Dear Uncle Kisuke,
The Soul Reaper academy is very fun. When I graduate I hope I am place in Squad 13 with Miss Kuchiki. Thank you so much for enrolling me. I have the best grades in my kido class, but I still need some work on my combat skills. Do you know anyone here who would be a good tutor/sparring partner? Well, I'm going to go practice. I love you and tell Jinta, Ururu, Tessai, and Yoruichi I said hello. I miss you all
Sincerely, Hidenka.
I lay back against the trunk of a cherry blossom tree as I watched my Hell Butterfly flutter off to deliver my message to my message to my loving uncle. I then stood up, unsheathed my zonpakuto, and started to practice all the moves that I learned. I also worked on my flash step. I was jumping all around and inside the trees and striking them. With one mighty swing after another, I was afraid I might chop one down one of them. I then got ready to perform a special move I had been working on for about a month, but I always mess up on some parts. I think I can do it right this time.
I closed my eyes and focused on harnessing my energy. I jumped on one side of a tree and bounced off to another one on the opposite side. I leaped into the air, with my eyes still closed. I did a graceful mid-air back flip and firmly gripped my zonpakuto.
"Split and scream. Futago Ryuu*!" my zonpakuto then split into two swords. The one in my left hand turned into an ice blade and the other in my right hand was consumed in flames. I then dived to the ground with Futago Ryuu extended outward in front of me, aiming for a big tree. I was just about to hit my target until I heard a loud metallic clank. I planted my feet firmly on the ground and opened my eyes. I saw Ikkaku Madarame, 3rd seat of squad 11, had blocked the most powerful attack I had. Futago Ryuu's blades went back to normal and went back into being one sword.
"You know; if you're going to do this, then go to the training grounds. You could really hurt someone here." I put my zonpakuto away and bowed.
"I am very sorry, sir." I was so nervous. I had never had an upper Soul Reaper approach me since I started attending the academy.
"Hey, you don't have to be so formal with me." He said as I stood straight up. "And you don't need to be so scared here. Well, unless you meet Kenpachi. He can be a bit of a hard ass." I didn't know what to do or what to say.
"Your Urahara's niece, right?" Ikkaku asked.
"Uh, yes. My name is Hidenka." I replied sheepishly.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Ikka-"
"I know who you are." I interrupted. "You're Ikkaku Madarame. The 3rd seat in squad 11 of the 13 court guard squads. You are also the second fiercest fighter in the Soul Society. It's an honor to meet you." A small smile appeared on his face.
"You've done your homework." I blushed a little bit. "I have to go now. Next time, use the training grounds ok?"
"Yes, I will." I replied and Ikkaku left. He is a lot friendlier then I imagined him to be. I then left to go study.
I stayed up almost all night. I was done with my studies but I couldn't sleep. All I did was lay on top of the roof of one of the Soul Reaper's rooms and stared up at the moon while I was deep in thought.
"Will I see Ikkaku tomorrow?" I thought. "Should I ask him to be my tutor?" I closed my eyes while still thinking about him. I felt so relaxed with the cool breeze hitting my body that I quickly fell asleep.
*Futago Ryuu=Twin Dragon.