Training for (Y/N) has been gruelling. Going into training, (Y/N) thought he would be doing the typical exercise. You know, push ups, sit ups, those sort of things. What (Y/N) didn't know was that he had to fight 2 kids with the strength to effortlessly break boulders.

(Y/N) was quick to pick up on who the lesser of true evils were. Sure Jinta seemed intimidating, lifting a giant iron club almost twice his size with ease, but the true demon between the two was Ururu. She had strength that came straight out of a battle shonen manga. Not to mention she apparently had a weapon that she didn't use during training. What made it even more terrifying was that her usual shy personality switched to what she referred to as "Slaughter Mode".

After 4 terrifying hours fighting against the duo, (Y/N) was finally able to change training regimens with Tessai. In all honesty, this was what intrigued (Y/N) the most. Throwing around magic sounded really cool but then your dreams were quickly crushed when you realised you had to go through a science (or magical in this case) lesson about how to control "reishi" which was apparently what all beings have and needed to control if they wanted to be proficient in just about anything. You were insanely fast at picking up on the lecture and Tessai was able to teach you how to sense reishi in the same lesson.

Then there was (Y/N)'s training with Yoruichi. This was the training lesson that had (Y/N) the most unsure, considering he didn't know how a cat would train him with the body they possessed. However his doubts were quickly dismissed as Yoruichi taught him efficiently basic forms and concepts of the Shinigami fighting styles. Sure they were only basics but (Y/N) had no issue following along.

And to wrap things up was Urahara's strategy lesson. Urahara ran through the basics of Hollow battle and basic strategies that it took to take your average Hollow down. (Y/N) made sure to write down as much as he could. Although it wasn't brain science, (Y/N) thought it would be nice to have something to turn back to if he wanted a refresher on the basics.

Urahara: Alright take five! You did great out there champ. Once break is over we'll patrol the city for an hour and get you into your first official Hollow battle. How're you feeling?

(Y/N): I can still feel my aching bones from the physical training...

Urahara: BAH! Nothing that ol' Tessai here can't fix up. But I gotta say, I wasn't expecting you to pick up on things this quickly. You have the talent and you definitely have the dedication to keep pushing. You'll be a full fledged shinigami in no time!

(Y/N): You think so?

Urahara: I don't have a reason to lie about it. Well anyway, continue resting! We'll be heading out in another hour for patrol.

With that said Urahara wandered off in the vast training ground. (Y/N) took the time to lay on the hard dusty floor for about 30 minutes before getting up to go back to the surface. He needed to rehydrate after that strenuous experience. On his way there he ran into Ururu and Jinta, in which Jinta seems to be harassing her about something. (Y/N) was quick to realise during his time at Urahara Shop that despite being younger, Jinta seems to bully Ururu quite a bit.

Jinta: Seriously, you're so clumsy! We need to sell those you know!

Ururu: S-sorry...

(Y/N): What's going on here?

(Y/N) decided to see what the situation was about. He looked across from the duo and saw some broken merch that seemed to be on display. (Y/N) honestly didn't know what it was, much like most things Urahara sold.

Jinta: It's none of your business newbie!

(Y/N): It sure is now that I work here, besides you shouldn't be treating your friend like that. You need to learn how to keep your temper in check.

Jinta: She's not my friend! We're acquaintances at best!

(Y/N): Geez kid, you won't be able to make friends with anyone with that attitude, come on lighten up a bit.

Jinta: *embarrassed* I-I don't need friends.

(Y/N): Sure you do, everyone does. Now, I understand everything in this shop is...

(Y/N) seemed to hesitate a bit

"-important, but I'm sure what Ururu did was an accident. Come on, let's clean up!

Jinta signs before releasing Ururu from a headlock and stomps to the mess to start gathering the pieces of the broken object. Ururu then turned to (Y/N) and bowed.

Ururu: T-Thank you for your help, (Y/N).

(Y/N): No problem, just let me know if you need help with anything else. I'll do my best to help.

Ururu: O-Okay...

(Y/N) moved ahead to help clean up and move some of the objects out of the way to make way for another item to go on display.

After a few minutes, (Y/N) heard his name being called.

Urahara: Yo (Y/N), you ready for patrol!

(Y/N): Yeah...

Urahara: Great! Today it's just you, me, and Yoruichi here. I've got readings that there's a Hollow in a park nearby so let's get moving!

(Timeskip)

So apparently Shinigami's can fly, and currently (Y/N) wasn't at that level to learn the technique. So Urahara pretty much left him behind with Yoruichi on his shoulder. After a 5 minute jog, (Y/N) reached his destination.

Urahara: You sure took your sweet time! Anyway, look to your left. That's your target!

(Y/N) turned his head to the left and saw a hollow that looked reminiscent of a centipede. (Y/N) looked disgusted but steeled his resolve.

Urahara: Before you take off to fight, let me ask you a question.

(Y/N) noticed the sudden change in Urahara's voice. (Y/N) never heard Urahara speak with such a serious tone before.

Urahara: Are you serious about being a Shinigami?

(Y/N): Huh? Of course I am!

Urahara: Are you? Because if you aren't, you'll be putting your life on the line for nothing.

(Y/N): Did you ask me that question because you thought I didn't think through the possibilities of what might happen to me? Well let me correct you. I know fighting against these Hollows is risky, but If I have the power to save not only the living but the dead as well why shouldn't I take that risk!

(Y/N) unsheathes his zanpakuto before slowly walking towards the Hollow.

(Y/N): My friend once said I was too nice for my good, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I don't think I could ever regret putting my life on the line for something I believe is the right thing to do!

(Y/N) dashes straight at the hollow with determination in his eyes. The Hollow tried to take a strike at (Y/N) with its elongated body, but to no avail as (Y/N) reacts to its predictable attack and jumps over it. Landing on its body, (Y/N) ran up the long Hollow delivering a strong strike to the head. However the Hollow dodges at the very last second, going in for a bite. (Y/N) didn't let the Hollow have his way as he takes another leap landing behind its body and delivering another slash at the back of the creature's head, landing a critical blow that instantly kills the Hollow, similar to his first battle.



In the hollow's place was the normal soul of a man wearing a business suit. (Y/N) proceeded to go through the process of sending the soul back to the soul society.

Urahara seemed satisfied with (Y/N) answer and his performance in battle. Urahara walks slowly to (Y/N), clapping in the process.

Urahara: Well done! Gotta say, I didn't think you'd give such a personal answer but I'll accept it. Now then let's move on to the next hollow!

(Y/N): Wait, we're fighting more?

Urahara: Yep! I've got a whole lineup for tonight! So let's get movin-

Just then Urahara got a call on his phone. He spent no more than a few seconds before hanging up. He then turned his attention to (Y/N).

Urahara: Sounds like something came up, so I'll unfortunately have to miss out of the Hollow fighting for tonight. But don't worry! Yoruichi here will continue to monitor your progress!

(Y/N): *signs* I shouldn't be surprised...

Yorichi: Don't stress out about it, I'll make sure we complete tonight's task as quickly and efficiently as possible, just follow my lead.

Urahara: I'll leave you two to it! Wish you luck! And I'll see you on your next shift (Y/N)!

And with that, Urahara took off. (Y/N) wondered what was so important that he left mid patrol, but quickly dismissed it as it was none of his business. And besides he had more pressing issues to deal with, such as purifying hollows.

(Timeskip)

It's been a few days after (Y/N) first patrol and he's been getting pretty used to the whole Hollow fighting business. His training has also been going great. He's getting used to death matches (exaggerated) with Ururu and Jinta, He's finally started his first Kidou lesson with Tessai ((Y/N) requested to learn Kaidou, the healing spells, first and Tessai agreed), and Yoruichi deems that he's close to taking his fighting takes next to the next step.

Currently, (Y/N) is heading to the school rooftop to have lunch with his friends. Both (Y/N) and Mizuiro made it to the rooftop at the same time and noticed Ichigo and Rukia sitting together.

(Y/N): So, you're together again. *sly grin* What would Orihime say if she saw you like this, huh?

Ichigo: Huh?

Mizuiro: Uh-huh, you two seem pretty chummy.

Ichigo: shut up you two! Come on, does it really look to you like we're chummy?

(Y/N): I'm just teasing.

Mizuiro: Maybe. Well, to be honest, you two do appear to be pretty close. But people are going to talk, and if they talk enough, everyone will think that you're an item.

Ichigo: Whatever. If I really cared about what people think, I would have dyed my hair black a long time ago.

Mizuiro: Yeah, that's true.

(Y/N) looked over to Ichigo and saw Rukia... struggling to open a juice box? She certainly was a weird one.

Rukia: So this is the straw. It's short. But now I have to know, where do I poke it?

(Y/N): you poke it through the hole at the top of the box...

Rukia: Oh thank you... (Y/N) correct?

(Y/N): Yea, nice to know you remembered my name!

Rukia turned towards Mizuiro.

Rukia: and Mizuro?

Mizuro: That's me! I guess we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Mizuiro Kojima. I really like--

Ichigo: Picking up chicks. And that goes for (Y/N) too.

(Y/N) and Mizuiro: Huh? That's completely untrue.

Ichigo: Watch it. They may look innocent, but a lot of girls go crazy for them. Seriously.

(Y/N) was completely unaware of this fact, he's never been approached by any girls before so he just chucked it up to Ichigo trying to get back at him for his teasing comment about him and Rukia.

Mizuiro: Cut it out! You'll permanently damage my reputation. Besides, Ichigo, you know older

women are really more my style.

(Y/N): Hold on, I haven't been made aware that I was popular with the ladies. How long?

Just then another student entered the rooftop.

???: What's this, Rukia Kuchiki, the hot transfer student, is here with you guys? How did that happen?

Mizuiro: Ichigo picked her up. He's the one who brought her here.

Ichigo: Huh? I did not.

The mysterious guy turned his attention to Rukia.

Keigo: Greetings! I'm Keigo Asano. Welcome, lovely lady, to this garden of manliness.

Keigo was a teen with medium-long brown hair, which flips outward. He's goofy and extremely hyper-active.

(Y/N): Garden of what now?

Rukia: Uh, hello.

Keigo: So, Rukia, if you find yourself needing anything, you just call on me. I'm here for you.

Rukia, who was still struggling to open the juice box, used this as an opportunity to have someone do it for her.

Rukia: Oh? Great! Open this.

Keigo: No prob. Your wish is my command. Huh?

Before the shenanigans could continue, yet another student entered the rooftop.

Ichigo: Hey, Chad.

Chad: Hm.

Chad was the gentle giant of the group (kinda). His actual name is Yasutora Sado but got the nickname "Chad". He is muscular and extremely tall, with dark skin and brown wavy hair. Once Chad made his presence known, everyone seemed to notice the elephant in the room. Or two elephants in this case. One was the amount of bandages that were wrapped around his body. The second was the bird cage that he had (and yes an actual bird was in it).

(Y/N): So Chad, what's with the bandages?

Keigo: Whoa, you got hurt.

Mizuiro: How? What happened to you?

Chad: I had a mishap. A steel beam fell on my head.

Everyone: A steel beam, for real?

Chad: *nods* and then my hand got hurt when a motorcycle ran into me. The rider that hit me got banged up pretty bad. The force of the collision threw him off and he was knocked out, so I picked the guy up and carried him to the hospital.

Mizuiro: Well, no wonder you were late to school. The only thing I wonder about is what exactly is your body made of?

With that question answered, (Y/N) decided to let curiosity take over once again.

(Y/N): I've noticed you have a little companion with you, what's the deal with that?

Bird: My name's Yuichi Shibata. It's nice to meet you. What's your name?

Both (Y/N) and Ichigo looked shocked at the bird. Sure parakeet talking isn't uncommon, but there was something uncanny about the bird's way of speech.

Keigo: That is amazing! I mean, the way this bird can talk is phenomenal. My name's Keigo Asano. Keigo Asano, can you say that?

Ichigo: So Chad, just where did you get this bird?

(Y/N): Yea... I'm curious about that too.

Chad: Someone... gave me him.

Mizuiro: Hold it, there you go again, getting lazy and cutting your story short. That's a bad habit you have, Chad. Now explain. Spill it.

Chad: That was the whole story.

While Mizuiro was probing Chad for an answer, (Y/N) already came to terms that Chad wouldn't give out the full story. (Y/N) decided he would have to investigate himself. (Y/N) decided to use his sensory abilities to sense the bird, however he immediately found out a lot more than he was expecting. Not only did he sense a spirit in the bird, but he also felt a strong presence of reiatsu... coming from Ichigo.

(Y/N) never used his sensing abilities on his friends ever since he got them, only for searching for hollows, so this came as a surprise. Does that mean Ichigo also has the potential to be a Shinigami? He can also feel something faint in Chad but not as prominent. This gave (Y/N) a lot to think about, but before he can even think about opening that can of worms, he needed to know what the deal was behind Chad's parakeet.

(Y/N): *Thinking* I got way more than I bargained for...

To be continued.

Thing's are gonna start ramping up from here. The next chapter is pretty long, but it's one I'm proud of. I'm dropping 2 chapters today so get hyped.