Here you go, everybody. Here's the next chapter.

When I first uploaded it, it didn't upload right. Hopefully, it'll work this time

Chapter Eleven—The Light of Betrayal

Komamura sat on the hill, watching the clouds wistfully. He had not come here in so long, but he felt he should. In front of where he sat were two wooden markers, signs of two final resting places. One for Kaname Tosen's nameless friend...

Another one that Komamura had placed for Kaname himself.

Although, Komamura was not sure why he had come here. He had forgiven Tosen for his betrayal, yet that did not mean that it did not hurt. It would always be painful to know that he had been betrayed by his closest comrade, but he was stronger for it. He might not find another Tosen, but he was content regardless.

He sighed heavily. He had come up here to think, for a chance to be alone, away from his duties as a captain. He had not worn his haori or shihakusho. He had instead chosen to wear a simple kimono, a gift from Captain Ukitake some time ago. He had not worn it in quite some time.

But for now, he was enjoying the serenity, the quietness of the setting...

"Sajin!"

The quietness was broken abruptly and Komamura rose to his feet. Running up the hill, also dressed casually, was Jin, looking as though he had not been in a hospital bed hours earlier. A grin was present on Jin's face and he looked as though he had just won some great prize.

"I was looking for you. Glad I knew you were here."

"How?"

"Koji told me."

Somehow, that wasn't surprising. "Did you need something, Jin? How're you feeling?"

"Much better. Not at 100, but close."

"I'm glad to hear it," Komamura said with a nod. Without meaning to, his gaze had drifted to the graves. He was looking at them with a mixture of guilt and sorrow.

"Koji told me that this is where he was buried," Jin said, walking over. He put his hands together and said a brief prayer before turning back to Komamura. "You might not know this, but I know what it feels like to be betrayed. I.. had a brother who turned against me."

"Who?"

"He was a Soul Reaper," Jin replied. "Atsuya Narukami. A former member of Zaraki's Division."

"What happened?"

"When we were in the field—we had been sent to exterminate some Hollows," Jin explained, "and we were doing pretty well. They weren't even Menos Hollows, but I was glad to be fighting alongside my big brother... but a Hollow grabbed me and I just kind of... froze up. I asked him to help me."

"Did he help?"

Jin shook his head. "He killed the Hollow by stabbing right through me. He called me weak and said that if I can't defeat a few weak Hollows then I deserved to die. I idolized Atsuya, but after that, I couldn't even look at him. If not for another Soul Reaper who was there, I would've been killed..."

"What happened to Atsuya?"

"He was supposed to return to Central 46 for sentencing, but he disappeared," Jin answered. "I don't even know if he's dead or alive. Don't think I'll ever know... I don't know if I'll even care later."

"Jin..."

"But that's okay. I'm stronger because of Atsuya's betrayal. I didn't want to be weak enough to be like that anymore. I forgave him when I realized how much stronger I became because of him."

"I forgave Kaname before he died," Komamura said, "but—" He stopped himself.

"I don't that it will stop hurting when you think of it," Jin said. "But you don't have to hide away from other people. We're here for you. Your Division. Your son. Me. It'll take time to get over the trust issues, I know, but if you'll give me the chance, I'd like to help you break down those barriers."

"Jin..."

"We'll do it together," Jin said, extending his hand. "One step at a time."

Komamura hesitated, but accepted. He gripped the hand in his own, his massive hand almost suffocating Jin's. "One step at a time."

The next match of the tournament was a few days later, when the combatants had been judged well enough to fight again. Welcoming the crowd was Lieutenant Sasakibe, then Captain Yamamoto.

Together, side by side, Komamura and Jin entered the arena. One step at a time, one foot in front of the other, ready to take on the challenge. They faced their opponents with a steely resolve, unwavering.

"Best of luck, Captains Kuchiki and Soi Fon," Komamura said.

"Thank you, but we cannot lose," Byakuya replied, withdrawing his sword. "As a Soul Reaper who holds my rank, I shall do you the honor of fighting with my full strength."

"I shall return the honor," Komamura said, pulling Tenken from its scabbard.

"Jin, I expect you to fight well," Soi Fon said with such sharpness that Jin flinched slightly by reflex. "You served underneath me. Show me the results of your training as my subordinate."

"Yes, Captain."

"If both sides are ready," Sasakibe announced, "begin!"

Alright, the next chapter will be the fight. Enjoy the fluffiness.