Chapter 8

Captains

Music

Morning; Naruto OST, Naruto's Daily Life; Naruto OST, Sexiness; Naruto OST, Raw Breath of Danger; Bleach OST

He awoke to look upon one of the gentlest sights he had ever seen in his life. Barely a few millimetres from his face was Sakura's, her mouth slightly open, taking in and releasing breaths of air in barely heard sighs, her emerald eyes closed, her face was serene. He was lying on the bed, his girl (never thought he would say that) snuggled against his side, an arm over his broad chest, a leg bent up over his thigh and his shoulder being used as a pillow for her head.

The white sheets of the hospital bed covered their naked forms up to their shoulders, and he marvelled, despite how tall she was, how small and fragile she seemed when her form was pressed against his. During the last few years of his life he had gone through a phenomenal growth spurt, towering over her by a head when he turned twenty.

His thoughts were thrown from his mind when she moved in her sleep, pressing her body closer to his. He could feel the smooth skin of her leg and the swell of her breasts against his side, so soft. Trying not to move and wake her he cranked his head to the large open window, getting a look at the position of the sun in the sky…midday.

He needed to get up, they needed to get up. He looked at her serene expression, her lips now curving up to form a rueful smile.

"You wanna get up?"

She creaked open an emerald eye, closed it again and shook her head "Mm-mm"

"We'll have to eventually" he pointed out with a whisper into the shell of her ear.

"Still no" she replied sleepily "We're injured, it's okay if we sleep for a couple of days"

"Sorry to disappoint you" he said softly, raising the quilt just a fraction "But making love to me comes with a few benefits"

She creaked open an eye, looking at him incredulously "What kind of benefits?"

"Do you feel anymore pain" he asked.

She relaxed and her eyes shot open, no, she didn't feel anymore pain, not even a tingle. She pulled up the sheets, and made to undo the bandages covering her abdomen, it only took her a few moments, and when she finished there was no wound, no cuts or bruises, not even a scratch, her abdomen was just as flawless as it ever was.

"You still have it" she whispered.

"The healing abilities yes" he said with a nod "My wounds had mostly healed when I woke up, and during our…well…bonding, my rietsu merged with yours"

She traced a finger down her body, her healer's hands checking her ribs and muscles which had been bruised or cracked during the battle, and found that they had all been restored to full health. From a medical standpoint she was healthier than she had been in years. Naruto propped himself up on his elbows and looked her up and down.

"What" she asked, suddenly feeling a little uneasy, she raised her hands to cover her chest and relied on the bed sheets to cover up her lower body.

"You look like a goddess from one of those old myths" he stated softly.

She gave a mock huff "Flattery will get you no where"

She held onto her fake mood swing for a few moments, before diving at him with a laugh, grabbing his shoulder and leaning against him "That does it. We're doing this every night"

He leaned in close to her, his mouth just inches from the shell of her ear "Why wait, ready for a second round?"

She reached out and tapped him in the forehead with her index finger. She then snuggled against him. Wrapping an arm around his chest and crossing her legs over his "Just hold me for a few more minutes"

In response he rolled to face her, wrapped his lean muscled arms around her slender frame and pulled her too him, her head pillowed against his chest as she nodded in and out between sleep and reality. She fell asleep a few minutes after, a gentle snoring giving her away.

It was another two hours before they decided that they could not trouble Unohana any longer, and with a sigh the two got up and made to garb themselves with spare sets of student uniforms which the wise captain had left for them. As she finished putting on her clothes and making herself presentable she felt a pair of strong arms embrace her from behind, and a breath of air against her neck which made her shiver in a very good way.

"Alright" she giggled "Enough of the romantic…mm…gestures"

She ducked out of his embrace and opened the door to the hallway beyond, pushing him out onto the corridor. A couple of nurses passed the two by, bowing respectfully and moved on, trying to stifle a fit of giggling. Their cheeks flushed, but they sucked it up and moved on.

"Wanna see how Temari's doing?"

"Yeah"

------

He ran across the rooftops of the Seireitei like a speed demon, the only hints of his passage to those in the streets below was the brief surge of his powerful rietsu and the subtle ringing of the small bells braided into his spiked black hair. Grinning like a madman Kenpachi Zaraki, Captain of the 11th Imperial Court Guard Division, also known as Soul Societies premier Combat Division, blurred from rooftop to rooftop, taking small bounds every time the rooftop ended in a fall to a street.

The captain was something of an anomaly. Usually there was only two ways to become a Captain in the Goteijusantai, either seat the Captains Examination in the presence of the Captain-Commander and another two Captains, or gain personal recommendations from at least six captains and approval from at least three others. Zaraki gained his position from a loophole in the system, an unofficial third way. He killed the former Captain of 11th in the presence of at least two hundred guardsmen, and he did it without knowing the name of his Zanpakuto.

Since he gained the position some three years ago he had thoroughly changed his company, removing several seated officers whom he considered unworthy of their position and replacing them. Every year he looked for new individuals with a warrior's heart and pride for his squad. This Uzumaki Naruto was just what he was looking for.

"Ken-chan"

He looked to the sky to see a little bundle of black clothing and pink hair land on his right shoulder. There was a rustle and a little, pink cheeked face popped over his shoulder to look him in the eyes, a little innocent grin on her face.

"Ken-chan" his Lieutenant cried out in her usual happy voice "Good morning!!"

"Yo" he replied, leaping over another open space and landing on the roof at the far side.

"Are you going after that little blonde kid" she asked with a laugh.

"You bet" he said with a grin "He destroyed four unknown Hollows by himself, if he can put a scratch on me then I may want him in my squad"

"But Ken-chan you already got baldy and Yami" she pointed out with a pout "Ken-chan is getting greedy!"

"Ah shut up" he replied, yet his voice had no malice in it "It's just one hell of a group coming in this year"

She laughed again.

"Right, now which way to the hospital" he thought out loud.

"Oh, oh" she hooted "That way, that way!"

Instinctively he changed direction, according to his little juvenile Vice-Captains directions. It wouldn't be until later that he found out that the hospital was in the opposite direction.

------

He sighed "When will he learn not to follow the directions of a toddler?"

"Not sure Taicho"

The two stood two hundred meters above the ground, watching the small dust storm of wind which signalled the Captain of the 11th Divisions passage. Shinji took one look at the direction, turned back to the hospital and started to laugh, holding onto his sides when it seemed he was about to fall.

"The fool isn't even going the right way" he sputtered "This is going to be easier than I thought"

"There's still Yoruichi-Taicho" Aizen reminded, pointing down to the streets below them. Hirako looked down to see the said captain stroll down the stone paved roads at a leisurely pace, her 3rd Seated Assistant Adjutant in tow.

"Oh damn, I forgot about them" he looked up at the sun, then back down to the large set of structures which were the 4th Divisions barracks and hospital wings "Well then, we just have to be quick"

With that said he vanished in a blur, using his Shunpo (Flash Step) technique to cover great distances within seconds. Aizen looked in the direction of the hospital, sensed his captain above it and quickly Flash Stepped after him. He needed to gauge the boy's ability, and that would be easier if he was in the same squad.

------

Kisuke paused and looked up at the sky in time to see a small figure disappear in a blur, by his spiritual pressure he guessed that it was the Vice-Captain of 5th Division, Sosuke Aizen, and wherever he was his Captain must have been close by.

"You sensed them too huh?"

"More or less" he answered his captain.

Yoruichi looked in the direction of the hospital and flashed a feline grin "This is going to be interesting. I should have known Shinji would go after him considering what he said at the meeting, and by the fluctuating Spiritual Pressure I'd say Zaraki and his terrible sense of direction is looking for the kid as well"

Urahara nodded, he had sensed the usual, out of control rietsu of the Combat Division Captain as well, but could tell that he was far away, and getting farther. He must have been relying on Yachiru to guide him again, last time he tried that he ended up in the western 60th District of the Rukongai.

"Shouldn't we speed up Yoruishi-san"

"Not san" the feline captain replied with mock hurt "Call me Yoruichi-sama, or Yoruichi-kami!"

"Uh, I don't think so, no" Kisuke replied after a moments thought, earning a mock glare from his captain and close friend.

"There's no need to worry" she stated after a moment "And there's no need to rush…buy me some ramen Kisuke"

"Huh"

"Naruto got me into it" she stated with a happy sigh "The salmon special, got to be the best!"

"But" her 3rd Seated officer stuttered "Don't we have some pressing matters to attend to, like saving Naruto from the 11th and 5th companies"

"Ramen, Kisuke" she ordered, looking at him with narrowing golden eyes.

"But-"

"Ramen, Kisuke" she repeated.

The straw haired man sighed and reached into the robes for his wallet "Alright, alright"

------

It turned out that while they were frolicking in the spare medical ward Temari had been stabilised and moved from intensive care to one of the single bedrooms scattered across the 4th Divisions barracks. They entered the room to see her propped up into a sitting position by pillows, starring venomously at Shikamaru, who was in the middle of eating a basket of fruit.

"Hey" Naruto called as they entered, raising a hand in greeting.

Shikamaru did likewise, his hand holding onto a half eaten apple "Hey, come over here and help me finish this"

"What's going on" Sakura asked, taking an orange from the basket.

"This jerk brought in the basket and started eating it in front of me" Temari growled in anger, making a grasp for the apple Shikamaru was eating. The Nara moved his hand deftly, dodging her grasping fingers.

Sakura looked at the orange and tossed it over to Temari, who instinctively raised her hand and caught it "Thank you"

"You're welcome" Sakura replied with a smile, she then reeled round and smacked Shikamaru in the back of the head.

"Hey" he whined "What was that fo…owe!"

Her smack was followed by Naruto's hand, which hit him with twice the force "Don't taunt the lady"

Temari smiled and then proceeded to peel the orange. The four friends ate in silence, enjoying each others company and silently thanking the higher powers that they had all survived to fight another day.

After finishing his banana the former Hokage rose to his feet "Sorry to leave, but I need to report to Unohana nee-san that the hospital room we used is free"

"I'll go with you" Sakura chimed, rising from her chair and sending a glare at Shikamaru "Don't tease her anymore, she's injured!"

"I was only kidding" the Nara muttered before tossing a pear Temari's way.

"And if you guys are planning to rut like a couple of rabbits please lock the door" Naruto added with a snigger, the two looked at him in both realisation that they had been found out and shock that he said it so simply.

"Damn you Naruto" Shikamaru roared "I had a feeling someone was watching!!!"

He flinched, somehow that made him sound like a pervert "I-I-I-I did no such thing, I was just passing through" upon their murderous glares he gulped "I rushed out of there before it got to adult, what more do you want from me!!?"

"That explains the three cold showers you took before heading to the class" Sakura piped up in realisation.

"Sakura-chan" Naruto sputtered, taking a few steps back toward the door "You're not helping!"

------

"He's in room 302, sir" the little brunette said behind the reception desk, pointing to the corridor "Down the hall, take the stairs to the third floor…should I inform Unohana-taicho that you'll be visiting, Hirako-taicho?"

"No, no" Shinji jested, waving off the nurses question "It's a surprise visit"

The nurse raised an eyebrow, shrugged and continued with the small stack of paperwork. Shinji took that as his chance, and walked purposefully down the corridor, Aizen flanking him.

"Why didn't you just tell her you wanted to see Uzumaki-kun" Aizen asked.

"Because the old man gave strict orders no one was to see him" Shinji replied, an evil smile on his face.

His Vice-Captain sighed "And you're still going because"

"Getting that kid into my squad is more important than a twenty hour lecture" Hirako replied, quickening his step "Now where are the stairs?"

------

"Um, where was her office again" Naruto muttered to himself, drawing an exasperated sigh from Sakura.

"You don't know?"

"Nope"

Another sigh, before she grabbed his hand and hauled him down the corridor "Then go and ask reception, it's what they're there for!"

Naruto let her drag him along, enjoying the silky soft skin of her hand. Suddenly he saw a closed storeroom door, and had an idea. He stopped and changed direction, Sakura nearly falling on her butt from the sudden force. He opened the door and dragged her inside.

"Naruto" Sakura asked in annoyance "What are you-…mm?"

He closed the door and sealed his lips over her mouth, silencing any further protest as his tongue entered her mouth and started a wrestling match with hers. Taken by surprise she staggered, her back pressing against the empty wall at the back of the small, cramped storage space.

She only needed a minute, then wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into the kiss, his hands at her hips, steadying her as they gave into the passion which suddenly coursed through their bodies. He lifted her off the floor, using the back wall to keep her from falling. In response she wrapped her legs around his waist, locking her ankles around the small of his back.

Subconsciously Naruto reached into his mind and pulled up a protective bubble around them, stopping their rietsu from leaking out and giving their position away when they really got down to the good stuff. A little Kido trick Kisuke showed him, originally designed to keep one hidden from targets and Hollows. The only problem was, with Sakura so receptive, was he going to be able to keep his mind sane enough for it to remain active.

The worry left his mind as Sakura gave off a sensual moan, such a beautiful symphony to his ears that he yearned to hear more of them. The only problem was that the bubble was designed to keep the rietsu from being noticed, it did nothing for sounds.

Little did the two lovebirds know that Shinji and Sosuke had just passed the storeroom, oblivious to their targets location "Okay, that last one was room 389" Shinji muttered "Why is this hospital so damn huge!?"

------

When Soi Fon had been reassigned to Yoruichi Shihoin's honour guard she had been thrilled beyond measure. Finally all of her hard work had been paid off, to be approved and assigned to the personal guard of the 2nd Division Captain was an honour beyond measure for anyone in the Stealth force. The only thing better was to become one of the top five seated officers in the division.

She remembered her first meeting with the woman, and how her friendly and laidback attitude had put her off guard, she had been put even more out of her comfort zone when she demanded that Soi Fon skip the formalities and just call her by her first name.

That was six months ago, and since then she saw Yoruichi as an older sister, a figurehead and role model she was more than happy to follow. She would happily give her life for Yoruichi Shihoin and not be regretful.

But she was not sure about this mission she had been assigned, find a young man named Naruto Uzumaki and keep him away from any captains until she and Kisuke arrived at the scene. She frowned, how could this Naruto be so important to Yoruichi-sama that she'd want to keep him away from any Captain level Shinigami, and how was she going to be able to do that?

She continued to walk, her eyes glued to the piece of paper she had received, not noticing as Captain Shinji and his Lieutenant walked past her. She kept walking, passing by a small storeroom.

"…mm….kyah"

Was that a gasp? Must have been her imagination

"Oh…oooh"

There it was again, she stopped and looked around, seeing only an empty hallway.

"Oh god" the voice was barely a whisper, and it sounded like a rasp, but Soi Fon knew that it was female, and it came from nearby. Was she in pain? Was she in trouble?

"Yes, right there"

She spun around, it was coming from the storeroom, but the voice didn't seem to be in pain. It seemed happy, almost euphoric.

"Oh god, don't stop, don't…ahhhhh!"

The cry got her attention and, holding onto the hilt of her sword she tiptoed up to the door and stopped, pressing the side of her head against the wood to listen in better. She heard a thumping sound, a continuous thumping sound, two voices, gasping away could just be made out.

It wasn't like they were hurting each other, not at all. In fact it sounded like something familiar…something like…she froze, her cheeks taking on a trace of pink when she realised what she was listening into. She went stark upright, turned around and rushed down the corridor, wherever this Naruto was, it sure as hell wasn't here!

------

Her back arched and she raised her hand to her mouth to muffle her cry of ecstasy. This was only the second time she and Naruto had made love, and already he knew every sensitive spot on her body, and exactly how to stimulate them. His hands were like those of a master musician playing his instrument. His every touch was butterfly soft and masterfully used.

She slid down the wall, gasping for breath like she had run a marathon. Her lover nearly collapsed onto her bare chest, his rasping breath against her soft skin. She cupped his face with her hands and leaned forward to kiss him, when they parted she smiled.

"I don't mind doing it with you" she stated "But give me a little warning next time, okay?"

"Sure" Naruto heaved, before smirking "Ready for round three?"

She rolled her eyes and poked him in the forehead "I think I'm going to get away from you before I need to be carried out of here, my legs feel unsteady enough as it is"

She gave him one last butterfly kiss, then rose and began straightening out her clothes for the second time today. Naruto sighed, got up and did the same, but not before placing a soft kiss on the back of her neck.

------

"I don't believe it, we walk a mile up these god damned steps just to find out he's not in his bloody room anymore!!!"

Shinji Hirako was incensed. He was more than incensed, he was downright furious. He stalked down the corridor, his lieutenant having to jog to keep up with him. He had taken a big risk coming here to try and recruit Naruto Uzumaki, if the Sotaicho found out about this then there would be hell to pay, and worst of all he wouldn't benefit from it, at all.

"What will you do now Hirako-taicho?"

"Aizen you fool" Shinji roared "What do you think. We have to find him before that idiot Zaraki does. I will not lose a student to that overgrown, overly scarred masochist!!!"

Sosuke sighed. The captain could be an incredibly immature man when he wanted to be. Just last week he nearly got himself killed when he made a face at the commander behind his back.

"Come on you fool keep up with me" Hirako growled "Lets go back to reception and see if he's been moved to another room!"

He stalked down the corridor and down the stairs, Aizen hot on his heels. Just as he vanished the storeroom door opened and two heads popped out to check the surrounding hallway for any witnesses. When they were sure that the coast was clear they walked out of the store. Flashing a glowing smile Sakura leaned up and pecked Naruto on the cheek, before walking purposefully down the corridor. Naruto starred after her, and then went on his own way.

Naruto took the same route, humming a happy tune. Then stopped, he had left Kazerasshu in his hospital room, turning around he walked down the corridor.

------

"I see it"

The 4th Divisions barracks was right in front of him now, a huge set of buildings which oozed of steriliser and a mass of medicines. Grinning Kenpachi Zaraki ran straight for the main courtyard, the wind whipping up his torn and tattered white Captain's haori, his unnamed Zanpakuto held in his hand, blade leaning against his shoulder.

"Yay" Yachiru cheered "Ken-chan finally found it"

Suddenly Kenpachi's grin faltered and he skidded to a stop in the middle of the courtyard, looking around at the structures. Yachiru climbed across his shoulder and looked the battle scarred captain in the eyes, which were shadowed as he looked down at the cobblestone path.

"Ken-chan what's wrong?"

Zaraki didn't look at her, answering "I hate hospitals"

"Huh?"

------

Kazerasshu dangled from the strap attached to its katana, the Zanpakuto swaying too and froe from the movements. Naruto whistled a happy tune as he strolled down the stairs towards the reception to check himself out.

"Naruto-kun" he turned to see a nurse creep up to him, a small file in her hand.

"Hannah-chan" he greeted. The young nurse was one of several he knew around the hospital during his sojourns, she had looked after him when he nearly got his hand cut off in second year, and treated his second degree burns in third year. She was a sweet young woman, petite with long auburn hair tied up in a long ponytail.

"Hirako-Taicho of the 5th Division is causing chaos in the reception looking for you" she whispered, handing him the file and a pen "Open up to the fifth page and sign your name on the bottom. I'll let you out through a side exit!"

He opened the folder and signed his name in twelve places across nine pages. He knew the file well, it was his medical file, listing all of the accidents and medical tests he had been put through the last three years, unsurprisingly with all his injuries during the academy it was pretty thick. He signed his name one last time before snapping it shut and handing it to her.

She took it, winked at him and pointed down the hall "Last door on the right"

"I owe you one Hannah-chan" Naruto replied gratefully before taking off down the corridor.

"Buy me a drink the next time you see me in a bar" she called after him.

"Will do" he called back with a wave as he ran down the corridor.

------

"Where are you?"

The ring of a bell in the wind

"How strong are you?"

Another ring as the winds picked up

He stood on the roof of the 4th Division headquarters, the winds tugging at his ragged captain's haori and ringing the bells braided into his spiked black hair. He was in a crouch. His rugged, heavily scarred features distorted into a smile, his sword leaned against his shoulder.

Then he came, climbing out of a side window that led into the main courtyard.

"I found you" he whispered with a grin "Uzumaki Naruto!"

Another chapter, I am on a role. (Note: Formalities are a very important aspect of Japanese society, being able to call a person by their first name with no honorific's attached means a level of intimacy, like friends, best friends, lovers etc.)(You guys know this, just reminding you) Made in relation to Soi Fon's remarks.