AN: Another update! Well, I'm pretty glad you guys are still with me. Thanks for the reviews, the fav's and the alerts. This chapter was really hard to write for some reason. So, opinions are very much wanted (No flames though...they're just not useful). Before I forget, I do apologize for any grammar, spelling or other funny mistake as English isn't my mother tongue and the story hasn't been beta-ed yet. Thanks for understanding.
Anyway, for now, just read and enjoy!
Chapter 17
The Gotei 13:
An unexpected encounter
It all started with a rumor.
In Soul Society half of the troubles started like that. At first the stories told about a boy, a rookie fresh out of the Shino Academy who decided to challenge Zaraki-taichou to a fight. Most shinigami thought he was a stupid. Some others thought he was out for blood. Some others thought he was suicidal.
But the rumors didn't stop there.
As the stories about the fight spread, so did the different versions. Most of the shinigami didn't know how the boy looked like. But for some he was as huge as Zaraki-taichou with the same amount of reiatsu. Some others said he wasn't a boy but a grown-up shinigami wearing two zanpakutou with war scars all over his face. Of course, there were some…imaginative ones who said the boy was actually an experiment made by Kurotsuchi-taichou to finally get rid of Kenpachi and the damned kid that kept leaving sticky marks all over his 'secret' office.
Not many knew but, when Zaraki-taichou and Kuchiki-taichou would get a grasp of some of the rumors both men would find it amusing. Zaraki would laugh his ass off without explaining the reason behind his laugh (not that anyone dares to ask) while Kuchiki-taichou would merely snort holding onto his smile and kept his dignify self as serious as he could.
All in all, the name Uzumaki Naruto became the new mystery to solve in Soul Society. Who was this guy? Why did he challenge Zaraki-taichou? Was he even alive? Was it true he was a kid? Was it true he was the secret son of Zaraki-taichou? Yes, rumors were the root of half the communication problems inside Soul Society.
This and other equally…odd and almost crazy questions kept on tormenting many shinigami and, as time passed by some had the opportunity to answer them while others kept on telling their own version of the events and their own version as to who was this mysterious Naruto.
However, the young shinigami was known to some of the higher officers inside the Gotei 13. At least, six Captains knew of his existence and had established some sort of relationship with the blonde. And in the two years that followed Naruto's arrival to Soul Society, these Captains could say they knew the blond for who he was rather for what the rumors made him out to be.
For the rest of the higher officers inside the Gotei 13, more specifically the Captains and Vice-captains, Kuchiki Byakuya's role in the boy's life was obvious. He was in charge of him, some sort of protégé. A young noble Byakuya had decided to teach the ways of a shinigami born in the world of aristocracy.
That the boy had established some sort of relationship with Zaraki-taichou wasn't a surprise either. He had challenged the man after all and, if that wasn't enough, Kusajishi Yachiru had taken a liking to the boy. It was strange at first, some would say it wouldn't last but, after the initial pranks and some sort of disaster all around Seireitei…well, it was obvious Naruto and Yachiru were kindred spirits that the Eleventh division dread every time they were together and the Sixth Division had learnt to just evade or call for Kuchiki-taichou to deal with them.
His connection with Kyouraku-taichou went deeply that both the man and the boy let on. It was obvious Naruto felt some kind of affection towards the man who had given him a hand when he needed it the most. His friendship, familiarity, with Kyouraku led to one afternoon in the middle of Naruto's first winter in Soul Society to meet with Kyouraku's oldest and dearest friend: Ukitake Juushiro.
Naruto had loved the man the first moment he met him. Not only did he offer him the best candies he had ever taste, he was also fun and really kind. A part of Naruto's brain was remembered of the Third Hokage. It was like meeting your grandparents in the middle of the holidays. It had been the best winter ever for Naruto, even though he felt a pang of longing in his heart as he remembered Yoruichi and Yugao.
Of course, there was Unohana-taichou who was starting to relate Naruto to every 'accident' occurred during a training session. It was just a merely coincidence that, sometimes, the blond was admitted with Third Seat Madarame or some other members of the Eleventh and even the Sixth division. The woman was scary but Naruto couldn't help but compare her with what he knew about Tsunade no baachan.
Byakuya had made sure Naruto's existence in Soul Society was unnoticed to some extended. Byakuya's affection or even liking of the boy was a complete mystery; there were times in which said Captain seemed almost gentle in his treatment of the blond. Some others…his annoyance was clear, but it only made Naruto smiled that much wider and Byakuya's eyes twinkle in a way that the elders inside the Kuchiki Clan had only seen gleam when in the presence of Byakuya's late wife Hisana and his adopted sister Rukia. But the Captain of the Sixth Division also made sure Naruto had the right connections inside the Gotei 13; after all he was preparing the boy to be a leader, the head of a clan and the possible Captain of the Kido Corps.
Nevertheless, the Captain of the Sixth Division never thought Naruto had met with the man before; he never thought Naruto had forged some kind of friendship with him. For Byakuya had never had he intention of introducing Ichimaru Gin to Naruto, at least not until the boy was older and maybe…just maybe, wiser.
Ichimaru Gin was someone many people didn't trust. There was something in the man…maybe it was his smile, his perpetually closed eyes, his talk in riddles or his mere presence that made shinigami wary of him. As far as the shinigami knew only three people could stand Ichimaru. His former Captain, Aizen Sousuke, his fukutaichou Kira Izuru and his childhood friend Matsumoto Rangiku.
But Naruto seemed to overlook all of these characteristics that made the man creepy for some. He just decided to even disregard Rukia's words of advice and thoughts on the matter to stretch out his hand and offered a sincere smile to Ichimaru. Ichimaru took Naruto's hand and since then Gin had visited weekly the Sixth Division to, not only speak with Kuchiki-taichou, but also to enjoy the company of Naruto.
And, just like that, time passed and Naruto kept growing, training and deepening his bonds with the different people he had gotten to know inside the Gotei 13. And, as the days transform into weeks and the weeks into months the boy found himself used to the life-style of the shinigami and, even though he didn't knew, his teachers and Kuchiki-taichou thought he was ready to be a part of the Gotei 13. Naruto was ready to become a full-fleshed shinigami.
-Two years later-
"What the hell? YAHCIRU! NARUTO! COME BACK HERE!"
By the time Naruto heard Ikkaku's angered screams he was running away with a giggling Yachiru on top of his back. Her little hands wrapped tightly around his neck while Naruto chuckled lightly. Both of them were but a blur to the passing shinigami as they ran away from the screams coming from the Eleventh Division.
"We should thank Gin-Gin." Said Yachiru while contemplating what she should do. "Does he like candies?"
"Uh…we could get him some dried persimmons." Naruto looked at Yachiru who decided it was a good idea. After all, the man had been the one to give them the permanent pink ink that Ikkaku had now all over his head.
Naruto enjoyed the weight on his shoulders though he didn't appreciate the hits in the head when he took the right direction while Yachiru point the wrong one.
"No! It's the other way, Kitsu!"
"The hell it is! Last time I almost ended up on the First Division!" Screamed Naruto to a frowning Yachiru. "I have to take the scolding from Byakuya-nii! It's this way, Yachiru!"
Kyouraku laid lazily on top of the roof of his division, he lifted his hat his lips forming a tiny amused smile as he watched Naruto Shunpo-ed away with Yachiru on top of his back behind them Renji and Ikkaku were following closed behind.
"Humph, what did they do this time?" Asked Nanao appearing from behind Kyouraku.
"Oh, by the looks of it, they decided to draw on Ikkaku-san's head again." Kyouraku put his hat down on top of his eyes. "With permanent pink ink."
Nanao pursed her lips, glaring at the now empty space of the yard of the Eight Division where Naruto and the rest had just been running.
"I really want to know who was the idiot who introduce Naruto and Kusajishi-fukutaichou." She mumbled before turning her glare to her taichou. "By the way, Sir…how do you know that?"
Kyouraku stayed still, hiding behind his hat, "Eh, you see, Nanao-chan…"
Naruto and Yachiru breathed a sigh of relief when their chasers abandoned all intends to catch them. Mainly because Renji found himself face-to-face with Kuchiki Byakuya, but also because both young shinigami had hidden away their presence long enough to get away from a now angry Byakuya.
Yachiru went back to Naruto's back, exclaiming happily to run once again. She did like the way the wind felt on her face and the blurry visions of people, buildings and other things around her. Naruto, not being able to deny Yachiru anything went back to running.
Half way to their destination the blue eyes caught sight of a familiar figure. With a mischievous smile and a fast beating of his heart, Naruto maneuvered flexing his knees, using a side wall to support himself and go straight to the figure.
Kuchiki Rukia was walking pacifically down the alley leading to her brother's division when she felt a familiar presence behind her. With a soft smile she turned around only to felt two strong arms around her, picking her up and taking her away in mere seconds.
"Good morning, Rukia-chan!" Rukia's fist closed tightly around Naruto's kosode, she lifted her head trying to glare at the boy smiling amusedly at her. Behind his blond head appeared the pink-haired one of Kusajishi Yachiru, both smiling the same way.
"Morning, Ruki!"
"Naruto, what the hell are you doing? Let me go!" Naruto's smile grew and he started letting go of Rukia pretty slowly, the girl's eyes opened wide as she realized what would happen if Naruto let go of her while they were still running.
"Are you sure, Rukia-chan?"
"Don't you dare to let me go!" She replied holding tightly onto Naruto. The boy chuckled holding Rukia safely in his arms.
"Aw, you know I wouldn't do that, Rukia-chan. You're safe with me." The comment was thrown away in a joking manner, but something inside Rukia stirred in comfort. The black-haired woman smile softly letting go of any tension as Naruto carried her wherever he was taking her.
"By the way, where are you…where are we going?"
"Oh, Gin told me he had something to show me." Naruto looked down curiously at Rukia as she tensed up at the mention of the man.
"Ichimaru-taichou, Naruto." Rukia shook her head and direct a half-heartedly glare at the blond. "Don't go calling higher officers by their name."
"But…but he told me I could! Anyway, are you okay?" This time Naruto did stop on top of a tree his blue eyes focused on the woman in his arms. Rukia fidgeted lightly for a moment before nodding her head.
"Yeah, I'm okay." Naruto was about to ask something else when a voice from below called their attention.
"Yare, yare…aren't you a ladies man, Naruto-kun?"
"Hello, Gin-gin!" Ichimaru Gin smiled widely as the little girl waved her hand enthusiastically before jumping down to stand beside Gin.
Naruto felt his cheeks warm as he followed Yachiru down, finally letting go of Rukia who eyed the man in front of her with the same wary expression she had from the day she met him.
"Good morning, Rukia-san. Naruto-kun…you're late."
"Good morning, Ichimaru-taichou."
"Well, I was…sidetracked." Said Naruto smiling at the man, Gin could only chuckle at the glint he saw in those blue eyes.
"I bet you were. So, are you ready?" Naruto blinked, tilting his head while shrugging.
"Sure, you still haven't told me why you want me here."
"Ah, right…well, Kuchiki-taichou was supposed to be here and direct the tour." Started saying the man, his words made Naruto perked up and Rukia just stared curious. She didn't know her brother was planning some kind of tour; she eyed the Captain with suspicion earning herself an amused snickered.
"Yare, yare…no need to look so suspicious, Rukia-san." Rukia felt her cheeks warm up as Naruto and Gin turned their attention to her. "Kuchiki-taichou has to do some…arrangements so he allowed me to take Naruto with me."
"It's no suspicion, Ichimaru-taichou." Said the girl evading the man's eyes. " I was just wondering, what kind of tour you are talking about."
"Well, Naruto-kun needs to meet the rest of the Captains inside the Gotei 13." Said Gin spreading his arms while tilting his head. "It is time for him to really get to know what each division does and who the ones in charge of them are."
"Wow, really? I'm gonna see the rest of the divisions?" Asked Naruto getting excited, beside him Yachiru was wearing the same expression grinning at the possibilities.
"Of course, of course…and we should get going, it's getting late and I want us to have lunch at the Fifth Division."
"Why the Fifth?" Gin turned around slowly letting his last words hang in the air.
"Because I want you to know my former Captain."
The blond watched Gin walk away before turning around to face Rukia. He could tell by her expression she didn't like the plan, much less the man who was giving them his back. Naruto placed a hand on Rukia's shoulder making the girl turned to face him.
"Are you okay?" As Rukia looked into deep blue eyes she wondered if she should voice her worries about the man once again. She had done so before, there was something about Ichimaru Gin that made her feel…like a prey. But Naruto seemed to be unaffected by the man, he even likes him.
"No, it's nothing." She said Naruto nodded his head feeling Yachiru's hand closing around his pulling him towards the now waiting Gin.
"Okay…so, are you coming with us?" The question caught Rukia by surprised; she smiled lightly before shaking her head.
"Sorry, Naruto I can't." The boy looked disappointed and Rukia hit him lightly on his shoulder. "I was going towards my division when you decided to kidnapped me, so now I have to explain to Ukitake-taichou why I am so late."
"Oh, sorry about that. I just saw you and thought it would be fun to surprise you." Commented Naruto smiling sheepishly. "Well, I better go before Yachiru-chan yanks my arm."
"That would be silly, why would I do that?" Asked Yachiru pulling harder on Naruto's arm. "If I do it, you won't fight Ken-chan or Q-ball the same way."
Naruto rolled his eyes while smiling amusedly at the pink-haired girl, "Well, it's nice to know your priorities, Yachiru-chan."
"I have them organized." Said the girl nodding her head. Rukia turned to Naruto; there was a small hint of nervousness as she spoke to him once again.
"I was wondering if you…would like to meet me at the southern gate, near the commercial district inside Seireitei." Naruto was taken aback by the request; nevertheless he nodded his head with a small smile.
"Sure, why there though?"
"Oh, there is this restaurant…or bar…I'm not sure, Kaien-dono told me about and I wanna try it…just thought you would like to go with me."
"Sure, sounds like fun. Then, I meet you there after I'm over with this tour." Said Naruto to a now parting Rukia who smiled back at him as Naruto waved his hand enthusiastically.
"It's a date then, Rukia-chan!"
"A date, eh?" Naruto crossed his arms, pouting lightly as Gin and Yachiru kept on teasing him all the way to the Second Division. Yachiru, of course, didn't understand half of the things Gin was saying but…it made Naruto an interesting shade of red so she was going to enjoy it while it last.
"Oh, just stop! I'm just…"Naruto huffed and glared at Gin and Yachiru who started making kissing sounds. "Ugh, seriously! I'm trying to be serious here!"
"Okay, okay…"Gin placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder squeezing lightly encouraging the boy to continue with his explanation.
"She just wants to try this restaurant…is nothing like that! Anyway, Byakuya-nii would kill me if I merely suggest a date with Rukia-chan." He shook his head. "He really cares for her a lot…even if he tries to hide it behind his 'I'm-serious-because-I'm-better-than-you' face."
"Well, who would have thought you actually knew Kuchiki-taichou that well." Commented Gin chuckling at Naruto's comment.
The rest of the way inside the Second Division barracks was made in silence with the only exception of Yachiru who was babbling away jumping from one topic to the other.
Naruto eyed the main yard curiously, before him was a group of different people wearing black gear all over their bodies with only a small opening around their eyes. They were fighting, facing each other in a training drill.
"So, these are the Special Forces of Soul Society?" Asked Naruto watching with curiosity around him before turning his blue eyes to group.
"Yes, they're our version of your ninja version." Gin tilted his head massaging his chin in a contemplative gesture. "Of course, they're not as good as you right, Naruto-kun?"
"Well, they don't look like much…"
"Those are pretty bold words coming from a simple brat like yourself."
"Who are you calling brat?" As soon as those words left Naruto's mouth he turned around to be face to face to the taichou and fukutaichou of the Second Division.
Naruto's blue eyes went to the woman with short hair, cold eyes and a white haori, the symbol of her captaincy. Beside her was the owner of the voice, a huge really fat man who was munching on some kind of chips. The woman raised an eyebrow sending Naruto an indifferent glare before turning her attention to the taller man beside the blond.
"Ichimaru, Kusajishi, what are you doing here?"
"Ah, no need to be so harsh, Soi Fong-taichou." Gin waved his hand smiling at the young Captain who merely scowled waiting for an answer. "I came here to show Naruto-kun your division. But, apparently, he already knew about your main duty."
"Hi, Bee-san!" Yachiru greeted the woman with an enthusiastic voice. She then turned to Naruto smiling proudly at the boy. "Kitsu is super-smart! And super-strong, but not as strong as Ken-chan. Still he can make tons of Kitsus like him."
The woman turned her attention back to Naruto who was eyeing her with a strange gleam in his eyes. Naruto chuckled nervously while placing a hand on Yachiru's mouth.
"Ah, Yachiru-chan, stop flattering me." Replied Naruto. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Soi Fong-taichou."
"Humph, you? Strong." Naruto glared at the huge man pursing his lips as he crossed his arms.
"Yeah, got a problem with that?" Naruto eyed the man in front of him before asking. "By the way, who the hell are you?"
"You should show some manners, brat." Said the man puffing out his chest and pointing at himself. "I'm Omaeda Marechiyo, I'm the fukutaichou of this division."
It took a simple moment before Naruto laughed pointing at the man and then at the ninjas training, "You? The fukutaichou? Isn't this a division about stealth and police work?"
The discussion kept on going while Soi Fong centered her attention on the boy. The blond hair, the blue eyes and the familiar facial features was all she needed to know who the boy was.
"So, this is the Kazama heir?" Gin nodded watching with amusement the arguing in front of them. "I though Kuchiki was the one doing the tour?"
The woman eyed Gin suspiciously while the man merely shrugged. "I asked him to let me take Naruto with me."
"And he let you?" Soi Fong couldn't hid the surprised tingeing her voice, she couldn't hide either the skepticism in it.
"You sound surprise, Soi Fong. Why wouldn't he?" The last question was said with the familiar, creepy smile trademark of Ichimaru. The woman snorted uncrossing her arms and shaking her head.
"Who knows?" She returned her attention to the boy tilting her head. "He doesn't seem like much."
"Ah, they never do until they do something that surprises you." Commented Gin. "Aren' you going to scolded him for insulting your fukutaichou?"
"Humph, if Omaeda can't fight his own fights against someone a hundred years younger than him then…why should I?"
"As cold as always, Soi Fong."
"Why…you brat! What do you mean I'm too big and not in a good manner?" Omaeda waved his fist at Naruto who was arguing with him just as intensively. Yachiru was cheering on Naruto while the rest of the people in the yard were paying attention to the discussion.
"Hn, please…that isn't the problem." Commented Naruto crossing his arms. "I used to have a friend who was fat. His name is Akimichi Chouji and, even though he eats a lot, he can still do a good ninja work. He could even make different parts of his body bigger than their normal size."
Naruto glared at the man in front of him, "I bet you can't even do that…"
Gin snickered turning his head away as So Fong looked clearly perturbed at the implications of that comment. Omaeda was red with embarrassment and anger before answering back to Naruto.
"You little pervert!"
"Who are you calling pervert?" Exclaimed Naruto making a simple hand sign while smiling wolfishly at the man. "Ha, I show you pervert!"
"Ah, Naruto-kun, I don't think that's wise." Said Gin stopping Naruto from performing a well-known jutsu to the man. Soi Fong raised an eyebrow in curiosity as she realized there was a small, faint blush adorning the Third Division Taichou's cheeks.
Now, that was interesting. What could the blond know to get this reaction from Ichimaru?
"Argh, who the hell are you brat anyway? What are you doing here?"
"Omaeda, meet the future head of the Kazama Clan." Omaeda went immediately silent as his taichou started talking. The man eyed the boy in front of him with a mixture of fear and anger. "Uzumaki Naruto."
While Omaeda and Naruto glared at each other Soi Fong let grey eyes focus on Naruto while her frown deepened. Pursing her lips she merely crossed her arms.
"So, this is the future head clan?" Omaeda snorted. "He doesn't look like much."
Naruto opened his mouth to protest but was stopped by Ichimaru who spoke before him.
"Now, that isn't really nice. Naruto-kun is a formidable shinigami in the making."
"I see then, let's see what the future Kazama head can do against my men." Proclaimed Soi Fong nodding towards her three of her men who readied themselves to fight. "Let's see if those ninja are better than the ones I've trained so far."
"N-No wait No…" Naruto watched with horror lurking in his eyes he was at the very centered of a three-cell man attacking him from different directions.
"I still don't think this was funny." Naruto was pouting, his arms crossed as Yachiru giggled and Gin chuckled amusedly.
"I thought it was pretty funny. Dontcha agree, Yachiru-chan?" Yachiru nodded her head.
"Yep, Kitsu did win in the end. Didn't he?"
"I didn't win…" Huffed Naruto glaring at Gin. "Ichimaru-taichou merely remembered we should keep going to the rest of the divisions."
"Aw, don't be like that, Naru-kun" Gin wrapped an arm around Naruto's shoulder. "It was a good exercise and now you've just showed Soi Fong-taichou how good you really are."
"That woman was ready to kill me! I don't understand why you keep mentioning Yoruichi-ch…" Naruto trailed off looking aside as he bit his tongue before he could finish the sentence. "I mean, why you decided to mention Shihoin Yoruichi to her."
Gin shoot Naruto a curious glance but decide not to comment on Naruto's lightly slip. They arrived to a new building, Naruto watched with curiosity as he saw the number twelve draw on the huge white door leading to the division barracks. While Naruto may have certain knowledge about the Captain of the Second Division, his knowledge about the man behind the leadership of the Twelve was still a mystery.
He only knew three things about him. The first and most important of them all: He was a total freak. The second: he knew Yoruichi-chan. The third: He was the head of the Research and Development Institute a branch that had been founded by Yoruichi's best friend Urahara Kisuke.
"This is…" Started Gin with a melodramatic movement of his hand only to be cut off by Naruto.
"…The Twelve Division barracks, home of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute as well as the division in charge of developing new technology and spiritual tools."
Naruto smirked at a gobsmacked Gin, looking smugly as he beat Gin with the explanation. The man lowered his hands, cocking his head while opening his eyes a little bit. Naruto suddenly found himself looking into Ichimaru's light blue eyes.
"No fair, how did you know that, Naruto-kun?"
"Uh, well…I…mmm…" Naruto thought over for a good explanation as to how he knew about the Twelve. "I…read about it? Was pretty curious to…know about this particular division?"
The blond wanted to smack himself on the forehead. It was the most stupid explanation that had left his mouth in forever. He tried to look nonchalantly, focusing his attention on Yachiru who was looking above the wall inside the division barracks. Gin for his part raised an eyebrow while dropping his smile.
"Ah, I see…"
"Anyway, I really don't wanna know this division…I've seen the man behind them. Total creep, clown face…" Naruto nodded towards Yachiru. "And, I don't think he wants Yachiru-chan near his division after she spilled some water and apple juice all over his fancy machines."
Gin chuckled shaking his head, "So, you've been there before?"
"Out of curiosity, besides Yachiru-chan wanted to show me something…" Naruto resumed his walking moving past Gin to the next division.
It wasn't until they were in front of the Seventh Division doors that Ichimaru Gin decided to speak once again. He waited for Yachiru to enter the place running dragging her zanpakutou behind her. Naruto stopped frozen in place as Gin's words reach his ears making him wonder what the man had meant by them.
"You know, Naruto-kun? Curiosity killed the black cat." Naruto's eyes opened wide, the boy had his head down but still he could feel Gin moving past him. "You should be really careful…then again, cats are said to have nine tails, right? Oh, no wait…I mean nine lives…"
Once Naruto caught up to Gin the man was standing at the threshold of a small living room. In the very center was a huge figure with another one, this one smaller almost as tall as Gin.
"Ah, here he is." Gin placed a hand on Naruto making the boy tensed up. "Naruto-kun, allow me to introduce you to Komamura-taichou, Captain of the Seventh Division and Tosen-taichou, Captain of the Ninth Division."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Said Naruto bowing lightly.
"Ah, yes, you're Kuchiki-taichou's protégé, are you not?" Asked the huge figured with the helmet on top of his head.
"Eh, yes that's right." The boy stood there talking with Komamura while eying the captain curiously, beside Komamura, Tousen directed his attention to Gin then to Naruto.
Being blind prevented him from actually seeing both of them, but Tousen had never had a problem with seeing shinigami or other spirits for the way their spiritual pressure felt. He could even make an effort and put some 'color' to say presence. Ichimaru have always had a cold, unreadable silver presence. It was a presence that told Tousen the man was hiding something, that he had more than second intentions when he did things. In few words, it made Tousen aware he didn't trust Ichimaru Gin; it didn't matter how much Aizen seemed to confide in him.
The boy, though…he certainly felt different and Tousen was receiving mixed signals coming from him. Uzumaki Naruto was like a turbulence of multicolored energy; if he tried harder he could feel coldness devoid of any feeling whereas the surface, the most immediate presence of the boy felt warm and welcoming. Tousen frowned at the familiarity the boy seemed to have with Gin, the boy seemed to disregard any formality once he had gotten use to others. The boy who faced and challenged Kenpachi…perhaps, another monster in the making? Someone just as ruthless and savage as the Eleventh Division Captain?
"Oh, no, I don't think that would be a good idea…" Naruto was starting to back down when the firm palm of Gin pushed him forward to the table where Komamura was waiting with a shogi game.
Naruto glared at Gin, Yachiru sat beside him with a finger on her lower lip and a tiny frown on her face. Komamura cocked his head to the side and indicate the game board.
"It would really please me if you accompanied me on this game." Komamura turned to the other Captains and indicated two other vacant cushions. "Please, Tousen, Ichimaru sit. Let's enjoy the game. Uzumaki-san, would you like some tea?"
Naruto smiled sheepishly ruffling his hair while shooting glares Gin's way. "It's Naruto, Komamura-taichou. And, sure…I could use some tea."
"Very well," Komamura rang a small bell he had to his side before turning his attention to Naruto. Not that the boy could tell exactly, seeing as the man in front of him was wearing that huge helmet covering his face.
"Now, let's see if Ichimaru's words are truthful or you are just being modest." Naruto merely sighed stopping Yachiru's hand before the girl could get one of the pieces on her mouth.
"Don't eat them, Yachiru-chan…or else, I won't be able to play." He mumbled to a now pouting Yachiru. Naruto turned his blue eyes to the girl before putting a small bag of candies. "Here, you can eat while you help me out."
"Oh, Okay! Mmmmm," Yachiru put her finger back to her lower lip before smiling happily. "Can you use Ryuujin to win?"
"I hate you." Naruto was dragging himself behind a still very amused Gin. "I really do. I hate you."
"Ah, why do you sound so mad? Didn't you have fun?" Naruto sent an annoy glare towards Gin pointing an accusing finger to him.
"No! You did it on purpose! And then…then you dare to say I'm good at Mahjong! Three hours, Ichimaru-taichou! Three hours!" By now Naruto was screaming still blaming Gin. "As if that wasn't enough I'm still sore because of my encounter with the crazy lady and her minions from the Second squad."
"Mah, didn't Byakuya teach you a noble like yourself shouldn't scream in the middle of the street?" Commented Gin in a normal tone of voice, raising his arms to his shoulders, shrugging lightly.
Naruto stopped his tirade to look around, while the street wasn't full, there were some shinigami who went sending curious stares their way. The blond felt his cheeks go warm before he straighten himself up.
"I still hate you." He mumbled to which Gin merely smiled wider while wrapping his arm around Naruto's shoulders.
"Well, let me make it up to you with a fine lunch. I know just the dish that would make you un-hated me"
"It's that even a word?" Asked Naruto glancing out of the corner of his eyes at Gin, the blond couldn't help but feel his lips twitched upwards in an attempted to smile at the man's antics.
Gin nodded his head with a convinced expression; he took the blond down the alley before turning him around so the both of them were standing in front of the Fifth Division. "I bet Aizen-taichou is dying to meet you."
Naruto knew he wasn't pretty smart.
There really wasn't any need for Sakumo-sensei to tell him after a frustrating session about how the angle of the hand, with the constant speed and the force of both the gravity and the intent behind the attack made it stronger or weaker. Really, Naruto learnt through experience not boring sessions of talk and complex images…or not so complex drawings like the ones Rukia used to explain some table etiquette to him.
During lunch Naruto had something pretty clear: his instincts were sending warnings to his brain about the man in front of him. Naruto couldn't understand completely, the man was harmless. Sure, he was a Capitan, but wearing those glasses, that kind smile, his soft melodic voice…well, he seemed to perfect.
The whole time the man seemed pretty interested about Naruto's former life. He was curious about what Naruto did and how he had come to know about Soul Society. Naruto answer as shortly as he could, not really giving too much information remembering Kakashi's first lesson: A ninja never reveals too much about themselves. But Aizen had always wore the same twinkling in his brown eyes, the one Naruto had seen countless of times in the eyes of those villagers who wanted to harm him but had acted as if they wanted to be Naruto's friends. It didn't matter if Naruto gave enough information it was as if Aizen was pretty satisfied with the answers.
Naruto forced a smile as the man served another cup of tea bringing some more candies that Yachiru was ready to dive in.
"Do you enjoy your life here in Soul Society, Naruto-kun?" Aizen directed his eyes to the blond, his gentle smile adorning his features.
Naruto shrugged taking a sip from his cup before sweeping his eyes around the room. The girl, Hinamori Momo, was diverting her attention between Aizen and Naruto while Gin seemed distract with Yachiru, both trying to get to the last dango.
"It's different from what I expected." Said Naruto cocking his head to the right while scratching his cheek. "But I've met people in here that had been good to me and I owe them a great deal."
"I see." Aizen nodded his head while taking a sip from his own cup. "It is pretty important to have loved ones you can be with. Right, Hinamori-kun?"
Hinamori felt her cheeks warm up, "Yes, Aizen-taichou. You…you taught me once that loyalty and affections should be given to those who deserve it, those who show us the same thing."
Naruto frowned at her words, Aizen cocked an eyebrow chuckling lightly, "It seems you have your own opinion about it, Naruto-kun."
"Well, it's just…Sometimes you love someone, or well you gave your loyalty to people who may not deserve it." Naruto choose his words carefully knowing perfectly well that all eyes in the room were focused on him. He felt anxious as if there was something else to the meeting, as if he was being watched with a scrutiny reserved only to spies.
But as Naruto spoke he couldn't help remembered Haku who had devoted his life to Zabuza or to Itachi who Naruto still held to some degree in his heart. Even to Sasuke, after everything that had happened Naruto still thought of him as a brother.
"Sometimes, you just gave your loyalty and your affections to those who show you a glimpse of hope or acceptance." Naruto shrugged before smiling brightly to the room. "But, tell me Aizen-taichou, was Ichimaru-taichou as mischievous as he is right now?"
"Eh, no fair, Naruto-kun!" Aizen laughed making Hinamori giggled softly while Gin pout.
"Well, he certainly has been kind of mischievous since the first moment I met him." Said Aizen sending a side glance to Ichimaru. "But, that's part of his charm. Don't you agree, Naruto-kun?"
Gin walked behind Naruto with a thoughtful expression on his face. The visit to the Fifth Squad had turned out to be quite unexpected. For all the time he had spent beside Naruto he could tell there was something bothering the blond. Something in the Fifth Squad left him wary.
Quite intelligent the little man. Don't you think Gin?
Gin scratched his chin nodding his head, agreeing with his Zanpakutou's words. Naruto turned around sending a curious look Gin's way.
"Now, what?" He asked yawning lightly, Gin's smile grew as he pushed his chest forward and point ahead of him.
"Now, we're going to my favorite division."
"Uh? Your division?" Asked Naruto making Gin's fox like smile to just drop in mock horror.
"No! Of course no! Whatever gave you the idea?" Naruto sweat dropped as he eyed Gin suspiciously.
"Is your division, isn't it?" Gin squeezed Naruto's shoulder shaking his head.
"Nah, I'm talkin' about the Tenth Division." Naruto blinked with curiosity lurking inside his blue eyes.
He had heard about the Tenth Division, of course. But there wasn't anything spectacular about it that he could remember. He tried to remember what Byakuya had told him about their Captain and the Vice-Captain but he couldn't remember much.
"What's so special about it?" Asked Naruto turning towards Gin, then a sudden thought appeared in his head and Naruto smirked at Gin. "Ah, is you girlfriend in that division?"
Yachiru popped up from behind Naruto giggling as she commented, "Boobies-chan is there and Shiro-taichou too."
"Shiro-taichou? Boobies?" Naruto shook his head while looking at Yachiru. "Do they know you're calling them like that?"
"Of course they do! Silly, Kitsu."
Gin shook his head resuming their walk towards the Tenth Division barracks. "Ran-chan ain't my girlfriend."
It was the way he said it what stopped any remark Naruto may have had to the comment. The blond eyed Gin wondering as the man shrugged while speaking.
"She is an old and dear friend." Gin turned back to smile at Naruto. "I know you'll like her."
Again, there was something in Gin's tone, in his words, that made Naruto scowl. What was happening with Gin? But whatever Naruto could have asked or said was cut short as they stood in front of the Tenth Division's main door.
"Well, here we are. Let's meet with Ran-chan and Hitsugaya-han."
Hitsugaya Toshiro sat comfortably at his desk. His hand was grabbing some of the Bio's from the outstanding students in the Shino Academy. By the end of next week each division would have to decide between the 16 candidates who had obtained Shikai way before they graduated. They marks were just as excellent and their time in the Shino Academy was marked with countless recommendations from the different teachers.
Hitsugaya frowned at the number of those who had obtain Shikai, or said they got it. The young Captain knew there was a big difference between knowing the name of your zanpakutou, releasing Shikai and actually being able to manipulate your zanpakutou. Next week he would find out who was lying or who need serious training. For now his only worry was to see how efficient they were in other matters. So far, the young taichou was only interested in one.
Hitsugaya put the file out and watched the picture of the young man before focusing on his marks. He was, by far, the Rookie of the year. There wasn't a single dark mark in his report and, by the looks of it the young man had an ice-type zanpakutou. Hitsugaya re-read the report carefully to not miss anything about him. After two years he had obtained his zanpakutou and was ready to graduate. Much faster than the rest of his classmates who had spent at least five years at the Academy.
Toshiro frowned as he re-counted the files. He only had fifteen reports; the number sixteenth was nowhere to be seen; when he had mentioned it he had been told Kuchiki would clarify it later that week. So far the man hadn't appeared at his doorstep. Just as Toshiro was about to leave the document in his hand he felt a familiar spiritual pressure approached him from behind.
"Taichoouu!" Hitsugaya had enough time to twitch in annoyance before he was assault, from behind, by his overly excited fukutaichou. "Taichou, what are you doing?"
"Matsumoto! Let go of me!" Toshiro tried to free himself while waving away the file. Matsumoto watched with curiosity before taking it away from her taichou.
"Oh, wow…who is this?" The woman leered at the picture while Toshiro sent an angry glared at the woman before recovering the file. "He is rather cute. Can I keep the pic?"
"No! You certainly can't keep the picture!" Exclaimed Toshiro slightly annoyed, he growled when he discovered Rangiku had taken the picture with her. Stretching his hand to her, the woman pouted before giving it back.
"This is one of the Academy students that would be competing next week." Replied Toshiro scowling at his fukutaichou. "You should know this, since you read the same reports and had filled in the right paperwork about our recommendations. Right?"
"Uh, well…" Matsumoto looked sheepishly at her little taichou who was sending dead glares her way.
"Don't even answer." He replied pointing behind his back to her desk. "Your work has been waiting for you since early this morning when I ordered you explicitly to do it before midday."
"But, Taichou…" Matsumoto was whining but Toshiro looked at her unimpressed. His eyebrow raised just a small fraction as he sense three presences approaching his office.
'Perfect. As if I haven't enough distraction as it is…' But, even as he thought this, Toshiro couldn't place the third presence accompanying Ichimaru. He sure as hell could spot Kusajishi's anywhere but usually the pink-haired menace was beside Kenpachi…this time however…
"…And then I say yes, because let's face it, I wouldn't say no to free drinks." Toshiro blinked slightly confused before turning his frowning face to Matsumoto.
"What are you talking about?" Matsumoto crossed her arms leaning forward to hit Toshiro with her bosom making the boy moved away and glared at her.
"Taichou, weren't you paying attention? That's really rude!"
"Matsumoto! Stop this nonsense right now and get to work!"
"Yare, yare, Ran-chan, are you bothering Hitsugaya-han again?" Both high officers of the Tenth Division turned to the open door. There leaning against the threshold was Ichimaru Gin smiling at the both of them.
"Don't you usually knock when you enter another's office, Ichimaru-taichou?" Hitsugaya Toshiro eyed the man in front of him while stepping forward.
Matsumoto merely watched as Gin smiled wider while entering the office. "The door was open."
"Humph, no it was not." Replied a new voice from behind the man, then a blond boy appeared behind Ichimaru, he was rolling his eyes before directing his attention to the inside of the office and the two people in it.
"I told you to knock before entering." Replied Naruto. "That's why Byakuya-nii is always glaring at you."
"Hi! Boobies-chan! Shiro-taichou!" Yachiru jumped up holding tightly onto Naruto's neck.
Hitsugaya's eyes were on the blond, the one he didn't know as he opened his mouth to speak. "Ichimaru-Taichou. Kusajishi-fukutaichou, may I ask what are you doing here?"
Naruto, for the first time, turned his complete attention to the white-haired boy in front of him. He narrowed his eyes, letting them sweep up and down the boy's figure. From his white hair to his white haori, to the green sash holding his zanpakutou to his back and finally taking in the round, almost, childish face.
"You're shorter than me!" Naruto suddenly exclaimed startling Hitsugaya; Matsumoto opened her eyes in horror as she felt the temperature in the room drop dramatically. "No way! You're a Captain? But…but …you're a kid!"
"Excuse me? Who the hell are you?" Naruto blinked before smiling sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head.
"Ah, sorry, Byakuya-nii would be really angry at my lack of manners." The changed in mood wasn't lost to Hitsugaya and Matsumoto who were more than a little confused about it. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto…"
"…Future head of the Kazama Clan and Captain of the Kidou Corps." Finished Gin for him.
"Hey! That's my line!" Hitsugaya saw the interaction with sharp eyes, never once he stopped analyzing the interaction between the boy and Ichimaru.
"So, you're the Kazama hair." Spoke Hitsugaya bowing lightly to the blond. "Hitsugaya Toshiro, Captain of the Tenth Division."
"Man, you're really short." Mumbled Naruto while eying the blond. Toshiro felt his eyebrow twitched at the remark as he sent a glare to the boy.
"Please, don't mistake yourself with my appearance…" Naruto waved away Toshiro's words interrupting the now irritated Captain.
"Oh, no. I wouldn't do that. Appearances can be deceiving. That's the first ninja rule." Naruto shrugged. "I just never thought you could get to such a high position while still being so young."
"Ah, but taichou here is just a prodigy!" Interrupted the woman for the first time, Rangiku grabbed Toshiro from behind earning herself a soft blush and an irritated glance.
"Matsumoto Rangiku, the beautiful and most incredible fukutaichou of the Tenth Division." Said the woman winking to Naruto. "Pleasure to meet you, Uzumaki-kun."
"Ah, so you're 'Ran-chan', Ichimaru-taichou was talking about." Said Naruto putting on his most charming smiled, he eyed Gin with a glint of mischievousness in his eyes, remembering to the letter what Kyouraku, Ukitake and even Ero-sennin had taught him.
"He was a complete liar." Said Naruto to Rangiku who raised an eyebrow at the blond's bluntness. "You are even more beautiful that he let on. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."
Matsumoto Rangiku laughed before grabbing the boy and hugging him tightly to her chest while commenting on his sweet talk; clearly amused and charmed by the boy. Naruto looked slightly embarrassed as he returned Rangiku's smile earning himself some withering looks for the other two males in the room. Yachiru, however, was more subtle as she hit Naruto in the head pouting.
"Did you forget about me, Kitsu-Kitsu?"
"Oh, Kitsu?" Asked Rangiku moving from behind Toshirou while centering her attention on Naruto and Yachiru. The pink-haired girl nodded her head while pointing at Naruto.
"Kitsu can transform into a red fox with the…mmmfff…" Naruto covered the girl's mouth chuckling nervously.
"Ah, Yachiru-chan is just referring to the marks on my cheeks." Said Naruto while taking his hand before Yachiru had the chance to bite him.
Rangiku giggled while pinching his cheeks making the blond blush lightly at the contact.
"They do make you look cute, Uzumaki-kun. But I wouldn't say you look like a fox…more like a cat."
"Well, I haven't felt so ignored by Ran-chan since Hitsugaya-han became Her Captain." Matsumoto turned her attention to Gin, her lips quirking upwards shaking her head in amusement.
Toshiro sighed while looking at each and every occupant of his office. "Well, I haven't felt so ignored in my own division and office since…ever. Now, care to explain to me what the three of you are doing in here?"
"I was showin' young and impressionable, Naruto-kun here." Started Gin placing both his hands on top of Naruto's shoulders. At Yachiru's kick Gin placated the girl with a smiled.
"And Yachiru-chan was helping too." Yachiru nodded her head, Toshirou rolled his eyes while Rangiku and Naruto chuckled. "We were showin' and introducin' Naruto-kun to the different divisions. After all, he is the only one who doesn't figure in the Shino Academy files."
"Oh, I know!" Matsumoto hit her left palm with her right closed fist. "Tea. We need tea and sweets."
"Yay! Ran-chan does know how to hold a party!"
Before Toshirou could stop the woman she was already half way out of the office with a very eager and excited Yachiru behind her. Gin moved aside settling himself on the sofa while placing his hands behind his head.
"Tea does sound appealing, doesn't it?"
Toshirou sighed relief as his unexpected visitors left, he sat heavily on his chair while his teal eyes fell on the files he had been watching early in the afternoon. Frowning Toshiro remembered Gin's words.
'So, the Kazama heir is the last competitor.' There was something at the back of his mind that was bothering Hitsugaya Toshirou. Something Kusajishi had said and something he had remembered hearing two years ago. The boy himself had a different kind of 'feel' to him.
Are you sure you're suspicions about the boy had nothing to do with the fact your fukutaichou flirted with him?
'Shut up.' Hyourinmaru chuckled making Toshiro scowl.
Don't worry, Master. I heard from Haineko you're her favorite funny-sized man to press against that heavenly valley of hers.
'Ugh, I say shut up, Hyourinmaru!' Toshiro hated the warm he felt on his cheeks and the tinge of red he was sure was adorning his cheeks.
"Taichou? Why are you blushing?" Hitsugaya massaged the bridged of his nose at the smirk that appeared on his fukutaichou's face while he tried to conceal his blush. Stupid Hyourinmaru.
Night was already falling.
The shinigami in charge of the afternoon shift were walking around, some were lightning the street lamps while others were doing surveillance.
Ichimaru Gin stopped at the nearest street facing it before turning his attention to Naruto. They part ways at this very place but before Naruto could say anything Gin put a small package from under his haori. Naruto took the package with a puzzle expression.
"Happy birthday, Naruto-kun." Naruto gasped lifting his head to stare at Gin.
"W-what?"
"Today is October the 10th, isn't it?" Asked Gin smiling at the boy before riffling his hair. "I knew ya would be turnin' 14 today so that's why I asked Byakuya to let me give you the tour."
"My…birthday." Naruto lowered his eyes to the package hearing Gin chuckled beside him and urging him to open his present. Nodding mutely Naruto started opening it, focusing his attention on the paper covering the solid material of his gift.
"Hope ya like your birthday present." Said Gin to a shock Naruto.
Naruto saw it was a small, wooden, chest-like object. It was closed and Naruto found a switch almost invisible at one of the sides of the square object. There was a soft click and the wooden chest opened. Naruto gasped grabbing tightly onto the object in his hand; there looking back at him were two different pictures with a set of eyes all looking into the camera.
The first picture, the one that had him feeling the sting of tears in his eyes was one in which Yugao was hugging him from behind, her cheek against his. Both of them were smiling at the camera while Naruto had on his arms the familiar black cat. The three of them had taken that picture on a day like this one. His eight birthday. He traced Yugao's face with his fingertips before turning his attention to the next picture.
This one was taken at the Ninja Academy, the same year Naruto had graduated. He almost missed the picture as he was told the wrong hour and the wrong day. It was only thanks to Chouji, Kiba and Shikamaru he made it. Much to the displeasure of the man taking the picture. He watched as Chouji passed an arm around his neck from one side and Kiba did the same on the other side. Leaning lazily against Naruto was Shikamaru a small smile gracing his features while Naruto, Kiba and Chouji grinned widely to the camera. Of course there were more people there. He could recognize Sakura, Ino, Hinata, Shino and Sasuke. All of them.
"How did…?" Naruto's question was cut short as he noticed he was alone. Yachiru had left a long time ago. Now Gin had left making Naruto snickered before putting the photo frame inside his kosode.
Naruto's date with Rukia had to be postponed , however, as Byakuya had something prepared.
The man had fixed his place to host a small dinner in honor of Naruto's fourteenth birthday. While the blond was slightly disappointed about it, he couldn't deny he did enjoy the dinner. He got to see his uncle, Kyouraku and Ukitake along with some other members of the Kuchiki and the Kazama clan.
It wasn't until later that night he discovered there was something else waiting for him on top of his bed. Here had never gotten gifts; at least, not so many that would be important for him. Yoruichi and Yugao had been the only ones to bother to give him something. Here, his uncle, Ukitake, Kyouraku, Gin and even Rukia and Byakuya had made sure to give him something.
Byakuya's gift was resting on top of his bed and Naruto eyed the big packaged with curiosity.
"It's a little something I thought you may enjoy." The voice startled Naruto who turned around to see Byakuya watching him from the open door of his room. "However, I would like you to use it next Friday."
"Uh, next Friday? Any reason as to why?" Asked Naruto with his voice filled with curiosity.
"Yes, next Friday you will be showing what you had learnt so far and finally become a part of the Gotei 13"
"What? Are you- are you serious?" Naruto's excitement was evident and Byakuya merely raised an eyebrow.
"Why would I joke with something like this?" He asked before continuing. "You have proven to us you're capable and can control yourself to a level you weren't capable the first time you arrived here."
Byakuya turned around ready to leave the room when Naruto's voice stopped him, "Byakuya-nii, do you really think I'm ready?"
Byakuya didn't bother to turn around he just resumed his walking while letting his answer hang in the air.
"If I didn't believe I wouldn't bother letting you know the rest of the divisions or nominated you for the test next week."
Uzumaki Naruto had learnt time in Soul Society tended to be unpredictable.
Sometimes it would just be way to fast. Some others way too slow. And some others you didn't even notice the change.
As he looked himself on the mirror he noticed some of those time related changes applied to him. While it was true time for a person was pretty different Naruto did feel the changes in him. His hair was just a tad long, rebel as always all around his head. His face wasn't as round and full of baby fat as it used to be but it wasn't the face of a young adult either. It just seemed frozen between becoming and adult and still being a child. He was taller, of course, that didn't change which Naruto thank to whoever had helped with that. But still…if he were to say something about ageing he would say his eyes were the only proof about the process.
"Naruto? Are you ready?" The blond lifted his head and through the mirror he saw Rukia standing behind him. He grinned at her nodding his head with conviction ad resolution.
"Yeah, let's go."
A week had passed and, after two years, he was going to finally be a part of the Gotei 13. He would now, formally, start his life as a full-fledged shinigami. He saw Kazama Arashi waiting for them beside Kuchiki Byakuya.
"Are you ready?" Asked Arashi to Naruto.
"Of course I am!" Arashi chuckled at the enthusiasm in which Naruto said it.
"Okay then, let me see your wrist."
"Uh, my wrists?" Asked Naruto lifted them before remembering the seals. Rukia eyed with curiosity the scene wondering exactly what was happening.
"Today you have to fight with everything you are, Naruto." Commented Arashi grabbing Naruto's wrist in each of his hands. "You're going to show them, remember?"
"Yes, I do."
"Release." Naruto bit his lower lip as he felt it. His reiatsu mingled with the chakra he had learnt to control. It was just for a moment he felt it released wildly before he applied the control he had learnt.
"Now, you don't have anything to stop your full potential."
Naruto smirked closing his fists nodding his head, "Yosh! Let's do this! Come on, Rukia-chan!"
The blond didn't even wait for an answer as he grabbed Rukia's hand and started dragging her away. Byakuya lifted an eyebrow following at a normal paced along with a chuckling Arashi.
It didn't take them long to reach the Shino Academy. Byakuya stood behind Naruto glaring at the boy before Naruto noticed the sudden changed. He turned around to see Byakuya glaring and Arashi shaking his head.
"Uh, what is it?" Both, Naruto and Rukia were clearly confused as to what could possibly irritated Byakuya.
"Naruto, where is your zanpakutou?"
"Uzumaki, what are you doing here?" To say Hitsugaya Toshirou was surprised would be an understatement. The boy was supposed to be with Kuchiki up in the Captain's stand.
"Uh, well…you see…I was just getting to the Captain's stand when Byakuya-nii pointed out to me I have forgotten my zanpakutou." Naruto chuckled while tying the sash tightly under the clasp from his Hitai-ate. "Byakuya-nii was kinda mad."
"I wonder why." Mumbled Toshirou shaking his head. "How did you forget your own zanpakutou when you have such an important test?"
"Hey! That's funny." Exclaimed Naruto with wide opened eyes.
"What is it?"
"Byakuya-nii said the exact same thing." Toshirou didn't know if be amused by the boy or mildly irritated. He decided to remain impassive resuming his walk with the boy now beside him.
"Ne, Hitsugaya-taichou, I heard you have to make the same test a long time ago. Is it true?" Hitsugaya looked out of the corner of his eye.
"Yes." Naruto crossed his arms closing his eyes softly. Toshiro noticed the tensing of his shoulders and the clenching of Naruto's jaw. He decided to ask the boy, "Are you nervous?"
The question was unexpected by not unwelcome, Naruto shook his head showing a toothy grin. "Of course not! I'm Uzumaki Naruto! I've been getting ready for this since my arrival to Soul Society!"
Naruto's voice raised above the silence making Hitsugaya winced at the loudness of the boy. He eyed Naruto before huffing.
"There is no reason to be nervous. Is just a test to see how good you are with your zanpakutou and your abilities."
"Yeah, but you graduated in less than a year." Replied Naruto. "You are called by everyone a genius…Must be easier than just working your ass off to get there. And must be really easy to just fill in the expectations of everyone else."
Something inside Toshirou stirred as memories of the past invaded his mind. Things hadn't been easy for him the first time around. The contrary applied to his case, other students didn't appreciate the fact he was good in everything he did. They hated the fact he had obtained shikai when others had just starting to hear the voice of their zanpakutou. Had he made a wrong judgment about the boy walking beside him?
"Is it hard?" Toshiro stopped with his back to Naruto; after a moment of silent hesitation Toshirou turned his head looking back at the blond. Naruto looked back at Toshiro before continuing. "Is it hard to try and be the best when you're young and they think you would forever be an immature little brat?"
The words leaving Uzumaki caught Toshirou by surprised; knowing who the boy was made Toshirou assumed he would be just as proud and arrogant as Byakuya. Maybe make him as unbearable as those other nobles he had met before. Uzumaki was certainly different, unpredictable always looking to shock and break everyone's expectations or pre-formed perceptions of him.
"It's never easy." Commented Toshirou, shrugging as he turned his body completely to face Naruto. "But, does it really matter? As long as you know you're the best, that you can do better than what they expected of you, nothing else matters."
Naruto smirked closing his fist before making an enthusiastic movement with his arm.
"Okay! You're right, I'm so gonna beat some ass down there." Naruto patted Toshiro on his back. "Wow, Gin was right…you're pretty good giving advice, Hitsugaya-taichou."
Toshiro opened his eyes at the final revelation before feeling a slightly pushed from Naruto.
"We better hurry, I think they're about to start."
'Who the hell taught this kid manners?'
Naruto sat beside Byakuya mumbling at the different fights happening below the stand. Some of the shinigami down there were really good; while some others were just stupid and so bad Naruto actually rolled his eyes screaming a couple of times. Behind him the rest of the Captains and fukutaichou were discussing each and every one of the participants. Every word, every recommendation, every mention of their abilities was meant to lead to the final decision as to where the shinigami would be placed.
"He is sloppy and let's his opponent take advantage." Commented Hitsugaya watching attentively.
"Ah, that may be true but there is strength behind his attacks." Replied Kyouraku.
"Yes, but power without control is useless."
"So, to the Eleventh then? Ruthless and full of powerful and out of the mark attacks." Commented Tousen with a sneer on his face. Kenpachi snorted while looking bored at the same time.
"What would you know about power, Blind-boy?"
"I think I know more about power than you about justice and manners." Kenpachi glared at Tousen who was sending an impassive expression Zaraki's way. Ukitake waved his hand in a placating gesture while smiling nervously.
"Now, now…this about choosing some of this young shinigami for one of our divisions. No need to fight."
"Humph, well I think the guy is an idiot." Mumbled Naruto his voice was just loud enough for people sitting beside him to hear him. "I mean, not only did he scream the name of his zanpakutou he started listing each and every one of the techniques he had learnt so far."
"I agree." Said Byakuya nodding his head in approval. "He made unnecessary comments about him and his zanpakutou; his opponent has been using the knowledge to his advantage."
"Well, I suggest you don't go round screaming the name of your zanpakutou either." Rukia sent a cheeky smiled Naruto's way before bumping her shoulder against his.
"Now, it offends me greatly you will think something like that, Rukia-chan." Mumbled Naruto smiling back. "I'll do better than anyone down there."
"You better…because you're next." Naruto's eyes opened wide as he look down watching as the shinigami who had been fighting bowed to the Captain's stand and left the arena. Ikkaku was calling for him and Naruto stood up fast.
"Damn, Okay…uh…a kiss for good luck, Rukia-chan?" The commented earn a few chuckles from Ukitake and Kyouraku, a soft blush from Rukia and a dead glare from Byakuya. "Right, no kiss then."
Taking a deep breath he smiled wolfishly at them before turning around and jumping down from the balcony to the arena. Rukia snorted while leaning over the rail.
"Couldn't he use the door?"
Naruto looked back up grinning at Rukia and Renji, he heard someone moving beside him turning around he discovered Ikkaku nodding his head to the side.
"Are you ready?" Naruto nodded and stood up anxiously waiting.
It took a moment but then he saw a figure approaching very slowly. Naruto narrowed his eyes to focus on the person approaching him. It didn't take long before the figure was at the perfect range for him to see it clearly and Naruto's heart stopped beating for a second. His breath caught in his throat and his eyes widen with shock.
"I…It can't be…" He mumbled as he saw the figure approached him. For a moment he clearly forgot where he was and the fate of the person in front of him.
But even if distance and time had passed the young man in front of him hadn't changed much. He still wore that tender, gently smile; his eyes were open with just a glint of wickedness in them. His hair was as long as ever but this time he had put it up in a ponytail. The only remarkable difference in his appearance was the outfit. Black standard clothes for the shinigami, the sword attached to his left side.
"Well, I was really hoping I would get the chance to fight you again, Naruto-kun." The boy looked directly into Naruto's eyes. "I'm glad I got to finally see you."
"H-Haku?"
AN: So, what do you think about it? Did you like the end? Did you like the way Naruto meet the other divisions? I have to admit I have my doubts but...oh, well. I hope you enjoy it.
-Han: Is a japanese suffix and it works the same way as the '-san' suffix. Only this one is usually use in the kansai dialected and Ichimaru tended to use it alot in the manga and at the very begining of the anime.
Next chapter Haku and Naruto would fight. You guys would see (And I would love to hear your ideas) in which Division Naruto and Haku would end up in. You will get a glance at the Shinobi world.
Hope you like this chapter. Opinions, comments and good (polite) criticism is always very welcomed.
Don't forget to comment!