A/N: Sorry about the delay in updates. It's been getting harder and harder to find the time for writing. Also, I'm having a hard time continuing because, while I still enjoy writing it, one of my main goals with this story was to get feedback to improve my writing style so that I could do more stories as well. I've actually gotten more hits and visitors than I thought I would, but no reviews as of yet. I don't want to beg, but that's basically what I'm doing. Please give me a review, whether you like the story or think it's trash, let me know and let me know what I'm doing right/wrong.

Now that that's out of the way, I still don't own Bleach. Enjoy the new chapter.

Chapter 5: A Battle for Redemption

A few minutes later found Kakumau and Ikkaku facing each other in the 1st Division's training grounds while the captains all took up places around the two men, curious to see whether Kakumau's skills were really even worth training. The truth is, they all knew that unless he had some truly magnificent strength, it wouldn't be worth the energy and he'd probably just end up in the Maggot's Nest for the rest of his life. For his part, Kakumau was finally taking the opportunity to examine the captains. All of them were incredibly strong, most likely capable of taking him out without ever releasing their shikai. Some certainly stood out more than others. There was the incredibly young looking captain from the 10th Division whose presence instantly gave him chills, not of fear, but from the actual drop in temperature. The captain of the 12th Division, on the other hand, was just downright freaky. Everything from his hat, to his makeup, to his one ridiculously long finger nail made it clear to Kakumau that he was to be avoided at all costs. Then there was the humongous captain of the 7th Division, who seemed to be wearing a bucket over his head for some reason.

"Ready for another ass-whipping?" Ikkaku's voice rang out, bringing Kakumau back to reality before he could continue analyzing the rest of the captains.

"Don't be too confident just from one victory," he responded, taking up his battle stance. "After all, in battle, things can change very quickly."

With that, Kakumau charged forward, leaping over Ikkaku at the last minute in the same fashion as their first fight. This time, however, he didn't wait to land to attack, instead extending his sword during the leap, forcing Ikkaku to block the attack with his sheath. Once Kakumau landed, he went for a leg sweep which Ikkaku easily avoided by leaping into the air.

"You're a lot more aggressive this time, I'll give you that. It still won't be enough with that dull blade of yours though." Once Ikkaku said that, many of the captains were shocked to notice this wasn't just the normal taunting from the 3rd seat. No, it was actually true; Kakumau was fighting with dull sword.

"Yeah, I've heard that before. There's really something very exciting about it though. Seeing the look on someone's face when they realize, far too late, that they shouldn't have underestimated me," came Kakumau's response. With a smirk on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, "After all, you haven't realized the truth yet. You probably won't until you're unconscious. Hell, even then you'll probably be in denial. We'll both know the truth, though. The only reason you beat me last time," Kakumau extended his left hand, palm out towards Ikkaku, "is because I let you!" As the reiatsu began to form in his palm, Ikkaku's eyes widened in recognition. 'You're kidding me! This bastard knows kido?' "Way of Destruction 31: Shot of Red Fire." Ikkaku overcame his shock just in time to leap out of the way, only to find that Kakumau was already waiting for him, with Kishin coming down in an overhand strike. Ikkaku barely managed to block, but then he wasn't expecting the kick to his chest that followed, sending him quite a few feet backwards. The injuries were minor, nothing but a few bruised ribs. Maybe one cracked, at the absolute worst. His pride, however, was another matter. 'No way in hell am I letting this bastard make me look stupid in front of Captain Zaraki. Let's kick things up a notch.'

"Alright, enough kidding around. Bring out your shikai; let's give the people a real show."

"Come on, Ikkaku. This is just a friendly spar so the captains can evaluate me. Do we really have to go all out?"

"What the hell? Are you scared or just lazy?"

"I already told you, I hate violence. I don't want to escalate things unless I have to."

"Well guess what, dumbass: You have to! How else are they supposed to examine your skills?"

"Well, guess you got me there. Save them all, Kishin Hogosha!" Now all the captains were anxiously waiting to see this strange wanderer's shikai, but much like Ikkaku, most were tremendously disappointed. The notable exception being one Retsu Unohana, who was mostly just intrigued to see someone with no real training keeping up with a 3rd seat from the battle specialist 11th Division, all while using a sword that makes it almost impossible to cut your opponent.

"What a waste! No wonder this guy didn't want to use shikai," said a disgusted Kenpachi. "What kind of pathetic shinigami wields a jutte?"

"With all due respect, Captain Kenpachi, I'd recommend you watch how I use it before you go writing me off completely."

"Heh, like it matters! Grow, Houzukimaru!" Once his blade released, Ikkaku took this opportunity to go on the offensive. Using his apparently random pattern of slashes and stabs, Ikkaku gained the upper-hand, preventing Kakumau from ever mounting much of an offensive. Intending to end the battle, Ikkaku put his full force into a downward slash, aiming for Kakumau's right shoulder, only to impact the earth, Kakumau having apparently vanished. Just then, Ikkaku felt the cold steel cylinder of the jutte against his throat, and a foot placed into his back. Rolling backwards, Kakumau launched Ikkaku into the air. Knowing he wouldn't be able to dodge now, he once again raised his hand, "Way of Destruction 31: Shot of Red Fire!" This time, Kakumau put quite a bit more reiatsu into the shot, and fired a large blast at Ikkaku. Ikkaku, being the experienced fighter he is, turned himself around and blocked the attack using Houzukimaru. When he reached the ground, Ikkaku landed on his feet, only briefly, before launching himself at Kakumau with another slash. This time, all Kakumau could do was deflect it to the side. His eyes went wide in shock and pain when he felt the blade slice his left shoulder to the bone. 'Damn it! I forgot about that.'

"Come on! Don't tell me you forgot he could split already!" As Yamamoto was preparing to end the spar, he was shocked, as were the other captains, to hear Kakumau chuckle.

"Guess so. Damn it, that's embarrassing. Tell ya what; I'm just about used up for the day. What do you say you come at me with all you got one last time, and we call it a match? Sound good?"

"Why the hell not? You've made this fight a lot more interesting than our last one, so sure, we can make this next exchange winner takes all."

"Thanks. To show my gratitude, I'll go for broke too."

With that said, both fighters smiled as Ikkaku jumped back towards the wall of the training grounds, and launched himself full tilt thru the air at Kakumau, this time using Houzukimaru as a lance, intending to pierce straight through Kakumau's other shoulder. "Torubatsu!" As he held up his jutte, Houzukimaru separated. When Kakumau blocked the blade, Ikkaku quickly swung back his separated staff, launching the pommel at his chin like an uppercut. Having seen this trick once before, Kakumau knew it was coming and managed to lean his head back, just avoiding the blow, and quickly caught in the catch of his jutte. Kakumau released the pommel, but charged in at Ikkaku, yelling "Isshiwomukuiru!" while making a rising slash. Ikkaku used Houzukimaru to absorb much of the impact, but as a result, his blade was knocked out of his hand. The last thought that went through his head before Kishin's hilt was brought with full force into his sternum was, 'I guess the bastard was holding back last time.'

A stunned silence settled over the captains. Most of them expected Ikkaku to manhandle the newcomer. After all, Ikkaku was not your average 3rd seat. His reiatsu and sword skills were both easily that of a vice-captain. They had figured that Kakumau might make things interesting, but surviving the fight would have thoroughly impressed most of them. Kakumau turned to face Yamamoto, but rather than relieved or excited, the emotion in those silver eyes almost looked like sadness. "Well then captains, please don't wake me until you've made your decision." With that, Kakumau's eyes rolled back in his head, the sword dropped from his hand, and he fell forward. Just before his face hit the cement, a hand grabbed the back of his bloodied vest as the faint sound of bells jingled in the air. While he couldn't be certain, Kakumau thought he heard a voice that sounded like Kenpachi say, "Not bad."

-Later that day in another captain's meeting-

"Captain Unohana, please update us on the status of both patients."

"3rd Seat Madarame Ikkaku is awake and stable. His ribs were broken and both lungs punctured, but we were able to prevent significant blood pooling. He should be able to leave the 4th Division in a week, though he should refrain from vigorous training for at least a month. Kakumau Konrinzai is currently stable, but in a coma. He suffered significant blood loss from the slice to his shoulder, which was only made worse by his continued battle. We have begun the transfusion of fluids and he should awaken within the next couple of days. I do not have a timetable for him to be functional yet as we know neither what type of duties he will be undertaking nor how his body will respond to the treatments."

"Understood. That taken care of, what do we do with the boy? He is clearly far too skilled to be sent to the academy, and yet he lacks the formal training to be ready for any of the seats which his skill set merits."

"Might I make a suggestion, Captain Commander?"

"Go ahead, Captain Ukitake."

"Why not place him in a division as a lower seated officer? He can then be trained for a higher seat while still putting his skills to work right away."

"Very well. What division shall he be placed in? The 1st, 2nd, 7th, 11th, and 12th are out as each requires skills which he clearly lacks. The 13th, currently lacking a lieutenant, has insufficient qualified seats to serve as trainers."

"I already have one subordinate who I must babysit, so please remove the 10th from consideration as well."

"So noted, Captain Hitsugaya."

"The 6th has no seated positions to be filled."

"Nor does the 9th."

"Very well, that still leaves the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th Divisions. Do any wish to claim the boy?"

"I would like to offer the 5th seat in the 5th Division, Captain Commander. With him apparently having taught himself kido, and since his zanpakuto is primarily defensive, the help which Vice-captain Hinamori can offer in that area should prove invaluable."

"Do any object to Captain Aizen's claim? Very well then, after he has recovered, Kakumau Konrinzai shall begin serving as the 5th seat in the 5th Division. With that settled, we still must decide on a shinigami to send to the living world to patrol the area known as Karakura."

A/N 2: Last time I'll ask, I promise. Please review!