Warnings: not much just fighting and mentions of bullying.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Bleach.
The sounds of grunts and clangs filled the entire training grounds. it was a chance for the newest knights to show off and for the generals to see if there was any talent they would want. Most notably was an orange hair teen with two swords, one longer and bigger than the other, sparring with one of the veteran Sargent.
It was no secret that the teen was the center of attention with word of his appointment of bring the fourth Prince had got out. Many where thrilled having already known him but others didn't trust him.
"That him," one of the oldest Generals asks. Jutting his chin to the sparring teen.
"Looks like em," another answered.
"He is a bit rough isn't he?"
"True, his fighting style is wild. Has he even been trained?"
"Don't know, but I am sure his highness wouldn't stick someone so…untried out in a war."
"I'm surprise that he hasn't cut his own arms off with that big stick of his." one laugh.
The others soon joined him but those who knew Ichigo didn't but kept their mouths shut. Ichigo had asked them not to say anything in his defense he wanted to worked for their trust and that his actions would speak for him.
In the background sticking close to the shadows was the King and one of his most trusted soldiers. Conrad Walker. He had turned down the position of General and opted for a position of teacher in the Knights Alchemy. The man had seen war on several occasions when Isshin's father was ruler as well as the early years of Isshin's own rule.
"So what do you think of Ichigo?" Isshin whispered.
"Well it is true that he does need some polish but to say that he is untried…that's pushing it. I can see it in the way he moves that he is used to fighting those with more experience but I think that that is his fighting style." Conrad stops to take a long drag of his pipe. After blowing out a billow of smoke he glances back to Isshin. "Is it wise to send him out. I understand he does have some war experience I am more concern about Yamamoto being interested in him."
"Yes and no," Isshin said. "I know that sending him out will leave him with a target on his back but not sending him, well he is the type to do what he believes is right. I rather I know where he's at then to find out that he snuck out on his own."
Conrad nodded and continue to watch the orangette. He could see the potential the teen had he was unsure of the boy himself. he decided to test him.
"let me run him through the ringer tomorrow, I'll let you know by then."
Isshin thought it over but in the end he agreed.
"Oh and tell him that he isn't allow to used his two swords. I want to see what he is capable of without them."
"Alright, I'll make sure that he knows and to be at your usual training ground two hours early." Isshin smiled at some private joke that only he and Conrad knew.
"Make it three," the old soldier said with a sadistic smile.
oOooOooOooOooOooOo
Ichigo had woken up early the next morning and headed towards the woods. He had been informed that he was to meet one of the trainers. He was also told that he couldn't use Zangetsu. Neither blade was happy about that and Ichigo had to listen to Shiro's consent complaining.
It hadn't escaped his notice that he was looked down on by both the incoming knights as well as the Generals. Thanks to his hollow enhancing his senses Ichigo had heard every insult that was thrown at him even those whispered behind his back. He took it all in stride, Ichigo figured that it would have been worse if he had taken to joining either Kaien's or Shirosaki's units.
When the King had informed him that he be involved in the oncoming war Ichigo had argued that he needed to be placed with the regulars. He reasoned that if he was put in a unit that others worked years to get into then it would create problems. So when he joined all the newbie's he became an instant target. This time it was his hair plus his new rank and the fact that with the exception of the Vizards and Espada's no one knew just what he was capable of. They all thought that he was as green as a unplowed field.
"Sure shocked them didn't I," Ichigo said to no one. His sparring had painted an another target on his back.
In fact, his sparring hadn't gone unnoticed like he wished. The General's mocked his fighting style while the other new recruits snickered. Ichigo just scowled before kicking their asses when it came to their turn. Though he suspected that most of the jeering was from jealously. It didn't help that word had got out that Ulquiorra had trained him a little.
"They had more years to train then me and their angry that I still beat them, it's not my fault that I have more experience than them in fighting." The orangette grumbled.
"That's very true young man but the fact that you a teenage boy who as far as they know has little to no instruction bested them, it is kind of understandable."
Ichigo quickly hid the jump his body gave from the unsuspecting voice that came from behind him. he glanced back to see a weather middle age man with dark brown hair peppered with gray.
"And to the general's your just an upstart that the King had become fond of. To them you're a liability." He added seriously. "that's why I am going to see how good you really are. And please don't hold back like ya did to those youngen's, it would be insulting."
"How did you…when did you get here!?" Ichigo shouted.
"I've been here the whole time boy now here," Conrad said with a smile. He tosses a wooden sword to Ichigo who reflexively caught it.
The teen gave it a once over. It was slimmer then what he was use too though it did resemble his old bankai blade. He just had to remember not to be so heavy handed with it. He has already broken several training swords.
"Now let's see what ya can do boy," Conrad said before attacking Ichigo.
The orangette quickly brought up his blade to block Conrad's only for the man to change course and go for another part of the teens body. The old man didn't give any quarter as he continues his assault that Ichigo was having a hard time keeping up with. he did manage a few hits but the hits that old man gave him out weighed his.
By the time they stop is was past noon going on evening and Ichigo collapsed panting. Conrad didn't even look winded but Ichigo wasn't fooled. The man hid his exhaustion well. Once the teen got his breath back he sat up and glanced up at the other man.
"so," he started off.
"So?"
"Did I pass?"
Ichigo didn't know what he said but Conrad was laughing a deep full belly laugh.
"Figure that out did ya, well no matter. I find you to be a rough cut of metal that knows how to survive but doesn't know how to conserve his energy. You waste too much in your swings but I am guessing that ya didn't have much in the way of teachings. You made several mistakes in your stances though I think that was because you were using a blade you weren't familiar with." Conrad hummed in thought. "So yea you pass, but what I am going to teach ya is to use weapon you're not use too. From what I heard you tend to lose those fancy blades of yours."
"t-that's not-
"Isshin and Kisuke has already told me about your circumstances so I know that you that you have been trying to find your new limitations. So think of this as supervised training on just that," He reasons.
Ichigo thought it over, he could see it as that and it would do him good to be able to know how to use whatever weapons that were near him.
"It would be a good idea, when you summon us you always get tired."
"yea this way we can be the last resort that saves the day."
With the support of his zanpakuto Ichigo stood up and looked Conrad in the eye. "Alright sounds good to me," he said.
"Conrad Walker."
"Ichigo Kurosaki Shiba."
"That's quite that mouth full," the old man snickered.
Ichigo scowled before picking up his training blade. "Ready for round two old man," he challenged.
"Eh think you can keep up brat," Conrad smirked.
They continued to spar until Toshiro found them and all but drag the protesting teen back to the castle. The dragon made sure to tell the old soldier that Ichigo also had classes with him. Conrad that he didn't mind sharing much to Toshiro's annoyance.
Ichigo praised his rapid healing by the time he got to his room. Though that didn't save him when Masaki caught how dirty he was and promptly sent him off to the baths before he could get anything to eat. The warm water did more them clean him as he was found by Kaien to be half asleep with only his lower body still in the water.
The First Prince dried him off and with the help of a passing servant carried Ichigo to his room. The poor teen went to bed without food until he woke in the middle of the night to a tray with room temperature fruit, cheeses, and bread. Not caring about the food being left out for so long he ate then went back to bed. He couldn't wait to face off with Conrad again.
OOooOooOooOooOooOo
If sparring with Kisuke was a near death experience and fighting with the Vizards was a death experience, then having Conrad teach him was way way worst then both put together. Every night Ichigo had to crawl to his room before being force to bath and eat. Kaien and Shiro sent him pitying glances but enjoyed the chance to tease him. if Ichigo had the strength he would give the two Princes a good bashing.
As it was Ichigo was not only being tutor by Conrad but also Toshiro plus he was put in a training unit of young knights. The first two he could handle but the training unit Ichigo had to literally bite his tongue when hearing some of insults. It didn't help that he had to reign in his hollow during those times. Normally the bullying wouldn't get to him, he was used to it from his time during high school. But there was so much he couldn't let pass.
It was during one spar with one such cocky knight that Ichigo just snapped. He pummeled the poor sap to the point that half of the remaining knights were now afraid of him. The other half were now even more determine to cause him trouble.
"Maybe I shouldn't have lost control like that," Ichigo mutter.
The orangette was trying to clean up the stables then he had to go fix some of the training post. He was being punished for something he hadn't done. The veteran officer in charge didn't even try to believe Ichigo he went ahead and just punished him while the ones responsible got off scot free. He had said nothing to the others. He hadn't wanted to seem to be a spoiled Prince who couldn't cut it without daddy's help.
"Man I really ain't looking forward to explaining this to Conrad and Toshiro. I'll be lucky to even make it to our sessions."
"While if ya was the one who caused the trouble then yeah I would be worried too. But since I know ya so well why don't we ditched this shit hole and get back to our own business." Conrad said entering the side door to the stable.
"And how do you supposed I explain my leaving. It would only make me look just what they already think of me true. And-
"And Isshin and Masaki doesn't deserve the fall back, Ichigo I hate to bust that little bubble but the King and Queen wouldn't give a damn instead they would be asking why you didn't ask for help or they would wonder why that butt kisser didn't look into it or why those little jets aren't acting like adult knights." Conrad snorted. "Your my student. I was loaning you to the others to fill in the empty spots. This so call punishment should've been run by me first."
"Oh," the teen said surprised.
"Now since we're losing daylight go get some lunch and meet me after you get done with that little dragon. Bring something to write on and with this lessen will be more theory then anything." The man said waving the teen off.
"Fine," the teen sighed in relief before cleaning up his space then leaving.
He didn't notice that Conrad hadn't left with him but the old man stayed behind before heading off to find the unfortunate officer who overstepped his boundaries.
It seemed that word had spread not only to Toshiro but to Kaien and Shiro. the two wouldn't stop bugging Ichigo during his flying lessen and had even joined him saying it was some brother bonding thing. They even had driven him over back to the training grounds and given the so call knights a good look at them. As well as a little warning.
After that Conrad had inform him that he was being placed in another unit. One filled with more mature soldiers. but Ichigo had to wait a few more weeks before that and from the gleam in the old teachers eyes he didn't like what those few weeks entailed.
oOooOooOooOooOooOooOo
"Alright you knight wannabe's, listen up it had been decided that there are too many of you to put in the normal units. So there will be two whole new ones created and those who are not chosen for the normal ones will be placed in them." a raven hair young General shouted.
Quiet mummers filled the group of young knight probationaries. Ichigo was no Knight in training but he had been included in this group in order for him to be placed in the appropriate unit. While it would be easy for him to be placed in the Vizards or Espada's he wanted to make his own way. Plus, Ichigo knew that neither Shiro nor Kaien were part of the units that needed new blood.
"to do this the King and the Generals came to the agreement that there will be a mini selection tournament. Your scores decide your placement." The announcer went on. "if for some reason you are not chosen for any units then you will either be sent back for further training or deem to incompetent to wield a sword. The first rounds start tomorrow morning. Dismiss!"
Ichigo groan as he felt several pairs of eyes land on him no matter how hard he tries to avoid it those who haven't learn that he wasn't going to back down no matter what they did or what stunt they pull.
'they properly think that it'll be easy to knock me out tomorrow,' the orangette smirk. 'well they going to get a rude wake up call."
He could feel both spirits excitement that the teen could be said to be humming with it. He knew that he would have to let Shiro Zangetsu out during one round or he never hear the end of it.
The teen made his way back to Conrad's personal training ground. He had every intention of getting in a few hours training before being called for his lessens with Toshiro. Unlike the others Ichigo had been told by Conrad about the selection tournament and the old man had given him full range but caution that the teen would be better off using Zangetsu in the finals.
"Best to keep the best surprises for last yea," The old man snickered.
Ichigo wasn't going to show all his tricks but he was going to use the fights as a way to show off. He never liked showing off before but when dealing with people who acted like they know what war is and their swaggering. Ichigo couldn't resists putting them in their place.
Though he hoped that he wasn't placed with any of the Generals that would treat him like a royal burden; a liability rather than someone who knew how to keep himself and others alive. So far, the newer units were looking like his best bet for him to set himself apart yet still be part of the group as a whole.
He was getting ready to go through the first stances when Conrad stopped him.
"Only do a few then rest for the remainder of the day. You don't want to tire out your muscles, the little dragon will also be toning down your usual lessens today. In fact, I think that he may have something that can give you more of an edge." The soldier said.
"Do I need any more of an edge?" the teen asks. "I mean I'll have Zangetsu and my powers that I can used."
"While you are stronger than those brats there still are those who are very talented that they may give you a run for your money," Conrad warned. "Not all of them are idiots."
"Right, so I should keep as many tricks up my sleeve as possible," Ichigo reasoned.
"Yep, and you are not to use your powers," Conrad laugh at the shock look Ichigo gave.
"W-what? Didn't you just say-
"yes, yes I know what I said but did you forget that using them causes you to become exhausted leaving you vulnerable to attack." The old man raised an eyebrow at Ichigo.
The teen sighed as he realized that Conrad did have a point. He scratches his head in frustration when he has to rethink his strategy for tomorrow.
"It's not that bad you'll pass with flying colors and give those old farts another reason to think poorly of you. Just have fun," the man laughs.
"Gee thanks bastard," Ichigo grip. Which made Conrad laugh even louder.
"Ichigo!" several voices started to ring out all of them familiar.
"Crap," the orangette groaned before disappearing.
Conrad shook his head, "haaa I am glad that I came out of retirement. That boy is so entertaining."
oOooOooOooOooOooOo
a misty morning already full of noise as hundreds of people turned out for the first rounds of the selection tournament. What was supposed to be just for the King, Generals, and other members the military filled out to include half the townspeople. They were up in trees, on top of the closer buildings, and some had situated themselves in between the soldiers.
Isshin couldn't help the smile on his face as he waited for the start of the fights to begin. Conrad had been keeping him inform about Ichigo's growth and he would get to see that here. He couldn't show favoritism but that didn't stop the feeling of pride that he felt towards his newest son. He could practically feel his older sons vibrate next to him as they wait. Ichigo had told them that he wanted to be treated like the others in the tournament and be chosen based on his performance rather than his connections. The King could understand that and approved. But he did wonder just where the teen would end up.
'Perhaps it would be best to place him in the newer units,' Isshin thought.
He was brought out of his thoughts by the roar of the crowd as the young knights probationary filed out and lined up into three lines. Standing in the far back was a familiar mop of orange hair attached to a scowling face. The King motion to the announcer to start the first rounds as he sat back down.
'Alright Ichigo give them a show,' he smiled as everyone but Ichigo and another left the field.
Ichigo stared at his opponent who was one of the ones that like to take cheap shots at him. the teen had dealt with him before with the same results; the cocky knight with his face in the dirt. But just for today Ichigo was going to drag it out.
He could feel Shiro near the surface and Ichigo shared the excitement of a fight. They had a long discussion about using the zanpakuto and when to use them, they had settle on using a blade similar to a claymore. He was use to using a two handed blade and could use such a blade one handed surprising his opponent. To him this tournament was more of a playground then a battle ground but Ichigo still took it seriously. But woe to the one against when they fine he is someone who doesn't really spar on the same level as them. Broken bones is going to be the least of their hurts after they face Ichigo.
The teen at first only did minimal dodging just aggravating his opponent egging him into rushing the orangette. Ichigo grinned when the knight wannabe did just that hoping to catch the teen off guard and aim for his stomach. Only to be shock when Ichigo twisted out of the way grab his wrist and flip him onto his back. When the cocky man tried to get up Ichigo didn't give him a chance to steady himself, he threw the man with a simple throw then twisting his arm behind his back pinning him to the ground.
The crowd was silent until they roared deafening all other sounds. Ichigo let go of the knight and offered his hand but it was smacked away as the man got up and stomp off back into the holding area. Ichigo stared after him before turning back to the stands that held the King and Generals. Conrad gave him a small smile while Kaien and Shiro had matching grins but it was Isshin that gave the teen the biggest smile and Ichigo felt happy with that. One of the proctors motion him to exit the arena so the next fight could begin.
The next rounds finished up quickly before Ichigo found himself back out in the arena with one of the prodigies. A sandy blond hair teen somewhat older then him but who had taken him seriously Ichigo knew that he couldn't take it easy like his past fights. He even switched out his giant sword for one that resembled his second bankai blade. He smiled when they were given the signal and wasted no time attacking.
His opponent was good and had given Ichigo many near misses hitting only his clothing. Ichigo gave as good as he got but they were tiring quickly as their match had gone on longer than others. It was simply a fluke that his opponent trip but Ichigo took advantage and swept the others feet out from under him but the man didn't go down alone. He had grab Ichigo the last second and took him with him to the ground. They laid there panting as the crowd waited for one of them to move.
Ichigo was the first to move as he rolled off the other and sat up. The other followed but he made it to his feet offering his hand Ichigo who took it with a smile. Again the crowd roar and clapped with the Generals and King looking on with approval.
With the last fights winding down Ichigo took the time to rest he was joined by the sand hair older teen and two others.
"Yo names Keith and these two are my older brothers Ricky and Damon." Keith said.
"Um Ichigo Kurosaki…oh ur I meant Shiba," Ichigo said his name out of habit but had to remember to correct himself.
"Nice to meet cha anyway I enjoy our fight maybe we can spar later," Keith said.
"Sure sounds great," Ichigo grinned.
"Great."
"All participants please report to the field."
"Well let's go see who will be fighting who tomorrow," Keith said as he followed his brothers out of the holding area Ichigo right behind him.
The number of those who would continue on to the final rounds had diminish and Ichigo found that he would be fighting a team battle with Keith against his brothers. Much to the teens annoyance it became the most anticipated fight and the amount of people attending tomorrow's fights might double.
"Look at that," Keith whisper next to him. "I guess we need to get to know each other better before tomorrow huh?"
"Joy," Ichigo said sarcastically.
While fighting team battles might not be that new to him. Ichigo had always fought with people he had known for years and with the fight tomorrow left no time to get use to Keith's style of fighting. Ichigo would just have to wing it and quickly adapt like he always did.
'yep nothing new,' Ichigo sighed.
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Chapter End.
Thank you for reading.