Challenged

Toushiro: "So how come I haven't seen you around before, Kora?"

Riku: "I've been, uh... a little busy with hollows and everything?"

Toushiro: "For how long?"

Riku: "Long, long time."

Toushiro: "Well just to give you a heads up, there have been quite a number of changes since you were last here."

Riku: "Thanks for the heads up, um?"

Toushiro: "Toushiro. Toushiro Hitsugaya."

Riku: "Pleasure to meet you, Captain Hitsugaya."

Toushiro returned to the Assembly Hall with Kora in tow. The captains were all still patiently waiting.

Yamamoto: "Ah. You have returned. Where is Captain Levi?"

Toushiro: "He's a little under the weather, sir. And boy does he look it."

Yamamoto: "Mmm. I understand. I wish him a speedy recovery. Now then, let's get down to-"

Toushiro: "Excuse me, sir. I don't mean to interrupt but I have someone here who wishes to meet with you. I ran into him on my way back."

Yamamoto: "Oh, and who might that be?"

Riku Kora stepped forth and, given the reactions of some, he wasn't a complete stranger.

Unohana: "*Gasp* It can't be..."

Soifon: "Riku Kora?!..."

Ukitake: "You're alive?!..."

Yamamoto stood up in shock. Most of the other captains were in the same state. The only ones who didn't have a clue to who this was were Val, Toushiro, Vegeta and, surprisingly, Kenpachi. All of the others have been captains or closely associated with a captain before they took over for some time. Val and Vegeta just glanced at each other from across the room, both sharing confused and clueless looks.

Yamamoto: "Riku Kora... Can it really be?..."

Riku Kora: "It's been a while, Yamamoto."

Yamamoto: "Indeed. Are you aware that you've been missing for 200 years?"

Riku Kora: "I am. Please forgive me."

And then, of course...

Vegeta: "Missing for 200 years? Where the fuck have you been?"

Kora glanced over at Vegeta and noticed instantly the lieutenants badge.

Riku: "You are a Lieutenant? Why are you in a Captain's meeting?"

Vegeta: "Clearly've been gone a while. I'm allowed to, in fact I'm encouraged to attend these meetings."

Ukitake: "Riku, Vegeta here is a lieutenant by choice. He's actually powerful enough to easily take command of the 13 Court Guard Squads altogether if he wanted to."

Riku: "You're that powerful?"

Shunsui: "Powerful is an understatement. He's saved our butts quite a few times since joining us."

Kurotsuchi: "Not bad for a living person."

Vegeta: "You are damn well close to being on my very last nerve, Mayuri."

Riku: "Huh... I've heard from Captain Hitsugaya that there have been a few changes. But I certainly wasn't expecting something like this. And by a saiyan no less."

Vegeta instantly turned around and focused on Kora again. The look in his eyes was both surprised and on high alert.

Vegeta: "... You know what I am?"

Riku: "Why, yes. It's not hard. Only a saiyan can wield such power and yet be so naive as to how to use it properly."

The other captains all stood in horror as Vegeta's temper became more and more obvious.

Vegeta: (Clearly angry) "What did you just fucking say?..."

Riku: "And only a saiyan would have such a filthy mouth."

Shunsui: (Whispering to Byakuya) "He should hear Levi."

Byakuya nodded while agreeing silently.

Toushiro: "Kora, saiyans are anything but that. And please, be careful. Vegeta's got a bit of a nasty temper and he really doesn't like being insulted."

Riku: "Very well."

Vegeta: "Hmph!"

Toushiro: "Down, Vegeta. Yamamoto, how do you know Kora?"

Yamamoto: "Riku Kora used to be the captain of the 10th Squad. But he disappeared."

Riku: "Now I am back and would like to resume my position."

Yamamoto: "I'm afraid that'll be impossible. Squad 10 received a new captain shortly after you were confirmed gone. And when that one disappeared, a new one took their place."

Riku: "And has he disappeared or been killed?"

Yamamoto: "No."

Riku: "Then may I know who they are so that I may speak with them?"

Yamamoto: "You already know him."

Riku: "Excuse me?"

Toushiro: "I'm the current Captain of Squad 10."

Riku looked down at Toushiro. But this time, it was anything but friendly and polite. Rather more disgust and appall.

Riku: "You?... You're the current captain of my squad?"

Toushiro: "Actually it's my squad now. And I have no intentions of stepping down any time soon."

Riku: "Is that so?"

Vegeta: "Damn right he's not."

Riku: "Would the captain of this saiyan please holster its ignorant mouth?"

Vegeta: "Say what?!"

Toushiro: "Vegeta is my Second Lieutenant and my best friend. And I would appreciate you not talking about him like he's some kind of 'thing'."

Riku: "My apologies, child captain."

Toushiro: "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't do it to me as well."

Riku: "I would except you are a child and a captain. Which I think is absurd."

Toushiro: "Too bad. Like I said, I have no intentions of stepping down any time soon."

Riku: "Then... I challenge Captain Toushiro Hitsugaya to a duel!"

Everyone: "What?!"

Riku: "I am invoking a Trail by Combat duel. And Captain Toushiro Hitsugaya is the captain I wish to face."

Kenpachi: "Huh... Haven't seen that method since I took over Squad 11."

Toushiro: "What's your deal anyway, Kora? Why do you want to reclaim Squad 10 so badly?"

Riku: "Because I am still the rightful captain."

Val: "You disappeared. The squad was left without a leader so a new one was naturally appointed."

Riku: "And a saboron as well? My my the Soul Society's become quite the circus."

Val: "I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that for now."

Vegeta: "Toushiro isn't gonna partake in your little charade. He's already proven his worth many times and the squad likes him."

Riku: "It's not up to him, saiyan. Once a Trial by Combat has been issued, the challenger and his chosen opponent must duel."

Unohana: "I'm afraid he's right, Vegeta."

Vegeta just snarled. Clearly he didn't like this guy one bit. Toushiro glared at the guy for a long time. Riku just grinned evilly at the youth. Finally...

Toushiro: "Time and place?"

Riku: "This time tomorrow. In front of Squad 10 and all of its occupants."

Toushiro: "I'll be there."

Riku: "And one other thing. Make sure that your 'Second Lieutenant' there doesn't interfere. If he does, it's an automatic loss."

Toushiro: "Fine."

And the meeting was over, at least for Toushiro. He collected Vegeta and began to leave, stopping only to say-

Toushiro: "Don't expect me to go easy on you."

And then he left with Vegeta in tow. Just as they left, Kora smiled with an evil look in his eyes.

Riku: "Neither will I..."