Hey I'm back! Sorry it took so long. My muse and I weren't speaking to each other, but we made up and are ready for more. And a late Happy Halloween, I suppose. Honestly, I think it was the five pounds worth of sugar I consumed that kept me up at nights to write this chapter, LOL!
As usual, Bleach is the property of Tite Kubo. Only Kenshin belongs to me.
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When Kenshin awoke that morning, there were no words to describe the immediate excitement he felt. Today was finally the day he would join the ranks of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
There was a knock at the door. As he got out of bed to answer it, he wondered who would be knocking on his door that early. When he opened it he saw that it was one of the attendants of the academy holding a package with a note attached to it. He thanked the attendant and went back into his room. He opened the note.
Dear Academy Graduate,
Congratulations on having graduated the Soul Reaper Academy.
Inside this package you will find your very own Soul Reaper uniform. Don this uniform with pride and please gather in front of the academy with your fellow graduates at ten o'clock sharp for squad assignment.
Welcome to the ranks of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
Sincerely, Head Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto
Kenshin set the letter aside and eagerly opened the box. As he stared at his very own Soul Reaper robes, his eyes filled up with pride.
After he finished his morning ablutions, Kenshin stood before the mirror, dressed in the black standard Shinigami Shihakusho. He found it a little strange that it was only yesterday that he was looking in the same mirror and saw himself in his academy robes. He placed his zanpakutō in his sash and headed for the door. Before he walked out, he turned and looked at the room that had been his home for the last six years. He felt a wave of nostalgia come over him as he gazed over his room for the last time. Then he left.
He walked towards Rangiku's door and knocked.
"Rangiku, you ready?" he asked through the door. Though he was pretty sure what the answer would be.
"Just a minute," came the reply.
'More like ten' he thought sardonically. Twenty minutes later, his big sister finally came out of her room. Kenshin looked on with a grimace at how she had chosen to wear her uniform. Her robes were loose at her breasts, most likely on purpose given that it was Rangiku.
"Is there any particular reason why you're wearing your uniform like that?"
"Why, what's wrong with it?" she asked innocently as she looked herself over.
"Never mind," Kenshin said with a groan. "What happened to the days when you use to be the first one ready?"
"As a woman gets older, her body requires much more preparation in the mornings in order for her to be beautiful," Rangiku stated in a matter-of–fact tone.
"Then you clearly need more preparation," Kenshin mumbled with a small smirk on his face. The smirk fell when he felt a hand impact with the back of his head. He groaned in pain and rubbed the spot that had taken much abuse from his sister over the years.
"You never learn do you?" Rangiku said slightly annoyed.
"No I don't because every time you hit me, it causes me to forget not to do it," Kenshin stated irately.
"Well I wouldn't have to hit you if you would learn to keep your comments to yourself," she snapped back.
"I would keep them to myself if you would just grow up! I swear sometimes I feel like the older sibling."
"If only you weren't short," Rangiku said with a mischievous smile before taking off running and giggling.
"STOP CALLING ME SHORT!" he roared as he chased after her. "GET BACK HERE RANGIKU!"
The two ran about the halls of the academy until they finally made it outside. There they found the rest of the academy graduates standing about, chatting excitedly with what was to come next
Then Kenshin noticed several ranked Soul Reapers from each division, entered the courtyard of the academy. The division soul reapers lined up, in order, awaiting the new graduates assigned to their squads. The Dean of the academy called the students to order. She began reading the name of the graduates, in order of the division they were assigned.
"Rangiku Matsumoto. You have been assigned to Squad Ten. Please see that Soul Reaper over there," the teacher said pointing to an officer of Squad Ten.
"Kenshin Hogasha. You have been assigned to Squad Eleven. Please see those two Soul Reapers over there," the teacher said, this time pointing to the Soul Reapers of Squad Eleven.
Kenshin's excitement grew exponentially when he heard those words. He thought back to what Captain Unohana had told him about Squad Eleven and it's captain, Kenpachi Zaraki. The thought of meeting man that had been his encouragement to get stronger without the help of his zanpakutō pleased him greatly
"I can't believe that you actually got assigned to Squad Eleven," Rangiku said in disbelief. She had heard rumors about that squad and was a little scared for her brother. She heard how the captain was a bloodthirsty animal and how all the other members of the squad thought of battle and nothing else.
Kenshin felt her agitation. He placed his hand on her shoulder, and gave it a squeeze.
"I'm sure I'll be fine Rangiku. This is what we trained for after all," he said reassuringly.
Rangiku was skeptical but smiled none the less and gave her brother a hug.
"Just be careful," she said tenderly.
"I will. You take of yourself. I'll see you soon," he said as he returned her hug.
Rangiku gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before letting go and heading to the Squad Ten officer.
Kenshin took a deep breath and walked towards the two Soul Reapers from Squad Eleven.
As he got closer, he took some time to look them over. One was bald with red marks at the corners of both his eyes. His zanpakutō jauntily held across his shoulder He wore a grin that gave him the look that made him appear he was ready for a good fight.
The one to his left appeared to be a stark contrast to the man beside him. This Soul Reaper wore the standard issue uniform with added accessories. An orange deep collar rose into a mock necksat on top of his uniform. The same color material connected to an orange sleeve on his right arm under the much looser fitting sleeve of the uniform. Thin yellow feathers came out of the corner of his right eye; red thin feathers stood out from his right brow and had shiny, jaw-length hair. To Kenshin, he seemed a little too feminine to be a member of the infamous Squad Eleven.
The two seemed to take notice of Kenshin, who now stood in front of them.
"You the kid that got assigned to our squad?" the bald one asked.
"Yes," Kenshin said with a nod. "My name is Kenshin Hogasha."
"Hmm… you don't look like much," the bald one said as he looked Kenshin over. "But if our captain accepted you, you must be something special. I'm Third Seat, Ikkaku Madarame".
"And I am Fifth Seat, Yumichika Ayesagawa," the other man said in rather pride-filled tone.
"Nice to meet the both of you."
"Likewise. Let's go, the captain's waiting," Ikkaku said as he turned and started walking away, followed by Yumichika and Kenshin.
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"You honestly do not speak to your zanpakutō?" Yumichika asked as the three of them headed towards the Squad Eleven barracks. Ikkaku leaded the way.
"Nope. It doesn't think I'm worthy enough to speak to so I gave up trying," Kenshin stated.
"So you rely on your own power rather than your zanpakutō, huh? I can respect that," Ikkaku said from the front.
"Let's just hope your own power is enough for the captain. If he let you join his squad, it's because he wants to fight you," Yumichika warned.
"Me?" Kenshin asked confused. Captain Unohana did mention something about Captain Zaraki being battle hungry, but he didn't think he would have to fight a captain on his first day as a Soul Reaper.
"Don't worry, he won't kill you," Ikkaku said reassuringly, then with a sly smirk he said "or at least he'll try not to".
Kenshin paled a little after hearing that.
"Ikkaku, you're scaring him," Yumichika chided.
"Real men don't get scared" Ikkaku snapped.
"I'm not scared!" Kenshin said defensively, even though he did feel a little fear.
"Good, because it's not just the captain, I want to see what you're made of too!" Ikkaku stated excitedly as he got within inches of Kenshin's face with a rather scary look on his. Then he continued on ahead.
"You'll get used to it," Yumichika said with a sigh. "Just like our captain, he loves a good fight."
"He said he was the Third Seat. Just how strong is he?" Kenshin asked.
"Well, as the Third Seat, Ikkaku is the third strongest fighter in our squad. However, his skill is definitely at a high lieutenant level."
"Then how strong is the Lieutenant?"
"I think its best if you find that out on your own," Yumichika said with an amused look on his face.
Kenshin definitely felt intimidated. Based on what Yumichika ha told him, Ikkaku was centuries beyond Kenshin's skill level. He didn't say much about the lieutenant, which made him more nervous. Then there was Captain Zaraki. Ikkaku has said that the captain wanted to fight Kenshin. If Kenshin didn't stand a chance against Ikkaku, what chance did he have against the captain? And what about Yumichika?
"Um… no offense, but you said you were the Fifth Seat. Why didn't the Fourth Seat come with Ikkaku or the Lieutenant?"
"Our Lieutenant can't really be trusted with this kind of task and as for our Fourth Seat, we currently don't have one," Yumichika explained.
"But then wouldn't you become the Fourth Seat?"
"Oh, heavens no! I couldn't possibly be the Fourth Seat."
"Why not?"
"Because the Fourth Seat insignia is hideous!" Yumichika said with a disgusted look on his face.
This information left Kenshin at a loss for words. He had never heard of such an absurd reason for not taking a seated position. When Kenshin first met Yumichika, it crossed his mind that he seemed a little like a man who was concerned with his appearance rather than combat. Now, he realized he was correct.
Not really wanting to start up another conversation with this strange Soul Reaper, Kenshin and Yumichika walked the rest of the way in silence
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When Kenshin entered the barracks of Squad Eleven, it finally seemed to set in that he was a Soul Reaper. There would be no more classes, no more learning, and he was no longer protected from the dangers outside the academy walls. He would have to slay hollows more than any other squad since he was a part of the combat division and, despite the fact that he was capable of performing konso, he most likely wouldn't have to.
Yumichika led Kenshin into a large room in the main building. There were several officers of the division standing around talking amongst themselves. They had the appearance of men that were all brawn and no brains. He stuck by Yumichika an Ikkaku since he felt a little safer around them.
"Where's the captain?" he asked.
"He should be here any second. He told us to bring you here as quickly as possible," Yumichika stated. As if on cue, the doors burst open and in came the man Kenshin had been curious to meet for years.
Captain Unohana was rather vague on the appearance of Captain Zaraki so it surprised Kenshin little that he was instantly put into a state of awe and fear.
She had said he was powerful, but that description was an understatement. He was powerful and intimidating. The Eleventh Division Captain's tall muscular frame dwarfed Kenshin's smaller frame. Kenpachi Zaraki wore a wild, nearly feral expression, and is hair was spiked with small bells at its tips. The eye patch on his right eye was balanced by a huge scar on the left side of his face. The captain's haori was ripped and torn, further evidence of the battle hungry warrior god that stood before him.
"Where is he?" he demanded of the Third and Fifth Seat.
"Right here, Captain," Ikkaku said, moving aside to let Kenpachi see Kenshin. Kenpachi, however was a loss.
"I don't see him," he said looking past Ikkaku. This irked Kenshin somewhat. Then he noticed a pink ball pop onto Kenpachi's shoulder. Upon closer inspection, Kenshin realized it was a little girl.
"Hey, Kenny, maybe it's the little guy next to Baldy," the girl said.
"I'm not little," growled Kenshin.
"Who says I'm bald?" Ikkaka asked, a vein twitching above his eye. Kenpachi looked for the source of the first voice but still seemed to be unable to find it.
"Um… down here sir," Kenshin said, causing Kenpachi to look down at him.
"Who let you in here kid?" he asked clearly annoyed.
"Uh… I'm Kenshin Hogasha, the new recruit. It's an honor to be here Captain," he said with a bow.
"You're the guy?!" Kenpachi asked, clearly shocked.
"Y-yes sir," Kenshin said slightly worried. Kenpachi gave a disappointed sigh and ran his hand down his face.
"This is definitely not what I was expecting."
"Sir?" Kenshin asked still confused.
"Oh well. I guess we'll just have to see what you can do. Everyone form a circle around the new kid."
It was then that Kenshin noticed the room full of seated officers
Kenshin was amazed that the fighting would commence within minutes of his arrival. All the officers in the room gathered around him and pulled out their zanpakutōs. Kenpachi pointed to one of the officers and told him to get in the ring with Kenshin. The man, Makizo Aramaki looked a little too inebriated to fight, as if he had been drinking for several hours, but he still smiled smugly at Kenshin, obviously believing that it would be an easy victory. He seemed so confident, that a few seconds after entering the ring, he charged at Kenshin.
Kenshin stood stone still as Makizo came running towards him. When he was within three feet of him, Kenshin grasped his zanpakutō, pulled it out if it's sheath and raised it in an upward ark. The butt of the hilt hit directly under Makizo's chin and sent him into the air, where he flipped backwards before landing on his stomach with a thud. The blow mixed with his intoxication clearly left Makizo defeated.
Kenpachi allowed a small grin to form on his lips.
"Not bad kid, but I want to see more of this unbreakable defense of yours," he said before sending two men into the ring with Kenshin.
The newest opponents came at him from the front and the rear. The one behind Kenshin performed a slash aimed his midsection while the one in front of him prepped for an overhead strike. Kenshin blocked the attack from behind with his zanpakutō and then performed a round house kick on the man in front of him, sending him spinning towards the ground. Keeping up the momentum, he preformed a spin kick and hit the other man square in the cheek, sending him to the ground as well.
Kenpachi's grin widened and he sent three more in to fight Kenshin. The results were the same. Kenshin managed to defeat his opponents with his guard still unbroken. At this point Kenpachi was getting excited and sent half the men still standing at Kenshin!
Thanks to all of the training and conditioning he went through at the academy, Kenshin was able to fight and keep fighting for long periods of time. However, despite all his training, he was still fresh out of the academy and he was fighting members of a division that specialized in combat. Needless to say, by the time Kenshin managed to defeat all of his opponents, he was nearly worn out. He wasn't able to get away without any bruises either. There were times when he would have to use his arms or legs to defend in place of his zanpakutō and each time a new bruise or blemish would form from the powerful hits from his opponents.
He stood in the ring, panting and with almost no energy left. The ones who lost to him were certainly sore that they lost to a new academy graduate but they respected him all the same. Yumichika eyed him with interest. He usually only sparred with Ikkaku, seeing as he was the only other member of the squad that could push him, but he saw potential in Kenshin. Ikkaku was definitely excited. It was rare that he got to fight opponents that could possibly make him go all out. Fighting Kenshin would certainly be an enjoyable experience for him. Kenpachi's grin was at it's maximum length. After watching Kenshin fight, any doubts he had went out the window.
'He may be just a kid, but he's definitely got skill. Maybe this'll be fun after all,' he thought.
"Alright, you punk, now let's see how you fair against a much tougher opponent," Ikkaku said stepping forward.
Kenshin wanted to show his captain that he was worth keeping, but he couldn't deny the fact that he was tired and if Ikkaku was as good as Yumichika had earlier stated, than he wouldn't stand a chance his condition. Still he forced his body into his stance and prepared himself for another fight.
"I can see that you're tired, but you're still ready to fight. That's good, I can respect that. A real man never backs down from a challenge," Ikkaku stated as he unsheathed his zanpakutō and held it in a stance that Kenshin wasn't too familiar with.
Ikkaku held his zanpakutō with his left hand and his sheath with his right. No one in the academy had taught him to use both sword and sheath at the same time and Kenshin never considered it. He was at a loss with how to fight against such a style that seemed to have a perfect balance of offense and defense. He wasn't able to think about it because Ikkaku came running at him full force.
He made a strike aimed at Kenshin's midsection, which Kenshin was able to block. Ikkaku thrust his sheath forward at Kenshin's torso. Kenshin turned to the side and just barely managed to avoid the attack. The Third Seat was definitely much faster, his strength greater than all of the previous opponents he had battled. Had the sheath connected, it would have seriously injured Kenshin.
Ikkaku didn't let up. He continued to release the furious attack upon the newest recruit. Kenshin was using all that he had left just to defend himself. Ikkaku seemed to be enjoying the fight and the challenge of finding an opening in Kenshin's defense.
Ikkaku then did something that Kenshin had never seen: he switched his sword and sheath into different hands. This didn't seem to impair his fighting ability because Ikkaku came at Kenshin with just as much fervor as before.
Once again, the seated officer's sword came in a downward arc on the new recruit,who used his zanpakutō to block. Ikkaku then thrust his sheath towards Kenshin's stomach as he did in the previous attack. Kenshin grasped the sheath before it made contact with him. Ikkaku's grin grew wider and he used the sheath to pull Kenshin forward, then slammed his foot into Kenshin's midsection, sending him flying back and effectively knocking the wind out of him.
For a while Kenshin debated on getting up. His body was sore and he could feel that he had nothing left. After a while he decided it would be better if he stood up and face his opponent rather than accept defeat so easily. With a bit of a struggle, he got to his feet and resumed his stance.
"That's right. Real men endure pain and keep on fighting," Ikkaku said with excitement and then came at Kenshin again.
"That's enough Ikkaku," Kenpachi said, causing the Third Seat to stop in his tracks. "If you break him, then there will be nothing left for me. Let him rest for the day and then tomorrow, him and me will go at it," he said, excitement and anticipation evident in his voice.
Ikkaku seemed reluctant to end his fight, after having such a good time, but obeyed his captain nonetheless.
After Kenshin was commended by Ikkaku and the rest of the division for his skill, he was helped to his new room after finding it difficult to move his legs. He didn't bother stopping to check his room, he just fell onto his bed and tried to ignore the soreness he felt in every part of his body. Life in Squad Eleven was much harder than he thought it would be and it was only his first day! As he dropped into an exhausted oblivion, he knew rougher times were ahead.
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And there you have it, chapter seven Guardian Spirit. This marks as the longest story I've posted on this sight so far. Hopefully it will not be the last.
In celebration of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I will begin working on another Bleach story. I'll try and get the next chapter for this story at soon as possible, but for now I'll be starting my new story.
Thanks for reading. Reviews are love people! Show me some.