Chapter Four: Meet and Greet 2/2

"We shouldn't be worrying about the likes of them anyway right now," said Kirio as she smiled at Itachi and Jiraiya, "After all, wasn't the reason we all came here today was to review test results and scout potential recruits? I'd say that we're not doing a very good job if the two most talented applicants in the pool are right here in front of us and we're talking about something else!"

Jūshiro nodded. "You're quite right about that. Itachi, Jiraiya, if you don't mind me asking, where did you acquire your hand-to-hand combat skills? To be able to go up against a Hollow without proper Soul Reaper training is no small feat."

"You haven't been in the Soul Society very long, right?" asked Shinji, "I doubt you would've had much of a chance to train here."

"That's correct," said Itachi, "The skills you refer to were ones we both had when we were alive, although we never had the opportunity to use them against Hollows until last night."

Jiraiya chuckled. "We didn't even know that Hollows existed until we got here. Maybe we were good fighters when we were still alive, but after watching Captains Yoruichi and Unohana last night it's clear that we both have a lot to learn."

"True," said Shinji with a smile, "but the fact that you recognize that means you're off to a good start; you're not overconfident. If you manage to maintain a sense of perspective then I think the two of you'll do just fine in the Academy."

Love nodded. "If your skills are already sharp enough to defeat a Hollow in unarmed combat, then if nothing else the two of you should ace your Hakuda classes."

Itachi raised an eyebrow. "Hakuda?"

"The hand-to-hand fighting arts utilized by Soul Reapers," Kensei answered for him, "We're taught to fight with more than just our Zanpakutō, after all."

Now it was Jiraiya's turn to voice the pair's confusion. "Zanpakutō?"

Mashiro's eyes widened. "What? You two don't even know what a Zanpakutō is?"

"Mashiro, be nice," Lisa gently chided her, "Remember, they said they only arrived in the Soul Society a few weeks ago. There's still a lot they have to catch up on."

Mashiro nodded and smiled at Itachi and Jiraiya. "Right, I forgot about that. Sorry!"

"To answer your question," said Yoruichi, "a Zanpakutō is a Soul Reaper's sword. They're our signature weapons, and only one trained in the Soul Reaper arts can properly wield them. Your instructors at the Academy will go over them in greater detail, but for now just know that they're not normal swords by any stretch of the imagination."

Itachi nodded. "Very well, then. Thank you."

"Yeah," said Jiraiya, "It's nice to have a little bit cleared up, at least."

Yoruichi smiled. "Your instructors should cover this on the first day, but I don't see any harm in giving you two a running start. There are four different styles of combat that Soul Reapers can practice. We've already covered Hakuda. Zanjutsu is the art of fighting with a Zanpakutō. As you might imagine, traditional swordplay is a major part of Zanjutsu training, but the unique nature of the Zanpakutō means that there's more to it than conventional fencing. You'll see what I'm talking about once your classes start."

"What are the other two arts?" asked Itachi.

"One's called Kidō," Yoruichi replied, "You two got a taste of it in the second phase of the exams."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "The last leg of the Pillar Run… that was those balls of energy the people on the shore were shooting at us, right?"

Shunsui chuckled. "I still can't believe Tessai let you drag him and his subordinates into Phase Two like that. You really are a devious woman, Yoruichi."

Yoruichi grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Jūshiro smirked. "You are correct, Jiraiya. Kidō, also known as the Demon Arts, is a form of combat that involves using spirit energy to cast spells. The people that were firing those blasts of energy at you and Itachi during the Pillar Run were members of the Kidō Corps, a branch of the Soul Society's military that specializes in spell casting as their primary method of combat."

"Tessai's the head of the Kidō Corps," said Yoruichi, "You saw him during Phase Two; he was the guy with the fancy blue robe."

Lisa's eyes widened. "You had the Grand Kidō Chief personally involved with the Academy entrance exams? I've never heard of him doing something like that before!"

"How'd you talk him into it?" asked Mashiro.

"Tessai's an old friend," Yoruichi replied, "Him, Kisuke and I all go way back."

"Who's Kisuke?" asked Itachi, scanning the room in case he'd missed someone earlier.

"He's the Third Seat of my division," said Yoruichi, "Kisuke Urahara's in charge of the Detention Unit, but he also likes to tinker and has all sorts of research projects that he's conducting on the side. Those trick pens from the first phase of the exams were made by him."

Jiraiya smirked. "Sounds like an interesting guy."

Yoruichi nodded. "That's certainly one way to put it. I'd say he's one of the smartest guys in the Soul Society, and he's always coming up with some crazy new invention. He's pretty friendly once you get to know him, but he can definitely come across as a bit of an odd-ball at first. Life's never dull with him around, that's for sure!"

Itachi leaned forward. "You said he's the head of the Detention Unit, right? Would I be correct in assuming that's some sort of prison detail?"

Yoruichi nodded. "Yup. Basically, the Detention Unit's in charge of the imprisonment and supervision of all criminals in the Soul Society. It's under Squad Two's umbrella, which means I'm supposed to be the boss, but I like to let Kisuke run things on his own; he knows what he's doing and doesn't need me micromanaging him. Mastery of both Hakuda and Hohō are required for anyone working in the Detention Unit, and Kisuke's got both of those nailed down."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Hohō? Would that be the fourth style of Soul Reaper combat?"

"Yes," said Lisa, "It's a defensive style based on footwork. The key elements of it are speed and agility."

"The signature Hohō technique is Shunpo," said Jūshiro, "The user moves so fast that their movements aren't even perceptible to those of untrained beings. It's commonly referred to as the Flash Step."

Itachi's eyes widened in comprehension as he turned to Yoruichi. "That's what you did during Phase One, wasn't it?"

Yoruichi smiled. "You got it!"

Shunsui chuckled. "I still can't believe there was applicant dumb enough to pick a fight with the Flash Goddess."

"Flash Goddess?" Itachi repeated in confusion.

Shinji smirked. "Yoruichi's the best Shunpo practitioner in the entire Soul Society. She can make Flash Steps as casually as you and I might walk through a park."

"Don't forget she's also the fastest!" chirped Mashiro.

"Aw, you guys are way too nice to me!" said Yoruichi with a laugh.

Even with her faux-protest, there was an unmistakable hint pride in her voice, and it wasn't hard for Itachi to see why. Her movements both during the exams and the fight the night before had been nothing short of outstanding; Flash Goddess truly was an appropriate title for her.

"Hohō by itself isn't enough to win a fight," said Kensei, "That's why users combine it with either Hakuda or Zanjutsu."

"You'll get the full rundown soon enough," Love added, "It should be interesting to see how quickly you two take to it."

Yoruichi had a cat-like grin on her face as she regarded Itachi and Jiraiya. "If what I saw last night and during Phase Two today is any indicator, I think you guys are gonna be naturals at both Hakuda and Hohō. Squad Two would be a natural home for you once you graduate!"

Jūshiro smirked. "Looks like someone's a little eager with her recruitment pitch!"

"Come on, Yoruichi," said Kirio with a smile, "You can't hog the best applicants to yourself. They've both shown themselves to be rather intelligent, so I think Squad Twelve would be a suitable division for them. What do you two say?"

"Don't listen to her," said Shinji, "She'll have the two of you waste your time maintaining the archives."

Kirio folded her arms. "That's not true, Shinji! I already have plenty of good hands managing the library. I think Itachi and Jiraiya would be best suited to my field-study teams!"

Love shook his head. "Field-study? For two men capable of taking down a Hollow barehanded with no training whatsoever? No way, Kirio; these two are front-line fighters. If you guys want to go somewhere that'll let you put your talents to good use, Squad Seven's right up your alley."

"Not so fast," said Kensei as he regarded Itachi and Jiraiya, "If you two had the guts to take on a Hollow without the education of a Soul Reaper, then you'll be that much more formidable once you've graduated from the Academy. I can already tell that you two are the types who'll keep pushing themselves even after graduation. You should consider Squad Nine; I'll drive you two hard, but you'll thank me once you've unlocked your true potential."

Mashiro smiled. "We're also in charge of the Seireitei News Magazine! We're always looking for new editors and columnists, so if either of you have any writing talent you should join up with us!"

Jiraiya grinned. "Well, I was a novelist on the side while I was still alive. Never tried my hand at journalism before, but there's a first time for everything. I might just take you up on that."

"A novelist, eh?" said Shunsui, "I like a good book now and then. What was your genre?"

"Romance and comedy," he replied, "Life is meant for love and laughter, after all, and there's no reason why the afterlife can't be the same way!"

Shunsui had a good chuckle at that. "An argument I've made myself on more than one occasion. As long as we're all making recruitment pitches, I think you'd do all right in Squad Eight. Normally I only extend such offers to women, but I'm willing to make an exception here."

Jiraiya's face lit up. "Wait a minute, are you saying that, aside from you, your division is made up entirely of women? Count me in!"

Lisa groaned. "Don't be ridiculous; we accept both male and female recruits. This is one of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, not my Captain's personal harem, no matter how much he tries to make it one!"

Shunsui laughed. "Now, now, Lisa; don't go scaring away a potential recruit. It's bad for the squad!"

"Please take no offense, Jiraiya," said Lisa, "but I can already tell that you'd be no different from my Captain here, and I can only handle one of him in Squad Eight. Itachi, on the other hand, would be a most welcome addition our ranks."

Jiraiya sighed, but Itachi could still see an amused light in his eyes. "Some guys really do get all the luck…"

"Captain Hirako, I'm rather surprised at your sudden silence," said Jūshiro, "Aren't you going to make a pitch for them to join Squad Five?"

"I'd rather wait for them to graduate from the Academy first," Shinji replied, "Don't get me wrong; you two had by far the most impressive exam results out of all the candidates, so it's clear that you've got a lot of potential. I just prefer to wait and see how students do at the Academy before making a recruitment pitch; the curriculum does a good job at illuminating the strengths and weaknesses of a potential Soul Reaper. Once I've had a chance to review your final test scores, I might just pay you a friendly visit before the graduation ceremony."

Jūshiro nodded. "A reasonable approach. That's usually mine as well, although I'm more than willing to scout the field, as it were. For what it's worth, I think you two will do very well at the Academy. When the time for graduation draws near, do keep Squad Thirteen in mind as a potential first assignment. We're always on the lookout for talented individuals, and I believe that every person has something special to offer to the division."

"That's a very open-minded approach to recruitment," said Itachi.

Jiraiya looked around. "Well, if nothing else, it seems like we'll have plenty of options for when we graduate. How come the other Captains aren't here?"

"They've either got duties to attend to or just weren't interested," said Yoruichi, "It's always a different batch of Captains each year that gather to review the entrance exam scores. Don't worry; once you two graduate, you'll meet the rest in due time."

"Do not become overconfident," advised Lisa, "You may have performed well in the entrance exams, but the Academy is not to be taken lightly. Expect a rigorous curriculum."

"Oh, they'll be just fine," said Kirio, throwing a friendly wink at Itachi, "and once they're done, it's straight to Squad Twelve with them! At the very least, I'd like to see you join our ranks, Itachi!"

"I'm sorry, but I think you're mistaken," said Love with a smirk, "They're both clearly meant for Squad Seven."

"No, Squad Nine calls dibs!" chirped Mashiro.

"That's rather premature," Lisa asserted, "Jiraiya's an open question, but I would contend that Itachi should come to Squad Eight upon graduation!"

Yoruichi laughed. "I knew you two would be popular! Jiraiya, don't take this the wrong way, but they can fight over you to their hearts' content. However…"

Before Itachi knew what was happening Yoruichi leaned towards him. There was a playful, almost feline, look in her eyes, and a moment later she licked him on the cheek.

"None of them are getting you, Itachi!" she said with a cat-like grin, "I'm marking my territory here and now; you're mine!"

It wasn't in Itachi's nature to blush, but he could feel a slight warmth coming to his just the same. Just how exactly was he supposed to respond to something like that?

Yoruichi chuckled, and the mischievous look in her eyes told Itachi that she had a pretty good idea regarding his current state of mind. "What's the matter, Itachi? Cat got your tongue?"

He was vaguely aware of the smirk on Jiraiya's face. "I'd say that's a pretty good way to put it."

"No fair!" Kirio pouted, "Yoruichi, that's cheating!"

Yoruichi folded her arms and smiled. "Hey, we never laid down any ground rules for claiming recruits, right? I'd say it's fair game!"

"Then if I lick him, that means he'll have to join Squad Nine!" cheered Mashiro, "Come here, Itachi!"

Kensei bopped her on the head. "Mashiro, cut it out! That's now how a Lieutenant is supposed to behave."

"But Captain Shihōin did it!" Mashiro protested.

"She's a Captain," Kensei countered, "She has greater leeway… even if some of her behavior doesn't necessarily set the best example."

Yoruichi laughed. "Oh, lighten up, Kensei! Let her have a little fun!"

Kensei folded his arms. "No offense, Captain Shihōin, but I don't need you rubbing off on my Lieutenant. If she falls under your influence, then the next thing I know she'll be Flash Stepping out of her clothes!"

Itachi raised an eyebrow as he turned to Yoruichi. "Wait… do you actually do that?"

Yoruichi gave him a playful smirk. "Want to find out?"

"Yes, please!" cheered Jiraiya.

"I… I don't think that's necessary," said Itachi, unused to feeling quite so flustered.

Jūshiro chuckled. "I'm with Itachi here, Captain Shihōin, as are the others I would imagine."

"Now, now," said Shunsui, holding up a hand, "Let's not be so hasty here! It's just starting to get fun!"

His Lieutenant whacked him on the back of the head. "With all due respect, Captain, keep it in your pants!"

Shunsui laughed as he rubbed the spot where Lisa had hit him. "All right, all right. I guess a Captain stripping down in the middle of an Academy conference room wouldn't be very professional. We'll have to save the exhibition for another time, Captain Shihōin."

"That's too bad," said Yoruichi, winking at Itachi, "I was ready to put on a show. Oh, well."

Shinji smirked. "There's never a dull moment when you're around, is there?"

Yoruichi shrugged. "Well, me or Kisuke, really. Without the two of us, Squad Two would be a lot less interesting."

"Especially if that Lieutenant of yours was running the show," said Love, "What was his name again? You know, the guy that's got his head shoved up his ass because of how rich his family is?"

"Ōmaeda, I think," said Kensei, "Marenoshin Ōmaeda. Seriously, how did he wind up becoming your Lieutenant, Captain Shihōin? I know he's achieved Shikai, but he's not exactly talented with it. No offense."

"None taken," Yoruichi replied, "To tell you the truth, taking him on as Squad Two's Lieutenant wasn't exactly my choice. Sure, he met the requirements, but I had other potential candidates who weren't nearly as condescending towards others as he is."

"Do you not have the freedom to promote your own subordinates?" asked Itachi.

Yoruichi shook her head. "Normally I do, but this was a different set of circumstances. You two already know that I'm not just a Captain; I'm also part of the Soul Society's nobility. The Ōmaeda family isn't anywhere near as powerful as mine, but they're still quite wealthy and thus are inevitably part of the games that the noble houses like to play with each other. Long story short, he's my Lieutenant because of Soul Society aristocratic politics, and I can't get rid of him at will partly because of those politics but also because he possesses at least enough competence to do his job without requiring constant supervision. It's not an ideal situation, but it's one that I've learned to work around."

"You mentioned that he's achieved Shikai," said Jiraiya, "What's that?"

"Something you'll learn about at the Academy soon enough," Yoruichi replied before standing up, "Speaking of which, I really ought to get you two over to the student dorms now. It's tradition for a party to be thrown for the candidates that make it through the entrance exams, and it would look strange if the two top performing applicants weren't there. So as fun as this has been, I'm afraid we need to get going."

"That's a shame," said Jiraiya, "I was really enjoying myself here. Ah, well. If there's a party to be had, I'm not about to turn it down."

"It was nice to meet all of you," said Itachi as he and Jiraiya joined Yoruichi.

Jūshiro smiled. "Likewise. Best of luck with your time in the Academy."

"Enjoy yourselves!" said Shunsui with a grin, "The Academy doesn't have to be all learning and no fun, after all. My student days certainly had their share of adventures."

Jūshiro chuckled. "That's putting it mildly."

"Captain, stop setting a poor example for the new students!" Lisa scolded before turning back to Itachi and Jiraiya, "Please take your studies seriously. The better your grades, the better your chances of gaining a seated officer's position when you graduate from the Academy."

"Study hard," said Kensei, "I'm looking forward to seeing what the Academy will turn you into."

"Don't forget to subscribe to the Seireitei News Magazine!" chirped Mashiro, "Students get a discount, and the fees can be subtracted automatically from your Academy spending accounts, so you won't have to worry about forgetting payments!"

Shinji gave them a wave. "Have fun in class. Don't goof off too much!"

Love smiled. "Show everyone what you can do."

"Hit the books and keep your grades up!" cried Kirio, "I'm expecting great things, especially from you, Itachi!"

"Catch you all later," said Yoruichi as the door shut behind them, "Come on, let's get you two settled in."

Itachi nodded as they set off towards the student dorms. "Thank you for introducing us to them. It was a very informative experience."

Jiraiya smiled. "I'll say. You Soul Reapers sure are an interesting bunch!"

Yoruichi laughed. "Yeah, that's definitely one way to put it! Keep an eye out for the other Captains and Lieutenants while you're at the Academy; eventually most of the higher-ups will pay the school a visit at least once during your time there. Some hold guest lectures while others just observe students and try to find potential recruits."

"Does that include the Head Captain?" asked Itachi.

Yoruichi nodded. "Occasionally, yes. Normally he just gives the big speech on the first day of the new school year, and he'll also address the year's graduating class as well, but every now and then he'll make an appearance that isn't ceremonial. Nine times out of ten it'll be during one of the history lecture halls; the Head Captain's by far the oldest Soul Reaper on active duty, so a lot of the events you'll read about will personally involve him."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Really? Just how old is he?"

Yoruichi's brow furrowed. "Hard to say. He's been around since the founding of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, so the bare minimum would be over two-thousand years. I wouldn't be surprised if it was closer to three or four-thousand, but that's just my take on it."

Itachi's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"Completely," Yoruichi replied, "He's the most powerful Soul Reaper in all existence; he hasn't lived so long in such a dangerous line of work by being a pushover, after all. Age hasn't slowed him down a bit, either. They say that at full-strength he's a match for every other Captain and Lieutenant in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads combined, and I'm inclined to believe that. You don't mess with the Head Captain if you want to live, take my word on that."

Itachi nodded. "I see."

"He's not thinking of retiring anytime soon?" asked Jiraiya, "Two-thousand years is a long time to be on the job."

Yoruichi shrugged. "He doesn't seem to mind it. From what I can tell, I don't think he'd ever consider doing anything other than what he is right now. The Head Captain will serve until he dies, and may it be a long time yet before that day comes."

Despite her casual attitude, Itachi could tell that her respect for the Head Captain was genuine. As swift and powerful as she was, she was still deferential to him, which made Itachi quite curious as to what the man was like. He supposed that he would find out one way or another in due time.

After leaving the main building and walking through a broad courtyard, they came to the student dorms. There were several small groups of people in front of the building, mostly consisting of students or faculty.

"Here we are," said Yoruichi, "If you head inside, just to the right after the front entrance is the student help desk. Tell the secretary your names and she'll tell you where your rooms are. There should already be some basic school supplies inside them, and you'll get more come orientation tomorrow. It's been a while since I've been here, but if I recall correctly the first-year students are concentrated on the second floor. There should be a common room in the middle; that's where the student parties are held."

"Thank you for everything, Captain Shihōin" said Itachi, bowing his head, "We wouldn't be here today if it was not for you."

Jiraiya bowed as well. "He's right. Thanks for all your help, Captain Shihōin."

Yoruichi smiled. "Hey, now, what did I tell you guys earlier? There's no need to get all formal with me. If you have to, call me Captain Yoruichi. Otherwise, Yoruichi works just fine."

Itachi couldn't help but give her a small smile in return. "In that case, thank you, Yoruichi."

Jiraiya smiled as well. "We owe you one."

Yoruichi folded her arms. "If you want to pay me back, then you can do so by showing the instructors here what you're really made of. The Hollow encounter last night and your exam results today are all I need to know that you two are something special, but the teachers here are another story. There'll be plenty of fun in your student days, and I definitely want you two to enjoy yourselves, but don't forget that this is first and foremost a school. Study and train hard, because by the time graduation rolls around I want to be able to make you two seated officers right out of the gate; you've definitely got the potential for it."

"I appreciate the confidence you have in us," said Itachi.

"You've earned it so far," said Yoruichi, "but the real work starts here. I've got no doubt that they'll put the two of you in the advanced track based on your test scores, which means you'll have twice as much work as the other students. Hit the books as hard as you hit that Hollow the night before, and your classmates will run out of breath trying to keep up with you."

Jiraiya chuckled. "Sounds like we've got our work cut out for us. Should be fun!"

"I give you my word that your faith in us will not be misplaced," said Itachi.

Yoruichi grinned. "Good. Well, it's getting late, and I need to get back to Squad Two. I'll see you two around!"

She turned to leave, but she had only gone a few steps before looking over her shoulder. "Oh, and Itachi?"

"Yes?" he said.

She gave him a wink. "If any of the other Captains swing by, do me a favor and don't let them sweet-talk you. Come graduation, you're mine!"

"I'll… try to remember that," said Itachi, once again unused to being so flustered.

"Glad to hear it," she said as she waved, "Catch you later!"

Jiraiya smirked at him as Yoruichi went on her way. "You Uchiha… your clan's just a bunch of natural-born lady-killers."

Itachi doubted that he'd meant his words as a barb, but they cut deep all the same. Even after all the time that had passed since the Uchiha Clan massacre, the wounds on his psyche were rawer than he let on.

"You have no idea," he said after a moment, his tone grim.

Jiraiya studied him carefully for a moment before speaking again. "Well, then, shall we go settle in? If they're hosting a party up there, it'd be a shame to miss it."

"Parties aren't really my thing," Itachi replied, "but I suppose it would look odd if I wasn't in attendance. An obligatory appearance will do, and then you and I have some business to attend to."

Jiraiya nodded, his eyes narrowing. "That we do."

….

For all of Itachi's misgivings, the first-year student party had actually been a rather relaxing affair. By the time he and Jiraiya had arrived food and drinks had already been set out and people were digging in. It had taken a few moments for everyone to realize that the two top candidates of the entrance exams had arrived, but once the word was out Itachi and Jiraiya had been pulled into the center of the festivities. Itachi had felt more than a little awkward at first; life on the run as a rogue ninja and member of the Akatsuki hadn't exactly improved his social skills, after all. However, his fellow students seemed to be a friendly and pleasant group overall, and they appeared to catch on rather quickly to the fact that he wasn't exactly a party person.

It hadn't taken Jiraiya long at all to establish himself as the jokester and overall life of the party. From what Itachi could see it appeared to be a role that the sage had slipped into quite easily. While the Sannin held court with lewd jests and tales of a rather seedy nature, Itachi was able to quietly settle in a little off to the side and field questions from the mainly female students that wished to chat with him. He remained guarded and refrained from telling them anything regarding his past life, but he was still able to politely engage his fellow students in small-talk and openly ponder with them just what exactly lay in store for them come orientation and the first day of class.

I don't think I ever experienced anything quite like this back when I was alive, he mused, I graduated from the Shinobi Academy so quickly due to my advanced abilities that student life passed as a blur. My talents set me apart and got me noticed, but I wound up nearly isolated. Were it not for Shisui and Izumi… I could very well have not made any real friends at all.

As fun as the party wound up being, Itachi was keenly aware of Jiraiya subtly studying him the whole time. After what he deemed an appropriate amount of time had passed, Itachi excused himself and went to his room. A few minutes later there was a knock at the door, and Itachi knew who it was.

"Go ahead," he said.

Jiraiya opened the door. "So, are we having it out here?"

Itachi shook his head as he grabbed several sheets of paper and a writing board. "No. We'll go to the courtyard; at this hour, there shouldn't be many people there."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "All right, but what's with the paper? This isn't exactly a study session."

"Trust me," said Itachi as he stood up, "You'll thank me for bringing it soon enough."

It wasn't hard for the two former Shinobi to slip out of the dorms undetected. After they found a quiet corner of the courtyard and sat down, Itachi pulled a familiar object from his pocket and passed it to Jiraiya. The Sannin's eyes widened as he saw what it was.

"One of the pens from the first phase of the exams…" he said softly as he studied it before giving Itachi a smirk, "Well, well… you know how to plan ahead."

Itachi nodded as Jiraiya returned the pen. "Once I was able to comprehend the true nature of the writing utensils we had been given for the test, I realized that they might be able to serve a purpose beyond the entrance exams. If Yoruichi is right, once we learn to properly control our spiritual pressure these special pens will become useful only for writing, but since we have yet to reach that point I can apply them as an enforcement mechanism for my testimony."

Jiraiya folded his arms. "So, do you intend to write an essay with me watching your every move, then?"

"I'd call it more of a pop quiz, but some of the answers I'll provide may well be lengthy enough to be considered essays," said Itachi, "Ask me whatever you wish. If we run out of paper, I'll simply have to grab more. We both already know what will happen if I try to lie. Is this arrangement acceptable to you?"

Jiraiya nodded. "Sounds good to me. Let's get started."

….

I'll be damned, thought Jiraiya as he read all of Itachi's answers, I was sure at least one of my questions would get him, but there wasn't so much as a spark. So…

…it's all here, then.

He would give credit where it was due; Itachi had been quite thorough with his answers. Several of them really had turned into essays, and in fact the young man had needed two breaks to grab more paper to write on. Jiraiya was sure that it was well past midnight now, but he wasn't the least bit tired. Quite the opposite, in fact; with all that he had learned tonight, he knew it would be quite some time before sleep found him again.

His brow furrowed as he contemplated the testimony before him. The Uchiha Clan's downfall, Itachi's role in the Akatsuki, the real reason behind his reappearance in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and all the information he had gathered regarding the organization and its hunt for the Tailed Beasts… all that and more was staring him right in the face.

It was hard for him to find words for it all, or even just for a starting point, but he took a shot at it just the same. "So… Danzō, huh?"

Itachi nodded. "Yes… although that does not excuse the part I played."

"It was all sanctioned, then," said Jiraiya as he scanned the written answers, "Danzō, the village elders… and even the Third Hokage."

Itachi shook his head. "Not quite. The Third Hokage only became aware of the true nature of my actions after the clan was murdered. He had still been pursuing a policy of negotiation and reconciliation, a course that Shisui and I had desired as well. Danzō's ultimatum came without the Third Hokage's consent or knowledge, although Lord Sarutobi gave retroactive approval after I reported to him."

Jiraiya sighed. After all that Itachi had told him, he had a good understanding of the position his late master had been forced into. It did not diminish his faith and pride in his teacher, but that did not change the fact that Jiraiya wished his old mentor could've found another way to handle the situation.

At least Danzō was formally stripped of his authority afterwards, he mused, although given how cagey the bastard was, I doubt that was too much of an obstacle for him. I hope Tsunade can keep him in check.

"So, you made your report and struck your pact with him," said Jiraiya, "and then threatened Danzō for good measure. After that… well, it's all here, but I suppose I'll need a little more time to go over it all… and let it sink in."

"I would expect nothing less," Itachi replied, "and while I would not presume to rush you… I do need an answer."

Jiraiya gave him a hard stare. "You mean a judgment. My judgment."

Itachi nodded. "Yes. I chose death in battle against Sasuke because I felt he was the only one worthy of avenging our family and punishing me for the sins I committed. Suffice to say that when I pictured the afterlife I was in for, the Soul Society was not what I had in mind. For reasons beyond my comprehension, I've been spared the flames of Hell."

"So, since the afterlife has not seen fit to punish you, I'm supposed to mete out a sentence instead?" asked Jiraiya.

"You yourself stated that you wanted to judge whether or not I was a threat to the other students at this school before I took my place in class with them," said Itachi, "You know quite well what I was capable of in life, and while in death I have lost a great deal of my former powers, the abilities that I have kept are still enough to make me dangerous. The same goes for you. In fact, if you and I were to fight right here and now… I believe you would win."

Jiraiya folded his arms. "And is that what you want? You already met your death in battle against your younger brother. Are you so eager to end your afterlife at my hands?"

Itachi sighed. "No. Although I do not believe that I deserve redemption, I would nonetheless like to join the ranks of the Soul Reapers and do what I can to protect those who have already passed beyond death's door. I will not pretend that this may grant me absolution; what I have done is beyond atonement. However, if I do have the power in the afterlife to defend others and act in a manner that would truly be appropriate for a Shinobi of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, then I would like the chance to do so. That being said, your mistrust in me is more than warranted given my past actions. If you believe that I would be a threat rather than a protector, then let's have it out here and now."

After a good, long moment of consideration, Jiraiya shook his head. "No. I will not fight you. As for the judgment you seek, I don't think it's mine to give quite yet."

"What do you mean?" asked Itachi.

"What I mean is that the situation is far more complex than I had originally realized," Jiraiya answered, "I don't necessarily condone your actions, but with all that's been revealed I would be wrong to simply condemn them out of hand either. I think it's clear that you got caught up in events that were beyond your control. You were handed some nasty choices, and the situation was far from black-and-white. Even taking your testimony in its entirety does not mean that I can come to a final verdict right away. It'll take some time for me to come to an appropriate conclusion. I'll have to give it a great deal of thought before I get back to you on it."

Itachi nodded. "I understand.

"I'm not finished yet," said Jiraiya, "Regarding the other students, at this point I am confident in that you don't pose a threat to them. Whether or not that will continue to be the case as your powers develop remains to be seen. That's why I'm going to continue to monitor you as we go through our training together."

"I would expect nothing less," Itachi replied.

Jiraiya smiled as he stood up. "In that case, I think we'd better head back inside. I'm all for staying up late and partying, but we do have orientation tomorrow. It'd be a shame to sleep through it, don't you think?"

He was surprised to see Itachi smirk as he rose to join him. "I suppose you're right. To think that we'll be students again after gaining such mastery of our crafts when we were still alive… is it strange that I'm actually looking forward to it?"

Jiraiya laughed. "Not at all. To tell you the truth, so am I. Don't get me wrong; I'll hit the books, but there's no rule saying I can't do that and cause a little trouble at the same time! It'll also be a great opportunity to start research for my new novel series, especially since the student dorms are co-ed!"

Itachi shook his head. "You're fortunate that none of our fellow students seem to be aware of the reputation you had when you were alive. Then again, I suppose there's no reason why the legendary Pervert Sage can't rise again in the Soul Society."

Jiraiya chuckled. "Now you sound like Naruto. 'Pervy Sage' was his version of the title. That kid just didn't understand the true nature of my research!"

"Keep telling yourself that," said Itachi.

As the two of them headed back inside, Jiraiya could not help but reflect on the strange new circumstances he found himself in. It was one thing to become a student again in order to learn how to harness his new powers; he truly was looking forward to that. It would be another thing entirely to be attending class alongside a man who had been known as one of the most notorious mass murderers in the history of the Hidden Leaf Village. At any other time Jiraiya would've dismissed such a possibility as completely outrageous, but after learning what he had tonight his thoughts on the matter were now much more complex.

Whether or not atonement for what he did in life is possible at this point is a question that I can't answer, he thought, but if he truly is determined to seize the second chance that the Soul Society has given him, then it's not my place to deny it to him. It would seem that he truly wants to take this opportunity to reform himself, or at least serve in a manner that was denied to him while he was alive. That's more than I ever got out of Orochimaru. For now, all I can do is watch and wait. And so, starting tomorrow…

…my watch begins.

Author's Notes: So I'm sure you guys noticed the changes in old man Yamamoto's age, as well as that of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. That was intentional, and they'll play an important role later on when the history of this version of the Soul Society is explored in greater detail.

Hope you liked the chapter! Please review!