" I thought I told you to not come home anymore. "

" But, Shiro... "

" Got any watermelons? "

" They're out of season. "

He knew that it wasn't her fault that he couldn't have his watermelons, but her glared at her anyway.

" What? It's not my fault. "

" I'm not dumb, Bed-Wetter. "

They stared at the sky for a moment.

" Shiro, why don't you enroll at the Academy? "

" Why would I do something as stupid as that? "

" But you'll make a great Soul Reaper, Shiro! "

" I've got better things to do. "

" Oh, please. Granny always tells us to be the best we can be. You'll be helping us out a lot if you join in. "

" Us? I thought you were just a student. "

She smiled brightly at him, then rummaged inside the pack beside her, and pulled out a black kimono, with a matching hakama.

" I graduated! Isn't it great? "

" Whatever. Just don't go stabbing random people with your sword. "

" Tobiume? "

" So...that's it's name, huh? "

" Yeah, it means- Wait, how'd you know about zanpakutou having names? "

He looked up at her.

" I met a Reaper at the marketplace the other day. "

" Really? What's his name? "

" Her name's Rangiku Matsumoto. "

" Oh. "

" Anyway, she told me that I had an enormous supply of spiritual energy. She said it's extensive pressure is what's been making Granny so ill lately. Can a soul...really damage another that way? "

She looked away, feeling her eyes sting.

" I'm afraid so. "

" So, it is my fault that Granny's dying. "

" I won't deny that your soul is so powerful, it can decapacitate another just by being present. There's another reason as to why you should be a Soul Reaper. Not because I want you away from her, but because you need to find a way to harness all that power."

" I'm glad you agree with me. "

" Wha- ? N-no, I didn't mean it that way- "

" I don't want to endanger anyone. "

She was silent. Then, she got up. " I'll have to get back to the Academy now, Shiro. I'll see you there, 'kay? "

He ignored her as she ran off.

She seems absolutely positive that you'll join her, kid.

" That's just how she is, Hyorinmaru. "

Hyorinmaru...I see. So, you can hear me clearly now, can't you?

" Yes...but, tell me, why is that? You told me you're a spirit that inhabits a zanpakutou, something I don't have. "

You'll get one soon, kid. Trust me. You've already decided on it.

" So I have. "

A/N: This fic is dedicated to Toushirou Hitsugaya himself; it's his birthday tomorrow, Dec. 20th. Review, if you can.