A/N: Wow! Its been way too long since I've posted ANYTHING on . I seriously have some typing to do! I apologize everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.
-10th Division-
Kuuri had gotten up early that morning. Her lilac gems stared at the ceiling with a bit of curiosity as she lay in bed. No longer was she unsure about where she belonged. No longer was she afraid to call a place her home. No longer was she living someone else's life. Now she was known as Kurri Hitsugaya. She'd found her home, here in the court of Pure souls. Here in the barracks of a Division, she'd finally found her place. Her one true home, where she could be free.
There was a knock on the door. "Kuuri?" came a voice. "Are you awake yet?"
Kuuri recognized the voice as Rangiku. Now that she thought about it, Rangiku did say she would show her around the barracks today. It would be nice to know where everything was and get acquainted with Rangiku's subordinates as well as her friends.
"I'll be just a minute." she answered. "You can come in if you like."
Kuuri went into the next room so she could change into her shihakusho. The strawberry blonde invited herself in. She sat on the couch as she waited. When she looked around at the room, she couldn't help but think "boring". The guest rooms were always so plain, next to the personal barracks of the squad members.
"Ready to go Rangiku?"
When she looked up, the Fuku-Taichou could not believe her eyes. The shihakusho robes fit her perfectly. It showed off her curves which was hard for any female Shinigami to pull off. Most of the time, the robes were too bulky and had to be tailored .
"Its like you were destined to wear them!" Rangiku exclaimed as she circled around her.
Kuuri looked at herself in the mirror. Instead of the normal way most Shinigami tied their sashes, she'd taken a different approach. Kuuri had wrapped her sash around her waist a couple of times before tying it in the middle. It made a wide band rather than a smaller one. When she thought about it, something was missing. Kuuri turned her head to her Zanpakuto leaning against the bookshelf. She picked it up and looked at it. A blue cloth was tied around its sheath. As she examined it, she saw that it was long enough to serve as a 2nd sash in which to place her sword. Now that she looked at herself with the new addition, a smile appeared on her face.
"Perfect." she said. "Now I feel like a true Shinigami."
-1st Division-
Hitsugaya stood his ground, trying desperately to relax. Yamamato had summoned him early this morning, saying it was very important. Of course, he'd heeded the summon with urgency, thinking it had something to do with suspicious enemy movement. Now he stood here before the Commander-General's desk, pondering the reason why he was here in the first place.
"Hitsugaya-Taiichou, we've come to an understanding that Hitsugaya Kuuri has lost over 50% of her Reiatsu. With such little spiritual energy, she cannot become an active member of the Court. As Captain, I want you to make sure she undergoes the proper training if you wish for her to remain as your 2nd lieutenant."
Toushiro could only nod his head while his superior continued. " I suggest you choose her instructors wisely. I want her to learn, not slack off. My lieutenant has even made a list with a couple of recommendations." he continued.
Choujiro stepped forward, handing him the folded paper. The prodigy hesitated a bit before opening the paper to reveal a neatly written list.
The Training Schedule is as follows and will take place starting tomorrow.
Endurance & Durabiliy-Ikkaku Madarame
Basic Combat & Basic elements-Rangiku Matsumoto
Meditation & Jinzen -Genryusai Yamamoto
Swordmanship-Shunsui Kyoraku
Shunpo-Byakuya Kuchiki
Hakuda-Soi Fong
Kidou-Momo Hinamori
As his eyes scanned the list of names, Toushiro couldn't help but furrow his eyebrows in worry. Some of these names mad him feel a bit uneasy about everything. Kuuri might've been his older sister but he cared deeply for her safety. The Captain-commander raised an eyebrow.
"Do you find something wrong with what I have chosen?"he questioned, eyes crinkling.
Toushiro ran a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. " I can't believe you chose Rangiku of all people Head captain. She isn't much of a teacher..."
Then it hit him. If it hadn't been for that airhead Rangiku, he wouldn't be here today in Sereitei. If it wasn't for her, he wouldn't have entered the Shino Academy and have learned to control his power. If it weren't for her, he would never had become captain and have so many companions unlike in Rukongai. If she hadn't been in Rukongai that day, he would've continued to leak his Reiatsu and would've killed his Grandmother.
"On second thought, I take that back but why did you choose Rangiku?" he asked, all the more curious. It still puzzled him that the head captain would recommend an oddball like Rangiku.
The old Captain nodded, his eyes crinkling into a serious look. "Rangiku may be a bit of slacker concerning paperwork and documents but she is very impressive in battle. She held her own against many formidable opponents in the past and I think she is more than qualified to teach your 2nd Lieutenant."
Toushiro nodded in acceptance. "I understand sir. I will begin her training immediately."
-5th's Administrative Office-
To say she was annoyed would've been a big understatement. Enrollment forms were flying in from the Academy like crazy and she could barely keep up. The 5th was in the worst rush she'd ever seen. There was no way in hell she would be able to complete these forms before she had to leave for a very important meeting with Sayaka that started in less than 30 minutes.
Eiji was hard at work, at his respective desk. Ayane also worked at the table in the office. Hinamori sighed in frustration, placing her pen on the desk and sitting back in her chair. It was just too much, her mind had been processing a mile a minute until everything just went poof. Gone, forgotten,and irrecoverable. All in an instant. Eiji and Ayane looked up at their superior.
"Is something wrong captain?" both questioned in unison. The two glared at one another.
Hinamori stood to her feet, pulling on her captain's robe. "I have a very important meeting to attend to, concerning the Kido corp. Can I leave the two of you in charge for a bit until I return?"
The two looked at one another then to their beautiful and beloved captain. Both stood to their feet, hands up in a salute. "Yes Ma'am, Hinamori Taiichou. You can trust us!"
Hinamori bowed her head and smiled. "I really appreciate it. I hope it isn't a burden on you." she said before disappearing within a flurry of peach blossom petals.
Ayane looked up at her rival and smirked, her green cat-like eyes shimmering. She was going to make his life a living hell. Eiji knew that look and he knew it wasn't a good thing.
-Rangiku & Kuuri-
Rangiku sighed in content as she lay back on the grass. She'd finished her tour of the Division barracks with Kuuri and she was in need of good nap. Kuuri sat beside her, admiring the gentle breeze that brushed her skin. Its light force helped her to relax and it seemed to cleanse her mind. She removed her zanpakuto from her sash and laid it across her lap.
Rangiku rolled onto her side and noticed the sheathed blade. "So that's your Zanpakuto?" she questioned.
Kuuri nodded. "Its been so long since I've even held it, that I've forgotten it's name. How can I become a Shinigami if I've forgotten my Zanpakuto's name?"
Rangiku could easily tell that certain fact upset her greatly. If she'd forgotten Haineko, she certainly wouldn't be here today. Even though Haineko was a moody and selfish brat, she still couldn't imagine herself without her. And it had to be a horrible feeling for kuuri who had lost so much already. The strawberry-blonde unsheathed her own zanpakuto and held it before her, hoping to manifest its spirit. Kuuri watched with curiosity as to what Rangiku was doing. She could see the blade pulsing within her grasp. A cloud of ash surrounded her before pulling together to form something. The ash materialized into a girl.
"What do you want?"growled the girl.
Rangiku placed her sword back to its sheath. "You're always so whiny. I wanted to introduce you to our newest member of the Division, 2nd lieutenant Hitsugaya Kuuri."
The girl looked up at Kuuri. The young woman was quite confused as to who this mysterious girl was. Or if she was even a girl at that. Her turquoise eyes and maroon-colored hair was certainly normally but the equally maroon-colored cat ears were strange.
"A 2nd Lieutenant huh?" Haineko taunted. "So you're almost on the same level as Rangiku?"
Kuuri narrowed her eyes at the tone of her voice. Just who did she think she was, criticizing her power? Though she didn't know what she was capable of herself, it still offended her. The cat-girl squirmed in Rangiku's grasp as she pinched her cheek for being rude.
"Let go Rangiku!"
Haineko mirrored the action, causing the two to roll around in a tussle. Kuuri found herself laughing at them when a wave of Reiatsu washed over her. She turned her head to see a reddish aura and instantly paled at the sight.
"What the hell are you two doing?" he growled.
Rangiku and Haineko immediately stopped their fighting, frightened by the voice. The murderous voice just so happened to belong Toushirou. He was defenitely not in a good mood.
"Back so soon Taiichou?" questioned Rangiku.
Toushirou folded his arms. "Matsumoto, did you finish the assignments I gave you?"he questioned.
Rangiku sighed. "Yes Sir. I've competed all of them. The paperwork is on your desk , waiting for approval."
Kuuri grew curious. Whatever they were talking about made her nervous. Her brother's mint green eyes fell on her and she stiffened under the pressure of his Reiatsu. Instead of yelling at her, he held out his hand to her and helped her up.
"I have something I need to talk to you about. This involves you too, Rangiku and Haineko."he said sternly.
-Kido Corp Training Grounds-
Momo took in a deep breath to fill her lungs. She'd traveled such a long distance in such a short time that she amazed herself. Soi Fon had been quite the teacher but now it was her turn to be the teacher, not the student. She wouldn't let all that training go to waste. She stood upon a grassy hill that overlooked the Kidou Corp's training grounds. Many Shinigami were hard at work honing on their skills. A presence appeared at her side and instantly she recognized the spiritual power.
"Good Morning Commander." Sayaka greeted.
Hinamori blushed lightly. Such a high-ranking title was going to get some getting used to. "Captain" and "Hinamori-sama" were enough to handle but commander was on a whole other level. Then again, central 46 thought she best suited the job and she couldn't back down now that she had accepted. Sayaka rose to her feet.
"How have the training exercise been going so far?" Hinamori questioned.
Sayaka nodded in response. "These are actually new recruits from the Academy. I was wondering if you would demonstrate some of your Kido skills for them."
A feeling of remembrance washed over her and she smiled at the thought. The Winter War was behind her and that was all that she needed. "Of course, I've got the perfect thing in mind." she replied.
Sayaka nodded in thanks before disappearing from her side and among the thousands of recruits. Each one lined up in respect for her and the newbie in them told them not to do otherwise. Sayaka laughed on the inside. The innocent and afraid looks on their faces
"Now Listen up! Welcome to the Kidou Corp. The Kidou Corp is not just some other branch of our military. We further your skills in kidou and develop them into something even greater. With that power, you will protect Soul Society and the pride of the Gotei 13. Along with the amazing Kido features, the Kido Corps possesses the most powerful technological weaponry in all of soul society, along with some of the strongest techniques. It is therefore a privilege to be invited or accepted to join the Kido Corps and become apart of the elite units." Sayaka explained.
She cleared her throat before going on, being given nods of understanding. "Until recently, we have been without a proper commander for over 100 years. Yesterday, a proper Kido Commander was rightfully chosen. By order of Central 46, my recommendations, and the Sou-Taiichou's approval, I present to you our new leader."
With that said, the Vice-Kido Chief stepped aside to reveal the chosen person she spoke of. Of course, there was an air of emotion. Fear. Hesitation. And Question. The Kido Master gave a friendly smile.
"The time for names and formalities is of unimportance unless you can prove to me that you have what it takes to become a dignified Shinigami, worthy of the Kidou Corp." she said, closing her eyes.
Opening them, her mahogany eyes held Crimson Pink within the iris'. "The training starts now."
-11th Division-
The 11th Division was up to their usual deeds which sometimes included being loud, obnoxious and just plain aggravating. Ikkaku and Yumichika had been training in a secluded area of the 11th's training grounds, set aside for personal training. Yumichika wanted to perfect his Zanpakuto's technique and possibly achieve bankai. As moody as his zanpakto was, he highly doubted that it would cooperate. The two had been up since early morning and had now decided to take a break.
"So." said Yumichika as he sat down. "Have you heard about the 2nd Lieutenant of the 10th?"
Ikkaku smirked. "2nd Lieutenant? That's never happened before. Is he strong?"
Yumichika shrugged, flipping his hair. "I don't know. Yachiru said that there was a lieutenant's meeting about it a little earlier."
Suddenly, a messenger appeared before them. Ikkaku recognized the person as one of the Reversal Counter Force or the Secret Remote Squad. He could only wonder what they'd come here for and why they hadn't reported directly to their Captain.
"3rd Seat Madarame Ikkaku, I have an urgent message for you." he said.
The two men looked at each other in confusion before turning back to the messenger, who knelt before them. Hesitation filled Ikkaku as all possibilities rambled around in his mind. Could it be a promotion? A special top secret mission? Oh, the adrenaline was surely pumping now.
"3rd Seat, Madarame Ikkaku, you've been assigned to the task of training the 2nd Lieutenant of the 10th Division. You will train in the specific subjects of Endurance and Durability. The training will begin tomorrow at noon. This order has been given by the Commander-General. Do you accept?"
The battle-crazed 3rd seat smirked a smirk that would put Zaraki's to shame. The messenger seemed to wince in fear.
"Hell yeah."
-10th Division's Office-
"You want me to what?" shouted Rangiku, much to the Dismay of the white-haired captain.
Luckily, the two of them were in the office and no one seemed to hear them. Kuuri sat on the couch, lilac eyes looking between the both of them. She was just as shocked as Rangiku was. Haineko rolled her eyes.
"How can we train her if she has no Reiatsu. Isn't that illegal?" she questioned.
Toushiro sighed. Women had to be so difficult all the time. His mint green eyes looked upon the three. "Kuuri will regain her Reiatsu with the training. If she's lucky, she can regain a sufficient amount so that she can at least perform the basics."
Kuuri grabbed her brother's haori sleeve. He could feel what Spiritual power she had shift with uncertainty. Why was she hesitating? Why did she not feel that she could do this? To recover her lost power and to reclaim the Zanpakuto her power had created? Was she really losing her faith in herself? In her power and in him?
"Kuuri Hitsugaya!"
She didn't look at him, only relinquished her hold on his sleeve. Rangiku and Haineko saw this as an opportunity to leave the two in peace. They deserved their privacy. Kuuri found it difficult to look up at her brother. She just couldn't.
"I don't know if this really is going to work Toushirou." she said. "What if...?"
He grabbed her by her haori, emerald eyes swirling with anger. How could she not trust him? Her brother of all people.
"Are you saying you don't trust me?"he questioned.
The shinigami's lilac eyes stared at the floor as if the tatami mats would help her out of this. As if they could somehow make her believe that she could retrieve what she'd lost. It was pathetic and that's all she was at this point. A shinigami with no Reiatsu and no Zanpakuto.
She was no more than a lowly human. It almost made her sick, thinking this way but what more could she do but hope? What was there to do but hope that she would regain her power and remain in Sereitei rather than go back to living in Rukongai?
"Are you saying that you don't trust me Kuuri?"he yelled.
She looked up at him with fearful lilac eyes. He was right. She didn't trust him in what he was doing for her. As her brother, he might have meant well but she just couldn't see it happening.
"I wish I could believe you, I do." she said. "But do you really think someone with almost no spiritual energy can reclaim what she has once lost? Has it ever been done before?"
Toushiro controlled his fury for the time being , running a hand through his hair. "Twice actually."
The older sibling looked up at her brother with curious eyes to which he smirked. "The Captain of the 9th Division, Kurosaki Ichigo was actually once human until he gained Rukia Kuchiki's shinigami power. Hidden deep within, he actually held his own shinigami power."
Kuuri remembered hearing the story once Rukia Kuchiki's execution had been ordered. It was mind boggling to say the least. But when she thought about it, she knew she had to at least give it her best in her training.
Toushrio noticed that she seemed to cheer up a bit. "I'll try my best." she said, hope glinting in her eyes.
Now that was the Kuuri he knew. The prodigy couldn't help but smile. "I'm glad to hear it because none of your instructors are going to go easy on you once you start learning."
'Now that he thought about it, Toushiro was worried about that. If she got hurt, he wouldn't be able to live with himself. She might've been his older sister but he cared for her like any sibling would. The training was sure to be harsh and he wasn't sure if she could withstand it.
-Kidou Corp-
Sayaka readied herself, her sword sheathed. She'd volunteered for the Demonstration. Her eyes never left her opponent as she readied herself. Hinamori centered herself, ready to take on her Vice Kido Chief. The trainees watched in awe from a distance. Knowing that these were their superiors, they took precaution.
Sayaka began first, disappearing onto the battle field. Momo mirrored the action, her captain's haori left behind. They moved so quickly that it was hard to see them with the human eye. The only thing audible were the exchanged hits and punches. The two were pushed back,onto the surface. A cloud of dust surrounded both of them but soon after a sphere of red light headed for where Sayaka had landed. It was a Hado # 31 but where had it come from? The smoke cleared, revealing them. The Shakkaho was heading straight for sayaka.
The vice Kido Chief looked horrified as she couldn't move from her current position. She knew what this was and had even seen it used in battle but she had no idea how to cancel it out. Then again Fushibi isn't something you can cancel out as it was more of an binding type spell. Then she thought of something.
The smoke cleared, revealing an inverted pyramid barrier known as Bakudo #73 Tozansho. Hinamori bit her lip. She was quite the opponent in battle and she was glad for that. Just what she'd expect. Unsheathing Tobiume, she held it at arm's length.
An explosion occured, destroying Sayaka's barrier and forcing her backwards. Bracing for the impact, the young woman closed her eyes but none came. When she opened her eyes, she realized that she'd been caught in Tsuriboshi.
"Are you okay?"a voice asked.
The young woman looked up into the gentle eyes of her Commander. She took her hand and helped her up. The new recruits were filled with amazement and admiration for their superiors.
"Yes, I'm fine."
'She's amazing. I've never faced someone who's so well versed in Kido. I made the right choice in choosing her to lead the Kido Corp.'
"Commander, may I ask a question?"
Momo turned to Sayaka, sheathing Tobiume. "Of course."
The members of the Kido corp gathered around as well as the new additions. They too wanted to know were very interested in what Sayaka wanted know.
"I've never seen that attack used to intricately. Was there something besides Fushibi?" Sayaka questioned.
Momo nodded. "I wove Shakkaho together with Fushibi to create a Kidou net and used Bakudo # 26 Kyoko to make them invisible. Then I used Tobiume as a medium for its power and to trigger its destruction. The blast you saw was not a Hado # 31 Shakkaho, but a blast from Tobiume's blade."
Sayaka was simply amazed. She couldn't believe that this person had not become a leader of the kido corp upon entry to the Gotei 13.
-Rangiku & Kuuri-
The day began to dwindle into late evening. Seireitei began to shut down its operations as Squads finished the last of their duties. Some went out to frolic in the midnight hour, wanting to relax and dump their worries of work.
Rangiku was one of those that was happily enjoying the company of her favorite alcohol. She'd dragged Kuuri along for the ride and they'd gone to her favorite bar. They were seated at a private table near the corner.
"Are we waiting for someone?" kuuri questioned.
The strawberry-blonde nodded. "Just a couple of drinking buddies of mine. They should be arriving momentarily."
Just as she'd said that, some loud voices could be heard near the entrance. Rangiku turned around, waving at whomever had entered the door. Kuuri sighed, having thought it was only going to be just her and Rangiku. Meeting her friends would surely be interesting.
"Hey there Rangiku." Greeted Shuhei as he sat down beside her.
Rangiku nodded in response. She waited for Izuru, Renji, Ikkaku, and Iba to take their seats also. Kuuri looked up at them. These were Rangiku's drinking buddies? She would've thought they were women because of the way she'd been talking.
"I didn't know you were bringing a friend with you Rangiku." said Renji.
The others took notice of the white-haired young woman beside Rangiku. She was very beautiful. Her snow white hair was long as it reached her lower back. Her lilac eyes were the essence of beauty and she was overall very breath-taking. Rangiku put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'd like to introduce you to one of our new members of the 10th. This is Kuuri."
Kuuri smiled, earning a blush from her male counterparts. This was going to be a long night, she just knew it.
-5th Division-
Hinamori sighed as she entered the building and went to her Captain's Quarters. She hung up her Captain's haori and plopped down on the bed. She was completely exhausted and was in serious need of some tea. Momo got up and stretched, yawning as she went to go prepare some tea. Unkown to her, Tobiume was already doing so.
"Tobiume, you didn't have to do that." she said.
The zanpakuto spirit smiled at her. "Its nothing Momo-sama. You should get a little rest from your busy day."
Hinamori smiled. She didn't know what she'd do without Tobiume by her side. While she went to do that, she decided to go take a shower. Tobiume watched her go with a peaceful smile. Due to her exhaustion, her Momo-sama had not noticed the approaching Reiatsu. It wasn't menacing at all but very caring and protective.
"Hitsugaya-kun." she said softly, turning away from the tea kettle.
Indeed the white-haired prodigy Captain stood in the doorway. He wore only his shihakusho, absent of the captain's haori. In its stead he wore a dark green scarf and a new unkempt hairstyle that she'd failed to notice the past week. It was actually quite cute.
"Is Momo Here?" he questioned.
Tobiume smiled, nodding. "Would you like to surprise her?" she questioned, a sly glint in her eye.
The usually icy Shinigami stared at her, a blush forming. He turned away so she wouldn't be able to see it. How could she suggest such a perverted thing about Hinamori?
"I'll just wait for her." he said, disappearing.
Tobiume nodded. "As you wish."
Just as she'd said that, Hinamori entered the room. She was dressed in a purple yukata, her dark hair in a loose ponytail. She yawned sleepily.
"Your tea is waiting out on the porch. I thought you might want a good view of the stars." she said.
Hinamori nodded, thinking it quite strange that Tobiume would do that. Throwing a shawl over her shoulders, Hinamori stepped out onto the back porch. The moon was very bright tonight as it shone beautifully over seireitei. She inhaled as it seemed to calm her bundled nerves.
"You look like you've had a long day." said a voice.
Momo turned toward the voice and was surprised to see her childhood friend, her best friend. His height toward over hers, leaving her in his shadow.
"What brings you here so late at night?" she questioned, sitting down at the edge of the porch.
A smirk adorned his features and the moon cast a beautiful shimmering glow in his emerald eyes. It made her heart flutter as he sat beside her. Being him near him made her feel so at ease. She poured the tea and strangely enough there were two cups as if Tobiume knew he'd be coming here.
"I came to check on you. I would've done so earlier but I've been so busy."he replied, taking a sip of his tea.
His words brought a blush to her cheeks and she smiled sheepishly, looking at the reflection cast in her tea. "That's very sweet of you." she said. "I didn't know you worried about me so much Shiro-chan."
She leaned against him, her head on his shoulder. He put an arm around her as if it were instinct to him. "Of course. I worry about you everyday Momo."
Hinamori nodded, sipping her tea. She had to praise Tobiume for she knew her tea's well. The tea she'd brewed was a relaxtion tea, probably to aid her in sleeping. She snuggled into Toushiro's shoulder.
"How is Kuuri-san?" she questioned, looking up into his eyes.
Hitsugaya looked up at the moon and sighed as if it were a heavy burden. Of course he didn't think of her that way and never would. It was just a tough thing for her to deal with and he hated it for her.
"Returning to soul Society has restored only a small amount of her Reiatsu. Tomorrow, she starts her training. I really hope she can endure it, unable to release her Shikai. Her first instructor will not be easy on her." he replied.
Momo listened to him as he spoke. He was indeed right. Kuuri was facing many hardships now and he didn't like seeing her in that state.
"It'll be alright. I'm sure she'll be able to handle it. She's a strong young woman and her spirit is unyielding. She..will...prosper greatly as long as you believe...in...her..."she'd replied, her words spacing out.
Toushiro looked down at her. She had fallen asleep on his shoulder. The rise and fall of her chest seemed to give him peace. He smiled, taking in her wonderful scent as it made him remember the times they shared back in Rukongai.
"I'll stay with you." he whispered. "If at last you can have peace."
A/N:
Wow! 16 pages! I finally finished this! Took me forever because of dumb school. Ah, how I hate thee. I would like to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New year! Finally my graduation year has come! Woot! Anyways, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter of Momoiro no Hana. Honestly, I don't know when the next chapter will be up. Also, for those of you that requested of knowledge of Kuuri's zanpakuto, I couldn't put it into this chapter because it was already too long and I wanted to update. I do apologize but I promise that next chapter will defenitely grant you wishes.
I also have a few questions to ask all of you. Now that Kuuri has become a part of Seireitei and the Gotei 13, I want her to have a love interest. I can't seem to choose. I'm also debating on whether to make her a captain after or if she can regain the abilities of her Zanpakuto and to change her eye color. All suggestions are welcome.
So far my single males in Momoiro no Hana are:
Renji
Izuru
Ikkaku
Ukitake
Byakuya
Thank you for your support. I greatly appreciate it and I will try to update as soon as possible for you all. Happy reading and thanks bunches.
-EmikoSakura27-
