Beyond The Eternity

Chapter 7 - The Exchange

" I, Karin Shiba, would like to formally request Captain Hitsugaya to a duel."

There was a thick silence before a wave of appalled gasps. A mix of awestruck and bafflement coursed through the student body, all questioning Karin's state of mind. In the corner of her eye, she spotted Chiyo having another fainting spell. It was clear what the optics looked like – downright insane.

" Ms. Shiba, what in the world are you thinking? Do you realise just how disrespectful it is for you – a student no less – to do this?" Professor Sato stormed to her side, fury written all over his face, " With what audacity do you have to even think of taking on a Captain!"

Yet, Karin remained grounded in her decision. It was the Kurosaki's way to be both hot-headed and stubborn. Even so, she would be remiss to disregard the steep difference in their skills. However, it was too late to back down after making such a public display. Karin had an urge that could only be quelled by taking him straight on.

As Professor Sato was about to shut down the idea, a silent figure step forward between the two of them. Out of all people she expected to come to her defense, she didn't think it would be the person she was provoking.

" It's alright Professor Sato, I don't take offense to this," he announced, garnering outcry from everyone around them. " In fact, I respect that's she able to speak her mind and stand on it."

He shot her a brief glance enough for Karin to understand. Was he referring to her stint at the office earlier? Although Karin wasn't certain, it was reassuring to see someone be on her side. On the contrary, she saw the instructor shake his head disapprovingly.

" Captain Histugaya, I don't want to overstep but...Ms. Shiba has just joined the Academy yesterday. I'm not sure if she understands and is prepared for something like this."

The tenth Captain listened to his valid concerns, but dismissed them nonetheless, " If you're worried about her being injured, don't be. I'm not ruthless like Captain Kenpachi to be striking students with full power. How about this. " He handed his sword sheathed in a sleek black scabbard, " I'll only use one hand, and Ms. Shiba has as many strikes to hit me. However, if I land even one, the match is over."

Hearing his proposal, the disgruntled Professor had no complaints and eventually took a step back. " If both parties are in agreement...then there's technically nothing wrong." He grumbled in compliance. There was little he could say against a Captain – even if he was younger than him.

With nothing standing in their way, the match was due to start. She fell into her starting position, steadying her breathing as the crowd's noise became void. Muscle memory served her well as every motion came natural to her. She wrapped her fingers around the hilt comfortably, distributing the weight of her body while maintaining a relaxed yet guarded stance.

"Start!"

Her feet pounced forward without hesitation. In only a few steps, she had closed the distance between them and delivered her first strike. Their swords clashed, grating onto each other in a tense power struggle.

" So, is this what you meant when you have a packed schedule?" She smirked, whispering under her breath for just him to hear, " Watching over a bunch of amateurs play with swords?"

Her straight black hair flowed like a raven in flight. She darkened her gaze, and he keenly observed those rich obsidian eyes blazing with tenacity. A shroud of intensity followed her presence, and most of all, felt oddly familiar. He was captivated by the refined burst of energy emanating from her boundlessly.

" Well, you don't look like an amateur to me." He pushed back. Karin's hand shook against his stronghold and she decisively leapt back to recover.

How could someone possess so much raw strength in just one arm? The fact he had handicapped himself demonstrated the vast difference between the two.