Wind and Talon

It was late afternoon when Takashi left his squad’s headquarters. The sky was a clear, deep blue, and the wind carried with it a taste of crisp autumn. He breathed in deeply and smiled to himself, feeling limber and energetic. Today would be a good day.

Leaving the Seireitei behind him, Takashi took to the skies, using Shunpo to soar over quiet Rukon Districts far below. To the north lay Enbun District, and already he could picture the field, gold in late fall and hazy in the sunlight. He reached Enbun soon enough, barely disturbing the grass as he landed. Kohaku flew from his shoulder almost immediately, taking to the sky on her own with a powerful beat of her wings. Takashi watched her circle around the field for a moment before he began to stretch, making sure he was warmed-up beforehand. It was fortunate that both he and Kazuo had the day off, as normally such instances were rare considering their busy schedules. Takashi unsheathed his Zanpakutō and went through a series of kata, quietly running through the upcoming duel in his head. It was always challenging to spar with Kazuo. As the Lieutenant of the 2nd Division, Kazuo was known for his prowess in Hohō. And then there was his Kidō to consider, which was more troubling for Takashi since he tended to avoid using the art in combat. In any case, the most thrilling element was always the fact that, whenever they fought, they could go full-out, heedless of injury, and focused solely on testing and improving each other’s strength.

You’re exited. Kohaku’s thoughts entered his own mind. Of course. He replied calmly. He sensed that Kohaku was feeling anxious. What’s got you so concerned? He asked. She did not respond at once. I hate it when you get hurt. She answered at last. Takashi smiled. She was always the same. ''Don’t worry. We’ll stop if things get out of hand. We know each other’s limits.'' Kohaku did not seem impressed. She acted as though she wanted to tell him something else, but just then she spotted Kazuo approaching in the distance. Takashi sensed it through her, a faint reverbating awareness in the back of her mind. Please be careful. She warned one last time before removing her presence from his thoughts.

Takashi sheathed his sword, a bit perturbed that Kohaku was acting so edgy that day, as it affected his own mood. There was no reason to be uneasy. He began to breathe deeply and rhythmically to mentally ready himself. He was alert, he was excited, and he was ready as his fellow Lieutenant made his way towards the field.