This story actually takes place in Kasumi's mind while she's under the effect of Orochimaru's Shadow Sleep Jutsu. It was originally going to be the sequel to the story, but I decided to make it a spin-off of my first story A new life in a new land.

As a warning, do NOT, I repeat, NOT read this story unless you have read my first story A new life in a new land. Trust me, you'll have absolutely no clue what in the world is going on unless you read that story first!


Naruto: What in the world!!! You made a spinoff!!!

Neokenshin: Yep. It was originally going to be the planned sequel to my first story, but one of my readers gave me a good idea of making a "fanfic within a fanfic". So...I figure, instead of trying to write a lot of chapters within the main story, why not make it a separate one, that ties into the main one.

Naruto:WHAT!

Neokenshin: Ok, Naruto, you've stayed up to date with my first story right? Then you know what happens to Kasumi. Well, what did she dream of when she was out cold for that long?

Naruto: I get it! Nice.

Neokenshin. Yep. Plus I get to make this a crossover too!

Naruto: Very nice!

Neokenshin: Well let's kick this thing off! Just to remind everyone, Naruto and Bleach are not owned by me, but Kasumi and the Illumina Concept is. Also Akemi is used with permission from Dragon Man 180


Chapter 1: We're…dead????

"I can't keep going like this!" Kasumi thought. She was badly wounded and heavily bleeding from Orochimaru's assault. Even her Kitsune healing wasn't working fast enough, and she knew that she was the only one that could save Konoha.

"You've put a thorn in my plans for the last time!" Orochimaru screamed. He was badly wounded as well from the relentless onslaught that the Knights gave him. "I will relish your death greatly."

"I've been in worse situations!" Kasumi said, wiping the blood from her face. "I've fought people worse than you and still managed to survive!"

"Survive…it doesn't look like that will be happening." Orochimaru replied, taking hold of the Sword of Kusanagi. He could barely hold it as the Shadow Gem's power was slowly fading and his soulless arms would be useless again. "You will join your friends in the afterlife, and I will finally destroy Konoha!"

"How dare you speak their names!" Kasumi screamed. Tears mixed with blood were streaming down her eyes as she remembered seeing the horror of losing her eight friends. This caused her rage to begin to brew. "Ino, Tenten, Chouji, Neji…some of my best friends and you took them from me!"

"I know. Wasn't it lovely?" Orochimaru replied.

"If that wasn't bad enough…you took my sisters Haku and Hinata…and even Naruto…the first person I saw when I awoke in Konoha." Kasumi said, burning with even more rage. Her body began to glow white as she was gathering the last of her chakra and Illumina Power. She then looked over at where her fallen friends lay, and upon seeing them, she knew it was all or nothing now. Especially after she saw the body of the one person she cared for the most…Sasuke Uchiha. "But no…you had to do the unthinkable…you exterminated the Uchiha Clan and took Sasuke away from me!"

"It was a hard loss, but I figure I can throw away another one of my worthless minions and bring him back using Edo Tensei. Then I will have the Sharingan." Orochimaru replied. He licked his lips in delight, pushing Kasumi's rage to its limit.

"That's the one thing I will never let you do!" Kasumi said, gathering all her energy into her hands. She charged forward ready to strike Orochimaru when he impaled her with his sword. Even though she felt the blade pierce her skin, she couldn't feel the pain. The loss of her family and friends hurt much worse, and that pain was fueling her anger for her last attack. She took hold of Orochimaru, holding as tight as possible as she prepared to unleash the attack that would end his life. "You've done nothing but cause pain to my family and friends, and now you take pleasure in the fact that you took eight of the most important people in my life away from me. For that Orochimaru…I have one thing left to say to you."

"What would that be, foolish girl!" Orochimaru said, struggling to get free.

"DIE IN HELL!!!!!!" Kasumi screamed. "STARBURST EXPLOSION!" Kasumi took all her energy and released it in one massive blast. At point blank range, not even Orochimaru could survive it. The released energy surged through Orochimaru, destroying his very core. When the blast faded, Kasumi was left standing…barely. She slowly made her way to where Sasuke had taken his last breath. She tried using anything to heal her body, but she knew what was waiting for her. She was too badly beaten to continue and there was only one thing left she could do.

"Everyone…he's gone…he's really gone…we…did…it." Kasumi said, falling to the ground. She had fallen on top of Sasuke, knowing that was where she wanted to say her final goodbye. "Sasuke…I hope…you're waiting for me." She slowly brought her head up to Sasuke, and with the last of her strength…kissed the last Uchiha. When she released the kiss, her eyes closed as she drifted off into her eternal sleep, joining the eight friends who fought with her to save their home…and the world from the menace that was Orochimaru.


Two days later…

It was a dark day for Konoha. Even though the traitor Orochimaru was finally destroyed…Konoha lost much more. Nine teenagers…not even 15 years of age had given their very lives to protect the place they called home, and the people they called family. The entire village gathered to pay their respects one last time for those nine…the Illumina Knights who saved Konoha.

"Today…we have come to say farewell to nine of the most amazing ninja Konoha has ever seen." Arashi said, tearfully. "If it wasn't for them, and the sacrifice they made, Orochimaru would still be out there. For this, they are heroes…forever in the hearts of us all." He could only watch as tears fell from the eyes of every person in Konoha. Even the Sand trio had come to pay their respects for the friends they had made. The loss was so great…that even Gaara shed tears for his fallen friends.


"Hey look, she's waking up?" Naruto said.

"Huh, what happened?" Kasumi said, slowly waking. "Naruto?"

"That wasn't what you said last time." Naruto replied.

"Wait…Where are we?" Kasumi asked.

"We're…down there." Naruto said, pointing to the funeral in progress.

"How can we…" Kasumi said. "And what's up with this chain hanging from my chest?" She then noticed everyone else had the same thing.

"I guess this is how you are when you're dead." Sasuke said.

"That's right…we did die." Kasumi replied. "I'm sorry everyone."

"Don't be. This is the path we chose when we became shinobi…and Illumina Knights." Neji said. "Honestly, I don't think any of us would have chosen a different path either."

"I know, but if it wasn't for me, then none of this would have ever happened to you. None of you would have become Illumina Knights, Orochimaru would have never gotten the Shadow Gem…" Kasumi said. Hinata took hold of her and stopped her.

"Kasumi-chan, if you never came then we wouldn't be who we are today." Hinata said. "You changed all of us for the better and we couldn't be happier."

"That's right. You changed all of our lives and we all became better people because of you." Haku said.

"I guess so. But you know…it's really going to be hard to say goodbye to everyone." Kasumi replied, looking down at the funeral.


"In honor…of selfless service to Konoha, I hereby promote these nine shinobi to the rank of Kyuunin, for they are the legendary nine that saved us all." Arashi said. "With great honor, I present them with the Golden Kunai, the highest award any shinobi may receive. Each of their names will be inscribed upon the Memorial Stone, showing how they gave their lives to protect the village." He proceeded to place the kunai in front of the pictures, and walked back to Akane. He picked up Akemi, who had been so heartbroken over losing her brother and sisters, and just let her cry in his arms. Akane then made her way to the podium to say one last word. She had summoned the Kitsune Royal Guard to be there, as she had to perform a special ceremony for her fallen kits.

"I myself would also like to present awards of honor to our fallen heroes." Akane said. "Chouji, Ino, Tenten, and Neji have all been made honorary Kitsune, and will receive full honors as such." She then sent two of the guard to each of their parents, giving them a scroll and a special crimson Katana, given to the families of Kitsune who give their lives honorably. "And now…this is the hardest thing I will ever have to do. It is tradition that a new heir must be chosen in the event the current heir of the clan is lost. With the passing of the First, Second and Third Princesses, and the Prince of the Kitsune, only one person can now fill their shoes. Akemi-chan, could you please come forward." Akemi tearfully made her way to Akane, knowing what would now happen. She then took out a box, containing a golden necklace with a bright red and orange stone. "This necklace is given to the heir of our clan. I was going to give this to Kasumi when she returned home, but I know that since she, Hinata-chan, Haku-chan, and even Naruto and Sasuke are now gone, they would want you to carry on as heir. Do you think you can do that for me?"

Akemi tried as hard as she could to be strong through her tears. She wiped some tears from her eyes as she said, "I can Oka-san. I'll do it for all of them." The then accepted the necklace and took her place as heir of the clan, promising to never forget her siblings.

"And now with a heavy heart I must say goodbye to the Princesses and Princes of the Kitsune Clan." Akane said, as five crimson scarves were placed in front of the pictures of Kasumi, Haku, Hinata, Sasuke and Naruto. "May they be forever remembered for all time." She went back to the group as Arashi took his place once more.

"Let us go forth, remembering the sacrifice of these nine. Their spirits will always watch over Konoha for all eternity." Arashi said, looking to the sky. "May each of you have a safe journey to paradise. Until we meet again."

All of Konoha passed by the podium, each laying a white flower to show their respects. Each of the clans that had lost their loved one had also given a similar honoring to those lost. Ino's family had planted a special rose garden in her honor. The Akemichi clan dedicated their newest restaurant to Chouji. Tenten's father had a set of special ninja tools forged for each of the fallen ninja, and had given them to their respective families. In honor of his own daughter, he finished a special sword she was to be given for her 16th birthday, and asked it to be placed in the office of the Hokage. The Hyuuga had gone about things a different way. With the losses of Neji and Hinata, the Hyuuga Council had named Hanabi heir of the clan. Because of how great the loss was, she was given one wish that was to be done immediately within the clan's power. Hanabi chose to immediately unify the entire clan, stating that it was Hinata's dream to see the Hyuuga as one family. Everyone soon paid their respects and took their leave, knowing Konoha would be forever changed.


"I can't believe it's really over." Ino cried. "I mean, we're never going to see any of our friends and family again."

"I'm never going to get to eat another bowl of ramen from Ichiraku's." Naruto said.

"Me neither!" Chouji replied.

"Sasuke…I'm…I mean…" Kasumi said, remembering Sasuke's dream.

"I know. I guess the Uchiha will forever fade into nothingness now." Sasuke said. He then felt Kasumi wrap her arms around him.

"Sasuke if it was in my power I would send you back. All so you could rebuild your clan." Kasumi said.

"So, what do we do now?" Hinata asked. "We really don't have a need to be here anymore."

"That's good, because now we can devour you!" said a strange voice. The group turned to see a weird monstrosity staring right at them. It looked like it had a mask made of bones covering its face. Four more suddenly appeared as well, surrounding the group.

"Just what are you!" Neji asked.

"We are what you will soon become!" said the creature.

"Not if we have anything to say about it!" Kasumi said. "Come on guys, let's transform and take these guys out!" She then flicked her wrist like normal, but noticed that her transformers didn't appear. "What in the…"

"Kasumi, we don't have ours either!" Haku said.

"Then we'll take him on with our ninja skills." Sasuke said. "Naruto, Neji, come on!"

"Right behind you Sasuke!" Neji said.

"Time to have some fun!" Naruto said.

Sasuke and Neji both tried activating their bloodline, only to find out they couldn't. Naruto even tried his Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and failed just the same.

"Why can't we do jutsu!" Naruto asked.

"We have no chakra!" Hinata said. "Once we died, we lost all of our chakra!"

"Oh great. No Illumina Power, no chakra, what are we supposed to do now!" Naruto said.

"You get devour…" the creature said, before it was sliced in half.

"They live, you die," said the mysterious person. He was dressed in a black kimono with black hakama, and had a white sleeveless haori dressed over his robes. He even had a mysterious looking sword that definitely didn't look like a katana. His most noticing feature was his white spiky hair…and the fact that he didn't look any older than everyone else.

"Whoa, is that a shinigami?" Naruto said, as the mysterious person vanished, only to appear by the rest of the monsters attacking. He easily took them all out with one swipe, reducing them to dust. "I thought they looked scarier than that!"

"That was too easy," said the shinigami. "Now isn't this interesting. I come to look for that arrancar, and what do I find?"

"Hey just who are you?" Kasumi asked.

"Let's just say I'm your ride home," the shinigami replied. He then looked down to see the area where the funeral had occurred. "I take it everyone just said their final goodbyes to you guys. And by the way it looks, you must have been heroes."

"You could say that." Sasuke said. "Now who exactly are you?" That was before he saw another shinigami coming towards them. This one was apparently female, and was very well endowed.

"Captain! You just had to go off without me didn't you?" asked the female shinigami. "Oh, who are your friends?"

"Matsumoto, they aren't my friends," replied the first shinigami.

"Then they must be new recruits. Talk about having high reiatsu! I could feel it back at that waterfall!" Matsumoto said.

"Hey, um we're still kinda confused here you know." Naruto said. "I know we've been dead for like two days, but we still want to know what's going on!"

"Forgive me. Let me introduce myself," replied the first shinigami. "My name is Toshiro Hitsugaya, Captain of the 10th division. This is my Vice-captain Rangiku Matsumoto."

"So…you guys are shinigami, right?" Haku asked.

"We sure are." Rangiku replied. "Not what you expected to see when you die huh?"

"Not really." Kasumi said. "So, you guys must be here for a reason, right?"

"Not only that, but what were those things you killed off?" Neji asked.

"They already had a run in with hollows!" Rangiku said. "These guys must be really special to be attacked so soon, and by so many hollows at once."

"Hollows?" Haku asked. "What are those?"

"Where to begin." Hitsugaya said. "You see…"

"See, since you guys are now dead, you're considered to be pluses. You're spirits that have died and have a tie to something in this world. The chains you see coming out of you are your Chains of Fate." Rangiku said. "Have you noticed that your chains are all severed?"

"Yeah, that's what we wondered." Tenten said.

"Normally your chains are not severed, showing you are bound to a person or place, but somehow your chains were severed already. That would give you free movement around this world." Rangiku said. "Only problem is that when your chains are cut, they slowly start to corrode."

"Once your chain completely corrodes, it forms a hole and you begin to go mad." Hitsugaya said. "After that you become a hollow."

"So those hollows, those are the souls of people whose chains have corroded?" Ino asked.

"Yes. However we shinigami have a procedure to stop that from happening." Rangiku said. "When we find pluses such as yourselves, we perform a ritual known as Konso. Once Konso is performed the soul then travels to the Soul Society, where it may rest in peace."

"What about that sword you used? It's not like any normal katana?" Tenten asked.

"This is a zanpakuto. It's a manifestation of our own spiritual power, or reiatsu All shinigami possess one. It's what we use to purify hollows and perform Konso." Hitsugaya said. "Did we answer all your questions now?"

"I guess so. Well, guess it's time for us to go huh?" Naruto said.

"You betcha." Rangiku said. That was before she noticed Hitsugaya looking at his soul phone.

"Hey is that a cell phone?" Kasumi asked.

"No it's my soul phone. It shows the location of hollows and strong reiatsu." Hitsugaya said. "Right now it says that each of you possess an extremely strong reiatsu."

"You don't think it could be the last of our Illumina power do you?" Hinata asked.

"Illumina…what do you know about the Illumina Zanpakuto?" Rangiku asked.

"Um what are you talking about? We've never heard of anything like that." Kasumi said.

"I see." Hitsugaya said. "It seems that it would be better to take you to see General Yamamoto instead. Very well. Matsumoto, let's perform the Konso."

"Of course Captain." Rangiku said.

The two shinigami took out their zanpakuto, touching the ends of the pommel to each of the nine fallen shinobi. Each of them began to fade away until they were all gone from the world that they knew.


Within seconds the nine shinobi arrived in what looked to be an office. The first thing they noticed was that they no longer wore their normal clothes, but wore solid white robes. Also, Kasumi, Haku, Hinata, Sasuke, and Naruto were no longer Kitsune, but regular humans now.

"I guess our demon halves were fully purified when we arrived." Haku asked.

"For those two maybe." Kasumi said, pointing to Naruto and Sasuke. "We still get our ears!"

"Hey does anyone know where Hitsugaya and Rangiku are?" Tenten asked.

"We're right here." Hitsugaya said. "Welcome to the offices of the 10th Division."

"You guys get the special treatment. Normally most people end up in one of the districts of the Rukongai." Rangiku said.

"What's that?" Hinata asked.

"The Rukongai is like a village in the Soul Society. It's where normal souls live. It's divided into 80 regions. Where you are is the Seireitei, the center of the Soul Society." Rangiku said. "This is where the shinigami train and live."

"Come on, I need to get you to General Yamamoto as soon as possible." Hitsugaya said. "Rangiku, file the report as soon as possible."

"Captain, you know I hate doing that!" Rangiku said.

"I know." Hitsugaya said.

They all left the office and headed towards a building similar to the one they left.

"So all the shinigami live here?" Haku asked.

"Yes. We keep watch over the living world and help maintain balance with it and the Soul Society. We train, do day to day tasks, and ensure that the Soul Society stays running properly." Hitsugaya said.

"You said you are the captain of the 10th division?" Neji asked. "How many are there total?"

"There are 13 divisions. Each division has its own specialty. When a shinigami graduates from the academy, they are placed into each division based on their skills and abilities." Hitsugaya replied.

"Hmm, guess that's where we're going." Chouji said.

"Not yet. After we talk to General Yamamoto, we'll see where you're headed." Hitsugaya said.


He led them to the 1st division building where they soon headed to a large meeting hall. Inside were nine more shinigami, all wearing similar, yet unique haori. At the center was an older man with a long beard, holding a cane.

"You've returned Hitsugaya." Gen. Yamamoto said. "What news do you bring?"

"I think I might have found some information on the legendary Illumina Zanpakuto." Hitsugaya said.

"Impossible! Those were said to have been lost over 200 years ago," Mayuri said.

"Maybe not. It was said that those zanpakuto were sealed away in the living world," replied Byakuya. "Hitsugaya, why not tell us what you found."

"While I was searching for clues of that an unusual arrancar, I found these nine pluses, recently perished. When I scanned them, I noticed they had a very high level of reiatsu." Hitsugaya said. "One said it was possibly the last of their Illumina Power or something."

"Yes, I see. I can tell from their reiatsu that they do carry the legendary Illumina Zanpakuto." Gen. Yamamoto said. "It seems we have come into great fortune at a critical time."

"Uh, ok now I know I've only been dead for like two days, but can someone tell us what the heck is going on here?" Naruto asked.

"Silence you! How dare you speak that way to Gen. Yamamoto!" Mayuri replied.

"Mayuri, calm down. They're just children after all. Besides, I've seen them in action when they were alive. They were quite skilled for their age." Retsu replied.

"I guess an explanation and introduction is in order." Gen. Yamamoto said. "As you can see, we are the captains of the Gotei 13, the 13 protection squads of the Soul Society. I am Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryusai, Captain-Commander of the 13 squads. These are my captains; Soifon, captain of the 2nd Division; Retsu Unohana, captain of the 4th Division; Byakuya Kuchiki, 6th Division captain; Sajin Komamura, captain of Division 7; Shunsui Kyoraku, captain of the 8th Division; Kenpachi Zaraki, Division 11 captain; Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of 12th Division; and Jushiro Ukitake, captain of Division 13. You already know Hitsugaya, 10th Division Captain. Now how about you introduce yourselves?" Each captain nodded as they were acknowledged.

"Um ok." Kasumi said. "I'm Kasumi Uzumaki, this is my brother Naruto Uzumaki and my sister Haku Uzumaki. The ones with the white looking eyes are Hinata and Neji Hyuuga. The one with the black spiked hair is my boyfriend Sasuke Uchiha. The big one here is Chouji Akemichi, the blonde one is Ino Yamanaka, and the one with the buns is Tenten Ishida (A/N: I really wish they'd say what Tenten's last name was!)"

"Well then, it's a pleasure to meet all of you. Now to get down to business. You're probably wondering what the deal is with the Illumina Zanpakuto?" Gen. Yamamoto said.

"I guess so. We originally thought that our Illumina powers were created back in our world. We learned that they were originally concentrated chakra that gave the wielders control over certain elements." Kasumi said.

"Not entirely. You see, the things you call the Illumina Gems were originally ten zanpakuto created by the 12th division. These zanpakuto were designed to be the most powerful elemental zanpakuto known. Their purpose was to be used to destroy some of the most powerful hollows known. However, before we could use the zanpakuto, they were sealed into crystals and had been taken from the Soul Society to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands."

"You see, normally when a zanpakuto is given to a shinigami, it's a normal forged blade. The shinigami's own reiatsu is channeled into the blade, and the two begin to bond. The elemental type of the blade is determined by the alignment of one's reiatsu, so no one knows what type of element they possess." Retsu added.

"These zanpakuto however, were designed to merge with our best shinigami and their own zanpakuto, creating the most powerful zanpakuto for each element. However due to Aizen's treachery, we had to hide the zanpakuto for safety." Gen. Yamamoto said.

"Aizen? Who's that?" Hinata asked.

"Sousuke Aizen…former captain of the 5th Division. He along with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tousen, former 3rd and 9th Division captains caused massive chaos as Aizen was took the Hougyoku. From what we know he has plans of creating a massive army to attack the Soul Society." Byakuya said. "We have held off his attacks for over 200 years, but it seems now, we may have an advantage."

"So…we're going to become shinigami?" Naruto asked.

"To be blunt, yes." Gen. Yamamoto said. "It seems that the Illumina Zanpakuto have been sealed inside all of you so we'll work on unsealing them after you become shinigami."

"One question, where is the tenth person?" Komamura asked.

"You must mean the holder of the Shadow Gem or Zanpakuto or something." Ino said.

"It was probably destroyed when I finished off Orochimaru." Kasumi said.

"I see. No bother then." Gen. Yamamoto said.

"Sasuke…is it just me or did being dead just get a whole lot better!" Naruto said.

"It got way better!" Sasuke replied.

"I can see you're excited." Hitsugaya said.

"Oh you've never seen these two in action." Kasumi said.

"Hmm they seem quite strong. I'll enjoy fighting them." Kenpachi said.

"Kenpachi! Don't get hasty now. They haven't even been to the academy!" Retsu replied.

"Hey is it just me, or does Captain Retsu seem just like Oka-san?" Haku asked.

"Actually, she's the maternal figure of all the captains and vice-captains. If you ever get hurt, she'll be the one to take care of you." Gen. Yamamoto said. "If there's nothing left, let's get these nine enrolled in the academy. We'll have you checked out to see if we can unseal the zanpakuto from you."

"This really feels like déjà vu." Kasumi said.

"What do you mean?" Hinata asked.

"Well, I'm starting a new life in a new land all over again." Kasumi replied. "Just like when I woke up in Konoha."

"Except this time, you aren't alone." Hinata said.


The nine former shinobi were taken to the academy, where they would learn everything they need to become shinigami. It was quite similar to ninja academy since swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat were similar to taijutsu and kido training was like ninjutsu. The group stayed together bonding even closer than they did before they all died. Even Ino and Chouji fell in love with each other. Tenten, on the other hand, didn't worry too much about that. But she didn't know she'd find someone after she graduated. The 6 years seemed to fly by as the team learned everything they could. Naruto and Sasuke didn't show that they were superior in any particular field, but they had a good grasp over all subjects of shinigami training. Tenten seemed to take to swordsmanship like a fish to water, due to her former ninja training. Chouji was also good with his sword skills, but not as much as Tenten was. Ino had excelled in kido and was in line to be the top graduate in the kido field. Hinata and Haku easily showed that hey had a knack for healing, and had a high grasp on kido as well. Neji excelled in hand to hand combat, while Kasumi showed skill in all degrees, especially tactics. Time had even done each of them well physically. The girls had blossomed into beautiful young women, while the boys had grown much taller and become more muscular as well. Chouji had the biggest change as he was now much more muscular than before. Graduation soon came and the nine had all graduated and become full shinigami. They were called to Gen. Yamamoto's office after the ceremonies had concluded.

"Hey Naruto, doesn't this remind you of the academy back at home?" Kasumi asked.

"It does, but this time I didn't fail." Naruto said.

"If you had failed, then I would have kicked your butt!" Sasuke said.

"Yeah of course you would have." Naruto replied.

"So, what do you think Gen. Yamamoto wants with us?" Haku asked.

"We're probably going to get our zanpakuto unsealed. Then we can finally use them." Hinata said.

"Oh man, I'm so ready to go cleave some hollows!" Naruto said.

"You're not the only one!" Tenten replied.

The nine friends entered Gen. Yamamoto's office where the 10 captains were waiting for them. There were also 3 vice captains as well, most likely representing the 3rd, 5th, and 9th Divisions.

"Ahh welcome, welcome." Gen, Yamamoto said. "Congratulations on graduating the academy."

"Thank you Gen. Yamamoto for the opportunity." Kasumi said.

"You've all grown into fine shinigami." Gen. Yamamoto said. "Now we can proceed."

"What do we need to do now, sir?" Naruto asked.

"Well, since we removed the sealed zanpakuto from each of you, we've had enough time to restore them to blade form." Gen. Yamamoto said, removing a cloth covering a table. On the table were nine zanpakuto, each with a colored hilt. The team all knew which color matched the one they used to have before so it was easy to pick out the right ones. "Now that you have your zanpakuto, you will be placed in one of the 13 Divisions for your initial training. With training, we hope that you will be able to unlock your Shikai and eventually your Bankai." Gen. Yamamoto said.

"But I thought only captain level shinigami could use Bankai?" Ino asked.

"That is normally the case, but you see, we have watched the nine of you in your shinigami studies. Each of you holds great potential by even being able to wield these legendary blades. Therefore we believe that you will all one day be able to use Bankai." Retsu replied.

"For now you will train with one of the 13 divisions. When all of you have unlocked the Shikai of your zanpakuto, you will be placed in a special 14th Division. At that time you will still be under the leadership of one of the 13 captains until one of you achieves Bankai." Gen. Yamamoto replied.

"Sir, when that happens, we already know who we want to be our captain." Chouji said.

"Yeah, if it wasn't for this person, we wouldn't be where we are today." Haku said.

"So who did you have in mind?" Gen. Yamamoto asked.

"We want Kasumi, our former leader, to take over. She was the one that brought us together, and the one that made us stronger as a team. It's only fitting that she be the one up for captain." Ino said.

"I see. Well Kasumi, do you accept that position?" Gen. Yamamoto said.

"I only tried to do the best I could for everyone, and it seems this is what they want." Kasumi said. "But I'll only do it on one condition."

"What would that be?" Byakuya asked.

"That Naruto is my vice-captain." Kasumi said.

"Kasumi, you want me? But why?" Naruto asked.

"Because…you have always been there for me Naruto. You're the most loyal person I know, and there's no one else I would want to be my vice captain." Kasumi said.

"Then I'll do it." Naruto replied.

"Very well. When the future 14th division is formed, it will be led by Captain Kasumi Uzumaki, and Vice-captain Naruto Uzumaki." Gen. Yamamoto said. "Now as for your teams. Retsu, I believe you have decided on two of these new shinigami?"

"Yes Gen. Yamamoto." Retsu said. "Hinata Hyuuga and Haku Uzumaki will join 4th Division. They show excellent skill in healing, and will only grow stronger in my division."

"The 11th division has also made a choice. We shall take Chouji Akemichi and Tenten Ishida." Kenpachi said. "I can always use good shinigami who love to fight with the blade."

"Very well. Now I believe that 5th Division has made a choice?" Gen. Yamamoto said.

"I have chosen to take in Kasumi Uzumaki," said Momo Hinamori, Vice-captain of 5th division.

"7th division has also chosen. We would like to welcome Ino Yamanaka to our division." Komamura said.

"As for Naruto and Sasuke, I would like them in my division." Hitsugaya said. "I like their style, and they work well as a team."

"Very well then, last up shall be Neji Hyuuga. I think we shall place him in…" Gen. Yamamoto said.

"He'll be in my division." Soifon said.

"Wait a minute, did she just say something?" Kyoraku said.

"He excels in hand to hand combat. My division will only improve is combat greatly." Soifon replied.

"Very well. You now have your zanpakuto and your new division assignments." Gen. Yamamoto said. "I look forward to seeing great things from you. Dismissed."

With those words, the nine friends parted ways, ready to start in their new divisions. They knew their separation wouldn't be long, as they would eventually be reunited. However another person had other plans of his own to pursue.


"So it seems that we've found a Vasto Lorde." Aizen said. "Tousen, please go retrieve him for me. He is still quite weak from his long hibernation and still needs many years before he will be at full strength."

"Very well Aizen-sama." Tousen replied.

"Hmm, hiding under the name of Orochimaru. That's one thing I never would have expected of a Vasto Lorde." Aizen said to himself.


And there you have it! The first chapter in my Naruto/Bleach crossover! I feel like I'm going to have fun with this as much as I am with my other story. I'm already asking for some reader help as well. I need to come up with names for each of the team's zanpakuto. I thought about using the names of the four Saint Beasts( Suzaku, Seiryuu, Byakko, and Genbu) for Sasuke, Hinata, Naruto, and Chouji's, but now I don't know if I want to do that. Please send me ideas on this!!! But all in all I hope you like my second work on the site, and hope this also draws in many new readers to my first story as well.