Waterfall Eclipse

Advancement In The Academy

Chapter Five:

Advancement In The Academy

Rani's first three years at the Shin'o Academy went without a hitch. She took the necessary classes, and all four subjects came easy to her. She excelled in Zanjutsu and Kido, and was sufficient enough in Hoho and Hakuda.

It was during one of her many breaks when she was in the garden with Kiyomi and Hiroku that she felt an odd presence.

"You okay, Rani?" Kiyomi, now in her last year, inquired.

"Yeah. I just get this feeling that sometimes I am being watched by someone."

"I think you've become paranoid." Hiroki teased.

Rani just glared at him as she took a bite of her sandwich.

"It reminds me of my entrance exam." She said quietly. She then looked at her friends who were now staring at her.

"What do you mean?" Hiroku asked concerned.

"I don't know, I mean, it was just weird with the vibe I was getting from Captain Hitsugaya. It's like he already didn't approve of me."

"That is weird, but don't worry about it too much. Captain Hitsugaya may be a stubborn and strict captain, but he has everyone's best interests at heart." Kiyomi commented.

"I guess you're right." Rani eventually said with a smile. "So, are you two nervous about what the future holds for you guys after graduation?"

"Nope!" Hiroku answered with a smile. "I am actually having my meeting tomorrow to see where I'll be placed."

"Still hoping for Squad Two with Captain Sui Feng?" Rani teased in a bit of laughter.

"SHADDUP!" Hiroku replied with a pout causing the two girls to burst out laughing.

"Oh come on! You can dish out a joke, but can't take it?" Kiyomi inquired as someone came casually walking up to them, garnering the trio's full attention. "Ca-Captain Kuchiki." Kiyomi stuttered. The three then stood up quickly and leaned over in a bow.

"I came here for Miss Tómasu Rani, as a request for the Captain Commander, Captain Yamamoto."

Rani was in shock. Her eyes had gotten wide as she stayed in the leaned over position for a bit too long. She sat up straight once she realized her mistake. She also realized he looked vaguely familiar.

"I am Tómasu."

Captain Kuchiki did not show any emotion when she said that, which made her wonder what he was thinking.

"Can you shunpo?"

"Not as well as you, Captain Kuchiki, but I can manage."

Captain Kuchiki nodded.

"Follow me. I hope you can keep up."

This time, it was Rani's turn to nod. She surprisingly was able to keep up with his fast pace, although she felt that he was going slow for his standards. Squad One's barracks was not too far from the academy, but she still arrived a little out of breath.

"I do not give compliments often, nor do I ever repeat them, Miss Tómasu, so hear this now: I am very impressed with your shunpo. There haven't been many third year academy students who could keep up with me."

Rani took the compliment, smiled, and thanked him before he started to walk into the barracks. She did not follow.

"Is something wrong?" He asked sounding slightly annoyed that she wasn't following him.

"I–uh-I know this doesn't mean much, Captain Kuchiki, but I thought you looked familiar to me back at the academy. I finally realize why." She stammered. "I want to thank you for saving my life back in North Rukongai District 59 eight years ago, even if you do not remember it." She said then bowed quickly.

"The Hollow attack?" He questioned quietly while looking back at her.

"Yes, sir."

"You're welcome." He said solemnly and then proceeded to walk again, where this time she followed.

She wasn't to be in there alone like the thought. Captains Sui Feng, Unohana and Hitsugaya were also present. At this point, she was hoping Captain Kuchiki did not catch any of the conversation with her friends about the latter. Rani's academy instructors were also there, which slightly worried her.

She quickly knelt down with her head down in respect after Captain Kuchiki stood in line with the other captains in attendance, and before the Captain Commander. With her head bowed down, she did not notice his smile, however slight it was.

"Miss Tómasu, I am glad Captain Kuchiki was able to find you as fast as he did. I have some interesting news for you, young lady." She looked up, but still knelt down. "You may stand." She did as she was told with a perplexed look on her face. "I have been in discussion with your instructors about your classes and progression. They all believe that you should be moved up into the sixth year." Rani was in disbelief. "I have talked with the captains in attendance today, who have looked over all of your tests and progress, as well."

Rani finally looked at her instructors on her left and the captains on her right in confusion. She wondered if she had heard right. The slight smile she saw on both Captains Sui Feng and Unohana were proof enough.

"Everyone has come to an agreement with the decision." Captain Commander Yamamoto continued. "Miss Tómasu Rani, as of this moment, you are hereby promoted to start with sixth year classes at the Shin'o Academy."

It took a couple of moments for Rani to process what he had just said, mainly because she did not really want to believe it.

"Thank you." She eventually replied and bowed quickly. She wasn't sure what to do next, so she stayed put until she was dismissed.

Luckily for her, her instructors came over and congratulated her as they escorted her out.

"She seemed a bit in shock." Captain Sui Feng observed. "She's not going to mess this advanced placement up, is she?"

"Her power is strong. She could keep up with me using shunpo here." Captain Kuchiki replied. "She's a hard worker. She won't if she knows what's good for her."

With that, he left the room and the others followed suit. Captain Hitsugaya quickly went back to his office, where his Lieutenant was lounging on the couch drinking again.

"MATSUMOTO!"

"Ca-Captain!" She replied then shot up. She hiccupped before asking, "How was the meeting?"

"It was fine. Miss Tómasu was promoted to the sixth year of the academy." He answered as he made his way to the mountain of paperwork on his desk. One particular paper caught his attention. "Rangiku, what is this?" He asked as he held up a piece of paper.

"Looks like a piece of paper to me." She joked causing him to growl in anger. "But, it's the paper we need to fill out for who we want to join us after this year's graduation."

"I know that. Why is it already filled out?"

"Are you surprised I did some work, Captain?" She replied. "I am sorry if you felt it was your decision to choose. I've been on that campus a lot this year, no thanks to you, so I know who is who and what they are capable of." She said then paused. "Oh, and I thought you would like to know, she's getting suspicious. She feels paranoid that someone is watching her. And you must have given her one heck of a look at her entrance exam, because she still remembers it. I think you scare her. Honestly Captain, I don't know why you don't just admit you're smitten with her. She's a prodigy just like you."

"Enough talk! Get back to work." He replied knowing she'd just go back to drinking her sake and lay on the couch all day.