vision jus t to blend in. Of course vision holders would see someone visionless use the element and would raise some red flags, but that's just me. Also good to see the positive feedback on bringing Zangetsu back.

Protector for all: The bard gonna drop some lore in a form of a song

To Conquer: You could say, I 'Conquer' your expectations, ey, ey? I'll return to the coffin... Amber does want to know but she is willing to give the benefit of the doubt in trusting Ichigo, she's patient but has her limits, so adding that scene she will find out soon. Yep, by doing that, it keeps them on high alert, showing early signs that Ichigo can be a potential threat to ther plans, meaning the Fatui will be doubling their effort in stopping Ichigo get in the way unlike the early traveler.

I do understand your displeasure on the names, I didn't have time to think since I was in a rush for my flight. Maybe I'll address it in a future chapter where Ichigo will call the old man 'Ossan' again since even I'm not a fan. Plus I feel like I made the mistake of confusing who he should address the two since they are his Zanpakuto spirits and knows who he is referring to. I thought I add it for the readers who won't know but that was a mistake I have uploaded, but I'll fix it.

Gilgamesh50: Fixed. Didn't have a proper time to proof read it since I finished the chapter at 2 in the morning and have a flight to catch. I'll update that chapter as soon as this one goes up.

Invitado: Thank you, I try my best to capture that characteristics of him in the story. I do agree, he is foul-mouthed and sarcastic, he still is, but keep in mind this is him near the end of the blood war, so he has matured a bit, plus he would show more of his true self once he got to know the people closer, then again he has done that to strangers he met first time but I saw that as his teen self, while this Ichigo has matured in some ways.

Yeah, I didn't want him to pour his entire story, just a bit when added changes to make it believable so they don't suspect him.

As for him receiving elemental powers, I understand he si already strong as he is, but I do want to write cool moves for him than just using his Getsuga all the time.

I am well aware genshin characters can be strong as well, I agree they are strong. Though I feel as though Ichigo has the advantage with 'Spiritual pressure' as he has an abundance amount of it, and by the novels he is a candidate to be a soul king and Ichibe was planning to seal him up. Don't get me wrong, genshin characters are strong, it just in Bleach is has shown they can do that and much more. I do respect your point and are valid in it. Sometimes lore does not translate well into gameplay for what is shown versus what is told.

Gracias, hago todo lo posible para capturar esas características de él en la historia. Estoy de acuerdo, es malhablado y sarcástico, todavía lo es, pero ten en cuenta que este es él cerca del final de la guerra de sangre, por lo que ha madurado un poco, además mostraría más de su verdadero yo una vez que lo consiguiera. para conocer a la gente más de cerca, de nuevo lo ha hecho con extraños que conoció por primera vez, pero lo vi como su yo adolescente, mientras que este Ichigo ha madurado de alguna manera.

Sí, no quería que contara toda su historia, solo un poco cuando agregó cambios para hacerla creíble para que no sospecharan de él.

En cuanto a que reciba poderes elementales, entiendo que ya es fuerte como es, pero quiero escribir movimientos geniales para él en lugar de simplemente usar su Getsuga todo el tiempo.

Soy muy consciente de que los personajes de Genshin también pueden ser fuertes, estoy de acuerdo en que lo son. Aunque siento que Ichigo tiene la ventaja con la 'presión espiritual', ya que tiene una gran cantidad de ella, y según las novelas es candidato a ser rey del alma e Ichibe estaba planeando sellarlo. No me malinterpretes, los personajes de Genshin son fuertes, solo que en Bleach se ha demostrado que pueden hacer eso y mucho más. Respeto tu punto y soy válido en él. A veces, la historia no se traduce bien en el juego entre lo que se muestra y lo que se cuenta.

Sorry if I had to do it twice, I had to use google translate for me and us to understand their question and to answer them properly.

808Joker808: I agree with you, yes. Though as I explained in the top answer I gave to Invitado, he has matured a bit but still retains his foul mouth self, he does have that personality about him but I wrote it in a way so it won't cause others trouble since he is in a new land and making people see you as rude might not help your situation if you need help finding a way home. But once he gets familiar with others, he'll cut loose. Don't worry, I'll have plenty of time to showcase Ichigo's side of craving battle, a certain ginger man will give him that extra push.

Alright, answering reviews are done, pretty sure there's no typo, if there are, please let me know ( O_O)

Time to work on the Dvalin mission, hope you enjoy this more 'slice of life' chapter with Ichigo interacting with the citizens

Date of finished writing: 16th April 2024

Update: fixed some typos