Recap:

Central 46 passed their decision on the situation Toshiro and Kusaka have placed themselves in. They must fight in 5 days time, winner keeping the Zanpakuto and loser dies. Toshiro noticed a strange behavior in Kusaka when Central 46 announced their decision.

Two Days Later... Tenth Squad Barracks

Rangiku and Midori exchanged glances mixed with concern and slight irritation. Rangiku mouths to Midori, What's up with them?

Midori shrugged and returned her attention to Toshiro and Kusaka. Midori couldn't understand why Toshiro and Kusaka were acting so cold with each other. The situation has gotten so bad that they have stopped talking or even sitting with each other. They were currently sitting on the couch sitting as far away from each other with irritated looks on their faces. They didn't even steal glances of each other. It seemed as if their strong bond never existed.

*Flashback*

Toshiro and Kusaka just came back from Central 46. Midori was already aware that Toshiro and Kusaka were going to fight each other to the death after five days. Rangiku ran into the office panting, "Captain... Toshiro and Kusaka... They're back..."

As soon as Midori heard this, she ran out of the office to greet and possibly comfort the two friends. Rangiku followed. However, the two of them stopped dead in their tracks when they witnessed something happen between the two friends.

"Kusaka? Um... Hey, how come you haven't said anything since we left?" Toshiro was behind Kusaka, who ignored Toshiro despite the amount of concern that reflected in his voice. "Kusaka, are you okay?" Toshiro asked again, but this time he tried to place his hand on Kusaka's shoulder to grab his attention.

"Don't touch me!" Kusaka snapped at Toshiro, while slapping his hand away. Toshiro was shocked and confused.

"What happened?" Toshiro had sadness in his eyes. "You've never acted this way before... So, why now?"

Kusaka turned around and walked away, ignoring Toshiro's question and leaving him behind. Toshiro stayed in place and looked at the hand Kusaka slapped away. "What's wrong with you? Weren't we going to stay friends forever?"

*End of Flashback*

Midori sighed at the thought of what happened two days ago. After thinking for of what she could say, Midori finally begins speaking to the boys.

"Alright, you too. What in the world happened? I know that you're supposed to be fighting with each other in 3 days, since you wasted 2 days being mad over who knows what. So would anyone start explaining?" Midori was beginning to get irritated, which is quite a rare sight considering how kind she is. However, seeing something like this always made her mad.

"Heh. Why would we tell you anything?" Toshiro answered coldly. Midori expected that to come from Toshiro. "Besides, it's not like you can do anything about it."

"Kusaka, you tell me then. At least, you have more manners than him." Midori said to Kusaka, but she received no answer. He didn't say a single word after what he said to Toshiro. Also, it seemed as if Kusaka was always thinking about something. This was beginning to get on Midori's nerves. "Damn it, guys! If you don't tell me anything, then how am I supposed to help you out?"

Rangiku jumped as she had never seen her captain so furious. "C-captain? Um... Do you mind if Renji and I could deal with them?"

"Renji? Why are you going to bother him? Doesn't he have better things to do than to deal with two damned brats?"

"It's alright, Captain. Renji should be coming any minute now."

Right then, Renji entered the room. "Rangiku, why the hell did you take Zabimaru?" He yelled at Rangiku and Rangiku quickly hit him in the guts to shut him up.

"See, I told you." Rangiku smiled sheepishly.

Midori sighed and said, "Go ahead. You might have better luck."

"Thank you, Captain!" Rangiku quickly grabbed Renji. Apparently, she had already filled in Renji on what happened, so he immediately knew to grab Toshiro and Kusaka. However, Kusaka had already left during the commotion Renji's entrance caused, Toshiro was just about to leave. Luckily, Renji was quick on his feet and flash-stepped in front of Toshiro, startling him yet again, and picked him up, holding him by his side.

"Damn it, Renji! Why the hell do you do this all the time?" Toshiro snapped at Renji while struggling to get out.

Renji smirked, "Haven't you heard of Deja-Vu?"

Toshiro scowled, "RRRRAAANNNGGGIIIKKKUUUU!"

Both Renji and Rangiku chuckled and flash-stepped away. Unfortunately, Toshiro is held captive and where are they going is unknown.