(Forgot to mention this last chapter but Bleach and all its characters belongs to Kubo and not me. The only one I own is Katsurou)
During the years that passed, Katsurou grew from a young boy to a brave and strong young man.
At first, his family thought that he didn't have any spiritual abilities but as he got older, his powers started to grow and reveal themselves. So with some encouragement from his father, Katsurou decided to take the entrance exam for the Soul Reaper academy.
Katsurou was looking at himself in the mirror. Instead of his normal outfit, he now wore the male Soul Reaper Academy uniform. He had gotten the news just two days ago that he had passed the entrance exam and was granted a place at the school. This was going to be his first step to really become a Soul Reaper.
Then there was a knock on the door.
"Suro can I come in?"
"Sure dad"
The door opened and Jūshirō came in. He smiled as he looked at Katsurou in the uniform.
"It's hard to believe that some years ago, you were a shy little boy. Now you're a young man, ready to enter Soul Reaper Academy"
"I know what you mean.
-Hey dad, were you nervous when you entered the academy"
"I was. I was nervous and afraid that no one would accept me because of my illness. That they would tell me that I wasn't fit to be a Soul Reaper. But once I became friends with Shunsui, it all changed.
-He helped me through it, Master Genryūsai too. They helped me show everyone that despite my illness, I could still be a great Soul Reaper"
"I hope that won't happen to me"
"I don't think you have anything to worry about my son. Unlike me, you don't have anything that can hold you back. You're strong, kind and you care deeply for others. All those things are important for a Soul Reaper.
-But if something should happen... I'm sure that you'll find someone that will be such a great friend to you as Shunsui is to me"
"You're probably right. Thanks dad"
Katsurou then picked up a bag that laid on the floor.
"Well I better get going so I won't be late on my first day."
"Yeah that wouldn't be good."
Together the two walked outside.
"Take care now and do your best"
"I will"
Katsurou quickly hugged his father before he made his way towards the academy.
Once he got there he looked at the giant building were he for the coming six years would study the different techniques required for a Soul Reaper.
He was actually surprised when he got assigned a room and got to know that he was the only one to live alone while others shared.
It didn't bother him though.
He placed his bag on the bed and looked out the window. He had a view over the garden and its many Sakura trees. It would be a really beautiful view once they bloom.
After a while, he left for the entrance ceremony were they got assigned to their classes based on their scores on the entrance exam. Katsurou who had really high score was placed in the advanced class.
The first weeks at the academy went very well and Katsurou quickly showed to be one of the best new students.
But one day, rumors started to spread about him. Apparently an older student had found out that Katsurou is the son to one of the captains and started to spread a rumor that he just got into the academy because of that. Katsurou tried many times to tell those who asked him about it that they were wrong but they refused to listen.
Until one day...
Katsurou was sitting under a tree, reading a book when three third year students came.
"Hey you're the first year who got in here because of his dad aren't you?"
"I've told you a bunch of time that my father had nothing with this to do. He only inspired me to become a Soul Reaper, nothing more."
Then, one of the guys punched him so he landed on his back.
"Why are you lying to us?"
"I'm not lying"
The one who seemed to be the leader of the three smirked and got ready to punch him when suddenly...
"HEY. Leave him alone"
Everyone turned around and saw a student with black hair and a 69 tattoo on his cheek.
"Who are you?"
"Does it matter to you? Now leave that guy alone"
"Why are you defending him? He's not like us at all. He only got accepted into the academy because he is a captain's son"
"No, you're wrong about that. He took the entrance exam and got placed in the advanced class due to his high score. I would know since I'm in his class and saw him at the exam.
-Now get lost!"
The three third years looked at each other and walked away from the two. The black-haired guy mumbled something as they walked away before he turned to Katsurou and helped him up.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks a lot for the help"
"No problem. Those guys just think they're tough because they're third years"
"You're probably right"
Katsurou brushed off his uniform before turning to the black-haired guy again.
"My name is Katsurou Ukitake by the way"
"I'm Shūhei Hisagi. Nice to meet you Katsurou"
"You can just call me Suro if you want"
"Suro. That's a good nickname"
"My dad came up with it when I was little"
"Judging by your last name I guess your father who they talked about is captain Jūshirō Ukitake of the 13th division"
"You're right. That's my father"
"I heard a lot about him. He was trained by head-captain Yamamoto himself, right?"
"Yep"
"You know. It's actually cool that you have a father like him.
-I bet those guys were just jealous of you"
"You think so?"
"Yeah, think about it. They're from rich families but no one has a father that's a famous captain"
"I didn't think about it that way. Thanks Shūhei"
"No problem.
-Now let's go, we better get going to Kidō class"
"You're right"
So they started to walk towards the Kidō practice field. On their way, Katsurou asked Shūhei if they could be friends and Shūhei said he would be glad to be Katsurou's friend.
"Alright Group A line up."
"Yes sir"
Katsurou and four others stood up and walked over to a line.
"You will all now demonstrate Hadō #31"
"Sir"
All students took their positions and started to chant the spell for Hadō #31.
"Ruler, mask of flesh and blood, all things in the universe fly. That which names all in nature. Gathering of heat and war. Beyond the seas in reverse, take steps to the south.
-Hadō #31. Shakkahō"
Red balls of fire came from the students' hands and they aimed them towards targets. Katsurou and one more hit the target right in the middle.
"Good job"
"Thank you sir"
They then walked back to sit down and let the next group line up. As he walked to the back of the group, Katsurou recived a smile and nod from Shūhei as a way to say good job.
The class kept going until all students had had a chance to try the Hadō spell.
Their next class was Seireitei History, a subject that many students found really boring, including Katsurou.
Being the son to one of the oldest captains in the Soul Society, he did know a lot of history since he had asked his father many times when he was younger to tell him about the Gotei 13.
"Ukitake"
"Yes sir"
"Do you want to tell the rest of the class when the Gotei 13 originaly was created?"
"Yes"
Katsurou stood up and cleared his throat.
"The original Gotei 13 was formed an unknown number of centuries ago by the current head-captain, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and they were said to be the strongest version of the organization. But unlike the current Gotei 13, this version was made up of what many people and books calls "a brutal mob of killers"
-Things changed to what they are now after Yamamoto created this very academy over two thousand years ago. That's when they started to become what they are today"
"Very good. And who are currently the only captains left from the first version of the Gotei 13?"
"Current 1st division leader and head-captain Yamamoto as well as the 4th division captain, Retsu Unohana"
"That's correct"
The teacher made a sign for Katsurou to sit back down before turned around and wrote some names on the board behind him.
"Just like Ukitake said, the oldest of the captains are indeed head-captain Yamamoto and captain Unohana. But there are two more that can be called the oldest since they are the only ones left from their generation of captains from over 200 years ago.
-These two are Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, the very first graduates of this academy to aquire the rank of captains. Along with Yamamoto and Unohana, they are concidered the oldest and strongest out of all captains"
"What about the 11th division captain, I heard that guy is really strong, said another student"
"He may be strong but not even the current Kenpachi can hold a candle to these four"
The class kept going and once it ended, Katsurou returned to his room. He was really tired after the day but happy that he had made a friend.
He sat down at his desk and started to write a letter.
Dad.
I hope everything is okay back home. As for me, I'm having a good time here. I was placed in the advanced class due to my test score.
But not everything has been great. A few days ago, a student spread a rumor about me, that I only got into the academy and the advanced class because I'm a captain's son. Earlier today three third years started to pick on me and one actually landed a punch on me.
But someone saved me from them. He told them to stop treating me that way and that I got in due to my score. His name is Shūhei Hisagi and he seems to be a really nice guy. I asked him if he wanted to be my friend and he gladly excepted. I'm sure that as long as he's with me, they will stop picking on me and everything like that.
I miss you and I will come home on my day off. Until then take care.
Katsurou.
A few days later
The final lesson of the day was over and the students started to leave the classroom.
"Ukitake may I speak with you?"
"Of course sir"
The teacher waited until all the other students had left the room before picking up an envelope from a book.
"The headmaster asked me to give this to you"
"Thank you sir"
Katsurou then left the classroom and made his way to his dorm room were Shūhei were already stretched out on one of the beds.
The two had become roommates just two days ago. Shūhei had heard that Katsurou had a room to himself and asked if he could move in there since he didn't like the two people he shared with.
"Hey Suro, where did you go?"
"Our teacher just wanted to give me this"
He held up the letter that he had gotten before he sat down on his bed and opened it.
Once he had read it, he looked at his friend.
"Hey Shūhei are you going home on the day off?"
"There is not much for me to go home for. I don't really have anyone left in the part of Rukongai where I grew up so I'll probably stay here"
"Why not come with me to my home"
"Your place?!"
"Yeah. You see, I wrote a letter to my father the day we meet. I told him about everything that has happened and that you became my friend."
"You did?"
"Yep, this letter is from him actually. He says that it's great that I found a friend and if you don't have anywhere else to go on the day off, you're more than welcome to our home at the Ukitake estate"
"Well when you say it that way, it's hard to turn down that offer"
Katsurou smiled at him.
So just two days later after their last class, all students started to leave the school for their day off. Katsurou stood at the gate waiting for Shūhei. First he thought his friend had changed his mind but then he came.
"Sorry for letting you wait"
"It's okay. Now let's go, there's quite a long way for us to go"
"Right"
With that, the two started to walk. On the way they talked about a lot of different things. Mostly Shūhei asked Katsurou about his father since he wanted to make a good impression on the captain.
"You don't need to worry Shūhei. My father is a really kind man. Just be yourself."
"Right"
Katsurou gave his friend a reasuring smile before looking up to see the 13th division barracks.
"We're here. Shūhei welcome to the 13th division"
They two of them walked in and there they meet Kaien.
"Hey Suro, you're back. I guess you have your day off from the academy"
"That's right."
"I see. Who's your friend?"
"Kaien this is Shūhei Hisagi, a friend from the academy.
-Shūhei this is Kaien Shiba, the lieutenant of the 13th"
"Nice to meet ya kid"
"Nice to meet you too sir"
Kaien gave Shūhei his signature wide grin before turning to Katsurou.
"Your dad is in the garden if you're looking for him"
"Right. Thanks Kaien"
So Katsurou led Shūhei out to the garden where he heard familiar voices.
"Looks like Shunsui is here too"
Shūhei looked at his friend a bit confused but then they rounded the corner and saw two men sit on the porch. Shūhei saw that the white-haired of the two looked up and smiled before standing up and walking over to them.
"Suro why didn't you tell me this was your day off"
"I wanted to surprise you"
Shūhei couldn't help but smile a little as he saw the two hug each other. He understood then that the white-haired man was Katsurou's father.
The other man then stood up as well and patted Katsurou's shoulder.
"It's been a while Suro"
"It sure has uncle Shunsui"
He then turned towards Shūhei and gestured for him to come closer.
"Dad, Shunsui this is Shūhei Hisagi, my friend from the academy."
"It's very nice to meet you Shūhei. I'm Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of the 13th division.
-I want to thank you for helping my son when he needed it"
"No problem sir. I'm glad to help"
"My, my so you're Hisagi. Jūshirō told me what Suro wrote about you.
-My name is Shunsui Kyōraku and I'm the captain of the 8th division"
"Nice to meet you sir"
"Well Jūshirō, I'll get going. I bet you have a lot to talk about."
"Right. See you another day Shunsui"
With that Shunsui left the three of them.
They all sat down on the porch and member of the division brought them some tea.
"So how's everything at the academy?"
"Everything is fine I guess. The classes are great but theory is a bit boring. Right Shūhei?"
"Yeah, only Kendo and Kidō are the fun parts"
"It's just like my days there. Shunsui thought the same thing as you two while I really didn't mind any of the classes"
All three laughed slightly at that.
"By the way dad. I heard a few days ago that Sajin has become the new captain of the 7th division. Is that true?"
"Yes. Komamura became captain just three days ago but he's already doing a good job."
"I didn't believe anything else about him"
"Who's Komamura, Shūhei asked"
"Sajin Komamura is a member of the 7th division who I became friends with when I was younger and he's now been promoted to captain. He's very kind and really deservs the position"
"I see"
The three of them just sat there for a few more hours just talking and having a great time.
The next day, the boys spent relaxing in the garden of the Ukitake estate. But the time passed past by fast and soon, they were back at the academy.
During the coming months, the two trained hard along side the rest of their classmates. But then one day during their second year, one class didn't go as planned.
The second and fourth years were having joined Zanjutsu training due to the 4th years' teacher being absent.
"Okay, time for some sparring matches. Kagemoto, Ukitake you're up first"
Shūhei couldn't help but let his eyes widen slightly. Kagemoto had been the leader of the group he had saved Katsurou from on the day they first meet. Were everyone else now was kind to his friend, Kagamoto still wasn't. He needed to keep his eyes open in case the older were going to try something bad.
Both Katsurou and Kagemoto stood up and got the practice swords from the teacher.
"Kagemoto since you're two years above Ukitake you're not allowed to use what you fourth years have been taught"
"Understood sir"
"Well then... BEGIN"
On that signal both students drew their swords and the match started.
Even though Katsurou's experience with a sword was slightly less than Kagemoto's, he managed to keep up with the older student quite well. He blocked perfectly and had no flaws in his stances, at least in Shūhei's eyes.
But then...
Kagemoto hit the sword out of Katsurou's hand before he used Flash Step to get behind him and made a deep cut in his back.
Shūhei saw how his best friend fell to the floor and Kagemoto raised his sword.
"How's that you noble bastard"
He then swung the sword down but before he could land a blow, Shūhei appeared and blocked the attack with the sword his friend had dropped.
The teacher then used Bakudō #1 Sai to bind Kagemoto's arms to his back.
"What's wrong with you Kagemoto?! You seriously wounded a 2nd year student"
"That noble bastard deserved it. He only got into the academy and the advanced class because his father happens to be a captain"
"Were did you get that from? Ukitake got in just like anyone else, by taking the entrance exam and his score is what placed him in the advanced class"
The teacher then turned to help his wounded student.
"It's very deep. I don't think the healers here can do anything. Hisagi!"
"Yes sir?"
"You know were the 4th division is, right?"
"I do. Katsurou showed me during our day off a while back"
"Good, take Ukitake there. I'll send a Hell Butterfly to give them a heads up about your arrival"
"Right. But what about you sensei?"
"I need to speak with the headmaster about what happened here. Don't worry about your other classes, I'll tell your other teachers what happened"
"Thank you sir"
The teacher then helped Shūhei get Katsurou onto his back before the student Flash Stepped out of the dojo.
Shūhei was quick to get to the 4th division, his friend really needed help. Once he saw the building, he stopped his Flash Step and ran the last bit.
He walked in and a man with a lieutenant badge on his arm saw them.
"Are you the students we got word about?"
"Yes"
"Come with me, the captain is waiting"
Shūhei followed the man down the hall to a room were a woman waited.
"Captain Unohana, the academy student we got word about is here"
"Please lay him down here"
Shūhei carefully laid Katsurou on the bed with his back up and captain Unohana started to work.
"Your teacher made a good decision sending you here, this wound is really bad. Could you please tell me what happened?"
Shūhei sat down on a chair and started to tell her.
"We second years were having joined training with the 4th years. Katsurou was unlucky to be assigned to fight this guy who's been mean to him since the day we meet if not earlier. It was a fair fight until he knocked the sword out of Suro's hand and then slashed him very deep across the back"
"Did you say that this young man's name is Katsurou? As in Katsurou Ukitake"
"Oh that's right, he grew up here in the Seireitei so of course you know about him"
"His father and I are colleagues after all so I know him very well.
-Speaking of his father. Would you mind going to the 13th division and tell captain Ukitake that he is here?"
"Of course ma'am"
"Thank you..."
"Shūhei. I'm Shūhei Hisagi"
"Thank you Shūhei"
Shūhei bowed before he left the building and made his way to the 13th.
"Good thing Suro taught me how all division are placed in alliance to each other"
Soon enough, he reached the right division and the first person he saw was Kaien.
"Lieutenat Shiba!"
"Hisagi why are you here?"
"Is your captain here? I need to speak with him right now"
"Come with me"
Kaien led Shūhei through the division to a room.
"Captain do you have time?"
"Come in Kaien"
Kaien opened then door and Shūhei fell on his knees in front of the captain.
"Shūhei why are you here?"
"There was an accident during training at the academy. Suro got badly hurt and is in the 4th divsion, the captain asked me to come and tell you"
He could see worry spread over the captain's face as he said that.
"Go with him captain, I can take care of things here"
"Thank you Kaien. Let's go Shūhei, you can tell me what happened on the way"
"Of course
The two then went to the 4th divsion and Shūhei told the captain everything.
As they reached the division, Shūhei could see a lot of emotions in the captain's eyes.
They walked inside and down the hall to the room were Shūhei had left his friend in Retsu's hands.
"Shūhei you should get back to the academy before it gets dark. I promise to send word to you once Suro recovers"
"Thank you... Jūshirō"
"Your headmaster can also expect hearing from me after this incident. I won't let the one who did this to my son get away with it"
"Right"
Jūshirō watched as Shūhei walked down the hall and once he had rounded the corner, the captain sat down and put his face in his hands. He was worried about Katsurou, in his ears the incident had sounded terrible.
Retsu exited the room a while later and saw him.
"Captain Unohana how is he?"
"Don't worry captain Ukitake. Your son will be fine after a few days of rest here and then a week at home"
"I see"
"It was however a bad injury and I'm gonna send word to the academy headmaster to report Katsurou's condition"
"I have a few words about this to tell that man myself but that will wait until tomorrow. Right now I just want to be with Suro"
"I understand that. Go in, he should regain consciousness by morning"
"Okay"
Jūshirō walked past Retsu and into the room were he sat down and stroked his fingers through his son's soft black hair.
"Why did this have to happen to you Suro. I can't believe someone would hurt you like this"
A sad smile then crossed his face.
"But I sure am glad that you have Shūhei as a friend by your side"
Jūshirō stayed by his son's side the whole night and when morning came, Retsu came back to do a check up.
Once she was done, the young man started to groan and his eyes opened.
"C... captain Unohana"
"Hello there Katsurou. How are you feeling?"
"Okay I guess but my back is killing me"
"That's understandable seeing how you received a very deep sword cut yesterday"
"I did what?"
Memories of the previous day came flooding back into his mind and he would have bolted up if Retsu hadn't had a strong grip on his shoulder.
"You cannot make any sudden moment or the wound might open up again"
Once she felt him calm down and relax, she let got of his shoulder.
"Why am I here and not the academy infirmary?"
"Your wound was too deep for them to handle so a young man by the name of Shūhei Hisagi was asked to take you here"
"Shūhei did?"
"Yes, he carried you here all the way from the academy"
"Dad, you're here too"
"Of course. While Unohana worked on you yesterday, Shūhei came to the 13th and told me what happened"
"I see"
"You will need to stay here for a few days and then at home for a least a week. I will notify the academy and tell them to send the work you'll miss so you won't get behind on you studies"
"Thank you captain Unohana"
Retsu gave him a smile and helped him sit up before she left to take care of her other patients
Once the door had closed, Katsurou turned to his father.
"I worried you with this, did't I dad?"
"I was quite worried when Shūhei told me what had happened but you're okay now and that is what's important"
The two smiled at each other before Jūshirō stood up.
"I have to go to the division but I'll come by later"
"Right. And dad, could you please send a message to Shūhei and tell him that I'm okay now"
"Of course"
Jūshirō placed a hand on his son's head and ruffled his hair, something he hadn't done since Katsurou was little. He then walked over to the door, leaving his son alone in the room.
Once his footsteps couldn't be heard anymore, Katsurou sighed and leaned back against the pillows behind his back.
"I should have just told the teacher to pick someone else, if I had done that maybe I wouldn't have ended up here. But then the others may have seen me as a coward.
-Oh well, what happened happened and I can't do anything about that"
The rest of the day, Katsurou spent reading a book that Retsu had given him so he wouldn't get bored.
Jūshirō returned when he was done with his work and stayed until the darkness of night started to fall over the Seireitei.
During the next few days, Katsurou kept himself occupied with the school work the academy had sent him. It made the days pass by faster and he was soon allowed to leave the 4th division. But as Retsu had told him, he had to stay at his familiy's estate for a week in order to let his injury heal a bit more before returning to the academy.
It was now the morning of the day Katsurou was allowed to return to the academy.
"Feels good to be able to go back"
"I understand that, Jūshirō said with a slight chuckle"
He was happy to see his son up on his feet and eager to return to the academy. His injury had healed very nicely according to Retsu but he had to take it easy when he return to Zanjutsu and Kidō classes, at least for the first days.
"So are you ready to go?"
"Yeah"
So father and son left their home and started to walk to the academy.
"Dad you don't have to come with me. I can get to the academy on my own"
"I know but the headmaster wanted to speak with me so that's why I'm coming with you"
"I see"
The rest of the walk to the academy was very calm and the two just talked until they reached the gates.
They walked into the building and made their way to the headmaster's office.
"Ah young Ukitake welcome back. It's good to see that you're okay"
"Thank you sir"
"As for why I wanted you to come captain Ukitake. I wanted to say that the staff and I are really sorry for what happened to your son.
-We've talked to other students and it appears that Kagemoto has been treating other students from noble families pretty bad. We won't accept that now when we know about it and he's been expelled"
"I understand. I'm glad the situation has been solved but if anything happens to my son again, both he and I will rethink the idea of him attending this academy"
"I understand that captain. Don't worry, all teachers have been ordered to keep their eyes out during their classes, especially Zanjustu and Kidō"
"Sounds good"
"I'm glad to hear that. As for you young Katsurou, when are you returning to classes?"
"Tomorrow sir. That's the orders from Captain Unohana along with that I need to take it easy during the more physical classes for a few days"
"I understand"
Katsurou and Jūshirō then left the office and the first thing that happened when they stepped out was that someone threw themself onto Katsurou.
"Shūhei let go off me"
"Sorry, I couldn't help"
"That's the welcome back I get, my best friend throwing himself onto me"
"You're coming back today?"
"Yeah but I won't return to classes until tomorrow"
"That's great. I'm glad you're back, things have been boring without you"
The two friends smiled at each other before Jūshirō placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"I'll let you two catch up with each other. Kaien is probably waiting for me so I should go.
-Take care and be careful Suro"
"I will, don't worry dad"
Time flew by quickly after that and it was soon the sixth year for Katsurou and Shūhei at the academy. This particular day only weeks before their graduation, they and two others had been put in charge of an exercise for the 1st years.
"Do you all understand your mission?"
"Yes sir"
"Good. We expect great things from all four of you, especially Hisagi and Ukitake"
"Right"
"You have until this afternoon to prepare for the exercise along with the other sixth years"
"Yes sir"
"Dimissed"
The four of them walked out of the room and out to the court yard were they meet the other sixth years and started to plan the exercise.
Later that day, Katsurou and Shūhei along with their classmates Kanisawa and Aoga meet up with the first years and explained the exercise. They all then entered the gate to the world of the living.
Everything went smoothly until a real Hollow showed up. It injured Aoga and Shūhei as well as killing Kanisawa.
The Hollow was just about to attack Shūhei and Katsurou when three brave first years saved them by blocking the Hollow's claws with their swords.
"You three, said Katsurou."
"We just wanted to help sir, sorry to disobey, said a blond young man"
"We came back to save you two, said the red-haired."
Then they pushed away the Hollows arms.
"You three use Kidō, Katsurou ordered
-I'm right behind you"
"Yes sir!
-Hadō #31 Shakkahō"
"Bones of beast scattered far and wide. Stable crimson crystals, steel wheel. Wind in action and the sky at rest. The sound of flying arrows.
-Hadō #63. Raikōhō"
A yellow orb generated from Katsurou's palm and shot lightning at the Hollow. It blinded it and they all took the chance to run away from it but they soon ran into even more Hollows.
Then out of nowhere, an attack came and killed one of the Hollows. They all looked behind them and there came two Soul Reapers.
"Captain Aizen, Lieutenant Ichimaru"
"Sorry to keep you and the others waiting Katsurou. We got here as quickly as we could."
"It's okay sir, we're just glad you're here."
Then Aizen walked up to the girl and placed his hand on her head.
"You've done very well. I'm sure you were scared but you're safe now. We'll take over from here"
Then he lifted his hand from her head and walked towards the Hollows with Gin.
They defeated the Hollows and made sure the students safely returned to the academy.
"Thanks for the help captain Aizen. I really thought we were gonna die back there"
"It's no problem Katsurou. We came to help as we were ordered but when we found out that you were there it became a little more important. You are after all the son to a fellow captain"
With that, Aizen and Gin left them while Katsurou turned to the three first years.
"I have to thank you as well. If you three hadn't come and blocked that Hollow's claws, who knows what would have happened"
"No problem sir"
"Do you mind telling me your names?"
"I'm Izuru Kira, said the blond"
"Name's Renji Abarai, said the red-haired"
"My name is Momo Hinamori, said the girl"
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
"Um sir may I ask how you know captain Aizen?"
"I've actually known captain Aizen since he was a lieutenant over 100 years ago since I grew up among the Gotei 13"
"So then it's true that you are the son of a captain, said Renji"
"That's right. My father is Jūshirō Ukitake, captain of the 13th division"
"That's why your last name was familiar, said Momo.
-Your father is one of the oldest and strongest captains. He was even trained by the head-captain."
"That's right"
Katsurou smiled before he and Shūhei went one way to have Shūhei's eye checked at the infirmary and the first years went another way.
Four weeks later it was just a few days left until Katsurou and Shūhei would graduate from the Soul Reaper academy.
Katsurou was sitting under a Sakura tree and waited for Shūhei.
As he waited, Katsurou closed his eyes and decided to meditate a little. He had been hearing a voice for some days now but didn't know who's it was.
"Master"
Katsurou suddenly opened his eyes but instead of sitting under the tree he stood on a large field. It made him think back to the place Sajin used to take him to when he was younger.
He then looked to the side and saw something big and black come towards him.
"What are you?"
The creature came closer and once it stood right in front of him, Katsurou saw that it was a big black wolf with beautiful blue eyes.
"Greetings master, I'm Kuroi Ōkami but you can just call me Kuroi if you want to"
"Kuroi Ōkami? You're the voice I've heard for some days now"
"That's right. You see, I'm a Zanpakutō and I've been waiting for you to hear my voice clearly and come here so we could meet"
"How long have you been waiting for me?"
"For as long as you've heard my voice"
He then got this serious look in his eyes.
"Katsurou Ukitake do you think you can wield my power?"
Katsurou looked at the large wolf as he sat down and lowered his head. He lifted his hand and started to pet the side of Kuroi's face.
"I do. Kuroi Ōkami I want to wield you power"
"I'm glad to hear you say that. And remember master that no matter what, I will always be here for you"
Kuroi then turned into a sword that Katsurou grabbed in his hand. The sword was a katana with a light blue hilt and on the oval tsuba was a design that resembled a wolf face.
Suddenly, Katsurou was back in the real world.
He looked at the sword next to him and saw that it had changed. It was now Kuroi's sword placed in a dark blue scabbard.
"Hey Suro sorry to keep you waiting"
Katsurou looked up and saw Shūhei come towards him. He grabbed the sword and stood up.
"It's okay Shūhei"
Shūhei then noticed the sword in his friend's hand.
"Did something happen to your sword because it looks different?"
"Believe it or not but while I was waiting I meet a Zanpakutō spirit. This is his sword"
"That's awesome. You got a true Zanpakutō before graduation"
"It's actually kinda cool"
The two then walked towards the academy building for their next class.
A few days later
All sixth years were looking at a board with names by the numbers of each division"
"Alright, I got into the 9th, said Shūhei"
"The 13th for me, said Katsurou"
"Not a surprise."
"I guess not"
"That means that tomorrow we'll go separate ways"
"You're right. But I'm sure we'll still be able to see each other"