17 Chapter 27: New Beginnings

Years had passed again, Toshiro Hitsugaya had finally reached his Bankai, and even been chosen for Captain position of his own squad. As did Sajin and numerous others. Others such as Rukia and Renji had been put in a Vice-captain position. I was still a Vice-captain under Captain Shunsui. I was spread throughout the Seireitei, doing mission after mission for other squads.

As for me personally, I was dealing with many things. My hollow abilities were growing stronger, and I was steadily understanding the cross Soken gave me. Information flowed through me as if it was second nature.

"Blut Vene"

I clenched hand as my veins turned bright blue. It was only after five minutes that my arm started to burn.

"Damn" I cursed shaking my arm

Smoke radiated from where the ability had been used.

"It seems I can't use it for very long" I concluded

Though maybe I could train my body to withstand the pain necessary to use it. I still wondered how I wasn't able to use without being hurt. Walking back to the training yard for my early practice. Only to see Rukia waiting for me.

"Kakashi-sensie"

"You're a Vice-captain, you can call me Vice-captain Hatake or Kakashi" I reassured her

"Oh sorry, just getting used to being Vice-captain"

"So what're you here for?"

"I came to ask you for advise"

"Oh for what?"

"I'm going the Human World for patrol and wonder on how I should operate?" She asked

"Just keep an open eye, and find the best point of view" I answered

"How bout with people?"

"If you're just going on patrol I doubt you'll be interacting much"

"Okay, I'll only be gone a month"

"Good, be careful just because you're in the Human world doesn't mean you'll be safe" I warned

"Yes, sir"

She then left with a small smile.

Division 8

"Yo Kakashi, seeing a lot of change out there" Captain Shunsui said looking over a paper

"Yes, new Captains and officers" I agreed

"I was betting Toshiro would get the position he was trying harder than anyone" he explained

"May I ask when this happened?"

"A few months before Captain Shiba went missing, and did you hear?"

"About what?"

"The Shiba Clan, they were escorted out of the Seireitei"

"How come?" I asked shocked at the late news

"Well since Kaiens unfortunate fate the Clan had no head and the those left were too young" he answered

"When?"

"Just after his funeral, it was a Central 46 matter so that's why we're now just knowing about it"

This was a shock the Shiba Clan a honest and hard working family. Now nothing more than an after thought.

"Well let's get to that meeting before we end up getting our ears talked off by old man Yama" he advised

"Yes, sir"

Counsel Chambers

All the Captains had met, with a few new faces in the uniforms.

"First order of the business" Captain-Commander Yamamoto said

"Central 46 is having problems with recent rivalries that appeared" Captain Soi Feng announced

"What problems?"

"Many have start campaigns against each other, sending assassins luckily we've intercepted each deployed" she reassured

"Very good, but we can't let any of those succeed it will pass with time"

"We also got our reports from the Human World" Captain Toshiro said

"And what do they say?"

"Hollow sightings are inconsistent, some say they seen low to high level Hollows"

"That's very unsettling" Aizen said

Aizen was an unknown factor, he was no friend to the Soul Society. Every emotion I saw him make, looked either forced or not honest.

"We've sent Rukia Kuchiki to patrol there for a month, anything out the ordinary she'll report it" Captain Utitake reassured

"Very well, that will be all"

Everyone left the Captain Counsel Chambers. As Captain Shunsui and I were leaving, Captain Utitake caught us.

"Vice-captain Hatake? May I have a word?" He asked

Me and my captain glanced at each other nodding as way of approval.

"See you back at Division 8 Kakashi"

Getting to a secluded area of the chambers he began to explain.

"Do you think Rukia is capable for this mission? The Hollows being reported are stronger than she can handle" he asked

"I don't know, nor will I if she doesn't prove herself"

"You're right, but something is telling me this is all wrong" he confessed

"I know, but we must have faith in her"

Division 8

It was a simple day as I began to sign papers, but Captain Shunsui was gone. Something I grew accustomed to. It was in my alone time that Toshiro approached me.

"Kakashi I need to speak with you" he said coming in

"About what?"

"Aizen"

I stopped as my gaze stayed focuse on the paper before me.

"What about Aizen?" I asked still going through my papers

"I've seen suspicious activity coming from his Division, and am unable to find any leads" he explained

"Well what activities are you seeing?"

"I've seen his men one day, the next they're not seen on duty he's also been frequently leaving the Seireitei usually late at night" he answered

Continuing to work on my papers I could feel his gaze.

"Why not check with Gin Ichimaru"

"How do you know him?"

"I don't, but I've heard that him and Aizen are at odds" I answered

Toshiro thought on it for moment based on his face. Leaving I could only assume he went to see the Captain himself.

A hour later I left the office, but Captain Shunsui didn't escape of paperwork. Before leaving the entrance Soi Feng had caught me.

"Kakashi?"

"Hmm? Captain Soi Feng? What can I help you with?"

"I need a favor"

Next Day

Soi Feng had brought me to a secluded area where many trees seemed to be damaged. Showing signs she was practicing her techniques.

"I've been wanting to test this out" she said not turning to face me

"And what is that?"

A shimmer of white glow started to form around her. It was then a flashback to the night I fought Yoruichi. She had that same glow, but the energy formed in a wind element than lightning.

"This ability, I've practicing it sense Lady Yoruichi left!" She said

I looked on seeing that it was almost perfected.

"Now use your strongest technique!" She commanded

Thinking back on that night the only reason Yoruichi bested me was because I held back. If I use my Chidori on Soi Feng I was afraid what would happen. Pulling my blade I released my Shikai. Aiming she readied herself, as I began to collect energy.

"Kirin!"

Using my second strongest technique, it launched at her. Charging she threw a punch as the white energy collected around it. As the two struck she struggled by the force of the blast. Trying to power through it as her uniform began to tear and rip apart. I could see my technique winning against her. It was she lost control that she was hit by the small after shock of the lightning. She fell to the ground breathing harshly, it must have taken a lot out of her.

"Are you okay?"

"Almost..."

"Hm?"

"Almost...I just need a little more and will be done"

I looked down on her as she was unsatisfied with her results.

"Almost"