If there are any mistakes in grammar or spelling blame my sister. She is the one who checked my story.

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Bleach.

Chapter 5 Grounded

Toshiro woke up. He couldn't remember the last time he had had a decent night's sleep. He stretched but froze when he felt something move in his lap. He looked down and saw Yua cuddled up against him. Then he remembered that everyone who came to check on him didn't leave. He saw Rangiku and Hisagi laying near him. Rangiku's arm was dropped over Hisagi. Then he noticed Kenpachi sprawled out in the middle of the room with Yachiru on top of him. Toshiro also saw Momo lying in the corner of the room. Shinji and Shunsui were lying on either side of the door. Toshiro smiled, "I have more friends than I thought I did," he thought.

A hail butterfly came in through the window. Toshiro held out a finger. The message said, "Captain Hitsugaya you are to be at Central 46 in an hour." He let the hail butterfly go and all the stress from yesterday returned.

Toshiro slowly got up to make sure that Yua wouldn't wake up. When he know that Yua was comfortable on his pallet he maneuvered his way to his door. Kenpachi heard the movement. "Hi," he said. Toshiro turned to Kenpachi. "Heard something."

"Yes," Toshiro replied. "I have to leave for Central 46 now."

"Good look," said Shunsui sitting up.

"If you don't like what they tell you," said Kenpachi, "I'll kill them for you."

"Thank you," said Toshiro. "But you won't need to kill Central 46." He put his hand on the door and something grabbed his leg. He got ready for a kido.

"Just relax," said Shinji still lying down. "They can sense fear."

"Don't do that," said Toshiro.

"What?"

Toshiro walked out the door. He ran to the men's showers. "I have time for a quick shower and a quick bit to eat. What do you think Central 46's verdict will be, Hyorinmaru?" He slowed his pace when there was no reply. "Hyorinmaru?" He stopped. "That's right I left him at the captains meeting. Captain Zaraki said that Captain Kuchiki knows where he is. But if I had kept him then the Head Captain would have confiscated him and then locked him away. I hope he's alright. I miss our conversations already. Look at me I'm wasting time. I need to hurry." He started running again. "If I'm late then they could increase my punishment."

An hour later Toshiro stood before Central 46.

"Do you understand why we have to punish you?" asked one member of Central 46.

Toshiro didn't like his tone, after all he was a captain not a little kid. "Of course, I'm here because I lost control and buildings were damaged and people were injured because of it."

"Then you understand the severity of the situation?"

"Of course," Toshiro said trying not to sound annoyed.

"We considered having you dismissed."

"Yes, but we have decided to be merciful because of the fact that you are young and your spirit energy hasn't matured."

"Thank you," said Toshiro although he really didn't like to be called young or immature.

"The next three months your spirit energy will be sealed and your Zanpakuto will remain locked away. These three months will be spending in Karakura town with the Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki."

"What!?" Toshiro said.

"You will have anger management therapy with Orihime Inoue."

"What!?"

"You will go to a high school and we will expect you to only get A's. And don't form any attachment."

"What!?"

"You are to have no contact with the Soul Society. That includes any information you can get from Urahara."

"What!?"

"Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki will submit reports about all you do during the day to Head Captain Yamamoto."

"What!?" he said gritting his teeth.

"All your paychecks for the three months will go to pay for the damages and for your stay in the world of the living."

"That I can understand," Toshiro muttered.

"And don't forget to stay in shape. I think that's everything."

Toshiro didn't like his verdict. "Stay with Kurosaki, have him submit my reports! Are you Crazy! He may be loyal, dependable, and good in a fight but you have to tell him things two or three times before he finally gets it!" The temperate in the room began to drop and frost formed on the wall. "And you expect me to go to a high school and not talk to anyone except Kurosaki and his friends. Lieutenant Kuchiki was there for only three months and look what happened!" And NO contact with the Soul Society! Lieutenant Matsumoto doesn't do all her work how is she going to do mine too! My company will be destroyed!" The frost turned to ice and began creeping towards Central 46. "And what if something bad happens and I'm needed here! You call this a merciful verdict!"

Central 46 started whispering.

Toshiro realized then that his spirit energy had risen and was affecting the room. It took him several minutes to calm down and regain control.

Finally the whispering stopped. "So you don't think our verdict is merciful. Then you can spend an extra three months without your spirit energy which means that you will spend a total of six months without your spirit energy. After that half of your spirit energy will be returned and you will remain in the world of the living for another three months which will bring the total to nine months in the world of the living."

Toshiro wanted to say, "I'm not an infant I can count," but he didn't because he knew that that would make things worse.

"You are dismissed. Go straight to the Head Captain. We will send a hail butterfly ahead of you to inform him of the changes."

Toshiro left and headed to Company One. He entered Yamamoto's office. "Head Captain Yamamoto," he said bowing, "I was told to come see you."

Yamamoto looked up from his desk. "You lost your temper in front of Central 46!?"

"Yes, Sir," said Toshiro looking down and looking depressed.

"I know what Central 46 told you, but I'm going to change a few things." Toshiro looked back up at Yamamoto. "Having you stay with Substitute Shinigami Kurosaki is not a punishment but a torture. It will be arranged for you to stay with Yasutora Sado instead; however, this is all I can change."

"Thank you, Head Captain." Toshiro said bowing. "What about Hyorinmaru?"

"You will have to do without him for nine months."

"Yes, Sir."

"The reports that need to be submitted are all your grades and daily activities."

"Yes, Sir. What about my anger management therapy with Orihime Inoue."

"She will be submitting your progress."

"Yes, Sir."

"You have two weeks to prepare. You will not be doing any of your Captain's duties or your Lieutenant's duties during that time."

"Yes, Sir."

"You are dismissed."

Toshiro bowed and lifted. He walked back to his Company. It was nearly noon when he reached the Company's gate. "Captain," said one of the guards. "It's good to see you."

"Are you alright, Captain?" asked the other guard opening the gate.

"Yes, everything will be fine."

"That's good to hear, Sir," said the first guard.

Toshiro walked to the office. When he got there he saw his officers from his Lieutenant to Fifteenth Seat crowed in the room. "Please," said Rangiku, "You know the Captain doesn't like all of you in here at once. What will he say when he gets here?"

"I'm not going to say anything," said Torshiro.

"Captain!?" said Rangiku with a little cheer in her voice.

Everyone moved out of the way so Toshiro could get to his desk. When Toshiro got there the Third Seat said, "What did they say, Captain?"

"I'm being suspended for nine months. Now I need to talk to Lieutenant Matsumoto."

"Don't you mean Lieutenant Rangiku Hisagi, Captain?" said the Third Seat.

"Please, just leave. You will be given more details later."

"Yes, Captain." They all said looking shocked at the fact that Toshiro said please.

After they left Rangiku asked, "Captain, where will you be for nine months?"

"I'll be in the world of the living without Hyorinmaru, without spirit energy, no communications, and going to high school."

"It sounds to me like you're grounded."

Toshiro didn't respond and he didn't even give Rangiku an icy glare. He just wanted the nine months to be over quickly.

Momo, Shinji, Hisagi, and Yua came into the room. "Is Captain Hitsugaya back yet?" asked Hisagi.

"Yep," said Rangiku giving Hisagi a kiss and taking Yua from him. "He's grounded." Rangiku tried to give Yua to Toshiro but he didn't take her.

"Nii-sama," said Yua.

"How long will you be gone, Shiro-chan?" asked Momo.

"I'll be in the world of the living for nine months."

"You're not going to be staying with Kurosaki are you, Sir?" asked Hisagi.

"No I'll be staying with Sado."

"Then you should think of it as a long vacation," said Shinji plopping down on the couch.

"Nii-Sama!" Yua whined reaching for Toshiro. He took her and sat her in his lap.

"I'm sure you will be fine," encouraged Momo.

For the next two weeks Rangiku did anything he asked, even the laundry. He prepared his company for his absence as well and reminded Kenpachi to meditate every day. The day before the first day of class at the high school Toshiro was at the Senkaimon ready but unwilling to leave. He had just come from Central 46 where they sealed his spirit energy. "I'm supposed to go over the rules with you again," said Yamamoto. "But I know that is not necessary. That will give you a few extra minutes to say good-bye." Yamamoto stepped aside.

Momo, Shinji, Rangiku, and Yua were standing in front of the Senkaimon.

"What are all of you doing here?"

"Oh, Captain," said Rangiku in a whine.

"Nii-Sama," said Yua tugging on Toshiro's Shihakusho.

Toshiro bent down and picked her up "Don't worry, Yua. I'll be back soon."

"I hope that you remember that," said Rangiku in a bit of a scolding tone.

"We're going to miss you, Shiro-chan," said Momo.

"Remember to think of this time as a vacation and relax," said Shinji.

"Sorry we're late," said Shunsui. "But Kenpachi took a wrong turn and Jushiro had a coughing spell."

"And you wouldn't get up," said Nanao.

"Oh, Nanao."

"Hey," said Kenpachi, "Don't get rusty."

"Yeah," said Yachiru cheerfully. "If you get rusty you won't be a good punching bag for Ken-chan, Punching Bag."

"I'm not a punching bag, and Kenpachi don't forget to meditate."

"Yeah," said Kenpachi.

"Try not to worry about your company," said Jushiro. "I'll go and check on them whenever I can."

"Look on the bright side," said Shinji.

"And what's the bright side?"

"You can have lots of parties."

"And," added Shunsui, "You can sleep all you want."

"I don't think I'll be doing either of those."

"It's time for you to go," said Yamamoto.

"Yes, Head Captain."

Toshiro handed Yua to Rangiku. "I could still go with you just for today, Captain," she said.

"This day is almost over and I don't need you mothering me," said Toshiro. "And Motsumoto."

"Yes, Captain."

"Please, remember to do all the paperwork."

"Yes, Captain."

"Bye, Shiro-chan," said Momo.

Toshiro entered the Senkaimon and he could hear all of them calling his name and saying bye, good luck, and just relax. Their voices slowly faded away as he traveled. When the silence came he felt like crying because he knew he wouldn't hear or see them for nine months. Also he wished he had Hyorinmaru to help him pass the time through the Dangai. When he reached Urahara's shop Urahara was waiting for him at the door. "There you are," said Urahara waving his fan. "I was beginning to wonder if you would show."

"Of course, I was coming," said Toshiro sternly.

"Well let's get you in your gigai. Remember you won't be able to get out of it until half of your spirit energy is returned." Urahara took Toshiro to the meeting room. The gigai was sitting at the table. "I have had fun scaring people with it. I hate to see it go." Toshiro quickly slipped into the gigai. "All your school books, supplies, and uniforms are already at Chad's apartment."

"Thank you."

"Orihime wanted to have a welcome party, but we talked her out of it. Since technically you're grounded."

"Good."

"Chad is in the basement doing some training with Tessai to pass the time."

Toshiro went down into the basement with Urahara. "Ok, Captain Hitsugaya is here!" Chad and Tessai stopped training and went to Urahara and Toshiro.

"Oooh, It was just getting good," said Jinta.

"Ururu, will you help Tessai in the kitchen?"

"Yes, Boss," said Ururu.

It wasn't long before they were setting down to dinner. No one really said anything. After dinner Chad and Toshiro silently walked to Chad's apartment. Chad opened the apartment door. "I don't have much," he said.

"That's fine."

"That room is yours," Chad pointed.

"I don't want to take your room."

"I don't sleep in there."

"Then what room was it?"

"A study."

"Oh." Toshiro walked into the room. There was a pallet on the floor next to the window, a group of shelves set into the wall had all his clothes, and in a corner was a backpack with his school supplies.

"I hope it's ok."

"It's fine."

"I'm going to bed."

"Ok."

Toshiro got ready for bed too, after all it was getting late and tomorrow was the first day of school. He drifted in and out of sleep all night.

Me: If you review I will give you some of my mama's fudge. If you don't review I will send Kurotsuchi after you.

Kurotsuchi: I wish Central 46 would have let me use Captain Hitsugaya in an experiment.

Me: That would have been a death sentence.

Kurotsuchi: No, it wouldn't have. I would have taken good care of him.

Me: Not Captain Hitsugaya's death sentence your death sentence.

Kurotsuchi: Why do you think that?

Me: Because Rangiku, Momo, Kenpachi, Shinji, Shunsui, and Joshiro would have killed you.

-Essiefairy