Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach in any way! All copyrights go to Tite Kubo.
Author's Note: Gah, I'm sorry for updating this story so late. I really had trouble trying to figure out what to write for this chapter and too busy keeping my focus on my other fanfiction, The Healing Heart. Anyway, thank you everyone for being so patient especially my reviewers: icyangel27, DestinedDuelist893, Samantha, iamkiley, NeonCookies O.o, lil'sayuri-chan, AIG -d e a d, tlg, RebelAngel91210, serenity095, KnowledgeandImagination, MoonLightView, cool!, satomika, applestoapples, becomeafan, chococat450, Neko-cheung, athfdrizzle. Without any further adieu, here is chapter three. Enjoy!
LEGEND
"Talking." "Thinking."
The Next Greatest Treasure
Chapter Three: Rumours
"Umai, nothing tastes better than the dango from this particular restaurant!" Rangiku exclaimed happily after taking a bite out of her food.
"And don't forget the sake!" Kyoraku added as he filled yet another small flat plate with the Japanese alcohol in Matsumoto's serving. "They're just out of this world!"
After meeting Shunsui and Jushiro in the streets of West Rukongai, everyone went to a nearby restaurant to have some dango to eat and some sake to drink. At the same time, Hitsugaya, Matsumoto, and Hinamori would get information from them about the new thief in town, Hi no Tori. "You got that right! I never get sick or tired from drinking it!"
After watching the straw hat man and the strawberry orange haired woman drink away together, Hitsugaya turned to Ukitake and let out a sigh of defeat. He wondered, "How are we supposed to do our work when these two are always having fun?"
Jushiro gave a him a hesitant laugh. "I'm not quite sure, to be honest. Whenever this happens, both of us always manage to find a way to work around them."
"Toshiro," Momo said. "Why are you asking Ukitake-san and Kyoraku-san for information about Hi no Tori?"
The white haired captain explained, "Back when I was still living here, I go to these people for help whenever I needed to get information on the families that have expensive items to steal. Before, these two would often disguise themselves as Seireitei Citizens and sneak in to get the latest word going around. Nowadays, they just hear a lot of things from all over the place and use it for their profits."
"So that's how you were able to steal successfully."
"Yeah, but that's all history," he concluded. "I don't steal anymore."
"And that's because you're now spending all your free time with your beautiful future wife," Kyoraku teased.
"Now, Kyoraku..." Ukitake said.
Hitsugaya shot him an icy glare before resuming his attention to the long white haired man. "So, is there any word you know about Hi no Tori?"
The older male leaned back against his seat and folded his arms over his chest. He thought for a few moments before a thought came into mind. He leaned toward the white haired captain and the Princess of Seireitei, replying, "Actually, we do know a few things about him. First thing of all, he first made his appearance somewhere far away in the outskirts of Rukongai."
"The outskirts of Rukongai?" Momo asked. "What important treasure are there to steal in that area?"
"There aren't any," Jushiro replied. "As a matter of fact, the shocking thing is he steals food and water from families that live there."
Hinamori placed a hand over her mouth. "Oh no, that's terrible!"
"During that time, he would steal other stuff including valuable items."
"In other words, he's pretty much known for his mischief from everywhere," Hitsugaya concluded.
The older white haired male nodded with agreement. "Yes, it has only been a few days since he came to Rukongai and Seireitei."
"Has he stolen anything from here yet?"
He shook his head in response. "From what I know, he hasn't done such a thing."
"Well, that's good to hear," Matsumoto replied, finally joining the conversation.
"It's only a matter of time before he starts doing that to the people living here," Kyoraku added, "whether they are rich or poor."
"So, the Hinamori Palace was his first target," Toshiro said.
"Then, it's safe to assume that you met him in person?" Ukitake asked.
"Yes or else I wouldn't be here right now."
"You do have a point there."
The straw hat man took a sip from his flat plate of sake and placed it on the table. "If you think about it, it does make perfect sense to target the place with the most security. If one is able to penetrate through all the traps and successfully steal the valuables from that place, it is safe to say that the thief can easily steal from the lower class ones."
"I see," Momo said, understanding the whole situation.
"So, did you let him get away with whatever he tried to steal?" Ukitake asked.
"Of course not," Hitsugaya replied. "There is no way I'm going to let any of Momo's valuables get stolen or let anything happen to her. If I'm so irresponsible, she would not hesitate to take away my position as a Captain of the Royal Guard in the first place."
"I-I think that's going a little too far," Hinamori said.
"Either way, you would do that, right?"
"Um...maybe."
The fifteen year old teenager let out a sigh of defeat. "Even if we are in a romantic relationship, it doesn't mean I get any special treatment from you."
"Eh, yeah..."
Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow at her. "Momo."
"I know Toshiro, but it's hard to do that to you!" she admitted. "Y-You're my fiancé and I trust whatever decision you make!"
He let out a sigh of defeat. "We went through this issue before. I accepted your offer of becoming a Captain of the Royal Guard, but in return, I want you to treat me like how you would treat Ichimaru and the others."
Jushiro let out an amused smile on his face. "You're always so serious lil'Shiro. There's nothing wrong with having preferences."
"I know there's nothing wrong, but one of these days, preferences won't be an option. If the people thinks that the princess is doing whatever it takes to save my life because she's in love with me, then they might as well try to overthrow the kingdom. They don't want a ruler who only sees things one sided."
"Of course, that's coming from the person who sees things through our perspective," Kyoraku said. "Putting that into consideration, the little guy has thought of yet another plan to ensure that he and his lover get on that cathedral together and say I do."
The white haired captain shot him an icy glare before he placed a hand palm on the table. Hitsugaya stood up from his seat and said, "If that's all you know about the thief, then our business here is done."
He turned to the raven haired princess and the strawberry orange haired female swordsman.
"Let's head back to the palace Momo, Matsumoto."
"Eh, already?" Rangiku asked.
"We have to go back because our visit to Rukongai is strictly business."
"Geez, it has only been a month since you've started working as a Captain of the Royal Guard and you're already stressing out like crazy. I think you need a nice whole week off just to run away to some far away land with Hinamori."
Toshiro just rolled his eyes and began leaving the two girls behind. Matsumoto half turned her body to the side.
"Oi Hitsugaya, chotto matte!"
However, he wasn't listening at all and soon walked out the door. Worried about him, Momo turned to the older men and said, "It's nice to meet you two, but we have to get going."
With a short nod, Ukitake replied, "It's understandable. Hope you will come back again soon for a visit."
"Hai, ja ne."
"Bye Hinamori-chan!" Shunsui said.
She turned to the older woman. "Let's go Rangiku-san."
Matsumoto let out a sigh of defeat, disappointed that she couldn't spend anymore time in the bar, drinking her favourite beverage. "Fine..."
With that said, the two girls ran out the door, trying to catch up to the young Royal Guard Captain. By the time they spotted him in the crowd, Momo called out, "Toshiro, wait up!"
Recognizing the voice he heard, he stopped, glanced over his shoulder, and waited for his princess to catch up. "Are you alright?"
Hitsugaya let out a defeated sigh and replied, "I'm alright; it's just...frustrating that issues like these are potentially endangering your safety. I-I just don't want anything bad to happen to you."
Leaning towards him, she planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for looking out for me."
In response, he cracked a smile. "By the way, wasn't Matsumoto behind you?"
The peach girl blinked a few times before looking around. He is right; Rangiku is nowhere to be found. "Huh? I could have sworn she was with me when we left Kyoraku-san and Ukitake-san."
"Never mind, she must have wandered off on her own to do her own thing," Hitsugaya replied. "Let's just head back to the palace."
Just as he started walking ahead once more, Momo followed and walked along his side. "Shouldn't we go look for her?"
"There's no point trying to force her to come with us. When she comes back, she'll get the proper punishment she deserves and that is a nice load of paperwork."
"I-I see..."
"Ara, you're back already?" Ichimaru asked the young lovers when they passed through the palace gates.
"Welcome back Hitsugaya-taicho and Hinamori-kun," Kira greeted.
Toshiro gave the Trio Knight a short nod as Momo replied, "Okaeri Kira-kun."
"Hn, where's Ran-chan?" Gin questioned, noticing that the strawberry orange haired woman is not with them. "Wasn't she supposed to be with you two?"
"Take a guess Ichimaru," Hitsugaya commented.
"Hn, is that so?"
"Yes."
Suddenly, a grin appeared on his face. "In that case, I shall go on my break."
"But Ichimaru-taicho, we're not finished with the repairs," Hisagi said.
"Daijobou, Hitsugaya-kun can take my place in the meantime. Besides, it's not like he's stupid or anything. As a matter of fact, he's as skill and knowledgeable as I am."
The young captain raised an eyebrow at him. "With that face you're making, I can't even tell whether to believe you or not."
"Anyway, I better get going and drag her back here before it gets dark."
With that said, the gray haired captain waved his infamous good bye before proceeding to leave the palace gates in search of his childhood friend, Rangiku. Once he is gone, Toshiro turned to Momo and asked, "Why don't you go inside and get some rest? Today must have been quite the exhausting one for you."
"Are you going to be alright here?"
He nodded with agreement. "That's why I'm a Captain of the Royal Guard. I have to be able to do my job."
The raven haired girl let out a faint smile. "Alright then, I'll see you later at dinner."
She leaned over and gave him a short smack on the lips.
"Don't push yourself too hard."
Hitsugaya returned the sentiment with a loving hug before he watched her retreat back into the palace building with a few guards. He let out a sigh and soon turned his attention to the Trio Knights. "Okay, let's get back to work."
Kira, Hisagi, and Abarai all nodded with agreement. Not long after, they resumed their duties to rebuilding the palace.
The door opened to reveal a dark room. Hi no Tori went down on one knee and bowed to his master. "I have come back from Seireitei and Rukongai."
"How are things there?"
"Peaceful and prosperic."
"So the rumours are true after all; Aizen Sosuke's attempt to rule over the kingdom has failed."
"Yes..."
A grin appeared on the master's face. "That's good; now, there won't be anyone to stop me from doing my own thing and take the throne that was rightfully mine in the first place! Hi no Tori, you will help me make this plan a success. Besides, your bright future's on the line."
The thief bit the bottom of her lip, not liking the situation at all. "...yes, your majesty."
"Good...then let's commence operation: takeover."
"Hai..."
References
Umai - Delicious, Hi no Tori - Fire Bird; the new thief in town, Chotto matte - Wait for Me, Hai - Yes, Ja ne - Good Bye (casual/informal), Okaeri - Welcome back, Taicho - Captain
Author's Note: Oh geez, what does the villains plan to do in order to takeover the kingdom? Who knows...you'll just have to wait and find out in the next chapter. Please review! Thanks.