My best memory is standing in front of the doors to the Shinigami academy. I had been accepted after a test to check my Reiatsu. It had not been a surprise, as much as a welcome bit of news, which instantly changed my life. The only thing remaining of my old life lay behind me, as soon as I could enter the door. This, however, did not stop me. I shouldered my burden and took the last step of my past, taking the first step of my future.
I do not wish to go into deep detail of my years within the academy, mainly because of the fact that it was largely routine, going through all of the normal classes. I learned swordsmanship, Kidou, and other things which would help me on the road ahead. My favorite class was learning how to fight with a sword, which I took to with an almost overdone ease. It was in this class, however, that I first met him.
The teacher, as always, was reading of the list of sparring partners, with me listening eagerly for my name, along with the rest of the students. Finally, I heard it.
"Fuchiro Izanagi and Hitoyoshi Kiro." The words echoed around the room. As I stood, I looked for this Hitoyoshi, wondering who I would be fighting today. I saw another young man, who seemed to be doing the same thing as me. His black hair was short and spiky, and he was tall, almost as tall as me.
Walking over to the indicated training ring, we each took up our training swords. He looked at me, running one hand through his hair, while I stood there, sword held loosely at my side, as I always started.
"So you're Fuchiro?" He asked briefly, his eyes boring into mine.
"I'd prefer it if you call me by my given name while sparring." I replied, returning his stare.
"Izanagi then..." He shrugged. "Whatever."
That was the first time I met Hitoyoshi. Over time, we became each others greatest rivals, competing against each other in everything. We were always fighting against each other.
We graduated toghether, passing into the ranks of the Gotei 13. Soon, we both joined the sixth division, still competing for higher ranking. It was two years later that the two lowest seated officers were killed by hollow in the real world. Hitoyoshi and me were placed in the two spots, both jostling for the higher seat. In this way, we made each other stronger, and created a bond stronger than any other I'd had.