Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Bleach and Final Fantasy Tactics.

Standing with a Friend

Satsuki was in one of the classrooms reading a thick book. Someone came by and it was the Advance Class homeroom teacher Mogami.

"Akechi," Mogami called.

Satsuki looked over and saw her teacher.

"Hmm, what is it Sensei?" Satsuki asked.

"It seems that you have a visitor," Mogami said.

"A visitor?" Satsuki replied, "Who?"

"That would be me," A familiar female voice said.

Someone came in the room and Satsuki was surprised to see that it was Tamayo. Satsuki was not happy seeing her sister while Tamayo smiled. Later on, the Akechi sisters left the classroom and walked through the hall as Tamayo was speaking happily to Satsuki. They were noticed by Rapha who walked by and she looked on seeing Satsuki walking with someone who looked like a noble. Later on outside, Ramza and Isilud were sitting by the trunk of a tree and they looked and saw Marach, Rapha, Agrias, and Meliadoul who smiled and went to the two men.

"Hi everyone," Ramza said.

Meliadoul looked around and looked worried.

"Meliadoul, what is it?" Agrias asked.

"I thought Satsuki would be here before us," Meliadoul said.

"Satsuki?" Ramza asked.

"Oh Satsuki," Rapha said, "I actually saw her talking to someone."

"Hmm, someone?" Ramza asked.

"Yes, it was a woman with long black hair," Rapha said, "with the way she was dressed, she seems to be a noble."

"A noble woman with long black hair?" Ramza asked.

"Yes," Rapha said.

Ramza was surprised and he was worried and suddenly got up and ran which surprised the others.

"Ramza, what's wrong?" Rapha asked, "Where are you going?"

"I'll be back," Ramza said as he was still running, "I just want to check on something."

"Ramza?" Meliadoul asked.

"Where is he going?" Isilud asked as he stood up.

Back within the hall of the academy, Satsuki was very upset having to deal with her older sister Tamayo.

"I'm so happy to see you again my dear sister," Tamayo said.

"Tamayo, why are you here?" Satsuki asked.

"You come right back in the Seireitei after twenty years and it's just to enroll in this academy," Tamayo said, "you didn't bother to come see me, not just once. You wound me Sister."

Satsuki clenched her teeth in anger as she was amazed at the audacity that her sister would show up and just come see her.

"You know damn well why I would not see you," Satsuki said upset, "Is it really a shock to you that I would not come to see you?"

Tamayo sighed, "You are such a child," Tamayo paused a bit before continuing, "I was told what happened ten years ago when you used Kido against the creatures that Reddo Toga summoned."

Satsuki was surprised and then she frowned as she knew who told her.

"It was Kazuya Tomita who told you, right?" Satsuki replied.

"That's right," Tamayo said, "you're very good in realizing it."

Satsuki turned away from her sister's gaze.

"I can help you," Tamayo said.

"What do you mean?" Satsuki asked still looking away.

"I can pull some strings and have you immediately graduate from the academy," Tamayo said.

"What?" Satsuki replied surprised and turned to Tamayo.

"Like I said, I can pull some strings and have you finish the academy and immediately have placed in one of the divisions of the Gotei 13," Tamayo said, "in fact I believe it would be best to get you in division that has someone that I can have to look after you."

"I refuse," Satsuki interjected.

Tamayo was surprised and looked at Satsuki.

"What did you just say to me?" Tamayo replied as she was confused.

"You heard me Sister, I refuse," Satsuki said, "I'm fine on my own. I don't need nor do I want you being involved in any shape or form with my education and my future endeavors."

Tamayo was shocked and just looked at Satsuki.

"Satsuki, do you even hear yourself?" Tamayo asked.

"I gave you my answer Sister," Satsuki said, "please leave. I have much to do today."

Satsuki started to walk away but she was suddenly stopped as Tamayo grabbed her wrist. Satsuki was annoyed and turned and glared at her older sister.

"Do you really think that you can just insult me and just walk away from me?" Tamayo asked as she was gradually getting angry, "I put up with your childish notion for twenty years and now I'm at the limit of my patience with you."

"Let me go," Satsuki said.

"Listen to you," Tamayo said, "now you're talking back to me. You must feel that you're safe just because you're in this school. At first I found your stubbornness to be a bit cute," Tamayo glared at Satsuki, "but it's getting old and now I'm finding it to be annoying. At the end of the day, I am your older sister and Head of the Akechi Family and you will show me respect. I'm tired of your rebellious phase. I didn't bother with you since you made the stupid decision to live among those people in the Rukongai. But now since you came back, I have plans for you and you will do as I say and one of the things is to have you married off to a certain family and you will do it."

"I said let me go!" Satsuki said angrily as she freed herself from her sister's grip, "Don't ever touch me or grab me like that again and I have no intention in ever doing anything that you want. I have no plans to get involved in your selfish schemes."

"How dare you," Tamayo responded as she was livid, "I'm sick of your disrespect."

Tamayo raised her hand and swung to slap Satsuki much to Satsuki's surprise but she was suddenly stopped. The Akechi sisters were surprised and they looked saw that it was Ramza who stopped Tamayo's momentum as he grabbed her wrist preventing Tamayo from what she was about to do to her younger sister.

"That's enough," Ramza said, "I won't stand by and let you harm my friend and classmate."

"Ramza," Satsuki said relieved to see her friend.

Tamayo was annoyed that someone would dare lay a hand on her.

"Ramza Beoulve," Tamayo said, "you have some nerve to touch me. Release me you fool."

"I'll do so but know that I won't let you hurt Satsuki," Ramza said.

"This is between me and my sister," Tamayo said looking down on Ramza with disgust, "a commoner like you has no right to get in the middle of it."

"Even if it is a family matter, I won't stand by and let you hurt her," Ramza said, "I will stand by Satsuki and I won't let anyone harm my close friend… not even her own sister."

Tamayo's left eye twitched as she couldn't believe that someone would dare stand up to her and get in her way as she then freed herself from Ramza's grip.

"I see now that you're going to be problematic to me," Tamayo said, "if you think you're going to get out of this unscathed then you are seriously mistaken. It seems that you need to learn some discipline. You fail to understand how things truly are here in the Seireitei but you will learn a painful lesson. I knew you were something else when we first met but it seems I underestimated how foolish you can be."

Ramza didn't back down nor was he intimidated by Tamayo's words which Tamayo saw in his expression and she just got annoyed further and then she looked at Satsuki who also was not backing down.

"Hmph, I wasted enough of my time here," Tamayo said, "I'm leaving," Tamayo started to walk away, "Ramza Beoulve, I hope you're happy with yourself because you just made an enemy out of me and everyone who has been my enemy has ceased to exist," Tamayo threw a death glare at Ramza, "and you will not be any different," Tamayo looked at Satsuki, "as for you my foolish and stubborn sister, don't think this is over. You will come around and you will do as I say. You will not have a choice in the matter. You will do well to remember that."

Tamayo turned to her front and walked away and Ramza and Satsuki looked on as Tamayo was leaving.

"I suppose it's over for now," Ramza said.

"Yes, it would seem so," Satsuki said.

"Satsuki, are you alright?" Ramza asked, "If I interfered, I apologize. I just—"

Ramza was cut off in what he was saying when Satsuki suddenly rushed and hugged him from behind. Ramza was surprised at Satsuki's action and he looked at Satsuki and saw that she was shaking.

"Satsuki?" Ramza asked.

"Thank you Ramza," Satsuki said softly, "thank you for coming to my aid. Thank you for doing what you did. I'm glad you showed up and stopped my sister. I just… I just…"

Ramza just looked at Satsuki and soften up and smiled letting Satsuki hold on to him with her hug.

"It's not a problem," Ramza said, "I'm glad that I could help. Take the time you need right now."

"Thank you Ramza," Satsuki said as her voice cracked a bit.

On the other side, Alma, Tietra, and Ovelia were watching what was going on between Ramza and Satsuki and were surprised.

"Oh my," Ovelia said, "I never thought that they were this close."

"It seems that they are," Tietra said.

"That's my brother," Alma said, "always willing to help anyone out."

"Yes, he certainly hasn't changed," Ovelia said with a smile, "that's a relief."

Ovelia fantasied what would have happened had she been able to escape with Agrias and continued on the journey with her and Ramza. Later on, Ramza returned to the others with Satsuki and the others went to the two and asked if they were alright in which they assured them that they were. They soon met up with Ovelia, Alma, Tietra, Mustadio, Ladd, Alicia, and Lavian. Meanwhile Tamayo was on her way out of the academy and she was irritated of what happened.

"This is no fun," Tamayo said, "Ramza Beoulve, that meddling upstart. This is a grudge that I won't let go. I will use whatever power I have to make his life miserable."

There were sudden noises that were happening and Tamayo stopped and wondered what was going on as she was seeing student rushing to get where they needed to go.

"Now what?" Tamayo asked.

Meanwhile, Ramza and his friends were surprised to see what was going on as they were seeing students rushing to go.

"Hurry, they're almost here," One of the students said.

"I know, I know," Another student said, "I'm coming."

"What's going on?" Marach asked.

"No idea," Mustadio said.

"Shall we go and see?" Agrias asked.

They went to see what was going on. Near the entrance of the academy, students gathered and formed two long lines made from the entrance. Ramza and his group of friends looked and wondered what was going on.

"A lot of people here," Meliadoul commented.

"Excuse me," Tietra said as she went to one of the students, "Do you know what's going on here?"

One of the students turned to Tietra and answered, "Oh, you mean you don't know?"

"Know what?" Tietra asked.

"Right, a Captain of the Gotei 13 is coming to examine this year's class," Another student said.

"A Captain of the Gotei 13 here?" Alma asked.

More students come by and rushed over pushing people to get a view and pushed the other students which led to Tietra being pushed out and in front of the lines. Tietra was nervous but was saved when Ramza grabbed her hand and pulled her back with him and the others.

"Tietra, are you alright?" Ramza asked.

"Oh yes, I'm fine," Tietra replied with a nod, "thank you Ramza."

"You're welcome," Ramza said with a nod.

They soon saw two people walking by and it was Jushiro Ukitake, the Captain of the 13th Division and behind him was Kaien Shiba who was actually his lieutenant. Ukitake smiled and waved at the students as he and Kaien greeted them. Kaien spoke encouraging words to them as they continued to walk by.

"Oh my, it's them," Satsuki said.

"Do you know them Satsuki?" Meliadoul asked.

"Not personally but I know who they are," Satsuki said, "that man with long white hair, he's the Captain of the 13th Division, Jushiro Ukitake and the man behind him is his lieutenant, Kaien Shiba."

"Oh," The others responded impressed.

"Wait, Shiba?" Ramza asked looking at Satsuki.

"That's right," Satsuki said with a nod, "I know you're familiar with that name."

The others looked at Ramza and Satsuki and wondered what they knew. Later on in the homeroom classroom for the Advance Class One, Mogami had just entered the classroom and the students were sitting in their seats.

"Good afternoon class," Mogami greeted.

"Good afternoon Sensei," All the students said in unison.

"Everyone settle down so that we can begin," Mogami waited as all the students settled and there was silence and then he nodded, "Now before we begin class, we have two very important guests that would like to observe the class."

Mogami looked over to his left and two Shinigami came in the class and it was Ukitake and Kaien. The students were surprised to see them in the classroom.

"Wow, it's them," One of the male students said in low tone.

The Advance Class students were muttering among themselves and Ukitake sported his kind smile listening to the students while Kaien grinned and waved at the students.

"Hey, how's it going everyone?" Kaien said happily.

"All right, settle down," Mogami said as the students quiet themselves again, "our two special guests are Captain Ukitake and Lieutenant Shiba of the 13th Division of the Gotei 13."

Ukitake greeted them with smiles and talked about having the pleasure of seeing the students and was looking forward to see them.

Mogami continued, "Now for today's lecture, we will be continuing discussing the laws and government of the Soul Society. Before we begin, is there anyone here who remembers to the best of their ability about Central 46?"

The students were silent and looked around and then Agrias raised her hand and Mogami saw Agrias's hand raised.

"All right Oaks," Mogami spoke pointing at Agrias.

Agrias nodded and stood up from her seat and answered, "Central 46 is the organization that serves as the judiciary authority of the Soul Society and they operate under the mandate of the Soul King. They are comprised of forty wise men gathered from all over the Soul Society and six judges and they are in charge of trying all crimes committed by any Shinigami whether it is done here in the Soul Society or in the Human World and it is within their jurisdiction to order the use of deadly force by the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukido or the Kido Corps and once their decision has been made, it's can't be overturn by anyone, not even the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 himself."

The students were amazed at Agrias's answer and Mogami nodded as he was pleased.

"Very good Oaks, that's exactly right," Mogami said.

Ukitake smiled and looked at Agrias and nodded. The class continued on as Mogami began the lecture of the class which including teaching the students the laws of the Soul Society.

Hidden Base within the Human World

Gustav met with Amatsuki and the old man frowned.

"I see," Amatsuki said, "it seems that they will be irritating nuisances… specifically that man."

"What do you want to do sir?" Gustav asked.

"Hmm… conduct a test run," Amatsuki said and then he turned his head, "Argath, it seems that you will have your chance."

"You mean I will finally kill that bastard," Argath said as he and Gaffgarion approach them.

"From our intel, they will have their field training," Amatsuki said, "You will have your chance there."

Two Months Later, Seireitei, Soul Society

Tietra, Alma, and Ovelia were talking to each other in the hall of the academy. Someone was being sneaking and was slowly and stealthily approaching them. When the person got close, they surprised Tietra who yelped a bit. They looked and saw that Rapha was the culprit.

"Calm down," Rapha said cheery, "it's just me."

"Rapha, what are you doing?" Tietra asked, "Please don't scare me like that."

"Sorry, sorry," Rapha said with smile, "I couldn't help myself," Rapha then hugged Tietra, "please forgive me."

"Rapha, you really shouldn't be playing such pranks," A male voice scolded.

The four women turned and it was Marach who frowned.

"Really, you shouldn't be mean to them," Marach said and then turned to Tietra, "my apologies for my sister's immature behavior."

"I'm not being immature," Rapha rebuked.

"You expect me to believe you?" Marach replied, "Anyway, we have to go, the others are already there and it won't look good if we're late."

"Hmm, are you going somewhere?" Tietra asked.

"Yes, come to think of it, you two seem to have what it looks like boxed lunches and those must be swords covered in the cloths," Ovelia said.

"Yes well actually our class is doing field training in the Human World," Rapha said, "we're going to fighting dummy Hollows."

"Oh is that so?" Alma replied.

"Yeah, we have to go," Marach said, "sorry but we need to get going," Marach turned but faced the three women, "we'll talk to you all about this when we get back."

"See you later you three," Rapha said.

"Okay, be careful," Alma said.

"We will," Marach said as she and Rapha smiled and went on their way.

At the area of the Senkaimon Gate, all of the Advance Class freshmen and there were three sixth year students, two male and one female that were standing in front of the Senkaimon. The male in the middle had black hair tied to a small ponytail while the other male student had black hair that was parted. The female student had long brown hair that went to her upper back. The students were there and they were ready to take part of the field training.

"Allow us to introduce ourselves," The male student standing in the middle said, "I am Akito Nomura."

"I'm Naru Shinozaki," The female student said.

"I'm Kenta Fujieda," The second male student said.

"The three of us will be your guides for this exercise," Akito said.

The students were amazed and they whispered to each other while Ramza, Agrias, Rapha, Marach, Isilud, Meliadoul, and Satsuki just looked on.

"So they're going to be our guides," Marach said.

"Seem so," Isilud said.

"This field training," Meliadoul said, "we'll be practicing taking on dummy Hollows."

"We'll be going to the Human World," Ramza said.

"I'm curious what it's like there," Agrias said.

"Now listen up," Kenta started, "we'll split up into groups of three and get ready to go. Everyone take out the lots you drew when we assembled and then find the two students who got the same mark as you have."

The students began looking at their lots and went to find fellow students who had the same marks. The freshmen were finding each other with the same marks and then they all had formed their groups of three.

"Oh, so that what these little pieces of paper were for," Ramza said looking at his paper.

"You and I are together Ramza," Isilud said.

"It would seem so," Ramza said.

"Who's our third?" Isilud asked.

"Ah, that would be me," Marach said.

"All right," Ramza said.

"Glad to have you Marach," Isilud said.

"Me too," Marach said.

"It seems the three of us are together," Meliadoul said.

Meliadoul, Agrias, and Rapha showed that they were on the same team.

"Well I'm going to find my own team," Satsuki said.

"Oh sorry Satsuki," Rapha said feeling sad, "you're being left out."

"Oh don't worry about it," Satsuki assured.

Satsuki left and it did not take long for her to find her two teammates who were a tall male student and a petite female student. The three sixth year students saw that it was done and they all nodded.

"All right, now that everyone has found their groups, we'll brief you on today's exercise," Naru said, "An advance party of sixth year students have already entered the Human World and constructed a temporary barrier."

"Once inside that perimeter," Kenta continued, "each group will engage in combat with dummy Hollows."

"The sixth year students are here only to create a combat readied environment for you," Akito explained, "they will not assist in the combat itself. Is everyone clear on everything we've just said?" Akito saw the freshmen that they understood and then he as well as Naru and Kenta turned to face the Senkaimon, "Good, then let's go."

"Yes sir!" The freshmen said in unison.

"Open!" Naru said.

The Senkaimon opened up and the students of the Shin'o Academy entered in the Senkaimon and went to the Human World.

Human World

Within the designated area for the field training, the sixth year students that made up the barrier unit were prepared and kept watch.

"It's begun," One of the sixth year students said, "maintain barrier strength. Often dummy Hollows can attract the real thing."

"Right, right," Another sixth year student said, "but this is a safe zone so it won't likely happen."

"Just the same, make sure you don't let your guard down," The first sixth year student said, "This is part of our training as well."

"Okay, okay…" The other sixth year student said.

As the sixth years who were acting as the barrier unit, there was someone who was watching them and the person sneered at them.

"Pathetic," The person said.

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: As the field training commences, someone makes their appearance which surprised Ramza.