Unforeseen Encounter

As the months flowed by, the looming event of subduing hollows in Rukongai drew closer. Yami's determination to get better at swordsmanship and the Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist paid off bit by bit, even though he needed to nail the technique. But with each practice, his belief in his ability to dodge danger got stronger.

However, in the midst of his practice, something slipped past him—a presence that followed his steps without him knowing. One ordinary day, after his lessons, he stepped into his room only to find a girl around his age seated casually on his bed. With a flash of silver-white hair and golden eyes, she sported a dark complexion and an air of intrigue. She was deep into reading one of Yami's flashbang theories. When she noticed him, she flashed a friendly smile and sat up. And just for Yami, she let out a bit of her spiritual pressure, sort of like showing off who's in charge.

Yami felt the pressure suddenly, and he was a bit rattled for a moment. But then, in an odd way, it flowed into him, a strange feeling he didn't understand. This didn't go unnoticed by the girl, Amane Shihoin. She introduced herself as the commander of Onmitsukidō, the head of the Shihoin clan—the one known for being super sneaky. Her claim to be the sneakiest person in Soul Society added to the puzzle.

This revelation left Yami amazed, his mind swirling with thoughts and questions. The head of Shihoin? Commander of a secret group? And her brag about being super sneaky? It was like a puzzle with missing pieces. Though a bit nervous, Yami introduced himself as a second-year student at the Shin'o Academy, a budding shinigami in the making.

Amane seemed amused by Yami's reaction. She didn't want to cause or get him in trouble either. Instead, she saw a rare chance—to make a friend as intriguing as herself, someone who could match her wits. And such opportunities were as rare as finding a four-leaf clover.

Watching Yami for a few days, Amane decided he was polite and friendly, even though he didn't have any friends in his class because they couldn't see him. She saw a bit of herself in him and thought he could be a good companion.

Time passed, and Amane said her goodbyes. She told him she'd visit again and suggested he keep some snacks. And then, in a blink, she was gone. She used a technique called Shunpo, which made her move super fast, even faster than Yami could see. After she left, Yami felt a swirl of emotions. Meeting someone who could actually see him, without any hostility, and especially someone from a noble clan, was something he hadn't expected.

This encounter got Yami thinking. He always thought of himself as sneaky, but an assassin? That was something new. It made him want to learn the art of being super stealthy, like those who disappear in the shadows. Amane's use of Shunpo impressed him and made him want to get better. He realized there was so much he could improve, even though he understood that having spiritual energy, or reiatsu, was super important for these kinds of things.

Each meeting and experience added a new piece to his journey as his story continued. Becoming friends with Amane Shihoin was a twist he hadn't seen coming, making his life more jovial with his newfound friend.