The Wandering of an Unstuck Stepbro: Multiverse Travel

Chapter 180: Hearing that voice for the first time

(Rin's pov)

That's strange. Ryoto didn't come to class today, and it doesn't seem like him to do that. As far as I know, Ryoto is very diligent when it comes to training. Shame that he focuses on stupid things at times.

I smiled subconsciously at the thought of Ryoto's shenanigans.

I think I like him. I'm not sure since I have never liked anyone before. But even if that's the case, I'm not planning on confessing any time soon. I want to get stronger first and more independent. After Ryoto returned injured after he completed his job, I realized that I was too dependent on him. I may have helped when he was injured, but I'm aware that he would do a much better job than me.

I want to stand by his side, not behind him. I'm even more talented in Kido than him, so that's one step closer to my goal.

On this topic, I am envious of Yoruichi's self-confidence. We became somehow friends, or should I say I was forced to become one by her because she wouldn't leave me alone, but overall it was a good thing.

I needed someone to break the walls I created around myself and allowed only Ryoto near me. Tessai is also very nice, but I can't stand Urahara for some reason, and I can't say why. He is somehow similar to Ryoto, but as I said, I don't like him. He is shady, and his inventions are strange but what pisses me off even more, is that he is more talented than me! Even at Kido, which I excel at. I wouldn't mind if it was only that, but he is also excellent in Zanjutsu and Hakuda. We didn't start learning Hoho yet, but I can guess that he will be great at it as well.

In short, he is a genius, but I think what makes me angry is that I must work myself to death while he learns everything at least two times as fast as me and has time to relax. I've seen him sleeping in classes multiple times and slacking during Zanjutsu lessons, so why is he still better than me!?

But it's not important right now. I may not like him, but he is Ryoto's roommate, so he should have some idea where he is.

Rin: "Urahara-San."

I called Urahara-San, who was sleeping in his seat.

Kisuke: "Huh?"

He woke up but still was sleepy.

Kisuke: "Oh, if it isn't Kujo-san. How can I help you today~."

Rin: "Have you seen Ryoto today? He isn't in class today, and he doesn't tend to skip school."

Yoruichi: "I'm curious as well!"

Yoruichi-San joined the conversation.

Kisuke: "I don't know the details. He only mentioned that he would be skipping school for the entire day. Something to do with anniversary."

Anniversary?

Rin: "What's today's date?"

Kisuke: "12th of April."

12th of April...

My eyes went wide open, realizing what today's date meant. I sometimes forget that Ryoto can be affected by our situation. He tends to be composed and is joking around, but who knows what's going on inside his head.

I am worried, but I should probably leave him to himself. He rarely has time to himself nowadays. He is either hanging out with us, learning at Academy, or training. It's like he is short on time.

Yoruichi: "So what happened? Knowing him, he plans a new prank or trains like crazy."

Rin: "It's the day... Ryoto and I arrived at Soul Society."

It became awkward.

???: "See, you killed the mood!"

Rin: "What did you say!?"

I mean, it was true but did Yoruichi-San really need to say it? But Yoruichi-San looked confused at my outburst.

Yoruichi: "I didn't say anything."

What?

But before I could question her any further to get to the bottom of whatever was happening teacher entered the classroom.

Teacher: "Settle down, everyone. Today you all be trying to communicate with your Zanpakuto. It has been a few months since you got your partner, and while I'm not expecting anyone to succeed, I'll be teaching you the method to learn your Zanpakuto's name."

We went to the dojo and started meditating to attempt to speak with our swords. Going to this Academy helped me understand what Ryoto meant by saying that he has Zangetsu with him. It was his Zanpakuto's name. I should ask him for some pointers since he already achieved Shikai.

As I had my Zanpakuto on my lap, I felt as if my consciousness was getting pulled somewhere. I didn't resist it since it felt... right.

When I opened my eyes, I was inside the dojo, but it wasn't the same one that I was just meditating in. It was a dojo where I trained since I was a little girl. Dojo near Saki-sama's mansion.

So this is my inner world. Very suiting, I like it.

???: "Well, well, well, if it isn't Rin-chan herself. I thought you would never be able to hear my voice!"

A very cheerful voice in nature came behind me, and as I turned around, I saw a high school gyaru girl. She had long blond hair, a stylized school uniform, long nails, and some make-up. She was also slightly tanned, but not to ridiculous effect. To top it all off, she had bigger breasts than me.

???: "Jealous? Don't be. With some make-up and better clothes, we will turn you into seducing machine!"

She covered her smile with her hand.

Rin: "I'm not jealous!"

Is she really my Zanpakuto looking? She seems too... lax.

Wait, that voice.

Rin: "Was that you that spoke to me before about killing the mood?"

???: "It was totally me. You need to learn to keep the room light. No one wants to hear your sad story, and neither should you focus on it. Just have fun!"

She did a spin.

How is she part of me?

I put a hand on my face. I'm disappointed in myself.

Rin: " Can we skip all that talking? I just want to know your name."

???: "Should I or should I not tell you? You are pretty mean to me. I would cry, but it would ruin my make-up."

She faked her sadness. It was obvious she was acting.

Rin: "Please?"

I had nothing to lose in trying this.

???: "Hmm... Since you asked so nicely, why not!"

She smiled.

Was it that easy, or is she making fun of me again? Can she even tell me a fake name? How would that even work?

I stopped all my thoughts so I could focus solely on hearing her name.