Chapter One

Kenji stood eyes closed focusing on his target before him when Hanatarou Yamada came running up and caused Kenji to lose his concentration. Kenji was a bit irritated, but supressed his anger and said "Hey Hanatarou, what's up?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to say hello. I didn't interupt something, did I?"Replied Hanatarou

"No, I was just doing some training. I have been at it for a few hours now so I should probably stop anyway before I tire myself out." responded Kenji

"That's you Kenji, you're always training" stated Hanatarou

Kenji replied, "Well I have to train hard if I want to become strong enough to become a captain. Anyway, why don't we go somewhere to get some lunch?"

Kenji and Hanatarou head off towards a ramen stand nearby to get some lunch. Kenji wore a standard shinigami uniform and had short combed back black hair. The only unique thing about his appearance would be where he kept his zanpakuto, Rikimaru. He stored it horizontally along his rear waist. This made it more difficult to draw, but Kenji had mastered a way of doing it quickly.

Kenji and Hanatarou arrived at the stand and ordered some ramen for themselves.

Kenji began to speak, "With the betrayal of Captain Aizen, this is a perfect time to move in rank. I have to take advantage of this oppurtunity by showing the soul society that I deserve to be promoted. I just have to figure out the best way to do that."

Hanatarou jumped up and exclaimed' "Hey, I know how you could show them!"

Kenji anxiously replied, "How, how can I show them that I deserve a promotion."

"Well you see, there is a kind of tournament coming up where shinigami face each other in non-mortal combat. The entrance fee is pretty hefty, but if you do well you might just get that promotion you've been looking for. The only problem is that it is open to all comers and you might have to face some lieutenants or even some captains." Replied Hanatarou.

"I don't care, I going to enter and show them that I can fight with the best of them. I'll have to really step up my training to get ready for the tournament, but I know I can do it." replied Kenji.

The tournament was in 3 weeks and Kenji needed to be ready for the biggest challenge he has ever faced.

End Chapter One.

Well, thats chapter one. Hope you guys liked it. The next chapter will have more action than this one.Reviews would be appreciated.