Waterfall Eclipse

A Little Research & Urahara

Chapter Fourteen:

A Little Research & Urahara

After both girls recovered from their wounds fully, they were assigned menial tasks around the barracks, much to their disappointment.

"Why do you think we're doing lame work like this?"

"I have no idea Umeko." Rani replied.

"Although, you did have quite the eventful first few days of being in this squad." Umeko teased.

"Tell me about it. Immediately after graduation I am sent to the Living World for twenty-four hours. Then after I return we have that odd dinner with the captain. The following morning we go up against Aizen...granted we lost, but it was crazy."

"Then a few days in recovery for you and a week for me in Squad Four." Umeko finished with a smile, which quickly disappeared when she saw Rani's expression. "What's wrong?"

"I've been thinking, and I know this is going to sound strange, but do you know how to advance and get your Shikai?"

"Rani? You can't be serious!"

"But you know how?" She asked hopeful.

"No. I know it would be great to have and all, but I personally am not ready. I don't think you are either. You're fresh out of the academy. It's dangerous."

"I was just curious." Rani replied lying as she fake shrugged it off. "It's not something they teach in the academy and I could have had a better chance against Aizen if I had one."

"No, you wouldn't. He was a captain of great standing before he defected. His power was – is - tremendous." Umeko replied. "Getting a Shikai before you're actually ready can be more harmful than good, regardless of the pressure you may possess."

"I suppose you're right." She said with a sigh.

They continued to clean and putter before calling it a day. The next morning, Rani snuck out of the room while Umeko was still sleeping, and headed to the library in the Seireitei since it was their day off.

Rani walked in and headed to the section on zanpakutos to see if she could find anything about getting to the Shikai level. She first took out the book on zanpakutos that was a constantly updated encyclopedic volume of what each could do in both their Shikai and Bankai forms, if mastered, and what they looked like. She then found a book on the history of the zanpakuto and a reference book on zanpakutos, which were more like academy textbooks.

"I can't find anything about it!" She quietly complained to herself, careful not to earn any unwanted attention.

She knew if she asked anyone they would be suspicious, and she didn't want to risk anyone telling her captain of lieutenant. She stayed in the library for about an hour and a half more before hearing the voices of her captain and someone else. She quietly left the library sneaking out the front door without the captain seeing her, not that her being in the library is bad – just being in the zanpakuto section.

"He'll find out sooner or later, but hopefully much much later." She said out loud to herself outside the door and then shunpoed to the barracks.

"Where on earth did you go to?" Umeko asked her when Rani went back into the room.

"A massive walk."

Umeko raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, well, the fourth seat stopped by. We have orders to go to the Living World for two weeks starting in the morning."

"Two weeks?"

"Yeah, annoying right? But those are our orders."

"Why the two of us?"

"Well, since Kurosaki has lost his powers completely by now, Karakura Town has been designated a two Shinigami town effective immediately."

"Oh, okay. I guess we should rest then."

"Yeah, time for bed."

In the morning the two young Shinigami made their way to the Senkaimon and headed to the Living World. They had discussed their plans and each took a side to monitor better. Rani had a plan, although there would be those who wouldn't approve of her secondary goal while she was in the Living World.

Once they arrived, the two split up and Rani made her way to Kisuke Urahara's shop. She carefully walked inside to find it empty.

"Can I help you?" A girl asked her almost in a whisper.

"Is Mr. Urahara home?"

"I can go check if he's available. Stay right here." The girl answered quietly and then walked inside to another part of the small building.

Urahara came out moments later.

"How can I help you? Oh a Shinigami. You must be fresh out of the academy." He said enthusiastically.

"You're creepy." Rani quickly commented. "But, I came here to ask for your help, so I apologize for that."

"Don't worry! It's all good!" He said as he sat down. "How can I help you Miss?"

"Tómasu Rani, again I apologize. I was wondering if you would be willing to tell me how to gain Shikai level?" She blurted out. "I know it's something I am supposed to find out on my own, but a hint would be nice. I can't find anything in the library of the Seireitei." She continued to blurt out.

"Hey now! Slow down! It's not something I would recommend you do at your young age. You need to gain more experience with your Asauchi in order for your Zanpakuto to decide if you're worthy."

"Experience? By killing Hollows?"

"Yes, but now that you know that, I guess I can give you a one word clue as to how one would obtain Shikai." He said as his voice trailed off.

"A one word clue?" She questioned.

"Yes." He answered with a grin. "That one word is 'Jinzen'." He said with a smile. "Now go gain some experience on your assignment here." He added and then left.

Rani formed a small smirk on her lips before exiting the shop and making her way up high to monitor the town. As she was walking she saw Ichigo and a younger girl in pigtails walking along.

"That must be his sister."

Before she even thought about it, she was making her way over to him. She stopped right in front of him, but he walked right past.

"How rude!" She exclaimed as she turning around. "Kurosaki! I came here to talk to you!"

"He can't see you." Someone said from behind causing her to stop abruptly and turn around. "I'm Kurosaki Karin, Ichigo's sister."

"Oh, hi. Why can't he see me?"

"Seriously? Isn't it the talk in the Soul Society? He lost his powers. He can't see any of you anymore." Karin spurted out sounding annoyed. She then realized Rani's sad expression. "However, I can. Want me to give him a message?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. Just tell him Tómasu said hi. If he remembers, he'll know who you mean. And if he does, tell him my first name's Rani. He earned it." She said and then quickly left leaving Karin to watch her shunpo away.

Rani's eyes were started to tear up. She quickly wiped the forming tears away and went back to guarding Karakura Town.

She decided that she would do as Urahara suggested and gain more experience with her Asauchi by exterminating the Hollows and practicing her skills. She then vowed to request more time in the Living World to gain such experience, even if it raised the eyebrows of her superiors. She smiled when the sun set for she knew there would be at least one Hollow that would attack that evening.

"Come and get me. I'm ready." She said out loud to herself.