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It's feels strange, no matter how many times in your life it occurs. Even someone of my age still gets caught in the anticipation of meeting an old friend. However, it's strange that I would be summoned by him out of the blue like this. I am almost certain this meeting will prove to be more than just chatting away the afternoon with someone. Kuro shifted in and out of sight as he shunpoed toward the location he was to meet Fefnir. It seemed that the young man that he had knew so long ago had made quite a name for himself in the Sereitei. A small grin curled across his face as he neared his destination, the faint traces of Fefnir's reaitsu could already be sensed in the air. As he came to the edge of the field, Kuro stared at the hundreds of deep red flowers that had bloomed there. His crimson gaze slid from side to side, taking in every detail of his surroundings before he slowly began to step through the tall grass and many flowers. Near the center he could see a man standing alone.

...And there he is. Kuro's grin broadened as he began to lazily stroll toward him while simultaneously removing a small silver flask from his robes and raised it into the air. He was now standing directly behind the captain and gingerly placed a hand on Fefnir's shoulder while removing the cap from the flask with his teeth. "How 'bout a toast to old friends?"

Without waiting for a reply or any kind of physical response he took a gulp of sake from the flask and wandered several feet away, planting himself on the ground at the foot of a large skeletal tree that stood gloomily over the field of crimson flowers. "So..." Kuro said as he stowed the flask away and rested his left hand on the hilt of his zanpakuto, a light beat erupting into the air as his fingers drummed upon the end. "What have you called me here for, Fefnir?" His usual carefree demeanor had faded slightly as his blank stare came to rest on the man before him.

Kuro ran his fingers through his hair as he contemplated the request. "I see..." He sat motionless, his fingers tangled in his long black locks as he stared up at the man. Without a word he pushed himself onto his feet and leaned lazily against the black bark of the tree. "Shinigami, or should I say, humans in general, are rather curious beings, aren't they? Through life we strive to grow stronger in order to adapt to our world and to rise above the rest. Some wish to be gods and others simply wish to become strong enough to survive in their unforgiving existence." He spoke in a low, slurred voice as he staggered around Fefnir, his eyes darting up and down the man as if sizing him up. "Fine..Fine, fine, fine...I will help you out, I suppose. Though I definitely won't be forgetting your offer to have some drinks later."

Though the man only appeared to be in his twenties, the very aura around him and his kind, yet cold eyes revealed that he was much more experienced than his appearance would lead some to believe. He crossed his arms over his chest with his back turned to Fefnir. His black haori danced in the soft breeze that had manifested and begun to sweep lightly through the area. The stirring air seemed to magnify the scent of the flowers that surrounded them. "I will simply beat you to a pulp until that power you wish to obtain is forced to the surface so that you can wield it. Since you seem so determined I will have to take this seriously and not hold back." Kuro slowly turned his head to glance back at Fefnir. "Plus, I must admit I am rather curious as to how much you have grown since our last encounter. Being the Sou-Taicho after all means you must be quite strong. Who knows, maybe you will even prove to much for me to handle. Though, in my long life, defeat has been a very rare occurrence." Kuro spun on his heel and placed his left hand on his hilt and gripped it tightly. He placed a hand on his chest and half bowed, swaying slightly as he did so. "Anything else you wish to discuss? If not we may begin whenever you are ready."

Kuro slowed his breathing as he watched Fefnir unsheathe both of his blades that immediately were enshrouded in light. Two blades...interesting. Combined with his speed techniques he should prove to be a challenging opponent. I never have liked fighting speed specialists...they jump around far too much. It was then that Kuro sensed a shift in Fefnir's reaitsu as the captain began focusing the flow to his legs and eyes. The old man's crimson gaze fell upon his opponent's legs where just at the edges a slight blur could be made out. I remember this technique from the last time we battled. Though the name itself escapes me I know that it significantly increases his speed. However, I saw this skill used many years ago. I would be a fool to think he hasn't gotten faster or developed any new techniques to use alongside this one. I must simply watch and learn what I can for the next few minutes. Keep a clear mind and analyze every feature, every detail of your opponent. With a deep breath he continued to stare at Fefnir who had began to talk and then...he moved. With a flash he was darting directly at Kuro with amazing speed, his steps mixed in a flurry of movement in an obvious attempt to confuse his opponent. He was definitely fast, but Kuro was able to easily follow his movements for now, though he was certain this wasn't the captain's top speed.

A sly grin formed on Kuro's lips as Fefnir neared him. The captain suddenly appeared on Kuro's right side and performed a powerful kick aimed directly at his shoulder. With a twist of his body, the former captain bent backwards narrowly avoiding the kick, though it did brush his shoulder leaving a light scrape and burn. In the flurry of movement Kuro's zanpakuto seemed to simply appear within the grasp of his right hand as he dodged the attack. He allowed Fefnir's own momentum to carry his kick past him and with a swift flow of motion Kuro slashed his zanpakuto at the captain's other leg, aiming for his inner thigh. If successful he would cut rather deep into the muscle and drastically slow Fefnir's movements.

Kuro then shunpoed several feet away with his blade hanging lazily in the grasp of his right hand. He allowed himself a slight glance at his lightly burnt shoulder. He sighed and with a light cough to clear his lungs he steadied himself once more. He released more of his own reaitsu, the many flowers at his feet swayed as the pressure around him changed slightly. Then with no warning he burst into motion, his own speed was quite remarkable as he soared toward his opponent in a single flowing motion. He appeared directly in front of Fefnir and attempted to slash at his abdomen. However, such a head-on attack would be rather foolish against someone bearing two swords. He couldn't help but wonder if Fefnir would realize this in time for as his blade came within range he shunpoed, leaving an after image in his place, only to appear several feet above the captain with his left hand outstretched. If this ruse was successful Fefnir would already be in a sequence of movement to prevent the fake attack. A rather childish technique but it had proven useful in the past. His lips moved rapidly as he whispered the words, "Hado 63: Raikoho". In an instant a giant blast of yellow reaitsu shot towards his opponent directly below him.

Kuro watched intently as his kido exploded as it made impact with the ground below. He had missed his target just as he had anticipated. Fefnir had grown stronger and faster since their last encounter and he was slowly learning the extent of the man's growth. It was then that Kuro decided that it was time to stop testing his opponent and truly begin their battle. He had acquired all the information he needed for now. Within moments he was consumed by the thick cloud of debris. Within the shroud of dust and petals he was left blind but not completely defenseless. He would still be able to follow his opponent's movements by tracking the captain's reaitsu. Fefnir's speed was truly remarkable. In a flash of speed he had narrowly avoided the explosion and quickly had appeared directly behind him and was already unleashing his next attack. Kuro remained focused on the captain. He would have to be vigilant of his surroundings and his opponent if he wished to win. Just as Fefnir appeared behind him Kuro burst into motion, turning on his heel in an instant allowing himself to face the captain head on.

Sparks flew into the air as his zanpakuto made contact with Fefnir's first strike. The two blades grinded together as Kuro fought to hold the attack off just as the second attack was cutting through the air toward his shoulder. Kuro gathered reaitsu around his left hand as he caught the second blade in mid-swing. However, this had only managed to dull the force of the attack but not totally stop it as a thin stream of blood poured from his palm and down his wrist. Ignoring the pain, Kuro tightened his grasp on the blade and used both of Fefnir's zanpakuto as a platform to launch himself upward. He arched his back as he soared upward, using the force of his thrust to send a powerful kick toward Fefnir's chin. Kuro thin shifted his weight so that he would still continue flying until he was only a few feet above Fefnir. His reaitsu suddenly spiked as he muttered an incantation. "Bakudo 39: Enkosen." A round shield formed directly above him. He flew toward it and planted his feet firmly on its surface and with a shot of reaitsu to the soles of his feet he launched himself off of it, the shield shattering under the force, and flew downward directly towards Fefnir. He raised his zanpakuto focusing his incredible strength into his swing as he fell, using the momentum of his fall to increase the strength of the strike. His reaitsu flowed into his blade as it began to glow with intense heat that would sear any flesh it touched. With this attack he would attempt to cleave Fefnir in two.