Nanao Ise

OIC Survey

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:30:09 GMT

1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
A.

2) What was your dream growing up?
A.

3) What talent do you wish you had?
A.

4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
A.

5) Favorite vegetable?
A.

6) What was the last book you read?
A.

7) What zodiac sign are you?
A.

8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
A.

9) Worst Habit?
A.

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
A.

11) What is your favorite sport?
A.

12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?
A.

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
A.

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
A.

15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
A.

16) Do you have any pets?
A.

17) What if i showed up at your house unexpectedly?
A.

18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)
A.

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?
A.

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
A.

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
A.

22) What color eyes do you have?
A.

23) Ever been arrested?
A.

24) Bottle or can soda?
A.

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
A.

27) What's your favorite place to hang at?
A.

28) Do you believe in ghosts?
A.

29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
A.

30) Do you swear a lot?
A.

31) Biggest pet peeve?
A.

32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
A.

33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
A.

35) Do you believe in God?
A.

36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?
A.

Girls' Night Out - Part One

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:37:37 GMT

WHO: Momo, Nanao, Nemu, Rangiku
WHAT: The lady lieutenants go out for a night of drinks and male strippers. Need I say more? There are hijinks.

The shinigami women's association wasn't always about meetings. Sometimes they got together, hung out, and basked securely in familiar company to just enjoy being girls. And on rare occasion, these outings were best held in reserve until the president's bedtime was past, because heaven only knew what Yachiru would do if she got drunk. (The very thought produced shivers of the worst kind.)

Nanao formally voiced her objections to this particular outing, yet she never outright declined. And why? For Momo's sake, of course. As much as she reviled the idea of drinking, there was no denying that Rangiku was talented at helping others forget their troubles for a little while and just cut loose. Nanao's been worried about Momo for a long while now, and knew it must be very hard for the poor girl trying to handle all of the duties of the Fifth Division on her own.
And so, Nanao had come. She lingered behind the rest of the girls, clutching her book with a death grip, as though it might shield her from the depravity to come. She didn't look like she'd cut loose in all her life, and she'd stiffened up even more than ever. ~I'm going to harbor severe regrets before this night is through,~ she thought to herself, wearing a look of deep, deep anxiety that bordered on fear.

She could have taken drinks anywhere. But did it have to be a /strip club/? "I hope Kyouraku-Taichou never hears of this..." Nanao muttered, her head bowed in defeat.

Nemu was like Nanao. She had never, not even once in her life, let loose. Drinking was not something she'd ever thought about, and given a choice she would not have come tonight. When asked what the WSA meeting had been about, she told Mayuri-sama about all their plans and told him that she did not intend to go. Unfortunately, Mayuri saw the whole thing as a wonderful learning experience. After picking out her outfit, telling her what she was and was not allowed to drink and making sure she was in full working order, he shooed her out the door to join her 'little playmates'.

Nemu stood behind Momo, expression dull as ever. It seemed the neon lights and half-naked men weren't yet having an effect. She watched the men, the bartender and the patrons - she studied all of their actions and tried to learn while she waited for someone else to direct the night.

It had been quite some time since Momo had been able to attend an Association meeting, let alone a fun gathering afterwards. While for Hinamori, a typical 'outing' might be afternoon tea with a friend at the Tea Tower, she was excited (albeit nervously so) to try something alien and new.

Already blushing as the small group camd through the door, she couldn't help but giggle up at Nanao beside her. Momo was fully aware of her prim friend's sacrifice for her benefit. The fukutaichou of the 8th division would never be seen in a place like this if it weren't for the fact that Momo had expressed interest in coming. Looping her arm in Nanao's, Momo grinned up at the taller fukutaichou, hoping to help her relax a little. Of course, the sight of nearly-naked men onstage and scantily-clad waiters strolling around the tables made Hinamori shriek in surprise and girlish playful glee.

"Nee, Rangiku-san, where should we sit?" she asked, delegating leadership to the bravest of them all. She was sure that Nemu and Nanao would prefer the back, but it was their first time! Shouldn't they sit all the way up front?

There was one woman entirely without reserve in the group, and her presence was announced by a headful of strawberry blonde hair and a low-slung top -- and the sudden, loud whistle she gave the dancers up on the stage, thumb and forefinger in her mouth. "HEEEEEEEEEEEY BOYS! Looking sexy as ever!" Rangiku blew a kiss to the strippers, winking when she took a shot of whatever was being served from a passing server and tray, not even two minutes inside the door. Drink downed, she caught another passing tray to set the empty glass down on, before she was herding the less enthusiastic group behind her, bustling behind them in turn and gently guiding them with hands to the smalls of feminine backs. "Up front, of course! Come on, come on! This way~," she sang, vibrant and cheerful and absolutely not stopping or letting any of them back away or have second thoughts.

/Twitch./ Nanao looked like she had a split-second seizure, throwing up her free arm to shield her face at Rangiku's sudden shout. "M-Matsumoto-san! There's no need to get /that/ close!" No need at all!

At least she took mild comfort from Momo's support, though a more cynical voice inside her head told her it was a means of trapping the prude shinigami rather than offering solace. She eyed the passing tray, along with the saucy strut of the bare-chested waiter bearing it in a broad hand. Whyyyyyyyy...

May the nerdy gods give her strength... She tightened her mouth, gripping the book again. A glance back at Nemu confirmed, at least, that she was not the only one who would prefer a quieter locale. But who knew? Nemu was as unpredictable as her captain, she might end up shocking them all.

Nemu still wasn't really phased. Rangiku was acting as she always did, just in a different location, and the naked men weren't really any more naked than Mayuri-sama when he took his showers... although she did find the dancing to be a bit peculiar. She carefully noted to herself that alcohol must not be as disgusting as Mayuri-sama warned (considering how easily Matsumoto-chan downed it) and tried to remember that she needed to order a drink once they found a spot.

Upon hearing Rangiku's comment that they were to sit up front, Nemu broke away from the group and moved quickly to find a seat. Standing behind one of the chairs that lined the stage, she pointed to it and offered a gentle 'Is this right?' to the new leader of the group.

Laughing outright at Rangiku's outburst, Hinamori positively beamed at Nanao. How could she possibly turn down this face? "Let's hurry, Nanao-san! It looks like someone new is starting their show!" As if it were a theatre or something.

Though Momo was quite correct. As a sultry beat played over the speaker system, another gorgeous specimen of shinigami malehood started his cakewalk down the runway. Or should that be /beefcake/ walk? Hello! The strippers must have been wearing their gigai for the show, because they each seemed to be sporting an interesting outfit from the living world. This one was dressed like a police officer. He blew on a whistle hanging from his neck before tugging it off and tossing it to the ladies. Grabbing onto the pole, he swung around and dances to the music, showing off the curve of his...assets.

As Hinamori took her seat between Rangiku and Nanao, she applauded as if she was supposed to. "Way to go! Good job!" Well, she's close, at least.

She nodded cheerfully to Nemu, giving a thumbs up to the quiet woman from the 12th. 'Good choice!' her grin said, and once she had ushered the other girls into their seats, she waved for a round of drinks from one of the servers, handing down the tall, fluted shotglasses to each of the shinigami women. Nemu might have recognized the shape; the shotglasses looked like long test tubes, each filled with a different, nuclear bright color. The taste depended entirely on which color you got -- another adaptation from the living world, it seemed. It wasn't just boring sake here!

Meanwhile the police officer was undoing his tie, and while Rangiku -- still standing -- was knocking back her tube of liquor, he snaked it out of his collar and around her back, pulling her closer to the stage and giving her her own personal show. She burst into laughter in her usual good cheer, stroking his cheek and giving him a quick peck before she sent him back with a swat on the ass. "Come on baby, send more our way!" was her approving catcall. He left the tie with her, and she promptly draped it on Momo. "A souvenir!" she teased, finding her seat.

Nanao ducked, the whistle sailing over her head into some other lucky patron's waiting grasp, judging by the sudden piercing squeal. Ignore the pivoting man on stage. Ignore ignore ignore. "No need for haste," Nanao glanced down at her reading partner. "I'm certain the ending of the act is what others generally anticipate."

She claimed the seat facing away from the stage to preserve her sanity, dropping primly into the chair, and laying the book upon her lap as though to anchor her firmly in place. She would not stand unless she meant to use the restroom or leave. The test tubes were eyed critically. As pleasing to the eye as they might be, she knew that it was just another pretty form for BRAIN POISON. And she wasn't going to touch it. "A virgin margarita, if you'd be so kind," she made her cool request, eyes closed as she nodded once to the waiter. "I require nothing fancy." Which was her way of saying 'if you gyrate in my face, you will surely die.' She turned her head towards Nemu, lips parting to pose a question, for she had no idea why Mayuri had given his permission in this matter (what did he hope for the poor girl to learn?!), she suddenly went rigid as Rangiku was abducted by that police pimp! "M-Matsumoto-san!" Nanao protested, making a futile grab for Rangiku's sleeve. Noooo, don't draw attention to them!

She sighed, pressing her manicured fingertips to the bridge of her nose. The night could not end soon enough. But...one glance to the side gave her all the patience she needed. Momo was smiling and looking more like her old self. Nanao could endure a great deal to preserve that smile.

It was difficult for Nemu to understand what was going on. Why these men were dancing on stage and removing their clothing was a mystery to her, and why they were dressed in costumes was even more confusing. Understanding only that alcohol is a mind-altering substance, she decided that she'd understand better once she'd had a drink and so she quickly downed the brightly colored liquor.

Nemu raised her hand toward the scantily-clad waiter to get his attention. "I would like..." she paused trying to remember precisely what it was she was supposed to order. "I would like a stoplight, please."

She turned her attention back to the stripper while she waited for her drinks. He'd moved on to opening his shirt - a button popping open and his hips moving to a different side with each bass beat from the music. His eyes had grazed Nemu, Nanao and Rangiku, but they settled on Momo - she seemed to be the birthday girl or bachelorette or some such thing and girls like that were usually very good tippers.

Giggling as Rangiku adorned her with the tie, Momo couldn't help but wonder if it was okay. Wouldn't he need it later? Well, maybe they'd go backstage afterwards and give it back. That'd be the nice thing to do. Taking after the example of Nemu and Rangiku, Momo picked up her test tube glass and sipped at it. "...Yum!" she decided, and continued to sip as she watched the rest of the 'show.'

It didn't actually occur to her that she'd become the focus until Mr. Policeman gyrated his way over and dropped to his knees right in front of her. He walked himself over on his hands and knees, brushed her hair out of her face, then kissed her cheek. Needless to say, Momo's jaw was dropped wide open and she blushed a deep shade of crimson. "N-nice to meet you," she stammered cutely. He only grinned, unpinned his badge, and pinned it to the lapel of her dressy outfit.

Having performed this personalized little favor, he leaned back and pulled his shirt entirely off, revealing a well-tanned, /very/ well-muscled chest and a set of abs you could bake cookies on. Stretching out his arm, he pointed his finger and moved it back and forth as if choosing between the ladies. He stopped at Nemu. With a smirk, he turned his hand and curled his finger, inviting her on stage.

"Sex on the beach," was Rangiku's cheerful request to the server, and when he had gone to retrieve their drinks, she settled to watch the show. And what a show it was! She whistled appreciatively when the dancer singled out Momo, laughing and nudging Nanao beside her in good cheer. "Hinamori has an admirer, look at that! -- Ohoooo, Nemu too?! Oh, you have to go, go on!" she chuckled, pushing Nemu up out of her seat helpfully. "Go on, dance with the man!"

Ohhh, then the drinks came. She took hers happily, enjoying the taste of citrus and pineapple before she suddenly gaped past Nanao's shoulder. "Kyoraku-taichou?!"

If the ruse worked, the moment Nanao turned, she got two test tubes dumped into her margarita with Rangiku's sleight of hand before the tubes just as quickly disappeared as if they hadn't existed. "Oh, my bad! Nevermind, that's not him at all." A giggle.

Nemu hadn't the faintest idea what this man could possibly want with her. With near robotic speed she downed her stoplight - a shot of cherry brandy, a shot of tequila, and a shot of midori. She got up on the stage as requested and stood there awkwardly as the man danced around her, lightly played with her braid and nearly brushed a few of her most treasured assets. Nemu was unfazed and the man was inwardly frustrated - any woman should be melting for him by now.

Mr. Policeman finished stripping for Nemu and the rest of the crowd. He got right down to a tiny little speedo and ended the dance there - this particular Mr. Policeman was the male equivelant of a topless dancer - he didn't give away all the goods. With a cocky grin on his face he swiftly placed one arm on Nemu's back and the other at the back of her knees. He swept her up and triumphantly carried her off to behind the curtain. Only Rangiku knew the sorts of depravities that went on back there, and it was a fair guess that Nemu would return, unharmed, in due time.

No, Nemu did /not/ have to go, but Nanao bit back her protest just the same. The margarita was delivered to the table, and received with a stiff note of gratitude. It seemed their table had been favored by the false policeman with his popped shirt buttons and too-tight trousers...wait, no, those were both gone now...and if he knew what was good for him, he wouldn't finish the rounds and end with Nanao. Seeing as how he'd trotted off with Nemu, Nanao was safe. And so was the dancer, consequently. "Should we really allow that? Kurotsuchi-Taichou will be furious." At least, she imagined he might be. Who could tell with that man?

She reached for her drink, only to hear the most dreaded word of all. The color drained straight out of Nanao's face, and her jaw dropped. "Wh-what?! NO! WHAT NO!" she stammered, whipping around just as Rangiku predicted she would. Heart in her throat, stomach in her toes, Nanao whirled towards the stage, only to see a muscled arm slip between the curtains followed by the rest of a dark-haired man in a rumpled business suit. Not her captain, then. Shunsui had far more facial hair.

Practically melting with relief, Nanao slumped in her chair, taking a mighty chug of her 'virgin' margarita. She blinked for a moment, and the situation became tense. Did she suspect? Did she /know/?

Nanao pulled the glass from her lips, eyeing it. "They added more fruit this time," she noted. It seemed to pass her strict approval, because she was drinking more.

It could be the alcohol - which Momo had finished by now - but it was probably the muscle-bound hottie in the speedo that had Hinamori blushing like she'd never blushed before. "Ah...! I-I had no idea...what men's bodies looked like...under their clothes...!" She touched her face, certain it'd caught fire by now. "They're so...attractive!" She giggled helplessly at her own admission. "I wonder if Hitsugaya-kun's stomach looks so...--" Slapping her hand over her mouth as she realized what she was saying, Momo could only hope the other two remaining ladies were wrapped up in their case of mistaken taichou identity to notice. Rangiku's trick therefore also went unnoticed by the embarrassed Momo, who handed over her test tube to the server and didn't have the faintest idea what to ask for.

"Um...do you have anything with peaches in it?" she asked hopefully, getting a smile and a wink from the waiter in response. It looked like her innocent willingness was earning her more than one admirer around here.

Rangiku bubbled into hysterical laughter at Hinamori's words, but it was the good-natured, slightly buzzed kind that was probably at least partly induced by alcohol, because the woman had sucked her Sex on the Beach down faster than was really healthy, already waving the waiter to bring her his favorite drink choice; she'd drink it all! "So flat and muscled? Do you really want to know?" she asked conspiratorially, leaning in close, before she grinned and tapped Momo's nose with a fingertip. "You're too young to know! No, I'm kidding--I won't spoil it for you, you'll find out one day yourself!"

She'd been almost-but-not-quite-apprehensive at Nanao's pause after her first sip, but then all was well again and soon Rangiku was on yet another round of drinks. "Come on, Nanao-san, loosen up! The boys are here for us to enjoy, don't be shy!"

"This is as loose as I get, Matsumoto-san," Nanao replied, setting down her empty glass. "My apologies." She didn't sound all that sorry, though. Beneath the table she crossed her legs (shock!), a replacement virgin margarita placed in front of her.

She did, however, favor Momo with a small smile. She was glad she seemed to be having a good time. As for Hitsugaya? She decided to pretend she'd heard nothing. She didn't want to know, and it was none of her business.

Suddenly she stiffened in her seat, prompted by some sort of sixth sense. Her head whipped around, staring down the stripper who'd been creeping up from behind with his own tie slid from his neck and ready to loop about the lieutenant's shoulders. Her eyes narrowed, but this did not deter him. Clearly he was unaware of Nanao's reputation in the 8th Division, and just what happened to those who got 'fresh.'

~It seems all I can do...is this.~ Nanao's fingers slipped into the front of her shinigami robes (she wore those to the strip club? SERIOUSLY?), prompting a raised eyebrow of interest from the stripper, and quite possibly alarm to anyone who knew her.

But she did not pull out weapons of harm. Instead, there was a sack of jingling coins, which were suddenly a fraction of an inch away from the man's face, dangled by Nanao's slim fingers. It caught him off-guard, for he hesitated. And with a flick of the wrist, Nanao flung the bag past his shoulder. He looked after it, confused, then back to Nanao, but she'd already turned back to her drink, sipping coolly. Fetch.

Itwas a good thing Momo wasn't drinking anything at the moment, or else she'd be spitting it right now. Rangiku's candid speech about Hitsugaya and her future turned her even redder than before. "Oh no, Rangiku-san, I...I-!" But really, how could she possibly deny what she just said? There was no way; her secret was out! Rather than stammering and making up excuses, she just covered up her face in humiliation. So...so embarrassed... The only thing worse would be if he were actually here, but luckily that was not even remotely possible. The thought of Hitsugaya-kun up on the stage, stripping like these other men was such a silly idea that Hinamori completely forgot her mortification and started laughing, dropping her hands into her lap.

When the waiter returned, he brought a truly amazing thing: a peach daiquiri~! Wiping tears of laughter out of her eyes, Momo thanked him happily and tasted it. "Ah! It's so good!" she commented, prompting a bow from the waiter, who made a flirtatious comment or two before moving on to another table. Sipping the frozen drink to cool herself down from the previous embarrassment, she felt the need to ask Rangiku, "Um...Rangiku-san? Does he ever...you know...talk about me?" And the blush was back, full force.

Nemu came out of a door beside the back of the stage. For once, she had a smile on her face - a fairly broad smile at that. She stopped by the bar and ordered another drink, cheerfully chatting with the bartender as he filled her order. Once she'd got a cosmopolitan in hand she walked a little funny - not in a straight line and as if her legs were a little weak - back over to the stage. Once she'd rejoined the women she took her seat and shared her smile with them. Nemu sipped at her drink before greeting them. "Good evening, ladies." her voice faltered a bit though her composure was swiftly regained.

With another sip of her drink she brought her eyes back to the stage. She was obviously not paying attention to any of the dancing going on in front of her. Nemu's head was up in the clouds, reflecting on the wonderful and educational experience she just had. Mayuri-sama would be happy for her.

TO BE CONTINUED...?

The 8th Division Intern

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:32:49 GMT

WHO: Kunio, Nanao
WHAT: Kunio is elected to intern for a week with the 8th Division, on recommendation from Jyuushirou Ukitake. Nanao shows him the ropes.
WHERE: Seireitei - 8th Division

It came as a surprise at first, but Kunio decided to go ahead with it. He was offered a chance to help out with some work within one of the divisions of the Gotei Thirteen, even though he was just a first year. It sounded decidedly more appealing than the last two encounters he had with the actual shinigami he was studying to join, and he was eager to rid the bad memories from his mind by replacing them with something better.

It wasn't that he didn't like the thirteenth division. The captain was incredibly kind considering that they had broken into his grounds (even if it wasn't on purpose). But Kunio was definitely glad that the request had come from another division entirely, and especially not the 11th. That was another bucket of worms entirely.

The nervous feeling he had felt in his stomach at first slowly gave way to anticipation. They wouldn't have requested the help of a student and then accepted his volunteering if there were still any ill will leftover. So as soon as class ended, he hurried back to his room to put away his things, before heading towards the eighth's grounds as instructed. It was a bit of a disappointment that Katoji was nowhere to be found in the meantime, but his brother was not very likely to head right back to his room as soon as he was freed from class. Kunio would have to tell him later.

Eventually he arrived outside the gates to the division, and stared at the entrance. Was he supposed to simply go inside? Or wait here for someone to find him? Tentatively, he raised a hand towards the door.

The door moved out of his reach. It's not that the door was spiteful, nor had Kunio missed, but it had simply opened from the inside, and moving through the door was a slim, black-haired woman bearing a large book beneath her arm. She gave pause as her eyes locked onto Kunio, blinking in surprise beneath the oval-framed spectacles. Calm swept over her features again as she gave him a quick glance over, her fingers rising to adjust the edge of her glasses. "You must be Shoda-san, correct?"

She took a step back, curling her fingers around the edge of the door to draw it back and admit him entrance. "I'm Lieutenant Ise. Step into my office, and I'll explain the nature of your internship. This way, please," she invited with a curt nod of the head.

Kunio stood there a moment and blinked back at the shinigami who opened the door. To her question, he dropped his hand again and nodded in affirmation. "Yes ma'am." Wait, he was going to be shown in by the lieutenant? Quickly he added a bow of greeting, not expecting to meet someone important right off the bat. "It's nice to meet you, Ise-fukutaichou."

Inside he stepped, glancing around the grounds. It wasn't every student that got to see this so soon. He hadn't had much of a chance to learn things aside from rules, simple skills, and bits of the history of Seireitei yet. This would be a good chance to learn quickly, but what exactly was it that he would be useful enough for at this early a stage? The curiosity over what exactly he would be doing soon won over his wonder of the landscape, and he followed after the lieutenant.

The Eighth Division did have very lovely grounds. They were tastefully landscaped, and were full of flowers, greenery, and even a big stone statue (that'd been molded over in some places, giving him a fuzzy green skin here and there). Nanao's steps were brisk, her stride purposeful as she led the way with nary a word of conversation. Perhaps she was allowing him a moment to take it all in and get used to the place. Or maybe she just had nothing to say for now.

The central building was clean and tidy. Nanao skirted past the captain's office, opening the sliding door to her own before stepping in. "Have a seat," she invited with a gesture towards one of two chairs against the wall next to her desk. The lieutenant moved to take her own seat, laying her book aside and reaching for a portfolio of handwritten papers. "As you may know, our division occasionally selects students of interest from the academy to spend a week of internship with us, if they so desire. We feel that it promotes good public relations, as well as a chance for students to better choose a division they feel best suits their skills and personality. You are not obligated to enlist with us after graduation, but if we find that the arrangement is agreeable to both parties, you are more than welcome to join, with Kyouraku-Taichou's blessing."

Which was to say, Nanao's blessing. Shunsui only voiced hearty approvement of female recruits.

He nodded and took the seat closest to him, placing his hands on his lap. The lieutenant seemed like a quiet person, although once she began to explain things, it became more apparent that she was simply all business. It reminded him of a few of the teachers. Kunio figured his stop here was something like the explanation she gave. Getting to know a division before you decided on it was a good idea after all. But hearing it all laid out like that was a lot more reassuring.

Still, he had little idea what went on behind the division walls when they weren't out battling hollows or performing soul burials. "What exactly does a first year intern do, anyway?" he asked once she had finished.

"You'll be acting as my assistant for the time being," Nanao replied, taking up a pen and scratching something down in neat, precise kanji. "It's the best method for allowing you to see how the division functions on a daily schedule. I may assign you a few additional tasks while I take care of private matters as well. On my days off, you will be working directly with the captain or, should he prove absent, our third-seat Tatsufusa-san." She laid down her pen and rolled up the paper, passing the scroll to Kunio. "Keep this with you. It bears my signature, acknowledging that you are here under my supervision should any question your presence within this division." She withdrew her hands and laid them on the desk before her.

"Before we begin, I would like to know if you bear any particular special talents or skills so that I might best know how to apply them. This would include anything you might have learned outside the Academy." She regarded him stoically, awaiting his answer.

Kunio couldn't help smiling a little. He was already starting to feel a bit more at ease at how normal the lieutenant seemed. And that's who he would be assisting? Her reasonings made perfect sense, although it was more than he expected. Especially once she mentioned working with the captain. "Seriously?" he asked, unable to keep the surprise out of his voice. Would that make this the third one he was going to meet already? Deikou would be incredibly jealous when he heard about it.

The student took the scroll from Nanao as it was handed to him, glancing at it briefly before carefully tucking it into his robes with a nod. Then he considered the question. "Well... I suppose you could say that I'm good with working with large groups of people. My um... family has grown kinda big lately." Kunio hesitated a moment on describing his living situation. He wasn't ever really reluctant to mention that he was from Rukongai before, but it sort of felt as though that wouldn't lend itself too well to a job qualification. Even still... "Usually I end up sort of playing peacemaker."

Another pause, as he considered the other things he had learned. Running away wasn't exactly an impressive job skill, so it was definately left out. Finally, Kunio shook his head. "I'll do my best, so... please don't hesitate to challenge me."

"An important skill indeed," Nanao replied, regarding the boy in front of her. "It is often said that one's division becomes their family in time. From the moment one takes on the uniform, they are never truly alone." Some might find that comforting. Others who prefer privacy might not find it so. Nonetheless, it was true, and loners really had no place within the 8th Division. The captain tended to make certain of that. "That you have learned diplomacy as well will prove useful."

The lieutenant blinked at his final words...and to the surprise of anyone who really knew her, she smiled. It was a small smile only, but it was warm and sincere. "As you request, then, Shoda-san. You'll find that you shall never know boredom under my supervision." Her workload was too constant for that. She rose to her feet, taking up the large book beneath her arm. "Come. I will show you to your quarters and have you fitted for a uniform." If he was going to act the part, he may as well look like it as well.

He was just trying to make up for what he felt was a major shortcoming for his first impressions! Kunio had always ended up picking up the slack for work at home. That had earned him a bit of a reputation as the responsible one, and he had no desire to become portrayed as a troublemaker as soon as he left it. It had taken him a while to get over past mishaps, and if he was going to be tested with an opportunity like this, then the worst thing he could do was to be lazy about it.

Standing as the lieutenant instructed, Kunio did a doubletake at her words. It was only for a week, yet they were putting him in uniform for it? It took him a moment to hurry after, the idea of wearing real shinigami robes still sinking in.

He didn't question her decisions, which Nanao appreciated. He could take orders, and though his surprise was evident by the look on his face, he obeyed. This one would get along very nicely with the strict lieutenant. She exited the offices and the central building itself, veering a sharp turn to the right which led to the men's barracks. "You may stow your personal belongings in one of the lockers, or within your quarters. It's your choice." She reached out to slide open the door which led to the common room, where several shinigami lifted their heads to blink curiously. A few scrambled to hide things swiftly behind their backs once they recognized Nanao's face.

"This is the common room, for the men," Nanao informed Kunio, striding into the room. She didn't even break her stride as a fan suddenly appeared in her other hand, sharply rapping a shinigami's shoulder. He barked a sharp protest, and guiltily put his bottle of sake on the table. It was confiscated in an instant. "Drinking is prohibited in here, except on special occasions," she said with a faint turn of the head. It was probably clear that the words weren't meant just for Kunio's sake. Other bottles slowly made their way onto the table as Nanao's penetrating gaze fell on each and every perpetrator. How did she /know/?! "If you would please gather the bottles, Shoda-san?" The one she held was dropped promptly into the trash, and somewhere in the room sounded a barely audible groan. That was high quality sake!

Kunio didn't bring much with him, not that he had many belongings to start with. The asauchi was left in his room because he wasn't instructed to have any use for it, and so other than the clothes on his back, which would be set aside for the new robes he'd be wearnig for a week, there was little to worry about storing. As they reached the common room, he glanced around at the shinigami gathered there. The swift scrambling to hide items wasn't missed. He turned a questioning look back towards the lieutenant, only to almost jump as she produced a fan from nowhere to scold them.

Ok, so she was stricter than he thought... still, they seemed to get along so far. It wasn't like Kunio drank sake, so in that regard he didn't need to worry. Although he hoped suddenly he didn't do anything to get on her bad side. With an apologetic look to the shinigami in the room, he carefully picked up the bottles, cradling them in his arms until they could be disposed of.

There came another chorus of groans, these more audible. And yet, there wasn't a single hateful look on anyone's face. It was almost as though they reflected the expressions of children who had just been denied the cookies they'd tried to sneak out of the pantry before dinner. But these groans were immediately silenced at one sudden, cold look on Nanao's face. As slight as the woman might be, there was an impression that she could slay a Hollow with just one baleful glare.

Once the lieutenant held everyone's attention, she raised her hand sharply. A few flinched. "This," she began, before settling the hand on Kunio's shoulder with far more gentleness than one might expect, "is Shoda Kunio, from the Academy. He will serve as an intern within our division for a week. Please treat him kindly." It was not a request, judging by her tone.

But even without Nanao's stern words, smiles of greeting reached the young man. A few nodded. One standing by the window bowed politely. Nanao turned her head towards Kunio once again. "In the evening you will have time to better acquaint yourself. Come." She turned into a narrow doorway which led into a large hall, moving to climb the stairs that ascended to a second story.

It was actually a bit of relief that none of the shinigami seemed to take it personally. Actually, Kunio was too busy admiring how one person like Ise-fukutaichou could be so polite yet intimidating to get a room full of grown men to hand over all of their drinks, while keeping a slight distance from that look as well. But the introduction brought a smile back to his face, especially as they seem to accept him.

"Um, nice to meet you all," he bowed slightly, and was careful not to lean too far and spill the sake. With a nod after the instruction to leave, he followed after Nanao up the stairs. "What should I do with these?"

He still had them? Nanao turned partway, her hand lingering on the stair's railing as she blinked down at him. "Dispose of them in the trash." It was the only place where the captain wouldn't get into them later. "I'll wait here."

She adjusted her glasses, her stoic face bearing a look of steady patience. He couldn't be blamed; after all, she only told him to gather the bottles. He really was very obedient, wasn't he? How interesting.

"Oh... Right!"

It wasn't quite that Kunio couldn't think for himself, but to dump all of those bottles into the trash? The sake was understandable to be tossed, of course. While it might be wasteful, this was a workplace. But living in Rukongai, if something was salvagable, you saved it. So to toss even the bottles themselves? Kunio blinked at the order, but soon enough was hurrying down the stairs to find the correct place to dispose of them. The thought passed to perhaps pour them out, but it was pretty easy to tell what the lieutenant might think of that considering how she treated the first bottle, and the looks given to her subordinates.

Once the task was done, Kunio met her on the stairs again. "Sorry about that," he apologized with a sheepish smile.

"Quite all right," she nodded, and proceeded up the stairs again. She could understand first-day jitters. It was only when someone intentionally broke a rule that Nanao brought down the hellfire and thunder.

Once they reached the second floor, Nanao flipped open her book and cradled it within the crook of her arm, scanning down the page with her finger. She paused before the seventh door on the right, then slid it right open. The room contained two beds, but it was clear that neither were being used for the present time. So he wouldn't have to worry about a potentially rowdy roommate. "Here we are. You will use these for your quarters. If there's anything you require from the Academy, one of the unseated officers will fetch it for you." Surely he'd want a toothbrush and some clean undergarments at the very least. Nanao stood to the side, allowing Kunio to enter and inspect the room for himself. She closed the book and held it against her stomach, waiting for his assessment.

The rooms didn't seem too different from what it was like at the Academy, Kunio noticed. He could hardly complain anyway. Sharing a room had almost always been the norm for him, and it didn't take him long to nod once he was inside the room. "Ok... Thank you, Ise-fukutaichou." What happened next? Did he start right away? She had mentioned him being fitted for a uniform, and he couldn't help but be a little excited about that. Even if it was temporary.

She nodded in acknowledgment. "Don't forget which door." Nanao imagined that it wouldn't be the case, but better safe than sorry. And once more, she led the way. As she passed through the common room, a few of the shinigami flashed Kunio a wink or a thumb's up of encouragement the moment they passed out of range of Nanao's peripheral vision. (She could see them within the reflection of her glasses, actually, but there was no need to scold them for something like that.) "Good luck, kid," a broad-shouldered man flashed a cheerful, toothy grin, inclining his head from where he reclined against the wall.

It didn't take them long to reach a small wooden building that hummed with the sound of sewing machinery. Within, two female faces turned towards the new arrivals. One woman, with small eyes and a large mouth, was bent over her work, a new set of black robes pushed through a machine powered by the pumping of a foot pedal; the other was olive-skinned and sticking pins into a set modeled on a headless mannequin. "Oh, Fukutaichou!" The one at the machine nodded her head, the one standing bowed politely. "We weren't expecting you so soon. Is this the intern?" the olive-skinned woman smiled at Kunio.

"Yes. I'm a bit ahead of schedule," Nanao replied. "This is Shoda Kunio."

"Ahhh, must be nice for a change," the woman chuckled, and nodded to Kunio. "A pleasure to meet you. Please step over here, and I'll take your measurements. We should have a spare set for you ready to go, but it doesn't hurt to make certain, ne? Arms up!" she commanded with a grin, patting the inside of his forearm.

He took a moment to count the doors before they left, since they weren't labeled like the ones in the Academy. On the way back, the enthusiasm was infectuous, because most of his nervousness from before seemed to disappear completely at the friendliness of the shinigami. It's a different atomosphere entirely than what he expected, considering the types he had met previously.

But without much time to think on it, Kunio found himself being introduced to the seamstresses, and hurried into sizing for his clothing. "Nice to meet you too, miss," he bowed. Obediently, he lifted his arms quickly, glancing around at the sewing machines in curiosity. Mending his own clothes he had always had to use a small needle, so it was the first time he ever saw something like that. "Do you make all of the division's clothes with those?" he asked, certain that there must be a ton of people to provide for.

"That's right," the woman smiled, her eyes twinkling. The woman at the machine had gone back to her work, pumping steadily. A few stray wisps of her fell across her cheek. Snapping out a tape measure, the olive-skinned woman stretched it out across his shoulders and arms, over his chest, moving with the skill and ease of a professional. Nanao had fallen silent at this point, once again cradling the open book in her arm and working over it with her pen. "It's not as difficult as it might seem, we rarely need replacements. Usually a little mending is all it takes," she winked.

Finally she stepped back, satisfied with her measurements. "I believe we have something in your size, fortunately. Wait right here." She moved briskly into a large walk-in closet, her gaze skimming the racks of white and black garments until she drew down two of each. One of these sets was pressed into Kunio's arms shortly before she began herding him towards a curtain-covered stall. "Go on now, try that on, tell me if it fits all right."

"Still, that's a lot of clothes..." he answered, impressed with how quickly his measurements were gathered. Was that all she needed to know? Kunio blinked at the clothes pressed into his hands, suddenly holding the robes a lot sooner than he thought he'd be. Sure enough, there were a lot stored in the closet. "Ok..."

Not long after, he stepped from the stall dressed in the black shihakusho. It was comfortable, just like his academy robes, but Nanao had been right. Dressing the part actually made it feel more official. Kunio resolved then, as he glanced down at the black fabric, not to let anyone's expections down. "I think they fit just fine," he grinned, turning around once to show the seamstress. Was it really ok, letting a student like him wear them?

The seamstress beamed, clapping her hands in mild applause. "Oh, very handsome! You'll make such a fine shinigami someday, won't he, Fukutaichou?"

"Yes," Nanao replied, lifting her head to look Kunio over. She seemed satisfied, and tucked the pen behind her ear before closing the book. "You noticed the 8th Division patch on the inside of your robes, correct? That will identify you as one of our squad. We'll issue you two robes, they'll be laundered daily. Deposit the garments you wish to have washed inside the labeled hamper and wheel it into the hallway before bed. They'll be washed and returned by noon." She ran a pretty tight ship, nothing was ever out of order when Nanao was in charge.

The lieutenant turned, offering a light bow of gratitude towards the woman. "Thank you. We'll be taking our leave now."

"Good luck out there!" The seamstress at the machine glanced up at the other woman's words, and grunted an encouraging sort of sound in agreement. Nanao stepped out of the building and into the bright sunshine of the courtyard. "We have morning and evening practice sessions out here," she indicated, crossing the stone. "Officers are required to be out of bed before 6:30 a.m. and ready for the day at 7:00. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 7:45, practice begins sharply at 8:00 a.m. Those who are late will run ten laps around the sector." She turned her eyes to Kunio. "Don't be late." That should go without saying. "Lunch is served between noon and 2:00 p.m., with a one-hour break period allowed between those times. Evening practice begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 when dinner is held. Most officers are allowed free time at this point, save for those who have elected for a later patrol. There are many jobs to be done, including surveillance
in the living world for threats, and occasionally patrolling the Rukongai districts. As an intern, you are exempt from these duties as they are considered too hazardous for a first-year student. But for graduates, this is what we are required to do."

Kunio turned slightly red at the praise. He wasn't one yet! The boy said nothing until his attention was directed to the patch of the division, and he nodded. Already tucked into the new robes was the scroll he had been given earlier to identify his placement, but it was good to know that it was there. He listened carefully to all the instructions given, but it was starting to be a bit of information overload. With a bow and word of thanks to the seamstresses, he grabbed his Academy robes and followed after Nanao.

His eyes widened slightly as she listed the punishment for tardiness, Kunio nodded again and shaded his face from the sun. It was a good thing, he decided, that he already woke early for classes. As long as he stuck to that schedule, then hopefully he wouldn't be running any laps.

So there were patrols assigned and rotated out, and breaks given when they were over. It sounded like a pretty full day. Kunio was torn between being greatful that he wouldn't have to do any of that, and a slight disappointment that he still wasn't going to see the living world yet. But that would come eventually, right?

"How come they only patrol Rukongai sometimes?" he asked, remembering seeing the occasional patrol and not quite understanding the purpose. At first he had thought they were just recruiting people or walking around for their own reasons. Shinigami weren't always liked in Rukongai, though the ones he had met weren't so bad. But there was need to patrol there as well?

"Because the monitoring of the Rukongai falls outside our jurisdiction, as Soul Reapers," Nanao replied, turning her attention back to Kunio. She raised two fingers. "What we are meant to do generally condenses to two things: One, to guide the dead to Soul Society, two, to exorcise the Hollows and keep them from preying upon others." Her hand lowered to rest upon the spine of her book. "The number of souls compared to the number of shinigami is vastly overwhelming. There simply aren't enough of us with spiritual power to monitor the day-to-day activities of the Rukongai. Such tasks normally fall to those who reside there, though occasionally we make an appearance to scout for those who may possess spiritual energy, or to ensure that the safety of the Seireitei and its gatekeepers is maintained."

Nanao's steps didn't slow as she continued. "There are many who hold us in contempt, particularly in the districts of higher number. We're believed to be receiving 'special treatment', and their envy poisons their thoughts. It is not safe. Even I was once attacked in a sector that we formerly believed to be peaceful by a large number of armed men." Thankfully, Shunsui had been present to squash any awful ideas they might have had about cutting his lieutenant into bloody chunks.

"It may seem cold," she said, turning her head towards Kunio, "but the dangers that violent men pose to one another are generally dismissed in lieu of the greater threat. There are far worse things than death," she replied gravely.

That wasn't exactly what he had meant. Kunio had come to understand what a shinigami's job was, at least as far as he had studied in school just yet. It was important to keep souls safe. But he was trying to figure out why if it was neccessary for them to guard Rukongai, why only part of the time. The answer wasn't quite what he expected.

He tried to hide the frown that almost slipped over his face. There really was quite a difference between the Seireitei and Rukongai. He was lucky having lived where he did - It wasn't as bad as some districts. But he still had to struggle to find food at times, especially before meeting his family. He couldn't blame them, and yet, at hearing that there were those that had attacked the lieutenant, he couldn't blame her either...

What to say... "Oh," he answered, turning it all over in his head and looking aside. One of his brothers disliked the shinigami and wasn't too pleased to hear he had been going. The other loved them. The rest of his siblings had mixed feelings, in general, and he sort of felt stuck in the middle not knowing where he stood. But then he shook his head. He was here to become a shinigami, and to find his place, whether they agreed or not. That didn't mean that he'd have to give up his connections to home because of it.

"For what it's worth... I don't think they're helping things by striking out," he finally said, continuing to follow along. But it would be nice if things weren't so unbalanced, he thought.

There was a softening of Nanao's sharp features. She could see the emotions plainly on his face, and knew he didn't care for the way things stood. "Do you understand why this is so?" He looked as though he did...at least he wasn't outwardly voicing his protests, complaining that it wasn't fair. And if he did, Nanao wouldn't have contradicted him. It wasn't fair. But that's the way things were, and they could not be changed at present.

"I harbor no grudges," Nanao said, slowing her steps, and coming to a stop. "I was not born into the Seireitei." On that matter, she would speak no more. What was past, was past. "If you would voice your feelings on the matter, you may. I won't reprimand you."

Kunio blinked, looking back up at Nanao. "Oh, no no, it's not... I mean, yes. I do understand," he said, stumbling over an explanation and waving a hand in front of him. It was surprising that she would like to hear his opinion. He hadn't meant to complain, especially after they were so helpful as to give him this internship, so he let it go.

"If there's not enough help to go around, then it can't be helped." There was more to it, of course, but it wasn't like it was something the lieutenant alone could change. Kunio smiled again, looking around the division grounds. It was really pretty, and he could be jealous of it if he let himself. But it was just as easy to admire it. Someone had to have worked hard to make them look as nice as they did. Everyone had their part, right?

Nanao nodded. His temperament was admirable, as was his understanding. Should he choose to enlist with the 8th Division, she was certain he would be welcomed with open arms...even if he wasn't female. Nanao smiled, then began forward once more. "We do what we are able. That is all anyone can do." She pushed up her glasses, stepping through one of the archways that led from the walled courtyard towards the central office.

Letting out a small breath of relief at the smile, Kunio was glad to have not started an argument. The lieutenant may have said she wouldn't scold him for speaking his mind, and he may have liked to share it, but he didn't like being at odds with people. He especially didn't want his first impression to the second head of a division to be of someone who whines. He nodded, following her inside.

Log #1 - Where's Waldo?

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:28:26 GMT

WHO: Chad, Nanao
WHAT: Misdirected by her subordinates who don't want their drinking party canceled, Nanao's search for Captain Kyouraku takes her to the living world where Chad offers a helping hand.
WHERE: Karakura Town, City Park

Chad sits quietly along at a bench along the edge of the pond. For all his concerns about getting stronger, it seems he also still has attention left over for schoolwork, his backpack set next to the bench and a book in his lap, a sheet of paper covering one side that he occasionally scratches notes onto with a pen. He futiley combs his hair back once with one hand only to have it flop back down before he keeps writing and reading.

So this is the human world. Nanao has been here a few times (though not necessarily in Karakura Town) during her academy days, learning to dispatch Hollows and perform konsou for a few wayward spirits. But it's been a very long time since she set foot on the soil of the human world. The lieutenant touches down on the grass of the park, arriving via flash step. A brief look around confirms it: her captain isn't here.
Irritation bubbles inside of her, made evident to the outside observer only by the faintest twitch of her pencil-thin eyebrow. Is he masking his reiatsu with some sort of special gigai? Why can she not pinpoint his reiatsu?
It's a wonder that Nanao is here at all. And what is the reason for this visit? Well. She happened to set foot on the future grounds of an 8th Division drinking party, where a handful of her subordinates were preparing to set up. Knowing that she would disapprove and likely shut the whole thing down, they made mention that Captain Kyouraku had gone to the living world for a special kind of sake when she inquired after his whereabouts. She'd frowned at that (as they'd expected), and immediately departed to fetch a Hell Butterfly. The 8th Division gave themselves a hearty pat on the back and started carting in the sake.
So now she's here, looking decidedly unhappy and more than a little lost while humans pass her by without even so much as a glance. She has no gigai, so the only one who would see her would be someone with a high level of spiritual energy.
Someone like Chad.

Chad sucks in a gasping breath when he feels the presence of Nanao's arrival, but otherwise doesn't display any reaction passerbys might be able to pick up on. In no particular hurry, he marks the point where he left off in the book and looks up to catch sight of the vaguely irritated Shinigami checking the park over. Certainly not wanting to give the impression he's a crazy man talking to himself, he sets the book down and stands, which is probably enough by itself to make him stand out and get her attention. Still he walks over closer, giving the impression he's taking a break from his studies as he gives his knuckles a crack and slows his steps as he walks near her, calling under his breath, "Yo, looking for something?" Still not wanting to stand still and be caught mumbling under his breath, he keeps walking towards a water fountain sticking up near the path and bends down to take a drink, aware she doesn't need to keep her own voice low.

It's rare that Chad's height would catch Nanao's attention before the feel of his own reiatsu. She can blame her worry for the captain as far as that goes. She turns faintly in his direction, then blinks, her eyes widening faintly in recognition. Oh, the ryoka! ...Well, not a ryoka any longer, she reminds herself, turning to follow his movements.
"Ah... Yes. I'm looking for Captain Kyouraku. Have you seen him?" She wonders for a moment why he's talking so quietly, but only for a moment. She's not used to being 'invisible' to people.
Nanao recognizes him at once...you don't forget a fellow like that easily. But as far as his name goes, she really...doesn't...remember...

Chad doesn't even recognize her at first seeing as she stuck to the shadows that fight until he lost consciousness and bled out. As he wipes his mouth and stands back up, he leans against the fountain, waiting until a few other folks have passed before he speaks again. "No. What would a Captain be doing here, has there been some sort of emergency?" Chad asks, not having had any sense of any major Hollow presences today, and unable to think of any other reason a Shinigami Captain would come to the real world. Surely not to buy sake. With the crowds thinned a bit for now, he turns his head down to look at her and gets a faint tingling of recognition, perhaps having spied her out of the corner of his eye during his short-lived battle, but unable to actually place it. "Have we met?" he bluntly asks after.

Nanao can't...answer that. As irresponsible as the captain may be (or not be, in this case, though she doesn't know it), she isn't the type to complain about him. Not even if there's no one who would report back. "I see," she replies, disappointment edging over her features.
She straightens at his question, snapping back to her strict, military posture. "Not formally," she replies. "Lieutenant Ise Nanao." The one who almost nuked your @#$ while you were unconscious. She nods curtly at Chad, looking rather tiny beside a man who's probably two feet taller than she is.

"Oh, you're his lieutenant," Chad says simply, certainly not sounding the least bit impressed nor reacting to her stiffened posture as he keeps to his lazy lean. But he does reach a massive hand out and holds it before her for a handshake, something he picked up living in Mexico and rumbles, "Yasutora Sado, most folks call me Chad though. Did you want help finding him?" he politely offers, the way Nanao had been glancing on arrival telling him she hadn't a clue where to go.

Most other shinigami would refuse the help of a human. But Nanao's worried, and she witnessed this man fight valiantly. He holds her respect, now that she knows his intentions held no ill. "I would appreciate that, Chad-san," she replies, placing her hand in his after a moment of study. An unusual greeting, one that the 1st Division's lieutenant has practiced before, so she's not entirely at a loss for what to do. Her hand, though small, maintains a firm and professional grip. "I was informed that he had come here to purchase a high-quality bottle of sake. But I am unsure where such things are sold."

Chad is careful not to crush her hand in his grip and after he lets go places his hands in his pockets and starts to head back towards the bench where his books lay, relying on her to keep pace. "Sake? Well, a lot of places in town sell that. Some umm, more...clean than others," Chad finally settles on saying, thinking of some of the seedier booze stores. Scratching at his chin with a finger he comments after, "Guess he probably wouldn't go to a low-class place though, that sorta narrows it down," bending over to gather his things as he puts his books back in the pack.

Nanao's face expresses her disappointment a little further. Still, she's not undaunted by this information. Nanao never gives up! She can't let something this simple hinder her duties. She does wonder just how many stores they'll end up visiting, though. "You have my gratitude," she replies with a faint nod. Not only because he'll be cutting her searching time exponentially by showing her which shops to investigate, but because this reduces her need to walk through walls and windows to seek her quarry. That's always an uncomfortable feeling.
Her interest is immediately captured by the books. She wouldn't have figured Chad to be interested in such things, and it improves her opinion vastly. She can always appreciate a fellow book enthusiast! "What are you reading?" Nanao asks curiously, unable to help herself.

"Hmm? Oh these are just my schoolbooks. Environmental science, European history. And 'Dante's Inferno' I'm doing an essay on," he displays, offering the book to her, featuring a cloaked man on the cover walking down stairs leading into a fiery crack in the Earth. "Kinda seems odd reading about the afterlife after being there," he admits as he shoulders his backpack and starts towards the park exit for town, but not before fishing a chocolate bar out of his backpack that he starts to munch on.

It's a good thing people aren't looking in Chad's direction, or they might be a little startled to see that book floating in midair as Nanao reaches to take it. She says nothing, though her interest is avidly reflected on her face as she examines the cover, and cracks open the book to leaf through a couple of pages. "I have not read this one..." She snaps it closed, adjusting her glasses (and keeping her enthusiasm in check). Nanao hands it back, since he still requires it for his essay. Otherwise she might ask to borrow it. "You are a student, then?" she asks as she keeps a steady pace beside the boy, unaware of just how young he really is. He looks more like a college student than one who would attend high school.

Chad takes the book back, unaware of any weirdness that has passed, the longer he spends with her making it harder to recall he's the only one that can perceive her. Tucking the back into his pack he nods and says, "It's interesting, all about the levels of Hell and Heaven. Though it's pretty clear the author never met a Shinigami," he admits as they step onto the sidewalk and meander through town, Chad having an easy time of it as people seem to have a tendency to want to get out of his way. "And yeah, you didn't know? All of us that came for Rukia are in the same class in high school," he explains, peering down at the smaller woman beside him, having a momentary vision of Uryuu before he raises his eyes back up and starts scanning for the nearest liquor store.

"High school?" Nanao seems taken aback at this information, her eyes wide behind oval lenses. How remarkable...not only is he a human with extraordinary power, but he's also very young. Imagine how powerful he'll become when he matures! "I see..." Another adjustment of the glasses tones down her expression of surprise. She really /does/ reflect a lot of Uryuu's habits, doesn't she? Not that she's met that particular boy... "I am impressed. I have never met a human with abilities such as yours. How did you learn them?"
A look of longing is briefly directed towards Chad's backpack. She won't be able to come here on her days off. Only those who have been assigned to the living world can requisition a gigai, and her duties are heavily administrative in nature. But if she ever runs into Rangiku, she may make a request for a collection of books. She's certain that Momo would like to read them as well.

"I didn't learn them so much as, they just sorta happened. I was always stronger than other people but, my arm couldn't change like that till the one day me and Ichigo's sister were attacked by a Hollow and then," Chad stops himself and shrugs. "It just happened I guess. I needed to protect her so I could," seeing nothing unusual in the tale. He finally stops as they draw up to the front doors of a Spirits shop, though certainly not of the ghost variety, pushing the door open and stepping inside, reminding himself at least not to look like he's holding the door open for anyone, but rather just slow in closing it. "I never could get into sake, my grandfather used to let me drink a little bit back in Mexico, always preferred their stuff," he confesses as he starts scanning the aisles.

That's right, she remembers now. Shunsui invited Chad to drink, and he'd refused on the grounds of being a minor. He really is much younger than she thought! She quickens her steps, staying close to Chad's side so he doesn't look too odd holding the door open. "Sake is...very popular in my division," Nanao replies. And she doesn't look particularly happy about it. Already she's skirting ahead, her head turning whip-quick left and right as she scans for signs of the captain. There are a few scruffy types here, she notes, but none of them possess Shunsui's reiatsu. If he /were/ inhabiting a gigai, he probably would have expressed open delight at Nanao's entrance. She sighs. Not this store, then.
The lieutenant returns to her tour guide with brisk steps. "Most unusual," she comments, picking up on the story of his powers where they left off. "And most fortunate, for your sake and hers. Ichigo is the one you are friends with, correct?" Chad had mentioned fighting for his sake, if she recalls.

"Really? I could probably buy you a bottle if you wanted, most folks do think I'm a lot older than I look. Or even some of the stuff from my family's old country," he offers, assuming that if sake is popular in her division, than she must like it too, missing that unhappy expression of her's as they head back towards the front of the store, making a rather more serene inspection for the Captain, though no less effective as he can see over many of the displays. His voice drops to a rather more respectful tone though as he continues speaking, "Yeah. Me and Ichigo, we're more like brothers really, promised to protect each other. Though I'd fight to save just about anyone if it came down to it, but...anyway yeah, we're close friends," he finally finishes.

"Er...no...that's all right," Nanao politely refuses, feeling the need to fix her glasses again. She drinks /very/ rarely, and only a little, solely in the company of the other lady lieutenants with whom she spends her free time with. She wouldn't even do that if not for Rangiku's dogged persistence to loosen up the stiff Nanao. "It would be illegal besides. I have no wish to get you into trouble." And that much is true.
This boy...it seems she misjudged him. All of them had...except for Shunsui. That man had a gift for reading people. She can see now why he elected to leave Chad alive, and she suspects it wasn't just for interrogation purposes. How does he do that?
As they draw near the door, Nanao once more keeps close to Chad, holding her elbows tightly at her sides.

Chad opens the door and steps back out with a hrrm as he wonders which place to try next. "I've been in worse trouble than an angry shopkeep before. You saw what your Captain did to me after all," Chad points out, no sense of rancor in his voice, recognizing both of them had just been doing what they thought was right at the time. They've only walked a short distance before he asks, "You sure he's in town? I got a pretty good feel for his spiritual energy when we fought and I mean..." he trails off, not wanting to call her wrong to her face but trying to avoid a wild goose chase through liquor shops if he can.

The light fall of her footsteps comes to a pause as Nanao draws still. Her face is stoic as she looks up at Chad, though Shunsui would have noted the worry she hides. "I was only told that he would be here. But I confess, I have been unable to pick up his reiatsu. It is possible that he's concealing himself..."
But, she realizes unhappily, not entirely likely. She recognizes Shunsui's spirit perhaps better than anyone, save Ukitake and Yamamoto. "Maybe he has returned by this point. I apologize for taking up your time," she says with a stiff bow. "And I thank you for your assistance."

"It was no trouble Nanao-san. I needed the company, everyone always tells me I need to talk more," Chad replies casually and actually features the barest hint of a smile. After a quick check both ways to make sure no one is looking, he returns the bow in kind and recalling her interest in his books earlier, offers, "If you ever come back, I can show you the local library perhaps. Bring a gigai and you could even check some books out, or I could for you so long as you bring them back in time."

Nanao has to admit that the offer is very, very tempting. Were it just for herself, she could probably deny herself the opportunity, and without regret. But she would like to see Momo back to her old cheerful self again, and some new books, earth books, might be just the thing she needs. "I would like that, Chad-san," she replies. And though he may smile, Nanao doesn't. The gratitude is there, though, and if he's astute, he can probably see it. "If you wish to talk more, I would be willing to listen." She's pretty good at it, after all.
A black butterfly dances about the two figures, and there on the sidewalk, the wooden doors with paper windows suddenly appear and slide back to reveal a bright light beyond. "I must be getting back to my duties. Thank you again for your time." The lady executes a sharp turn, moving to face the doors, and she slips through. The doors seal behind her, eclipsing her silhouette as she walks away, and disappear. The butterfly ascends to the blue skies above.