AN:And here it is a new chapter of my story. I want to thank to all of you who had read, review, put the story on your favorite's list or on your alert list. Thank you guys for your patience and support. Once again this chapter isn't beta-ed so I apologize for any grammar, spelling or other funny mistake you may found here.
this - is zanpakutou talking.
this - is bijuu talking.
'this' - are people's thoughts.
But, enough talk.
Read and Enjoy!
Chapter 16
The Eleventh Division:
A step in the right direction
Following the little girl around Seireitei wasn't an easy task as Naruto thought at the very beginning. Naruto scowled as he watched the retreating figure of the girl. For a girl the kid sure was unbelievable fast.
Naruto was having a hard time keeping up with her as the girl turned wildly all around the place. There were moments in which the blond shinigami thought the girl may be lost but, in the end, he just thought the pink-haired girl was just playing with him.
Looking around, the boy discovered he had no idea where he was. This was the first time he went out without Byakuya's and Rukia's vigilant eyes on him. Smiling to himself, Naruto let his eyes wandered around to discover several shinigami under his feet as he jumped from one building to the other, all of them in their respective divisions. Naruto noticed how some of them would look up turning their attention to him while some others merely ignored him.
Giving one big jump, Naruto ended up on top of a building, he made a slow turn looking around only to find the pink-haired girl waving at him happily from the other side of the roof.
"Kitsu-kitsu it's too slow!" Naruto furrowed his brows trying to think who the girl was talking about. The girl giggled softly and suddenly her laugh stopped as she eyed the pendant on her hand, tilting her head she started moving her hand with the pendant towards her mouth.
Naruto watched for a few seconds fascinated as the girl open her mouth and direct Naruto's heirloom to her mouth. The blonde's eyes went wide when realization finally hit him, he had but a few seconds before his right hand closed around the girl's wrist stopping her just in time.
"What the hell were you trying to do?" Exclaimed Naruto glaring down at the girl only to receive a hard bite in return. "Ow! Hey!"
Naruto removed his hand away startled at the girl's boldness; he turned his blue eyes to her as the girl made strange sounds while shaking her head.
"Yuck, Kitsu-kitsu tastes weird." And with her last comment she took off once again.
"Hey! Come back here, you little brat!"
"Dammit, Rukia! Why you never told me he knew how to Shunpo!" Exclaimed Renji running faster after the two young shinigami that were far ahead of them. Rukia shook her head shrugging lightly, although she frowned at this new development.
"I really didn't know he knew how to." She replied looking over a Renji, then as an afterthought. "I don't even think Nii-sama knows."
Madarame Ikakku opened one eye lazily looking around the training yard in front of him.
It was desert.
Just like the rest of the vicinity. The man sat up and stretched out, yawning obscenely while scratching the back of his neck. Sleeping on the floor after a hard fight and two bottles of sake wasn't good on his neck. Ikkaku stood up slightly confused as to why there wasn't anyone nearby. Usually the place was full with the men doing some contest or training session. The man merely shrugged, he knew for a fact his taichou must be taken his usual nap, Yumuchika should be doing the paperwork their captain and fukutaichou never did and Yachiru…Ikkaku shivered, he didn't want to know what the girl was doing. If he didn't know then it wasn't illegal.
Then, as his mind wandered towards thoughts of Yachiru, he panicked. The last time he had fallen asleep outside his own room the girl had attempted to burn his skull. Then, there was the time where she put honey on it, and then there was the time she draw on him.
Running towards the only pond on the training yard Ikkaku examined his face, sighing in relief when he discovered there weren't funny marker drawings. Good, that meant Yachiru had disappeared way before he had fallen asleep or found something more interesting. The moment Madarame stood up he felt something hard colliding with his forehead, but before he could react he heard the voice of his enthusiastic fukutaichou.
"Helloooooooo, Baldy!" Madarame felt his head being pushed back but, the moment it was going back to his former position another bigger and heavy weight fell on him making him fall to the ground.
Yachiru laughed amusedly pointing at both men while her eyes gleam in triumph. Ikkaku was the first to react pushing the other shinigami off of him before standing up and grabbing the blond by his robes.
"What the hell was that, brat?" He screamed not giving the boy any time to react. Naruto scowled and grabbed the bald men's hand glaring back at him.
"It was an accident! Let go off me!"
"No, until you explain what were you doing coming in here and crashing against me!"
Naruto struggled against the hold the man had on him still glaring between the man and the giggling girl. "I was following that little brat over…Ow! What the hell?"
"That wasn't very nice, Kitsu-kitsu." Said Yachiru tch-ing disapprovingly at the way Naruto had addressed her.
"Are you out of your mind?" Screamed Naruto before hitting Ikkaku with his foot. "And you? Let go off me!"
To say Naruto was slightly surprised would be an understatement. Actually, he was beyond shocked. He was sure he had pushed the guy hard, but Ikkaku didn't budge he merely kept on glaring at Naruto before starting his own arguing contests with the girl.
"What the hell did you do this time, Yachiru?" The girl put a single finger on her chin, head leaning to her right side a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Mmmmm, nothing!"
"Nothing my ass! Stop fidgeting!" exclaimed Ikkaku to Naruto before letting the blond go, Naruto staggered backwards before positioning himself in a fighting stance.
Ikkaku raised a non-existent eyebrow with a half smirk on his face, throwing his head back scratching his chin he started circling the blonde slowly.
"You must be just a rookie if you dare to follow Yachiru all the way to the Eleventh." Naruto tensed up scoffing at the bald man, Ikkaku eyed Naruto who was holding himself ready to fight.
'Well, this could be interesting. I'll teach the brat a lesson.'
"Well, since I just woke up and there is nothing better to do, I'm gonna teach you why we at the Eleventh don't like sissy brats like yourself."
"Who are you calling sissy, Baldy-chan?" Replied Naruto with a feral smile that Ikkaku returned with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I'm just here to recover something she took from me. But if you want a fight, then I'll give you one!"
Ikkaku snorted rolling his eyes while Yachiru giggled covering her mouth with the hand that still was carrying Naruto's necklace.
"I see, then to recover it you will have to give me a good fight."
Yachiru's eyes gleam brightly as she sat down with her fist up in the air cheering loudly. "Yay! .Fight! Go! Kitsu-kitsu!"
Renji saw with growing apprehension as the walls of the Eleventh Division came into view as soon as he and Rukia turned around the corner. He was determined to ask around and locate both, Naruto and Yachiru, before something happened but as he moved out he felt it. And, by Rukia's expression, she also could sense it.
It wasn't much, but Naruto's reiatsu was being leaked nearby. Without bothering to go directly to the main gate Renji jumped inside his former division and went directly to the source of the reiatsu.
As they arrived to the back of the Eleventh Division, Rukia stopped with her mouth hanging open while Renji facepalmed. Of course it had to be Ikkaku; Yumichika was never around when they needed him to stop some of the most idiotic things around his own division.
There in the middle of the training yard was Naruto and Ikkaku, both of them giving and receiving as hard as they could with a cheering Yachiru clapping and yelling. Renji moved forward to try and stop both of them, feeling a huge headache approaching as thoughts of his taichou finding out about this.
"Wait! Oe, guys. Ikkaku, Naruto stop…No, don't…" Naruto raised a hand and stop another punch directed to his head while raising his own knee to try and collided with Ikkaku's side.
Renji just had the time to step aside before a set of right legs hit him straight on his chest. The red-head turned to look at Naruto, Renji was surprise at the excitement in the boy's face. Naruto was really enjoying the fight and was moving in a way the red-head hadn't seen him do with others in the Sixth Division.
It took only a moment for Renji to see Naruto was fighting seriously; he was moving to defeat not just to build technique or forms with his Hakuda but for the love of the fight. When Renji turned to see Ikkaku he saw the twinkle in his eyes, the slightly movement of his eyebrows and the twitched on his jaw. Just as Naruto, Ikkaku was enjoying the exercise, of course it wasn't any wonder Ikkaku loves a good fight and, apparently, Naruto was giving him one.
"Tch, what a noisy bunch." Kuchiki Rukia turned around to see the big form of the Eleventh Division Captain, Zaraki Kenpachi watching the fight in front of them. Beside him was his fifth seat Yumichika.
"Ken-chan! Look, look…I brought you a present!" Said Yachiru jumping up and placing herself on Zaraki's right shoulder, the man lifted an eyebrow and watched as Ikkaku hit a blonde kid square on the chin.
"Present? What kinda present?"
Yachiru pointed with her little finger at the blonde following him with a proud smile on her face, "Kitsu-kitsu…see? I told you he exists!"
"Kitsu-kitsu?" It was the first time Rukia spoke and this brought three pair of eyes to her. Yumichika eyed her curiously just as Kenpachi while Yachiru narrowed her eyes momentarily. "You mean Naruto, Kusajishi-fukutaichou?"
The girl tilted her head, "Who is Naruto?"
Rukia sweat dropped at the question trying to clarify by pointing at the blonde. "The kid fighting with Madarame-san."
"Oh...no! He is Kitsu-kitsu." Rukia went to open her mouth but caught Yumichika shaking his head.
"No, better no contradict fukutaichou when she is like this."
"What's that supposed to mean, Yum-Yum?" The girl narrowed her eyes to the black-haired man who shrugged turning the attention of his captain and fukutaichou back to the boy.
"Is he, by any chance, the one you bother a few weeks ago, Fukutaichou?"
Yachiru's eyes lit up nodding her head, "Yeah, he glows a pretty shade of red and grows pointy ears and three tails! I bring him here so you can have fun, Ken-chan!"
"He doesn't look like much." Mumbled Kenpachi earning a slap in the head from Yachiru.
"You saying my gift it's bad? That I can't choose a good opponent for you?"
"I don't know, Taichou. I did sense a few weeks ago a strong spiritual pressure and by the way Fukutaichou told the story the boy seems to be the source of it." Replied Yumichika thoughtfully.
Rukia sensing this couldn't end well for anyone decided to intervene, "I'm pretty sure you are mistaken, sir. I mean, Naruto barely knows how to control his reiatsu yet…he even has seals controlling it."
"Seals? He can't control his reiatsu and needs seals?" Asked Kenpachi turning to a now red Rukia.
"Uh…well…"
Kenpachi looked at Yachiru out of the corner of his eyes before returning his attention to the boy. With a shrug, Kenpachi moved his hand to the hilt of his sword much to Rukia's horrified expression.
"Let's see what he can do with those seals on…and off."
"Naruto!" The scream had been out of her mouth before she could stop it and several things happened at that very moment.
Naruto had been trying to dodge every and all the attacks launched at him by the bald man. This guy wasn't playing with him; he wasn't being condescending with him he was actually fighting for real. So much different than his training sessions at the Sixth Division, he hadn't had so much fun since his training sessions with Sasuke, Yoruichi and Yugao.
"Well, I've been damned. You're not a brat after all." Said Ikkaku receiving another punch to the face.
"Well, you're not…uh, wait, you are bald…but you're not so bad yourself." Replied Naruto making Ikkaku growl and try a high kick to his head.
Naruto could still hear Renji trying to stop their fighting and he could sense Rukia's glare on him while he ignored her and her calls. But, not one minute after Renji and Rukia arrived Naruto sensed something else, something different, stronger and chilling. The blond, however, didn't have to wait too long to discover what the source of said feeling was as he heard clearly the scream of warning coming from Rukia.
He moved before a brisk breeze passed him just merely inches away from his left side. Naruto opened his eyes wide as he saw the deep cut on the ground, turning around he saw a huge man standing a few feet away from him, his sword stretch out in front of the man who had on a slightly impressed look on his face.
"Taichou! You…you should have warned me." Said Ikkaku turning towards Kenpachi who was now scratching his chin.
"Well, he has good reflex…Are you sure, Yachiru?" said Kenpachi looking up at Yachiru. "He isn't someone that offended you and you decide to teach him a lesson, is he?"
"Nu-uh, I tell you, Ken-chan!" Said Yachiru pointing at Naruto. "He is a really strong toy!"
"Hey! I'm not a toy! And, anyway, I'm just here because I was following you." Naruto went to step forward but couldn't move.
He froze in place turning his head to his left side watching as his arm and leg stayed there, unresponsive. It was then he felt the numbness filling his left side, the momentary stillness of the breeze that passed beside him moments ago. Naruto turned towards the man who was still arguing with Yachiru and a black-haired man beside him.
The guy was wearing a white haori, the same one Byakuya wore. Was he a captain? What had he done to Naruto? The sword had barely moved in front of him, had barely reached that far and still it cut through the ground and made Naruto's side felt numb.
"Ya feel it too, eh?" Naruto turned to Ikkaku who was smirking widely. "That's Zaraki-taichou to you. He just has to wave his sword a little and everything between its range is affected."
"Zaraki-taichou?" Asked Naruto beside him Renji moved to his side.
"He is the Captain of the Eleventh Division and the pink-haired girl on top of him is his fukutaichou." Said Renji to a now shocked Naruto. "What make you come all the way here and follow Kusajishi?"
"You should hold better those rookies of yours, Renji." Said Ikkaku chuckling lightly. "Though, I didn't know you were recruiting such eager fighters."
"I'm not part of the Sixth Division." Said Naruto. "And Abarai-sensei is just my Zanjutsu teacher. Although, I get to train occasionally my taijutsu with the rest of the squad."
"Taijutsu? What's that?"
Their conversation was abruptly stopped as Kusajishi jumped from Kenpachi's shoulder to land near Naruto; she turned to her taichou with a serious expression.
"I show you and then you can have fun."
"Whoa, wait hey!" Naruto tried to slap Yachiru's hands away as the girl went directly to open his kosode while tickling Naruto who couldn't stop the chuckles as he tried to move away.
"Hey! No, wait stop that tickles! What the hell are you trying to do?"
Yachiru looked confused as she finally got to open the garment and look directly at Naruto's chest and abdomen. Behind them Yumichika and Rukia were eying the boy with impress glances, Rukia had on a light blush while Yumichika allowed himself a half smirk. Yachiru put a finger on her lower lip before trying to place her hand on Naruto's abdomen only to make the blonde take a step backwards.
"Seriously? Who the hell allow you to become a vice-captain?" mumbled Naruto only to receive a well-aimed kick to the shin.
"No nice, Blondie-chan! You're being a meany today!" Replied the girl glaring at Naruto. "Where did you hide it?"
"Uh? Hide what?"
"Yachiru, wouldn't it be better for you to stop molesting the boy?" Asked Yumichika from behind the girl. "I think this situation has gone way too far and become way too awkward."
"I…I agree, Kusajishi-fukutaichou." Said Rukia. "Can we go now? Nii-sama is expecting as soon and…"
"No! I know you hide it! I want you to show Ken-chan the red reiatsu and your pointy ears and your tails, Kitsu-kitsu!"
Renji, Ikkaku and Kenpachi watched with interested the slowly changed on Naruto's expression. It wasn't too noticeable but it was there. In the slightly opening of his eyes, the clenched jaw and the tightening of his fist. The boy eyed Yachiru for a moment before replying in a soft voice.
"What…what do you mean?"
"I took this paper you have on you because you were asleep and then I took it and you were awake and then you start showing this pretty red color and I could feel your reiatsu and…"
Naruto waved his hands wildly glaring at Yachiru trying to stop her babbling as he pointed a finger at her.
"You were the one who woke me up?" At Yachiru's nod the boy turned his eyes to his wrist, and then he turned to look at the girl who was waiting impatiently for his answer.
"You…You say I have a red reiatsu? And ears? And tail?"
"Tails, three tails and yes. Show them to Ken-chan." Yachiru eyed Naruto eagerly as she continued talking, grabbing Kenpachi's interest. "Byakushi said you have a seal just like Ken-chan…and I feel you! You're strong!"
Naruto had enough time to take three steps in front of him, to move his hand to the hilt of his zanpakutou and to stop the trusting sword of the man, placing himself between Kenpachi and Yachiru who was now watching from behind Naruto's back.
The man actually smirked pressing harder, making Naruto flex his knees and hold with both hands his sword. Both of them locked eyes with each other and Naruto saw the same glint of fierceness he identified in Ikkaku's eyes. The same determination to get whatever they could get out of a fight. It was scarily strange to meet someone who was just trying to see how far he could get, how serious could he fight, how much he could give while enjoying the fight.
"No bad, kid." Said Kenpachi with a huge smirk. "But, its speed all you have?"
"Hn, you will be surprise at what I can do!" replied Naruto, for a moment the only visible eye of the guy moved to Naruto's wrist and the boy knew exactly what he was looking there.
"I see…Yachiru was right after all." The man mumbled. "Take those off and fight me without them."
Naruto directed his blue eyes to the seals and merely shook his head feeling the heaviness that was the man's swords against his.
"I…I can't. I don't know how."
"Very well, then…we will find a way." Naruto opened his eyes really wide as the man put his arm back and slash at him with unbelievable speed and strength.
It was in that moment Naruto felt for the first time the echo of another's zanpakutou, another's soul connecting in the heat of battle with his. It was a strange feeling, there was nothing he could sense from the man's sword and at the same time he felt the strength and thirst for blood. It was a strange feeling, something that made he remembered Zabuza and Naruto's first kill, the first time he saw the light of life disappeared from someone's eyes and then the scream of desperation when the poor bastard's soul had been consumed by an overly hungry hollow.
Naruto remembered the hunger and the hate, the thirst for blood coming from Zabusa and Gaara. He remembered the hidden hatred inside his heart direct towards those who ignored him, who hurt him because of something he couldn't control. He remembered the helplessness when facing an enemy stronger than him. In few words, he remembered the fear. That fear that sent a cold shiver through his back, while his heart stopped beating for a second. Cold sweat oozed from his skin and he suddenly felt frozen in time and space as Kenpachi pressed harder against his own sword.
What's the matter, Naruto? Why are you hesitating? Do you need…more power? Or, are you going to let your knew companions died because of your weakness?
And it was on the fifth thrust of Kenpachi's sword that Naruto heard the crack on his blade, when he felt the doubt and the fear filled his heart. Naruto jumped back and turned his zanpakutou inspecting it and locating the place where the man had cracked his sword.
'Ryuujin? Ryuu, are you okay?'
Humph, I am, Master…but, what the hell was that? Why did you…?
'Don't…not now.'
Ryuujin went silent feeling his master was just as distressed as himself about what had happened.
Up to that moment the rest of the presents had been looking at the fight with mix reactions. Rukia was, of course, scared and apprehensive. She just knew this could end up in a disaster her brother wouldn't appreciate and she was trying to find a way to put Naruto out before things went from bad to worse. Renji from his part was slightly impressed and highly curious, he had seen the marks before, had heard something about them but just now he confirmed those tattoos were seals, what exactly was Naruto sealing in those?
Yachiru was bouncing with a small frown on her face while watching as Naruto took another step backwards taking his sword in his hands. Why wouldn't he do something else? Why was he so…static?
"How boring. I thought you say he was strong, Yachiru." Said Kenpachi looking at the blond scowling at him. "What a waste of time."
All the present gasped as one the moment a hand closed tightly around Kenpachi's wrist stopping it from slashing one more time against Naruto.
"Nii-sama." Whispered Rukia looking worriedly at Renji and then at Naruto.
Cold anger was coming from Byakuya, his gray eyes gleaming like ice sending shivers of cold through the backs of those who dare to look him in the eye. Naruto watched as Kenpachi merely laughed enjoying the look he was receiving from the Sixth Division taichou.
"Well, look who decided to come out of their highest tower? Ain't this fantastic, Hime-chan?"
Byakuya merely ignored the man's words never letting go of the wrist that was trying to move down to make contact with Naruto's sword. Byakuya held Kenpachi's amused eyes while replying coldly to the man.
"Hn, you better hold your words and sword, Zaraki-taichou." Said Byakuya letting go of the man's hand and walking away from him showing his back to Kenpachi. "This isn't the place and he isn't your opponent."
"Oh? So, you gonna fight in his place? Because, I gotta tell you, it can be more fun than trying to slash a weakling like him."
Naruto opened his mouth to protest but he was stopped by Rukia's hand on his mouth. He turned to see Rukia shaking her head looking into his eyes with a worried glance.
"I'm not interested in fighting you." Replied Byakuya with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I'm here merely to pick up my sister, my vice-captain and my protégé who apparently decided to go out without my permission."
"Tch, whatever. I'm not very fond of fighting fearful brats."
"I'm not afraid!" His outburst was received with certain skepticism from Kenpachi, an unreadable expression from Byakuya and surprise looks from Rukia and Renji.
Naruto frowned holding Ryuujin tightly into his hand while glaring at the man in front of him. "I'm not afraid."
Kenpachi tilted his head lowering his hand as Byakuya let go of him, the captain of the Eleventh Division snorted while glancing directly into Naruto's eyes.
"Then, why is it broken? That your sword isn't it?" At Naruto's nod the man huffed. "If you're not afraid, then why is it broken?
Naruto was standing in front of Byakuya with a determined look on his face. The man had made his displeasure at Naruto's behavior clear and had shared with the blond the punishment from leaving the Sixth Division without permission. The young shinigami didn't care; he had grown accustomed to Byakuya's strict behavior and fixation on rules and how to follow them.
What really bothered Naruto was the lack of sympathy from the man. How he would ignore others sometimes needed more of him than a cold treatment. Just like it was happening right now. Four hours after the incident and Naruto was just begging to the man to allow him back at the Eleventh Division. After all this trouble and the kid still have the only link to his father.
"As I told you before, I don't see why you have to go back there." Replied Byakuya with his eyes still fixated on the report in front of him. "Once was enough and you almost started a fight against a Captain of the Gotei 13 without even thinking about the consequences."
Renji watched as Naruto clenched his fist trying to hold onto his outburst while being partially ignored by his captain. It hadn't been more than four hours and Naruto wanted to go back to the Eleventh, something Renji didn't understand and, apparently, Byakuya didn't appreciated.
"Please! Look, I really forgot why I went there I the first place until. Yachiru still has it with her." Naruto crossed his arms setting a stubborn glare on Byakuya. "She still has my necklace. I need it back."
"I don't see the significance of such an item. Besides, it is probable Kusajishi-fukutaichou probably found a better use to it, or merely misplaced it."
This time Byakuya did lift his eyes when suddenly a sharp breeze passed him lightly, looking up he saw Naruto glaring back at him.
"I need to get it back." Said Naruto once again.
"Why?" This time Byakuya let everything aside and directed his attention to the blonde.
Naruto lowered his head before sighing tiredly. He felt warm spreading on his cheeks while he lifted his eyes to meet Byakuya's ones.
"Because…it was a parting gift from my dad." Mumbled Naruto. "It's…it's the only thing I have on him, the only thing he left me to remember him. I just…can't lose it."
There was a tense silence after Naruto's declaration, Renji looked from his taichou back to Naruto trying to gauge whatever expression he could get from them. But, apparently, they were just staring at each other silently, a battle of wills that Naruto seemed determine to win.
"You don't have permission to go back to the Eleventh Division. And that's final." Naruto's face revealed the betrayal he felt at such declaration; he lowered his head the moment Byakuya stood up making his way towards him.
"I don't want to hear you got into any kind of trouble just because Kusajishi decides you are her new…distraction." Said Byakuya placing himself beside Naruto. Then putting something from his pocket he gave it directly to Naruto's hand.
"I think this is yours." And with those final words Byakuya left the office leaving two flabbergasted shinigami behind.
Naruto directed his glance to his left hand, he watched his necklace resting there where, moments before, Byakuya had giving it back to him. A small smile appeared on his face, he chuckled before putting his necklace back on. The blond turned around watching the open door Byakuya had left behind him.
"Damn, that was really weird." Mumbled Renji who still couldn't believe what Byakuya had just done for Naruto. Who would have thought Byakuya had actual feelings?
There was something bothering Naruto after his initial encounter with the taichou of the Eleventh Division. It was something to do with the way the man hold himself in the fight, how careless he had been the insistence and the intensity of the fight itself. Naruto knew the man hadn't even made an effort to face him, it felt as if the man was just playing, measuring Naruto.
And Naruto hadn't passed the measurement process.
The blonde grabbed his zanpakutou tightly while looking down at the blade. The still broken blade reflected back the light coming from Naruto's bed lamp. Looking intently at the blade Naruto closed his eyes slowly taking deep breathes as he did so.
You were afraid. The blonde didn't need to open his eyes to know who had talked.
'I don't really understand why the blade is broken.'
You don't want to face the fact you were afraid and you drop your guard because it was easier to feel pain rather than overcome your feelings.
Naruto frowned opening his eyelids and glancing directly into Ryuujin's golden eyes. Ryuujin was on all four in front of him, eying the blond with an unreadable expression.
If you're not honest with me, Master then…with who?
Naruto huffed stretching his hand where the blade of Ryuujin materialized, with surprised eyes he turned to Ryuujin who was merely smirking down at him. Naruto saw as the cracks in the blade turned a shade of black and orange.
'If I tell you…would you heal?'
Probably, but the question is, Master…if you tell me, would you be able to face your fears? Would you be able to let me heal?
Holding the sword in his hand, the young shinigami lifted his head before he started talking.
'It was the Wave Country all over again. I could remember Zabusa and how it felt the killer intent coming from him. I could remember his words about blood on my hands.' Naruto took a deep breath as he continued. 'About the blood on my hands…my first kill…and then I couldn't help but remember Gaara and how he turned out to be…and well, as I sense this guy's reiatsu I felt helpless, useless…and I could almost feel how easy would be to give up control and just let go…use my power…the Kyuubi's power…'
Another deep breath before he finished, 'And then, I realized…he could just kill me…Rukia, Abarai-sensei and it would be all because of me…It was stupid, really. I knew he wouldn't do it but what if he was…a hollow or some other enemy.'
Ryuujin tilted his head glancing back, turning his torso to the blackness behind him. Even if Naruto couldn't hear him, Ryuujin could distinguish the soft chuckle coming from the Kyuubi. The bastard had said or done something to Naruto. But, he couldn't blame the fox completely. The man Naruto had faced had been scarily strong; he had frozen Ryuujin's Master with a single slash filled with pure reiatsu.
There is nothing to be ashamed of or even scare of, Master. Even if you don't think you can control the power between you, I have complete faith in you.
Naruto smiled widely at Ryuujin's words, 'thanks, Ryuujin. I'm really sorry about your blade…I wish I knew how to repair it.'
Don't worry, Master. You will find a way, you always do.
But Naruto's answer and his behavior during training or his daily life didn't improve. Instead it seemed it hit a huge wall preventing him from doing anything but progress.
For three weeks Naruto went to the Sixth to continue his training, but there was something different. Naruto could barely hold his chakra and reiatsu training while his sessions with Abarai had turned out to be more brutal than before. The blond hit and fought without measuring his strength or ability and, while some of the officers inside the Sixth division were good at Hakuda, they had never face a former ninja or an eager and uncontrolled Naruto.
Naruto was facing yet another unseated officer. The man was huge, breathing hard while glaring at Naruto who was just as tired. The blond launched another kick straight to the man's chest, he hit a little stronger than he meant at his opponent who ended up crashing against a high branch.
"Well, at least this time you didn't break Taichou's window." Mumbled Renji glaring at Naruto while waving some men to help the other one.
Naruto scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, "Sorry, Yoburo-san."
Renji grasped Naruto's shoulder and nodded towards a remote place just beside Byakuya's private garden. The boy followed the red-head with certain amount of curiosity and dread. He knew Renji would just lecture him about his unnecessary use of force. But Naruto couldn't help it, sometimes he just got focused and then it would happen naturally. The guys at the Sixth weren't made the same way as shinobi…or even as that bald guy he met three weeks ago.
"So, you gonna tell me exactly what's going on?"
"Uh?"
Renji rolled his eyes while standing in front of Naruto, "you've been fighting differently lately. Ever since your encounter with Zaraki-taichou. Even Sakumo says you've been having troubles. So, wanna share?"
"Oh, that right…well…" Naruto scratched his chin while eyeing Renji out of the corner of his eye. There was only one thing in Naruto's mind and after debating himself for some long he decided it was about time to do something about it.
"Sensei, what do you know about Zaraki-taichou.?"
To say the question surprised Renji was an understatement. He never expected Naruto to ask something like that but as he looked over at the blonde he saw pure curiosity and determination. So, his encounter with the Eleventh Division hadn't stopped bothering him.
"I was part of the Eleventh once." Naruto's eyes opened wide at the revelation.
"Wow, really? How come you end up here?"
"I did grew and apply for the Vice-captain position." Said Renji. "But being at the Eleventh wasn't so bad; it was actually a place where I learn a lot about combat."
"Did you like it there?"
"Yes, it was a nice place…the thing is everyone at the Eleventh loves fighting." Said Renji. "Everyone loves facing strong opponents, measuring themselves with others, trying to prove who is the best of them all."
"Oh, so Byakuya-nii was right when he call them a bunch of hot-headed brutes?" Renji snorted chocking on his spit and laugh before regaining his composure. "Yes, well…Kuchiki-taichou has a problem with Zaraki-taichou that it's difficult to explain."
"I bet, they both look ready to slit each other's throat the other day." Naruto suddenly waved his hand turning towards Renji. "But, you haven't answered my question, sensei. Tell me, what you know about the man."
"He is strong; his reiatsu reserves are absurd that's why he had to use the eye-patch."
"Why?"
"It is…like a seal so he won't be leaking reiatsu all over the place and can enjoy fighting's even more." Said Renji. "I remember that when I applied for a seat position the main test was holding your own against Zaraki-taichou. For two minutes. If you did it you have a secure position as a seat member."
There was a gleam of interests in Naruto's eyes as Renji kept on telling him more about the man and his fukutaichou. But, what really had the blond thinking was the test, the eye-patch and the stories about Kenpachi and his love for the fights. Little by little an idea was forming inside Naruto's head, dread filled his heart the moment he thought of what he should do, but he drown it rapidly determined to face his fears. To face the man who had awoken all fears and doubts Naruto thought he had overcome.
"So, this guy is really powerful, eh?"
"Yes, aside for the fact he became a Captain; he killed his predecessor to obtain the position and is in charge of the main force that protects Soul Society." Renji shrugged at the last part. "Not that he cares for that, as far as I know, Yumichika is the only one doing the paperwork occasionally while Zaraki-taichou sleeps or challenges anyone, Yachiru destroys and causes mischief and Ikkaku drinks sake and fights with whoever is at hand."
"I see…all are hard workers." Mumbled Naruto sarcastically rolling his eyes. "No wonder Kuchiki-taichou was so annoyed by them."
Renji turned around placing his hand on Naruto's shoulder, "so, that's what's been bothering you? Zaraki-taichou?"
"Yeah, he was…strong." Said Naruto shrugging. Renji nodded his head mistaken Naruto's comment from some way of wound pride. Kenpachi had, after all, deal with Naruto without so much of an effort.
"Don't feel bad. He is a captain after all." Commented Renji. "It is okay to feel intimidated by him…half of Soul Society does anyway."
Naruto tilted his head, hand on his chin while he closed his eyes contemplative. He shook his head under Renji's suspicious stare, locking his blue eyes with brown ones Naruto grinned widely placing his hands at the back of his head.
"I'm not intimidated by him, Abarai-sensei. I'm just…excited."
"Excited? Why?" Asked a pretty confused Renji, Naruto blinked shrugging the smile never leaving his face.
"Isn't it obvious? I never thought I would find such an opponent in Soul Society. It would be interesting what else can he do in a real fight."
It was a warm night.
The sky was darker than usual, but the dark shadow moved without any problem thanks to the lamps lighting the inside of the different barracks. He moved fast, with purpose, from one street to another, evading some of the shinigami in charge of surveillance that night.
He stopped for a moment; hearing voices approaching his hiding place. As the two shinigami kept on walking he smirked. He was getting really good at this. With a high jump he crossed the wall and land at the backyard of the Eleventh Division. He could make the sounds of grunts, screams and laughs coming from his right and that's the way he took.
In less than a minute the backyard and training grounds of the Eleventh appeared before his eyes. It was filled with people; some of them were engaged in a heated fight with either punches or swords. To the far end of the training grounds was Zaraki Kenpachi noticeable due to his height, beside him sitting lazily was Madarame Ikkaku with Yumichika sharing two cups of sake. On top of the Captain's head was Yachiru smiling at something Kenpachi was saying.
Naruto watched with curiosity the different interactions inside the Eleventh Division. It was so different to anything he had seen so far at the Sixth. Naruto closed his hand around the hilt of his zanpakutou, inside him he could sense Ryuujin's soothing presence and the same determination he felt in his heart.
He needed to do this. If he did maybe, just maybe, he would take the right step towards control and the ability to protect those people he loves. Taking a deep breathe Naruto took a step forward out of the shadows when a bouncing ball of pink and black jumped on top of him.
"Kitsu-kitsu! What are you doing here? Come, you can drink sake with us." The girl didn't wait for Naruto to answer; she merely grabbed his hand and dragged him to the place where the captain and the third and fifth seat were watching them with curiosity.
"Whoa, wait I don't...I don't drink...I don't even think I can yet." Said Naruto sitting forcefully on the spot Yachiru indicated, the girl place a middle size bottle on him watching closely.
"Drink." It was an order and Naruto could see a dangerous gleam in the girl's eyes. He turned to see the bald man who merely shrugged, the black-haired guy who nodded his head while Kenpachi looked merely amused.
"I don't think…" Started Naruto only to be cut off by Kenpachi.
"You may as well try it, she ain't letting go until you do." As if on confirmation Yachiru nodded her head with enthusiasm her big eyes following Naruto's every movement.
"Okay." Reluctantly Naruto lifted the cup under the watchful eye of a pink-haired girl. He tasted the warm liquid for a moment, moved it around his mouth while his brows furrowed in puzzlement.
"This is…mmph…"A hand placed itself on top of his mouth preventing him for saying anything else, fidgeting he turned his head to see the guy with black hair smiling nervously to a now curious Yachiru.
"What is it? Did you like it, Kitsu-kitsu?"
"Of course he liked it, Yachiru. It's just he is new and probably hasn't drink sake before…he is just overwhelmed." Naruto raised an eyebrow still making muffling sounds before Yumichika leant in to whisper in his ear. "Don't say anything, she stills believes this is sake you don't want to know what would happen if she finds out its apple juice."
"You really like it?" the girl narrowed her eyes, Yumichika let go of Naruto and the blond could only nod with a tentative smile in place.
"Eh, yeah, it was nice. Eh, thank you."
Man, this people are crazy…humph, I hope you don't end up with this bunch of lunatics.
'Oh, I second that…Really? Who let this kid become a fukutaichou?'
"So, any reason you come here in the middle of the night?" Naruto was startled away from his conversation with his zanpakutou when he heard the question. The bald man, Ikkaku was watching him expecting an answer
"What?"
"Why are you here, kid? Isn't this too far from your caretaker home"
"Byakuya-nii isn't my caretaker…anyway, I'm here because I have an answer to you, Zaraki-taichou." He replied standing up while grabbing the hilt of his zanpakutou and pointing at Kenpachi with his left hand. "I'm here to challenge you to a fight."
"What?" This made Ikkaku fell on his head before he sat up straighten up eying the boy with a mixture of awed and disbelief. No one challenged Zaraki Kenpachi; no one was stupid enough to do it.
Apparently, this guy was stupid enough. Now, this ought to be fun.
Zaraki took another sip from his bottle while eying Naruto with bored eyes. Naruto stood there with a defiant look on his face and a determination that hadn't been there the last time they had crossed paths.
"I said I'm here to challenge you to a fight." Said Naruto again, his voice strong, firm and challenging. "I heard to be a seat member of this division you have to last two minutes in a fight with you."
"So, you wanna be a part of the Eleventh?" Asked Yumichika confused. Naruto shook his head while staring directly into Kenpachi's eyes.
"No, I just thought if you choose your members that way then they have to be strong to hold on a fight against you." This time Naruto lift his lips in a full smirk. "Well, I am stronger. I know I can hold for five minutes against you. Better yet, I know I can cut you just before those five minutes are over."
There was a deafening silence filling the squad at Naruto's words. Almost all the shinigami present turned to the blond boy who had just challenged their taichou. Some of them had on amused smiles, some were snickering, some others were scowling and then, there were some, who were just curious.
Zaraki Kenpachi eyed the boy for a few seconds before standing up, the instant the man did so Naruto jumped back unsheathing his sword standing in a fighting pose. Kenpachi raised an eyebrow while his lips twitched upwards.
"I see you sword isn't broken anymore." Zaraki mumbled scratching his chin. "Is that your answer? A challenge to me?"
"You bet I do! Believe it! I won't leave until I have crossed swords with you once again."
Kenpachi looked out of the corner of his eyes to see Yachiru smiling at him, her eyes twinkling merrily as she watched from Kenpachi to Naruto.
"Come on! Since you're using your shikai, I'll use mine!" Screamed out Naruto.
"What?" This time it was Ikkaku, Yumichika and Kenpachi all at the same time exclaiming with surprise.
"Shikai? You have a shikai?" Asked Yumichika, Naruto merely nodded his head. "But…but you're not even a complete shinigami! As far as I know you're just a noble under the wing of Kuchiki-taichou."
Naruto scoffed offend while he placed the zanpakutou in front of him, his free hand opened with the palm on top of the blade.
"I'm not just a noble. I've never been one. Now, Zaraki-taichou, let's fight." Naruto draw his zanpakutou and place it on his open palm slashing through the skin, bleeding on the blade as he unsealed his zanpakutou. "Make our enemies bleed, Ryuujin Raikaze!"
There was a sudden explosion of wind and thunder surrounding Naruto, the young boy kept his blue eyes on Zaraki's ones as the red blade of his zanpakutou made its appearance. Naruto separated his legs, one on front of the other for balance while grabbing his sword with both hands he stood there waiting for the man to react.
Zaraki Kenpachi had been challenged numerous times by many different people. Some of them were strong, some others weren't. There were times when he would be challenged by vengeful men and some other times he would be challenged to prove something. Looking into the blue eyes of the boy in front of him, Zaraki knew that given the right time the brat would be an excellent opponent. Right now, he was just starting to touch but a small part of the power that would lead him to be a great warrior.
He wasn't there yet. But he had something that others didn't have in their eyes. Actually, Naruto had something Zaraki has only seen in a handful of his opponents. And just because he felt a sense of respect for that fire, Kenpachi advanced with his own sword in hand.
Ikkaku and Yumichika glanced at one another as they saw the boy eager to cross swords with their Captain. This certainly was a complete shock for the both of them. It had been three weeks since their first encounter, but to them it was obvious in position and health the boy was way above their heads. He dressed in clothes of higher quality; he was always escort by either Renji, the Tenth seat from the Sixth Division or Kuchiki's younger sister. Rumor has it he was the son of a noble man, a kid with the potential to enter the Gotei 13 which was the reason why he was under Kuchiki Byakuya's care.
But watching him there, standing defiantly with his zanpakutou in hand it was hard to believe he was anything like Byakuya or any other noble Ikkaku or Yumichika had met so far.
"That's a real surprise, didn't know you have a zanpakutou already." Commented Zaraki eying the sword with appreciation. "Nice color you have there."
This is the color our enemies would wear once we're done with them.
'You know? That sounds overly dramatic.'
Master, this guy smells like blood…he loves fighting as much as you love ramen. If you say something like that he would probably fight you even more.
Naruto rolled his eyes before pointing his sword towards Kenpachi, "The blade is the color our enemies would wear once we're done with them."
Kenpachi smirked widely while laughing at Naruto's boldness, "Good, kid. Now that's an answer I like to hear. Let's hope your babysitter doesn't interrupt us this time."
Naruto didn't have the time to answer the comment when Kenpachi was on him, the strength behind his blade had intensified since the last time and the blond had a hard time holding up against the weight of the slash. He looked up to see the sole eye of Kenpachi gleaming with excitement.
Naruto dodged kneeling down to roll over escaping from under Kenpachi. He turned on time to slash his sword to the side only to be stopped by Zaraki's own blade. There were some sparks as both blades made contact and, for the second, time, Naruto felt the echo between zanpakutou. The memories were back, the feelings and the words.
Sliding the blade along the length of the other man's one Naruto turned around sending a sharp slash to the man's legs. Kenpachi evaded easily rolling his wrist to raise his sword brushing lightly the length of Naruto's torso. The blond jumped back resting on his feet before propelling forward with straight-on attack.
Kenpachi laughed taking Ryuujin with his hand before a shocked Naruto; the man raised his hand once again and let it fall only to be stopped by a strong surged of wind coming from the red blade. Kenpachi watched the blade as a sudden bolt of electricity made contact with his hand.
Let go of me! Zaraki grinned letting go of the blade while leaking reiatsu and sending another hard thrust towards Naruto.
Naruto felt the overwhelming presence of the man's reiatsu, his limbs felt numb under the pressure of his blade. Naruto made a mid-slash to try and penetrate the left side only to be stopped by the bare hand of the man once again. He laughed showing his unharmed hand while raising his right hand and letting it fell with all his strength on top of Naruto's head. The young shinigami had only a few seconds to block the attack. His knees flexed and his feet digging the hard stone of the ground. Both blades collide sending sparks as Kenpachi, once again, hit Ryuujin's blade.
Master!
'I know! I know! Are you ready, Ryuujin?'
As ready as I can be, Master. Let's do it. Naruto growled sending a half smirk towards Kenpachi.
"Ryuujin Kaze: Tenjoukai Fūjin!" Kenpachi's sword stopped mere millimeters away from Naruto's one as a waved of sharp wind surged from the blonde's sword. The Captain of the Eleventh Division opened his eye as the wind went through him, sharp and fast cutting through his clothes, scratching his bare skin.
Kenpachi was impressed; he looked down tearing away his now ripped haori smiling widely showing his teeth to the boy in front of him. He placed the blade of his sword on his shoulder while standing in front of a very tired Naruto.
"You have shown you were serious about your words." Naruto's eyes opened wide the moment he felt the sharp pain on his left shoulder. The blade entered his skin and muscle with a clean, fast stab. Naruto blinked focusing his blue eyes on the man; he never saw the sword coming.
Feeling dizzy Naruto started lifting his sword one more time, bending his elbow as he lifted the arm turning his wrist to allow Ryuujin a fast and deep cut with some of the wind element. It was his last attempted and the only thing Kenpachi had to do was sidestepped Naruto and the attack was lost, colliding to the far wall of the division and breaking it in several pieces.
"Dammit." Naruto whispered before taking Kenpachi's blade and looking up at the man. He was huge now that Naruto got to see him this close, he was looking down on him with a blank expression, something totally different at what he had shown while fighting the blond.
"Well, I'll be damned." Mumbled Kenpachi as he retrieved his sword. "You last two minutes and ten seconds. No bad, Kid. No bad. You can take him now, Kuchiki. He would need medical attention."
Naruto gasped as he saw the lone figure of Kuchiki Byakuya with a worried Rukia behind him. The girl was at his side in just two steps, holding him up while watching his wound.
"Naruto, are you okay?" She whispered her eyes searching his with concern.
"I'm okay, Rukia-chan. Don't worry, I've had worst." He said trying to smile but only being able of a painful grimace as the pain on his shoulder intensified.
Rukia frowned hearing Naruto's words but dismissed it for the moment; she could sense her brother's silent anger as he approached them. Byakuya's icy grey eyes locked with Naruto's blue ones. They stared for a long time in silence, Naruto was breathing hard, sweating as he held onto his bleeding shoulder.
"I hope you found what you were looking for in here." Said Byakuya slowly. "Because it's going to be the last time you see anything that it isn't the backyard of the Kuchiki Estate for a long time."
"Yes, I got what I want." Naruto chuckled before letting out a soft moan of pain. "I...I'll take whatever punishment you want now, Byakuya-nii."
Naruto passed out before Byakuya could reply to the way Naruto addressed him. With a huff Byakuya turned around and signaled Renji to help Rukia and take Naruto back to the Fourth Division.
"Challenge a Captain of the Gotei 13! Are you out of your mind?" Naruto flinched as his uncle moved from one side to the other of his office, moving his hands wildly as he did so, never once looking directly at Naruto.
"How could you do such a…reckless thing? Why did you do it?"
"I was…"
"Never mind that! You're lucky Kuchiki-taichou decided to back you up in front of Yamamoto-Soutaichou and a representative of the Central 46."
Naruto was taken aback by the revelation; behind Arashi was Kariya who had his eyes focused on Naruto. The boy was really surprise, as far as he knew, Byakuya would never cover for him. The blond turned his head lightly but Byakuya was impassive evading any eye contact with Naruto.
"What do you mean?" He finally asked making Arashi stop and turned back to face him. "You…you really did it?"
The man turned his grey eyes to Naruto rising a perfectly shape eyebrow but it was Arashi who answer Naruto's question.
"I mean that Kuchiki-taichou told the Central 46 and Yamamoto-soutaichou you were given an opportunity to train with other squads." Started Arashi sitting heavily on his chair. "He also said he never thought the first person you would like to fight against would be Zaraki Kenpachi."
Arashi sighed directing his grey eyes to his nephew, "Knowing how the Eleventh Division captain is they understood why everything turned out the way it did."
"So, I'm not in trouble?" Asked Naruto with a tentative smile. Arashi glared at the blond shaking his head while holding onto his own smile.
"Oh, you are. I believe Kuchiki-taichou's punishment is well fit." Said Arashi. "Being an active member of the Calligraphy Club and the Ikebana one would teach you more about patience and discipline."
"It would also help him improve his writing." Naruto turned to see Kuchiki Byakuya eying him from a brief moment before directing his attention to Arashi.
"That bad, eh?" Asked Nartuo's uncle under Naruto's silent protest.
"I've seen worse. But I'm surprise Renji can write better than him."
"Hey! Him is standing right here!" Naruto crossed his arms pouting a little while glaring from Byakuya to Arashi. "Besides, it isn't my fault. I learnt to read and write at a different pace than the rest of my classmates."
Arashi stared at his nephew feeling a pang of guilty as he realized he had hurt the blond's feelings.
"Right, I forgot about that." Mumbled Arashi making Byakuya lifted an eyebrow at the sudden change in mood. "Anyway, the reason I call you here was to talk to you about your wound and why you decide to do such a reckless thing."
"Yeah, yeah…I know. I'm healing okay. I'm a fast healer after all." Said Naruto smiling.
"I'm glad to hear it, Naruto." Arashi signaled the chair in front of his desk while he waved Kariya away. "Please, Kuchiki-taichou, sit. May I tempted you with a cup of tea and a light chat?"
Naruto turned to Byakuya with a huge smile on his face waving Byakuya with enthusiasm while running toward the door. "Come on, Byakuya-nii! Let me call Rukia-chan and you can meet Arashi-Ooji."
The blonde left the room leaving behind a perplex Byakuya and a pretty amused Arashi who could only chuckled and signaled the chair once again, waiting for Byakuya to sit.
"Byakuya-nii?" Kuchiki turned a hard glare to the man who has holding back a smile.
"I didn't encourage him and I'm trying to stop his attempts to get too familiar." Arashi snorted remembering the first time he met Naruto. The way the blond addressed everyone around him.
"Good luck with that."
"You're on a good mood today, Naruto." Sakumo eyed the blonde taking in his whole appearance before letting his eyes focus on the already healed wound on his shoulder.
For the last three weeks Naruto had been having troubles concentrating, trying to follow the different sequences and even molding chakra and reiatsu. In other words, the little progress he had done was stuck on a dead end. But now, there was something different, as Sakumo looked into the blonde's eyes he saw a strange glint there, he hadn't seen something like that before. It was a new kind of determination and it was showing in the way he was trying to progress.
"I feel good today, Sakumo-sensei." Naruto made fighting moves jumping excitedly. "Let's continue! I think I'm ready to try something new today."
Sakumo laughed at the boy's enthusiasm, he turned around and spread his arms shaking his head. "Very well, how about if we try to mingle your chakra and your reiatsu once more. You already know how to access both, let's do it."
Naruto nodded his head closing his eyes moving his hands to make a hand seal to gather his chakra. For a moment he touched it, felt it slightly as he started to mold it. Then started slow movements, following the sequence Sakumo had taught him, holding up his chakra while leaking reiatsu feeling it mingled with his chakra.
Sakumo watched with interest as he started to see the colors mingled in a single dark orange before settling down. Naruto opened his eyes that were gleaming brightly and Sakumo gave the boy a half smirk. He had done it perfectly, of course Sakumo didn't expect from the blonde to hold it for too long. They had been training all morning and he must be…
Sakumo's eyes opened wide as he saw Naruto grin widely placing his hands in front of him and forming a familiar hand-sign.
"Kage bushin no jutsu!" There in a single movement appeared behind Naruto two solid clones.
Naruto's smile widen, turning around to high-five his clones. "Yes, I did it! Yay!"
"Im-impossible…It…it's too soon." Mumbled Sakumo watching as the clones and Naruto kept on celebrating.
Sakumo kept his eyes on Naruto watching as the blond hold onto both sources of power and energy in his body, controlling it to keep the bushin active. Just, who exactly was Naruto? He had heard he was the son of a noble man that had escaped Soul Society. He also knew Naruto was half human, half shinigami and had the fortunate of being born in the Shinobi World. But, what else? For him to have this huge reserves of chakra and reiatsu…for him to learn control in such a small amount of time.
"So, what do you think, Sakumo-sensei?" Asked Naruto putting the man out of his thoughts. Sakumo smiled back at the blonde directing his eyes to each one of the clones before settling on the original one.
"Well, Naruto…I think you are ready for the second part of your training"
"It's always a pleasure to have you here, Gin." Sousuke Aizen leaned back on his seat hand brought back in front of him; fingers intertwined while his eyes gleamed with amusement as Hinamori Momo fixed some tea for them.
Gin leaned back on his own seat tilting his head to the left, "Did you hear, Aizen-taichou?"
Aizen lifted an eyebrow, his lips twitching upwards, "Hear what exactly?"
"Zaraki was engaged in a nasty fight two nights ago." Gin chuckled his closed eyes opening lightly while looking directly into Aizen's ones. "Apparently Kuchiki-taichou's newest addition decide to challenge him."
"Oh? It's that right?" Replied Aizen. "I did hear something about it. Uzumaki Naruto, if I am correct."
Hinamori Momo placed the two cups filled with tea on the table while eying her taichou in wonderment.
"Excuse me, Aizen-taichou,"
"Yes, Hinamori-kun?" The girl lowered her eyes blushing lightly as the eyes of her taichou focused on her. "Isn't he the one you were informed a few weeks ago on the Captain's meeting? The son of the Kazama clan?"
"My, my, aren't you so well informed, Hinamori-kun?" Asked Gin with a hint of teasing in his voice. The girl blushed even more while trying to come up with a defense as to why she knew something that was meant for only Captains.
"Now, Gin, play nice Hinamori-kun is just doing her job." Said Aizen.
"I'm sorry I just…"
"Nah, don't worry, Hinamori. I was just teasing, didn't mean anything by it." Said Gin waving away the girl's apology. The man sighed and took a long sip from his tea.
"So, what happened?"
"Oh, right." Gin put the cup down and continued his story. "Apparently the boy just challenged Kenpachi…He last at least two minutes and ten seconds."
Aizen lifted his eyebrows impressed, "Well, that it's surprising, overall if this kid is new to the Gotei 13. He must be ignorant of Zaraki-taichou's reputation."
"Is…is he okay?" Asked Hinamori tentatively, Gin nodded his head his smile growing wide.
"He is in perfect health. As far as I know."
Aizen moved forward placing his elbows on the desk, "How do you know all of this, Gin?"
The Captain of the Third Division chuckled raising his hand with one finger up shaking it left and right. "Nu-uh, Aizen-taichou, I can't tell you the source of all my information. Then you would go over them instead of giving me the pleasure to visit my old division."
Aizen chuckled shaking his head while Hinamori smiled faintly. The brown-haired Captain turned to his fukutaichou with the same amused smile.
"I'm sorry to bother you, Hinamori-kun, but would you bring me some of those sweet bums that you usually had in store?"
Hinamori's eyes lit up, the girl nodded her head before excusing herself. Aizen and Gin remained silent for a long time before the Captain of the Fifth Division turned his cold eyes to Gin.
"Why are you really here, Gin?" Asked Aizen. "Any new developments regarding Minato's son?"
"Nah, all you've heard and I've told you about are the only news." Said Gin before putting his hand inside his hakama and taking a small scroll out of it.
"However, I did what you ask me to and…" Gin waved the scroll playfully in front of Aizen's eyes. "I've got all the information about Naruto-kun's friends back in the Shinobi World."
Aizen chuckled as his eyes show a strange; almost fearsome gleam while he stretched out his hand for Gin to hand him over the information.
"Good job, Gin. Now let's see what we can do about these people and Naruto's future cooperation."
AN: And, this was Naruto's first meeting with the Eleventh Division. I did try to make it as believable as possible so I hope you like it and give me your opinions regarding this first meeting.
Let's see, next chapter is going to be a time skip and Naruto would meet, officially, the rest of the division's before...well, before he presents the test all students at the Shino Academy have to preent to be part of one of the different divisions. Ideas, comments or what would you like to see or how do you want Naruto to meet the different divisions are pretty welcome. I can't promise I'll do all of the suggestions but I can try.
Thanks for reading and...
Don't forget to comment!