My apologies for the delay in this chapter. It's truly ridiculous, I know. Those who waited patiently, thanks. Those who got tired of waiting, thanks for giving me another chance.

In spite of the delay, I still don't own Bleach.

Chapter 7: The Test, The Training, and The Change

"Mind if I take the initiative on round 2?" Hinamori simply smirked and nodded her consent before her eyes widened involuntarily. She barely got her zanpakuto up in time to block his attack, but he was continuing to push, as if intending to drive her through the ground. What really shocked her was the change in his eyes. Gone was the naïve and innocent look she had seen all the other times. In its place was a cold, piercing, metallic look. Was this really even the same person?

When she recovered from the shock of this change, she remembered that all her subordinates were watching this match, and she'd be damned if she'd let the new guy show her up. "Bakudo 1: Sai!" Kakumau's arms were instantly bound behind his back. She knew, however, that it wouldn't hold him for long, so she took the opportunity to leap backwards, creating distance between the two of them, hoping to give her the opportunity to make use of her Kido spells. She also took the opportunity to examine his blade more closely, noticing for the first time that it appeared to be a blade with no edge. She decided to save her questions for later, choosing to focus instead on preparing to resume the match.

Just as she had expected, he quickly broke free. What she hadn't expected, on the other hand, was his chuckle. "Hah, man I'm dumb. I got so into the battle itself that I spaced out all my observations from before."

Not sure what exactly was going on, Hinamori kept up her guard, but still asked, "What observations? From when?"

Kakumau, while shaking his head with a self-depreciating smirk, filled her in. "Well, when I was 'spaced out' before you charged me, my zanpakuto and I were discussing what kind of battle we should expect. I could tell you weren't the same kind of fighter as Ikkaku. I was guessing that, while he relied on brute strength and sword skills, you'd probably be more defensive and agile, using kido as your main attack while the sword was mostly self-defense." Hearing his explanation, and realizing how accurate he was, and based on so little information, Hinamori couldn't keep her eyes from widening slightly. "Of course, recognizing that is totally worthless if I go charging in like a bone-head anyway. Well then, let's try this again."

Rather than give him time to implement his new strategy, Hinamori began peppering him with some of the more mild Hado, like Byakurai and Shakkaho, all of which he managed to narrowly dodge with well timed flips and dives. That was fine with Hinamori, though, since he was forced to retreat. 'It's great that I'm keeping him at this distance, but at this rate, while he can't get me, I'm no closer to beating him either. If a 5th seat with no formal training fights me to a draw, my credibility will be shot.' With that, she decided to kick it up a notch. "Hado 33: Sokatsui!"

As the more powerful flame shot his way, Kakumau jumped out of the blasts path, only to find Hinamori had used shunpo to appear above him before firing Shakkaho at him. He couldn't react in time, and wound up getting blasted into the ground. He slowly climbed his way out of the dust, coughing out, "Crap…that hurt. Vice-captain, you clearly have me outmatched. I guess I should have asked before we started, but am I allowed to use my shikai in our spar?"

This, of course, set all the lower seats and unseated officers whispering, knowing that it was impossible for someone with no training to have a shikai. They were silenced rather quickly when their vice-captain responded, "I was wondering why you were holding back." They all turned to see her looking rather exasperated at their new officer. "I told you this spar was to evaluate your skills as well as prove yourself to the other officers. How did you plan to do that without showing something as important as your shikai?"

Kakumau could only scratch his cheek sheepishly. "Hehe, sorry. Sometimes I don't really think things through. Oh well, better late than never, right? Save them all, Kishin Hogosha!" Once his sword had transformed, he saw a familiar expression of shock on his vice-captain and heard the snickers from the other officers. 'This kind of getting old for you too, old man?'

'Pride is a dangerous thing, Kakumau,' chided Kishin's voice inside his head. 'If your opponent underestimates you, that advantage more than outweighs your petty frustration over the perceived slight. Besides, not everyone assumes difference means weakness.'

Confused by that last statement, Kakumau looked across the field to his opponent. Much to his shock, rather than relieved or confident, Hinamori instead seemed to be cautiously examining Kishin. Kakumau couldn't help himself, and in spite of the battle, shot Hinamori a genuine smile before settling back in for a fight.

For Hinamori's part, she was having her own internal battle. 'A jutte? Ok, clearly a defensive weapon. This also seems to fit with his lack of a blade on most of his unreleased form. It's dangerous to attack recklessly, seeing as a defensive zanpakuto will most likely be at its best in counters. On the other hand, if I'm right, then he won't be initiating attacks either, which will make this battle and evaluation worthless. Perhaps I should start with some distance attacks until I can get a feel for his abilities.' "Hado 4: Byakurai!" She was only slightly shocked when, instead of dodging the attack, Kakumau brought up his jutte for the block.

Still smiling, Kakumau called out, "Torubatsu!" Then, he had to resist the strong urge to laugh, both at the expression on Hinamori's face and the stunned silence that took over the formerly snide comments from the spectators as her spell literally vanished as it made contact with Kishin. Pointing the tip of Kishin back at Hinamori, Kakumau put the second part of Kishin's abilities on display. "Isshiwomukuiru!" firing the same pale fire back at her, only much larger and faster.

In her shock, Hinamori nearly took the full force of the attack, but fortunately snapped back to attention in time to lift her own zanpakuto to take some of the attack as she was blasted back towards the wall. Her reflex had saved her from most of the damage, but she was still winded and may have a couple of cracked ribs. "Very impressive, Kakumau. Your sword is truly unique, and I look forward to helping you bring out its full potential." Kakumau's eyes widened at the praise, nearly causing him to drop his guard. "However, now, I'll end our match. Snap, Tobiume!"

Now it was Kakumau's turn to be stunned. 'Kishin, am I insane, or is her zanpakuto a jutte?'

'Not exactly,' came the calm response. 'Her blade can function as one, but look closely, her prongs are also bladed. She is still entirely capable of cutting with her blade.'

'So it is.' "Truly amazing," Kakumau nearly whispered. "So this is the power of a vice-captain. I have a long way to go. Very well, Vice-Captain Hinamori. Let's do it!" No sooner had the words left his mouth than Hinamori had swung the now named Tobiume at him, launching a large fireball, followed by another, and then another. Realizing he couldn't block all three, he instead opted to dodge. What he hadn't counted on, however, were the explosions that came with them. The consecutive concussive forces blasted him backwards into the wall at incredible speed. The damage was minimal, but because his head slammed into the wall, he found it difficult to regain his feet, and was forced to use Kishin as a crutch. As he stood, he became aware that the remnants of his white coat had fallen from him, revealing a tremendous series of scars all over his torso, the most pronounced being an inch thick running from beneath his left collar bone across his chest to beneath his ribs on the right side. When he finally lifted his head, he found Hinamori in front of him, Tobiume in position to deal what would certainly be a finishing blow were she to take it.

Hinamori, with her head angled down slightly, almost whispered, "Do you give?"

Kakumau couldn't hide his shock at her voice, but answered simply, "Yes, Vice-Captain. I yield." At this, the spectators ended their shocked silence, cheering their vice-captain for her victory, and their new 5th seat for his incredible display. Hinamori, without lifting her head, simply turned to leave, signaling for Kakumau to follow her away from the crowd. The two continued to walk in an uncomfortable silence, Kakumau trying desperately to understand Hinamori's apparent disappointment. 'Did I really do that badly? I know I lost, but considering she's the second strongest in the division, I think I performed pretty well.' After what seemed like the longest walk of his life, an odd sentiment considering his previous life of wandering the Rukongai for days at a time, they reached the 5th Squad's barracks. It wasn't until she had led Kakumau to his room that she finally lifted her eyes to face him. Kakumau was stunned to see her eyes red and the hint of slight tear streaks on her cheeks. "Vice-captain? Are you alright? Do we need to get you to the 4th division?"

Were it not for the obviously genuine concern in his voice, Hinamori might have thought he was mocking her. Instead, she managed a small smile and shook her head. "No, Kakumau. I'm fine. However," as quickly as it came, the smile vanished and she bowed before Kakumau, making his jaw nearly hit the floor in shock, "I must beg your forgiveness."

In his shocked state, he nevertheless managed to form his question clearly and intelligently. "Huh?"

"Kakumau," Hinamori continued unfazed, "I underestimated you horribly. I assumed, because you seemed so carefree and relaxed earlier, that you were just a green rookie who had lucked into his zanpakuto with no knowledge of the reality of battle." Kakumau's face began to soften as he realized, yet again, that his jacket was gone leaving his scarred body plainly visible. "Please, I beg you, I…"

But that was as far as she got before Kakumau, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, interrupted her. "Vice-captain, you have no need to apologize." At this, Hinamori's head shot up, prepared to argue before his sad smile stopped her in her tracks. "I act that way on purpose. In spite of the fact that my innocence was lost many battles ago, I would never forgive myself if I allowed the battles and the bloodshed to kill my humanity. These scars are all proof that I have lived life the way I wanted to, so I feel no shame for them. I hid them only for the comfort of others. So, rather than forgive you, I'd like to thank you."

Now it was Hinamori's turn to be stunned. "For what?"

Chuckling, he replied, "A few things. First, for helping to train me. I'm not such a fool as to believe that you have no other responsibilities which could use your attention, and yet you are taking the time to train me, and have not complained or looked down on me for it. Secondly, for respecting Kishin. It has been a long time since anyway actually took his released form seriously, so for that respect, I thank you. And finally," he continued, Hinamori still in shock, "thank you for playing along with my innocence." At this, he sheepishly scratched the back of his head and continued, "So…how'd I do?"

Something about the question, perhaps it was the childish way he seemed to be seeking approval, or perhaps it was his ability to switch topics, and seemingly personalities, but Hinamori couldn't help herself. She began to laugh. Kakumau was stunned, and slightly worried about the sanity of his vice-captain until she calmed herself and answered. "I'm sorry, I was so worried about apologizing, I nearly forgot about your evaluation. You did very well, it is clear you need more training, both with swordplay and kido, because your technique is very rough. In spite of that, you show a great deal of promise, and your zanpakuto's ability is very unique and will be an incredible asset as we continue. Welcome to the 5th squad, Kakumau! Tomorrow, we start training, and it will be the toughest thing you've ever done."

Hinamori was certainly true to her word. She worked Kakumau harder than he had even thought possible over the next two years. The results, however, spoke for themselves. Five days a week were dedicated to his fighting. In the mornings, he would spar for 4 hours with either Ikkaku or Hinamori, forcing him to develop techniques for fighting their opposite styles. After a 30 minute break for lunch, he would then spend 3 hours in the afternoon practicing his kido under Hinamori's watchful eye. His knack for kido bordered on prodigy. He rarely needed more than one afternoon to master a spell to the point that he no longer needed the incantation, so Hinamori began to help him work on combining different spells. After having dinner with the 5th division, he would then spend an hour in meditation with his zanpakuto to continue learning how to better utilize Kishin from the aged samurai himself. His other two days were hardly vacations. They were dedicated to learning how to handle his responsibilities as a seated officer, the history of Soul Society, hollows, the state of the living world, and any other information that either Hinamori or Captain Aizen felt he should know.

While he hadn't had much opportunity to interact with other divisions, things were going very well for him in the 5th. He and Hinamori had become close friends, as hours upon hours of training together will often do. She had grown used to his easygoing personality, and he had learned what jokes she would find funny and which were always a bad idea. Like Captain Aizen, for example. No matter what the context, any slight, perceived or real, against the Captain would be met with an intense glare, and most likely an even more intense beat down in training the next day. Much to Kakumau's confusion, Captain Aizen seemed to keep his distance. He was pleasant enough when the two would meet, but interactions were always brief, and Aizen never seemed to seek him out. Not that Kakumau minded. No, in fact he was relieved. His feelings for the Captain hadn't changed since their first meeting in the 4th division. If anything, he was even more wary of his Captain due to the fanatical devotion of his subordinates. It wasn't like they were just impressed by him, or even that they admired him. No, it was more like worship. Reason and questions played no part in their faith, and yet Aizen seemed to feel little more than a polite appreciation for them on his part.

All of which contributed to his shock at having been summoned by Captain Aizen himself. Trepidation aside, Kakumau knew better than to keep a Captain waiting and so raced thru the barracks to his office. After knocking and being called in, he entered and greeted Aizen from one knee, with his head down and fist on the ground, "You summoned me, Captain Aizen?"

"Yes, Kakumau. Please, stand up." Kakumau obediently stood and looked at his Captain, seeing the trademark smile that never seemed to quite reach his eyes. "I believe I told you that such formal greetings were unnecessary. Don't worry, I appreciate the respect, but I'd hoped you would view our division as your home, not simply your workplace."

"Captain Aizen, that was never my intent. I love this division. It is the only home I've known since I began wandering." He bowed low before continuing. "Forgive me, Captain. I had never intended my respect to seem aloof."

"All is forgiven, Kakumau." After Kakumau looked up, Aizen continued. "However, it may be that this division is simply not the place which best fits you." Seeing Kakumau preparing to respond, the Captain merely raised his hand, signaling for him to wait while Aizen continued, "This is no indictment of your character, or your skills. Both of which, for what it's worth, have exceeded my expectations for you. I mentioned the idea of a transfer to a few of my fellow captains, as well as providing them a copy of Hinamori's reports on your training and progress, and there is a great deal of interest. Before I inform you of your options, I would like to know if there are any divisions which especially appeal to you."

Kakumau was doubly stunned. Not only was he told he'd be leaving the only home he'd known, and almost everyone he'd come to know, but also that multiple captains had expressed interest in having him join their squads. As the shock wore off, he began to think aloud about some of his options. "Well, sir, I suppose that with my skills in kido, the 9th division would seem to be a good fit. Although, if I'm honest, I suppose my preference in battle is to avoid conflict, which would suggest that the 4th division might be a better fit." Kakumau continued to think in silence, still struggling with the revelations, before finally looking at his captain again. "Captain Aizen, you are the only captain to have seen me in action, not counting my spar with Ikkaku when I first arrived, and you are also the only one to know me as anything other than a wanderer who happened to get his zanpakuto. I would greatly appreciate your input, sir."

At this, Kakumau could have sworn he saw a brief hint of surprise in the man's eyes before his smile returned to his face. "Interesting. Both divisions you have mentioned also asked to have you placed in their division. The 9th division's captain, Tosen, has offered you a lateral move to his 5th seat, while Captain Unohana believes you ready for the responsibility of being her 3rd seat-" Kakumau's eyes widened dramatically at that information. The idea of being promoted to a 3rd seat was almost too much to handle. It became even tougher to keep himself upright when Aizen continued, "and so do I. I would strongly recommend, both for your personality and your career, that you take Captain Unohana's generous offer."

Swallowing one last time, Kakumau bowed again to his, now former, captain. "Thank you, sir. I will. When does the transfer become official?"

"The paperwork required should be filled out in less than a week. For now, though," Aizen continued, "I'd strongly recommend you let Hinamori know the news. As she has been responsible for your training, I doubt she'd take it well were she to hear the news through rumors."

Kakumau visibly paled. "Yes, thank you again, Captain. If that is all, I'll take my leave." Receiving a slight nod from Aizen, he left to find Hinamori to tell her, what he hoped would be, the happy news.

Hinamori, for her part, was overseeing the training of some of the lower seated officers, giving some correction and advice. This was her favorite part of her job. Sure, the respect that came with her position was nice, it was something she'd always wanted. That, though, paled in comparison to the joy of helping someone else get stronger. This, of course, brought her mind back to her best pupil, and close friend, Kakumau. Over the two years of training, the two had talked quite a bit about their lives in the Rukongai, and Hinamori had come to appreciate Kakumau's light-hearted approach, seeing it for the coping mechanism it was. In all honesty, she might be his superior officer, but she couldn't help but admire the man. In fact, other than Captain Aizen, there was nobody she admired more, and other than Toshiro and Rangiku, there was probably nobody she was closer to. It was a little frightening, actually, how quickly she had come to depend on him.

She was suddenly broken from her thoughts as the man she'd been thinking of came sprinting around the corner, breathing heavily. When he noticed her surprised expression, he scratched the back of his head, smiled and gasped out, "Hey…Hinamori…do you…"

Mercifully, she held up her hand telling him to stop. "Kakumau, catch your breath, then try again. Also, please remember that lower seats are here."

Looking past her, he realized his mistake, slowed his breathing, bowed and began again. "My apologies, Vice-captain. I see you are busy, and I don't mean to interrupt, but I have something fairly important that I want to discuss with you."

Hinamori was confused, and unable to keep the quizzical look off her face, but still answered him. "Very well, we're pretty much done here anyway. Shall we take a walk?" The two began to walk around the barracks, making small talk, before Hinamori had had enough. "Kakumau, just tell me, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?"

Sighing, he turned to face her and got started. "Vice-captain, Captain Aizen has suggested that I transfer out of the 5th division. Within the next week, I'll be made the 3rd seat of the 4th division."

Hinamori's face conveyed her obvious shock, which he had expected, but what caught him off guard was what looked to be the beginning of tears in her eyes. She quickly schooled her features into a smile, but the damp eyes wouldn't go away. "Congratulations, Kakumau. That's wonderful for you!"

"Thank you, Vice-captain, but, well, it's difficult for me to be excited about it." Seeing her confused expression, he decided to continue. "I respect Captain Unohana, but since I got to Soul Society, the only people I've spent real time with are in this division. Since I never went to the academy, I don't know anyone else. But most importantly…" he paused, not sure how to phrase this, but finally continued, though he first averted his eyes from her, "Well, I don't want to leave you, Hinamori. You're my best friend, and also the main reason I've been able to get so much stronger. If you're not there, I don't know what good I'll be. I mean…"

That was all he was able to get out before he was stunned into silence as Hinamori hugged him. At first, she was softly sobbing into his shirt, and he wasn't sure what to do, so he just returned the hug. Eventually, she calmed down enough to speak. "Kakumau, I'm going to miss you too. You're one of my best friends, but it's not like we'll never see each other. But you can't doubt yourself. That is an insult to Ikkaku and I who trained you, and the captains like Captain Aizen and Captain Unohana who believe in your talent. Besides," as she broke the hug, wiped her eyes, and showed him a huge smile, "at this rate it won't be long until you're a vice-captain with me!" The two shared a good laugh and looked forward to enjoying what time they had left together, both feeling much more confident about what was to come.