" 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.
