There always seems to be a price that comes with getting involved in matters that have nothing to do with you.
Being a reaper was a task you'd decided to do for the free meals and perks. Nothing more.
Before you were here you were a lowly soul in the Rukongai and the reapers that you'd met over the hundred years of living there all seemed to have their own aspirations. You could care less. Your philosophy was nothing more than ensuring your own survival.
That's why you didn't understand it.
Everyone was panicking about hollows getting close to the squad barracks, but you weren't worried. This is literally what they trained you for. As long as you steered clear, you could probably lay low and catch a nap somewhere without engaging in useless battles. That was the plan at least.
The yell of a reaper ahead stopped you.
Your expectation was that it could have been a minor hollow just running around breaking stuff. But the sound of heavy steps crashing down drew your attention as you looked up.
"Great, a menos. No way am I getting in a fight with that. "
One of the captains could handle it.
You wanted a nap.
"Someone please help!"
The cries continued, and you turned your back, walking away. You recognized that voice. It was a medical reaper.
Hanataro Yamada.
The guy was a weakling, so you weren't even shocked that he was crying for help.
"Don't you worry Fuka-chan I-I'll protect you!!"
It didn't even sound like he believed his own words. For some reason, the statement made you stop. You glanced at them. Sure enough, Hanataro stood protectively in front of the girl at his side. She was clearly terrified, but his eyes looked resolute as he held out his blade.
"I won't let anything happen to you."
The determination displayed made your eyes widened, and when you saw the red charge of his blade, the blast he struck was impressive. It hit the menos right in its neck. Enough to cause a minor bruise. Hanataro stood his ground, and when you saw the menos about to charge a cero, your feet moved on their own.
"Bankai."
It was said so calmly.
Hanataro almost thought he imagined it. But the spikes that were now protruding from every part of the hollow's body alerted him that he was not hallucinating. It was real. When he caught your figure, you were striking the menos clean in half. Hanataro could only gape. He heard one finally cry from the monster, right as it dissipated in the air, and so did your body.
~~~
"We've managed to subdue all the hollows. Reinforcements will be sent to the Rukongai to conduct a patrol to protect the souls." Shinji informs.
Your captain was giving a brief, and you stood rarely listening to a word. When it was over, everyone seemed to disperse. As you're walking out you can hear some of them commending each other for their accomplishments in battle. You're walking down a path that connects with some other reapers from different squads.
"I bet you (L/N)-san just ran away again."
"Be quiet, she might be able to hear you."
"What, it's true. That's all she's good at!"
You didn't respond to the allegations. It made very little sense to try and defend your actions. They were just young and naive. Still believing that what they did would make some kind of cosmic difference.
"Ken-chan, I found her!!"
Everyone recognized that voice. You could practically see a path form. Even the jerks that were insulting you looked scared.
You clicked your tongue, about to step out of the way. Whioever they were chasing you knew it wouldn't end well. Just as you take a step to the right, you flinch. Your jaw clenched, and you caught the blade that appeared in front of you with your bare hands. The wind from the intended attack sent your hair tossing around. You could hear the gasps of astonishment in the space and you sent a glare directly at the man before you.
His grin was wide.
"Found you."
You released his blade, jumping backwards. You were pissed.
"He's picking a fight with coward (L/N)! He's gonna kill her."
You could hear the murmurs. Then it hit you, maybe you could save face. Everyone present still thought you were a coward. You could maintain your cover.
"Zaraki-taicho that's enough. " Jushiro was trying to de-escalate the situation, and Shinji just shook his head.
"Damn it, he's gonna ruin her day if this keeps up." Shinji spoke.
Kyouraku turned to the blond in question.
"What do you mean? Doesn't she run from battles, you should be there protecting your subordinate." Shinji shook his head.
"She's not as docile as you all seem to think."
"I give up, there's no way I can beat you Zaraki-taicho."
They all sweatdropped.
"More than meets the eye you said?" Toshiro asked. Jushiro rubbed his head awkwardly.
"Look at their faces, they completely lack faith in me, this could actually work!"
Kenpachi disappeared, and you tilted your head.
"All I have to do is not fight back, that's all. I'll be fine."
You expected him to appear right next to you. All you had to do was just barely defend and take the hit. Then you could actually salvage a nap. You don't expect him to go off course. Because his eyes are fixated on an unsuspecting victim.
"H-Hanataro watch out!!" The scream from his friend startles you. Kenpachi is a distance away with his sword aimed in the medical reaper's direction.
"E-EH!! WHY ME!!"
Hanataro's yelp echoes and now you're pissed.
"Damn it!!"
Your feet leave the ground, you're in front of Hanataro in seconds. The crowd is stunned and Shinji merely girns when you draw your blade. The very second your blades connect, an onslaught of lightning that's generating has a gust of wind beating over the entire area.
A few of the reapers shield their faces. Kenpachi's clothing is getting wrecked by the bolts. Some of them connect to his skin, and you can see the slices that draw blood, but he merely laughs.
When it finally calms down, the audience can only stare. You straighten from your position, sheathing your blade.
Hanataro drops to the floor expressing his gratitude.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
You sigh heavily.
This entire day has gone to shit.
All because of that insufferable man.
