Karakura Town - Kurosaki's house

See: Expensive Gigai Delivery Service, Uruhara's Shop.

After switching to Gigai form, following the instructions on the map, I easily take my 4 partners to the indicated place.
The house is facing us, with the sign "Kurosaki Private Clinic".

Good thing we're sure it's the right home! Now then, shall we knock on the door or hit the window?
...Hmph.
If I reckon what Ukitake-san told us well, there is only one daughter who isn't aware that her brother is the Shinigami Representative. Still, there would be no need for us to knock on the door at dawn, we could easily wake up that lovely child before a tough day at school. Unforgivable. She needs a whole restful night of sleep.
...

I look back at the 3 ladies. Muttering my thoughts to them, I end up with my plan:
"...so let's act very discreetly and crash through the first window on the left, alright? It's his room. Let's--"

"Oy, who the hell are you...? I felt strong reiatsu outside, it must be yours... What are you doing here blabbering in front of my house?"

The window above our group is open, and a young man is staring at us, dressed in what looks close to our Gotei 13 uniforms.
His spiky orange hair and his serious face leaves no room for doubt.
There stands Kurosaki Ichigo.
One of the humans that had enough power to save our worlds from complete obliteration less than two years ago.

"Good morning, Shinigami Representative! We are from Soul Society, and request your help as you might have guessed already. 
My name is Yowaiseishin Hiroshinji, 4th Seat in the 7th Squad. Pleased to meet you. Er... I'll let my partners introduce themselves properly.
We are on a scouting mission here and have already picked Gigai with us, however we are in need for a place to sleep at. If you ever know people whose home would be open for one or two of us, could you please warn them of our venue?"

The young lad stands without saying a word. Scratching his head, he eventually answers:
"Kay, come on in, don't stay out in the cold like that. I'm in charge of Karakura town, so I'd like to know what's going on here and what your mission's about."

I wink at the girls with a victorious smile.
He's even nicer than I dreamt of!

I look at the Shinigami Representative and smile, saying to myself:
"Wah, he sure looks strong."

In my Gigai, I can't jump very high, and I don't know what are his abilities. I look at my fist, and clench it. Don't look so bad.
Kurosaki looks at us and then goes back into his room.
A few minutes later, he opens the front door and faces us. He's now in his human form. He sighs.

"Aah, I'm fed up with Soul Society, why are they always counting on me for that kind of stuff?"

In spite of his complaint, he invites us to enter, bringing us into his room. I silently follow him, looking around me, completely amazed.
I've already been in the Human World, but never in a human house. I remove my sunglasses and put them on my forehead.

I follow Ichigo into his house. So this is the fabled Substitute Shinigami . . . He looks like nothin’ but a lil human brat! I stare at his back as he quickly sneaks us into his bedroom. I’m just surprised… I suppose I was hoping for something . . . more. . .


Ichigo: “So out with it. Who are you guys and what’s this mission all about?” He says as he closes his door and runs his finger through his hair.

Ah! Oops… I got so caught up in my own thoughts that I forgot to introduce myself! How rude of me.


“I am Hoshino Mayu, 3^rd seat of the 10^th squad. At your service!” I wink and give a small salute.
“And our mission. . . We were told that there have been unexplained explosions in the area which we expect is due to Vasto Lorde and of course we got sent here to check things out.” I shrug. I really don’t feel like explaining further… “Well there’s that but our current quest is to find a place to stay while we are investigating.” I give him my best puppy eyes.


I turn around and whisper to my teammate. “Hey guys don’t just stand there! Help me out here!” 
I turn around and continue to silently beg him. 

Matsumoto-san did tell me that I could persuade him . . . but how?! She didn’t say exactly. . . 

Following, alongside the others, I enter Kurosaki Ichigo’s home.

So this is the famous Kurosaki Ichigo the substitute Shinigami. Interesting…. He seems a little brash in his speech but his actions tell otherwise. Well it makes sense for him to be as such; you would have to be a little brash to be so bold as to invade Soul Society and do all that he did. Well I should introduce myself now it would be bad manners not to.

Mayu asks us to help in her persuading.

Sorry, Mayu I don’t think I’ll be much help in your game of persuasion.

“Hello Kurosaki-san, I am Tachibana Ruyuz of the 8^th squad. It would be a big help if you can direct us to a place we stay for a time.”

“Well you can’t stay here.” Kurosaki-san lets out an exasperated sigh at this situation. “One of my friends might be able to house one or two of you, but you will have to ask them yourselves.”

Well that’s something at least. Guess we have more people we have to meet before we can find a place to stay…how irritating, but I guess it can’t be helped.

Ah darn. It is true that Kurosaki-san always keeps a room ready for Kuchiki Rukia-chan, as Yumi-kun told me. We can't take a bed that's already booked. I wonder where she sleeps though, this place ain't all that big. This family sure is generous to welcome a stranger into their home like that. I heard his pops was a Captain-class back in the days! He even spawned right in front of that bastard Aizen to punch him in the face. These men definitely have guts.

In front of my tender Nee-San and her delicate begging eyes, I can't resist and add my slice of meat to our collective persuasion sandwich.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, we will be very proud to be recommended to your friends! We look forward to meet those who kicked Espadas' butts and fought by our side. Could we see them at your school today?"

He shrugs. "Maybe, I ain't their Mom, I can't say they'll show up this morn' for sure you know?

I let the other talk a bit before introducing myself - that dude didn't give me the time to do so, thats's mean!

"I'm Tsukihô Satori, 4th Grade of the 9th Squade. Thanks for the help, but ya know, we're not really used to that place, where is the Karakura School exactly ?"

Setting his gaze towards Satori-chan, Ichigo Kurosaki shrugs.

"Nah, I get it. School's gonna start in a short while and I don't want the neighbors to make a fuss about your lot spawning outta the window. Get out for now while it's still dark, and wait. I'll pop before the house in about an hour. Then you can follow me at some distance till we reach the school. Think you can manage not to nag my sisters while we're on our way?"

I scratch my head, dumbfounded.
This guy actually found a good solution, and fast enough. No wonder he's put up with so many bold deeds over the last couple of years...


With a grin, I retort quickly. 

"Er... I don't see no problem with your plan, Kurosaki-san. I hope we'll blend in well..."

I look back at our group. All dressed in the same odd blunt grey T-shirt and grey trousers. We might as well be wrapped in trashbags. It would seem Urahara really didn't mind these details... a welcoming gift, maybe?

Oh my. I totally forgot... We definitely need school uniforms. Every youths I see in the streets in Sendai wear those!


I glance at my wife, who's in charge of the matter.

"Hm, say, Hanata-chan, do you think we can grab most suitable clothing before heading for the school? In the time we have before our meeting with our freshly met guide?"

I notice he raised an eyebrow in surprise as I called Satori by her lovely nickname. Eh, whatever. It's not like he's gonna scold us or anything.


With a crooked smile, he adds: 
"I don't think that many shops could be open at this hour... try the one with an orange facade on Kiora street, two blocks South. They're busy all-day all-night. I don't think school uniforms could be found there, but otherwise you'll get anything you need to get... better dressed."

"Tachibana-san, Mayu-chan, what do you say? Should we go?"

I listen to my husband, then to Kurosaki-san, and nod, smiling.

"I see, you can count on me. I could go alone, but I don't know the sizes of everybody, I think it will be better if you all come with me."

I look at the window, my arms crossed.

"Let's go, then ?"

To be continued in Karakura Shops.

See: Shopping session.

After quickly changing into our stylish new attire, we've returned to the Kurosaki residence. 

"Alright... Two more things left to work out before we can start our mission. One, acquire a place to stay and two, get registered at the school. First things first, anyone has any preferences on where you stay?" I address my team. 

I suppose it would be best if I let the others decide on what they want first. Gotta take care of my kohai. I'm sure I can make the best of any situation if it comes to it. Best to get this settled real fast before bothering the Kurosaki brat. . . 

I arrive just after Mayu, with a smile of exctitation. I can't wait to go to school, meet humans and have fun !
Even if, in reality, we are on a mission.
And even if this mission could be reaaaally dangerous.
Aw.

Anyway, no time to worry. I listen to Mayu's proposal, and answer :

"Well, Hiro has showed us who could invite us, but I don't know any of these... Not knowing, I think I'd like it to be a woman... Oh, and, what about separating in two groups ? One could go and look for a place to stay, and the other could go to school and confirm the registration ?"

Listening to both Mayu and Satori's words, I can hardly contain my happiness.
Damn, this is gonna be lots of fun. Going to school and all that! I hope their chairs are OK, the last time I pretended to be a transfer student the stay was terrible. My butt was already turning into stone by the time I came back to Seretei. Well then, if I remember Orihime-chan's pictures correctly, I think this school has promising potential to say the least. Can't overlook that.


Wait a sec...Satori's willing to stay at a woman's place? That's good to know. She's trusting me on that matter. Way to go, Hiro-kun. Never disappointed your beloved till now, gotta stick to your ironclad principles.


Scratching my head, bags of clothes still hanging from my hands, I reply to my wife's question with an urge to set things into motion.

"Well then, I'm alright with finding a place to sleep since I've got the map. I guess Tachibana-san will have to check out the registration 'cause she's the one who's been taking care of it. You two can choose whatever duo you want."

I listen to Mayu, Tsukihô-san and Yowaiseishin-san’s inputs on what we should do and how should we do it.

“I don’t have any preferences Mayu. Tsukihô-san splitting up into two groups is a good idea. The group Yowaiseishin-san is leading can gather the possible candidates for a place to sleep and introduce themselves while I and one other will register us for school. Once done with registration my group will reconvene back with Yowaiseishin-san’s. So who will be joining me to registration?”

I hope it is Mayu joining me. Though I have no problems with Tsukihô-san I would like to be with someone I’m familiar with, at least tactically. But the choice is not mine and I will accept either one if they so choose to accompany me.

"Hmm... Sounds like a plan guys." 

. . . But who should I accompany... Hiro-kun has to lead the way to find a place for everyone to stay and Ru-chan has to handle the registration. . . Ru will probably feel awkward with the others and the noble brat will be just fine with Hiro, them being a couple and all.


"I'll go with ya Ru-chan~!" I grin. "I can be pretty persuasive if the school officials don't trust our documents."

I look at Mayu and laugh.

"Yeah, I think you reaaally can be persuasive, we can trust you for that. I'll go with my Hiro dear then ! Oh, and, Matsumoto-san told me that in human's registration, there's always a looot of informations like date of birth, age... You may need some informations to register us, so if you have some questions, that's now !"

Good that was settled easily. . . wait. . . what. . . age?! They need that sort of thing?! 


I feel as though I've just been struck by lightening... What news! I mean how insensitive. . . oh all the. . . wait... They don't need real information here! Not like the humans would've bought the truth anyways.


I give a sigh of relief. 

"Ahh... good thinkin' brat. What are the ages you two plan on going by? What grade? And what's our story about why we are transferring to this school?"

I take a little moment to think about it.

"Hmmh... Let's say we're the same age as Kurosaki. If we can be in the same class, that could be cool. He seventeen, isn't he ? Aw, so young. Anyway, if we take human calender, I was born on November 11th and..."

Hum, what about my transferring reason ?

"Hum, for the little story, let's say I was transferred because of my parents' moving. I think it's kind of logical."

"I agree, being in Kurosaki's class would make things easier. Seventeen year old? That is fairly young...  Ahh~ human children grow up so fast!"

I continue to listen to her cover story. 

"Ahh... that's a good start. So we will all be seventeen years old and in our second year of High School. As for my story. . . Let's just say I was home schooled up to now but because of personal reasons I have to attend this school. Now Ru-chan what's your story? Hiro you too!"

I chuckle as I hear my wife's words.

"Alright, here I go: Yowaiseishin Hiroshinji, 1.75m / 5' 8.8'', 66kg / 145lb, 19 years old. Measurements are... oh wait. This information might not be vital for school registration. Then er, date of birth well since I popped in Seretei after dying I have no idea so let's say the 17th of July, I've always loved the Summer plus 17 looks cool to me. Same grade as Kurosaki-san, same class would be nice too."

Anything else? ...ah right, the transfer alibi. Hm something logical, wait a sec...


I look up to Mayu and force a smile.
"Er, well, transfer... I'll say this: My dear grandfather has been very ill for the past 2 years, and I've been the one to take care of him. A month ago the doctors advised us to send him over to Tokyo because they have a unit dedicated to treating his disease.
I've moved over from Sendaï to the nearby area in order to cater for him there as well. My parents couldn't afford moving the whole family, so they sent only me instead considering it would also give me the opportunity to be more independant.
Also in order for me to take care of my grandfather I only assist to half of the lectures at school, which is why I've been late on schedule and am 2 years older than the other graders."

Nervously coughing after this exhaustive explanation, I glare at Tachibana-san.

I listen to Hiro and have a smile.

"Always having a lot of imagination, Hiro dear. You just improvised all of that ?"

"That I did. I appreciate the compliment honey" I wink at her charmingly.

"Now then, your turn Tachibana-san" I add as I look at the silent woman wearing fantabulous sunglasses.

Looking at the door we knocked at a few hours ago, I add:
"So then, where is this guy? Is he coming anytime soon?"

As I say so, the young man appears through the door, a small girl before him. Both are wearing school uniforms.

Ichigo Kurosaki suddenly darts his eyes in our direction. Thankfully his sister is already singing a few steps away from him and doesn't notice.
He sighs, nods to let us follow them and without anything more he catches up with his sibling.

"Yuzu, don't get too far, OK? Beware of cars before crossing the road!"

"Meeh Onii-chaaan I am not a child anymooore! Of course I will be extra cautious! Now come on or else we'll be late for school!"

They sure are lively. It won't be a problem to track them at all. 

I face the others.
"Mayu, shall we go?"

“Hm…My transfer story will be that I moved here with my father because he got a job promotion. The promotion made him have to move to Karakura.”

I notice Yowaiseishin-san has been fixated on me for some reason first with an out of nowhere glare and then just outright looking at me.


Strange guy.

Kurosaki-san nods to us to follow before walking to catch up with his sister.

“We better hurry up if we don’t want Kurosaki-san to leave us behind.”

I follow Kurosaki-san to Karakura High school.

I wave at Tachibana-san and Mayu-chan.

"We leave the rest to you, Hiro and I are goind to find a place to sleep, we'll see each other soon !"

Then I turn around to Hiro.

"It's been a long time we haven't been in mission together, hasn't it Hiro dear ? "

I put a kiss on his forehead, smiling.


Follow Ruyuz and Mayu to Karakura School or Hiroshinji and Satori to Karakura Streets

See: Hollow Assault: Kageshi's injured!


"Well well well. Your buddy sure looks damaged, my son."

As ichigo's father, Kurosaki Isshin, inspects the students' marks, his eyebrows are slowly going down. The whole lot of our group has already arrived safe and sound. That is, exlcuding Kageshi Tsurai, who's lying on a clinic bed in the center of the room.

"Dad, what do you think this is? It looks like the Hollow's doing, but no one understands what he was doing in the middle of the schoolgrounds."

"Hmm. I kinda get the picture...if you'd excuse me, I'll need some air if I want to analyse those skin marks better." He lets out a grin and shows us the door to the living-room. "Please rest. Yasutora-kun, Ishida-kun, Son, help our guests feel home!"

"Sir, is there nothing I can do to help him?" asks Inoue-chan timidly.

"Glad you asked. I'd like you to stay beside me and check him out as well. You powers should be of great use!" he answers with a bright smile.

"Don't get funny ideas, Old man..." grunts Ichigo before stepping out.

As the rest of us enters the main room of the house, Chad -my new BFF- sits on the sofa and invites us to join with a discreet gesture. Seating next to him, I realize his legs are twice the size of mine. Heh! Good thing it's not about proportions!
I briefly giggle like a kid before regaining my stone-hard composure.

Ichigo quickly brings a couple of juice packs, several glasses, and a teapot.
"So guys, what do you think happened?"

"It is rather mysterious. It would seem our classmate has not been attacked by any of our opponents this afternoon." replies Ishida.

"Hm. The Hollows never got near him while we were fighting, yet there were many not busy fighting us. It looked like..." adds my gigantic neighbor.

"...they were fleeing him?" I finish his sentence in a surprised tone.
Damn I really saw nothing about this kid earlier. What the hell's going on? How could he be so special to them?

We exchange awkward looks. The situation seems to slip between our fingers like an oiled booty.
I wonder what the others are thinking.

Finally, we all decided to go to Kurosaki's house after the hollows' fleeing. On the way, I explain Mayu the situation :

"The thing is that we don't know what happen to him. We found him like this..."

I turn to Kageshi-kun with a thinking look, a hand on my chin. I'm pretty skilled at Kidô, but not enough to identify that strange change of reiatsu. Who could ?
I was still thinking when we arrived at Kurosaki's house, so I keep silent while listening the others. Why hollows are fleeing that poor guy ? Is that because they understood what that change of reiatsu meant ?
Matsumoto-san once told me that she heard that on Earth, some animals can feel the storm before it arrives and run away from it... I can't help thinking we are in the same kind of situation.
But how Kageshi-kun could represent a danger ? He's injuried, and he's just a human !
I sigh.

"I think we need a reiatsu specialist to indentify the problem here, guys. Maybe the best solution would be to ask the 12th Squade's help...."