Afire Love (Bleach: Ichiruki)

XIX

Third Person

"Byakuya?" Ichigo's eyes widened.

"Captain Kuchiki, Captain Kyōraku, and Captain Ukitake spoke about you after the meeting. I overheard Captain Kuchiki stating something about your feelings for Rukia." Ichigo opened his mouth to respond, obviously still shocked that Byakuya even noticed. But Nanao interrupted him.

"But that is a conversation for next time. Back to what I was saying. You don't let the person you love slip through your fingers that easily. You fight for them. To keep them alive.

So if Rukia won't listen to even you, then take matters into your own hands." Nanao encouraged him.

"She'll never forgive me."

"Yes she will. She'll thank you in the end."

"How would you know?"

"Because I would with Captain Kyōraku."

At this moment the device in Nanao's hand went off, causing everyone to jump. Ikkaku and Sasakibe, who had been tailing behind at a distance to give Nanao and Ichigo some privacy to talk, appeared in front if Nanao and Ichigo.

"What's going on?" Ikkaku asked.

Nanao's eyes widened as she looked at the screen.

"Captain Zaraki is gone."

"What? Let me see-

-his presence disappeared from the device." Nanao interrupted Ikkaku.

Ikkaku snatched the device from Nanao's hands, looking down at the device.

Nanao was right. The red dot which had indicated Zaraki's presence was gone.

Ikkaku's eyes widened as he clenched his fists. He threw the device onto the ground, stepping on it and crushing it underneath his heel.

Ikkaku let out a scream of frustration.

Zaraki emerged from the trees at that moment, his reiatsu kept hidden. He narrowed his eyes at the screaming Ikkaku.

Zaraki Kenpachi

What the hell's going on here? Not only are Kyōraku's Lieutenants here, but Ikkaku is also, along with Ichigo.

Ichigo. Maybe fighting him would take my mind off of things.

"Yo, Ichigo." I called out, approaching them slowly.

All their heads suddenly snapped to me, their eyes widening as they saw me. I raised my eyebrow, amused at Ikkaku's tear filled expression.

"Zaraki?!" Ichigo said.

"I'm honored that you came all the way out here to fight me." I gave him a challenging grin.

His eyes widened in response, causing me to let out a huge laugh.

I took a step towards him, only to be stopped with Ikkaku standing before me. I raised my eyebrow as I looked down at the ridiculous sight of him.

"Stop crying." I said.

"We were looking for you, Captain!" He wailed.

I rolled my eyes. "Well, you found me. Good for you."

"W-we were so worried!" Ikkaku said between sobs, tears streaming down his ugly face.

I sighed, pushing him to the side. "Geez. The mere sight of you is annoying."

"C-Captain! You're so meeean!" Ikkaku cried out.

Sasakibe stepped forward, bowing his head to me as I tried to approach Ichigo. Damn Soul Reapers for getting in my way.