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Chapter 25: Social Animal II
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Though some still refused to engage with him, others began to offer advice, their initial resentment tempered by his unwavering determination.
Things, however, soon took a turn again as they started avoiding him. They all stayed away from him where they could, straying away from ever offering him advice.
Akashi was too determined and simply didn't know when to stop. Give him the opportunity to ask questions, and he will do so, again and again.
It wasn't out of malice; Akashi simply didn't know when to stop. If given the chance, he would probe and prod, peeling back layers of knowledge until there was nothing left to uncover.
In the silence of the library, Akashi closed the peculiar book in his hand titled Spiritual Power is Spooky.
Its odd name had drawn him in, though its contents proved even stranger; a collection of documented phenomena related to spiritual energy.
He paused, staring at the cover as if it held secrets just beyond his grasp.
"The social animal befriended everyone in the division... not." The familiar drawl of Gin Ichimaru cut through the quiet like a knife through silk.
"Not much of a social animal after all," Gin added, his sharp grin widening.
"Vice Captain? Have you read this book? It documents some weird cases around spiritual power... Who wrote it?" Akashi asked with curiosity.
Gin's grin faltered for the briefest moment, his slit-like eyes narrowing ever so slightly, "And... that's my cue to go," He said, pivoting on his heel with a lazy wave over his shoulder.
"Weirdo," Akashi muttered under his breath before returning his focus to the book.
He had only so much time to immerse himself in its pages before the monotony of paperwork called him back.
"Aghh, annoying idiot," Gin walked a while away before muttering under his breath, his eyes twitching in annoyance.
It's so much of a pain to try to have a conversation with Akashi the way he does.
Whenever he tries to push his buttons, Akashi just ignores what he has to say and asks a question of his own... Questions that lead to more questions.
It annoys him to death how difficult it is to mess with Akashi and how the latter simply filters out his words.
Even Aizen tends to avoid Akashi's questions, knowing the spiral they could lead him into, so he usually just gives him some interesting books to read.
By the time evening rolled around, Akashi had completed his assigned paperwork.
It was dull work, but his efficiency turned it into a meditative exercise.
He stretched his long limbs, his inky eyes wandering to the window where the fading light of the day bathed Seireitei in hues of orange and gold.
Akashi's destination for the evening was a small conference room tucked away on the outskirts of Seireitei; the headquarters of the Shinigami Women's Association.
Though the name suggested exclusivity, it wasn't uncommon for others to visit for specific purposes.
The association was an eclectic group known for its odd endeavors, from publishing aptitude tests in Seireitei Communication to trading cards and other eccentric projects.
Akashi knew they wielded influence over what was published and read throughout Seireitei.
This connection was precisely what Akashi sought.
As he approached the building, its simple yet inviting structure stood in contrast to the grandeur of Seireitei's towering walls and pristine streets.
Sliding open the door, Akashi stepped inside to find the conference room occupied by only two individuals.
The first was Yachiru Kusajishi, the diminutive and perpetually mischievous president of the association.
She sat cross-legged atop a low table, a stack of papers and brightly colored sweets strewn around her.
The second was Rangiku Matsumoto, her striking figure lounging casually in a chair, a cup of tea in one hand.
Akashi turned his attention to Yachiru who he heard to be the president of the association.
Yachiru looked up first, meeting his eyes while crunching on bits of candy, "Oh, it's a tall, gloomy guy! What brings you here?"
Akashi raised a brow of confusion, "Gloomy? I?"
Rangiku raised a brow too, her lips curling into an amused smile, "Gloomy? Maybe not. Handsome edgy boy, yes."
'Edgy?' Akashi blinked, unsure, 'Am I edgy? Or is she just teasing me?' He had to wonder for only a split before shrugging most of her words off.
"Thank you, you look gorgeous as well," He simply responded, drawing a playful smile out of her.
"Aw, you made me blush," Rangiku said with a giggle.
Stepping forward, Akashi ignored her teasing glance and pulled a neatly bound stack of papers from his sleeve.
"I've written a collection of short stories," He explained, placing the stack on the table.
"They're inspired by folklore and myths; foreign tales meant to spark emotions. I seek your help in publishing them."
Yachiru's eyes lit up as she flipped through the first few pages, "Ooh, spooky stuff! The Nuckelavee, the Night Hag, the Hat Man... These sound scary, fun. I like it!"
Her childish grin widened as she held up the pages, "These could sell really well! Really really well." Her eyes brightened further, already seeing the mountains of candy she could fetch.
Yachiru clapped her hands, clearly sold on the idea, "You've got yourself a deal! We'll handle the publishing and promotions. But I get a big big share of the profits!"
"Of course," Akashi agreed without hesitation. He had no interest in the financial aspect, so giving Yachiru her desired cut was a small price to pay for widespread distribution.
Rangiku picked up one of the stories, skimming through it with a thoughtful expression. "These are pretty dark," She remarked.
"But interesting and different," Akashi replied simply.
Rangiku leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand as she studied him. "You're an interesting one, you know that? Well, if you make it, don't forget to help this beauty here with a drink. Dinner too maybe?"
Akashi met her gaze without flinching, studying her in return.
Rangiku has long and wavy blond hair, blue eyes, full lips, and a beauty mark located under the right side of her mouth.
She is well known for her curvaceous figure even in the fifth division. That and her carefree personality which he could see.
"When I succeed," Akashi released a faint smile and continued, "Sure, but I have a feeling you're just fooling around."
"For a handsome fella like you, I'm most serious," Rangiku said with a wink.
Unbothered by her playful demeanor, Akashi shifted the conversation back to the stories.
"If there are no further questions, I'll leave the details of the publishing process to you. I left all the necessary information on the first page here."
Yachiru gave him a thumbs-up. "Consider it done! This is gonna be fun."
"By the way, I've been so distracted as to forget to introduce myself, my name is Akashi, the tenth seat of the Fifth Division."
He didn't forget to inform them of his name, "Pleasure to work with you, Vice-captain Yachiru."
"Em, leave everything to me!" Yachiru proclaimed loudly and cheerfully, "Will send you some papers to sign soon."
"It's been nice meeting you," Akashi nodded and said his goodbye, preparing to leave.
"Don't forget about me, handsome boy!" Rangiku didn't forget to tease him one last time.
"Can't wait for Nanao to come, a lot of paperwork to deal with today," Yachiru childishly remarked, Nanao Ise being the Vice President of the association.
Naturally, the Vice President had to take care of all the paperwork while Yachiru succumbed to the allure of sweets.
Rangiku is exactly as he heard, so carefree but teasing. He didn't feel like she meant anything she said, more so just messing around.
'I hope I left a good impression at least,' Akashi wished as he walked back home, 'The strategy should be better. If I seek guidance from people I am friends with, they shouldn't refuse, right?'
Akashi changed his strategy. His lack of time and talent, at least, talent comparable to the monsters he may face in the future; forces him to overly seek guidance as a shortcut.
However, he realized that he pushed people a little too much, so he changed his strategy, seeking to make friends.
Friends should feel embarrassed to reject his usual approach, thus why his next destination is the eleventh division... Just not today.
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