Time passed, and life settled into a routine.
Every day, I went to school wearing my MP3 player, earphones in, lost in my own world. I always left early, so I didn't usually walk with Ichigo. School itself was normal—nothing special. After classes, I'd head straight home to eat, take a quick shower, then head out again for my part-time jobs. I worked multiple shifts, and thankfully, the owners were generous. I usually got home late at night.
Living alone was fine—I could manage everything myself, from cleaning and cooking to taking care of my dear Peppy and Chappy.
I played games occasionally, but only for a moment,
Ichigo had plenty of friends, but I did talk to most of them.
Then there was Tatsuki—a tough, tomboyish girl who trained at the same dojo as Ichigo. As kids, Ichigo always lost to her. But during their time at Mashiba Junior High, he finally managed to beat her in a karate match. After that, they never fought again—mainly because Ichigo quit.
Then there was Orihime, for example—the orange-haired girl she has almost the same color as ichigo hair she and him look like destined what i think of her she kinda an airhead she mostly can get easily tricked that's why tatsuki with her all time when at school.
One day, when Ichigo was twelve—before the Kurosaki Clinic had officially opened—he heard the doorbell ring and answered it. Standing there was a girl carrying her older brother on her back. He had been in a car accident and was covered in blood.
The clinic didn't have the equipment needed to save him, and he died before an ambulance could arrive to transfer him to Karakura Hospital.
Sometime later, Ichigo learned that the girl was Orihime Inoue.
But seriously, why was his name Chad? Probably because of his looks. It kind of made sense—he had that calm, manly aura, even back in Mashiba Junior High. What I think of him? His strength and height are absolutely abnormal... But I probably shouldn't be the one to say that— Not when I have this power.
Ichigo used to get into fights a lot because of his hair color. Looking back, I don't really get why—it's not that unusual. There are plenty of people with colored hair around here. But in my old world, black hair was the norm, and anything else stood out. Then again, this is a world where ghosts exist—and it's set in Japan—so yeah… definitely feels like an anime or manga world. I realized that pretty early on, even as a kid.
Anyway, back to what I was saying—Chad once saved Ichigo when he got into a fight with some thugs. When the thugs turned on Chad, Ichigo saved him in return, and they became friends. I never bothered to ask for the full story. It didn't matter to me.
There were also two of Ichigo's friends whose names I never bothered to remember.
...
Time passed. I still work part-time now and then, but recently, I've been trying to start my own business. I discovered I had a talent for cooking, so I decided to start selling bentos at school. The teachers approved it, and to my surprise—it worked. Even they liked it. Now I take orders from students and teachers alike. I can make all kinds of bentos, so I usually let them request whatever they want. If I can make it, I will.
Because of this, I've started walking to school with Ichigo more often.
One morning, I was hauling a ridiculous amount of stuff as we walked together.
Ichigo: "Carrying bentos again, huh? Are you sure you don't want any help?"
Kenji: "Don't worry, I'm fine. And hey—I've got yours too."
Ichigo: "I'm not worried about mine. You always make it for everyone and never miss one person. Still, I can't believe you suddenly announced you were selling bentos at school, and now you're taking custom orders like a pro. You're seriously impressive, man. Your bentos are really good."
Kenji (smirking): "Of course they are. My bentos are way better than the ones from the supermarket."
Ichigo: "Still, it must be tough. You're doing all this and still working part-time jobs, even though you've already started your own business."
Kenji: "Not really. I enjoy it. Besides, the part-time work gives me balance. The bento thing is just a small start. I have a dream now—someday, I want to open my own restaurant."
Ichigo: "Then I hope your dream comes true. Just… don't overwork yourself, alright? It's bad for your health."
Kenji: "I'm not. Geez, stop acting like your dad already."
Ichigo: "Whatever you say. Just take care of yourself, okay?"
As we walked, I noticed a yellow flower sticking out of Ichigo's bag.
Kenji: "Hey… what's with the flower? Got a date? Let me guess—Orihime?"
Ichigo: "What?! No! No way!" he said quickly, flustered. "It's for a ghost girl I saw yesterday."
I still kept my immortality a secret from Ichigo, but I had told him I could see ghosts too. He was surprised at first, but he's gotten used to it by now.
Kenji (chuckling): "Looks like I'm not the only one with a side gig. You an exorcist now? So… how's the pay?"
Ichigo: "It's not a job," he muttered. "I do it for myself. And no, I don't get paid."
Kenji: "Man, I don't get why you keep doing this kind of thing. I can see them too, but I'd rather not get involved. The dead are dead—I'd rather not get mixed up with them."
Ichigo: "Like I said, I do it for myself."
Kenji: "Yeah, yeah. Just don't come crying to me when you get possessed."
Ichigo: "Yeah, yeah…" he sighed. "Anyway, this is where I saw her last."
Ichigo stepped forward and called out, "Hey! I'm here!"
Before I could even question what he was doing, a sharp scream rang out. Ichigo's expression changed instantly.
Ichigo: "I know that voice!"
And just like that, he sprinted toward the sound.
Kenji: "Hey! You don't know if it's dangerous!" I shouted, but he didn't stop.
Ichigo: "If you're coming, then come! If not, stay back!"
I hesitated for a moment. But why should I? I have immortality. Sure, it still hurts like hell, but…
Kenji: "FUCK IT."
I quickly stashed my bento bag somewhere safe and bolted after him.
There's no way I'd leave him alone—he's my friend, and the one who helped me when I needed it. I owe him.
Kenji: "HEY, WAIT FOR ME!"
I finally caught up to Ichigo as we rounded a corner—then BOOM! An explosion rocked the street. People were running, panicked and screaming. Then we saw it.
A massive, grotesque monster.
Ichigo (wide-eyed): "What the hell is that?!"
Kenji: "A giant monster. What else?"
Ichigo: "I wish you were wrong. But… yeah."
We both spotted it at the same time—chasing someone. It was the ghost girl Ichigo had mentioned.
Ichigo: "That's her! It's going after her!"
Kenji: "It hasn't noticed us yet. What now? If you're thinking of fighting that thing, you've got a death wish."
Kenji (thought):Even with immortality, I'd just end up getting slashed or crushed again and again. I could risk it now that the crowd's gone… but I'd rather not.
Before Ichigo could respond, the ghost girl ran straight past us—screaming.
The monster turned. Now it definitely noticed us.
Kenji: "Shit," I muttered. "Great. WHY did she have to run this way?! Now it's coming after us! You stupid girl!"
Ghost Girl: "I-I'm sorry!"
Ichigo: "You don't have to be that mean she just a kid!"
Kenji: "WHATEVER! JUST RUN!"
Ichigo quickly asked her if she knew anything about the monster, but she was as clueless as we were.
As we ran, I spotted a stray slippers—probably dropped by someone in the panicked crowd. Without thinking, I grabbed it and hurled it at the monster. It bounced off harmlessly… if anything, it just made the thing angrier. Its roar grew louder, and we started running even faster.
Ichigo: "You seriously thought that would work?!"
Kenji: "Hey, it worked last time when ghosts tried to break into my house!"
Ichigo: "That's not the same!"
Kenji: "Maybe you're right… probably because it wasn't my slipper."
Ichigo: "…You're joking, right?"
Kenji: "Yeah. I am."
Ichigo: "How can you joke at a time like this?!"
Kenji: "To lighten the mood."
Ichigo: "It's not helping."
Kenji: "Fine, I'll stop."
Just then, the ghost girl tripped and fell in front of us.
Ichigo skidded to a stop and rushed to help her.
Kenji: "Why are you helping her?! And why can't she just fly? She's a ghost, for god's sake!"
Ichigo: "I don't know! She doesn't know how either! And you know I can't just leave someone in danger!"
Kenji: "Your stupid hero complex is gonna get us killed!"
Kenji (thought):Well… not me, technically.
The monster roared and closed in, raising its massive, mantis-like arm. I stepped in front of Ichigo and the girl, gritting my teeth and bracing for impact. I'd survive—but I knew it would hurt like hell.
But just before the attack landed, someone shot through the air—wearing a black kimono, sword in hand.
In two precise, fluid strikes, she sliced through the monster cleanly. It gave a final, gurgling screech before dissolving into nothing.
Silence followed.
I let out a long breath and looked at her. Ichigo, now let go of the ghost girl, turned to speak—clearly about to ask something.
But the girl in the kimono ignored us—or maybe she didn't even notice we were there. She simply turned and walked away, calm and composed, as if we didn't exist at all.
After she disappeared and the chaos died down, the crowd slowly began to gather again, drawn by the aftermath of the incident. People murmured among themselves, trying to make sense of what had happened. Taking the chance, Ichigo, the ghost girl, and I slipped away unnoticed. Once we were clear, Ichigo turned to me.
Ichigo: "Are you insane?! You tried to block that thing's attack with your body!"
Kenji: "I'd have been fine. I'm confident in that. And I should say the same to you! You ran in to save a ghost you only meet recently with a monster breathing down our necks!"
We argued for a bit while the ghost girl quietly watched us.
Ghost Girl: "Um… I'm really sorry…"
We both stopped and looked at her.
Ichigo: "It's okay."
Kenji (sighing): "Fine. You had no choice. Even ghosts are just trying to survive."
After that, Ichigo pulled the yellow flower from his bag and handed it to her. I had no idea how she was even able to hold it.
She took it gently, gave a small nod, and softly said, "Thank you," before drifting away.
Ichigo watched her go, then turned to me.
Ichigo: "Still… thanks for trying to step up and protect us from that thing."
Kenji: "Yeah… not like I actually did anything. But still, you're welcome. Sigh... This is definitely not how I pictured my morning."
Ichigo: "Same. But hey—at least it all ended well."
Kenji: "Still… I'm not saying what you did was wrong, but if you didn't have the power to save her, you could've died for nothing."
Ichigo: "I know, but—"
Kenji: "You know what? Forget it. Honestly, I think I would've done the same if I were in your place. Back then, I said 'the dead are dead'... but it wasn't that I didn't care—I just didn't want to interact with them. But saving them? Yeah… I think I would."
Kenji (thought):Back in my old life, I probably would've ignored it completely. But after living here... maybe I've developed a bit of a hero complex. Still, I try to act cautiously.…Sometimes.
Kenji: "Lucky for us, a mysterious swordswoman swooped in to save the day. Bet she's a real exorcist—y'know, someone with an actual job, unlike you. I wonder if she's part of some organization. If she is, and the pay's good… I might just sign up."
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "You and your obsession with work."
Ichigo sighed, then suddenly perked up. "Wait… where did you leave your bento?"
I blinked. Then it hit me. "Crap—I left it by the pole where you first saw the ghost girl. Damn, I hope some animal hasn't gotten to it."
Ichigo: "Want me to come with you?"
Kenji: "Nah, just head to school. I'll catch up."
Before he could say anything else, I turned and sprinted back toward the spot.
...
When I arrived, my bento was scattered across the ground. At first, I thought some animal had gotten into it—but no. A group of thugs, clearly skipping school, were lounging around, laughing and stuffing their faces with my food.
I walked up behind them and asked calmly,
Kenji: "Hey… enjoying the bento?"
One of them, still chewing, replied without even looking up.
Thug 1: "Yeah, best I've ever had."
Without a word, I grabbed his head and slammed it into the ground. The others froze, eyes wide in disbelief.
Thug 2: "The hell's your problem?!"
Thug 3: "Who do you think you are, attacking us like that?!"
I cracked my neck and rolled my shoulders.
Kenji: "The owner of that bento. Those were paid orders. So here's the deal—you hand over all your cash as compensation, and I'll let you walk."
All Thugs: "LIKE HELL WE WILL!"
They rushed me.
I sighed and fought back. I took a lot of hits—even one to the head—but I didn't care. I grabbed one of them and punched him to the ground while the others kept hitting me. Still, I didn't stop. It was the same thing, over and over. My head was bleeding from the guy who hit me with a bat… but at least no one brought a knife.
Once they were all groaning on the ground, I pocketed their money.
Kenji: "Consider it… bento insurance. And for the head trauma."
I grabbed a cigarette and lighter from one of them, lit it, and took a slow drag. The smoke burned a little, but it helped me stay calm.
Kenji: "Relax, I didn't cripple anyone. Just remember—don't touch what isn't yours."
One of the thugs glared at me, shaking with rage. I could already tell he was thinking of revenge.
I yanked him up by the collar. Blood dripped from my forehead as I gave him a twisted grin.
Kenji: "Oh? Planning to bring friends? Go ahead. I don't care how many come. At least you're not some giant monster like the one earlier… not that you'd understand."
His face went pale.
Kenji (quietly): "But just so we're clear… if you come after me again, I won't hold back next time."
His eyes rolled back, and he passed out cold. The rest were too terrified to even move.
I dropped him, wiped the blood from my face, and was about to use my power—but then I saw Ichigo approaching.
Kenji (muttering): "Tch… of course."
Ichigo's eyes widened when he saw me, battered and bleeding.
Ichigo: "You're still here?! I was worried—and I was right! What the hell happened to you?!"
Kenji: "Some thugs stole and ate the bentos I made. I beat them down. It's nothing."
Ichigo: "Nothing?! You look wrecked, and you're bleeding from your head! Come on, let me carry you."
Kenji: "I'm fine. Just a little dizzy." I waved him off. "Sorry about the bentos. Looks like no one's getting one today. I'll refund everyone once we get to school."
Ichigo: "Just keep the money. You need to get to the infirmary first."
He glanced at the cigarette in my hand, frowning.
Ichigo: "You're smoking now? I thought you said you'd try it once and never touch it again."
I took another drag and exhaled slowly.
Kenji: "After my parents died... I couldn't stop. Sometimes I drink too. It helps calm my nerves." I glanced at him. "But I only do it when I'm alone or in a bad mood—never at school or on the job. Only during my free time." I met his eyes. "Just... don't tell the teachers, alright?"
Ichigo sighed.
Ichigo: "Fine. Normally, I'd complain… but it's better than seeing you stuck in that endless depression. You're still struggling, huh?"
Kenji: "I've moved on. But that doesn't mean it's easy to forget."
Ichigo (thought):Same…
We walked the rest of the way to school in silence. We were late. The moment the teacher saw my head wound, I was sent straight to the infirmary.
After getting patched up, I returned to class and apologized for not delivering the bentos. I tried to refund everyone who ordered, though some refused. I insisted—eventually, they gave in.
Ichigo's friends, though? They kept telling me to just keep the money.
At that point, I gave up and did.
The rest of the school day went on as usual. I headed home like always. Normally, I'd talk to Ichigo about what happened, but I told him we'd talk later that night—I still had my part-time job to finish. Ichigo complained, telling me to rest, but I just shrugged it off. He sigh he can't do anything to stop it.
Besides, I had already healed myself silently using my power.
During work, the owner noticed my head bandage and asked, "You hurt?"
Crap—I'd forgotten to take it off.
"It's nothing," I said quickly. "Just a small accident."
The owner gave me a concerned look. "Don't overwork yourself, alright?"
When my shift finally ended and I was walking home late at night… I was completely shocked by what I saw.