Chapter 17
The morning sun streamed through the blinds, casting warm stripes across Renji's bedroom floor.
Seriously it's morning already… shit.
He sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes. Lily… she's been gone a night… and it feels like years already.
He let out a long sigh, the weight of yesterday's events pressing down on him. Slowly, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood.
"I need a bath…" he muttered to himself.
Swooshhh!!! The hot water was relaxing, a brief moment of normalcy in a world filled with chaos. He closed his eyes under the shower, letting the warmth wash away both tension and thoughts, though neither fully left him.
When he came out, he pulled on a blue hoodie, black pants, and black sneakers, the casual outfit grounding him in reality.
Hmm maybe I need to step out for a bit, he thought.
Renji stepped from his bedroom straight into the living room.
Dracan and Sakura were already there, sitting on the couch, quietly sipping their morning tea.
"Good morning, Renji-sama," Dracan greeted, his tone polite but warm.
Renji nodded lightly, his hood pulled over his head. "Morning. I'll be back… I'm stepping out for a bit."
Sakura's eyes widened faintly, and she smiled softly. "Be careful," she said, her voice carrying a gentle warmth.
Renji gave a short nod and didn't linger. The day outside was calling, and he needed air needed to clear his mind.
Stepping outside, he rose above the rooftops effortlessly. The wind brushed against his face as he soared over the city and landed in another district of Tokyo
The streets below were alive with movement Children ran laughing through the alleyways, chasing stray balls and shrieking with joy. Cars honked as drivers jostled for space, and the faint smell of baked bread drifted from a nearby bakery.
It was just another lively day in Tokyo.
Renji kept his hands deep in his pockets, his hoodie over his head. The city's life seemed so ordinary so peaceful and yet his mind drifted back to that moment Lily had stepped into the portal.
I hope she's okay she's probably like one thousand years old now .. he chuckled softly and exhaled slowly. Shit. I really need a drink.
Just then, a small bar appeared on a corner, its wooden sign swaying gently in the morning breeze.
Ohhh fuck yeah… now I can clear my head.
He pushed open the door. And the bell rang as he stepped inside, the warmth of the interior immediately wrapping around him.
The bar smelled of wood polish, old whiskey, and faint coffee. Patrons murmured softly in corners, some sipping drinks, others talking quietly. The soft hum of life felt oddly comforting.
Renji walked slowly, letting his gaze drift around the room.
And then, he saw him.
Hiroto...
Sitting at the far end of the counter, cleaning a glass, his muscles tense and prominent from hours of training. Even from here, Renji could see the dedication etched into his posture, the determination in his movements.
It had been almost two years since they last spoke. The gap between them had grown vast, with Renji ascending to the pillar and Hiroto pushing himself to catch up. But now, seeing him here…
Hiroto's eyes widened as he caught sight of Renji. For a brief moment, disbelief flashed across his face. Then, slowly, a small, hesitant smile appeared.
"Renji…" Hiroto's voice was soft, tinged with surprise. "You're… here."
Renji's lips curved faintly. "it's been a while, hasn't it?"
Hiroto nodded, still staring at him as if making sure he was real. "I… I thought you didn't want to have anything to do with us anymore. You… you've gone so far ahead… maybe you… didn't need us."
What no no it's not like that it's been really hard you know...
Renji's expression softened. He paused, searching for the right words. Then he stood slowly, his movements deliberate.
Finally, he bowed his head.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
Hiroto's hands froze mid-motion, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "Uhhh… Renji… no, no...stop!"
But Renji didn't lift his head. "I'm sorry, Hiroto… I pushed everyone away. Because of what happened with Choji… I pushed you my friend, my mentor… everyone."
He paused for a moment, his shoulders slumping slightly, before lifting his gaze again, finally meeting Hiroto's eyes. "But… I've missed the band. I've missed everyone. Both you… Takeda… and everyone else."
Hiroto's blush deepened, and a small, almost embarrassed smile formed on his lips. "Oo… no… it's okay," he said softly, his voice trembling slightly. "It's not like I missed you or anything…"
Renji's lips curved into a faint, gentle smile. He eased himself back onto the stool, the tension in his shoulders relaxing for the first time in months.
There was a quiet moment, filled only by the soft clinking of glasses and the muted murmur of other patrons.
Then Hiroto leaned slightly closer, his tone earnest but tinged with nervous excitement. " you know actually… I wanted to show you something."
Renji tilted his head. "Oh really?"
"I've been training," Hiroto admitted. "Non-stop. Pushing my body to the limit… just to awaken a portion of the apex of transcendence… I want you to see the results. I want you to gauge my current strength."
Renji studied him quietly, letting a soft smile tug at his lips. "So… you've been working hard, huh?"
Hiroto nodded, a faint blush still visible on his cheeks. "Yeah… I wanted to be ready. If I'm going to stand beside you, or even fight alongside you… I need to be a little closer to where you are now."
"You've grown," Renji said quietly, his eyes locking with Hiroto's. "But… it's not just strength, is it?"
Hiroto shook his head. "No. It's not. I wanted to be able to stand freely next to you again… not just as a friend, but as someone who can keep up."
Renji chuckled softly, warmth creeping into his tone. "you know You've always been stubborn, you know that?"
Hiroto's lips twitched into a shy, almost embarrassed smile. "Yeah… I guess I got that from you."
After all you were once part of my guild
"I missed this," Renji admitted softly. "Just… talking with you. Feeling… normal for a while."
Hiroto's gaze softened, almost tenderly. "I missed it too. Every bit of it… even when we were apart."
Renji's smile widened slightly. "Good. Because… I don't plan on leaving again. Not without letting you know."
Hiroto's blush deepened, and he looked away, embarrassed. "…Don't get used to me saying this… but… I'm glad you're back."
Renji leaned back, feeling the weight of everything lighten just a little. The battles ahead, the challenges, the world beyond the bar… all of it could wait.
For now, he was here. Hiroto was here. And to him that was enough.
Renji raised his drink slightly toward Hiroto. "To old friends," he said softly. Hiroto met his gaze, a shy but genuine smile forming. "To old friends," he replied, clinking his glass against Renji's.
Renji leaned back, letting himself relax. The weight of the voids, portals, and endless struggles could wait.
So where to next Renji asked
It's obvious isn't it takeda home hiroto replied with a smile in his face
They both stepped out of the bar and the streets of Tokyo faded beneath Renji's feet as he and Hiroto flew toward Takeda's house. The sun was high now, its warmth brushing against them, but the nervous tension in Renji's chest didn't ease.
He hadn't seen Takeda since the memorial. And after everything that had happened… he had no idea how this would go.
When they landed in front of Takeda's home, Renji's hood still over his head, Hiroto grinned faintly.
"Relax," Hiroto said. "He's your master… it'll be fine." well you are possibly stronger now
Renji laughed
Then, the door opened.
Takeda stepped out, arms crossed, and froze. His eyes narrowed, then widened as he finally spoke.
"…Renji?" what the fuck sooo the prodigal son returns
Renji lifted his head slightly, the hood falling back. "Takeda." the stupid old man
There was a long silence.
Hiroto smirked behind him.
Takeda scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "sooo Uh… you're… you're alive."
Renji tilted his head, giving a small, dry smile. "I am." you want me to die ??
Takeda laughed nervously, trying to break the tension. "Wow… well ....this is… weird."
Renji's gaze was calm, almost unreadable. "Weird how?"
Takeda shifted his weight, clearing his throat. "Well… it's just… I wasn't expecting to see you again. Especially not here. And… uh… after everything that happened with Choji and… stuff… yeah… really awkward."
Renji raised an eyebrow, letting a faint smirk appear. "Awkward is one way to put it."
Hiroto chuckled, leaning slightly on Renji's shoulder. "It's fine, Takeda. He's… warmed up now."
Takeda gave a small, reluctant laugh. "Warmed up? He looks… the same as ever."
Renji ignored the jab and instead looked toward the yard behind Takeda's house. We're here for a reason.
Takeda's eyes followed his gaze. "And what reason would that be?
Hiroto stepped forward, trying to hide his excitement. It simple We came for… a spar...
Takeda blinked. Then his face fell into disbelief. "Wait… you're serious?"
Renji nodded, flatly. "I'm serious. Hiroto here asked me for a spar."
Takeda burst into laughter. "Ohhh… you're joking, right? This isn't some kind of prank?"
Renji crossed his arms. "No. I'm not joking."
Hiroto shrugged. "I really wanted to… see where I'm at."
Takeda shook his head, still chuckling. "Wow… okay… this is going to be interesting."
Renji ignored him, already moving toward the path that led to Takeda's training hall.
"This place…" Renji muttered, glancing at the familiar walls and worn floor, "brings back memories, doesn't it?"
Hiroto's eyes sparkled. "Yeah… feels like we're back in the old days."
They reached the training hall, a wide, open space with wooden floors worn smooth from years of use. Old punching bags swayed gently, sunlight spilling in through the high windows.
Hiroto turned to Renji, a serious glint in his eyes. "Are you ready?" he asked, moving lightly on his feet.
Renji smirked, letting his shoulders relax. "Always."
Hiroto pulled twin daggers from his belt, letting the blades catch the sunlight. "You don't mind if I used this now, would you?"
Renji grinned. "Nope."
He lifted his fists casually. "I even need to clear my head, so come at me. I'll stop you with my fists… with just one percent of my strength."
Hiroto's eyes widened slightly at the words, and a small, almost mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Just one percent, huh?" he said, spinning his daggers with a flourish. "Well… that'll make this interesting."
Renji chuckled softly, taking a light step forward, hands relaxed but ready.
"This… feels good," Renji muttered quietly, almost to himself. "Being here… just like old times…"
Hiroto laughed softly. "Yeah… just like old times."
The air between them buzzed with anticipation...not tension, not hostility....but the warmth of friendship, rivalry, and trust.
Takeda leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a faint grin on his face.
Renji and Hiroto faced each other, a few meters apart. Sunlight streamed through the windows, glinting off Hiroto's twin daggers and the faint gleam in Renji's eyes.
Hiroto inhaled deeply. "Ready?"
Renji nodded, a small, calm smile on his lips. "Always. Let's go."
Renji and Hiroto faced each other, a few meters apart. Hiroto's twin daggers glinted in the sunlight as he shifted lightly on his feet, his muscles coiled, ready.
Renji raised his fists casually, his blue hoodie sleeves pulled just above his wrists. He didn't rush, didn't tense unnecessarily. He simply observed.
Hiroto smirked, his eyes glinting with anticipation walking casually along the hall
"I've been waiting for this," he said. "I've trained nonstop for two years just to catch up. Let's see if I can keep up with you now."
Renji's lips curved into a small smile. "Alright. Let's go."
Without further warning, Hiroto launched forward. His speed was incredible...almost a blur. Daggers aimed precisely, feet barely touching the floor as he closed the distance in an instant.
Renji moved,but not like a typical reaction. His body flowed naturally, almost lazily, yet every motion was precise. His fists met Hiroto's blades with just enough force to redirect without harm, showing control rather than aggression.
"Whoa…" Hiroto muttered mid-motion, taken aback. "You… you're faster… faster than I remember."
Renji's expression remained calm, almost gentle. "I'm showing you class," he said softly, dodging a slash and gently tapping the side of Hiroto's arm, enough to make him stumble but not injure him.
Hiroto's eyes widened. "Class?" he asked, panting slightly. "You mean… you're holding back?"
Renji smiled faintly. "Not just holding back. Teaching.
Your first movement was obvious you need to learn the flow before the speed. Control before power. Precision before brute force."
Takeda starred.. he got all that over a single move he said inwardly
Hiroto adjusted his stance, determination blazing in his eyes. "Alright… I'm ready for your full measure!"
Renji tilted his head, watching him closely. Then, in a blink, he stepped inside Hiroto's reach and lightly tapped his chest with the back of his fist...just enough to stagger him back a step.
Hiroto blinked, slightly dazed but smiling. "Still… too fast!"
Renji chuckled softly. "That's why you practice. That's why you push yourself. Speed without control is nothing. See? Even with all your training, technique matters more than strength or velocity."
Hiroto gritted his teeth, spinning his twin daggers in a fluid motion, attempting to corner Renji. But Renji moved effortlessly, weaving around his strikes, dodging with minimal effort yet maximum grace. Every motion was precise, almost artistic.
"You're… showing me everything…" Hiroto panted, admiration mixed with frustration. "And yet… you're barely trying!"
Renji let a small laugh escape him. "I could end this in a single strike," he said softly, "but that's not the point. The point is to teach you… to help you see the flow, the rhythm."
Hiroto grinned, sweat beading at his temples. "Then I'll match your rhythm. I'll learn it… I'll catch up!"
Renji's eyes softened as he watched his old friend push forward again. He met Hiroto's strike with calm precision, redirecting the twin daggers aside with a subtle flick of his wrist. The movement barely grazed Hiroto, yet the force and timing spoke volumes.
"Faster…" Hiroto muttered to himself, determination burning. "But… your class… I can feel it. I understand now."
Renji nodded faintly. "Exactly. Speed isn't about moving faster than someone else. It's about knowing when to move… and when not to. You must Know how to control your strength, your momentum… your intent." this can come in handy when you face someone stronger than you
Hiroto paused mid-strike, eyes wide. For the first time, he felt the difference..not just in speed, but in experience, in mastery. Renji wasn't just fast. He was precise, deliberate, and patient, showing the kind of class that only came from years of discipline and battles. He remembered that Renji was a seasoned warrior A god that fought other gods thousands of years ago in his previous life
"And this," Renji said, stepping lightly to the side and tapping Hiroto on the shoulder, "is what separates a fighter from someone who is truly transcendent."
Hiroto blinked, chest heaving, but a wide smile spread across his face. "I… I get it now. I can feel it… the difference."
Renji's smile was small, calm, almost serene. "Good. That's the first lesson."
Now come at me because with everything because I won't hold back