[Final part of the extended Prologue...]
______

[3rd Person POV]

--257 Years Ago | Within the Walls of the Seireitei--

Distant voices filled the surrounding area of the Seireitei, the domain of the Soul Reapers were they lived and work to protect the spirits that come out of the World of the Living. It's amongst this vast space that countless Soul Reapers, with their sheathed Zanpakuto's held by their waist, can be seen going about their business. It's amongst these various peoples, over near the area of the Seireitei where the Squad Captain's living areas were located, a familiar face in Soul Reaper Captain Kyoraku was making his way along the silent walkway. His pink Kimono flapping gently with the steady wind as he moved about. It was only a few seconds later that the Soul Reaper came to a stop in front of a closed sliding door.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The echoing sounds were loud enough that whoever was beyond this door was able to realize someone was there to see them. Such was confirmed when within seconds movement could be heard from the other side, altering Kyoraku in an instant. Luckily for the Captain, it took no more than a few seconds filled with noises from the other side before the door in front of him finally slid open, and in doing so was enough to reveal the face of yet another Captain of the Soul Society, Squad Four's Retsu Unohana.

It only took s short time for the older woman to realize who had come to her room to visit her this day. And whilst she was most certainly not expecting it to be Captain Kyoraku of all people, Captain Unohana still did her diligence to offer the man a warm smile as she often did with everyone she came in contact with.

Unohana: "Oh. Captain Kyoraku? This is a surprise. I was not expecting you this morning."

Kyoraku: [Smiles Brightly] "Hey! Hey! Unohana! So to come see you so early today, but I was wondering if we could talk for a moment?"

Unohana: "Talk? Oh... Have you finally moved on from chasing the young girls and turned to old women like me perhaps?"

Kyoraku: "...U-Uh...Um..."

It was fair to say that Kyoraku was not expecting that response from his senior. Especially with how she managed to say it with such a straight face. Now, sure, it was fair to say that Kyoraku had gathered a certain...reputation during his time going from the Soul Reaper Academy and through to becoming a Captain only a short while ago. 

But with Unohana being a Captain already for a much longer time than he, the older woman sometimes took it as her opportunity to tease the younger boy. However, whereas such teasing didn't normally work on Kyoraku, with someone like Unohana, who he didn't really see as a girl he'd go chasing after...It was definitely hard to figure out a way to respond. In the end, all he could do was shake his head and clear the blush from his face the best he could.

Kyoraku: [Blushing Slightly] "Uh! Um!" [Shakes Head] "Uh...No, Captain Unohana. I was actually coming to ask you about something. In my time during the Academy, I heard from a lot of people that out of all the other Captains, you were probably the most calm out of them all."

Unohana: "Hmm? Calm? Is that so? Is it because I'm in charge of Squad 4, and that we don't usually go into the fight with the idea to hurt people?"

Immediate panic fell onto Kyoraku, who was now afraid of threatening the woman.

Kyoraku: "No! No! No! Not at all! What I'm trying to say is, I'm technically still new to the whole 'Captain' thing, and I wanted to ask you about something I feel you'd be best suited for?"

Unohana: "Oh. I see." [Smiles Softly] "Well, in that case, walk with me. You can tell me your problem along the way."

And just like that, further throwing Kyoraku's mindset off, Unohana did nothing but smile as she stepped past her fellow Captain and took her leave. All the while Kyoraku was left to stand in place in confusion. He was about to mention that the Captain had forgotten to close her living quarters door, but realizing that she was already getting too far away, Kyoraku decided to close it himself before chasing after her. For an older woman, Unohana was surprisingly quick in her age. Then again, she was a Captain, so what would you really expect? 

However, Captain Unohana's reactions weren't the only thing that came unexpected in the world of the Soul Society. Because beyond the walls of the Seireitei, elsewhere, in District 35, the wayward spirit of (Y/n) (L/n) could also be seen doing the unexpected in his own quest to find any information about his deceased family, and if they would have ended up in the Soul Society yet or not. But what was so unexpected about his situation was, well, currently he wasn't searching for his family. He was searching for water. And even more surprising, it wasn't because of himself...But by the girl leading him through the dirty streets of this particular district.

[Your POV]

Yoruichi: "You know, (Y/n), you're actually really lucky that I found you back there."

(Y/n): "...That so?"

Yoruichi: "Uh, huh! Yep! A lot of people who wander round these parts in search of something normally die of thirst in the first three days. How long did you stay you haven't had water for?"

She finally turned to look at me as she asked that question, the first time our eyes had actually met since she had grabbed my arm at the start of the entrance to this district and began dragging me along the main central dirt road that led through the township. Though, once our eyes finally met...I had only had one thing to say to her.

(Y/n): "...I didn't say. Like, ever. In fact, all I've been saying is if you could 'please' let go of my arm." 

I mean, that was kinda true. I only added the 'please' part now. Mainly because before now, Yoruichi was really testing my patients. Yet, low and behold, even when I added the favourable word, it still did me no good.

Yoruichi: "Haha! You're weird, man! Come on, the waters this way!"

And just like every other time I brought up the fact about letting me go, Yoruichi only tightened her grip and dragged me further through this slummy streets. Now, I didn't necessarily mean that in a bad way. These buildings, whilst slummy, were most definitely better than the hut my family and I used to live in. But with the way the wood was beginning to come loose on some of these houses, and the torn clothing some of the people here wore, it was fair to say that 'slummy' most definitely wasn't too far off the right word. Even so, the nature of this place from an outward gaze wasn't the only thing I saw as I was forcibly pulled through the streets in search of water. I also caught glimpses of what life this District 35 was like. 

Whether that be how most people spent their time; such as kids running through the streets playing; men gathered around tables laughing or being busy at work; or the older women who tended to whatever food they had at their disposal. It was definitely remisinent of my world back home, which is kinda surprising when you remember this place was supposed to be somewhere where souls go to live after death. Which, sure, doesn't exactly spell out 'paradise', but still. Growing up with Grandpa's stories, I kinda suspected the Soul Society would look, at least, a little better. Though, as previously mentioned, it was better than the streets I grew up in. And to me, that was a plus.

Yoruichi: "Not what you were expecting?"

(Y/n): [Turns to Yoruichi] "Huh? What?"

Yoruichi: [Grins] "The Soul Society, is it not what you were expecting? Because going off your face, it looks like you were expecting something different."

(Y/n): "Oh, um...I guess? I mean, any place with a roof over your head is good in my eyes. After all, where I grew up, it was even less than this."

Yoruichi: "Really? That's a shame. I was hoping you were someone rich back in the world of the living. Maybe then you could have been accepted into a noble's family and I could scrounge you for money from time to time."

(Y/n): [Shocked] "What?! Are you serious?"

Yoruichi: "I know...Disappointing, right?"

Yoruichi didn't look at me whilst she said that, but even from my position next to her, where a clearly shocked expression rested on my face, I was able to see the disappointment she had to offer. The only thing was, I didn't exactly know if it was truthful or not. Because in the short time I had known Yoruichi, I came to understand that she quite enjoyed messing with people. Of course, before I could bring up anything else revolving around her sudden statement, Yoruichi was quick to switch subject altogether.

Yoruichi: "Anyway, so you said you're looking for your family here, right? What are they like?"

(Y/n): "O-Oh, um...Well, there's my Mom, and my four brothers, my little sister, Kyoko, and--"

Yoruichi: "Yeeeeeah. I was kinda asking if they were rich."

(Y/n): "What?" [Raises eyebrow] "If I wasn't, why would they be?"

Yoruichi: "Well, I don't know! They could have, like, kicked you out of the house when you were little and whilst you fell into the life of a poor person, they got taken in by a rich family and had the best life ever!"

(Y/n): "Wha--Why--How could--" [Shakes Head] "Is that why you're helping me? Because you're hoping my family is loaded?"

Yoruichi: [Nudges Shoulders] "Eh, I dunno. It wouldn't be bad if they were."

Again, all I could do was stare at Yoruichi in complete shock. I already had contemplating thoughts about this person from the get-go, but now they were only getting dug deeper into the walls of my mind. Though, of course, all it took was a few more seconds before a knowing grin crossed her lips. Her eyes never met mine. But that was a clear sign she was once more messing with me. Such was enough to make my eyes narrow forward as my body hunched in a similar direction.

(Y/n): "You know, you can leave any time, right? I'll find my family on my own."

Yoruichi: [Tries not to Laugh] "Oh! Come on, (Y/n)! I was only joking around! You don't know how hard it is to find someone so gullible in this world! Besides, you need to laugh from time to time!"

(Y/n): "Yeah, well, it seems like you're the only one laughing right now."

Yoruichi: "Come on! Don't be like that!"

Yoruichi said with a mixture of laughter and genuineness. Such only made me pick up my pace further, whilst Yoruichi tried her best to keep up. Unfortunately for me, no matter how many twists and turns I took through the offshoot allies to try and get rid of this stray feline who now seemed destined to follow me, I couldn't get rid of her. And honestly, I was starting to seriously wonder now why she was even sticking with me so much? I mean, besides out original encounter, what else was there a reason to terrorise an innocent bystander like me? 

I was just trying to find my family, and Yoruichi, despite claiming she was trying to help, just keep teasing and distracting me. And it also didn't help that whenever she got close to me, she'd immediately wrap her arms around my own! Which meant I could barely move freely, and that she had her chest pressed up against me! So not only was I struggling to think straight, but I was also trying not to appear weird to any people who happened to walk by us at this point. Eventually, I concluded that there was no point in trying to ditch Yoruichi. 

All I could do was just go along with it until we could find some damn water to get so she could finally quit 'helping' me. Thankfully, it didn't take too long before we reached a small marketplace in the centre of District 35, where various storefronts and carts were placed out with various things on display. It was through this labyrinth of items that I now found myself trying to maneuver through. But the simple action in trying to do that was not only a struggle due to the area being surprisingly crowded by people but also since Yoruichi WOULDN'T LET GO OF MY DAMN ARM!!!

Yoruichi: [Clinging to your arm] "Hehe~ You know, (Y/n). You've got pretty strong arms. Hehe~"

(Y/n): [Struggling to move through the crowd] "Ugh! Gee. Mrgh! Thanks! Grgh! Could you--Ugh!--Let go of them, please!"

Yoruichi: "And potentially get run over by this scary crowd? No way!"

Instead, Yoruichi just clung tighter, and even burying her face directly into my shoulder. Honestly, I was too annoyed by the crowd that I couldn't even get flushed up by her doing such. The situation was kinda like when I was younger, and Kyoko would wrap her body around one of my legs in order to get me to not leave the house, I could still move, but it was a struggle. That's exactly what right now felt like. Only with a fully grown teenager instead.

(Y/n): [Still trying to move] "Argh! Are you--Argh!--Embarrassed or something? Ugh!"

Yoruichi: "Embarrassed? What of?"

(Y/n): "That you're--Ugh--Holding onto the arm of some guy--Argh--What will people think?"

Yoruichi: [Suddenly grins] "I don't know...What will people think, (Y/n)~"

I didn't want to look down as soon as I heard the tone in her voice. But for some reason, some part inside of my brain wouldn't let me resist the temptation. So as my gaze lowered, I fully prepared myself to see some witty grin or some suggestive gaze looking right up at me. But what I wasn't prepared for was the exact opposite. For instead of a witty grin, I saw an innocent smile. And instead of a suggestive gaze; I was greeted by full golden eyes looking right up into my own. It's kinda like how cats normally get when at their cutest--Not that I'm saying Yoruichi is cute or anything! I just met her...and she's annoying! But still, it seemed to be the only way to describe the moment properly. Luckily, I was someone who wouldn't be swayed by these actions.

(Y/n): [Completely being swayed] "...Uh...Um...U-Uh, I...I, um..."

Yoruichi: [Raises eyebrow; Grins] "Hehe~"

(Y/n): "H-Huh? Ah--" [Shakes Head; Groans] "Argh...Let's just hurry up and go get this water."

This time around I was able to free my arm, and as soon as I did, I began walking on my own. Of course, Yoruichi still took this as her time to tease.

Yoruichi: [Smiles Amusingly] "What? No! Don't go, (Y/n)! I think we were having a moment!"

(Y/n): [Without Looking] "Yeah! One I don't want to have again!"

Yoruichi: "Oh, don't be like that! Come back! I wanna walk with you again!"

(Y/n): "Walk on your own!"

Yoruichi: "Hey! A guy can't act that way with a girl! It's not nice!"

Nice or not, this time around, I didn't respond. I just continued to walk away, all the while Yoruichi remained in place in the centre of the packed dirt street left to return to her normal attitude. Which, of course, was her just grinning. Something she made sure to put on display as soon as she caught back up to me, where she, of course, proceeded to wrap her arms around me yet again, and this time around made sure to keep it that way until we finally reached a stand within this busy marketplace that sold pots of water. My only hope that this moment would go without any embarrassing moments.

--A Few Minutes Later--

Old Man: [Smiles Brightly] "Oh! Please be sure to enjoy this fresh water, sir! I spent the entire day making sure I get the best batch just for wonderful paying costumers just like you!"

The voice of the old man selling the water and other items said with a joyous smile as he handed over a pot of water to a customer standing in front of us right now. All the while, Yoruichi and I were patiently behind him. Well, not that I could really do much else, Yoruichi currently still had her arms wrapped around my own, so even if I wanted to leave...I couldn't.

(Y/n): [Leans over to Yoruichi] "You know, you don't have to keep holding my arm like that. I told you I'll get this water and we then we can go our separate ways. I mean, that's what you wanted to do for me, right? Get water?"

Yoruichi: "Well, at first, I guess." [Smiles Brightly] "But then I realized how fun it is to tease you, so I think I'll enjoy every last moment I have with you, (Y/n)! Hehe~"

Though, what Yoruichi meant was she'd enjoy every last moment she has to torture me. I knew she meant such solely because as soon as she finished speaking, she proceeded to squeeze my arm tighter and act in a way she knew made me uncomfortable. As such, I was left to endure this torture for a moments more, before finally the man in front of us left, leaving Yoruichi and myself to now be front in line.

Old Man: [Smiles Brightly] "Ah! Another happy customer served! Now I have the pleasure to please yet another--" [Notice you and Yoruichi] "Huh? Children?! Get lost, you mongrols! Only paying customers here! I don't have time for rats like you!"

It only took a moment for me to process the sudden change in character from this old man to snap back at him. Though, maybe it was so quick because my frustration levels had already been built up by Yoruichi.

(Y/n): "Whoa! Hey, man! You don't have to be so rude! We haven't done anything to you!"

Old Man: "Oh, yeah? Please! All you kids are the same in this district! You don't wanna pay for anything! You just wanna steal my shit!"

(Y/n): "Steal your shit?! I wouldn't call this shit worth--"

My frustration levels only seemed to get higher for me, but just as I raised a finger to point in the mans face, I was abruptly cut off when a crop of purple hair appeared right before my eyes. It seemed Yoruichi had pushed her head in front of my own before I could say anything else. Not that I needed her to...I had this handled.

Yoruichi: [Smiles] "Um, I'm sorry, sir! My partner here can be a little crude sometimes."

(Y/n): [Turns to Yoruichi] "Partner?! I'm not your--"

Old Man: [To Yoruichi] "You don't say? Well, get lost! The both of you! I don't have time to waste with homeless kids like you!"

(Y/n): [Turns to the Old Man] "Hey, man! Watch the shit your talking about before I come over there and--"

Yoruichi: [Cuts you off] "Oh. Haha! Trust me, dear sir. We are not homeless, In fact... We're actually nobles."

Alright, now that time around Yoruichi's sentence was enough to shock both myself and the Old Man. To the point we both started laughing.

Old Man: "Haha! You two? Nobles?"

(Y/n): "Haha! Us? Nobles?"

Old Man: [Laughing] "Have you seen your clothes? Well, more so the boys than yours."

(Y/n): [Laughing] "Yeah! Have you seen my clothes--" [Realizes] "Hey! Screw you, dude!"

Yoruichi: [Smiles] "Oh, trust me. I am aware of the clothes we have on our backs. But we're actually here undercover today."

Old Man: "Huh? Undercover? What do you mean?"

Yeah, what did she mean? Whatever she did mean, it seemed Yoruichi was ready to go on the long-run with it. Such soon proven when Yoruichi began to scan the surrounding area to make sure no one was watching, before she turned back to the old man selling the water, and signalled for him to come closer with her finger. Something he did soon after.

Yoruichi: [Speaks in Low Tone] "Okay, look. I shouldn't be saying this right now. But you seem like a trustworthy man. Now, you see, lately, news has come from the Palace of the Soul King that he plans to extend his territory onto the Soul Society itself."

Old Man: [Shocked] "What?! Really?!"

Yoruichi: "Sssh! Sssh! Quiet! We can't have people hearing about it, because if word gets out to other Districts, everyone will want to come here and ruin everything for humble people like you!"

Old Man: "Oh, yes! Of course! Humble people like me wouldn't want that."

Yoruichi: [Leans In] "Exactly. That's why the Palace has sent my partner and I down here to see just how the people act, and to see if they're worthy to be the chosen District. And so far things are going well, but after the way you've acted now, I'm unsure if this really is the best place to--"

Old Man: "No! No! Please! I-I had no idea! Really! Please, forgive me!"

Yoruichi: "Hmm...? I don't know." [Scratches Chin] "...Are you really sorry?"

Old Man: "Yes! Yes! Most definitely!" 

Yoruichi: "Well then, in that case--" [Suddenly Smiles Brightly] "--Could you please get me your finest water and berries from the stock behind you? I really don't want to take items that have been waiting out on this table in the sun for the entire day?"

Old Man: "O-Of course, my lady!" [Turns to you] "A-And you too, sir! My...My humblest apologies! I beg of you!"

(Y/n): "Oh, um...It's alright?"

The Old Man just smiled his somewhat toothy grin (he was missing teeth) before abruptly turning around and fetching the items from the back of his wooden cart behind him, just as Yoruichi had instructed. Honestly, I didn't know how to react at a moment like this. I mean, sure, the guy was a jerk as soon as his eyes landed on us. But the fact that Yoruichi was pulling him along like this...whilst not exactly surprising given her character, but still. Little did I know my opinion on this would only double in a very short time. 

For it was as I stood beside Yoruichi in front of this table covered with various items for sale, that I just so happened to glance down at the stuff on display that was also for sale. It was in this moment that I happened to spot the sly move of hands that came from Yoruichi herself, who, whilst she believed no one was watching, proceeded to grab a small bowl of berries that was placed right in front of her on the table and grabbed a handful of them. 

I'm not sure where exactly she put them, but seeing as a few seconds later her hand came back into view only to be empty was enough to suggest she stuck them away somewhere. It only took a moment of me realizing what she had just done for my head to outright turn to face her. It didn't take long before she turned to look at me, but before anything could be said, both of our focuses were abruptly put back onto the old man selling the times, who had now finally turned around to face us once more. This time around, a fresh pot of water and a small woven sack with various items inside rested in his hands. 

Old Man: [Nervously Smiles] "Um...He-Here we are. My freshest water, and a few extra items just for you, my dearest nobles. I-I hope you find these offerings well."

Yoruichi: [Turns to the Old Man; Smiles] "Oh, I'm sure we will. But remember...People cannot know that we're nobles?"

Old Man: "O-Of course!"

Yoruichi: "So...How about you hand those items over, and whilst you do that...Just act like we're normal costumers, okay?"

Old Man: "R-Right! Um..." [Tries to Act Normal] "O-Oh, my! And what do we have here today? A beautiful young couple who has blessed me by coming to visit my selling stand? Please, enjoy these items!"

Yoruichi: "And these items are...Free?"

Old Man: "Um..."

A simple raised eyebrow from Yoruichi was all it took to further this sentence.

Old Man: "I mean...Of course, it's free! My! My! Today really is my lucky day! Haha..."

It must have just been this guy, an old man who was balding on the top of his head, who must have believed today was a lucky day. Because for me, someone who was basically just forced to stand right in place as...whatever just happened, happened before me, was left to just stand in complete confusion. Something that only doubled when Yoruichi finally decided to remove her arms that were previously wrapped around me, and instead went to reach out for the items

Yoruichi: "Excellent! Have a great day!"

It was with those final words that Yoruichi gladly took the items offered to her and went to leave without anything added. As for me, I kinda just hovered in place for a moment, unsure of what to really do. In the end, I could only think about thanking the man before I reluctantly went to follow after Yoruichi who now seemed far less interested in grabbing my arm as she was being preoccupied with the items she now carried. Even when I reached her, she barely even took notice of the fact that I was once again standing beside her. All she cared about was searching through the straw bag given to her. 

Even after taking in this sight momentarily, my next action came about turning my head to look back at the old man we had just blatantly stole from. However, it was clear he didn't see it like that, as upon looking over my shoulder I could still clearly that the man smiling and waving at us believed every single lie Yoruichi had told him previously. Though that demeanor was abruptly cut off when two young boys, one with brown hair and the other with spikey red hair that was pulled back by a headband, came to a stop at the side of his selling stand. Once he noticed them, his entire smiling demeanour dropped out of nowhere.

Old Man: [Yelling at the Kids] "Hey, you brats! Get out of here! I can't be having wastes of air like you around here today!"

Red-Haired Boy: "Hey, we didn't do anything!"

The final thing I saw was the old man continuing to yell at the kids, who were soon joined by another kid with curly hair. Whatever happened after that, I wasn't sure, as the building of the crowd around me only grew more intense until my entire view was blocked, forcing me to turn back to face the road in front of me so I didn't accidentally bump into anyone. But even as I did that, I still found myself questioning it all. Sure, that guy was a dick...But even so, did he deserve to have stuff stolen from him?

******

It was something that rested on my mind even after we got out of the crowded areas of the District Marketplace, but I had finally reached my limit when Yoruichi and I came to rest at the edge of a wooden dock that extended out from the base of a river that ran throughout the entirety of the Soul Society. As my feet hung off the edge, barely avoiding the water below, I looked down at my reflection and contemplated over what just happened. My focus was soon put back to Yoruichi, however, who sat right next to me. 

But instead of contemplating over her misdeeds, was far to eager in popping off the cork that sealed the pot of water and taking a long, heavy, drink of the cold liquid inside. I won't lie, I was so thirsty in the moment that I found myself stringing for even a touch of the potentially cold liquid that awaited on the other side of that pot. And going off Yoruichi's expression when she finally pulled her mouth away from the edge, it was everything I hoped for. Nevertheless, I had to remain strong!

Yoruichi: [Pulls Pot Away from Mouth] "Blah!" [Sighs] "Boy, water really is colder when it's not placed out on a table all day--" [Turns to you] "Don't ya think, (Y/n)?"

Initially, I went to say something, or more likely, say something as I went to reach out for the pot of water. But thankfully before I did that, I refrained and instead placed my left hand into a clenched fist in hopes it'd be enough to keep my inner demons at bay. Whilst Yoruichi didn't see this, she did see me refrain from speaking as I turned my head away and returned to looking down at the water before me. If I could, I'd just drink that. But I knew full well how bad this water tasted when not cleaned properly.

Yoruichi: "Um...Alright?" [Chuckles Slightly] "Uh, hey! There's a little too much water in this pot for me, and I kinda did promise you I'd get you some water. So if you want you can--"

(Y/n): "I don't want any...Thanks."

Yoruichi: "Oh, um...You sure? Hehe... Just because you, uh, you seemed pretty thirsty earlier? So I thought you might--"

(Y/n): "--You shouldn't have done that."

Yoruichi: [Raises Eyebrow] "Huh? Done what?"

(Y/n): "Steal that stuff. It wasn't right."

At first, Yoruichi seemed held back by my words, a little surprised I even said them. But just like she was with all her other moments, she was quick to adapt, and before too long, had a response ready to go.

Yoruichi: "...Oh. I see how it is." [Chuckles] "You think what I did back at the stand was stealing, huh? Just because I pretended to be a noble? Well, hate to point it out to ya, (Y/n). But that old guy was the one who said it was on the house--"

(Y/n): "--After you lied."

Yoruichi: "Oh, come on. You saw how the guy acted to us before I said we were nobles! People like that don't deserve money from people who barely can make a living?"

(Y/n): [Turns to Yoruichi] "Oh, and you struggle to make a living? I find that hard to believe."

Yoruichi: "Excuse me? You...You don't know me, or how I live."

(Y/n): "No, I don't. But that old man was right when he picked up how my clothing looked like I belonged in a place like this. But yours...It looks like something a person of wealth or power would wear."

I knew such pretty well, mainly from the one time when I was really little, my Dad took me into one of the only large townships that was closest to our village. It was still a day-and-a-half walk, but we needed to go there to get medicine for Grandpa. It was whilst we were there that it just so happened that a man and his family, who just so happened to be of Power, were coming through. It only took me a moment to realize the difference in a lot of things between them, and people like my family. One such thing being their clothes. I don't know how to explain it, but clothes can make out the character of a person. At least, that's what I've always felt. 

And even when someone who is poor wears clothing that only the rich or well-taken care of have, you can still tell their character behind it. That's why I fully believed my own words when I confronted Yoruichi about not being someone who could barely make a living. It was a risky thing to bring up, and normally I would suppress my own ideals. But after witnessing how she got away scot-free with the water, whilst those little kids were yelled off when they did nothing, made it all just stick out a little too much for me. To the point I find myself in my current position, facing off with Yoruichi who now seemed far more serious than she had in the time I have known her.

Yoruichi: "...Look, man. I hardly know you, alright? Even if I did steal it, it's not for you to judge."

(Y/n): "You're right, it isn't. But you're the one who wouldn't leave me alone. So you brought me into this. And when you do that, I have a right to bring up what I believe. And I believe that no matter what someone is going through, you shouldn't steal."

Yoruichi: "And why not?"

(Y/n): "Because... When I was young, I was given a set of rules to follow by. Rules that, as of late...I haven't been able to keep. But they're rules that came from someone I trust, and one of those rules was to help others. And trust me, even if your life is going crap, you stealing from someone who has to live through these streets every day, living off the money they make from selling this stuff, from hard work, goes a far longer way than you taking in what they worked hard for. So if you want to steal, that's fine..." [Stands up] "...But don't bring me into it. I've got my own demons to worry about."

[3rd Person POV]

It was with those words that a moment of silence came between both (Y/n) and Yoruichi. The pair facing off in quiet exterior, with the boy looking down at the purple-haired girl who still remained seated. By this point, Yoruichi's entire focus was placed off the pot of water, and etched completely on the serious expression (Y/n) now carried. In all honesty, Yoruichi didn't know what to say in the moment. She was just having fun, and tried to make (Y/n) have some as well. For whereas he didn't know it, Yoruichi felt sad for the boy when he unknowingly told the girl about how he was looking for his family. And sure, she could have just helped him look for them. But she knew full well what it was like living in a world covered with heavy burdens. 

Sometimes...Sometimes it's just best to forget about them for a while and just let loose. But it seemed that unlike Yoruichi, (Y/n) lived in a way completely different to her. Such ended up being the final thought as (Y/n) proceeded to turn around without saying another word and began walking off the dock and back towards the township in the short distance. All the while, Yoruichi was left to turn her own gaze back. But when it landed on the opened pot and the straw bag beside her, she didn't exactly know what to think. All she could think about was what (Y/n) said. Speaking of (Y/n), about ten minutes had passed by in a flash following his confrontation with Yoruichi at the dock. 

In this time he had returned to the main area of the District, where he passed through the marketplace, careful to avoid eye contact with the old man who was still selling his items. Though it was noticeable that he carried a smile. What was different from the occasional one he'd offer when a customer arrived, this one stayed for the entirety of (Y/n)'s sneaky journey passed his table. Now, (Y/n) didn't know for certain, but he suspected the man acted this way because he believed not long from now...This District would become a paradise to live in. Even better than the Seireitei itself. Unknown to him, however, nothing was to change. Such a realization for (Y/n) left the young boy even more dismayed. 

But in the end, he didn't say anything to change it, instead, he just kept on moving, hoping that he'd be able to get out of this District soon enough that this all would become just a simple distant memory for him to look back on in the future. Right now, he needed to keep his focus on finding his family, the sole reason he came to this place originally. But in order to do that, he'd need to get out of this packed crowd first. That's when (Y/n) decided to take his path away from the main road of District 35 and instead head down an alleyway to the side, one which proceeded to lead him into a quiet backstreet where his journey became that much easier. But even with the path being less crowded, his mind wasn't anything but.

(Y/n) didn't know why he couldn't just move on from it all. He just wanted to forget about it. Forget about meeting Yoruichi and the anger he felt at seeing her steal and bring him along to do such things. (Y/n) knew life wasn't easy, but he was raised in such a way that he didn't like seeing people do wrong. No matter the circumstances. Especially people he had a feeling weren't actually bad, but just misguided. Something he believed was the case with Yoruichi. She seemed nice, like she didn't want to hurt people. But she instead chose to simply ignore those aspects as she filled her life with actions that'd bring about momentary bliss. It was as (Y/n) pondered over this matter when an unknown voice called out in the distance.

"Renji, this is bad! They're serious!"

"Shut up and keep running! I'll get us out of here!"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

The strange voices in the distance were all it took to cause (Y/n) to clear his mind and lift his head in the same process. In doing so, he picked up on something. The voices sounded like...Children? Whether they were or not, they were most definitely young, and sounded scared. In the end, that's all that was needed for (Y/n)'s curiosity to get the better of him, to the point he immediately picked up his walking pace and headed straight forward in the direction the voices were coming from. He was just about to reach the entrance to an alleyway placed on his right, but just as he was about to turn into it--

BLAM!

A sudden collision of bodies was all it took to take away the concentration from everyone present. Within seconds, another small bang echoed in the air as multiple bodies fell to the ground. Mangled arms and legs were seen all over the place as the small cloud of dust began to dissipate into the air. Eventually, enough of it disappeared to reveal the sight of (Y/n) lifting his head. The young boy clutched at his forehead, showing his teeth as a sharp groan escaped his lips.

(Y/n): "Argh...What happened?"

"Ow! Ow! Ow!"

"That hurt..."

"I think I bruised my arm."

"...Did we run into a wall?"

As the three voices entered the air, (Y/n)'s confusion only grew. It eventually reached its peak, however, when his gaze finally landed on what he had crashed into. The cause of which being none other than four young boys who appeared to be wearing clothes far more worn and withered compared to everyone else in this particular District. It was a fact in which (Y/n) picked up on rather quickly, however, it changed almost instantly when he noticed one of the boys seated on the ground just like he was, was none other than the boy with the red hair he had seen approach the old man's selling booth just twenty minutes ago.

(Y/n): "Hey, you're the kid from earlier."

(???): "Huh? Who are you?"

The boy with red hair asked, before one of the other boys followed quickly after.

"Do you know this old man, Renji?"

(Y/n): [Thoughts] "OLD MAN?!"

Renji: [To his friend] "I don't think so. I've never seen him before." [Turns to you] "How do you know me, Mister?"

(Y/n): "...Huh? Oh!" [Shakes Head] "I saw you earlier, you were standing next to the table where that Old Man was selling--"

--Water. That was the word (Y/n) intended to say, but before he could, he was quickly cut off from saying anything more when out the corner of his eye, he spotted exactly that... Water. Or to be more precise, pots of water. They were exactly the same as the one Yoruichi had before. Yet these ones, four in total, were now scattered on the ground between (Y/n)'s position and where the four children stood mere feet away from him. A momentary pause had filled the scene, with the two parties remaining as still as possible. That was only until the boy known as Renji, and his friends, had spotted what (Y/n) was looking at. Immediate panic seemed to wash over their faces as each boy quickly picked up a pot of water and jumped back to their feet. Bringing (Y/n)'s own attention back to the matter at hand.

(Y/n): "Oh! Uh, are you guys okay? Sorry for bumping into you."

Renji: "Ah! Um! It doesn't matter! Really! We've gotta--"

"Well, well, well... What do we have here?"

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

"I can't believe you kids actually thought you could get away with stealing our water."

"We've heard a lot about you brats going around various marketplaces stealing water."

"I guess it's a good thing this kind man stopped you before you got too far, huh?"

It didn't take long before (Y/n)'s focus to be sent onto these new lot of voices, and unlike the previous wave of children's vocals from Renji and his friends, (Y/n) knew straight away that these new voices came from grown men. And so, there wasn't really much surprise pressed onto the young man's face when his eyes came in contact with that of three fully grown men standing opposite him, all holding wooden sticks and sinister grins on their faces as they looked down at the children before them. Children who now carried nothing but fear on their faces, something further brought forward by how their hands, still clinging to the pots of water, slightly began to shake.

Kid #2: "Re-Renji? What are we going to do?"

Kid #3: "There's no getting away this time, Renji."

Renji: "Just relax, okay?! I'll think of something!"

Kid #4: "Like what? There's nothing we can do!"

The dispair in the kids voices only grew more concerning, all the while, Renji tried to fight his own fears inside to seem strong for his friends. It soon became clear that Renji was the only one strong enough to stand before the three towering men whom he and his friends had stolen this water from moments ago. They would have gotten away with it if they had enough strength like this grown men, who get to eat and drink water as much as they wanted to. But, no. These poor, homeless, children were left to fight on the streets, and steal to make sure they survived. But when it came to actually being caught, it became a whole new scenario of survival, one in which Renji wasn't so certain he could get his friends out of this time. That was, until...

"Okay. I think I've seen enough now..."

Renji/Friends: "Huh?"

Lifting their fearful heads in union, the young children were greeted by the sight of (Y/n)'s back facing them. The young man, now standing between the fearful children and the men with sticks, carried his own snarky grin to reflect the once proud faces of the men before him.

Man #1: "Huh?! What do you want?"

(Y/n): "I want to know exactly what you plan to do with these kids?"

Man #2: "Ain't it obvious? We're gonna beat them senseless so they understand not to steal water from us ever again!"

Renji: [Yells from behind you] "Yeah, well...We wouldn't steal it if we had some to drink in the first place!"

Man #2: "And that's our problem?!"

Man #3: "Get some money and pay for it yourself! Work for a living!"

That remark was enough to make Renji clench one of his hands into a fist. However, before he could say anything, he was cut off by (Y/n), who had placed a hand out in front of the boy. When Renji looked up, he was greeted by (Y/n) smiling down at him. This look was only shared for a single moment before the older boy turned back to face the men.

(Y/n): "So...What I'm getting at here is--These kids stole your water, and you want to hurt them, right?"

The men didn't respond, yet the grins on their faces showcased more than enough that (Y/n)'s words were true.

(Y/n): [Mutters] "Yeah...Guessed as much." [Out Loud] "Alright then, here's the deal. You want to get to these kids, you're gonna have to go through m--"

Whack!

Before (Y/n) could even finish his sentence, his words were abruptly cut off when a stray wooden stick came flying through the air and struck him on the side of his head. The attack was enough to effect (Y/n), whose body dropped ever so slightly from contact. It was as he processed the newfound pain that the three men before him began to cackle, as the children behind him looked on in shock.

Man #1: "So we've gotta go through you then if we want to make those kids pay, huh?"

Man #2: "That's not a problem."

Man #3: "It'll be nice to put our frustrations on an idiot whose willing to get hurt than."

The trio of men now seemed rather giddy at the prospect of a fight, their hands clenching around the handles of their weapons before they launched forward in attack.

Bam!

Whack!

Slam!

Bang!

One after the other, (Y/n) was whacked over the head, or on the back, or shoulder, with a heavy wooden stick that'd most definitely be twice as painful for the weaker bones of a child. Even despite these men being of less strength due to their living condictions, their attacks were not pittiful. They slammed their wooden sticks over (Y/n)'s body without even a moment of hesitation. They were like hungry animals looking to release their anger onto someone they saw as beneath them. Such only caused the true state of the Soul Society to be pushed out onto (Y/n)'s mindset. 

A place that he once believed to be a paradise where lost spirits could go to find relief, now left to be seen as a prison for those without a purpose. But surprisingly, instead of it bringing (Y/n)'s already lowered selfconscious down more, it actually managed to ignite something in him. A spark of hope. A faint belief that change could be made. When he was young, he wanted to become a Soul Reaper because they were able to help lost spirits find their way to the Soul Society. But now (Y/n) realized that even beyond that point, there was something more Soul Reapers could do when helping lost spirits. And whilst he may not be a Soul Reaper yet...He could still help people. 

It was with that declaration in his spirit, that even as countless attacks came flying down on him, that with one push of strength from the deepest parts of his spirit, that the young boy launched to his feet! Using his arms to send the oncoming attacks backward! Whilst his feet dug into the ground to give him a proper standing point to prepare himself for what came next! At this moment, both children and men alike watched on in shock as (Y/n) stood his ground, and even as blood fell from the top of his head, he still found himself grinning. After all, that was one of his Grandpa's Rules, right? Always smile! Because if you yourself couldn't smile...How could you expect those you want to help to do the same?

(Y/n): [Grins] "That the best you guys got?"

The words seemed to shock not only the men, but Renji and his friends as well. They had just witnessed this styrange man get hit over the head mutliple time with wooden sticks, and yet he was still standing, still smiling? They couldn't believe it. But not long after this, they were left to leave their beliefs to the side, when out of nowhere (Y/n)'s body launched forward with a fist pulled backward. The sudden action alone was enough to catch the men with weapons offguard, who could do absolutely nothing when the young boy finally released this sniper shot of a right hook through the air to collide with the left cheek of the man in the middle. 

(Y/n)'s fist burying its way into the man's soft flesh before the force that followed was enough to send him flying backwards and crashing into the ground. The other two men were left startled at seeing their friend taken care of so easily, but not to be let down in their own strength, the remaining two decided to attack (Y/n) in union. And at first, it seemed to be working. Both going in at the same time allowed for (Y/n) to only properly block one swinging attack from the man on the left with his wooden stick. This caused the man on the right to swing low and strike (Y/n)'s open gut with his own weapon. 

The pain felt from the attack most definitely hurt, leaving (Y/n) to hunch forward as a burst of saliva dropped from his opened mouth and fell to the ground. Now, sure, when (Y/n) was younger he got into his fair share of playful roughhousing with his brothers, to the point sometimes one or the other would end up with a black eye. The worst coming when (Y/n) recieved a broken arm when two of his younger brother ganged up on him and pushed him down a hill. A quick flashback of such was enough of a reminder in this current moment to not let his guard down again. 

That's why, when the man on the left went to swing down his wooden stick a second time, (Y/n) was quick to block the attack by grabbing the weapon. It was as he did so, that the man on the right went to repeat what happened previously. This time around, (Y/n) was ready. For whilst he still held firmly onto the stick in hand, he waited perfectly for the right time the second man came in with his attack to suddenly pull free the wooden stick he had been holding onto, and used it to block the oncoming attack from his other opponent. The mere speed alone of such a thing shocked both men. Though, they were left only more like this when (Y/n) followed such actions by pouncing to his feet and launching into the air. 

It was as gravity brought him back down, that he quickly swung his newly equipped weapon and struck both men on the side of the head. The attacks were far firmer than their own previous ones, meaning that unlike (Y/n), they found themselves struggling to handle even a single strike. Though, maybe it was because after this action, both men fell onto their butts and were left to witness the sight of (Y/n)'s bleeding head, mixed with his confident grin, stare directly down at them, as if any pain they had inflicted on him previously had done no damage whatsoever. In the end, this seemed all that was needed to end the conflict.

(Y/n): [Grinning wickedly] "Well then...Still got room for more?"

"...Ugh...Ugh..."

Neither man could seem to find the right words. Then again, could you really blame them? Right now, it was like a madman had suddenly sprung onto them. Honestly, at first, (Y/n) appeared weak and without a fighting bone in his body. But right now, as he grinned down at them with blood dripping from his head, it almost felt like...He wasn't human after all. Both men, despite not knowing it in this current moment, couldn't help but queston whether or not they saw (Y/n)'s (E/c) color flicker to an almost yellow texture. But they found no time to properly contemplate this as out of nowhere the young man suddenly lunged at them.

(Y/n): "Rah!"

Without a second to waste, both men instantly got to their feet and ran as fast as they could in the opposite direction of the alleyway with fear flooding through their systems. They had even forgotten about their friend, who was still lying on the ground struggling to capture his own barrings after being punched so hard in the face by (Y/n) earlier. Speaking of (Y/n), even after the men ran off, he still found his toothy grin on display. Though, noticeably after a few seconds, a fatigued look crossed his face abruptly, his right hand coming up to cup his face before he fell to his knees, like almost all his energy was gone suddenly. It was in this moment that (Y/n) pulled his hand away from his face to see the stained red of his blood pressed against the texture of his skin. A shocking development to see, especially going off his next words.

(Y/n): "Wha...What happened?"

Kid #2: "Whoa, Mister! You were amazing!"

(Y/n): "Hu...Huh?"

Turning his bloodied head around, (Y/n) was greeted by the sight of Renji, along with his three friends smiling at him. Though their smiles were soon to drop when they saw the amount of blood coming from his face.

Renji: "...Whoa, you're really bleeding a lot. Are you okay, Mister?"

(Y/n): "...Hu...Huh? O-Oh. Yeah. I'm sure I'm fin--"

At last, life seemed to have other answers for (Y/n). For just before he could finish his sentence, he felt even more energy fade from his body, casuing him to drop to the ground in a sudden thud as everything went black. It was in this moment that (Y/n)'s entire consciousness was enveloped by the black void of his mind, where he seemed to remain for some time until he finally woke up a short while later.

[Your POV]

--An Unknown Amount of Time Later--

"...If felt good, didn't it?"

"...To fight?"

"...To feel powerful?"

"I can help you get more of it..."

"...You just have to do one thing for me..."

"...Do that one thing...And I'll make you the strongest spirit around! Hahahaha!"

....That laugh...It sounded like it was right out of a nightmare. I don't know why, but I felt as if I had heard it before. I wanted to reply. To call out and ask who was speaking to me. But the void of complete pitch-black darkness that currently enveloped my body stopped me from doing so. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. All I could do was float around within the darkened walls of my subconscious until finally, I saw a light. But as that light slowly grew, and my body was eventually consumed by that, even when I found the energy to move...I could only do one thing.

"HHHHAAAAHHHHH!!!"

A powerful gasp was all I could muster as I felt my body being shot out of the darkness and back into the world of the living...or, uh...world of the souls? For all it took was a few seconds for me to remember just where I was, the Soul Society, and upon waking up I found myself lying down on an old rag next to the river I had been next to earlier in the day with Yoruichi. It was now nighttime, such confirmed by the stars in the sky. I only really got a moment's glance of them, however, before my focus was directed back onto the ground where a familiar voice spoke out to me.

Kid #3: "You know, you snore pretty loudly when you're asleep, Mister."

Turning my head in the direction of the voice, my eyes soon landed on the still face of the boy with red hair, Renji, who currently sat next to the fireplace with his three friends. All of them now looked at me with smiles, only Renji was the one to keep his face straight.

"You were really cool, Old man!"

"Yeah! I've never seen an Old Man move so fast before!"

"Haha! Maybe it won't be so bad when we become old men!"

(Y/n): "Um...Yeah...Hopefully."

There wasn't really much chance of me putting in any effort about my first sentence since regaining consciousness. Mainly because, well, I had never been called an 'Old Man' as much as I have on this very day. I'm only Nineteen! Well, I mean, I died when I was Nineteen, and I spent Seventy-Five Years being a spirit--and I'm not exactly sure if that's something other spirits can pick up on or anything. Maybe these kids were just brats after all?

Renji: "...You were pretty strong out there. So, what are you... A Soul Reaper?"

(Y/n): [Turns to Renji] "Hmm? Oh! Haha! No. No." [Scratches Head] "I'm, uh... I'm just a normal guy."

Though, in saying that, I still can't help but to think about how much energy I had in that moment of fighting. It was...It was almost like I wasn't in control. It was kinda scary to even think back on it now if I'm being honest.

Renji: "So you're not a Soul Reaper, huh?" [Looks at you] "Well, if you're not a Soul Reaper...Why did you help us?"

(Y/n): "Huh? What do you mean?"

Renji: "You heard those guys, right? We stole that water. So why did you help us if you're not a Soul Reaper..." [Grumbles] "Not that they even would themselves..."

Just hearing that confirmed my fears even more. Fears that had only continued to form during my time making way through this desolate wasteland filled with spirits. The fear that Soul Reapers weren't the heroes I once thought they were. Sure, I'm certain there were good amongst them. Kyoraku seemed alright. But... After seeing how these people here live, and the pain of surviving they are forced through. 

It's given me a new light into how the Soul Society isn't some paradise, it's just another form of life that people in the World of the Living already go through. And it sucked to think that was the case. I had spent most of my life wanting to be a Soul Reaper, but now I'm coming to realize that they weren't what I was thinking...and seeing the lives these children have to go through makes me feel that burden even further now.

(Y/n): [Sighs] "All...All my life, I wanted to be a Soul Reaper."

Renji: [Lifts Head] "Huh?"

(Y/n): "When I was young, my Grandpa would tell me stories about how Soul Reapers would save lost spirits and rescue those who needed help. When I heard that, I thought they were the coolest people ever. But after going 75 years of countless wandering, hoping that a Soul Reaper would come and save me, plus my time in this Soul Society, I've come to realize that everything from being a Soul Reaper wasn't what I thought they were..."

It's true. Whilst the overall appearance of them was the same. They carried powerful swords used to slay Hollows and bring spirits to the Soul Society. But that's about where the comparisons ended. Once souls got to the Soul Society, they forgot about them. They left them to survive on their own. And seeing that...It made me angry. But not angry to give up...But make a change.

(Y/n): "But you know what? I'm not going to let the actions of other people effect me! I may not be a Soul Reaper, but I can still help others. So...So that's why I helped you guys. You were people who needed help. And, sure, you stole stuff. But...as I'm starting to learn now, not everyone's story is as plain as I may have first believed."

With the end of my sentence came a world of silence between my side of the fire, and the other side where Renji and his friends sat. I don't know if I expected them to be stunned by my story, or feel at least something. But when I got their response, I remembered something...They were kids.

Renji: [Looks down at the fire] "...You're a weird person, Mister."

(Y/n): "What?"

"Hahaha!"

The sound of Renji's friends laughing were quick to fill the air following my sudden reaction. It seems they found whatever it was funny, and I was left to just handle the fact that I was the butt of the joke. Honestly, I guess I couldn't really blame them. What I said may have been a little sappy, but it's what I believed. I'd just have to take in the fact that sometimes the point you try to get across just...won't.

Renji: "...Thanks, though."

...Or maybe not entirely. At least, that's what I began to think when my head abruptly lifted upon hearing Renji's response. As my eyes landed on the boy with red hair, I realized that just like the other people I had met in Soul Society, his story wasn't known to me. So expecting them to understand mine to the full impact I tried to bring it with was useless. But the fact that he still seemed somewhat happy in this moment I shared with them now was a reassuring feeling. It was from this point on that I decided to put the talking aspect of this moment on hold and instead take in the other aspects on offer. Such as the warmth of the nearby fire. 

Slowly turning my body towards the orange flames, I carefully extended my two hands and allowed the hot surface to warm up all that I had to offer. It was as this happened, that my ideal gaze wandered around the surrounding area. In doing so I witnessed various things like Renji's friends joyously slurping down water from the pots they had earlier. The mere joy such liquid could bring people was yet another astonishing thing to see straight up. A few minutes later I gathered the courage to ask Renji and his friends more about them. At first, they seemed pretty hesitant. Well, Renji, mostly. But his friends seemed more than willing to talk. One of his friends basically gave me the full backstory of their little group. 

About how they were originally from District 78 of Rukongai, but they had decided to travel from that point further inwards, towards the Seireitei, in hopes of finding more water and food. When I heard this, I was shocked, and concerned that their parents are probably worried sick. But it was through this statement that I found my first discovery about these boys...They were homeless. Left without parents to look after them in this Soul Society, a horrifying realization I couldn't help but regret instantly upon hearing it. I tried to apologise for my actions, but Renji was quick to cut them down. I could understand why. So I decided to leave it at that and instead move my focus onto a question that had actually been bugging me for a while now.

(Y/n): "Uh, anyway, I've been wondering this for a while now. But we're next to the river right now, and when I blacked out, we were in an alleyway pretty far from here. Did you guys carry me here?"

Renji: "No."

(Y/n): "Oh...Then who did?"

"That would be me."

Not even a second had passed after this voice had finished speaking for me to already go to turn my head around. Before I had even done so, I knew whose voice was speaking to me. Even so, that did little to stop the shock from flooding my system when I turned around to see the voice had belonged to none other than Yoruichi herself. The purple-haired girl, wearing the same clothes as she had on earlier today, holding a pile of firewood as she approached the campsite.

(Y/n): "Yoruichi? What are you doing here?"

Yoruichi: "Well, that depends. Originally, I was here to drag your body out of the crowded town and bring you somewhere more comfortable to sleep off your injury. But then these kids started making a fire, and before it burnt out, I decided to go get some more wood for it." [Turns to the kids] "Speaking of which, start loading it up, boys."

"Aye! Aye! Ma'am!"

Without a moment of hesitation, Renji's three friends instantly got to their feet and made their way over to Yoruichi where they proceeded to take the firewood and add it to the fire. As for Yoruichi herself, she began making her way over to me. As she did so, the memories of earlier that day came flying back into my spirit. And whatever regret I had earlier, it now doubled that I was back in her presence once more. Even more so when she went to sit right next to me and the fire.

(Y/n): "Uh, look, Yoruichi, I just wanted to say--About earlier--I'm sorry if I came off a little harsh. I--"

Yoruichi: "Relax. It's fine..." [Sighs] "Besides, I guess you were kinda right."

(Y/n): "Hmm?"

Yoruichi: "I mean, about dragging you into it. You were looking for your family and I... was taking you away from that. So... I'm sorry."

Honestly, if you would have asked me five seconds ago would Yoruichi of all people be apologising to me? No. Just from the short time I've known her, I would expected her to be the type of person who didn't accept that she was wrong. Especially by someone she had just met. She seemed to believe in herself and her actions. Yet, here she was, her eyes focused on the fire before her as she apologised for earlier. As for me, I was kinda left to just stare at her for a moment. 

Not in a weird way! It's just... I find it funny that I've already had so much happen between me and this person whom I only met earlier today. Plus the fact that for a good chunk of the beginning, I thought she was just a cat! It was safe to say it was a lot to think back on so suddenly. But in this moment, I decided to kinda ignore all the heaviness that came with this sudden reunion. And it was in this time period that I decided to do some self-reflection of my own.

(Y/n): "...I'm sorry too."

Yoruichi: [Turns to you] "Wha? What for? You did nothing wrong?"

(Y/n): "Eh. Maybe. But still... I felt bad about how I handled things earlier. I mean, I was the one who brought up being thirsty. And whether you were just trying to help in your own way, I probably could have gone about it easier. I guess I'm just kinda caught up on a lot of things right now."

Yoruichi: "Well...I get that."

(Y/n): [Turns to her] "Huh? You do?"

Yoruichi: "Well, not really. I mean, I get why you acted that way. You came here to look for your family, and in the straight on viewpoint of it all,  just appeared like someone who was trying to take you away from that. So I get why you said that. Plus, I've also got to remember that whilst I'm comfortable in stealing stuff...Doesn't mean I should bring others into it."

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

You know, hearing Yoruichi be so straightforward with something like this was honestly shocking. In the short time I knew her, I came to somewhat understand what type of person she was. So to see her speak so truthfully about it was rather nice. And it did enough to open this conversation up a little. Turning it from one that felt awkward and constrained at the start, to one that could now be approached with a little more freedom. Something I went about doing without realizing that Renji and his friends were now watching the scene go down with far more interest than kids probably should.

(Y/n): "...So..." [Grins Slightly] "...You finally admit you stole that stuff, huh?"

Yoruichi: [Turns to you suddenly] "What? No! I...I'm just saying..."

(Y/n): "...Just saying that you stole that stuff."

Yoruichi: "I didn't steal it, okay! I just...borrowed it without giving the full truth!"

(Y/n): "So you stole it?"

Yoruichi: "I didn't steal it! Okay?! Besides, I gave it all back so just...Get off my back and stop teasing me."

It was immediately following these words that two reactions came. One was from Yoruichi, who quickly crossed her arms over her chest and proceeded to turn her gaze from me to focus on the fire, enough that it was almost impossible to make out the slight blush creeping on her face. The second reaction came from me, who was genuinely shocked at what I just heard.

(Y/n): "You...Took the stuff back?"

Yoruichi: "Well...Yeah." [Lowers Head Slightly] "I mean, you wouldn't shut up about it..." [Mumbles] "And then my head wouldn't shut up about it, so...I took it back..." [Shakes Head; Turns to you] "Look! The point is, I did it, and we'll leave it at that, okay? No more bringing it up!"

(Y/n): "Um...Okay. I mean, yeah. Sure. No...No worries."

At the end of my sentence, I couldn't help but smile. It was kinda hard to explain the emotions I felt when processing the fact that Yoruichi actually returned the stuff she stole. It was surprising, to say the least. But I don't know what was more impactful in this moment. That my words actually had a say in the girl's actions. That she actually kept thinking about it even when I left. Or that all of this revealed in truth that my suspicions about Yoruichi actually being a genuinely nice person was true. 

Whatever one came out on top, it didn't really matter. But just knowing that in the end, she did the right thing, was more than enough for me to do as she requested and leave the moment at this. From this point on, I followed her in turning my focus toward the fire. It was in this position that we remained for the remainder of the night. Though, unbeknownst to us, as we did so, Renji and his friends were still watching whilst being weirded out by it all.

Kid #2: "...Grown-ups are weird."

Kid #3: "Tell me about it. I never want to be like this."

Kid #4: "Are they going to kiss? They better not! Kissing girls is weird. Right, Renji? Renji?"

Renji didn't end up responding. He just continued to look at the sight of two people standing before him, a boy and a girl silently enjoying the company of one another, that left him contemplating a lot of thoughts. What were those thoughts? I never found out. But it was clear about something, the story that Renji had destined for himself started right in this moment, where he met a person he would one day come to look up to far more than he did in this current point in time. He just didn't know it yet...

--The Next Day-- 

By the time the next morning rolled around, the fire that had previously been refilled the night before was long gone. Only smoke rose from the pile of ash that surrounded our makeshift campsite. Only an hour after everyone woke up was it time for our parties to split. Renji and his friends said they were going to return back to District 78, where they'd meet up with more of their friends and tell them about the 'cool Old Man they met'. Honestly, I don't know if I should have taken that last part as a compliment, but I decided to just move on from it and just take the knowledge they were going to tell others about me with a smile. So after a short round of goodbyes, the group of boys took off for their old home, leaving just Yoruichi and myself alone.

Yoruichi: [Places Hands Behind back; Smiles] "So, then, (Y/n)...? What are you going to do now? Keep looking for your family?"

(Y/n): "Um...Actually, I think I'm going to take a break from it for a bit."

Yoruichi: [Genuinely surprised] "Oh! Uh, really? That's just...surprising is all. I thought that was why you came to the Soul Society for?"

(Y/n): "I mean, it is. But...Before all of this stuff about looking for my family, I wanted to come to the Soul Society for another reason."

Yoruichi: "Yeah, and that is?"

(Y/n): "...To be a Soul Reaper."

Yoruichi: "...A Soul Reaper?" [Places hand on hip] "And why would you want to become one of those lame people exactly?"

(Y/n): "Well, I mean, I've always wanted to be one. But ever since I've been here, I see that they're not what I thought they were. I want to change that, Yoruichi. I want to become a Soul Reaper who people can genuinely rely upon!"

I spoke out those words with a wave of confidence that I hadn't been able to use whilst mentioning such a profession in the same sentence in a very long time. But this time around, I could do so happily whilst fully believing that I knew what needed to be done. And nothing could tear me down now!

Yoruichi: "Ah! Hahahaha!!"

(Y/n): [Suddenly turns to her] "Huh?!"

Yoruichi: "Hahahahaha!!!"

...Or so I thought. For a good half a minute, I was kinda left to just stand in place, shocked at the sudden wave of laughter left to escape Yoruichi's voice. Left even more perplexed when her front body leaned forward, allowing more laughter to flow from her gut and out into the world around us. I'm not going to lie...It kinda hurt a bit...But I was strong...I could handle this...Enough.

(Y/n): [Blankly Stares] "...Anything you wanna share... 'Mister' Yoruichi?"

Yoruichi: [Still Hunched Over; Lifts Head] "Huh? Oh! Haha! Sorry, (Y/n), it's--Haha--It's nothing. Really."

She said as she wiped a tear from her eye.

(Y/n): "Uh, huh. Yep. Totally nothing...Totally."

Yoruichi: [Trying not to Laugh] "Hey. Hey. I'm sorry! Really! I'm not laughing at you becoming a Soul Reaper..."

A simple glance in her general direction was all it took to change that tune.

Yoruichi: "...Okay, maybe I was a little. But it's not because I believe you can't become one! It's because..."

(Y/n): [Raises Eyebrow] "Because...?"

Yoruichi: [With a Straight Face] "...Because I just find the fact that you genuinely believe you, yourself, can change things is all."

(Y/n): "Hey! I could so change things!"

Yoruichi: "Hey, man. Each their own, ya know? But trust me. As someone who's been here for a good while now, wanting to change stuff...It's not going to work out. I'm sorry."

(Y/n): "You don't know that."

Yoruichi: "I kinda do."

(Y/n): "Yeah, well, I'm...I'm going to prove you wrong!"

Yoruichi: "That so? You don't sound so confident?"

(Y/n): "I'm confident, I just... Don't exactly know where to start is all."

Yoruichi: "Oh, brother..."

One roll of the eyes later and Yoruichi quickly went about walking passed me and headed back toward the township of District 35. However, not one to be simply ignored like that, I was quick to give chase. And it was upon me meeting back up with the girl that I further gave reason and indication that I would do anything it'd take to become not only a Soul Reaper...But a Captain as well! Someone whose so highly regarded that they could genuinely make a change! And one for the better! Of course...When Yoruichi heard that, she just laughed at me again. Honestly, I didn't know why she didn't believe in me. But I decided to not let it effect me and simply formed a confident grin as I got in front of the girl walking with a steady pace and cut her off entirely.

(Y/n): "Alright then, how about this? If I'm going to become a Soul Reaper, I'm going to be here for awhile."

Yoruichi: "Okay, and?"

(Y/n): "And, so let's make this interesting. A bet!"

Yoruichi: "A bet?"

(Y/n): "Yeah, a bet! If I can't become a Captain amongst the Soul Reapers and make a genuine change to this place, then...I'll admit you're right!"

Yoruichi: "Eh. I already know I'm right. So that's not going to do."

(Y/n): "Oh. Alright. Well, um, how about...Um...Oh! I know! If you're proven right, not only will I, myself, admit you're right, but...I'll also let you do whatever stealing or bad things you want to do and I won't judge you! Heck! I'll even help you do it."

It was in that moment that Yoruichi's golden gaze quickly shifted back to mine, a smile slowly creeping onto her face in the process.

Yoruichi: "Oh~ What's this? (Y/n)'s willing to go to the dark side just to prove a point?" [Grins] "You're serious about this, aren't you?"

(Y/n): [Smiles back] "You best believe."

Yoruichi: "Hmmm...Alright, then! You've got a deal! If you can't do it, you become my little lacky for all eternity, okay?"

(Y/n): "Sure. You bet. It's not going to happen. But you can think otherwise all you want.

Yoruichi: [Plainly] "Uh, huh. Yeah. Sure. Though, that only leaves one thing...What do you want if you win the bet?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh! Um...I'm not really sure? You pick something."

You know, looking back on this moment now, I think I may have regretted saying that. For as soon as my sentence came to an end, it took no more than a few seconds for Yoruichi's golden glimmer within her eyes to shine ever so brighter, as if a mischievous thought was planted within her mind in that exact moment. However, a part of me also began to wonder if Yoruichi had this thought ready for a while now. For as soon as I finished my previous sentence, I was left confused when almost instantly the dark-skinned girl approached me. 

And before I could even register that properly, she had already leaned closer and brought her lips up higher until they came within inches of touching my left ear. It was in the same action that she brought up her left hand and proceeded to cover her lips as she whispered a set of words into my ear that I would struggle to believe was true for the rest of my life. But even if I knew for a fact that those words spoken were one hundred per cent true, I would never dare to repeat them. From this moment on, they were lost to history. The only clue left in their path was that these words, all in the form of a gentle whisper, were more than enough to make my entire face flooded with a wave of red heat from my body's core. 

Added to the moment, the confident grin that which this strong and independent young woman carried as she moved past my frozen body and continued on her previous path. This time around, it took a good few seconds before I could properly gather myself together enough to the point I could chase after her once more. But surprisingly, this was not where the shocks ended for me. For, you see, almost a day later when Yoruichi and myself finally returned to District 1, the part of Rukongai that was directly outside the walls of the Seireitei, was I to be delivered another wave of surprises yet to be expected.

Yoruichi: [Looking at the Seireitei] "Well then, here we are, (Y/n)...Still believe you've got what it takes to become a Soul Reaper Captain, let alone one that can make changes?"

Pulling her gaze away from the vast landscape belonging to the Soul Reapers before them both, Yoruichi was quick to bring back her toothy grin as she focused on me. I'll be honest, actually standing right before the place right now, I could literally feel the endless amount of Spiritual Pressure that came from within. You know, I'm not normally one to back down from things...But still...

(Y/n): "...O-Oh, yeah. Totally. I've, um...I've got this."

Yoruichi: [Smiles Amusingly] "Well then, just remember. If you're struggling to cope with what you'll face on the other side of those walls...Just think about what's waiting for you if you win our little bet~"

(Y/n): [Blushes Instantly] "Um...Y-Yeah, about that. You weren't...You weren't serious about what you said, right? That was a joke? You were joking...Right?"

Yoruichi: [Begins Walking away] "I don't know...Was I~"

Those two words at the end, mixed with the way she smiled and spoke, was all it took for my entire mind to shut down for the second time now. Honestly, I don't exactly like how much control Yoruichi had over my body when it came to her saying stuff like that. But for one reason or another, I just couldn't help it! I was just left to be a moldable puppet in her hands when she spoke and acted that way. It was almost enough that I didn't even notice that she was walking away from me. I only picked up on it when I saw the place she was walking towards...Was the Seireitei.

(Y/n): "H-Hey, where are you going?"

Yoruichi: "Home. Why?" [Grins] "Wanna see if you can get your reward early~"

(Y/n): "Wha...Really--I mean!" [Rapidly Shakes Head] "No! No. It's just...Th-That's the Seireitei behind you."

Yoruichi: "I know."

(Y/n): "...And you said you were going home?"

Yoruichi: "Uh, huh. I see you have good ears, (Y/n)."

(Y/n): "Wait. Wait. Wait. So...If that's your home, are you...Are you a Soul Reaper?"

Yoruichi: [Thinks Over It] "...Eh. I mean, kinda. Why do you ask?"

(Y/n): "Why didn't you tell me?"

Yoruichi: [Grins] "Because then you wouldn't like me even more for stealing~"

A lot came to my mind in this moment. A lot I didn't properly know how to handle or reply to. Though before long, I didn't really have much of a choice, as I was abruptly pulled from my thoughts when Yoruichi pounced off the bottom of her feet and launched high into the air. So high, in fact, that she effortlessly landed directly atop the large wall that ran circles around the Seireitei. That action alone left be astonished. When did Yoruichi have that much strength to do that? And what else wasn't she telling me? I was so confused that I didn't know what to think in the moment. However, that only seemed to make Yoruichi even more amused.

Yoruichi: "Hey, (Y/n)?"

(Y/n): "Huh?" [Looks up at her] "Uh, yeah?"

Yoruichi: "If you're serious about becoming a Soul Reaper, don't die during your training, okay?"

(Y/n): [Mutters] "...What? Die?"

Yoruichi: [Smiles Softly] "I wouldn't wanna see someone cute like you die before I can really see what they've got~"

Those final words came with yet another grin, something my brain struggled to process as it still currently had so much more left to comprehend. In the end, I didn't even get a chance to respond as Yoruichi simply offered a final wave before she disappeared on the opposite side of the wall and out of mind in general. Even when she was gone, I was left to stand in place for a good minute or so. As I did, I was soon joined up by the District Elder, who explained to me that Kyoraku would be coming back in a day or two with information from his friend. 

I guess that would be the perfect time to tell him what I planned to do with my life in the Soul Society now. At the end of the day, it was simple what I wanted. I didn't want to just become another Soul Reaper. Nor just a Captain at that. I wanted to become a Soul Reaper who made a change...and one my family would be proud of. Because even with me becoming a Soul Reaper, I still wouldn't forget about them, and I'd still search for them. For no matter what became of my life now, family, friends...and the rules my Grandpa left for me...Those were what my life will be going forward.

--257 Years Later | Present Day | Karakura, Japan--

...And even so long later, after my life had taken so many twists and turns, I continued to believe those words. And after the friendships, trials, and tribulations I'vew already endured, there was nothing stopping me from becoming the man I dreamed of. A Soul Reaper Captain, built upon the change he declared would happen. But before I could do any of that, first I needed to take up the job given to me by the higher ups of this  mixed establishment. It just so happened that this assignment was one I was more than willing to take. After all, it involved an old friend, and trying to figure out just what mess she has gotten into during her watch over this particular part of Japan. Luckily for me, no matter the trials that await on this adventure, I have my own special person left to keep me on track. Even if her own beauty is enough of a distraction in that regard~

[3rd Person POV]

Those were the thoughts that accompanied an older (Y/n) (L/n), who found himself continuing to maneuver his way through the rooftops of this town within Tokyo. But as this Soul Reaper Captain, along with his feline of a partner, manuvered through the night sky. Little did they know of a sinister force watching from beyond...and the tests that would await them and those they were yet to meet. The only thing for certain was, no matter what came their way, (Y/n) was up for it. After all, what kind of Captain would he be...If he was scared of a little Hollow or two?

[And there we have the conclusion to the FINAL part of the Prologue trilogy to start off this book. This one ended up being 15k words instead of the usual 10k. But that was just so I could complete off this portion of the story. Now, in saying that, a few things I want to clarify.

1.) We will still see flashbacks to your past and time during your younger years as a Soul Reaper and whatnot. Whether they come in the form of full flashback chapters or just half, is yet to be seen. The point being, more points on your relationship with Yoruichi and other characters will be further built on in past and present standards. So look out for that.

2.) The way the story has been molded for these first three chapters isn't how the rest of the book will feel like completely. I basically separated them all into one massive chapter split into three portions. After all, they were prologues, going forward, you will be getting proper chapters. And with that, the events in the show will be introduced along with characters.

So hopefully all of that will come across easily, and will get you guys looking forward to what is to come. The next chapter I'll be taking more time to write, as mentioned, it'll be a proper chapter and not a prologue. Plus I've got other stories I want to write. As is the way I take my writing now, I do it basically when I feel like it and don't force myself. Nevertheless, this is a new book and I WANT to write it, so the wait won't be too long. Probably something like 10 days or something, we'll see. But until then, thanks for checking out today's chapter, and I hope to see you all again soon.]