Chapter 25: Budding Rivalry

History. That is always what the Tsunayashiro Clan associated themselves with, or rather, put themselves in control of. Of course, this meant that as far as knowledge and information went, the Tsunayashiros had absolute control over all aspects of it. They are still able to carry themselves as nobles today due to this fact.

"Grandfather."

"Yes, my child?"

"I would like to attend the Shino Academy and join the Gotei 13."

It was this statement that changed the fate of one, Katsumi Tsunayashiro, forever. Although she would experience her dreams being dashed.

"Absolutely not."

Her grandfather had told her. She had asked why not but was told that the Tsunayashiro are the ones in control of the history of the Soul Society and must hold themselves to a higher standard than everyone else as nobles. Katsumi wasn't satisfied with this.

"But the Kuchikis have honorably defended the Soul Society for generations—can't we also contribute in a similar way?"

Her grandfather had not taken kindly to this, coldly listing off all of the failures that had come from nobles being in the Gotei 13, most of all her uncle, Tokinada.

"Tokinada is a stain on our family legacy! I will not permit you to repeat his missteps!"

The girl looks to the floor, deciding to reveal she has already achieved a Shikai during her free time away from studying. Once more, her grandfather takes this poorly.

"You dare perform the Shinigami's Zanjutsu at all, but also behind my back! You disgrace me!"

This had brought the girl to the brink of tears, explaining that she merely wanted to make him proud, as her parents were assassinated early on in her childhood. Th grandfather didn't relent.

"If you call upon such useless sentiments as emotion, you bring not by shame to the clan! There is NO benefit of the Tsunayshiros being in the Gotei 13! That is what the Kuchikis do—and you are NOT a Kuchiki!"

This prompted the girl to bow her head, holding back her tears, before leaving the room—her dreams well and truly dashed.

After some time, her grandfather approached her about the subject once more. During this time, Katsumi was being groomed to become an heir to the clan, learning all of the history and methods of preserving it, as well as collecting information. It could be said that she took a turn for the worst, adopting a sense of self-importance that came with being a noble, as well as an understanding of deceit that is characteristic of the Tsunayashiro clan—although they themselves are the only ones who know that fact for sure.

"Are you still interested in attending the Shino Academy?"

Katsumi had to force herself not to jump at this, politely asking why he asked. Her grandfather explained that Isshin Shiba had returned to the Soul Society recently, and had brought his daughter with him, who would become a Shinigami as a student in the Academy. He didn't want the Shibas to regain any relevance, as he and his forebearers had worked so hard to ensure that the Shibas would fall from grace ever since the beginning of the Soul Society. Katsumi nodded, understanding the millennia-long feud between the two clans, developing a slight distaste for the Shiba's naïve sense of altruism herself.

Shino Academy

Katsumi wakes up in her bed within the dorm of Shino Academy. Despite her easily being able to commute from her abode, given that it was peace time, she chose to live in the dorms in order to get a more authentic experience. She hated it. It was like sleeping on glass compared to the luxury of her bed at the Tsunayashiro estate. But still, this was only one of the many sacrifices she would need to make to achieve her dream.

Considering her more literal dream, Katsumi can't help but chuckle, "Grandfather was so dead set on denying my being a Shinigami, and now look! I am here thanks to Shiba, yet despite that I cannot bring myself to be appreciative of her… she is far too insolent. Ah, perhaps that is for the best. I ought not be her friend!"

Katsumi shakes her head before heading to check her appearance in the mirror.

"How dreadful!", she laughs, seeing her bed head that she has assumed since her stay here, "It's a good thing grandfather cannot see me now! He'd order servants to swarm onto me and make me look like a 'proper lady'. Oh, what a bunch of foolishness! As if looking proper is ever going to save someone on the battlefield…"

Katsumi notes the bodyguards that had been assigned to her took their duties very seriously, having been posted at multiple positions around the academy to minimize the chance of any assassins getting to her.

The girl's musing is interrupted as she hears a knock on the door and a voice calling if they may come in. Katsumi walks to the door, letting another girl with short brown hair in, one of her so-called friends.

Katsumi thinks to herself, despite her not caring about her ragged appearance, "I'd best keep up appearances in front of Shiba. I must outdo her at every turn!"

As such, Katsumi asked one of her eager friends to help her do her hair. It was no comparison to what the servants would do back at the estate, but she decided she'd have to make do.

The girl observes her new appearance in the mirror, "The style… it's reminiscent of my uncle, Tokinada… I don't think the crimes he committed were ok, but despite that I can't help but feel this is fitting, somehow. As if to signal our clan's return to the Gotei 13!"

Katsumi regards the other girl, "You may leave."

With that command, the other girl bows, before walking out of the room.

"It's our day off… I'd better take this opportunity to mess with Shiba. Hopefully she'll actually want to fight me this time! I do wish to show her the gulf in power between us!", the girl walks off with a smirk.

Cafeteria, Shino Academy

Karin had constantly been receiving passive aggressive jabs here and there from Katsumi every time she did anything right. For instance, one time she performed a series of Zanjutsu strikes in a manner even better than Katsumi, which caused the girl to remind her of her place afterwards, suggesting that the only thing that awaits a Shiba at the end of greatness is tragedy or disappointment. Quite honestly, Karin has had enough of it, a sentiment shared by her Zanpakuto. Even the bearded old guy stated his dislike for Katsumi, which is rare, as Karin seldom if ever hears from him. Karin decided that she would put Katsumi in her place if she ever crossed the line.

Brought out of her thoughts by a friendly voice, Karin addresses Ryunosuke who looks like he just asked her a question, "Sorry could you repeat that?"

"I said could you tell us more about your sister, Yuzu?" the boy responds.

"Jeez Karin, you feeling ok? You seem out of it lately." Shino remarks.

Karin nods, "Yeah, sorry. What do you want to know about Yuzu?"

The three sit in the vacant Cafeteria, as most students prefer to spend their off time in the Seireitei, enjoying their unique cuisine or perhaps taking the opportunity to interact and learn from actual members of the Gotei 13. Given that the three of them all have family members within the Gotei, the Seireitei itself isn't all the impressive to them, or rather, in Karin's case, she doesn't care. The young Kurosaki turned Shiba would much rather spend time with her new friends than waltzing around the Seireitei, which she could likely do anytime she wanted anyway.

Just then, a familiar voice calls out to the group that causes Karin's mood to sour.

"What do you want, Princess?" Karin frowns at the girl.

Katsumi snaps back, "Why such a sour expression, Shiba? I just said hello."

Ryunosuke can't help but lower his head in both fear and respect as the girl approaches.

"Seems at least one of you knows your place." Katsumi remarks with a smirk, "But really, I'm not here as a noble right now. I'm here as an individual, so your show of respect is unnecessary."

Shino slaps Ryunosuke on the back, "Chin up! She said it's fine."

The boy still hesitates to raise his head all the same.

"Can you leave? I think you being here is enough to make him pee his pants…" Karin remarks carelessly.

Katsumi scoffs, "I don't know what reason I could have given him to make him feel that way, but unfortunately, I feel I must stay. I am here for you, Shiba."

Karin rolls her eyes, "I'm not that fond of you either, y'know…"

"Your feelings are irrelevant, Shiba, only your understanding and cooperation are required." Katsumi states, matter-of-factly.

Karin groans, "And how may I be of service to you today, your highness? I thought you thought I was worthless?"

Katsumi nods, "Indeed, when it comes to most things, I struggle to think of someone more incompetent, but even I have to admit when it comes to the way you handle a blade… it is almost acceptable."

Karin stares at the girl wide-eyed before smirking, "You think I'm good, don't you?"

Katsumi waves her off, "Foolishness! I never said anything to suggest that! I merely wish to show you, despite having somewhat of an understanding in Zanjutsu, that I am far superior! Therefore, I wish to do battle with you!"

Karin shrugs, "Well we aren't allowed to carry our Zanpakuto outside of the Zanjutsu training, so you'll just have to wait next time we do that—"

Katsumi snaps her fingers, cutting the girl off.

Karin then sees Onabara enter the room, giving the girl an apologetic look, "Forgive me, Miss Shiba, but the Lady Tsunayashiro was quite adamant about fighting you. I'll have to ask you to come to the training room…"

Karin stares at him for a moment, wide eyed, before turning an aggressive gaze at Katsumi, "You black mailed him, didn't you?"

Katsumi gasps at this, "Shiba! How could you even suggest that?!"

Although, based on the look in Onabara's eyes, everyone could tell that he was blackmailed in some way.

Karin once more shrugs, "Fine… I'll fight you. And once I kick your ass, you promise to stop bothering me?"

Katsumi scoffs, "Of course not. You are presumptuous to assume you have any leverage against a noble such as myself."

Karin glares at the girl, not liking her pompous tone.

Katsumi notices this and decides to promise something anyway, "I will promise that at least for the rest of today you won't have to deal with me. I know you think you're the center of my attention, but sadly I have other responsibilities to tend to. Things that real nobles do."

Katsumi adds a little bit of venom to that last part.

Karin glares at the girl, "Enough talk, let's fight already."

Onabara leads them to the training room, the two girls each grabbing for their Zanpakutos.

Onabara begins to state the rules, "Alright, the first to land a hit wins—"

"I've decided to change the rules!" Katsumi declares, catching everyone off guard, "Once Shiba admits that I am better than her, the battle will be over!"

Karin laughs, "That will never happen."

Katsumi's expression sours at this, "No, no! This will not do! I require proof that I am absolutely superior, and you have the audacity to deny it? I have even offered you a chance to prove your own skills, as sad as they might be. You should be thanking me!"

Karin once more rolls her eyes, "Well that's all well and good, your highness, but I'll still never admit that—because it's not true."

Katsumi glares at the girl, before the door to the training room slides open.

"What is going on in here?!" Rukia demands.

"Ah, Ms. Kuchiki, just in time! You can handle this! I-I have papers I need to grade! Indeed!" Onabara runs past the short woman, allowing for no argument.

Rukia looks back in the room to find Karin running at her.

"Sensei!" Karin stops in front of Rukia, with an expression that relays both joy at seeing her and underlying anxiety.

"Karin! This is the day off, what are you doing here?" Rukia asks, quite confused.

"I apologize, Ms. Kuchiki, but could I ask you to judge out duel?" Katsumi calls from behind Karin.

Rukia glances at the girl and then back to Karin, "Explain. Now."

Karin explains how Katsumi set this thing up in an effort to fight her.

Rukia wears a contemplative look, "I think I understand… so you want me to judge if you are better at Zanjustsu than Karin, don't you Lady Tsunayashiro?"

Katsumi nods before adding, "Ms. Kuchiki, you need not refer to me by my title. I know you were once in the Rukongai, but your brother chose you. Captain Kuchiki is a man who has my respect as both a Shinigami and a Noble."

Rukia raises a brow at this, "Whatever you say… Ms. Tsunayashiro…"

This makes Katsumi pout a bit but ceases it as she shifts her gaze back at Karin, "Now, for your own Mentor to say I am better than you, Shiba. How unfortunate."

Karin growls in response, "What's unfortunate is that they won't be able to stop looking at the bruises I give you during class!"

As soon as Rukia calls for the match to start, Karin immediately charges forward, striking at the other girl. Katsumi is taken by surprise by Karin's move, barely able to dodge the strike.

"Is that all you have, Shi—" Katsumi's sentence is cut off as Karin punches the girl in the face, sending her falling on her back.

Katsumi gets to her feet, holding her nose in her hand, "That's cheating, Shiba!"

Karin rolls her eyes, "You didn't say punching wasn't allowed…"

Katsumi growls at this, as blood continues to fall from her nose, "As expected of a brute from the Shiba Clan!"

Rukia glares at the girl, warning Katsumi to watch her tone, which silences her.

Katsumi huffs, "No matter… I can beat you regardless!"

Katsumi assumes an offensive stance, striking at Karin, but Karin parries the strike with ease, jabbing the girl in the gut with the pommel of her sword while the girl stumbles as a result of the parry. Kastumi once more is sent spiraling to the ground. Karin stands over the other girl.

"Dang, who knew Karin was so strong… I bet Squad 11 would love to recruit her!" Shino remarks, while Ryunosuke smiles, nodding in agreement.

Karin's Zanpakuto speaks to her, disappointed, "What a disappointment… I expected more from her… all bark and no bite! Let her know how much better we are! Her sword is weak! Oh yeah, Rukia's right over there, let's spar with her instead."

Karin mentally rolls her eyes at her Zanpakuto, "You sure like to talk a lot, but you still haven't told me your name…"

The old man responds this time, "You aren't ready yet… nor do you need it."

Karin couldn't argue with that, as she nonchalantly picks apart the other girls' weaknesses, "Your sword reeks of lack in experience. My Zanpakuto is thoroughly bored to the point where they are complaining. You're all bark and no bite, Princess."

Katsumi's eyes shoot open at this, recalling when her grandfather said the Tsunayashiro's had no place in the Gotei 13.

Rukia looks like she is about to say something, but Katsumi calls out in rage, "Wait!"

The noble girl gets up off the ground, wiping the blood across her face, looking more like a member of Squad 11 than a noble, "I'll show them all… I have what it takes!"

Karin raises a brow at the display, while Rukia, Shino and Ryunosuke look on with nervous expressions.

"Be careful, she's desperate.", the old man warns Karin with an uncharacteristic sense of caution in his voice.

Just then, Katsumi shouts something that causes the three bystanders to feel a shiver down their spine, "Flow like the wind, Shisha no Sabaku!"

Suddenly, her sword changes into some kind of double-sided glaive or spear.

Rukia calls out, "Wait a minute, Ms. Tsunayashiro. I thought you wouldn't use Shikai!"

"And I thought Shiba wouldn't punch, but she did…" Katsumi states, not taking her gaze off Karin, "So Shiba, think you're still better than me now?"

Rather the back down in fear, Karin stands her ground, smirking, "If this means you're more worth our time!"

Katsumi scoffs, "I highly doubt someone who doesn't know the name of their Zanpakuto could pose a challenge to a Shikai. Release is better than no release, it's simple math…"

Katsumi shrugs while Karin charges again. However, this time Karin finds her pace far slower before she is picked up by a draft of wind, sending her spinning in and air before landing face first on the dirt.

Katsumi chuckles, "The position suits you just fine, Shiba! In the dirt where you belong!"

"What did you do?" Karin asks, getting back to her feet.

Katsumi proudly explains, "My Shikai gives me the ability to control the air currents in the area, making it so I can push enemies into the air, redirect elemental or energy attacks, or even fly."

Karin is speechless at this as currents of wind form into swirling cyclones—floating spears on each side of Katsumi.

The noble calls out, "Give it up, Shiba! I don't want to hurt you too badly!"

Karin scoffs, "You'd like that wouldn't you?"

Karin points her blade at the noble before her, as if a declaration of her defiance.

Katsumi sighs, "As you wish."

With that, Katsumi points her spear at Karin, which sends the wind lances at Karin. The young Shiba girl attempts to block but is unable to do so, as her Zanpakuto spirits are arguing in her head.

"Cut it at the last moment!" the old man yells.

"No, dodge it!" the blue haired woman counters.

The result is Karin being hit by the wind lance, sending her against the wall, knocking her out cold.

Katsumi withdraws her Shikai, as Rukia declares her the winner.

As Katsumi exits, she can't help but notice the disapproving expression Rukia is giving her, "Whatever is that sour look for, Ms. Kuchiki?"

Rukia shakes her head, "If Karin had her Shikai, you would have lost that fight."

Katsumi looks away with a brief look of frustration, then of shame, and finally acceptance.

The noble looks back at Rukia with a light smile, "You are correct about that. It would seem that Shiba has me beat in terms of raw skill. Please tell her I thought her skills with a sword were magnificent. But she shouldn't let that go to her head, she has a long way to go in every other category until she's worthy of being my rival!"

With that, Katsumi takes her leave.

"I just can't get a read on that girl…" Rukia states to herself, before walking over to Karin while preparing a light healing Kaido spell.

30 Minutes Later, Academy Clinic

Karin wakes up in a bed, finding Rukia, Shino, and Ryunosuke sitting next to her.

The girl groans, "Where am I?"

"In the clinic. You took a heavy blow from Ms. Tsunayashiro's Shikai, but nothing a little Kido couldn't fix." Rukia explains with a smile.

Karin, remembering what happened, starts to get angry, "That bitch! I'll kill her!"

As Karin makes to get out of the bed, Rukia holds her down, "Restrain yourself! I know how this loss must hurt your pride, but you needn't provoke her."

Karin settles a bit at her Sensei's words.

Rukia continues, "By the way, she said your swordsmanship was excellent and for some reason seems to think of you as a rival…"

Karin's eyes widen at this, "Princess actually said that…?"

Karin then considers something, "Maybe she isn't so bad after all…"

"Woah, she's actually humble sometimes… who knew…" the voice of her Zanpakuto murmurs.

Karin snaps back, "Oh shut up, we wouldn't be in this mess if you'd have just told me your name! What is it?"

This prompts her Zanpakuto to chuckle, "In due time, child. I can't just hand you this power like it is nothing… as much as I'd like to…"

"What do you mean?!" Karin shouts back in her mind, however there is no response.

Ryunosuke, noticing the sour look on Karin's face, suggests something, "Karin… how about you teach up how to play this 'Soccer' you were telling us about?"

Karin nods, getting out of the bed with the assistance of her friends. Rukia looks on in amusement as Karin pulls a ball from her pack and starts kicking it around nonchalantly while the other two observe with stars in their eyes.

Author's Note:

I think it's necessary to set up Karin's rivalry with Katsumi, as well as making you all understand why Katsumi is the way she is early on. I have a plotline planned for the two later on that will largely revolve around their relationship as rivals.

Also, this chapter was initially posted as chapter 20, but as I mentioned on chapter 20's note, I decided to move it back a bit later. This decision was made to give a better sense of passage of time.