NEO-CRYSTAL:

I'm so sorry, dear. The X for squad one simply means nobody made it to squad one. I will give this:There will not be very much Kagome in this if at all. Sorry.

ALSO!

I am cutting this into two short chapters just to see how many reviews I can get on this one before making the big reveal on the true main character. And I am willing to post it tonight if I get five or more reviews instead of waiting until next week.

Enjoy, please! ^_^_^


Head captain Yamamoto led the squads to the testing grounds. It took most of the day to get to where they were going. The hollows didn't take notice of them immediately, but the graduated class certainly took a great deal of notice in the hollows. Most were weak hollows that would show no challenge for the rookies, but some of them were clearly strong enough to give even a lieutenant or captain a bit of trouble. Some of the young soul reapers looked to their captains and lieutenants for some sign that they were joking, that the stronger hollows would be eradicated before the test began, but they found no such thing.

"You have all been chosen to join the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and protect the Soul Society and the balance of souls in the world of the living. Now, go and show us what you can do!" Head Captain Yamamoto gave the signal for the start of the test and thirty-one of the thirty-seven beginners ran head-first into the nest of hollows.

All eyes were on Akihiko. He was the main pick for this year and had an excellent school record. He removed his zanpaktou and began fighting one of the weaker hollows. He had perfect fighting form but that left him open for an assault from behind. He heard the hollow coming at him and jumped into the air quickly. The smaller hollow followed and he quickly cut it down.


"Seems like this one will be a decent fighter after all." Shinji stated to no one in particular.

"I still think he's nothing more than a pathetic little novice. When we 're forced to step in it'll be because of him." Kenpachi frowned down at Akihiko

"I have to say, while he does have basic fighting down, there is one other that I am much more interested in watching." Jushiro sat in the chair that Rukia had brought for him and looked out at the young woman he had seen earlier.

"I agree, Captain Ukitake. That one is much more interesting. Hopefully I'll get a good show today after all."

"So, who is it you two are referring to?" Soi Fon looked as confused as the other captains and lieutenants.

"Kenny won't tell me, either!" Yachiru ran forward to the edge of the cliff to look at the young soul reapers who were fighting the hollows. "He says I'll know who it is when I see it."

"What is it?" Shunsui looked at his old friend for an answer but the smile on the dying man's face told him he too would have to wait and find out.


Hisashi, of squad seven, attacked one of the strongest of the hollows in the nest and was sent flying into Naho of squad two.

"Move you moron!" Naho yelled as she pushed Hisashi out of the way and jumped up just in time to miss the attack of the hollow he had previously assaulted.

Naho used her amateur flash step to get away from Hisashi and attacked one of the other, weaker, hollows.

Akihiko went to Hisashi and punched him on the shoulder. "You idiot, you know better than to attack something stronger than you. Get your head in the game."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, just fix it."

Akihiko looked around when he heard a scream and saw Mayu from squad three ducking and covering her head with a large hollow about to strike. He ran as fast as he could to get to her. He jumped into the air and struck the large hollow but didn't quite destroy it. The monster howled and fell back as Akihiko landed in front of Mayu. She stood up to thank him but was surprised when he pushed her back to the ground.

"Stay down, loser. The dirt is where you deserve to be."


"That's quite appalling, wouldn't you agree." Kenpachi looked at Sajin. The large dog-like captain had a very unhappy look on his face.

"Lieutenant Iba, bring Akihiko to me."

"Yes, Captain."


"Haven't you learned anything from the academy? When you're too weak to fight, you run, or you'll get your comrades killed!"


Tetsuzaemon didn't have the chance to go down to get Akihiko. The hollow he had failed to kill was back up and about to attack. The boy was too absorbed in his own little speech to notice the hollow's presence behind him. "Damn it." Tetsuzaemon started to use flash step to get to Akihiko in time but he was stopped by Jushiro.

"If I don't go down there they could die."

"Just watch, Iba. They'll be fine." Kenpachi glanced at Jushiro. He was watching the scene intently; no doubt he was waiting for the same thing that Kenpachi was.