The Death Save The Strawberry - Bleach

Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

After she saw Orihime off, Rukia went back to her barracks to take care of some business. When it was completely dark, she went to go visit Karakura Town. She stood on top of an abandoned building, looking down at the rows of houses.

It felt so nostalgic.

"Even though I've only left this place for a few months... this town, contains so many unforgettable memories..."

Perhaps because she had so many memories of this place, it felt like she had lived here for so many years.

Sitting on Ichigo's back when he became a shinigami, patrolling the town at night to perform konso, when did these things happen...

It felt like it was so long ago.

The teenager, who had received the power to protect after he had met her, did his duty happily yet also grumbling at the same time.

"Wait for me, Ichigo...!"

I will definitely let you regain your powers.

With determination in her heart, Rukia leapt into the pitch-black night sky.

Flying past one house after another, she finally arrived at Urahara's shop. When she saw that the outer door was still open, she turned her head sideways.

(Closing time should've been a long time ago...)

As if attracted by the light streaming out of the door, she walked closer and heard a familiar voice shout angrily from within.

She looked through the glass window and saw a familiar figure yelling inside the shop.A red jumpsuit and two golden pigtails by either ear – it was Sarugaki Hiyori.

Since the paper door that separated the store with the living quarters was open, she could see the store's owner Urahara Kisuke sitting on a tatami mat inside the living quarters.

(What are they doing...?)

While silently asking this to herself, Rukia said "Excuse me," and opened the inner door.At the same time, Hiyori's angry shouts filled the store.

"I said I wouldn't do it! How many times do I have to repeat myself!? Are your ears blocked!!""Now~ Now~ Hiyori-san..."

"I'm leaving!"

Hiyori turned around while Urahara shrugged, and saw Rukia still frozen in a state in between opening the door and standing outside. She mumbled "You are..."

Meeting her gaze, Rukia nodded at her. "He- Hello..."

"Kisuke! You have a guest!"

Hiyori turned around and shouted towards the living quarters.

"A guest...?"

Urahara stood up while mumbling. When he saw Rukia standing behind Hiyori, his eyes turned very round.

"Isn't this Kuchiki-san! It's been a while!"

He hurriedly put on his clogs and walked into the store.

"I heard from Yoruichi-san! You recently became a lieutenant? Congratulations!"

"Ah, thank... Uhwa!?"

Before she had a chance to finish her sentence, Hiyori grabbed her by the collar and jerked her right under her eye. Their faces were so close that their foreheads were almost touching.