Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach in any way! All copyrights go to Tite Kubo.

Author's Note: Gah, so many reviews...so many reviews. So many things to do...not enough time to get it done. Oh well...Many thanks goes to Mariliisa, MoonLightView, AznInvasionGirl, Neko-cheung, ScienceAngel, Amiru-chan, cool!!!!!!!!!!!!, Pieps XD, WhitePrincessOfHope, icyangel7, samantha for your awesome comments. It's greatly appreciated. Without any further delay, here is chapter five. Enjoy!

LEGEND

"Talking." "Thinking."

The Greatest Treasure

Chapter Five: Confrontation

Matsumoto burst into laughter after she read a particular section in today's morning newspaper. "Oh, this is swell!" she said. "You're now a wanted person with a bounty of five million kan! Ou, there's also an additional five million kan reward for returning the princess alive."

"I'm not surprised," Hitsugaya replied. "If I were them, I would have assumed that as well. I was present at the scene on the night she disappeared."

The white haired teenager has invited his older companion over to his place to have a little chat together while Hinamori and his grandmother went out to buy some groceries. "Daijobou, none of us from Rukongai will turn you in. Besides, you're the one who helped us survive the hard times."

"That's not what I'm worried about; it's the people who are searching for Hinamori. As long as she stays here, people will continue to think I kidnapped her. Aside from you, me, and Obaa-san no one else knows that she's the Princess of Seireitei."

"Why don't you take her back to the palace?"

"It's not that simple Matsumoto," Hitsugaya replied. "Hinamori has already decided to stay here in search of Aisu no Ryu. She's not a stupid girl. She knows that he lives somewhere around here. However, she is persistent. She won't budge until she gets what she wants."

Matsumoto folded her arms over her chest and suggested, "Why don't you just tell her your identity?"

"If I did, there's no doubt she's going to hate me for life. I stole her family's treasure and sold it to that dealer for money!"

"But she must have already heard about Aisu no Ryu's intentions, I'm sure if you two talk for a bit, you can come up with a reasonable solution."

"I-It's too complicated Matsumoto," the white haired boy explained. "Either way, I'm not risking that chance."

She nodded with agreement. "Oh I understand clearly," Matsumoto said. "You don't want to lose your friendship with her."

"There's also another fact to consider: What if Hinamori sees the reward and the bounty on the thief the supposedly stole her? What will she do?"

Matsumoto placed a hand on the bottom of her chin. "Hn, you got a good point there."

Just as Hitsugaya gave her an icy glare, the slide door slammed open, revealing a panting princess and a serious grandmother. "Toshiro."

Toshiro and Rangiku both stood up from their seats. He asked, "Obaa-san, what's wrong?"

"Get the cash ready; the tax collectors are here."

With a nod of agreement, Hitsugaya temporarily left the room to get their funding from the other room.

"What they are?" Matsumoto asked. Before the elder can reply, the strawberry orange haired woman walked to the door to take a peek outside. "Wow, they are here."

"Ano, who might you, be?" Hinamori asked.

"Ah, forgive my rudeness. My name is Matsumoto Rangiku, but you can call me Rangiku. I'm Hitsugaya's friend."

Momo nodded with agreement. "I'm Momo. It's nice to meet you Rangiku-san."

Hitsugaya returned to the living room with the cash at hand. He soon joined the others, looking out for the collectors coming to their home. "From the looks of it, a lot of people are losing their homes again," Matsumoto said.

The white haired teenager kissed between his teeth. "Damn, the taxes must have gone up again."

Hinamori turned to Hitsugaya. "Taxes went up again? How often do they do that?"

"Normally they do that once every two months," the young teenager replied. "However, rising taxes at a time like this is unusual."

"It's not unusual Hitsugaya," Matsumoto said. "They're just being plain greedy! The higher class in Seireitei is able to pay for it, but not us! We don't even have enough to feed ourselves sometimes."

"Come to think of it, you should get back home. If they find you not there, they'll track you down and arrest you."

"Eek, you're right! Sorry I can't stay for long. Ja ne Momo, it's nice to meet you. Bye Obaa-san, bye Hitsugaya. I'll drop by again to visit in the later days to come."

With a wave of good bye, Hitsugaya, Obaa-san, and Hinamori returned to do what they were doing. "Even with Aisu no Ryu's help, they still struggle to survive," Momo said. "I can't believe I don't know this has been going on the whole time."

"It's not your fault Hinamori," Toshiro replied. "Nobody blames you."

"But it is my family who is supposed to look after the people; we are the rulers of the kingdom."

"Okay now, it's time for you to pay up!" the tax collector said, extending his hand out. Hitsugaya handed over all the kan change in his possession and waited for the greedy collector's verdict. He examined the money for a brief moment before closing his hand into a fist. He looked down at the white haired boy and said, "It's not enough."

"What? I paid you the amount you wanted us to pay up!" Hitsugaya complained. "I even double checked."

"Are you defying me boy? I said this isn't enough money to let you off the hook." He then took a glance at Hinamori and grinned. Turning back to Toshiro, he continued, "Unless you hand over the pretty girl beside you, maybe I'll think about it."

Hearing him talking about Hinamori angered him. Without any hesitation, Hitsugaya held his arm in front of Momo, looked at him in the eyes, and said, "She's not money for rent. There is no way I'm going to hand her over to you bastards."

He suddenly drew his sword at him. "In that case, you are under arrest for not obliging to our demands."

"Hitsugaya-kun!" Momo exclaimed. Just as he swung his weapon, Hitsugaya ducked down and did a low round kick at his thigh. As a result, the force sent him falling onto the ground. At the same time, the elderly grandmother ushered Momo to hide deeper into the house and leave through the back door. "Obaa-san, what if he gets hurt or something?"

"He's a strong boy. What's more important right now is your safety," the elder replied. "Toshiro will catch up with us later."

Even though she said that, Momo is still worried about the white haired boy. The tax collector is a trained expert swordsman. How is he supposed to get away with that? "Be careful..."

Once he didn't see them in his sights, Hitsugaya looked back at the tax collector, who is still on the ground. The boy's eyes narrowed. The bully is conscious and slowly getting back on his feet again. "Y-You cocky brat, nobody defies me!" he exclaimed.

"Correction," the boy said as he took a few steps back, "Everyone here in Rukongai does. I'll be the one to represent them."

Suddenly, the older man let out a laugh. "You? This is not a game you know; there's no use trying to play the hero."

"Oh really?" Hitsugaya said as he bent down on one knee. Using his right hand, he pushed something across the floor while his eyes never left his. "You think I'm just bluffing, right?"

"Of course! For your information, I'm a skilled swordsman."

A grin formed on the white haired teenager's face. "For your information..." Hitsugaya drew his long sword from the secret compartment and held it on his shoulders. "...I'm one too."

He kissed between his teeth. The tax collector lifted his sword in front of him and made the first move by charge right at him. "You little bastard. Don't make fun of us!"

Seeing openings, Hitsugaya held his sword out in front of him and took charge also. With swift movement, the shorter swordsman struck first. However, his opponent managed to see the move and block the attack with his own weapon. It is not long after, sounds of slashing are heard. Luckily for Hitsugaya, he took the advantage by pressuring him out of the house and into the streets of Rukongai. Citizens immediately ran away and seek shelter, witnessing the fight from afar. "It's Hitsugaya," one of them said.

"He's actually standing up against the tax collector!" another exclaimed.

"Go Onii-chan!" the children cheered.

But Hitsugaya didn't hear any of it; he is too busy concentrating on the fight. "You're finished!" the tax collector exclaimed as he swung his sword downwards in vertical slashes.

The boy closed his eyes. Waiting for the right moment, Hitsugaya quickly ran past him and hit him several places on the back of his head using the hilt of his sword. Seconds later, he fell to the ground, unconscious. Once the fight is over, Hitsugaya lowered his sword down and let out a sigh of relief. Walking up to the body, he looked down and said, "He won't remember the events of today."

Snatching the large sacs of cash from his belt carrier, Hitsugaya turned to the homeless citizens and returned their money. "Oh bless you child."

"Daijobou, he won't remember today's events or about raising our taxes," he replied.

"If only there were more people like you in the world."

"If there were, I would have gotten a vacation or something." Remembering about his grandmother and the princess, Hitsugaya bowed down to the villagers. "I need to find my grandmother right now."

They smiled. "Do be careful."

"Of course."

"General Aizen, sir!"

Aizen Sosuke turned around and is seen holding a glass of red wine in his hand. "What's wrong?" he asked.

The guard bowed down and said, "A report has been sent in from the guards at the West Gate. They have discovered that the tax collector is knocked unconscious."

His eyes narrowed. "Really now? Now please explain to me what kind of injury our tax collector has been inflicted of?"

"Um, several bumps to the back of his head to be precise General Aizen," he replied.

"Hn, how interesting..."

"Yes, we think it is the rebellious citizens are the cause of all this."

Aizen took a sip of his wine and smiled with amusement. "When there's a rebellion, there's always a ringleader. If we get rid of this ringleader, the rebellion will cease to exist."

"W-What should we do?"

"The only reason the people of Rukongai has started the rebellion is because of one thing: they can't afford to pay their taxes. They barely have enough to feed themselves. I think it's time to pressure them to hand over him to us."

"Of course sir."

Once he left the General alone, Aizen is soon interrupted by another presence at the door. "Oh General Aizen!" Gin happily greeted. "Is it my time to have some fun?"

"I'm sorry Gin, but you have to wait a little longer. I'm sending out your subordinates to do the job."

"Aw, now that's a shame and I just recently sharpened my blade for this special occasion."

"Gomen nesai, please send over Abarai-kun, Kira-kun, and Hisagi-kun to this room."

"Of course, whatever you say General."

Finally left alone again, Aizen turned around and faced towards the window. Taking a sip of wine from his glass, he smiled. "Those who stand out in the crowd tend to be exactly what they are. Whoever you are, you must be Aisu no Ryu."

"Tch, why do we have to go out to the Western part of Rukongai?" Renji complained as he walked down the hallway with Kira and Hisagi at his side. "I don't think it's even worth it to be out there."

"Don't worry about it too much Abarai," Hisagi said. "Let's just finish the job we're set out to do."

"By the way, have you heard the recent news?" Kira asked. "Jidanbo-san has been sent to the infirmary."

"What large oaf got injured in battle?" Renji questioned. "Who would have done it?"

"Well, I'm not clear on the details, but according to what Ichimaru-taicho told me, he thinks it's the act of Aisu no Ryu."

"But isn't he a thief for stealing valuables?" Hisagi asked. "Usually, he doesn't injure anyone."

All of a sudden, the red headed Royal Guard put up a fist. He growled with frustration. "Damn that bastard! So harming others and stealing the princess for himself his true nature. Hinamori might be trapped somewhere, feelings helpless to his actions. He might have already stolen her virginity or something!"

"Oi Abarai, don't get so worked up," Hisagi said. "We can't be certain until we find out their whereabouts. For now, let's concentrate on apprehending the one who has engaged in battle with the tax collector."

"Tch, fine...but let me handle him. I need to take out some stress!" Renji replied as he walked ahead of his two peers.

Kira let out a sigh. "That's definitely Abarai-kun."

Hisagi shrugged. "Oh well, let's get going."

"Hai Hisagi-san."

Obaa-san and Hinamori fled to the hillside, away from the government's eye, and long waited for Hitsugaya's return. What seemed like hours, he finally appears, holding a net containing a large pre-sliced watermelon fruit inside. Momo immediately stood up and ran up to him. "Shiro-chan, you're alright!"

In response, Hitsugaya made a face and retorted, "Oi, I told you to call me Hitsuga--"

He is brutally interrupted by Momo's tight embrace. The white haired teenager suddenly started blushing after feeling her womanly figure against his chest. "Ehrm, Hinamori I-I can't really breathe here..."

Realizing what he meant, Momo yelped and quickly let him go. Hitsugaya turned his body to the side and coughed a few times. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to hurt you!"

The Rukongai boy cleared his throat and stood upright. "I-It's alright. I'm just glad you and Obaa-san got away safely."

Hinamori gave him a small smile, but soon remembered about his involvement with the tax collector. "How did you manage to escape here?"

He had to make up another excuse to cover for his actions back at his neighbourhood. "Eh, in Rukongai, we have a group of skilled swordsmen who help us defend against people like them. So, they came around and got rid of them."

"So ka? Thank goodness."

"Yeah, it's alright to come back home. Everyone got their homes back and everything."

"What happens if they come back with reinforcements?"

Hitsugaya gave a faint smile. "Don't worry, those guys just have to come back and beat them up again."

"That's great to hear!"

The white haired boy let out a sigh of relief which eventually followed by a stern look at the raven haired princess. "I can't believe she actually took that made up story."

"Hn, what's wrong Hitsugaya-kun?"

Toshiro then shook his head. "Iie, it's nothing. Let's have a little snack before going back home."

Looking at the watermelon and then to the white haired boy, Momo smiled. "Okay!"

Sitting together with the elderly grandmother on an enormous platform shaped rock, Hitsugaya placed the watermelon on his lap. With the strength of his bare hands, broke the net, and gave a slice to each of them. Momo took a small bite out of her watermelon slice and smiled. "Mm, it's good, don't you agree?" she asked the white haired boy. "Eh, are you even listening?"

Hitsugaya is too busy finishing his already third slice of watermelon.

"S-Sugoi..."

Obaa-san smiled happily to see her grandson and the princess both get along just fine. "You're too noisy Bed-Wetter," Hitsugaya stated.

"W-What, Bed-Wetter?" asked Momo.

After taking another bite, the white haired boy continued, "Yup, that's your new nickname."

"No, you can't call me that! I-It's too childish!"

Toshiro stopped for a moment and gave the princess a look. "Let me tell you something; the nickname you gave me is too childish as well. So, stop calling me Shiro-chan!"

"Mou..."

Later in the day, Hitsugaya told his grandmother and the princess to go back home first while he is to shop for some food items to cook up for tonight's dinner. At the same time, he has been thinking of this afternoon's events.

Watching his people lose their homes and suffer reminded him of his younger years. Shortly after the death of the King and Queen of Seireitei, people of Rukongai have started to suffer. Tax collectors like him started to do whatever they liked: raise taxes, take their homes away, and even beat them sometimes. Their actions lead many families including his into poverty. He remembered those days when he used to live with his parents. Even though they would move from place to place from time to time, his loving mother and father would do whatever it takes to get food set on the table for them to eat.

When he was alive, his father would do many dangerous jobs that would risk his life. He would come home beaten, bruised, cut, or any of these three in combination. However, it didn't bother him at all. He just laughed it away. He was a loving and dedicated man. It's just unfortunate that he life ended short during one of his missions to steal money from a gang. Toshiro was only seven years old at the time.

After his death, his mother first started working as a hostess at a bar. It turned out to be alright job with good pay to support the family of two until for some reason; she started to bring men home with her. At first, he thought they were just a group of friends who want to have fun, but when they started to do...sexual actions in his presence, he realized his mother has changed. From that point on, whenever she does that, Hitsugaya would hide under the safety of his blanket and cover his ears in another room, hoping that the noises would stop. There were times when he was so fed up with it that he cried himself to sleep sometimes. Even though the late night nightmares have stopped three years later, it was also the time when he never saw his mother return home again.

A week later, after Toshiro just turned ten, his grandmother came by the house to find him starving to death in the living room. The elder was shocked to see that her grandson is all alone with no one to care for him. So, she decided to stay and nurse the boy until he grows up. Two years later, when he grew up and understood more about the events in his past, Hitsugaya decided to repay his grandmother and help the helpless like him by stealing valuables from the rich under the codename of Aisu no Ryu.

"For the sake of Obaa-san and the people of Rukongai, I have to steal again tomorrow night," he thought.

"Yo kid," said a voice.

Hitsugaya stopped and raised his head to see three tall men standing meters away from him. One of them has spiky red hair tied up in a ponytail; the other has long pale blond hair while the last one has short dark violet hair. "They're the Trio Knights from the Royal Guard."

"Are you the one who has been causing trouble to the tax collector earlier this afternoon?" the red headed knight asked.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Hitsugaya lied.

Just as he is about to walk away, one of the other knights said, "There's no use in lying. The people around here has told us about you. You are the only person in Rukongai who has a head full of white hair, Hitsugaya Toshiro."

He stopped, but didn't face them. He asked, "What are you going to do about it?"

Renji drew his sword out. "Isn't that obvious? You're under arrest!"

References

Kan - The Bleach currency used, Daijobou - It's alright, Aisu no Ryu - Ice Dragon, Hitsugaya's codename as the notorious thief, Obaa-san - Grandmother, Ja ne - Good bye (informal/casual), Gomen nesai - I'm sorry, Hai - Yes, Taicho - Captain, Iie - No, Sugoi - Amazing

Author's Note: Oh snap, Hitsugaya's in trouble now! How will he fare against Renji, Hisagi, and Kira of the Royal Guard? Will he get caught? Well, you just have to be patient and wait until my next update!

What else to talk about? Oh yes, ahem...NOO!! AIZEN MUST DIE!! YOU'RE SO EVIL!!! For those of you who have read Bleach Manga 392, you know what I'm talking about. GAH, DIE AIZEN! *picks up Aizen doll and begins to rip his head off* OH THE HORROR AND BRUTALITY! My heart just shattered as I read it through. Damn it! *sniffles and sobs some more* I hope she's able to recover from that blow later on (if she lives). As for him, gah...trauma to the brain and major physical damage does not go well together. Now will you excuse me, I will run somewhere in my little corner with a box of Kleenex at hand and cry the rest of my sorrows out for the next week or two. No Bleach Manga next week. Sigh...

Other notes...Well, after leaving the poll open for a while, it seems like everyone who voted likes the original and alternate versions of the BftH series. I expected that much because I personally love these two stories the best compared to the sequel. Anyway, I've posted another poll. What kind of ending do you enjoy the most when reading HitsuHina stories? The classic happy ending. the tragic sad ending, or the ambiguous hopeful ending? In my opinion, I generally like the classic happy ending because HitsuHina can live happily ever after. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't like reading sad or hopeful endings. They're good to read as well. Tell me what you think! The reason for asking such a question...hn, future ideas. xD

Valentine's Day is coming up. Expect me to post Momoiro to Shiro, my one-shot HitsuHina fan fic on that day (EST time). In the meantime, please review! Thanks.