In the presence of Junko Izumi, a bathe of calm washed over the troubled soul via her own spiritual pressure. In this vast world existed a plethora of differences; each being held their own unique characteristics about them blossoming differently. With a sense of calm, Zhou was able to relieve the overwhelming amount of emotion he had been bombarded with due to the day’s festivities. Even with this relief, an uncomfortable feeling resided within him. Despite the members of twelfth division’s shenanigans, no one was injured … physically. The amount of therapy these poor souls needed could have well been past what the division was currently capable of providing. Even so, as future soldiers of the Gotei 13, the incident surely could have been morphed into a source of strength rather than a trauma. This idea could have been something that would have led Nyuraku’s actions to be considered light and unwarranted for punishment. Granted, in Zhou’s duration of the academy, worrisome experiments were not something he was faced with. Regardless, the actions taken by these students were sporadic and done out of
fear. The evidence was clear: the students were not ready to become soldiers. With this conclusion, his decision for the extensive training in the world of the living was mentally finalized.
During his brief walk, his ears twitched. Idol chatter breached his scope of hearing as the name, “Honoka” repeatedly left their lips. The question remained: What ever happened to Honoka? Although he was made evident of her presence in the Kenpachi games, that was the extent of his information. Did she win? Did she lose? Was her life still intact? Soon enough, the instructor moved towards the two students bantering, sharing their opinions of that match overall. His empty gaze being towards them as well as his voice being absolutely lack-luster, as like a shadow, he presented himself to them.
“Did something happen to her?”
Zhou asked, both students having their hearts drop into their lower regions due to this soul’s abrupt appearance.
“I mean yes! Instructor Fēng, you’ve seen the matches right? At least we don’t think she’s dead. After Lieutenant Nibui’s match with Captain Yū, it seemed that some of the cameras saw him picking up someone that resembled Honoka! We were just saying that she might still be alive. In fact, we believe she’s okay! It’s just that … 11th division is so cool. Even with the match with Lieutenant Nibui and Captain Yū… Not to mention Captain Omoni and 4th seat Hiroka –”
As the one who spoke the most rambled on and on, just as he appeared, Zhou vanished. Even though the two continued to talk, a singular after-image remained of the instructor standing there, dispersing briefly once the male talking had blinked, only for the soul shook the other’s shoulder.
“Dude, he’s already gone.”
During his swift movements where eyes alone could not discern him, he could feel the fluctuating spiritual pressure of two beings: A beast and a boy. The two seemed to be training, honing their overall skills and abilities, similar to him and Asahi earlier, but vastly different in their approach. Within moments, Zhou was no longer in the South-East quadrant of the Seireitei – now being within the Rukongai.
Southeast seireitei >>>> Traveling to >>>> Rukongai