Mettle Exam [Closed - Reika/Yuki]

Yuudai placed down the large box he was carrying at the back of the arena, making sure it was a safe distance from where he and his opponent would be sparring. He didn’t want his precious cake and tea destroyed. This may be an official match set up by Reika to test his skills, but his post fight tea and cake were practically an essential ritual for him now, hopefully she could understand that. If not, bribing her with the cake and tea may work too.

The shinigami turned and entered the fighting area, taking a deep breath preparing himself for the coming trial. He could barely contain his excitement at the thought of facing a strong opponent. A true test of his mettle.

‘Calm yourself. Save your emotions for those that deserve them. Use them to fuel your growth, not your strikes.’
‘You’ve been awfully talkative recently. The Quincy thing bothering you that much?’
‘The Quincy and peace are mutually exclusive. I know which one I want to last. Do you?’

Yuudai was quite offended by Yogan's inference but maintained his calm for the moment.

‘Sometimes I think I preferred it when you were silent. Now, don’t you think we should prepare for the immediate challenge? To help us prepare for the later one?’

His questions were met with only a slight chuckle, the same as things used to be. At least he wouldn’t be distracted while he waited for his opponent.

“Okay. Deep breathes.” Reika found herself trying to calm down. Taking deep breaths as she smoothed down the front of her uniform. She was the Fifth Seat of the Third, a leader among the people below her, and the defender of the Rukongai. There was no need for her to feel like this. Yet her nerves seemed to be lit on fire at the thought of having to test the mettle of her newest subordinate: Yuddai Oshiro.

He was going to be the leader of the Second Rukongai Response Team. He had to be up to snuff if he was going to actually be any use to her and to protect the innocent souls of the Rukongai. For crying out loud, she had family out there. They were important to her after all.

Yet looking over the dossier of Yuudai Oshiro, she could help but notice his background. He had joined the Sixth Division as a simple recruit, yet performed well enough that he caught the eye of Zenji Hatayama and he was swiftly adopted into his family. It was unsettling that now she was in charge of Zenji’s family member, the man who put her in her current role. Still, she had to put all that aside.

Instead of testing the man out himself, Reika had a better idea. Why not have one of the fiercest fighters she knows test out the newest seated officer? Yuki was one of the greatest, if not best Zanpakuto users she had ever seen, next to that bastard Watari. It was the perfect chance to call upon her friend. Plus, Yuki would never turn down the chance to have a fun little spar.

Hope she kills him. Reika couldn’t help but roll her eyes at her spirit’s remarks.

Calm down, old man. The redhead chastised Boreas as she entered the arena, spotting who she assumed to be Yuudai, at least according to the file, and Yuki.

Only the best need to serve under you. If he can’t handle the pup, then there’s no need for the boy.

The Fifth Seat ignored the spirit as she came into the sight of the two. She flashed a giddy smile to Yuki and gave her a small wave before heading to Yuudai. Her features seemed to turn stern as she looked up to the man who towered over her by more than a good foot. Placing her hands on her hips, she cracked her stern visage with a smirk, “Yuudai Oshiro, I presume. "I’m Reika, Fifth Seat of the Third, your commanding officer. A pleasure to meet you!” Her words came warmly.

“I’ve invited you here today to see what you’re made of. You’ll be facing a good friend of mine, Yuki Kameko. Don’t let her size fool you though. She’ll push you to the brink.” Reika couldn’t help but look over to Yuki with a big grin as if almost thanking her for coming today. “If you do well enough, drinks will be on me. If not, well, let’s hope your salary can keep up with me and Yuki.”

She couldn’t help but tease the large man, her facade of being a stern leader completely falling to the wayside as her true personality shine through. The little shinigami slapped the man on the back. “Go on, show me what you’re worth!” With that, she stepped aside so the pair could begin sparring. The excitement seemed to leap in the young shinigami’s heart - she was more than ready for a good fight.

Yuudai saw a small shinigami enter the arena as he turned away from his desert box. She looked around at the arena as if she’d never been here before but she didn't act as if she was lost. Perhaps this was Reika? Or the friend he’d be fighting with? His question was quickly answered when the woman spoke, “I am Yuudai Oshiro. I had figured Reika had brought me here to test my abilities, perhaps we are to spar?” He quickly looked over Yuki, keeping his warm smile and bowing his head slightly as he did. She definitely had more reiatsu than he did, but he couldn’t accurately say how much more. This could be fun. “Should that be the case, I have brought some tea and cake should you wish to share in it afterwards. A bit of a ritual of mine after training.”

The pair were not alone too long as the actual Reika join them and introduced herself, “Yuudai Oshiro, Seventh of the Fifth.” He smiled as she explained why they were at the arena, “Free drinks you say? I do have somewhere to be immediately after this, but I can join you both this evening for some merriment.” His smile widened, trying to be as friendly as possible to his new commander and her friend.

It seemed Reika didn’t like to waste time and wanted the fight to begin quickly. Yuudai was only too happy to oblige. As soon as the woman's hand lifted from his back, he used Hoho to rush to Yuki’s left side. As he landed he immediately drew his Zanpakuto and slashed horizontally at his waist height. As his sword sliced through the air he could feel his smile twist and widen. No longer a warm and welcoming feature, now it showed his love for combat and did nothing to hide his excitement at the coming exchange.

The large lad introduced himself as Yuudai Oshiro - great, she hadn’t gotten that wrong. That was one less thing on her mind. But something caught her off guard as he said he was the ‘Seventh of the Fifth’. Reika had to stop herself from giggling. It seemed like she wasn’t the only one that was fighting against nerves. That was rather reassuring in her heart to know that she wasn’t the only one scared. After all, it was his first real test and her first time commanding another seated officer.

The redhead smiled as Yuudai perked up at the mention of drinks. That seemed to cause the young shinigami to perk up with interest. The carrot had been dangled in front of him - Reika was more than interested in seeing if it was enough to draw the cart and cause the lad to fight with some renewed ferocity. Alas, he said he had somewhere to be right after this little bout with Yuki, which reminded her about Zenji’s challenge. That didn’t matter, right now was a spar between a friend and a new colleague. She couldn’t help but clap her hands in a bit of excitement.


Yet as she did, Yuudai lunged forward, to strike at little Yuki. It certainly was surprising, perhaps his tactic would work against the small Shinigami - Reika doubted it though. The lass sauntered off the sparring field to watch with some renewed interest as Yuki asked casually in mid-fight if she could ‘mend wounds’. To which Reika sheepishly smiled.

She had gotten her position not based on her strength with Kido, but on her strength at combat. It was a nagging thought on the back of her mind - something that she had to get better at if she was going to continue being a seated officer, to advance in the Gotei. She had Zenji, but he was increasingly becoming more and more alien to her since he was busy with his duties as an officer and leader of his own noble clan. The world seemed a bit more lonely without the kind shinigami’s words.

Reika couldn’t help but sigh at the thought of losing a friend to work. But hey, she still had Yuki. The wolf pup always seemed to be at her side at a moment's notice. It was rather reassuring to have a friend like her at Reika’s side. “I can do the basics… thankfully we’re at the Kido Corp to do the rest!” the lass couldn’t help but giggle. “Now show the newbie how it’s done, Yuki!”

Yuudai was taken by surprise when Yuki so easily blocked his strike. He knew not to judge someone's strength just by looking at them, but there was zero give when their blades collided. This made it immediately clear that there was almost no way he could win a fair fight against this tiny opponent. Then in a flash her blade was directed at him and flying forward, she was pretty fast too. The man raised his blade in an attempt to deflect it, however her strength resisted his, instead causing the man to move to the side rather than her blade. The result was the same, her blade narrowly missing his left arm but cutting through the edge of his sleeve.

For an instant he glanced down at the sleeve, deciding if it would cause him trouble going forward. The damage wasn’t too bad, so it would be fine to leave for now. When he looked back to meet eyes with Yuki he was surprised to see she had her eye closed, she was going easy on him was she? Well, might as well try to take advantage of that. “Pad the floor, soften your shoe…” Yuudai took a small jump back away from Yuki, “... Ashi o komoru.” A small flash of reiatsu emanated from his feet before dimming to a slight glow.

Yuudai wasn’t too confident in bakudo, though he knew it would quieten his steps, he was unsure if Yuki’s fluffy ears were sensitive enough to be unaffected by his inadequacy. Only one way to find out. The man turned and ran around the left side of his opponent, not striking yet, only observing her to see if she reacted his muffled steps.

Yuudai watched the ears twitch in all directions, their owner standing perfectly still. Not even moving her head slightly, something was off. Was she pretending she hadn’t heard him? Was it a trap? Or had she never been taught how to listen to silence? In any case she was granting him openings to strike, whether she meant to or not, and he was not going to waste them.

The shinigami came to a stop directly behind his opponent. He dispelled his quietened steps and paused, there didn’t seem to be a reaction, maybe she really didn’t know where he was. The time to strike had come, but cautiously, he wouldn’t be giving away free hits. He shuffled his feet forward a step before lunging backwards pointing his left hand at Yuki’s back, “Byakurai!”

Yuudai’s constant grin only widened when he saw the small shinigami strike in reverse. A good idea, and it would have meant the end of him if he hadn’t predicted a trap. At least now he knew she had some experience and wasn’t quite as dopey as she looked. His grin faltered, however, when his attack landed and she didn’t even slow down. She was gliding through the air slightly quicker than he was, her blade aimed low for his leg, perhaps?

There was no way for him to dodge the attack, all he could do was damage control. As soon as his feet touched the ground he braced himself. The shinigami swung his sword in an arc below his waist from left to right, it wouldn’t completely stop the attack, but it would hold it away from vitals.

Yuudai held his left hand forward once again, ready to lay on the person when their sword sliced his leg. “Strip the flesh, Salt the wound, tekinishiowookuru!” It was not a great Kido, but being able to multiply the pain and suffering of an existing wound was helpful. Unfortunately it required an already existing injury and Yuudai wasn’t quite skilled to use it at range yet, he had to make contact for it to work.

Yuudai grinned maniacally as the blade sliced through his leg, it had been a long time since he fought someone actually worth fighting, even if she was way out of his league. For now anyway. The womans blade turns and began it path towards him, as he raised his own to block he noticed her tail swing the sheathe at him. Clever, he’d actually forgotten about her tail.

He curled his left arm and braced for the impact. He managed to lessen both blows, but stop neither entirely. Yuki truly was out of his league, maybe she’d agree to be proper sparring partners going forward? Well, after he gave her a test of his own. She clearly relied on her senses to be accurate, but how much did she trust them? Could he surprise her? Shake her? Even for an instant? Time to find out.

Yuudai panted heavily from the massive blows he just received, but still managed to lock eyes with Yuki. His grin grew truly maniacal as he let out a small chuckle and began to flair his reiastu before shouting in the poor girls face, “BANKAI!”

Yuudai’s smile returned to the warm and welcoming version he had greeted Yuki with. She had not flinched even slightly, it seemed she was even trying to turn the tables. He felt kind of bad to disappoint her but he had already suffered more injuries than he had planned and he couldn’t risk being incapacitated before Zenji’s fight. This fight was over for now, but he hoped he could convince Yuki to join him in the forest as often as possible.

He couldn’t think of a proper way to entirely avoid the strike heading this way, so he decided to simply try to disrupt the girl’s aim. The man leaned forward more and more until his balance went from under him and he fell forwards towards his opponent, “I yield. You win.” He made no effort to catch himself as any attempt to do so would probably only end up with her hitting him accidentally and doing some real damage.

The young redhead watched in awe as the two began their fight. She could instantly see the difference in power, yet she could still see Yuudai trying with all his might. It was perfect. She’d be able to see what he’d be capable of against a stronger opponent such as Yuki. Despite the little shinigami’s size, she packed a powerhouse of moves. It really was perfect.

With quick moves and sudden use of Kido, Reika was more than impressed by Yuudai against the little wolf. Sure, Yuki was strong, sure she had knowledge of combat, but Yuudai was quick with improvising against his opponent. That was key to survival in a life or death situation. The 5th seat couldn’t help but clap her hands together as the young man used Kido to muffle his steps and try to get the upper hand on Yuki.

Yet it ultimately culminated in him calling out Bankai. Even Reika was deceived by the tactic as she found herself almost standing on her tiptoes, watching, waiting for the ultimate release of his blade. Nothing came from it as a soft sigh of relief escaped her lips. Yuudai forfeit - the match finally done.

Relief seemed to wash over the redhead. None of them were injured too badly, just a few scratches here and there. Nothing to worry about for sure. At least Zenji wouldn’t chastise her when both she and Yuudai showed up to his challenge. “Good job!” She chimed in cheerfully as she walked onto the battlefield.

Soft steps followed Reika as she walked before Yuudai, giving him a small bow of thanks. “You did so wonderfully against Yuki!” Her voice seemed to sing praise as she beamed a smile at him. “I don’t think I could’ve done any better myself!” The youth turned to Yuki, giving her dear friend a bow as thanks for helping her out.

“Wonderful job, friend. Your moves were outstanding!” Once again she beamed her cheerful radiance to her friend. With that, she raised her hands above her head and pulled them both down in an arm-pumping motion, both fists clenched as if celebrating a victory. “With that, drinks are on me tonight after Zenji’s challenge!”

Celebrations had to wait - she had to support her friend Zenji in his challenge. But the fight left a renewed vigor in the redhead. In all things, she knew she had to become stronger. There was no chance in the nine hells that Reika would be able to face Yuki in a fair fight. Not unless she caught her from behind and unaware. There’d be zero chance for that to ever happen. Even then, it’d be a chance worth taking to even the playing field between them.

Yuudai smiled at little Yuki as she caught him and he reclaimed his footing, “Thank you too Little Yuki. You were most impressive in both strength and prowess. Despite our, quite frankly, extreme power difference you held back enough to not kill me while still offering a challenge, you didn’t even flinch when I tried to surprise you with a Bankai and you caught me when I dropped at the end. All very admirable actions that indicate you have just the right traits I would want in a long term sparring partner. Should you be interesting in such a thing.” The man beamed a warm smile at the woman, “Of course there will be tea and cake too. Should that sway your decision any.”

The shinigami straightened to his full height and stretched all his limbs, each of them groining in various amounts of pain and damage. As Reika approached the pair, Yuudai cupped both his hands over his mouth and muttered something so quiet even Yuki’s ears could make it out. When he stopped his wounds began to steam and then very slowly close up. When he moved his hands his face was clearly one of discomfort.

Yuudai bowed his head at Reika’s compliments, “Thank you Commander, I am glad you were impressed, and I do look forward to getting to know you, both of you, more over drinks later. However, until then, it’s ritual time. You are both welcome to join me.” He gestured to the large box to the edge of the arena before walking over to it.

Sitting down next to the box he carefully un folded the edges to reveal a multi-layered silver stand. The top had a tea pot, the centre a set of cups and the bottom a very delicious looking cake, already sliced. He held his hand to the side of the pot, “Hakka.” a flame burst to life just underneath it. Yuudai looked up to the two, “The warm tea helps soothe your muscles and the cake will help replenish spent energy. Both are quite delicious, I assure you. Come, sit, help yourselves. I will tend your shoulder too if you wish Yuki.”

Reika couldn’t help but be impressed with Yuudai’s skill at Kaidō, yet she could feel the ire growing in her heart. Great, her newest subordinate was already way ahead of her in the healing arts. How was she going to become any better at Kido without someone helping her out? Zenji, bless his heart, had made a schedule for the both of them to start training, but it seemed like the stars just weren't aligning at all for that to happen. The pair had been too busy to really even catch each other in passing.

Her chagrin was slowly pushed aside when she saw little Yuki’s tail wagging. In an instant, a smile was brought to her face as she rolled her eyes. That tail always betrayed the shinigami and showed her true emotions. “No need to thank me,” Reika said softly as she looked at Yuudai, carrying that smile Yuki had caused. “I can’t wait to work with you. Maybe we’ll be able to train together too. We’ll be seeing a lot more of each other, especially out making rounds in the Rukongai. The districts will be a safer place with the two of us out there.”

Look at you being nice.

Thanks, old man.

Reika joined the two over at the little tea set, the mood from the fight seemed to lighten. There was no more commander and subordinate relationship going on. No, finally they could relax and put this behind them. Unfortunately, this had to be quick - Zenji’s challenge was soon.

“Oh, dear.” Reika chimed in after Yuki spoke about drinking at her estate. The vague memories of what happened the last time they were there nearly cause the shinigami’s stomach to turn sour. “Lets… not have a repeat of the last time we drank. I still don’t know how I got put into that yukata and ended up in bed. Let alone if that guy got his cart back.” A weak chuckle left her before she smiled.

Yuudai smiled at Reika as he picked up the tea pot and swirled it around some, “I’m Sure we will have plenty of time to train together. Plus being a fairly combat oriented division we will probably be doing joint training with the Fifth too.” He let a small chuckle out as he began to pour the tea, “I’m sure the souls of the Rukongai feel safer already.”

The man handed out the tea to the women before turning back to stand and opening a small compartment sat immediately under the cake. He pulled out three plates one at a time and set them down next to the stand. Reaching in again he fidgeted around for a moment, “I know you’re in there, I remember putting you in… ah!” He removed his and with it came several forks and slicer. Distributing the cutlery he then moved to put a slice of cake on each plate, “Enjoy.”

Yuudai turned to look at Yuki and her shoulder. The damage look mostly superficial, a sore bruise at worst, well within his ability. Her clothing was also torn. Unfortunately there was nothing he could do about that. Then he noticed the bandages just visible under her garments. Was she injured? She managed to put up that much of a fight with her eyes closed and while injured. Severely injured, judging by the placement of the bandages. Very impressive. His mind wandered for a moment of how well she fought if she went all out, before he snapped back to reality. Injuries of that magnitude were beyond his skills right now, so all he could do was focus on her shoulder, “Yuki, want me to fix up that shoulder?” He held his hand up towards her ready to use Kaido if she accepted.

“I’m sure we will,” Reika replied as she watched him move his little teapot around. “And they should. Especially after what I saw with you facing a stronger opponent. I grew up out there, so you’ll have a lot of trust to earn among the souls out there. The previous Fifth Seat and their subordinates left a sour taste due to their abuse of the denizens out there. I hope to clear our name and make sure that they can trust that we’re there to protect them, not extort them.”

Those memories of the unease, knowing that the shinigami were going to come into a division to ‘patrol’ seemed to haunt the mind of Reika. Being young, she was playing with her friends, a simple game of tag - no harm was being done. She was running away from her friend and didn’t notice the patrol. Running straight into one of the groups, she was met with extraordinary rebuke, finding herself straight away under one man’s heel as he kicked her for such an attack.

The shinigami below her and herself had to do better. At least that’s what she told herself. There was nothing more she wanted to do than to make all those souls feel safe within their own homes. She had to do it for herself and for her family she left home. Pushing her feelings aside she turned her head to Yuki as she spoke.

The baths, she remembered vaguely, the warmth easing her muscles as she relaxed into them. It was amazing that she didn’t sink into them and drown, especially considering the amount she drank. That little frame could handle so much, but being around new friends, she went too far. As Yuki recalled dressing Reika, she couldn’t help but grasp the material of her shihakusho around her chest in discomfort. It seemed her drunken self had no inhibitions about stripping in front of folks.

“Thank you for taking care of me.” Her voice sounded uneasy as she took hold of the teacup. Sipping the tea, she couldn’t help but admire the flavor as she glanced over at Yuudai. It seemed the Hatayama had an extreme love and penchant for their tea. That thought was overshadowed by the cake. Putting down her cup she grabbed the fork, and she smiled softly, “We can still do it. I’ll just contact Toji and see if he can’t deliver us some drinks… without going too far. I’ll just let him know it’s a private affair that way he won’t let us go too far this time.” A soft giggle left her lips before she went in for a bite.

The flavor burst in her mouth as a not-so-subtle ‘mmm’ escaped her lips while Yuudai offered his healing services to Yuki. “Very good.” Reika managed to say in between bites. “Thank you so much.” As she enjoyed her cake, she couldn’t help but remember her mounting duties. Try as she might the nagging feeling began to eat away at her. There was so much to do in so little time.

That little treat soon turned into an empty plate as Reika gently handed it back, “As much as I’d like this to continue, I’ve got a few more things to do before Zenji’s challenge.” As she turned to leave, the young shinigami ruffled Yuki’s hair. “Thank you again for helping me out, friend. And, Yuudai, I owe you and Yuki drinks. Make sure to find some free time, the both of you.”


With a soft smile, Reika excused herself from the two. Too much paperwork, too many orders. Such was the life of being a seated member of the Gotei. But she had to do it. She had to make this a better place for those below her, for all of those who lived out in the district. “Until we meet again~”

[thread exit]

Yuudai frowned slightly when Reika mentioned the previous occupier of her seat. He wasn’t in the Rukongai long before being taken in by the Hatayamas, but he still remembered some of things the shinigami used to do when they got too big for their boots. His smile soon returned when she seemed to enjoy the cake he had brought, “Maybe next time you’ll have spent energy for it to regain.” He let out a small chuckle.

Turning back to Yuki, he gently rested his hand against her shoulder and after a moment of focus the light glow of his Kaido emanate from under his hand. “Sorry I can’t fix your clothing. This isn’t my specialty.” He gave her a wide smile, “But the bruise is well within my limits.” He picked up and took a sip from his tea with his free hand, waiting a few moments for his treatment to be done. It didn’t take long as the injury was only small.

Yuudai removed his hand, “There you go. Good as new.” He beamed a smile at Yuki as he sat back a bit and picked up his slice of cake. He took a bite of it and savoured the flavour for a moment, before Reiak stood up to leave, “That is a good point, we can’t be late for the challenge. And I’m sure we’ll take you up on those drinks sooner than later.” He waved after her as she left. “Well, I suppose I should head off too, once I finish this. Though I do look forward to our next bout, when I don’t have to worry about injuries for later events.” He grinned at the woman.