The Soul Society Arc: Graduation and Training

The Soul Society Arc takes place sixteen years after Koichi Hiroshi and Ryouta Hachirou found and saved an infant Kenji Hiroshi from a mysterious Shinigami known as The Trickster, during the events of Bleach: A Personal War's Introduction. Kenji must face his past, and decide whether it will crush him, or make him stronger. But he isn't alone in his conflict. Finding strength in his new friends, Yoshiro Kzauki and Momoko Misaki, can Kenji find the resolve to face his enemies and become stronger?

Characters in this Arc
Kenji Hiroshi - The main character of this Arc.

Yoshiro Kazuki - Second Main characeter of this arc.

Momoko Misaki - Main supporting character for this arc.

Koichi Hiroshi - Kenji's father.

Ryouta Hachirou - Yoshiro's trainer.

Maki Zhijun - Kenji's trainer and protector.

Rikimaru Ichinose - A friend of Maki Zhijun's.

Kusaka Kori - A fellow Academy student of Kenji's. Sojiro's older brother.

Sojiro Kori - A fellow Academy student of Kenji's. Kusaka's younger brother.

The Trickster - The main antagonist of this Arc. Wants to kill Kenji badly.

Kenji meets Yoshiro! A Friendship Carved in Stone!
The sun dominated the noon sky and a pleasantly warm wind was blowing refreshing comfort over Kenji's face. A bird landed lightly on his shoulder, tweeted and then flew away. The wind was blowing the leaves of a cherry blossom tree around gently in the breeze.

Kenji was a rookie by many accounts, a new guy, but little got him down. The Academy grounds were bustling with people just like him; those who’d passed the entrance exam and got through without any hiccups. Kenji was young with spiked black hair and aqua green eyes and wore the normal academy uniform of white and blue with his zanpakuto strapped to his back.

The main Academy building was off to his extreme left and the courtyard that acted as the buildings grounds were just in front of it. The crowd was a pain in the backside though. Almost every step you took, some older kid who thought he was something better than you were, purposefully pushed you and then walked away laughing as their friends cheered and jeered. Kenji saw that more than once, and helped several in his own class lift themselves up again before continuing his walk. He knew little of the layout of the Academy, either indoor or out and wanted to get that down before anything else.

The new members were all clustered together off to the side as though they were animals awaiting their turn to feed, chatting nervously about this and that. Some were talking about their Instructors and how strict they would probably be, while others were discussing things like swordplay and kido practice. ''Humph! The Instructor's aren't that bad, once you get to know them. I should know; I've been trained by one. 'Ah there we go. A perfect spot! Sitting down in the shade of a large cherry blossom tree, Kenji closed his eyelids and felt the wind on his face, chest and arms. Now I can kick back and relax a-''

“Hey, kid! You’re in our spot,” Said a burly individual with a strangely crooked nose and big muscles. “Move it!” Kenji stirred slightly before scowling.

“You’re blocking the wind,” Kenji said coolly, with one eye opened. The fellow seemed to stir, because Kenji’s usual aqua green eye turned crimson as he exerted a small amount of spiritual pressure. God the guy was ugly though, and the woman clinging to his arm wasn’t much better. There were four in total, three guys and a single girl, and each one of ‘em as ugly as sin. They were probably sixth years because they each radiated a level of Reiatsu that was higher than those around them. But that still paled in comparison to Kenji's own, and he knew it. Why else would he be so cocky?

“What you say to me, boy?” Kenji was lifted into the air by his shirt, the ugly guys arm trembling slightly as the spit flew from his mouth like some great cow. “Are you deaf as well as ugly? You’re blocking the wind. You understand now, you dumb braggart?” Kenji repeated slower and with more sarcasm than he had previously. ''This guy has no clue. Does he even take the time to analyze the folks he picls a fight with?''

The fellow’s eyes practically exploded with anger. “Are ya lookin’ a clobberin’, wise guy?” The other two guys moved forward slightly, fists clenched and the girl backed away. Good, Kenji though with a smirk that made him look mad. ''This way, I won’t hurt the girl. You guys asked for it...''

...Kenji struck out like a viper, hitting the fellow straight between the eyes before dropping to the ground and slamming a thrust kick into the giant’s midsection! Everything happened so fast after that, but the giant’s friends interfered and Kenji ducked gracefully below the first fellow’s sluggish punch and chopped him in the neck, before turning and dodging the slightly faster third friend. Patting his arm aside after dodging two more punches that ate nothing but air, Kenji rained three quick blows on his chest and a final fourth to his mouth that nearly unhinged his jaw!

In seconds, all that was left standing was Kenji and the girl, who soon turned and bolted. With another sigh, Kenji returned to his seat in the shade and studied the clouds as they floated past. He was vaguely aware of the three boys bolting with their tails between their legs. His eyes resumed their previous aqua green colouration as he eased his spiritual energy. Why do my eyes do that? He pondered in the shade. No one elses does it, unless they tap their zanpakuto.

Without speaking, a figure sat on the opposite side of the tree and laughed heartily. “You sure showed them guys, eh?” Judging by his voice, the figure was male and judging by his happy tone Kenji could well imagine the goofy grin on his face.

“What, that little drama?” Kenji interjected quickly. “Trust me, the fish I caught for dinner two days ago fought harder than that. The names Kenji Hiroshi, what’s yours?”

“They call me Yoshiro Kazuki, nice to metcha, Kenji. Hey, I’ve got an idea. You look pretty strong, so why don't we be friends, eh?” The guy sounded genuinely excited. ''Excited to meet me? Huh. That’s a switch.'' Kenji though sadly.

“You said your name was Yoshiro, right? I’ve heard that name...I remember now.” Kenji said shaking his index finger a little. “You’re the guy who’s already learned his Shikai. You’re the talk of the Academy apparently,” Kenji said with genuine interest. When Yoshiro rounded the tree, Kenji was surprised. Truthfully, he was expecting a much older looking fellow than the one who stood above him. He was young, no older than Kenji was himself, and had spiked hair also. His hair was black like Kenji’s and his eyes were the same colour with no separate tone for the irises. He wore a slightly modified uniform though that didn't have the Academies symbol, and he had one arm that exposed most of his chest. “I thought you’d be older,” Kenji said, scratching his head.

“Everyone says that!” He laughed, helping Kenji to his feet. “But we should get goin’. We’ve got a Zanjutsu class soon, and I don’t wanna be late.”

“C’mon, don’t be like that.” Kenji pleaded; arms crossed and face wearing a mischievous grin. “You got here without makin’ any noise, so I’m guessing that was Shunpo, right? I should tell you, you ain’t the only one who’s manifested their zanpakuto’s Shikai, nor the only user of Shunpo.”

A broad, cheesy grin spread across Yoshiro’s face as he spoke in joyful tones. “Oh? That’s good to hear! I’ll race you, Kenji! Don’t fall behind, okay!?” “You got it, Yoshiro! You’re goin’ down!” The landscape zoomed past to their eyes as they performed unnecessary movements like flipping, using their hands to bounce into the sky and so on; all the while laughing like the five-year old edjits.

As the two crashed in the door of the classroom, every eye fell upon them. The class simply laughed, even the Instructor spared a grin for them, but whether it was meant as a show of his finding it funny, or sympathy, Kenji didn't know. The Instructor was a large man with a scar down his face and another across his chest, and Kenji instantly recognised him. “Ryouta! It’s good to see you, Sensei!” Ryouta was one of Kenji’s mentors and taught him things about the Shinigami world and its darker side long before he even became a Shinigami...or showed the potential to become one. The man was skilled in all aspects of Shinigami combat and the current 4th Seat of the 5th Division. His spiritual energy was massive, but finely under control.

“Kenji? It’s good to see you. How’s your mother today, then? I haven’t been able to get ‘round to see any of you as often as I usually do lately.” Kenji smiled and began speaking, "They're both fine, Sensei, last time I seen 'em. Mom's the same as usual, all worried that's something's gonna happen or someone's gonna come and make off with me. Dad gives me a litte more freedom as you know. Oh yeah! I've mastered my Shikai since you were last training me."

Ryouta laughed like he normally did and shook his head, "You can perform Shikai? Good. That's good news." He looked towards Yoshiro finally. “And who’s your friend? Wait a second! I’d know that face anywhere. You’re Jiro’s kid, Yoshiro, right?” He said with a hearty grin.

Yoshiro shook his Instructor’s hand and nodded. “My Father mentioned you, Sensei. He said something about you being training partners a long time ago.”

“Yeah, we trained under Garian Shinjo, but that’s not important anymore. I’m afraid I haven’t spoken to him in ages. The job he does requires the strictest privacy after all.” Ryouta turned to the class and nodded before returning his gaze towards Kenji and Yoshiro. “You two here for the Zanjutsu class then? Good, maybe you’d like to show the others what you know. A little punishment for being late.” The class turned and looked as another figure burst through the door and fell straight on top of Kenji. As Kenji’s vision straightened, he looked upon a woman’s face, lips locked with his!

Laughter broke out and Kenji went the brightest shade of red you’d ever see in a lifetime. Helping them both up, Yoshiro made the introductions. The girls name was Momoko Misaki and just happened to be considered a childhood prodigy with anything related to Kido. Yoshiro was awestruck the moment his eyes met hers. She had the most beautiful purple eyes he’d ever seen and had long, pointy ears.

“I’m sorry about that, Momoko.” Kenji said slightly embarrassed. Jeez, you’d think these folks had never seen a guy and girl kiss before. He was scratching the back of his head nervously, though. ''I’m the guy who just knocked the stuffing outta three fools at once; but the minute Momoko accidently kisses me, I turn into a nervous wreck! Great, just great,'' he though angrily.

“No, it’s alright. It was my fault.” She said in a musical voice. “Oh, Sensei Ryouta is looking for you.” She said, face as red as Kenji’s as she pointed to the centre of the room. The room was spacious, but with a low ceiling, and was constructed of fine wood. Light spilled through the open doors and windows, and the wind that Kenji loved so much was blowing through the space.

Joining Yoshiro in the centre of the room, they clashed with wooden swords, exchanging quick, precise blows! Shifting to a Kendo stance, Yoshiro mimicked the motion and both clashed again. The room quieted immediately, both combatants grinning. Kenji struck Yoshiro in the chest, only for Yoshiro to strike him twice, once in the back and the other in the shoulder. Retaliating quickly, Kenji slammed his open palm into Yoshiro’s mid-section and followed up with a sweeping strike that took his feet out from under him.

“Okay, defend yourselves!” Ryouta called loudly. Several of the watching audience grabbed wooden blades and joined the fray, striking out at both Kenji and Yoshiro with varying levels of speed and skill. Some were sluggish, and Kenji simply avoided those, while he had to parry some of the more precise ones. He couldn’t help but think Ryouta had planned this. ''You old goat! I'm gonna get you for this!'' Yoshiro had adapted quickly too and was moving in a similar manner to Kenji, eyes bright and face grinning.

“Yoshiro, back-to-back,” Kenji called, and the two youngsters’ did just that and spun as they blocked and countered, moving in a continual circle of quick strikes and parrying blows. They both smiled broadly, but those smiles turned to open mouthed surprise when Ryouta raised his hand and halted the other students. As they stopped kenji tapped one lightly on the head and whistled away as though nothing had happened when the guy started daggers at him. Drawing his own wooden sword, Ryouta approached slowly, posture inviting.

No, I won’t be baited, Kenji thought quickly, taking a cautious step back. If Ryouta wanted, he could destroy us both, so we need to avoid a direct attack out in the open at all costs. Kenji met Yoshiro’s eye and the two fell in beside one another. “Kenji, you take the right! I’ll hit him with some kido. Use the smoke,” Yoshiro whispered excitedly. “You got it, man. I’ll wait for it. Here he comes!” Both went in separate directions, Yoshiro whispering the incantation below his breathe while he made it look like he was for attacking physically. Kenji began channelling his spiritual energy and the entire room gasped as his eyes turned crimson! Ryouta moved too quickly, however, and was beside both before they were more than a foot apart. Catching them both by their kimonos, Ryouta threw them towards the back wall and grinned.

Ryouta looked at Yoshiro and grinned, and then at Kenji. The little blighters, he thought, keeping his current levels of strength in place. ''He’s trying his best to hide it, but Yoshiro is definitely whispering some kind of incantation. And Kenji...? What are you doing?'' Ryouta looked surprised for the breifest of seconds before he became collected again. I'll need to have a word with Koichi, pronto!

Spinning in the air, Kenji threw out his hand and grasped Yoshiro’s. Yoshiro's expression was actually horrified as he gazed into Kenji's eyes, what is this Reiatsu I'm feeling? With a nod that told exactly what the other was thinking, Yoshiro snapped himself out of it and continued the incantation and Kenji slowed himself to a halt with Shunpo before sprinting forward; hurling Yoshiro forward who slammed the floor beneath Ryouta with Hado 31. Shakkahō! As the smoke from the impact began to clear, Kenji charged! Wooden sword touched wooden sword and both blades exploded into small fragments scattered across the floor.

The room was in stunned silence; even Ryouta was wearing a face of surprise and confusion. “Are you sure you two have only met?” He said quietly. “That teamwork was impressive! Such skill in Kido and Zanjutsu, and at such a young age! Well, I guess I’m half to blame for Kenji, but Jiro’s been busy during his free time with you, hasn’t he Yoshiro?” Praise laced his voice thickly. ''Kenji...You shouldn't be able to use that much power yet, no matter how much training Koichi and I have given you. I even raised my own power to prevent this from happening at the last second, but...he broke it like a twig!''

Kenji replied rather breathlessly, eyes still burning crimson. “...Yeah...” Falling to his knees, Kenji looked around and found someone lifting and supporting him. “Don’t worry; I’ve got you ya crazy fool. You attacked an Instructor head on and snapped each other’s swords! I don’t think that’s ever happened.” Yoshiro said with a grin of triumph, masking weariness. Their must’ve been some strength in that kido spell, because there was a pretty sizable hole in the wooden floor. ''Kenji, that was awesome! But I don't get it. When he grabbed my hand...I felt something hidden below the surface.''

“...Yeah, but I didn’t...do it alone,” Kenji retorted. “I had help from a friend.” The two bumped fists and nodded in unison.

“You two are knackered!” The voice belonged to Momoko and in no time at all, a green light eased their bodies and fatigue. “Thanks, Momoko. Hey Sensei, how about some grub? I think we deserve something for snapping your sword.” Ryouta, although impressed, simply dropped his head and sighed. He had a distinct feeling these two were going to be a problem...and Kenji had him worried.

The three, Kenji, Yoshiro and Momoko laughed together before re-joining their classmates.

What lies in Dreams.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye since Kenji, Yoshiro and Momoko first met. During that time, the three have been practically inseprable and spend their days at the Academy, training and enjoying themselves.

Rukongai...

Kenji sat upon a large rock somehwere in the Rukon District. The sun was shining brightly overhead and the wind was blowing a warm and pleasant breeze over his face. The entire Academy had been given a free day because of some event or another, so Kenji decided he'd spend another day with his friends and maybe get in some extra training. Kenji was wearing a stylish white kimono his mother Anora bought him upon entering the Academy. Slidding off the rock and onto his back on the grassy plain, Kenji looked skyward at the clouds swirling overhead. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like being a cloud; just floating by without a care in the world...

"Hey Kenji, how long you plan on starin' into oblivion?" Yoshiro said from behind. "You've been watchin' the clouds go by all day long!"

"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya, Yoshiro!" He called back, "What is it this time?" The impatience was an act which of course Yoshiro seen through. "Sheesh! Can't a guy get a little rest around here?" The two bumped fists as they approached.

Yoshiro slapped him on the back and smiled, "Well, I can't exactly let you space out on me, now can I?" Yoshiro suddenly looked serious. "Sorry pal, but you look like hell. Something on your mind?" He was suddenly serious. Yoshiro was good at doing that. he was lively as a hyperactive kid one minute and as mature as a grown up when the situation called for it the next. But then he dropped into the role of hyper kid again. performing squats, he listened attentively though.

"I've been havin' some wierd dreams lately," Kenji said truthfully. "Remember the ones you get when your zanpakuto tries to talk to you? Its like them, only...different somehow. I don't know what it is, but when I close my eyes, I feel like there's something there. Everytime when I dream, I hear this guy speak and when I ask "Who's there" he laughs as though I'm mad for asking."

Yoshiro stopped squatting and sat on the ground below. He brushed his forehead with his right hand and looked to be thinking. "...I've got nothin', Kenji," Yoshiro said with a sigh, "Have you spoke to Ryouta-Sensei? He may know something about it. Or even your dad. He's pretty knowledgable, ain't he?"

"What you talkin' about?" Momoko added energetically. Today, she wore a black outfit that exposed her tight stomach, belly button and lower forearms. Her trousers were black joggin's and had a white line running up the outside of the leg. Her sparkling blue eyes were inquisative, her head tilted slightly to the side.

Kenji smiled and winked at Yoshiro, "I'm thinkin' about how cute you look right now." She hit him lightly on the arm for that and sat down beside him. She enjoyed little compliments like that, otherwise he'd have a black eye by now. Momoko's temper didn't take a lot to frey...or snap completely.

Yoshiro shook his head and sighed, "You never learn, do you, Kenji?" He directed his attention to Momoko, "Kenji's been havin' himself some dreams lately." He said that a little too mockingly for Kenji's liking, but he let it slide. He'd earned a little mocking right in the last few months. "Remember the ones we got when our zanpakuto called to us? Like those, only he says they're different somehow. Like someone's there that isn't his zanpakuto."

Momoko looked up at Kenji with eyes filled with sympathy. "You know what I think?" Kenji was actually interested in the words she just spoke, but something just struck him. You know, she's really beautiful. Reading what was on his mind, she giggled and continued speaking, suddenly serious. "If the dreams are similar to a zanpakuto speaking to you, then you may have some control over it. But, we can worry about that just before you go asleep! C'mon," She took Kenji by the hand and dragged him to his feet with a surprising amount of force for someone so small, "Kenji, you promised to help me train today, remember?"

Kenji followed her, but stopped when he saw Yoshiro taking a meditative pose with his legs crossed and zanpakuto spread accross his knees. "You goin' to speak to Aisumēkā? What you gonna talk about?"

Yoshiro opened his eyes and sighed, "I didn't really wanna say...but, I guess I can tell you." Yoshiro said quietly. "You're always doin' stuff for Momoko and me, Kenji, whether it be training or covering for me when I screw up, which is pretty pregular I suppose," He ;laughed nervously at that, "so I figured I'd ask Aisumēkā if he knew anything about these dreams of yours. Besides, he said he'd teach me a new technique."

Kenji was dumfounded. It wasn't a usual thing for Kenji to lack words to say. Outstreching his hand instead, Kenji shook Yoshiro's. "You know something, Yoshiro? You're a true friend. We'll be here when you come out of it, okay? See ya then, pal." The fool keeps this up, I'm gonna go all misty-eyed.

Momoko twirled her zanpakuto through the air enthusiasticly. The red colouration of the hilt coupeled with the black and silver of the blade made the colours look like they were dancing. Small fewels encrusted the guard and the sheath, left beside Yoshiro, was coloured pink with a piece of blue cloth so she could tie it to her waist.

Kenji's katana had dark blue hilt wrapping and a square tsuba with curved edges. The guard had decrotive lightning motives and two designs which resembled eyes near the lightning. The sheath was black, with blue wrapping near the base. Drawing his zanpakuto, the two took up a ready stance just opposite each other. "You go first, Momoko. I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if the lady didn't go first."

"Well, complain after I beat you!" She flashed toward him and their swords met fiercly! Woah! Kenji thought surprised, ''she's been training with Yoshiro the last two times. I never expected her to improve this much so quickly! That blow was heavy!'' She dropped to the ground, as graceful in her fighting style as her everyday movements and swept her foot towards Kenji's ankle. He foresaw it however, and lept back quickly before charging forward.

She met his blade again and flipped over him, Kenji barely blocking the three quick blows she executed with devilish grace. As she touched down behind him, Momoko smiled innocently. "Yeah, you keep smilin'," Kenji said quietly. "Here I come!" He attacked quickly, but purposefully held back. He still didn't have full control over his spiritual energy, and with that fueling his blows, they were quite powerful. She dodged every strike however without even needing her zanpakuto and then flashed behind him.

He turned, but to slowly. "Bakudō 1: Sei!" Kenji's arms flew behind his back and he dropped his zanpakuto to the ground. She grinned evilly as she outstreched her free hand. "Kenji, let's see if you can break out of this. I wanna see that superior spiritual energy of yours! ''"Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini!! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!'' Bakudō 9: Geki!" A red outline surrounded Kenji's entire body and forced him to his knees.

As he struggled against the bonds that held him, Kenji spoke slowly. "Okay Momoko...you...asked for...it!" His spiritual energy spilled from his body like a great torrent! It was almost like a dam had just burst! Kenji forced himself to his feet, a blue aura springing up around him. "I'm goin'...to break...this!" She called him cool when he managed to break through the binding spells she cast upon him, and he was more than happy to try. Besides, if he couldn't she always released it. His aqua green eyes turned completely crimson and burned with an intensity Momoko had never seen before.

Her eyes widened in horror. ''Is this spiritual energy even Kenji's? It feels...so dark and heavy! Kenji's is normally strong; but gentle. This is wrong! It doesn't even feel like its Kenji in front of me.'' "Kenji! You need to stop. Please!" The bonds binding him melted away as Momoko released the spells. His aura flashed crimson before Kenji slumped to the ground, sweat lacing his hair and face. "Kenji, what was that?" Momoko asked, voice worried but stern.

Kenji was trembling visibly, "I...I don't know. I felt it, Momoko. That was the same feeling I got from my dreams!" He hoped his shaking vision was what was causing his hands to tremble so much. Momoko took his hand in hers and hugged him tightly. "It's okay, Kenji. It's past." Kenji buried his head in her shoulder. ''What the hell was that!? It fealt so dark...so evil.''

Meeting the Spirit:
When Yoshiro opened his eyes, a cool wind hit him hard! His Inner World was a beautiful, but deserted place safe him and his zanpakuto's spirit. Large, intricate ice sculptors, incredibly detailed in their cinstruction and layout, filled his vision. A few feet away, lapping water from a cool icy lake, sat Aisumēkā in his beast form. He was a proud snow wolf, with eyes that held levels of wisdom and knowledge beyond Yoshiro's understanding.

Walking up slowly, Yoshiro inclined his head. He learned a long time to show his zanpakuto respect. Aisumēkā's eyes looked amused as he left the pool and approached his master. "Finally you show some respect. Be sure to give my respects to that Sensei of yours. Now, tell me what is on your mind, because this doesn't appear at all like a normal social visit."

Yoshiro channeled a little spiritual energy and a chair of the coldest ice formed. Taking the seat, Yoshiro spoke, "My friend, Kenji, has been having dreams and he doesn't-"

"Yes, I know about the dreams, child. I was there; I heard what you heard, felt what you felt. I share in your happiness, whether that be from your sense of achivement or simply spending time with your friends. I would also feel it if you were to get a sword in the gut. Now, these dreams are troubling," The spirit uttered, voice booming from everywhere even though Aisumēkā sat before him.

"Troubling?" Yoshiro questioned carefully. ''I knew it. They aren't normal at all.'' "What part is troubling you, Aisumēkā?"

The wolf stretched much like a dog would and yawned as though weary. "All of it is troubling. Having the same dream once twice or even three times is normal, but when you get the same dream, in which the same things happen continually, that is the worry. But that is not the half of what worries me, Yoshiro." Yoshiro remained quiet. His spirit was a sticker for respect and patience, and would refuse to speak unless both were followed. "This friend of yours says the dreams are similar to the ones he experienced when his zanpakuto called to him. Unless...no, tis a foolosh notion. I will think on this more before speaking more."

Yoshiro sighed, but inclined his head anyways. "...Two months ago, you told me to train harder before you'd teach me a new technique for my Shikai."

"Ah, I was wondering when this would come. Before I teach you anything, I would ask you a riddle. To know the road ahead, ask those coming back. What is the answer?" Aisumēkā had a fondness for riddles and asked them often.

Grinning like a child, Yoshiro ran it over in his head. This meant he was ready, because if the riddle was difficult, Aisumēkā would teach him nothing. That was the way Aisumēkā did things. If the riddle was easy, even if you got it wrong, he would teach you the technique because you were ready. Yoshiro nodded and gave his answer, "The answer is that it isn't a riddle at all. It's a proverb that can be applied to life. To know the road ahead, ask those coming back. It means if you want to learn something, you would ask someone who has already experienced it; in essence, they've already treaded the road and know what lies upon it. They tell you what they know, and you learn the road as well."

"...Very good, Young Master." The wolf replied with a low growl. "I will teach you. Carve my image into your mind. The name of this technique is..." His voice was lost in the howling blizzard, but Yoshiro nodded in thanks before he said his farewells...

Kenji's Dilema
The words Yoshiro had said to Kenji when he came out of his Inner World shocked him, to tell the truth. He was walking ahead of the others currently, because he wanted time to himself and time to think. Whatever it was that was causing these dreams, Kenji was frieghtened of it. He would admit that much. He remembered the dread he felt when his energy began rising on its own without control, remembered feeling like he was an outsider looking through his own eyes. Just what the hell is happening to me? It still felt like his hands were trembling. To stop them, he grasped his zanpakuto's hilt in a white-knuckled grip and exhaled slowly, going through old calming techniques his mother taught him. It involved picturing a raging river in your mind that sloowed gradually until not even a ripple broke its surface.

When like that, he could feel more. His father said it was something that came with being a Shinigami. The Soul Society, even areas as remote as this area in the Rukon District, had spiritual particles in abundance. But that wasn't what made him jump back; or draw his zanpakuto to deflect a knife-like projectile. Landing lightly, Kenji spun and deflected two more before catching the third straight out of the air. They were small throwing discs with one side designed for cutting while the other balanced it as if flew. Looking around, Kenji turned and saw his friends running towards him, "Wait! Don't move!"

Looking around anxiously, Kenji tried his best to calm his body and mind, but even mental excercises weren't helping him now. "Well, well," A voice called from the darkness. It was male, but its origin was lost. A second ago, this area was as clear as the star filled sky; but now it was covered in a thick, menacing fog that clung to the skin and left you blind. Kenji discarded his eyes and closed them, trying to feel instead. Yoshiro and Momoko were fine, if a little annoyed. He was suddenly sent flying and smacked against the trunk of a tree with enough force to snap it clean in two!

Coughing blood, Kenji tried to find his attacker, but his vision was obscurred by that damn fog! Damn that hurt...My bodies in agony, after only one blow. He struggled to his feet and an unssen force struck him hard in the chest with enough force to knock every ounce of air from his lungs. Falling to his knees, another struck him between the eyes. Vision blurring and ears ringing from the blow, Kenji tried to stand but only fell to the ground uselessly. "Freeze Aisumēkā!" A barrier of the coldest ice formed a shield in front of Kenji and there stood Yoshiro! "Momoko, heal his injuries. That barrier will hold for a while. Now, I think it's time to get rid of this fog." An aura of coldness radiated from Yoshiro's body and the moisture in the air was completely removed, becoming one with the icy aura surrounding the young Shinigami.

A man with white robes and two curved blades greeted them when the mist cleared. "Hmm? You got rid of the mist, did you? That's unfortunate. Now, young Yoshiro, kindly step aside so i can dispose of the weakling behind you."

Shaking his head, Yoshiro slammed his right hand into his open palm! Sharpened Ice sprouted from the ground in multiple places, and the man was forced into the sky. "What and abandon my friend to you? Yeah right, get real!" An eagle of the most brilliant design ever flew from Yoshiro's hand towards the white robed man, but was cut clean in two by one of his dual-zanpakuto.

Yoshiro grunted, and turned in surprise as a hand grasped his shoulder. Kenji stood beside him, mouth bloody, but his eyes, crimson or not, were determined...and angry. "Yoshiro," he whispered, voice raspy, "We'll take this guy together, okay? Momoko. We'll need your help." Spiritual energy swirled around him and for once, his eyes didn't glow their crimson colour, they glowed dark blue like they were supposed to. "Strike Aoi inazuma!" Kenji held his sword to the heavens, and both Yoshiro and Momoko leaped back as a bolt of lightning struck his blade, "just try to hit me again, you white-robe wearing bastard!" The smoke cleared, revealing Kenji's Shikai. It was an elegantly curved blade with no real guard to speak of and more designed for one handed combat than two. Lightning discharged around Kenji's body.

"That's the way to do it, Kenji. Let's get 'em!" Yoshiro fell in to Kenji's right and nodded.

Momoko fell in on the left and grinned, "Well, you aren't leaving me out of this. My Kido might be able to help, you know." She patted both on the back and sighed.

"I guess I should tell you my name, at least. I am The Trickster, and I'm here to kill you, Kenji Hiroshi."

3 on 1! The Trickster Strikes!
Kenji eased himself forward, his eyes burning crimson in the night; more from anger than actual spiritual energy. Yoshiro took several deep breathes beside before spreading his legs out and placing both arms out in front, slightly crossing as spiritual energy swirled around him. "Kenji, Momoko," He whispered, "Be careful. I can't sense a particle of spiritual energy from this guy."

"Yeah, it's feels so weird, doesn't it?" Momoko whispered back just as quietly, "I mean, he could be as strong as a Captain for all we know!"

"It doesn't matter how tough he is! Or even if we can't sense how strong he is!" Kenji retorted, lightning cloaking his blade. "We won't go down without a fight! I'll wager he bleeds like everyone else," The three attacked as one, Kenji heading straight down the middle, zanpakuto crackling with blue lightning; Yoshiro and Momoko on his right and left respectively.

With a grin, The Trickster leapt into the air, and when he came down again, he slammed his fist into the ground with enough force to split the ground, forming a wall of earth between him, Yoshiro and Momoko! Uttering a curse, Kenji and Mr. White robes clashed. Sparks flew, and with a mere flick of his wrist, Kenji was sent flying backwards! Flipping in the air and plundging his sword into the earth to slow himself, Kenji looked up and wished he hadn't. The Trickster was before him in an instant, blades coming in quickly!

A shield of ice sprang up again and several arrows of ice flew past Kenji to be deflected by the man in white. Yoshiro appeared, caught Kenji's hand and pulled him to his feet as he passed, "Momoko's got a plan! Attack him and move as much as you can, because if anything, it's gonna be flashy!" He straightened himself and released several ice arrows from his ice encrusted bow.

With a grin and growl, Kenji planted his feet firmly on the ground and propelled himself skyward. A platform of ice formed and Kenji proepelled himself from that straight towards his enemy, who was still dodging ice arrows from Yoshiro's bow. Bakudō 39: Enkosen!" A yellow shield formed in front of Kenji as he neared his foe.

"Humph! You think a Kido of your level will stop me, boy?" With a single strike, The Trickster shattered the shield, and then lashed out with his other blade. Kenji blocked barely and felt as though either his arm or sword was going to snap under the strain! ''That was heavy! ''He thought with a little fear. My dad doesn't even hit that hard when he goes all out! Backing away, Kenji turned as the area was cast in a bluish-white light. Yoshiro stood with a semi-frozen sphere of water at the fingertips of his outstrecthed hand, "Kenji, back up! I can't control all of this yet! Aisumēkā: Sasu yōna Tama (Ice Maker: Stabbing Sphere). Several sharpened shafts of ice shoot from the sphere at an incredible speed, one and all aimed for The Trickster, who's eyes actually widened beneath his hood.

The shafts struck home, but Yoshiro was panting rather heavily, "Woah!" Kenji excalimed. "When the hell did you learn that one, man? That was awesome! Way to show that guy what's what!"

Yoshiro smiled and lowered his arms, chest falling and rising as he gasped for air, "That's what Aisumēkā taught me when I asked him about your dreams. That's the first time I've used it, and it'll be the last today. I'm nearly spent, Kenji. I can barely even keep my foot-" A white mass moving at a near untracable speed shot from the mass of ice and delivered a powerful kick to Yoshiro's chest!

Kenji watched as his friend was sent flying a good fifty feet. ''What the hell can I do against that!? He brushed Yoshiro aside like a fly! Who the hell is this guy, huh, who!?'' Momoko appeared beside Yoshiro, and her eyes went wide with horror. As soon as she knelt beside him, the green light that signified healing Kido sprang around her hands. "Hang on, Yoshiro," Kenji heard her say.

The Trickster walked forward slowly, cracking his neck muscles. "You're all alone, Kenji. Tell me what you feel. Fear, depair? Or maybe you just want it all to end?"

The Trickster took to the air as a bolt of lightning fell from the sky! A dark blue aura formed around Kenji as he raised his zanpakuto to the heavens. "You'd better stand right where you are, you sneaky bastard! Because there's two things that could happen when I do what I'm about to. You die, or I die, because I'll be knackered after this." Kenji relaxed his posture and calmed his mind. His eyes remained crimson but his body was surrounded by his usual dark blue aura, but this time, he radiated electricity! Raising his blade to the heavens, Kenji grinned, "Sandādoragon o Utsu (Striking Thunder Dragon)," He called, as a large, spiriling mass of electrical energy shot from Aoi Inazuma's blade and took the form of a large, serpentine dragon with burning red eyes. Kenji directed the beast towards his enemy, who could do little else but defend because of the thing's size and width!

"What!?" The Trickster's voice echoed as a shaft of ice, rising from the ground caught his arm. Yoshiro lay weakly on the ground, a smile crossing his face, "I can give you one more, Kenji. Finish him," rue as his word, another column of ice rose from the ground and trapped The Trickster's other arm. Struggling against the bonds that held him, The Trickster could now do nothing but watch as the dragon descended upon him.

With a grin, Momoko formed a Shakkahō in her hand, "I stuck both Kenji and Yoshiro with a Kido net before the battle begun." She touched the piece of the net closest to Yoshiro and watched as the flames of her spell and Kenji's dragon collided in a fantastic explosion that cast the entire area in a reddish blue flame! "Ha! Take that!" Kenji flashed immediatly beside his fallen comrade and inspected the damage himself, barely keeping his feet from exhaustion.

He wasn't good at healing Kido, or even assessing the severity of a wound, but even he could see that Yoshiro wasn't in good shape. Shaking his head, Kenji slumped to his knees, "This is my fault," He whispered solemly, pounding the ground with a closed fist "He was after me! Me! This shoukdn't have happened." Momoko continued the healing with one hand and turned the other to Kenji. "I can at least restore a little of your spiritual energy. And it isn't your fault," She said forcefully.

The two were silenced, however, by a low, mocking laugh. "Don't speak about me as if I'm not here, boy! I'll admit, that was a nice trick, but you are all a hundred years too early to challenge me!" The Trickster shot forward with a Flash Step Kenji couldn't even follow and was beside Momoko and Kenji in an instant! Kenji retliated reflexively with a blast of lightning, but Momoko was cut deeply across the chest! Kenji escaped with a shallow slice across his own chest. ''How the hell did he survive that! The son-of-a-bitch isn't even bleeding! Sure, he's burned slightly, but that's it!? Is this guy immortal or something?'' Looking at Momoko fall to the ground, and The Trickster slam his foot into Yoshiro's midestion, Kenji lost it.

"You're fighting me!" Kenji reached behind his back and drew a small wakizashi blade that instantly transformed to match his other Shikai blade, only it was slightly shorter. He slammed both blades into the earth and released a blast of electrical energy in the form of a shockwave! He shot forward and struck visciously with both blades, attacking quickly and wildly with no care except that he was doing something to help his friends. The Trickster could do nothing but defend, but he was calm and collected and waited for his oppurtunity. He knew Kenji's reserves of energy would deplete, and then, he would strike...

...and there it came! Kenji held his left leg and toppeled as The Trickster sank his blade into his flesh. "...Someone told me never to attack in anger. You want to know who that someone...!" He leapt away and pulled his sword free as a man with a mask very nearly took the head from his shoulders! "Who are you! Speak!"

The fellow flashed quickly, grabbing Kenji, Yoshiro and Momoko before The Trickster could even do anything to stop him and then reappeared after leaving all three in a safe place some distance away, "Now, I believe you asked my name," The man decalred in a strong tone that said exactly what he thought about what was going on, "but is it not polite to introduce yourself before asking someone for their name, Shade?" The man was tall, muscular and had snow white hair cut short with a scar running down his eye, but he wasn't blinded.

"...You may call me The Trickster," He replied curtly.

"Then you may call me Maki Zhijun."

Maki Zhijun? The Power of Blood.
Maki eyed this Trickster fellow carefully. ''Those kids were getting pretty crazy there. I can't sense anything from this guy, but he's definitely the one who beat those kids to a pulp. But damn did they have some wild Reiatsu, and that Dragon! That kid with the lightning zanpakuto will only get stronger and stronger...'' But that still didn't explain why this fellow, who's Reiatsu was masked either by Kido, or by the robes he wore, would attack three kids who were probably still in the Academy. "You'll tell me why you attacked those kids," Maki said calmly, but forcefully.

He began laughing, but Maki just stood there expecting an answer. "My masked friend-" Maki Flashed before the fellow and slammed his fist directly into his gut with enough force to send him trailing back a few feet. "Let's establish something," Maki said clenching his gaunleted fist, "You aren't my "friend". In fact, the only time I'd be caught even talking to you would be when I'd be kicking your ass up and down the street. Now, you will tell me why you attacked the kids." Forceful and calm. A brilliant combination.

Shaking the effects of the punch off, The Trickster began pacing on the spot. "...They attacked me first," He said finally, and he just dodged the downward palm strike Maki split the ground with.

"I think now," Maki uttered, withdrawing his hand from the ground and duting it off. "I only sensed them because their spiritual signatures stenched of fear and intimidation. Now, why would three kids, who have spent a lot of time around her might I add because I've seen them training, suddenly decide to attack a complete stranger, when they actually help people with odd jobs like repairing buidings after hollow attacks? Strikes me as kind of odd that."

The Trickster simply sighed and leveled his swords at Maki's head, "You want to know? Fine. I see no harm in revealing my target to you. I'm here Kenji Hiroshi. The one who sent that bloody lightning at me."

"Okay, I see what's goin' on. You fear what he might become, don't you? Don't look so dumb, it's written all over your face. Unless you're completely incompetent, you can sense his spiritual energy. The kid has an incredible amount of it; so much he can't even hide it. The other boy's the same, but he lags a little behind. The girl's no pushover either, otherwise she wouldn't be able to stand beside them let alone train with them. Now, enough talk. Let's have some fight."

The Trickster kept his blades leveled, but his movements became cautious, his gaze analytical, "I answered your question, Maki, now answer mine. Why do you care so much about the fate of these kids? You don't even know their names."

Laughing under his breathe, Maki drew his zanpakuto; a Nodachi with a circular hilt and long blade. The weapon had three prongs extending from the hand-guard for decoration and the sheath was blood red in colour with golden hilt wrapping. Leveling his own sword to mimic The Trickster's posture, Maki smiled, "You're wrong about that. As I said, I've seen these kids helping people in the Rukon District, and I've asked some questions. Kenji Hiroshi, Yoshiro Kazuki and Momoko Misaki; unless I'm thinking of three different kids. Returning to your original question; I'm helping because I chose to, and because they aren't strong enough to beat you. I am!" Maki shot forward and the two were locked in a stalemate that cracked the ground around them.

Pivoting on the balls of his feet, Maki struck out, parried The Trickster's first blade and blocked the second with his swords guard. Channeling energy through his zanpakuto, Maki pushed him back and kicked him in the right temple with a spin kick as he flew. Bouncing in place, Maki renewed his assault and appeared to his opponent's right, striking twice to parry his blade and a third time to wound his side. Landing in a heap, The Trickster rose, anger in his eyes. "Maki Zhijun. That was impressive. You move well for one so old."

Laghing, Maki shook his head. "Old? I'm not that old, boy. I'm still young enough to run rings 'round you, or perhaps you want to start showing your true power now?"

"My true power? Very well, but I'm afraid I can't show my face. That would be bad, wouldn't it?" Wind began to swirl around the fellow, the Reiatsu cloaking effect wearing off. Maki wished he hadn't of showed him. ''This fellow is easily Captain class...maybe stronger. His spiritual energy is massive, but calmly under control. How did those kids hold out so long against this? He could've crushed them all with a look!'' "I have to admit," Maki said quietly, "I didn't expect you to be at Captain level. That would explain why you weren't injured by Kenji's flashy dragon move and the girls Kido. You were never in any real danger of being damaged, where you?"

"You are indeed perceptive, Maki Zhijun. But now, the gloves come off. Now, you will know what pain is like!" He shot forward with a special type of Flash Step that moved directly to the opponent's back in order to seal away their powers. Turning quickly, Maki repelled him and performed a Senka of his own. The Trickster wasn't surprised in the slightest and simply blocked before putting distance between himself and Maki.

''Hmm, there were no opening's that I could see. That was a pretty good Senka. And he even managed to knick me...''Blood flowed slightly from a cut on maki's arm, but apart from that, he was fine. Time to see just how fast this Trickster is. Maki ran forward, catious in his approach. He Flashed to several locations and The Trickster followed him with rather easily. Maki suddenly changed his direction and turned, attacking fiercly and with great strength! Forcing him to use both blades was the only thing Maki could do, otherwise he'd be cut to ribbons with the other, Maki drove him into the ground and slammed him down before flipping back to safety.

The Trickster rose and grinned. ''This Maki Zhijun is no ordinary Shinigami. And the fact I haven't heard of him troubles me. I know almost eveything about the Gotei Thirteen's military strength, and they definitely wouldn't overlook someone this powerful...unless he's in exile? Hmm, it's a possibility.'' "Were you a Captain by nay chance, Maki?"

Maki examined his opponent carefully before answering, "No, I wasn't. I was an unseated officer in the 2nd and 11th Division before I left for training. Satisfied? Good, it's time for me to kill you. Chi no Gisei (Blood sacrifice)." Maki's zanpakuto turned completely blood red and a small chain with a broken link at the end formed on the hilt. Blood began to flow constantly from the small wound on Maki's shoulder, until a small pool of red liquid lay on the ground before him. "My zanpakuto uses my own blood as a weapon and can restore my own levels of blood after it takes some. Nice ability, itsn't it?" Maki simply directed the liquid, which formed into tendrils, with his eyes.

The Trickster jumped back and then skyward to avoid, but a small drop landed on his left shoulder. With a grin, Maki clicked his fingers! Screaming in agony, The Trickster fell to the ground and clutched the hole in his shoulder, "What is this? I avoided it!"

"Correction," Maki interjected, voice and posture confident. "You dodged about 98% of it. You see, this isn't any normal blood. It's infused with my own spiritual energy, and when I snap my fingers, any surface it lands on apart from myself and those I wish to protect, get a hole driven in them proportionate to the size of the blood they get hit with. That was a small bit you were struck with, but it removed a lot of tissue and muscle."

"...It sounds a lot like matter transportation. An interesting and painful technique, Maki Zhijun. You are truly an interesting individual." The pain that wracked his voice previously was gone, as was the surprise at being wounded by an attack he thought he had dodged.

"It sounds like that because that's exactly what it is. Now, farewell Trickster. I enjoyed our fight, but it ends now!" The Trickster, however, slipped into a Garganta and grinned as it closed, "I'll be back sooner or later, Maki, and next time, the boy dies."

Left to ponder the situation, Maki Flashed to the location he left Kenji, Yoshiro and Momoko in. When he got there, Kenji was using what little he skill he did have in healing to keep the girl alive. Tears filled his eyes and his shoulders trembeled. "You won't be able to save her, boy. She's lost too much blood for you to do that." Maki knelt beside him and examined the wound. ''How he missed her vital organs is beyond me, but the cut's pretty deep and she's lost a lot of blood. It doesn't look good...''

Kenji lifted his head and thumped the ground in anger. It was amazing he could still move, and sustain any form of Kido after performing an attack like that dragon one. "...You have to help them," He pleaded. "I'll do anything! Just save them!!!"

''Looks like I've got no choice. I've already used a lot of my own blood, but...''Maki trailed his finer through some of Momoko's blood and tasted it. "Blood group A, eh? Okay, step back, boy. Hurry up!" Blood flowed from Maki's wound again and a grimace of pain crossed his face. His blood poured into Momoko, not only restoring her blood levels, but restoring her chest to perfect condition. Panting afterwards, Maki looked at Yoshiro lying on the ground. Maki ran his hand over his body to inspect the wounds. ''He's got internal damage. Great, just great. This will hurt me more than it does you, kid. Just hope it's worth it.'' Maki made a small cut on Yoshiro's chest with his zanpakuto and then tasted his blood again. Group ''A as well? That makes things easier.'' He drove his own blood through the wound he opened and watched as the youngster's breathing eased.

Maki fell backwards and was caught by an equally exhausted Kenji. "How did you do that? Was that...some kind of Kido? I mean, you pumped blood into them!" His face was weary, but his eyes held a thirst for knowledge.

Laughing weakly, Maki gave his answer. "My zanpakuto. It's normally used to kill my enemies, but it has another use. I can greatly increase the amount of blood my body makes and then bring it out. Take the girl over there for example. She had a deep cut down her chest. I'm blood group B, she's group A. I taste the person's blood to fid that out. I then change the blood's group that I've poured out. The red and white blood cells then work at an incredibly accelerated rate to heal the target. But healing wounds of that magnitude while in Shikai is difficult."

Kenji was silent for a time and then nodded. "I don't care about any of that. I'm just happy there going to be okay!" He suddenly got to his feet and looked around anxiously, "Where is that bastard! Someday I'm gonna tear him apart!"

Maki dragged him back to the ground and looked him in the eye. "Listen kid, that guy is a Captain class fighter! Unless you start training your backside off right now, I don't foresee you beating him anytime soon. But then, that's where I come in."

"...I'm not following you." Kenji replied quietly.

"Goodness gracious, lad, do I need to spell it out for you!? I'm offering to train you! I know methods that the current Gotei Thirteen won't even consider, let alone do. I can make you powerful enough to fight that guy effectively in a few months tops. What do ya say, kid? Know this, only you. I don't train two or three students."

Kenji pndered the proposal for a time, but it wasn't him that answered. "...Kenji you idiot. Say yes already!" Yoshiro said, struggling to sit up straight. He was pushed back down by a firm hand from Maki. "Listen, I'm gonna get Ryouta to train the livin daylights outta me. He can do a better job with only one student. Take him up on his offer, you moron, or I'll bat ya in the mouth!"

Kenji sighed and nodded his head in agreement, "Okay, I'll be your student, Maki. Yoshiro, afterwards, you and me are having a match! And after that, I'm kickin' The Trickster's ass!"

A Talk with Koichi
Koichi Hiroshi watched his son perform quick, dual bladed strikes against a dummy in the front yard. A tall, muscular man with a scar running down his right eye, leaned against the houses wooden wall. Koichi knew who the man was - there wasn't a Shinigami in the Soul Society who didn't know Maki Zhijun - and knew he could be trusted. "So, this fellow was definitely called The Trickster? You are sure, Maki?"

Maki nodded quickly at the question, "He said it plain as day, Koichi. You're son, by the way, fought very well. I was surprised when that Trickster fellow showed his true power. He was easily Captain class, and yet all three are still alive. When I inspected Kenji's injuries after the battle, all he had was a headache, a shallow wound across his chest and a sword wound on his leg. Considering his opponent, he done very well indeed."

Koichi nodded slowly and then rose from his seat on the ground. "...I need to thank you for stepping in when you did, Maki. And If you're going to train him, then you need to know the truth. Ryouta's close by, keeping a look out. Come with me, would you?"

Maki nodded, but followed slowly. ''Why do I get the feeling I'll be seeing this trickster again soon? But that doesn't explain why? Perhaps koichi will provide me with an answer to that one question...and a few others.''

The two stopped in a small clearing within eyeshot of the house. Turning, Koichi began puffing on a ciggarete. "Ryouta and i found Kenji sixteen years ago in the a back alley along with his nurse. The woman was dead." Maki nodded with a grin. ''Ah, so Koichi isn't actually the lad's father? Well, apart from the way he acts and fights, there isn't much of a similarity.'' "The Trickster tried to kill him that night. Ryouta and i managed to scare him off."

"This is all starting to make sense. I was wondering why someone so strong was after a kid like Kenji." ''So much for getting an answer to my questions. I've just got more questions.'' "Sure he's powerful, and has great potential, but that's not much of a reason, is it? Please, continue. You've got me interested."

Koichi sighed and looked at the figure training in the yard. "We don't even know why he's being targeted, Maki. The Trickster has came after him three times now, and the last twice, neither Ryouta or myself were there to help. The last time, he was saved by my mentor, Garian Shinjo and my friend Jiro Kazuki, and they knocked The Trickster black and blue. But couldn't stop him from escaping. He was only three then, and has no memory of it. He slept through the entire battle."

"So this guy's hell bent on killin' the kid for some reason then." Maki paced a little and took a puff of Koichi's cigarete when offered. "Okay, I'm still offerin' to train him, though. He'll be with me the entire time and I've already proven I can beat Ol' White Robes back. He didn't use his Shikai, or Bankai, but I never used my full power either. Besides, I have a friend that's offered to help. Name's Rikimaru Ichinose. The guy was trained by our head-Captain personally, and has fully mastered his Bankai. If we two can't give The Trickster pause, then i don't know what will."

Koichi grinned broadly as he rose, crushing his cigarete below his foot and immediatly getting another, "...I'll entrust his training and care to you, then Maki. Look after him, train him well, and if The Trickster comes again, kill him. Now, if I may ask, what type of training are you considering?"

Maki grinned and looked around, "That's where Rikimaru comes in. He's got more spiritual energy than he knows what to do with. And The Trickster won't wait around for Kenji to get stronger. We've got little time, but I've got a plan. I can make him strong in no time at all. But I'll have to toughen him up a little first before we try what I've got in mind."

"I think I know where you're going with this," Koichi said with a sigh. "...I'll cover for you, as best as I can. Just make him strong, okay, Maki? I'm going with Garian to gather some info about this guy. The sample of Reiatsu you managed to preserve after the fight should help with that." Koichi vanished, leavin Maki alone in the clearing. ''The Trickster...Kenji, you'll have to blow past your old limits and do something spectacular if you even want to nick this guy. I just hope my training doesn't break you...''

Training with Maki
The Rukon District. Near a large waterfall where Maki also lives and trains.

Kenji looked around the impressive sight with a sense of awe. The water spilled over the cliff face in a thundering torrent that roared loudly. "...How did you find this place?" Kenji asked carefully. To get here, they had to pass through a thick forest. The waterfall was in a descent sized clearing with a small, wooden house and several training apparatus set up. Dummies for Hakuda and Zanjutsu training and several targets with rings around them. "I get what the dummies are for," Kenji began, "But what about those targets? The only long-range attack i have is Sandādoragon o Utsu and it leaves me knackered."

Maki sighed and flicked his finger. The target he aimed at snapped in half immediatly and fell backwards! "There's far more to a Shinigami's abilities than their zanpakuto. Remember that."

Kenji was left speechless! ''He just flicked his finger...Haha! I've hit the mentor jackpot!'' Running after his new Sensei, Kenji asked excitidely, "Um, that whole flicking-finger thing? Are you gonna teach me that?"

"Trust me Kenji, I'll be teaching you far more advanced abilities than simply hardening your spiritual energy into a projectile. Now, defend yourself!" Maki flashed forward, Chi no Gisei flashing as Kenji barely managed to block the attack! Maki smirked, turning quickly to avoid Kenji's hasty counter and met Kenji's drawn wakizashi. "Hmm, dual zanpakuto while sealed and whilst in Shikai? Interesting. Now, I'm going to tell you the easiest way to gain strength. You and I are going to fight like we mean it. And your going to stay alive as long as you possibly can." Kenji's training began quickly and with little remorse. Maki expected you to try your best and improve upon your best the next time, or at least to equal your previous attempt as long as you bettered it the third time around.

And so, Kenji's training under Maki was swift and brutal. In the day, he done his studies at the Academy, and afterwards, he trained into the early hours of the morning with Maki and on occassion, Rikimaru Ichinose. Both were harsh taskmasters, but they were fair. After the first handful of sessions, when Kenji couldn't seem to keep up with their superior strength or abilities, he would concentrate on avoiding one more strike, inflicting one more injury on his teacher; to go another hour without dropping from exhaustion, and he'd land one more blow than he had the day previous to that. His body was in agony all the time; but his skills were growing quickly. His Academy Instructors were greatly surprised by his progress in all his classes, despite the fact he was wracked with pain. He discussed his training daily with Yoshiro and exchanged tips on how to avoid what and how to better counter that. Momoko was even giving them pointers.

After four months, his zanjutsu skills increased to the point that he could challenge Maki seriously without relying on his wakizashi; his Kido developed until he was the second best in his class, only lagging behind Momoko Misaki. His Flash Steps improved also and he now had the reflexes to avoid Maki's hardened spiritual bullets, and could do the same with his own spiritual pressure. Those around him remarked that for one only in the Academy, his skills were equal to that of a seated officer. But the brutalness of his training regime was about to get alot worse...

All Kenji felt these days were pain topped with more pain. He refused healing because he'd only feel the pain anew a few hours after. But the way he seen it was that the more injuries he received and the more pain he endured, the stronger his body and will would become. Sometimes, the pain would be so intesne, he felt he wouldn't be fit to go on. But one thing kept him going, one image, one event that burned in the back of his mind with all the intensity of a thousand suns; his friends being cut down and defeated by someone who was after him. When he pictured Yoshiro and Momoko, lying with The Trickster standing over them, Kenji somehow found the resolve to keep going; to deliver that one final blow, to avoid another strike and to increase his reserves of spiritual energy by a little more that he did the last time. Maki was even forgetting to hold back during their sparring sessions, but Kenji didn't mind that in the least. Those small, unintentional bursts that were calmed with an apology, gave Kenji an idea of what he had to be aiming for. To beat The Trickster, he had to become as strong as The Trickster and there was no magical way to become stronger except through hard work.

Rikimaru was his Instructor today. A tall man who spoke little and trusted far less, Rikimaru was a man who's trust had to be earned. Trained by head-Captain Yamamoto, he was deceptively skilled with a blade, to the point the only person Kenji knew who was more skilled was the man overlooking his training. Maki had honed his skills to well beyond a masters level and could defeat most with a single blow if he wanted. Rikimaru's strength, however, didn't lie in his swordsmanship, or his fantastic skill in Flash Steps. It lay in the many ways his zanpakuto allowed him to amplify his spiritual pressure to the point it could be used as a physical weapon. He wore an all red outfit with a jacket and trousers and a black shirt underneath and googles wrapped around his neck. His long black hair blew lazily in the wind.

Kenji's Sensei smiled a cruel smile as his sword cut the air. Kenji avoided the shockwave of spiritual energy that tore through the ground in the forest clearing with just a jump. His leg strength had grown a great deal over the last four months, and he now only used Shunpo when he needed to. The forest clearing had long been reduced to a crater with many smaller craters within; the only completely untouched area was the area Maki kept his home. Most of those craters were from Kenji being slammed into the ground, but some had been caused when Kenji had been the one doin' the slamming. He was quite proud of that.

He moved gracefully through the air, avoiding another quick shockwave before he shunpo'd 'round to the right. Rikimaru-Sensei...you're attacks have a time limit. I've only seen it recently, but it's there. It takes you five seconds to build up the energy, compress it and then release it. Five seconds...Not much to work with, but I think I can show 'em my newest ability.

With another shockwave avoided, Kenji began his approach, cautious encase Rikimaru allowed him to see that time gap on purpose. He was good at that. Too good. He would often make something obvious, baiting you to go for it, and then show you that you were completely wrong. Kenji still remembered the time he thought his Kido shots were limited to seven at a time. For badness, Rikimaru blasted him at point-blank with one more and told him not to be foolish. Kenji had no eyebrows for the better part of two weeks.

Kenji released his sword mid-run, "Strike Aoi Inazuma," and grinned as the sword changed and the lightning flowed. Peeling off the blade at like a snake shedding skin with mere conscious thought, Rikimaru assumed a defensive posture, ''He means to come at me head-on, again? No...there's something different this time,'' Rikimaru observed calmly. ''Okay, Kenji, I'll play along this time. If anything, I'm curious to see what kind of tactic you've come up with.'' He slashed his zanpakuto to the right horizontally and then swiftly to the left, making sure he kept the time span between blasts five seconds.

Lightning shot from Kenji's zanpakuto, splitting into four segments, two going to collide with Rikimaru's shockwaves and the other two surrounding his feet and ankles. ''That's it! The only one who's seen this ability is Yoshiro.'' The lightning propelled his next Shunpo at an incredible speed, fast enough in fact to appear to Rikimaru's left and deliver a wound upon his Sensei's shoulder while he could do nothing but stand and gape! Keeping his spiritual energy high and not allowing it to waver was difficult, but he'd need to be prepared to lessen the damage caused by Rikimaru's counter attack...

...which came when Rikimaru slammed his blade into the ground and sent everything around him flying with a shockwave of immense power! Feeling a trickle of blood flow from his mouth as he slowed himself with Shunpo, Kenji whipped it away. Maki sat up from the stump he'd assumed as his seat and began clapping. "Very good, Kenji. You kept your energy strong and hardened it when needed to lessen the damage. Now, let's test your reflexes. Rikimaru, I think we'll both have a go. Kenji," Maki said with an expressionless face. "My bullets will come from the north and west. Rikimaru's to the south and east. Avoid as many as you can for as long as you can without actually taking to the air. That will be the signal to stop. Take a deep breathe, boy, because we begin at the count of ten."

Kenji reached for the wakizashi now strapped horizontally on his back. At a time, he had treied to keep the blade hidden, but Maki and Rikimaru had convinced him to wear it and be proud, telling him that only those with a truly unique spiritual pattern had dual zanpakuto while sealed. The count reached six as Kenji prepared himself mentally. ''These spiritual bullets are small, fast and pack a punch. If I cut them, I'll only increase their numbers. ''Kenji channeled his spiritual energy and closed his eyes. There was no point using his eyes for this excercise. The bullets of spiritual energy would be coming in too quick for his eyes to follow them all. Feeling his two Sensei's energy helped, because those blasts were simply their spiritual energy flying towards him.

"Ten!" The bullets commenced and Kenji began moving as though he was performing the steps to an intricate dance manouver. The flat side of his swords were large enough to completely repulse the bullets and he avoided those he couldn't reach with the blades. Thirty seconds stretched to a minute, and a minute stretched to two, but Kenji still avoided them until he finally leapt skyward. The bullets stopped immediatly and Maki nodded in approval. "Two minutes fourteen seconds. You improved your time by nineteen seconds."

"I'll do better next time." Whipping sweat from his brow and allowing himself a chance to catch his breathe, Kenji drunk deeply from the bottle of water Rikimaru tossed him. "Maki, my father won't tell me the reason this Trickster fellow's so hung up on me. I mean, he want to kill me and all, but do any of you know why?"

Maki turned his gaze towards his old friend and training partner, but Rikimaru only sighed and shrugged his shoukders in reply. That one action alone spoke a hundred words. Maki motioned for Kenji to have a seat. "...It really isn't my place to tell you what happened, Kenji, but I believe you have a right to know. You know that Koichi and Ryouta found you as a child, correct?"

"Yeah, I've known for a while now that the Hiroshi's aren't my blood parents. But that doesn't stop 'em bein' my mother and father. They've both raised me, not knowing where I came from, and showed me every kindness they would've had I have ben there own."

Maki grinned at the response and continued, "It wasn't as simple as they made out. The Trickster was there that night as well, but Ryouta fought him and Koichi drove him off. The next time he made an appearance was when you were three years old. That time, he was driven off by Jiro Kazuki and Garian Shinjo. They almost killed him too, but he managed to get away."

Kenji nodded and sighed. "So he's been after me since i was an infant, basically? Lovely. Thanks, Maki. Let's keep this our little secret, okay?" Kenji got to his feet and sighed. "I'm sorry to ask this, Maki, but could I have the rest of the day off? I was hoping to put in an evening with Yoshiro and Momoko."

Maki nodded his allowance and motioned Rikimaru forward, "Rikimaru will accompany you as far as the Seireitei. I'll stay here and see if i can't tidy the place a little. Kenji, your training will be all the harder tomorrow to make up. Can't have you slacking on me."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

A Night Under the Stars
Momoko lay with her back on the grass, the wind blowing slowly over the green just outside the Academy structure. The sky was a sea of stars tonight and looked like something pulled out of a fairytail. She often came to places like this with a good view of the stars and moon. The moon was full tonight and had pride of place in the skyline.

With a sigh, she recalled the events that almost ended her life four months ago. She was still having nightmares about it, could swear she felt his sword tearing through her chest. The man who saved her, Maki Zhijun, had brought her back from the brink. The memories of a tunnel of light in the darkness that urged her to approach and then being wrenched away so quickly. She also owed Kenji thanks. He possessed little skill with healing Kido, and yet he had managed to keep her alive until Maki brought her back.

Turning around at the sound of rustling leaves, Momoko regarded the figure with a warm smile. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't be able to make it." The figure spept from the shadow of a tree and took a seat beside her.

"I wouldn't miss this. How could I? It's been exactly four months since we fought him, after all." Yoshiro sighed as he stared across the skyline. He, like Kenji, had undergone some harsh training in the last four months. Momoko seen him more muscular, he carried himself with less of a goofy air and his spiritual energy was was stronger, but more calm than it was before. It was also beginning to take on a more icy feel, even without the use of his zanpakuto.

"Yeah, do you think Kenji will make it?" She replied quietly, attention on the stars instead.

Nodding quickly, Yoshiro scanned the area quickly. "He'll be here shortly."

"You two have really gotten stronger. I mean, the Academy Instructor's have even compared you both to seated officers! I can't help but feel a little left behind."

Yoshiro laughed at that, but stopped when she thumped him hard! "...Your not weak, Momoko. You never where. We've all got out strengths and weaknesses. It's just part of what makes us who we are. I mean, I suck at Hakuda."

"Yeah, and i suck at bein' anywhere on time!" The two turned as Kenji dropped in beside them, bumping fists with Yoshiro and hugging Momoko. "It's good to see you guys outside the Academy for once. We haven't had a day like this in so long."

"Tell me about it, pal." Yoshiro said, leaning back and slipping his left arm out of his kimono to expose a good portion of his chest. "...Ah, feel that wind. You know, I always stare at the stars like this. Don't know why, just do."

Momoko looked at them both and took both their hands, "Let's promise that we'll all try to meet up like this, okay? I mean, I see you both everyday, but I don't really get to talk to you. Kenji's off training in the Rukon District and you, Yoshiro, are off sparring with Ryouta."

Nodding their aggrement, Kenji and Yoshiro leaned back to stare at the black sky above. Momoko looked at both and then placed a hand on both. "I can sense how tired you both are, you know. How are both handling this level of pain and weariness?"

Kenji kept his mouth shit, as did Yoshiro. This pain is nothing compared to what I seen him do to you two, Kenji thought, suddenly angry. He beat that down quickly, though. He wasn't going to let his temper ruin this.

''Because I couldn't help the last time. What type of man can't protect their friends?'' Yoshiro thought saddly.

The two settled for the same answer, and spoke in unison, "Pain is only temporary."

The two looked at each other funny, and then laughed. "I swear, you two are like children! Pain is only temorary." Momoko scoffed, tone pissed off.

The three sat up alert, when two spiritual energies they recognised from their classes in the Academy approached. "Oh, sorry, I hope we're not intruding." The owner of the voice was Sojiro Kori, the youngest son of the lesser noble family Kori. His older brother, Kusaka Kori was with him.

Sojiro had a pale appearance, especially in the light of the full moon, with short silver hair with a good portion of it hanging in front of his face to frame it. His eyes were violet and he wore a slightly modified Academy outfit with a high, white collar.

Kusaka had fair features with neck-length, dark brown hair with a great deal of it hanging in front of his face just like his brother. His eyes were red and he wore a regular sleeveless Academy outfit with a grey coat over the top.

Kenji and Yoshiro seen both as rivals, because their marks were consistantly at the top. Kusaka's swordsmanship was flawless, his Kido skills high and he had an extremely high level of spiritual energy. Sojiro, unlike his older brother, had a genius intellect and a keen analytical eye. His Kido skills were only below Momoko's in potency and his reflexes were top notch.

Kenji smiled and rose to greet the two, "Naw, you ain't disturbin' nothin', Kusaka, Sojiro. C'mon, have a seat and chat a while. It ain't as if we own the view, right?"

Kusaka nodded and took a seat near Kenji. He was more talkative than his brother, Sojiro, and was much like kenji was himself in the regard he cared little for a person's origins or rank. He simply speked to whoever he wished in a way he wished others would speak to him. "We normally come up here," He said as he stared across the skyline. "Not often you get as clear a night, either."

Sojiro took a seat opposite Momoko and the two began to discuss the history of the Soul Society as described in a book Sojiro had loaned Momoko. The two were having a good time, laughing as they made their own observations about the topic known and how it differed from a version they read in another book.

Kusaka motioned Kenji and Yoshiro to the side, where he spoke in a whisper, "Heard anything else about this Trickster fellow?" Apart from Koichi, Ryouta, Maki and Rikimaru, Kusaka and Sojiro were the only people who knew that Kenji and friends were almost killed four months ago, and why they were training so hard in the first place.

Yoshiro sighed and shook his head solemnly. "We've heard as much as you have. Remember that sample of Reiatsu Maki preserved? It disappeared without a trace. We're back to square one, no leads and no idea who he is."

"We don't need to know who he is," Kenji interjected suddenly, voice calm. "We pound him into the ground! There's nothin' else for it. Why else have we been trainin'?" Turning to Kusaka, Kenji slapped him lightly on the arm. "The guy won't get away with what he did to me, or my friends. This guy's been stalkin' my shadow since before I was in diapers. I think it's about time I was rid of him."

Yoshiro and Kusaka looked at him strangely, but it was Kusaka who spoke. "He's been after you this long!? Man, why didn't you say anything? Between the five of us we-"

"Would get our assess kicked," Yoshiro put in firmly, but saddly. "Don't give me that dumb look, Kusaka. We've already fought him, remember? Kenji teacher, Maki, says he could've killed us with his spiritual pressure if he wanted to. A hundred us wouldn't make a dman difference."

Kenji shook his head when the two began arguing. Silencing them with a spiritual bullet apiece, he looked them both in the eye, his own burning crimson. "Listen! You've gone and written yourself off already! No, we won't be beaten, not again. I've been trainin' my backside off for four months, and I intend to do the same until I'm strong enough to crush The Trickster like a bug beneath my boot! That's a promise."

Kusaka sighed and smiled finally. "Kenji, your right you crazy-son-of-a-bitch! You know what? I'm gonna help you when that time comes. Sojiro!" His younger brother growled at being disturbed, but turned his head anyway. "We're gonna train like there's no tomorrow. Kenji might need help with this bastard, and we'll be the ones to help him."

"yeah, yeah," Yoshiro put in with a laugh. "Enough about assassin's for tonight, eh? Let's enjoy the view and catch up, like we were supposed to."