Waterfall Eclipse

Hollow Exam

Chapter Seven:

Hollow Exam

The issue with the ryoka was settled without the assistance of the six-year students, and Rani could not have been more relieved. The school could see that the Sokyoku was destroyed by the invading ryoka, but that was about all. Classes continued without disruption throughout the ordeal. There were also rumors about how three captains defected, and how it shook the Gotei 13.

Each month, in every one of her classes, Rani and her classmates were tested on their skills. One such test was when they were brought to the Living World to exterminate any Hollows that appeared.

"This is exciting, isn't it?" Kiyomi asked Rani as they arrived in the Living World once more.

"It's part of our job, right? Or will be?"

"True. But this is awesome. We're here to show what we can accomplish."

"Providing we don't get killed. We don't have a zanpakuto, so we can only rely on Kido."

"Relax. We can do this! All we have to do is stun the Hollow while the Shinigami with us slices it."

"Not quite." Someone said from behind.

"Lieutenant Hisagi!" Rani said surprised.

He handed the two of them each an Asauchi.

"Today's visit here is just like it would be if you were sent on patrol. You need those for today."

"Yes, sir." The two girls said in unison.

"And stay with me." He ordered receiving a nod in reply.

"So, have you received your letter yet?"

"No. I am worried." Rani replied. "It's like no one wants me in their division."

"I doubt that. I think the Captain Commander needs to approve the requests. Maybe he's just mulling it over longer than necessary."

"But graduation is in a month! I can't wait that long."

"Sorry to eavesdrop, but are you referring to the request letters from the captains?"

"Yes." Rani answered the lieutenant. "Why?"

"The latest they can let you now is by the end of next week. You'll get it soon." He assured her.

"So, I have a question for you Lieutenant, if you don't mind." Kiyomi started.

"Go ahead."

"If the 9th division captain never sent his requests out, would you have to?"

"Yes, and I had to." He answered and then stopped abruptly. "Keep your guard up."

Within moments, three large Hollows approached them. Rani and Kiyomi moved to take down each of them. Somehow Rani got the largest of the three, but was successful in taking down the Hollow. After defeating their enemy, Lieutenant Kira opened the Senkaimon to return to the Soul Society. Lieutentant Hisagi requested the Asauchis to be returned to him and then abruptly left the girls in the courtyard of the Shin'o Academy.

"That was rude."

"Relax Kiyomi. He probably has to report to the Captain Commander about our success." Rani replied.

"But he didn't even praise us for the work we just did. Especially you. You're Hollow was huge!"

"We need to learn that we won't always be praised for a job well done. We're not kids anymore. This is serious."

"I guess you're right." Kiyomi said slightly defeated. "Let's go chill out in my room."

The following morning their Zanjutsu class was noisy. Everyone was talking about the lack of Hollows, but Rani and Kiyomi were confused. They went up against three with the help of Lieutenant Hisagi. After a lengthy discussion, and class, they went on to their next one.

"Can you believe that we were the only ones to be able to go one on one with a Hollow?" Kiyomi asked Rani in disbelief.

"No. I wonder why they were all near the same spot." Rani retorted as they walked into the classroom.

"Ah, Miss Tómasu, I have a letter here for you." Their instructor said once she realized the two had walked in.

Rani took the paper from her instructor and opened it as she walked to her seat.

"The Captain Commander, Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, duly requests the presence of Miss Tómasu Rani this afternoon in his office, precisely at one o'clock, in regards to her entrance into the Gotei 13." She read semi out loud so that Kiyomi could hear.

"That's what you've been waiting for!" Kiyomi explained.

"Yeah, but I have to go to his office? Does that seem odd to you?"

"Nah! Sometimes there is more than one Gotei division that requests a student. You meet your potential captains and decide which you want to go in. It happened to someone else I know."

After their Hakuda class, they had lunch in the courtyard, and then Rani headed to the 1st Division, while Kiyomi headed to class. Rani did not need to shunpo there, but she did anyway.

"Can I help you?" A Shinigami asked her.

"I have an appointment with the Captain Commander at one o'clock. My name is Tómasu Rani."

"Ah, yes. A little early, but that is fine." The guard stated.

"Follow me Miss Tómasu." Another voice beamed from behind.

Rani turned around to see the 1st Division's Lieutenant. She bowed and proceeded to follow him inside to the Captain Commander's office. When she walked in, she quickly knelt down in a bow, taking note of the abundance of captains, and acting captains in the room.

"They all want me?" She asked herself.

The Captain Commander stood up from his chair and told Rani she could stand up.

"I am sure by now you are guessing why you are here, Miss Tómasu. I have had my work cut out for me this year when dealing with your talents." He started. "As you can see, all of the captains are here, and they all want you in their division."

Rani swallowed nervously, as a slight sweat drop ran down the right side of her face.

"I leave the decision up to you, as to which squad you would like to be placed in." He said and then looked at her.

She was frozen. She couldn't move or speak. She did not know which Squad she wanted to be in, and she wasn't sure she could decide right there.

"If you cannot decide right away, do not fret my dear." Captain Unohana started. "We will not make you decide today, but we must know by the day before graduation so you have a place to stay."

Rani nodded in agreement.

"Captains, return to your barracks. Miss Tómasu, please stay behind so we can discuss this further."

The captains left the room, while Rani stayed behind as requested by the Captain Commander.

"Come closer my dear." He started. She did as she was told. "I am sure you are nervous and worried that you will not choose the right division. However, let me relieve your worry by saying that your talents in all of the subjects will benefit any one of our 13 Gotei."

"Does that mean that even Squad One is among the squads that are interested in me?" She asked. He nodded. "Oh dear!" She thought to herself.