Kouhei’s feet propelled him through the bustling hallways of the Academy. A small content smile graced his features as he passed the familiar robes warn by males and females of the Academy. Several students bowed their heads in deference to Kouhei as he walked past while others gawked excitedly. Although most of these students had probably seen their fair share of Shinigami since joining the academy it was still probably a sight to see one in the flesh. Their fervor was a little misplaced though. Kouhei was still unseated in his own Division so although he did have a bit more battle experience than the students still within the Academy he wasn’t exactly worlds away either. However, Akiyama didn’t let that thought get to him as he smiled and continued on his way.

The Shinigami was here for a special occasion. A request had been made by the teachers of the Academy and his Division took up the call sending Kouhei. It seemed the Zanjutsu instructors had wanted to give their students a special treat and watch a real life bout between two graduated Shinigami. A showing of what it meant to take all the skills that they were trying to teach these young ones in the Academy and use it all at once on the battlefield. Kouhei had no idea who his opponent would be today, but he had been assured it was also an unseated member of the Shinigami. He couldn’t say so for any other Division, but the 7th were simply too busy with the protection of the Rukongai to send anyone who was seated.

A few more minutes of walking and Kouhei found himself in a rather large courtyard. It was a room that was part of the compound that was the Academy, but it sat outside. The sky above the courtyard was beautiful. Along the courtyard students gathered awaiting the match that they had been promised. Kouhei strode in as eyes fell on him and headed towards the center. The center of the courtyard spread out for 40 meters in every direction and was encircled by a small rise of steps so that the students could sit along the bleachers and watch. Small stones with symbols outlined the courtyard emitting a feint signature of reaitsu. The stones were a powerful form of bakudo that acted as a barrier to prevent anyone within the stands from coming to harm and also made sure that even the most lethal of blows within the arena were mitigated so that they would cause bruising or light fractures at best.

Kouhei maneuvered through the small outcropping of boulders that seemed to line his path as he made his way to the center. In the past he remembered that sometimes they were used for targets during kido practice, for sparring they could have other purposes. Eventually Kouhei was greeted by a teacher, “The other volunteer should be joining us shortly. When he arrives I will take my leave so you both can have at it. I appreciate you coming down today. Feel free to fight till your heart’s content. The barrier will ensure no serious injury is done and we have practitioners of the healing arts on standby in case either of you need tending to afterwards or someone passes out from exhaustion.” With that the teacher began to walk away and Kouhei was left awaiting his opponent.