AN: Here is a new chapter. I want to thank you all guys who read and follow the story if it weren't for you this wouldn't be possible. This chapter would bring new revelations and some adapting to the shinigami life. By the way, English isn't my mother tongue so I apologise for any spelling, grammar or other funny mistakes you may find here as I haven't beta-ed the story yet. More explanations at the end of the chapter, for now...
Read and enjoy!
Chapter 15
Living as a shinigami:
The training starts!
"Man, this place is really huge!"
Rukia glanced at her side watching as Naruto turned his head left and right, looking up while eying around the corners of some alleys. The boy was very enthusiastic and that morning he had woken up with more energy and better mood than he had the past week.
"This is like a labyrinth; I don't even know where I am." Mumbled Naruto scratching his head. "Well, I don't know where I am since I haven't gotten the chance to explore."
Rukia stopped herself before she rolled her eyes at the tenth time Naruto referred to his 'imprisonment', as he so kindly call it. If there was something Rukia had learnt about Uzumaki Naruto in the last week was that the boy was impatient, loudmouth, talkative and had a special ability to make Byakuya irritated.
"Man, are we there yet?" Whined Naruto looking at Rukia who could feel her left eyebrow twitch in annoyance.
"No, we're not. These are only the walls of the fifth division. Don't worry, we're close." Naruto tilted his head, his eyes rolling from side to side before his lips lift lightly.
"These are the walls from the fifth division?" Rukia stopped suddenly watching the innocent expression on the blonde's face.
"Yes, why do you ask?" Before she could stop him, Naruto flexed his knees and jumped up to the wall standing on top of it.
The clear light of the day hit his frame forming a shadow on the ground and making his hair and the metallic click holding the sash of his zanpakutou gleam momentarily. For a moment, Rukia could see a relaxed expression on the boy's face, something she had noticed wasn't there before.
But really, Rukia couldn't blame him. She didn't know the whole story; Byakuya had only told her what was necessary. Naruto was to stay home for some kind of evaluation and education until he was fit to be introduced as a member of one of the 13 divisions. And the first week inside the Kuchiki household hadn't gone pretty well. Her brother took seriously the education of the young noble and as such started by teaching him the four rules of a head of clan and the principles of being a shinigami. After two hours, Naruto had started arguing some of them, calling them ridiculous and old-fashioned.
Rukia snorted making Naruto looked down at her with curiosity. Rukia had never heard of anyone who would talk to Byakuya with so much disrespect and discharged all the rules her brother proud himself of protecting and maintaining. Of course Naruto had used other words and more colorful body language which earned him three days without dinner until he was able to learn the precepts by heart and at least give one reason as to why they could be important.
"Are you okay, Rukia-chan?" Naruto was crouched down on top of the wall looking at Rukia.
"It's okay, Naruto." Then, suddenly remembering it wasn't really okay she turned a scowling face to the blonde. "What are you doing there? Come back down, Naruto!"
"Nu-uh, the sight on top of this wall is incredible! This place has such a nice garden." Commented Naruto standing up again and looking at said garden.
"Naruto, please come down here! I don't want to explain to Aizen-taichou why it is a blonde kid walking on the walls of his division!"
Naruto glanced at Rukia with a light smile shaking his head, Rukia narrowed her own ready to say something else when Naruto suddenly stopped and stretched out his arm signaling something far away to his left.
"Ne, Rukia-chan, what is that hill over there?" Rukia blinked confused.
"Hill? What hill?"
"That one! Come here, I show you!" Naruto smiled mischievously at Rukia offering her his hand to help her joined him.
Rukia for her part shook her head looking around to see if maybe someone had heard them. There wasn't anything on that place that would make her join Naruto. Bad enough was the blonde was there, what would happen if Byakuya found out about it?
"I'm not going up there, Naruto! And you should come back here! You can't walk on top of others divisions!" Replied Rukia with her hands on her hips.
Naruto huffed placing his arms behind his head resuming his walking while ignoring Rukia's glare and words of warning. For a week he had been with the black-haired girl learning the basics of the Kuchiki household, how to dress, how to address the others, at what time he had to meet Byakuya and Rukia for dinner and at what time he should be awake and ready for whatever the day had in store for him. He even made an effort to learn the rules and the precepts governing a clan head and a shinigami. It costed him three days without a fulfilling dinner but he had done it. It seemed nothing ever faced the Captain of the Sixth Division, after he had learnt them successfully Byakuya had only nodded his head and that was it. Naruto wouldn't admit it out loud but he really was expecting some sort of words of congratulations or something not just a nod and a still cold uninterested glance.
This place was so different. And, in a sense, it was scary.
"You guys are not fun at all." Naruto allowed himself a dejected expression while walking smugly on top of the wall.
Rukia faltered in her step at the tone of voice on the usually cheerful blonde. It certainly was different from everything she had heard from him. And suddenly it occurred to Rukia that, in a way, she really didn't know much about him or the place he came from; the only thing she knew was her brother was in charge of him and that he had been living in the Shinobi World.
"Do you …do you miss your home?" The question caught Naruto off guard; he almost fell as he turned his head to look over at Rukia.
His blue eyes found her violet ones and for a moment he just stared, then Rukia saw the flash of longing in his eyes before he turned around.
"Sometimes." He mumbled. "But, what I really miss is my precious people."
Rukia blinked forgetting for a moment that she shouldn't be walking alongside Naruto when he was still on top of the wall. "Your precious people?"
"Yeah, Yugao-chan was…she was like the mother a never had." Naruto smiled sadly as memories of the purple-haired woman appeared in his mind. He chuckled suddenly, "But, if you ever get the chance to meet her, don't tell her that. Because she likes to think she is like a big sister, being a mother makes her feel old."
Rukia smiled softly enjoying the sudden warmness coming from Naruto as the blonde kept on naming different people. "Then there is my cat. She was a black cat and…I love her a lot."
"What was her name?" Naruto looked aside shrugging.
"I rather not say it." Rukia's knitted her eyebrows before Naruto continued. "Then there was Kakashi-sensei and Sakura-chan. Of course, even if he was a complete asshole, there was Sasuke."
Naruto trailed off but this time Rukia decided not to say anything, the blonde's shoulders shrank, his expression turning solemn and hard.
"They sound really nice." Mumbled Rukia.
"They are. Of course, there are a lot more, there is Shikamaru, Kiba, Hinata…mmm, even Neji, I guess. Recently a meet two others…they are like me, you know?" Said Naruto turning a brilliant grin Rukia's way. The girl couldn't help but gasp feeling her cheeks warm lightly. "Gaara and Yugito-chan. Though, I get to know Yugito-chan more than Gaara…still, I did promise Gaara I would be his friend. It's just right I have to count him as a precious person, right?"
"I guess so." Commented Rukia evading Naruto's stare.
"I really miss home, mainly because you guys are pretty boring." Naruto chuckled closing his hands into tight fists, a look of determination passing through his eyes. "But today, I'm going to finally do something about my training! And hopefully about my boredom, right Rukia-chan?"
Rukia was slightly shocked at how fast Naruto changed moods, she was about to comment when the boy suddenly stopped looking far ahead of him he straightened up, narrowing his eyes and placing the palm of his hand on his forehead to protect his eyes from the light.
"That's…Yes! Kyouraku-jii!"
No sooner had he said that Naruto took off running as fast as he could leaving behind a flabbergasted Rukia. It took her but a few seconds before she realized Naruto was running alone in Seireitei after her brother had told her to not let him wander alone just yet.
Ugh, Nii-sama is going to kill me as soon as he finds out!
"Naruto! Come back here! You can't go around on your own just yet!" Screamed Rukia taking off after the blonde.
Naruto did the first thing he thought logic at the moment. He launched himself and hugged Ise Nanao as if his life depended on it. The woman, startled, hugged him back with a tiny smile adorning her face. Kyouraku was at her side smiling in the same way as he watched the blonde greeting her.
"It's so good to see you again, Nanao-chan!" Nanao put her hands on Naruto's shoulder and place him at arm's length watching him carefully before settling on his eyes.
"It's good to see you too, Naruto." She replied. "You look really nice in your shinigami clothes."
Naruto blushed lightly scratching his cheek shyly, "Nah, you're just saying that…I think these clothes are too dark for my liking."
"I see I don't get the same greeting as Nanao-chan." Naruto turned to Kyouraku and gave him an equally enthusiastic hug.
"Of course you do, Kyouraku-jii!" Kyouraku ruffled Naruto's hair smiling down at the boy.
"Nanao-chan is right, Naruto-kun. You look really nice in those clothes; I bet you already have a good amount of ladies following you around." Said Kyouraku winking at the boy.
Naruto opened his mouth to reply when suddenly he felt a harsh slap on his head, beside him a really annoyed Rukia was glaring at him.
"What did I tell you, Naruto? You shouldn't go around without me!" Rukia was so focused on Naruto she never noticed the Captain of the Eight division watching amusedly at the scene.
"Aw, look at this, Nanao-chan, our little Naruto is all grown up now." Rukia turned around, her face red, her eyes wide opened as she realized who Naruto was talking to. Kyouraku merely smiled ignoring Nanao's warning glare.
"See what I told you? He not only has women following him, but also a hot date on the dazzling younger sister of Kuchiki-taichou."
Nanao put a hand on her forehead, massaging gently as she watched Naruto's reaction out of the corner of her eye. The boy turned a particular interesting shade of red while Rukia's eyes opened really wide. Both of them opened their mouth at the same time sputtering the exactly same thing.
"No way!"
"She isn't…"
"He isn't…"
"There is no date! Nuh-uh!" replied Naruto glaring at Kyouraku. "How can you say something like that about Rukia-chan?"
"Hey! What it's wrong about it?" replied Rukia turning to a now fearful Naruto. If there was something Sakura had taught him was to never anger a woman who could certainly kick your ass.
"Eh, well, you…I mean, we can't because you…" Rukia raised an eyebrow expecting an explanation until she realized how utterly ridiculous was the whole situation. But, before she could stop Naruto and apologize for her behavior Kyouraku chuckled looking at both of them with the exact same twinkling eyes from moments ago.
"Ah, young love."
Once again both, Naruto and Rukia, looked slightly flustered while Nanao hit Kyouraku hard on the head making his hat fell to the side.
"Taichou, stop bothering Naruto-kun and Kuchiki-san."
"Nanao-chan is so cruel…" Naruto felt his whole body relaxed as he watched the familiar scene. It had been long since he last saw Kyouraku and Nanao and he felt the longing in his heart when he remembered Yugao and Yoruichi; his only links resembling a family.
"What is going on here?" The moment was broken by the appearance of Kuchiki Byakuya. The man was standing at the doors of his division looking each one of the individuals in front of him.
With a single eyebrow lifted, Byakuya glanced briefly towards Kyouraku, then to Naruto and finally to Rukia. "You are late, Rukia."
"I'm sorry, Nii-sama." Said Rukia immediately looking apologetically at Byakuya.
"It was my fault, Kuchiki-taichou." Interrupted Kyouraku sending Byakuya a quick smile. "I heard Naruto-kun was finally able to leave the Fourth Division and couldn't help but come and see how he was doing. I stopped them before they could make it inside your division."
Byakuya glanced over at Kyouraku before nodding curtly, "Very well, I would appreciate it if in the future you don't distract Rukia or Uzumaki-san. Today we're already late for Uzumaki-san's first lesson."
Kyouraku shook his head amusedly winking at Naruto who smiled back, "Don't worry, Kuchiki-taichou. It won't happen again."
"Very well, then let's go inside, your teacher is already waiting." Said Byakuya looking over at Naruto. "You are welcomed to stay for a cup of tea, Kyouraku-taichou. Ise-fukutaichou."
Nanao opened her mouth to decline the offer but Kyouraku was already half way the hall leading to the main building in the Sixth Division.
"Don't fight it, Nanao-chan and just enjoy it." Said Naruto winking at the fukutaichou moving to follow Byakuya and Kyouraku inside with his hands behind his head.
"Ugh, those two…" Nanao finally gave in and followed the rest of the men while Rukia stayed behind for a little while. Her eyes following the young blonde who had talked and joked with the officers of the Eight Division with such familiarity. As she got to know Naruto, Rukia realized she actually like the person hiding behind those brilliant blue eyes.
If there was something Naruto had learnt in the week he had been living under Byakuya's care was that the man wasn't as Yoruichi had described him. If there was a time the man allowed himself to follow his emotions and let them show, those times were long over.
If anything the man was cold, collected and stuck up, Naruto couldn't help but be remembered of Hinata's father. Well, even Hinata's dad had the decency to smile sometimes…Naruto eyed Byakuya out of the corner of his eyes and wondered what would happen if Byakuya decided to smile. A sudden chuckle escaped his lips bringing said man's attention to him.
"Sorry, I…I just remember a joke I didn't know about." Replied Naruto with a big grin adorning his features, Byakuya pierced Naruto with his stare before entering his office.
Behind him Rukia shook her head disapprovingly while Kyouraku chuckled lightly. Kyouraku eyed Byakuya and then at Naruto who was already looking around and making comments to a very attentive Rukia. He noticed the slightly changed in Byakuya, Kyouraku couldn't help but smiled; this was proven to be rather interesting, having Byakuya take care of someone as hyperactive and always quick with his emotions as Naruto; the boy was going to be a real challenge.
"Since you seem so eager to accompany Naruto to this reunion, do take a seat." Byakuya's voice didn't reveal anything but the words were clearly a sign of the man's annoyance at the unexpected and unwanted visit from the captain of the Eight Division.
Kyouraku allowed himself an easy smile as he sat down with a mortified Nanao at his side. "Thank you, Kuchiki-taichou. I am curious as to who you chose to teach Naruto the arts of the life of a shinigami."
Naruto was glancing curiously at Kyouraku his own hand twitching at his side ready to open his mouth and ask the same thing only to be silenced by intense grey eyes. Naruto opened and closed his mouth, huffing indignantly whole crossing his arms.
"The inner workings of a clan and the behavior of a future heir have fallen under my direction." Commented Byakuya who nodded his head to the officer standing at the door. "But, for him to learn control over his reiatsu and this chakra, I have chosen Sakumo."
Kyouraku looked impressed and nodded his head in approval; Naruto frowned not really liking to be left out of what was going to happen to him.
"Who is Sakumo?" Asked Naruto glancing from Byakuya to Kyouraku.
"That would be me" Said a voice behind them. Naruto and Rukia turned around to see a man on the doorstep. "I'm sorry, Kuchiki-taichou. I hope I wasn't out of place."
Byakuya shook his head indicating with a gesture the man could enter the room. Naruto's eyes examined the man carefully a sense of familiarity hit his brain but the blonde couldn't quite place where he had seen the man. The man had silver-colored spiky hair pull up in a long ponytail with a mess of hair hanging on his forehead. He wore a gently expression that was an odd contrast with his shinigami attired and the way he hold himself.
"Kuchiki-taichou. Kyouraku-taichou. Ise-fukutaichou. " The man bowed lightly in greeting to the three high ranking officers. Naruto looked at him with some curiosity trying to gauge the abilities of this man and how would he teach him control over his reiatsu and chakra.
Suddenly the man's eyes fell on Naruto and his expression turned blank, his eyes moved from the blonde hair, the round face, the blue eyes, the whisker marks to the strap holding his zanpakutou on his back. There in the middle of it was the metallic plate of a Hitai-ate with the symbol of Konoha shinning under the light of the room.
"Allow me to introduce the both of you. Sakumo this is the young hair of the Kazama Clan, Uzumaki Naruto." Started Byakuya signaling the young boy that took a step forward with a half smirk gracing his features. "Uzumaki-san, this is going to be your instructor from now on, Tenth seat Sakumo."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Uzumaki-san."
"Oh, uh…"Naruto glanced at Byakuya who merely lift an eyebrow. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Sakumo-sensei."
Naruto actually let out a sigh of relief at the gleam of approval in Byakuya's eyes. Sakumo smiled at the boy taking the hand the boy had offered.
"I see you're a Konoha shinobi." Naruto's eyes opened wide in surprise.
"You know Konoha?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact I used to be a shinobi from that village." Now Naruto was pretty interested in the man looking at him intently.
"Really? Wow, I never imagine I would find someone from Konoha. So, are you gonna teach me like jutsu and all?" Asked Naruto pretty excited.
Sakumo snickered shaking his head, "First, I'm going to teach you how to control both sources of energy in your body, your chakra and your reiatsu."
"Oh, so…"
"Like I told you before, we need to measure your abilities and find a way to teach you control over your reiatsu." Byakuya moved slowly facing Naruto making sure the boy was looking directly into his eyes.
"Sakumo is the only one who can teach you properly how to manipulate both, your chakra and your reiatsu without misusing them or losing control."
Naruto glanced down putting the sleeves from his shihakushou where the two seals were still visible. Naruto glanced at Byakuya and then at Sakumo who was wearing a serious expression.
"However, this isn't the only thing you're going to learn." Intervened Sakumo.
"Is not?"
"Of course not. I'm in charge of your education that means: making a shinigami out of you." Sakumo gave Naruto a gently smiled while eying Byakuya briefly.
"So, what I'm supposed to be learning?" Asked Naruto genuinely curious.
"Zanjutsu and Hakuda, of course." Replied a smiling Sakumo, Kyouraku perked up at hearing this, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he glanced over at Byakuya and then at Naruto.
"Please, Naruto-kun, follow me now."
Naruto didn't even bother to excuse himself as he turned to the man who was going to be his teacher. Inside his mind, he was trying to remember whatever Yoruichi had told him about Zanjutsu and Hakuda. The first one was the way of the sword, the other one was hand-to-hand combat, which was just like taijutsu.
"Ne, Sakumo-sensei, what rank were you back in Konoha?" Sakumo tilted his head with Naruto walking beside him.
"I was a Jounin." Replied the man after a moment of silence. Naruto went to open his mouth but was interrupted by the same man "It doesn't matter now, Naruto-kun. What does matter now is your meeting with your next teacher."
Sakumo flashed Naruto a half smirk opening one door down the hall. The door open to a huge room adorned with a series of columns holding the ceiling up. The floor was made of wood and there were some shinigami already there. The only one standing was a red-head with some marks on his neck, a white headband on his forehead, his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed towards the door.
"Excuse me, Abarai-fukutaichou." Abarai waved a hand and signaled for Sakumo and Naruto to enter the room.
As soon as Naruto was there he felt all eyes on him, especially those of the fukutaichou who had a bad concealed frown direct his way.
"So, this is the new punk I gotta train?" He eyed Naruto with his head throw slightly backwards. "Hun, he doesn't look like much."
"Hey! Who are you calling punk, Pineapple head?" Exclaimed Naruto taking a step forward, brows knitted together his hand moving rapidly to the hilt of his zanpakutou.
Abarai Renji, fukutaichou of the Sixth Division, smirked. He eyed the blonde speculatively before directing his gaze to Rukia who looked slightly mortified and then back to Naruto.
"Hn, you got a big mouth over there, Punk." Said Renji hovering above Naruto who was looking defiantly at Renji. "You should know by now how to address higher officers; even if you're the son of a noble clan you're nothing more than a rookie."
Sakumo lifted an eyebrow at the speed in which Naruto moved, he had unsheathed his sword in no time reaching Renji with a mid-jump, sword ready to slash. The room was filled with a collective gasp coming from the unseat members watching the fight unfold in front of them.
"Naruto!" The scream coming from Rukia came seconds too late as Abarai had already stopped the slash with his bokutou; his eyes opened just a fraction in shock at the agitowari familiar strike.
Not letting the kid take another chance at striking, Renji flexed his wrist, leaning on his right leg while hitting Naruto directly on his stomach before moving to his left leg and placing himself behind Naruto, his bokutou placed on Naruto's neck, Renji's free hand holding the hand in which Naruto had his zanpakutou.
It didn't take much and Naruto had his eyes wide open, breathing with some difficulty after the punch on his stomach. Renji eyed the class; all of them were open-mouthed at the speed in which the red-head had done his movements.
"This is the first lesson." Said Renji in a firm, loud voice. "Never underestimated your opponent, doesn't matter if he looks like a punk…or like a pineapple."
Renji let go of Naruto a smug smirk gracing his features as the blonde turned around still holding his zanpakutou firmly.
"What was your name again?" Asked Renji nodding towards Naruto, his bokutou leaning against his shoulder.
"Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto stepped forward only to stop when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Naruto, meet Abarai-fukutaichou. He is the best Zanjutsu practitioner in the Sixth Division." Said Sakumo while Naruto looked with skepticism at the red-head. "And, he is going to be your teacher in that art."
Renji narrowed his eyes at Naruto taking a step forward and pointing at the blonde, "I'm curious…it doesn't seem as if this was the first time you've done this."
Naruto allowed himself a smug smile as he shook his head, "It isn't, you were just lucky."
Renji snickered raising an eyebrow and signaling Sakumo to let go of Naruto while both of them circle each other.
"I see…tell me, that movement with which you attack me first…" Renji tilted his head, his feet moving constantly one after the other, his fist closing around the hilt of the bokutou. "Who taught you the agitowari movement, brat?"
Naruto stood up with both hands holding the hilt of his zanpakutou, feet separated with one in front of the other, "It's a secret."
And just like that Naruto went off ready to strike again.
Rukia watched with some horror and fascination as Naruto strike fighting against Renji who was merely side-stepping all of the blonde's attacks while teaching the rest of the class what a good Zanjutsu master didn't do. Naruto seemed frustrate but not defeat as he create new ways to try and draw some more direct approach from Renji.
Rukia didn't notice she had company until Byakuya spoke beside her. "As always, young Uzumaki-san doesn't seem to think before acting."
"However, he seems to know one thing or two about Zanjutsu." Replied Kyouraku beside Byakuya.
"Hn, so it seems." Byakuya eyed Naruto as he, once again, hit the floor. "But he lacks a complete technique or style; he is just using what he knows the way it comes, without a plan in mind."
"I guess, Abarai-fukutaichou, Sakumo-san and yourself should teach him how to plan ahead, then."
Byakuya glared at Kyouraku who seemed unfazed by the glare, Byakuya returned his attention to the combat in front of him before commenting.
"You knew about his abilities with the sword."
"I did, yes."
"Did you teach him these techniques?" It was true Naruto was using some of the techniques they taught either in the Shinigami Academy or inside certain divisions. Kyouraku was trying to think where Naruto could have learnt them but his mind came to the same answer: he had never taught them. This only led to another, more troublesome question: who had taught him then?
"No, I didn't. I really don't know where he learnt them, actually."
Byakuya gave a short nod his eyes following Naruto's every movement.
Naruto was breathing hard; he felt the sweat rolling down his forehead and the back of his neck. His right arm was trembling lightly as he had received several hits there. Renji eyed the bokutou that had some cutting marks on it.
"Tsk, look at this." Renji turned his brown eyes to Naruto and pointed the sharp blade Naruto was still holding with his hand. "Let go of your katana, in this place we don't fight with the real thing until I'm sure you're not going to pull out an eye or cut off an extremity."
Naruto tensed up his hand grabbing tightly at the hilt of his zanpakutou before directing his blue eyes to Renji. He could still feel the excitement through his body at having fought the red-head and he could feel his own stubbornness hit in to try and get a right hit to the man. Glancing towards Sakumo and then at Renji Naruto merely shrugged sheathing his zanpakutou and nodding his head lightly.
"Sure thing, Abarai-sensei."
In the far away part of the room Kyouraku smirked while Nanao tried to hide her own smile. Rukia was torn between smiling herself and smacking the boy for scaring her at the beginning. Byakuya merely lifted an eyebrow.
This ought to be interesting.
For the next three weeks Naruto's day was divided in three parts. From dawn up to lunch time he was dedicated to his training with Sakumo. The man had dedicated his time to explain how reiatsu work, how chakra usually works and how the combination of the two created a more resistance and slightly powerful combination.
However, the explanation through words didn't work rather well. Naruto looked more confused than anything so the man had to explain it by actually doing it in front of Naruto. Showing him how it worked with exercises as simple as the tree walking and the water walking ones. Now, they had entered the stage of combining the Hakuda and something called the elemental taijutsu.
"I still can't believe they didn't show the fire style back in the village." Mumbled Sakumo while shaking his head and correcting some of Naruto's movements. "This was a basic stance when I was in the Academy, of course we were at war…I guess time of peace make them forget the necessity of this."
"Well, I don't get why it is so important." Replied Naruto wiping away the sweat from his forehead.
"I need you to channel your chakra in tune with your reiatsu." Said Sakumo." While you were doing the water-walking exercise I noticed you don't control still the amount of chakra you use…even if you walk on the water."
"But, what does it matter if I do the standard taijutsu style or some style like Brushy-brows or this elemental thing?"
"Well, every shinobi has an elemental affinity. It means there are some jutsu that are easier to learn if you say, for example, have an affinity to thunder or fire." Explained Sakumo while indicating with his head for Naruto to continue the sequence.
"Elemental taijutsu allows you to channel your chakra focusing only on the elemental affinity." Sakumo nodded in approval as Naruto did the mid-sway with the high punch. "It gives you just a little more control over it and, in some cases; you can use the element through mere taijutsu, not just ninjutsu or with a special weapon."
"So, every shinobi has an affinity to an element? What about shinigami?"
"No, shinigami used another source of energy, reiatsu relays merely on the spiritual particles in the environment and yourself." Sakumo continued his explanation while looking directly into Naruto's eyes. "However, there are three persons inside the Gotei 13 that are known for their elemental reiatsu."
"Really?
Who?"
"Well, Yamamoto-soutaichou is one of them. His reiatsu is a fire-element. The second one is the Tenth Division Captain, Hitsugaya Toshiro." Said Sakumo smiling lightly as he finished. "And the last one is Kuchiki Rukia."
"Rukia-chan, really?"
"Yes, she does, maybe you should ask her about it later. You could learn a thing or two about elemental reiatsu."
Naruto nodded his head before speeding up his movements while sending more firm hits to the training pad in front of him, he closed his eyes and just like Sakumo had told him he visualized his chakra. To make it easier the first time he was told to do it he imagined it in a dark blue color, all coming from the center of his body and expanding through his body. As his fist made contact to the pad he felt his hand breaking the hard wood splintered under the pressure of his fist.
"That was very good Naruto, I see you're grasping the basics of the exercise." Commented Sakumo admiring the work.
Naruto straightened up looking at his closed hand and then at the broken pad. "Say, Sakumo-sensei, my elemental chakra could be associated to the elements my zanpakutou use?"
"Elements?" Asked Sakumo stopping whatever he was doing to look sharply at the boy. Naruto nodded his head innocently knowing full well he was being examined by the man in front of him.
"Uh, yeah, Ryuujin uses both thunder and wind."
Sakumo straightened up massaging his chin, "I see…I wasn't aware you were able to call upon your zanpakutou yet. Much less that it was an elemental one."
"Yeah, well I thought it would be better if I didn't use Ryuujin until I learn about this whole reiatsu-chakra thing." Mumbled Naruto evading his sensei eyes.
"I would like to see it next time, Naruto."
"What?" Naruto raised his head sharply, his eyes flashing slightly a moment of panic before it disappeared.
"Is something wrong?" Asked Sakumo looking suspiciously at Naruto.
"Eh, wrong? No, not at all!" Naruto laughed, scratching the back of his head before diverting his sensei attention towards the next sequence of Hakuda.
Sakumo decided to let it slide for the moment, but he didn't forget the strange reaction Naruto just had about it. He would have to remember to tell Kuchiki-taichou about it.
The second part of Naruto's day was spent practicing Zanjutsu. Every day Renji would take pleasure in making Naruto lose either the bokutou, made him hit the floor or just tied him out. He had certainly misjudged the boy; he always thought noble men were stuck-up, arrogant, know-it-all assholes, but Naruto had proven to be different. In all senses of the word.
The kid had talent. He knew how to move, how to strike and how to dodge or parry. He even used styles Renji had only seen certain captains use; of course what Naruto lack was elegance when performing them. He was raw and way to hot-headed to do it with the calmness and the cold precision people like Byakuya or even Hitsugaya could do without so much effort.
Naruto gritted his teeth, the man he was fighting with smirked while launching another series of strikes leaving Naruto with no other option but to defend himself. Renji tilted his head as the blonde parried or block the wooden sword lurking his opponent into a false sense of security. The man snorting with contain laughter of victory bended his arm ready for a side slash when Naruto used a combo of mid-range strikes to finally disarm his opponent.
"Well, done. I see you've progress since our first fight, brat." Commented Renji approvingly.
"Would stop calling me brat?"
"Nah, you still have a long way to go." Replied Renji smirking at the boy before moving away. Naruto shook his head, if he wanted it he could make Renji call him with some kind of honorific…but, true be told, he kind of like the man, it was the only one ready to treat him normally. At least when Byakuya wasn't around.
Renji rested his back against a column, looking out of the corner of his eyes at Rukia who was watching intently at the blonde.
"What do you think about him?" The question was surprising but not unexpected. Renji suspected sooner or later Rukia would ask him his opinion regarding the blonde.
"He only needs experience. He has the technique, uses several styles but it's useless against a real Zanjutsu master or even against a hollow." Renji shrugged. "What he is learning here and what little I can do is giving him experience…I still hope Kuchiki-taichou would take my advice of letting Naruto train with the Eleventh Division."
"Are you out of your freaking mind, Renji?" exclaimed Rukia in a loud whisper. "Those brutes would kill him the first day!"
"Hey! I was one of those brutes and I haven't killed him!" replied Renji defensively. Rukia rolled her eyes and nodded towards Naruto who was screaming in victory and asking the next one to fight him.
"He would dare everyone there to fight him. He is really not a hard thinker when training and fighting are involved."
"Can't argue with you on that one." Renji turned his smiling face to Rukia. "He told me our fight isn't over yet, just postpone."
"Anyway, you shouldn't worry. Kuchiki-taichou had the same reaction as you, just with fewer words and more explicit, intelligent insults regarding the intelligence of said squad and their questionable captain." Said Renji dryly to a now relief Rukia.
"Good, I wouldn't want Naruto to die at just three weeks of arriving here." Mumbled Rukia, Renji lift an eyebrow, his lips twitching teasingly upwards.
"Attached already, Rukia-chan?" The girl had the decency to blush before hitting Renji in the stomach and leaving the room.
The last part of his day Naruto always made his way to the office where Byakuya would be waiting for him for some lessons about different topics, from etiquette to the inner working of Seireitei and Rukongai. Sometimes the lessons were deadly boring, some others were quite entertaining and some others Naruto didn't get half of the things Byakuya spoke of. As the end of the week approached and Naruto reached his fourth week since waking up, the blonde noticed the many things that had changed in his life.
In a way, patience was the first thing he learnt. Things weren't going as fast as he would like and some people were more worried about details Naruto himself hadn't thought about (his training with Sakumo and chakra-reiatsu was one of them). But now that he had reached certain familiarity there was another subject he couldn't evaded anymore and that he didn't know how to approach.
Sighing exasperatedly while ruffling his hair Naruto turned the corner inside the Sixth Division and stopped dead in his tracks. He watched with some amazement as Byakuya hold the hilt of his zanpakutou, Naruto was shocked to see the hilt didn't have any blade and the man seemed to be standing there waiting for something. Suddenly, Naruto saw a flash of pink and a few petals moving slowly in circles surrounding the captain, Byakuya moved his hand slightly and the petals changed directing forming a straight column above Byakuya's head.
"Cool." For the next fifteen minutes the only thing Naruto did was watched Byakuya trained with his zanpakutou. His movements were fluid, not rush but controlled obeying a silent command the captain of the Sixth Division didn't need to voice.
Naruto felt the presence of a two shinigami nearing Byakuya's office. He turned around to see the familiar faces of the Fifth and Seventh seat, a man with short black hair and a girl with cute, long hair that was always red in the face and looking weirdly at Naruto.
"Kazama-sama" Greeted the man bowing respectfully at Naruto, on his hands was tray filled with two cups and a plate with some wagashi on it. Behind her the girl sent a shy smiled Naruto's way before looking aside on her hands was another tray with the tea bowl.
"Hey, Tori-san. Yue-san. How is it going?" Asked Naruto standing up from his spot and greeting the two seated officers.
The man, Tori, lifted his lips upwards shaking his head, "It's okay, sir. I'm here to bring the afternoon tea for you and Kuchiki-taichou."
Naruto opened his mouth to speak when the voice of Byakuya reached his ears startling him at the closeness.
"You can leave it in the usual spot in the office, Takeuchi." Naruto turned to see Byakuya behind him, his zanpakutou sheathed to his side.
"Of course, Taichou."
Byakuya nodded his head and directed Naruto inside his office, the young shinigami followed closely his eyes still attached to Byakuya's sword and the training he had presence.
Once they were alone it was Byakuya who proceeded to serve the tea and fixed everything for the both of them. Naruto had learnt since the very beginning the Tea Ceremony was something Byakuya took seriously as a host, even if it was something as simple as a Sakurayu tea and wagashi snacks made of mochi. Once the cup of tea was placed in front of him Naruto bowed his head.
"Thank you, Kuchiki-taichou."
Byakuya nodded approvingly before taking his own cup and sampling the tea, his eyes piercing Naruto for a long time until the boy was fidgeting in his seat.
"You look troubled." Commented Byakuya, Naruto raised his head sharply shocked that Byakuya had actually noticed.
"I…well, yeah."
There was a moment of silence in which Naruto thought Byakuya would keep on questioned him but the man never did so. He just kept on taking small sips from hi cup while sampling some of the wagashi; the only sounds were those coming from some of the shinigami outside the office or even near the training grounds behind the main building in the Sixth Division.
The silence was too much for Naruto who finally decided to just ask away, "Ryuujin isn't answering to me."
Naruto frowned looking down at the table, Byakuya turned his eyes to Naruto looking as the blond closed his fist.
"Ever since I got here I haven't been able to call upon him or make any contact with him." Naruto sounded confused and hurt as he explained the situation to Byakuya.
"Sakumo-sensei learnt I'm able to call upon my zanpakutou and asked me to show it to him." Naruto huffed. "But, how could I if he doesn't want to talk to me? Ryuujin has been ignoring me since we got to Soul Society and I don't even know why."
"Don't let your tea go cold." Naruto blinked confused, he turned his blue eyes to Byakuya and then back at his tea. He went to speak up when Byakuya shoot him a warning glare. "It's of not used to drink tea if you're going to let it go cold. Drink it."
Perplexed and slightly annoyed Naruto took the cup and drank from it. Byakuya set his own cup down and returned his whole attention to the blond in front of him.
"Tell me, Uzumaki-san, what is the name of your zanpakutou?"
"Ryuujin Raikaze." Said Naruto with some wariness as to what direction this conversation would take.
Byakuya seemed to consider the name for a moment and, after a moment hesitation the man closed his eyes and spoke, "Senbonzakura is the name of my zanpakutou. Usually you don't give away the name of your zanpakutou without asking first, and certainly, you don't give it away to strangers or those who won't perish under it."
"But almost everyone know the name of others zanpakutou!" Exclaimed Naruto slightly agitated. "I mean, I didn't know yours of course but I did know Abarai-sensei's one and…and…"
And now that Naruto thought about it wasn't that common. He had heard about Abarai's one because the man himself told him, you heard the name of some of the zanpakutou belonging to the Captains because many shinigami had seen it in action, but you didn't get to really know all the names. Naruto turned to Byakuya and wondered if in that instant he asked his zanpakutou if he could reveal his name to Naruto.
"How many times have you meditated to get to know your zanpakutou without the need to learn how to fight or what he can do for you?"
The question actually hurt Naruto as he tried to collect moments in which he tried to have a conversation with Ryuujin without involving some kind of training. He did have one of those, right? At the very beginning. Yoruichi-chan had taught him the importance of mediation, of having contact with your zanpakutou spirit; get to know him, to know the difference between a tool and a partner, a friend.
"The zanpakutou can decide if the shinigami is worthy or not to wield it, Uzumaki-san." Byakuya sent a sharp looked Naruto's way. "Tell me, are you worthy of the zanpakutou residing in you?"
The meeting with Byakuya left a bitter feeling in Naruto's chest. For two days he had thought about what Byakuya had said and left unsaid. He remembered the way Byakuya had manipulated, or rather train with it. Had Naruto really overlooked his relationship with Ryuujin? Naruto let himself fall on the futon on his room looking up to the ceiling as he thought over what had happened that day. He turned his head and saw the katana resting beside his bed the sash on top of it showing of the plate with the Konoha symbol.
Afternoon was already falling on Seireitei, the light of the day was diminishing and some of the servants inside the Kuchiki Estate had started lighting some oil lamps around it. Naruto stood up determined, he had two options either stayed here and mop or actually do something about it. This time he wouldn't let Ryuujin ignored him.
The afternoon air was fresh and quite calm, Naruto sweep the backyard of the estate, pursing his lips while looking for the right spot. A series of stones put up in a circled on top of the lake where Kuchiki-taichou had his precious Koi. Jumping up Naruto sat on one of them his zanpakutou in hand, sitting Indian style he place it on top of his lap closing his eyes.
"Okay, Ryuujin, let's do this."
Naruto wasn't aware of the person watching closely his action. Byakuya stood at the hall leading to the lake in the back of the manor. He watched as Naruto positioned himself with his zanpakutou on his lap closing his eyes ready to meditate. For a few minutes Byakuya observed and sensed the slight changed in the boy's reiatsu mingling slightly with something else, something Byakuya had come to identify the chakra he could sense in Sakumo and in Naruto's training sessions.
Watching the slight cloak of red and blue surrounding Naruto in a control way before settling calmly on top his chest, Byakuya felt his lips twitched up slightly before he turned around and left. Now it was all up to Naruto.
Naruto had been here only a couple of times.
It was the same forest he had seen the first few times he started making contact with Ryuujin. However, there was something different about it. It did felt different, almost hostile as Naruto started walking down the path he had drawn the first time.
The same pressure that had prevented him from making any kind of contact with Ryuujin was still there but with less intensity. Allowing him to walk but not advance quickly.
"Ryuujin! Ryuujin!" Naruto moved faster moving branches out of his face trying to get inside his inner world.
After what seemed like an eternity he finally reached the edged of the forest and stood beside the cave he now knew was the home of the Kyuubi. This time, however, there was something different about it.
There were golden chains coming from the ground extending outwards, Naruto followed the pattern until he noticed astound as those chains made visible coming out of his abdomen.
"What the hell…?" Naruto watched as he went to touch the chains with his hand, the sensation was strange but pleasant. It actually felt warm and it stir something deep inside Naruto.
But the blonde was confused, that certainly wasn't there the last time Naruto was in here.
"It's an addition after your uncle used that ritual to bring you to Soul Society."
Naruto turned around fast, his eyes watching as Ryuujin appeared behind him. The dragon was looking at him with his black eyes, his body just as big as Naruto was.
"You...you're small!"
Ryuujin scowled lashing his tail with indignation as he glared at Naruto, "I can change my size whenever I want. Right now, I thought it would be wise to speak to you like this."
Naruto turned his back to the cave and finally focused on Ryuujin. The male dragon turned his head, his eyes looking away from Naruto while his tail and wings moved restlessly. Naruto could see crimson color on his scales adorned with the hints of black, his tail in form of thunderbolt was emitting small shocks of electricity while the wind around them became a soft blizzard.
Taking a deep breath Naruto bow to his waist length closing his fist tightly as he did so, "I know it's not much but…I'm sorry I failed you, Ryuujin."
Suddenly the atmosphere around Naruto changed and everything in his inner world became still. The blonde raised his head, his eyes searching Ryuujin's ones and, as the locked eyes, Naruto could see the dragon was shocked if slightly way.
"I know it's not enough but…"
"You're right, it isn't Naruto." The blonde's face fell as he saw Ryuujin turn his back on him. "You ignore me, Naruto. You choose others over me and blocked me completely without even consulting me or warning me."
Naruto gulped taking a step forward and placing a tentative hand on Ryuujin's torso. The dragon turned his head frowning but directing his stared to Naruto's eyes.
"Zanpakutou's are part of their shinigami, they have part of the shinigami's emotions and soul but we also are beings on our own."
"I…I really mess up, eh?" replied Naruto smiling sadly at Ryuujin.
"At some point you merely forgot." Naruto let Ryuujin continued. "I'm not saying you shouldn't save your friends or anything because I know how you feel about it…but, you just decided it was worthy to sacrifice your connection with me for the sakes of someone who was trying to kill you."
"You're talking about Sasuke, right? When we fought and you rejected him." Replied Naruto to which Ryuujin nodded.
"You didn't let me protect you; instead you decided to do everything on your own."
Ryuujin huffed lying on the ground, "and then you just forgot about me and when we got to Soul Society you didn't even bother to try and contact me until later on."
Oh, for kami's sake! Do you need a tissue for the tears? Maybe a hug and kiss for the boo-boo to go away?
Shut up! No one is asking your opinion!
Glad to know there are something's that don't change', thought Naruto dryly as he listened to Ryuujin and the Kyuubi fight.
Ryuujin growled sending a jolt of electricity towards the cave as Naruto barely moved aside. The dragon returned a smug expression Naruto's way as they heard an answering growl coming from the cave.
"The problem here Naruto is that in here," this time Ryuujin touched Naruto's chest and then forehead with the point of his tail. "You stopped needing me, you saw me as nothing more than a sword and finally you blocked me when all I want to do was protected you. That means you don't trust me and without trust our connection won't work."
"So, that's why you stopped answering my calls?" Inquired Naruto approaching Ryuujin and ignoring the growls of annoyance coming from the cave.
Ryuujin sat turning his head to lick his hind paw, cracking his neck before turning his attention to Naruto. "You started it, Naruto. You blocked me first when you need me the most, the connection between us simply stayed blocked."
Naruto sat beside Ryuujin crossing his arms as he thought over what to say. Ryuujin watched the boy with an uncertain gleam in his eyes, it was true Naruto's sort of abandonment when Ryuujin wanted to help him had hurt, but it didn't mean Ryuujin didn't want to be a part of Naruto anymore, it only meant this time around they would have to build a real connection. This time there won't be distractions to interrupt them. After all, the moment Ryuujin appeared for the first time he identified something in Naruto that made the dragon felt proud of the shinigami he had chosen to wield him.
"Since I was the one to block you first, that means…this," started Naruto waving his hand in the general direction of the forest. "Was of my doing?"
"Partly yes, the moment you spoke with that captain and you decided you wouldn't let my silence go on any more you stop your own barriers." Ryuujin smirked at Naruto, "The other ones I put them there. I'm still mad at you."
"Okay…what can I do for you to stop being mad at me?" Asked Naruto searching Ryuujin's eyes. "I know what I have to do, I know what I did…but, I want to ask you this time, what you want me to do to establish our connection once again."
"You really want to start all over again?" Naruto nodded his head with decision. "And, don't matter what happens or what you have to do?"
"Yes, I'll do it. You said so yourself, Ryuujin, we're one even if you're your own spirit." Naruto stood up closing his fist in front of him, ginning at Ryuujin. "This time we'll be a kick-ass team!"
Ryuujin lifted a non-existent eyebrow and chuckle his tail moving towards Naruto chest piercing it before the astonished looked coming from Naruto.
"Then, Master, call my name!"
Byakuya was about to return to his quarters when a sudden raised of spiritual pressure reached him. His eyes opened in shock turning around he made his way to the source only to discover his guard slashing the now unsealed zanpakutou while screaming its name.
"Make our enemies bleed, Ryuujin Raikaze!"
Ryuujin smiled satisfied the realm in which he was resting still needed a lot of work, and there were some things that need to be fixed but for now Naruto and he would build their working relationship little by little.
Tsk, you're such a sissy…really...all this trouble because you were ignored.
You know it was more than that, Kyuubi-chan Ryuujin smirked satisfied at the growl of annoyance coming from the Kyuubi. You felt it yourself, didn't you? Naruto would need more than shikai, more than average shinigami abilities to face what seemed to lie ahead.
The Kyuubi rested his head on top of his front paws, closing his eyes as he replied, why didn't you say something to him?
Ryuujin snickered as he felt Naruto's happiness and determination reached him, for the same reason you decided to chain yourself to him. There would be time, for now let us enjoy the moment of peace.
Naruto felt ecstatic.
Once again, just like the first time, he felt Ryuujin presence with him buzzing along the length of the sword towards his arm. He watched the red blade, the hilt and the sharp edge and noticed there was something different. This time, more than others before, he felt the spirit of his zanpakutou alive. He really could tell there was something there
"I see you decided to have a small talk with your zanpakutou." Naruto turned around his smile wide and open as he waved Ryuujin for Byakuya to see it.
"I did it! He…well, he is still mad, but this is a step in the right direction, right?" Asked Naruto anxiously, his smiled faltering at the expression of obvious annoyance coming from Byakuya.
"It seems, Naruto that your step in the right direction decided to destroy a family tree that has been in the Kuchiki Estate since I was born."
Naruto turned around flinching as he saw a former Sakura tree with several cuts, ripped from the grass and leaning down leaving, also, the far wall with marks of cuts and some cracks on it.
"Make sure everything is in order before dinner." Said Byakuya turning around, Byakuya gave a few steps before stopping without turning around the captain of the Sixth Division said, "How curious."
"What is it?" Asked Naruto turning to eye Byakuya who had his back to him.
"Up until now I didn't believe you would be able to awaken your zanpakutou right away." Said Byakuya. "I see I have underestimated your abilities, Naruto. Tomorrow our personal time will be spent with you learning Jinzen. Don't be late for dinner."
Naruto watched the retreating form of Byakuya with curtained amazement and shock.
'Did he…did he just call me Naruto?' From deep between him Naruto felt a sudden movement and a soft laugh.
It seems that way, Master.
The blonde couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face at hearing, once again, the deep voice of his zanpakutou.
'Well, that was …weird, but pleasant.'
Turning to the mess he did while realizing his zanpakutou Naruto grimaced. It was already late, dinner would be in two hours at a minimum and he didn't know how he would tie everything up before it was time. Once again Naruto heard a soft laugh and the boy scowled lightly.
'Ryuujin?'
Yes, Naruto? The tone of voice was still deep but teasing and Naruto realized something he had just thought about.
'Tell me, when I called your name…you…did you do something to provoke this mess?'
There was a long silence after Naruto's question and as Naruto proceeded to clean up Ryuujin replied.
I really don't know what are you talking about, Naruto. But, just to be clear, now I'm not as mad at you as I was moments ago.
Sakumo admired the long sword with crimson blade and the silver and black hilt with the form of a dragon. The impression of said dragon belching flames made it looked like a crafted sword. The man hadn't seemed something quite like Naruto's zanpakutou and the amount of reiatsu that Naruto seemed to expel the moment he called upon his zanpakutou told Sakumo they still needed a lot of work with control of the power the young boy possess.
"This is certainly a nice sword, Naruto." Sakumo smiled gently at the boy who had face-palmed at the fact he had destroyed yet another tree. Hopefully, this one was a Kuchiki heirloom.
"Thanks, Sakumo-sensei." Said Naruto smiling sheepishly. "I've been having some troubles with the release, but it seems as if now everything is fine."
The man tilted his head circling Naruto, a hand on his chin as he examined the boy in front of him. Naruto followed the silver-haired man with his eyes wondering what exactly the man was looking for.
"Is it something wrong?"
"What? Oh, no, not at all." Replied Sakumo before waving away Naruto's inquiring expression. "I assume you would be learning Jinzen from now on, am I right?"
Naruto leant his head backwards scratching his right cheek. "Well, Kuchiki-taichou did mention something like that…I'm supposed to start today. What is it exactly?"
"Oh, if Kuchiki-taichou is taking over then I would let him to explain it to you." Sakumo smiled at Naruto ruffling his hair. "He would be better at this kind of things. The only thing I can tell is that it would be a great help for you and your zanpakutou so pay close attention to it."
"I will, Sakumo-sensei."
"Good, then out lessons are over for the day." Said Sakumo smiling at Naruto. "You can clean up and go dress. I know Kuchiki-san must be waiting for you for your usual dating lunch."
"It's not a date!" exclaimed Naruto flustered at the teasing gleam in Sakumo's eyes. "Really, sensei, if you're gonna start teasing about it the same way that Kyouraku-jii I…I would tell Nanao-chan…I bet she can smack you the same way he does Kyouraku-jii."
"Oh, I hope she doesn't, I don't think Kyouraku-taichou would appreciate it." Whispered conspiratorial Sakumo to Naruto. The blonde felt his mouth opened wide at the comment.
"What the…? Are all white-haired men in Konoha perverts?" Exclaimed the blonde rather loudly. Sakumo laughed shaking his head while ignoring Naruto's accusing finger.
"Well, wouldn't that question make you a pervert as well, Naruto? After all, you jumped to certain conclusions rather quickly." Naruto stiffened thinking about it before crossing his arms indignantly.
"I refuse to answer that question. I'm not a pervert ; I've got my own anti-perverts weapon."
Sakumo didn't doubt that for a moment, he could see the potential in the blonde's eyes to do some serious mischief, giving the time and the resources. 'Hopefully he won't be meeting Kusajishi-fukutaichou or Ichimaru-taichou anytime soon,'
Sakumo walked away, waving good-bye to Naruto, "Of course you do. I'll see you tomorrow, Naruto."
Naruto went towards the small table were the sash for his zanpakutou, his pendant and some snacks were waiting for him. The thought of food made Naruto's stomach grumbled in protest, it hasn't forgiven the blonde for the lack of dinner last night and the light breakfast in the morning.
He was dragging his sword when suddenly a pink blurred called his attention. Lifting his head he directed his stare to the table, there eating the last of his food was a small girl, her big dark pink eyes, pink hair and totally innocent expression as she swallowed the last of the dango that had been waiting for Naruto. Both of them, Naruto and the girl, looked at each other for a long silent moment before the girl covered her mouth giggling softly. It was then Naruto saw what the girl had in her hand. It was his pendant, the only reminding of his father.
"Hey! That's…"Naruto stood frozen in place well-aware of the girl standing on his shoulder.
'I…I couldn't see her! I couldn't see her movements.'
He turned his head and tried to grab the girl but she was already running, laughing happily with Naruto's pendant on her hand. It took Naruto but a second to realize what had happened. She was running away with one of his most valued treasures, turning around Naruto took off after the girl determined to have it back.
Rukia and Renji were entering the Sixth Division when they saw the happily, bouncing figure of Kusajishi Yachiru, the girl moved fast jumping up their heads. Moments later they saw a blonde figure screaming to the fukutaichou.
Rukia and Renji watched in horror as Naruto and Yachiru disappeared in the distance.
"They were…?" Started Renji, Rukia nodded her head.
"Yes, yes they were" Renji and Rukia looked at each.
"Oh, crap." It was all Renji said as he turned around and took off with Rukia after Naruto.
AN: Before anyone goes and argues some facts inside the story I want to clear them up.
About the zanpakutou: in the story the name of a zanpakutou is a more personal thing for the shinigami, people like Captains or Vice-captains can't keep the name of their zanpakutou's a secreat mainly because they are like public figures. But lower ranking officers or seated officers don't need to go around branging their zanoakutous name unless their fighting and such. That's why Byakuya warns Naruto about it, it's more about presenting formally their zanpakutou with the zanpakutou's consent.
About Byakuya: Well, Byakuya does call Rukia by her name, so I thought as time passes by and Naruto shows something of real value to Byakuya that the man would stop the formality and the total coldness towards him. But, there is going to be distant, and Byakuya is not going to be all loving and showing any signs of emotional attachment any time soon. I mean, even now it is quite difficult to see it, but he is going to be protective of Naruto just like he is of Rukia.
About Ryuujin: Ryuujin is mad that Naruto decided to fight without letting him help. It's, in a sense, what Kenpachi does with his sword, it is a tool to fight but not to stablish a working relationship. Of course Naruto and Ryuujin would startbuilding a stronger and balanced relationship with time and training.
Agitowari: According with Bleach data book it's a technique used by shinigamei when slashing hollows.
Bokutou: Is a wooden sword used in Kendo training.
Finally about Sakumo, yes he is that Sakumo and in time he will reveal more about himself to Naruto. By the way, to answer Volos question Kushina was acting as a body guard and not as the Uzukage, the Uzukage, or at least the one impersonating in public the Uzukage is Kensei.
Thank you all for reading and don't forget to comment and tell me what you think! Comments, questions, observations and good criticism are always welcome!