Bleach: Sea of butterflies

The sunlight streamed through the thin curtains of Musashi's room as he groggily sat up in bed, holding his head. A dull, pounding ache throbbed at his temples.

"How much did we even drink yesterday?" he muttered, rubbing his face.

After a few moments to collect himself, Musashi got dressed, splashed some cold water on his face, and prepared for the day. Despite the headache, his movements were crisp and efficient, a habit honed over years of discipline. Once ready, he made his way to the lieutenant's office.

Upon entering, he found Lieutenant Kuchiki Sōjun seated behind a neat desk, diligently working through a stack of papers. The calm, composed aura of the man seemed to contrast starkly with Musashi's current state.

"Ah, Musashi, you're here," Sōjun greeted without looking up.

"Yes, Lieutenant," Musashi replied, standing at attention.

Sōjun glanced up from his work, his sharp eyes surveying the room. "I don't see your friend Arasaka. Why isn't he here?"

Musashi hesitated briefly. He was an upright individual, unwilling to cover for Arasaka's antics, but also not one to snitch. "I don't know, Lieutenant. Perhaps he overslept."

Sōjun sighed and shook his head. "This isn't the academy anymore. Today is your first day, so I'll overlook it. However, if this happens again, he will be removed from the squad."

Musashi bowed slightly. "Understood. Thank you, Lieutenant."

Sōjun nodded and handed Musashi a schedule. "Your task today is to patrol the Seireitei. You'll be patrolling with Arasaka. Ensure he reports on time moving forward."

Musashi gave a short nod of acknowledgment before excusing himself. He made his way to Arasaka's quarters, already anticipating the state he'd find him in.

When he reached the door, he didn't bother knocking. He barged in, finding Arasaka sprawled on his futon, snoring lightly.

Musashi sighed heavily, gripping the scabbard of his blade. Without a word, he struck Arasaka on the shoulder with the dull end.

"Ouch! What the—ugh, my head…" Arasaka groaned, his face scrunching up in pain.

"Wake up," Musashi commanded. "We're on patrol today."

"I don't feel so good," Arasaka mumbled, pulling a blanket over his head.

Musashi frowned. The remnants of the previous night's drinking session with Yoruichi flashed through his mind. While he himself only had a mild headache, Arasaka looked like he had been hit by a freight cart.

Musashi sighed again and struck Arasaka with the scabbard once more. "Get up. You're lucky the lieutenant is in a good mood, or you'd already be kicked out of the squad."

Grumbling under his breath, Arasaka reluctantly sat up, holding his head. "Fine, fine, I'm getting up… just stop talking, my head feels like shattered glass."

Musashi grabbed a jug of water and splashed it on Arasaka's face without hesitation.

"Ten minutes," Musashi said coldly. "If you're not outside by then, I'll drag you out myself."

True to his word, Musashi waited outside. A few minutes later, the door creaked open, and Arasaka stumbled out, looking utterly miserable.

"Follow," Musashi ordered.

Arasaka groaned but nodded weakly, falling into step behind him as they began their patrol.

The streets of Seireitei were calm that morning. The noble houses were quiet, their pristine facades glowing under the sun's light. Musashi occasionally glanced over his shoulder at Arasaka, who shuffled along like a defeated spirit.

"It's peaceful," Musashi thought. Then, with a small smirk, he mused to himself, 'Meybe I should let him drink like thisevery night.'

Suddenly, an explosion ripped through the tranquility, followed by a panicked scream.

"Aaaaaaaah!"

Musashi turned toward the source, just in time to see someone stumbling out of a cloud of smoke. The figure waved sheepishly as they approached.

"Masaharu-san! Arasaka! What a coincidence!"

It was none other than Kisuke Urahara.

"Hey, Kisuke," Arasaka greeted weakly, rubbing his temples.

Musashi, however, fixed Kisuke with a piercing glare. "What are you doing here?"

Kisuke scratched the back of his head, with his akward grin. "Well… I was running a little experiment, and, uh… it kind of failed. Hehe."

Before Musashi could respond, another presence appeared beside him in a blur.

"Hey there, Musashi! Arasaka!"

It was Yoruichi, her bright smile and relaxed posture exuding confidence. "Patrolling today, huh? Lucky us! Right, Kisuke?"

Kisuke chuckled nervously, glancing at Musashi's unamused expression.

Yoruichi, sensing the tension, casually slung an arm around Musashi's shoulders. "We're all friends here, Musashi. Can't you overlook this, just this once?"

Musashi glared at her, his resolve firm. But Yoruichi's playful grin and carefree attitude proved unyielding. With a sigh, he tilted his head slightly to the side, avoiding her gaze.

"Fine. I didn't see any explosion."

Yoruichi's grin widened. "I knew you were a softie. Such a tsundere."

Musashi's ears turned red as he snapped back, "I'm not a tsundere!"

He grabbed Arasaka by the arm and began dragging him away from the scene. Yoruichi stood watching, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Hehe," she chuckled.

Kisuke let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks, Yoruichi. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be arrested."

Yoruichi shrugged nonchalantly. "You can pay me back later with some food. I'm starving."

Kisuke glanced at the retreating figures of Musashi and Arasaka. "I wonder why he doesn't like me."

"Don't know," Yoruichi replied. "Why don't you ask him?"

"I can't just walk up and ask him something like that," Kisuke said, frowning.

"Eh? Why not?" Yoruichi teased, smirking as she headed off.

___

By the end of the day, Arasaka had regained his usual energy. The two of them stood before Lieutenant Sōjun, reporting their patrol.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Musashi said crisply.

Sōjun nodded. "Good. You're dismissed. Get some rest."

The pair bowed respectfully before leaving the office. As they walked, Arasaka flashed a grateful smile at Musashi.

"Thanks for saving my skin today, Musashi."

Musashi turned away, his tone curt. "I didn't do it for you."

Arasaka grinned knowingly. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

Musashi ignored him, though his lips twitched slightly in a way that betrayed the smallest hint of amusement.

(End of a chapter)