A new Shinigami is Born

[Megumi]

Megumi could barely contain her excitement. She was able to endure the hardship that that Onigata Twins had presented her. Through her determination and probably her resourcefulness, or so she wants to believe, was what got her through the whole thing. Well, that and she had a lot of people cheering her on. All that was left was to head to the shrine to talk to some people. It would be her first time seeing something like it. So once getting there with everyone, Emi just ran ahead of everyone up the steps, stopping at the top, looking around the scenery. It was so pretty! Not only that, but there was a nice view of the town. Though she was curious. Why would Shinigami be living in a place like this? Don't they need to be in Seireitei unless on a mission in the real world or something?

"Hey, if there are Shinigami here, why are they here? I thought they all had to be in Soul Society unless on a mission or something. So, are they on a mission??" She had no idea about the story that revolved around the shrine and the Shinigami that lived here. Maybe she was still young to understand it, but she thought it wouldn't be any harm in asking. "Oh, and another thing. How can they help me become a Shinigami?"

[Ryouji Onigata]

Was she really that excited? One would guess after passing a semi grueling test. If she only knew how much more complicated things are going to become for her once she becomes a full fledge Shinigami. The risks always outweigh the rewards. Sure it was nice to be able to have the strength to protect those who matter to you, but there was always that risk that you could lose everything. Perhaps she would come to understand that once she gets older. Megumi was a lot like Yuri, he would have to train her even harder to ensure that she could defend herself and those whom she cares for.

"Megumi, I want you to understand something and what I am about to tell you may be something you may not want to hear. Being a Shinigami...a member of the Gotei 13 is a lifetime commitment. It won't end when you don't find it fun any more. It's going to be a lot of hard work. Use your gift to protect those you love and care for. Every day presents a new day for you to lose your life or someone you care for. If I am to train you, like I trained your mother before you. You must swear to me that no matter what, you will fight with every last ounce of strength you have until the very end."

Was the excitement still there? Now that she knew that the life of a member of the Gotei 13 was not all fun or games, was she ready to proceed on with the shinigamification process? She wouldn't let something like that scare her, no the dedication and determination was still there.

"When this is over I will give you some time to get use to the power you are to receive, then your real training will begin. Make sure that you are truly committed. There is no going back once this is over."

[Megumi]

It did bother her a little that she would be risking her life, but it seemed fair enough. After all, her mother, father, and best friend put their lives on danger to make sure that not only she is fine, but the whole Soul Society is alright. She would do the same. She would keep her commitment no matter what! Though, something caught Yuri's attention. Did he just say 'like I trained your mother before you'? He trained her mother? The only person that she knows of that he trained was herself and not anyone else after that. So that would mean.. She was Megumi's mother?!


"w..Wait a minute! You said you trained her mother.. I was the only one that I know of that you trained.. Are you saying that.. Emi is my daughter?"

Emi just turned around to face Yuri. There wasn't much she could or couldn't say about it. She was going to find out sooner or later, she thought. "Well, uh.."

[Ryouji Onigata]

Ryouji glanced back to Yuri, completely forgetting that she was there. He chuckled nervously and it was already to late to counter it with something else. Once a woman hears something its pretty much over especially with his sister, sister in law and his wife. Hell even his daughter is that way. One would have guessed that she would have figured it out by now anyway but maybe she hasn't especially since she's asking if he really said that. There was no point in hiding it any longer anyway, it would be best that she know.

"Megumi a mirror image of her mother. She has the same look you do when you are determined. I trained you well Yuri, I've put you through a lot of misery and maybe even some heartache. Yet you've never disappointed me."

Ryouji glanced down and placed his hand on Megumi's head and smiled. She was Yuri's kid after all right down to the very last fiber.

"The new generation are proving themselves to be better than us. Shizune beat me in our first fight maybe because I was unfocused or maybe because she is stronger than me. Shukumei and I both did our best and you turned out to be one hell of a Captain, but I'm going to train Megumi to be even better than you."

[Yuri Nakayama]

Yuri couldn't help but to chuckle. It was starting to make sense though. She had often wondered why Megumi looked and acted like her at some times. It seemed like a bit to take in. Her? A mother? Then the father would be..Ronin? Of course it had to be. He was the only man she's ever been with. Well, dating, of course. nonetheless, Yuri was blushing a little, rubbing the back of her head. "Wow, who would of thought? Well, Megumi, I'm very proud on how much you're progressing. It kinda makes me feel silly for taking so long to figure it out. In any case, I'm sure you know I'm here to help you along with everyone else. Though I gotta tell you, Ryouji is one tough teacher. It seems like a long time since I was a lieutenant. Er.. Forget about it. It's more or less about you today. He is right though. Being a Shinigami isn't fun and games. You gotta be serious when you need to be."

Though part of her wanted to help along with the training. Maybe she could somehow. It seems like Ryouji would teach her mostly swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat. Maybe she could help her learn Kido along with the help of Azumi, and everyone else. She could see Emi giggling. Did she say something funny?

"I have to admit though, I'm glad I can call you Mama now. I won't quit being a Shinigami no matter what! I'll make sure that people I care about are safe! I'll work real hard and work my way up and eventually become a captain some day!"

It just made Yuri smile when she heard that. At least now Emi could feel completely at ease and not have to hide anything anymore. Now that she thought about it, they were going to be training her on just Shinigami skills, but what about the Vizored side? It was well known that Emi didn't have fight her Inner Hollow for Control, but would she know how to use Ceros and whatnot? "I do have a question though. Are you going to train her as a Visored as well? I mean..I know she doesn't need to fight her Inner Hollow or nothing, but what about those skills?"

[Shukumei Onigata]

It was clear now that Yuri knew of Megumi's origins she wanted to help her train. However she was never to keen the use of hollow powers unless it was a last ditch effort. Then again she couldn't really say no to that, if she was going to be effective on the battlefield she had to be comfortable with all aspects of her abilities.

"I will be Megumi's hand to hand combat trainer. I believe Ryouji will train her in Swordsmanship, So why don't you handle the Visored Training, since she has full control of her mask, you can help her put it to real use. That will leave Shizune, Azumi and Hina to help her with Kido. Between the lot of us she should get all the training she requires."

Part of her was still worried for Megumi's safety. She wasn't exactly worried when when it comes to battling itself, but surviving the training. If they were going to train her correctly they couldn't take it easy on her. Sure she was a total sweetheart and pretty, but if they wanted her to survive as a Shinigami, they would have to be quite strict with her. Maybe she was thinking about it to much. Even still it was natural to worry.

"We've gawked enough, It's time we helped Megumi achieve one of her goals."

As she turned to head into the temple...Hina cut her off, making her way into the temple first. Shukumei stood back watched. Hina had that look in her eye. She wanted to rip someone's head off and if anything Azumi told her held true it was definitely Karasuma. It was going to be interesting to see how things played out.

[Eriko Karasuma]

Eriko was out and about, cleaning up the shrine. It seems during this time was when people slowly started to come to visit the shrine for either tourists reason or some other kind of reason. It didn't bother her. Eriko enjoyed helping the people around the shrine. Not only that, she enjoyed it when events were held here. It made the place seem so alive. It wasn't before long she saw a group of people come up the steps. She then heads over to them, bowing down. "Welcome to the Karasuma Shrine. I'm Eriko Karasuma and I will show you around the area.'

She then got a good look at the individuals, recognizing Azumi and Yuri. Eriko just smiled and goes up to Azumi, giving her a tight hug. It feels like forever since the last time they saw each other. Well, any friends of Azumi's were friends of hers. "What brings you all the way out here? Is something wrong or have yo come to see Father?" When Eriko looked over to Hina, the look she had made her feel quite nervous. Still, it was her job as a priestess of the Shrine to make sure that everyone has a good time and is safe. "So, what can I do for you all?"

[Hina Kusanagi]

Before Azumi could pull her usual banter, Hina piefaced the side of her head and pushed her aside while staring at this Eriko girl. She leaned in real close getting a good look at her face. Aside from the last name she was definitely his daughter. It must have been nice being able to live out a nice wonderful life. Settling down and getting married. While she risked everything to risked her very soul to ensure the Original Six remained buried. Some good that did her now that they are free all those years locked away were for absolutely nothing.

"So you're the pretty little Eriko I've heard so much about from my sister. Azumi your description of her didn't do just, she is such a cutiepie. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Hinako Kusanagi and I would like to see you father, he and I have a lot of 'catching up' to do"

Hina gave a rather evil smirk while looking at the young woman. She had a sense of spiritual pressure and it resembled her fathers a tiny bit still it felt a little wild spirited, untamed. Even still she could spot potential. It would be interesting to see if her father had taught her anything at all especially about her heritage.

[Eriko Karasuma]

Eriko felt nervous when Hina got a close look at her face. There was something about her that seemed so unsettling. Maybe it was just her imagination or something? No.. There was a hint of disgust in her voice or was she trying to pick up something that didn't exist? When Hina introduced herself, she couldn't help but wonder where she heard the name. Then, it finally hit her. Her father had told stories about the time he was a Shinigami to her when she was little. He made mention if it wasn't for Hina's Sacrifice, she and the shrine wouldn't be here. She owed a lot to this woman. the least she could do was shows the utmost respect.

"Father has told me stories about you, Lady Hina. It must of been something hard to do and must be hard to be here under the given circumstances. It may be hard, but please don't hate my father. I apologize if I'm stepping over the line." She gave a quick bow before straightening up. She then turned away, leading them to her father. I hope nothing bad happens..

[Hina Kusanagi]

After being escorted by Eriko, Hina glanced around the shrine, taking in how old most of the statues that lined its halls. There was no telling how old this stuff was, but it was interesting to say in the least. Her little Niece was enjoying herself, she was practically bouncing off the walls and running cross the place at full speed and giggling.

"Shi don't touch anything, we don't want your mother and father to have to replace anything!

After being led to the elder Karasuma. Hina stopped in her tracks and glared at him. That insolant bastard. She wanted to hate him for everything that he was worth, but Eriko asked her not to hate him and that they owed her a great debit would be paid in full. Rolling up her sleeves quickly, Hina balled up her hands into fists and started walking toward Karasuma with a purpose.

Before she could do anything, she was pulled back by Azumi to keep her from doing something they all would come to regret. She could never come to understand what it would be like to be locked away from your family and friends for 800 years, but Eriko nor Little Shi needed to see something like that.

"DAMN YOU KARASUMA!! 800 years of my life GONE! 800 years! Do you have any idea as to how long that is?! Being locked away in total darkness, traped with those monsers! Why did I do it, so you could run off have a family and live your life as if nothing happened?"

Hina continued to stare at the man without saying another word. Wondering what his thoughts were exactly.

[Eriko Karasuma]

When she saw Hina about to more or less go after her father, Eriko was about to get in the way until she saw Azumi hold Hina back. What she was mentioning seemed way above her head. It was until she remembered the stories her father had told her about a group of people who sacrificed their lives in order to seal a great evil and he was one of the few or the only one who had survived. It seemed this woman..This Hina had gotten sealed with them for 800 years. Poor thing. She gave up everything to make sure evil was kept at bay and with them released, she was as well. It was natural for her to have some kind of hatred towards her father.

He was just sitting there, seeming in shock to see Hina before him. Though, he had a hunch something like this would happen when it was made clear that Azumi was kidnapped in order to release the Original Six. Probably nothing he could say or do could take back what has happened. "I would offer my apology if I knew it would do any good. How was I to know something like this would happen, Lady Hina? You have the right to be angry with me, so I will tolerate it. I didn't know you had been sealed as well. When you had vanished as the others did, one had to assume death had consumed you. He then noticed the small Shizune and then the young Megumi. He would have to be careful on how he worded things since children were nearby.

"I made sure that everyone knew of your sacrifice. It was the reason why I decided to leave Soul Society and stay here in order to help protect the seal. When this man's wife was taken, I realized the connection. She was your sister and would share the abilities in not only creating barriers, but destroying them. I was willing to go myself to make sure the seal stayed closed, but I was talked out of it because I would be leaving my daughter behind. As much as you don't want to admit it, Lady Hina, their release was a blessing in disguise..of sorts."

Even if what seemed to be the greatest evil was released, a valuable ally had also been released. Without Hina, there could be a chance that no one else that he's looking at now would survive. He's a part of the team now. "So if you wish to continue to harbor an 800-year-old grudge, by all means, continue to do so. I bare no ill-will towards you. I'm assuming since you and your friends are here, you must need some kind of assistance. How may I help?"

[Hina Kusanagi]

Was he seriously speaking to her in such a tone? Such insolence from an ungrateful worm. She turned and glanced at Azumi; once receiving the approving nod she turned and glanced at Karasuma before turning her head away from him and sighing.

"As far as I'm concerned, you aren't worth holding a grudge against for another 800 years. Had you not had that beautiful daughter, I wouldn't be acting so civil. You should be eternally grateful for having someone who cares for you so deeply."

Placing her hand on Megumi's shoulders she gently pushed her forward.

"This is Megumi and she has a desire to become a shinigami. We must use an unconventional method which is generally frowned upon. However she cannot take powers from us since we will be on the front lines when we go to war with the original six. We would like if she could take her powers from you"

[Eriko Karasuma]

When Karasuma heard the tone in Hina's voice, it was apparent that he must of hit some kind of nerve. It wasn't his intention, after all, to make her more angry than what she already was. "I apologize if I said something that angered you, Lady Hina. I truly meant no harm."When Hina mentioned the 'unconventional method' he tilted his head back as if to recall what she was talking about. When she added on that she and her friends are requesting to transfer his status as Shinigami over to this.. Megumi, he was slightly worried. She was so young and she was willing to become a Shinigami in that method? He walks up to the youth, examining her. After getting a good look, he slowly steps back.

"I can not only sense her potential, but I can see it as well. I am sure that if you weren't ready to commit to the duties of being a Shinigami, you wouldn't be standing here before me. Very well, I shall do it. It may be risky, but I Lady Hina and those who have sacrificed their lives so my daughter and I could live the life we were given."" He departs into the shrine only to return to the Young Megumi with his sheathed Zanpaktou. Before going on with the 'ceremony' of sorts, he decides it would be best if a barrier was set up so in case anything was attracted to the sudden increase of spiritual pressure, it would at least alert them to what was going on. When the barrier was in place, he unsheathes his weapon, placing the tip of the blade on the young woman's chest where her heart would be. "It may hurt at first, Megumi, but after the initial shock, you will get over it."

Karasuma then thrusts the Zanpaktou through her chest, the two being covered immense Spiritual Pressure. As it begins to dissipate, Karasuma had collapsed into a seated position, Eriko rushing over to him to help him up and to help him stand. All attention was then turned to Megumi, who was standing, now dressed as a Shinigami.

[Megumi]

After it was all said and done, Emi couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe it. After what seemed like forever, her wish, or at least a part of it, had come true. She was now a Shinigami. Of course she was excited, but she also realized that now she has a lot of work to do. She has to learn how to use her Zanpaktou, use kido, and do all kinds of things. Now was the time to pay her respects to everyone, especially Eriko and her father. She turns to them, smiling. "Thank you so much for giving me this ability.. No.. This gift. I promise, I won't let you down!" She then faces Hina and the others, just grinning from ear to ear. "That means you guys too! I'll train real hard and make you proud!"

Now that she's a Shinigami, that means she must have a Zanpaktou, right? After searching a little bit, she finds it in its sheath, just holding it. Was she really staring at her own Zanpaktou?! She couldn't wait to learn everything about it! She remembers well what the spirit of Shukumei's Zanpaktou had told her. Even if she doesn't know it's name now, she would cherrish having it with her. "So uhm.. Not to seem..maybe too excited or however this may sound.. but when does the training start??

[Ryouji Onigata]

It was finally done, his new student had finally become what she sought to become for so long. She was still really young and naive, so he couldn't exactly train her the way he trained her mother. She really was anxious especially with the training. He was happy for her, but he secretly hoped she knew what she was getting herself into. After seeing her staring at her Zanpakutou, Ryouji flash stepped past her, taking it from her all together. He stopped after he had distanced herself from her to look at the sheath and the blade.

"Tomorrow" was the answer to the question she asked about the training. After all he couldn't let her stay up all night and be drained for when she receives a beating like no other. The real work begins after a good nights rest.

"I will give you a chance to get use to your gift, however you will not see your Zanpakutou again until I deem you ready for it and that won't be for quite sometime still. You have to learn the basics of everything from the ground up. Flash stepping, Kido, Hand to hand, Visored training and Swordsmanship. Shizune I expect you to not let her remain up all night with excitement."

After sliding Megumi's Zanpakutou into his sash, he turned and walked over to Karasuma and offered him a hand to help him stand. He wouldn't be down for to long if worse comes to worse they may need him after all with the original six hopefully it wouldn't come to that however.

"Thank you Mister Karasuma. I will ensure that the gift you've given Megumi is used properly and with great pride."

Ryouji bowed to the Karasumas before turning away from them both. He gave a glance to Megumi before smirking and leaving the room.