[Chapter three, here we are. After a few weeks away, we return. And with this chapter, we finally introduce a few certain characters we all like. I mean, who couldn't like 'these' characters? Well, depending on if you asked the reader, you may get a different answer than most...]
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[3rd Person POV]

--A Few Days After Previous Chapter--

Ah, the night sky. It's a beautiful time of the day. But what surprised (Y/n) was just how many people missed out on it in the world of the living. You see, nighttime is when many Hollows tend to become active, which means for a Soul Reaper currently on duty in this world of worlds, it was his job to take care of them. That meant many long hours at night spent jumping from rooftop to rooftop above and walking from street to street below. The time normally went by agonizingly slow for (Y/n), who'd much rather be back at home with a beautiful bombshell. It's funny, really, just imagining the fact that he had a house with someone like Yoruichi seemed so far-fetched when you think about it from the terms of someone living in Soul Society. 

But ever since the pair had been in the world of the living, where they were forced to make the empty house across from a certain orange-haired boy their own for the time being, the idea of being in the same home as someone like Yoruichi came all that more clearer for (Y/n). And so far, it was great. Though, with his role as a Soul Reaper, he didn't spend all that much time at night savouring the warm embrace of his dearly beloved partner. Now, (Y/n) could have asked Yoruichi to join him on his patrols, which he did, constantly. But...Yoruichi didn't want to, and she had no problem telling (Y/n) that. That's the type of relationship the pair had, they were open about what they 'did' and did not' want to do. 

Going on patrol was something Yoruichi 'did not' want to do, and even when (Y/n) tried to state the fact that she was here, and might as well do it with him, you know, her boyfriend, Yoruichi just scoffed it off and said she came here for the food and that's about it. Jokes aside though, (Y/n) found his nights very lonely when he was without Yoruichi and her incredibly distracting body. However, as of late, things had been looking up for the centre of attention, and it was all thanks to a previously mentioned boy with orange hair. When (Y/n) first met Ichigo Kurosaki, it didn't take much for the Captain of the 14th Guards Division to realise the boy wasn't the biggest fan of him. 

Not to say Ichigo didn't like (Y/n), but more so that he didn't know (Y/n), and found it slightly annoying that not only has his life recently been upended up one Soul Reaper, but soon followed by two more. One of which Ichigo didn't have a problem with... Yeah, (Y/n) really had to have a chat with his girlfriend about the crush Ichigo has on her. But oh well, problems for another day! The point of all this is in the days that have followed since (Y/n) and Ichigo's little heart-to-heart, the pair had become far closer. Almost to the point if you saw the way they acted together, you'd believe they'd have been friends for years now. Instead, all it took was the span of a few days for the pair to begin to realise they actually got along quite well. 

Whether that be as a Soul Reaper or people. So much so that during school and after, (Y/n) and Ichigo found themselves always hanging out and having fun. Of course, this caught the attention of the two girls in the pair's lives, Yoruichi and Rukia. Both questioned how the two boys became friends so quickly, both of which instantly got a response after the pair looked at each other before turning to the girls and stating...

"We're guys. It's that easy."

That didn't really help the girls in properly understanding it all, though. But before they could add anything further to the conversation, (Y/n) and Ichigo quickly went onto another topic altogether. This didn't sit well with Yoruichi, because she felt her boyfriend was ignoring her and would rather spend time with his new friend instead of her. And it didn't sit well with Rukia because, well... It just did. It annoyed her. A lot. So much so that she made sure to not talk to either (Y/n) or Ichigo once school ended that day, not that either boy noticed. They were far too busy talking about all the comics Ichigo had shown (Y/n) earlier that day. 

So yeah, it was fair to say that (Y/n) and Ichigo were quickly becoming good friends, and with that embodiment of friendship increasing, it soon became an easy task of asking Ichigo if he wanted to go on patrol with (Y/n) during the night. This time willingly, instead of the slightly forced variant that happened a few days back. To (Y/n)'s surprise, Ichigo was more than happy to get fewer hours of sleep before school the next day and quickly joined (Y/n) in taking on his Soul Reaper form and going to kill some Hollows. It was on this particular night in the middle of the week that the process of such was continued for the fourth day in a row. The process of (Y/n) waking up Ichigo, was something that got goofier with each night that passed. 

Before being followed by (Y/n) punching the spirit out of Ichigo's body and going off into the night to save the day. Something that continued for a few hours until around 3 A.M. arrived on the clock. It was around that time now that the pair could be seen walking along the sidewalk of a street just around the corner from the homes of the two boys. Happy smiles plastered on their faces as their Zanpakuto's returned to the waist and back of the two heroes. But what caught the attention of anyone watching, that was if they could even see them, was that the swords and clothing weren't what confused them the most. Instead, that matter belonged to the two scooped ice cream cones that currently rested in the hands of Ichigo and (Y/n).

Ichigo: "Um, dude? I don't mean to ruin the fun or anything, but do you think it was really a good idea to get Ice Cream right now? I mean, I got to get up for school in a few hours."

(Y/n): "Sow? Itsh sho gowd tho."

If his muffled words weren't enough to go by, (Y/n) was clearly enjoying the frozen treat. Turning to look at his friend, the pictured sight in Ichigo's mind was confirmed when he saw (Y/n) gobbling down the remainders of the ice cream and cone. Once done, a satisfied smile was all that was left.

(Y/n): "Man! I gotta say, Ichigo, you guys have the best food here. Way better than Soul Society shit."

Ichigo: [Chuckles Lightly] "Yeah? Well, I'm glad you like it..." [Looks down at his Ice Cream] "...Though I'm not really sure if we should have taken this. I mean, the store was closed."

(Y/n): "The store was also about to be destroyed by a Hollow. So the way I see it, it's a little reward for our hard work. Speaking of which, good job ending that guy back there. Wasn't expecting it to move so quickly. You're really improving."

Ichigo: "You think so? Well, can you please tell Rukia that? Maybe then she'll ease up on her training."

(Y/n): "Oh, trust me...She won't."

Ichigo: "Huh?"

(Y/n): [Sighs] "Yeah. I'm not sure if it was me, or her brother, but that girl loves to make people suffer. I'm a little worried, to be honest." [Chuckles] "Oh, well! Nothing I'm sure Ice Cream can't fix! Speaking of which, you may want to finish yours before it melts."

Ichigo: "Oh. Right..."

Heeding (Y/n)'s words, Ichigo proceeded to lift his hand and began licking at the melted stripes of his Chocolate Ice Cream. Though it was clear as he did so, that something was on his mind. Something he seemed willing to let go, but as (Y/n) continued to walk by his friend's side, he took notice of the strange look. Once he did, he did what any good friend would do...

(Y/n): "...You sad you're a virgin still?"

Ichigo: [Eyes widen] "Wha--Dude!"

(Y/n): "Look, it's nothing to be ashamed about. I was a one for almost a hundred years...Well, mainly because no girl could see me, and I was stuck up on finding my family...But when I finally did meet a girl, Ichigo... It only took another twenty years. Ha! Not too shabby, right?"

The confident look on (Y/n)'s face was almost instantly disregarded by Ichigo, who immediately elbowed the boy opposite him, back into reality before shaking his head and trying his best to ignore (Y/n)'s annoying laughter.

(Y/n): "Haha! Come on, Ichigo. I was only joking with you... It only took me ten."

Ichigo: "That's not what I'm thinking about, idiot!" [Sighs] "...I'm just struggling to keep all of this a secret from my family is all."

(Y/n): "Oh..."

You see, the great thing about guy friendships is that a lot of the time it's used for joking around and making fun of those in the group. But when it got serious, that's when you knew who was really your friend, and who wasn't. So when (Y/n) saw this heavy look befall Ichigo's face, followed by his words, he knew he had to let the jokes go for a while.

(Y/n): "...Look, I know it can be hard at first."

Ichigo: [Turns to you] "Hmm?"

(Y/n): "I mean, I can't say I've properly gone through something like that. But..." [Slowly smiles] "...You remember how I told you this wasn't my first time being in the World of the Living?"

Ichigo: "Yeah, I think so."

(Y/n): "Well, before I met you and your friends and family, the last time I was here was about the early '60s. I was here alone that time though--Me and Yoruichi weren't really in the best of places--But that doesn't matter right now. What does matter is, when I was here, I was passing the time fishing at a lake. I don't know, I was bored or whatever, there wasn't any technology back then. The point is, whilst I was doing that, I heard someone call for help. So me being the rigid hero I am, I went to save the day. Not long later, I found a girl about to be attacked by a Hollow in an orchard. Realizing enough, I jumped in between her and the Hollow before he could hurt her."

Ichigo: "Whoa. You did it just like that?"

(Y/n): "Pretty much. I mean, I couldn't just let her die. But the thing is, this entire time I was fighting the Hollow, I believed this girl couldn't see me. Little did I know, she could. So basically she witnessed the whole fight. Me jumping in between her and the Hollow, killing the Hollow, everything. But just when I was about ready to leave, she called out to me. Now, you could imagine the shock I felt when I turned around to see her looking right at me, I wanted to just leave, but I couldn't. So from that day on whilst I was left in the world of the living, I was stuck with this follower. Look, there's more I could go on about with this story, but what I'm trying to say is... I know what it's like to keep something from someone. It's not good. And some secrets are far worse than others. So... Just be lucky yours is one of the easy ones."

When (Y/n)'s sentence finally came to an end, Ichigo wasn't entirely sure he understood it all. But he gathered the main parts, and whilst he still felt uncertain about keeping such a big thing from his family, deep down he knew it was for the best. But most of all, he was happy he could actually have someone to talk to about this. It was with that knowledge that Ichigo had a far better attitude as he began properly indulging in his ice cream. Of course, most had dripped onto his hand at this stage, but that still didn't stop him from cracking a smile, something (Y/n) followed suit with not long after. 

So as the clock struck half past three, the two boys ended their night on a good note. Once they got back to their designated homes, each said their goodbyes and began waiting for the few hours later when they'd see each other again. The thought alone was enough to keep (Y/n)'s smile on display as he walked through the front door of his home and began the journey upstairs towards the warm bed his beautiful Yoruichi lay in. A yawn found life halfway up the stairs before ending once he reached his bedroom door. He tried to open it as slowly as possible, but once a majority of it was opened, he found his attempt at trying not to wake up his partner was futile. 

For as soon as the door was open, a light flickered on by the side of the room. That light from a nearby lamp was all it took to draw (Y/n)'s attention. Not only did such a thing fall onto the cause of the light, but also towards that of his girlfriend, Yoruichi, who currently sat in a chair not far away from the bed she was supposed to be sleeping in. It was in this chair that (Y/n) was given a front-row seat to the narrowed gaze and look of disappointment Yoruichi was carrying. When he saw this, no doubt entered his mind. For (Y/n) was, without a doubt, no chance of being wrong, fucked. Royaly fucked.

(Y/n): "Ah...Y-Yoruichi? You're awake? It's three in the morning, shouldn't you be--"

Yoruichi: "--Asleep? Like how my husband is supposed to be asleep as well?"

(Y/n): [Nervously Chuckles] "I see you're, uh, really going along with the roleplay of us being a married couple, huh? That's cute...But, um, look, I can--"

Yoruichi: "--Explain? Oh, I hope so, (Y/n). Because I've been thinking about your 'explanation' ever since I woke up to find no sign of you in bed. Now, at first, I thought you were getting something to drink, because for whatever reason you can't sleep the whole night without making a fuss about your throat being dry--"

(Y/n): "--Hey, now. That is a medical condition, and you know it."

Yoruichi: "(Y/n)...You're dead."

(Y/n): "...Fair point. But seriously, I wasn't doing anything bad. I was just out on patrol with Ichigo."

As soon as (Y/n) mentioned the name of the orange-haired boy, Yoruichi's face immediately lit up with...well, something.

Yoruichi: "Oh, Ichigo! Why am I not surprised?"

(Y/n): "Um--"

Yoruichi: "--Oh! I know! Because you've been spending all your time with him when you should be doing it with me!"

In moments like this, (Y/n) walked a thin line. Both in the sense of aggravating his girlfriend further, AND trying his best not to smile. Because, honestly, he found it adorable when Yoruichi got jealous like this. But don't tell her you think it's jealousy, because if Yoruichi even gets the idea you think she's jealous, she will not hesitate to bark words from her mouth saying it was anything but! (Y/n) already had a few times in life when he had to deal with such a thing as an angry jealous Yoruichi, and trust him, it was not fun. 

Nevertheless, he still found such a sight cute. So it took him all his spiritual energy to not crack a single smile as Yoruichi went on and on about how (Y/n) was spending more time with Ichigo and not her. When (Y/n) asked why she was annoyed he was spending time with Ichigo when he already has spent over 200 years with Yoruichi, the purple-haired girl simply refused to answer. Stating that that didn't matter. But whatever it was, (Y/n) knew something was bothering Yoruichi that led her to act this way. 

When he asked, she simply gave him more of the cold shoulder, and that remained for the rest of the night. Even when they finally got into bed, and (Y/n) tried to cuddle up to her, Yoruichi was quick to move out of his arms and proceed to take up half the blanket as well. So for the rest of the night, (Y/n) was without cuddles and a blanket for the most part, meaning that when it finally came time for him to get up and put his school uniform on, he was tired beyond belief. Though, as Yoruichi would have it, (Y/n) wasn't going to school today, and neither was she.

Yoruichi: "Uh, what are you doing?"

(Y/n): "What does it look like?" [Yawns] "I'm getting ready for school..."

Yoruichi: "No, you're not. We're not going to school today."

(Y/n): [Sighs and rolls eyes] "Okay, look, I know you don't want me hanging out with Ichigo all day. But don't you think this is a little too far?"

Yoruichi: "No, I don't. Mainly because this has nothing to do with Ichigo."

(Y/n): "Yep. See. There it is. I knew you would--Wait. This doesn't? Then why aren't we going to school?"

Yoruichi: "Well, I did tell you last night when we were eating dinner. But I'm not surprised you weren't listening, you were probably thinking about Ichigo."

A blank stare from (Y/n) was all Yoruichi got as a response on that one.

Yoruichi: "...But if you must know, we're going to see 'him'."

(Y/n): "Him? Who the hell are you talking abo--Wait. No...No. No. No." [Annoyingly chuckles] "There's no way, right?"

Yoruichi: [Smiles] "Oh, there's a way, alright."

(Y/n): "You're not serious. There's no way we're seeing 'him'."

Yoruichi: "Yes, we are."

(Y/n): "Why?! The mission here has nothing to do with him!"

Yoruichi: "(Y/n), the mission was to get Rukia and bring her back to Soul Society, something which you still haven't done, by the way."

(Y/n): "Yeah! And I have actual reasons for that. You're just doing this to piss me off."

Yoruichi: "Excuse me? I am doing no such thing. I actually ordered something and I'm going to collect it. I would have done so myself, but I know you, and I knew you wouldn't want me to go see him by myself. So I invited you to come along."

(Y/n): "Oh, gee...Thanks."

If the sarcasm on his voice wasn't enough of a giveaway, the look on (Y/n)'s face most definitely was. The giveaway being (Y/n) didn't want to go anywhere near this guy Yoruichi was talking about. What made the moment even more annoying was the fact the smile Yoruichi still had across her face was clear bullshit. Whilst she may have actually had something ordered and needed to be picked up from there, a large majority of the reason for going was to piss (Y/n) off. 

Now, if this had been any other person, (Y/n) wouldn't have given Yoruichi the pleasure of doing so, and let her go by herself. But seeing as it was 'this' guy of all people, he couldn't let her go alone. That's why, as Yoruichi continued to smile at him, (Y/n) slowly began undoing his school uniform and got into more casual clothes. After all, where he was going, he didn't want to wear his Soul Reaper attire. You know...Just in case it got dirty.

--A Short Time Later--

"I'm sorry."

"Okay."

"No, seriously, I'm sorry."

"I said, okay."

"So we can go?"

"No."

"What? Why not? I said I'm sorry, that's what you want to hear right now, right?"

A look of confusion, annoyance, desperation, and tiny little bits of other things clearly reigned supreme on (Y/n)'s face right now. The young Soul Reaper, now seen standing in the attire of such due to his proper body being left at home, currently found himself standing outside some random store in the backstreets of Kurakara town. But (Y/n)'s focus wasn't placed on the store across the road from his location. Instead, his focus was on his girlfriend, whom he was still trying to persuade to let them get out of here and not go anywhere near this building from hell. Unfortunately, right now, Yoruichi was playing hard to get...or hard to convince?

(Y/n): [Groans] "Okay, Yoruichi, I get it. I'm sorry I haven't been paying a lot of attention to you, okay? Really! I'm sorry!"

Yoruichi: "Oh, I know you are, (Y/n)... That's why you're willingly going to come with me into the store, help me pick up what I've ordered, and then...I might forgive you."

(Y/n): "Ah! Come on, man! Really, I'm sorry! So can't you just get this thing somewhere else?"

Yoruichi: "Why would I do that when all I need to do is get it from here? Otherwise, I'd have to go all the way back to Soul Society for it."

(Y/n): "Okay! So do that then! Anything but going here!"

When Yoruichi glanced at her boyfriend, she found him carrying the most genuine smile, as if he believed travelling to another dimension was better than simply crossing this street. Well, funny thing is, to (Y/n), the first option was the best.

Yoruichi: "(Y/n), you're overreacting, okay? I know I'm doing this to make you understand that you're being a shitty boyfriend right now, but still...You don't need to get so worked up over this."

(Y/n): "Ah, ha! So you do admit you're only doing this to make me feel bad!" [Narrows gaze] "How sickening..."

Yoruichi: "Not true, actually. I have indeed ordered something...The only reason I'm bringing you along is for the rest. Now then, stop complaining why don't you? It's not a good look on you."

(Y/n): "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever." [Sighs] "Well, at least I've got you here, Rukia."

Yoruichi: "See! That's the spirit, you've got Rukia to--Wait. What?!"

Immediately Yoruichi's eyes widened in surprise, though that feeling only continued to grow when her head instantly flung to her left, the same direction (Y/n) currently was. To Yoruichi's shock, despite the earlier warning, she did indeed find Rukia, (Y/n)'s former student, standing alongside him. And not only that, but as soon as she noticed Yoruichi looking her way, the young Soul Reaper immediately latched her arms around (Y/n)'s own and began bouncing with excitement and an overexaggerated demeanour.

Rukia: "Haha! Don't worry, Big Brother, I'll be sure to distract you from your boring girlfriend and her silly plans!"

Yoruichi: "BORING?!"

It now seemed like Yoruichi was about to explode with anger, much to Rukia's enjoyment.

(Y/n): [Leans downward] "Uh, Rukia, don't get me wrong, I'm glad you also ended up coming here the same time as us today, but remember what we said about that, uh...'brother' stuff?"

Rukia: [Adorably looks up at you] "What about it, Big Brother?"

(Y/n): "That your 'real' big brother will kill me if he sees you acting this way. So, please, for my sake...Stop."

...But Rukia didn't stop. She just continued to act like this out-of-character version of herself in order to spike Yoruichi's blood pressure to the point her dark skin was now starting to turn red. As for (Y/n), he was beginning to question how nice his funeral would be. He was suddenly pulled from those thoughts soon after, however, when Yoruichi roughly grabbed his arm and heaved him free from Rukia's grasp. This time around, she didn't wait for (Y/n)'s response as she began crossing the street, an undefeated Rukia quickly following after. Meanwhile, out the front of this store the group were approaching, two young children could be seen hard at work. Well, one of them was, the other was pretty occupied with something else.

"And here he comes! Clean-up batter, Jinta Hanakari. Here's the wind-up and the pitch! With a perfect backswing, he hits it! It's a homeroom!"

The young boy with red hair, Jinta Hanakari, shouted with joy as he tossed a baseball into the air and allowed gravity to pull it back down. As it did, he went to swing the broom. Unfortunately, he wasn't successful in the task of hitting it. But that didn't seem to strike his mood. His smile continued to remain for some time, that was until the girl standing not so far off from his current position, chose to momentarily stop her sweeping in hopes of getting the boy to return to work.

(???): "Jinta, you'd better get to cleaning or Tessai will scold you."

Jinta: "Urgh! Shut up, Ururu! I'm not cleaning out of fear of Tessai!"

Ururu: "Huh? But aren't you supposed to clean out of fear?"

Jinta: "I'm not scared! Besides, you're too stuck-up!"

Ururu: "Jinta, that's not nice."

Jinta: "Yeah, well, the world isn't nice, Ururu. Besides, you shouldn't talk back to me!"

Ururu: "But I'm three years older than you, so you really should listen when I--"

Jinta: "I don't care if you're three years older than me! I'm higher in rank here! I'm not supposed to be cleaning, if anyone should be, it's you! Now keep sweeping or else I'll show you just how high of a rank I really am!"

In that moment, Jinta lifted his broom high into the air and went to swing it at Ururu. Sensing the oncoming attack, the young girl quickly sealed her eyes shut and prepared for the pain to come her way. However...It never did. Instead, when it didn't and she opened her eyes, she found that the broom had actually been forcefully stopped before it could even touch her. The cause of which soon revealed when she lifted her head to see a hand onto the handle of the broom just a little higher than Jinta's own hand. When Ururu's gaze began rising up the appendage, her eyes widened when she saw who owned it.

Ururu: [Gasp] "(Y/n)!"

(Y/n): [Grins] "Hiya, squirt! How's it going?"

With a cheery demeanour covering his face, Ururu smiled with glee upon seeing her hero, quickly rushing over to his side and hugging him by the leg. Such caused Rukia to smile as Yoruichi's gaze followed. As for Jinta, upon hearing the name that she had called out, he quickly turned around for his own gaze to meet (Y/n). However, instead of seeing a smiling hero, he saw a glaring devil. It was clear now that young Jinta was in trouble, something hinted at when (Y/n) proceeded to pull the broom from his hands without a second of hesitation.

(Y/n): "Now then, Jinta, I'm not much of a cleaner. But I'm pretty sure brooms are supposed to be used for cleaning, right? Not hitting poor Ururu over the head with."

Jinta: "Hey! Give it back!"

(Y/n): "Why, so you can hit Ururu again?"

Jinta: "Pfft, no!" [Grins] "...So I can hit you over the head, old man."

(Y/n): "Wha--Old man? Tsk! Boy, I'll show you! Get over here!"

With his eyes snapping open, (Y/n) didn't remain still for long as he went to strike the cheeky child over the head with his own broom. However, before he could do so, in similar events to what he had done moments ago between Jinta and Ururu, Yoruichi now intervened to grab the extended handle of the broom and pulled it free from (Y/n)'s own grip. Such caused the stunned male to turn around to look at his girlfriend, who now offered him a look that showed she was not very impressed.

Yoruichi: "(Y/n), don't tell me you were about to hit poor Jinta over the head right now, were you?"

(Y/n): "Wha?" [Pouts] "But...baby, he was about to hit poor Ururu? I was just trying to save her?"

Yoruichi: "And then you go to hit him back? How is that supposed to teach him anything?"

(Y/n): "But it's what you do to me when I misbehave?!"

Yoruichi: [Raises an eyebrow] "Excuse me?"

(Y/n): "I mean...It's what bad people who totally aren't you do to innocent people that totally aren't me when they misbehave...Hehe?"

Yoruichi's gaze remained narrowed as she walked past her boyfriend, Ururu, and Rukia until she reached Jinta. It was in that moment that Yoruichi got down on a knee and looked the annoyed boy in the eyes. Gone was her narrowed gaze, now replaced with a calm look and a gentle smile.

Yoruichi: "Now, Jinta, was that a very nice way of treating Ururu?"

Jinta: "Pfft! What does it matter? She deserved it."

Yoruichi: "So would you say you deserved to be hit over the head by (Y/n)?"

Jinta: "Who's that? I don't know anyone by that name. Oh! Do you mean the old man standing behind you?"

(Y/n): "Why you little shit, get over here. I'll show you old man! I'm a Captain of the Soul Reapers I'll have you know!"

 A quick grin was suddenly back on Jinta's face. Upon looking over her shoulder, Yoruichi found (Y/n)'s aggravated look once more present, all the while he tried to reach out for the cocky boy, only managing to be held back by Ururu herself as Rukia simply watched with crossed arms from the side. Such was a sight that caused Yoruichi to giggle as she returned to look at Jinta.

Yoruichi:  "He does act like an old man sometimes, huh?"

Hearing such made Jinta smile. Hearing such also managed to break (Y/n)'s heart. The way his jaw dropped as he turned to his beloved in shock was all the sight Yoruichi needed to giggle once more. Her mood seemingly lifted momentarily after Rukia's unexpected arrival. Yoruichi was still trying to process HOW purposely taking (Y/n) away from an environment with the aforementioned soul reaper in it ended up with her still showing up! It wasn't fair! But Yoruichi was trying her best not to show it, instead, choosing to turn back to Jinta once more where she asked the boy if 'he' was in. The boy offered a simple nod before leading the way for Yoruichi and the others to follow. 

As for (Y/n), realizing he was going to get no further response from his girlfriend and her statement about him being old, he was forced to reluctantly do the same as the others as he was led in hand by Ururu. The little girl looked up at (Y/n) with slight concern, but his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere right now. His head continued to remain low towards the ground, shrouded by sorrow and defeat. Well that was until the sliding door was pushed open, allowing Yoruichi and Jinta to step through. When it came time for (Y/n) and Ururu to do the same, (Y/n)'s movements slowed down slightly. Allowing him to lift his head upward and glance at the sign of the store. This small business going by a simple title... 'Uruhara Store'. 

A title that would not seem like much to others, but for (Y/n), it was definitely something. Whatever it was, though, remained hidden for a while longer. For upon entering the store fully, where (Y/n)'s nose was instantly attacked by various smells of fruits, vegetables, and the other items for sale inside, his focus soon shifted to one of the other workers in the joint. This one happened to be a tall, muscular, dark-skinned man with rectangular-shaped glasses; a cornrowed hairstyle, a large handlebar moustache, which is connected to his long sideburns and clothes consisting of a white muscle shirt with regular pants and a blue apron. He seemed busy at work, until his eyes landed on Yoruichi.

(???): [Smiles] "Oh, Lady Yoruichi, Lady Kuchiki..." [Blankly stares] "...(Y/n)..." [Smiles back at the girls] "...it's been some time."

(Y/n): "Hey! What's with the look from hell, ma--"

Yoruichi: [Shoves you out of the way] "Yo, Tessai! Yeah, been a while. Haha! Don't worry about (Y/n), he's just being silly!"

Tessai: [Chuckles Lightly] "Indeed. Indeed."

Standing by the side, (Y/n)'s gaze now narrowed in on the back of his girlfriend's head as she continued to chat with Tessai. As for Rukia, she did nothing but offer a glance and smile at (Y/n). So much for assisting him in making this time not a living shitstorm. Though, he couldn't really blame her. If Rukia was here, just like Yoruichi, she must have her own questions or something along those lines. Otherwise...Why else would anyone willingly come here to see 'him'.

Tessai: "So how are things with the both of you?"

Rukia: "Fine, I suppose."

Yoruichi: "Yeah, same. Well, I have a few pains in the neck but there's nothing some good torture won't do to solve that problem, don't you think?"

Tessai: "Uh...I guess?"

Not far away, (Y/n)'s narrowed gaze remains on the back of his girlfriend's head.

(Y/n): [Grumbles] "Pfft! You say you have pains. I have some as well, and right now I'm looking at--"

Yoruichi: [Without looking at you] "I suggest you be careful with what you say, (Y/n). I'm still mad at you, after all."

(Y/n): "Wha--I--Why are you--"

A simple raise of Yoruichi's already lifted eyebrow was enough to cut any sentence short.

(Y/n): [Crosses arms; grumbles] "You know what? Whatever. Say whatever you want..."

Yoruichi: [Turns back to Tessai] "Don't worry, I will. Anyway, Urahara, is he here?"

Tessai: "Indeed. One moment, please, and I'll go wake him up."

(Y/n): "Pfft! If he's still asleep, I'll wake him up if you want!" [Grumbles] "That's if his old body can even carry himself out of bed afterwards..."

"Oh, I assure you on that front, I am very much able to get out of bed on my own today. Sorry to disappoint you, (Y/n)."

(Y/n), nor anyone else in the store at that moment needed not turn their heads to see who was speaking. This newly identified voice was already well known enough for his familiar tone to signal him out. Despite this similar reaction, however, not everyone carried the same expression as they looked past Tessai's large body to see a doorway behind him slide open. As it did, out walked a tall, lean man with light skin and grey eyes. His light blonde hair having a slightly messy exterior, with strands framing the sides of his face and hanging between his eyes, and stubble resting along his chin. 

A dark green samue, something monks and nuns usually wear in Japanese culture, used as a main source of clothing. Over this, a black haori, which sports a white diamond pattern along its bottom half was also present. Along with these clothing items came a traditional set of Japanese wooden sandals and a striped dark green and white bucket hat, which had earned this man the nickname 'sandal hat'. But (Y/n) preferred to call him other things...Things that can't currently be mentioned around the children present. But you can rest assured, (Y/n) was certainly thinking of them. And how could he not, as he eyed the man he had come to dislike over many years now. The man this store took its name after...Urahara. Kisuke Urahara.

Another noticeable factor of this mysterious man was the narrowed set of eyes and a grin, both focused directly onto (Y/n) it seemed. At least, that's what the young man himself thought. He wasn't overly sure, and nor would he be, as before he could say anything, that grin quickly shifted to a smile when Urahara turned towards Yoruichi and Rukia. Just like that, any suggestive look was gone, and replaced with a friendly exterior.

Urahara: "Mister Yoruichi! I was not expecting to see you today! It's been so long!"

Yoruichi: [Smiles] "Hey, Kisuke. Yeah, sorry for the sudden interruption."

Urahara: "Oh, no problem. No problem at all!"

(Y/n): [Narrows Gaze] "You know she's not in her cat form, right? So there's no need to call her 'mister', right now."

Yoruichi: "(Y/n), relax. It's just a nickname."

Urahara: [Smiles Brightly] "Yeah, (Y/n)! Just a nickname, no need to overreact about it."

(Y/n): "Wha--I ain't...I ain't overreacting about nothing." [Crosses arms] "I'm just saying it doesn't make sense to call you that right now."

With his arms crossed, (Y/n) went to turn his gaze elsewhere. Doing so caused his eyes to land on Rukia, who just looked up at him. This led (Y/n) to begin quarrelling to her about how much 'help' she was right now. As he did, Yoruichi just smiled at the reaction whilst Urahara just looked on in confusion. Things remained this way momentarily before Urahara's eyes sparked to life once more as he turned to Rukia, gathering the younger girl's attention.

Urahara: "And lady Kuchiki, you presence is also most welcome." [Smiles brightly] "Truly today is the day for well-gathered guests. I am quite fortunate indeed."

(Y/n): [Scoffs] "Please. Stop acting nice. You're not nice. You're anything BUT nice...Anyone that isn't blind would realise such."

Urahara: [blinks] "Um..." [Turns to others] "Anyway, ladies, why don't you both come on into the back. I have some new tea I'm sure you'd end up enjoying immensely. Then you can tell me why you've both come to visit us today?"

Yoruichi: "Alright, sounds good."

(Y/n): "No, it doesn't. It doesn't sound good at all."

Urahara: "Oh, don't worry, (Y/n), I also have some chocolate cookies for you to try. Should help with the boredom whilst Yoruichi and I are...catching up."

(Y/n): [Narrows gaze] "Hey. Why'd you say it like that?"

Urahara: "Huh? What do you mean?"

(Y/n): "You know what I mean, Mister 'I wear a hat inside because its my entire personality'!" [Turns to Yoruichi] "Seriously, Yoruichi, why do you like this guy again?"

Yoruichi: [Smiles innocently] "Huh, funny you say that. I think that same thing sometimes as well..."

(Y/n): [Smiles] "About Urahara?"

Yoruichi: [Smiles] "..."

(Y/n): "About Urahara, right?"

Yoruichi: "..."

(Y/n): "...Right?"

Yoruichi: "...Sorry, (Y/n), but I've got no idea what you're talking about."

Urahara: "Perhaps you should come and sit down out back as well, (Y/n), you may be feeling light headed."

(Y/n): "Oh, please! Don't act like you care!"

Urahara: "I'm not..."

Those two words ended up being the conclusion to this little reunion, as during which Urahara proceeded to open the door behind him once more, allowing Yoruichi and (Y/n) to head out back. Something (Y/n) was still making clear that he was not a fan of...Even if he was starting to think those chocolate cookies sounded good. He wouldn't fold!

--Later--

Crunch! Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!

The sound of heavy chewing flooded the air within the back area of Urahara store. A laid-out living room-like area with a circular-shaped coffee table in the centre, and a green rug beneath it, as well as other cupboards along the walls, a small kitchen in the next room over, as well as some other areas. But it was atop this green rug, in front of the coffee table, that (Y/n), Yoruichi, and Rukia found themselves currently. Both girls carried normal expressions, whilst (Y/n) made it clear he did not want to be there. Of course, he didn't say that with words, as he knew doing so would lead Yoruichi to hit him over the head again. Nevertheless, he most certainly thought it. Especially as he continued to keep his narrowed gaze on Urahara, who sat down on the opposite side of the table.

Urahara: [Smiles brightly] "How are the cookies, (Y/n)? Are they to your liking?"

(Y/n): [Whilst chewing] "They're alright, I guess..."

Yoruichi: "Hey! What did we say whilst eating? Don't speak with your mouth full?"

(Y/n): [Swallows] "Since when are you so high and mighty? You were a thief when I met you."

Yoruichi: "I was not a thief. I was...an opportunist."

(Y/n): [Grumbles] "Yeah, who stole from people? Including me a few times."

Urahara: "Hahaha! Oh, how I love it when the two of you come around. Always a sprout of joy you are, (Y/n)."

(Y/n): "Ha...Ha...Ha...Real funny."

Urahara: "Oh, (Y/n), don't be sour now." [Turns to Yoruichi] "He's so fun, isn't he?"

Yoruichi: "Tell me about it. Haha!"

The pair of Yoruichi and Urahara just continued to chuckle as if they were in their own little world. The reaction, however, simply caused (Y/n)'s eyes to further narrow in on the pair. The actions of both Urahara and Yoruichi were driving him insane right now! Whether it be the way Yoruichi proceeded to place her elbow on the table, using it to let her soft cheek rest against her enclosed fist. The perfect stance so she could keep smiling and looking Urahara in the eyes. 

And then there was Urahara, who'd simply laugh and smile at everything Yoruichi said, especially when she mentioned something about (Y/n)! Now, there was a saving grace, as (Y/n) clearly knew Yoruichi was doing this to piss him off. The signs coming when every time Urahara would laugh or chuckle she'd go to glance towards her boyfriend. Her sign of saying this wasn't serious, but still intended for him to get the point that if she didn't like him hanging out with other people then she most certainly was going to make sure he didn't like this version either. 

The real problem, however, lay with Urahara. He knew fully well what Yoruichi was doing, and he gladly went along with her plan. What kind of guy did that to another guy? You know who? One who's trying to sleep with your girlfriend, and it fucking pissed (Y/n) off! Both of them did! But how could they not?! Meanwhile with (Y/n), he just kept his eyes narrowed as he began leaning over to his left where Rukia sat beside him.

(Y/n): "Please telling me you're also seeing this, right?"

Rukia: "Of course I am. I'm not blind."

(Y/n): "Well, at least someone isn't. I can't believe--"

Rukia: "--Mister Urahara said he had peach tea, but this is clearly green tea. I hate green tea."

(Y/n): [Groans] "I'm not talking about the tea, Rukia. I'm talking about how my girlfriend is clearly fake flirting with a guy who clearly is properly flirting with her!"

Rukia: [Lifts Head] "Huh? Oh, that. Yeah. I saw that a while ago."

(Y/n): [Turns to her] "Wha--And you didn't say anything?"

Rukia: "Well, now that you mention it...Are you sure she's fake flirting?"

(Y/n): "Huh?! What the hell, dude?!"

Rukia: "What, I'm just saying? She seems pretty deep in conversation with him. She isn't even blinking." [Turns to you and smiles] "Maybe you should break up with her?"

(Y/n): "Pfft! Please. You're just saying that because you don't like her."

Rukia: "True."

(Y/n): "As for your question, no, she is fake flirting."

Rukia: "What makes you think that?"

(Y/n): "Trust me, when you date Yoruichi, you begin to understand how she flirts. What she's doing now is just her normal demeanour."

Rukia: "How does she normally flirt, (Y/n)? (Y/n)...?"

Upon turning to (Y/n), Rukia found her former teacher silent and...blushing? That red tint continued to remain as he returned to his previous sentence.

(Y/n): "Besides, she keeps looking at me through the corner of her eye every couple of seconds. That's Yoruichi talk for 'I hope you're seeing this, I'm upset with you'."

Rukia: "And you're fine with that? Why don't you just get up and leave?"

(Y/n): "I would if it were any other person. But I knew if I did that, she'd just claw her way back into my life." [Sighs] "Bad girls like Yoruichi do that...It's so hot and crazy at the same time."

Rukia: "Ugh! Boys are so disgusting."

(Y/n): "Eh. But still..." [Smiles softly] "Yoruichi and I have been through a lot together. We haven't always been on the same page. We've had our fair share of fights and breakups. But somehow we keep coming back together...It's like we're meant to be. However...There's always roadblocks."

Rukia: "Like what? Urahara?"

(Y/n): "Hmm? No. Well...Maybe. I don't know. I mean, she wants one thing, I want the other."

Rukia: "What do you mean?"

Again, (Y/n) proceeded to blush without responding. However, unlike before, there seemed no sense of a perverted side to this reaction. In fact it seemed more...genuine. Such a thing caught the attention of Rukia, who wanted to say something, but was unable to do so before she suddenly heard her name sound off from the lips of Urahara.

Urahara: "Miss Kuchiki, I apologise for not asking sooner, I've been far too infatuated with what Yoruichi has been saying to me..."

(Y/n): "Oh, brother..."

Urahara: "...What is it you came to visit me for today?"

Rukia: "Huh? O-Oh, um, yes...I had a package to pick up."

Urahara: "Oh, of course. What was it?"

The sentence seemed simple enough. In fact, it also seemed to be the perfect thing to break the tension of everything else, as everyone now turned to Rukia to see what her response would be. However, instead of simply stating it out loud, she was more so hesitant to do so. Such a thing showed clearly when she turned to look at (Y/n). The older boy just looked down at her with a smile, unbeknownst to him of the severity behind what Rukia had secretly ordered.

Rukia: "Oh, um, actually, well...It's a surprise. Yeah! A surprise, f-for someone I know."

Urahara: "Oh..."

(Y/n): "Is it for me, Rukia?"

Rukia: "What?! No! Why would you think that?"

(Y/n): "Well, you kinda began to hesitate after you looked at me."

Tessai: "And if it were a surprise for someone else, surely you wouldn't be too strongwilled to mention it to us here."

Yoruichi: "Plus you clearly have a thing for him."

Rukia: [To Yoruichi] "I do not!"

Yoruichi: [Rolls eyes] "Yep. Keep telling yourself that, kid..."

(Y/n): [Smiles] "So...Is it for me?"

Rukia: "No! It's not! It's just...personal, is all."

(Y/n): "A personal surprise? Ha! I don't think surprises can be for yourself, Ruki--"

Rukia: [Speaks loudly at Urahara] "--Could I just please get my order now?!"

Urahara: "...Of course." [Smiles and laughs] "If there's one thing this shop takes pride in, it's our customer's confidentiality! Ururu will take you to the back."

Following her name being mentioned, Rukia got up from the ground and began following Ururu into the back. Meanwhile, (Y/n) just watched in confusion, questioning why Rukia was so defensive about it. However, his mind was soon taken elsewhere when he glanced at Yoruichi to see her glaring right at him.

(Y/n): "What?"

Yoruichi: "I'm even more mad at you right now."

(Y/n): "What did I do?!"

Yoruichi didn't respond, she just kept her gaze narrowed in on her boyfriend. All before eventually turning back to Urahara, going even further this time by laughing at a sentence that wasn't even funny, and placing her hand on his shoulder momentarily. This got (Y/n)'s gaze to narrow even further than before. But he could do nothing about it, well...maybe there was one thing.

--Lunchtime | Kurokiri High School Rooftop--

(Y/n): "I mean, it's stupid, right?" [Crunch Noises] "The only reason she dragged me along was to get payback at me because I've been doing my job!" [Crunch Noises] "Like, how unfair is that, right?"

Ichigo: "I guess so."

(Y/n): [Crunch Noises] "And you know how she said she was going there to pick up something?" [Crunch Noises] "Well, the thing she was going to pick up was fucking body lotion! Like, why would she need that?!" 

Ichigo: [Suddenly turns to you] "Wait! Yoruichi was getting body lotion...?"

(Y/n): "Um, yeah...? Why do you ask, is that weird or something?"

Ichigo: "...Huh? Oh, no. No. Nothing weird at all..." [Smiles innocently] "Just wondering!"

(Y/n): "Uh, okay? Well--" [Crunch Noises] "--Mrgh. At least that hat-wearing idiot had these sick chocolate cookies. Ha! I stole a whole box when we finally left."

A triumphant grin reigned supreme across (Y/n)'s face as he continued to much down on the box of chocolate cookies. Currently, the young soul reaper, along with Ichigo and the rest of his friends, could be seen seated atop the school's rooftop having lunch like every other day. However, one of the small differences compared to other days was the lack of any sign of Yoruichi, who refused to go to school once she was finished up at Urahara's store. 

Instead of choosing to return home to test out her body lotion whilst her boyfriend went to school, something that still confused the dark-skinned girl. Though the only reason (Y/n) decided to go, even after already missing out on the day's first two classes, was so he could vent to Ichigo, something that had become a good stress reliever for the premium Soul Reaper as of late. And that's exactly what he's been doing for the last ten or so minutes of lunch, leaving Ichigo to take in all the events offered up to him until now.

Ichigo: "So...What? This hat guy is some old friend of yours and Yoruichi's?"

(Y/n): "Friend? Ha! Don't make me laugh! He's not a friend."

Ichigo: "So what is he then?"

(Y/n): [Sighs & lowers head] "A family friend..."

Ichigo: "Huh?! But you just--"

(Y/n): "I know what I said, Ichigo!" [Munches on Cookies] "Can't you see I'm stress eating right now?! It's a clear sign I'm not thinking straight!"

Ichigo "You can say that again..."

The words came as grumbles from Ichigo's mouth as he glanced over at the Soul Reaper next to him to see (Y/n) shoving down as many of the chocolate cookies into his mouth as he possibly could. The sight alone gave new meaning to the word 'stress-eating'; but before long, (Y/n)'s munchies were brought to an abrupt end when he had finished the entire biox of stolen cookies. Upon realizing such, he immediately tossed the aforementioned empty box over his head, and the ledge of the rooftop in that matter. The discarded item quickly disappeared out of sight as it travelled down towards the school grounds below.

(Y/n): "Look, you remember earlier when I said there was a period where Yoruichi and I weren't in the best of places?"

Ichigo: "Yeah. In the '60s, rig--Whoa. I just realized, you really are old. You shouldn't be around High schoolers, dude."

(Y/n): "Yeah. Yeah. Sure. I'm a Soul Reaper, it's different. Whatever. Anyway, during that time, whilst I was here; Yoruichi was still in Soul Society. It was around that time she started getting close to Urahara. To the point, Yoruichi considers him a 'family friend', at least, that's what she says everytime I bring up the fact I don't like how he looks and acts around her. Of course, Yoruichi insists that there is nothing between them but--"

Ichigo: "--But you think they have a thing for each other?"

(Y/n): "Yes! Well, I think...I mean, Yoruichi has always denied it as I said, and I trust her. But it's Urahara I don't trust." [Jumps to his feet] "I've never liked the guy, and I hate the way he acts! He's like one of those guys that pretends to be nice and kind to everyone but he secretly talks shit about them behind their back. You know what I mean?"

Ichigo: "Yeah..." [Narrows Gaze] "...I hate those guys."

(Y/n): "Thank you! Boy, do I wish Yoruichi had your understanding?"

Ichigo: [Tosses arms behind head] "Eh. What can I say, man? Us guys are simpler creatures."

(Y/n): "Ha. You can say that again, brother."

A grin soon found (Y/n)'s lips, as it did, the young Soul Reaper found his frustrations inside slowly lowering. It was this inner relief that brought him enough peace to once again sit down next to Ichigo. The pair chilling in silence momentarily as they continued to lean against the metal railing of the school's rooftop behind them. Until the time came when a thought popped into (Y/n)'s head, something that caused him to flick his gaze towards his orange-haired friend once again.

(Y/n): "Hey, I've been wondering something for a while now. How come are you so chill with me?"

Ichigo: "Hmm? What do you mean?"

(Y/n): "Well, I've talked around with the other guys a few times, and each time I do, they mentioned how different you are around me."

Ichigo: [Leans up slightly] "What do they say?'

(Y/n): "That you're normally cold to new people, you know, keeping to yourself. You don't really joke around or that. I mean, you don't really joke around with me much either. But you seem to be pretty chatty and just act in a way that doesn't sound like what the others think you are."

As Ichigo heard more from (Y/n)'s mouth, it left the orange-haired boy to reel in what had just been said. It took him a moment to think over it, but the more he did, the more he realized just how different he seemed to be when around (Y/n).

Ichigo: "Well, I don't know, to be honest. I guess... I just feel like I can be this way when I'm around you. Maybe it's because we're both Soul Reapers, so it makes me feel like I'm in a smaller group so I don't have to overreact myself to what the others say and do. Don't get me wrong, they're still my friends. But sometimes I feel like I'm a burden on them."

(Y/n): "A burden, huh? I get that."

Ichigo: [Turns to you suddenly] "Huh?! You do?"

(Y/n): "I do. But I don't think it's a burden that's holding you down, Ichigo. I think it's the responsibility."

A questioning look found Ichigo's face. Suddenly, nothing else around him mattered. All he had to focus on was what (Y/n) had to say next.

(Y/n): "I feel that whether it be with your friends, or your family, you feel the need to take responsibility of it all on your shoulders. Like, if you act out of character to your friends, or be anything but serious with your family, you feel like you're letting them down or something. I don't know really, it's just the vibe I got because, well...You kinda remind me of myself."

Ichigo: "I do?"

(Y/n): "Yeah, man. I mean, you're the oldest in a family. So was I. You lost one parent, so you're trying to make up for the empty space, I did the same. For the case of your family, you want to be seen as a grown-up who can supply for your sisters. For your friends, I think you want to be closer with them, but you feel the responsibility to your family and life holds you back."

A light tint found Ichigo's gaze as (Y/n) looked him in the eyes. The young boy wasn't sure if what (Y/n) was saying was the truth or not, but he felt an inclination to listen to every word he had to say. As for (Y/n), he savoured every word he had to say right now. After all, it had been a long time since he had been able to have a talk like this with someone. Before Ichigo, it was with Rukia and Renji, and before them...his own brothers and sister. That's a reason why he so often volunteered to help teach up-and-coming Soul Reapers in the academy because it reminded him of his time with his family back when he was alive. 

And whilst he was still eagerly searching for their spirits, the matter of helping others gave him some motivation to keep on going. Such was also why he was so eager to help Ichigo with his training, because, every time (Y/n) came back to the land of the living, he was reminded of his time there, and the loss he had gained. It was the reason why he had spent less time with Yoruichi as of late as well, but he held himself back from telling her the truth because he feared what she'd think about him. Yoruichi didn't really have time for feelings or stuff along those lines. So (Y/n) didn't want her to think of himself in that way either, something doubled down by the sudden reunion with Urahara.

(Y/n): [Smiles Softly] "All I can say, Ichigo, is that there is a time when to be cold, and a time when to be welcoming. Enjoy your life whilst you have it. Enjoy the time with your friends. Savour the time with your family. Because trust me, as someone who went a long time without any of that...You'll miss it when you no longer have it."

Ichigo didn't need to hear any more to know how tough such a sentence was for (Y/n) to say. After all, he had already heard the story of (Y/n)'s family, and the loss he had felt back then. A loss he still carried to this very day even. But inside of focusing on the sorrow, Ichigo directed his attention to the meaning behind it, and took (Y/n)'s words into heart. Something he seemed to showcase as he looked back at his Soul Reaper teacher and smiled. One filled with a promise, that he would try and follow yet another set of his teachings. In the end, try was all he could do.

Rukia: "Hey, Ichigo, there you are."

Ichigo: "Oh, hey, Rukia."

Rukia: "I've been looking for you all over, should have known you were with (Y/n) of all people."

(Y/n): "We were just having some lunch. What's up, Rukia?"

Rukia: "It's time I teach Ichigo about Gikongan."

(Y/n): "Really? So soon?"

Ichigo: "Huh? What's going on? What are you going to teach me, Rukia?"

Rukia: [Turns to Ichigo] "...Your next step in becoming a Soul Reaper."

Those words alone forecast the necessities of what was about to take place for Ichigo. Immediately following this moment, the trio of (Y/n), Rukia, and Ichigo proceeded to go off towards another building on the school grounds, one less occupied than the one they were previously on. Once in this quiet place, Ichigo eagerly turned back to the others with a look of anticipation. All the while they just stared at him back in silence.

Ichigo: [Turns to you] "So? What are you going to teach me? What's this Gekogon you were talking about?"

(Y/n): "Gikongan."

Rukia: "Otherwise known as Substitute Soul Pills. Here, take a look."

Turning his focus back to Rukia, Ichigo watches as she reaches into her back pocket and pulls out an old toy dispenser with the head of a white duck on top and tossed it to the orange-haired boy.

Rukia: "Gikongan are pills that contain the Substitute Soul Pills which--"

(Y/n): "--Most people just call it Soul Candy, though."

Ichigo: "Soul Candy?"

Rukia: "The Soul Candy are ingested by Soul Reapers in order for them to leave their bodies in an easier way."

(Y/n): "Like, you know how Rukia punches you to get your soul out of your body, Ichigo?"

Ichigo: "Yeah...?"

(Y/n): [Smiles] "Well, she could have just given you one of those pills and she wouldn't need to hit you."

Ichigo: [Turns to Rukia] "Wait...What?!"

Rukia: [Eyes closed] "But punching you is much more fun for me, Ichigo."

Ichigo: "YEAH, WELL, HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL GETTING PUNCHED?"

Rukia: "Well, it doesn't really matter. Besides, I hadn't gotten those pills until just earlier today. So I had to punch you."

A fact in which didn't seem to sway Ichigo's judgement much as he just continued to squeeze the dispenser in hand as he glared at Rukia. Meanwhile, a realization came to (Y/n).

(Y/n): "Wait. Rukia, was that why you came to Urahara's earlier?"

Rukia: "Yep. I needed more for whilst I'm here."

(Y/n): "Oh...I see."

A thought quickly came to (Y/n)'s mind in this moment. He thought about how maybe he should be focusing on his mission of bringing Rukia back to Soul Society rather than buying his time here with other things, like training Ichigo. He was soon pulled from that thought altogether, however, when the voice of the previously mentioned pair entered the air.

Ichigo: "But how exactly does this work?"

Rukia: "Well, in these pills are something called Gikon, they're souls designed by Soul Reaper scientists which are used to separate the spirit from the Gigai."

Ichigo: [Sighs] "And what are Gigai again?"

Rukia: "Boy, (Y/n) really hasn't taught you anything, has he?"

(Y/n): "Hey now, don't blame me, Ichigo ain't my student. He's yours."

Rukia: "Don't blame me for his lack of knowledge, (Y/n)!"

(Y/n): "Well, someone has got to be blam--"

Ichigo: "--Can one of you just tell me what Gigai are, please!"

(Y/n): [Turns to Ichigo] "Of course. They're the bodies Rukia and I are using whilst in the world of the living. So other people can see us who can't normally do so, like you."

Ichigo: "Oh. So these bodies in front of me--"

(Y/n): "--Aren't really real. Yeah, I know. It's weird. Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

Rukia: "So, basically, when you eat one of the pills, it forces the soul out of your body and allows the Gigai to take control of it, operating in a pre-programmed manner until removed by the Soul Reaper. They can be used on a body which has no soul, such as a corpse, or even an inanimate object, such as a stuffed animal."

Ichigo: "A stuffed animal? Really? What kind of freak would put one of those in a stuffed animal?" Looks at the dispenser in hand] "And why's this one have a duck head on top?" 

(Y/n): [Sighs] "Because the women in Soul Society believed that the old version wasn't 'cute' enough, so they added animal heads like ducks and rabbits."

Ichigo: "Really? That's pretty lame."

Rukia: "Hey! They are not lame! They're very cute."

(Y/n): [Shakes head; turns back to Ichigo] "Luckily for me I got a custom one with a dragon head."

Pulling out his own dispenser, (Y/n)'s was to revealed to indeed have a dragon's head in the place of the duck head on Ichigo's own. Seeing such immediately lit up the orange-haired boy's eyes with glee, his boy brain clearly activating.

Ichigo: "Whoa. Yours is so cool, (Y/n). Way better than this lame duck!"

Rukia's jaw immediately dropped upon hearing that. Though, the reaction was soon propelled to greater lengths when Ichigo suddenly tossed the duck dispenser over his head as he raced over to inspect (Y/n)'s own. Fortunately, Rukia was able to catch hers, though that didn't stop her from offering a very intimidating glare to both (Y/n) and Ichigo in this moment.

Rukia: "Ichigo, listen! This is important!"

(Y/n)/Ichigo: [Turns around] "Huh?"

Rukia: "If you are ever to face a Hollow and I am not here, you need to know how these dispensers work!"

Ichigo: "Well, it seems pretty basic to me."

Rukia: "Basic or not, you can't underestimate the technology of Soul Society. That's why you and I will begin our training with it right now."

Ichigo: "Right now, really?"

Rukia: "Yes, right now!"

Still uncertain, Ichigo turned to (Y/n) in hopes of getting some kind of support from his friend. However, (Y/n) simply smiled and threw up his shoulders, clearly not wanting to make Rukia any more angrier than she already was. So, seeing as he had nowhere to go, Ichigo proceeded to lift the duck-headed dispenser up towards his mouth and pressed down on the head. Doing so caused a small circular green pill to burst from the duck's beak and land directly into Ichigo's mouth. 

Upon being ingested, the effects of the pill were immediately ignited. What followed was the usual process for Ichigo becoming a Soul Reaper. His soul was pulled from his body, dressed in soul reaper attire, whereas his actual body remained as normal. The sudden pressure from Ichigo leaving his body caused it to tumble forward and slouch over a nearby railing where it remained in its lifeless appearance, all the while Ichigo looked down at his new form in amazement, unaware just how amazed he'd soon become.

Ichigo: "Whoa! My soul really did leave!"

(Y/n): "Ha! If you're shocked now, just wait a second, dude."

Ichigo: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Rukia: [Grins] "In that empty shell of a body you call your own--"

Ichigo: "Watch it."

Rukia: [Grins] "--There's a substitute soul now resting. So now no one will notice that your true soul is gone when you need to fight Hollows!"

As Rukia said that, she energetically turned towards Ichigo's lifeless body and pointed her index finger at it. However, as she did that, a sudden surge of life seemed to burst through Ichigo's real body in that moment. Such shown by Ichigo's real body slowly rising to his feet, standing up from the railing, and turning around to face the trio before him. As it did, Ichigo couldn't help but drop his jaw in shock, meanwhile, (Y/n) and Rukia just tried to hold back their laughter.

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): [Salutes] "Nice to meet you! My name is Ichigo Kurosaki!"

Ichigo: "Huh? What? It spoke!"

(Y/n): [Snickers] "He's so easily shocked."

Rukia: [Snickers] "I know. It's hilarious."

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): [Turns to Ichigo] "Hi! How's it going, I'm Ichigo?"

Ichigo: [Shocked] "Whoa. I...I can't believe it. It looks so much like me."

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "My favourite phrase is 'Early to bed, early to rise'."

Ichigo: [Suddenly returns to normal] "Nope. This will never work. This thing is nothing like me."

(Y/n): "Pfft! What do you mean, it's you?"

Ichigo: "Please! Whenever have I said 'early to bed, early to rise' before? Besides--" [Glares at his body] "--My friends will see right through this."

Rukia: "I wouldn't be so sure. These things are designed to take in the behaviour of their designated body, so they'd act just as the real version would."

Ichigo: "Please! No one can be me but--"

Ding! Ding!

Before Ichigo could finish speaking, he was suddenly cut off by a notification going off from Rukia's flip phone. Upon pulling it out and checking what it was, a smile came to her face. It seemed Ichigo testing out the Gikongan now was the perfect timing.

(Y/n): "What is it, Rukia?"

Rukia: "It seems that we have a mission." [Turns to Ichigo] 'Well, Ichigo, looks like you chose the perfect time to try this out. Let's go!"

Ichigo: "Wha--But--M-Me?"

He said as he pointed to his body standing behind him.

Rukia: "Leave him, that's his job, remember?" 

(Y/n): "Don't worry, Ichigo, I'll keep an eye on him."

Ichigo: "Huh? You're not coming with us?"

(Y/n): "Nah. I've got a mad girlfriend I've gotta try and make up with." [Pulls out a phone from pocket] "So whilst I give her a call, I'll be sure to keep an eye on our friend here. Don't worry about it."

Ichigo: "But I--"

Rukia: "You heard him, Ichigo. (Y/n) will look after your body, we have a job to do!"

Ichigo still seemed hesitant to leave, but after receiving a thumbs up from (Y/n), he reluctantly went along with Rukia. The pair quickly taking off from the rooftop in order to stop whatever Hollow had decided to attack them now. It was as they disappeared from sight that (Y/n)'s smiling expressions shifted to the calm face of Ichigo's body.

(Y/n): "Well then, 'not Ichigo'! I guess it's just you and me now, huh?"

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "It seems that way. I am in your care."

(Y/n): "Well, don't worry. When it comes to being in someone's care, I'm the best at it. Nothing will distract me from--"

Ring~ Ring~

(Y/n): "...Except a phone call it seems. One moment."

Keeping his smile as he reached into his pocket to retrieve his ringing phone, (Y/n)'s reaction soon came to a pause when he saw the person calling him was Yoruichi.

(Y/n): "Oh, uh..." [Looks at the Gikon] "Actually, this is something I do need to take. Look, um, just...Wait here a moment and I'll take you to the next class in five minutes, okay?" [Turns around; answers phone] "Hey there, sexy~ And how is my beautifully amazing girlf--Oh, you know--Ice cream? No, yeah. I-I can get you ice cream. Of course, I can!"

With his smile joyously growing in size, this left the Gikon in Ichigo's body to tilt his head in confusion as (Y/n) giddily turned his body around repeatedly as he spoke over the phone. Only when he noticed the questioning look did he pull the phone away from his ear to explain.

(Y/n): [To the Gikon] "It's my girlfriend. She's mad at me right now. She wants ice cream so she's not mad at me...At least I hope. Honestly, she doesn't deserve it. But it's better than--" [Back on the phone] "No. No. I'm listening. Yeah, of course, I'd get it for you. Haha. It's funny, actually, I know this really good spot. You're lucky though, Ichigo and I actually saved it from being destroyed las--Yoruichi? Hello...?"

Pulling the phone away from his ear, (Y/n) came to realise that Yoruichi had hung up on him. But such a matter did not phase him for long. With his smile now returned, (y/n) placed his phone back into his pocket and began stretching his arms high towards the sky above.

(Y/n): "Well, there we are. The moment I was waiting for. Now I just have to get Yoruichi some ice cream and I am out of the dog house!"

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Dog house?"

(Y/n): "Oh, it's just a term people in the world of the living use. Honestly, it's pretty truthfu--Wait. Shit. I almost forgot."

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "What is it?"

(Y/n): [Groans] "Man, fuck!" [Sighs] "I'm supposed to be looking after you, so I can't go to get her Ice Cream...Man! Now Yoruichi is going to keep having the shits for me."

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Is having the 'shits' a bad thing?"

(Y/n): "When it's directed at me? Yes." [Sighs] "But I guess I'm just going to have to keep dealing with it now. Oh, well..."

A moment of silence followed as (Y/n) processed all of his options. He wanted to go get this ice cream for Yoruichi so he wouldn't have to deal with her complaining anymore, which, was kinda ridiculous seeing as he still believed she was the one being over the top. Especially with the whole 'Urahara' thing. But yet, he knew if he kept her acting this way, she'd gladly do so. Which would eventually lead to (Y/n) going so insane that he'd probably kill himself. Unfortunately, it seemed like there wasn't anything he could do...or so it seemed.

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Well, if you need to go somewhere, I should be alright here alone for a bit."

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh...No. I can't do that. I promised I'd look after you."

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Yes, but you really need to go, right? It's important...?"

(Y/n): "Well...Yeah."

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Then go! I'm just supposed to go to classes, right? I can do that! Besides, I'm sure Ichigo and Rukia will be back shortly."

(Y/n): "I mean...If it's the two of them, it shouldn't really be long...And this would help me with Yoruichi..." [Looks back at the Gikon] "...You sure you'd be okay here by yourself?"

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Most definitely!"

A wave of silence came over (Y/n)'s body as he thought over what was being said to him. Eventually, the prospect of making up...and possibly out, with Yoruichi was far too tempting for him to give up on this moment. After all, he knew if he didn't do this for her now than he'd have further delays because he could do it again. So without another moment of hesitation, (Y/n) immediately turned around and began dashing for the stairwell back to the ground floor. As he ran away, he screamed his thanks to the Gikon in Ichigo's body.

(Y/n): "THANKS SO MUCH, GIKON IN ICHIGO'S BODY! I'LL BE SURE TO NEVER FORGET THIS! I'LL BE BACK SOON, OKAY?! DON'T TELL RUKIA IF SHE COMES BACK, SHE'S SCARY!!"

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): [Smiles & Waves] "Alright! Good luck~"

The smile and wave on the Gikon's body continued to remain until (Y/n) disappeared out of sight. Of course, as soon as that happened, something very important happened. The innocent look of the Gikon immediately switched out for a much more mysterious smirk, one which gave a clear indication to the trouble that was about to come the school's way. But, of course, when this did happen, not a single soul reaper was around to deal with it...

*******

The exact cause for this mysterious nature behind the Gikon just so happened to also be revealed in this exact moment. For the place where Rukia got the dispenser, Urahara's store, the members of which suddenly coming across the box the item was retrieved from. It was on the back of this box, labelled across a sticker, that a warning sign could be seen.

Jinta: "Look at this, Ururu! What does it say?"

Ururu: "Uh...Um..."

Jinta: "Sound it out! It says Di-Fect-Ive--Item. Defective item! That means we're not supposed to give it to people! You sold them damaged goods and now a haywire Gikon could be out there causing havoc!"

Ururu: [Lowers Head] "I'm sorry..."

Jinta: "Oh, you're sorry? Well, in that case...SORRY DOESN'T FIX IT, URURU!!"

Immediately, Jinta reached out to grab Ururu by the crops of her ponytails. The young boy did not hesitate a single moment to begin pulling the young girl by the hair. Meanwhile, in the background, Tessai could be seen examining the box the dispenser given to Rukia was in, whilst Urahara sat on a mat before the two squabbling children.

Urahara: "Hey. Hey...No fighting."

Jinta: "But she screwed up! This stupid brat is going to cause trouble!"

Ururu: [Starting to cry] "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Jinta: "Oh, you're going to cry?! Where's your hero now, huh? I don't see no old man to save you."

Urahara: "Jinta, come on. That is enough. Ururu made a mistake, it's okay."

Tessai: "I'm not so sure about that, sir."

Turning to Tessai, Urahara and the two kids found the older man looking over what appeared to be a note placed at the bottom of the box in front of him. The box where the dispenser came from.

Tessai: "It appears this Gikongan will be trouble for us. Going off what is written here, it most definitely is defective."

Jinta: "See! I knew it, Ururu, you screwed up big time!"

Ururu: [Turns to Urahara] "What are we going to do?"

Urahara: "We're going to have to start searching for it, and quick. Otherwise, we don't know what he'll do."

An idea of which was soon given, for in this same moment back at the high school rooftop, the Gikon in Ichigo's body could be seen testing out his limits within his new form. What was shown was not disappointing, as a mere kick to a metal railing was all it took to bend the majority of the firm substance.

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Alright! This feels great! I finally found a mobile body. Now I'm free."

"Hey! What are you doing over there?"

Gikon (Ichigo's Body): "Huh?"

Glancing to the side, the Gikon found one of the school's gym teachers walking towards him. A wooden kendo sword rested in his hands as an intrigued look crossed his face.

Teacher: "Huh? Hey, you're Ichigo, right? What did you just do? Why is that railing broken!"

Fully turning to the teacher at this point, a wicked smirk soon found the Gikon's face. One that continued to grow as the speed in his footsteps increased. The blank gaze in the eyes of Ichigo's body causing the teacher to begin to panic. But as the Gikon in Ichigo's body grew closer, his smirk only continued to grow...until a scream entered the air.

"No! No, wh-what are you doing?! No! Stoooop!!!!"

[And there we go for chapter three. This will be a two parter in a sense. But in saying that, not all episodes of the anime will be adapted. Some will be skipped, some will be mashed together, like this current one, and some will have the main focus they deserve. Also at this stage, I only plan to go to the end of the Soul Society arc as I feel the ending I have in mind would be perfect for that. It means at least giving an ending to this book whilst also leaving the potential for a second. But that's in the future, things could change. I just really wanted to get an update out today and deliver one that makes the wait worth it. Will try and get the next one out sooner. Nevertheless, thank you all for the patience and checking out today's chapter. I'll catch you all again soon.]