Chapter 1: Renji's Kido Training

You want to know how to succeed at Kido?

Yeah. I've been practicing a lot, but for some reason, I just can't seem to get it right.

You know the exam's right around the corner. Are you sure you'll be able to pass?

That's why I'm asking you for help. You too, Momo. If you have any tips, can you share them with me?

Hmm. I just concentrate on the incantation. It's really basic, so I don't know how else to explain it.

Same goes for me. I know your incantations are correct, so maybe there's just something special about you that makes your Kido so explosive.

Wait a minute. Are you mocking me?

What? No, that's not what I meant. I'm just saying that maybe you have strong innate powers, and they're more difficult to control.

Innate powers?

The foundation to learning Kido is to practice and repeat, so I think the best way to get better is to keep going at it.

That's what I've been doing. I guess I'll just have to increase the hours.

I'll practice with you. It'll be good review for me before the exam. We can master it together.

Oh, yeah? That'd be great, Momo!

Th-Then, I'll join you guys too!

That being said, Renji's Kido does tend to explode, so we need to consider where we do this.

We should find a place that's secluded so we won't bother anyone, and we'll use that as our practice ground.

Something about the way you said that irks me.

Oh, whatever. Let's go find a place.

Hado 31: Shakkaho!

*Cough* Ack, ugh!

A-Are you okay?

So, I've had this inkling, and I wasn't sure if I should say it, but maybe you're just not meant to use Kido.

Sure, but that's not gonna be a valid excuse for the exam.

That's true.

If your goal is to pass the test, what you really need is to practice hitting a moving target.

I heard that this next exam will use dummy Hollows instead of the usual bull's-eye target, which makes sense because the enemy doesn't stand still.

Sure, the difficulty will go up, but all you have to do is to "hit" the target with your Kido.

In other words, it doesn't matter how refined your Kido is; you just have to land the hit. So you might be able to score points that way.

Are you sure? Because I think I can do that!

That said, the problem right now is that your Kido explodes before impact.

Did you say something?

Just talking to myself. Anyway, I'm going to run around while you attack me with your Kido. Your goal is to try and hit me.

Momo, you should stay back because this could be dangerous.

Uh, okay. Be careful, you two!

Dammit! There's no way I can hit a moving target!

Don't worry, Renji. You've gotten a lot better than when you first started!

Yeah. One of your attacks actually hit the ground, which is a lot better than just exploding in your face. That's progress!

I, uh, guess you're right.

Anyway, let's take a break. All that running around has made me pretty tired.

You did a great job too, Izuru.

Th-Thanks!

Uh... Well, I'm gonna go take a walk to freshen up a bit.

Momo, can you stay with Izuru? He probably used up all his energy because he's not used to moving around that much.

Huh? B-But... That's not true! This was nothing!

Just relax and take a break. I'll leave him to you, Momo.

Okay. Enjoy your walk.