Momo Hinamori opened her eyes. A few months ago, the Winter War ended (Not that time is important in Sereitei, 'cause they live for, like, centuries). The Winter War resulted in Aizen's death, Momo's role model, once-her-beloved, and the one she respected the most. Momo sighed, then brightened up. She decided so because it was the start of a new day. Unfortunately, a new day that would bring the start of the series of horrible events that would unfold before her. But she had no idea what was going to happen, and she hummed along as she walked to the 5th Division Headquarters.

As she was working with some paperwork, a Hell Butterfly flew in and gave her the message that Hitsugaya-taicho and she was to report to Yamamoto-sou-taicho. What now? I thought they held the meeting between taichos this morning... Momo thought. In the way, she met Hitsugaya-taicho.

"Hitsugaya-kun!" Momo shouted.

"Hinamori." the short taicho greeted, and muttered, "It's taicho, by the way."

Hinamori pretended she didn't hear anything.

"Do you have any idea what's going on?" She wondered, and asked Hitsugaya.

"Well, looking for only two of us probably means it's not much of a problem," Hitsugaya replied.

They arrived at the 1st Division office.

"A Hollow appeared," the sou-taicho said.

Hitsugaya and Hinamori thought, Well, one Hollow is not much of a problem, is it?

"However, this isn't a simple manner. It can use scent-hypnosis."

"Scent-hypnosis?"

"It uses particular scents to confuse the enemy, altering their sight until they think that their allies are their enemies. Hitsugaya-taicho, I know you are rational, and Hinamori-fuku-taicho, you are reasonable. That's why I picked you two for this mission. The Hollow in in the 68th District. You must leave immediately."

"So, what was that all about?" Matsumoto-fuku-taicho, who was a fuku-taicho of Hitsugaya's Division, asked him.

"There's a Hollow that needs to be exterminated," Hitsugaya replied simply.

"Then why did they call you? I mean, if it's not much of a problem, wouldn't they call minors or only fuku-taichos?

"I don't know, Matsumoto. But I'm sure the sou-taicho has his reasons."

"Anyways, I'm in charge when you're gone, right?"

"Uh-huh." Hitsugaya replied, wondering what she was getting to.

"Yay!" Matsumoto squealed, "I'm gonna drink sake everyday!"

That was what she was getting to. So, she's trying to intoxicate herself until she barely recognizes anyone. Hitsugaya thought, being amazed by how simple-minded Matsumoto is.

Then, Hitsugaya put on a smug smile. "Matsumoto, If I'm gone, I won't be able to do paperwork, right? So as long as you're in charge, you're going to do ALL of the paperwork."

The fuku-taicho's smile vanished and she looked miserable all of a sudden.

The short taicho smirked, than walked out of the 10th Division headquarters.

"Shiro-chan!" Hinamori called.

"So, you're ready?" Hitsugaya said, feeling the anticipation rolling off Hinamori's face.

"Uh-huh. Tobiume's quite excited too, but she says I have to be careful."

"I agree. I can feel that the Hollow isn't an ordinary one."

"Oh, Shiro-chan, stop being so serious. It's a trip where you can get away from mountains of paperwork!"

Hitsugaya smiled. Matsumoto will be doing all of the paperwork for him.

Hinamori started to run ahead. "Shiro-chan! Hayakku(Hayakku: Hurry up!)! We won't be able to reach the 68th District if you're so slow!"

Hitsugaya rolled his eyes. "Sure, and it's Hitsugaya-taicho, by the way."

Hinamori's predictions were right. The sun was setting, and they still had to cover some distance before they reached the 68th District. Hinamori put on a 'I-told-you-so' expression and looked at Hitsugaya accusingly. Hitsugaya shrugged, and said, "Well, it might be dangerous traveling at night, so let's find a place to sleep."

However, they discovered that there were no houses nearby, so they decided to go into the woods and sleep in the open.

As they lay side to side on a cleared area, Hitsugaya started to think; to think about himself and Hinamori. He could hear her breathing evenly, meaning that she was asleep. He suddenly felt very awkward but delighted at the same time that he was so close to Hinamori. She has been strangely peaceful since Aizen Sousuke died. Is she really peaceful, or is she pretending to be? Hitsugaya wanted to comfort her. Making sure that Hinamori was asleep, he lightly lay his lips upon Hinamori's. She didn't wake. Hitsugaya realized what he was doing, and he quickly turned around, feeling self-conscious. He closed his eyes, and sank into a troubled sleep.

Hinamori peeked through her eyelashes. She wasn't asleep. She was just pretending to be. Her thoughts were being clouded over by clashing feelings. Hitsugaya-kun just kissed me! She was sure that she just loved and loved Hitsugaya-kun, but on the other hand, she couldn't forget Aizen Sousuke. She was hating herself because of this. After all, it had always been Hitsugaya that comforted her and loved her. Aizen was a traitor, a disgrace to Seireitei. Ugh... Momo, you baka, isn't the answer so sure? She couldn't think, nor could she sleep. She walked out of the clearing to get some fresh air and coldness to snap herself to her senses. Are you okay, Momo? Tobiume asked her. She touched her Zanpakuto lightly to reassure her. I'm fine. She could see Tobiume in the physical, human form: a girl with bells dangling from her ribbons. Tobiume frowned. Don't lie to me, Momo. I know you are troubled. I know we'll be able to think this out, so don't worry.

The small fuku-taicho turned and decided to go back to the clearing. MOMO! Tobiume suddenly shrieked! It's the Hollow we're supposed to find! I can feel its reiatsu. Run!

But they realized that it was too late when they heard a rustle and heard a roar. Oh, no. Tobiume and Momo thought at the same time.