Ch. 4

Toshiro's P.O.V.

My eyes suddenly shot open the moment that blade hit my chest. Looking around, I find myself in the medical wing. I have to wonder why the collar is on me.

"Master," I look to the side to see Hyurinmaru.

"H-Hyurinmaru?" I stuttered. "W-what happened?" He told me about our mission to the Unknown Land, about that person that attacked us, and that I've been out for at least a week. So, it was all just a dream?

"I told the story to the Head Captain. He seemed surprised. The reason for the collar, Master, is that two days after I brought you back here, your power was going out of control. If we didn't get that on you… it would've put the Seireitei in an Ice Age," he informed me.

"I-I see," I huffed. A sharp pain shot through my shoulder and leg. Making me wince harshly.

"Master please. Don't strain yourself." I laid back down, slightly huffing rapidly with my eyes closed again. The door opened up after a few short moments.

"Shiro?" Momo? I opened my eyes back up but could only manage half way this time. Momo was standing next to Hyurinmaru holding some flowers. Her eyes tearful.

"Momo?" I softly said. A smile finally appeared on her sweet face.

"I'm so glad you're finally awake, Shiro," she said joyfully. "Everyone has been so worried after you got back. Luckily nothing bad happened during the time you were unconscious."

That's good to hear at least. "Toshiro. Man you really had me worried this time." Ichigo?

"Captain!" Rangiku?

"Captain Hitsugaya." Ukitake? Everyone came in the room, well they were lined up by squad – of course my squad came in first – I think they all thought I was dying or something. All of them are slightly crying with smiles of relief.

Actually, my surprise was the Head Captain coming in the room to see me. "Head Captain!" I shot up once I saw him, grabbing my left shoulder in a groan.

"Take it easy, Captain Hitsugaya," Head Captain Yamamoto told me. "Your Zanpakuto told me everything once he handed you to the medical squad. Something doesn't feel right about you now. Show me that shoulder, Toshiro."

Whenever he uses my first name… he's serious. I pulled down the shoulder part of this medical kimono to let him see the skin. Gasps echoed throughout the room.

I looked at my shoulder to see that around my wound, was black. Looked like molten rock. I took a look at my leg… same thing around that wound too.

"Only one person is capable of making skin look like that," said the Head Captain. "Tell me, what did this attacker say? Hyurinmaru couldn't hear what you two were saying."

He gave me a few moments to catch my breath and collect my thoughts. "Well, he called me 'Ice Captain', said the letter was forged, the battle I had with him felt familiar and his grip was too. And lastly… his blood was the same color as my hair."

"I see. I was afraid he'd come back," Head Captain said, scratching his beard. "How he broke free is beyond me. You know what we must now do, Toshiro Hitsugaya."

"Keep me under constant watch," I say slight groaning as he nodded.

"What's going on? I'm confused," Ichigo blurted out. Before Head Captain Yama could tell him anything… the wall of this building blew a part as a heated wind came in the room. A blur came in the room, clutching my neck and hoisting me into the air. The guy's grip broke the collar off me as he stood on air away from everyone.

I choked, trying to get the guy's hand off me, but… it was useless then and it's useless now. Only way to get myself free is with my sword. But I don't have it right now. Damn it.

"Master!" Hyurinmaru roars.

"Captain!" everyone else shouts.

"Toshiro!" Ichigo shouted. He still calls me by my first name… I don't care right now anyway. I was able to kick the guy in the head, knocking off that mask of his.

I growled with one glaring eye. So, I was right about your identity.

"Honen Ishtiehal!" Head Captain roared. "How did you get out of the confinement?!"

"Ha, ha! You haven't changed a bit old man!" Ishtiehal laughed. "That confinement unit was wearing down with each passing year!"

No wonder why every so often I felt your spiritual pressure. He tightened his grip even more, making me choke harder.

The Head Captain did something that I couldn't see… but after – whatever happened – I coughed hard feeling Hyurinmaru's protective arms around me.

"Shiro?!" Momo came over to us the minute Hyurinmaru touched down. She gently patted my back as I coughed more.

"Old man!" Ishtiehal roared. "Hand Hitsugaya over and I won't kill everyone here!"

"Either way, we'll all die, even if we hand him over. You're not getting your devilish hands on him again!"

I passed out shortly after I hear the clashing of swords. I couldn't stay awake any longer… Ishtiehal's grip usually always made me fall unconscious.

I woke up with a jolt. Looking around… where am I? My sword is right next to me on this bed I'm in. Hyurinmaru… I'm glad to see you still with me.

"Toshiro." Huh? I looked to the side to see Ichigo. "Just to clear up any confusion… this is my room… again. Head Captain forced that guy to retreat. He suggested that we bring you to the World of the Living to recover. He put something in your ear as well."

"Huh? Oh, I see," I said placing a hand over my eye, still huffing slightly.

"What's with that guy anyway? Why is he targeting you?"

"Huh?" I gave a soft sigh. "I really don't like talking about my past… but I guess I should fill you in on it anyway."

"I'm all ears, Toshiro." Ichigo gave me enough time to collect myself.

…

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