Chapter 25: Final Trial

Little Falcon: I know, I know, late again but I've been under the weather lately and I am trying to whip my ass back in shape but it's not a one-day process so please bear with me…

Standard Disclaimer: I only own the idea that's all. If I did own this series I'll be the happiest person on earth!

The wooden door of their office slid open, revealing her barely clad breasts that were however, unfortunately, covered by the piles of papers she was carrying. Balancing the tipsy mound, the 10th Squad vice-captain stocked it on the already overcrowded desk. "Mou! Another batch of transfer requests! Most probably, all from the fifth squad. Honestly, what is Kurosaki-taicho doing?!" breathing a loud protest as she scratched her head agitatedly.

"Stop complaining and get to work," he didn't even have the time to spare his lieutenant a glance as his quill strode on numerous papers nonstop.

Matsumoto settled herself on the couch with an audible sigh and grudgingly did as she was told. This event was almost like clockwork for them ever since the seat of the 5th Squad's second-in-command became vacant. Truthfully, like everyone else, she believed that the former princess and vice-captain did nothing wrong that warrants any castigation. However, it was their Supreme Commander's verdict, as such is beyond contestation. They knew that their superior had considered every angle of the situation and that his judgment was impartial. Despite that fact, most of the Squad officers were resentful but they deem that it was for the best- whatever that entails.

Her pitiful glance coasted over to her immediate superior, it had been almost six months since she last heard him talk about anything other than work. That was also the time before she disappeared without a word. It makes sense for him to act like he was doing now. Still, he can't be doing this forever. Inwardly, she exhaled with a heavy heart. Seriously, I'm going to kill myself if he's going to be like this forever. Work and I is not a good combination… EVER!

"Yo!" A tattooed shinigami with long fiery hair needed no invitation to let himself in. Mentally, he was taken aback by the messy appearance of the usually neat office however; he shrugged his shoulders dismissively since their space is the same as this. Almost everyone from the 5th squad requests to be transferred into another division due to the fact that their supposed leader is almost always missing in action. With no one to follow, they were clueless on what to do… so they scattered.

"Abarai, this type of chore is tiring to little ol' me. Why don't we have a drink?" Attempting to skip work, Rangiku pleaded with her eyes for the other vice-captain to agree. But apparently, Renji went to see them for a different purpose.

"Hitsugaya-Taicho, Ichigo finally chose a suitable Shinigami to fill-in her position," there were hints of uncertainty in his statements as he reported.

For a quick moment, he stopped his movements but he didn't lift his head in acknowledgement either. "Who?" One word as a reply and question before he resumed his task.

"Kuroku Genji," Abarai spat in disgust. It was protocol that if a higher position becomes vacant the next in command would automatically be the replacement. However, with everyone leaving their post, including the third-in-command, it was a real challenge to pinpoint who was going to be the next 5th division lieutenant since the death gods remaining in the said squad were all neophytes.

Not long after, a hell butterfly delivered a message for the monthly meeting wherein the new vice-captain was introduced. "It's an honor to be standing here with you today! I'm sure I deserve it but I'm still surprised at Captain Kurosaki's decision," a large brute bragged and drawled as soon as he stepped forward. His superior merely stood at his side, not even sparing him a glance.

"Is this clown really going to join our ranks?" the 3rd Squad lieutenant said under his breath as he stared at the big Shinigami then at Ichigo. His disapproval wasn't basely most on the new comer's conceited demeanor but also on his reiatsu level, which was only barely above average. Most of the captains were insulted by the substitute Shinigami's impulsive choice but it was his squad and if there was going to be a disapproval the only one that would count was that of the Captain-Commander's. They contained their dissatisfaction, waiting that in one moment for the Supreme Commander would overrule the 5th Captain's abrupt appointment for a Second Seat however nothing came and as the gathering came to a conclusion, everyone held their breath at every word from the old captain's mouth. "Everyone, dismissed," even as Genryuusai left, no one moved except for one.

"Well, I guess that's that," the orange-haired Shinigami put his hands on the back of his head as he nonchalantly walked out of the very still meeting hall.

"Permission to speak, Supreme Commander," his trusted right hand could no longer stay silent when they were in the confines of their office. Receiving a silent nod, Chojiro Sasakibe inhaled sharply before delivering his needed opinion. "I believe that Kuroku Genji is not suited to be a lieutenant, much less than hold a position other than being a common Shinigami,"

"I know. I did not become the head of the 13 divisions for a hundred years for nothing," the aged commander stared out his veranda. His droopy eyelids almost covering his eyes while his long combed beard played with the gentle breeze. "This is Kurosaki-taicho's way of rebelling because he thinks I gave misplaced punishment to his former vice-captain. Like a child that didn't get what he wanted, he throws a fit. And, the best way to deal with a tantrum is not to entertain it… therefore I ignore it until he grows tired of the own mess he has created," he spoke with a wisdom gained from his years in service. "He will come around, one way or another,"

The 1st division lieutenant, contented with the justification he was given, proceeded to business as usual. "There are more death gods reported to have no memory of the fifth princess at all. Not her arrival or departure. Upon checking with the Research Division, they were physically fit. Their memory and mental health were also stable," Sasakibe kept turning the pages of the detailed report. "Most of the people are beginning to forget about the princess Naomi but not vice-captain Hinamori. But they are asking what happened to her since she grew out of sight without a word."

"Soudesuka? (Is that so?)" His plain reply hung in the air.

A sudden urge to go outside pulled him of his menial Captain duty- handling yet another bunch of transfer requests. Without so much as a word, the 10th squad captain rose from his seat and stepped-out of his office. His confused lieutenant gaped at him openly before joining him without second thought.

"Er…Captain? Where are we going?" Much as she hates to question her superior, she didn't like being left in the dark. While waiting for his answer, a loud ruckus from a distance caught their attention. Hearing the almost uncivilized cheers jeers, she knew where they were even if she had her eyes shut. They are on the 5th Squad's district.

Proving everyone's distress to be true, Kuroku Genji turned the proud and noble 5th Division into something that nearly resembles a gambling den for worst kind of death gods near and far. With their sulking captain always absent, it took only three months to make the honored detachment lose almost all of its loyal members, replaced with soldiers barely able to wield their Soul Slayer. Except for the two on top, seats of command in the said division was perpetually changing like clockwork. Now, no one deems to make an effort of recording the fluctuation of power. The 5th squad became the epitome of disgrace in the entire Soul society. Despite all this, no one made any move control the growing unrest.

"Taicho, why are we here?" The vulgar souls, who dared to call themselves Shinigami, scampered out of the duo's way. It seems that even ignorant brutes knew who to fear and respect.

"Take him down, Shimao-sama, Yuuya-sama!" A boisterous group yelled and cheered, pushed and shoved while forming a wide circle around three particular figures. It was two against one battle. One shrouded individual against two well-built shinigamis.

Tossing his head towards the commotion, "What's going on there?" It wasn't any of his business but he had to ask since he caught sight of the conceited 5th squad vice-captain.

One soldier stuttered "I…it's the process for promotion to power. The newbie…had the crazy idea to challenge the fourth and third-in-command in just one bout," he sneered as if knowing the futile outcome of the battle that has yet to begin.

Having nothing better to do, Hitsugaya chose a better seat, on top of a nearby wall, then waited for the indication to start.

It was over in minute. As soon as the signal was given, the solo fighter lunged forward, drew Shimao's katana, quickly ducked to evade a lethal slash from her second opponent then the tip of his borrowed sword was against Yuuya's throat. No one moved or even breathed. It all happened way too quickly and almost no one saw his movements. From their eyes one moment, he was standing on his corner then he was in front of their third-in command.

Pushing the cold, sharp edge dangerously nearer, his hood landed in tatters at their feet. "I…I yield," Shimao lost the moment he let another death god take a hold of his zanpakuto and now, Yuuya has admitted defeat. However, even with this impossible development, still no one reacted. Simply because, they were paralyzed on shock upon recognition on who is right in front of them.

His marine green eyes grew wide in utter astonishment. "Momo…"

Her long stylish locks were now freely playing with the breeze as she withdrew the weapon then tossed it back to its owner. Unaffected by the crowd's apparent lack of response, her hazel eyes focused on the larger brute walking up to her.

"That match is unqualified since you didn't reveal your identity to your opponent,"

Kuroku Genji decided to take things at a legal approach. "It is stated in the rules of battle that

duels can only be legal if both parties are properly introduced,"

Hinamori stood akimbo while eyeing the new vice-captain from head to toe. With

Her hand on her hips, she drew breath. "Do check what you're implying vice-captain," her eyebrow rose and it was enough to make the corpulent lieutenant step back. "Being the challenger, I would've revealed my identity in a heartbeat IF the other party simply did so at first. You, as well as everyone here, were a witness that neither of them extended me that kind of courtesy. Therefore, canceling that rule. Also… it's more of a guideline than a rule," shrugging her shoulders casually, she watched Kuroku's face turn red from embarrassment, blue from realization that she was right then fuming beet red in exploding anger.

"So, you wish to challenge me?" He was already halfway to unsheathing his sword when he finished asking. "You wish to reclaim your position as vice-captain," a malicious smirk split his rugged face. "Not gonna happen. I'm Kuroku Genji, Second-in-Command of the 5th division," the puffed his chest proudly while pointing her with his sword.

Hinamori was actually taken aback by his display of considerable gallantry. Whether it was real or forced, she didn't care. "I'm Hinamori Momo, as of… just a while ago, I am on the Third seat," placing her hands on her side, both bowed in respect of the other before the signal to commence was issued.

"Corrupt, Oborozuki! (Hazy moon)" his weapon turned into a double-edged straight sword that was taller than him and thrice wider than any regular sword. Slashing the air with an audible swish, he then rested his enormous blade over his shoulders conceitedly while a triumphant smirk crawled on his thin lips. "You don't belong in this squad anymore, fukutaicho…" spitting her former title in disgust, Genji sprinted forward in a flash as if he weighed no heavier than a feather.

"… and I suppose you do?" the female Shinigami matched his speed, able to make a sarcastic retort even while expertly dodging his strikes. The moment the large weapon touched a nearby tree- she used as cover, it started to wither and die at an unnatural rate. Realizing the imminent threat, Momo back flipped to put a safe distance in between them while also delivering a powerful demon arts offense in the form of concentrated energy balls. But even before her feet touched the ground, her opponent attacked her in mid-air.

His Soul Slayer ran through her like a knife to butter. The crowd hailed deafeningly when their great superior landed. His opponent's body crashed nearby soon after. With his mighty blade perched on his shoulder, he pumped his unoccupied fist in the air. However, he was puzzled when hos wild followers suddenly froze as if someone stopped time. Following their line of vision, he threw a glance over his shoulder. His blood ran cold.

There, standing on his Oborozuki, with her feet protected by some kind of spell and her hair and clothes swaying with the air, was the opponent he thought he defeated. His pupils dilated before his face met a powerful thunder blast that sent him flying to the nearby wall.

With ease, Hinamori's feet firmly settled on the now still battlefield. "Enjoying the show?" Her head turned to look up and meet his unblinking gaze. His heart skipped a few beats upon seeing her eyes so clear and bright just like the Hinamori Momo he used to know. "Why don't you come down from there and fight me?" His brows furrowed at her challenge.

"Tsk, here I thought I was masking my spiritual pressure perfectly," the orange-haired 5th division captain emerged from the darkness that was at Hitsugaya's distant right. Scratching his head nonchalantly, Ichigo approached. "Yo, Hinamori," raising his right hand in casual greeting.

Tearing her gaze away from Toshiro, the newly instated vice-captain regarded her immediate senior with a wordless, perfunctory bow. But as soon as she lifted her eyes from the ground, she sent daggers through her sharp glare. "Can I ask a question, Captain Kurosaki?"

"Shoot,"

"Did you do this to draw me out or did you really just forgot what your title and position entails?" Her cold eyes wandered to the still unconscious former vice-captain, lying face-down on the ground then to everyone else that was closely watching the scene. Without even lifting a finger, she made most of the men retreat a few steps. Even without knowing her personally, they knew enough not to get on her bad side.

"Why don't you answer her, Kurosaki-taicho?" An authoritative voice came from above and upon closer inspection, they saw the power figures of the 13 Divisions standing in midair. From the esteemed Supreme Commander down to the 13th squad vice-captain, no one was missing.

Little Falcon: Alright, epilogue up next so don't skimp on the reviews and keep 'em coming.