That was a familiar occurrence for the members of Squad 4. However, for Izuru Kira, a new recruit, it was a scene he was witnessing for the first time.
"Oi, about the reservation for this time. When's good?"
"Ah, 3rd Seat Madarame, um... this week is a bit... It will have to be in ten days. If that's okay, I'll pass the word along."
"Tch! Can't be helped. Alright then, I'm counting on you for that day."
"Yes. Understood."
"Also, this is a gift. Eat it whenever."
"Thank you very much! Everyoone, we received a gift from 3rd Seat Madarame!"
"Oh! Really?"
"Yay! I'm kinda happy!"
"I'll make some tea."
"Wh... what is that..."
Watching the exchange from a slight distance, he involuntarily muttered.
"Um, senior! What on earth is that?"
"It's 3rd Seat Madarame. From Squad 11."
"Squad 11...? Why Squad 11? And he was saying something about a reservation..."
"Hmm... ah, right, right. Sorry. It's Kira-kun's first time seeing it. I was careless; it's like a customary event for Squad 4. I just assumed everyone knew."
Finally realizing why Kira was suspicious, the senior squad member briefly explained it to him.
"A challenge to the Vice-Captain... is it..."
"It's been quite a few years now. It's impressive, or whatever you want to call it, that he keeps challenging her without getting discouraged. And sometimes, like today, he brings gifts. So, how should I put it, a strange bond has formed."
"Indeed," he involuntarily agreed.
It wasn't quite "knowing the ropes," but just seeing Madarame, the Squad 4 members carried out the exchange without hesitation, as if it were a prescribed movement.
"Ah, right. There's a Seireitei Communication from when this started. Do you want to see it, Kira-kun? It's quite interesting."
"Even something like that exists!? Come to think of it, I feel like I saw it a long time ago..."
Accepting his senior's kindness obediently, Kira looked through the Seireitei Communication from that time.
After finishing a thorough read, he took out his Denreishinki as if he had come up with a brilliant idea.
Oh my, the Denreishinki?
Yes, hello. What is it?
...You made a reservation? I heard about that—eh, that's not it?
A change of location and time!?
The start date and time are the same, but the location is there. And the time is a whole day!?
That's definitely impossible! Taking a whole day off, the Captain will get mad at me!!
Hah...? You got permission from the Captain too? That's, well, well-prepared or whatever.
I understand! See you on the day, then.
Hmm... the reservation itself happens every time, but this is somewhat unusual.
On the day, forget rain, spears might fall from the sky.
It's been a while since I came to Squad 11.
I remember smashing that gate when I came to raid the place. How nostalgic...
'That is an incredibly violent memory!'
So, today I am here, intruding on the premises of Squad 11.
Originally, Ikkaku was scheduled to come challenge me, but the plan changed due to a sudden phone call.
Although my schedule was blocked for a whole day, I had some time to spare, so I briefly stopped by Squad 4 to give instructions before coming.
Besides, just because the schedule is filled for the day, surely we won't be going at it continuously for a whole day, right?
Just in case, expecting it might take until the afternoon, I prepared a bento box. Probably, there was no need to go this far.
When I received the contact on the Denreishinki, I thought "spears might fall," but the weather is fine without any sign of that.
Yeah, I feel like I can go home early today!
'(My Lord... I wish you would realize that all those lines are raising flags all over the place...)'
Did you say something, Nubatama?
'No, I said nothing!!'
...?
Anyway, I head to the designated location, the Squad 11 training grounds.
Squad 11 members, as always, bow and call me "Big Sis!" (San!) when they see me. It's not like this is some V-Cinema.
While receiving such greetings, I head to the destination.
There... oh my?
"Renji-kun, and Kira-kun too...!? Why are you here?"
The two were waiting at the training grounds.
However, while Squad 11's Renji-kun is understandable, why is Kira-kun here too?
"Um, actually."
When I asked, Kira-kun spoke up.
According to him—
"I saw Ikkaku coming to Squad 4 for a reservation."
"I wanted to participate too, so I contacted Renji-kun, who seemed likely to have contact with Ikkaku."
"From there, the word got to Ikkaku, and we ended up joining in."
—That is what happened.
I see.
So that's why Ikkaku changed the place and time.
"Half challenge, half asking for training—something like that, I guess."
"We're jumping in unannounced, but was it a bother...?"
"No, I was surprised, but that's all. Besides, from my perspective, it's like an extension of the Academy days, so don't worry about it."
It is not a bother.
But, really. Why is Kira-kun so enthusiastic?
'(He was done in by My Lord's boobs and got it bad... I suppose... but to this extent is rare in recent years, like Miller. It must be the result of getting it bad due to obsession with boobs.)'
"Yo, you came."
"Oh my, Ikkaku. You changed it, don't tell me, for these two's... tra... in... ing..."
As I was tilting my head, a voice called out from behind.
I turned around, and—
"Zaraki, Captain..."
—I was at a loss for words.
I thought it was just Ikkaku, but for some reason, Kenpachi Zaraki is with him!! And Vice-Captain Kusajishi is properly on his back too!!
"Yo, Woman! I hear you're doing something fun today!!"
No, wait... I didn't hear about this!?
"What is the meaning of this, Ikkaku! You tricked me!?"
"Oi oi, that sounds bad. I definitely said it, didn't I? 'I got permission from the Captain'!"
Eh!? At that time, err... yeah, certainly.
He got permission from the Captain. He definitely said it.
"Captain" Zaraki and "Captain" Unohana... I see, different Captains.
Right, right, I'm Squad 4 and Ikkaku is Squad 11...
...You idioooot!!
Like I can accept that!! And why is Ikkaku making such a triumphant face!!
"Um, Captain Zaraki...? Today, Ikkaku as well, but Renji-kun and the others' training..."
"Training the newcomers is also a Captain's duty, ain't it? Wrong?"
Training, the newcomers... it is training, right!?
Then why isn't he holding that sturdy, sturdy wooden sword he always brings?
Why is he carrying a naked Zanpakuto on his shoulder and wearing a smile scarier than a murderer??
Why has he already taken off his eyepatch and is full of motivation!?
"Above all! I heard you and that guy Ikkaku were doing something pretty fun! Playing with the newbie is fine, but I'm getting a little bored of it. Once in a while, the Woman is also a fine thing!!"
...Simply put, that means you couldn't hold back and wanted to use a real sword, doesn't it! Besides, when facing Ikkaku, I use my Zanpakuto, so I can't even use the excuse "Please use a wooden sword!"!!
I hate this!!
"Oi, newcomers!! Watch clooosely!! Watching is also training, apparently!!"
"...Tt!!"
A tremendous killing intent was released, and I reflexively jumped back.
Following that, Captain Zaraki's Zanpakuto passed through the spot where I was just a moment ago.
Although it is a long sword, the blade is tattered like a dull sword. If you cut and cut and keep cutting without maintenance, does it become like this? The chips in the blade make you think so.
However, combined with Captain Zaraki's atmosphere... honestly, it's incredibly scary.
"As always, you have good reactions, don't you."
"...If I hadn't dodged, I would have died, you know?"
"Lately, I've been playing only with Ichigo... To not get too used to familiarity, today should be fine, right? Besides, your newcomer is here too, right? Then show the newcomer... your seriousness!!"
"Kuh!!"
A super-high-speed thrust flew from almost no motion.
It's this in an instant! I can't let my guard down for a second!!
"Kuh!"
Avoiding the first blow, dodging the second and third while adjusting my stance, I draw my Zanpakuto and parry the fourth thrust with my sword to let it pass.
"...Thrusts are a bit... I will really die, you know?"
"Don't be so stiff! Aren't we close?"
I don't remember becoming close like that, nor is it about being stiff!!
Well, if I interpret it as favorably as possible, he trusts that "You won't die from this level, right?"...!!
"W-What is that... That..."
"Amazing... Our Captain... and Sensei too..."
In the distance, I can hear the dumbfounded voices of Kira-kun and the others.
No matter how you think about it, this is too stimulating for newcomers, isn't it. Especially for Kira-kun, his compatibility with Captain Zaraki is the worst.
"Alright, that was a good lesson. Alright, you guys do it too."
"Eh... um, but...!! Sense... What about Vice-Captain Yukawa!?"
"The Captain is enjoying himself over there. Renji and—ah... what was it, you. Renji's acquaintance. Both of you come here. I'll train you in actual combat!"
"U-Ussu!"
Ikkakuuu!! What are you doing taking it easy!! It's a fight with the precious Captain Zaraki!? Aren't you going to intervene here!? What is your Bankai for!!
Kira-kun and Renji-kun, don't nod obediently!!
Both of you, cooperate to stop Captain Zaraki—no, you don't have to!! With your current abilities, the moment you intervene, you might get slashed to death!!
Instead, beat up Ikkaku properly!! In my place!!
"Ken-chaaan! Airiiiin! Do your best, both of you!!"
Vice-Captain Kusajishi, thank you for your support!! I would have been happier if you stopped him, but that's asking for the impossible, isn't it, right!!
Because you're in full spectator mode, having laid out a mat you brought from somewhere!!
"Oraaaaah!"
"Again!?"
Another thrust flew at me. But as expected, that is naive!
"Uwoh!?"
"Now!"
I sweep my sword up from below, leaving his abdomen defenseless for a moment.
I unleashed a horizontal flash there.
Normally, with this, his stomach would be split wide open horizontally... should be...
"Hehehe... As I thought, this feels good..."
It only cut the muscle a little.
No, this is training. Killing a colleague is out of the question in the first place, so I held back. I held back, but—even taking that into account, the damage is less than I imagined.
Or rather, his skin is hard!
Until now, it was wooden swords, so I struck without hesitation, but he's this hard even against slashing attacks!?
"It's getting fun!!"
"Ugh...!"
Seeing blood flow has revved up his engine even more.
Captain Zaraki is attacking aggressively.
Bad, this is bad!! I know from past experience that if I go on the defensive, I'll be overwhelmed!!
But, a clue for a counterattack...!!
"Teeei!"
—Now! At this moment...
"Hah! I've already memorized that one!!"
He parried it!?
Wait, of course he would! We're forced to fight every so often!
He'd memorize my swordsmanship with his body!
Then he'd think of parries and counter-techniques!
...If it's just this one move.
"So what!?"
It doesn't end just because it was parried!
I immediately change my movement and unleash a second strike. Aiming for Captain Zaraki's thigh!
One stab to dull his movements!
"Heh! You really entertain me!! But!!"
"Gah!!"
I got kicked in the face.
It hurts... the tip of my nose hurts so much...! I thought I lost consciousness for a second.
It's not like I let my guard down; I should have been paying attention...!
"Ora, what's wrong!? Sleepy already? It ain't gonna be that boring, right!?"
The moment my movement stopped, a fierce pursuit attacked me.
Bad, my reaction was delayed for a split second...
"Guu...!!"
I was slashed. A diagonal slash from the shoulder.
Since I activated Kaido almost unconsciously, the wound heals in the blink of an eye. The sarashi is also specially made, so it repairs itself even if cut.
Still, the pain—only the burning pain remains firmly. On top of that, the uneven blade like irregular teeth messes up the wound, so it hurts terribly and is hard to heal!!
"Today is a free-for-all; you don't have to hold back! Captain's orders. Show it to me, your Bankai!! Iiii!!"
"I... refuse!!"
"Guoh!?"
Using a slightly special footwork, I slipped through the attack and smashed his chin upward just like that.
Using the pommel of my Zanpakuto for the blow.
"Even though my opponent isn't using Shikai, there's no way I can use Bankai alone!"
"Ku, kukuku... Hahahahaha!! That's good, that...! That's why fighting you is interesting!!"
It was a dangerous attack that would shatter a normal person's jaw, but—as expected, he is unharmed.
Still, seeing him twisting his neck while making cracking sounds, it seems it was effective.
"But, there's no need to be considerate!! Show me all the power you have!!"
"Don't... underestimate me!!"
Ah, jeez!! Then I'll do it too!! I'll make you regret making me draw my Zanpakuto, just a little bit!!
'The "just a little bit" part is somewhat weak-willed...!'
Against Captain Zaraki who comes slashing, I also minimize my defense and slash desperately.
Every time our swords flash, fresh blood flies, and one by one, wounds increase somewhere on our bodies.
If anything, I have more wounds because I'm holding back.
"Slashing at each other is really fun!! I cut and get cut, yet you still come at me!! Even if I cut and cut, you don't fall!! It's so fun I feel like I'm losing my mind!!"
"Then, how about this instead of smelling salts!?"
Right in front of the extremely satisfied Captain Zaraki, I instantly.
"Disappeared!?"
"—!! —Death!!"
"Gaaaaah!!!!"
Moving behind him in an instant, I rush in with that momentum and deliver a downward strike. From there, changing without killing the momentum, I unleash a continuous upward slashing attack—Ryubi Gaeshi (Dragon Tail Return).
Because I slammed the slash into his back with full force, a tremendous amount of blood spurted out.
If he's injured this much, he'll be satisfied and—
"When was the last time... my back was cut? I don't really remember. Maybe, it might be the first time... Well, that doesn't really matter."
—He won't stop, right? As expected. I knew it.
"You suddenly moved behind me. You said something about illusions? It felt similar to that incredibly fast attack you used a few times before... but I don't quite get it..."
This person, his intuition is really too sharp!!
As Captain Zaraki surmised, "Phantom" is a technique for movement.
Like the "Lightspeed Sword" I showed before, it involves turning into light for just an instant and moving behind the opponent at that speed. I mixed in the Onmitsukido's footwork I learned via Soifon.
Thanks to that, it's a footwork that can deceive even presence detection and spiritual pressure perception—that should be the case, normally.
...Why does this person notice?
The moment I cut, he stepped forward just slightly to reduce the damage. Combined with the defensive power of his own spiritual pressure, my one-hit-kill technique was blocked so easily!!
I thought this time he wouldn't figure it out because I worked hard on it!!
"That ain't all, is it!? Let's thoroughly enjoy the sensation we can't taste with Ichigo today!! Don't worry, I won't kill you!! So don't you die either, Iiii!!"
Ah, this is bad.
He's having too much fun and Captain Zaraki's limiter is broken!! Until now, it should have been just barely matched to me, but the swing range has become incredibly large!!
...This is a little bad... I can go home alive, right? Eei, whatever happens, happens!!
—Hado \#32! Oukasen!
"Hado \#33! Sokatsui!"
Activating chanting and my own power simultaneously, I fired two types of Kido as a distraction before jumping in.
"Nn\~! Deliciooous!!"
Vice-Captain Kusajishi's carefree voice could be heard.
Sitting on the mat, she has spread out the stacked boxes and is tasting the contents one by one.
As for the taste... there's no need to ask.
The heartfelt "Delicious" just now speaks more eloquently than anything.
I am happy.
Because that is the bento I brought.
The time is slightly past noon. In other words, it is lunchtime.
The bento I brought is being eaten by Vice-Captain Kusajishi without permission.
Since the reservation time was all day, I prepared it just in case.
Moreover, thinking Ikkaku might eat a lot, there is enough for three people. Yet she is eating it heartily with momentum that makes me wonder "Where does it fit in that small body?"
"Ken-chaaan! What about lunch? Airin's bento is super delicious!!"
"Ah, that sure looks tasty!! But food is good, but I'm full from slashing too! I should be full, but, but I'm starving, starving and I can't help it!!"
Ah, over there looks fun...
Over here, I'm continuing the endless slashing with Captain Zaraki.
I heal rapidly with Kaido. Captain Zaraki ignores wounds and pain with his natural toughness and comes slashing.
Is this what a stalemate feels like!?
"Un, got it! Then I'll eat Ken-chan's share too."
My luunch!!
"Ah! Hey...! I'll eat too! Give it here!!"
"Wa, Vice-Captain Kusajishi!! I will eat too! Don't eat it all by yourself!!"
"Sensei's home cooking, Sensei's home cooking, I'll eat it even if my stomach bursts, I'll eat it even if my stomach bursts..."
"Kira! You calm down a little more!!"
Moreover, Ikkaku and the others are properly taking a lunch break!!
Well, I forgive you guys for eating!! It's a bento for that purpose originally!!
But what is this... just listening makes me irritated...
Even if the fight becomes disadvantageous, just one word! I absolutely have to say it!!
"You guys!! Wash your hands before eating!!"
"...Ussu!"
"Y-Yes! I'm sorry, Sensei!!"
Renji-kun and Kira-kun listened obediently.
I'm happy.
Because you were rampaging in the training grounds until just now. Washing hands is basic!! In this day and age, hygiene is basic!! As Squad 4 Vice-Captain, I have to say this!!
"Hahahaha!! Looking away, looks like you still have room to spare!!"
Aaaah!! Captain Zaraki got even more motivated aaaah!!
"Usshi, shall we restart soon!"
After inserting a rest for lunch—Captain Zaraki and I didn't have one—Ikkaku said that and—
"Yo, Woman!! Looks like you're having plenty of fun! Mix me in too!!"
"I-Ikkaku!? ...Kuh!!"
—He slashed at me.
Naturally, I stopped it, but because of that, I took Captain Zaraki's blow directly on my arm.
It hurts!! Blood is gushing out. Even though it heals immediately with Kaido, this is...
"Ikkaku!! You bastard, don't cut in!! The Woman is my prey!!"
"Captain, don't say such cold things!! Giving way to a subordinate is also a Captain's duty, isn't it!! Besides—"
While complaining to each other, they attack me together as if in a perfectly synchronized combination attack.
Or so I thought.
"—I also want you to train me a bit, Captain!!"
"...Hah! Interesting!! Since you said that, don't show me anything boring!!"
This time he slashed at Captain Zaraki.
Ikkaku, are you sane!?
Captain Zaraki also looks somewhat happy...
Or rather, what is that... weren't you slashing at me just now...?
"Ah, jeez!! If it's like this, two or four, it's all the same!! Renji-kun, Kira-kun too!! No need to hold back!! Come at me!!"
"Eh...!?"
"I-It's impossible!! Something like that!!"
"No questions!!"
'My Lord!! Cherish life!! Cherish life indeed!!'
No! Here, of course, let's go gun-ho!!
"Dying... I definitely died..."
"Alive... I'm alive...!!"
The two newcomers look like they've attained enlightenment.
I'm sorry, I'm really sorry!!
Somehow my tension went up... tehe.
Forgive me since I healed every single injury.
"Damn it!! I couldn't win today either!!"
"About 40% full? Still not enough to eat, but I'll leave it around here for today."
In contrast, the two from Squad 11... especially Captain Zaraki is really energetic.
The sun is already setting, and the bell announcing the end of work is ringing in the Seireitei.
End of work—in other words, today is over.
It was a reservation originally scheduled for the whole day. Once it becomes this time, it's finished.
Captain Zaraki is solid in these areas and listens properly.
Just that is appreciated, really... I'm really grateful he didn't say something like "Let's slash each other all night like this."
"Hey hey, Airin."
"?"
When I finished healing everyone's injuries and was preparing to leave.
Vice-Captain Kusajishi spoke to me. Do you need something?
"Marry me!"
"...Heh? Um, what do you mean...?"
"Because if I marry Airin, I can eat that delicious bento every day, all-you-can-eat!!"
...Ah... was she fed and tamed?
No, but saying "marry me" because of that is strange, right!?
How should I refuse—
"Ken-chan would be overjoyed too if Airin was here!!"
—Wait, don't throw the topic over there!!
"Kuku, that sounds good. Rather than pulling her in as a subordinate, much more..."
"E-Excuse me!! Thank you for inviting us today!! Come on, Kira-kun, we're going home too!!"
"Sensei... I'm alive, right..."
"Yes, yes, you're alive. You're alive so let's go home. Let's rest slowly for today."
It's best to run away quickly before it develops into a troublesome story!
Carrying Kira-kun on my back in a hurry, I fled the scene like a rabbit.
"Oi Ikkaku, why don't you try hitting on the Woman? If it goes well, it's all-you-can-slash every day, you know?"
"Hah!? Her!!"
From behind, such a voice—
I can't hear it, I can't hear it, I can't hear it!!
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]