"A cherry blossom gathering this weekend?" Orihime announced with a giddy grin across her face. Clasping her hands in front of her chest, she precariously extended a single index finger in the air. "We have to think of games for the guests to play. How about smashing watermelons? I really love that game. What do you think, Rukia?"
Sitting on the opposite end of Orihime's enthused persona, Rukia appeared less eager regarding the news she had received nearly five hours ago. It had, the news she received, rocked the very foundation she had grown so accustomed to. In the few hours that past, she tried to convince herself that she had heard her grandfather correctly when he spoke the words she never thought she would hear in all the time she had grown up within the Kuchiki household. She remembered word for word the conversation she had with her grandfather.
"A party, grandfather?" Rukia spoke in a tone that reflected her current emotions. She was just told that a gathering was being held on the Kuchiki ground and if that wasn't shocking enough what followed surely brought her mouth open in surprise.
"Yes, this weekend your father has decided to consider it a gathering amongst those you are the closest with. I share your sentiment that this is truly a surprise but I must say I was more surprised when he informed me the gathering was to be in your honor."
"M-my honor..?" Her words were riddled with surprise. "Grandfather, I don't think I quite understand-"
"Neither do I but it is what your father has decided," said Genrei. "This weekend you can invite your friends over although I'm not sure what he has planned. The only thing scheduled around this time is the opening of the cherry blossoms."
"Do you think that is what his intention is? To have us witness it together?"
"I'm not sure and there really is no time for speculation. For now spread the word to your friends. I'm sure they will be excited."
"Yes Grandfather, thank you." Rukia replied with a curt bow as Genrei took his leave.
Sitting outside the school ground with her friends, Rukia was still surprised by her grandfather's words and the actions of her father that triggered everything in the first place. Having individuals over at her home was something she hadn't seen once, at least not for any type of spectacular event. An occasional pop in by those among the different squads was as far as she could recall anyone setting foot on her family's property. Any form of gathering was strictly forbidden, as far as she knew.
"So, since no one is going to ask I'll do it. What's the special occasion? Is it your birthday or something?" Renji inquired as he sat legs crossed in the small circle the group made amongst themselves.
"No, it isn't my birthday," Rukia paused then continued. "I really don't know why it's been decided that I gather everyone together. There really is no need to do anything for my sake."
"Who needs a reason to do anything? Just enjoy it." Renji replied with a smile on his face.
"Sounds like fun," Chad added casually.
"It is fun. Let's all talk about how much fun we're going to have." Orihime announced with a giddy look on her face.
As she, Renji and occasionally Chad conversed amongst one another; Rukia glanced to her left at her silent best friend. His lack of communication was clearly noticed. His empty tray which had once contained his lunch lay dormant at his side. His tall frame was leaning backwards, his hands and elbows supporting his weight and preventing him from toppling over. Taking one look at him Rukia knew immediately that something was on his mind.
"Ichigo-" she began before being silenced.
"So what's Byakuya's real reason for suggesting this?"
"He's been acting strange ever since the night he and I had that conversation and I..."
Remembering the pained look on her father's face, Rukia refrained from speaking the matter aloud.
"Either way a gathering doesn't sound like the Byakuya I know," Ichigo shrugged his indifference. "I guess what you said really hurt him. This must be his way of making amends which, again, is nothing like the Byakuya I know."
Rukia couldn't offer a reply. Ichigo was right. This behavior was far from the stern father she had grown up with. It made no sense and ultimately was out of character for him. Knowing that did not deter her from enjoying this obvious once in a lifetime opportunity. She would take him up on his offer and enjoy herself. It was what he wanted her to do after all.
"Hey, are you two off having your own conversation?" said Renji as he finally noticed the two individuals that were not divulging in the conversation he and the others were having.
"Would you be jealous if I said yes?" Ichigo mockingly replied while glancing in Renji's general direction. He was enthused to see the red head's expression change to anger.
"Oh give me a break. You are nothing to be jealous about. Besides, I'm trying to make sure you aren't boring Rukia with your nonsense."
"Nonsense, huh?" Ichigo was no longer leaning back against the ground. Instead he was sitting upright and in mere seconds had now positioned himself just inches from Renji's face. "You're one to talk. She decided to talk to me because all you're talking about is an event she clearly has no interest in."
"Who said she didn't have an interest in it? So now you're putting words in her mouth." Renji remarked.
"How about I put my fist in your mouth?"
"I'd like to see you try!"
The two boys were silenced as both of Rukia's hands pressed against their faces and brought their conversation to an end.
"Would you two shut up? You're acting like a bunch of five year olds." She swiftly and forcefully pushed the two apart using only her hands. "I never said I didn't accept this gathering but I also never said I wouldn't go either and as my friends I expect you all there as well."
As Ichigo and Renji grumbled over having their potential fight end before it even got started, Orihime cheerfully laughed as her eyes met Rukia's.
"Don't you worry Rukia, we'll be there. Ichigo and Renji will behave themselves too or else they'll have your father to deal with."
"I'm not scared of him," Ichigo and Renji both exclaimed at the same time while turning their heads upward and away from everyone's view.
The conversation was mild after that with no more arguments or threats of bodily harm. It was only a few minutes after that the small group found themselves walking toward their next lesson of the day. In retrospect they were all excited as they turned a small corner and witnessed the rest of their classmates gathered around in small clustered circles.
"I guess the instructor isn't here." said Chad as he and his friends stopped walking and stood among their counterparts.
"I wonder who the instructor is going to be." Orihime questioned aloud with a puzzled look on her face.
"I don't care who the instructor is. What I want to know is why do we have to learn this stuff in the first place? I'd rather be back inside working on my Zanjutsu. That's all real Shinigami need to worry about anyway." said Renji.
"That's not true, Renji. Learning other techniques is what makes a strong Shinigami. Zanjutsu is just one of those aspects."
Before Renji could offer a meaningful rebuttal, the class grew silent as the sound of footsteps approaching drew their attention. To the other students, their instructor was tall, charming and had a very impressive smile but to Ichigo and Rukia he was a familiar face. One they just couldn't forget.
"It's him!" they both exclaimed together. A look of shock blanketed both of their faces.
"You two know him?" Chad questioned.
"You could say that," Ichigo answered with a sigh. "We met him a few years ago when we were attacked by a hollow."
"You both were attacked by a hollow?" asked Orihime with a surprised yet worried look across her face.
"How did that happen?" Renji inquired.
"It doesn't matter how it happened, it happened." Ichigo shot Rukia a look to ensure that she wasn't about to go into details over the reason they found themselves face to face with a hollow. Assured that she wasn't going to go into details over the events that led them into the dangerous predicament he continued. "Anyway, he's the guy who saved us."
"He's part of one of the noble families. His name is Kaien." Rukia replied.
Her eyes followed Kaien's every move as he graciously passed through the hordes of students and emerged on the training grounds. Behind him were rows of wooden targets lined up one behind the other. No one seemed to notice them as Kaien opened his mouth to speak.
"Good afternoon. Welcome to the Kido training grounds. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kaien, the lieutenant of squad thirteen, and I will be your instructor today."
The students were a buzzed with the news that they were in the presence of a high ranking officer within the Gotei thirteen. Questions flourished as they chattered amongst themselves.
"I bet you're all wondering why I'm here. Well," Kaien rubbed his hand against the back of his head. "My captain was instructed to teach you all a very basic Kido technique in lieu of a request from the head captain. Unfortunately my captain has fallen ill so I'm taking his place."
The students had no objections. As far as they were concerned they were going to learn a new technique one way or another. It didn't matter if it was taught by a captain or a lieutenant of the Gotei thirteen. They all appeared ready and willing for the lesson to begin - well, almost everyone.
As the students lined up in two horizontal lines, Ichigo couldn't take his eyes off of Kaien. He didn't even bat as eye as he felt Rukia nudge him in the ribs so that he could move down and allow her space to stand beside him. His actions puzzled him but the bottom line was the look on his new instructor's face was beginning to irritate him.
"Hey Ichigo, that guy kind of looks like you." Renji whispered as he stood on Ichigo's left side.
"Are you blind or something? He doesn't look anything like me. Don't compare him to me."
"Boy, someone's touchy. What did that guy ever do to you?"
Ichigo blew out a puff of air and turned his head in the opposite direction. Glancing down, a thin frown formed along his face as he watched his shorter acquaintance watch the instructor as he chatted amongst those in line on the far end. Ichigo's frown deepened as he noticed the look of adoration that enveloped within Rukia's eyes. With a swift roll of his eyes, he turned his focus back toward Renji as the lesson began.
"All right, how about we get started? How does that sound to everyone?" A few students exclaimed their enthusiasm to begin the class. "Okay, create four vertical lines and let's try to have an even number in each line."
The students hustled to form four vertical lines and ensuring that no one line had more people standing in it than any other. Once the lines were formed, Kaien continued.
"All right, those in the front take two steps forward."
Those in the front moved forward as instructed. Among them, Rukia stood as straight as she possibly could, making sure that she presented Kaien with her full attention.
"Now then, watch me carefully."
Turning his back to his students, Kaien raised his right hand and extended his index and middle finger outwardly. With a determined look on his face, he steadied his body and shouted as loudly as he could for those behind him to hear.
"Hado number one, Sho!"
The students watched in anticipation as a gust of energy was released from their instructor's fingers. They were however puzzled as they saw no recourse from the method he had just exhibited. Nothing happened, at least as far as they could tell. Confused chatter emerged as Kaien turned around with a smile on his face.
"Did you all see that?"
The students were speechless. No one replied. They hadn't seen anything, at least not anything making note of. Only one student had an opinion on what they had just witnessed and it wasn't a courteous response.
"What an idiot," Ichigo mumbled beneath his breath while displaying a frustrated look on his face. "He didn't do anything."
As Rukia silenced her friend with a shushing sound, her attention perked as she heard her name being called. She stood at attention as her name was called once again. Without hesitation she took a few steps forward until she was standing face to face with her instructor.
"Ms. Kuchiki, perhaps you can be my assistant so I can properly show your classmates this technique."
"Sure." Rukia replied with a smile.
She was careful not to overexert her reaction. She didn't want to come off as too excited. Deep down, however, she was nervous as her stomach felt as if it were being tied into knots. She stood with her hands at her side while waiting for further instructions. Kaien didn't give her any. Instead he reacted just as swiftly as he had done moments ago regarding the same technique.
"Hado number one, Sho!"
Before Rukia had time to realize what was happening, she found herself being pushed backwards away from Kaien. She stood with a confused look on her face and she wasn't the only one. Those who witnessed the technique also could not believe what they had — or in this case — had not seen.
"Did he push her?" one student questioned aloud.
"He couldn't have...I mean, he didn't even touch her." another student answered although they sounded unsure about what they had just witnessed.
Kaien laughed boisterously as he rubbed the back of his head aimlessly.
"That was the first of many Hado techniques that you will be learning throughout your years here in the academy. Can anyone here tell me more about Hado techniques? Let's see who's been keeping up with the reading from the textbook."
"I know the answer," Orihime cheerfully responded as she stepped away from the line. "Hado techniques are offensive spells that are listed from numbers one to ninety nine. The smaller the number the less force is placed on an attack when administered."
"That's right but would you also be able to tell me something about the technique I just used?" questioned Kaien.
"It was an offensive technique designed to push an opponent away from the individual who castes the spell." Rukia answered forthright before Orihime had time to collect her thoughts from memory.
"Exactly! Sho is a very simple and basic technique that any student can perform as long as they concentrate on their intended target. You will find that you don't have to actually have your eyes on your target. This is where your knowledge of your surroundings comes into play. Very good Ms. Kuchiki, thank you."
"Call me Rukia," Rukia bowed in appreciation. "And you're welcome."
"Okay then, break off into twos and practice using Hado number one. If anyone needs assistance just let me know and I'll be there immediately. Rukia, you are welcomed to find a new partner or you can remain as my partner. Your choice."
Feeling all eyes on her, Rukia's rosy cheeks flourished for everyone to see. Dropping her head, she did her best to avert her eyes from those around her. She was never one to enjoy being the center of attention.
"I'll continue practicing with you, if that's okay."
With her gaze averted she failed to notice that Kaien was now standing in front of her. With a laugh, he playfully ruffled her hair and said:
"Sounds like a plan to me. All right everyone, let's begin."
The students dispersed until there were many groups of twos scattered amongst the training grounds. Among the group were Renji and Ichigo who found themselves as partners. Standing face to face, Ichigo had a lifeless expression on his face as Renji raised his right hand and pointed his index finger in his partner's general direction.
"Hado number one, Sho!"
Ichigo's eyes rolled toward the back of his head as Renji found himself staggering backwards from his own attack. Not impressed, Ichigo extended his right index finger and pointed it directly in Renji's direction.
"Hado number one, Sho!"
Standing his ground, Ichigo watched as Renji stumbled back even further than he had previously when his own attack failed. The spiky red haired teen appeared angered while regaining his composure and pointed a damning finger toward Ichigo.
"Let me try it again. Hado number one, Sho!"
Renji watched in delight as a gust of energy expelled from the tip of his finger and sailed toward his opponent. It wasn't until soon he began to feel a sense of despair as he watched Ichigo remain exactly in his current position.
"What happened? Why didn't you move back?" he pondered aloud.
"I didn't move back because that attack was weak." Ichigo sighed. "I've felt more air on me when you breathe your disgusting breath all over me."
"Why you..!" Renji angering replied as he once again tried the level one Hado technique. Seeing Ichigo move steadily boosted the flustered teen's ego as he smiled a satisfying grin. "There, how was that?"
Hm? Did you do something just now?" Rubbing the back of his head, Ichigo turned away. "I was just swaying back and forth on my own. Sorry about that."
Ignoring the obscenities that flew from Renji's mouth, Ichigo turned his attention toward Rukia. He watched as she attacked their instructor in continued successions one after the other. Her precision was accurate as she fired one blast of energy then another and another.
"Look at her. She looks like a natural out there."
Ichigo's carefree observation was interrupted as Kaien took notice of one less student performing the Hado technique. Excusing himself from Rukia's presence, Kaien stood before Ichigo who once again looked unhappy about having his space invaded by an unwanted individual.
"Mr. Kurosaki, did something happen? You are not practicing."
"I'm not practicing because that technique is a waste of time. If you run into a hollow that's bigger than you are I doubt this technique will save you from being its dinner."
"Well, Mr. Kurosaki, I'm sorry you feel that way." Kaien expressed, his voice filled with empathy. "Is there something else you'd like to learn?"
"As a matter of fact there is and would you stop calling me Mr. Kurosaki? My name is Ichigo, I-chi-go. You met me before, remember?"
"What is it you'd like to learn, Mr. Kurosaki?" Kaien pushed once again much to the annoyance of Ichigo.
"That does it," Ichigo's voice raised slightly drawing the attention of a few students nearby. "Teach me something that will actually work against a hollow. How does that sound?"
Kaien seemed lost in thought momentarily as he conjured his next move. Taking a couple steps back, he raised his right hand and pointed his index finger toward Ichigo's right shoulder. Without blinking an eye he released an attack.
"Hado number four, Byakuri."
Ichigo barely had time to get out of the way as a stream of blue electricity came toward him with no intentions on stopping. The frightening cries of a few students unfortunate enough to be in the electricity's path was the last thing he heard before the attack disappeared from sight. Checking that he was still in one piece, Ichigo glanced over his shoulder to see the students behind him were also still in one piece. Satisfied, he turned his attention toward Kaien with anger seething in his eyes.
"Are you crazy? That could have seriously hurt someone. What kind of instructor are you?"
The reaction on Kaien's face was one Ichigo had not expected. It appeared full of glee instead of the sorrow one would usually depict if they almost accidentally wiped out a bunch of unsuspecting students. He couldn't place it exactly but he was certain that his instructor looked appeased with his intentions.
"Could you replicate that move?" Ichigo blinked his eyes as Kaien challenged him again. "Well? Could you replicate that move and demonstrate it during the next class?"
"Why would I want to do that?" Ichigo inquired. "I see no reason to participate in your twisted game."
"No game," Kaien threw his hands up defensively. "You show me that technique next week just as I demonstrated to you and I will teach you techniques that could do damage to any hollow."
"All right, that's fine with me." Ichigo smirked. "I'd love nothing more than to throw that attack right back at you."
"You do realize however that if you fail then you will learn at my pace and will volunteer to be my assistant when I am in need for one."
The two men watched one another, staring the other down immensely with their eyes alone. Satisfied with the terms; the two shook hands but the intensity in their eyes failed to fade away. It took a few minutes for the two to part ways and the class to resume. Kaien shook his head as he approached Rukia who hadn't taken her eyes away from the area where the whole scene began.
"That friend of yours has such a temperament, doesn't he?"
"That he does," Rukia watched as Ichigo resumed practicing the first Hado technique with Renji. "I'll talk to him and see what's really going on with him."
Class ended on a high note minus the small discrepancy between Ichigo and Kaien. Saying their goodbye's to their friends, Rukia and Ichigo departed the school grounds and made their way back into the heart of the Seireitei. As the two walked side by side, Ichigo grumbled beneath his breath as he caught side glances from Rukia. Growing more and more irritated, Ichigo stopped and gave Rukia his full attention.
"All right, what's your problem?" he asked, his voice stinging with the venom of anger.
"I should be asking you that. What was that stunt that happened between you and Kaien during practice today?"
"Why don't you ask your best friend Kaien that question? Rukia, I don't know why you waste your time grinning behind that idiot. He has no idea what he's doing out there."
"Ichigo, don't tell me you're jealous?" Rukia grinned as Ichigo shot her a dangerous glare. "Anyway, he's just our instructor."
"Just our instructor my ass, Rukia. Your face was on fire when he called your name. I bet he's ten, no, twenty year older then you."
"He is not!" Rukia straightened her composure and began walking, leaving Ichigo behind. "Besides, you should be more concerned with how you're going to complete that challenge by next class."
Following her lead, Ichigo kept a close pace behind Rukia while shifting his books between hands. "The next class is three days away. I'll have plenty of time to learn that technique." Ichigo grinned. "And then I can't wait to throw it right back in his face."
Rukia sighed. "If you say so, Ichigo."
Ichigo scoffed and prepared to offer a response when a loud sound began to ring in his ears. Stopping in her tracks, Rukia raised her head and looked around as the sound grew louder and louder.
"That's the sound of intruders being found in the Soul Society, right?" Rukia questioned.
"Yeah…I've heard it before. There must be a hollow close by. Otherwise they would never have sounded the alarm. I wonder what's up."
The two watched with perplexed interest as Shiginami's all around them began to scatter toward their respective squad barracks to tackle their roles in regard to emergency. Before either one could say another word, the shrill sounds of a hell's butterfly wings fluttered above as a message from one of the remote squad correctional force members.
"Red alert! Red alert! A group of hollows have entered the Soul Society and have dispersed themselves throughout the many regions in the Rukon districts. All squad members are to report to battle alert one immediately and await further orders."
As the message replayed for a second time, Ichigo and Rukia were long gone. Both teenagers took off in a sprint toward the squad one barracks while ignoring those around them scattering as instructed toward their posts. Creeping alongside the large hall that coveted the grounds of the first squad, the two peered eagerly through a bar window as they watched the leaders of each squad emerge inside.
"Ichigo, this isn't right," Rukia whispered so as not to be noticed. "We shouldn't be eavesdropping like this."
"I don't see you move away from this window and besides there's nothing wrong with finding out what's really going on, now is there?" Ichigo fired back in a hushed tone
Rukia couldn't deny anything Ichigo proclaimed. Although she didn't feel completely comfortable spying on a private captain's meeting; she also couldn't deny the fact that despite that feeling she remained as she was. Listening in and waiting for any news to surface regarding the message that still faintly traveled around them. The sound of the head captain snapping his cane against the hard floor brought her back to reality. She moved closer to the window and listened as the meeting began to get under way.
"I have called you captain's here to discuss the intruders we have roaming throughout the outskirts of the Seireitei. The Rukon district has been infected with hoards of hollows that have somehow broken through our barriers and are now wreaking havoc on the citizens in various regions." The head captain began. He paused momentarily then continued.
"Our recon unit has informed me that an alert has gone out to those members' of the Quincy's as well. I am sure that they too are on their way to destroy those hollows. As you know, quinces prefer to kill hollows instead of cleansing their souls and giving them a second chance in our world. It is not in my nature to create a competition between us and the Quincy's but we must act fast. We cannot allow them to destroy those hollows before we get a chance save their souls."
Outside, Ichigo and Rukia glanced at one another. Both overwhelmed by the heavy amount of information that was being forced upon them.
"Here are my orders," the head captain's voice rang out once more. "The captain of squad two, you will dispatch your team to locate these hollows. Right now the information on their numbers is vague so your team must deliver these numbers to the rest of the squad captains with the utmost urgency."
"Yes, head captain." Captain Yoruichi replied with authority.
"That being said, Captain Kurosaki," the head captain spoke as he eyed the fifth captain standing on his right side. "I am giving this assignment to your squad. Disperse your team as you see fit. I want the matter handled quickly and efficiently."
"Yes, sir." Captain Kurosaki replied swiftly.
"All other captains are to remain with their squads and await further instruction. Now go. This meeting is adjourned."
As the captains departed, Ichigo also took the opportunity to leave and headed toward the Rukon district. He ignored the call of his name as Rukia gave chase behind him. It wasn't until she grabbed ahold of his uniform that he slowed down and gave her his consideration.
"I know what you're thinking and the answer is no. Weren't we just talking about this same situation this afternoon during Kidó class? Why would you want to go through that again?"
"Go through what?" Ichigo feigned ignorance. "I'm just going to go and take a look and watch my dad destroy those hollows. That's all."
Shaking her head, Rukia released Ichigo's clothes. "I find it hard to believe that is all you're going to do."
"C'mon, Rukia, don't you want to see your aunt in action? How many times do you think that opportunity is going to come up?" Seeing no response from the protesting young female, Ichigo continued to relate his position on the situation. "Also, aren't you curious about those quinces the head captain talked about?"
Her interest perked slightly at the mention of the unknown combatants that were brought up during the brief captain's meeting. She couldn't remember once hearing about another division within the soul society that handled hollows under the same guise of Shinigami but only with one slight difference. As much as she wanted to refrain from over stepping her boundaries she had to admit that an opportunity of this magnitude did not happen every day.
Seeing a mixture of inquisitiveness and mischief gleam within his best friend's eyes, Ichigo wasted little time and raced off toward the Rukon district with a less than apprehensive Rukia following close behind.