Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Oh Captain, My Captain! ❯ The Training Grounds ( Chapter 2 )

 

“Back on the road again…” I grumbled to myself as I sat in the runner's carriage. We were almost at the gate into the Seireitei and too my luck they had allowed my runner to run directly up to the gate without dropping the wall on him. Stepping out of the carriage I waved him off. I'd pay him when he came too pick me up again, otherwise he'd probably go run off and leave me too walk back home.

 

Approaching the door into the Seireitei I was surprised to find it was already cracked open for me. Popping my head in to see if anyone was on the other side I quirked an eyebrow in surprise, but entered none the less. Glancing at the door behind me I stared at it for a long moment then with a quick decision shut it with a swift kick of my foot which made it creak slowly shut. Upon hearing the boom of the closed door I made my way towards the training grounds where I was told upon my request to head too if my tryout was approved.

 

Seisakusha Masuku Ka Men; that is the name of my Zampakuto. It means Maker of Masks which is precisely what it does. I've never been sure if my Zampakuto is a male or female due to the fact that I've never seen its true identity. I suppose I could just ask, but I figure that that would be a very awkward question too ask considering I've had my zampakuto for so long. Maybe it's a she-male…

 

“Aaoa Takanari?”

 

Turning at the sound of my name I was greeted with the sight of the Squad Two captain.

 

“Yes?” I asked after a bowed my head in respect.

 

“You are heading to the grounds where you are to tryout, correct?” She asked as she came to stand before me.

 

“Yes, is that where you are going also, or will you be arriving at a later time?” I asked as I stood tall once again.

 

“I'm going right now.” Soi Fon said with a nod. I smiled. Looks like I'm going to have someone to talk with on the way there.

 

“Shall we walk together then?” I asked smiling. She gave me a long glance then reluctantly shrugged and started down the corridor. Smiling too myself I turned to walk in step with her.

 

According to my Zampakuto Soi Fon is the Captain of Squad Two as well as the Commander of the Special Forces. A master of Kido and Martial Arts she is a force to be reckoned with, though not nearly as powerful as the former holder of her position, Yoruichi.

 

“Soi Fon?” I asked curiously as I glanced over at her.

 

“Yes?” She replied.

 

“How far can you go in one step of Shyunpo?” I asked. Shyunpo, a high speed movement used by shingami. One step is considered one touch of your foot too the ground.

 

“Far, why do you ask?” She quirked an eyebrow at me suspiciously.

 

“Back at the academy the highest score was a few miles. I was just wondering what the captains standard was. I can't Shyunpo due too some things that have happened in the past, but I've always wanted to be able to move like that. It almost seems like a goal I can never achieve, ya know?”

 

“You can't perform a Shyunpo and you are applying for captain? That's one of the requirements for captain.” Soi Fon asked as if she was almost offended by my lack of speed.

 

“Actually it's not a requirement. The only true requirement for Captains is that they have the ability to defeat the captain before them, they can perform Bankai, or that they are recommended by seven or more captains. Shyunpo isn't a requirement, just an assumed ability that a captain possesses.”

 

Soi Fon sent me a long side glance then turned her eyes to watch the corner that was approaching. Glancing over at her attire I noted that there were dents in her haori showing that there was no back to her shihakushÅ.

 

“Is everyone in the Gotei 13 allowed to personalize their uniforms?” I asked curiously as I nodded my head towards her body. Soi Fon looked at me as though she really didn't want to answer my question. I smiled at her humbly forcing her to heave a heavy sigh.

 

“If you want to call it personalizing, I suppose so. Some outfits are just mandatory.” She said quietly, I could tell she was irritated so I stopped asking questions.

 

Walking in silence for what felt like an endless five minutes until we finally came upon a large doorway with the doors already pulled open for us to enter. Pausing to look up at the massive door frame Soi Fon, walking without pause, passed through the entry way and disappeared into the training grounds. I looked after her for a moment then slowly followed. This giant place was the main training ground for soul reapers. Each squad had their own, but in order to challenge someone from another squad you had to come here. At least that was what I was told during school.

 

Slowly my feet picked themselves up from the ground and brought me through the giant entrance. As I passed from the shadows into the sunlight I spotted the three captains and the head standing a few feet too my right. I turned to them and shuffled my heavy shoes in their direction.

 

“Welcome, Miss Takanari.” The head captain greeted me with his squinted eyes.

 

“Thank you, General Sir.” I bowed my head in the general direction of the captains. “Shall I begin?”