New Beginning

Chapter 19

The sounds of grunts and clangs filled the entire training grounds. it was a chance for the newest knights to show off and for the generals to see if there was any talent they would want. Most notably was an orange hair teen with two swords, one longer and bigger than the other, sparring with one of the veteran Sargent.

It was no secret that the teen was the center of attention with word of his appointment of bring the fourth Prince had got out. Many where thrilled having already known him but others didn't trust him.

"That him," one of the oldest Generals asks. Jutting his chin to the sparring teen.

"Looks like em," another answered.

"He is a bit rough isn't he?"

"True, his fighting style is wild. Has he even been trained?"

"Don't know, but I am sure his highness wouldn't stick someone so...untried out in a war."

"I'm surprise that he hasn't cut his own arms off with that big stick of his." one laugh.

The others soon joined him but those who knew Ichigo didn't but kept their mouths shut. Ichigo had asked them not to say anything in his defense he wanted to worked for their trust and that his actions would speak for him.

In the background sticking close to the shadows was the King and one of his most trusted soldiers. Conrad Walker. He had turned down the position of General and opted for a position of teacher in the Knights Alchemy. The man had seen war on several occasions when Isshin's father was ruler as well as the early years of Isshin's own rule.

"So what do you think of Ichigo?" Isshin whispered.

"Well it is true that he does need some polish but to say that he is untried...that's pushing it. I can see it in the way he moves that he is used to fighting those with more experience but I think that that is his fighting style." Conrad stops to take a long drag of his pipe. After blowing out a billow of smoke he glances back to Isshin. "Is it wise to send him out. I understand he does have some war experience I am more concern about Yamamoto being interested in him."

"Yes and no," Isshin said. "I know that sending him out will leave him with a target on his back but not sending him, well he is the type to do what he believes is right. I rather I know where he's at then to find out that he snuck out on his own."

Conrad nodded and continue to watch the orangette. He could see the potential the teen had he was unsure of the boy himself. he decided to test him.

"let me run him through the ringer tomorrow, I'll let you know by then."

Isshin thought it over but in the end he agreed.

"Oh and tell him that he isn't allow to used his two swords. I want to see what he is capable of without them."

"Alright, I'll make sure that he knows and to be at your usual training ground two hours early." Isshin smiled at some private joke that only he and Conrad knew.

"Make it three," the old soldier said with a sadistic smile.

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Ichigo had woken up early the next morning and headed towards the woods. He had been informed that he was to meet one of the trainers. He was also told that he couldn't use Zangetsu. Neither blade was happy about that and Ichigo had to listen to Shiro's consent complaining.

It hadn't escaped his notice that he was looked down on by both the incoming knights as well as the Generals. Thanks to his hollow enhancing his senses Ichigo had heard every insult that was thrown at him even those whispered behind his back. He took it all in stride, Ichigo figured that it would have been worse if he had taken to joining either Kaien's or Shirosaki's units.