And don't you know that sunshine don't feel right

When you inside all day

I wish it was nice out, but it look like rain

Grey skies are driftin', not livin' forever

They told me it only gets better

The Seireitei's lack of electronics and beds made it difficult for Goten to ever imagine living there, but in the months that followed his departure, he appreciated the time he spent. Reishi-filled air and fair weather brought him peace. The subtle, uniform architecture hadn't changed since he arrived with Vados and Trunks over a year ago.

He glided toward Squad Ten and reminisced on several days he ate until his stomach swelled. The nights comprised conversations and laughs, all mixed with gulps of sake. Everything he yearned to experience once more laid beneath him, but prior circumstances turned the reunion bittersweet.

Once they arrived at the captain's quarters, Toshiro pulled back the sliding door to reveal an all-too familiar interior. "You're not one for change, are you?" Goten said. He entered and sunk into the couch. "You could really use a portrait to hang up on that wall. Even a plant would spruce up this place. You gotta make it your own, man."

Toshiro limped to his desk, but hunched over and rested his forearms on its wood. "This is an office, not a lounge. You, Rangiku, and all of her guests tend to forget that." He gritted his teeth and winced.

"Oh, yeah." From his pocket, Goten pulled out a small, green object, then flicked it to him. "Almost forgot I had this."

The item landed in Toshiro's palm. He narrowed his gaze at it. "A bean?"

"A Senzu bean. It could use a little salt, but it'll fix you up in a few seconds."

Though hesitant at first, Toshiro consumed the bean. With shock across his face, he stood tall and inspected his body. Bruises and wounds disappeared in a moment. Once his energy restored itself to normal, he drew a piece of tissue from the desk and wiped dirt and blood from his face.

"How could you ever lose a battle with an item like this?" Toshiro asked.

"They come in short supply. I could only snag three before I came, and I ate one while I was in the Garganta. I thought…" He shook his head and curled his lips inward. "I was dumb enough to think it would work."

After an exhale through his nose, Toshiro pulled the chair from his desk and sat. "I've looked into it myself, but… I couldn't discover a solution. Even with Kisuke Urahara's vast knowledge, we're just as dumbfounded as you are."

"When did you find out?"

"A few hours after you left. Captain Unohana told me the results once she finished her analysis of your blood sample. As far as I'm aware, Rangiku, Yoruichi, and Urahara are the only other people that know."

"Going off of Ichigo's reaction to my arrival, it's safe to say Trunks told him, too. Just another person who knows I'm useless."

"Don't say that about yourself. You know it's not true."

"Oh, it's not? I mean, I can't help you guys anymore. Even if I wanted to go all-out and throw my life away, I'd probably last a minute before my body craps out. All I'm good for now is moral support, and that's… That is a very sobering thought. I can feel all the power in my body, and yet, I have to keep it locked away forever. Everyone expects me to be satisfied with going to school, getting a job, and being the neighborhood hero. Those are things I wanna do, but I know I was meant for more. And I never realized I wanted that until I came here, trained with you, and held my Bankai for the first time. But it's all over."

A harsh silence filled the room. Toshiro folded his hands on his desk and leaned forward. "There are only a select number of people with the potential to gain exceptional power. Though I don't like to listen to them, several have told me I am one of those people. However, it is a true rarity when an individual can pair that extraordinary potential with keen battle instincts. Undoubtedly, you were born with both. Your ability to learn and adapt is like none I've ever seen."

"No need to exaggerate to make me feel better. It's not like it matters, anyway."

"Why do you think the Head Captain thought so highly of you? Besides Ichigo, you obtained your Bankai faster than anyone else in history."

"I had a great teacher. What's your point?"

"You're not useless just because you're unable to fight anymore. You possess knowledge that anyone would kill for. I have so much I can still learn from you. That's why I… I wanted to ask if you'd make me your student."

Goten raised his eyebrows. "Y-You wanna be my student? Did I hear that correctly?"

"Yes. Even after training with Ichigo, I'm not satisfied with my progress. The way I am now, I'm not confident that I can protect what I need to. You're the only person I can trust to guide me to that next level. So please, I-"

"Hold it right there. Don't say anything else." Goten rose to his feet, then strolled to the desk. He laid his palms on the smoothed grains and leaned in, which prompted Toshiro to draw his head back. "The answer is no."

"What? Why not?"

"You're a captain of Thirteen Court Guard Squads, you're someone I look up to, and more importantly, you're my friend. Why the hell would you be my student? Have a little pride!"

"Pride?!" Toshiro sprung to Goten's face. "You're not even thirty seconds removed from sulking and you're telling me about pride?!"

"Sulking?! I can't use my energy anymore and you tell me I'm sulking just because I said no to you?"

"I wanted to offer something that would be beneficial for both of us. Obviously, I would be the one receiving training, but it would help you maintain some of your fighting senses in case we figure out a way to reverse your condition. Since that's not what you want, I won't trouble you about it any-"

"I don't think you understand why I said no." Toshiro furrowed his eyebrows at Goten's softened expression. "I told you I won't take you as my student. If you wanna be under someone's wing, go down to Muken with Master Genryusai again."

"You have to stop calling him that."

"Why? He seemed okay with it."

"Maybe not outwardly, but you shouldn't push the envelope with him. Anyway, as helpful as his training was, I don't want to always feel like I could turn to ashes at any moment."

"Understandable. I guess it wouldn't hurt to teach you more of my moves. It'd be nice if you learned the Kaioken, Solar Flare, and Instant Transmission, too, if I ever get around to mastering it. If we keep our dynamic the same, I wouldn't mind."

"I see. So, would you agree to supervise my training as a friend instead of a master?"

"Only on one condition. Actually, two conditions."

Toshiro sighed. "Would one of them be a meal?"

"Of course. I'm a simple man with simple needs."

"And what would your other request be?"

"Well… I wanna go out and mingle."

"Mingle? What do you mean by that?"

"I wanna hang out at the popular spots in the Seireitei and meet some lovely Soul Reaper ladies. Now that the world isn't in danger, it's time we kick back and live a little."

"You have an uncanny ability to switch your mindset at the drop of a hat. In one moment, you're having an existential crisis; in the next, you're planning to make advances on women."

Goten chuckled. "Gotta take my mind off of the negatives somehow."

Toshiro shook his head, then sank back into his chair. "I'll have to defer to Rangiku on that matter. She's more knowledgeable about those things than I am."

"Speaking of Rangiku, where is-"

"Goten!" The door flung open, and Rangiku burst through to wrap Goten in a tight embrace. "It's been so long! We all missed you."

Goten squeaked a chuckle while her arms constricted his ribs. "I missed you guys, too, but it's only been seven months. That should be nothing to Soul Reapers."

"But it feels like forever since you left. It's so boring around here." She released him, then stepped back with her hands placed on his shoulders. The excitement in her eyes gave way to a look of concern. "How are things? Are you alright?"

With his lips upturned into a faint smile, he bobbed his head up and down. "Yeah. Just trying to live my best life."

Toshiro cleared his throat. "You barged in at the perfect time, Rangiku. Goten was just explaining how much he wanted to socialize."

Her face lit up with glee. "If you're looking for a good time, then I'm your gal. How about we talk about it over a few drinks?"

"Great minds think alike," Goten said.

"You don't want to check on Trunks?" Toshiro asked.

"Eh, he's in good hands. Now let's whip out the good sake."

"Hm, I don't think I have any sake left," Rangiku said. "Actually, the only thing I have left is… tequila."

"That's good, too. I'll get the shot glasses."

Goten moved toward the kitchenette in the back of the room, but Rangiku's locked arms forced him to observe her bewildered stare and parted lips. "You…You want tequila? Did you hit your head or something?"

"Toshiro knocked me unconscious, but I feel fine. Is something wrong?"

"You told me that if you ever asked for tequila, I should stuff Haineko down your throat and skewer your insides."

"Ah, but that was in the past. You're looking at a new Goten, and this Goten feels like facing his fears. So how about we catch up over a couple shots and plan ourselves a night out?"

Toshiro's face plummeted into his palms. "Another late night of dragging two limp bodies. Oh, how I love my duties as a captain."

A light massage on his sternum brought Trunks back to consciousness. With his eyes still closed, a pair of voices spoke around him.

"His food's gonna get cold. Why can't I just beat him awake?"

"He expended a great deal of energy yesterday. Give him another 30 minutes before you try anything forceful."

"Ah, come on. After a nice golf swing from my bat, he'll be-"

"I'm up!" Trunks said. He opened his eyes to a flat wood ceiling supported by narrow beams. Spiked red hair protruded from his peripheral vision. "Didn't someone teach you that violence isn't the answer to everything?"

"Yeah," Jinta said. "But it sure as hell is the answer most of the time."

"Kisuke failed you as a parent."

"Welcome back." Trunks lowered his eyes onto the sheets that bound him. The sensations he felt before stemmed from Yoruichi's feline paws readjusting themselves. She sat back and continued in her deep tone of voice. "How do you feel?"

"Besides a slight headache, I can't complain."

"Is it safe to assume you conquered your inner Hollow?"

"I think so. I had uninterrupted sleep for the first time in half a year, so that's a good sign."

"Glad to hear it. Jinta, would you mind giving us some privacy? Trunks and I need to discuss something alone."

Jinta sighed, then stood to leave. "Whatever."

Before he pulled the door open, Trunks wiggled his half-naked body out from under his comforter and sat up. "Hey, I still owe you some BP."

"Don't need it. You're talking to the reigning league MVP."

"Even an MVP can strike out, and if I'm remembering correctly, you couldn't hit my slowest curveball."

"That sounds like a challenge, and Jinta Hanakari backs down from no challenge. Plus, I promised you a ball between your eyes months ago. What kinda man would I be if I went back on my word?"

"Give me till tomorrow. We'll see how legit that MVP title of yours is."

"You sure you're not gonna run off again?"

"Nah. I'm sorry about that. I should've told-"

Jinta pulled the door back. "As long as you're in your right mind, it doesn't matter. Don't keep me waiting too long this time."

Once Jinta stepped out and shut the door, Yoruichi hopped from Trunks' lap onto the tatami mats. "He asked Kisuke every day when you'd be back."

Trunks turned his gaze toward her. "Missed that little menace. I've gotta catch up with a lot of people…" He huffed out a sigh. "And I guess I should start with you and a long overdue apology. I should've never snapped at you like that."

"I'm the one who should be sorry. Had I taken you at your word, things wouldn't have gotten out of hand. My anger should've never blinded my judgment."

"You and I both. Thanks for helping fight my Hollow, by the way. I hope you didn't get too injured."

"Luckily, I only ended up with broken ribs and a few torn ligaments in my knee. It was simple for Tessai to heal. No matter, the person who deserves your gratitude is Soi Fon."

His eyes sank along with the corners of his mouth. "I'm sure. Ichigo said she showed up and fought hard."

"That's not all. After Captain Ukitake deciphered that you Hollowfied, he allowed her to choose whether or not we should help you. I think you can figure out what she did."

"I don't get it. Why would she go through all of that trouble? After everything, it still seems like she doesn't want to be around me."

"Emotions are complicated, Trunks, and it becomes more complicated when a person has never little to no experience dealing with them."

"Because she's lived the life of an assassin, right?"

"It goes deeper than that. I think it's necessary that you know about her upbringing if you truly want to understand her."

"So that's why you wanted to speak in private."

Yoruichi nodded. "I won't bother you with this if you're not interested."

"Of course I'm interested. Can you start from the beginning?"

"Her clan is of lower status in the Soul Society. They serve the Shihoin family and make a living as executioners and assassins."

He furrowed his brows. "Serve? How can you make them serve you?"

"It's for monetary purposes. We compensate them in exchange for their strength and skills. The other noble houses are much more hesitant to employ them consistently."

"They depend on the Shihoins because they can't make it on their own… And you were okay with that?"

"There's no room for upward mobility, so they're pigeonholed into one craft. It's a product of the world more than my personal wishes. The clan teaches its members the strict way of the assassin from birth, and any member who fails the entrance exam to the Punishment Force faces exile. There was no time for her to develop any sort of emotional intelligence. In fact, the deaths that surrounded her only dulled her feelings. Of her immediate family, she's lost her grandmother, both of her parents, and her five older brothers."

Trunks winced, but held his tongue about her brothers' fate. "I'm guessing you two met after she entered the Stealth Force."

"I noticed her potential and took her as one of my personal bodyguards. She was shy and reserved at first, but she became more outspoken with time. Sometimes she was annoying, but I was proud of her. She was like a little sister to me, and that's what made it harder to leave."

"You're talking about when you escaped with Kisuke and Tessai?"

"Yes, I didn't even have time to leave her so much as a note. In the chaos of our departure, she had to step in and fill the roles I left: captain of Squad Two and commander-in-chief of the Stealth Force. Once her grandmother died, she also had to become the head of her clan. Even when I returned, I couldn't make up for the years apart and the burdens she's held. Her lack of interpersonal skills always made it hard for her to connect with people. She masks it with a cold exterior, to the point where I don't believe she realizes how much it affects her."

"So you were her first friend… and her only friend."

"I was… until you fell from the sky. Despite your stuttering and awkwardness, you made an impression on her, a deep impression at that. She was eager to spend time with you; imagine how it crushed her when things went awry. It was something she suffered through for the past seven months. Your absence didn't help the situation, either."

"I thought she never wanted to see my face again, and that it'd be better if I left. I thought it would help her move on from what happened."

"While I acknowledge she said a fair share of cruel comments, it would've helped if you stayed and let her calm down."

"But… how do you know her response would've changed?"

"Kisuke told me she came here the next day to find you, probably to apologize." Trunks' eyes grew. "I understand your actions were led by guilt and shame, but you fled from the person who needed you the most. Inadvertently, you chose your sanity over hers."

He held no rebuttal. In his solitude, Trunks only grasped her physical pain. He never imagined that he'd place her through more distress than his inner Hollow did. A slight burn persisted in his eyes, followed by welling tears.

Yoruichi tapped at his leg with her paw. "No, no. None of that. No more doom and gloom from either of you. It's time for you to talk to her."

"You think she'll wanna see me?" He sniffled, then wiped his eyes. "The other day, she left before I could say anything to her."

"I'm not sure what her feelings are toward you anymore. We haven't talked at length in a while, but I'd venture to say that she left out of guilt. It's probably a situation where she's cutting off her nose to spite her face, something I'm sure you can understand. However, feelings come and go. You'll have to find out if she still has a romantic interest in you, but your priority should be to start a dialogue."

"I will. I think I'll head out soon."

"That sounds good, but tend to yourself first. Eat your food, then address your hygiene. You smell absolutely putrid, and you need to do something about that facial hair. Oh, and Goten came this morning and dropped off some clothes for you in the corner."

He looked past to see what his friend had left him. When he spotted the yellow boots and denim jacket of his future counterpart, his stomach churned. Trunks buried them in the closet of his room at Capsule Corporation to avoid any reminders of his defeat. Against his wishes, Goten went to his home and dug them up, most likely as a sign that it was time to move on. He exhaled, but gave a slight nod.

"Alright, I think I've lectured you enough," Yoruichi said. She stood on all fours and strolled to the door. "I'll let you have your space."

"Thank you for this. I didn't know how much I needed this, but… It really put everything into perspective."

"It's nothing, really. The two of you deserve happiness, and you both seem to make each other happy. I'd hate to see it ruined before it even started." Yoruichi stood in front of the door, but came short of prying it open. "I suppose there is one more thing I should ask. I'm sure you know she can be… intense."

"Very aware, but that never scared me away."

"That's fine, but it also applies to her attachment style. She's prone to latch onto someone she's formed a close relationship with. It might overwhelm you, so if you decide to go down that road, you'll need to be patient and gentle. Again, nothing is set in stone, but is that something you're prepared for?"

"Without a doubt. I'll do whatever it takes… as long as she'll hear me out."

"The longer you wait, the less willing she'll be." Yoruichi exited and left Trunks alone. His eyes wandered to the tray of food beside him. Though it looked appetizing, his own apprehension filled him enough. With a sigh, he combed his fingers through his hair, then traveled to the bathroom.

After the laborious process of cleaning every neglected area of his body, Trunks returned to his room and slipped into his clothes. Once he stepped into the alienated shop, his gaze lifted to a clock on the wall. At 5:30 p.m, he hoped she'd be available. He took a deep inhale, then walked outside. His sword appeared clipped to his back, but his hand stopped short of drawing it forth. Instead, he elected to sit on the edge of the porch with a sunken head.

Orange rays pierced down from above, yet their glisten seemed as subdued as it had in the weeks and months before. He expected his Hollow's suppression to leave him with clarity, or at least a bit more confidence. Although the distressing voice disappeared, the only trait he gained was awareness. Through his conversation with Yoruichi, he realized how much his desire for solitude affected those around him. His selfishness weighed on his conscience, but his heart broke for Soi Fon.

How could he reconcile his own actions and stand in her presence? How could he ask for her forgiveness? After all the mistakes he made, was it right for him to want a second chance?

"You gonna keep moping, or are you gonna get off your ass and open the Senkaimon?" A shadow eclipsed Trunks and prompted him to lift his eyes. Adorned in his shihakusho, Ichigo stood before him with a smile stretched across his face. The sun overhead illuminated his bright hair.

"It's a force of habit these days," Trunks said. "How'd you know I was going?"

"A little black cat crossed my path and told me. I figured I'd come for moral support this time around."

Trunks rolled his eyes. "Gonna need all the support I can get." He curled lips inward, then rubbed his palms back and forth. "Have you… Have you ever hurt someone you cared about?"

Ichigo nodded. "When I Hollowfied against Ulquiorra, I stabbed Uryu in his stomach. I'll always regret what happened, but he never held it against me. I think she'll do the same for you."

"But it's not what I deserve. When she needed me the most, I left. It's despicable, and I wish I could take it all back."

"You're spilling your guts to the wrong person. It's time you get up and change that."

The corners of Trunks' mouth formed a slight grin. "Right." He stood, then drew his sword to open the Senkaimon. Once the gate parted, he sheathed his Zanpakuto and faced Ichigo. "I'm sorry. I left without saying a word and… I missed your graduation."

"As long as you don't miss the next one, it's fine. We'll make up for it when you finish your business."

A short trip through the Dangai led the duo into the Soul Society, where they floated high above every structure in the Seireitei. Even after he experienced the enveloping presence of Reishi once again, it failed to soothe Trunks. The sight of Sokyoku Hill's crater perturbed him, and once Soi Fon's energy signal brushed past his senses, a slow wave of anxiety washed over him. Still, he maintained a collected demeanor.

"You want me to come with you?" Ichigo asked.

Trunks let out a sigh. "It's probably best if I do this alone."

"Alright, I'll go see if Rukia recovered in the meantime. Good luck."

"Thanks. Tell her I'll visit soon."

After a quick nod, Ichigo glided down in search of the Squad Four barracks. Trunks took an additional moment to collect his thoughts before he descended onto an empty street. The gates to Squad Two laid at the edge of his vision. Instead of stepping toward them, he rested his back against a stone wall.

Word had probably spread across the squad, which meant he wouldn't receive a warm welcome if he approached. He could fly over the gate, but how would he explain the intrusion? He had to do something, but a misstep could place him at a greater disadvantage than he already was.

Trunks bounced his head against the Sekkiseki stone. "Why is everything so fucking hard?"

"Why the long face?"

"Huh?" He shot his gaze down to a girl with pink hair who couldn't be any taller than his hip. Once he spotted the lieutenant's badge on her arm, he stepped away from the wall to face her. "Oh, i-it's nothing, really. Sorry if I was standing in your way."

"Hey, aren't you the guy that hurt Captain Soi Fon?"

"Uh, well… yeah, but-"

"And aren't her barracks down there?" The lieutenant took a dramatic inhale, then pouted. "You aren't gonna go after her again, are ya?!"

"No, no, of course not! I-I was just coming to apologize for that."

"And you came empty-handed? Where's the flowers and snacks?"

"Well, I figured it would be more genuine if I came without a gift. If she'll let me visit again, I'll definitely bring her something and maybe… take her out somewhere."

Her eyes widened as she drew another sharp breath. "Take her out?! You mean a date?!"

"Uh… Ideally, but-"

"Aw, how adorable! Wait, then why did you hurt her before?"

"I lost control of my power. It's my fault, and now I'm here to apologize."

"Well, how are you gonna apologize from all the way over here?"

"I… Good point. I was trying to figure out how I should approach this."

The girl crossed her arms and lowered her head. "Hm, if ya wanna woo her, you'll have to do something huge to make up for the really, really bad thing you did. Something way bigger than snacks." With her eyes widened and a smile spread across her face, she shot her gaze back to Trunks. "I have the perfect idea. It's gonna blow her mind."

"Hang on, I don't know if-" She disappeared without a trace. Goten once told him that a pink-haired girl was second-in-command to Kenpachi Zaraki. He considered himself lucky that he chose his words carefully. But what did she have in mind? Hopefully, it would be harmless.

He leaned against the wall, and for a few minutes, he wondered if he should track down the lieutenant or proceed with his original plan.

"Attention all Soul Reapers. Please report to the stadium near the Squad One barracks immediately. I repeat, report to the Squad One barracks immediately."

Was there a new enemy? If a threat existed, why would every Soul Reaper meet at a stadium? He sensed Ichigo and Goten in the same vicinity. Regardless of the announcement's nature, it wouldn't hurt to check it out.

A short flight led him high above a large circular arena. Thousands of bodies already packed the stands, and hundreds more walked through the entrance to fill the empty seats. A square ring, identical to the one at the World Martial Arts Tournament, occupied the center. After a few moments, his eyes spotted Goten, who stood next to Ichigo and Rukia. He made a swift descent to the ground.

"Check us out, Trunks," Ichigo said. "We scored ringside seats."

"Ringside seats to what?" Trunks asked. "What's going on?"

"No one knows," Rukia said. "We're all waiting for an explanation."

Trunks noticed her arms wrapped in bandages. "Rukia… how are you feeling?"

"Sore, but I've felt worse."

"I'm sorry I put you through that."

"It wasn't you, so you have nothing to be sorry for."

"You probably should get in that ring," Goten said with droopy eyelids. "Someone in charge came looking for you."

"Me?" Trunks asked. "You're sure?"

Goten nodded. "Mhm, and it seemed urgent."

"I feel like something bad's about to happen, but… guess I'll go find out. By the way, you look a little tired. Had too much fun last night?"

"I actually matched Rangiku's energy this time. I don't remember that much, but I'd definitely do it again. Plus, the Seireitei sells these little shots of… I don't know what, but it took my hangover away in a minute." He let out a yawn. "Still could use a nap, though."

"Did you take it before you saw my mom and dug up these clothes?"

"Sure did, and I must say, you are looking sharp. I'm sure Soi Fon didn't mind seeing you in them."

"I didn't even see her. I got interrupted by that loud-"

A voice boomed through the overhead speakers. "Trunks Briefs, please report to the ring."

Trunks sighed. "Guess that's my cue. Pray for me."

"To who?" Goten asked. "The Soul King?"

"Uh… I guess. Maybe he'll listen and save me from embarrassment."

He walked toward the ring, but stopped when someone called out his name from afar. He twisted around to find Yoruichi in the middle row, transformed from her feline state and waving in a grandiose manner. Next to her stood Soi Fon. He locked eyes with her for less than a second before she turned her head away. Though their brief encounter only pushed him further into uneasiness, Trunks returned a small wave to Yoruichi, then continued to his destination.

Seven Soul Reapers of lieutenant class and lower gathered near the center of the ring. Once he hopped onto the tiles, Trunks jogged toward a familiar face.

"Shuhei!" he said. "Please tell me you know what's going on."

"Not a clue," Hisagi said. "Hopefully, it's not a battle royale. I'd hate to go against you."

"Then I'll gladly pummel that punk's nose in myself." Trunks looked past Shuhei only to spot the scar-faced man who spat on him. A scowl crossed Karasu's face as he stepped within an inch of Trunks. "I've been waiting to see your sorry ass again."

Trunks returned a glare. "I really don't wanna make a scene this time around, so I'd advise you to take a few steps back."

"You gonna make me or something?"

"If I do, it's gonna land you in a dental chair. Speaking of which, I heard you lost a few bottom teeth, but it looks like you got some decent implants."

"Your friend over there got me good, but I still plan to rearrange your face. I'll never forgive what you did to Captain Soi Fon."

Shuhei put his hand between them. "That's enough. There's no reason to start a fight, especially not with all the captains present."

"With all due respect, Lieutenant, I've had all the reasons I needed for a while now. The sight of his face makes me ill."

Trunks couldn't help but grin. "Let him go, Shuhei. Obviously, he's got a kink for pain and public humiliation, so why don't we just-"

Another voice rang out from the speakers. "Hi, everybody! Thanks for coming on such short notice!"

In an instant, Trunks recognized the voice. It came from the girl he spoke with minutes ago.

"Lieutenant Kusajishi?" Shuhei asked. "Is she responsible for this?"

The girl appeared before the group and faced the crowd with a microphone in her hand. "Welcome to the first ever Seireitei Tournament of Love, sponsored by the Soul Reaper Women's Association!"

Trunks' eyes widened. "Oh… Oh no."

"I'm the lieutenant of Squad Eleven, Yachiru Kusajishi, and I'll be your host. All the contestants in this ring will compete against each other in a series of games, and the winner will win a romantic date with one member of the Women's Association. This year, that member will be… Captain Soi Fon! Isn't that exciting?!"

Amidst the mutters of confusion around the arena, Trunks experienced a sensation akin to a thousand spiders crawling around his body. He lifted his view to his friends, only to find their mouths gaped open. He then looked to Soi Fon, whose flushed and mortified face prevented any retort from escaping. Yoruichi seized the moment to nudge and tease her.

With his head lowered and hands clasped to the sides of his skull, Trunks muttered to himself, "This is a simulation. I am inside the simulation of a sick, twisted individual."

"A stage to embarrass this clown, and a chance to spend intimate time with the captain?" Karasu said while he rubbed his chin. "A man can't get any luckier than that."

While Trunks remained in denial, Shuhei leaned forward to Yachiru and whispered in her ear. "Lieutenant, no disrespect to the captain, but I'm not sure there are too many of us here that'll compete to the fullest for a date with her."

"Oh yeah, I forgot! The winner also gets seven million yen to spend in the World of the Living." Every soul in the stadium, bar Trunks, gasped in awe.

"Se-Seven million?!" Shuhei stumbled back, unable to stop his trembling lips. "I could buy a motorcycle with that money. I could get a new guitar. There'd even be enough left to buy new equipment for the radio show. I have to win this."

"Now that I have everyone's attention, allow me to introduce our contestants!" Yachiru pulled out a pair of cue cards and read. "Third seat of Squad Two, Daichi Karasu; lieutenant of Squad Three, Izuru Kira; seventh seat of Squad Four, Hanataro Yamada; lieutenant of Squad Seven, Tetsuzaemon Iba; lieutenant of Squad Nine, Shuhei Hisagi; third seat of Squad Eleven, Chrome Dome-"

"That is not my name!" a man called out. "At least respect me in front of all these people!"

"Fine, fine. Third seat of Squad Eleven, Ikkaku Madarame; fifth seat of Squad Eleven, Yumichika Ayesagawa; and last, but not least, an unofficial Substitute Soul Reaper and the guy who created the idea for this whole contest, Trunks Briefs!"

"What?!" Trunks said. After the array of cheers that sprung for each of the previous contestants, a roar of disapproval exploded, followed by a well-coordinated chant of "Fuck that guy." The commotion prompted a chuckle out of Karasu. Trunks grunted, but bore it and kept his attention on Yachiru. "You know I didn't set any of this up. This was all your idea. I don't even understand how you put this together so-"

Out of the thousands in attendance, he felt the weight of a particular glare. He lifted his eyes once more to Soi Fon's clenched teeth and balled fists. Had he stood closer, he might've noticed veins throb from her neck.

Trunks threw his hands in the air and tried to project his voice amongst the persistent booing. "I didn't do anything! You have to believe me!"

From afar, he read her lips. "You are a dead man."

"Goddammit!" He turned back to Yachiru. "There's no way in hell I'm doing this!"

Yachiru whirled around. "Huh? Why not?"

"It's misogynistic, degrading, and just wrong. You can't just auction people off to the winner of a competition. I refuse to be a part of this, and I encourage all the other men in this ring to follow me and walk out. Who's with me?!"

The other competitors responded to his speech with silence. Shuhei, however, placed a hand on Trunk's shoulder. "Sorry, but a chance at seven million yen is too good of an opportunity to pass on. I'll finally be able to fund a motorcycle and travel across the Rukon district for my journalism work."

"Motherf-" Trunks took a deep breath to compose himself. "I can score you a motorcycle that floats in mid-fucking-air. You don't have to-"

"Trunks!" Ichigo yelled from the front row. "I need that money! You have to win!"

"Shut up! Nobody asked you!"

"Well, I guess you can leave," Yachiru said. With a closed-eye smile, she extended a hand. "But first, you'll have to give me your Zanpakuto."

Trunks furrowed his brows. "M-my Zanpakuto? Why would you need that?"

"Well, that's why you should let me explain the rules first, silly. For everyone else, this is just a normal contest, but since you're the star of the show, it's a little special. If ya don't come in at least third place, you'll have to hand over your Zanpakuto so we can destroy it."

"Destroy it?! No… this has gotta be a joke. Who the hell would allow something like that over a contest?"

"The Head Captain did, of course."

The air from his lungs disappeared. His friends' eyes widened with shock. For a moment, he glanced above to Yoruichi and Soi Fon, who both appeared to share his sentiment. However, Trunks' attention led him to turn his head to the side. Perched in the top row of the bleachers, Head Captain Yamamoto met his gaze with a cold, piercing stare of disdain. This was no longer a random act, but an organized and targeted effort against him. Yachiru Kusajishi's innocent smile shrouded her devious intentions.

"You can't do this!" Ichigo yelled out to Yamamoto. "None of this is fair-"

Rukia yanked on his sleeve. "Face forward and don't say another word."

Ichigo gasped. "We're just gonna sit here and watch this happen?! This is insanity!"

"We have to," Goten said with his arms folded. "Master Genryusai doesn't look like he's in the mood to change his mind. Say anything else and his spiritual pressure might fold you like an omelet."

"But… Why would he do this?"

"Soi Fon might've let him go, but I'm sure the Head Captain still feels resentment. It's not fair, but this is just another price Trunks has to pay."

"So, are ya gonna play or not?" Yachiru asked Trunks.

Trunks returned his eyes to her. "You didn't really leave me with a choice."

She wagged her finger at him. "Nah, uh. You can still walk out if ya wanna."

"I'm not losing my Zanpakuto, so I guess I'll play along."

"Awesome! Now I can explain the rules." She spun around to the crowd. "All of our contestants will compete in eight games to prove that they are worthy of a date with the lovely Captain Soi Fon. Contestants will earn a score of one through eight based on how they place in each game. At the end of the first five games, the five contestants with the lowest score will be eliminated, leaving the top three competitors to face off in the final three games. With that outta the way, let's begin our first game: Soul Society Trivia!"

The game hadn't started, yet Trunks already condemned himself to last place. Before he had the chance to right his wrongs, fate dragged him down a strange and treacherous path. He could only speculate that his misfortune stemmed from two possibilities: either he lived in a simulation, or the Soul King was active and found joy in watching him suffer.

A/N: Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope you've all been well during my absence. I'm sorry for the four-month delay, but this one just took a while to get through. It's quite a change of pace, but I think it'll balance out the despair from earlier.

Gonna keep this short. Just wanna say thank you for reading, and hopefully I will be a little faster with the next chapter. We shall call it "House of Jealous Lovers". Until then, have a great day!

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