school heaven

reaching for the top

Was it for the sake of their old promise? To Momo's (and probably everyone's) surprise, little "Shiro-chan" Hitsugaya actually took the entrance exam at Shin'ou Reijutsuin and passed with top grade. Upon his first day at school, little Hitsugaya encounters Kira who tagged along with Hinamori. Before their self-introduction was over, a few senior students came to tease newbie Hitsugaya because of his small size. Amongst growing tension between the boys, Hinamori tried to calm both sides down but was hit by an upperclassman in return. Hitsugaya, of course, would not tolerate such violence towards Hinamori: he easily blew all the senior students away with one fist, to Kira's astonishment and to Hinamori's dismay. Such was our first proper glimpse of Hitsugaya's personality and protectiveness over Hinamori.

It was only a matter of time before Hitsugaya became the famous "bratty but gifted" first-year in his school. Not only was he a top student everywhere he went, whispers were often exchanged between Hitsugaya's classmates about a pre-graduation invitation for him from Gotei 13-Tai. However, Hitsugaya himself seemed unmoved by all the rumors and simply focused on becoming stronger.

Time passed by quickly. The day has come for Hitsugaya to face the biggest challenge in his course: to learn the name of his Soul Cutter through inner communication.

I need to borrow you power... because there's someone I want to protect!

As if impressed by the youngster's courage and determination, Hyourinmaru - the strongest sword in the ice/water elemental family - finally revealed its true colors in front of his little master. Hinamori, who was watching Hitsugaya's training session anxiously from afar, rushed to congratulate the latter.

That was amazing, Shiro-... I mean, Hitsugaya-kun!

A young Hitsugaya's wish is now granted. However, new worries of a grown-up Hitsugaya are just one step ahead. Fight well, fight hard!

Source

• Drama CD: Reminiscence of Hitsugaya, Volume 1