Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto; Masashi Kishimoto does. I Do NOT own Bleach; Tite Kubo does.

***Warning: Spoilers for the current Manga and Anime; as of June 20, 2009.*

Authors Note: Names are in traditional Japanese style. Translations are at the bottom—please note I'm not going to put the translations at the bottom if I already have in a previous chapter.

Previously:

Kuchiki Byakuya stared stoically at the boy who had accomplished what he had not. Although he had never gone to the academy; he had studied under his grandfather – The previous Captain of the Sixth Division; he hadn't achieved his own Shikai until the last weeks of his instruction.

He had been ecstatic that he had gotten the first release of his Zanpakutō; but had his dreams of grandeur crushed by his grandfather. So when this…boy was paraded in front of him after achieving his shikai a jealous fire started to burn in his soul.

Chapter VIII

Memories and Loyalties

Yamamoto sighed as he sipped his tea. The Captain's meeting had ended earlier with promises to discuss the matter later. The revelation that he had been slightly favorable to a student had sent the Central Forty-Six and The other divisions into a slight roar. He inwardly groaned and sent his Fukutaichō away for the night.

He turned from his desk to stare out the opened window. He meticulously started to unbraid his beard as he thought back to the night he viewed Orochimaru's memories.

Flashback (Orochimaru's Memories):

He ducked under the kick thrown at him by Jiraya and retaliated with a punch to his kidneys. Jiraya doubled over and was caught with a follow up hit to his jaw. Jiraya stumbled backwards for a moment before going through a few hand signs. 'Snake, Ram, Monkey, Horse, Tiger.'

Orochimaru's eyes widened as he recognized the seal sequence. "Katon: Gōkakyu no Jutsu!"

From Jiraya's mouth spewed forth a torrent of flames that coalesced into a sphere. It flew through the short distance quickly, exploding and kicking up a cloud of dirt.

Their Sensei's eyes widened slightly and he stepped in to stop Jiraya from following up with another attack. "Tsunade go check on Orochimaru." He told her. She nodded and dashed off into the smoke. He rounded on Jiraya. "Jiraya, using such a technique in close combat is liable to get your teammate killed; and in a friendly spar no less. I expected better from a newly promoted Chunin." He shook his head and walked over to the clearing smoke only to see a giant wall of earth in place of Orochimaru's burning body.

"Thanks for the jutsu Sensei, Doton: Doryūheki is quite useful." Orochimaru said from his position leaning against the side of it.

Hiruzen shook his head grinning slightly. "I see both you and Jiraya are using the jutsu I taught you." He turned to glance at Tsunade. "And how is the Suiton: Mizurappa coming along Tsunade?" he asked her.

"It's fine Sensei, though I'm still having trouble working on the pressure of it." She said pouting.

Orochimaru walked over to Jiraya and smirked at him. "I guess this means I win again; right dead last?"

Jiraya silently fumed as he Orochimaru turned and walked back towards the rest of their team. 'Why Sensei; why do you want me to be like such a jerk?'

Flashback End

When he awoke from his trance he found the sun starting to rise over the expanse of the Seireitei. He brought the cup of tea to his lips choking back a cough after realizing it was cold. He pushed his reiatsu into the cup warming it nearly instantly.

After finishing the cup he re-braided his beard and called for his Fukutaichō. "Chōjirō-fukutaichō, please retrieve my two students."

After his Vice-Capitan left to retrieve to two he turned his attention to the paperwork before him. 'Perhaps two other views would help me sort this situation.'

In his lab Kurotsuchi Mayuri attempted to reconstruct the effects of various Jutsu to no avail. Cursing he slammed his hand down against the table.

"They described it in this Shinobi Academy as one part Spiritual one part Physical energy. I have the Spiritual energy in reiatsu; so how do I replicate the physical portion?" he asked himself.

Meanwhile in a secured location in the Fifth Division three figures sat around a table. "Ne, this new guy is kinda' interestin' huh?" Gin asked. "Though I'm kinda' jealous; he's beatin' my old record of the Academy."

Tousen nodded wordlessly. "He could become a great warrior for the side of justice."

Gin grinned; "What'd you think Aizen-Taichō?" he asked the last figure.

Aizen Sōsuke smiled as he took a long drink from his glass of wine. "Hmm, he could prove useful. Although he seems somewhat close to the Sōtaichō; which means his loyalties are already swaying in that direction. Gin, follow him discretely; Tousen continue on as normal." He took another drink and stood putting his Capitan's haori on. The other two stood in response.

"So what're you gonna' do Aizen-Taichō?" Gin asked him.

He smiled at him while readjusting his glasses. "I have to cement my control over my fukutaichō before attempting to control Orochimaru."

Gin tilted his head; his face displaying confusion. "Why'd you want to' do that?" he asked. "Hinamori-chan is already fiercely loyal to you."

Aizen nodded. "She is indeed. However; her relationship with Hitsugaya-Taichō could prove troublesome."

Tousen stared at the both of them through covered eyes. "And how do you plan to do that Aizen-sama?"

Aizen Sōsuke grinned slightly and loosened his robes slightly. "I'm going to give her what she desires most." His eyes glinted in the pale light of the room. "My Love."

Author's Note: Time skip next chapter; a few years worth. So the update will take a while to type up. Next Chapter begins the new Arc: Factions! (Aizen; Orochimaru; and Yamamoto)

Translations:

Katon: Gōkakyu no Jutsu – Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu

Doton: Doryūheki – Earth Style: Earth Wall Jutsu

Suiton: Mizurappa – Water Style: Violent Water Waves