08
The day for the meeting of this world's leaders had come near. It had been decided that his fellow Captain and his young subordinate would not come with him because it was possible that another Hollows even stronger ones would appear in the village. He expected it would only be him and Hatake as his guide in this journey to the Land of Iron where the summit took place. It didn't seem to be the case, however, as the man sheepishly explained that he had also agreed to accompany a certain student of his there for a rather personal matter.
So here he was, walking along the snowy path with two elite ninjas and the mentioned student who also happened to be the village's young hero. Hatake and his rather polite junior were friendly but still seemed to understand the beauty of silence. On the other hand, the teenager had been asking him nonstop about all things related to Shinigami and Soul Society since they began their journey.
"Toushiro-san... Even though you doesn't look that much older than me, as a Shinigami you must've lived for quite a long time, right? I bet you also have plenty experience in life. So, can I ask you something a bit personal?" This time, surprisingly he didn't seem as energetic as before.
The Captain inwardly dreaded that this kid would ask him something pointless like girl problems or dating advice, but he looked pitiful enough at that moment to deserve a chance.
"Let's hear it."
"Have you ever have a friend who lost their way and went down the wrong path? If yes... can you share with me the story?"
It was not that hard to see that the kid was somewhat desperate, not for an answer in particular but something else entirely. And perhaps it was fate, or merely coincident that Toushiro could relate to him quite well since he did have an experience in this matter.
"Yes. Long ago, he was betrayed by the things he believed. His dream was broken because I existed, and he died for the same reason. One day, he returned and offered his hand to me. I disregarded the law, gave up my Captaincy, and risked everything I had... not to help him, however. I took it as my personal responsibility to strike him down."
The falling snows around them made the Captain lose in his memory for a moment, not caring how the others looked at him intensely with mixed expressions. The kid, in particular, seemed to be awfully bothered by the revelation. He might not look like it, but Naruto was actually not too naive to see that this Shingami Captain couldn't exactly be called a good person. Still, he couldn't help but feel disappointed at him.
"How could you do that? It sounds like you were the bad guy here, Toushiro-san!"
"He had been too consumed by hatred and vengeance. I understood him because to some extent, I too shared such contempt, but I was selfish. I wanted to see my friend again, the one who swore fealty to Soul Society, the one who dreamed to become a Captain... the one who befriended that lonely and hated boy. For that reason, I decided to fight for the good friend he originally was."
"What happened then?"
"A big battle in Seireitei that ended with one last duel between the two of us. I won somehow, with my sword through his chest. But in his last breaths, we confirmed that we were still friends, and that would never change. It was a good enough closure for the two of us, because for a moment there... we felt like we were back to those halcyon days..."
"That's just sad... But I could never get why someone would just accept that kind of ending!"
The kid's face clearly showed his determination that he would never put his own friend into similar fate. Seeing this, his teacher felt proud of him. Nevertheless, as a totally fucked-up person himself, Kakashi could understand the sad story well.
"That is something that you might never understand, Naruto. However, we can't possibly ask to be spared from having to face such a fate. Life doesn't work that way. Captain Toushiro didn't want his friend to die in an execution as a criminal. I believe for someones like them, their swords could convey what words could never possibly say. So the least he could do was to let him die in an honorable duel as a cherished friend."
"Why couldn't he live on as a cherished friend then?"
The Captain stopped briefly. Such question had never crossed his mind, but it didn't take him long to find the answer.
"Because he wasn't lucky enough to have someone like you as a friend. You have a soul of a hero, Naruto Uzumaki. You are meant to do better than a mere guardian like me. Make sure your friend understand that."
"Toushiro-san... Y- Yes. I will make sure Sasuke lives his future as a very cherished friend! And you too will become my friend starting now!"
There was no doubt that deep down this Shinigami was a very caring person no matter if he was actually a good person or not. He was just so awesome, and at that moment Naruto wanted nothing more than to befriend him. The teen's enthusiasm was so apparent that Yamato smiled in amusement along with his senpai as he saw the young Captain about to make an objection.
"Trust me, Hitsugaya-dono. If you still desire some peace of mind, it's easier to just get along with what he said."
They continued their way through the cold weather in a moderate pace, but with a much better spirit this time. After a while, they finally met the leader of the Hidden Cloud village, the man Naruto wished to speak to. The Shinigami decided to just wait a good distance away. Still, he let his eyes wander their way when Naruto helplessly pleading the hulking man to forgive his friend. Of course the kid didn't succeed. It was a wonder why typical heroes always did stupid things and just hoped it would work. In the end, after they parted ways with the Raikage, Kakashi ordered the rest to stay at an inn because he still had to escort the Captain to the summit.
―
It was such a fine day in the Hidden Leaf Village. Even the stoic Captain Byakuya Kuchiki considered it would be such a waste to spend the entire day being confined inside Hatake's cheap apartment. Besides, since he was supposed to watch over the village while his fellow Captain attended the summit, it would be proper for him to be outside.
So here he was, once again sitting on a familiar bench in the cemetery, enjoying some quality tea with one of Hatake's dog. The ninja said that a nobleman like him would feel more at ease in a foreign land if he had an assistant, so he graciously lent this ninken to him. At first, said nobleman was somewhat offended by the implication that he needed help from a filthy mongrel, even a talking one. Once the dog introduced himself as Shiba, however, he agreed only because it reminded him of a banished clan with a same name that was far below Kuchiki and only good as their servant.
The ninken once again noticed the nobleman's smug smile. It was scary, but he agreed to serve him because of admiration, not fear.
"Kuchiki-dono, the pot is almost empty. Would you like me to refill it?"
"Yes, please." And the nobleman was actually impressed by the dog's etiquette.
"Right away, Kuchiki-dono." He paused suddenly. "Huh? Someone's coming. It's Kakashi's lady friend."
He then barked politely in greeting, but the dark haired woman's familiar red eyes instantly fell on the nobleman he temporarily served. She was pleasantly surprised to see her new friend there in the place they first met.
"Kenseikan-dono? It's good to see you again, you too Shiba. Um may I have a seat?"
"Unfortunately, this spot has already been taken by Shiba-san here."
Perfect, with such a fine excuse, the woman would surely leave him in peace. Too bad for him, the dog didn't seem to get the clue...
"It's okay, Kuchiki-dono, Kurenai. I was just about to get more tea anyway. Now please excuse me, Kuchiki-dono."
As she made herself comfortable, sitting a respectable distance away from the stoic Captain, Kurenai couldn't help but wonder why he didn't seem to like her all that much. It was rather disappointing because she really enjoyed talking with him. His perspective in life was... interesting. Still, she didn't mind that it was her who always started a conversation.
"I hope Kakashi and the others would be okay. There's a high chance that the Akatsuki would attack the Five Kage Summit."
"Your concern is almost offensive. Captain Hitsugaya is there with them. He is currently without a doubt the Gotei 13's strongest. If he wished to, his spiritual pressure alone could effortlessly kill anyone in this world. And in full power, he would basically become a true embodiment of a Death God, practically invincible."
He still remembered how the younger Captain completely negated his Bankai's functions in less than ten seconds when they spared years ago. Of course, the woman didn't know about any of this since he barely talked to her. She thought the white-haired Captain was still a rookie or something.
"Really? He looks so young, though..."
"He looks far older now than he did when he first became a Captain. And he would've become the Captain-Commander soon if only he did not associate himself with his under-aged human female."
"Wait, why is this Ino's fault? She just couldn't help it with how good-looking he is. You said it yourself that he's some kind of womanizer."
The Captain glared at her slightly for daring to question him. And he would've put her back to her place if he didn't notice that she was only being protective of the insolent teen.
"He gave up everything by giving up a part of his power just to save her puny life. He had broken a fundamental law for her, and what awaits him once he return to Seireitei is a death sentence."
Kureinai was left speechless. She had not met Ino recently. She only heard how the boy saved the girl, but she didn't expect how much he risked by doing so. This revelation made her grow fond of him and respect him more. To her it was just so sweet.
"So he loves her..."
"No."
"What can we do to help him?"
"Nothing."
From the first time, since they met each other, the woman couldn't help but feeling irritated by the nobleman's attitude. She glared at him, but just as he was about to return the favor, he suddenly spotted something appeared in the sky.
It turned out to be a tearing in the realm barrier that was quickly getting wider and wider until something humanoid tried to come out of it. They were trying to break free from the numerous chains wrapped all over their body that bound him to where he came from. From the distance, the things that distinguished the thin figure were the long black hair, large crescent-shaped horns and the two pairs of white insect-like carapace hands. It was only when the jagged remnant of a Hollow mask became visible that their identity was confirmed. He was without a doubt an Arrancar in his Resurreccion form, one that the Captain recognized as the Espada killed by the Eleventh Captain long ago.
So the mysterious portal most likely led to Hell since that was the proper place for an evil Arrancar after their death. He pondered about this as he typed a sort text message back to Seireitei, requesting for a limiter release. It was granted immediately, but just as he looked up again, the hell prisoner suddenly broke free from his chains before charging up a big golden Cero.
To the Sixth Captain's irritation, it was only then that he remembered the female human was still there with him, oblivious of the whole situation. But he didn't have the time to care as he stood up before dropping his sword straight down. The Zanpakuto phased into the ground, as though it were a pool of water.
"Bankai. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."
The woman could only watched in full wonder as energy ripples suddenly expanded out, turning the surrounding area dark, and within seconds, two rows of a thousand giant blades rose up from the ground. Then they all scattered into countless flying blades resembling cherry blossoms flowing swiftly along the wind as the surroundings turned back to normal. It was really the most beautiful view Kureinai had ever seen.
Without caring of her presence, the Captain used his Bankai to form a great dome, covering the immediate area around him. It was just in time as the Arrancar fired the Cero at them. As soon as the orb of destruction hit, the dome of blades changed shape to envelope it and contain the explosion.
The fallen Espada was shocked that one of his strongest attack could be easily countered like that. But it was nothing compared to his dread as he saw the Shinigami suddenly appeared in front of him, wielding a bright blade with an aura that make it resembled a bird. The immensely bright wings and halo-like circle of concentrated spiritual energy on the Captain's back only made it harder to see his face clearly. But it didn't matter, because the Arrancar was completely obliterated before he got the chance to recognize his opponent.
The battle ended as quickly as it started, just as Captain Byakuya Kuchiki preferred.
After making sure there was nothing left of the enemy, he quickly turned his attention to the portal to found that it already disappeared. He then looked down toward the female human, and was surprised that she had lost consciousness. Realizing that he had been releasing too much Reiatsu, he deactivated his Bankai immediately before approaching her unconscious form.
The immense spiritual pressure emitted by his Shukei Hakuteiken form had most likely caused everyone - including dogs - within at least a mile radius to lose consciousness, as he spotted Shiba's prone form in the distance. It might have been overkill for him to use his full power, but he just couldn't stand wasting time with such a loathsome lowlife. Regardless, he would accept full responsibility for his action.
"It seems like Captain Hitsugaya is not the only one who's going to be punished."
Just when he thought his day couldn't get any worse, he realized then that he was also responsible for this woman wellbeing until she regained consciousness.
―
She didn't miss him, not at all. She definitely did not miss the jerk who blatantly disregarded her affection like it was some cheap plastic bag, and considered the people of her village as dispensable. So why the hell did she insist to join her best friend and the small party that were dispatched to go after the girl's former teammate? Of course it was because she was the only one who could protect them in case another Hollows appeared in their way. That was her excuse, and in the end it did convince them... well... kinda.
Her annoyingly perceptive friend had been glancing at her suspiciously from time to time as they moved considerable paces behind the rest of the party, out of their earshot. What was wrong with the forehead girl? How could she suspect her best friend might have some ulterior motives? It wasn't like any of them knew that a certain Shinigami Captain had been traveling along with the village hero... right?
Wrong. The forehead girl in question knew, and she had had enough of watching her friend acting so immaturely.
"Ino. When he was still nearby, you actively avoided him. So why do you miss him now that he has left with Kakashi-sensei and the others? Yes, I'm talking about your Shinigami - um what is he to you again?"
"Eh? Be a bit grateful, would you? I'm here because I'm worried you'd get chomped off by a Hollow! For your information, that huge Menos Grande that almost stomped your iconic forehead a few days ago was actually the weakest class of Menos. What if another one, stronger one appeared, huh?"
"You think you can fool me? I've known you since way back when you still wet your bed! We shouldn't hide anything from each other, Ino. You're not the only one with a problem. Come on, tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine."
Typically, the blonde's problems almost always revolved around boys. This time was no exception, but clearly it was far more serious than any of those silly boys problems in the past. It was about the one boy who had changed her life after all...
"Fine. That huge explosion that day should've killed me. I was beyond dying, but he saved me by using some kinda forbidden method. Later once we were back at my place, I heard his conversation with his superior. They talked about how he would most likely be executed for his action. They're going to kill him because he saved my life, Sakura!"
It was the first time that the girl heard about this, and she was immediately feeling so grateful to the Shingami boy for saving her best friend. But how come the two had a fight the first time she saw them together?
"Why were you being so mean to him then?! We must help him, Ino!"
"That's the problem! The jerk always acts like he was too cool to be saved! I don't know if it's because his stupid pride or his even more stupid sense of duty, but he just accepted his fate like it was nothing. And you know what happened when I tried to change his mind? He made it clear how worthless I am to him that he would discard me once he saw no benefit in being with me anymore!"
"He went to such lengths for you... but when you showed him that you care, he pushed you away instead. It seems so contradictory."
"I know right? When I heard him leaving... somehow I got this feeling that I would never see him again. I hate being like this, but at least I want to settle this - whatever this is - first before he's gone for good. I don't want to live with regrets."
"You love him..."
"Very much so. And I hate him for making me feel like this! Now, I can't even look at other boys and find anything appealing about them. Fuck you, Toushiro!"
"Well, that sounds like a good thing, Ino."
"How so? At this rate, I would never get married! I want to get any boys I like to my bed again. I want my fun life back dammit!"
"No. You don't."
"True. So fuck you again, Toushiro! Now you have to take responsibility!"
"Why should he? It's not like he got you pregnant or something... or did he?" Honestly, it wouldn't be that much of a surprise if such a thing did happen.
"Hell no. We haven't even kissed yet."
"That's a relief..."
"What was that? Don't tell me you've got yourself entangled by his sick charm too!"
The accusation interestingly made the girl think this over. She admitted that she was honestly charmed the first time she saw him glowing with the warm sunset light. In fact, she could she herself having a nice relationship with him. They seemed very compatible with each other, much more than her friend and him. Still, she would not pursue this attraction for her friend's sake. That didn't mean she would just let it go easily. Perhaps she could even use it to burn the stubborn blonde's spirit to fight for him more so...
"Maybe."
"Then back off, forehead! You know I don't like to share."
"Well, he doesn't seem to be interested in you. Why don't I give it a chance then?"
"What is your problem, Sakura?"
"Nothing. I'm just entertaining the idea that maybe I would finally have a boyfriend if I'm lucky."
"No, seriously. What is your problem? You said you have one too."
"Oh... about that. Well, I'm tired of seeing Naruto keep getting hurt because of his promise to bring Sasuke back. Is there any way to make him let go such a silly promise that he made years ago to a stupid little girl?"
"Just ask him. Come on, Sakura. He will do anything you say. I mean, he has the biggest crush on you since forever. You just need to acknowledge his feelings a bit so he would stop thinking like he must prove himself to you."
"You're right. I should give it a try. I can't imagine there's a nicer boy than him in this world. He deserves a chance. He deserves a much better person than me to be honest."
Later once they finally located the inn where Naruto and Yamato stayed, everyone was surprised by Sakura's open confession to her teammate that came out of nowhere. However, it didn't compare to their surprise as the boy accused her for lying, and stated that he was still determined to chase after his friend for his own reason, not her. The two ended up being so angry at each other until the girl decided to leave.
It meant that they were going to focus on their main objective to eliminate the deserter before he did any more harm. At this point, Ino forced herself to set aside her personal matter with the stupid Shinigami boy because her best friend needed her.
―
He had never expected it would be easy to get into the summit by normal means and without a bit of violence. However, he was proven wrong as he watched in awe his enigmatic ninja acquaintance using his formidable talking skills to gain them entry. Of course the man's great reputation in the ninja world also played a big part in their success so far. His own appearance as a Shingami Captain also made it easier for him to blend in, because the ones who were able to see him most likely thought him as a fellow samurai.
It took time, but after some time the two finally arrived in front of the door to the meeting room. It seemed like the summit had already started so they decided to wait until the leaders finished what they needed to discuss first. However, a sudden commotion from behind the door followed by the Raikage storming out of the room with his guards made them reconsider the decision.
Still in his typical carefree manner, Kakashi made his presence known after seeing everyone in high alert.
"Excuse me. What is happening here?"
"Kakashi Hatake?! How dare you to come here without your Hokage's permission!" Of course thenew Hokage didn't appreciate his presence at all.
On the contrary, Gaara was relieved to see a much better person to represent Konoha had arrived.
"Welcome, Hatake-san. An Akatsuki member we recognized as Zetsu just appeared to announce that your former student Sasuke Uchiha is near."
Following the Kazekage, Mei Terumi was about to greet the famous shinobi, but stopped abruptly as her gaze found the man's curious companion. It seemed like attending this summit was not a so terrible decision after all...
"Who is this lovely gentleman you bring with, Kakashi? His presence is like a breath of fresh air after being confined with these dull people."
Of course as the mentioned gentleman, the young Shinigami Captain felt all responsible to please such a fine lady.
"My name is Toushiro Hitsugaya, my lady. I don't think there's anything lovely about me, but I am -"
"Save it, boy!" Onoki sighed tiredly. "Kids these days... flirting anywhere they want without care about the situation."
Oh if only they all knew that they were literally speaking with a death god... Fortunately, before said death god could freeze the old fool to death, Kakashi was ready to interfere.
"Everyone. I think we should go after Sasuke if he's really here. Trust me, he can do some serious damage if we don't stop him immediately." To his amusement, they all regarded him seriously, and it seemed to annoyed his Shinigami friend for some reason.
They located where the Raikage's team engaged Sasuke's team soon enough, but by the time they arrived, it was already a mess. Seeing this, the already annoyed Shinigami tried his best to convince himself that it was forbidden to interfere with human's problems. Meanwhile, Kakashi and Garaa calmly attempted to persuade the renegade ninja to let go his darkness. Of course it didn't work, but Toushiro still gave the two some credits for their levelheadedness. It was obvious that the Uchiha kid was too consumed by grief, anger, and vengeance to the point that it was sad to see.
In the end, they decided it would be best to end it as soon as possible. But just before the the battle restarted, a sudden pressure in the atmosphere forced them all to drop to the floor. The unbelievable pressure was almost visible as it made them shivered badly, both from fear and the drastic drop in temperature.
"W- What is this? A genjutsu?" Mifune voiced what they all basically asked in their mind as he struggled to stay conscious.
The one responsible for this phenomenon carefully kept in check the flow of his Reiatsu since it would cause him unnecessary troubles if it got out of control, and accidentally dealt damage to these humans. He decided to explained himself before they fell unconscious.
"This... is the release of my spiritual pressure while I'm limited at twenty percent of my power. Please, don't be mistaken. I am not here to cause any harm. I merely wish to speak with this world leaders about a dire situation that soon befalls this world."
Everyone seemed to be willing to listen then, except for one. Sasuke Uchiha started to panic as he realized that not only he had lost control of his Susanoo, he also noticed strange icicles forming all over it. And when the one responsible for this dared to approach him, he snarled at him.
"Stop it now, you freak!"
"I will once you cease your anger. It'll get you nothing, kid."
"Never! Anger gives me strength... the strength to get my revenge!"
Toushiro took note of how the teen glared with pure hatred and malice at the struggling Hokage, but his attention was on the strange giant energy avatar that seemed to protect the user within it. Once the Susanoo didn't impress him anymore, he froze it completely before shattering it into countless diamond dust. This way, he could finally spoke with the suddenly dumbfounded teen face to face.
"How foolish. Not only anger clouds your senses, it also gives you the illusion of strength. If you surrender to it, you'll soon find yourself lying helplessly on the ground like a pathetic mongrel before you know it."
"What the... Damn it! Are you telling me to give up on this vengeance, the only reason for me to live?! Are you telling me to just accept the injustice and die?!"
"Not at all. You have the right to keep whatever reason you have to live. I merely suggest you to find a better source of strength. In fact, I'll give you a chance to achieve your vengeance, in the condition that you must not cause unnecessary bloodshed anymore. And do it outside."
To be fair, it seemed like a well deserved revenge. And it was so obvious whom the angry teen wanted to have revenge to. Surely, there couldn't be any better option than this, and the avenger knew it.
"Deal."
The Shinigami gave the teen a curt nod before turning his attention toward the rest of the audience.
"Did everyone hear our agreement? I would appreciate it if no one interferes."
As soon as the pressure ceased, the supposedly Hokage tripped slightly in his attempt to make a quick escape with his guards. Sasuke was ready to hunt him down, but before taking off with his female companion, he gave his new ally a smirk.
"Tch. Thanks."
Toushiro smiled slightly in return before returning his attention toward the others. For a moment there, he wondered if he would ever be taken seriously by strangers without needing to do unnecessary proving first.
"Alright, everyone. I believe I don't need to further prove how serious I am. Let's return to the meeting room then."