Welcome to the Eleventh Chapter of this story! Now I want to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter, seriously all your positive responses make me feel warm inside!
READ EVERYTHING BELOW OTHERWISE YOU'LL MISS SOME IMPORTANT FACTS!
Okay on to business, first off is that there is going to be changes to certain characters and parts in this section of the storyline to fit mine otherwise it wouldn't make sense. I've been doing several versions of this part of the story since Chapter Five and this one seems the best to me and my friends and also, due to a project coming up which WILL take up a good deal of my time online, I'll be doing the entire Turn Back The Pendulum in this chapter.
I originally wanted to break it down to three parts but when my teacher announced this project, I knew that I wasn't going to have time to work on the three parts so I had to combine them into one which meant major rewriting on my part. Seriously I'm sorry about putting it all into one chapter but school is really sucking my free time up so I had to improvise. Trust me, if I hadn't put it all into one chapter, the next update would be weeks from now and that would just be the first part.
I do promise you, however, this chapter will answer your long awaited question.
Yoruichi's Decision: Will she stay or will she go?
Also I'll explain Damian's Bankai and its abilities at the end of the chapter.
Disclaimer: I own nothing otherwise I would make millions!
Chapter Eleven: The Pendulum Begins To Swing.
Two months after the death of Isshin, nothing much had change in the Seireitei besides Toshiro becoming Lieutenant and Acting Captain of the Tenth. Of course that caused some trouble within the Tenth as many of the members blamed Toshiro for the death of Isshin and were outraged that he was given the rank of Lieutenant.
Some said that they could be a better lieutenant than him, said people were quickly sent to the Fourth with broken bones by Toshiro who they challenged.
Others said that he won't be able to handle the stress of running a division for long, they were quickly proven wrong after Toshiro successfully ran the division for two months.
One was even foolish enough to say aloud in a bar that the only reason why that Toshiro got the rank of Lieutenant was because that he went and cried to his Kaa-chan about it. Unfortunately, Yoruichi was at the same bar with Soifon, Kuukaku, and Unohana and the three barely stopped her from murdering him... but not before she beat him into a bloody mess.
Toshiro, however, appeared to be running the division smoothly but that is only if you don't know him well enough.
"Shiro-chan you need to get some sleep." Yoruichi said to her son who was halfway done with a stack of paperwork sitting behind Isshin's desk. He rubbed his eyes as he let out a yawn. "Just wait Kaa-chan, I need to finish this year's budget and after that find some time to meet the new recruits."
Yoruichi sighed as she walked over to her son, taking the brush from his hands. "You can do all that once you get some sleep Shiro-chan. When did you even start on this paperwork?"
He shook his head and stared into space for a minute. "I think... eight PM." Yoruichi's eyes widen in surprised before she picked up her son into her arms, making him protest. "Kaa-chan! I'm not done yet!"
"I don't care, I didn't even know that you work through the night again! I knew that the decision to rank you to Lieutenant was a mistake!" She was all against ranking up Toshiro to Lieutenant, saying that he wasn't ready to run a division yet, but Yamamoto countered her, saying that he was already at the level of a Lieutenant and that he could learn from her and the other captains. However, even since he took the Lieutenant rank he's been barely getting sleep and would work through the night without even noticing it.
Toshiro squirm in his Kaa-chan's arms, fighting weakly, as she carried him to his room in the Division. "But Kaa-chan I'm not *yawn* slee-" He cut himself off as he finally feel asleep in her arms as she opened the door to his room. Yoruichi put him down and pulled the covers over him and brush a lock of hair from his face.
'Your growing up so fast Toshiro,' She thought as she lightly kissed Toshiro's forehead, making him mumble. "Kaa-chan." 'It seems like only yesterday that I found you in that forest.' She stood up and walked out of the room but as she did, she ran into Toph.
"Sorry Yoruichi," The raven hair girl said, not changing much in the past two months. "Is he finally asleep?"
"Yes Toph, he's asleep now." She kneed down and whispered into the girl's ear. "Also if Toshiro does something like this again, feel free to knock him out and bring him to bed."
Toph grinned. "Can I even smash a hammer to his head or drug his tea?"
"As long as he gets some sleep. Now if you'll excuse me I have a Captain's Exam to be at."
Eight Hours Later
Toshiro sighed as he walked around the Seireitei with no location in mind. After he was declared Acting Captain of the Tenth, he had to deal with looks of hatred and insults from behind his back but he WILL hold the Tenth until a suitable captain was found. As he got closer to a tree, however, he notice that someone was on one of its branches that went over to the 13th Division. Looking closer, he saw it was none other than...
"Byakuya?" Said boy didn't notice his name being spoke as he was focus intently on something. The noble had grown in the two months as he was now in his late teens and his hair was longer than before. Toshiro quietly jumped onto the same branch Byakuya was on and made his way to him.
The noble wasn't even aware of his friend approaching and instead had all his attention on someone else.
"HEY BYAKUYA!"
Byakuya jumped into the air, smashed his head on a branch above him, and would had fell onto the ground if Toshiro hadn't grabbed him in time.
"Damn it Toshiro!" He yelled at his small friend who had a feline smile so similar to a certain werecat he hated as he held his head. "Stop laughing!"
His smile widen and said, "I'm not laughing Byakuya. I'm just smiling."
"Your laughing on the inside. So why did you feel the need to scare me half to death?" Toshiro sat so that he faced Byakuya. "I wanted to see what had your attention. So what is it?"
Byakuya thought about this for a second, considering should he tell his friend. 'On one hand, he could keep a secret but on the other he could tease and hold it over me for a while. Forget it I'll just tell him otherwise he'll never leave me alone.'
"I'll tell you if you promise not to tell anyone and that includes your Kaa-chan." Toshiro nodded his head and Byakuya motion for him to sit beside him. "Okay look over there. No not there, there. Alright now look at who is sitting under that tree."
He did look and saw a petite black hair girl, who looked the same age as Byakuya, and that she was drawing some rabbits that the 13th Division like to keep. He turned to Byakuya to say something but noticed that he had a faraway look in his eyes as he stared at the girl.
Toshiro grinned and said, "You like her!" Byakuya snapped out of his trance, turned to Toshiro, face red from the blush he had, and yelled. "I do not! I just admire her drawings and her strong will and her beautiful purple eyes, her amazing smile, her wonderful laugh..." He trailed off as he gained back that faraway look in his eyes and this time Toshiro had to pinch his arm to bring him back.
"Ow! Okay fine I do like her." He went back to staring at her. "But how can I even approach her, I mean she might not even like me."
Toshiro shrugged and patted his friend on the back. "Well what's her name?"
"She's in the 13th Division and I asked Captain Ukitake for her name." He regain the faraway look again. "Her name is Hisana." He didn't notice that Toshiro's hand didn't leave his back nor the evil smirk he had on.
"You know Byakuya, the best way to move forward is for someone to push you forward." He said before standing up and yelling out, "HEY HISANA! MY FRIEND WANTS TO TALK TO YOU!" He then kicked Byakuya off the tree, making him fly through the air before landing right in front of Hisana who looked slightly confused at the events that just happened.
"That was nice of you Toshiro," Hyōrinmaru said as Toshiro walked off after seeing the two begin to talk to each other. 'Byakuya needs someone in his life to make him happy.'
"Of course." The dragon could feel Toshiro's sadness reappear as he walked to nowhere. "You need to let go of Isshin's death otherwise you won't be able to move on."
'But I can't Hyōrinmaru. First Kusaka and now Isshin, whose next? Soifon-neechan, Kaa-chan? I'm never strong enough to protect those I care about.' The dragon sighed as this wasn't the first time the two spoke about this.
"Toshiro I wanted to put this off until your power mature a bit but if you truly wished to get stronger..."
'Hyōrinmaru?' Toshiro asked his Zanpakuto.
"We will begin your training to learn your Bankai now." He blinked as he found himself in a forest clearing, the very same one that Kisuke had helped him unlock his Shikai.
Midnight. Shihoin Manor.
Toshiro quietly made his way into his home, avoiding guards and hidden traps, however it was harder than it normally was as every inch of his body was sore and protest every step. Hyōrinmaru had trained him into the ground and then knocked him into the air and repeat until he couldn't stand anymore. He actually laid on the ground for two hours in pain before he finally regain enough energy to move.
Just as he stepped into his room's window someone said, "Hello Toshiro." The light flickered on and he saw his Kaa-chan sitting on the ground with Snowflake curled up around her, asleep.
Yoruichi's eyes widen as she took in her son's battered and bruised appearance. "Toshiro! What the hell happen to you?!" He flinched as she ran over to him and made sure that he didn't have any serious wounds. "I'm fine Kaa-chan, I was just training."
"Training? Toshiro I've seen training and this isn't training. Now tell me who did this to you and why right this instant." She had that look in her eyes that just screamed danger.
The boy sighed as he thought about it. 'If I don't tell her, she'll just fine out eventually and get even more mad.' "Fine but I want you to keep it a secret." Seeing his Kaa-chan nod her head, he continued. "Hyōrinmaru is helping me train for my Bankai."
"WHAT!" Yoruichi yelled, only for Toshiro to "Shh" her. She then said at a lower voice. "Toshiro why are you training for your Bankai now? Even when I was your age, I was still trying to get used to my Shikai and the training might seriously hurt you."
"But Kaa-chan I have to get stronger, to protect the people I care about." His eyes drifted to the ground. "To protect you." Yoruichi's eyes widen again before she smiled at her son, feeling a single tear fall from her eyes. She embrace her son in a hug which he returned.
"Alright but don't overdo the training and I will be telling at least Unohana about this so she won't get suspicious about your injuries." Toshiro thought about this, healing Kido wasn't his Kaa-chan strong point so he agree. "Fine."
Yoruichi stood up, taking her son into the air in her arms. "Now come on, I know you must be hungry. I'll make you a late dinner." The mother-son duo left the room Snowflake, who had woken up, following at there heels.
"By the way there's a meeting tomorrow to meet a new captain." Yoruichi said as her son laid his head on her shoulder, staying awake at the promise of food. "Really who is it?"
Yoruichi laughed slightly as she shifted her son so that his head was more comfortable. "Oh trust me, its someone you know."
The Next Day With Toshiro
Toshiro was walking to the First Division, still wondering who the next captain was. He remembered that the only available captain spot was the 12th Division and the Tenth and he didn't receive a notice that there was going to be a new Tenth Division Captain so it had to be the 12th that was getting a new captain.
Walking toward the metal doors of the 1st Division, he saw that there was already two people there. One of them, a brown hair shinigami, turned and greeted him.
"Hello Lieutenant Shihoin." The shinigami known as Aizen greeted him and Toshiro returned the greeting. "Hello Lieutenant Sosuke." The two rarely spoke to one another but Toshiro had heard from others who said how nice and kind this man was to everyone but there was something odd about him. No one, no matter who they are, could be that nice to everyone.
The Fifth Division Captain, Shinji Hirako, turned around as well. "Eh hey there Lieutenant Shihoin, I thought that you would already be inside with your Kaa-chan. She usually arrives early."
Toshiro shook his head. "No I had some last minute paperwork to finish so I told my Kaa-chan to go on ahead." Shiniji grinned and ruffled Toshiro's hair. "Good, nice to see some of the next generation taking work seriously."
However, he was unaware of the mistake he made nor that his Lieutenant had taken a few steps away from him. One eye twitching, Toshiro said in a calm voice. "Captain Hirako please remove your hand from my head otherwise I will do it for you."
The blond man grinned widen, not knowing the boy enough to figure out that he was being serious, and said, "Go ahead and try."
*SNAP! SMASH!*
Aizen flinched as he heard the loud crack that was his captain's wrist of the hand that was on the younger Lieutenant's head and the impact from the wall he was thrown into. He saw, that in one swift motion, the boy had grabbed the wrist with one small hand, snapped it, while the other grabbed Shinji's arm, and threw him into a nearby wall.
Speaking of whom, was shaking the rubble off of him, holding his broken wrist. "Okay I asked for that." He walked over to the boy, standing once again before the door. "Sorry about that, didn't think you were serious. Although I should have known that since your a Shihoin."
Toshiro nodded his head in acceptance. "Apology accepted, now I think the doors are opening." As he said, the metal doors were slowly opening as Shiniji took a step forward, mumbling. "Finally."
Unfortunately, out of the darkness, a foot caught him square in the face making him fly back and hit the small wall he hit last time. The owner of the foot flipped of him and landed neatly between the two Lieutenants. "Ha! Sorry about that Dickhead Shinji I mistook your ugly face for a doormat."
The person was a small women who had blond hair that was in twin ponytails and a lieutenant badge on her arm and had a smile on her face as she watched the man she kicked sit up, his unbroken hand holding his bloody nose.
"Damn it Hiyori! First I get my wrist broken by that kid and then you just come out of nowhere and kick me right in the face!" Hiyori's attention was drawn for a second to Toshiro who just waved hello in response before she turned back to Shinji, her smile bigger than before.
"Me catching you off guard would make sense but getting your wrist broken by this little kid here. You must really suck!" She laughed and pointed at the man who stood up.
"S-shut up! Besides he's a Shihoin." She ignored him as she laughed at the man, unaware of someone behind her until...
*THWACK!*
Her head bowed with a bump forming, Captain Love of the Seventh stood over her with one hand in a fist. "Cut it out stupid, he does have a point about Lieutenant Shihoin."
Hiyori stood straight, tears of pain in her eyes. "What's your problem Love? Ya think its okay to go smacking around other Lieutenants just because you feel like it?"
Love simply walked in front of her to make sure that she didn't make another attempt to attack at Shinji who was making faces at her now. "Your captain isn't around now so someone has to keep an eye on you."
"Stop talking to me like I'm a kid! Besides he pisses me off, just look at him!" Love did look and then looked away, place on a hand on the girl's forehead and pushed her back into the 1st Division. "That doesn't matter, you can't just kick captains for no good reason." The two went into the division as Shinji ran forward and continued to make faces at her.
"Captain, please stop instigating and don't make that face in front of the Division members." Aizen said with a sweatdrop as Toshiro sighed.
'I'm the only kid here and I act more mature than most of these people.'
1st Division
Toshiro sighed in annoyance as he stared up at the tall hook to log in for his Division holding the wood that had his division on it. He could easily jump up and hook it in but that will look embarrassing and it didn't help that Hiyori and Shinji were snickering behind his back while Aizen and Love watched him with the faintest hint of a smile on there faces. Usually the 1st Division members would log them in once they stepped inside but someone had decided to leave his board out for him to do it himself.
'If I ever find the person responsible for this, I'm going to feed them to Snowflake.' He thought angrily as he stared at the hook.
Just as he was about to swallow his pride and jump up, he felt someone grab him under his arms and lifted him into the air, just enough to reach the hook. "There you go Shiro-chan."
Turning his head slightly, he saw the familiar face and glasses of the Eighth Division Lieutenant Lisa Yadomaru who had a small smile on her face. "Thank you Lisa." He hooked the board in and she put him back down, putting a hand on his hair to ruffle it, making Shinji mumble.
"Why does she gets to do that without having something broken."
Lisa turned to him, smile gone, and moved her glasses in a way so that it caught the light. "Is there a problem Captain Hirako?" Sweat falling from his face, he shook his head.
"N-no nothing at all!" She nodded and patted Toshiro's head as he looked at the two newest people who joined them. "Captain Kyoraku, Captain Ukitake."
The two nodded there heads to him while Kyoraku said, "Hello Shiro-chan, how have you been?" Toshiro sighed at the routine he and the usually drunk captain shared.
"I told you at least a thousands time before Captain Kyoraku to either call me by my rank or not at all. Only certain people can call me by that nickname."
Kyoraku grinned as he stared at his lieutenant. "Really so only beautiful women like my lovely lieutenant can call you that because I don't recall any male calling you by the nickname."
"And I don't recall you ever getting up this early without either a hangover or a bottle in hand, Captain Kyoraku." He said the end with a smile, knowing that he won there little battle of wits that usually have while Lisa smiled down at Toshiro as Kyoraku visibly slumped. "Got me there Shiro-chan, my lovely lieutenant actually had to drag me here."
Ukitake stared at the spot where the 12th Division board suppose to be. "I guess that Hikifune won't be coming around here anymore. A shame, I wanted to at least wish her farewell." The group then started for the Meeting Room while Toshiro walked behind everyone with Lisa at the back, thinking about other things.
'Hyōrinmaru said that achieving Bankai will take years, even with my skills and abilities, and even when I do master it he stated that it won't by as powerful as it normally would be due to my young age.' He stopped as he noticed that everyone else had stopped as well.
"What's all this? Can I get through please?" Everyone turned to see the Captain of the Sixth, and Byakuya's grandfather, Ginrei Kuchiki and Second Division Captain, and Toshiro's Kaa-chan, Yoruichi Shihoin. Said women smiled at her son who went to her side. "Hello Kaa-chan."
"Hi Shiro-chan, good to see you made it on time." She hugged him to her side as they walked toward the front of the group and toward the Meeting Room, everyone following behind them.
Captain's Meeting Room
All the Captains and Lieutenants were in line with the exceptions of the Tenth and Twelfth missing there captains while they waited for the newest Captain. Soon they heard footsteps outside and the doors open, surprising a few at who it was.
"Eh? Looks like I'm the last one to arrive!" Kisuke said, a captain's cloak on his back. He scratched the back of his head as he took a step forward. "Sorry for showing up late. Its really nice to meet you all!" He ended with a smile but when no one spoke back to him, made him slightly nervous. "Errrr? Um so is it okay to continue?"
"QUIT ACTING SO RELUCTANT!" Yoruichi yelled at him making Toshiro, who was standing besides her, slightly jump from her sudden yelling. "YOUR ALREADY A CAPTAIN SO STAND WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH!" Kisuke slouched. "Y-yeah."
Toshiro saw his Kaa-chan disappeared for a second, Kisuke receiving a kick to the rear once she did, and reappeared next to him in the next second. As Kisuke rubbed his butt, Yamamoto stepped into the room gaining everyone's attention.
"It seems that everyone has arrived." He said, voice deep and powerful. "Lets continue with the promotion ceremony." Everyone was focused on the most powerful shinigami as he took several steps forward. "I believe the information has been spread among the captains that seven days ago, Captain Hikifune was promote by the Council 46 into the Royal Guard. On the same day, I informed the captains that a new one was needed and it was Captain Shihoin who recommended her Third Seat for the position.
"Myself and three other captains examined him as he took the Captain's Exam and we have concluded that his abilities and personality are acceptable therefore, former third seat of the Second, Urahara Kisuke, is now the newly appointed Captain of the Twelfth."
After the Meeting
"Why didn't you tell me that you took the Captain's Exam?" Toshiro asked his Kaa-chan as he walked between her and Kisuke toward each of there divisions. Yoruichi smiled as she patted down his hair.
"I wanted it to be a surprise well that and Kisuke asked me not to." Said man smiled at the two as they reached Yoruichi's Division and she waved them goodbye. The two walked in silence pass three move divisions until Toshiro spoke up.
"I don't think that your Lieutenant likes you." The women had rudely decline there invite to walk with them and instead Shunpo to the Twelfth, stepping on Kisuke's foot as she passed by him.
The man sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I know, I heard that Hikifune was like a mother to her and I could never replace someone like that." He flashed a grin. "Although I'm sure that she'll come around with my wonderful personality." Toshiro laughed slightly and wished him farewell as he went into his Division. Kisuke watched the small boy as he went into the division that his best friend was once in charge of.
'Ah Isshin if only you could see how well Lil-Shiro is running your division. I bet you'll be proud.' With that in, the blond man left to meet his new division.
Two Days Later
Toshiro winced in pain with every step he took as he made his way to meet his Kaa-chan at the Sixth Division. Today was another day of training for his Bankai and Hyōrinmaru wasn't showing any mercy as usual. Once Unohana had learnt of his training for Bankai, she had tried to talk him out of it but to no success. Eventually she agreed to help and keep it a secret, under the condition that he won't take it too far.
"Hey Toshiro! Up here!" Looking up, Toshiro gained a surprised look as he stared up at the tied Byakuya in a tree underside down, everything from the chest and down trapped in rope. "What happened to you?" The boy struggled against the ropes for a second before looking back down at him, his long hair falling to his face.
"Your Kaa-chan happened! First she interrupted my training then she stole my hair tie and now she tied me in this tree!" He tried to break free once more, only making himself spin around. "Please get me down before I throw up." Toshiro helped the boy down and cut him free of the ropes with his Zanpakuto.
Byakuya stood up, albeit a little off balance, and turned to Toshiro. "Thanks Toshiro now if you'll excuse me, I have to change out of these clothes."
The boy raised a brow as he watched a smile form on Byakuya's face despite his situation a minute ago. "I'm guess that your'll going on a date with Hisana." This causes the boy to blush a deep crimson as his friend smiled.
"Its not a date! Its a meeting where we discuss our likes and dislikes."
"Okay, call it what you want I'm calling it a date so where is it going to be?" Byakuya grumbled as they stepped into the Sixth Division.
"What was that?"
"The Sliver Fox okay! I told her that I'll meet her there!" Toshiro laughed slightly as he patted his blushing friend on the back. "That is a really fancy for a first date don't you think?"
Byakuya lightly punched the smaller boy's shoulder. "Shut it, its just a friendly meeting between friends okay!"
"Sure it is, just try not to get too friendly at your meeting." He grinned as they reached the dining room. "Damn it Toshiro! Its a date not a meeting!" The words left his mouth before he realized what he had said and he placed his hands over it. Moving his hands away, he whispered. "Please don't tell me I yelled that."
"Byakuya-Bo! You didn't tell me you got a girlfriend!" The door was thrown open and standing there was Yoruichi who had a feline smile on her face that matched her son's own. Byakuya cursed Toshiro as his Kaa-chan dragged him into the dining room to tell her about his girlfriend...
It got even worse when his grandfather wanted details about the girl as well.
Nighttime. Same day
"... Impressive," Aizen said as he stared at the figure holding a blood sword in his hands. "Your even better than the rumors suggested about you. Could you tell me your name one more time?"
The figure had an unnatural grin on his face and his eyes were closed shut, along with that he appears to be in his late teens with sliver hair which was spattered with blood.
"Gin. Ichimaru Gin."
"Our Division Third Seat, how'd did you find him?"
"Ah he was hopeless, not even worth talkin' about."
Aizen had a slight smile on his face. "That is good to know."
Nine Years Later At Shihoin Manor
"This is getting way too dangerous for you to train for Bankai Toshiro!" Yoruichi scolded her son as he sat in his bed within his room at Shihoin Manor. Currently he was sitting in bed with one shoulder tightly wrapped in bandages. Along with her, Unohana was in the room as well looking over Toshiro's injuries.
As he got closer to achieving Bankai, his training got harder and his injuries got worse this one including a deep cut in his right shoulder. His Kaa-chan had to wake up Unohana in the middle of the night to heal him.
"She is right Toshiro, it seems that the closer you get to achieving your Bankai the more serious your wounds become." She turned to Yoruichi. "He will need at least a month of rest before he can train for his Bankai again and I suggest that someone watches him to make sure that he doesn't try to train."
"Oh don't worry Unohana, I'll be doing that myself." Yoruichi said as the older women nodded and left the room, leaving the two alone. "You heard her Toshiro no training for at least a month and I'll be taking over your division until then."
Toshiro quickly sat up. "But Kaa-chan!" He winced as pain flared from his right shoulder and Yoruichi gently pushed him back.
"Listen Toshiro, you've been working yourself too hard since you became Lieutenant so I want you to use this month to rest and relax." She went outside, giving him one last look. "I will not be changing my mind on this Toshiro, now get some rest." She left his room, leaving Toshiro alone.
He sighed as he looked around his room. Snowflake was getting some excise so the room was annoyingly quiet. He looked at a mirror that was hanging from a wall, in position for him to view himself even on the bed.
The nine years hadn't changed him much besides his hair growing out and growing an inch but besides that he still looked like a ten year old. The door opened revealing two old friends, Byakuya and Toph.
Toph for her part hadn't changed much as well beside growing at least two inches, which slightly annoyed Toshiro, but Byakuya was another story. He no longer looked like a teen and instead like a young adult with handsome features that got many stares from the female population.
"Hello Toshiro," Byakuya said with a smile,his voice deep. "We heard that you got hurt training." Said person just smiled at the two.
"Yeah it was mistake on my part for not thinking my last attack ahead."
Toph walked to the side of his bed. "So when are you going to tell us who your training with Icepop? This is the third time you got hurt like this."
"I told you two before that its a secret. I won't tell you two until I'm ready." The dark hair girl sighed, patting his arm. "Well take it easy, you need to rest otherwise..."
"We'll make you rest if you tried to train." Byakuya finished for her as Toshiro groaned. "My Kaa-chan told you to watch me right?" The two nodded their heads as he sighed. 'Of course she would ask that.'
He turned his attention to Byakuya. "So how are things with you and Hisana?" The noble slightly blushed. His relationship with the petite women was well known now and they have been a couple for seven years now.
"Good in fact," Byakuya said looking Toshiro straight in the eyes. "I'm going to ask her to marry me." The room was filled with stunned silence and was broken by Toshiro who exclaimed.
"That's great! When are you going to do it!" The white hair boy was happy for his friend as it wasn't everyday that one of your friends got married. "Soon, I'm just waiting for the right moment also I want you to be my best man."
The Shihoin was once again stunned. "No offense but why me?" Byakuya went up to him and placed a hand on his uninjured shoulder.
"Toshiro you've been my friend for years now and I'll consider it an insult if anyone, but you, is my best man." Staring at his friend in complete shocked surprise, he gave off a smile.
"Thanks Byakuya I'll be your best man." He nodded and left the room, most likely to spend sometime with Hisana leaving Toph and Toshiro alone.
Toph was the first to break the silence. "So how's your training for your Bankai going?" The boy sighed. 'Of course she would figure it out.' "I'm almost there, Hyōrinmaru said that I could achieve it by the end of the year. He said its the fastest that anyone had achieved his Bankai. How did you find out by the way?"
"Almost daily trips to the Fourth, ice related injuries, an increase in your Reiatsu, even a blind girl like me figure that out." The raven hair girl sat on his bed. "Your lucky that your Zanpakuto is easy to talk to, mine barely talks to me and won't even give me a hint on my Bankai training."
Raising an eyebrow, he asked. "Your training for Bankai too?"
"Duh Toshiro, I started a year ago after I found out that your were training for Bankai. Of course my Zanpakuto is being stubborn and lazy as usual," She gave the blade on her side a hard smack on the hilt. "I'm surprised that she even agreed to start my Bankai training but she ain't giving me any hints on the next step."
She sighed as she stood up. "Well I have to go, its family night and my parents want to bond." She flinched at the word as Toshiro looked at her sadly. Ever since she became a Shinigami, her parents been trying to bond with her more often but mostly resulted in awkward nights for her. "Good luck Toph."
She waved him goodbye as Toshiro laid his head on his pillow. Just before sleep overtook him, however, a voice loud as day yelled out.
"EMERGENCY MEETING! EMERGENCY MEETING! ALL CAPTAINS AND ACTING CAPTAIN OF THE TENTH PLEASE REPORT TO THE 1ST DIVISION!"
Toshiro sat up, trying to ignored the pain in his shoulder and head as he did. 'An emergency meeting at this time of night? What happened?' He was quickly answered as the same voice yelled again.
"THERE HAS BEEN AN ACCIDENT WITH THE 9TH DIVISION! WE HAVE LOST ALL CONTACT WITH THEM AND CANNOT GET A SOUL SIGNAL FROM CAPTAIN KENSEI OR LIEUTENANT MASHIRO OF THE 9TH DIVISION! THIS IS A MEETING EMERGENCY!"
Not need anymore answers, Toshiro stood up, completely ignoring the pain of his shoulder and head as he did, taking his Lieutenant badge off his dresser as he disappeared into a Shunpo.
1st Division
"Where is the Lieutenant Shihoin of the Tenth? As Acting Captain, it is his duty to be here to represent the Tenth." Yamamoto asked as the captains filled the room, leaving only the 10th and 12th gaps there.
Yoruichi stepped forward. "Due to injuries from training, I will be taking his place for at least a month." Suddenly the door was kicked open and everyone was treated to the sight of said person panting from exhaustion and pain, exhaustion due to the distance between the 1st and Shihoin Manor was not a short one and pain from his shoulder.
"I'm *pant* here." He fell to one knee as Yoruichi rushed to his side. Helping him to his feet, she angrily whispered. "What are you doing here Toshiro? I told you that I'll handle this."
He shook his head as she helped him up and wiped some sweat from his head. "Its my duty Kaa-chan, as a Shinigami to be here." The woman sighed and rubbed her forehead. 'Just like me, stubborn to the bone and won't listen to anyone most of the time.'
Toshiro walked to his place beside his Kaa-chan, sparing a glance at the Captain Commander seeing him nod his head very slightly. Deciding to continue, Yamamoto said.
"According to reports from the 9th division vanguard who were on standby, Captain Kensei and Lieutenant Mashiro of the same Division disappeared from their encampment along with six others. The reason is unknown! Until we have a better hypothesis, assume the worst! As of yesterday, this was simply nothing more than another incident in the Rukongai but now the pride of the Imperial Guard depends on getting to the bottom of it!
"For this reason, I will choose five captains to investigate the scene of the disappearance!"
The doors once again burst open, revealing Kisuke standing there. "Your late." The blond man panted for a second before saying.
"Please let me go." Yamamoto opened his eyes. "No." Kisuke stood up straight. "My lieutenant is heading toward that camp! I..."
"KISUKE! YOUR PATHETIC. GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF! DON'T YOU GET THAT LOSING YOUR COMPOSURE LIKE THIS IS INSULTING HER!" Yoruichi yelled at the man surprising him and her son standing beside her.
Yamamoto stared at the captains. "... To continue. 3rd Division Captain Rojuro, 5th Division Captain Shinji, and 7th Division Captain Aikawa will head toward the campground. Yoruichi and Toshiro Shihoin of the Second and Tenth will be on standby for further orders. The 6th, 8th, and 13th will guard the Seireitei. 4th Division Captain Unohana, prepare the relief stations for casualties."
"But sir," Unohana spoke up. "Don't you think it'll be better if I'm on the scene to tend to the wounded there?"
"I can't send healers out, not to mention our best one, without knowing the situation. I'll send others instead." There was a knocking on the doors. "Come in."
The door opened revealing three figures. One was Tessai wearing his Kido Corps Captain Cloak followed by his large round Lieutenant Hachigen and his third seat...
"Yukari?" Toshiro whispered at the girl who he haven't seen in a long time. She wore the standard white uniform of the Kido corps, her hair had grown out reaching her shoulders now and she had a sword on her back, most likely her Zanpakuto but her signature hat still sat on her head. When she saw Toshiro, her eyes brighten and she mouthed.
"We'll talk later." He nodded and listened along with the other captains. Yamamoto spoke to him. "I assume that you have heard the news. I want you two to head to the camp and your third seat to create Kido barriers at the four gates in case someone manages to get past the Guardians."
"Yes sir," Tessai said to him. "As you wish." Looking at Kisuke, Toshiro say the sad look on his face and decided to say something.
"Captain Commander Yamamoto, don't you think its a bit risky to send both the Kido Corp Captain and Lieutenant into a situation we know almost nothing about?"
Yamamoto, and everyone's, attention turned to Toshiro. "... Then what do you suggest?" Toshiro took a deep breath and said.
"Send me ahead to gather information about the situation." Just as Yamamoto was about to answer, Yoruichi beat him to the punch. "No Toshiro."
He looked up at his Kaa-chan in surprise. "I know what your thinking and the answer is no. Whatever is in the Rukongai might have been strong enough to take out a captain, lieutenant, and six others and I will not standby and watch my son volunteer himself for a mission that could kill him."
"But!" This time Kyoraku spoke up. "Your Kaa-chan's right kid. You might be strong but whatever's in the Rukongai could be stronger so I'll volunteer my lieutenant instead."
Said Lieutenant appeared in the window, holding onto the wooden bars. "You should at least ask me if I want to volunteer for a mission."
"Well do you?" Kyoraku asked, tipping his hat up a bit as Lisa stared at him.
"Of course." She jumped off the wall and, once she hit the ground, disappeared in a Shunpo and Kyoraku looked at Tessai. "There you go, I trust that you'll step aside for now Kido Captain."
Tessai nodded at him. "I don't mind. I'll accept your offer and take a break." Yamamoto tapped his cane on the ground. "If that is all then Rojuro, Shinji, Aikawa, Hachigen, and Lisa will form a special squad to investigate the disappearances."
Everyone walked out and once alone, Toshiro asked his Kaa-chan. "Why didn't you let me go?" Yoruichi sighed and kneed down to meet his eyes.
"I just don't want to see you in danger, whatever is in the Rukongai could kill you if I decided to let you go."
Toshiro folded his arms over his chest, looking anywhere but his Kaa-chan's eyes. "Its not like I've been in danger before."
She lightly grabbed his chin and turned his head toward her. "Maybe but think of how awful I felt every time you were in danger, it felt like that my heart was breaking at the chance that I might never see you again." A tear escaped from one of her eyes but before she could wipe it away, Toshiro did it himself.
"Sorry Kaa-chan I didn't think that..." She held up a hand. "Don't be sorry Shiro-chan, you didn't cause all those situations. They just happened." Then she decided to add.
"How about this Shiro-chan, after all this is over, I promise to take you on a trip to the World of the Living." Toshiro's eyes widen in surprise, ever since he became Acting Captain, trips to the World of the Living became very rare.
"You promise?" Yoruichi held up a pinkie. "I pinkie promise." Toshiro wrapped his own pinkie around her's, sealing the deal. "Now I think there is someone that wants to see you."
She pointed behind her and he turned around, seeing Yukari standing there. "Thank you Kaa-chan." Yoruichi nodded and disappeared in a Shunpo as Toshiro went over to Yukari.
Before he could say anything, Yukari suddenly threw her arms around her before pulling herself off blushing. "Sorry, its just that we haven't seen each other in a long time thanks to my training in the Kido Corps."
"So Yukari, your the third seat of the Kido Corps now?" He asked as she nodded her head. "Yeah it took a while but I finally managed to reach third seat and my Zanpakuto is really helpful but what about you? I heard that your Acting Captain for the Tenth and I heard about what happened to Isshin..." She trailed at the end, unsure if she should continue.
"Its alright Yukari, I won't get mad if you bring it up."
"Okay then and I heard that Toph learned her Zanpakuto's name." Toshiro laughed slightly. "Yeah but her own was very stubborn and only told her in the middle of a fight."
"So just like her huh?" He nodded his head and the two shared a laugh as they walked passed the 5th division when Toshiro saw something that caught his eye. It was Lieutenant Aizen who was walking to somewhere but there something odd about him to Toshiro. He couldn't describe it but he seemed to be acting... different than the first time he saw him.
"Toshiro?" He was snapped out of his trance when he heard Yukari's voice. "Are you okay?" He nodded and looked at where Aizen was but saw no one there now.
"I'm fine, just wondering about something." He went ahead, as Yukari followed him toward the closest gate. "Come on I'll try and help you seal the gates."
In the Rukongai
Aizen stared at the newcomers, Kisuke and Tessai. On the ground were the hollowified shinigami of those sent to investigate the Rukongai, all of them wearing white hollow masks.
"Well its a bit of a surprise to see you here, Captain Urahara, Kido Captain Tsukabishi." He stated as the two stared at them.
Gin's grinned, if possible, widen. "Oops I guess we've been found." Kaname drew his blade. "Should I kill them Aizen-sama?"
Said person held up a hand. "No need for that Kaname." The blind man nodded his head and placed his sword back in as Shinji pushed himself up. "Kisuke why did you come?"
The blond man simply looked at him and said, "What's with that ugly mask?" Shinji managed a weak grin. "Shut up jerk." Kisuke's attention was then turned to Hiyori who was wearing a mask and face down on the ground and his eyes narrowed very slightly at her before he looked back at Aizen.
"Lieutenant Aizen what are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious?" He waved toward the fallen shinigami. "I just came upon the injured shinigami of the investigation squad and tried to help them."
Kisuke sighed. "Why are you lying?"
"Lying? Why would I be lying, I was just trying to help out my captain." Kisuke took a step forward. "These ain't injuries, Aizen, this is Hollowifcation."
Aizen smiled very slightly. "I see, you are exactly," He released some of his Reiatsu which was enough to make the surrounding air heavy with power. "the kind of man I thought you were. Although I honestly expected for you to show some emotion."
The man placed a foot on Hiyori's prone body but Kisuke didn't even react in the slightest. "Still nothing? Not even when I place a foot on your lieutenant?" Aizen's smile widen very slightly. "Perhaps if I threaten to use Toshiro as my next experiment?"
That got a reaction as Kisuke released some of his Reiatsu to make Aizen's own, his expression one of fury. "Don't you dare you Aizen. If you even lay one hand on Toshiro, I will make you regret it." Aizen let out a short cruel laugh and turned away from him.
"Gin, Kaname, its time to go." The trio turned and began to walk away and, before Kisuke could run after them, Tessai yelled out. "Kisuke get out of the way!"
The Kido Captain held his arms out toward the trio. "Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō!" A massive beam of eletric energy blasted out of his hands and Kisuke jumped to the side to avoid it as it continued its path to Aizen, Gin, and Kaname.
Without even looking back, Aizen said, "Bakudō # 81. Dankū." A translucent wall then appeared behind him and blocked the Kido Tessai launched, creating a massive explosion. Once the smoke cleared, it showed that the trio had gotten away.
Early Next Morning
Yoruichi silently made her way through her home, or rather soon to be former home, looking for one person in peculiar. Recently she just assisted in the escape of her friends Kisuke and Tessai and no doubt she would be discovered soon enough and only had enough time to visit one person. She knew that what she was about to do would be the hardest thing in her life and was ready for it...
Even if her heart wasn't.
Finding her son's room, she quietly opened the door and made her way to where her son was sleeping peacefully in his bed. She gave a sad smile and kneed down beside him, letting her fingers comb through his hair one last time before she left.
'Oh Toshiro, I hope you can come to forgive me.' Yoruichi thought as she planted a kiss on his forehead, making him smile in his sleep. 'I promise I'll come back as soon as I can, just stay strong until then.'
Snowflake, who was sleeping near Toshiro, lifted her head when she saw Yoruichi knee beside her. She patted the large white tiger and said, "Protect him while I'm away okay?" The tiger gave a low growl as if understanding what she said and Yoruichi stood up, looking at her son one last time for what she knew would be a long time until she saw him again. She quietly said to his sleeping body.
"I love you Toshiro and I'm sorry I have to leave." Fighting back the tears that threaten to spill, Yoruichi Shunpo out of the room and soon enough out of Seireitei by using one of the Senkaimon at the 13th Division. Once she was gone, Toshiro's smile disappeared and his once peacefully dream was replaced with nightmares.
Later when he wakes up
'She can't be gone! She just can't be!' These were Toshiro's thoughts as he Shunpo toward the Second Division or more importantly the captain's room where he knew his Kaa-chan is suppose to be.
He was rudely awaken when several members of the Onmitsukidō stormed into his room to look for any evidence of his Kaa-chan's whereabouts. Of course those fools were nearly torn apart by Snowflake when the rest of there words caught up to his still tired mind.
They told him, underneath Snowflake's massive claws, that his Kaa-chan had assisted in the escape of Kisuke and Tessai who were conducting illegal hollow experiments on the members of the 9th and the Investigation Squad sent out and was declared a traitor of Seireitei.
He called them some rather rude things, saying that his Kaa-chan, or Kisuke and Tessai for that matter, would never do something like that when Soifon stepped into the room and hugged him tightly saying that what they were saying was true.
His Kaa-chan was truly gone, betrayed Seireitei and helped her friends escape. But no, he didn't believe it, his Kaa-chan would be in her captain's room finishing up paperwork and would be soon ready to take him on that trip to the World of the Living like she promised.
Seeing the captain's room, he threw open the door expecting to his smiling Kaa-chan, ready to go with him.
But he saw nothing but an empty chair. 'Its true. She betrayed Seireitei and she left me behind.' He walked into the room, turning around to see if there was any sign of her but still nothing, nothing but an empty room.
He felt the sting of tears threatening to escape and Shunpo back outside, passing Soifon who was chasing him. He wanted to chase after her, to find her, to bring her back. His thoughts were so dismay that he mistook a step and fell to the ground, tears falling from his eyes.
Finally he let everything out, his anger at his Kaa-chan for leaving, his sadness that she was gone, his broken heart that can't be healed, into one powerful yell.
"KAA-CHAN!"
His emotions wasn't the only thing that escaped as all his Reiatsu was brought free as well, the sky turning not only black but also creating a powerful snowstorm.
Soifon gasped and fell to her knees at the amount of power Toshiro was releasing, it was enough to strangle her but she slowly fought to her feet and made her way toward him. She saw the tears that ran down his face and felt the sadness and feeling of abandonment in his Reiatsu and felt her heart break as well and, once close enough, grabbed her little brother figure in a hug.
She rubbed his back and lend him a shoulder to cry on, saying into his ear. "Its okay Toshiro its okay." The storm turned into a gentle fall of snow and Soifon didn't care about the remaining captains appearing around them, most likely to investigate what was the cause of that storm.
No the only thing that cared now to her was the crying boy in her arms.
In the World of the Living
Yoruichi stared at the sky as it gently snowed. Most humans would be wondering how it was snowing in the beginning of summer but she knew. Toshiro had discovered that she had left and no doubt was feeling completely broken.
The fact that she was the cause of it made a single tear fall from her eyes.
One thing for sure, the next century without his Kaa-chan would change Toshiro forever.
And there is the answer to your long awaited question! Yoruichi left her son behind and in turn broke his heart.
The main reason why I did that is because I thought that Toshiro wasn't cold and emotionless enough in my story but I didn't have a good enough reason to make him cold and emotionless. So meaning this chapter was a major character development for Toshiro.
And I brought Yukari back into the story! She was meant to appear in the tenth chapter but decided it would make more sense if she appeared in this one instead.
Also you'll notice that I changed Gin's age appearance and that is because when I posted the first chapter, I suddenly thought, "Oh shit I forget Gin and the others." If Yoruichi found Toshiro before she left the Seireitei then Toshiro would be the same age as them but then I thought, "Hey its my story, I can do whatever I want." So Gin, Matsumoto, and Nanao are older in this one, looking in there late teens instead of there pre- or middle teens while Toshiro, Toph, and Yukari will look the same when Ichigo and the others invade Seireitei but with a few differences.
Please leave a review and info about Damian's Bankai is below.
Damian's Bankai Name: King of Parasitic Hell(I suck at translating English into cool Japanese, Latin, etc words)
Appearance: Takes on the form of a king in a white knight's armor, about the same color as maggots, with a mouth in the center armor and back and on his head would be a crown made of maggots. His armor would also come with a Broadsword that has mouths on the sides.
Abilities: Any form of Kido or Kido Type attacks on him would be useless as both the blade and the armor are about to eat it. Also if you managed to get hit with the blade, it will eat a large portion of your Reiatsu, leaving the target helplessly and exhausted.
Pros: Kido and Kido Type Zanpakuto are completely useless against his Bankai and hitting the armor directly without any form of protection will also result in draining of Reiatsu as the armor share the same abilities as the sword.
Cons: If the armor, however, isn't fed any Reiatsu within a certain amount of time, besides the user's own, it will turn on its own user devouring them instead of there enemies. It will keep devouring them until nothing remains making using this Bankai a risky gamble.
