Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Yuichi and Mei were assigned to their respective dormitories, and Yuichi made his way to his room. Upon entering, he found the room to be modest and sparsely furnished, in line with the academy's emphasis on simplicity and discipline. It had a small window, a low desk, a bookshelf, and a futon for sleeping. The room had a minimalistic design, with white walls and tatami flooring.

 

The bookshelf held various texts related to Kidō, Zanjutsu, and Reiryoku, reflecting the subjects he would study at the academy. The desk was equipped with paper and ink for taking notes, and a single lantern hung from the ceiling for illumination at night.

 

Yuichi recognized that this room would be his sanctuary for training and contemplation, away from the prying eyes of the academy. It was a place to connect with his zanpakuto and further develop his spiritual abilities.

 

He arranged his few belongings, including the clothes given to him by Yoruichi, and took out his zanpakuto. With a sense of wonder, he regarded the seemingly ordinary katana, knowing that it held the potential to unlock his spiritual powers and abilities.

 

Determined to make progress, Yuichi decided to meditate and attempt to communicate with his zanpakuto spirit. He assumed a cross-legged position on the floor, closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. The silence of the room enveloped him as he cleared his mind and concentrated.

 

After an hour of intense concentration, he called out to his zanpakuto spirit, seeking its name and a connection. However, his attempts were met with silence, and he couldn't sense any response. Frustration filled him, and he wondered if he was doing something wrong, or if he needed to learn how to communicate with his zanpakuto more effectively.

 

Reflecting on Mei's instructions, he thought that perhaps he hadn't yet learned how to communicate with his zanpakuto. Resolving to continue his efforts, Yuichi meditated for hours but still couldn't establish a connection with his zanpakuto. Feeling disappointed, he decided to rest for the night. He went to bed on the simple futon, closed his eyes, and allowed the sounds of the night to lull him to sleep.

 

The next morning, Yuichi was awakened early, a habit he had developed during his training. Mei knocked on his dorm door and greeted him. Confused, Yuichi asked how he could assist her.

 

"Good morning, Sir Yuichi," Mei said. "I hope the morning finds you well."

 

"Good morning, Mei. It does," Yuichi replied. "How may I assist you?"

 

"It's time for training, Sir Yuichi," Mei announced. "Lady Yoruichi informed me before we came here that there's a training ground open to students for practice. She believes that if we're to succeed, we must practice every morning for two hours."

 

Under Mei's strict and demanding guidance, Yuichi trained rigorously in Hohō, Hakuda, Zanjutsu, and Reiryoku. He couldn't help but notice that Mei had turned into a relentless instructor, and it became clear why she had been restricted to teaching him only about reiryoku at the beginning. Her rigorous training left Yuichi bruised all over, but he could feel himself growing stronger with each session.

 

After completing his training with Mei, Yuichi proceeded to his next class. The instructor for Class #2 was a man named Kensei Muguruma. Kensei was a tall, muscular captain of the 9th Division, sporting short, white hair and a stern demeanor. He was renowned for his strict and demanding training methods.

 

Upon entering the classroom, Yuichi observed the differences between Class #2 and Class #1. There were fewer students in this class, and the overall skill level appeared to be a bit lower. While the students were still considered above average, they didn't quite reach the elite status of Class #1.

 

Realizing that he had traveled back in time, Yuichi began to formulate a plan to utilize his knowledge and power to escape Aizen's clutches and grow stronger.

 

"Good morning, students," Kensei greeted the class gruffly. "I hope you're all prepared for a challenging day of training."

 

Yuichi, like the other students, replied, "Good morning, Captain Muguruma. I am ready to learn."

 

Kensei nodded in approval. "Good. I expect nothing less from my students. Now, let's get started."

 

Kensei initiated the training session by teaching them the fundamentals of Kidō, emphasizing the techniques and incantations required for effective execution. He was a strict and demanding instructor, quick to correct students' errors, but he also took the time to explain the logic behind each technique.

 

Yuichi was fully engaged in the lesson, eagerly taking notes and absorbing the material. He was determined to excel in this class and continued to find the joy in acquiring knowledge and honing his skills, despite his primary goal of survival.

 

Kensei welcomed the class and initiated the lesson on the art of Zanjutsu. He emphasized the importance of mastering the sword, viewing it not just as a weapon but as an extension of one's self. Demonstrating various techniques and forms, Kensei led the class in practice.

 

Yuichi found himself fully engrossed in the class, benefiting greatly from Kensei's teaching. The instructor's skill and guidance left a strong impression, and Yuichi believed he could learn a great deal from him. Throughout the day, Kensei subjected the class to rigorous physical training, pushing them to their limits with demanding exercises and intense sparring sessions.

 

As the day neared its end, Kensei dismissed the students with a stern admonition, "Don't let up, students. Remember, the academy is only the beginning of your journey. You must continue to train and improve every day if you want to become a true Soul Reaper. Dismissed!"

 

Following the class, Yuichi headed to the library to study and practice independently. He spent the remainder of the day immersed in texts on Kidō and Hohō, honing the techniques he had learned. He also maintained his curiosity about Kira, although their paths rarely crossed due to her enrollment in Class #1.

 

Subsequently, Yuichi ventured to the training ground, where he met Mei to continue honing his skills. Days followed in this routine, and his training with Mei progressed. Yuichi found himself advancing well in his classes, quickly ascending the ranks in Class #2 while deliberately downplaying his skills to maintain slightly above-average scores. He also cultivated friendships with some fellow students in Class #2 and started to appreciate his time at the academy.

 

Among his acquaintances was Hanatarō Yamada, a shy and timid boy who faced difficulties with the physical demands of the academy's curriculum. However, he possessed a natural talent for Kidō. Hanatarō, despite his timidity, was kind-hearted and often stood up to bullies, demonstrating a willingness to help others, especially in rescuing his friends.

 

Niko Kuna, on the other hand, was a spirited and energetic girl who welcomed challenges. She had a passion for reading and learning, and her enthusiasm for life was infectious. Despite her lack of physical strength, she was determined to improve and embraced new experiences with enthusiasm.

 

Although Yuichi generally refrained from forming friendships, he saw potential in these two. Hanatarō's future in the 4th Division and Niko's placement in the 12th Division were beneficial to Yuichi's goals. The 4th Division focused on medical treatment and supply management, while the 12th Division specialized in developing spiritual technology and tools. Since Niko hadn't graduated from the academy and had been noticed by Kisuke Urahara, their talents would be instrumental for Yuichi, offering access to the much-needed healing power and knowledge. Thus, Yuichi resolved to nurture these friendships to secure these advantages.