Chapter Three
Greeting everyone. Its been awhile. Sorry for the delay, but between computer crashes, finals, and writer's block this chapter was a pain to write. I was never really satisfied with the personality I gave Soifon, or this chapter in general, but I finally just decided to just finish it up and move the story on. Its not as long as I had hoped, but I decided to just end it where it was and get it out sooner. Rest assured I have a good idea of where this story is heading from here, so the next chapters shouldn't take nearly as long and should be substantially longer. Hope you enjoy.
Bleach and Naruto do not belong to me.
Chapter Two
And His Eyes Were As Steel
Soifon paced in front of the lined up trainees, cursing whatever Kami hated her at the moment. What the hell is the use of this program anyways, only a handful have ever made it out of here and amounted to anything more than full time guards. Nevertheless she had her orders, and she would fulfill them however she could. "Listen up! There is one rule and one rule only while you are here. Follow my instructions." The edge in her voice made it immediately apparent how much she wanted to be here, and the cadets couldn't help but shift nervously on their feet. "You all are here for one of two reasons, you either washed out of the academy, or no squad was willing to take you. I'm going to be perfectly honest with you all." Here she stopped pacing and glared directly at them, doing her best to glare at all of them at the same time. "You all are a waste of my time. But still I have my orders. In case you do not understand the situation you all are in, let me explain. You are all, in a word, on probation as full-time shinigami. You were sent to me because I am in charge of the second division, whose responsibility it is to keep the peace inside the Sereitei and the Rukongai. For the next three months, you will be given small responsibilities as a part of this group, in order to test your true capabilities. In addition to this, you will be going through intensive training to make sure you reach your maximum potential. At the end of the three months you will be reevaluated and hopefully at least a few of you will be ready to serve as true shinigami, though I'm not holding my breath. Today will be one of the few days that you will see me as I have other responsibilities. Know that you can quit at anytime, but don't expect to get another shot." Her dark grey eyes hardened, "Welcome to hell."
At least they're giving me free reign with how I do it this year. Nothing like a few green rookies to torment. Even as these thoughts passed through her head, she noticed someone slowly walking across the field towards them. His long black jacket reached down past his knees, and its sleeves hung loose as if his arms weren't inside them. His bright blonde hair stood out across the field, and Soifon's sharp eyes took in his features. Her experienced eye couldn't help but be impressed with the way he moved. Perfectly coordinated, not an ounce of movement or energy wasted. Muscles tense enough to react to anything, but still relaxed enough to not let it show to most. Impressive. Though I must say his choice of attire is a little strange. As she finished this thought, the man took a place in the last rank of those lined up before her. She narrowed her eyes. Huh, didn't really think he was here to be part of the class. Still, he needs to be taught a lesson. Her eyes once again hardened, a slightly malicious smirk on her face. "Oh I forgot to mention something…never show up late." And with that she seemed to simply flash out of existence to those who were lined up before her. Except for one.
Naruto sighed to himself. A single word flashed through his mind. Inevitable. The trainees around him were looking about in confusion, and a few who had noticed when Naruto appeared, stared at him smirking, already realizing what was about to happen. Naruto sighed again and one of his arms, previously unseen inside the jacket, flashed out. The clanging of metal attracted the attention of everyone gathered and they turned, their eyes widening, as they saw Soifon standing right behind Naruto, a blade across his throat. Soifon had a hard time keeping the shocked expression off her face.
Not only was he able to follow me, but he anticipated my attack quick enough to completely counter it. Even though I wasn't going anywhere close to my top speed, he didn't look like he was even trying. Upon closer inspection, it could be seen that Naruto held a triangular knife by the blade in his left hand. Opposite the blade, on the other side of the handle of the knife was a ring. And through that ring was the end of the wakizashi of the shinigami captain. Though Soifon's blade was still against Naruto's throat, he had the leverage needed to remove it if he chose. What truly shocked Soifon was something that those gathered couldn't see. Underneath the black jacket, Naruto's right hand held a similar knife in a reverse grip. Soifon could feel the tip of it slightly dig into the skin of her stomach, through the cloth of the cloak and her own tight shirt.
Silence reigned over the training field as neither of them moved a muscle. Finally a cold voice broke the silence. "Uzumaki Naruto, reporting as ordered, Soifon-Taichou." His emotionless voice caused a shiver to run the length of more than a few spines. Soifon wasn't fazed in the slightest, if anything the voice intrigued her more. Her face hardened, and her voice rang with the sound of authority that came with being a captain.
"Tell me, Uzumaki, how arrogant does one have to be to expect to be given the right to show up later than everyone else." Her warm breath tickled the back of the blonde's ear, but he didn't have any visual reaction.
"I apologize for my tardiness, Soifon-Taichou." His cold voice once again carried over the training ground. His face remained impassive, and his entire body seemed to carry an air of indifference. Soifon raised her eyebrow at the blonde's short response, but didn't comment. With another flash, she was gone from behind Naruto and back in front of the assembled trainees, her wakizashi again sheathed across the small of her back.
"Well as exciting as that interruption was, its time for the real fun to begin." Her voice contained a bit of sadistic glee, causing a few more shivers throughout the assembly. And with that they immediately started a grueling physical workout of sprints, push-ups, sit-ups, and long distance runs. Just by glancing at them, after several hours of this constant training, Soifon could immediately separate them into several groups. Hmmm… once again it's immediately apparent that the academy doesn't care about real physical conditioning. It's doubtful any of them could last two minutes fighting a hollow. But even as she thought this, a few stood out to her. A handful seem to be in decent shape, they can at least complete the exercises. Let's see here, there's seven that appear ready for the next stage. A lot more than I had expected. Her eyes then flickered to the whiskered trainee who had already earned both her ire and a small bit of interest. Uzumaki Naruto… Intriguing.
"Everyone, line-up!" The voice of her lieutenant rang over the training grounds and snapped her out of her musings. As soon as they were organized, her lieutenant turned to her.
"You will assemble here at 0500, every morning, for the next three months for physical conditioning. It is obvious that only a few of you have ever bothered with keeping yourself in shape, but you will make this a priority now. You miss it, and don't bother coming back here, just pack your bags and get out. I don't care where; just know that you will not be welcome here. Now, everyone except Shiyo Eriko, Shiyo Reiley, Uruni Kang, Kaley Ikare, Uzumaki Naruto, Ishikawa Sei-ho and Imlu Beron is dismissed. If I just said your name, remain behind so I may have a word." In the few minutes it took for the majority of the trainees to walk off the field, Soifon quickly studied the information she had on each of the aforementioned shinigami provided her by the academy. Well, let's see here. Both Shiyos seem to be slightly above average in the physical aspects, but absolutely hopeless at kidou. The Uruni though in good shape, is the opposite: horribly clumsy during a physical fight but decent at kidou. Both Kaley and Imlu need help with everything except the physical conditioning. Ishikawa is capable and would've been selected for a squad, but there were worries about his reactions to real fighting. And all of them have right around average reiatsu levels. And Uzumaki… what the hell? Soifon glanced up at the remaining recruits, particulary one bearing whisker markings on his face. The blonde's glacial blue eyes stared unflinchily back into her own, causing a frown to mar Soifon's face. She glanced down at the file again. No information is available on his physical capabilities with a sword or in hand to hand. Though they do know he is passable at kidou. His reiatsu level is barely high enough to qualify him for the academy, the only thing that seemed to save him was his exceptional control over it. Strange…
"Ok, first things first. I have observed you seven and it has come to my attention that you actually might have at least some potential." She let her voice remain scathing. "Since you could withstand the physical conditioning right away, I am going to immediately move onto the next stage with this group." She saw that the previously nervous group now seemed a bit more interested, though the blonde had yet to show any sort of reaction. "I have a slight amount of information on each of your abilities, but reading a report really doesn't do anything for me. So first I need to further evaluate your skills. We'll start with a spar. Everyone, pair up." The captain couldn't help but notice the glances they all sent at Naruto before they immediately grabbed someone else as a partner. What am I missing here? Its obvious there is something I don't know about blondie over there. Oh, well. Blow that bridge up when we come to it. "Ok, you two first, let's see what you got. Don't hold anything back."
The first two to fight were the Shiyo sisters, Eriko and Reiley. Immediately drawing their blades, they charged each other. Soifon couldn't help but rethink her previous statement about them possibly having some potential. These two, though they were confident, moved through the forms of their strikes sloppily, and the only reason the fight was not immediately over was because they were roughly the same in skill. Sure, they could hold out fine against the average academy student, but anybody with a little experience could have torn both of them apart. Finally, Soifon stopped them. Her glare fell on both of them. "Neither of you would last a minute against a hollow of any rank. You can't just move through the forms sloppily and expect an enemy not to take advantage of the holes you leave in your guard. Work on perfecting the forms." And this is how it went for the next hour.
The next fight was even worse, if that was possible. Ijare Kaley demolished Uruni Kang, but this was only because he used brute strength to force himself through the clumsy guard of his opponent. Ishikawa Sei-ho performed well, but seemed reluctant to become aggressive, letting his opponent, Imlu Beron, control the fight. The fight lasted awhile before Soi-Fon called it, berating Ishikawa for hesitating to strike. "Ok, last one, since there's an odd number, the lucky one left gets to fight me." A sadistic smirk appeared on her face as she stared at the stoic blonde. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you, I just want to see what you need to work on." She put her hand to the hilt of her weapon and waited for her opponent to do the same. When he made no motion to do so, she cocked her head to the side and grinned. "You gonna fight? Don't worry, I won't hurt you…much."
"Ano, uh, Soifon-Taichou…" Soifon glanced over at Shiyo Eriko and raised her eyebrows. The girl shrunk under her gaze and murmured something. Slightly puzzled, she turned her gaze back on the blonde, who still had not made a move towards his sword.
"I believe they wish to inform you of my habits regarding sparring, Soifon-Taichou." The cold words puzzled the captain and she again glanced over at the girl. "They wish to tell you that in all my time at the academy, I did not once participate in a spar of any kind." Soifon's head snapped back to him and her eyebrow climbed towards her hairline.
Ok…that was certainly unexpected.
Naruto seemed not to notice her reaction as he continued, "I am curious, Soifon Taichou. What would be required of me to forego this 'extra training'?" All of those assembled couldn't help but be curious at this line of questioning. Soifon merely scoffed.
"You telling me, gaki, that you've never fought with a blade and you wish to skip my training? You still want to become a shinigami, don't you?" Naruto's cold blue eyes never flickered as he matched Soifon's stare.
"Would you please answer the question, Soifon-taichou?"
She thought for a second before answering. "I would need what the people at the academy needed before sending you out into battle." She drew her blade and held it in a reverse guard position. "I need to know that you won't die or get others killed when the shit hits the fan. I need to know you can fight." The blonde seemed to ponder this for a second before nodding to himself. The six trainees watching widened their eyes as he lowered himself into a defensive stance.
"That is... acceptable. Then let us fight." His tone was final as he settled into his position. Having already discarded his jacket before the physical training, he was left unhindered by his dark long-sleeved shirt and pants. His fingerless gloves were crimson with metallic guards on the back, and without the jacket, Soifon's eye could tell that he had several weapons and pads scattered about his person. Naruto reached down towards his sword, causing Soifon to tense in anticipation. He glanced at her, before unstrapping the scabbard and throwing both it and the blade it contained aside. Soifon's eyes once again widened before she sneered.
"Pick up your blade, gaki, I told you I need to see you fight to even think about letting you out of this." Naruto simply shifted his guard position, all the time staring straight back into the shinigami captain's eyes.
"A blade is not necessary to fight, Soifon-Taichou. I will give you one warning before we begin." His twin glaciers seemed to flicker slightly, and Soifon could swear she saw them turn crimson briefly. For just a brief second she felt uncertainty and a small amount of fear settle in her stomach before she banished them. The blonde shifted stances again as he continued. "Don't underestimate me." His words seemed to hang over the training grounds as Soifon studied him. She couldn't help but be puzzled by his stance. It was completely unorthodox and she knew that she had never seen anything like it. The right side of his body was turned towards her, with his foot pointing directly at her. His left leg was behind and was planted so that the inside of his foot was towards both his other foot and his opponent. Both knees were bent, putting him in a low crouch, with most of his weight being supported by his back leg. The position of his arms was what truly puzzled her. His left arm was held across his body and the hand grasped the top of the elbow joint of his other arm. This arm was held so that it traveled back across and up his body, with the tips of his fingers resting on the top of his left shoulder. She took all this in at a glance, as she sheathed her weapon.
"Very well, gaki, you want to fight hand-to-hand, we can do that. I'll give you one last chance to reconsider." Naruto didn't even acknowledge her, remaining in his position.
"I will repeat what I have already said, Soifon-Taichou. Don't underestimate me." And with that he struck. Soifon barely realized he had moved before she had to raise her arm to block a strike heading towards the side of her head. Those watching could only gape as it seemed to them that the supposed dead last had simply disappeared from his spot and reappeared right in front of Soifon, his arm already moving towards her head. Even as Soifon moved her left arm to block the incoming fist, her right was coming up in a strike to the blonde's kidneys. He may be fast, but his stance leaves his body completely open as he strikes. Foolish. Her thoughts were cut off as Naruto's strike impacted into her raised guard. Soifon only registered a brief flash of pain in her arm before she realized she had been hurled aside by the force of the blow. Quickly righting herself in the air and landing, she stared with wide eyes at the blonde who stood in her previous position, already back in his original guard position.
"I warn you again Soifon-Taichou, that was the last time I will leave myself open. Had you not underestimated me, the fight would already be over. I am… disappointed." Soifon stayed silent as she retook a guard position, though her opponent's emotionless voice and face were beginning to annoy her.
Shit, he hits hard. Probably as hard as I can, and I don't think he's even going all out yet. I'll have to rely on speed. Can't let him hit me like that too many more times. She flashed forward, sending a lightning fast strike towards the whiskered face. Even as her hand traveled towards him, she couldn't help but think the expression on his face seemed almost… satisfied. Her eyes once again widened as his entire right arm pivoted, using the left hand, which still held his elbow, as a turning point. He caught her wrist and continued to pivot his arm, turning it to an uncomfortable angle.
"I'm glad to see you have started taking me seriously, Soifon-Taichou. But next time, do not hesitate in your strike. I assure you, I've felt worse." Even as he said this, he was forced to release her wrist and leap over a spinning kick. Soifon did not let up this time, and immediately launched into a series of quick hits with both feet and hands, testing his guard. The onlookers could only see two blurs and occasionally a glimpse of the two deadlocked, as crashes sounded over the training area.
Soifon was now more than impressed. Not only was this Uzumaki Naruto probably as physically strong as her, he was able to keep up with her speed, though she still wasn't going full out. Every strike was deflected or avoided and countered. His smooth, almost effortless blocks and counterstrikes spoke of a great deal of experience. Soifon increased her speed slightly and, though her strikes were still all blocked, she could tell she was now pushing into her opponents defenses. He still kept up the emotionless mask over his face, which was now starting to anger her. He suddenly leapt at the woman, bringing his leg around in a spinning kick. The shinigami captain was able to duck under it, but he sent a snap kick at her face as soon as he landed, taking her by surprise. She back flipped once as she was launched backwards and landed with her arms raised in a guard position, ready for the next strikes. It took her a moment to realize that he was simply standing at the spot where he had kicked her, his arms simply held at his sides. Soifon spat on the ground in front of her, blood coloring her saliva crimson. "What are you waiting for, gaki, an engraved invitation?"
Naruto did not act as though he had heard her and instead began talking. "I'm genuinely impressed, Soifon-Taichou, I did not think there was anybody in Soul Society who had not handicapped themselves by relying on their zanpakuto. Your skill in hand-to-hand surpasses anything I have seen here. Not only that, but you quickly realized that you could only beat me with your speed, and concentrated on avoiding my strikes: a wise decision. However," Naruto paused here and lowered himself into a different guard position. His left side towards his opponent, open hand turned towards her, while his trailing arm was held level with his head behind him. "Your strategy relies completely upon the fact that you think I cannot match your speed." Again he launched himself at his opponent faster than any of the open mouthed spectators could see.
Soifon blocked the first series of strikes launched at her, but was quickly driven back. His style is completely different now. He's no longer using his strength as much, but instead is simply pushing my guard with fast strikes, forcing me on the defensive. A thought occurred to her and her dark eyes widened slightly. He's testing me! Pushing me to see what my limit is. He's not even taking me seriously. Her eyes hardened, as she pushed him back slightly.
The blonde retreated several steps before he again adjusted. His body seemed to flow from one strike to the next, pushing Soifon's guard to the limits. He finally found an opening and one of his hands darted out, striking her thigh in a vulnerable cluster of nerves, causing the muscle to clench painfully. At the same time Soifon lashed out, managing to land a solid hit on the shoulder. They both leaped back, staring at each other, emotionless blue meeting angered brown.
"I believe any further sparring would only accomplish serious injuries to both of us. You have evaluated my skills. What is your verdict, Soifon-Taichou?" His blue eyes continued to bore into Soifon's eyes as he asked his question.
Soifon stood there silent for a moment, eyes studying the person who had just come out even against a Shinigami captain. "You certainly have some skill, Uzumaki, but can you kill? Beating up a hollow with your fists won't get the job done very often." Her expression hardened. "Tell me this, Uzumaki, how do I know that when the time comes you will be able to draw your sword and kill what needs to be killed?"
She hadn't thought his eyes could get any colder, but they somehow managed it, his voice ringing with the same hint of steel. "Killing is the only thing I know how to do, Soifon-Taichou." And with that he turned his back towards her. Pausing only to pick up his cloak and blade, he walked slowly away from the group of stunned onlookers. His emotionless voice carried back to them on a slight breeze. "I will return in three months for the reevaluation." And with a flicker of movement, he was gone.
Soifon stared after him for a moment before scowling and turning back to the group that was still assembled, only to find them all standing slack jawed. "What the hell are you staring at? Get out of here." Her scowl remained on her face as she stared after the hastily retreating trainees. This soon faded back to an impassive face as she glanced again at where the blonde enigma had disappeared from. Most intruiging…
Taking a step towards the main building of the second division's complex, she sucked in a breath as the muscle in her leg tensed painfully. Cursing under her breath, she limped back to her office where she quickly penned several missives, sending them off at once. All of them had something to do with a certain whiskered shinigami.