Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Yuichi awoke a bit later than usual since today was a rare free day. He stretched his stiff and exhausted body before getting dressed. Picking up his zanpakuto he left the academy and walked through Rukongai heading for the hollow forest where they held practical lessons.

 

Yuichi was well aware of his limitations when it came to combat experience. While he had received some training in the basics of Soul Reaper combat, he had not been involved in as many real battles as some of his peers. This had become evident during their last practical training session with Kira, where her mastery of Zanjutsu and Kido had outshone his own abilities.

 

Determined to improve his combat skills, Yuichi had decided to spend his day off in the forest, a place where Hollows roamed freely. It was an ideal location to gain battle experience and test his skills. Before venturing into the forest, he made sure to stop by Hanatarō’s dorm room and grab some ointments and slavs.

 

As Yuichi entered the forest, he could feel the oppressive spiritual pressure of the Hollows around him. It was an eerie place when alone, but he knew he had to challenge himself to become a better stronger.

 

He encountered his first Hollow before long, a four-legged centaur creature with a cat-like mask. With a deep breath, Yuichi drew his Zanpakuto and prepared to engage in battle. This was a real battle, and he was determined to make the most of this learning opportunity. Gripping his Zanpakuto tightly, he focused on the basics of Zanjutsu that he had learned in his training.

 

The Hollow lunged at him with surprising speed, its mask-like face contorted in a menacing grin. Yuichi reacted quickly, parrying the Hollow's strike with his Zanpakuto. Its claws clashed with the blade, and Yuichi could feel the force of the impact reverberate through his arms. It was a reminder of the strength of these creatures.

 

As the battle continued, Yuichi tried to read the Hollow's movements, looking for openings to strike. He executed his strikes with precision, aiming for the mask-like face of the creature, knowing that destroying it was the key to defeating a Hollow.

 

The fight was intense, and Yuichi could feel the exhaustion setting in as he dodged and countered the Hollow's attacks. He could have had an easier time if he used kido, but he refused to give in so easily.

 

He was gradually adapting to the rhythm of combat, learning the Hollow's attack patterns, and finding openings to strike. Despite his initial exhaustion, Yuichi's adrenaline kept him going. He could feel the burning sensation in his muscles, a reminder that he was pushing himself to his limits. The Hollow, too, showed signs of impatience as its attacks became more fierce.

 

Finally, after a well-timed parry, Yuichi saw his opportunity. With a swift and precise strike, he slashed through the Hollow's mask, causing it to disintegrate into ash. The battle was won, and Yuichi emerged victorious but before he could even enjoy the victory another hollow charged at him from the bushes.

 

Yuichi could dodge fully so the hollow managed to cut his arm. Wasting no time Yuichi recited the incantation, “Shibarishi mono, haiyoru nawa yo. Waga te ni yadorite, teki no ugoki o tomen. Bakudō #4 Hainawa! (Bound one, crawling rope. Reside in my hand and halt the movement of my foe. Way of Binding #4 Crawling Rope!)”

 

The incantation generated a yellow reishi rope that Yuichi threw toward the hollow. The energy wound around the hollow’s body, immobilizing it. Yuichi grabbed his end of the rope with one hand, and channeled his reiatsu throughout his body increasing his strength pulled with all his might, dragging the hollow toward him.

 

The hollow flew toward Yuichi who readied his zanpakuto and sliced the hollow down the middle turning it into ash. However, Yuichi couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment in his current combat abilities. If Kira were in his shoes she would not have been starled, or needed to use kido on two weak hollows.

 

With the immediate threat dealt with, Yuichi took a moment to catch his breath and assess his surroundings. His arm throbbed from the shallow cut, a reminder of the risks and challenges that came with facing Hollows. He knew that he still had a long way to go in terms of combat proficiency, but each encounter in the forest was a valuable learning experience.

 

As he looked around, Yuichi remained vigilant, knowing that the forest was still teeming with Hollows. He pulled out one container of ointment and applied it to his cut. He had to stay on his guard, especially since he had just engaged in two consecutive battles. His senses were attuned to any signs of spiritual energy or movement.

 

With his arm treated and his senses on high alert, Yuichi continued to move deeper into the Hollow-infested forest. The constant threat of Hollow attacks kept him on edge, and the physical exertion was taking its toll on his body, but he felt his battle instinct growing stronger.

 

As he ventured further, Yuichi encountered more Hollows of varying shapes and sizes. Each battle tested his abilities and forced him to adapt to different fighting styles. Some Hollows were more aggressive and relentless in their attacks, while others were more cunning and strategic.

 

By the day’s end, Yuichi had managed to kill 20 hollows. He had tried to apply the lessons he had learned from his previous encounters, using mostly his Zanjutsu and sometimes Kido when necessary. He also focused on conserving his energy and making his movements more efficient like Kagami no Jotei taught him. The battles were intense, and he often found himself relying on his instincts and quick thinking to survive.

 

As he breathed a sigh of relief he readied himself to exit the forest. He had used up all the ointment and slavs he brought. It would be too dangerous to brave the forest with that. As got ready to leave suddenly six thin, wide beams of light that slam into his midsection and held him in place. Unable to move Yuichi heard a high-pitched sound and then hollows began to emerge from the forest heading towards him.

 

Yuichi's heart raced as he felt the beams of light pinning him in place, rendering him unable to move. The sudden appearance of more Hollows, drawn by the piercing sound, only added to his sense of dread. He was trapped and outnumbered, and the situation was growing more perilous by the moment.

 

Struggling against the beams of light proved futile, and Yuichi realized that he was in a dire predicament of someone’s making. His exhaustion from the earlier battles had left him drained, and he had used up his healing supplies. It was a grim situation, but he refused to give in to despair.

 

With his mind racing, Yuichi began to assess his options. He couldn't rely on brute strength to break free, as the beams of light seemed to hold him firmly. Instead, he needed to rely on his wits and whatever abilities he had at his disposal.

 

Drawing upon the last of his energy, Yuichi focused on his spiritual energy. He attempted to gather and condense it, hoping to generate enough reiatsu to disrupt the beams of light or create an opening for escape. It was a risky move, as he was still relatively inexperienced in manipulating his spiritual energy, but he had to try.

 

As he concentrated, he could feel his reiatsu surging within him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he strained against the beams of light, pouring his energy into the effort. The Hollows were closing in, their menacing forms becoming more distinct in the fading light of day.