Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ The Aftermath ❯ Differences ( Chapter 11 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Modern life in Japan has been influenced by communication with foreign countries. Most influence coming from the western country, America, which has a strange influence on most developed worlds. Though some influences aren't all that bad, some are. Because of which, Japan has changed not only on the outside, but on the inside. Take a look into one night that made these differences clear.

Ichigo sat on his bed and looked out the window at the stars. They were somehow brighter tonight. Today had been a good day for Ichigo, and he hoped it would end that was as well. In only two hours, it would be midnight, and Ichigo could say he had the perfect day. None of Orihime's cooking, no Hollows interupting his life, and especially no strange questions from Rukia. Some otherworldly force was on his side today. Yes sir, absolutely nothing could ruin his happiness.

"Hey, Ichigo!"

Scratch that, his day had just been ruined, and sure enough, Rukia walked into his room. Except, on her face was pure confusion. Obviously, she had something to ask him about, which was something he didn't really like.

"Ichigo, I was wondering..." Rukia said as she sat herself down on the far end of his bed. Ichigo sighed quietly, Rukia has been getting more comfortable around him lately. Of course, she was already comfortable around him, so now she was just invading his privacy.

"About what?" Ichigo asked, trying to let Rukia know how annoyed he was. Sadly, she didn't get the message.

"Why is it so different here in Karakura than back in Soul Society?" Rukia said as she looked him straight in the eyes. That was another habit she had started that he hated. She would look straight at him, which normally wasn't bad, but she had eyes that made you say whatever was on your mind. Which wasn't good for Ichigo, who liked to keep his inner thoughts on the inside.

"You should know that, life is just different in the real world, we still hold the same traditions." Ichigo explained, hoping to get her out of his room quickly and quietly. Which meant that he was hoping for hell to freeze over.

"Right, tradition, that's not what I've seen while I've stayed here." Rukia said as she folded her arms and cocked an eyebrow.

"Okay, tell me what differences you've noticed." Ichigo sighed as he layed back on his elbows. Sometimes watching Rukia was better than stand-up comedy.

"Let's see, I'll start off with something simple. When in Soul Society, If two strangers meet on the street, they say 'hello' as they pass by." Rukia said as she waved her arms around in explanation. Ichigo just nodded his head to what she said.

"Well, here in Karakura, if someone says hello to you on the street, you say 'go to hell' and kick them in the shin." Rukia said as she hopped off Ichigo's bed and turned to look at him. Ichigo scratched his head in thought.

"Back in Soul Society, if you were on the streets at night and someone saw you, they would smile and wave to you. Here in Karakura though, if you're on the streets at night and someone saw you, they would drag you into an alley and steal your wallet." Rukia explained. Ichigo sighed, because it was kind of true.

"In Soul Society, when a man thinks a woman is pretty, he bows slightly, as a sign of respect. In Karakura, when a man thinks a woman is pretty, he stares at her chest and says 'nice ass'." Rukia put her hands on her hips as a sign that she was finished.

"What's so funny?" Rukia asked, thinking he was laughing at her. Ichigo only laughed harder, until it looked like he was having trouble breathing. So Rukia, out of worry for Ichigo's health, jumped on top of Ichigo and slapped him in the face...hard.

"Gah, Rukia get off me!" Ichigo yelled as he threw the small Shinigami off of him.

"Well excuse me, I thought you were choking on your own laughter." Rukia spat.

"Gee, thanks for your concern..." Ichigo mumbled as he rubbed the small red hand-print on his cheek.

"So, what's so funny?" Rukia asked.

"What you said." Ichigo smirked.

"What was so funny about what I said?"

"It was completely and totally true."

"See, told you." Rukia smiled in victory.

"Whatever, just don't think that all humans are like that, because some people are more traditional in their way of life." Ichigo sighed.

"Like your father, because he is usually very happy and likes meeting new people and..." Rukia said, but was cut off.

"Yes, 'like my dad', I got it, now is there anything else you want to ask?" Ichigo interrupted.

"No, I don't think so, but I'll have one for you tomorrow." Rukia smiled sweetly.

"Oh boy, can't wait." Ichigo said as he closed his eyes and fell back onto his bed.

Yes, there are many differences between life as it is, and as it was. Though, don't think that all humans have lost their way, most of Japan is still very traditional. America holds some tradition as well, but most of it circles around the whole liberty theme. Still, as time goes by, there will always be a difference from now, and then.