DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT WON BLEACH

Sorry it took so long on this chapter but a busy week. Also I am figured out which direction we are going with this story. Hopefully, the next chapter will pick up. Thanks for your support and reviews.

Byakuya slowly walked out of the captains' meeting. His mind was racing with thoughts of Gin and of his meeting with Starrk. He balled his fist as he walked.

'No matter how far we get away from him, Aizen is still has a way of working his way back into our lives,' Byakuya thought as he continued to walk.

"Kuchiki taichou," a voice sounded from behind. He stopped; took a deep breath; exhaled and looked over his left shoulder.

"Madarame taichou," Byakuya said as he waited for him to catch up with him.

"How's Gin?" Ikkaku asked as the two walked toward their division.

"He was asleep when I left this morning. Rukia is with him until Yumi, Kira or I relieve her. Gin is going to remain in the hospital until the child is born." Byakuya said in his monotone voice which his friends were use to when Byakuya has a lot on his mind or if he is worried about Gin. "I do want to thank you and Yumi for taking care of the boys and seeing them off to school this morning."

"Aww, don't worry 'bout it, since we will be moving in with you soon. Besides, we owe you and Gin a lot for watching after Katsuo for us when we are out on missions," Ikkaku smiled. He noticed that Byakuya's mood was that of he has more to tell.

Byakuya had much on his mind. Ikkaku called Byakuya's name several times before he responded.

Byakuya looked at Ikkaku. "Is it possible for you and Hisagi meet with me for lunch?"

Ikkaku looked at him and stated, "Yes, I will go get Hisagi now."

"Also, could you bring your lieutenants with you? I need to speak with all of you." Byakuya said with no emotions. His gray eyes watched Ikkaku hoping that he would not ask questions until the meeting. Ikkaku just nodded and walked away. He sighed with relief as he knew that they all still had an understanding. If one needed to talk, they all are there to help.

At the lunch, Byakuya and his lieutenant, Shinji Hirako, were seated at a table waiting on the others. Shinji knew when Byakuya was in his 'quiet' mood, it was best to be quiet and let him speak when ready. He remembered the last time Byakuya was in this mood, it involved Aizen. 'Damn, I hope this is not one of those times,' Shinji thought to himself. Shinji let his mind wonder to the time after they returned from destroying Hueco Mundo.

After the group came back from Hueco Mundo, Byakuya and Gin opened their home and life to the Vizard. Byakuya took on the cause of getting the Vizard back in good standing in the Soul Society. Gin was also their greatest supporter and stood next to Byakuya in his fight. They all knew that the name Kuchiki carried some weight in the Soul Society but Byakuya was the most powerful leader the family ever had. With his influence, he was able to get more research assistance for Kisuke Urahara to help them and also allow them to train with other shinigami. Shinji, Love and Kensei would visit with Byakuya's family and got to see how Byakuya and Gin interacted with the twins. Shinji noticed that the twins' reiatsu was at a very high level but when Gin would be around them, he would notice a change in their spiritual pressure. He figured that one day he would ask Byakuya if Gin was a . . .

Shinji's was jolted out of his thoughts when Ikkaku and Love walked in. Behind them were Hisagi and Kensei. All four men looked bewildered as they saw Byakuya and Shinji sitting at the table. They all knew when a meeting was called that included just the six of them, all protocol was gone. They were all equal at these meetings. They all sat down and looked at Byakuya. He looked at the men and began to speak.

"As I walked home yesterday evening, an Arrancar came to me," Byakuya started dryly.

"An Arrancar? There were only two left when we left, Starrk and Yammy. Which one was it or is it one we missed?" Love asked as his voice boomed throughout room.

Kensei looked at Shinji then at Hisagi. "It was Stark, wasn't it?" Kensei asked as he looked directly at Byakuya. Kensei remembered how Gin told them how Starrk helped him escaped. He always had the impression that Starrk had a thing for Gin.

"Yes, it was Starrk."

"What did he want?" Ikkaku said as he balled his fist and then he slammed on the table. "He's not coming after Gin? How safe are Yumi and Kira?"

"Calm down, Madarame. Let Byakuya finish." Hisagi said as he leaned forward.

Byakuya continued. "He stated that he and Yammy are still in a struggle for control of Hueco Mundo. He said that he was able to get his hands on most of Aizen's papers," Byakuya said as he began to get to the point of the meeting. "He said that there is a destructive device that could destroy Hueco Mundo and the Soul Society."

Love was about to say something when Shinji held up his hand. Byakuya saw the motion. He looked at Shinji and knew that he knew something. He decided to continue.

"This device cannot be located. Starrk stated that his people are looking for it and that Yammy's people, from his intelligence gathering; do not know of the device at all."

"Question," Shinji interrupted. "Why would Starrk tell you this information?" Shinji looked puzzled but then he looked as though if he figured it out. "How much does Gin know about Starrk's visit?"

Byakuya looked at the group and took a deep breath. "Nothing at this time."

"So, this in some way involves Gin. How?" Shinji asked.

"Starrk said that this device needs two things: One is the Hogyoku and the other is a numeric code. Stark stated that Aizen always had a backup plan. That is where Tosen and Gin came in."

"With a code like that, he would make sure that it would be in a secure place." Love said as he tried to wrap his mind around this situation. Suddenly Love looked up. "Where is this code supposed to be?"

Byakuya slowly raised a pointed hand to his forehead. "If Starrk is correct, Gin is the only one alive who has the code."

"Damn, it's amazing how Aizen can still have an effect after his death. Both times," Kensei said.

"Gin has never said anything about this device or a code or anything that is connected to this device." Byakuya said as a hell's butterfly came into the room. Byakuya raised his hand to get the message. "I must leave. There has been a change in Gin's condition." Byakuya stood and began to leave. He turned and bowed to the group of friends. "I trust that you will not mention this to anyone especially Gin. He already suspects that I am keeping something from him now. I hope the next time we meet you will be able to assist me with how to handle this situation." Byakuya turned and with a flash step, he was gone.

The group looked at each other. They were waiting for someone to break the silence.

"If Starrk was telling the truth, Gin may have all of Hueco Mundo and Soul Society after him for that code," Shinji said as he started to feel a déjà vu was coming on to him. "If this is true," Shinji jumped up and started to walk out the door, "we need to find out answers."

"What's your plan Shinji?" Love asked.

Shinji smiled and looked at the group. "Byakuya is too preoccupied with Gin to help. I got a hunch but I think a trip to Urahara and Ukitake will give us some answers." Shinji walked in the court yard turned and yelled at the group.

"I'll be in touch."