Chapter 4: Training Touchup

So now that you know I have my powers under control, I can go home, right?

I guess so. It looked like you were able to make those powers your own.

I won't ever let the Hollow take over my body again.

You've still got pretty slow reflexes though. Don't act like you're all that.

If you ever fought against someone with quick moves like me, you'll be stabbed in your side and you'd be done for.

And your attacks lack variety. If a battle drags on, they'll be able to figure out all your moves.

Yeah, I'm all for pushing through with sheer force, but you might want to put some twists into it too.

I'd say you lack elegance. All I could feel from your blade was harshness.

Why are you guys commenting?! You didn't even participate in the training!

There are some things that become more obvious when you watch a fight from the outside.

Come with me, Ichigo. We'll do a final test.

I thought we'd do something crazy for a final test, but we're still in the same place. Nothing's different.

That's exactly what I mean when I say you're being careless.

Do you remember what Hiyori said? If your reflexes are too slow, things will be over for you real fast.

What would you have done if I'd suddenly turned around and attacked you on our way here?

What do you mean?

The moment you think something like that could never happen is when you might just lose everything dear to you.

I want to become strong in order to protect what's important to me. That hasn't changed since the time I asked you to help me, and it won't change in the future, ever.

Let's start. You're going to finish up my training, aren't you?

That's right.

Is that it? You sounded so confident earlier, and this is all you've got?!

Of course not.

Hahhhhh!

Bakudo 99: Restrict!

What was that for, Hachi?! Why did you cast a Bakudo at us?!

Meow.

A...cat?

I will not allow either of you to fight near the cat. I can't let him get hurt.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Why is there a cat here? What happened to your barrier?

He probably wandered in during the day when we were going in and out.

Please do try to keep things down. Our hideout is already falling apart.

Just a few moments ago, the other room shook up so badly that...

You idiot baldy!!!

Oof!

What the hell?!

Don't you "what the hell" me! You guys started fighting all of a sudden and the wall came crashing down!

Are you going to take responsibility if I get a bad scar on my cute face, huh, you idiot?!

Hey, Shinji! Were you the one who caused the building to shake just now?!

My bookshelf came tumbling down. You'd better fix that for me.

The jolt surprised me and my inspiration escaped me.

And it reminded me of the manga I forgot to buy because I was holding off on it for another day. Do something about it, will you?

Shinji! I'm hungry!

Wait, stop! Those last few complaints have nothing to do with me!

Well, I'm going home now. I appreciate you looking out for me. Thanks, Shinji.

Don't just thank me and then leave me in this mess alone!

Hey, Ichigo!