Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach in any way! All copyrights go to Tite Kubo.
Author's Note: Boo! Did I scare you? LOL, I probably didn't. Plus, I'm a little early to be scaring anyone considering the Halloween fun and games are about to start in less than twenty-four hours (from where I live). xD Anyway, I'm back with chapter thirteen for this story! Yay! Special thanks go to my wonderful reviewers: icyangel27, HyourinmaruIce, k a y - t h i, anime16, satomika, superattackpea, applestoapples, becomeafan, NeonCookies O.o, tlg, KnowledgeandImagination, athdrizzle, i wanna be inside your heaven, OMG an update xD, prettykat, cause I'm cool like that, sweet miracle 'michu 17', peachesandstrawberries, bengara-koushi, Filipino and proud, serenity095. Well, enough with me talking; here is another long chapter of The Next Greatest Treasure. Enjoy!
LEGEND
"Talking." "Thinking."
The Next Greatest Treasure
Chapter Thirteen: Infiltration
"Argh, once I see them, I'm totally going to tear them apart!" Renji exclaimed as he, Kira and Hisagi are on their horses, waiting for the others to come.
"You're not the only one who is upset," Shuhei said. "I'm the one who let Hinamori get kidnapped."
"I believe all of us think that way," Izuru pointed out. "Besides, we should have acted when we knew that they were our enemies."
The Trio Knights suddenly let out defeated sighs. Abarai suddenly punched the nearby wall and let out a curse. "Shit..."
Without any warning, Matsumoto, Ichimaru, and Hitsugaya raced out of the nearby house shop before a minor explosion erupted from the inside. Toshiro raised a fist over his mouth while Rangiku covered her mouth with her hand. They both closed their eyes and coughed several times. A few seconds later, Urahara Kisuke came out with his clothes all filthy and coughing out smoke. "Well, it seems like things definitely haven't changed since the last time I came here," Gin said.
"Oi, what exactly happened in there?" Hisagi asked as the Trio Knights joined them.
"Oh it's nothing," the strawberry orange haired woman replied. "Urahara just decided to do a few experiments in the shop like he always does."
Hitsugaya folded his arms over his chest and added, "Unfortunately, there will be days where some of them are just epic failures."
"Now those words are definitely harsh to say, little captain," Kisuke pointed out. "Are you sure it's really okay for you to be running around in your current condition?"
"I don't care about my health," he retorted, mostly ignoring the pain coming from the bandaged wounds around his forehead and left arm. "Right now, I need to rescue Momo before the Higashi family kills her."
"Hn, so you figured out their intentions?"
The white haired teenager then nodded with agreement. "Yes, they want to overthrow the kingdom. However, we have yet to figure out why they are doing this."
"Well, there are a few possibilities to consider," Urahara said as he took off his green and white striped hat and brushed some soot off with his hand. He put his hat back on his head and continued, "The family wants to become the most powerful rulers ever to walk the land, they wanted revenge on the Hinamori family over some unknown conspiracy, or they just think this is fun and games."
"I don't think the third possibility is accurate," Renji suggested.
The others soon agreed shortly after some let out defeated sighs while others just shook of their heads. "We'll figure out what they're up to after we rescue Momo and bring her back safely," Hitsugaya said.
Ichimaru looked up into the sky and noticed the sun is already high above their heads. "Well, look at the time!" the gray haired captain said. "It's time to get moving everyone."
Matsumoto and Toshiro raised their heads to see the sun as well. "You're right Gin," she said. "We better get going before we fall behind schedule."
The white haired teenager lifted up his black bag and draped it over his right shoulder. "Thanks for your help, Urahara. We'll be back again soon."
"Take care of yourselves and have a safe trip," the shopkeeper said, waving a good bye.
With that said the Trio Knights, the Royal Guard Captains, and the female swordsman got on their horses and rode away toward the western direction of Rukongai. "Are you sure it's okay to leave the palace as it is?" Kira asked.
"Don't worry too much about it," Ichimaru replied before turning to the other Royal Guard Captain. "Hitsugaya-kun and I have already got that matter settled, isn't that right?"
"I'm okay with Ikkanzaka Jidanbo looking after the place, but I'm a little worried about Shihoin Yoruichi being there as well," Toshiro said. "That woman is going to have so much fun there."
"Why would that be so?" Matsumoto asked.
Hitsugaya let out a defeated sigh. "Who lives next door to the Hinamori Palace to the right?"
"The Kuchiki Family," Hisagi answered.
All of a sudden, Rangiku placed the bottom of her right fist on the palm of her left hand. She pointed a finger up and said, "Oh, I get it! The current head of the Kuchiki family has a long history with Yoruichi-san!"
He nodded with agreement. "Exactly."
"What exactly happened between them?" Hisagi asked. "This is the first time I've heard that one of the members of the wealthiest families has interacted with a commoner."
"Actually, Yoruichi-san was born into the wealthy class," Rangiku stated. "She just likes to run around and live the life as a commoner."
"In other words, she hates to be bounded by family rules," Kira said.
"You got that right!" exclaimed a voice from behind.
The Trio Knights turned around and jumped. As for the others, they weren't surprised by her sudden presence at all. "Ara Shihoin-san, you came to visit us," Ichimaru said.
"Yes, I sure did," the purple haired woman said, draping an arm over the gray haired teenager's shoulder. She is sitting on his horse. "I can see that you're looking well, little Gin."
"I don't think little is an appropriate word to address me."
It is when Hitsugaya shot the gray haired teenager an icy glare, knowing that he's referring to him. Yoruichi let out an amused laugh. "I guess you're right about that."
Toshiro raised a fist over his mouth and loudly cleared his throat. "If visiting us is the only reason you're here, you might as well head back now. We're on a tight schedule."
"Yes yes, your beautiful future wife is waiting to be rescued." He rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I came to drop off a few things you might need when you get to the Higashi Region. It's in the bag that is tied to Gin's horse."
"Arigato Yoruichi-san," Matsumoto said.
She smiled. "No problem, see you soon."
All of a sudden, she jumped off the horse and ran along with it until her speed cannot keep up. Soon after, she was far behind from the others; they have gone on their way. "By the way Hitsugaya-taicho," Hisagi said. "Why aren't you going to the region in your usual attire?"
"It's better for me to roam around there as Aisu no Ryu opposed to dressing up as Captain Hitsugaya," Toshiro answered. "Besides, I think they have yet to figure out my identity."
"I see."
"So that's why you told us to dress up a little differently as well," Kira said.
"That's right Izuru," Gin replied. "We have to assume that Nagara and Princess Higashi have informed their people of what we look like."
"How do we know that these clothes are the appropriate ones to blend in with the crowd over there?" Renji asked.
Suddenly, the gray haired captain placed a finger and thumb on his chin. "Hn, I suppose you have a point there. None of us have ever been there before."
"Well, we just have to wait and find out once we get there," Matsumoto said.
The Trio Knights nodded with agreement. "Alright then, everyone stay awake! This is going to be a long ride before we arrive at our destination," Ichimaru said.
"Yes sir!" Hisagi, Kira, Renji, and Rangiku exclaimed in unison.
With flicks of their reigns they commanded their horses to run faster toward the direction where the Higashi Region is located. Hitsugaya thought, "We're coming Momo..."
By the time they have arrived, the sun has already begun to set to the west. Night is approaching. "Wow, this place is in ruins," Rangiku commented as the six teenagers traveled through the barren town. "These people look like they've experienced much worse that we did, Hitsugaya."
"I could see that," Toshiro replied.
She took another look and noticed the residents giving them disgusting expressions on their faces. "They definitely hate us."
"It's probably because they know we came from another part of the land," Ichimaru said.
Hitsugaya took a glance at what's ahead of him and noticed a large castle located at a fair distance from where they are. "That must be where the Queen and Princess of the Higashi Region live."
"It looks like it," Kira replied.
"I agree," Hisagi said.
"So, what do we do to get some information?" Renji asked the two captains.
"Isn't that obvious, the best place to gather information about the latest gossip is to hang around in a bar," Matsumoto suggested.
It is when Hitsugaya raised an eyebrow at her and said, "You better not are saying that because you want to stop for a drinking break."
In response, she put up both hands in mock stance. "Of course not, Hitsugaya; Hinamori's rescue comes first before the sake."
"I'm glad we're on the same page." He raised his hands up and began untying his forehead bandages.
"Oi Hitsugaya-taicho, didn't Unohana-san already warned you not to take off your bandages until next week?" Kira asked.
"I'm well aware of that," Toshiro replied as he put his black bandanna on and tied it.
"Let him be Izuru," Gin said as they watched the young captain put on his mouth mask. "He's obviously not going to listen to reason when it comes to rescuing his girlfriend."
"This is where we split up. I'm going to break into one of the thief hideouts in this area and try to gather some information. In the meantime, the rest of you follow Matsumoto's suggestion."
"Eh, we're actually going along with my idea?" Rangiku asked, pointing a finger at herself.
The captain in disguise draped his cloak hood over his head and turned to the strawberry orange haired woman. "Yes, we are; to be honest, it's probably the best idea we should go along with."
"Well then everyone, let's head on inside," Ichimaru replied as he began walking toward the nearby pub shop.
"See you later Hitsugaya-taicho," Hisagi said.
"Don't get too rash along the way," Renji suggested.
"Ja ne," he whispered.
With that said, Toshiro flicked his reigns and commanded his horse to leave the group of teenagers behind to follow the other captain's instructions. "Are you sure it's okay to let him do this on his own?" Kira asked as they got off their horses. "What if he ends up breaking into the castle?"
"Hitsugaya-kun is not stupid," Gin pointed out as he tied his horse's reigns to a nearby post. "He's smart enough to know the consequences despite the intention of going in there. Now, shall we get going?"
When they walked inside, heads immediately turned to see them. "I don't think these people look very friendly," Kira said.
"I have to agree with that," Hisagi replied.
All of a sudden, knives, daggers, and swords were drawn from their sleeves, pockets, and shirts while others raised their bottles and jugs of sake. Matsumoto and the Trio Knights took a small step back as Ichimaru merely gave them a wide grin. "Something tells me that they're the Higashi family's henchmen," Renji suggested.
"I think so too."
"Hey you guys!" Rangiku exclaimed. "Who here can give us information about Hi no Tori?"
"Oi Rangiku," Shuhei said. "I have a bad feeling about this."
She turned to the short haired Trio Knight. "Really? What would that be?"
With a fierce yell, weapons were suddenly thrown in their direction. Matsumoto and Kira jumped out of the way and hid under a round table. On the other hand, Hisagi and Renji did the same and hid behind the bar table. As for Gin, he drew his sword from its sheath and knocked all the attacks off to the sides with his skillful swings. Sharp weapons were scattered on the ground along with the broken bottles and jugs which left some spilled drinks.
"Hey!" Rangiku yelled as she stood up from her hiding spot. "That's a waste of good alcohol!"
A dagger is thrown in her direction. She immediately ducked back down and dodged it. Kira said, "M-Matsumoto-san, I-I don't think it's a good idea to say such things."
With no warning, a knife from the right is thrown. Luckily for her, she barely managed to evade it as the small weapon pierced into the wall next to her. She turned her head and glared at her childhood friend. "Oi Gin, watch where you knock their weapons! One of them almost cut my beautiful hair!"
"Oops, sorry about that Ran-chan," Ichimaru apologized.
She folded her arms over her chest. "You owe me a bottle of sake for that."
"Aw, you're so mean."
"Shut up, you deserve it."
"She just had to start a fight," Renji commented after sighing with defeat.
"Well, what am I supposed to do?" the strawberry orange haired woman asked the red headed teenager from across the room.
"We could have just talked," Kira suggested.
"Do you really think those people are the type to do such things?" Ichimaru answered as he continued to knock all the attacks away.
"I suppose not..."
"No kidding Kira," Abarai said.
"We have no other choice, but to get away from this mess or else the guards are going to find us."
"In that case, I have the perfect plan," Gin replied. All of a sudden, with a single hand he caught a few knives and daggers by the hilt and threw them back at his opponents. With no time to waste, he charged and elbowed a few of them down to the ground. Shortly after, he picked up a scarf and wrapped it around his neck. Upon resuming his attention to the Trio Knights and Matsumoto, he said, "If you can't beat them, then join them."
Momo groaned as she slowly regained consciousness. She slowly opened her eyes and noticed she is in an unfamiliar place. "This is definitely not the palace," she said. "Where am I?"
She looked down and noticed her arms and legs are tied to a chair by a thick piece of rope. The peach girl struggled to break free, but the knots are just too tight.
"Why am I tied up like this?"
"Don't worry too much about it," said a voice. "Besides, you're going to die within a few hours."
The raven haired princess raised her head and let out a small gasp. Coming out from the dark corner of the room is Princess Ume and an older woman with midnight violet hair (which is tied up nicely into a bun) and amber eyes. "Ume...Then, you must be..."
Dressed in her traditional royalty outfit, the Queen of the Higashi Region nodded with agreement. "That is correct; I am Queen Higashi Kyoko. It's a pleasure to finally see my niece for the first time."
All of a sudden, the memory of the recent events flashed through her mind. "Why did you hire Hi no Tori to capture me? I have never done anything to you."
"Even though you didn't, your mother did," Kyoko answered. "She became the Queen of Seireitei."
"I don't get it."
She took a few steps forward, grabbed her chin, and pulled the young princess toward her face. "Your mother took my one true love away."
"Oto-san?" The ruler of the kingdom roughly released Momo and turned around.
After taking a few steps with her hands together on her back, she further explained, "That's right; I loved your father for a very long time. But no thanks to her, I could never live my happily ever after."
Hinamori lowered her head, still trying to absorb the hidden secrets between her family and the Higashi family.
"Now, I am happy for getting the chance to make things right. I'll finally become Queen of Seireitei!"
Momo sighed with defeat. "Listen, I may not understand what has happened between you and Okaa-san, but I'm sure there is a reason behind all that."
"Sorry little princess, but I'm not going to listen to your soft words. Your mother had already used that tactic against me."
The princess raised her head up and exclaimed, "Either way, Toshiro will come here and stop it from happening!"
All of a sudden, the Queen turned around and let out a bellowing laugh. "Oh really? You think that Hitsugaya Toshiro, the little captain of the Royal Guard and your so called fiancé, will come and stop me? What can a mere commoner like him do?"
"Don't underestimate him; he's capable of doing more than you expected!"
She then let out an evil grin. "We'll see about that."
With a snap of her fingers, several guards came to her side. "You called, your Majesty?"
"Yes, throw her in the dungeon," Kyoko said. "I'll deal with her later."
Once they have untied and taken her away, Ume turned to face her mother.
"It's time for you to go out there as your other self. If you end up seeing that girl's allies, be sure to kill them all."
"Yes mother, I'll make sure of it," she replied while bowing to her.
Hitsugaya came out of a pub shop, closed his eyes, and let out a relieved sigh. "Alright, I got all the information I needed," he thought. "It's time to head back and find the others."
Just as he is about to walk off, a pair of hands covered his eyes and pulled him back against her chest.
"Oi Matsumoto, what the hell are you trying to do?"
He grabbed her by the wrists, pulled it down, and turned around to see her, the Trio Knights, and Ichimaru standing behind him. The female swordsman said, "Sugoi Hitsugaya, you're able to figure out it's me."
Toshiro gave her a stern look. "It's not hard to figure out it's you."
"Eh, you're serious?" She turned to her childhood friend and the others. "What Hitsugaya said is true?"
The Trio Knights turned pink and turned their heads to the side, shy to answer her question. As for Gin, he merely stated, "Of course it's obvious; besides, it doesn't take a genius to guess it's you."
She gave him a stern look. "Are you sure about that?"
He smiled. "Yes."
Rangiku let out a defeated sigh. "I really need to work on it then."
"I don't think you'll be able to achieve that goal anytime soon," Hitsugaya thought. "Anyway, I can see that you guys have dressed nicely to blend in with the people here."
"I'm glad you liked it," Ichimaru said. "I hand picked it myself."
"Good, we're going to put it to good use."
"What do you mean Hitsugaya-taicho?" Kira asked.
"We're going to disguise ourselves as ordinary citizens living here and go to the Higashi Castle. Apparently, today is the day where the citizens have to go there to pay their taxes."
"Ou, what an interesting way to break into the place," Gin replied with a grin.
"However, there is one problem," Hisagi said. "Nagara and Princess Higashi recognize our faces. How can we hide ourselves?"
It is when Matsumoto suddenly cleared her throat. Heads turned to the strawberry orange haired teenager to listen to what she has to say. With a smile on her face, she said, "Don't worry my dear fellow friends; I have the perfect disguise that will prevent anyone from knowing it is us."
Hitsugaya and Ichimaru look at one another before giving her a stern look.
"What?"
"I have a bad feeling about this," Toshiro said.
"Same here," Gin agreed.
"Aw, come on!" Rangiku complained. "Let me help out for once!"
The white haired captain let out a defeated sigh and said, "Go consult with Ichimaru about it."
She folded her arms over her chest and commented, "You're so stingy!"
"Uruse!"
"Fine Ran-chan, I'll let you help out," Ichimaru suddenly said.
"Really?" Matsumoto said. "Arigato Gin!"
It is when Toshiro raised an eyebrow at the other Royal Guard Captain. "You better keep her under control."
"Oh don't worry about that," the gray haired teenager said with a grinning smile. "I got it all covered."
"I think the only reason you suddenly changed your mind is because you wanted to make her happy," the white haired captain of the Royal Guard casually stated.
It is when he began playing around with the younger captain. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Hitsugaya-kun."
"Yeah whatever, let's just initiate this plan."
He then playfully replied, "Somebody needs to get laid once he rescues his princess and return home."
"Oh shut up Ichimaru..."
References
Arigato - Thank You, Taicho - Captain, Aisu no Ryu - Ice Dragon; Hitsugaya's codename as the notorious thief of Rukongai, Ja ne - Good Bye (informal/casual), Oto-san - Father, Okaa-san - Mother, Sugoi - Amazing, Uruse - Shut up
Author's Note: Yay, Hitsugaya's alive! Well, this chapter sure have its share of laughs, mysteries, action, and adventure. Stay tuned for the next update. Please review! Thanks.