Protector and The Hornet

A Narrow Escape

When Ichigo walked into the Shiba household he was immediately aware of everyone in the room staring at him. It was as if they had all decided to stare him down at the same time. Orihime's stare was the only one that seemed worried instead of serious, though Ichigo could tell that Yoruichi was inwardly grinning at his predicament.

"So Ichigo, care to tell us what's going on," asked Rukia in a serious tone.

Ichigo started to sweat under the pressure, though he was able to maintain a calmer exterior. "I've been out. Is that illegal now?"

"You've been in a fight again," said Uryu as he adjusted his glasses. "I can see some bruises on you." He spoke with an equally serious tone to Rukia.

"It was Zaraki again. I ran into him and got bruises from fighting him." Ichigo hoped that they would buy it again.

"I don't recall fighting you Ichigo." Ichigo paled as he recognized the voice of the man behind him.

He slowly turned around and saw non other than Captain Zaraki standing behind him with an unusually sadistic grin on him.

Ichigo opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything as squad eleven's captain loomed over him. He could almost sense everyone behind him smirking at him being caught.

"Hi Ichi!" said Yachiru as she popped up from behind Zaraki's shoulder.

"I've been with your friends for practically the whole day Ichigo, and I've never seen you once. Oh, and they told me all about the explanation you gave them last time." Zaraki took a step towards Ichigo.

Ichigo took a step back, mouth agape. In his condition, he wouldn't stand a chance against an angry Zaraki.

Rukia spoke up. "What's wrong Ichigo? Don't you think you owe us an explanation?"

Zaraki chuckled in that same sadistic tone. "Well Ichigo, those bruises had to come from somewhere and I doubt the ones on your shoulder could've come from solo training. So, who've you been fighting all this time?"

Ichigo knew he couldn't risk pinning it on someone other than Soi Fong. The risk that the other person would find out, like Zaraki did, was too real.

"I..." Everyone became silent. Zaraki loomed in front of Ichigo menacingly. Then, Ichigo got an idea. "I've been training with Zangetsu."

Everyone gasped, except Yoruichi who simply grinned and enjoyed the show.

Zaraki raised an eyebrow. "Your zanpakuto? Like I said, how could training by yourself cause those shoulder bruises?"

"No, I've been training with the manifested form of Zangetsu. The same way I trained to attain Bankai."

Zaraki's face showed clear confusion. "Manifested form? Is that even real or are you trying to talk your way out again?"

"Ichigo's actually telling the truth this time," said Yoruichi. She had decided to help Ichigo out this once. "If a soul reaper is to achieve Bankai, they must manifest their zanpakuto, and overwhelm it. I saw Ichigo do it, and I've done it myself before I became captain. It makes sense that you wouldn't know Zaraki, considering that you can't even call your zanpakuto."

Zaraki grunted at that last comment, but turned his attention back to Ichigo. That grin was back on his face. "In any case Ichigo, you lied the last time, and put me through a lot of trouble this past week. I think you owe me a fight."