I don't own Naruto or Bleach

Ok, clarification: When I said I wouldn't explain Byakuya and Rukia's allegiance to Akatsuki I meant that I wouldn't tell anyone in a PM if I got a reaction like "Holy schist! WTF, BYAKUYA AND RUKIA ARE IN AKATSUKI!? EXPLAAAAAAAAAAAAIN!" I'm sorry for any confusion this may have caused.

Chapter 38 Game of Masks

Rukia placed herself in between Byakuya and her brother. "Tsugi no mai, Hakuren," she announced and launched a giant wave of ice at Gin.

He held his hand out and launched a Hado #33 Sokatsui and destroyed the wave of ice. The evaporated ice particles created a mist he couldn't see through. Byakuya rushed through the cover and moved his hand in a slashing movement with only his index and middle fingers sticking out. A small wave of cherry blossoms following his fingers whipped at Gin. Using the same technique on his other finger Byakuya attacked Gin with the "cherry blossom whips". Gin dodged each strike with relative ease. Rukia shunpo'd behind him and began attacking Gin with waves of ice. He was forced to dodge that as well. Dissipating the whips Byakuya directed all the blades to surround Gin from behind while Rukia did the same with her ice from the front. Gin reverted his blade back to its sealed state.

As the two masses began to enclose him Gin began performing quick handseals. "Doton: Solid Earth Defense! Gin quickly surrounded himself in a protective Earth dome that the two waves hit. When the two attacks passed, Gin held out his hands and unleashed a Soren Sokatsui on the side where Rukia's Ice Wave was, busting through his Earth dome and shattering a large portion of the ice as well. Eyes widening, Rukia got ready to defend against an attack. Then, she felt a pain pierce through her stomach and she looked down to find Shinso impaling her. Gin retracted the blade and Rukia fell to her knees. Byakuya shunpo'd over to her and bent down and grabbed her and held her bridal style. Gin then began to walk out of the mist, Shinso close in hand. He opened his eyes and almost immediately appeared behind the two of them around 10 feet away and held Shinso out. "Secret Technique: Viper's Strike," he said, quickly moving his sword in a slashing moment. Byakuya's eyes widened and the cut appeared on his back and blood spewed out of it. He fell forward and on top of Rukai, who he was still holding.

"Gah!" the two Kuchikis grunted out. Gin sheathed his sword and shook his head.

"Tsk tsk tsk," he said, approaching them, "It appears you two have fallen behind on your fighting skills. I'll admit, I thought you two would give me a better fight." He reached them and began to lean down, "I guess that means…. wait, what the!?" Rukia faded into appearing like and ice sculpture and Byakuya began to turn all pink. The two suddenly burst into an explosion of ice fragments and petals. Gin quickly jumped back and rubbed his eyes. "Gah! Well, that blew up in my face," Gin said looking around, "Now where'd they go?"

With Itachi and Raven

Itachi's Susanoo sprung forth from the ground as the giant avatar spawned the sword of Totsuka and Yata Mirror. Raven narrowed his eyes and began jumping in order to dodge the strikes being thrown at him by the Susanoo. "Give up," Itachi said, "You have no hope of victory."

Raven chuckled and shook his head. "Afraid I can't do that, Itachi-san," Raven said, "Giving up's never really been in my vocabulary."

Itachi shook his head, slightly disappointed, "Then die." And Itachi resumed his attack, the speed of his strikes becoming faster and faster with each blow. Raven found that it was getting harder and harder to avoid but nothing he couldn't handle. Seeing an opening appearing, Raven pulled out a kunai with a seal on it and quickly zoomed in on the outer body of the Susanoo faster than Itachi could react. Thrusting forward, Raven stabbed the body with the kunai and the seal began to cover a large portion of the body and opened a hole for Raven to enter from. Stunned by this, Itachi found himself unable to move from the shock of Raven busting into a freaking SUSANOO.

Taking this as an opportunity Raven began delivering a series of Taijutsu strikes to Itachi. As he delivered a few good hits the Susanoo around them began to fall apart and disappear. Snapping out of his stupor Itachi began countering the attacks and they found themselves back on even footing. The strikes continued for a long time one punching and the other blocking, one kicking and one grabbing the leg and throwing them, etc. etc. Eventually, Itachi was able to get a well-placed blow on Raven's mask causing it to crack and begin to fall apart. Raven grabbed the mask and tried holding it together with the pressure of his hand pressing down on it.

"Damn," Raven muttered, looking around and seeing more shinobi appearing around them. He sent a glance to the newly arrived Orihime and she gave a brief nod. Raven fled the scene in a quick burst of shunshin. Itachi looked around at the gathering crowd around him, pulling out their weapons. His hand brushed by his side to make sure Sasuke's former eyes were undamaged. Letting out a small breath of relief he began looking for a way to escape.

Ichigo walked in front of the rest of the crowd and drew Zangetsu. "Surrender Itachi Uchiha," Ichigo told him, "Or we will kill you." Before anyone could make any moves though a large swarm of petals appeared between Itachi and the shinobi surrounding him. Ichigo and Orihime's eyes widened, recognizing the attack very well.

"B-Byakuya!?" Ichigo said in surprise. Collecting himself Ichigo called out, "Hey- Byakuya! BYAKUYA is that you!?"

The flurry disappeared and neither Itachi nor Byakuya could be found. In frustration, Ichigo threw Zangetsu on the ground and let out a yell of anger. "DAMMIT! He was right there Orihime, right there!" She placed hand on his shoulder and gave a solemn nod.

"I know, Ichigo. I know," she said.

Hospital Room (Maximum Security)

After being dropped off in the hospital by the ANBU and Asuka Naruto had been transferred to another room with stale, windowless walls and a single bed, side table, chair, and a clock. Plus a few magazines the nurse had brought him to help him pass the time. It wasn't until an hour later that the door finally opened again. Naruto immediately put the magazine down and brightened up. "Dad!" he exclaimed. Except- it wasn't him. Naruto narrowed his eyes and the short lady now in his room, carrying a basket with strange tools in them. "Who're you and where's my dad?" he asked the woman. She didn't reply at first. Instead she closed the door, got out some things that appeared to be measuring tools of some kind, and hopped onto the stool, then to the bed.

"I'm Lady Chiyo, Elder of Sunagakure and don't you forget it, brat," she told him, beginning to take measurements of his legs, "As for your father, the former Hokage's advisors, key Konoha-nin, and the Kage are in discussion over what to do about Sarutobi-san's death."

"What!?" Naruto yelled, "The old man's dead!"

"Yep," Chiyo answered, "He was killed by the same bloke who kidnapped you and ripped out your teammate's eyes."

"Sasuke, how is he!? When can I see him!" Naruto blurted out.

Chiyo put the tool she was using away and got another out. "Fair warning kid, this is going to sting," she told him, "As for the Uchiha- well, right now they have him in the room right beside yours and under close watch like you. Last I checked he was restrained to the bed screaming about how much he'll kill his brother. Nurse's had to disinfect his eye sockets so he wouldn't get anything that could kill him. He didn't make it easy though, that's for sure."

Naruto slumped down despite the pain coming from the stinging from Chiyo's device. He closed his eyes and began to breathe deeply. "Sasuke…" he muttered, "When can I see him?"

"How should I know!?" Chiyo snapped, writing some measurements down, "That's not my job to know." Naruto gave her a look that was a mix between frustration and confusion.

"Anyone ever told you that you're horrible at comforting?" Naruto asked her.

She looked up from her work and stared him straight in the eyes. "Kid, I've been in the shinobi business for nearly 60 years and I have seen only a select number of things worse than what you've had to deal with today. But worse nonetheless. After a time you tend to get used to horror no matter how bad it is. That's just the way it is though. You'll see," she told him. Naruto gritted his teeth and clenched his fists.

"If that's the case," he said, "Then I'll change the shinobi system!"

Chiyo stopped for a moment and then smirked slightly, evolving to a chuckle, and eventually a hysterical laugh. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Naruto narrowed his eyes and growled. "Hey, I'll show you!" he said, "So what it's been relatively the same for generations! I'll change it myself! Believe it!"

Chiyo stopped laughing and gave him a slightly amused looke. "Oh, I'm not laughing at the impossibility," she said, "In fact, I encourage you to do it. Go on ahead, change the shinobi system. That'll actually be a nice breath of fresh air. I'm laughing at the fact you thought I was talking about the shinobi system. No, I was talking about war."

"W-what's the difference?" Naruto asked, cocking his head to the side in confusion.

Chiyo shook her head. "So young…" she muttered, "Tell me, what is the "shinobi system"?"

"Uuuuuuuuh," Naruto said, "Uuuuuuuuuum, oh! It's the cycle of hatred that causes us all to fight each other!" Naruto answered, slightly proud of himself.

"No, that's called personalities," Chiyo said, "The "shinobi system" is the technical details of the distribution and management of the shinobi forces underneath a village's control. In other words: paperwork. Lots and lots of paperwork. If you change that, Kage for eons to come will be blessing your name. Or damning it depending on how well you do." Naruto's face went blank and clueless.

"So, what do you hope to change?" Chiyo asked.

Shaking off the embarrassment Naruto replied, "I'm going to stop all the hatred in between people that start wars and help them reach peace!"

"Ok," Chiyo said, "Where does that hate come from?"

"Well, I-" Naruto said, "Hey, why are you trying to embarrass me!"

Chiyo raised an eyebrow. "Why would I try to embarrass you?" she asked, "You do a very good job at that all by yourself."

"Why yooooooou-!" Naruto growled.

"Answer the question," Chiyo said, "Where does the hatred come from? It's a legitimate question you'll have to consider on your quest to end hatred."

"Uuuuuum, I- I don't know," Naruto answered, slumping.

Chiyo patted Naruto on the shoulder. "Nothing wrong with that. You're only twelve," Chiyo answered, "So let me advise you." She walked to the front of the other end of the bed and turned to look Naruto in the eyes. "Hate comes from no single place," she said, "It comes from the differences between people. Differences in morals, political beliefs, religion, outward appearance even. So, hatred comes from individuality. Now, how do you change hatred?"

Naruto pondered this for a bit and Chiyo gathered her equipment. "You don't have to answer right now. Just give it some thought," she began to leave but before she left Naruto asked her something.

"Hey, what were you doing in here anyways?" he asked her.

Chiyo turned around and answered, "I'm a puppet master in Suna and there's been an idea that's been running through my head for a while. Could puppetry be used to create prosthetic limbs capable of being used in shinobi combat? So, when I heard of you I figured you'd be the perfect test subject. See ya. Hope you'll give it some thought. And- some advice. No matter what goal you choose in life remember this. Everything has a price to pay, whether you want to become Hokage, help people understand each other, or even something as simple as moving your arm to the side. There's always a price to be paid. It's up to you to decide if that price is worth paying." With that, she left. And the clock ticked on.

Konoha Meeting Room

Gin leaned against the wall and let out a sigh. Around the room sat numerous ANBU, Jonin, Highstanding Officials, and even the Fire Daimyo. They had just finished discussions on the international implications of the attack and had "requested" the other two Kage leave as they discuss Sarutobi's death and the matter of his successor. To be honest, Gin would have rather not been there. He'd've rather been checking on his son in the hospital. But, the other shinobi had practically pulled him here to discuss Sarutobi's death and other recent events. "Well, someone's gotta get the ball rolling on this," Tsunade said, breaking the somber silence prevalent in the room, "So I'll just outright say it. Anybody got any ideas for the next Hokage?"

Shikkaku leaned back in his chair and stroked his beard slightly, thinking. Everybody watched Konoha's key strategist closely. Finally, he spoke up, "In my eyes there are 4 candidates present who could take to role of Hokage. Lady Tsunade, Lord Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Gin." Gin stiffened at that news. Were they still going on about that? Personally, he'd rather not be made Hokage. Sure, he was good on missions, an excellent leader, and one of the most powerful shinobi wearing a Konoha hand band but Gin would rather not. Putting him in charge of something as big as Konoha was a bad idea.

"Not so fast," the Daimyo said, "I do believe you are leaving one person out."

The group drew their attention to the Daimyo. "Oh, who?" Hiashi asked.

Before the Daimyo replied Gin decided to answer for him. "Danzo. He's talking about Danzo," Gin said.

"No!" Tsunade said, standing up and slamming her hands on the table, "Anyone but him! Danzo is a militant and a madman! He'll have us at war with half the Elemental Nations in a month!"

"I have to agree," Jiraya said, "While his shinobi credentials are rather… appealing. Danzo is not the best choice for the job."

"Are you sure?" the Daimyo asked, "Throughout the history of Konoha there are few shinobi that have proven to be as faithful to the village as Danzo."

"Bullshit!" Chozo Akicmichi yelled, "All Danzo is concerned with is his own personal gain! He's repeatedly been shown to break the law, manipulate the politics, and abuse the population of Konoha to further his own ends. ROOT for fucks sakes!"

"I agree," Shikkaku said.

"Likewise," Inoichi said.

"Hold on," Hiashi said, "I think the Daimyo may have a point here."

"You're kidding," Choza said in disbelief, "Hiashi, you can't seriously believe that Danzo is a good choice for Hokage! That's insane! He's a madman, a psychopath, he's… Danzo!"

Hiashi closed his eyes and nodded, "I know. Which is exactly why we should consider him."

"You're kidding," Tsunade said in shock, "Hiashi, I thought you were smart."

"Wait a minute here," Tsume said, "If this is going where I think it's going I'd like to hear what Hiashi is going to say."

"But-" Jiraya began before being cut off by Kakashi.

"Let him talk," Kakashi said, "Nothing's been decided yet." Jiraya simply closed his mouth and nodded.

Hiashi slid his chair back and stood up, looking among the crowd seated at the table and standing around the room. "Most of you are opposed to Danzo due to his militant nature. That's understandable," Hiashi said, "I don't think anyone here wants to start a war. But, sadly, the war has already started. Konoha has been attacked by not one, not two, but three Hidden Villages. And while granted Suna was merely deceiving both Yu and Oto in order to catch them off guard they still contributed to a heavy amount of property damage and injuries. And we will have to demand reparations but later. Right now we must all admit that at the very least this attack was a declaration of war from both Yugakure and Otogakure. And if you ask me, there is no one in this room more effectual in warfare than Danzo Shimura."

"I agree, " Shibi Aburame said, "The balance has shifted from peace to war. So in order to correct this we must select the new Hokage as one adaptable to these circumstances."

"We agree," Homura said with Koharu nodding in agreement.

"So, currently we have 6 for and 5 against," the Daimyo said, "Anyone else wish to cast their vote?"

"I'm against," Kakashi said, "What we don't need right now is someone wishing to throw away every shinobi we have no matter the rank or age as if they were pawns in some demented chess game. I believe that places us at a tie then? In fact, give my vote to Gin." The rest of the anti-Danzo supporters gave their approval for the movement. Damn.

The Daimyo nodded, turning his head to Gin. "How about you two, Danzo, Gin? You two have been noticeably silent. Before we move on do you two have anything to say on the manner?" Danzo stood from his chair near the end of the table and addressed the group.

"In response to those who support my ascension to Hokage, I thank you for your trust in my capabilities during this time. To those against, I understand your viewpoint as well. I am a schemer, someone who manipulates the system, and a militant. I believe that Konoha has a place on the top on the world and the only way to reach it is to make a latter out of the ashes and bones of our enemies. I can see how this viewpoint would not suit those who prefer stagnation and so-called "peace". And if you wish to believe in that foolhardy belief go right ahead. I'm not stopping you. But if you want Konoha to survive the coming conflict then Gin Ichimaru should not be your choice. Perhaps Tsunade, Jiraya, or even that traumatized fool Kakashi, yes. But not Gin Ichimaru. While yes, he has proven himself a capable shinobi, powerful combatant, and an extremely competent leader when push comes to shove. There's one problem- anyone who knows him enough knows he is not truly loyal to Konoha. That is all," with that, Danzo sat down and everyone began yelling at him. Saying Gin was a loyal Konoha shinobi who cared about his comrades as he has constantly shown to make sure as many of the men under him as possible survive the mission he's on, his friendship with Fugaku and Tsunade, etc. etc.

Eventually Ibiki had had enough. "QUIEEEEEET!" he yelled, "Ok, Gin, mind giving us your two cents on this?" Taking his back off the wall and straightening Gin walked a few steps forward.

Maintaining his signature smile Gin let out a cough and said to them all, "Believe what you will about me and my loyalties. It doesn't make a difference to me. But despite that, I have never wished to be Hokage nor do I ever wish to be. I vote for Tsunade." He leaned against the wall and let the discussion drag on again. Eventually, everyone conceded to Gin's statement and had Tsunade elected to Hokage. With the meeting dismissed, Gin waited for everyone to leave in order to avoid confrontations in the hallway. After Danzo got up and left Gin figured the room was empty so he walked out the door and prepared to shunpo to the hospital but before he could, he heard someone yell his name behind him.

"Gin, wait!" the voice said behind him. Gin turned around and faced Kakashi who placed his hand on Gin's shoulder. "Just thought I'd tell you," Kakashi said, "Don't let what Danzo said get to you, ok?"

"Why would I?" Gin asked, "He was right."

"W-what-" Kakashi said, his eyes growing wide in shock, "B-but I mean- what you said back there-"

"Kakashi," Gin said, retaining his smile, "all I said was that people could think whatever they wanted, I didn't wat to be Hokage, and gave Tsunade a vote. I never confirmed nor denied Danzo's claim because doing so would open a big can of worms."

Gin took Kakashi's arm off his shoulder and continued, "Sure, I like you all tons. It's fun to hang around with you and fight with you. I like my team and feel a certain obligation to them as their teacher. But at the end of the day my loyalties don't lie in my village, comrades, or friends. I like you tons and would help you all out in a heartbeat sure. But you aren't what I'm loyal to."

Kakashi gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. "Th-then what are you loyal to?" Kakashi asked.

"Naruto," Gin answered, "Who is- in turn- loyal to Konoha. Which is why I hang around. Because this is what he cares about and I'll help him protect it because he's my son. But make no mistake, if I must make a choice then I would see you all burn if it meant your corpses could shield him from the flames." With that, Gin turned around and began to walk away. "Sure, I talk the "Will of Fire" talk when I need to, I spout nonsensical moral speeches when I feel like it, and act all noble every now and then but at the end of the day, it's all just a game of masks and words more empty than a Hollow." With that, Gin Ichimaru left Kakashi as the lights in the facility went out.

Author's Notes: I know this is kinda a retcon, especially considering the First Person Gin chapters earlier in the series kinda gave a different look into Gin's character but look at it this way- all he really did in that narration was make the slight joking asides and say what was going on. He never really gave an outright explanation of what his moral standpoint was and as he said, well, you can look up, can't you? Anyways, next time we'll have a bit more on what everyone's been going through and get ready for the next part. Let's see so far we've had:

The Prologue Arc

The True White Eyes of the Moon Arc (named for Hinata's eye transformation which was going to be different when I first named it)

The Chunin Exam Arc

So now we'll have the Wheels of Change Arc as I'll call it. Then we'll enter the final arc of Part 1 whose name I won't reveal quite yet. That said, Callian 31 signing out!"