Sorry folks. I went for my cousin's marriage and was unable to update quickly. When I returned it took a while to get the flow. I hope this chapter is good. I have put much thought in this than any previous chapters. So, here we go.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Bleach.

Chapter 6: The Thief.

After the fight Haruto looked at his swords as he was unable to do so at the heat of the battle. The swords were both katana but the guard was different for both the swords. One of his katana had circular guard with a dragon and the other had triangular guard with a small phoenix. Both of his katana were well balanced and razor sharp. When he thought how he was going to carry the sword, both the katana were covered in sheath. The one with phoenix was a pale blue in colour and had a phoenix rising from fire carved in it. The other sheath was black in colour and had a dragon ready to take off from a mountain etched on it. He then strapped both of his swords in a X shape at his back. He noticed that the entire bar was quite in spite of his question. When the shinigami woke up they stared at him with fear and some amount of respect. The latter shocked him more than the fear. They took off with their leader. One of them looked back and said

"We won't cause any trouble hence forth."

"That's good to hear Shinigami-san."

That's when the whispering started to break out. Haruto was little bit irritated that no one was answering if the inn had any rooms available. Haruto looked for some one who can do that for him. That's when a man of late fifties with balding head and grey hair walked up to him.

"Thanks for helping my daughter young man. My name is Gato and I am the owner of this place. I have room available for you. But, it might be shabby."

He said that looking at his prime clothes, which he had to admit stood out among the other people. No anything is fine. I just want to rest for sometime. Gato then gave him key to the room and the direction.

"I will show you to the room."

He was quite happy to be out of the place. With all the staring and whispering it reminds him too much of his old life. Gato made him climb up the stairways leading to the first floor. The stairs were worn out and all the stairs were creaking. They reached the hallway to first floor. His room was third door in the left. Gato turned and walked the way he came after showing through the door. When he Gato came down he saw the people were talking about the fight and it looked like it wouldn't stop any time soon. So, he decided to do a favour to the boy who had defended his daughter.

He cleared his throat and nobody seemed to notice him.

"Excuse me people. Can I have your attention for a minute? " They slowly stopped talking and seemed to listen to what he has to say.

"I would like to make one request in place for the young man. You know those Shinigamis have been harassing every body for a quite some time. By, beating up they have come to their senses. So, I would like to request that what happened today must remain within those who had witnessed the event. Because it may cause problem if any other Shinigami heard about the incident. And don't worry about those who got a beating of life. I am sure they won't report to higher up as they had to explain what happened here and also their arrogance won't make them admit their defeat to any one. So, will it remain within us?"

This time they looked at each other and they all concluded that it would be good if they kept within themselves. Gato had carefully left out the magic word 'secret', as he was sure that if he had even said that it was secret no amount of reasoning would make it a secret. It will be known to every one in the morning. By telling them it was their choice, it would remain as it is for at least some time. When every one assured that they would not tell to anyone outside those who remain in bar at that time.

"Thank you."

While Gato was talking to the people in the bar Haruto was settling himself in the new room. The room was like every other room he had stayed before. He thought that the whole Rukongai has same design. But, the room was quite shabby and looked in poor condition compared to his previous stays. The room had a single bed with a worn out mattress. There were two windows facing the east direction. There was a closet to place his belongings and a bathroom. There was tub to take a good bath. So, he decided to use a bath for his tied body. Thankfully the place provided hot water and he had a nice soak.

After changing the clothes sat on the bed cross legged. He decided to meditate and have a talk with his Zanpakuto. Acting on instinct he placed his swords and started to meditate. But, he arrived at his mindscape where his memories are stored every time. He didn't reach the clearing. He then concentrated on his swords. It was similar to his reiatsu, but something was slightly different and decided to concentrate on it. It took him some time, but after an hour or so he finally came to the clearing where he saw his Zanpakuto spirit earlier in his fight.

He got a good look at the clearing and it looked slightly different than the first time he came to the clearing. The grass looked a more greener and there was also small boulders here and there on which creepers have grown which bore small flowers which had rich and pleasant smell which was carried by the wind every where. He still couldn't understand how he had a peaceful mind when he had a chaotic life. He was brought out of his thoughts by the sudden arrival of his two Zanpakuto spirits. The phoenix was perched on a small rock and the dragon got himself comfortable on a large group of boulders.

"I didn't get to meet you properly before, as I was in the middle of something. So, am I ready to hear your name?"

The phoenix replied with a question, "Do you think you are ready to hear our names dear?"

"I don't know. That's why I am asking you. Also when that happens I hope it not be in the middle of a fight."

This time the dragon replied, "That's entirely up to you young one."

"What do you mean by that?"

"In order to hear our names and release our sword you must first be able to control the power we wield us to a certain degree. We are both elemental Zanpakuto if you had not guessed by this time. So you must be able to feel and control at least one of the element to a satisfactory level before you can hear and release that particular Zanpakuto. Do you understand?"

"To some extent I understand. Now I am curious to know if your element is fire (pointing to the phoenix) also I know your element is wind (pointing at the dragon). The reason is the flame is blue rather red or any similar variation of it."

"As every other flame my flame has destructive nature, but in addition to it you can also use my fire for healing. My fire have healing power which is attributed my form as a phoenix. But, you are not ready for healing others with my flame. So, don't try it."

"Do I get any side effects of your power?"

The phoenix replied, "You will heal at quicker rate when compared to others for now. As you grow in power and achieve bankai you may have something similar to regeneration. But, you will not live you didn't have of your body. You have long way even to regenerate 1 cm of your finger after you master your bankai. Also you can see through illusions by channeling reiatsu to your eyes"

The dragon spoke up as soon as the phoenix finished her speech, "You will form a resistance to spells and your skin will toughen up as you master my Zanpakuto."

"Okay. How do I start t control your powers?"

The dragon spoke again, "Before that you must choose one of the elements to start and concentrate on that alone for now. When you have progressed to a suitable level we will then concentrate on the other one."

Haruto thought about it. While both the elements have both offensive and equally defensive properties, the idea of healing some how appealed to Haruto more than fighting.

"I choose fire. Also I have one more question. Is your fire more potent than the fire of Ryujin Jakka of captain Commander?"

"Ah. I have been expecting that question. The answer to your question is my flame is potent than Ryujin Jakka if you believe that it is and it will be less potent than even a spark if you don't believe. I know it is confusing but, that's all I can say now. You must understand that yourself."

Haruto couldn't help but ask one question that has been nagging him at the back of his mind.

"Can I create awesome tornado and blow things with your power?" he asked this with a stupid grin and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

There was a rumbling sound from the dragon which sounded like laughter but couldn't tell it clearly.

"All in due time young one. All in due time. Now you must rest as we will start your training on elemental manipulation tomorrow."

With that he retreated from his mindscape and felt that he was not that tired but none the less feeling sleepy he crawled under and the covers and was asleep immediately.

The next morning Haruto woke up as usual before the dawn when it was still dark. At first he didn't like to wake up at ungodly hour, but it made time to finish his work quicker and efficiently. After finishing his morning rituals, he thought to go for a run. He quickly changed clothes and went down. There was no one present at that time. So, he started to run around the sector and while running he came across a place where it would be easier to train. It was a small clearing with tress and a small pond. He went there and started to practice his moves and also started to punch the trees to increase his strength.

After completing the exercise he again ran to the inn. When he reached the inn the sky had started to brighten up on the east side and the stars were fading. He went to the room and had a quick shower.

He then remembered about the training he had with the Zanpakuto. He then picked up his swords and placed on his and started to meditate on the connection with his Zanpakuto. He reached the clearing in less time than before. When he reached the clearing he saw that the phoenix was already waiting at the clearing.

"Since you decided to start with fire I will be telling your training. Also I think you should add our elements for the occlumency defenses. Can we start on your training?"

"Okay."

"Today we are not actually training per say, but I will give instruction for the training, which you will practice in the real world."

He interrupted the phoenix by asking, "Why can't I train here in the mind? It will still be replicated in the real world."

"The reason for that is to gain control of the element you must control the real element. Here you will be utilizing only the reiatsu. Also the real element will be difficult to master and also there will be so many distraction which will make your concentration skill increase in order to even achieve remotely anything. Do you get it dear?"

"Yes. So by practicing outside my mind I can control the element to an extent by myself without your help. Am I correct in that assessment?"

There was soft melody like sound coming from the phoenix which seemed to calm him. "I didn't think you would catch on it that quickly dear. But, yes you are correct. Now I will give instruction for the training. It is simple to understand but difficult to complete."

After Haruto nodded that he understood, the phoenix continued, "First you must find a small fire source which will be easy to control such as candle or a lamp, but candle will be more practical than the lamp. So, get a candle first. Then you must make the flame length to shorten and lengthen with your reiatsu. You also must repeat this exercise if you complete till you are able to do that without any conscious part. It must become second nature to you. Then after completing the first task you must light the candle without any of external sources. You must be able create at least a small flame. Like the first task you must practice till you are able to do that without any conscious effort. Do you get it? Any questions dear?"

"No."

"Before you go I would like to inform that, if you want to talk or ask for any advice we are here for you."

Haruto didn't say anything but nodded and stared at the phoenix for some seconds before withdrawing from the clearing. He took sometime to gather his bearings. Then he started on his occlumency to include the extra defenses suggested by his Zanpakuto. He will first add fire and then add wind later. Within few moments he started to meditate and then reached his mindscape where he had his memories. He still can't understand why he have two separate mindscape. He thought he would find sooner or later.

His mind resembled the Hogwarts castle with the lake, forest and even Hagrid's cabin. Contrary to people who may see his mind , he didn't keep his memories in the castle. No, he kept his memories of previous life under the Hagrid's cabin. He dug a cave and stored all his past and present memories in there. He then created a copy of rather mundane memories and placed inside the castle with more protection. He didn't copy any of his training. Only the people he met and stuff any normal soul would do.

He had also built a wall around the castle and small fence around the hut. Now, he had also made a system such that if some one made to do him something by mind controlling, he can resist only so much. So, he separated his memories and the current happening. These two were only linked by a simple thread. When something like that happens his memories will cause him to question his action and thus breaking him from whatever is controlling him. He now proceeded to add the fire element to his defenses. If any one breached the wall, a wall of flame will appear now. Deciding that it was enough for one day he came out of his trance.

He then freshened up and buttoned up his coat and fastened his swords on his back in a X shape. He also noted that his dress would repair itself by applying some reiatsu through it no matter how much damaged his dress is. Thinking about this as another one of Soul society's working he didn't dwell on it. He then decided to get some breakfast and buy some candles for the training. He then noted that there was less money than he had arrived. By this rate he would be hard pressed to spend like he is doing now when he reach the last sector. He must find a way to earn some money for his food at the least.

He locked the door and went down to get some breakfast. The sun had just come up and there were only very few people there. He went to the section which contained four tables. Gato had told him yesterday that breakfast would be served here. The tables were all empty save fore one middle aged man sitting and eating some Japanese dish. He then sat in one of the empty table and then suddenly a girl came and asked what he wanted. When he looked up he recognized the girl as the one whom he saved last night. The girl had a dirty blond hair and violet eyes which seems to bring out her beauty even more. When the girl looked at properly her eyes widened and shock was evident on her face. Then the girl spoke to him with a blush.

"I didn't even have the chance to thank you properly, as I was shocked. So, thank you very much."

He waved his hand in a dismissing manner and replied, "Think nothing of it. Beside I can't leave a pretty lady like yourself to those idiots" he said this with one of his trade mark grin. He didn't know where that came from. For a moment he thought he had crossed a line. But seeing the blush and a slight smile, it was a well worth effort. She asked what he wanted and he ordered some heavy breakfast with coffee, as his metabolism is increasing with his increase in his reiatsu. She then left to get the food for him.

The girl came back with his break fast 10 minutes later. "Here you go."

"That was fast." He then saw that there was no one except her father at the floor. Feeling braver he asked the girl, "Why don't you join me for the break fast as there is no one to attend the table for."

She looked around and true to his words there was none. She tentatively turned to her father and saw him nodding slightly as if he knew what she was asking for. Although she thought he didn't see her, he saw the whole thing but didn't show it in his face

"Okay. But I will leave as soon as somebody comes for the breakfast."

"My name is Haruto Kuromori, what is yours?"

"I am Yuuri." "Ah. A pretty name for a pretty girl like you. So, do you work here all day or go somewhere else." Even though he knew the answer to that question himself, he had to start at somewhere to talk to.

"Yes. I work here all day helping my father, although the business is going dull day by day. This used to be one of the finest establishments in sector 49. but, due to lack of proper we were not able to renovate after it started to become old. My father is trying to get some loan from the people he knew. If we were able to renovate this place then we will be able to get back in business pretty soon. Sorry I am rambling and ruining your mood with my sob story. So, what are you doing in this area?"

"I am on a tour around Rukongai actually. I would like to travel up to sector 80 and then return back to join the Shinigami forces." He noted that she didn't respond badly when he mentioned he was joining Shinigami, since they were harassing her only yesterday. And he asked her directly about it.

"Oh no! Not all the Shinigami are bad. Only very few are like that here. Most of the time they leave us alone." Before he could talk anymore the table were started to fill on the other side.

"Talk to you later. Bye." With that she got up and started to pick up the orders.

While eating Haruto thought about what the girl said and slowly an idea was starting to form in his idea. If his idea was successful then it would take care of his financial problems even slightly. After eating he noticed that the bar was empty save for the old man Gato. So, he walked up to the counter and sat on one of the stools. Gato had moved towards him when he was sitting on the stool. Before he could say anything gato had started to talk.

"I have heard about you from Daichi. You look exactly like he described. I have what you need from Daichi." Before he could move, Haruto interrupted him.

"I will collect it from you after I finish an errand. I talked to your daughter and she informed me about your current financial predicament. Before you could interrupt, don't scold your daughter. Every one needed to vent out their frustration from time to time. I happened to be there when your daughter was at her breaking point. I have a proposition for you, which will be beneficial to both of us." Gato thought for few seconds and was curious to know what this young man had to offer. He gestured him to go on.

"Okay. I have some money which I am willing to loan you for all the renovation work you need. But, in exchange for the amount I need 35 percent of the profit. Before saying anything, give a thought for it first." Gato thought about it for some time. On one hand he was in serious need of money but on the other hand he cannot give away that much profit for the money that he was offered.

"Well on one hand getting money from you is better than those loan sharks, but on the other hand what you ask is too much for the money you give. I can only give 25 percent of my profit for you."

Then both of started to negotiate back and forth till both of them settled on 30 percent. When both of them settled they shook their hands.

"I will draw up the contract in the next two days."

Haruto then enquired about where he could some candles for his training. Gato then gave the direction to the store which sells wax candles. Haruto stood up from his stool and walked to the door slowly still processing that he got 30 percent. He thought that the maximum he would get will be 20 to 25 percent at the max. Because of this he almost missed a person running out of the place. He thought nothing of it.

When he stepped out the sun had already been up and glaring at his face. He then proceeded to walk in the direction of the store to buy some candles. He walked leisurely in the given direction and got some candle. When he was returning from the shop he saw two Shinigami talking there. After 5 minutes he reached a small alley between two buildings which was the short cut to the inn. He walked through it and when he reached halfway of the alley, he saw four men blocking the path. When he turned back he saw that 3 men were blocking the way he came from. Then one in the front stepped forward.

"You there. We heard from a little bird that you had money to practically buy an inn. So, do you mind if you give it to us? That way you won't be hurt."

"Will you believe me if I said that you can't force money from me?"

"You are right. We don't believe you. We will force you to give us the money from you by the mighty force of the Momochi organization. You will tremble before our force."

"Wow. You use too much force."

"Shut up and give us the money."

"Nope. Can't do that?"

The one who was speaking charged at him and gave him a blow. Haruto blocked the blow and got some distance. He concluded that while those shinigami he fought were wet behind their ears, these thugs had experience instead of skill. When the same man charged at him and attempted to strike him. Haruto caught his wrist and deflected it while using the other hand he flipped him over. He realized that he wouldn't be able to use his kido spells, since the Shinigami were nearby. The kido spells will definitely alert them if he used. He didn't want that to happen after last night fiasco.

The remaining men drew their weapon. Every body save one was wielding a katana. One guy who was heavily built was wielding an axe. Then two of them charged at him to cut him up. He quickly drew his sword and blocked one sword on his left hand while he was blocking he swept his right sword which deflected the other sword and continued towards the other man. Seeing the sword he tried to block it, which was a mistake as he forgot about the sword he was currently blocking. Haruto used this distraction and knocked him cold with the flat side of the blade. Without missing a beat he kicked the other with a round house kick, which threw him over the building knocking him out.

Without giving any time three of them came at him with their sword poised to attack him. He was concentrating on the three that he almost missed the swipe from the axe wielding guy. He sensed the reiatsu at the last moment and was able to dodge, but the axe made contact at hi midsection and made a small gash. He then got some room by jumping to the side. 'Time to go for offensive' he thought.

He then quickly cut up the one who was outside of the formation. He then charged at one of the thug but he was interrupted in his advance once again by the axe man. Haruto quickly went for the feint to his right. The big guy too went for it, but he brought the other sword towards the axe man still looking at the other side so that taking the axe man completely of guard. But, he didn't go down as predicted and was able once again form a cut at the shin. He kicked him hard and axe man went limp.

He then dispatched two others easily with well placed strike. His dual blade style gave him advantage over the amateurs. When he was about knock of the last some one came within his guard. He cursed for letting his guard down. It seems his sensing ability was very low. He needs to practice on that. Before he knew he got two gashes in his abdomen. Before he could react the man backed up to the other side. Without thinking he kicked hard the one he was fighting.

He turned and saw that there were three men standing his way. When he saw one short man standing there, he recognized him as the one who ran from the bar this morning. 'So, that's how they knew'.

"I must commend you boy. Not many will be able to defeat them. Especially Kon there." He was pointing at the axe man. "I am Momochi Zabuza, here in sector 49 I rule. So, I suggest you give me your money."

Haruto was tired of talking and so he quickly dispatched the one who ran out of the inn. When he proceeded to attack them, they have already put some distance between him.

"I will take that as a no."

Then he put on some gauntlet on both his hand (Like the demon brothers in naruto). Then one with twin short blade came at him. Haruto observed that the man was fast. He also concluded another fact that he was slowing due to the blood loss. He then channeled some reiatsu in his bladed and broke the two daggers cleanly and then he knocked him out. Then without warning the Zabuza guy came at him with a fast swipe. He dodged in time only to dodge again for another swipe. But, he was not able to do anything as he was constantly swiping at him without any pause.

'Time for desperate measures' he thought. He then made a quick flash step and put some distance between him. Zabuza was shocked. Before he could think of any thing Haruto came at him and this time he was on defensive. Haruto then made a shunpo to his left and attempted to strike him. Even though zabuza was not able to properly react, his experience made him to get away with only a long gash from shoulder to mid section.

They put some distance between them and both eyed the other warily. This would be the last chance both thought. Besides Haruto sensed that the two shinigami were about to reach this place in their patrol. He quickly flash stepped to Zabuza's left side and when Zabuza was about to react he flash stepped to his right and again before Zabuza could react he once again went to his right side and brought both the blades together. Zabuza was not able to react to successive flash step and got sliced up. But before he went down one of the gauntlet he used broke due to the force of the sword and the metal lodged itself on his shoulder. Haruto bit down the pain.

He sensed that the shinigamis were closing in. he quickly collected the candles and made his exit on the other side of where the shinigami would come. He quickly pulled his reserve and made long distance flash step and reached the inn within seconds. He noticed that luckily the bar was deserted and he saw Gato behind the counter. The last thing he saw was Gato and his daughter rushing towards him before everything went black.

Please review

Suggestions Welcome.

I don't know how some authors write more than 10,000 words. I must salute them.

Longest chap till now.