Shinobu tilted her head. A touch of well-placed concern appeared on her gentle face. It wasn't disdain; she looked more like a teacher faced with an outstanding student ready to graduate, proud of her yet unsure what more she could teach.
"Yuko asked me to find where you need work, but Chizuru, you're already doing everything you can very well."
Even in her use of spiritual power, Chizuru's control was second only to Ishida's and Ichigo's. There was little to fault.
As things stood, Shinobu genuinely didn't know what to teach her.
"I..." Chizuru was at a loss. She praised me... At least I didn't let my teacher down. But what now?
"There's no need to rush." Shinobu sensed her worry and thought for a moment. "All right. Go train with Ichigo and the others under Ignorance."
Chizuru's eyes widened slightly. "Huh? Can I?"
Was she really capable of joining Ichigo's fights?
"Of course. In fact, those fights may be the only thing that can give you fresh insight." Shinobu smiled. "Keep this up, and the path you forge will be sturdier than anyone else's."
"Don't worry. You're excellent."
"Exactly! Chizuru's amazing!" Orihime clenched her fists beside her, cheering her on.
Chad nodded as well.
"I... understand." Chizuru sheathed her sword and gave Shinobu a solemn bow.
Shinobu nodded with a smile. "Go on. Perhaps you'll find your own direction in the purity of combat."
Yuko hadn't realized just how accomplished her student had become.
She had sent Chizuru Shinobu's way almost on instinct.
Granted, Chizuru couldn't yet match Ichigo and Ishida in raw strength, but that was only a difference in spiritual pressure.
Ignorance wasn't training the two to increase their spiritual pressure. Fighting based on technique would surely help Chizuru.
Across the frozen plain, cries of pain