Chapter 3

Disclaimer: All rights belong to their rightful owners

Author Note: This chapter is going to skip forward a lot. Also there be a one-sided Toushiro and Kusaka.

When Toushiro regain conscious he could hear voices but couldn't tell what they were saying. He finally opens his turquoise eyes he saw that he was in the healing center at the academy. He felt some one grab his hand and turn to see his father's usual smiling face. "Father wha…what happen?"

"Well my little dragon something great happen and before you ask your friends are alright. They were worry about you."

"…How long was I asleep for?"

"Not long only a day and your wound looks better." Gin said before explaining what happen after he pass out. Before he could respond the chief of the academy enter the room. The chief smile at seeing his student awake and made his announcement to them. "Toushiro Ichimaru. For achieving Shikai and having high makers, form this day forward you be part of the six years." He stated proud then soon left the father and son alone.

"I'm proud of you, son." Gin said after a while before getting up to leave as well. Once Toushiro was alone all he could think about everything that has happen so far. First he learned his zanpakuto's name and now he's being move to the six years' class. It wasn't till the next day he was able to leave the nurse office. Toushiro walk to his first class of the day. He was a little nerves to move in to the six-year class. When he enters the classroom the older students stop talking upon seeing him.

He took a deep breath and move to find an empty seat and look out the window pretending not to hear them talking about him. He can hear them say words of disgusted and jealousy about how he a commander and first year got his Shikai before them aristocratic children that train for six years. Before more sadness could fill him Shuhei Hisagi approach him. "Hey Ichimaru." He said and Toushiro look up at him.

Shuhei had a slight blush across his face. "Thank you for saving my life. If it wasn't for you I be died since there is no telling if the captain and lieutenant would've showed up in time. So thank-you." Toushiro had a small smile if you look closely and softly said. "Your welcome and I gladly do it again." Shuhei blush more then went back to his friends.

A month later

Toushiro staring out the window. He felt lonely all his friends were first years and he and Hisagi don't talk much. Toushiro sigh. "Your Toushiro Ichimaru, right?" a male voice said. "Huh?" Toushiro said being taking out of his thoughts. "Toushiro Ichimaru the boy genius whom everyone has been talking about the past month." A boy with long black hair in a bun with amethyst eyes who sat on Toushiro desk smiling. He reaches out his hand.

"I'm Sojiro Kusaka." Toushiro grasp the other's hand. During sword fighting class both Kusaka and Toushiro clash zanpakutos while smiling. Toushiro was having fun while sparring with Kusaka. During break they were sitting under a cherry blossom tree talking about everything. "You see that's why Toushiro, one day I be a real Shinigami and devote my life to the Soul Society."

"What a noble goal."

"You think so."

"I know one day everyone in Soul society would know you." Toushiro said blushing but Kusaka didn't see since he was day dreaming about his life as a successful Shinigami. He didn't know why Kusaka makes him say embarrassing things and why he feels like everything is right when Kusaka is around. Kusaka was the only person he could tell his secrets and doubts he feels. Another month past his friends wanted meet his mysterious friend but something told him not to. He wasn't sure why but he followed his instinct and kept his friendship with Kusaka a secret from his friends. He didn't even tell them Kusaka name. One day Toushiro was looking for Kusaka only to find him looking at the student rankings that was posted that day.

"Wow, you really are a genius." The purple eye boy smile pointing at Toushiro score showing he was number one in every category. Toushiro hid his blush. "Sh-shut up" Toushiro said. Laughing at the smaller "Okay, let's go to class this time I beat you for sure." Kusaka said determine. A week later Kusaka found himself in a frozen waste land with an ice dragon with red eyes. Kusaka was able to wield Hyorinmaru which he learned that Toushiro also can wield Hyorinmaru as well. Both of them were happy and were getting closer, but they didn't realize that they both cannot have Hyorinmaru's power.

"It's been a while since we all hang out with each other." Momo said. Renji, Rukia, Izuru, and Toushiro agree to that. Now that med-terms exams were over they all have time to spend time together. As they chatted one of the teachers walk up to the group. "Ichimaru you're to report to the Chief office right now." He said. They all look confuse wondering why Toushiro was being summon. Toushiro told them not to worry, he be right back soon saying it must likely a sixth year job he had to do. When he reached the Chief office he saw Kusaka there as well, and he look confuse why he was there.

Kusaka knock on the door waiting for the 'come in' form the chief. As they enter the chief mention them to sit. "Boys' you would going to central 46 today." He said. "If I maybe bold sir, but why are going there for." Toushiro ask.

"They did not say why." The Chief reply. An hour later Kusaka and Toushiro stood in front of the 46 of the most powerful men and women in all of Soul Society. "Toushiro Ichimaru and Sojiro Kusaka you were called here for one reason only. Do you know that reason?" one of the men said. They shook their heads reply "No, Sir."

"You're here because of your zanpakuto. We have learned you both possess Hyorinmaru spirt." Another commented. "For only one can have it. Now how to decide which one of you to keep it." A woman voice called. As they argue over the subject. Toushiro and Kusaka were both in turmoil. The thought of losing Hyorinmaru was crushing but Toushiro would give the dragon up for Kusaka. Kusaka was the one that always wanted to be a Shinigami not Toushiro. It wasn't what he wanted. Kusaka on the other hand was terrified and angry at the thought of losing the ice dragon. 'No, I will have Hyorinmaru. No matter the cost.' Kusaka thought.

"Fight, yes you must fight." Members of central 46 said breaking the boys out of their thoughts. The chant of fight from most of the members filled the room. "No, I cannot fight my friend. Please, I give up Hyorinmaru. Please I don't want to fight him." Toushiro pleaded with them. "No! You two will fight to the death, winner will have Hyorinmaru." With that the boys were escorted out to a cave with a lake.

Toushiro turn to Kusaka to tell him his plan to forfeit, but before he could he had to jump to dodge. He wasn't fast enough to dodge the attract getting cut in the left eye and above his left brow by the sword tip. He clutches his eye looking betrayed. Toushiro didn't want to do this he…he admitted he is in love with Kusaka. His heart fell at Kusaka words that were breaking his heart. "Hyorinmaru is mine. I want this power. I will kill you for it." Kusaka yell rushing to Toushiro who quickly block the attack with his own Hyorinmaru. Toushiro push him back and got in defensive position, Kusaka move in offense when the stealth force showed up restraining both boys.

"What are you doing it's not over yet." Kusaka said as he struggles to be release. "Central has decide that Ichimaru will wheeled the zanpakuto." One of them said possibly the squad leader. Kusaka broke free and started to attack them but Kusaka wasn't match for them. Toushiro struggle against his capturers trying to help Kusaka, but he could not get free. Toushiro desperately started calling out Kusaka name as they cut him down. Kusaka last words shatter Toushiro already broken heart. "Toushiro aren't we friends." With that Kusaka died. Toushiro was finally let go he rush to Kusaka body. He did not cry, he was sad, upset but he would not cry.

He fell on his knees holding Kusaka hand when his body faded away. Someone move to heal his wound, but he refuse. Stating he wants it to scar as a reminder.

After all of it Central 46 order any traces of Kusaka to be remove and place a gag order on all the parties involve.

Back with the others

The others were starting to get worried. It was nearly sunset and Toushiro still wasn't back. As they waited in their usual spot Rukia open her mouth but was interrupted. "What are you guys still doing out here?" a sharp cold response asks behind them. The shouts of "Toushiro" or "Shiro" in Momo case. They all gasp at Toushiro seeing bandage covering his left side of his face. "What happen?" Momo ask worried about her younger brother. "Nothing, just a small sparring accident." Toushiro coldly said, his face was void of emotions.

"Then why didn't you get it healed. It will scar you face if you don't." Momo scold him for not taking better care of himself. Seeing that Toushiro and other six years were known to help in sparring matches for the Academy at times they didn't question it but in their minds thought differently. "It doesn't matter if it scars or not. I don't care!" Toushiro yelled at her surprising all them. Izuru was brave enough to speak up.

"What's the matter with you why are speaking to Momo like that?!" Izuru argue. Toushiro snap his cold turquoise eyes at him. His reitshu flared cause the other's to back down. "Whatever, I'm leaving and don't you dare follow me." With that he left to be alone somewhere. "What's the matter with him?" Izuru said starching the top of his head in confusion.

"It's obvious why I seen it before. He's hurt." Rukia voiced.

"That's why I ask why he didn't get is injury healed." Momo argue.

"No." Renji interrupted. "It's not physical hurt but emotional pain. Something broken in him and his reaction is to push others out. He wants to deal with it alone." With that Renji went off in the same direction as Toushiro. "You all head on without me I catch up." It took Renji 15 minutes to located him. Finding him sitting by the Koi pond staring blankly at his reflection. Renji soundlessly walk up and sat down. He turns his head up to the sky watching the stars appear at the now darken sky. "I said not to follow me." Toushiro softly said.

"Yeah but tuff luck you little brat." Toushiro glared at him and Renji had to applauded himself for holing his gaze. "What did you just call me." Toushiro growled out. "A brat. You know why you're a brat it because you had a little tantrum. Only brats have those and before you say anything hear me out. *Sigh* We're worried about you Toushiro. I will not ask what happen, but if you need someone to talk to I'm here for you. You're like a little brother to me." Renji said smiling at him.

Toushiro didn't know how to respond to that. Sure he can yell at Renji for calling him a brat but he didn't have the energy to. It's like all of his energy been drain for some reason, he didn't know why. "I-I…I don't know how to respond to that."

"Wow the great Toushiro Ichimaru loss of words because of little o me." Renji laugh tell he felt a fist hit the back of his head. "Shut up!" Toushiro angrily said watching Renji clutch the back of his head groaning in pain. Quickly recovering. "Feeling better now?"

"Sorta." Toushiro sigh looking back at the Koi pond. They sat there in silent for a few minutes when Toushiro spoke up. "Hey Renji."

"Yeah what is it?"

"It's nothing but…Thank-you." Renji smile and nod his head. Toushiro got up and brush his clothes. "I'm going to go back to the dorms. Good night Renji."

"See ya." The next day Toushiro apologize to Momo and the others which they forgive him knowing Toushiro was just upset didn't mean to take it out on them. As much as they want to know the reason they figure he tell them when he was ready. A week later once again he was called to the chief office. He was nerves since last time he was called there Kusaka was killed. Toushiro took a deep breath and knock.

A 'come in' was heard and he went in. He didn't expect to see two other men and woman with the Chief. Toushiro recognize one of the men it being none other than Byakuya Kuchiki. The woman was the same lady that convince him to join the Shinigami school. The other man was a tall, muscular with spiky black hair, and brown eyes. He also had a Captain Haori on.

"Toushiro Ichimaru I want you to meet Captain Shiba of the Tenth division and his Lieutenant Matsumoto and of course you know Lord Kuchiki. They came to give you great news." The Chief said. Captain Shiba extended his hand to him. "Mr. Ichimaru I heard great things about you. I get the point as why we're here. Would you like to join the tenth division as my third seat?" Toushiro was shock to hear that. He nodded his head and reach out to accept the offer.

"Great by tomorrow at noon be at the entrance of the tenth." Captain Shiba left and his lieutenant who look like she wanted to ask him something but follow her captain. "Toushiro." Byakuya voice called making Toushiro turn to him. "Yes Sir." Toushiro said. It was weird to call his Uncle that but since their argument Toushiro didn't feel like he had the right to call him Uncle in public anymore.

"Be in front of the Academy in 45 minutes you be staying at the manor tonight." On that note he left. Toushiro just stood there everything was happing too fast. He was overwhelming. "Ichimaru please go back now you don't want to keep Lord Kuchiki waiting." The chief said breaking Toushiro train of thoughts. The Chief didn't need to ask why the Lord was letting his student stay with him. Toushiro records show they're relation.

Toushiro nodded his head a left to his room to pack. It took about 30 minutes to finish packing, to clean his dorm room and to write letter to his friends explaining why he was leaving. He felt bad for not able to say goodbye to his friends in person. After a few minutes of walking he reach the front entrance seeing the carriage that would take him away. One the servants took his belongings and Toushiro give one last look at the academy before getting into the carriage. Toushiro nor Byakuya spoke a word on the way to the manor. Once they arrive it was sunset which Toushiro was glad since the ride was awkward.

"Your room would have a more appropriate clothing for tonight's dinner. I want you make a good impression for my wife Hisana."

"Of course. I will not disappoint." When Toushiro got to his room and saw his bag at the end of his futon. On the center on it was the clothing he must wear for dinner. He left to the bath house and quickly wash up scrubbing the day's events away. He returns to his room putting on his clothes. The outfit consist of a haori that fade from dark blue to a light blue, the haori himo was pure white, and the hakama was also white with blue snowflakes at the bottom. Toushiro took a seat in his room waiting to be summon for dinner.