What's good?
Been a while, i know.. I'm sorry, life's got my by the handles!
Well, hope this chapter makes up for it!
Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Fight for the Innocent, Fight for a Friend!
I don't own either shows...
"Phew, man I'm stuffed," Naruto chuckled as he leaned back and patted his stomach. "That was really good," He looked up and smiled at Kushina as she somehow managed to carry fifteen bowls from the table to the sink. Naruto stood and started to clear the table.
"Thank you Naruto-kun," Kushina said as she started to clean the dishes.
"What's with the sudden ramen breakfast? Not that I'm complaining or anything," He said as he finished. Kushina chuckled as he turned his head and happily smiled.
"Didn't you graduate yesterday?" Naruto blinked before a large smile graced his lips.
"That's right!" Naruto shouted with glee. Memories of the last six years zipped across his mind. The fun times he had, the pranks, the time...
Naruto's mood went south as he was reminded of a certain event that happened long ago. Kushina noticed this and immediately knew why his mood changed.
"It's ok, Naruto-kun. It's not your fault. The Hollow came out of nowhere," Naruto looked up with a forced smile that never quite reached his eyes.
"Yeah, you're right," Naruto turned and left the kitchen, bursting with new-found excitement. "I'll see you later mom!" Naruto shouted.
"What about Hinata-chan? She's still getting ready!" Kushina asked.
"I'll wait for her outside!" Naruto replied as he ran out of the Eleventh Division's barracks and down the path until he reached the end of the block to wait for Hinata.
As he did, he thought back to the last six years he spent with Hinata. They went to the Shinigami Academy together and were never separated. It didn't take long for Naruto to become Hinata's closest friend and vice-versa. Naruto couldn't ask for a better friend.
And yet, he would always feel his stomach twist and turn whenever he was with her. He found it odd and when he asked his mom why he felt that way, she would laugh and tell him stories about her relationship with his father. He had to smirk at the thought of his father. The Yondaime, his hero, was his father. At first, he was kind of hurt and angered by the idea of his father sealing a chakra beast into him but with time, some kind and reassuring words from his mother, he found the will to accept the choice he made.
Besides, his father was the Yondaime! How could he stay mad for long? Ever since this truth had been revealed, Naruto's zanpakutō had been more relaxed.
What was he thinking about?
Right, Hinata.
She was a mystery to him. She was not as shy as she used to be but she still had that shy, timid girl inside her that made her Hinata. Like her pretty yet timid smile, her cute blush that would always stain her creamy cheeks, and her beautiful lavender eyes.
He came to a completely stop and blinked at his thoughts.
'That's... unexpected...' He thought. He then heard someone calling him out and turned to see Hinata running towards him. She wore the Shihakushō, which in Naruto's opinion, seemed to be a little tight in the... ahem, chest area.
He blushed at that thought and mentally cursed Shunsui for his perverted influence as Hinata stood in front of him with a shy but happy smile. She had that pink tint her cheeks always wore and Naruto couldn't help but smile. He couldn't deny that Hinata was pretty. She stuck out from the other girls; at least to Naruto she did.
"Hey Hinata-chan," Naruto greeted with a genuine smile and a hug. Hinata's blush darkened but she returned the hug without hesitation. She had gotten used to Naruto being around her but her blush and her occasional stutters were just habits that wouldn't go without a fight. So far, the fight was going in favor of the blush and stutter.
"You ok, you seemed a bit distracted?" She asked earnestly and Naruto looked away, a peeved look crossing his face.
"It's nothing," Hinata noticed his expression only for a second before Naruto donned a smile that crinkled his eyes. If she were anyone else, she wouldn't have given it a second thought, maybe doubting that the expression was actually there, but she knew better. "We graduated yesterday! We're finally honorary Soul Reapers!" He declared. Hinata smiled warmly and nodded.
"That's right, we are," she decided she wouldn't question his peeved expression... for now. "We're supposed to choose our Divisions today. Are you nervous?" she asked and Naruto laughed with a shake of his head.
"Kenpachi offered me a spot on his Division," Naruto answered casually. He mulled over his thoughts before shrugging. "Not completely true but either way, I'm sure the 11th Division is the division for me."
"That's great, I'm happy for you," Hinata said with a somewhat forced smile. It wasn't that she wasn't happy for him, really, but she wasn't sure which division she wanted to go to. First option was obvious; 11th division. Sure, they seemed ruthless, tough and all around not her kind of division but she could get past that if it meant spending time with Naruto.
However, all grown up, she knew that she had to go her own way. And besides, just because they weren't going to be in the same division didn't meant their friendship had to end. It just meant they'd see each other less... Maybe hardly ever...
Yeah, that was comforting...
"What about you, Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked and Hinata bit her bottom lip.
"I-I'm not really sure," she answered and Naruto frowned.
"Well that's not right," he hummed to himself and after some deep thinking, he snapped his fingers. "Let's go get you into a Division."
"But, wait, Naru-" she wasn't allowed to finish as Naruto grabbed her left arm and began to drag her. She saw Naruto smiling widely, happily. It was the kind of smile she rarely saw since that incident with Naruto and another student from the Shinigami Academy. She let him drag her to wherever he wanted, so long as that smile remained on his face.
After a few more minutes of taking in Naruto's smile, Hinata finally noticed that the two were standing in front of a barrack. The sign on the top of the entrance showed the Sixth Division.
"Let's start here!" Naruto said and Hinata gulped and looked a little skeptical. "I'm sure this is the Division for you,"
"But… But Naruto-kun," Hinata started but stopped when Naruto faced her with a wide smile.
"Trust me Hinata-chan, there are only two Divisions that I know of that you'll fit in but this is the better of the two," Naruto stated and Hinata bit her lower lip as she thought it over. After a while, she nodded and Naruto began to drag her in. She stomped her feet on the ground, successfully stopping Naruto.
"N-Naruto-kun, we can't just walk into this Division's barracks!" Hinata informed him but he only blinked. "We have to inform them that we're here and wish to speak to their captain and/or their lieutenant,"
Naruto's smile widened. "I can do that,"
A second later, Naruto burst through the barracks, running everywhere while looking for the Captain's office. Hinata just sighed, deciding to wait outside.
"Uhm…" she looked up and saw a man standing in front of her, just as confused as the other members of the Sixth Division. He had brown eyes and long crimson hair, which was kept in a high ponytail. He wore the standard Shinigami outfit, though it included black goggles on his forehead.
"Good morning, Lieutenant Abarai," Hinata greeted with a bow and Renji smiled and returned the gesture.
"Morning," he straightened up and pointed his thumb back at the madness that was Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. "What's up his butt?"
Hinata blushed at Renji's words. "He's trying to find Captain Kuchiki," Renji raised an eyebrow.
"What for?" he asked but before Hinata could answer, he stopped her. "You know what, I don't want to know. I'll get him," He turned and motioned a random member to stand by him. "You, escort her to Captain Kuchiki's office," the generic shinigami with brown hair and black eyes nodded and Renji sighed.
"I'll see you in a little," Hinata nodded before Renji growled and ran after Naruto.
"Naruto! Get your ass back here!" Hinata and her escort sweat dropped before he began to lead her to the Captain's office. While she let him escort lead her, she took the time to take in the surroundings.
Everything was so neat and clean. The members were efficient and fast-paced but Hinata could sense peace and serenity in the air. She smiled and bowed her head at a passing Shinigami and the Shinigami smiled and returned the gesture.
"I see you're enjoying yourself," her escort said and Hinata nodded, still looking around. Her escort laughed. "Captain Kuchiki enforces the rules like a dictator but he isn't unfair. We keep everything organized and clean, and he doesn't complain or punish anyone,"
Hinata's smile brightened and continued to greet the members of the Sixth Division. Even with the ruckus Naruto and Renji created in the background, Hinata could still feel the tranquility of the area.
She absolutely loved it.
"Here we are," Hinata turned her attention back on her escort and noticed that they stood in front of the Captain's office. She thanked him and he left, having other things to do. She waited patiently for Renji to 'escort' Naruto to Byakuya's office, still taking in her environment.
Byakuya's office was in the second floor of the barracks, right in the middle of the building. Hinata could hear Naruto's voice starting to get closer and she could only sigh. She liked the boy, maybe even go as far as to say that she was starting to love him, but he had his faults. Still, Hinata couldn't stop a smile from gracing her lips at seeing Naruto bound and gagged on Renji's right shoulder.
Renji dropped Naruto down as if he was a bag of potatoes and walked into the Captain's office. "Come on in,"
Hinata helped Naruto out of his bonds and was soon walking in with Naruto mumbling about stupid red-heads behind her. As she did, she noticed that his office was well-kept. She also noted that it had shelves of books lining its walls.
Captain Kuchiki was behind his desk, dealing with paperwork.
He had slate gray eyes and long black hair, which he kept up in intricate white headpieces. It symbolizes his place as the head of the Kuchiki family, one on top of his head and another on the right side. He wore the standard captain uniform along with a white scarf. He also wore fingerless white tekkou that cover only the back of his hands.
All in all, the captain looked dangerous, at least in Hinata's opinion.
"Captain Byakuya!" Naruto cheered with a smile and crinkled eyes. Byakuya's nose creased in disgust as he looked up and looked at Naruto.
"Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, you continue to disrespect my wishes by calling me by my first name," Naruto blinked his eyes open which helped Byakuya connect his eyes with Naruto's. "It's Captain Kuchiki to you; nothing more, nothing less."
"Ok then," Naruto said with a roll of his eyes.
"You will respect Captain Kuchiki's wishes, you brat!" Renji spat in rage and Naruto chuckled.
"Whatever Renji, if Rukia-nee-chan was here, we both know you'd act differently," Naruto stated and Renji blushed faintly before looking away.
"Shut up, idiot."
"Enough," Byakuya said with conviction and authority. "What is it you two want?" he asked. Hinata felt her nervous habits begin to rise as she began to poke her index fingers together.
"I'm here to support a friend," Naruto said and Byakura's expression never changed. He did, however, shift his gaze to Hinata who smiled timidly.
"I wish to join the Sixth Division of the Gotei 13, sir," Hinata requested and Byakuya raised an eyebrow. He didn't say anything, not even as he took out a giant box. Naruto and Hinata looked at the box with a questioningly gaze, then at each other and then at Byakuya.
"This box contains the files of this year's graduates. Everything ever recorded about you since you started the Spiritual Arts Academy is in this box," Byakuya stated and Hinata nodded, letting him know that she understands. "Your membership to my Division is in your file.
"Now, I'll ask only this once; do you feel that you belong in this Division?" he asked and Hinata stared at him, contemplating his words.
"Yes, I do," she answered confidently and Byakuya stared into her eyes a little longer before nodding.
"We'll see what your records have to say about that," he said as he began to search for Hinata's file. After he did, he started to skim through it. It was relatively small, compared to some of the others she saw, especially compared to Naruto's. She noticed that most of the sheets in Naruto's were pink, indicating that they were disciplinary sheets.
She turned to Naruto and saw that he wasn't affected in the least by this.
"No disciplinary sheets anywhere," Byakuya mumbled loud enough for Hinata to hear. "That shows me that you adhere to the rules, that's good," Hinata smiled at this.
"Your skill in kidō is well above-average and your hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship is excellent," Byakuya said, making Hinata excited by each word. She was getting the feeling that her records impressed him. "However, your Hohō still needs a little work,"
Hinata bowed. "I'm sorry," she apologized and Byakuya looked up and his cold, calculating eyes stared at Hinata for the longest time.
"It's quite all right," he said as he closed her file and returned it to her box. "It seems you easily qualify for this Division and you are welcomed here," Hinata looked up with hope in her eyes and a smile on her lips. Naruto smiled goofily, his eyes crinkled and his hands behind his head. Renji, however, found his Captain's demeanor odd. He had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"So… I'm in this Division now?" Hinata asked gleefully and Byakuya nodded but before she could bow, he put his hand up.
"After you and… Naruto," Naruto frowned at the way Byakuya said his name. "Do something for me,"
"And what's that?" Naruto asked, suspicious of the head of the Kuchiki clan.
"You two shall accompany me on a mission," Byakuya replied. Stars appeared in Naruto's eyes and Hinata nodded obediently.
"What does this mission entail, Captain Kuchiki?" Hinata asked. She caught the scroll tossed to her by Byakuya.
"Read it and be prepared to leave in twenty minutes," Byakuya said and Hinata hurriedly opened the scroll. She read it and with every passing second, her eyes widened.
"N-Naruto-kun, you might want to read this," she said and handed the scroll to him.
"Hm, what could it be?" he asked sarcastically before reading it. By the time he finished, he had two fistfuls of the scroll and he was tempted to burn the damned thing. Instead, he threw it across the room. "Is this some kind of joke?" he demanded and Byakuya shook his head.
"You know I'm not one to joke, Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze," Byakuya reassured and Naruto growled.
"How can you be ok with this?" Naruto yelled but wasn't satisfied with Byakuya's silence.
Finally, Byakuya spoke. "The higher ups demand it, therefore, it is law," Byakuya reestablished eye contact with Naruto and Hinata. "We, as Shinigami, are required to carry out what is demanded of us. If you have a problem with this, then leave my sight," Byakuya commanded and Naruto growled.
"Fine, let's go Hinata-chan," Naruto grabbed Hinata's right arm and began to lead her out.
"If neither of you accompany me, she will not be welcomed in my Division," Byakuya's words stopped Naruto in his tracks. He turned to Byakuya and glared.
"Why the hell is my involvement in this affecting her qualification?" Naruto barked and Byakuya closed his eyes.
"Because I am the captain and I said so," he opened his eyes and leveled Naruto's glare. "Like I said, if you an issue with this, leave my sight, but know that she will not be admitted in my Division is you do so,"
Naruto found himself gritting his teeth and forcing himself to calm down. Not only was attacking a captain against the law, it would also get him killed.
"Naruto-kun," Naruto looked down at Hinata and look intently into her eyes. "It's ok if you don't want to do this,"
A war was waging inside of Naruto. He was against going on this mission with Byakuya, he'd rather jump off a bridge than go. But looking at Hinata and knowing that going would automatically get her in this division was something he couldn't ignore.
Sure, they could always find another division that'll easily allow Hinata to join, no questions asked. However, Naruto has known Hinata long enough to know she's always wanted to join the Sixth Division. For whatever reason, she seemed to really like to follow the rules, order and anything like that. Besides that, her behavior and demeanor was perfect for this division.
His gaze shifted back to Byakuya. The sixteen-year-old took in a deep breath and released it through his nose.
"Where do we meet?" Naruto finally asked and Byakuya stood.
"At the front of my barracks," Naruto nodded and walked off. Hinata faced the captain and bowed before leaving. After they left, Renji turned to Byakuya.
"Are you sure you want to take those two?" Renji asked. "Wouldn't you rather have me go?"
Byakuya walked around his desk and up to a random shelf. "Under normal circumstances, yes. However, I think it'll benefit both Hinata Hyūga and Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze if I take them with me,"
"How so, Captain?" he asked.
"Hinata Hyūga will gain experience and Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze will learn what it means to be a Shinigami," Byakuya picked up a random book, one with a red cover and the words 'Soul Society's Noble Families' printed in gold letters across the side. "I'll show him that nothing and no one is above the law,"
"Not even family?" Renji asked, after taking another look at the scroll he recovered.
"No one," Byakuya answered coldly. He began to scan the book, flipping through pages.
"What are you doing now, Captain?" Renji asked and Byakuya tore his eyes from the book to look at his Lieutenant.
"Doing some research before I go on my mission," he answered before locating the noble family he had been looking for.
"Namikaze," he mumbled and Renji just stared at Byakuya before leaving. He was able to catch up to Naruto and Hinata before they left the barracks.
"Hey!" Renji cried out and Naruto and Hinata turned.
"Hey," Naruto replied callously. Hinata just bowed.
"I know you're not happy right now, neither am I, but orders are orders," Renji said and Naruto crossed his arms and pouted.
"If Hinata's future here wasn't on the line, I would've never agreed with the stuck-up prick," Naruto declared.
"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun," Hinata said, feeling guilty for bring Naruto into this. Naruto hugged Hinata without warning.
"It's ok, it's not your fault," Hinata blushed but hugged him back.
"Anyway, I know you're not happy but I got something to help you," Renji removed his goggles and handed them to Naruto. He looked at them and then at Renji.
"Your goggles?" Renji nodded.
"It'll help you locate and identify the person you're supposed to arrest," Renji said, not wanting to cause Naruto to explode by uttering the name. Naruto looked at the goggles before accepting them. He placed them on his forehead and looked up at them.
"Not bad. They look better on me but whatever," Renji stated and laughed at seeing Naruto's peeved expression. "Just be careful. I get the feeling this won't be easy," he added.
"Me too," Naruto said nonchalantly. He shook his head and turned to walk away. "See ya later, Renji," Hinata bowed with a smile then caught up to Naruto. Renji waved and sighed.
"How could this happen?" he mumbled.
[*.*.*.*]
"I can't believe I'm doing this," Naruto mumbled to himself as he scouted the area using Renji's goggles. So far, the night was quiet and still. The only sounds came from either a random insect or a bystander taking a leisurely stroll around town. It was ok though, humans couldn't really see Shinigami anyway.
"Is that her over there?" Hinata asked, using her Byakugan to help the search end quicker. Naruto still found it amazing that Hinata could use her Byakugan. It came in handy in any kind of situation. Naruto was glad Hinata was here to make everything easier, emotionally and physically.
"Let me check," Naruto said, activating the goggles. Words and numbers appeared on the inside of the goggles and Naruto skimmed over it as the goggles locked in on a girl with raven-hair and wearing a blue sundress. He shifted the goggles back to his forehead and sighed again.
"That's her," Naruto looked up at Byakuya. "What now, Captain?" Naruto asked, sarcasm dripping when he said 'captain'.
"We neutralize the target and eliminate the human," Naruto nodded and looked at Hinata. She nodded too, her once beautiful lavender eyes looking colder and whiter. Even though Naruto couldn't completely understand how she managed to do it, but whenever Hinata had a job to do, nothing stood in her way. Now was the time he did the same, if not for him, then for Hinata.
"Let's go," Naruto said and he disappeared from his place with Hinata right behind him. Byakuya just stared emotionlessly, taking mental notes of Naruto and Hinata's performances.
Naruto stood on top of a utility pole, with Hinata standing on the one across from him. The two watched their target continue to run, oblivious of the two Shinigami over her.
'This is what's best. A Shinigami shouldn't be burdened by emotions, friends or affection,' the target thought as she closed her eyes.
"Rukia Kuchiki!" Naruto yelled, making his target stop and look up at him. He jumped down and landed near her. Her eyes widened.
"Naruto? What are you doing here?" Rukia asked. She then gave him a smile. "Did you graduate already?"
"I did," Naruto answered impassively. "And I'm here to take you in," he finished and Rukia gasped.
"W-What?"
Hinata jumped down from her spot, surprising her again. "Please don't try to resist, Miss Kuchiki,"
"Hinata, you too?" Naruto shook his head in disappointment.
"You had three hunters on your tail and you didn't even notice," Naruto said and when Rukia looked into his eyes, she couldn't find the happiness she always saw that accompanied those blue glaciers, just sadness.
"You're getting rusty," Naruto stated and Rukia scoffed. "Now, where's the human who took your powers?"
Rukia blinked and bit back a comment from escaping her throat. She thought over her words before replying. "What human? Just because you found me in this gigai doesn't mean I lost any of my powers, Naruto.
"At any rate, why would I lose them to a lowly human? I'm a Shinigami after all," she asked and Naruto growled.
"It was a human," Hinata said, beating Naruto to the punch. "It's the only one that makes sense,"
"Why you…" Rukia started.
"This is not the behavior of a proper Shinigami," Hinata declared, her eyes passive and calculating. "And on top of that, you hold the noble name of Kuchiki," Sakura petals suddenly surrounded the three but Rukia was too surprised to notice.
"Right, Captain Kuchiki?" Naruto asked as Byakuya appeared a few feet behind Rukia, whose eyes widened in recognition. She slowly turned to see that her brother was in act behind her. His face was as expressionless as it always was. The Sakura petals continued to rain down on them but still, no one paid them any attention.
"Brother…" Rukia mumbled absentmindedly.
"Bakudō #30: Shitotsu Sansen!" Forming a golden triangle with her finger, Hinata shot three beams of light at Rukia. Rukia reacted fast enough to avoid the Bakudō and slid away from the three.
"Giving away your Shinigami powers to a human is a grave sin," Hinata stated passively. "I still don't know why you did it."
"You're quite lucky, little sister," Byakuya finally spoke to Rukia. "The higher ups decided to send us to bring you in, instead of the Execution squad,"
"Just tell us where the human who stole your power is, Rukia," Naruto said, his cold demeanor starting to crack. "This will all be over soon,"
'I hate playing the bad guy but,' Naruto shifted his gaze on Hinata. 'I'm doing this for her,'
"Well, well," Naruto and Hinata turned to see a silhouette walking towards them. "Armed men and woman surrounding a harmless girl," a boy with raven-hair and glasses said as he stepped into the light.
"Uryu," Rukia mumbled in surprise.
"Who the hell are you?" Naruto growled and Uryu smirked.
"Just a classmate out on a stroll who just happened to see that his classmate is in trouble. It's not like I was able to sense your Spiritual Pressure and got out of bed to come face you or anything," he replied but Naruto didn't like his answer. Rukia just sweat dropped.
"Please leave, this is none of your concerns," Hinata told him but Uryu only adjusted his glasses.
"Like I said before, I am just a classmate with concerns," he said nonchalantly. "It just so happens that I hate Shinigami as well."
"What did you say?" Naruto asked with venom dripping in his voice.
"Naruto-kun, please calm down," Hinata suggested in a softer tone. Naruto looked at her before nodding.
"If you could please let Rukia Kuchiki come with me, we could all go home happy and safe," Uryu said, gauging the Shinigami's reactions. "You can trust me," He then hummed to himself in wonderment. "Although, I can understand if you're a bit skeptical,"
Just as he finished speaking, a cold sharp blade pressed itself against his throat.
"I'll ask only once more," Naruto said, his voice barely below a whisper. "Who. The hell. Are you?" Uryu pondered on what he should do.
'If I anger him any more than I already have, he'd probably kill me,' he had to mentally laugh. 'Are all Shinigami like this?'
"My name is Uryu Ishida," he said in greeting tone. "What's your name?"
Naruto wasn't expecting that. "Why do you care?" he asked.
"I like to know the name of the person I kill," he answered and Naruto stared at him oddly before smirking.
"Sounds like a challenge," he said as he moved his zanpakutō away from Uryu. Just as he did though, he turned and sent his right foot into Uryu's stomach. It made contact and besides driving the wind from his lungs, it also sent Uryu flying back.
Uryu managed to right himself after a roll or two. He looked up as he tried to catch his breath. 'What incredible strength,' Uryu took in Naruto's appearance. 'He looks as old as I do,'
"This going to be fun," Naruto said as he cracked his knuckles. "Try not to die too fast,"
Uryu shifted his pose to a archer and his energy formed a blue bow. Seeing Uryu do this caused Naruto to run at the Quincy, all the while placing his right hand on his zanpakutō. Uryu pulled his arm back to form an arrow. After he took aim, Uryu shot the arrow straight at Naruto, intending to stop Naruto dead in his tracks.
However, it was not to be as Naruto took out his zanpakutō and deflected the bow as it was nothing more than a flying piece of paper.
Uryu pulled his arm to shoot another arrow but was surprised when Naruto disappeared from his sight.
"Naruto Uzumaki," Before Uryu could even register the pain, blood was flowing down his body and he was already heading for the ground.
'What the hell…?' Uryu thought as the pain was only brief before his endorphins were released and numbed his pain. His sight began to blur as he heard Naruto laugh.
"That is the name of the Shinigami who defeated you," he boasted as he sheathed his sword. "So much for killing me,"
"Uryu!" Rukia bent down and checked his pulse.
"Run…" he mumbled and Rukia looked up at Naruto.
'He's a lot stronger than I last remembered…' she thought.
"I'm sorry, Rukia," Naruto said as he walked up to them. "You know I'd be the last one to do this but you also know that a job is a job," Naruto said. He was about to grab her but he jumped back just as a giant blade of blue energy came roaring by, stopping Naruto from touching her.
"Damn it," Naruto cursed as he jumped back to Hinata's side. "Just who the hell are you?" Naruto roared.
A teen with orange hair and wearing the standard Shinigami uniform stood with a zanpakutō just as long and big as he was. "The name's Ichigo Kurosaki. I'm the guy who's going to kick your ass. How are ya?" Ichigo said.
Naruto, Hinata and Byakuya took in the new Shinigami.
"What Division are you in?" Hinata asked. Naruto barked out a laugh.
"Check out his zanpakutō, Hinata-chan," Naruto laughed, pointing at Ichigo's katana. "It's huge!"
"Is it really too big? I gotta say, I never really had something to compare it with before," Ichigo retorted and Rukia gaped at Ichigo.
'Ichigo you idiot!' she roared in her head. Hinata noticed the stare Rukia was giving Ichigo and it clicked in her head.
"So, this is the human that took your powers," Hinata stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Naruto looked at Hinata, then at Rukia before finally glaring at Ichigo.
"You're the guy we're looking for?" Naruto asked no one in particular. A predatory smile graced his lips. "Looks like I'll actually get to test out Hageshii Heijin," Naruto said as he unsheathed his zanpakutō, now known as Hageshii Heijin.
In a flash, Naruto was over Ichigo, swinging down his zanpakutō. Ichigo reacted just fast enough to put up his giant zanpakutō. When their blades clashed, Ichigo could feel Naruto's power seeping through his zanpakutō.
"I-Incredible," Ichigo groaned. He saw the mischief in Naruto's eyes spark.
"You're quick, but are you strong enough to beat me?" Naruto said as he continued to swing Hageshii Heijin only to be blocked by Ichigo's zanpakutō. "What? Were you words as hollow as your skull?" Naruto asked and Ichigo growled.
"Shut up!" Just as Naruto reared back his katana, Ichigo swung his blade, hoping to cut Naruto down. He saw that Naruto was nowhere to be seen.
"You're so predictable," Naruto said behind Ichigo. Ichigo turned his head, only to receive a harsh punch to the face. Ichigo spun but caught himself before he hit the ground.
"Think fast!" Naruto said as he swung Hageshii Heijin again. Ichigo forced his zanpakutō up but was overpowered by Naruto's strike that it broke through his defense. In a quick motion, Naruto thrust his zanpakutō forward and pierced through Ichigo's left shoulder.
"Gah!" Ichigo groaned as he dropped his zanpakutō and grabbed his shoulder.
"Ichigo!" Rukia began to run towards Ichigo, hoping to help him.
"Bakudō #61: Rikujōkōrō!" Six beams of light slammed into Rukia's midsection, making her body freeze. "I'm sorry," Hinata said as she appeared next to Rukia. "But I think it'd be best if you didn't get involved with Naruto-kun's fight,"
"You're going to die here," Naruto said as he stood over Ichigo. "And when you do, Rukia-nee-chan will get her powers back," Ichigo just stared up at Naruto, his anger overshadowed by his pain.
"You're an idiot," Naruto continued. "I respect that fact that you're here to help her but you're doing it all wrong. If anything, you're making things worse for yourself.
"And what kind of Shinigami are you? You can't even lay a scratch on me," Naruto boasted. Ichigo grabbed his zanpakutō and swung upward, managing to cut the goggles on Naruto's forehead in half.
"HEY! THAT BELONGS TO A FRIEND!" Naruto yelled as he glowered at the orange-haired teen.
"Damn, I almost got you," Ichigo said with a smirk.
"Tch, lucky shot," Naruto said offhandedly.
"Naruto, you let your guard down," Naruto turned to Byakuya and glared.
"I know what I did,"
"I've heard of this boy before: Ichigo Kurosaki," Byakuya said. "There was a report by the Secret Remote Squad. He dealt quite a serious blow to a Menos Grande, forcing it back to Hueco Mundo," Byakuya finished and Naruto smirked.
"You just got more interesting," Naruto said as his grip on Hageshii Heijin tightened. "What's the name of that monstrosity?" Naruto asked. Ichigo blinked?
"Name?" Ichigo asked confusingly. Naruto gawked at him, clearly surprised.
"You don't even know its name?" Naruto shook his head.
"Are you telling me you guys name your zanpakutō?" Ichigo asked.
"Each zanpakutō has its own name, you idiot," Naruto said as he stood up straight, his right hand hold Hageshii Heijin perpendicular to the ground and his left hand in front of his face with his index and middle finger point up. "Watch and learn,"
Hinata couldn't help but crack a smile. Naruto seemed to be having fun.
"Bring Forth the Storm, Hageshii Heijin: Fūton!" Naruto roared as a violent wind surrounded Naruto and his zanpakutō began to light up. Its blade shortened and the guard disappeared. Naruto spun it on his right hand before extending his hand forward, the blade's light faded and in his hand was a ninjatō pointing to his right. The ninjatō's blade was silver with black outlining the edge and had green wrappings wrapped around the handle with a small black chain connected to the pommel. He had his legs bent and his upper body bent forward, as if he was about to sprint.
Without another word, Naruto jumped in the air, Hageshii Heijin over his head and ready to strike. Ichigo shifted his stance and brought his zanpakutō up to block Naruto's strike. What he wasn't expecting, though, was for Naruto's ninjatō to hum as it cut cleanly past his zanpakutō and slice his torso.
The top half of his blade fell to the ground with clang. Ichigo dropped his zanpakutō and fell to his knees, his eyes widened with pain and shock.
Naruto spun on his heel and extended his right leg out, driving his right heel into Ichigo's face and sending him flying back. He hit a brick wall and slid to the ground.
Naruto spun Hageshii Heijin by the end of his chain with his index finger.
"Ichigo!" Rukia shouted in worry. Ichigo raised his eyes, his eyes glassy and lifeless. Hinata and Byakuya just stared passively, watching and preparing themselves to move if needed.
"Get up," Naruto said inexpressively. "You want to save Rukia, don't you?" Naruto said as he tossed Hageshii Heijin in the air before catching it by the handle.
Ichigo didn't respond, his head just bowed forward. Naruto walked up to Ichigo and positioned the tip of the ninjatō's blade against Ichigo's neck.
"How can you save her if you can't even lift a finger to defend yourself, much less attack," Naruto mocked as he applied pressure to his neck. "You had a nice run, but it's time for Rukia-nee-chan's powers to return," Naruto pulled back his ninjatō before he thrust it forward.
Everyone waited anxiously as the blade slowly reached for Ichigo's neck. Before it hit, Ichigo's Spiritual Pressure rose and he turned his body and rolled away from Naruto. Naruto scoffed as he ran after Ichigo who jumped to his feet.
Grinding his teeth, Ichigo ducked under Naruto's latest strike and jumped over him and dove for his zanpakutō. He rolled to his back and blocked Naruto's attempt to decapitate him. They struggled for dominance before Ichigo brought his knees to his chest and his feet to Naruto's chest and kicked up.
Naruto flipped in the air and landed gracefully on his feet. Ichigo stood and spit out the blood in his mouth.
'Unbelievable, his Spiritual Pressure keeps rising!' Naruto thought as he dodged Ichigo's strike. 'At this rate, he'll almost match my Spiritual Energy,'
'I didn't think there was someone else with this much Spiritual Pressure, besides the captains,' Hinata thought restlessly, though she kept her external composure calm.
"You won't win!" Naruto shouted as he tossed Hageshii Heijin in the air. Using speeds Ichigo couldn't track to get behind him, Naruto grabbed on to Ichigo's waist, lifted him up, and fell backward while bridging his back and legs, slamming Ichigo down to the concrete shoulder and upper back first. The amount of forced Naruto used caused the concrete to crack under him and send Ichigo deeper into the sidewalk.
Naruto released him and jumped back, extending his right arm out to catch Hageshii Heijin.
Ichigo rolled to his stomach before using his zanpakutō to help him stand.
Naruto and Ichigo stared into each others' eyes before Naruto closed his and sighed. Hageshii Heijin lit up before returning to its sealed form.
"We're done here," Naruto said, walking over to Hinata and the captured Rukia.
"What? It's far from over!" Ichigo shouted in rage as he made a mad sprint towards Naruto. He raised his zanpakutō and swung down, only to blink and see that what little remained of his zanpakutō was cut off. "W-What?"
He looked around and saw Byakuya standing far from him, holding the other half of his blade. 'I didn't even see him move!'
"I could've handled it myself," Naruto informed Byakuya. 'Still, I almost didn't see him move,' he thought as he activated his Fox Eyes.
Byakuya just stared at Ichigo with empty eyes as he dropped the blade. He then reached for his zanpakutō.
'Is he coming?' Ichigo thought as he readied himself. Without even blinking, Ichigo saw Byakuya disappear and then, an immeasurable amount of pain overflowed his body. Byakuya appeared Behind Ichigo and had his zanpakutō sheathed.
Blood spurted out of his new wounds as he began to fall. Ichigo had no idea when Byakuya moved or even if he attacked from the front of the back. All he knew was that he was going down and wasn't getting back up.
Byakuya was now besides Ichigo, watching as Ichigo was in mid-fall. "You're slow, even as you fall." Without another word, Byakuya struck once more and with that, Ichigo finally hit the ground.
'It's amazing,' Naruto thought as he was able to see Byakuya's move. 'His speed in scary but amazing. Even with my Fox Eyes, his movements were still fast,'
Naruto walked up to Ichigo and watched a pool of his blood began to expand. 'He probably doesn't even have a clue as to what just happened,'
"Let me go!" Rukia shouted and Hinata felt her mask beginning to crack.
"I'm sorry, I cannot do that," Hinata said and Rukia looked at her from the corner of her eyes. "It'd be pointless now, Miss Rukia. If you touch him, they'll only add twenty years to your sentence,"
"Are you willing to add more to your sentence for a dead man?" Naruto asked, his back turned to her.
"It's my fault he's dead so what the hell is wrong with me going to him?" Rukia asked, making Naruto flinch.
"So what you're saying is that you're willing to extend your sentence for this human?" Byakuya asked and Rukia gulped before she nodded.
"Yes, brother,"
Byakuya looked down at the fallen Ichigo. "I see, he does bear a striking resemblance to him," Rukia said nothing and Byakuya didn't elaborate but he didn't need to, she knew who he was talking about.
"Don't talk about me like I'm not even here," Ichigo said weakly as he held on to Byakuya's uniform and smirked at him. Rukia was ecstatic to see him alive. Naruto and Hinata just stared at him incredulously.
"Let go," Byakuya demanded, not even giving him the honor of looking at him.
"What's that? I can't hear you. Maybe you should look at me while you talk," Ichigo said with a smug smirk.
"I guess you won't be needing that arm," Byakuya told him as he reached for his zanpakutō.
"Let me go, please," Rukia said under her breath and Hinata hesitated. She jumped a little when Naruto placed a hand on her shoulder and nodded. Hinata nodded in understanding and released her hold on Rukia.
She ran up to Ichigo and kicked his hand away from her brother. Ichigo was surprised to say the least.
"Rukia…?"
"You're just a lowly human," She said, her head bowed. She then looked at Ichigo. "How dare you touch my brother? Learn your place," Rukia faced her brother and met his eyes.
"I'm ready to go now, brother," Rukia told him passively. "I need to atone for my sins," Byakuya just gave her a once-over and nodded.
"Wait, you can't go!" Ichigo struggled to stand, only to have Naruto stomp his right foot onto his back.
"Don't you ever give up? You lost, and you're dying!" Naruto shouted. "Don't you get it? If you keep moving around, the faster you'll find yourself dead,"
"Let's go, he's not even worth ending," Rukia said. "If we leave him alone, he'd eventually die," Rukia started taking steps away from Ichigo. Ichigo's heart raced in his heart; he didn't want her to go yet.
"Wait, Rukia!" she stopped. "This has to be some kind of sick joke!" he willed his body to stand but before he could, Rukia stopped him.
"If you move or come after me, I…" She paused as she faced him; tears swelling in her eyes. "I'll never forgive you."
This caused Ichigo to stop moving. His body hit the ground again. Byakuya contemplated Rukia's words before nodding.
"I will not inflict the finishing blow," he decided as he released his grasp on his zanpakutō. "I already shattered your soul chain and soul key. Even if you managed to survive your wounds, you'll never regain your Shinigami powers,"
"Hinata," Hinata nodded as she took out her zanpakutō and stepped in front of everyone. Making it parallel to her body, Hinata concentrated her Spiritual Energy into her blade. She then stabbed the air in front of her and it dug into nothingness, disappearing as if ripping into time and space.
"Open!" she commanded as she turned her zanpakutō like a key. The space in front of her swirled like a whirlpool of colors and a Sekaimon opened up. Four black Hell butterflies appeared to guide the four back to Soul Society. Hinata sheathed her zanpakutō and began to walk in.
Naruto took his foot off Ichigo and walked over to Rukia. "I'm sorry," he said as he passed by and disappeared inside the senkaimon. Byakuya was the next one to walk into the senkaimon, followed by Rukia.
'Don't go!' Ichigo thought when his voice and body failed him. Just before the senkaimon shut closed, Rukia turned her head and gave Ichigo one last look.
'I wasn't strong enough,' his thoughts relentlessly came rushing in one by one. 'I couldn't save her… And I'm dying…' he faintly heard the sounds of footsteps and forced his head up. 'Mr. Hat-and-Clogs?'
[*.*.*.*]
Naruto and Hinata stood behind Byakuya and Rukia as they watched Rukia step up to the Captain-Commander.
"We have returned with Rukia Kuchiki," Byakuya stated and the elder man nodded.
"Well done," Yamamoto said as he slammed his cane down, causing guards to come into the room. "Take her to her cell," the guards nodded as they grabbed Rukia's arms and began to escort her to her cell.
Byakuya turned to Hinata and nodded his head. "Welcome of the Sixth Division, Hinata Hyūga," Hinata bowed and thanked him. Byakuya then turned and said something to Naruto but Naruto wasn't paying attention. By the look of it, he guessed that Byakuya gave him a sort of combination of an insult and a compliment.
He didn't care though; it was a bittersweet moment. He just wanted to go home and forget about this event for a while.
"We'll be leaving Captain Kuchiki," Hinata said, noticing the look on Naruto's face. Byakuya nodded and the three walked out of Yamamoto's office. Soon enough, Naruto found himself following Hinata as she led them to the Eleventh Division's barracks.
"I know what you're feeling Naruto-kun," Hinata said softly and Naruto smiled mirthlessly.
"I know you do," he sighed and looked up at the night sky. "I just want to lie down and do nothing."
"Do you think that boy will be ok?" Hinata asked and Naruto looked at her and smiled with more happiness.
"You really have a kind heart, you know that?" Hinata blushed and looked at the sky. "It's just a guess but I'm sure he's fine," Hinata hummed to herself before silence reigned over them.
Naruto's smile disappeared and was replaced with a frown, suddenly getting the feeling that they were being stalked. Before he could look around, he noticed that he reached the Eleventh Division's barracks.
Wordlessly, the two entered their living quarters with Kushina. Before he did though, Naruto looked back, only to see a bird flying over Soul Society.
"Stupid bird," he said as he closed the door behind him, hoping to find comfort in the form of his bed.
That's it for now, hope it was to your liking...
Well, you saw a little of Naruto's and Hinata's abilities... Not much but they will have a full demonstration of their powers soon... Just wait...
Things are starting to get interesting people! Let's hope Naruto and Hinata are strong enough to face what's to come...
As for Ichigo, well, looks like there's one more obstacle in his way...
Well, i'll update for this story soon!
Till then!
Next Chapter: Soul of a Fighter, Heart of a Lover...
Good luck with whatever and if you got a problem with me or one of my stories, please feel free to: Deal with it, Get over it or Choke on it...