3: Teacher
"It has come to my attention that you have nothing to occupy your time with, Sakura," Ginrei stated solemnly, looking down at dark-haired teen.
She looked up innocently. "Is that an issue, Grandfather?"
"It is. I understand that you are not under any pressure now, seeing as Byakuya is the one who will become the next clan leader. But nevertheless, you require training in the art of Zanjutsu, just like any other Shinigami."
Sakura tried not to pout. "But Grandfather, I've already mastered shunpo; I'm even better than Bya-nii. And you know I fight with Hakuda, Hohou, and Kido. I don't even use my zanpakuto."
Ginrei sighed, exasperated. "That is why you need to learn. Your zanpakuto is a part of you; you must learn to master it."
The young teen repressed the urge to roll her eyes and inclined her head respectfully. "Okay, okay. So who's my teacher going to be?"
"That's the problem I've come across. I'm afraid I'm having a bit of trouble deciding on which officer to choose as your trainer. Everyone in our division is busy, I'm afraid, so he or she will have to be from another division."
"That's fine," Sakura said, shrugging. It wasn't very often that she had the opportunity to meet seated officers from other divisions, and it was an exciting prospect.
"Yes, well, I was thinking of a few potential candidates. All of them are lieutenants, seeing as your abilities in areas other than Zanjutsu really are quite advanced. These are your options: Lisa Yadomaru, Mashiro Kuna, Hiyori Sarugaki, and Sousuke Aizen." Ginrei looked at her expectantly.
The noble girl wrinkled her nose in concentration. She didn't know Lisa Yadomaru that well, although she seemed nice enough. Mashiro Kuna seemed a little annoying, but easygoing and kind. Hiyori Sarugaki didn't seem to be all that pleasant of a person, but then again, she had only seen her once or twice. Sousuke Aizen, on the other hand, seemed like a wonderfully kind man. Sakura put a finger to her chin as she thought, but her grandfather interrupted her contemplations.
"I would prefer that you do not work with Mashiro Kuna. And I've heard some rather… unsavory rumors about Yadomaru-fukutaichou's reading habits."
Well, that narrowed down her options considerably.
"Personally, I would choose Aizen-fukutaichou. He is closer to our division, after all. He is also a very mature young man, and I know his skills are tremendous."
Sakura thought about it for a moment, and then nodded. "All right, Grandfather. Aizen-fukutaichou it is."