The next morning I did as I was instructed and with a feeling of dread I made my way to the eleventh division.
I swallowed thickly, the one and only division that was void of any female beside their child like vice captain, the one and only division that was proud of the way they fought, they thrived on violence and blood lust.

I stood outside the captain's office shuffling my feet and thanking whatever entity was up there that he was as dense as one could be when it came to sensing the Reiatsu from others.
Normally I would knock softly but I didn't think that was an option now, running my tongue over my lips I made a fist and banged it on the door.
No response and I opened the door to peek inside, empty, I sighed and shut the door again, apparently I was just as dense as he was.

Staying clear as much of the other members of the division I looked around for the captain who I eventually found on the training grounds.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and stood a few feet away from the crowd, no one seemed to notice me so far.
The crowd cheered and whistled and I felt nauseated just watching, surely my captain was joking, snorting at the mere thought of my captain making joke I continued to watch the fight.

It ended quickly with Zaraki Taichou laughing in victory, the mere sound making me shiver, why did most of the captains seem so scary.
The crowd cleared as one by one people returned to their own practice or their post.
He turned in my direction and just as I was about to walk up to him a foot landed on my head and Yachiru jumped toward Zaraki Taichou chanting "Kenny won" over and over again.

I placed a hand on top of my head and straightened out my hair as much as I could, placing the now loose strands behind my ear.
"Zaraki Taichou" I called and his head turned toward me his wicked grin still in place.
I grimaced slightly and walked over.
"My name is Shiba Mai, my captain informed me to report to you" I spoke as I bowed politely

His chuckle reached my ears.
"So you are the girl who pissed of the cold bastard" he spoke down to me.
My eye twitched as he referred to my captain in such a manner but nodded my head anyway.
"That would be me yes" I sighed out.

"You better be careful girly, my men aren't really used to having women around.
Better put up a good fight" he grinned as he walked away.
"Join the others in training if I need anything from you I will let you know" he spoke before he disappeared from sight.

I stood there and watched as the other practiced their skill with heavy blows and loud voices.
Rolling my eyes I turned around and created some distance between me and the others to quietly practice on my own, or so I had hoped.
I could feel eyes follow my every move as I grasped the hilt of my Zanpaktou and pulled it from its sheath and took a stance.

Now I don't mean to sound arrogant but comparing me to them it almost seemed like I was dancing, obviously there were about as graceful as a giant tearing apart a village, but the fact I wasn't made me and out.
The nail that sticks out will be hammered right.

Laughter reached my ears and I stopped mid movement to look at the source.

"Did you get lost on the way to your squad" a voice taunted.
The grip on the hilt tightened slightly and I took a deep breath before I continued I wouldn't give in to their taunting behavior.
More people stopped and I couldn't help but grow insecure.
"Maybe we should show you how it's done" the same man said as he started walking towards me, I didn't falter until he suddenly charged forward with a loud cry, his Zanpaktou clashing with mine with such force I actually stumbled back.

I was not weak, I refused to think I was but what was I supposed to do about brute force.
He charged again and once more our swords clashed although this time I didn't stumble I had to grunt with the amount of strength I had to use to block him.
His laughter ticked me off and with some force I pushed him back and swung my sword at him only for him to block with ease.
A sadistic smile crept onto his face as if he was pleased that I was finally fighting back.

"So you do know how to use it" He mocked as he pushed my sword away and jabbed in my direction, I stepped side ways to avoid getting stabbed.
I remained silent as I stepped forward bringing my sword up before slashing it down at him, he simply slashed his up so they met halfway.
Twirling on my toe I pulled back my sword and swung it again from his right side forcing him to step back.
He growled and charged forward again forcing me to back up and to block blow after blow until I stumbled again, I was able to regain my balance before I fell on the ground.

I glared at him as I straightened up and before he could charge again I used my flash step to appear behind him and deliver an upward blow, blocking it slightly to late I cut his upper shoulder slightly.
His eyes narrowed and he lost it then charging forward not giving me another chance to attack.

I heaved for breath as once again I fell to ground, several bruise forming and shallow cuts that had either stopped bleeding of were just inflicted decorated my body.
The grip on my sword loosened up and I just let myself fall backwards in defeat, I wasn't cut out to be in a squad like this anyway, why try and prove otherwise.
His laughter sounded again as he turned his back to and walked away with some others.

I have no idea how long I laid there on the ground just staring at the clouded sky.
I wondered if I could go back to Kuchiki Taichou and apologize again so I wouldn't have to stay here but my pride probably wouldn't let me do that.
A defeated sigh left me as I wondered once more how long I would be left here.

The next morning I woke up groaning, my whole body was sore and aching, deciding a warm bath might help ease my discomfort and I hobbled to the bathroom.
I arrived late that morning for having soaked in the bath for longer than I should have, avoiding people with care I made my way to the training grounds.
They stared and mumbled before laughing and turning back to their duties.

In the end it was six more of these days.
Six days of getting my butt kicked, but I must say I was getting better at the whole charge forward and use brute force thing.
Six days before everything suddenly seemed to be put in motion.
Six days and suddenly the Seireitei was being intruded by Ryoka and everything went down hill.