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

Author's Note: Kept you waiting long enough? Well, have no fear, chapter seven is here! Yay! Thank you everyone for taking the time to read the previous chapter especially my reviewers: Mariliisa, MoonLightView, AznInvasionGirl, Neko-cheung, ScienceAngel, KnowledgeandImagination, Amiru-chan, LookingThroughTheGlass, Pieps XD, WhitePrincessOfHope, samantha. Anyway, it's time for the story to kick things up a small notch! You'll see what I mean after you read this chapter. Enjoy!

LEGEND

"Talking." "Thinking." Flash Back.

The Greatest Treasure

Chapter Seven: Mutual Understanding

Unlike the other nights, Aisu no Ryu has to steal more valuables from the rich people in Seireitei. "Stupid tax collector," Hitsugaya cursed in his thoughts as he jumped from building to building. "It's his fault for raising the taxes as he pleases."

Ever since the taxes have risen, more people in Rukongai are suffering due to the lack of money. Some of them don't even have enough to purchase themselves a decent meal. He has been through that. He doesn't want them to experience the horrors of living that kind of life. It is his job to prevent such a tragedy from happening.

He jumped down into an alley and stayed there to take a short break. After a few minutes, he turned his attention to the bag of stolen goods he took from three rich families. In this trip, he managed to retrieve a rare painting, a pearl necklace, and a box of jeweled earrings from three different noble family houses. "It should keep them happy for about a week," he thought.

All of a sudden, a light shines towards his face. "There he is! Aisu no Ryu has been located in an alley in the southern side of Seireitei!"

Hitsugaya quickly pulled out three hidden daggers from the inside of his kimono and threw it towards their direction. As they are evading and defending against the assault, he used this opportunity to grab the bag, climb back up on the building, and fled from the scene. "Damn it, they're getting better at finding me," he said.

"He's headed towards the Eastern Gate!"

Hitsugaya jumped in an opening between two buildings and landed safely on one knee. He is in a small one way street. Using the time he has now, the thief leaned against the wall. From time to time, he would take a peek to see if someone is coming. He waited patiently until a guard finally passed by.

Extending a hand out, he grabbed the back collar of his kimono and pulled him in. Allowing the guard to see him, he gasped with surprise. However, before he could say anything, Hitsugaya knee kicked him so hard in the gut that he was knocked unconscious. Placing him sitting against the wall, he began to strip the man of his clothes and exchange them with his own. "That should keep them busy for a while..."

With his diversion completed, Aisu no Ryu let out a sigh and looked over to a particular tile on the floor. Kneeling down on one leg, the thief moved it to the side and discovered a hole underneath. "The underground passage..."

He has heard stories about the underground passage from his grandmother. A long time ago, many people used it as an escape route elsewhere during the time the Great Battles took place. It has been over fifty years since the last time it was used. "It's risky," Hitsugaya thought, "but I don't really have a choice. I'm going to have to make this my ticket way out."

Aisu no Ryu continued his way back home by jumping into the hole and returning the tile back in its original position. It is a few minutes later a couple of guards passed by the alley. One of them stopped and turned back to check the alley only to discover someone there. ""I found him!" he exclaimed. "Aisu no Ryu's here!"

The other guards backtracked to their fellow companion. One of them asked, "Where is he?"

The guard that found him first pointed at the slouching figure leaning against the wall. "What is he doing here?" a third one asked. "Why is he even looking like that?"

A guard cautiously approached the unconscious Aisu no Ryu and pulled down his hood to reveal his face. They gasped. "That guy we saw before; he's the notorious thief?!"

The other guard just smacked him on the back of his head. The hurt guard yelped in pain and turned to him. "Ow! Why did you do that for?"

"He's not Aisu no Ryu, you idiot!" he exclaimed. "The real one must have knocked him out and ran off using his clothes as a disguise!"

"Wait, then that would mean that one of us could be the thief!"

Then, they began to glare at one another, accusing that they could be the notorious Aisu no Ryu. They slowly drew their swords and started a battle royale. "Well what do we have here?" asked a voice. "Is it fighting I'm seeing?"

Hearing his voice, the guards immediately stopped fighting and formed a straight line. They saluted their captain, who just arrived at the scene. "Ichimaru-taicho!"

"We're terribly sorry sir," one of them exclaimed.

The gray haired captain just grinned. "It can't be helped. Besides, you were fighting amongst one another under the indirect influence of Aisu no Ryu."

"What?"

"He is the one that manipulated you to fight against each other."

One of them turned their head to the side and kissed between his teeth. "Damn that little bastard for using such a sneaky tactic!"

"Oh well," Ichimaru said nonchalantly, turning around and slowly making his way back to the Hinamori Palace. "There's always next time."

Hitsugaya closed the door and sighed with relief. He managed to get back to Rukongai safely without sustaining much damage. "Aisu no Ryu's back!" one of the people in the bar cried out.

"Ou, look at that sac!" another called out. "It looks like he managed to loot quite a few items tonight!"

"Give us some nice cash once you finished trading them!"

"Alright, I'll make sure of that," Hitsugaya finally said, walking across the room and taking a seat at the bar.

"Let's celebrate with another toast!"

"Yeah!" everyone exclaimed, clashing their glasses of sake against one another.

"Cheh, they're one happy bunch," Hitsugaya muttered, putting his hood down and turning to the female bartender working here.

Matsumoto placed a glass of water in front of him. She placed her hands on her hips. "Of course they are Hitsugaya," she replied. "They're being thankful for your good deeds."

"I suppose so..." He picked up his glass and took a sip. All of a sudden, he turned his body to the side and spat the drink on the floor. Shortly after, he resumed his attention to the laughing strawberry orange haired woman, slamming the glass on the counter. "Stop feeding me sake Matsumoto! You know very well that I don't drink!"

"Hahaha! You're too funny Hitsugaya! You always seem to fall for it!"

Hitsugaya glared at her. "Shut...up. It can't be helped that I'm thirsty. Can't you be the least bit thankful that I'm jeopardizing my life just to get you food on the table?"

Matsumoto wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and replied, "I am thankful, but it's just so entertaining to see your reaction whenever you do that."

"Tch...I'm out of here," he said, leaving his seat with his bag at hand.

The older woman moved to the side and asked, "Eh, where are you going?"

"Isn't that obvious? I'm trading these goods," he replied, changing the subject. "I'm going to go see the money dealer. He should be here around this time, right?"

She nodded with agreement. "Ah yeah..."

"I'll talk to you later."

He walked to the back room and knocked on the door. Placing his hand on the doorknob, he slowly turned it and entered the room. After closing it behind him, Hitsugaya found himself once again in the dark room with a single lit candle, revealing the presence of the dark hooded money dealer. "You're back again Aisu no Ryu," he said.

"Yes, I am," the boy replied, walking up to the table and unpacking the three items he stole.

The dealer picked up the pearl necklace and examined it. "You're working a lot harder than usual. Is it because the tax collectors have once again decided to become greedy jerks and raise the taxes again?"

"I think you know the answer to that question without me telling you."

He grinned and placed the necklace on the table. He examined the painting. "I read in the papers about your bounty."

"Yes, I'm well aware of it," Hitsugaya replied. "I have become a wanted person."

"...there's also the reward."

His emerald-teal eyes narrowed at the hooded dealer. "What about it?"

"Oh, I'm just thinking how rich the person or people are going to be when they find her," he replied, going to the box of earrings to examine, "and for some weird reason, turn you in as well...they'll be wealthy beyond their wildest dreams!"

Hitsugaya turned his head to the side, refusing to listen to anymore of the situation. "I see..."

Suddenly, he heard the sound of three clinging sounds on the table. Turning his attention to the table, he saw that the dealer has given him three sacs of money loot. With one look at him, the thief placed two sacs into his bag and carried the last one over his left shoulder. Just as he is about to leave, the dealer asked, "Why do you always give me that look whenever you are about to collect your reward?"

Aisu no Ryu stopped and didn't answer immediately. "There's nothing wrong with keeping your guard up especially at times like this. Besides, you are speaking to a wanted person here."

"Good point."

"If by any chance I get captured within the next few hours, I know who to murder once I get back to Rukongai."

He grinned. "I will keep that in mind."

"Ja ne."

Once he left, the dealer added one final comment, "I wonder if you are capable of taking someone's life."

Matsumoto heard the sound of a door closing. She looked over to the side to see her friend has returned. "So, how much loot you managed to get this time?" she asked.

One look at the strawberry orange haired woman, Hitsugaya let out a sigh. He tossed a small pouch of money (he already set up ahead of time) in her general direction. Matsumoto caught it and looked at him with a questioning look. Toshiro walked by, showing a faint smile. "Enough to keep the people busy for about a week."

She smiled back as she watched her white haired friend give out money to the customers here. "If only there are more people like you..."

Hours later when the sun just came up from the horizon, the Royal Guard has been hard at work, investigating the last night thievery. Renji yawned. "Man, when are we allowed to go to sleep?"

"Unfortunately, I don't think we'll get that chance anytime soon," Kira replied, rubbing the sleepiness from one of his eyes.

"If only Hinamori was here," Hisagi said. "We wouldn't be doing this in the first place."

The three knights turned their heads to the side where the Western Gate is located. "She's probably waking up right now."

Renji then made a sneaky looking face. "What's wrong Kira? Are you worried about the princess?"

The pale blond haired teenager winced at the comment. "It is obvious that I'm worried about her. However, it's not to the extent that you're thinking about."

All of a sudden, the red head slapped his back, causing the knight to loose his balance. Once he regained his footing, Kira snapped at him, "Abarai-kun!"

Renji placed his hands on his hips and showed a wide smile. He said, "I was only joking around. I know you don't have a crush on the princess. Sheesh, you're such a serious guy."

"Either way, it's against regulations to fall in love with the princess without approval," Hisagi replied. "The only people who have that right are the judicial members from Central Chamber 46. They elect the worthiest person to be her future husband."

The two knights folded their arms and nodded with agreement. "True that."

"Knowing Hinamori-kun, it's going to take a while before she gets married," Kira said.

"I have to agree with that," Renji agreed.

Hisagi let out a sigh. "I support that statement one hundred percent."

"Hn, what are you putting your full support into?" asked another voice.

Noticing Ichimaru's presence, the Trio Knights of Seireitei straightened their postures and bowed to their superior. "Ichimaru-taicho!" Renji said.

"What brings you here captain?" Kira asked.

The tall gray haired man smiled. "Oh, I'm just here to inform you that you're allowed to return to your rooms. Besides, you three worked hard to stay up for most of the night, looking for Aisu no Ryu. You deserve the rest."

"Really?" Hisagi questioned.

"Hai."

Kira sighed with relief as Renji started stretching his arms high up in the air. "We finally get to rest!" the red head said.

"Arigato Ichimaru-taicho," Kira thanked.

"Iie, it's no problem," Gin replied.

He watched the three knights retreat back to the palace. A smile formed on his face as he began walking towards the Western Gate. "Hn, maybe now is a good time to check what is going on over there."

"He still hasn't waked up," Momo said. It is eleven o'clock in the morning. The princess and the elderly grandmother are both long awake and out of their beds, making preparations for their lunch meal. The only other person who hasn't woken up yet is Hitsugaya Toshiro. "He should have already had his daily ten hours of sleep!"

As Obaa-san is chopping a few vegetables, she took one glance at the peach girl and smiled. Once again, she's worried about the well-being of her beloved grandson. As for her, she knew the exact reason he's still in bed; late night deliveries.

Momo placed her hands on each side of her cheeks. "What if he's sick and can't get out of bed?"

The princess went to the next room to find the white haired boy still asleep in his futon. Crawling up to him, she extended a hand out and placed it on his forehead. Hinamori blinked. "His temperature is alright."

Hinamori sat back on her bottom and crossed her arms and legs. She thought for other reasons why the sleeping teenager is not awake. All of a sudden, she heard a groan. Looking over, Momo watched Hitsugaya shifted his body over to the side, facing her. Moments later, his movements reduced to light breathing. The peach girl smiled. "Shiro-chan looks cute when he sleeps."

"Oi Bed-Wetter, can you stop staring at me like that?" Momo jumped to see his emerald-teal eyes looking directly at her. Hitsugaya shifted his body on his belly and rested an arm on the pillow. "It's hard to get some decent rest when you're doing that."

"Mou, stop calling me by that name Shiro-chan!" Hinamori pouted.

An eye twitched. The boy half raised his body off the futon. "Stop calling me Shiro-chan first then I'll stop calling you Bed-Wetter Momo."

The princess showed a blow fish face. "You have no respect for a princess!"

Hitsugaya sat up and crossed his arms and legs. "Oh really? Since when did I have to address you as such? Besides, the agreement is as long as you're here in Rukongai, you'll be treated like any other person here. In other words, your status is not considered one bit!"

Momo turned her head and made a face. Even though she knows that clearly, there are times when she wanted to show the boy a lesson or two. Why did he have to be such an intelligent child? "You know what? You can be a stubborn child sometimes."

"I'm not a child! We're both about the same age!"

"As long as you continue to act that way, there is no way you're going to pick up a girlfriend when you start looking for one."

"Did I say that I want one?" he asked. "You're starting to remind me of Matsumoto. She's always teasing me about particular subjects like that."

"Really?" Momo asked.

"Of course she does," Hitsugaya replied. "That girl talks about it all the time. She's worried about me becoming a hermit or gay if I don't start dating other girls soon."

Momo placed a hand over her mouth and started giggling.

"W-What's so funny?"

"Sorry, I just imagined all the difficult times you have to deal with her."

Hitsugaya half turned to the side and rolled his eyes. "Tell me about it; I had to deal with all that yapping for about five years. It's amazing I'm still my usual self."

Momo then looked down at her fingers. "For me, I'm not allowed to date anyone. There are these people who are from Central Chambers 46 who decide the person I'm going to marry. So, I never really get the chance to know what it feels like to date someone."

Taking a glance at the suddenly depressed princess, Hitsugaya let out a sigh and got out of bed. He stood up and then said to her, "You have the right to change that rule if you want."

The peach girl looked up at the white haired teenager. "I do?"

He showed a faint smile. "Of course you do; you're a princess, isn't that right Hinamori?"

For a moment, she didn't say a thing. Momo eventually smiled back. "Yeah, I have that right to change the rules."

"Just remember one thing: as long as the person you choose makes you happy, then it's alright."

"Hitsugaya-kun..."

Realizing the words he just said, Hitsugaya began scratching the back of his head with frustration. "Never mind, Matsumoto's words really have gone to my head after all."

Momo giggled with amusement. Despite his bratty attitude, Toshiro can be one strange person sometimes.

"Let's go Hinamori," he said. "Obaa-san probably have already started making lunch."

"Hai!"

Using the sleeve on her shirt, Matsumoto wiped the sweat away from her forehead. Placing her hands on her hips, the stood in front of her now cleaned up living room. She smiled. "It's finally done."

As she proceeded to the next room, the eighteen year old woman placed a finger on the bottom of her chin. "Hn, no wonder he keeps complaining. It really is hard to move around in a cluttered room."

All of a sudden, she heard something crack. Matsumoto looked down and immediately stepped back. Going down to her knees, she picked up the broken glass frame and stopped. In it is a photo of her and an old friend who used to live with her. Her eyes softened. "Gin..."

Letting out a sigh, the girl sat on her bottom and look at the scenery through the window. It was five years ago when he left this very house in search of someone to train under. He wanted to learn more about swordsmanship. At the time, neither of them was very good at handling a sword. As a boy, it was obvious he wanted to be better at it than she is which is why he left. Ichimaru Gin hasn't come back since then.

"What are you doing right now?"

After several minutes of thinking in daze, she shook her head back and forth. "No, now is not the time to be slacking off!" Matsumoto declared, standing back up on her feet. "You still have a lot of cleaning to do!"

She raised a hand up into the air and cheered, "Yosh, let's get to work!"

Little did she know, he is leaning against the wall, next to the window she was looking out to. A grin appeared on his face. "It's nice to see you doing well."

Unseen, the gray haired captain of the Royal Guard proceeded his way back to Seireitei. "I'll see you again soon Ran-chan..."

Later in the day, Obaa-san and Hinamori went out to the marketplace together as Hitsugaya is left to look after the house. Ceasing this opportunity, the boy quickly dressed up in his back up set of thief clothes, equipped his weapons and the leftover bag of money on him, and went out to the streets of Rukongai. Last night, managed to drop off small pouches of money to most of the home until he got so tired that he had to return go back home and get some shut eye.

Hitsugaya landed on one of the building's roof to look out into the scenery below. "Okay, I have a few more homes to go through," he said. "I better get it all done before Hinamori and Obaa-san comes back."

Letting out a sigh of defeat, Aisu no Ryu knows he must get the job done. He jumped from building to building, approaching the homes that are in need of his assistance.

Meanwhile, somewhere on ground level below, Momo and Toshiro's grandmother are walking through the streets of Rukongai, glancing at the foods, toys, and other merchandise that are being advertised. "Even though I've been here for a while, this place always seems to give me such great interest," Hinamori said.

Obaa-san smiled along with her. "That's good to hear Momo."

Just as she is examining the jewelry and necklaces at a stand, she couldn't help, but overhear the words a few children are talking to their parents and their family friends. "Mommy! Mommy! We saw Aisu no Ryu!" a girl called out, pulling her mother's kimono sleeve.

"Yes dear, I know," she replied. "We saw him two blocks away a few minutes ago."

The girl turned to her friends. "See? I told you we saw him!"

"Sugoi..." they all said in unison.

"I want to see him!" a boy exclaimed.

"Me too!" another agreed.

"Aisu no Ryu's in the area? I better go find him," Momo thought. All of a sudden, she remembered Obaa-san. "However, I can't leave Obaa-san alone like this."

"What's wrong Momo?" the elder asked.

"Ah no, it's nothing. Let's continue looking around."

The grandmother smiled. She knew the girl's thoughts have shifted its focus to something. "You want to meet him, don't you?"

Momo turned to the elder. "W-What are you talking about Obaa-san?"

"You want to meet Aisu no Ryu, right?"

The Princess of Seireitei slowly nodded with agreement. "Hai."

"Then, I'll show you a place where he will always stop by before he disappears into the night."

When Momo arrived at the destined spot that Obaa-san pointed out, she found herself entranced by the scenery before her.

"Aisu no Ryu has a tendency to be at his favourite spot whenever he is about to set off or returning from stealing valuables in Seireitei. He will always be there on the highest hillside in Rukongai."

"It's so beautiful; the sunset," Hinamori said happily as she watched the sun slowly making its way to going down the horizon. "If only Hitsugaya-kun is here to see this too."

By the time he has arrived, Hitsugaya is about to change his clothes until he noticed the princess' presence at his side. He immediately dropped what he was doing, turned his body towards, and stared at her. "Oi, what is she doing here?" he thought.

Soon, their eyes finally have met. Aisu no Ryu quickly turned his body to the side. Raising a fist up, he coughed onto it before folding his arms to himself. On the other hand, Momo half turned to see him. After all this time, she is able to meet him face to face for the first time. Even though it is their first encounter, the peach girl couldn't help, but get the feeling she has seen the black hooded kimono dressed thief from somewhere. But then again, her instincts tend to be wrong. "Aisu no Ryu..." she said.

Applying his impersonation skill into his voice, Hitsugaya replied in a more mature and deeper tone, "You must be the Princess of Seireitei."

Momo blinked. "Yes, I am...but how did you know about me?"

He raised a finger and held it in front of her. "I'm a thief. I have to know stuff like this or else I wouldn't been able to steal anything in the first place," he stated. "Idiot, some line you came up with..."

"Yes, but...how could you recognize me? I could have been some regular Rukongai Citizen."

He then pointed at a particular object around her neck. "Your heirloom is showing," Aisu no Ryu stated. "Baka, can't you be a little more aware for once?"

Momo immediately looked down to see what he meant. She placed a hand on her shirt and used it to fully cover the necklace underneath. Resuming her attention to the thief, she continued, "Um...thanks for telling me."

"Anyway, why are you here?"

The princess looked down for a moment, doubting herself that she shouldn't be going through this. However, remembering what she told her friends, the girl can't go back on her word now. She raised her head and replied, "We need to talk..."

Hitsugaya took a short glance at her before turning towards the sunset. He placed on hand on his side while the other is on his hip. "If it's about the young maiden, I have already traded it off for money. Of course, the money is all spent as well."

"It is all spent because you wanted to keep the people in Rukongai from suffering poverty, isn't it?" she continued. "That is the only reason you steal."

He stayed silent and didn't reply.

"Daijobou, I'm not here to ask you to turn yourself in for all crimes you have done, but to tell you...to keep doing what you're doing. I think it's the right thing to do."

Aisu no Ryu looked over at the princess. "Hinamori..."

"It's nice of you to do something like that especially when your life is constantly in danger. Me, on the other hand, couldn't do anything to help these people here."

"It's...understandable princess," Hitsugaya said. "You have yet to get married and take your parents' place on the throne."

Momo nodded with agreement. "Yeah..."

"Either way, I'm sure you'll make a great Queen someday."

"You really think so?"

"Yes, I believe that."

Hinamori lowered her head and smiled. The notorious thief turned out to be someone who can understand her. She is thankful to have met him. Momo raised her head up again and asked, "Aisu no Ryu...arigato."

Hitsugaya blinked. "For what?"

"Thank you for stealing valuables from the people of Seireitei, trading them for money, and giving it to the Rukongai people. Also, thanks for taking me away from the palace..."

"But princess, I didn't tak--"

"...even if it was only an accident. I got to learn a lot while living here. You have given me this great experience."

He turned his head to the side. "Um...you're welcome, I guess."

"Aisu no Ryu, can you promise me one thing? When I become Queen, can you please stop stealing from the people in Seireitei?"

Turning his attention to the princess, the thief showed a smirk on his face. He bowed down to her and said, "As you wish, your highness. However, if my people end up suffering even more than before, I will show no mercy and steal more valuables than ever. I will make sure to force the rich to go against you."

Momo smiled. "I understand, oh notorious thief."

"What do you plan on doing now that you have met me?"

"Well, I have to ask Obaa-san and Hitsugaya-kun if it's alright to stay a little longer. I sort of got comfortable living with them. They're likable people to be with."

"Hn, so you're staying at the kid's place..." he said. "I can't believe I just called myself that."

"You know him?"

"Of course I do know the boy. I've seen him many times. He's not hard to spot you know."

Hinamori giggled. "You do have a point there."

"Well, it's about time for me to take my leave," Hitsugaya said, walking up to her. Taking a hand, he leaned over and kissed on the back of the hand.

Even though the lips are covered with his mask, Momo blushed at the sudden intimate contact. Once he let go, the thief stood face to face with her. "I'm sure we'll meet again someday."

Just as he is about to run off on his own, the princess extended a hand out and called out to him, "W-Wait, Aisu no Ryu!"

He stopped and looked back.

"What about the bounty? I'm sure there are people after you as much as there are about the same looking for me."

"Don't worry about it too much Hinamori-hime; I don't mind a little more danger in my life. Ja ne."

Before she could say anything, Momo watched the thief jump high onto the nearby building and ran off in the direction opposite to where the sun is setting. She let out a relieved sigh and a content smile. "Be careful out there Aisu no Ryu."

By the time Hinamori came back home, she is immediately scolded by her white haired friend in the living room, "Oi, what took you so long to get home Bed-Wetter Momo?"

The princess frowned. "Mou, stop calling me that," she said. "It just so happens I was chasing after Aisu no Ryu."

Hitsugaya folded his arms over his chest and gave her a look. "Really now? He was in town?"

Momo nodded. "Yes, he was and I finally got the chance to talk with him, one on one."

"I see. So, did you say everything you need to say?"

Hinamori put her hands together on her back and leaned over to Hitsugaya, smiling. "Yes, I did."

The boy showed a form of brief interest. "Hn, is that so?" he asked. "Of course she did; I was there listening to the whole conversation."

She nodded with agreement.

He placed his hands on his hips and turned away. "Well, now that you've met him, what are you planning to do next?"

Momo blinked and placed a finger on the bottom of her chin. She could have sworn she heard that line being said before even though it might not be along the same lines. "Where have I heard it?"

"Hinamori, are you even listening?"

Snapping back into reality, she looked at the glaring white haired boy and asked, "If it's alright with you and Obaa-san, can I stay here a little longer?"

Hitsugaya didn't answer back right away. To be honest, Hinamori's presence sort of grew on him. He wouldn't mind having her around a little longer than she was supposed to, but he knew better. She's the Princess of Seireitei; she belongs back in the Hinamori Palace with her friends, Renji, Kira, and Hisagi. Also, the charge for stealing the princess would be off his shoulders.

"Do what you want," Hitsugaya said, walking off to the kitchen. "Idiot, you were supposed to be mean to her!"

"Really? Oh, thank you Hitsugaya-kun!" Momo exclaimed, pulling him into a deep embrace and stopping him.

"Oi, let go of me!" he shouted.

Hearing the two friends talking loudly with one another, Obaa-san just smiled at them. Even though it has been a while since she started living with them, it appears she is already a part of one big happy family.

References

Aisu no Ryu - Ice Dragon, Hitsugaya's codename as the notorious thief, Taicho - Captain, Ja ne - Good Bye (casual/informal), Hai - Yes, Arigato - Thank You, Iie - No, Obaa-san - Grandmother, Sugoi - Amazing, Baka - Idiot/Stupid, Daijobou - It's Alright, Hime - Princess

Author's Note: Ah, the thief and the princess have finally met and Rangiku's relationship with Gin is revealed. Hn, what is going to happen next? Who knows...Maybe some trouble? xD Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Please review and I'll be back soon with another update. Laterz!