Bleach: Gazing Mirage

As Mei and Kira walked back to the dorm room in silence, Kira's curiosity and need for answers finally got the better of her. She turned to Mei and asked a question that had been bothering her for a while. "Mei, when did Captain Yoruichi and Captain Urahara figure out about my family situation and the Kido placed on my back?"

Mei didn't hesitate to respond, deciding to be truthful. "They've known about it for several weeks now, Kira. Captain Yoruichi and Captain Urahara are perceptive, and they tend to stay well-informed about various matters within the Seireitei."

Kira considered Mei's answer, her mind racing with possibilities. "So, they've known for weeks... It makes me wonder, Mei. You would have been the first to notice and inform them correct? However, I never noticed you observing me so it would either be a coincidence or you notice because I got close to your real target. Were you sent to follow someone else and coincidentally found out about my issue, or were you specifically assigned to monitor me?"

Mei hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "I was initially sent to the academy to receive a certification to become a full-fledged soul reaper. Due to my upbringing, I did an investigation of my surroundings, and I discovered your situation independently. It was just a coincidence and not a result of my duties."

Kira nodded in understanding but wasn't satisfied with the answer. "No need to lie to me Mei, why are they monitoring Yuichi? What do they suspect, or what information are they trying to gather from him?"

Mei's expression remained guarded as she replied, "I'm not privy to all the details, Kira. Captain Yoruichi and Captain Urahara have their reasons, and they only share information on a need-to-know basis. It's possible that they see potential in Yuichi or that they're concerned about his involvement in a previous event. If you want the truth Yuichi would be a better person to ask."

Kira couldn't help but feel frustrated by the lack of information. Kira sighed, her frustration evident as she entered her dorm room along with Mei. The uncertainty surrounding Yuichi's situation and the secrecy of Captain Yoruichi and Captain Urahara weighed heavily on her mind. It seemed Yuichi was more interesting than she originally gave him credit for.

“So go ahead and ask. You followed me in to ask me a question correct?” said Kira to which Mei said, “You’ve been hiding your true strength correct? So I would like a proper match between the two of us.”

Kira looked at Mei with a hint of surprise but then a thoughtful expression crossed her face. "A sparring match, you say? Are you sure you want to go through with it, Mei?"

Mei nodded, her determination evident. "Yes, Kira. I want to see your true abilities, and I believe this will help clear the air between us. Besides, it could be beneficial for both of us to gauge each other's strengths and weaknesses. Unlike Yuichi, the two of us will be prime targets when your family figures out that they’ve been tricked."

Kira couldn't deny the logic in Mei's words. She had been hiding her true strength for a reason, but perhaps it was time to reveal it to someone she might consider an ally. "Very well, Mei. Let's have that match. But don't expect me to hold back so you do the same."

Mei smiled in response. "I doubt I’ll have the luxury of being not able to do the same, Kira."

Wasting no time the two went to the forest of hollows they use in their partical lesson. This way nobody would see them and try to interfere with this match. When they found a large enough clearing Kira activated both the sound and reiatsu blocking barriers that she received from Yuichi.

“Oh, so Yuichi shared those unique kido spells with you.” said Mei as she looked around gauging the amount of distance the barrier provided for her to move around.

“So, you knew about these spells. I was right that’s why I assumed there was no reason to keep it hidden from you.” said Kira observing

Mei acknowledged Yuichi's involvement with these spells, and Kira didn't see any reason to hide the information from her. With the barriers in place, they prepared for their sparring match.

Mei revealed her zanpakuto, "Freeze, Shiro no Shikaku," and her sword underwent a transformation, turning into a dagger-like weapon with a blue blade. Meanwhile, Kira's zanpakuto underwent its own transformation as she invoked, "Twist, Hōtei no Kōi," causing her sword to darken and its blade edge to turn golden.

Kira was well aware of Mei's zanpakuto abilities, particularly her Fuyu no kōtō (Winter Cut). Mei's power allowed her to imbue her sword with freezing energy that could make her opponents' bodies more rigid with each cut. It not only hampered their movement but also caused their energy to leak out, making them vulnerable.

Keeping Mei's abilities in mind, Kira focused on her own strengths and tactics. She knew that dodging Mei's attacks would be crucial in this battle. As Mei lunged forward with her blade, Kira deftly sidestepped the strike, narrowly avoiding the freezing energy that radiated from Mei's weapon.

With agility and speed, Kira aimed a swift counterattack, aiming to exploit any opening she could find in Mei's defense. However, unluckily for Kira, Mei’s skills in the art of Hohō were exceptional far surpassing hers. Mei vanished and Kira narrowly managed to dodge a slash from behind her.

Kira's zanpakuto abilities were indeed unique and powerful, but they were not particularly effective against someone with Mei's level of training and resistance. Mei's discipline and strength of mind made her resilient to techniques like Shinrai (trust), which relied on instilling absolute trust and control over opponents' minds.

Recognizing the limitations of her abilities in this particular matchup, Kira decided to rely on her own combat skills and instincts. She continued to evade Mei's attacks with grace and precision, her movements fluid and calculated. Kira focused on finding openings in Mei's defense and delivering precise strikes whenever the opportunity arose.