Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You

Part 4

Chapter 4

Present Day | Karakura Town

The television studio was abuzz with vibrant energy, its walls reverberating with the sounds of excitement and the distant hum of chatter. The audience's eager faces were illuminated by the harsh glow of studio lights, their eyes wide with anticipation. The air was a mix of artificial warmth from the heaters and the faint tang of stage smoke, creating a surreal atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the somber undertones of Karakura Town's recent history.

In the center of this staged spectacle stood Don Kanonji, dressed in his trademark flamboyant attire. His gaudy robe, a riot of crimson and gold, shimmered under the studio lights. The oversized sunglasses perched on his nose were almost comically large, adding to the exaggerated flair of his persona. As he greeted the crowd with his signature laugh, "Bohahahaha! Spirits are forever with you!" 

His chest puffed out proudly, and he waved his arms theatrically, inviting the audience to share in his exuberance. Despite his attempt to radiate cheerfulness, the weight of his recent struggles was evident in the slight tension of his jaw and the furrow of his brows.

The audience responded with synchronized applause and laughter, crossing their arms and mimicking Don's hearty laugh. The unity in their reaction was a testament to the show's ability to momentarily distract them from the city's lingering trauma. 

Yet, behind their smiles, there was an underlying unease that could not be entirely masked. The studio's bright lights cast sharp shadows, and the sounds of occasional rustles and whispers seemed to punctuate the otherwise vibrant atmosphere.

Don's sense of unease grew as a sudden, dissonant noise sliced through the studio's atmosphere. The sound was jarring, breaking the rhythm of the performance and sending a shiver down Don's spine. His eyes darted to the source of the disturbance—a child with white headphones, standing ominously atop the bus. The boy's presence was a stark contrast to the lively set; he seemed to emerge from a different reality, his gaze cold and calculating.

As the boy's presence became more apparent, Don's heart raced, and he felt a chill that made his skin prickle. The boy's black void of a portal—a gaping maw of darkness—was unsettling, its edges shifting and pulsating with an ominous energy. The contrast between the boy's eerie appearance and the studio's vibrant setting was jarring, making Don's breath hitch slightly. The void closed as quickly as it had appeared, leaving behind a lingering sense of foreboding.

The boy's murmur, "Weird. I'm sure it's around here!" was accompanied by a furrowed brow and a slight frown of concentration. His eyes, sharp and piercing, seemed to bore into Don, as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface. Don's own expression shifted from confusion to cautious intrigue as he noticed that the boy's gaze was fixed solely on him.

When the boy's eyes met Don's, there was a moment of tense silence. The studio's clamor faded into the background, replaced by the palpable tension between the two. 

Don, momentarily taken aback, straightened his posture, trying to project confidence despite the growing anxiety. 

"No, no, my little friend!" he said with a forced cheerfulness, his voice slightly trembling. "I'm Don Kanonji, the spirit medium! What brings you here?"

The boy's mispronunciation of Don's name—"Donkan Onchi"—was met with a flicker of irritation. Don's lips pressed into a thin line as he struggled to maintain his composure. He could feel a flush rising in his cheeks, a physical manifestation of his frustration and embarrassment. 

Quickly recovering, Don plastered on a grin and tried to deflect his discomfort. "Close enough!" he said, his tone bright but edged with a hint of strain. "What can I help you with? Are you looking for your parents? I'd be happy to assist!"