Bleach: Artificial Masterpiece

Chapter 1

Flashback...

Soul Society...

Squad Twelve Barracks...

Higosu: I'll be off now, Akon.

Rin: Yeah, me two.

Akon: Alright...

Higosu: You should turn in too. You seemed pretty down today.

Akon: ... Is that right?

Rin: ... Is something wrong?

Akon: ... It's nothing... really...

Higosu: ... If you say so.

Akon: I've got some work to finish. Enjoy your night.

They leave.

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11:43pm...

He was still there, working away in the dark. He wasn't even aware how much time had passed, nor did he notice the figure entering the room.

Nemu: Akon?

Akon: Hmm?

He turned to Nemu standing next to him.

Akon: Oh, Lieutenant, it's you.

He wasn't even aware she approached him. While he couldn't tell because of her usual blank expression, she seemed concerned.

Nemu: What are you doing? It's late.

Akon: I'm just finishing some work.

Nemu: May I ask what you're working on?

Akon: Captain asked me to analyse the Reiatsu of some hollow some of our squad members encountered today. According to their reports, they don't appear to be ordinary hollow.

Nemu: How's the analysis going?

Akon: Not good, I'm afraid. There doesn't seem to be a match between this Reiatsu and any of the other hollow Reiatsu we have. I've yet to make any headway.

Nemu: Can I be of any assistance?

Akon looked back at her. Despite the blank expression, she did genuinely want to assist him. Though, since he wasn't having much luck anyway, he decided not to continue.

Akon: Actually, I was thinking of leaving the analysis for now.

Nemu: I see.

Akon: If think it would be better if the Captain analysed this himself. He's more likely to come up with an idea of what type of Reiatsu this is.

Nemu: In that case, I'll inform Master Mayuri of the situation.

Akon: Thank you. I'll take my leave now.

Nemu: Very well. Goodnight, Akon.

Akon: Goodnight, lieutenant.

He heads towards the door, seeming quite lax. While he himself never had much expression to him, it was easy to tell when he was sluggish.

Nemu: Akon?

Akon: Yes, Lieutenant?

She noticed how slowly he turned back to her. Usually, he'd just turn his head to show he was listening.

Nemu: Is something the matter?

Akon: Oh no, nothing's wrong... Why do you ask

Nemu: You've seemed quite downcast recently.

Akon: ... Is that right?

Akon wasn't expecting her to point that out. First Higosu and Rin, and now, Nemu. Maybe something was wrong with him.

Nemu: Is there anything bothering you?

Akon: It's nothing... really...

Nemu: ...

She didn't seem convinced.

Akon: I'm... okay...

Nemu: Alright then. I'll inform the Master Mayuri now.

Akon: Thank you.

He turns to leave. He could feel her watching him as he walked out.

Akon: (Damn. Everyone's starting to become aware of...)