Kapitel 11: Chapter Seven: Training and Evaluation 1/3
Author's Notes: All right, I suppose it's time to get the next one out there. Regarding some of the Kidō spells that appear in this chapter, since we never get a comprehensive list of every single spell available to Soul Reapers I decided to take a few liberties and create some new ones to start filling in the gaps.
Enjoy!
Chapter Seven: Training and Evaluation
One week and five days later…
"Next target and next spell!" Minerva barked, "Go!"
Itachi nodded before reciting the incantation. "Strike, lord of tempest and thunder! Make your fury known to men and beast alike, less they forget the higher order of the world! Hadō 4: Byakurai!"
Pointing at the target downrange with his right index finger, he let fly with a concentrated bolt of light-blue spirit energy. The precise shot nailed the target right in the middle, leaving a clean and smoking hole in it.
Minerva nodded and smiled. "Very nice. Most students have trouble with the more accurate version of Byakurai; they prefer discharging it from both hands. Your performance with both versions has been exemplary."
"Thank you," Itachi replied.
"Let's not rest on our laurels quite yet," said Minerva, "We still have the rest of the afternoon ahead of us, after all. Next target, and next spell up in the ranks. Hit it with your best shot."
Itachi took a deep breath to center himself before beginning the incantation. "Master of the spring winds, I summon you! Bring forth your creatures great and small, and let them overwhelm the enemies of creation! Hadō 5: Hotaru Bāsuto!"
He held out the palm of his right hand, and from it flew a burst of tiny green spheres made of spirit energy. The rapid-fire burst of emerald projectiles perforated the target next to the one he'd hit earlier with Byakurai.
Minerva clapped as Itachi caught his breath. "Excellent! That's a much more precise burst than I was expecting. First-year students usually send the projectiles flying all over the place."
"I can see why," Itachi replied, "All those spirit projectiles coming forth so quickly can be difficult to properly harness."
"Indeed," said his teacher, "Still, you did quite well. Keep it up and eventually you'll be able to increase the duration of the bursts, as well as your ability to direct the projectiles. With enough practice, a Soul Reaper using Hadō 5 can lay down a barrage capable of pinning a swarm of lesser Hollows. It's a good opening move when you're facing off against a large number of weaker enemies, and it's also useful for covering a retreat when the ranks of the enemy prove to be overwhelming."
Itachi nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Good," Minerva replied before nodding down range, "Now, let's keep at it. Next spell up in the ranks. By the time I'm done with you, not only will you pass the Head Captain's exam with flying colors, but when you rejoin the Academy you'll be the best damn spellcaster in your class!"
….
One week later…
"Ah," sighed Yoruichi with a smile as she leaned back behind her desk, "Finally done with the post-action reports! I swear, sometimes those take longer than the fights themselves!"
She had returned a while ago from a mission to the very edge of the Rukon District. Along with Soi-Fon, Kisuke, and a handful of other officers and foot-soldiers, she had overseen the purging of a Hollow nest that had somehow taken root in the darkest corner of South Rukon 79. The Hollows themselves had proven to be on the weaker end of the spectrum, but the fact that so many of them had been able to establish a foothold in the Soul Society and maintain it for as long as they had was concerning.
We really need to boost our numbers and get more patrols out there, she thought, We're just stretched too damn thin…
The door to her office slipped open, and Soi-Fon stepped in with a tray bearing a small pot and some cups. "Care for some tea, Lady Yoruichi?"
Yoruichi nodded. "Sure thing. Thanks, Soi-Fon!"
The head of her personal guard smiled. "You're welcome, Lady Yoruichi."
After it was poured she took a sip. "Did you make this yourself? You're really getting good at this!"
Soi-Fon bowed, and Yoruichi could've sworn she caught her bodyguard blushing. "Oh, it was nothing, Lady Yoruichi!"
Yoruichi leaned forward. "Come on, Soi-Fon, there's nothing wrong with showing a little pride in your abilities. Take earlier, for instance; you did very well in the fighting over in South 79. Your bond with your Zanpakutō is really coming along nicely!"
"You're too kind, Lady Yoruichi," Soi-Fon replied, "Still… I'm nowhere near as strong as you are."
Yoruichi shook her head. "Don't sell yourself short. Give it time. You're young, and I know how hard you've been training. You've already unlocked your Shikai, and I can tell that you're getting better at using it. I can't wait to see what your Bankai looks like once you finally achieve it!"
Soi-Fon gulped. "Bankai? I'm a long way from that, Lady Yoruichi!"
Yoruichi smiled. "Hey, I used to think that about myself, but look at me now! Trust me, if you keep up the hard work, that day will come before you know it."
Soi-Fon returned her smile. "I'll do that. Thank you, Lady Yoruichi."
As much as Yoruichi liked to tease her bodyguard, she was being completely serious with her today. Soi-Fon could sometimes be a little too high-strung and strict for her own good, but she was a decent woman at heart and a very competent subordinate. While Yoruichi didn't really think that she needed a bodyguard, she was glad that Soi-Fon was the one assigned to fill that role. It felt like having both a younger sister and a pupil, and Yoruichi was proud of how far Soi-Fon had come in the time that she'd served under her. In a way, she supposed that Soi-Fon was the Lieutenant that she really wanted; Marenoshin Ōmaeda was just a placeholder, a sop to a noble family and the petty politics of the Soul Society's aristocracy.
Her and Kisuke, she mused, I'd be much happier with either of them in the Lieutenant's slot, really. I wonder if I could make them both Co-Lieutenants someday. It'd be an unorthodox move, but it's not entirely unheard of. Ōmaeda won't be around forever, after all; a guy like him will either get himself killed through arrogance or will go on extended leave to take over his household once his parents decide to hand it over to him. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how things play out.
After she finished her tea she stood up and smiled at her subordinate. "That hit the spot. How about you and I take a little stroll over to the Squad Four barracks?"
Soi-Fon nodded. "Very well, Lady Yoruichi."
It was only mid-afternoon, and a very pleasant one at that as Yoruichi and her bodyguard left the Squad Two barracks and made their way through the Seireitei. The sun was high in the sky, a pleasantly cool breeze wafted through the air, and there was always the occasional Soul Reaper that bowed in greeting as the Captain and her subordinate passed.
"There are only two weeks left until the evaluation, right?" asked Soi-Fon, "Do you think Itachi will be ready?"
Yoruichi nodded and grinned. "Oh, yes! From what Minerva's last Hell Butterfly told me, it sounds like Itachi's really coming along well. I think the Head Captain will have a hard time saying no once the evaluation's over."
"When he graduates, will he really join the Thirteen Court Guard Squads?" Soi-Fon asked, "His talents in Hakuda and Hohō would make him a prime candidate for recruitment by the Stealth Force, and there's always the chance that the Kidō Corps could take an interest in him as well."
"True," said Yoruichi, "but with the way his skills have been developing, I think it'd be a waste to put him anywhere other than one of the thirteen divisions. The Stealth Force would be the second-best option for him, and since they're still under my authority I suppose I wouldn't object if it came down to that but given that he's already awakened his Zanpakutō that alone makes him a natural candidate for the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. We need someone with his abilities and potential operating on the frontlines, especially given how strained we are for manpower there as it is."
Soi-Fon nodded. "You're right. Actually, the Soul Society as a whole could use a boost in fighting strength. I know all of the divisions are fully staffed, but still… it feels like that's just not enough."
"So, you've caught on to that too, eh?" said Yoruichi with a smile, "Keep those powers of observation sharp, Soi-Fon; you'll go far with them, count on that."
The two of them made it to the Squad Four barracks a little while later. Stopping briefly by Unohana's office to say hello, they then went out to the training yard. When they got there, Yoruichi saw Itachi sitting in the middle of the yard, his Zanpakutō laying across his lap. Minerva was standing over him, and she nodded as Yoruichi and Soi-Fon approached.
"Jinzen…" said Soi-Fon softly as she studied Itachi.
"How's he doing?" asked Yoruichi.
Minerva gave her a confident smile. "He's a natural. It's all coming along better than I could ever have hoped for. You really found something special with him, Lady Yoruichi."
Yoruichi was about to reply when she saw a small cut appear on Itachi's left cheek. Minerva then leaned down and put her hand over the wound, and the familiar blue-green energy of Kaidō enveloped her hand.
That's right, thought Yoruichi, Minerva spent some time as part of Squad Four back in her active duty days before transferring to Squad Two. I'm glad she's kept her healing skills sharp.
"Not a deep one," her former teacher said after a moment, "Most of the wounds he gets in this state tend to be pretty shallow. If nothing else, the spirit of his Zanpakutō seems to be capable of some very precise swordplay."
"How long does he usually spend doing this?" asked Soi-Fon.
"Right now, I have him at half an hour each day," said Minerva, "He's been making the most of it; every time he comes back I spar with him, and his skills get just a little bit sharper each time. If Squad Eleven weren't so disdainful of Kidō I think they'd be chomping at the bit to recruit him; his swordsmanship is incredible considering he's still just a student."
Yoruichi shook her head. "I don't think Squad Eleven would be a good fit for him. They're way too rowdy, and they're not exactly a subtle bunch when it comes to combat. Besides, I can't see Itachi forgoing Kidō altogether just to get into a unit; the ability to cast spells is incredibly handy, especially given the wide variety that are available. He doesn't strike me as the type to set aside such a useful weapon for the trivial reasons that Squad Eleven does."
"Speaking of Kidō," said Soi-Fon, "how is he doing with that?"
"Exceptionally well," Minerva replied with a smile, "He's got his incantations down perfectly, and his energy control is far more advanced than anything I've ever seen in a student at this point in their education. His aim's excellent; incredibly precise, even with spells that aren't exactly known for their finesse. With the right spells and a good firing position, he could provide great cover during a battle, especially once he begins learning the more advanced and powerful techniques. He's got a good sense of spatial awareness, too, which is another vital trait for Kidō users."
"How about Hakuda and Hohō?" asked Yoruichi.
Now Minerva was all but beaming with pride. "The only other student I've had that's taken to either of them so intuitively is you, Lady Yoruichi. His technique in Hakuda is brilliant; I can definitely see how he'd dominate his class. Honestly, I don't think any of the Academy instructors could add substantially to his knowledge in that regard. You said he was a relatively recent arrival to the Soul Society, right?"
Yoruichi nodded. "Yes."
"If that's the case, then I'm certain he was already well-versed in hand-to-hand combat when he was alive," said Minerva, "His reflexes are uncanny, he knows exactly what moves to go with depending on the situation, and his footwork is perfect. As for Hohō, that's coming along wonderfully. He's improving both the distance and precision of his Flash Steps, and he's getting better at working them into our sparring matches. The technique still requires considerable focus from him, but I'm confident that eventually it'll come as naturally to him as breathing."
Yoruichi smiled. "Hot damn! I do know how to pick 'em, don't I?"
Minerva nodded. "Indeed."
"How much longer will he be meditating like this?" asked Soi-Fon.
"He's about halfway into his session right now," said Minerva, "Are you two planning on sticking around? I think you'd enjoy witnessing our sparring match once he's finished, Lady Yoruichi."
"I'm sure I would," she replied, "but I'm afraid we can't stick around that long. There are still some things that I need to take care of today. I was really just coming by to say hi and check up on his progress."
"I'll give Itachi your regards," said Minerva, "If you come by a little earlier or later next time, you should be able to catch him outside of Jinzen."
Yoruichi smiled. "I'll try to remember that. Keep up the good work, Minerva. I can't wait to see what he's capable of once all this is done!"
….
One week later…
The cry of steel meeting steel rang out repeatedly as Itachi and Minerva clashed. Their Zanpakutō came together in a rapid-fire series of blows, a deadly display of precision, speed and power unlike any that could be found in the training halls of Shin'ō Academy. Student and teacher went back and forth, swapping between offense and defense at the drop of a hat, neither betraying a hint of weariness despite the fact that this latest match had gone on for at least a half-hour.
Itachi had initially been surprised when, after the first week of the accelerated Zanjutsu curriculum, Minerva had declared that they would no longer be training with wooden practice swords; they would be using only the real thing from that point onward. It had struck him as incredibly reckless, even taking into account the fact that they were in the heart of Squad Four and thus had ready access to the best healers the Soul Society had to offer. However, it hadn't taken Itachi long to recognize the wisdom in such a move; Minerva's swordsmanship was highly sophisticated, and the time he'd spent training with the spirit of his Zanpakutō had given him greater confidence in his abilities. Both fighters were capable of engaging in serious practice fights with real weapons and had the skills required to avoid serious injuries.
She may no longer have been on the active duty roster, but the former Lieutenant was no slouch when it came to Zanjutsu. There was a cold grace to her fighting style, a fluid efficiency that offered a tight defense and a punishing offense. She wasn't a power fighter; she was all about finesse and misdirection.
She would often feint high or low before going at her true target, or go into what felt like a random burst of strikes but were actually a carefully crafted sequence of attacks designed to confuse his defenses and create an opening. She varied the speed and power of her blows, keeping Itachi guessing as to how hard and how swiftly she would hit. She would often allow herself to appear off balance, sometimes with only a single foot touching the ground, but in fact she was in perfect control over her body and could pivot and pirouette with the ease and elegance of a dancer. Zanjutsu was not simply a means for combat with her; it was a veritable art form.
To think that she only rose as high in the ranks as Lieutenant before stepping down, he mused while fending off her attacks, I can only imagine what the Captains are capable of…
He'd caught glimpses, of course; his mind often flashed back to that fateful first encounter, where Yoruichi and Unohana had made short work of the Hollows with their blades. But it was only that; a glimpse at what was undoubtedly a vast pool of talent in the art of the sword. It made him all the more determined to complete his training and not only reclaim his rightful place in the Academy, but to graduate and earn a position within the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
More precisely, Squad Two.
The more he learned about the inner workings of the Soul Society and its military, the more he became convinced that Squad Two was the perfect fit for him. With its blend of stealth and combat missions, it was practically begging for a former Shinobi like himself to join up. Although he had lost his ninjutsu and genjutsu abilities upon his death, he still retained the covert operations skills and the combat expertise that were absolutely crucial in such a role. While the Stealth Force struck Itachi as similar to the Anbu Black Ops organization that he had once been a part of, they were still considered a separate organization from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads even though they operated under the command of the Squad Two Captain, and thus he actually didn't think that they would be as good of a fit for him given the way his skills were developing. Since Squad Two as a whole could fight openly and in the shadows Itachi believed that that was the better option for him.
The fact that Yoruichi was the head of both Squad Two and the Stealth Forces was a considerable factor for Itachi as well. She had the capacity to serve both overtly and covertly, and Itachi wanted the same thing. It wasn't just because she'd saved his life, although he'd be lying if he said that wasn't an influence. It was because she had invested time and effort into helping him when she really didn't have to, and if her accepting his challenge in the Hakuda class before he had suffered the soul fracture was any indication, she had clearly taken a liking to him. Itachi found it hard not to return the sentiment.
She was swift and powerful, with combat abilities that rivaled or exceeded those of the strongest Shinobi Itachi had ever encountered. She was intelligent and insightful, and her wits had already been used a few times to Itachi's benefit. While she might have a teasing and playful nature, he could tell that she was a good woman who genuinely cared about the people around her and wanted to do her part to help others.
There was also no denying that she was incredibly beautiful.
Unfortunately, the thought of the lovely Captain was enough to distract Itachi for just a fraction of a second, and that was all Minerva needed. Her Zanpakutō slipped through a small gap he'd left in his defenses, and it gave him a scratch on his left arm.
His teacher smiled as she pulled back her blade. "Not bad, but your attention wavered just a bit at the end there. Something on your mind?"
"Nothing important," Itachi replied, perhaps a bit too curtly for his own good.
The knowing look in Minerva's eyes was enough to tell him that she didn't buy it, but she didn't press the issue. "I see. Good thing this was just a training match, then. Hold out your arm."
He sheathed his sword and did so. After Minerva had put her own weapon away she reached out and laid her right hand over his wound. The familiar blue-green energies of Kaidō enveloped both her hand and the cut, and Itachi could feel the soothing healing power flow into him.
"You truly are a gifted swordsman," she said, "I've never seen a student handle a blade as intuitively as you do. I know your Zanjutsu courses at the Academy always emphasize treating your Zanpakutō as an extension of yourself, but you take to it far quicker than most pupils that I've seen."
"I suppose it helps that I have more than one teacher when it comes to the art of the sword," said Itachi.
Minerva nodded. "True, and from the wounds I've seen you take it would seem that the spirit of your Zanpakutō is a much tougher taskmaster than I am. Once you graduate from the Academy, you should consider taking part in the Blade Dancer Festival. I think you'd do quite well there."
Itachi raised an eyebrow. "Blade Dancer Festival?"
"It's an annual event that celebrates the art of Zanjutsu," Minerva explained, "The Blade Dancer Festival takes place on the night of the first summer full moon. Soul Reapers from every division take part in a series of sparring matches with their Zanpakutō. The participants are usually matched according to rank and proven ability, and all are forbidden to utilize Shikai, Bankai, Hakuda, Hohō or Kidō. The matches go until one fighter is able to either disarm his opponent, force them to yield, or land a Mark of Contact. A Mark of Contact is a very shallow and superficial cut, much like the one I just gave you."
"It sounds dangerous, even with the rules you just laid out," said Itachi.
Minerva shook her head. "It's highly supervised, and all the participants are fully trained Soul Reapers. Squad Four always has a strong presence there as well in order to attend to any wounds that may be incurred. Also, while any Soul Reaper is invited to participate, the Blade Dancer Festival is typically seen as an occasion for the more finessed Zanjutsu practitioners to showcase their skills. Sometimes you get fighters that put more emphasis on raw power than technique, but they typically don't do very well. The subsequent loss of face usually discourages them from openly fighting in the following year's matches."
"Did you participate back when you were on active duty?" he asked.
Minerva smiled as she finished healing his arm. "Every year. I still head down to watch, although my current status means I'm forbidden to fight since traditionally only active duty Soul Reapers can take part. To tell you the truth, I actually miss being able to partake directly. It's not just an occasion to test your skills, after all. They call it the Blade Dancer Festival for a reason; the duels that take place there can be more beautiful than the steps and twirls of a traditional ball. Some Soul Reapers even treat it as a form of courtship."
Itachi was a little taken aback at that. "Courtship? In a festival devoted to sword fighting?"
Minerva chuckled. "Don't knock it until you've tried it, Itachi. When the right set of partners face off under the full moon… well, let's just say that sparks fly from more than just their blades."
For a brief moment, an image of him and Yoruichi clashing in such a dance of swords flashed through his mind. Itachi was confused; where were thoughts like this coming from?
"You said that the duelists are typically matched by rank and ability, right?" he asked, "Can participants seek out their own partners?"
Minerva smiled. "Yes, as long as it can be reasonably assumed that the initiator is not just trying to score a cheap win over someone he or she knows that they can beat. Why? Got someone in mind you'd like to dance with once you're eligible, Itachi?"
"I was just curious," he replied, all too aware of a slight rush of heat coming to his face.
Minerva gave him a knowing smirk. "Sure, you were. All right, then; let's get back to it. Sword up, and keep your mind on the fight this time!"
Itachi nodded as he brought his Zanpakutō into a guard position. A moment later Minerva lunged forward, and a new dance of blades was on.
….
Three days later…
With both hands held out before him, Itachi began the incantation. "Oh Lord of Summer, leave all in awe of your splendor! Engulf in the magnificence of the divine! Hadō 6: Nikkō Bāsuto!"
A sphere of brilliant white light shot forth. Flying out into the middle of the training yard, it then detonated, releasing waves of blinding light. Itachi had already shielded his eyes, and it was most fortunate that he had; he would've risked serious retina damage looking at the Kidō flare directly.
Once the light faded he turned towards his instructor, who was smiling as she applauded his handiwork. "Well done! That was a much bigger burst than last time!"
Itachi nodded. "Thank you."
That's a most useful spell, he mused, Temporarily blinding enemies is the most obvious application, but it can also be utilized as a signal flare if aimed towards the sky. It'll be even more effective once I'm able to cast it without the incantation and maintain most of the glare it produces.
He had four days to go until his examination with the Head Captain, and Minerva was ramping up the pace as a result. His drills had become much more intense, and his teacher was setting the bar for success higher with each passing day. Itachi wasn't complaining, though. Far from it; the challenge excited him, especially since he was learning so much in such a short amount of time. He felt like he had made more progress in the past few weeks than he had in the months he'd spent at the Academy prior to the soul fracture, and he was very much looking forward to the upcoming evaluation.
He heard a second set of hands join in the applause, and as he glanced to the side he saw none other than Jiraiya approaching. The Legendary Sannin smiled as he came forward, although Itachi could not help but notice his classmate's eyes lingering on the ample curves of his instructor.
This could be a problem, he mused, I can't say for sure how Minerva will react if Jiraiya… well, if he acts like himself.
"Wow!" said the sage, "That's better than anyone in our class has been able to manage. Looks like you're really coming along, Itachi!"
Itachi nodded in greeting. "Jiraiya. What are you doing here?"
Jiraiya shrugged. "I got leave to visit you this afternoon. I mean, we are pals, right?"
Minerva folded her arms and smirked. "So, you're Jiraiya, huh? Interesting…"
Jiraiya grinned as he held out his hand. "You have me at a disadvantage, miss…"
"Rawlins," she replied, "Minerva Rawlins, retainer to the Shihōin Clan and former Lieutenant of Squad Two. Lady Yoruichi's requested that I oversee Itachi's training and cram studies to get him caught up with the rest of the students in the advanced track. I was wondering when our paths might cross."
"Really?" said Jiraiya, "Why's that?"
"Lady Yoruichi mentioned that she had met you along with Itachi the same night, and that you had both aced the entrance exams," said Minerva, "She was impressed by the potential you showed, although she was also amused at your, shall we say, ill-advised attempts to ingratiate yourself with Captain Unohana. Really, I'm amazed you still have hands after that."
Jiraiya laughed. "Well, what can I say? I've got a certain charm that takes its time to work its magic!"
Minerva chuckled. "Is that so? Well, if you're here to try to ply those charms on me, I shall only say this; my blade's as sharp now as it was when I was on active duty, and I've maintained the skills needed to make the most of that edge."
Jiraiya whistled, and although he raised his hands as if to surrender, Itachi could not help but note the amused look in his eyes. "All right, all right! There's no need for the steel to come out from behind the silk, Miss Rawlins! While I'm always up for a pleasant conversation with a woman as lovely as yourself, I really just came here to check up on Itachi."
Minerva nodded. "Very well, then. Itachi, we can take a break for a few minutes. I'll be back shortly, and we'll be picking up right where we left off. I expect you to be ready."
"Of course, Miss Rawlins," he replied, giving her a curt bow.
His instructor gave an evaluating look to Jiraiya before heading inside. The Legendary Sannin's gaze lingered on her backside as she left, and Itachi rolled his eyes; some things truly never changed.
"One-on-one instruction with a beauty like that?" he said with a chuckle, "You really do get all the luck, you know that?"
"So you keep saying," Itachi deadpanned, "How's class going?"
Jiraiya shrugged. "Not bad. It's kind of weird being at the top of the rankings; I'm used to someone else taking the spotlight. My class clown act's just not as fun when the teachers don't have a serious and talented star student to compare me to."
"Sorry for the inconvenience," said Itachi, "Don't worry; you'll have me back in the mix soon enough."
Jiraiya folded his arms. "You sure about that? I know that the Head Captain himself is the one who'll decide whether you rejoin us or start over. He doesn't strike me as the type to go easy on someone, no matter what their circumstances or abilities are."
"Believe me, I'm well aware of that," Itachi replied, "I'm not expecting this to be easy, but I've had a good teacher to help me prepare. More than one, actually."
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "You mean the spirit of your Zanpakutō, right? You find out her name yet?"
Itachi shook his head. "It would seem that I'm not ready for that in her eyes. That's natural, I suppose; she did awaken prematurely, after all."
Jiraiya smiled. "Still, the fact that she's awake in the first place is something. When it comes to your Zanpakutō, you're further along that anyone in class. People are going to be jealous of you once you return, so you'd better watch your back!"
"Duly noted," said Itachi.
Jiraiya's smile became a smirk. "So, has the lovely Squad Two Captain been by to see you at all?"
"She has," said Itachi, his eyes narrowing, "What's it to you?"
Jiraiya sighed. "You really need to loosen up a bit. Don't tell me you weren't happy to see her!"
"I was," Itachi replied casually, "I fail to see how that's any of your business, though."
Jiraiya rolled his eyes. "Fine, forget I asked. So, is Captain Unohana around?"
"This is her division's barracks, so that's a yes," said Itachi, "If you're looking for another dislocated shoulder, she should be in her office."
Jiraiya laughed. "Is she now? I might just have to stop by!"
"Feel free to do so," Itachi deadpanned, "Just don't say I didn't warn you about the shoulder if you press your luck."
Jiraiya chuckled. "I'll try to remember that."
The two of them were quiet for a moment before Jiraiya spoke again, and this time the Legendary Sannin looked quite serious. "I've been doing some thinking lately. You and I have a pretty good idea as to how the whole process of souls crossing over here works now, and not just because we experienced it firsthand. Everything that our instructors have taught us got me to wondering about ninja you and I might've known that have already passed on… and those who haven't yet."
Itachi's eyes narrowed. "I'm listening."
"The Akatsuki, Orochimaru, Danzō… the ninja world has some pretty nasty customers," Jiraiya continued, "Supposedly the worst of the worst go to Hell, but there's always the chance that some could end up here. Even if their ability to use ninjutsu is gone in the afterlife, spiritual power would allow them to do a lot of damage should they properly harness it."
Itachi nodded. "That's true. I know that the Akatsuki in particular had already taken several casualties prior to my passing, and our former world has plenty of other unsavory characters that have passed beyond the veil. Hollows are far from the only threat to the Soul Society when the likes of them are at large."
"Exactly," Jiraiya replied, "Of course, who's to say that some of them haven't already become Hollows?"
"That's hardly a comforting notion," Itachi quipped.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein