The sky still held the soft glow of dawn when Amamiya Miyako rose from bed. He made his way to the training grounds, determined to hone his Kidō—at least to the point where he could cast them without incantations and not suffer a drop in power. He was close. Just a little more time, and he'd reach that level.
As he arrived, he noticed a familiar figure walking toward the field.
"Ah, Rukia-senpai! Ohayō," Amamiya called out, raising a hand.
Rukia barely glanced at him. "Hmph." She gave a light snort and continued on toward her training spot without replying.
"Rukia-senpai, matte!" Amamiya jogged after her.
Rukia turned slightly, folding her arms. "What is it, Amamiya-san? I came to train, not to chat."
"I was thinking…" Amamiya said with a sheepish grin, "solo training can only get you so far. Sparring is more efficient, don't you think?"
"Sparring?" Rukia arched an eyebrow. "Like yesterday?"
"Exactly like that," he nodded seriously. "Real combat experience is the best teacher, and… there's something I want to test. I won't know if it works unless I try it against someone like you, Rukia-senpai."
"Something you want to test?" Rukia repeated, frowning slightly. "Nani sore? What do you mean?"
"I'm planning to challenge a seated officer soon," he replied plainly.
Rukia's eyes widened. "Eh?! Are you serious?! You just joined the division!"
"Hai, I know it's reckless, but I've made up my mind," Amamiya said. "And since Ukitake-taichō recognizes that you have the strength of a seated officer, you're the perfect benchmark for me."
"Tch… mou..." Rukia looked flustered for a moment.
"Oh, and if I succeed," Amamiya added with a playful smirk, "wouldn't that technically make me your senpai?"
"…You little—!" A vein popped on Rukia's forehead.
With a snap, she unsheathed her Zanpakutō and slashed straight at him without hesitation.
"Wha—Oi!" Amamiya barely stepped back in time, his hand flying to the hilt of his own blade. "Rukia-senpai, at least say something before attacking!"
"Idiot! You think enemies announce themselves before they swing?" she retorted, quickly following up with another strike.
"Yare yare… you're too intense in the morning," he muttered, parrying with effort.
The two blades clashed, the air ringing with the sound of metal and spiritual pressure. Despite their banter, both of them were focused.
…
Meanwhile, over near the barracks, Kiyone Kotetsu had just arrived and caught sight of the sparring pair.
"Again?" she sighed. "Those two are at it like cats and dogs every other morning..."
But she had no time to watch today.
Captain Ukitake's condition had worsened again. His recurring illness had flared up just as she was beginning her shift. She tightened her grip on the Kaidō supplies in her hands and hurried toward the Captain's office.
Inside, Ukitake Jūshirō was doubled over, coughing violently. Blood tinged the hand he used to cover his mouth.
Hearing the familiar dry cough, Kotetsu Kiyone's expression tensed. "Ah! Captain's illness again!" she cried out, rushing through the open door and to Ukitake's side in an instant. Without hesitation, she placed her hands just above his chest and began channeling Kaidō, the healing art of the Gotei 13.
Even with the Right Arm of the Soul King suppressing the worst of it, his illness hadn't disappeared. The occasional relapses still left him weakened, and this morning was no exception.
"I'm sorry, Kiyone. I keep troubling you like this…" Ukitake said with a gentle smile, though his face was pale from the fit.
"Please don't say that, Captain! This is nothing," Kiyone replied with concern in her voice, focusing her spiritual energy as she continued the treatment. Though Kaidō couldn't cure the chronic illness Ukitake suffered from, it could at least ease his discomfort.
After a few moments, Ukitake raised his hand weakly. "That's enough for now, Kiyone. Thank you. Once Sentarō arrives, we can begin today's reports."
"Yes, Captain." Seeing a bit of color return to Ukitake's face, Kiyone stopped the Kaidō and stood respectfully at his side.
"Captain Ukitake, um… this morning, when I passed the training yard, I saw Rukia-san fighting with that new recruit again. Should we say something to them?" Kiyone asked, hesitantly.
"Oh?" Ukitake's lips curled into a soft smile. "It's alright, Kiyone. It's just friendly sparring among comrades. Besides… I doubt Rukia and Amamiya-kun would really hold a grudge over it. In fact, this might be a good thing—especially for Rukia."
"Ehh? How is fighting with a junior on just his second day good for her?" Kiyone pouted.
Ukitake closed his eyes briefly, his voice thoughtful. "Rukia has been stuck in place ever since Kaien-dono passed away. But Amamiya Miyako… he has clear goals, and his spirit is steady. In him, I see glimpses of the same bright fire Kaien once had."
"Spending time with someone like that might help Rukia grow again," he added with a wistful tone.
Kiyone blinked. Honestly, she didn't quite get it. That kid just seemed talented—that's all.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. "Captain Ukitake! I'm here!" called the familiar voice of Kotsubaki Sentarō.
"Come in, Sentarō," Ukitake said kindly.
With both of his acting lieutenants now present, Ukitake began reviewing the Thirteenth Division's affairs.
"Captain," Sentarō began, holding up a folder, "the team stationed in the Human World is returning soon. We should start deciding who to send next."
"Hmm, I see. Good timing," Ukitake said, sitting upright. "Prepare a list of all seated officers. The situation in the Human World is becoming more unstable—reports say the Hollows are growing stronger. We'll need to choose capable replacements."
.....
Meanwhile, at the training grounds, a battle had just come to a close. Rukia Kuchiki stood with her Zanpakutō lightly pressing against Amamiya's neck. A bead of cold sweat rolled down his cheek.
"I lost, Rukia-senpai… Please, lower your sword," Amamiya said calmly, though slightly winded.
"Hmph." Rukia narrowed her eyes but slowly retracted her Zanpakutō. "You talk big about becoming a seated officer, but you're still far off, kouhai."
Indeed, Rukia's skill was nothing to underestimate. Compared to the average Shinigami, she was a cut above—her Zanjutsu sharp, and her Kidō control almost flawless. But Amamiya wasn't discouraged. In a real battle, with full strength and no holding back, he had the confidence to win.
Still, when it came to pure Shinigami techniques like Shunpo, Zanjutsu, and Kidō, he had to admit—there was still a gap.
"Rukia-senpai," Amamiya said with a sly smile, "have you forgotten something?"
"Eh?" She tilted her head slightly, confused.
"Captain Ukitake said it himself—because of certain reasons, you can't be promoted to a higher seated position. But I don't have that problem."
He casually brushed dust from his uniform.
"So if you haven't figured out why you're stuck, then I'll just become your senior first."
"What?!" Rukia's face turned red. She imagined this kouhai smirking smugly from a seated officer's chair, demanding she call him senpai. No way!
"I—I'll figure it out! I'll find the reason for sure!" she snapped, though her voice wavered with doubt.
Amamiya chuckled silently. Yare yare… you're fighting fate itself, Rukia-senpai. Unless you can convince Captain Ukitake and overcome your brother's shadow…
He gave her a cheeky salute.
"Rukia senpai, please cherish your dignity while it lasts. The day you call me senpai might not be far off!"
With that, he vanished in a flash of Shunpo, leaving a frustrated Rukia behind.
"…Tch. That cheeky kouhai…" she muttered, staring off in the direction he vanished.
But deep down, she was thinking.
And for the first time in a while, maybe… just maybe… she felt a little fired up.