13 Chapter 13: Training

"Urahara." I look over my shoulder seeing the Shinigami approaching from behind me.

"Yo. You need to relax with that sixth sense thing you have going. It's scary." He says with a mock shiver. "What did you need?"

"I've been looking for decent training grounds for Matsuri and I. Somewhere we can go all out without having to worry about our surroundings. You know any places?"

Urahara looks me up and down. He sighs and nods his head. "Yeah, there's a spot I know. Meet me at Sokyoku Hill in an hour with your sister."

(An Hour Later)

I let out a whistle in amazement at the training grounds. "Wow. How'd you hide this place without anyone finding out?" Giving the man a glance, as he stands there with a smile.

"That's a secret." He turns back to the training room. "You can freely use this place to train as much as you want. Please refrain from sharing this place without my permission." He asks.

"No problem. It's your place after all. I'll try not to make a mess."

He nods his head as he steps back. "I'll also be training here for a little bit. In a few minutes, we might also have a visitor."

I nod at that and turn to Matsuri. "Let's look for a decent spot."

She follows me as I shunpo away.

"He really is fast…" Yoruichi says from the entranceway. "Do you want to go spy on their training?" Her face turning into a smile.

"He'll probably spot us." Urahara smiles back and nods. "I want to see how he's training himself to get so strong."

"Matsuri sit down and take out your zanpakuto. Remember all the combat training I've been teaching you? Well here's what's going to happen. You're going to go in there and ask for their name. If they don't give it you beat the shit out of them." I say matter-of-factly while crossing my arms.

"…"

Urahara and Yoruichi look at each other and just start laughing. Matsuri looks at me like an idiot. "You want me to beat up my Zanpakuto spirit?"

"Yes." I continue. "The most likely reason the spirit doesn't want to give you your Shikai is that they think you aren't prepared for it. So just show it that you are."

"It can't be that simple." Matsuri sighs.

"Trust me, kid. Most things in life can be resolved by beating it up." I nod and wait for her to start. She let out a sigh as she starts meditating.

'I suppose I should start my own training… Oh, there's the mystical healing hot spring… I can't wait to use that.'

Heading over to another clearing I set my three blades down as I stand across the way from them.

"Is he?" Urahara asks with his interest at its peak.

"Oh? Did Seigen tell him how to achieve Bankai?" Yoruichi watching over the training.

"Is he going to fight three at the same time?"

"Yo. It's time to start." I say with a smile as the three blades lift off the ground and each gives off a reiatsu surpassing captains.

From the white blade, a black-coated tiger appears rivaling my height. From the black blade, a white-coated lion appears rivaling the tiger's height. The middle nodachi shifting into a blond-haired woman wearing a laurel crown and her western armor.

Athena looks at me with a smile as she looks around. "You've finally decided to keep me at your side from now on? I don't mind, dear. All you had to do is ask." Continuing to look around with a small pout. "I would've preferred a crowd so everyone would be aware, but nonetheless we can announce this at a later date."

I hear laughter but can't exactly place it. 'It's probably hollow Takashi being an ass…'

"No, I called you out to train my Bankai." I say exasperated by her speech.

She looks at me confused but then nods. "All right. Shall we begin?" Her hand doing a sign and summoning multiple blades around us. Her reiatsu flaring as she gains a maniac smile on her face.

'Oh, so she's the one that's a battle maniac. That explains a bit.'

I dash towards the three grabbing the closest sword.

"All three of his opponents far surpass a normal captain. And he's putting up an even fight! What the hell is going to happen that they need this kid around!" Urahara worriedly starts to muse.

Yoruichi continues to watch the four exchange blows with each other with rapt interest.

Takashi dashing out launches three quick at each cat and sends a kick towards Athena. Athena sidestepping the kick is intercepted by a fist launching her back. The tiger and lion both dodge the attacks and launch themselves at Takashi.

He retaliates with a swift backstep and a wide swipe with his blade stopping them in their path. Athena rejoins the fray by attacking his back but is caught off-guard by the lack of resistance in the cut.

Her surprise replaced by a feral grin as she kicks backward. Not able to react in time he is sent flying as Athena chases after him. A blade piercing the ground where he fell. "Oi, oi. That's sharp you know?" Takashi says as he sees where he landed. Throwing his sword at Athena he grabs two more, dashing towards her. Throwing these two swords he appears behind her with a swift kick aimed at the back of her head.

Shifting her body to avoid taking too much damage from the swords she moves to block the kick. The kick launches her into the tiger knocking both back a fair distance. The lion grabs a sword in its mouth and starts slashing at Takashi.

"Is this a Sif cosplay?" Takashi mumbles to himself as he ducks under a swing grabbing the closest sword and retaliating with his own swordplay. Knocking the sword out of the lion's mouth, he sends a swift punch to its head. Knocking it back a bit the tiger and Athena enter the fray.

Athena grabbing a nodachi as she points it at Takashi. The tiger grabbing the closest sword in its jaws. The lion recovering and grabbing its own weapon.

"Let's go then!"

(With Matsuri)

"Hmm… It seems to be getting hectic outside…" An ancient voice resounds throughout the landscape.

"Takashi is probably just training." Matsuri says as if the immense reiatsu she feels is normal for her older brother. Her zanpakuto spirit looking at her warily.

"…"

The ancient red western dragon looking down at the girl. "You haven't visited this place in a while young one. How long do you plan on staying?"

"That depends on when I feel like my training is complete." Matsuri replies with a pout.

"…"

The two of them just staring at each other.

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