Chapter 8: The Academy and the Obfuscating Roses part 1: The Written Test
Slowly opening his eyes, Toshiro wakes to see his room in a golden hue. He rises up from his bed and stretched his sore muscles. He looks to his left only to see an empty spot where Train Heartnet slept the previous night. This causes the young captain to worry. He can't sense Train's spiritual pressure in the immediate area, which only increases his worry. He knows that Train is ignorant about Seireitei, the poor guy could get lost, or hurt! Or worse, be late for his first day in the academy!
Train's POV
I decided to wake up early since the morning sun woke me up. I glanced at Toshiro seeing as though he's still sleeping. 'Since it's dawn I should enjoy the moment before I go to boring life in the academy,' I thought. I opened the window and jumped on the roof. The golden warmth made me want to take a nap on the rooftop. 'Maybe a quick nap.' I thought as I lay down on the roof and closed my eyes.
Reopening my eyes I was back in my Inner World, staring at the full moon once again. I stood up realizing I was on the fountain's stone edge. I looked at the many roses surrounding my fountain. I looked at the lavender rose again, but is it supposed to have two in one? I slapped myself in the face. Yep, it's still there.
"Is there something you are not fond of, Train." I turned around seeing the dragon cat lady from before.
"Why is the lavender rose now has two instead of one?" I asked her.
"All I can say is each rose represents your emotion for people you know."
"So, two roses in one represent my emotions for two different people, even if they are the same color?"
"Bravo, Mr. Heartnet. Bravo", she said while sarcastically applauding. "And has your mother ever told you to say good morning to anyone when they made their appearance?" I rolled my eyes. Why do I have a zanpakuto who acts like a mother hen? "I beg your pardon. You know I can hear every thought that comes through your head, right?"
"I'm sorry. Good morning, Partner, and thanks for the update"
"Much better. Do you wish to continue?"
"Yes, my question is who are two people I know who I fallen in love with?" I glanced at her hoping she would give me an answer.
"I apologize if I am not helping you but this is your personal problem. I bid you adieu, Train." She walked past me as if I was a mere illusion. "Before I take my leave I leave you with this piece of advice. One of those two roses will die out for lack of love for them. One rose is someone you have known and the other is someone you have met. Both have changed you." When I turned around she was gone. What does her advice mean? Why does she have to talk in riddles? This is so confusing.
I felt a tug on my shoulder...
Normal POV
Surprisingly, Train jerks his head up and bumps into something hard. He rubs his forehead as he looks at the thing that caused his temporary pain. It ended up being a someone: Toshiro Hitsugaya, who is rubbing his forehead as well. While they are not looking at each other the two are blushing in embarrassment. At the same time, they both hear their zanpakuto laughing at this unusual scene.
After mentally telling them to shut up, Toshiro says, "Since you are awake now it's time for you to get dressed."
Train sighed. "I almost forgot why today is so important. Remind me again why I'm going to this Soul Reaper Academy."
"Because, Train, you need to learn to take control of your powers. In all my times in the thirteen court guard squads I have never seen anyone create objects using reishi. If this information was to be heard in the ears of our enemies they'll use you as a mere pawn in their plans. We both know it is either this or death, and there is no way in Hell I'll let you go through with you getting executed for doing no crime on your first day in Seireitei. Do you understand now?"
"Geez. I asked a simple question, not a life-long speech."
"You know what I mean. Let's get going. You need to wear your uniform."
"Is it possible-"
"For the last time, no. You are not requesting to change your mind."
"But-"
"No!"
"I was only wondering-"
"DAMMIT, TRAIN HEARTNET! I SAID NO!
~BCR~
Toshiro waits outside his room, tapping his foot impatiently. He knocks on his door for like the fifth time in the last two minutes. "Are you done in there? How long does it take for you to put your uniform on?"
"Excuse me for my tardiness, Mr. Impatient. But I never wore this outfit in my living life! So don't blame me if I'm taking away your precious time", Train says from the inside of the captain's room. "Anyway, I'm almost done. Hold on for a second." If you were Hitsugaya a second felt more like a year. "OK, you can come in." Toshiro slides his door open revealing Train in his uniform: a white kosode(shirt) with blue stripes above a blue shitagi (under shirt), blue hakama (trousers/pants), and white socks with sandals. The only thing that stands out is his red choker with the bright gold bell hanging from it. "What do you think?"
In the golden hue, Train's eyes seem to become more brighter. Toshiro keeps staring at him. Train tries to hold in his giggles but it went out after fifteen seconds. "What?" Toshiro asks agitated.
Train points to his face. "There is a piece of saliva coming out of your mouth."
Toshiro feels his face heating up as he wipes away the hanging saliva. He turns to leave before showing his embarrassing blush saying, "We have to leave and blue suits you more than red."
"Aw, thanks Shiro."
The white-haired shinigami turns around to face the brunette asking, "What did you call me?"
"Shiro. I like to give my friends a nickname. Maybe I should call you Snowball. Nah, I'll think of a better name for you later."
Toshiro begins walking away. "You can only call me Captain Hitsugaya, when you are an official Shinigami, or Toshiro. Remember that."
Then, Train follows Toshiro out the barracks. "Aye aye, Capitan."
"Oh, shut up."
~BCR~
"Wow. This is the academy? It's frigging huge!" Train yells while staring at the school in shock from the entrance gate. The school stands beyond him, tall and presently white. In Train's mind, he thought he is looking at a palace. Cherry blossoms glide from the eastern wind giving the school a welcoming presence.
"Of course this is the academy. Where else would I be taking you? And stop gawking at it like it's new. This place has been here for centuries."
"Whoa. That long? By now the founder must be one old guy."
Hitsugaya chuckles. "Nice guess. It's Head Captain Shigenkuni Genryusai Yamamoto, who is the founder of the Shinigami Academy."
"I stand corrected." They both walk inside. Train, who is admiring every view that comes to face, notices something off. This entire building is empty. "Hey, Toshiro. Where are the other students?"
"If I'm correct they must be getting ready or waking up."
"WHAT? You're telling me we came here early? Why?"
"I don't want to cause a commotion. How would they react if they see a captain, like me, escorting a new student in here? They'll spread gossip, stalkers watching your every move, and anyone who cross your path will ask an endless amount of questions. You'll be the center of attention on day one of your first academic year. Did you forget what Head Captain Yamamoto said yesterday? You're supposed to keep your powers a secret. That much exposure will you get in trouble."
"Okay, if you put it that way. Why didn't you let me walk here alone?"
"You're still an amateur to Seireitei. Do I have to draw you a picture why?"
"Fine. You don't have to be snooty about it."
~BCR~
They finally made it to the headmaster's office. Toshiro opens the door assuring Train would go in first. He does and inside Train feels someones presence inside the room. The office is all tidy up and organize. It's so clean you can barely see any dust flying around.
A beautiful dark brown desk at the bed by the window with a black rolling chair facing back at them. A median-large pile of paperwork on the left side semi neatly order. Train senses the mysterious stranger on the of the rolling chair. As soon as Toshiro closes the door the chair the chair swirls around revealing a long white haired captain who Train remembers from the meeting. He can tell this man has kindness just by looking into his dark brown eyes. The man stands up from his desk and walks around it toward Train.
"Good morning, Train Heartnet. Let me be the first to welcome you to the Shinigami Academy",he said stucking his hand out to Train to introduce himself. "My name is Juushiro Ukitake, captain of squad 13."
The newly student took his hand and shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Are you the academy's headmaster?"
"Yes I am", he replies after taking his hand out of the greeting grip. "This is like an extra job I do when I am not working as a captain, but I bring along my paperwork to complete while I'm in here."
"It must be tough being a captain and the academy's headmaster at the same time."
"It is, but you don't need to worry about me. I've managed doing these two with the help of my two third seats, who're also my assistants."
"I don't mean to pry but why do you have two third seats?"
"It's hard to choose between them. They are both strong and loyal in equal rate."
"I guess that makes sense."
"Can we get down to business", Toshiro interrupts their nice chat. "Train needs to do his entrance exam before the students arrive."
"What entrance exam? I thought I was too late to take it."
"On the contrary, since the Head Captain insisted on you coming here I made an exception for you to take your exam early before school starts. This exam determines what kind of class you'll take for the next six years. There are two type of classes; the normal and the advanced. If your entrance exam's score is high, you'll be placed in the advanced class. If it's a low score, you'll be put in the normal classes. Get it?"
"Got it."
"You'll be taking two types of the entrance exam. One is the written test and the other is the physical. Right now you're going to take the written exam. You can use my office for privacy while me and young Hitsugaya stand outside to wait." Ukitake went inside his desk taking out a pencil, an eraser, and a small packet. "No need to rush yourself. You have a few hours before the students could arrive. Come along, Toshiro. We must give Train some privacy of his own." Both the two captains walk out the office and closing the door behind them.
Train Heartnet now stands alone in the headmaster's office, who happens to be one of the captain's from the meeting. He loudly sighs. "I might as well get it over with." He went to sit on Ukitake's chair and takes the pencil. The line requiring his name to be written from last name to first. He writes it down on the paper. It was now time to start the written test.
"'Multiple Choice. Circle in your answer of the following questions below.
Question 1: Who is the head captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads?' This is going to be a piece of cake." Train looks at the three sorts of answer. "'a.) Takashi Yamamoto b.) Shigenkuni Genryusai Yamamoto c.) Yoshi Yamamoto d.) Kurogane Yamamoto.'" The soon-to-be new student ended up having his head on the test. "I'm doom. Who makes up this test? All I know is hearing Toshiro telling me his name is Yamamoto." His quickly got his head out the desk. "Or did he mentioned his whole name to me before?"
"Of course he mentioned it before, you bad excuse of a cat person!"
'Well, if it isn't my so-called helper.'
"Train, all you have to do is remember. You have a brain use it!"
'Then why don't you help me if you know the answer!'
"It isn't my fault you don't remember what happen before you got inside the school."
'What...?'
[Flashback]
"Wow. This is the academy? It's frigging huge!" Train yells while staring at the school in shock from the entrance gate. The school stands beyond him, tall and pristinely white. In Train's mind, he thought he is looking at a palace. Cherry blossoms glide from the eastern wind giving the school a welcoming presence.
"Of course this is the academy. Where else would I be taking you? And stop gawking at it like it's new. This place has been here for centuries."
"Whoa. That long? By now the founder must be one old guy."
Hitsugya chuckles. "Nice guess. It's Head Captain Shigenkuni Genryusai Yamamoto, who is the founder of the Shinigami Academy."
"I stand corrected."
[End Flashback]
"I remember! Thank you, Toshiro!"
His zanpakuto sighs. "This is going to be one long test day."
Train circles in a and went to the next question. "'Question 2: Which squad is the research and development department? a.) squad 3 b.) squad 9 c.) squad 11 d.) squad 12.'" Train puts his elbow on top of the desk and lets his cheek rest on his hand. "I wish I know which squad is." He sighs in frustration. "I guess I have no choice but to circle in between the two." With no clue of the answer, he circles in b.
He went to the third question. "'Question 3: An evil spirit that lurks around the human world is/are called _. a.) Creatures b.) Boogyman c.) Hollows d.) creature of the night.' I know this one." Train circles in c and he was on the next one.
"'Question 4: What is a modified soul? a.) a piece of candy b.) an artificial soul c.) a second soul d.) none of the above.' B sounds like a scientist would say." He circles in b for his answer.
"'Question 5: How many ranks are in a squad? a.) 5 b.) 10 c.) 15 d.) 20.' Are there ranks in a squad? Oh well." He shrug his shoulders and circles in a as his answer.
A few questions later...
"'True or False. Write in T (for true) or F (for false) in each statement below.
Question 1: Soifon is the captain of squad 2 and the leading commander of the Stealth Force.'" Train puts his pencil top under his chin in thought. "Hmm, who's Soifon? Let's see... there were two women at the meeting room. From the name stealth force must mean it has something to do with ninjas. Out of the two women, one looks kind and gentle while the other was small and looked like she can scratch someone's face off. I think the woman I called a shrew. She's dressed like a ninja. So I guess it's true." Train writes down a T on the blank line beside the question.
"'Question 2: Byakuya Kuchiki is the captain of squd 6.' Hmm, which one is Byakuya? Oh well." He puts in the letter F as his answer.
"'Question 3: Every soul reaper name their zanpakuto.' I'm thinking no." He writes in F again on the blank.
"'Question 4: A broken zanpakuto can be return to its original state after a recovery.' Can it really do that?" His answer turns out to be a T.
"'Question 5: A soul reaper has three jobs.' That could b true." Then, he writes in T.
A few more questions later...
"'Short Answer. Write in your answer in each question.
Question 1: What is the difference between shikai and bankai?' What is shikai and bankai?"
"There is a big difference between them."
'How do you know if your knowledge is the same as mine?'
"I am a zanpakuto after all. I do know, like any other zanpakuto, there is a difference between shikai and bankai."
'Instead of the name, what is the difference?'
"The difference is the way they are both unleash."
'How do you unleash shikai?'
"To unleash shikai, the zanpakuto's owner have to gain their zanpakuto's trust. In doing so, they must form a resonance between them, but it is not as simple as it is explained, Train. The zanpakuto decides if his/her master is loyal to follow or ignores them."
'That's not right, is it?'
"It is the zanpakuto's decision, not the owner."
'Hey, in our time together do you think I'm...?'
"In those last few days, I am proud to have a master like you."
'Thank you, and I'm happy to have you as my partner. What happens if the zanpakuto accepts?'
"If the zanpakuto accepts being loyal to his/her master then the first step in their newly bond is forming the zanpakuto. Then, in forming the shikai, all the master have to do is hear their zanpakuto's name."
Train lightly chuckles. 'That explains so much.'
"Deeply, the owner does know their zanpakuto's name. Usually the owner shouts out the name with a command if they're in a dangerous situation."
'What about bankai? How do you unleash it?'
"It's complicated. To unleash bankai you need to beat your opponent, who happens to be your zanpakuto. If you can become the victor of your brawl you'll accomplish your task in unleashing your zanpakuto's final stage, bankai."
'How long does these sort of thing last? It sounds too good to be true.'
"It takes years fighting against your zanpakuto. The catch is not fighting your zanpakuto in your shikai form."
'I knew there was something else to it. So let me get this straight. Shikai is like the first upgrade to the zanpakuto. By doing it, the owner needs to hear the zanpauto's name. Bankai is the final ungrade. To activate it, the owner defeats their zanpakuto in a personal fight.'
"I've forgot to mention one small detail in bankai. Bankai is the resonance between zanpakuto and master. Making it one as a living weapon."
'Cool. I can't wait to have our first fight together.'
"It'll be an honor to fight against you."
After Train finish writing down the first short answer, he went to the second one. "'Question 2: List in three forms of a zanpakuto.' I know a zanpakuto is usually form into a katana. Oh well, I'll call one short blade and the last field sword."
"I all ready told you the forms of a zanpakuto. Have you forgotten about them?"
'I'm not going to remember them anyway. I'll form my zanpakuto into a katana. '
"Train! May I remind you who're you talking to."
Nervously, Train decides to change the subject. 'Look, I'm done with this question. Now for the next one.'
"'Question 3: Explain Project Spearhead.'"
Train's answer: It's a project about using an experiment as a spearhead.
"'Question 4: How do you become a captain?'"
Train's answer: It depends on how strong you are.
"'Question 5: How many district(s) is/are in the Rukongai?
Train's answer: I'm guessing a lot. Almost like over 30.
Another few questions later...
"'Essay. Write 1 essay out of the two questions below.'" Once again, Train ends up having his head on the desk. "I'm really starting to hate tests", he quietly tells to himself. "Alright, I need to finish this entrance exam before the other students come in. Lets see what we got.
'1.) Describe how to form a zanpakuto.
2.) What inspired you to be a soul reaper?'
I'll pick two for this essay."
"What is your inspiration, My Lord?" his zanpakuto asks.
'I don't think I have an inspiration. I never thought of being a soul reaper.'
"How about a who instead of a what?"
'What are you talking about this time?'
"A certain who you know who has snow white hair and ember gem eyes."
'No, I am not talking about Toshiro.'
"I never said Captain Hitsugaya. You just assumed it was him."
'But you were thinking about it.'
"..."
'Let me finish this test so I don't need you to distract me.'
"Don't you think his zanpakuto is quite handsome?" she asks changing the subject. Train could see himself staring at his zanpakuto in a bored expression as she bubbly talks about Hyourinmaru and blush like a an oversize cherry. "I'm glad I didn't let any of those zanpakuto go any further in your inner world."
'Wait. They went inside my inner world?'
"Yeah. Half of them needs a make-over, especially the cat lady."
'You mean Haineko.'
"That's her name? It fits perfectly since she has ashy skin."
Train physically grunts to himself. 'Back to the main subject, did any of them see you?'
"I'm like you, Train. I like to be mysterious to new people."
'I don't become mysterious to new people.'
"Really? How about the fact you haven't told anyone who you really are? If you're trying to be open-hearted you should start with Toshiro."
'I already told him I was an assassin. What more does he want to hear?'
"Train, you didn't tell him you were Chronos Number XIII, also known as the infamous Black Cat. How long do you think it'll take for everyone in the 13 Court Guard Squad to realize your presence? If Toshiro was upset of your half-truth statement I don't want to know his next emotion for the whole story."
'I know, but now-and I can't believe I'm saying this-I need to focus on my work.'
"You are a complete idiot, Train! Don't you care how he'd feel if he hears about it!"
'Of course I do!' He mentally yelled at her for the first time. It was silent from the two. Until, 'I know about it. When Toshiro heard I was an assassin, he uncontrollably starts crying. It tears my heart just thinking about it! I know he wasn't expecting someone who save people could killed them in the past. I don't even want to imagine what he'll do if he figure it out. I never want to see Toshiro cry anymore. Not around anyone and certainly not around me.'
The zanpakuto don't want to see her master breaking down on her now. He is so close in finishing his exam. She quickly change the subject. "Enough of a sad story. You need to finish this before school starts! Crying about something in the past is not getting you anywhere! Now, how are you going to start this essay?"
Train pull himself back together. With determination and something else hidden in his eyes, he begins writing. 'This essay is going to be about Toshiro.'
(In Train's Inner World)
The dragon-cat lady zanpakuto gazes at the roses beyond her. Her eyes land on twin lavender roses.
"Odd", she said. The zanpakuto spirit takes another look at the two-in-one roses. The youngest of the two blooms. She could have sworn it has a bit of red on the rose's petal edges. After, one last blink she now believes it's true. "Amazing. Train's emotions grows more affectionate than the first rose. One day he needs to choose between the two roses. He must let go one of them. It's painful to have to admirers falling for the same person. It's even more hard to make the right decisions."
(Back to reality)
Train finally finished his written exam. At the same time, Ukitake came in to see his progress.
"I see you've complete the written part. Well done", Juushiro said congrating him.
"Thanks", the brunette replies while stretching his tired limbs. "I think I should take a short walk around the school."
"Why not Captain Hitsugaya guide you around? He did graduated here."
"Toshiro is still here?"
"Yes, I've told him he should go back to his regular schedule but he insisted on staying outside my office waiting for you to complete your exam.
"That was nice of him."
Ukitake smiles to himself. "It really was. Captain Hitsugaya", he calls. The young prodigy walks in the room. "Why don't you show Train around? He can use one if he's going to know where to go." Toshiro nodded and went out the room with Train tailing behind him. The long-haired shinigami glances at the test Train was taking. Time to see if you pass the entrance exam." He went to sit down on his desk and took out a red pen. After going through the answers, he went to the essay part. It wasn't a shocker Train wrote about Toshiro Hitsugaya, but it what he writes about him makes Ukitake smile to himself. Making sure he was alone in his office, he takes out Train's essay, folds it, and hides it in his pocket. He went back to his business by putting a red B on the left side of the exam paper.
'I wonder how he does during the physical exam. He seem to be a bright student', Ukitake thought to himself.
Here's the polls:
If Train Heartnet was a soul reaper which squad would fit him best?
1.) Squad 1-Captain Yamamoto 2 » 4%
2.) Squad 2-Captain Soi Fon 6 » 12%
3.) Squad 3-Lieutenant Kira Izuru 1 » 2%
4.) Squad 4-Captain Unohana 2 » 4%
5.) Squad 5-Lieutenant Momo Hinawori 3 » 6%
6.) Squad 6-Captain Byakuya Kuchiki 5 » 10%
7.) Squad 7-Captain Sajin Komamura 2 » 4%
8.) Squad 8-Captain Shunsui Kyoraku 2 » 4%
9.) Squad 9-Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi 4 » 8%
10.) Squad 10-Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya 10 » 20%
11.) Squad 11-Captain Kenpachi Zaraki 6 » 12%
12.) Squad 12-Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi 2 » 4%
13.) Squad 13-Captain Jushiro Ukitake 4 » 8%
