One hundred years ago in the Soul Society, a particular girl was preparing to take her final exam to become a full-fledged Soul Reaper. Her name was Sinai Kokoroshi. She came to this decision because she had a passion for protecting others. Her "family" in the Rukon district was not very supportive of her, however. They constantly told her that she didn't have what it took and that she was too weak. Fed up with everything, she swore to them that she would become a Soul Reaper and ran away to train herself.

Sinai spent every day training to enter the Academy. There were times when she pushed herself too far and passed out from fatigue. Food and water were scarce, for she had little money. The money she did have was earned from doing odd jobs for different people in various areas of the Rukon district. As she traveled through each sect, the people grew to love her. She had compassion for them and desired to do anything she could to help anybody. Now, after years of hard work and finally making it into the Academy, she was about to take the final exam. 'Alright, after this person I'm next…' she thought to herself. 'I've got to do my absolute best and give it all I've got!'

Then her name was called.

"Kokoroshi Sinai, you're up." "Yes, sir." After about an hour of presenting her skills, she was finished. The proctors were now speaking to her. "Sinai, you are one of the top students in your class and you possess exquisite skills." "Yes, everything about your combat abilities and kido are top notch." "You're also quite intelligent to top it all off, with the best grades we've seen in a while." After their compliments, she bowed and said politely "Thank you very much." The proctors nodded. "Kokoroshi Sinai, congratulations. You've passed with flying colors." She lifted her head and her eyes sparkled with joy. "Really?!" she exclaimed. "Yes, now you must learn the name of your Zanpakuto." She raised a brow. She knew it was part of the process, but she had never really thought about how to do it. "How should I do that?" she asked. "Just meditate with your sword and attempt to communicate with it. Its response depends on how much determination you have and how strong your soul is. You will know your bond has been strengthened when you see that it changes shape to reflect your abilities and personality." One proctor answered. "Okay, thank you." She bowed again and walked over to a grassy hill. Her long brown hair flowed behind her. She wore a red flower in her hair with beads and feathers dangling from it. She pushed up the red glasses around her chocolate brown eyes and sat beneath a cherry blossom tree.

She closed her eyes and began to concentrate.

After a moment, she heard a small voice.

"Do you have what it takes?" It whispered to her.

In her mind, she envisioned a bright red aura. Then she responded to the voice. 'Yes, I do. I've trained hard for this. I want to help and protect others!' The voice was louder now. "Then it is settled. You and I shall accomplish great things together. We will be powerful." It told her. "What is your name?" Sinai asked. The Zanpakuto answered. "I am Akanehana." Then the aura formed a male lion, decorated with flowers and beads. He smiled at her, knowing that her intentions and soul were pure.

When Sinai opened her eyes her Zanpakuto, now known to be Akanehana, was different. The hilt was shaped like the flower in her hair. The blade now had three curved points on its edge and there were four red flower buds at its base. She examined it with fascination. "Woah, you're really something Akanehana!" she said happily. Then another Soul Reaper approached her. "You are Sinai Kokoroshi, correct?" She stood back up as she replied "Yes, sir. I am." "Very well, I see you have learned the name of your sword. Are you able to revert it and then summon its Shikai again?" She smiled. "I'll try". She concentrated on it and it went back to its deactivated state. Then, as it came to her, she yelled "Blush! Akanehana!" And it transformed again. The other Soul Reaper looked glad. "Alright, I see you have everything in order. I was sent to escort you to see Head Captain Yamamoto." He said. Sinai's eyes grew wide. "The Head Captain himself, wants to see me?" she asked astonished. "Yes, the proctors reported that you were a remarkable student and the Head captain requested to see you and personally assign you to a squad." He answered. Sinai jumped. "Awesome!" she said. He chuckled and said "Follow me." She nodded and sheathed her sword.

As she followed, her mind was flooded with thoughts. 'This is amazing! If only my family could see me now…too bad I can't tell my friends in the Rukon District. And I don't have many friends from the academy… almost everyone made fun of me for being a nerd and being weird…oh well. Guess that doesn't matter now, I'm off to bigger and better things!' Her thoughts halted as they came to large doors. "We've arrived." He announced. He requested for permission to enter and access was granted. They both entered the large room and bowed on their knees. The other Soul Reaper spoke. "Greetings Head Captain. This is the newest Soul Reaper, Kokoroshi Sinai, who you requested to see. Yamamoto looked at Sinai, who was slightly shaking with her head still bowed to the floor. "So, she is the one? Very well, thank you. You may go." The other Soul reaper bowed once more before leaving the room. "You may rise now." Sinai heard Yamamoto tell her. She slowly stood up, trying to be as polite as possible. Her mind raced once again. 'Oh man! The Head Captain! I'm so nervous!' "Kokoroshi Sinai, step forward." He commanded. She nodded and approached him slowly. He could tell how nervous she was just by the expression on her face. Then he chuckled softly and said "There's no need to be so stiff, young lady. I can see that you are a very polite and orderly Soul Reaper." Sinai blushed a little as a sweat drop ran down her head. "Y-yes sir, thank you very much sir." She replied. Yamamoto gave her a small smile.

"Good. Now, as for your new squad, it will be based upon your strengths and abilities. I am aware that you are a very gifted individual." He said. Sinai smiled and as she was about to thank him, the doors opened.

(to be continued)