Yay! Chapter 10 hehe…
Oh yes, and just to remind you yet AGAIN, the story takes place A WEEK AFTER THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. Just so you aren't confused lol. And a warning to all the romance haters, there mite be a bit of hitsugaya and hinamori moment. It's not REALLI hitsuhina, well if you squint super duper hard it is, but ya. Sorry if you don't like those things lol.
Renji slurped down the ramen in one gulp. He sighed, drank the water quickly, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He then slapped Ichigo on the back. "Hurry up! We're going to be late!" Ichigo choked and coughed irritably. He gulped down a cup of water with desperation. Realizing that the noodle had finally gone down, he gave Renji a death glare.
"What'd you that for? You want to kill me or something? I could have died on that ramen idiot!"
Renji shouted back just as forcefully. "Not my fault! Matsumoto told me not to be late today! She said there was something important! It's your fault for eating so slowly!" And like this, they started to bicker. The store owner sighed. Naruto was noisy, sure, but even he was better than them. It was all Naruto's fault for introducing them to this shop a week ago. Things were going so smoothly, but lately, customers had had a habit of leaving when they arrived. He cried private tears of remorse while his daughter patted his back.
"Hey! You guys!" The two arguing shinigami turned to Naruto. He was twirling a giant shuriken on his finger, having come back from a morning shuriken warm-up. "Don't you guys have to go to baa-chan's office? You're late!" Renji quickly paid with some yen. "Shit! Now look what you did Ichigo!" He began to run past the grinning Naruto. Ichigo followed. "ME? What about you?"
They argued all the way to the office. Naruto shook his head. They should enjoy the ramen more. If they did at least that, they wouldn't argue so much.
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"WE'RE HERE!"
Renji slammed the door open. Tsunade had a vein about to pop. "Shut up and sit down! You're late!" The two shinigami slinked in as quietly as possibly after causing such a racket. From there, they were under Rukia's torture.
"You guys are late! How irresponsible of you guys! I can't believe it! Didn't we tell you not to be late?" She hit them both on the head simultaneously. "Both of you are not worthy enough for trust!" Ichigo shouted back almost before she had finished her sentence. "Be quiet! It's not my fault! Renji just choked me at that ramen stand, so we took longer!"
Rukia turned her gaze to Renji. Renji began to panic. "It isn't that! He was eating so slow! I couldn't stand it!" The two fierce shinigami began to argue yet AGAIN. Rukia twitched. Once. Twice. Three times. Trouble.
"Shut up! Both of you!"
She stood on their heads, the heads smoking from the burning hit she had given them. "Now stay quiet!" Ukitake observed this with a sweat drop. Shunsui chuckled. "Young love eh?"
At that moment, a senkai mon formed beside them. The door opened slowly, letting a few hellmoths fly in various directions. Ichigo's and Renji's eyes bulged.
"Byakuya!"
Rukia realized it about the same time they did. "Nii-sama!"
Yes indeed, it was Byakuya. He stood there, coldly taking in the scene. His violet eyes focused on Ichigo. "You must show some respect to your elders." He said. The eyes glinted dangerously. Ichigo scratched his head awkwardly. "Uh… ya…"
Meanwhile, Renji was dying. He couldn't believe they had made his captain come over. His world was crashing around him. If he wasn't such a tough guy, he would have curled up and cried.
"Abarai."
Renji flinched. Kuchiki Byakuya looked straight at him. "Do not slump. It is unfitting for a shinigami of your status." Renji pulled out of his slump. "Yes sir." He said sadly. It was Soul Society all over again.
"Nii-sama," Rukia said, "are you the one who will be teaching kidou?" Byakuya blinked. His blank face read 'why would I waste my time teaching peasants kidou'. Rukia had a sweat drop on her head. "Ah, I see…" Instead, Byakuya gestured to the unclosed senkai mon. A lone figure stepped out before the doors snapped shut. Renji stared.
"Hinamori-kun!"
Hinamori stood timidly beside Byakuya, but smiled at Renji. "Ohayou Abarai-kun." Renji was still amazed. "You're awake! Wow! How do you feel?" Hinamori smiled. "I feel fine thank you." However, Hinamori's eyes wandered around the room. Where is Shiro-chan? Hinamori looked down disappointed after looking around. He wasn't here. Maybe he didn't want to see her.
"Welcome back Hinamori." Hinamori looked up, startled. Matsumoto smiled down at her. Hinamori smiled. "Arigato Matsumoto-san." Matsumoto then smiled knowingly. "I let the captain sleep in this morning. It was paperwork day for us yesterday. Of course I escaped so he had to do everything." Matsumoto winked. Hinamori was grateful for Matsumoto and smiled wider at the thought. It was their tradition to do that on paperwork day, for him to do everything while Matsumoto escaped. "You can see him now if you like." The rest of the shinigami, knowing this was a private affair, let them leave.
"Now," Tsunade said, "when should we schedule the first lesson?"
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Hinamori sat in the living room of the hotel room. She had been waiting for a while now. Almost an hour to be exact. Matsumoto had told her to sit and linger until he woke up, but all the suspense was killing her. She fidgeted with her shihakusho. Perhaps he knew she was out here? Is that why he wasn't coming out? Was he avoiding her? She wouldn't blame him. She sighed. She couldn't help it.
She stood up. She slowly opened the door to the first room. It was littered with make up, and bras. She shut it quickly, feeling her cheeks burn red. She guessed that was Matsumoto's room. Hinamori moved on to the next door. It was firmly shut. Hinamori put her hand on the knob. Gently, not making a sound, she twisted it and opened.
At first, she didn't see anything. Then, she could see the outline of a bed against the sunlight coming in through the window. After, the person on the bed. Hinamori knelt beside the bed. He was still sleeping.
He was wearing a lilac yukata, which had come slightly loose as he slept. His face was facing Hinamori, his great green orbs closed. His mouth was slightly parted. Hinamori smiled, looking at his hair. She guessed he never did put gel on. It was 100 natural; it was spiky even in bed. Hitsugaya's breaths came gently. She didn't remember seeing his features so relaxed or peaceful. He was always angry, or disappointed, or tired. Or sad… Hinamori's eyes began to fill with tears again. No, I'm not going to cry here. She hastily wiped her eyes with her sleeve. She looked into his face again, this time with determination. His innocent features filled her mind. I won't hurt Shiro-chan again. I promise.
Hinamori quickly left the room, leaving an inch open.
A few minutes after, Hitsugaya woke up. He rubbed his eyes, yawning. He looked at the door, which was left open. He also sensed her. His eyes became grim. Hinamori… He crawled out of bed. He went to the washroom door connected to his room. He looked at himself in the mirror. I need a break.
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Hinamori had heard the clatters and the clinking from the bathroom, and gotten her hopes up. But she waited forever until he came back out again. She sat straight, hoping she looked fine.
He wasn't wearing his captain's robes anymore. He was wearing a dark blue kimono, plain, but majestic. They caught sight of each other and froze.
"Ohayou… Hitsugaya-kun."
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Aizen listened to Tousen, amused. Gin stood at the side, grinning from ear to ear. "Really? Two allies? But they refuse to work together? My oh my. I guess we must choose."
The evil minded shinigami continued to address Tousen. "What do you think Tousen? Who do you think is the strongest?" Tousen lowered his head slightly in thought. Then, with resolve in his sightless eyes, he faced Aizen. "I believe we must follow whichever one is facing justice." Aizen smirked, his hand on his chin with his elbow on his throne. "Ever the one for fairness… Gin, do you have an opinion?"
Gin remained smiling. "You ain't asking for my opinion are you Aizen-taichou? I'm flattered. Well since you're askin'… you know li'l me… I would go fo' the one with the most potential…" Aizen's eyes glimmered. Tousen stood silently beside Gin.
"As I expected from my subordinate…"
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"Excuse me? Could you repeat that?"
Neji sat, unsure if he had heard the Hokage right. Had she just said that they were going to learn 'demon magic'? The other shinobi were in a similar state of confusion. Sasuke just glared at Tsunade while Naruto perked up with interest. Meanwhile, Kiba picked his ear with his finger, just to be sure.
"I said that you will all be learning kidou from the shinigami. Namely one of them, but most of them will also be present to help you."
The whole group blinked. Tsunade's eye twitched annoyed. Hadn't they gotten the message? They were going to learn new things! Something called KIDOU! Since when had they gotten so thick?
Shikamaru cleared his throat, now fully recovered and back to his lazy genius self. "Are you saying, Tsunade-sama, that we will be learning some… urm… 'demon arts'?" Tsunade nodded, now rapidly losing her patience. Shikamaru frowned. "Is it because of that incident…?" The whole room became heavy with tension. Everyone remembered it, yet parts of it were forgotten. No one really knew the whole story except the one that the shinigami had told them. However, they hadn't been gone into great depth either. Sasuke scowled. "But why? Aren't we perfectly capable of defending ourselves as we are?" Some of the shinobi also agreed. Tsunade set her cup down none too delicately.
"If you are all so capable, why did that incident happen? The shinigami had informed me if you had known some basic kidous that we all might have avoided the disaster completely. Do you understand now?"
The whole room was silent. "Ano… but who will be teaching us? Also, how will we be able to fit this into our schedule with training and missions? Konoha is still recovering…" It was true, even though a few years had passed; Konoha was still not the same as before. Tsunade looked down at her desk. She had tried her best, and the Leaf was blooming… but… She looked up to face the group of shinobi with dead seriousness. "That is why… you will all learn this."
All of them nodded. They understood their duty to their village. "The kidou lessons will be squeezed in some time every week or so during training. Expect to stay long. Also, I will not forgive you if you do not try your hardest." Tsunade smiled after the last sentence though. She knew she didn't need to say this to these chuunins. They were the most successful of their generation. She waved her hand half-mindedly to dismiss them. The young chuunins left the office solemnly, prepared for what was to come.
"Baa-chan."
Tsunade looked up from her desk, surprised. Naruto was still sitting in his seat. "When are Gaara, Temari, and Kankurou going to get here?" Tsunade smiled knowingly. He was concerned about his friend, the Kazekage. She guessed it was because Naruto hadn't seen the sand shinobi since the Akatsuki kidnapping. "They will be here late afternoon sometime today." Naruto nodded. He got up to leave, but stopped when Tsunade continued.
"He's doing fine, by the way." Naruto paused, hand on the door knob. He smiled inwardly.
"Thanks, baa-chan."
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"WHAT!"
Rukia nodded solemnly. "Don't 'what' me. It's true. Even nii-sama thought you should." She continued to nod, ignoring Ichigo's reaction completely. Ichigo stamped his foot in frustration.
"Well why are you making important decisions without me! And I don't have to listen to Byakuya! What the hell!" Ichigo kicked the ground this time, causing dirt to stir. Rukia stood, undeterred. "It's because if we told you, you would say no. This is quite useful Ichigo!" Rukia nodded again, satisfied with the decision. Ichigo growled. "I oughta…"
"Ichigo…"
Ichigo turned to the sound of the depleted voice. Renji was there, rain clouds and all, looking considerably miserable. "If you don't do this… Kuchiki-taichou might take it out on me…" Renji sat in silence again, depressed. Ichigo stared with a sweat drop on his head. "Uh… right…"
"Besides," Rukia said, "you can't always be just swinging your zanpakutou around! It's a good backup to have, kidou that is." Yes, Rukia had just said that Ichigo would be learning kidou along with the shinobi. The orange-haired shinigami bristled. "Shut up! What's wrong with that? I can cause more damage with it than with some spell." Rukia shook her head. Her violet eyes stared into Ichigo's with fierce seriousness. "That isn't the point. What if you lose your zanpakutou? What defense do you have? Nothing! That is why this is important."
Rukia's violet eyes dared Ichigo to say otherwise. Ichigo decided not to. Ichigo sighed. "Still… it seems stupid that's all. I don't really need backup…" Rukia turned away. She looked down at the ground, in deep thought. If he at least knew this, it would increase his chances of survival greatly when…
"Remember, Aizen is a master of hypnosis. You don't know what he could do while you're under his spell."
"I can beat him."
The petite girl stared at him, surprised. Ichigo looked at Rukia head on, as if it were the most obvious thing in the whole world. "I can beat him." He repeated. Rukia softened. He's not a liar… And… he does get stronger all the time… Ichigo… you can do it.
"Fine. But be at the bridge around two tomorrow. Don't be late." She jumped, landing on a railing nearby, a safe distance away. His orange hair, along with Renji's red one could still be seen. Good luck, Ichigo.
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"I do not need to make ANYTHING for you!"
Ukitake sighed in frustration. Byakuya remained a standing stone while Shunsui mumbled something about sake. "But Mayuri-"
"I am FAR too busy to make some selfish contraption for you! Now bother me later!"
"Kurotsuchi Mayuri."
The 12th division looked up from the 'disconnect' button. Byakuya glared at him with utmost annoyance. "Make it. I do not have time for such nonsense." Everyone was dazed for a moment. The great Kuchiki-taichou had spoken! One sentence! It was amazing. However, Mayuri didn't stay that way for long. He snorted.
"I don't have to. I have other projects to do." He once again reached for the button but was stopped by Ukitake this time.
"We have the soutaichou's orders. If you disobey it, you will be charged for treason." The captain hissed in anger. Now he couldn't have that, could he? Mayuri turned his head to behind him. "Nemu! Come here you idiot!"
A pretty shinigami came out of the shadows. "Yes Mayuri-sama?" Mayuri continued his order, his face still contorted in fury. "Get my lab ready." The obedient daughter left, leaving Mayuri with the three captains.
"I hope you're satisfied."
With that, he slammed his fist down on the disconnect button, careful not to break any of his nails.
Back at the material world, Ukitake smiled.
"Yes I am."
Haha! Ya! I'm sorry this chapter came later than you thought it would! Totally not my fault! I'm not a comp geek! My computer CRASHED again! Luckily, I saved all my precious documents lol.
So anyways, yep, I'm not giving you any clues to the next arc lol. It will really start in a couple of chapters. And also, a major spoiler, ICHIGO WILL BE IN HOLLOW STAGE IN THE NEXT ONE! Yes! Cheer! Omg! LoL!
Also, I've realized I haven't really replied to the anon ppl, so here u go faithful anon ppl!
Shippo- thank u for reviewing! And GO GAARA! (he'll be in the next chapter)
Raven- yay! I updated!
Yaoi hata- thank u so much! And I hope u like that hinamori's in here finally!
Shadow- thank u! and I'm not sure about the pairing… im not even sure if it'll be ichiruki in anyway…
Qwerty- lol! Go matsumoto! And ya, I kno gaara's a badass. That's why I love him.
Peter Kim- thank u for reviewing! And I haven't gone THAT in depth with ichigo's hollow, sorry. Also, I'm considering putting vaizards in here. Haven't decided yet!
Shelby- (I kno u reviewed for chapter 8 only, but whatever) thank u for reviewing!
So here you go ppl! As for pairings, I HAVE NO IDEA. I have my doubts, because I don't want this fic to go all love crazy. That would suck. Also, I'm not that good of a romance writer. But, if any of you have suggestions, I'd be more than happy to consider them! Thank u ppl! Now click that review button! You know you wanna!