Academy Blues [Shin'o - Open]

It wouldn’t be entirely inaccurate to say that Sol’s presence was diminishing among the academy, he was more than qualified for the most part to graduate. In fact his tentative membership in seventh division, mixed with his general physical prowess he was practically a graduate. But he still had things to refine, and a particular red-headed friend to keep company. Hence his reason for visiting today.

A knock on her door would be heard, a triple tap with a pause on the third knock. A quirk of his that usually indicated it was him knocking, mostly out of habit at this point. He had an idea that she might be interested in hearing about a unique chance for adventure, that he was sure would be a great capstone for her time in the academy.

“C’mon, Em, open up! I got something for you!”

“First off, that ramen was amazing. You don’t know what you’re talking about,or the value of a good coupon.”

Sol would remark as he turned to walk beside her, the young man lifting his arms upwards to interlace his fingers behind his head. He wasn’t currently wearing the traditional shinigami robes, instead he was wearing a simple button up shirt and some jeans. Something he would have worn more on earth when he was alive, very light material due to the heat of the African sun.

She was so eager to be out and about, Sol forgot he was one of the few people who actually tolerated her. Then again his taste in company was always questionable, that didn’t stop him from being friendly with her. Now that he thought of it, this was like his second red headed friend.

“Anyway, it’s not a coupon or item. It’s an adventure!” He’d remark as he turned to look down at her with a cocked grin, that was trouble. “So basically, I made a friend who putting together a little group to go searching for this lost Zanpakatou. With both of us graduating, and my membership in the seventh- I figured we could write it off as you coming with us as… a work study. Ya’ know hanging out doing division duties on earth with me.”

He’d gauge her reaction as they walked through the halls, he had a feeling she would agree. After all, who wouldn’t want to go on an adventure to Earth to find a Zanpaktou of some long dead great fighter?

“Plus, I know you’d miss me being gone all the time. So, you in?”

She really was forward, and blunt, wasn’t she?

Not that he particularly cared because if he did he wouldn’t be her friend. There was some level of appreciation for it, if not outright amusement from how straightforward she could be. Some might not quite like it, but that didn’t apply to Sol for whatever reasons. Rough around the edges was a good description for people like him and her but that didn’t mean they couldn’t be trusted in a pinch.

“If you need help with Kido, I don’t know who you’ve been studying with but I’ve been getting some help from Captain Unohana. She’s quite good, if not a bit unconventional.” He’d comment briefly thinking back to his arm getting taken off, or the the talks which followed. She would be very much aware of the high regard her had for the captain.

As they reached the stairway, Sol would hop on the handrails. His legs on one said as he seemed to slide all the way down while keeping his hands up balancing himself, something he was able to do thanks to his extreme physical prowess. As he landed on his feet he’d shift his glance to her, before laughing at her outright demands.

“Yeah sure whatever, I’ll take the heat. And don’t worry you won’t end up dead in some ditch. Probably.” He’d remark teasingly as he strided past her in the courtyard raising his arms to the air, as if basking in the sunlight which was now striking his tan skin. His hands flourishing outwards almost theatrically while stretching on his tippy toes. Before eventually lowering his posture down to a normal stance.

“A new friend? YOU? Alright. I’m gonna need to meet that person. Anyway, we got a long day ahead of us. You up for a hike?”

Yeah he had something in mind to do today, thought it would take the better part of the day.

“Damn, color me surprised. We might actually see you have three friends before the year is over with.”

Sol would remark as he crossed his arms with a look that could only be seen for the good friend prodding another. Her social skills were lacking at times but in some respect it was also endearing her bluntness. Where he came from in Africa it was often the same, so it didn’t bother him all that much. But with that he’d uncross his arms, turning his back to her as he began to walk, a path that was headed straight for the Rukongai.

“Alright try to keep up.”

He’d look over his shoulder with a sly smile for a moment, his hand coming up to place his long hair in a ponytail to secure it. And with that his walk broke out into a full on sprint, not using shunpo but his raw athletic prowess. It was perhaps childish to a degree, but he did want to see how far along in her training she was.

Provided she humor’d him they’d be making decent pace, notably making sure to just stay a stride ahead of her at all times.

“C’mon… you’re faster than that, right?” He’d remark through breaths, as his dashed to the side avoiding a food cart before he leaped over a kneeling man without breaking his stride.

It was only fitting she manage to keep up with the more athletic displays of prowess, such as hopping over people and carts. Such a display certainly garnered attention, enough that he didn’t stop till they where firmly away from that area and in a different part of the Rukongai. As he slowed to a jog and eventually stopped, he’d laugh finally at what she said as his hands went to his knees. Hunched over he’d be laughing loudly, before straightening his back.

“Now you know I can’t tell you where we’re going, it ruin the surprise. Nice work keeping up, I see your efforts have not been wasted.” He’d tease lightly before casting his eyes across the public area, with shop keepers peddling all types of items and wears. Not that he cared nor was here for that, but maybe something might catch his eye.

“Listen it’s not my fault you’re out here wearing the finest of clothing, us mere commoners must suffice with this.” He’d gesture to his mundane looking clothes, more fit for an average joe on Earth than the after life. With that he’d begin to walk through the streets, knowing they had a much longer distance to go. “Anyway, we can walk the rest of the way. It’s still a ways away, but I think your legs are stretched enough, yes?”