*gasp* could it be? an update?! I'm so so so so sorry for the slow updates, I didn't want to rush the story too much, because I have a tendency to get ahead of myself. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO COMMENTED AND SENT ME MESSAGES. You don't know how much those mean to me :D I'm just happy and impressed that people actually like my story!

Please enjoy! I don't own Bleach.

CH 11

Evening fell as Naoko sat in her living room, reading a manga. She was lucky enough to take some food from the restaurant home with her, she thought to herself, as she ate some curry rice. The jingling of keys pulled her from the book, her eyes drawn to the front door.

"Jeez, I'm exhausted," Kensei's voice came from the hallway. His face was dirty from working at the construction site, sweat stains were visible on his shirt. He knocked the dust and dirt from his boots before stepping into the apartment.

"Welcome back," Naoko called out. She put the manga down and walked to the door to meet him. Standing on her tip toes, she placed a kiss on his lips and deftly turned to escape his grasping hands as they tried to hold her close. She giggled as she wrinkled her nose playfully, "You smell horrible, go shower!"

Kensei smirked, "only if you come with me!" In an instant, he scooped Naoko up and slung her over his shoulder as he marched them both into the bathroom.

"Kensei, nooo!" Naoko squealed as she was deposited onto the bathroom floor. She sputtered as a dirty shirt was flung in her face. Peeling the soiled fabric from her face, she blushed as she gazed upon Kensei's muscular physique, the '69' tattoo standing out proudly in the middle of his broad chest.

He raised an eyebrow and folded his arms over his chest, his cocky smirk still playing on his lips. "Like what you see?" he asked. Naoko stuck out her lower lip and pouted. Two can play at this game, she thought.

She sniffed her arms in mock disgust, "You made me smell bad, Kensei." Without sparing another glance, she teasingly pulled her own shirt off, flinging into Kensei's direction. His breath hitched as his eyes roamed the smooth skin of Naoko's stomach up to the two perfectly sized breasts hiding behind her lacy bra. Her lips twitched up in a matching smirk as she purred, "Like what you see?"

She turned and slowly undid the bra hook, baring her lean back to him. The raised scars that marred the otherwise perfect skin stood stark white in comparison to her golden complexion. As the soft fabric fell to the ground, Kensei immediately moved to stand behind Naoko, his lips finding the soft skin of her long neck. He deftly undid the buttons of his pants, kicking them off as his hands slid Naoko's knee length skirt down her legs.

Naoko gasped and mewled as they stood nude in the bathroom, her back pressed against Kensei, the cold air and warm touches raising goosebumps on her skin. She could do nothing against the kisses against her neck and ears, the strong hands stroking her hips and breasts, his firm grasp keeping her steady and in place. Naoko tilted her head back, resting it on Kensei's shoulder as his lips found their way down to her shoulder while his fingers explored her nether regions, dipping into her wet depths and playing with her swollen nub. In return, Naoko's hands found his manhood, already rock hard and standing at attention. She wrapped her hand around it and stroked it firmly, squeezing as she moved her hand from the base to the tip, noticing its slight curve upwards.

Kensei hissed with pleasure with each stroke. "Nao-aahhhh," he moaned against her skin. Her delicate hand skillfully rubbed him, her thumb passing over his weeping tip and spreading the liquid over his shaft for lubrication. His teeth raked lightly over her neck, nipping and sucking the sensitive skin.

"Mmh, Kensei," she purred. She could feel herself gaining more control over him. His kisses were more frantic, his hips pumping into her hand every so often, encouraging her to stroke him harder.

Kensei growled, having enough of this power play. His inner desires demanded more of her, to be enveloped in her sweet, soft, warmth. The inner hollow demanded Kensei make her scream, Tachikaze creating a whirlwind of mad lust in his head. He released Naoko from his grasp and pushed her against the bathroom wall, her hands splayed against the smooth wood, supporting her weight. She looked over her shoulder as he bent her over, her amber eyes boring into his with such intensity and anticipation. He saw her tongue flick out and lick her full lips with want, her soft black hair cascading over her back and shoulders. Kensei entered her with a loud grunt, gripping her hips firmly as he thrust into her uncontrollably. He planted hard kisses and bites at the nape of her neck and behind her ears, his ego growing larger as her body twitched and spasmed in response to his machinations. Naoko tilted her head up towards the ceiling and moaned loudly, sweet noises of ecstasy and pleasure spilling from her mouth. They finished quickly and violently, Naoko's inner muscles squeezing Kensei's length almost painfully, while Kensei buried his manhood so far into her that she cried out in discomfort.

The two stood against the wall, panting heavily with sweat dripping from Kensei's body onto Naoko's. Naoko could feel Kensei's semen leaking down her leg as his kisses trailed from her neck down her back following her scars. Her legs trembled weakly as she leaned into the wall for support.

"Come here," he murmured, leading her from the wall into the shower. Naoko sighed as the hot water hit her, releasing the tension she felt in her legs and stomach. Her ex-captain acted as a warm wall for her to support herself as he rubbed his hair under the water, spraying her with small droplets. "Where's your soap?" he asked, glancing around the shower. All he saw were different bottles of who knows what. Naoko grabbed her body wash, "let me get your back, Kensei", she said softly. With a shrug he turned his broad back to her and let out a relaxed sigh as he felt her small hands run along the knots and muscles.

"I heard something interesting today," Naoko commented nonchalantly, breath still slightly heavy from their lovemaking. "It looks like Hirako-taichou wants to involve Kurosaki with the Vaizards. Were you aware of this, Kensei?" Her eyebrows furrowed as Kensei's back tensed at the news. This was all the confirmation she needed.

"Well?" Naoko pressed on. "Are the Vaizards planning to use Kurosaki for their own means?"

"You wouldn't understand," Kensei replied gruffly. "It's for his own good."

"That's why we have Urahara! He can help!" she argued. "You don't have amnesty yet, if you engage with Kurosa…" Naoko was cut off when Kensei swiveled and slammed his hand into the shower wall behind her.

"Mind your business, Naoko," he growled irritably. His large body loomed over hers, intimidating and domineering. Rivulets of steaming water streamed down his neck and shoulders as he pressed her back against the contrastingly cool tile.

"This is my business," she snapped in return. Her head was raised back in defiance, her amber eyes never breaking contact with his brown ones. She could see his eyebrows furrow in annoyance, anger and frustration passing over his face. A normal person would have flinched away and retreated, but Naoko persisted, the corners of her mouth pulled down into a determined frown.

Her lover sighed, exasperated. "Kurosaki is a Vaizard, he belongs on our side," he explained. "That's all you're getting from me."

Naoko narrowed her eyes, begrudgingly accepting his answer. "He won't be so easily turned, you know," she murmured. She turned her head away, breaking eye contact and casting her gaze to the floor.

"Naoko…," Kensei said, moving his hand to cup her face in his large palm. The tension in his face and shoulders released as he felt her smooth cheek willingly press into his hand. Naoko released a sigh.

"I should let you know," she said, turning off the faucet with a squeak, "Urahara thinks Aizen's Hogyoku will be completed by this winter."

She stepped out of the shower and tossed Kensei a towel, drying herself off with her own. Kensei stood frozen in place with the towel in his hands, his face in shock at the news. "Also," Naoko continued, a worried look marring her usually calm exterior, "There were two Arrancar that appeared this afternoon, they absorbed the souls of civilians within a 1 mile radius. Luckily Urahara-san and Yoruichi-san chased them off."

Kensei released a heavy sigh as he finally dried off and put on a clean set of clothes. "There's no time then, we have to prepare for the worst," he grunted. They exited the bathroom together, Kensei unfolding Naoko's futon as she dried her long hair. Naoko nodded grimly as she lay on her futon next to Kensei, her hair still damp but no longer dripping. She curled up into his side, head resting on his shoulder as she breathed in his comforting, masculine scent.

Glancing at her clock, she saw she only had a few more hours until her patrol started. She turned back over to face Kensei, his face matching hers in worried anticipation. They shared a small kiss before he gathered her in his arms, cradling her soft body against his for the few remaining hours he had with her for the night. There was an unusual tension which sent shivers down Kensei's back, as if it was the calm before a storm. He tightened his embrace, concern for the woman in his arms' safety growing in his chest despite his zanpakutou's reassurances that she was indeed able to care for herself. Kensei exhaled, his mouth falling into its signature frown as his eyebrows knitted together. He closed his eyes and buried his face into Naoko's hair, letting her even breathing and floral scent lull him to sleep.

- next evening -

Naoko shuddered at the unusual reiatsu that suddenly appeared, and had suddenly dispersed. Her eyes widened as she swiftly realized they were heading in the direction of Hitsugaya-taichou, Rangiku, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Renji, Rukia, and Ichigo. Calming her breathing, she closed her eyes and focused on the strongest reading, which was moving towards Ichigo. Amber eyes snapped open, burning with determination as she used shunpo to reach her destination.

Ichigo stood in shock, his Getsuga Tensho barely leaving a mark on the blue haired Arrancar that stood above him.

"AHAHAHA IT'S MY TURN NOW, SHINIGAMI," the Arrancar laughed.

"Not so fast," Naoko roared furiously, appearing in front of the orange-haired boy. "kakushi azamuku, Kuro Kitsune!" Her blade turned pitch black as she slashed at the Arrancar. He lazily blocked it with his arm, a small spurt of blood trailing from the shallow gash.

"HAH! Another one? You barely cut me!" he taunted, but not before his arm fell limp as he growled in pain. "What the fuck?!" he grunted to himself. The pain was as if the limb was cut off, yet there it was, just a simple cut from a weak blow. The Arrancar looked at the arm, confused and enraged.

Without wasting another second, Naoko called out, "Bankai! Tsuki no Kurokitsune!" Dust and smoke blew in all directions, blinding the Arrancar momentarily. Suddenly, out of the smoke, he was face to face with the angry snarl of a black fox, blue flames slashing across his chest.

He growled, the flames persistent, yet not hot at all. "What kind of technique is this?" he sneered. "It barely hurts!" He drew his sword, swinging it down on the new, fox-wearing, Shinigami that interfered with his fight.

"Freeze," Naoko spoke calmly. The sword hovered above her head, trembling as the Arrancar's face contorted in anger and confusion.

"Kneel," she spoke again, her voice cold and soft. The Arrancar roared furiously as his body obeyed her commands, going down on one knee. His eyes widened in rage as the arm holding his sword came up to his neck, threatening to slice its master.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME YOU BITCH!?" the Arrancar demanded. He looked up, his ice blue eyes meeting the cold silver of Naoko's own. His body trembled as he fought the unfamiliar force, his legs twitching as he attempted to rise to his feet again. Naoko took the time to appraise the being before her, she had never seen an Arrancar before. He was surprisingly handsome for a Vasto Lorde, with his blue hair, blue eyes, and white clothing that revealed his Hollow hole through his stomach. His teeth were bared, resembling the feline jaw fragment on his face.

Out of nowhere, Tousen Kaname appeared behind the Arrancar. "Sheathe your sword, Grimmjow," the blind man commanded. "You've mobilized 5 Arrancar without permission and attacked the Shinigami, this is all against Aizen-sama's orders." Naoko's gaze flicked to the blind man, surprised to see him make an appearance in front of her.

She would not lose this chance, as she could feel her hold slowly loosening. It took too much reiatsu to fully control an opponent of this caliber. "Grimmjow," Naoko purred sweetly, overhearing the Arrancar's name. "Kill Tousen Kaname with your sword."

"GRAAAAHHH," Grimmjow roared, his arm raising the sword, aiming for the ex-captain's neck. It was as if he were a puppet controlled by strings, his body felt limp and out of his control. Tousen's head turned in shock. "Naoko-san? This is your reiatsu?" he questioned.

Before the blade could reach him, however, Tousen grabbed Grimmjow's arm and twisted it behind the Arrancar's back, restricting his movement. At the same time, Naoko's possession broke, freeing the blue haired Arrancar.

"We are returning to Hueco Mundo," Tousen commanded. He heard Naoko's heavy breathing, her reiatsu fluctuating as she attempted to hold it at its elevated levels. "Your punishment will be decided there."

With that, the Garganta opened up and the two retreated. Ichigo leapt to his feet, enraged. "Come down here! Our fight isn't over!"

Naoko grimaced, Ichigo obviously couldn't win, and yet here he was asking for a fight. She could plainly see him struggling to maintain his bankai, just like her. Her eyes never left the Arrancar, though, as he turned around to face them from the opening of the Garganata.

"You stop fucking around!" Grimmjow growled. "Our unfinished fight spared your life, Shinigami! Even if you attacked me all day, you still wouldn't be able to beat me in my released form."

A smug grin spread across the Arrancar's face as he watched the two Shinigamis' faces freeze in shock. "Do not forget my name, and pray that you will never hear it again: Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez!" he crowed. His gaze moved to Naoko, her breathing labored as her silver eyes struggled to focus on Grimmjow. "As for you, fox-bitch," he growled. "I'll come back and kill you for sure!"

Naoko managed a bold smirk from under the fox pelt, "I'd like to see you try, kitty cat."

The Garganta closed, leaving no trace of is existence in the night sky. Naoko returned to Ichigo's side, her legs shaky from using up too much reiatsu. "I need to train more," she thought to herself.

"Naoko-san," Ichigo murmured, taking in her appearance. He bowed his head in shame and embarrassment, Naoko had stopped Grimmjow in his tracks without a scratch, while he could barely control his own hollow. They were soon joined by Renji, who had also sustained injuries from his own fight.

"Did he leave?" the red haired Shinigami asked. After a beat, his eyes narrowed in concern, "Did you lose?"

"He left," Naoko cut in. She approached the two young men, the nine tails of her pelt brushing against the ground as they sway behind her.

Renji's eyes widened as he saw her bankai. "N-Naoko-san," he stuttered. "You…." He was not aware that the 3rd seat of the 9th division could also attain bankai like Madarame Ikkaku.

"Ah, right," Naoko said, and dispelled her bankai. The pelt and kodachi disappeared as her eyes returned to amber. "Keep this a secret, alright, boys?"

"What's this you're reading?" Kensei asked, pulling the thin manga out of Naoko's hands.

"Hey! Give it back!" she protested. She reached her hand out, but Kensei kept it out of her reach as he read the cover.

"One…Punch…Man?" he read. He let out a loud, barking laugh, "Look at this baldy! What's with that deadpan look on his face?"

Naoko huffed, "It's a good story! He can destroy monsters with one punch!" She punched her fist into the air to add effect. "In fact, he reminds me of you!"

"HAAH? Are you saying I'm bald?"

"No!" Naoko protested. She gripped Kensei's shoulder with one hand, leaning on him as she reached further up to grab her book. "It's because you both punch things!" With a grunt, she grabbed the book from his hand, toppling into him and sending them both to the floor.

They both let out a small 'oomph' as their bodies hit the floor, Naoko's head on Kensei's chest. She absentmindedly traced the '69' tattoo as she said, "Train me, Kensei."

A brief silence passed as Kensei registered her request.

"You can't be serious, Naoko," Kensei scoffed, one eyebrow raised in disbelief. He propped himself up on his elbows, the cool air raised goosebumps on the bare skin as Naoko slid down slightly from her resting place on his chest.

"I am serious! I need to train with a Vaizard, Kensei! Those Arrancar are incredibly strong!" She protested stubbornly, planting her hands onto the floor on either side of her lover and looked up at him expectantly.

"How can you beat an Arrancar when you're a 3rd seat?" he asked. "You need to be at a captain's rank to at least level with them!" Kensei's eyebrows furrowed in worry, apprehension growing as he watched the grim line of Naoko's lips turn into a triumphant grin.

"Then there should be no problem, right?" she said, her teeth showing as her smile grew wider.

Kensei pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes, feeling a headache coming on that was usually reserved for when Mashiro was being loud. "You achieved bankai?" he asked warily.

Naoko pursed her lips and pulled away from him, sitting on her heels. "A captain would normally be proud of his subordinate when she achieves bankai," she said, disappointed in his reaction.

Kensei turned towards her, his heart sinking when she gave him that look. "I am proud," he said. He reached out to her, but she shifted out of his grasp. A painful sting lanced through his chest at her rejection. "I…just don't want you anywhere near the fighting," he added dully. Immediately he cringed, readying himself for the shit storm he was about to face.

Naoko whipped her head around, insulted by the remark. "I am the 3rd seat of the 9th division, Muguruma Kensei," she growled. "I have handled my share of battles for more than a century!" She paused, glaring angrily at him. "Mark my words, you'll see what I'm capable of," she vowed quietly. Naoko quickly stood and spun away from him, storming out the door.

"NAOKO WAIT," Kensei bellowed. Following her out the apartment, he spotted her down the stairs, her eyes closed in concentration. Kensei focused his sights on her as he descended the stairs until her eyes snapped open as she muttered, "gotcha."

Naoko lifted her hand as if to grab something in the air, Kensei suddenly realizing it was a spirit ribbon she was sensing. He reached out to grab her, but she had used shunpo to escape him. Cursing, he followed her, hoping she would lose the trail to the other Vaizards' hide-out.

"What a strange color," Naoko thought to herself, looking at the spirit ribbon in her hand. She knew that the color of a Shinigami's spirit ribbon was a bright vermillion, yet the ribbon in her hand was dark red, almost the color of congealed blood.

It must be because of the hollow's corruption, Kurokitsune commented.

It could be, Naoko replied.

Best hurry up, Kensei is catching up to you, her zanpakutou noted lightly.

Naoko stole a glance behind her, confirming Kensei's position. Naoko sighed internally. Why couldn't he understand that she was strong? That she was, in fact, able to hold her own against stronger opponents? She huffed angrily; she would show that man what she could do. Gripping the spirit ribbon tighter in her hand, Naoko increased her pace before Kensei could catch and restrain her. She sprinted faster until she burst through the doors of an abandoned warehouse. She glanced around, concrete blocks and rebar scattered about the area. Is this where Kensei lived? Her heart clenched in pity at the decrepit conditions.

"Got you!" Kensei grunted, pulling her by her shoulder. "Dammit Naoko, you shouldn't have come here!"

"Who the fuck is this, Kensei?" a voice asked from the shadows.