Bleach: New Generation

Chapter 24: Training Arc, Recovery and Reunion

Kazui's POV:

So I woke up on a hospital bed in the Squad 4 barracks once again and later found out that I had been knocked out for 3 days.

I sat up and rubbed the back of my head. Seems like I definitely was beaten up by Yoruichi. But thanks to the healers in Squad 4, I was able to get back into shape. All of my bruises and broken bones were erased and I was left with an unscathed body. I was about to get up and go back to the Underground Training Area, but then I glanced at Yoruichi who was leaning on the doorway.

"Yo, Kazui. Shouldn't you still be in bed?"

"Uh, I don't think so. I need to get back to training anyway..."

She held a hand up and shook her head, "No, your training with me is completed"

"What? Huh? Is it because I failed? Look, I'll learn how to master it. And then I can beat you-"

"No, Kazui. You've done more than enough", Yoruichi smiled at me approvingly, "The whole point of that training was to make you faster. That hybrid technique will be more than enough to suffice. Additionally, Shunko was just a little extra I added"

I raised my eyebrows, "Well, if I can't use a fully mastered Shunko, then how am I able to use it during a fight?"

She laughed, "The battle with me was to see how long and how powerful you were when using Shunko. That technique reflects on the user, and with enough battle experience, you can refine and master it yourself"

"I understand. Thank you, Yoruichi, for your help", I lay back in my bed and relaxed.

"No problem. Well, see you, Kazui", she walked out and disappeared to wherever she needed to be.

My body ached despite being recovered from my injuries. Guess using the hybrid technique along with Shunko had taken a toll on my body. This probably means I have to take a break for a while before my next encounter with a Captain.

I sighed. I was sort of satisfied with my progress so far, considering that I had learned to sharpen my senses along with my increased speed. But of course, that wouldn't even match my father's combat abilities, and not even close to passing him.

I know that my strength right now isn't enough, so I have to keep training until then.

Closing my eyes, I could still sense dad's Spiritual Pressure from all the way here. It seems that he's still safe and investigating the disappearances. That's good. I don't want him to be in trouble without me helping him one way or the other.

"Hey! New guy!"

"Kazui!"

I sat up from my bed to see where those voices came from.

One of them walked in and hugged me. Well, it was more like she was trying to crush me and drain me out of oxygen. Wait, do Soul Reapers need oxygen? Never mind, anyway back to the story.

"Ack! You're going to crush me! Ichika, let go!", I gasped for air as the red-haired girl let go, "By the way, are you alright?"

She nodded and smiled at me, "Yeah, I'll be alright"

"That's good"

And I really meant it. The last time I saw her, she had a breakdown when she heard of her father and uncle's disappearance. But seeing her here with a positive look on her face and no worries, I was able to truly relax.

I looked behind her and saw a boy, probably around my age, standing in front of the doorway, holding a tray of what looked like medicine. He had short black hair and dark blue eyes, wearing a sleeveless Soul Reaper uniform with black armbands around his biceps. Judging by his appearance, it looked like he worked out due to how lean he was. The Zanpakuto was regular standard that had a circular golden guard with a feather design.

"So, Kazui, huh?"

"Yep, that's me"

"Cool, so I got sent down here to help you out. Since, you know, we're kinda the same age. And cuz my dad is one of the people who is helping your next captain training session"

Seems nice. At least I got another buddy. "So, what's your name?"

He put out a hand, "My name's Kaito Hisagi. Nice to meet you"

I shook his hand, "Kazui Kurosaki. Pleasure to meet you as well"

And this was the start of a new friendship and a reunion between a Substitute Soul Reaper, and two Soul Reapers as we joined paths to become stronger.