Pushing the Limit [Training]

[Kuchiki Rukia]

A silhouette of a girl could be seen walking slowly out of third division barracks. She had light pink hair that flowed neatly behind her back. She was wearing her Shinigami uniform; something that was seen as sacred to the girl. Little did she know what she would be doing but she had decided that, upon waking up early that morning, she would take a walk out on the streets of Gotei 13. She liked to see the little people that were getting ready for a busy day ahead. Sakura walked slowly, the sandals making a solitary but single noise which filled the almost quiet air around her. The wind had picked up slowly and she was in a relatively relaxed state. She was carrying her Zanpakutou in her right hand rather than strapped to her shoulder. Sakura was still thinking of something to do when her spirit Arashi interrupted.

You haven’t trained awhile Sakura.

This was a very true statement. Ever since Ichimaru-taicho had betrayed Soul Society, Sakura found it increasingly hard to concentrate on training. She usually made up convenient excuses when forced by Arashi. At this point, she was not as strong as she would have liked, given her rank as third seat. She was thinking up an excuse to give Arashi when she suddenly realized that she didn’t have to. There was one day when she would have to train, sooner or later and her most desired goal ever since becoming a Shinigami was to develop bankai. Sakura nodded her head and gave a sad smile, knowing that she could not put it off anymore. In reply, she silently answered Arashi.

I’ll train today since we have nothing to do. Where do you want to train? Would it be Soul Society forest area or somewhere else?

When’s the last time we’ve seen a Hollow?

Sakura stopped abruptly at that question, her face cast down. It had been a long, long time since she had patrolled Karakura and had come face-to-face was the creatures known as Hollows. She had almost neglected their existence until now. As she stood there, she realized that the best way to get any training done was not through independent training in a forest area, but through a real life threat; the appearance of a Hollow. Sakura’s sad smile widened just a fraction as she thought of the last encounter she had had with one. Sakura began walking once more, deep in thought.

Then you propose that we go to Karakura?

Arashi didn’t answer and that was expected. Sakura nodded her head and picked up the pace. If she wanted to get to Karakura, she would have to act fast. There was much to do in Soul Society which didn’t involve patrolling. By doing patrolling and training at the same time, she would have taken care of two of the many things done by Shinigami on a day-to-day basis. She ran down the streets of Soul Society, oblivious to the numerous stares of the small crowd that had now gathered on the streets. She formed a portal on the rooftop of a building and disappeared into the human realm.