Skeleneko's Note: This isn't my story. I have permission from Twilight Countess (Amy) to repost this. If you like this story be sure to look out for her book "Eris"!

Senbonzakura

Notes: I'm calling the ability to walk on air Sky Stepping because I can't find the real name. And also, I know it's implied that Gin and Byakuya became captains at the same time, but just work with me here…

Chapter Eleven: Expect the Unexpected

Hisana's P.O.V.

Hisana was correct in her assumption. She and Byakuya did not speak or even come near one another for five years. This saddened Hisana because he was one of the few reasons that she joined the Gotei 13. But since he was a captain, it could not be helped. Hisana tried to distract herself by devoting all her energy to her Shinigami training.

18 months after the party, Ukitake-taicho said she was ready to be registered as a real Shinigami. She allowed herself some pride. Under Ukitake's guidance, in what most students learn in six years at the academy, Hisana had completed in only three. She stayed in the 13th Division for another six months as an unseated officer. It was here where she learned the name of her soul slayer, Takuaji.

After that, Ukitake-taicho encouraged her to apply for a seat position in another division. She followed his advice and was the 13th seat of the 10th Division for a year. That was where she met Matsumoto Rangiku, the then 8th seat of Hisana's division.

Then Hisana became the 7th seat of the 2nd Division and was finally able to overcome her severe block in kido. Soi Fong-taicho held a soft spot for her because every day Hisana would always work harder than the last, which was more than could be said for the 2nd Division lieutenant.

Also, in the 2nd Division, Hisana brought her already advance Sky steps to a whole new level. She was now semi-famous in the Court of Pure Souls as the Goddess of Air. Hisana noticed how Captain Soi Fong would always scowl when hearing her 7th seat's nickname.

Hisana worked like a person possessed. If she could rank herself even higher, she might be able to find a place in Byakuya's world once again. She stayed in the 2nd Division for a year and a half before achieving a higher seat.

So here she was, in her sixth month as the 4th seat of the 5th Division, dodging the zanpakuto of her smiling lieutenant. Hisana learned very quickly that it was near impossible to land a blow on Gin. Hisana found it easier to dodge Shinsou because he could only attack in a straight line. While most only could run left or right, Hisana could go up. She did a back flip and landed on a glowing square six feet above Gin's head.

"That ain't nice, Hisana-san," said Gin. "You ain't givin' it your all. Your zanpakuto ain't even released."

"You're not working that hard either," said Hisana, looking down at him. "If you want to see my shikai, you'll have to work harder than you are doing at present, Fukutaicho. I've not yet felt the need to exert myself for your little games."

Shinsou came toward her with double the speed of the last attack.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" said Hisana. She landed on the ground behind Gin. "Destructive Art Number 4: White Lightning!" Lightning crackled from her finger and shot at Gin. He dodged it by mere inches.

"Destructive Art Number 33: Blue Fire, Crash down!" He jumped up to avoid the spell and landed in front of Hisana.

"It's gonna take more than firin' random spells ta get me, Hisana-san."

Thinking fast, Hisana tore off one of the sleeves of her uniform and threw it at Gin. She caught the twitch of confusion that crossed his face. Just as she had hoped, Gin brought Shinsou in front of him to wipe the cloth away from his face. She used this opening to shunpo right behind him. Hisana gently laid Takuaji, still sealed, beside Gin's neck.

"I win, Gin," Hisana whispered. He turned to look, or rather squint at her.

"Ya do know that rhymes, don't ya?"

Hisana was about to respond when they both heard someone clapping. They turned to see Aizen-taicho approaching them. Hisana moved her sword away from Gin.

"Excellent work, Sayuri," Aizen said. "Very resourceful," he patted Hisana on the head like a dog.

"It was nothing worthy of praise, Aizen-taicho," said Hisana, resisting the urge to bite his hand. Hisana never referred to Aizen as just Taicho. Ukitake would always be her Taicho.

Hisana wrapped the light green scarf around her neck more tightly.

"You bested my lieutenant without even calling for the aid of your soul slayer," Aizen said. "That, my dear, is worthy of congratulations." He walked away and stopped when he was beside Gin.

"I hope Sayuri has taught you to always expect the unexpected, Gin…"

Hisana thought she heard a slight warning tone in his voice.

"Hai, Taicho," said Gin, his smile never leaving. And with that, Aizen departed.

"I think that's enough fer today," said Gin, sheathing Shinsou. "Wanna go fer a walk?"

"A walk?" repeated Hisana crossing her arms. "My translation says: Wanna ditch and play hooky?"

"Ya work too much, Hisana-chan." Gin took her arm and started to drag from the Fifth Division.

"If we get caught, I was just following your orders, Fukutaicho," said Hisana, pretending to give in while secretly she was relieved to get away from the squad.

Hisana liked Gin. She wasn't intimidated by him like most were. After spending so much time with Byakuya while he was a fukutaicho, Hisana could read Gin's facade like an open book. She could tell when the smiling man was happy, irritated, and most importantly, lying. His captain on the other hand…

"So, what's with ya?" asked Gin. They had stopped walking and were sitting on the roof of a neighboring division.

"What do you mean what's with me?" asked Hisana, frowning.

"Why don't ya ever release yer zanpakuto?" asked Gin.

"I'm just not in the habit," said Hisana evasively. "You know I was in the 2nd Division before I came to the 5th."

It was a lie, of course. If you didn't count her Sky Steps, swordsmanship was Hisana's most powerful technique. She, however, did not want Aizen-taicho to know that. She was accepted into the 5th Division after only demonstrating her skills in kido. Maybe Hisana was just being paranoid, but she didn't want Aizen to know where her strengths and weaknesses lay. He was too warm-hearted, too kind, too…perfect.

"Anybody home?" said Gin as he waved his hand in front of her face. Hisana slapped it away.

"How 'bout the truth this time, Hisana-san," said Gin, his grin still there, but his voice was more serious.

Hisana sighed. He could read her as well as she could read him.

"I…I…"

"Yeah?" Gin encouraged.

"I…don't…trust…Aizen-taicho," said Hisana slowly. It was the very first time she had voiced her suspicions to anyone. She looked at Gin and was startled to see that Gin wasn't smiling anymore. It unnerved her. Pushing her anxiety aside, she scooted closer to him.

(A.N. They have no romantic feelings whatsoever! This is a strict, brother-sister relationship!)

"Open your eyes, Gin," said Hisana.

Gin would have blinked. "Wha?"

"Open your eyes," Hisana repeated. "I'd like to see you, without the mask or Aizen breathing down your neck, just once."

Gin did nothing, until ever so slowly, he widened his eyes.

Hisana stared into the dark crimson.

"Cool, they're red," said Hisana bubbly to lighten the tense mood.

Gin snapped them shut and plastered his grin back on his face. "Yer the second person ta get me ta do that."

"Only the second?" said Hisana. "Who was the first?"

Gin did not answer, but Hisana smirked knowingly.

"Don't worry, Fukutaicho," she said, slapping him on the back. "I'm sure you'll sweep her off her feet."

She stood up. "We'd better head back."

"Yeah," he said. "I suppose yer right." But then they both felt a powerful reiatsu.

"One moment," said Gin, dragging Hisana down the street with him. "It's always fun ta try and get a rise out of 'im."

"Out of whom?" asked Hisana, but her question was soon answered for her.

"Hey, Kuchiki-taicho!" yelled Gin.

Author's Note: Yes, Gin stole the sleeve thing from Hisana while fighting Hitsugaya.