Watching Ichigo being pulled away by Rukia, Orihime felt a little disappointed in her heart.
But Tatsuki didn't feel the same way. Instead, she thoughtfully watched the departing Rukia and Ichigo.
She didn't believe that her childhood friend would so easily lose to some outsider!
That whole "childhood friend always loses to the newcomer" thing? Tatsuki wasn't buying it!
"Tatsuki-chan, do you think what Kuchiki-san said is true?" Orihime asked worriedly.
"No, Ichigo and Kuchiki-san must have something else going on. I trust Ichigo," Tatsuki said confidently.
This trust came from ten years of shared bond, and had nothing to do with anything else.
Even if they weren't a couple, it wouldn't change the relationship built over a decade!
Looking at the confident Tatsuki, Orihime nodded firmly as well.
In Karakura Park, Ichigo took down a spider-like Hollow that had emerged from the Garganta with a single slash.
After sending the little girl in the park to safety, Ichigo turned to Rukia, who was checking her phone. "Any more Hollows?"
"No, that was the last one," Rukia shook her head.
But seeing how skilled Ichigo was, she couldn't help but ask in curiosity, "Ichigo, your movements don't seem like this is your first battle. Can I ask who your teacher is?"
Ichigo paused for a moment, but then smiled, "I don't have a teacher. I figured all this out myself."
To Ichigo, both Hollow Ichigo and Zangetsu were part of his Zanpakutō — they were part of his soul.
So wasn't he just learning from himself?
Rukia, seeing he didn't seem to be lying, sighed in admiration. "Looks like you really are a genius, Ichigo! I'll be counting on you for a while."
Ichigo looked at her and said, "I'm not fighting to take your place. Hollows need to be dealt with quickly — what if someone I care about gets hurt? I'm doing this of my own will, you don't need to thank me."
Rukia looked at him, then suddenly smiled. "You really are something else, Ichigo."
"Hmph. You still haven't explained why you said you were pursuing me in front of Tatsuki and Inoue," Ichigo said with a snort.
"Obviously to make it less suspicious that we're acting together from now on! If I didn't use that excuse, people would think it's weird for us to be seen together all the time," Rukia said righteously.
"But—"
Before Ichigo could finish, Rukia interrupted, "Don't worry, I'll explain everything to Tatsuki-chan in private. It won't affect your relationship."
Ichigo shook his head. "I'd rather explain things to Tatsuki myself."
"Alright, let's get back to class." Ichigo returned to his human form and walked back toward school.
However, once back at school, he didn't get a chance to explain anything to Tatsuki.
After class, Tatsuki, unusually, didn't walk home with Orihime — she was waiting for Ichigo.
After all, right when school ended, Ichigo had been pulled away by Rukia again.
"Hey, are you sure it's okay for you to explain it by yourself?" Rukia asked. "Want me to come along and explain with you?"
"Don't worry. My bond with Tatsuki isn't so fragile," Ichigo said with confidence.
But hearing that, Rukia's expression turned a bit strange. There was sadness on her face, as if she had thought of something.
"What's wrong, Rukia?" Ichigo had never seen her make that kind of expression before.
"It's nothing. Just be ready — I might come find you at any time," Rukia said, then turned and walked away without explaining.
"Hey! Where are you staying?" Ichigo called after her.
"Don't worry, I have a place!" Rukia replied without looking back.
Ichigo shook his head slightly. This Shinigami really was a weirdo!
At the school gate, he saw Tatsuki kicking a stone around in boredom as she waited.
Ichigo took a moment to compose himself, then stepped forward. "Hey, Tatsuki, been waiting long?"
Tatsuki saw Ichigo and smiled. "Not really."
The two of them walked side by side toward home.
Ichigo was thinking about how to explain things, but Tatsuki noticed his internal struggle and suddenly laughed.
The sound of her laughter, like silver bells, left Ichigo momentarily dazed. "What's so funny, Tatsuki?"
She reached out and pinched his cheek. "Every time you're trying to figure out how to lie to your family, you make this exact face."
Ichigo froze for a second, then smiled. "You really do see through me, Tatsuki."
Tatsuki let go and asked, "So? Kuchiki-san's situation is pretty complicated?"
Ichigo sighed, "Yeah, kind of. I owe her a favor, so I'll be helping her out for a while."
(To Ichigo, Rukia getting injured had been due to his own carelessness. He couldn't allow himself to be that careless again. This time it was Rukia — next time, what if it's someone he cares about?)
"So you were thinking about how to tell me?" Tatsuki asked with a smile.
"Yeah, Tatsuki. I didn't want to lie to you, but I can't really…"
Before he could finish, Tatsuki pressed a finger to his lips. "If you can't tell me, then don't."
"Tatsuki…" Looking at her, Ichigo's heart was filled with warmth.
"You know, Ichigo, even people who love each other most still have their own little secrets. It's normal. You don't have to tell me everything," she said, holding his hand.
Hearing her words, Ichigo couldn't help but pull her into his arms.
"Tatsuki… thank you. Thank you for understanding."
Tatsuki hugged his waist in return. "What are you saying? We've been through so much together. There's no need to explain. I believe in you!"
Those words hit Ichigo hard. He knew now — there was no way he could live without this girl in his arms.
It was a long moment before Ichigo let her go. Tatsuki winked and smiled, "But Ichigo, if there ever comes a time when you can tell me, don't forget to do it, okay?"
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah. I promise I will."
"Alright then, walk me this far. See you tomorrow," Tatsuki waved with a smile.
Ichigo smiled too. "See you tomorrow."
Only after watching Tatsuki enter her home did he turn around and head back to his own. The unease and doubt he'd been carrying were gone — his whole spirit had been lifted to a new height!
(End of Chapter)
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