10 advanced chapters on my Patreon: Fiction Haven
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The school ended without more notable events. The Shinigami quickly left the vicinity and busied themselves with their job. Ichigo didn't go straight to home. Tatsuki cornered and reminded him that he had a club activity. Nova already told Ichigo he had enrolled Ichigo in the Karate Club, which Ichigo had been avoiding for a while. With that said, Ichigo preferred spending time with his sisters to attending the club.
"The Regional Selection is in three days. You can't slack off," Tatsuki exclaimed with a scowl.
"Don't get your panties in a twist, Tatsuki. I won't run away," Ichigo waved lazily.
"P- Panties?"
"Yes, I am sure you got this, Ichigo-kun!" Orihime exclaimed, ignoring her flustered friend.
"Are you joining us?" Ichigo asked with a hint of surprise.
"Ah, yes. Tatsuki-chan said I should know how to defend myself when she is not around. Besides…I don't want to be a burden," Orihime answered with a solemn nod.
Ichigo petted Orihime's and smiled softly. "Just because you are not good at fighting doesn't mean you're a burden. You have helped us plenty of times."
Orihime's eyes widened and sparkled. Ichigo chuckled softly. Tatsuki watched from the side and wondered what they were discussing. Chizuru crept up behind Orihime, trying to ruin the moment. Ichigo pulled Orihime toward him and held Chizuru by her head.
"Kya!"
"Ah, Ichigo! You are ruining the fun."
"With how many times I have thwarted your crime, I think you might love getting stopped."
"That…could be true."
Tatsuki sighed at the scene and urged, "Let's just leave already. Every second is important!"
Ichigo shrugged and let go of Orihime whose heart beat erratically and face hot as magma. Tatsuki dragged her, pulling her out of stupor. They left the classroom and went to the dojo. Chizuru was following them. She kindly told Ichigo she joined the club when Orihime did. Ichigo knew what she was planning.
All eyes turned to them upon their entrance to the dojo. Many looked at Ichigo in relief. Ichigo didn't care about it, but Tatsuki explained that his week-long absence made them worried he would pull out of the tournament. This year's nationals had strong contenders. They believed he would be their hope to snatch something in the nationals. At least, that was the case for the male category. Tatsuki would do well in the nationals.
They changed into their Gi and much to Ichigo's surprise, there was no incident in the locker room. Chizuru had behaved. It wasn't that surprising since Tatsuki was there to protect the innocent Orihime. Ichigo cracked his neck and inspected his Gi. It had become a little tight thanks to his growth spurt; his chest was half-exposed. Thankfully, Hōgyoku didn't stick out of his chest like it did in his Spiritual Body.
"As you know, the selection is in three days. This will be my last year representing the school. I am not pressuring you, but I want it to be as memorable as possible." The club president glanced at Ichigo. "We will have strong contenders this year, but I believe you will surpass them. We will pass the selection, dominate the regionals, and win the nationals. Keep up the spirit, everyone!"
"Yosha! Let's train till we drop!"
Everyone roared enthusiastically, regardless of their gender. Orihime was pumped and so was Chizuru, to Ichigo's surprise. Ichigo couldn't share their enthusiasm. He had faced and killed monsters that could punch a hill out of existence. Beating up ordinary humans didn't excite him much.
The warmup session began. Ichigo didn't need it but still did some stretches. Yoruichi had hammered into him that he needed to maintain flexibility. His stretches garnered attention due to their extremity. No one expected him to be so flexible considering his build. Amazed looks riddled his being, but he didn't care.
"All right, gather up, everyone! It is sparring time," the club president called.
Everyone gathered on the side of the room, leaving the middle part empty. Ichigo sat at the backmost as he was the tallest in the group; only Sado was taller than him in the entire school. He couldn't block his fellows' view. He watched as the club president called the members and pitted them against each other.
The fights were boring but decent in Ichigo's opinion. He was used to witnessing exploding fists, so normal fights didn't excite him. Tatsuki's fight was a bit better than the others but didn't excite him still. However, he was convinced Tatsuki would do well in the national given the display. She might win the nationals this time unlike what happened the previous year.
"Kurosaki, Kugisaki, you are up!"
Ichigo stood at the club president's call. The boys got excited as he stepped into the arena. That made Ichigo quirk an eyebrow. With how dominant he was, he thought he would discourage them. Then again, Nova told him most Karate Club members were muscle brains, so it was not that surprising.
Ichigo watched as his opponent wore his equipment, not picking up his equipment. No one batted an eyelash as they were used to it. They exchanged fistbumps before the fight started. Ichigo approached his opponent and let him take some shots at him, which he parried. He could sweep his opponent and win the fight instantly, but that wouldn't help his opponent. They sparred to improve, after all.
Ichigo ended the fight with a sweep after some exchanges. His opponent fell and declared his loss, having spent his energy on trying to land a hit. The club president returned Ichigo's opponent to the line and called another one. The club president held Ichigo in his place. Another fight ensued. The cycle continued for the next five fights.
"You are a monster, aren't you?" the club president laughed after the fifth fight. "Very well. Your last fight will be with me. Don't hold back. I know you have been holding back against these kids."
"Sure."
Tatsuki who was appointed as the referee began the fight. The club president quickly closed in on Ichigo, planning to land a quick hit. It was much to his shock and bewilderment when he found his world spinning and his back lay flat against the floor. Gasps filled the dojo. They had never seen such a quick takedown.
"Another round!"
"Sure."
The club president became more careful this time, approaching Ichigo gradually while trying to find a gap in his stance. When he found one, he struck Ichigo. The hit connected with the back of Ichigo's hand—successfully blocked. He sent two more hits which Ichigo blocked before being taken down. High on adrenaline, he challenged Ichigo again. The cycle repeated three more times before he surrendered.
Despite suffering consecutive losses, the club president was grinning. He could feel his improvement. However, most important of all, he could rest assured of the club's fate. It would be safe in Ichigo's hands. The orange-haired teen tilted his head, wondering why he felt like getting scammed.
"Today's training is a wrap! Tomorrow will be our last training before the rest day. Don't miss it! Dismiss!"
The club ended after seven bouts of spar. Everyone quickly changed out of their Gi and vacated the dojo. Ichigo was surprised by a group of girls waiting for him after he changed his clothes. Orihime, Tatsuki, and Chizuru were among the group.
"Kurosaki-kun! Do you want to hang out with us?" asked one of the girls.
"Oh, where are we going?" Ichigo asked coyly.
The girls looked equally perplexed and excited. Nova had always rejected their invitation, after all. They didn't even bother wondering what changed Ichigo's mind.
"We are going to have some sweets and tea. A new shop just opened in the town."
"Well, I like sugar. Why not?"
Given the confirmation, the group left for the shop. Being the only male in the group of seven girls, Ichigo naturally attracted some attention. Even if he had not been the only male in the group, he would still attract attention due to his size and attractiveness. They arrived at the shop not long after. It was crowded with mostly female students.
Ichigo stood at the backmost and let the girls stand in line before him. Orihime got separated thanks to her clumsiness, but she thankfully had Ichigo to prevent her from getting lost.
"Hehe. Sorry, Ichigo-kun. I was about to wait in line with Tatsuki-chan but someone pushed me," she smiled wryly.
"Oh, do you hate waiting in line with me?" Ichigo quirked an eyebrow.
"No, that is not the case!"
"Oh, so do you love me?"
"Yes!" Orihime blinked before realizing what Ichigo had said. "Wait! I d- didn't mean to…"
Ichigo chuckled throatily, causing Orihime to go red and silent. They waited in silence until their turn came. Orihime stole glances at Ichigo during the time. The cashier looked at them with a smile when their turn came.
"Hi, what can I help you?"
"I would like each package of macaron and canelé, a plate of millefeuille, and a slice of tarte au chocolat, please," Ichigo said before turning to Orihime. "I will pay; you go say your order, Orihime."
"Ah, are you guys a couple? We have the couple discount," the cashier said with a smile.
Orihime shook her head with a red face, unable to say anything.
"Apparently, we are not. But I would like some discounts," Ichigo smiled at the cashier coyly. "So, what do you think? Do you want to be my couple?"
"Oh? But you have to kiss me for the discount. I will be glad to get kissed by a handsome guy, though" the cashier grinned.
"We will take the discount!" Orihime suddenly said fiercely, surprising both Ichigo and the cashier. "Let's kiss, Ichigo-kun!" She pulled Ichigo's head and planted a chaste kiss on his lips. "Our discount, please!"
Orihime was red but remained fierce. Ichigo found himself speechless for the first time. He didn't know the endearingly clumsy girl had such a fierce side. They got their order and went upstairs. Orihime crouched and groaned in embarrassment halfway.
"Come on, girlfriend. We can't let the others wait."
"S- Sorry, Ichigo-kun. I didn't know what came to me."
"You can kiss me again if you feel sorry.
Orihime went red and Ichigo laughed throatily.