Chapter 3: The Strongest Man?

Having a rough time, eh?

The way she did that was unfair. She should've fought me fair and square.

You're the one who mistook it for something else. And I should remind you, the enemy isn't always going to fight fair either.

I... I suppose this is true, but...

It's fine. Now, there's one more person I think you should fight if you're still up for it. But if you're tired, we can stop here.

I am not tired!

Good answer.

Don't worry. Your next opponent fights the way you like it, straightforward and strong.

Eyes sharp, muscles toned to perfection, but quick and agile in movement. To be honest, this may be a tough opponent for you.

No matter who this man is, I am ready! I wish to fight a man of strength!

Die, Shinji, you baldy!

Goh!

What do you think of that girl, little Byakuya? Looks really strong, doesn't she?

Sh-She's female?! You tricked me, you cat-monster!

Just to remind you, the two you fought and lost to before this were both female squad members.

And as you just saw, she's strong enough to knock out a captain in one blow. I think it's safe to say she's good enough to be your opponent.

............

No objections, I take it? Then, let's go.

Helloooo!

Huh?! What do you want? Kisuke's not here!

I didn't come here for Kisuke. We're here to see you.

Little Byakuya here really wants to have a practice fight with a strong and talented squad member like you, and he won't budge.

Say, think you can help me out? The Seireitei's got many good fighters, but it's hard to come by someone as exceptional as you.

W-Well, I mean, if you really want to, I guess I could do it.

Th-Thank you for accepting!

(It's just as I was told. She's strong. This must be the strength that is expected of the 13 Court Guard Squads.)

But I'm not done yet!

Huahhhh!!!

Hiyori! How could you do such a thing, you dumb idiot! I have a bump on the top of my head!

Good for you! You're a little bit taller now, baldy!

Let me help you get some height too, then!

Uh, um...

Just go back to sleep already! I'm not done fighting this shorty yet!

Sh-Shorty?!

Yeah! You're short, little shorty!

I'm back! Uh, what's this commotion about? Yoruichi, what are you doing at our barracks?

Well, it was supposed to be a field trip, but it looks like it's turned into a messy brawl.

Why do you do this to me? I just recently attached a new device to our gates the other day.

Gh! Stand down and regret your actions!

Huh?! Who the hell do you think you are, you bratty little shorty!!!

Stop that, Hiyori! You need to handle this more maturely!

My, my. You've still got a long way to go, Byakuya, my boy.