'So...' Ichigo began to say before taking out a lighter and a pack of cigarettes, pulling one of them out, and lit it up before smoking it. 'You, your trucks, and...' he looked over at the nearby corpses of Sado's crew. 'Your men here wanted to deliver goods to the nearby city in this area?'
Sado nodded. 'My town is running low on supplies and the boss insisted that I join this crew to protect them' His fists began to shake while taking a glance at his fallen comrades. 'We were expecting nothing more than regular Hollows, but we had no idea that Arrancar where patrolling around here as well
Ichigo then stared at Chad for a moment and shrugged. 'Yeah well...sometimes the old bag bones send in some Números to prowl around the city in case some lone Quincy or Fullbringer decided to take a chance in the Deadlands' He then blew out another wisp of smoke. 'But in your case given your town's reputation...said bone bag properly thought he could take it out by starving itself to death
Chad then remain silent as he took in what Ichigo said. 'I see...well, I will be sure to report that to the boss when I and the rest of us head back' He announced before walking into one of the trucks, much to the black prince's surprise.
'Hey, aren't you going to ask me to help you or something?' Ichigo question. 'Just because I took care of those Arrancar doesn't mean that was all of them patrolling this area and if you keep making trips like this, I won't be able to save your ass this time
Sado then looked at Ichigo and then smiled. 'That is a nice gesture my prince, but I rather you not get involved in my business or worry about me. If anything I will just ask the Xcuation agents in that nearby town for more help'
The orange-haired teen then snorted. 'Getting more people to help isn't going to cut it if they are not strong enough to handle the Números around here' He then blew out another whiff of smoke. 'But...if you pay me enough I might give you a little more help'
Sado then looked at the prince nervously. 'No really, I-' Suddenly Ichigo slammed his right hand on the truck.
'Look...' he said lowly while staring directly into Chad's eyes. 'I don't usually go out of my way to help people like this, especially when I am out on the job, and given you are one of the few people I meet who doesn't act like an entitled bastard to me...I rather not let you get yourself killed on a suicide run
Chad however still looked unsure and Ichigo sighed. 'Okay, how about this. You let me watch over you this one time and I will never bother you about this ever again' he then offered up his right hand. 'Deal?'
Sado then looked at the Prince's hand and, knowing that the teen will not take a no for an answer, took a deep breath before grabbing and shaking Ichigo's hand.
'Deal'
The Prince then smiled 'My name is Ichigo Kurosaki'
The large man then returns the smile. 'And mine is Yasododa Sado...but you can call me Chad'
'That was my first time meeting Ichigo Kurosaki and despite all the stories about the Prince being a proper and renowned warrior and a successor, to Yhwach himself. He often acted crass, rude, and rather dismissive of the people around him Yet he went out of his way to save me regardless.
Eventually when I got back to the boss and told him what happened. He then said that he just made a call to Xcuation anticipating that and now several special agents will be sent out to take care of the Arrancar that surrounded the nearby deadlands. Then as the weeks went by more of the Arrancar disappeared and the hollow attacks lessen and before long my boss's network spread to other shielded towns and cities across the state, while my friendship with Ichigo grew.
But little did I know about the dark secrets that lurked underneath it all.
Three months later in the Desert
'So I take it that you are Ichigo Kurosaki?' Oscar called out to the young teen you then looked at the old man in surprise.
'Uh Yeah...' The Black Prince answered in confusion. 'But shouldn't you be in one of the cities or hiding away gramps?' he questioned. 'Just because there aren't many Hollows in this area now doesn't mean it is no longer dangerous here'
Oscar then smiled and then blew a whiff of his cigar. 'I can more than handle myself lad and besides...I wanted to address you personally where no one else is lookin'
Ichigo then looked over at the senior man and after studying him for a while he slowly then nodded his head. 'Alright, what do you want?'
Oscar then smiled. 'First, I wanted to thank you, for saving my Grandson from those Arrancars all those months ago, I would have done that sooner but you are not exactly an easy person to track'
The Black Prince then smirked. 'Well, I do rather respect my privacy...anything else?'
'Yes and this is rather a request...' Oscar then remains silent momentarily. 'If my grandson Sado, were to finally make it out into the world on his own...would you keep an eye on him, when my days are done?' The elder asked. 'Because I would be greatly reassured if he has someone like you as his friend'
Ichigo then snorted. 'What so that you could use my own connects as a Prince to get you and your Grandson higher perks in life?' he accused harshly, but Oscar just shook his head.
'I just simply wish that you both continue your friendship the same as it has always been, supporting, relying on, and protecting each other in need...after all, with me gone my boy will have no family left
The Teen paused for a moment, looked away in guilt at the accusation, and then back to Oscar. 'I mean...you don't look like you will roll over any time soon, especially how well you are handling yourself out here
Oscar then laughed softly. 'Perhaps...' his voice then lowered, 'But with my current health my time should have come years ago had it not been for the recent advancement of medicine. But soon even that narrowed time will come to an end
Ichigo then looked over at Oscar especially then rubbed the back of his head. 'Look I have no problem still being Chad's friend long after you are gone I would have done that even if you didn't ask me...' he then glared at the old man. 'But somehow I get the feeling that you an't going to kick the bucket by health issues alone'
Oscar then stared at Ichigo and his face became stern. 'You are very perspective zagal, despite your age' His amber eyes then shine beneath his hat with focus and determination. 'Very well, I will tell you the other reason why I am here...'
Meanwhile within the Jackal's Mansion
Within their office of Covandi, a white wasp suddenly landed on the top of his desk while his back was turned, and from its black eyes, two hologram pictures appeared.
One featured an Arrancar woman in a black skirt with silver-padded armor. On top of her head was a ram horn mask that covered her head like a helmet while long green hair flow down from the back of her head and a red marking over her nose. While her zanpakuto lay sheathed by her side and beside her stood a tall slender yet toned man with short black hair, a toothy grin, and wore a black-robed uniform and strapped behind his back, a huge crescent-shaped zanpakuto.
'Neil and Nnoitra...' Covandai greeted before turning around to face them. 'What pleasure do I have to owe this visit?'
Neil narrowed her eyes. 'We laid off the Arrancars on your trade rounds for several months now Covandi...' She explained sternly. 'I hope that has given you enough time to make your preparations'
The Jackal then smiled. 'So long that there aren't anymore...deserters in your ranks, I believe we have nothing to worry about'
'Don't try to shift the blame on us you bastard' Nnorita threaten while grinding his teeth. 'Because it was you who decided to send you men out before we could even have the chance to call the Números off'
Covandi then laughed off the threat. 'Hmm, perhaps. But I also wanted to be sure that isn't any more loose ends on your end than you expect on mine'
Both Nnortria and Neil stared at the man in silence while he took a seat.
'Now then since the nature of our alliance has been made clear, shall we proceed to business?'
