"I'm worried about the safety of the fifth division. I know it seems stupid, but I can't help but feel that the third squad is up to something. I mean... I overheard Ichimaru talking to Aizen at the captain meeting. Listen, keep an eye out for Ichimaru. I have no idea what he might be planning."

I continued to stare at him blankly, "And this has to do with me how...?"

"You were in the same class as Kira. Maybe you could get some information out of him."

"Look, this has nothing to do with me, so why should I interrogate my former frie-actually... he was never my friend. We were just classmates. So why should he even want to talk to me or give me information?"

"You're both lieutenants."

"That means nothing. Just because I'm a lieutenant doesn't mean that I can easily get along with any other lieutenant... I couldn't-and wouldn't dare-approach Oomaeda and try to start a conversation."

"Won't you just try to talk to him?"

I banged my fist on the table, "Damn it, Toushirou! When I say I won't do it, I won't do it! If you're so intent on getting information out of him, then you do it. You're a captain after all, so he'll probably listen to you more than he would me. I don't even see why you're so persistent on this! It's just the fifth squad!" I paused and immediately knew the answer, "Oh... Hinamori's in the fifth squad. It's not Aizen you're worried about, it's Hinamori. Look I'm sure whatever grudge Ichimaru has on the fifth squad doesn't have anything to do with Hinamori and it will only affect Aizen."

"Who said it was about Hinamori!"

"I just did! Got a problem with me knowing what you're really thinking? That was almost too easy to read. Since when have you been an open book?"

"I am not an open book."

"Man, what is it with guys and arguing about every little thing?"

"I'm arguing because you're arguing! You're just as stubborn as I am!"

"I am not stubborn!"

He snickered, "Oh give me a break. You're such a hypocrite."

"Calling me a hypocrite makes you a hypocrite."

"Don't even start."

I opened my mouth to snap back at him; but, instead of saying what I wanted to, someone else's voice and words come out of my mouth, "Would you two just shut up and get along! What is the matter with you guys! You've never had issues like this!"

Toushirou looked at me blankly for a second then retorted, "Syugoryuu, stay out of this."

"Like hell I will! Obviously you guys still aren't on good terms, so what's the problem!"

"She is! Acting the way she is! She's driving me insane!"

"You guys are driving each other insane and you're driving me insane, so leave it be!"

"Syugoryuu, get the hell outta my life!" I regained control and shoved Syugoryuu into his tower mentally. I took a deep breath and smoothed back my hair. "As much as I don't want to admit it, Syugoryuu's right. We just need to calm down, that's all. We're both on edge, but so is the whole damn Soul Society. There are captain meetings left and right and-shoot! I forgot to tell Ukitake-taicho about that last meeting! I got to go, Toushirou. I'll see ya later, okay?"

"Before you go, mind telling me where you got all those cuts?"

"Uh..." I started.

"Did you fight a ryouka?"

"No. Well, yes, but... they're not here to harm the Soul Society in general-"

"Nazeka! You let them go!"

"Um... if I told you yes, what would you do?"

"Nazeka, thousands of our own kind are injured because of them! You could at least have taken them into custody and-"

"All they wanna do is save Rukia! That's it! And I agree with them. Rukia's part of my squad. Both Ukitake and I want to do whatever we can to set her free."

"Uttering treason like that will get you put in jail like her!"

"You're a captain, if you honestly wanted to, you would."

"That's not the point. The point is that there are people who would rather protect Soul Society than their own kind and their not afraid to kill or imprison those that could harm it!"

"I told them I would help them."

"The ryouka?" He groaned, "Nazeka, you're asking for a death wish."

"Of course. We both have the same goal, so why not help them with theirs since they're doing a much better job!"

"Yeah, a better job of destroying the Seireitei and sending everything into chaos! We're on official wartime orders, Nazeka. We can't make peace until Yamamoto-soutaicho agrees, you know that!"

"I don't care! That old bastard can go rot in Hell for all I care."

"So, where did you get those wounds? I know that the ryouka aren't the real reason."

"Bankai training."

"Bankai? You're training for bankai at a time like this! What, are you stupid? That takes years and we don't have that kind of free time!"

"I already mastered it for your information. Jeez, would you let me finish? Syugoryuu's bankai is a little different... at least training for it is. He gives you four hours just to find the right zanpakutou. Once you do that, he promises to do the rest. He said since he's done it three times before me, it's absolutely no big deal."

"Ukitake-taicho helped you with this? I'm sure he wouldn't agree to do that at this time."

"Uh, actually, Syugoryuu was both acting as my mentor and my zanpakutou."

"Your zanpakutou taught you under four hours?" He asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow. I nodded, "What, don't believe me?"

"No, I've just never heard of that happening before."

"Well then, you're looking at the first person to master their bankai in four hours with only the help of her zanpakutou."

"You do realize you're liable for becoming captain now, right?"

"No one else has to know. Just you and me. It'll be our secret."

"You can't go dragging me into this."

"I just did."

"Someone will find out eventually. You'll use it, and then someone will see. You'd be reassigned to captain immediately you know. That was the only reason Soutaicho made you become a shinigami."

"That's why it's a secret. Anyway, like I said before, I got to get going. Ukitake-taicho still doesn't know what happened at the meeting-"

"I know..."

"See you later," I said, waving slightly before jumping out the window, hearing Toushirou complaining behind me, "Not out the window! Nazeka! Argh, you're impossible!"

"Bye!" I shouted as I tore down the streets of the Seireitei. It was already dark, no one else was on the streets; but, it didn't take long to get to barracks whether during the daytime or night. I knocked on Ukitake's doors and opened them without waiting for an answer. He was sitting up in bed sipping a cup of tea. He smiled when he saw me and beckoned for me to come in. I shut the doors behind me and kneeled by his bedside, "Ukitake-taicho, I'm sorry I didn't come and tell you sooner. The news is very important."

"It's fine."

"Thank you. Special wartime orders have been given. We are permitted to wear our zanpakutou through the main city as well as use them and release them. Captains and Lieutenants are allowed to fight without any restrictions at all."

"No restrictions? Yamamoto-soutaicho must be tired of these ryouka."

"Agreed. Also, Ichimaru Gin-taicho's punishment for his reckless actions has been dropped due to the state of war."

"I see... Thank you, Nazeka."

"You're welcome, taicho. Are you feeling better?"

"Much. I should be able to return to normal duties tomorrow."

"That's good to hear. I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Nazeka, why are you covered in blood? You ought to go and see a member of the fourth squad."

"It's fine. I wouldn't want to bother them with some minor injuries when so many of us are already in their barracks."

"Are you sure? The one in your side looks pretty bad. How did you get those, anyway?"

"Uh, I ran into a ryouka... but they ran off. It's fine. They'll heal up in no time. Anyway, I think there's some more paperwork to do, so I'll go and do that. I hope to see you up and about tomorrow morning, Ukitake-taicho."

I opened the door, but he called me back, "Nazeka, don't go yet. Sit down."

"Yes, sir." I slid the door closed again and did as was told. He frowned and I could tell that he knew I was lying.

"Give me your zanpakutou."

"Yes, sir." I released it from my belt and held it out, still sheathed. He took it, pulled it slightly out of it's sheath before sliding it back in and setting it on his lap.

"Nazeka..."

"Yes, sir?"

"Did you really think you could hide it from me when your spiritual pressure is fluctuating constantly? It's obvious, even to a lieutenant, that your spiritual pressure has changed and increased. So, tell me, who taught you?"

"Who taught me what?"

"Your bankai. I know you achieved it... but... how long have you been working on it? It takes ten years to achieve bankai. Who was training you?"

"Syugoryuu taught me himself. It was his idea. He gave me four hours and-"

He looked at me skeptically, "Your zanpakutou taught you how to use it's bankai and he did it under four hours?"

"Toushirou gave me that same look when I told him..." I sighed. His expression changed again; this time, he looked sad, "You told Toushirou-kun?"

"Well, he kind of forced it out of me but... yes..." I confessed.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well... I didn't plan on telling anyone... it just sort of slipped out when I saw him earlier today and... well, now you know."

"Nazeka, why didn't you want anyone else to know?"

"Because... if word gets out that I know my bankai, then I'll be moved to captain even faster and I don't want to be a captain and... I just thought it would be safer... And if I become captain then... then I'll have to leave this squad and... a-and I don't want to leave!" I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I tried so hard to keep them down, but they ended up down my cheeks anyway, "I love this squad like it's my family... it's the only family I've ever had, taicho, and I don't want to be separated from it now! All I wanted was to control Syugoryuu; I didn't want the power or the rank of captain. I was afraid to leave."

I wiped away the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand while Ukitake-taicho placed his hand on my shoulder and sighed. "Nazeka, I'm not mad at you. I just want you to understand that if you ever need any help or anything like this comes up, you're always welcome to come tell me. I want to be the first person you want to talk to when something happens. After all this time, you still haven't learned that? Besides, if you really consider this squad to be your family, then you wouldn't have a problem telling me. I won't tell Yamamoto-soutaicho until you're ready to become captain, understood?"

"Thank you, taicho," I whispered gratefully. He took another sip of his tea and sighed, "Now, it's getting late. Why don't you go to bed? It's been a long and arduous day."

"Yes, sir," I bowed and stood, opening the doors to leave again. When I stepped through and turned around to slide the double doors closed, Ukitake-taicho asked one more question, "Oh, by the way, are you happy with your bankai? What is it, exactly?"

I smiled crookedly, "Good night, Ukitake-taicho."

He pouted a bit, "Ah, Nazeka!", but I shut the door and walked back to the main building.

"This isn't what you were expecting, now was it, Nazeka?'

What do you mean?

"Now both Toushirou and Ukitake know. Others are bound to find out as well you know, and then Soutaicho will know."

They won't tell.

"Sure."

Don't you trust them?

"Do you?"

I trust them with my life. Now, I'm done talking about this. Good night.

"Don't you ignore me! Hey, Nazeka! Nazeka! Damn it!"

The next day, I was called to a lieutenants' meeting, though I didn't want to go. My injuries were sore from the previous day and I was dead tired. But unfortunately, we couldn't afford not having all of our lieutenants during the time of war. So, I just had to suck it up and get going.

Tetsuzaemon-san was the only other lieutenant in the room when I arrived; however, my barracks weren't far. It wasn't long before Hisagi-san, Rangiku, and Kira showed up.

"Ah, hey Nazeka, what happened with you and taicho last night?" Rangiku asked, "I never saw you leave."

Immediately, the three guys stared at me. My face turned blood red and I stuttered, "D-Don't be silly, Rangiku, I left last night. Don't go insinuating things like you know they're true."

"Did you apologize?"

"What makes you think I had to apologize to him!"

"Because taicho said-"

Suddenly, a piercing shriek came from outside. I grabbed hold of my hilt and stood up.

"What was that scream?" Rangiku asked.

"It came from the Eastern Wall!"

Kira whispered almost inaudibly, "That was Hinamori's voice..." Before the rest of us had time to process that, he was already out the door. I chased after him with the others behind me. Outside, around the corner and halfway across the bridge, was Hinamori.

"Hinamori-kun! Hinamori-kun! What's wrong? Hinamori-kun!" Kira asked, stepping in front of her and shaking her to get her attention. I had stopped just at the beginning of the bridge behind the others, but I could clearly see what had shaken her up so badly.

High up at the top of the building across from me was a corpse, pinned to the side with a sword. No, it wasn't just any corpse... it was...

"AIZEN-TAICHO!" Hinamori screamed, falling to her knees. I couldn't imagine how hard it was for her to see her captain like that. She had admired him so much... he was everything to her. And now he was dead, with his blood dripping down the side of the building and his sword stabbed through his chest.

I think the most unnerving part was the fact that he didn't look frightened, angry, or shocked. Instead, his expression was that of someone who was calm. It didn't make sense. He had been assassinated, there was no way he would be calm. And people die with their feelings... I knew that all too well.

While I had been pondering this terrible phenomenon, I had been completely unaware of Ichimaru-taicho's appearance. "What's all this racket, so early in the morning? Oh...? This is a terrible situation, isn't it?"

No one made a sound. We all stared at Ichimaru-taicho like he was someone we had never seen before. But then, Hinamori grabbed the hilt of her sword and yelled, "So, it was you!"

She charged at the captain, though I didn't quite understand her reasoning as to why. Kira stepped in front of her and blocked it. Sparks flew when the steel of their blades smashed together.

"Kira-kun... why...?" Hinamori asked, her voice shaking. Kira looked at her indifferently, "I'm the lieutenant of Squad 3. No matter what the reason, I cannot allow anyone to raise a sword against the captain."

Neither of them backed down, but when Ichimaru-taicho turned to leave, Hinamori tried to go after him. Kira didn't allow it, but kept her back.

"Please... get out of my way... Kira-kun!"

"I cannot."

"Move! Get out of my way!" She shrieked desperately, but Kira refused again, "No!"

"Can't you hear me? I said to move!"

"Can't you hear me say 'no'!"

Ichimaru-taicho passed me, and suddenly the reiatsu spiked in the air. Hinamori raised her sword above her head and shouted, "Hajike... Tobiume!" A pink light erupted from the changed zanpakutou and there was a huge explosion, the thick cloud of smoke blocking my view. But it disappeared from the outward force of the eruption and Kira slid back on all fours away from the huge hole in the wooden floor.

"Releasing your zanpakutou in a place like this... How thoughtless!" He rebuked, "Do you realize what you're doing! Do not confuse public manners with private, Hinamori-fukutaicho!"

She ignored him and raised her sword again, the pink light forming a ball of fire and flying from the blade, crashed into the building above both Ichimaru-taicho and me.

"I see... Then I have no choice. I shall dispose of you as an enemy," Kira growled. He vaulted into the air, "Omote o agero*, Wabisuke!" He came down fast in the air, but suddenly the reiatsu skyrocketed for just a moment. Toushirou stepped between them, sliding his own zanpakutou out just a bit and blocking Wabisuke while stepping on Hinamori's Tobiume. Her sword was jammed into the wooden slats of the bridge.

"Don't either of you move," he said, not looking at either of them.

"Hitsugaya..."

"Arrest the two of them!"

Rangiku and Tetsuzaemon-san grabbed Hinamori while Hisagi-san grabbed Kira.

"Hitsugaya-kun!" Hinamori cried, but Toushirou scolded her immediately, "Hinamori! Is this any time to be clashing swords with each other? Shouldn't your first priority be to lower Aizen-taicho down from there? I will make the report to Soutaicho. Put those two under detention. Take them away. Mamori, take both of their swords."

Startled that I was called to order, I hesitated, "Y-Yes, sir." As I confiscated both Hinamori and Kira's zanpakutou, Toushirou whispered, "I want to see you in my office later, understood?"

"Any particular reason why?" I didn't whisper back; I had regained my confidence.

"This is an order, Mamori."

"Ooh, somebody's abusing their abilities on their friend."

"I'm merely enforcing my powers as a captain, which you seem to be forgetting Mamori."

I did a fake salute and backed away mockingly, "Oh, yes sir! Would you like me to kiss your ass while I'm at it?"

"Mamori!" He said threateningly, his hands clenching into fists.

I ran off after the others, laughing.

"Mamori, I think that was a bad idea," Kira said, but I whacked the back of his head, "Shut up, Kira. Besides, you're under arrest, therefore you have no right to speak at this time until the captains conclude what happened and your punishment."

"Oi, Mamori, ease up, will ya?" Tetsuzaemon-san complained. I frowned, "Why? Just doing my job like the rest of us."

"You're never this serious. You in a bad mood or are you aimin' for suicide? 'Cause I don't think I've ever seen someone talk to a captain like that."

"Relax, it's only Toushirou."

Hisagi-san, Tetsuzaemon-san, and Rangiku sighed. Then Rangiku muttered, "I think that's beside the point."

"Anyway," Tetsuzaemon-san continued, "I noticed you looked awful this morning, no offense. I didn't wanna ask, but why are you covered in bruises and wounds?"

"Look at you, delving into other's personal lives. That's not like you at all, Tetsuzaemon!"

"So we're all a little on edge right now. After everything that's happened, you never know..."

"You never know...? You never know what, Tetsuzaemon?"

"Well, I dunno..."

"I think he's trying to say that we can't help but be suspicious after everything that's happened. Not just you, but everyone else. And the fact that you came in with cuts that look like sword wounds..." Hisagi-san tried to explain, but I scoffed, "You've gotta be kidding me. Doubting your fellow lieutenants?"

"With Aizen-taicho dead, how the hell do you expect any of us not to doubt others! That's why Hinamori and Izuru got in that fight! And you seem way too calm about this, that's why-" Tetsuzaemon began shouting.

"You think I had something to do with this? Tch, unlike everyone else around here, it appears I'm the only one thinking logically about this! Did you see Aizen-taicho's expression? Doesn't it seem odd that his expression was calm?" I shouted back.

"C'mon, you really think that it seemed odd? People die and their expressions fade."

"They do not!"

"And how the hell would you know, Mamori!"

"Because when I died my body still had my terrified expression plastered to my face!"

"You still remembered that?" He sneered. I growled, "Damn right! It's the only thing I remember now and I can't get it outta my head when I see death! Just shut the hell up, Tetsuzaemon! You don't know a thing about dying! You're just another one of those souls that were born here! You're all so ignorant of this concept!" I shoved both the zanpakutou in my hands into his arms, "Here, take the damn things. Toushirou wanted to see me in his office anyway."

I flash-stepped away, jumping from roof to roof until I reached the stairs. When I reached the bottom, I flash-stepped between streets until I reached the tenth squads barracks.

"Hey, Nazeka, I know a way to cheer you up!"

What Syugoryuu, what could possibly make me happy right now? I thought irritably.

"Why was six afraid of seven?"

I sighed inwardly, Oh no...

"Because seven eight nine!" He began to laugh hysterically in my head.

...Syugoryuu... that wasn't-

"Okay, what about this one: What do cats swim in?"

What, Syugoryuu? I rolled my eyes.

"A kitty pool!"

Ba-dum, psh. Ooh, yay, you'll be here all night...

"Fine, I see, still upset? Will you ever laugh at my jokes?"

If you get new ones, maybe. Now, I'm not in the mood.

"Fine, fine, I'll leave you alone. I did promise you at one time that you would have complete control of me after you mastered bankai."

Before I forget, do all zanpakutou constantly talk to their masters like this?

"No."

Then why do you?

"Because I get lonely... and because I like having company other than Hyourinmaru. You don't come visit very often."

I ignored him after that, not really in the mood to sympathize. I passed through the gate, beginning to wonder why Toushirou had wanted to see me... again. At least I didn't have to deal with Rangiku since she was still with the others. I knocked on his office door and walked in, not even waiting for a reply.

"You wanted to see me?" I griped, shutting the door behind me. He wasn't in the office, so I sat down on the couch and groaned, "You call me in here and you aren't even here?"

Once again, I had to wait a while before he arrived, and I instantly reproached his habit of making me wait. He merely rolled his eyes and sat on the couch across from me.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" I asked innocently. He put his head in his hands before looking back up at me and sighing, "Argh, I'm just so stressed."

"That's what you called me in for? 'Cause you know, we all are."

"That's not why. Just give me a few seconds," he hung his head again and pressed his fingers to his temples. After a minute or two, he raised his head and sat up. "You better?" I asked.

"Yeah, for now."

"Captain responsibilities getting to you?"

"You actually care now after what you said to me back there?"

I turned red and looked down to the floor, "Okay, so I didn't mean that... I dunno... I get really rude when I'm stressed. I really didn't mean that, I promise."

"Your attitude has become a bit of a problem."

"Don't rub it in. A lot has happened."

"You don't know the half of it. First Abarai and now Aizen..."

"R-Renji? What happened to Renji?"

"He's under arrest as well, didn't you know? Byakuya threw him in jail after he was defeated by one of the ryouka."

"What? That bastard... why the hell did he do that?"

"Abarai was being reckless. Without orders and before wartime orders were issued, Abarai went and faced the ryouka himself. It wasn't his first priority. It seems everyone's priorities are out of order. The whole Seireitei is falling apart..."

"Just with a few ryouka..."

"That are able to take down lieutenants and possibly captains..."

"Wait, what do you mean? Do you think that Aizen was killed by a ryouka?"

"It's always a possibility. I mean, that one ryouka that defeated Abarai... he's the same guy that Byakuya said he killed in the World of the Living. He obviously has some right to his anger... he was nearly killed by a member of the Gotei 13 and Kuchiki was imprisoned by us. He would have a grudge against us, wouldn't he?"

"I dunno... Ishida and Orihime seemed to have the idea that Ichigo just wanted to save Rukia. I don't think that he has any intention of purposely harming us. I don't think that Aizen-taicho was killed by a ryouka."

"You're one of the few that has talked to them... but you're the first we've heard of to actually agree to helping them. You do understand that you'll be locked up first chance that the higher ups get, right?"

"You are a higher up, so why haven't you locked me up? I know I asked you earlier, but you never gave me a clear answer. You locked up Hinamori for treason, why not me?"

His face darkened, and I knew I had struck a nerve. "You didn't want to, I know that. But then why did you if you won't put me under arrest either?"

"Because you haven't technically raised a sword against another shinigami. Though you agree with them and say that you would help them, you haven't yet. Unless your actions fulfill your words, then I won't arrest you. The others won't be as reasonable though."

"Ukitake-taicho won't arrest me. Neither will Kyouraku-taicho. But, just for clarification, if I did raise my sword, you would arrest me?"

"Yes."

"Good to know."

"...What are you planning?"

"Oh, nothing..."

"Nazeka..." he began, his voice stern.

"Relax," I waved my hand, "I don't wanna get you involved. You'll take an even harder fall than I will."

"You make it sound like you've already decided what you're going to do. Think it over and remember the consequences. Anyway, I have a question."

"Shoot."

"You don't think I was... too hard on Hinamori this morning?"

"Doubting your own authoritative measures I see..."

"Well?"

"Oh, I dunno... I think she needs a little time. I think it'll be good for her, help her calm down."

"She's going to hate me..."

"She'll understand, I promise. There's no way that this whole issue will break apart your friendship. You two are like brother and sister. She'll forgive you."

"I want to look into this. Who would want to target Aizen? And if it is Ichimaru, then what would he gain? I don't get it..."

"He's always kind of scared me. Maybe he's just enjoying the show. The Seireitei's in chaos, Aizen's dead, ryouka are running all over the place, and Hinamori and Kira were ready to kill each other on that bridge this morning, right in front of him!"

"You really think he's behind it?"

"Well, it does seem to make sense."

"But what about the ryouka?"

"I dunno... they know I'm friendly. I could ask them."

"That's too much for me to ask you to do. It could risk your rank."

I raised an eyebrow skeptically. He rephrased his previous sentence, "I don't want you to get in trouble for something I could find out otherwise."

"But if it was my choice-"

"You don't need to be doing this! Damn it, we've lost Abarai, Aizen, Hinamori, and Kira! We don't need another ranked officer out! I don't want you under arrest either! This is becoming ridiculous! We're putting our fellow comrades in jail while we're on wartime duty! We can't afford this!" He slammed his fist on the table between us before putting his head in his hands again.

I sighed and got up, sitting next to him. I put my arm around him and said quietly, "I know it's stressful. We're all stressed right now. You're smart, you'll figure it out."

He spoke into his hands, so his words were muffled. The only thing I could make out was a moan.

"What?" I asked. He lifted his head, "I said that it doesn't make it any easier."

"I'm always here to help. Just tell me what to do."

"That's Matsumoto's job."

"I know, but think of what you could get done with two lieutenants!" I stood up in front of him, "The thirteenth squad is always ready to help!"

He chuckled, "But you have just about as much to do as I do. You're in charge when Ukitake's out, so you have to take care of both lieutenant matters as well as captain matters. You don't need to do anything on top of that."

"I'll have to face it in the future. I can't avoid becoming captain. This will help prepare me for that time. Besides, why wouldn't I help a friend out when he really needs it! I'm always here. All you have to do is ask."

He smiled slightly, "Thanks. I think we'll start with examining Aizen's room. Maybe there's something in there that will give us a clue to his assassin. Matsumoto can do that with a few others from my squad. You can ask Kira if he knows where his captain was last night."

"Again with Kira? Why do I get stuck talking to him?"

"If you're going to help, don't complain about the work I assign you!"

I held up my hands in defeat, "Okay, okay, I'll talk to him. I won't like it, but I'll do it."

"Thank you, Nazeka," he stood up and gave me a quick peck on the cheek before crossing the room and sitting down at his desk. He picked up one of the ink brushes and pulled out a piece of paper; but, before he began writing, he asked, "If you see Matsumoto, tell her I want to see her."

"Of course."

I vaulted onto the sill of the open window and up onto the wall outside. I could hear him behind me, "Nazeka! Again with the window! Honestly..." I sniggered and jumped down from the wall, leaving the barracks to go pay a visit to the third squad detention center. I wasn't too keen on the fact that I had to go talk to another lieutenant after I had just gotten in that fight, but I had to keep my word.

The barracks were almost empty, every other shinigami patrolling the streets or taking care of fallen members. But even with such low security in the barracks, it took me a while to explain to the third squad members my purpose for being there.

When they let me pass and I was in the detention center, they shut the doors and locked them behind me. In front of me was Kira, sitting quietly in a chair in the middle of the cell, his back turned away from me. I knocked on one of the steel bars.

"Hey, Kira. I'm here on orders from Hitsugaya-taicho and-"

"Hitsugaya-taicho? You're actually calling him by his title now?" He started laughing, but it made me worried. It wasn't his normal laugh.

"Problem? Anyway, I'm here to ask a few questions. It's not my idea, but Hitsugaya-taicho wants me to interrogate you for the examination of Aizen-taicho's death."

"Y-You think I had something to do with it?" He turned around hesitantly, "I was just as surprised as everyone else. You don't really think it was me, do you, Mamori!" The chair toppled over as he ran to the bars. He latched onto two of them violently, "I didn't do it! I wouldn't harm another shinigami!"

"You drew your sword at Hinamori," I said, stepping back a little, "But that's not why I'm here. Now, if you would just sit calmly in the chair again, I'll start the interrogation."

"What happened to all of that talk of not doubting your comrades? You don't really believe that, do you!"

"I said lieutenants, Kira, lieutenants," I pronounced every syllable, "I don't know enough about the other captains to judge whether they would have some grudge against the others or against the Soul Society. Now, Kira, sit in the chair before I force you in it!"

He picked up the chair and sat down, facing me this time. "There, happy, Mamori?"

"Let's just get this over with. You are no longer permitted to speak when not spoken to, you must simply answer the questions. No further information will be given to you, got it?" He glared, but nodded in understanding. I continued, "So, do you know where Ichimaru Gin-taicho was last night?"

"What are you-"

"Answer the question, Kira."

"No. No I don't know."

"Okay, do you know of anyone that Ichimaru Gin-taicho might have possibly had a grudge on or disliked?"

"No." I could tell by the expression on his face that he figured out what I was insinuating.

"Why did you raise your sword at Hinamori?"

"Because she was going to hurt my captain. That's what we lieutenants are supposed to do."

"Even if she was a fellow shinigami?" I asked, but I didn't wait for an answer, "Why did you not think to restrain her? Why did you immediately see her as an enemy?"

"...I... I didn't... I don't know."

"That's all I came here for. I have to get back and report to Hitsugaya-taicho," I turned around to leave, but something grabbed my sleeve tight.

"Wait, please, Mamori-" Kira pleaded, but I shook my arm roughly, "Let go, Kira." I wrenched it away, but he begged again, "Please, please get me out of here! I have to apologize! I have to apologize to Hinamori! Please, let me out!"

"You know I don't have the authority to do that!" I chastised, "Kira! Have some self-respect! Pull yourself together! You're a lieutenant, damn it, so act like you are and suck it up!" I knocked on the door and heard the wooden slats being raised on the other side. The doors opened and I ordered that they keep him as he was.

"Yes, Mamori-fukutaicho," the two guards responded, and they bowed.

"As you were."

I left the barracks and returned to the tenth squad's barracks. I jumped over the wall and back onto the window sill that I had jumped off of earlier.

"Yo! Toushirou! I got some info outta Kira!"

He glared at me, so I groaned, "What now?"

"Stop calling me by my first name!"

"But you call me by my first name unless you're mad. It's not fair!" I whined.

"But I'm a captain. I'm higher up in ranks than you, therefore I don't have to call you by your title."

"But you've never really cared before!"

"Fine!" He threw his hands up in defeat, "If you really want to address me a little more casually, you can. Instead of calling me Hitsugaya-taicho, you can merely call me Hitsugaya." He stood up and approached the window I was in.

"What about Hitsugaya-kun?"

"You're pushing it. Now get out of the window." He pushed me by my shoulders off the sill and I fell back with a thud to the ground.

"Ow," I gasped when my back hit the hard dirt and the wind was knocked out of me. He leaned over the window frame and sniggered, "You okay?"

"Oh sure, now you care," I rasped, trying to regain my breath again.

"Stay out of my windows."

"You didn't have to push me."

"It's the only way to get my point across."

"Try closing the windows."

He leaped out the window himself and helped me up while rolling his eyes, "Let's go inside." I placed my hand on the frame again but he narrowed his eyes, "Through the door. You know, the thing we open and close to get inside and outside, unlike the window?"

"But that's no fun."

"Door. Now."

"Okay, okay, okay. Lead the way 'O Master of Doors.'"

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me away from the window, "Knowing you, you'd tell me to do that and then jump in the window when I wasn't looking."

"What! I wouldn't do that," I exclaimed innocently, but then I murmured and stared at the ground, "You ruin all my fun when you know what I'm going to do."

*Raise your head