Chapter 19

After that Ekko opened the doors like it was nothing to the mild annoyance of Rangiku and the two started walking back to her house. They would first have to Walk through town before they needed to catch a train.

As the two strolled away Rangiku talked about all the types of things Ekko could do in Tokyo and even recommended some food stalls and Ramen shops she and her brother like to go to when they feel like treating themselves.

As they were walking by the market was as lively as ever. But when one of the vendors noticed Ekko approaching he smiled and waved.

"Morning Makena-Kun, How are you, looking to buy any Radishes, there cheap and were pucked just this morning. Oh, and who might this be, perhaps your girlfriend."

" Good Morning, Sasaki-san, save me some for later, I've not got time right now, and she's just an acquaintance of mine."

Rangiku was happy when she heard the older gentleman call her Ekkos girlfriend but frowned when he called her an acquaintance.

" I see, well ill save the best for you." Sasaki said before Ekko bowed and left with Rangiku.

Rangiku thought that the vegetable seller was just Ekkos acquaintance as well but was shocked as when they were walking about Ekko continued to be greeted by every food seller from the butcher's to even the older folks playing in the park.

'Didn't he say that he's only moved here two days ago, why does it seem like he's lived there for a longer time than that?' No matter who it was they would Greet Ekko and her with kindness and maybe she was imagining it but Respect as well.

They were almost Out of the market but that's when Ekko noticed Granny Chio walking out of her store with some big Boxes. Ekko immediately ran to her and helped her.

" Good morning Granny, don't worry about these ill take them for you, where do you need them." Ekko said.

" Oh, it's you Ekko, thank you so much, just put the melons on the display over there, and the strawberries here. How was your morning."

"It was fine, I'm heading out now to explore a bit of Tokyo before coming back." Ekko replied Placing all the boxes where granny Chio instructed.

" Is that so, how nice, if you have time you should definitely visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, its beautiful this time of year...mhh, oh a customer, sorry, is there anything you want to buy dear." Granny Chio Asked Rangiku mistaking her for a customer.

" Haha, you have me mistaken I'm not a customer I'm with Ekko," Rangiku said.

Granny Chio was surprised.' So she was Ekko's friend.' Granny chio was happy that Ekko could make a friend so fast.

"Is that so, my mistake, to think you already made such a beautiful friend, Ekko, you can call me Granny Chio."

"It's nice to meet you Chio-San. You can just call me Matsumoto." The three talked for a bit before excusing themselves, Ekko was already walking away but Rangiku was held back By granny Chio.

"Huh is something the matter Chio-san," Rangiku asked.

Chio just looked at her and smiled." Your in the lead for now, but don't get complacent young one, There will be plenty of competition for that one. I'll be rooting for you."

Rangiku blinked owlishly but nodded seriously, she didn't know what Chio-san meant by she was in the lead, but she understood what she was implying.

And since Ekko and her seemed so close, and even seem to have a history, she would take her words to heart.

{Sigh}" You've put your son in a Precarious situation Kojo, haha looks like things are going to get more lively around here."

After passing the market, Ekko and Rangiku passed the 711 that he first visited and Ekko took a quick glance inside but didn't see the pink-haired clerk he met a few days ago.

Soon they made it to the train station. It was 9: 30 in the morning so it has just past peak times for trains to be packed but when they got there, there was still a good amount of people around.

A lot of them are men. And some couldn't help themselves and kept taking glances in Ekko's direction or more specifically they were Looking at Rangiku.

" So beautiful...Is she a model...I wonder if that's her boyfriend." Multiple hushed voices said.

They were admiring her looks and a few men even wanted to go up and try to get her number but one glance from Ekko deterred them from doing so. Not only was Ekko tall but he had an intimidating Rest face.

Rangiku took notice of all the male stares but paid them little attention. Though she was happy Ekko was with her, she couldn't Count how many times she's been catcalled and harassed every time she went out, but with Ekko by her side, no one dared to come to her.

And after 5 minutes of waiting for their train, it finally arrived. It still amazed Ekko how precise and on-time Trains were in Japan.

It could never work in England. You would be lucky if the train even came 10 minutes on time.

" All passengers please mind the gap between the train and the platform." A Japanese voice said through the intercom.

Ekko waited for passengers to get off before he entered with Rangiku. Getting inside it looked like all of the Seats were taken so it looks like they would have to stand.

Rangiku was tall for a Japanese woman so she was able to reach the handle on the roof while Ekko could grab it with no problem.

"Now departing."A male Japanese voice said through the intercom of the train.

While Ekko was waiting for their stop he took a quick look at the missions he still needed to complete.