"Talk"

Thoughts or Skills

Zanpakuto or just for emphasis

2 months after orientation...

A thump could be heard throughout the halls as a blue-haired lady was scurrying to classes after waking up late.

Makoto's POV

Naomi, why didn't you wake me up? I internally yell as I run to my General Studies class. I accidentally interrupted the instructor's lecture when I burst through the door. "I'm sorry I'm late! It won't happen again" I yell as I give a 90-degree bow and head to my seat. "I would be inclined to believe you Miss Hayumi but this is the 3rd time you've been late this week, it's a Wednesday." The instructor fixes his glasses as he looks at Makoto sternly. "You will be staying after class to make up for the lost time. Am I clear?" I nod my head frantically "Yes sir!"

The instructor continued his lecture on the basic fighting styles of a Shinigami. " As previously discussed, the 4 basic fighting styles can be generalized into 4 categories. Respectively, Zanjutsu, Hakudo, Hoho, and Kido. In these past few months, we have gone over many theories, now we'll focus on more practical aspects." The early morning drowsiness subsided at the news. We were finally going to learn something we could use. "To ensure we don't destroy the classroom, we'll continue this lecture on the training grounds." The instructor opened the door, and he walked out of the classroom as we followed him. Shortly after, we arrived in a spacious field surrounded by greenery with the middle of the field being void of any grass. As I looked around, I could see that there were other classes here as well, and even saw Naomi as I waved at her.

"Ok, today we will be starting with Hakuda, I hope you're prepared." Groans of discontent could be heard from the crowd as the teacher mentioned we'd be doing hand-to-hand combat. Some of the students were brave enough to announce their dissatisfaction. "Hold on! We're training to become full-fledged Shinigami who use swords. Shouldn't we be prioritizing Zanjutsu instead? What use is martial arts? The frustrated noises were replaced with that of agreement as I nodded in understanding. We have swords, might as well use 'em. "SILENCE!" The instructor unleashed a mere whisp of his Reiatsu effectively shutting everyone up. "How can you expect to efficiently use a sword when you can't even use your fist!" He slams his sword on the ground continuing his verbal onslaught, "You must first know your body before you know the sword. Now if there are any objections, feel free to leave!"

All the yapping before was shut down as we all lined up single file ready to start. "Now, I'll be showing you the basic fighting style taught here at the academy, but remember, this fighting style is only a foundation. You must carve your way of fighting after you've learned the basics. This goes for Zanjutsu as well." After he shows us some basic stances and attacks, he tells us to partner up to see how much we've converted to memory.

"Hello, would you like to be partners?" A short girl around 155cm walks up to me. She wore a similar red uniform like mine, and her auburn hair was tied in a bun with her bangs parting to the sides of her face. "Oh sure, I'm Makoto and you are..." I say already forgetting everyone's name despite being in this class for months. "Ah, I'm Rin, it's fine if you don't remember, I don't have much of a presence probably due to my height." She says as she laughs it off and I laugh along with her to lessen the awkwardness. "So shall we get started?" I say as she nods and gets into position. I lay down my sword and get into the taught stance.

After 5 seconds of stillness, Rin runs towards me and throws a fist at me. I choose to sidestep the attack and then counter with a back fist. Rin adapts quickly, raising the arm she punched with to block my strike and using the force to gain some distance. Intending to press the assault, I charge in with an uppercut as she ducks and kicks me hard in the abdomen causing me to get pushed back. "You hit hard for someone so small," I say panting, as Rin sprints at me. "Why thank you." She then jumps up aiming to get a kick at my head. "Let's see if you can handle my kick!" She flies down on me as I catch her foot in a chokehold then flip her over my shoulder. Rin manages to stick the landing and continues her barrage of punches while I try to dodge and block them. I'm glad 2 years of stamina and endurance training didn't go to waste. I continue dodging her attacks for a solid 2 minutes before Rin rushes in for a punch and misses me by a hair. It seems she's starting to get tir- *bang* Before I knew it, I was lying on the ground with Rin pinning me down.
"This is my victory!" She said giddily as she got up and gave me a hand "That was really fun! Let's spare again sometime!" I grab onto her wrist and force myself up. "Sure, but what exactly happened." I confusingly look down at her giggling. "It's quite simple. When I threw that last punch, I intentionally missed and aimed to block your line of sight. This way you wouldn't see me aim for your legs causing you to fall." Now that I think about my view was blocked. Guess I was too caught up in my thoughts to notice something was off.

"Times up, class dismissed! Make sure to train and memorize this technique as it will be the foundation of your first and second year Hakuda classes. Oh, and Miss Hayumi, come to my office." I slowly nod as I dread the following events to come. "I wouldn't worry too much. Takahashi sensei isn't that bad" I sigh walking inside the building to see what punishment he has for me. "Thanks Rin, Cya later," I said in a dead tone.

"I don't know why or how you managed to be late every day this week, but it needs to stop now." He said with his back facing me and his hands behind his back.

"Yes, I understand that-"
"Yet this has been a continuous occurrence." He interjected. "Every day you have missed 30 minutes of class time for 3 days. Therefore, it's only fair that you spend an hour and a half memorizing this." He turns around with a book in his hand slamming it on the desk with a loud thud."

"It's a book..." I deadpanned. "It's a book containing all Kido spells from 1-60. I expect you to memorize them all by the end of this week AND demonstrate Hado 1 Shō." I gasp as I slam my hands on my desk. "What that's not fair! I don't know much about Kido!" I yelled at him. "Precisely, you seem to miss our Kido lessons at the beginning of class so you're far behind. Isn't it only fair that you catch up on information you missed?" I yield to his words looking down. "I suppose so..." I whispered picking up the book and walking out of the room. "I do hope you won't be late again." He said to me, lifting his glasses as I exited the room.

"Ok, let's see what we have to deal with," I say opening the book.

2 Days Later

Over the course of 2 days, I managed to stay on time and study for the Kido demonstration. Some of these I remember seeing Naomi using shakkaho or byakurai, but the focus for today is shō, the easiest and most simple hado spell. "Would everyone listen up? So far you all have grasped the basics of Hakuda so tomorrow we'll be moving on to Zanjutsu." Everyone roared with excitement as they finally got to learn how to use their swords. "Make no mistake, you must still train in martial arts on your own time unless you want to fall behind." Takahashi sensei said with a glare. "Now to put a close on today's class, Makoto Hayumi will be demonstrating Hado 1 shō." As the instructor finished his announcement everyone turned towards me. "Here goes nothing," I whisper walking to the center of the field and start reciting the unnecessarily long incantation. "Hado #1 Shō!" I yell as a white ball of reishi is shot from my finger putting a dent into the tree. Alright, I did it! This was totally worth the several times it exploded in my face. I turned towards the crowd feeling proud of myself as almost everyone erupted into laughter. "HAHAHA! This is the first time I've seen someone use the incantation for such a basic kido spell. How bad could you be!" The nobleman from earlier said as he walked to the front of the class. "Though I suppose that's what you'd expect from fodder."

"What's your problem? I don't think I asked for your input." I say confidently as I face the man. "You should be honored to be graced by my words. Some people can be so ungrateful." He said smirking eloquently. "Then allow me to reciprocate by gracing you with my fist," I shout back cracking my knuckles. "That's enough you two. No need to fight. If you wish to settle this, do it on your own time. Class dismissed!"

There's always someone to sour the mood and was feeling good about it too. It's not easy memorizing 50 paragraphs. Though I will have to thank Takahashi sensei later for stopping it when he did. As of right now, I don't think I can beat anyone. I sigh as I head back to my dorm. "Hey, you there. Stop." I turn around and meet the eyes of my 'bully.' "Can I help you?" He walks up to me and shows me a piece of paper. "The end of the year exam. The higher score wins. The loser leaves Shin'o Academy for good. You in?" I grabbed the flyer which showed the exact details of the test. Should I thank him for being generous enough to give me almost a year to prepare or be insulted that he doesn't see me as a threat? Nonetheless, I handed him back the flyer. "Sure, why not? I can't wait to kick that smug look off your face anyway." I said returning to my dorm before hearing his reply. Seems like I'm going to have to work extra hard this year. I highly doubt someone from a noble family would be weak.

5 months later...

*Yawn* I get from my bed and start my day by washing my face in the mirror. I still can't get used to how I look now. I had deep blue hair that slowly descended into a purplish color at the tips. My eyes were a vibrant light red (Like Jingliu from HSR). The length of my hair was right at my back and my bangs were parted mostly to the left almost covering my eye if it was longer. My height increased a bit putting me at 165cm (5.4). The outfit I chose to wear was a lavender Kimono with flowery patterns and a faded navy blue patternless obi.

After I was done staring at myself, I got ready to head out for the day. Rin, Naomi, and I were planning on going out to the Rukongai today. As I walk the halls I get greeted by several people who cross paths with me. Over the past 5 months, I have increased my strength considerably. I can now do Kido up to mid-30s and my Hoho skills were coming along well. I've been trying with Hakudo but I don't have much of an affinity for it meanwhile my Zanjutsu skills are so-so. After all this time, I feel like I'm finally finding a place in this world. Shortly after that demonstration months ago, I fell in love with Kido because it felt like magic to me, so I decided it would be my primary focus.

Before I knew it, I was heading to the meeting spot on the roads of Rukon district. After a short walk, I come across Rin and Naomi in casual clothing with Rin wearing an assortment of fall colors like orange, brown, and red and Naomi wearing different shades of blue which blend well with her black eyes and hair. "Wow! I see you guys are dressed to impress!" I say gaining their attention as I run over.

"Makoto you finally made it. Me and Naomi were just about to go off without you!" I laugh at Rin's words as we start walking to our destination. "Oh no, what would you guys have done without me? You could've gotten kidnapped, or worse, have your food stolen." I say sarcastically as Rin pouts. "We would be just fine without you," she yells. "But we're glad you still came," Naomi chimes in. I hum as we fall into comfortable silence taking in the scenery. It's much different from District 68. The houses which were once crumbling and unsightly are polished and painted into beautiful buildings. The air smelt like grass and vegetation could be seen from anywhere you looked as the water fountain became a beacon for animals to play and drink. On the margins, you could see an abundance of people selling all kinds of crops, goods, and clothes while little kids were playing with sticks pretending to be Shinigami. It's pretty nice here, but why is there such a vast difference?

"Hey Makoto let's try that! Then we can go play some minigames," Rin cheered enthusiastically already making her way to the skewers while me and Naomi followed her.

5 hours later...

"That was so fun!" "I agree, we must come do this again sometime." Naomi smiled looking down at Rin. "Mhm, we should invite more people as well!" We all laughed as we were on our way back to the academy. All students are forced to return before curfew

"RWOARRRRrrrrr~" Knocked out of our repose, we prepared for combat as a hollow was approaching the vicinity. Naomi already had her Zanpakuto unsheathed ready to strike while Rin was in a fighting stance. "Where are your Zanpakuto's?" Naomi inquired not looking away from the hollow. "Didn't think I would need it," Rin replied gravely. "I forgot!" I shrugged. "Guess I'll take the lead on this one. Here it comes. The plan is simple. Save, Neutralize, and Stall. Rin use your speed to get the bystanders to safety, Makoto I'll count on you for backup while I stall." she ordered as we both nodded. Rin started moving quickly getting the defenseless out while I created more distance to cast and Naomi was the one directly clashing with it. Hopefully, we'll stall it long enough for help.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!" A little girl fell on the ground screaming trying to run from the approaching hollow. Rin was too far to get there on time while Naomi couldn't get around its tail. "Guess it's up to me. Hado #1, Sho! A beam of light launches towards the hollow effectively hitting it but doing no significant damage. I predicted that much. Sho is the only spell that I could use without a chant and was fast enough to hit the target before it got to her. The hollow charges at me but is forced to a halt as Rin appears from the sky kneeing its back. "Everyone evacuated!" Naomi goes underneath and slashes its stomach. "I got the girl to safety, now we can focus!" The hollow shakes off Rin and starts to run in the opposite direction. "Why is it running?" Rin questioned.

"I don't know but we should chase it. We can't have more people getting hurt. Makoto, you cut it off."I nod and run off in another direction. After a few minutes, I take a turn onto the main road preparing a spell as I hear it coming. "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!" I see the hollow coming towards me as it enters into range. "Hado #31 Shakkahō!" A red firey ball of light shoots at the hollow with explosive speed landing a critical hit. The hollow suddenly shifts left taking a detour from the main road probably due to the shock of the kido. It's peculiar that the hollows running away. They shouldn't be this smart. I hop on the roof running after it as I see Naomi and Rin on its tail. Rin tries to hold it down but it's too fast. "Tsk. For someone that's injured, it sure can move. Hey Makoto, can't you slow it down?" Rin yelled at me while I was already getting started on the inscription by writing a symbol in the air. Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!" I jump into the air for a clearer vision. "Bakudo #9, Geki!" A red aura appears around the unknown hollow as he suddenly comes to a halt.

"RWOARRRRRR!" Before he attempts to break out, Rin elbows its neck successfully paralyzing him. "My turn!" Naomi brings her sword up preparing for a slash. "Hado #32 Ōkasen!" Naomi shoots out a yellow arc of light from her sword cutting the hollow in half as it disappears.

"It's finally over..." She says as we all reconvene and gather our breaths.

The Next Day

"How irresponsible! It is against policy to engage in battle with hollows! You 3 could have been seriously injured! I understand why Rin and Makoto got involved but I'm disappointed in you Naomi." A thrashing from my sensei was the last thing I had in mind when we got back. I was expecting a celebration or overnight fame, not a lecture. "With all due respect Takahashi sensei, we did save the people of Rukongai and defeated the hollow with minimal casualties. If we waited for the shinigami to take action then who knows what would've happened." The look in Naomi's eyes was that of unwavering confidence as she stood up to sensei. "I am aware of that, but the school board has come to the conclusion that you did break the rules which is why your punishment will be lenient. All of you will stay 2 hours after school for the rest of the month. I hope to see you here starting tomorrow." He leaves the classroom as the rest of us talk about our experience so far. "I guess that isn't so bad." Naomi lets out a sigh of relief "I concur, usually the punishment would be expulsion. We were lucky today, but don't let that get your head. It may not happen again." Me and Rin both nod, leaving the classroom while we talk about the fight.

"We work so well together! Makoto with her Kido, Naomi who uses Zanjutsu, and my awesome and fabulous Hoho and Hakudo Skills!" We all laugh as we discuss the unprecedented encounter in detail.

Next Chapter: The Right Day to Duel

(I feel that she'll be graduating shortly)