In Remembrance [Open for 2]

[Fluffernutter__xx]

The stars and moon were, well of course, dazzling and oh, so far off. It was beautiful to anyone's eyes. Tonight, it was almost pitch black, if it weren't for the lights carried around by guards and the much more common ones up in the sky. It was like a piece of art in fact; the gloomy background with small white dots glimmering along with it. To some people, it was probably dull. But what did they know? It was probably because they had no sense of art, or imagination for that matter. Who could dislike such a pleasant site? Surely not a large population, that's for sure.

All captain's work was finished, nothing left to do for today. Now, Byakuya had some free time. He didn't choose to go home just yet. He felt like taking a walk before he went off to go home for the night. This wasn't out of the ordinary for him. His name didn't mean ''midnight sun'' for nothing. Tonight, he found himself up at Soukyoku Hill, the former grounds for executions. These were the very grounds he had set foot on against himself for Rukia's execution that really never happened, thanks to Ichigo and company. Truthfully, Byakuya was thankful for that much.

What made Byakuya come here tonight? Well, this was where many things memorable had happened. Rukia was to be executed here. Ichigo saved her and defeated the almighty Sokyoku, power of a thousand zanpakutou, along with Byakuya himself, and three vice-captains. Here, he experienced a one-on-one battle with a heavily determined soul, better known as Kurosaki Ichigo, and lost by forefeit too. All at the same time, he was battling with himself; whether to break the promise to his parents to save her, or follow them and break his promise to Hisana.

The 6th division captain knew now even more of the importance of the stopping her execution. Besides having been saved in exchange for saving Ichigo and his family, she had at least three other importances. One, she was part of the sacrificial barrier that kept the mortal realm and Soul Society safe from Hueco Mundo, keeping out unwanted invaders for roughly 50 years. Two, she was the pride of the family, as said by Byakuya himself. Three, she had made acquaintances with many other people after her life, some who had supported her in attempt to beat the powerful traitor usually addressed as Aizen.

All day, he had - unknowningly to others, that is- his mind on the young Rukia, whom he had found nearly a year after his wife's death, and brung her up from being a poor civilian of Rukongai to an elite shinigami of Seireitei, among the family of Kuchiki's. He did this to fulfill a promise. He knew this, and had told Rukia too, after Aizen had escaped and Byakuya had been lying on the ground while his ounds were healing. Two promises were broken that day; to protect Rukia, and not to tell her of Hisana. He once more began to keep the first promise, however. At the moment, as he was standing upon the cliff of Soukyoku Hill, remembering after spending the day thinking of Rukia's execution date, the day when he had been given word of her death.

He was told by an elder servant in the comfort of his very own home. Byakuya, at this time, was having tea by himself. The whole day through, it was unusually peaceful. No hollows or arrancar to deal with. He didn't need to work today, so he had stayed put. It was some time in the afternoon when he got the message. The door had slid open, and the servant stepped in quietly and politely bowed.

"Byakuya-sama, I have urgent news to give you."
"What is it you have to tell me."
"Please sir, do not be alarmed. Kuchiki Rukia has died."

Byakuya had been pierced in the heart. That is all you could say for how he felt about these words. They were completely unexpected. Had Rukia, family pride, really pass away? At first, he had doubted this for his own shred of hope.

"Are you lying?"
"No, sir. I'm afraid not. However, for a good cause. Luckily, she had not been persecuted by anyone. I received word that she, along with several of her friends, sacrificed their lives to create a barrier."
"Barrier, you say?"
"Yes. They say it is a powerful barrier that shall allow peace to reign among both the world of the living and Soul Society."
"I see. You may go."
"Thank you sir."

And with that said, the man had left. Byakuya didn't know how to feel. Shocked, yes. Cheerful, Sorrowful? No, not entirely. He couldn't be happy about peace when Rukia had died just recently, but he couldn't be ashamed. Besides, he knew especially that peace wasn't everlasting. Even life in Soul Society wasn't eternal. The whole week, maybe even longer, but it was difficult to tell, Byakuya had remained much quieter and solemn. You could hear the silence around him. Still, he was very proud of Rukia and her friends now, for at least making the effort of trying to protect the two worlds from Hueco Mundo. Later in the week, he had been told of the disbanding of Gotei 13. These people were naive. He knew it wasn't intelligent. There were still some dangers for Seireitei to be protected from. And he was right. 50 years passed, and the barrier became signifigantly weaker. The Gotei 13 had formed once more, and he took back his position, as well as learning of his knew co-workers.

Back to the present, Byakuya was just simply standing on his two feet, looking up into the skies, gazing at the moon and stars. It was serenely peaceful. Occasionally, he would turn his gaze over to Seireitei. People were walking along, either taking walks or going home, while others were simply on evening patrol. And there was Byakuya, high above them all on Soukyoku Hill, former execution grounds.

[Elite]

Hitsugaya had returned to Soul Society after an extended time in the Human World observing the children as well as recent hollow activity. It was good to return back to Soul Society as being in his Gigai wasn't exactly all too wonderful most of the time. He had given reports previously, however the full Gotei 13 hadn't fully returned to maximum strength yet, so his reports were scattered around to various squads. Some captains had returned like he did, however others were still missing since the Gotei 13 was first disbanded.

Hitsugaya was at work in the office of Squad 10. It only took a few hours to finish his report that he typed out each time he returned. It was nice to work in such quiet and solitude, however he still needed to meet his Vice Captain who had been on quite a few errands. He hadn't even caught the name, however he realized he should investigate eventually. He folded his papers on the desk before folding them under his arm.

He proceeded to drop off his reports as usual to each of the active Gotei 13 offices. He reached his final destination which was the office of Squad 6 which was apparently closed. Hitsugaya knew it was active as Byakuya Kuchiki had returned no sooner had the news been announced that the Gotei 13 were to be re-commissioned. He stopped a roaming assistant and asked as to where he could find Taichou Kuchiki. He was easily given the response of Sokyoku Hill.

Sokyoku Hill, the infamous execution grounds. He wasn't there for Rukia Kuchiki's execution, however obviously it was put to a stop. He decided to deliver his report personally to Byakuya Kuchiki. Scaling the steps up to the hill was rather chilling for some reason or another. He couldn't quite place his finger on why, however he was able to shake the feeling off upon reaching the top. He soon found himself looking at the back of the noble Byakuya Kuchiki. Slowly making his way over, Hitsugaya came to attention a few feet behind him.

"Taichou Kuchiki, I have come with my recent report of my observations in the Human World." Hitsguaya fumbled slighlty withdrawing the papers from undreneath his arm, ready to hand over to Byakuya when or if he turned around. Hitsugaya had never really conversed with the Captain, however knew his reputation quite well. He was always solemn during the Captain meetings, and adhered to the rules quite clearly. He watched as his signature scarf of nobility no doubt wavered in the wind slighlty. To be honest, Hitsugaya was rather nervous speaking to him in person one of the few times, however quickly shook the feeling away.

"I also would like to report to you personally that your sister's kin are growing up just fine." He realized that Byakuya had to have heard the news by now. Perhaps he was still reflecting upon her death up here on the hill? Hitsugaya quickly bowed his head half in respect to Byakuya's nobliity, and half as a representation as his apologies.

[Fluffernutter__xx]

Hitsugaya Toshiro, taichou of the Gotei 13's 10th division, the youngest shinigami to ever attain his rank. It was he who had come to speak to Byakuya on the Sokyoku Hill. Byakuya was aware that he had been spending most of his time in the mortal realm more than Seireitei. He figured it might've grown on him and he came to appreciate this world he hid inside a gigai, or it had something indirectly to do with the happenings with Hinamori Momo's nervous breakdowns, and her extensive mental loss. Either way, it had been a while since the noble leader of the Kuchiki clan had met with the younger 10th division taichou.

To be truthful, he was glad to have around one the same shinigami as a taichou back before Gotei 13 had disbanded roughly 50 years back. Byakuya didn't know all these other new ones that had entered and attained their ranks, replacing the shinigami he had grown used to years before. It was difficult for him at first when he had rejoined, knowing he would have to work with and place even the slightest shred of trust into these new faces, faces he hadn't seen out of all the years earlier. To see a familiar face was almost a miraculous gift to him. Almost.

As time went by, Byakuya began to sense a familiar reiatsu. He almost didn't recognize it, however he did because it being of a strong taichou's energy, not like the others. It was from there that he knew exactly who's it belonged to- the young Hitsugaya. He felt it coming up closer, and closer from behind. Thus, when the other had spoke, Byakuya was not startled.

"Taichou Kuchiki, I have come with my recent report of my observations in the Human World."

and then

"I also would like to report to you personally that your sister's kin are growing up just fine."

Byakuya stood there with his back facing Hitsugaya for a short time. He saw from the corner of his eye, the other shinigami bowing to him. He sighed under his breath, and a moment later gave a response. He was totally calm as he spoke, not entirely stern nor cold. If he were the type of person to show his feelings more, it might almost been a bit friendly-sounding.

" Hm, it's been a while since we saw each other last. You can lift your head, Hitsugaya-taichou.", he said, accepting the papers as he spoke. He hesitated to speak for several minutes, but added in an easier tone, " That is good to hear. I , personally, shall want to thank you for watching over the young children yourself...all these years..."

Honestly, when he had been told that Rukia's kin had been doing well, he was relieved. If you were staring him in the face at the exact instant of being told, you could almost see Byakuya light up on the inside, beneath his emotionless exterior. He was smiling on the inside. Not the kind of smile a normal person would have, but a proud and relieved grin under the layers of this noble leader.

"So, have you anything more to say than what we have typed up in this small stack you have handed me?"

"I shall have to look this over later tonight, maybe the morning.", he continued on in his head. 6th division taichou, Byakuya Kuchiki, was used to speaking inside himself, thinking instead of saying. Always a few steps ahead on the inside.

[Elite]

To be truthful to himself, it was comforting to talk to an 'original' member of the Gotei 13. Even though Hitsugaya had met some of the newer Taichou, he hadn't felt the same sense of trust and honesty with them. Perhaps it was just because they were new, filling the sandels of Shinigami he had learned to fight with and respect. Maybe it was just his intuition nagging at the back of his mind again. Then again...who knows? Not that it really mattered right now, but it would in the future.

As the barrier began to fall, the Gotei 13 would be mobilized in response. Hitsugaya assumed that he would be placed in charge yet again of forming the resistance with those in the Human World. He had tagged along with Ichigo and his gang all those years back when the Bounto attacked and even after when the arrancar appeared. He learned their values and what they truly fought for. Would anything change with the new formation of the Gotei 13? He didn't have a guess yet, however would obey orders as always.

His ears perked up slightly as he heard Byakuya begin to speak to him.

" Hm, it's been a while since we saw each other last. You can lift your head, Hitsugaya-taichou."

He quickly obeyed the noble's acknowledgment and lifted his head up to meet Byakuya. His face was as un-changing as ever. His voice still solemn with authority. Hitsugaya was always amazed at how calm and collected Byakuya could be, even under certain circumstances.

That is good to hear. I , personally, shall want to thank you for watching over the young children yourself...all these years..."

Hitsugaya merly shook his head.

"Its only my duty as Taichou of division 10." He spoke easing his tension slightly. It didn't seem to matter who Byakuya talked to, his emotions were never quite shown. Hitsugaya had a hard time figuring out whether the Taichou of division 10 was happy, intrigued, or just not enthralled at all. He shifted around a bit as he gazed at the ground surrounding the hill.

It was still rather dull, even after all these years. Perhaps it was kept this way as to uphold the meaning of Sokyoku Hill and its dreadful past. His deep jade eyes scanned Byakuya for a moment before he was caught off guard by the Taichou's voice.

"So, have you anything more to say than what we have typed up in this small stack you have handed me?"

Of course there were quite a few things Hitsugaya had left out of his report. Mainly it was on a need to know basis, however as he remembered earlier, he didn't feel to well about the new Taichou of the Gotei 13. Perhaps he wouldn't have withheld as much information as he did if he was addressing his former Goteir 13 members. He didn't know exactly where to being or what would pipe Taichou Kuchiki's interest.

"Yes Taichou Byakuya...I left out a bit more detail from my report than I would have liked to. As you know, the barrier has begun to fade and Hollow have been attempting to penetrate the barrier into the Human World." He paused for a moment to re-collect his thoughts of the past.

"I'm concerned now since there have been additional sitings each day...I've been listening to local stories from the humans who have been describing odd catastrophes...no doubt Hollow activity." He paused again before continuing on. He would've smacked himself for stopping so much, it wasn' something he was used to doing, however he took ease in that Byakuya Kuchiki was an original Gotei 13 Taichou and thus continued.

"I realize that I am of Taichou class and I am the only Shinigami residing in the Human World. I fear I alone won't be able to hold off every Hollow attack if they persist to increase like this." He sighed for a moment.

"I...believe I may put a request in for an assistant to the Human World when I next depart back which should be soon. Taichou Kuchiki, do you have any recommendations?" He prayed to himself on the inside he wouldn't mention Momo. He'd avoided her as soon as he got back to deliver this report. Some part of him just didn't want to see her, yet another wanted to. It was a mixed feeling, however Hitsugaya was hoping Byakuya would know about their problems. He was always rather well informed about everything.

[Fluffernutter__xx]

"Yes Taichou Byakuya...I left out a bit more detail from my report than I would have liked to. As you know, the barrier has begun to fade and Hollow have been attempting to penetrate the barrier into the Human World."

"I'm concerned now since there have been additional sitings each day...I've been listening to local stories from the humans who have been describing odd catastrophes...no doubt Hollow activity."

All common knowledge. Nothing was news with the first bit of information given by Hitsugaya, and both knew. It only confirmed that is was true for it to be said by the fellow taichou. Gotei 13 once again had been faced with difficulties. How stupid could they get by disbanding the organization in the first plays? As if 50 years made a difference. There were still duties to be done, barrier or no.

"The build-up from fifty years' worth of hollows must come sometime. Is the population of spiritually aware humans increasing?", Byakuya inquired. He had a strong suspicion that there were more of them lately, and he was more than likely correct. He realized that the Hitsugaya had more to say, and silenced himself to let the latter speak on.

"I...believe I may put a request in for an assistant to the Human World when I next depart back which should be soon. Taichou Kuchiki, do you have any recommendations?"

"You're requesting reinforcements? Understood. I shall seek to it that you are sent back with assistance should you depart soon... Ah, I may have a select few to patrol in the living world. Just how much might you be looking into assisting you?"

Byakuya had come to trust his fellow taichou, Hitsugaya. Of course, one reason being because he had proven himself from the years before the disbandment, and because trust was running thin with all the newbies. He remembered when the young shinigami had received title as to being 10th division's taichou, notorious for his age. Toshiro had since then become living proof that age meant nothing- it was his strength and devotion to Seireitei that earned him his rank. That was why Byakuya was helping him. It was the least he could do to give an indirect "Thank you", for taking care of his family...even if they weren't family by blood.

He sometimes thought that he would probably never have a child of his own. He'd probably never fall in love again...no, how could anyone ever replace his beloved Hisana, whom he broke the rules twice for. Once to marry her, again to take in Rukia. Still, even though they weren't related by blood, the love of family would still be present.

[Elite]

Hitsugaya thought for a moment as he remembered he hadn't mentioned the increases in humans with spiritual awareness. He thought back for a moment remembering being by the river when he met that one pink-haired girl. Her name was...Sakura? Yeah, Sakura. She had shown her potential to be quite spiritual aware of her surroundings. It coupled with that fact that she also had the strength to fight hollows which was interesting as well.

"The build-up from fifty years' worth of hollows must come sometime. Is the population of spiritually aware humans increasing?",

"Yes, I have noticed an increase in humans that have spiritual awareness of their surroundings. Its proving to almost become common place even if they can't fully see the spirits." Yes indeed Byakuya knew what was going on, he was very observant for just being back in the Seiretei. It was quite amazing how he obtained all of this information, however he was sure he took reports from other divisions and various other sources. He wouldn't have even put it past Byakuya to venture out into the Human World every so often without the knowledge of any other Captains.

"You're requesting reinforcements? Understood. I shall seek to it that you are sent back with assistance should you depart soon... Ah, I may have a select few to patrol in the living world. Just how much might you be looking into assisting you?"

Hitsugaya though for a moment. He didn't need that many Shinigami to assist him, probably one would make due. Having any more than that would most likely attract attention from the populace. He wondered exactly who Byakuya might have in mind to go with him. Certainly he wouldn't send any of the new recruits at all. There was just to much tension between the old members of the Gotei 13 and the new. Perhaps that feeling would pass over, but it certainly was uneasy at the time.

"I believe one would do Kuchiki Taichou. I don't mean for it to be an inconvienence to you at all." His teal eyes wandered away from watching Byakuya as he looked over at the desolate wasteland that was now Sokyoku Hill. It seemed almost familiar of destruction and chaos, although there was nothing there. He shook his head of the feeling and returned his attention back to Byakuya who's face was as solemn as ever.

Had Byakuya obtained a new Vice Captain? He hadn't seen Abarai Renji at all since the Gotei 13 was disbanded. There weren't but a handful of old members who had returned, some had even dissappeared so to speak. Perhaps some were living in the Human World undetected, others gone rogue perhaps without the Gotei 13 ideals to keep them in line. He hadn't a clue, but wished on the inside someone he remembered or knew would accompany him back to the Human World.

[Fluffernutter__xx]

"Yes, I have noticed an increase in humans that have spiritual awareness of their surroundings. Its proving to almost become common place even if they can't fully see the spirits."

And so his suspicions were correct. Yes, Hitsugaya wouldn't be able to take care of it on his own. Though if these humans did happen to be strong enough, they could help fight off hollow attacks. Still, flooding reiatsu into the mortal realm could still be dangerous. Just to think of how strong it would make those Quincies grow. Surely some of them were still around, thanks to the Ishida kid.

"Ah, as I thought. Be careful that their power doesn't grow too strong. Consequences can be great, especially if it summons the deadlier hollows fit more for our power level. Keep your eye on how much energy you let out."

"I believe one would do Kuchiki Taichou. I don't mean for it to be an inconvienence to you at all."

Byakuya had been wondering what had happened to Matsumoto, that popular female that had been the fukutaichou of tenth division? He had seen her in passing several times during the 50 years of peace. Perhaps she had returned to Gotei 13 in another division? Surely she would go along with Hitsugaya. He felt like mentioning it to him, as Byakuya knew for a fact that the white-haired boy had placed trust in his fukutaichou.

"Say, Hitsugaya-taichou, have you been in contact with Matsumoto Rangiku? I'm sure she would offer you assistance. Is she still part of your division?", he suggested, thinking back on the times he had seen them together before. Obviously, he didn't trust the new recruits. As if he would send one of them, like they had as much experience!

Gotei 13 was so lost without the older, high-ranked members. It was stupid to have disbanded in the first place. Come to think of it, Byakuya hadn't seen his teacher, Jushiro Ukitake, who was one of the first to obtain his rank. Perhaps his illness had finally got the best of him. Byakuya would have to pay a visit to him one of these days, if the older man was still alive.

He also planned to one day, if ever to find himself in the mortal realm, to check up on the young family of Rukia's. He wanted to see them. Perhaps they looked like Rukia...like Hisana, the wife he loved so dearly even after more than 100 years. It was amazing, that 100 years had passed since she had been alive. A whole century.

[Elite]

"Ah, as I thought. Be careful that their power doesn't grow too strong. Consequences can be great, especially if it summons the deadlier hollows fit more for our power level. Keep your eye on how much energy you let out."

"Yes, I'm keeping tabs on the population's spiritual releases. It does promote concern though to hollow attacks. More and more will become attracted to the town if the rate of spiritual awareness keeps up. Soon the entire town will be on a hollow's list to eat." He thought fora moment about his own reiatsu. While in his gigai, it wasn't as noticeable, It was only when he had to fight to release himself from his gigai with his normal Shinigami body.

It was quite a predictament indeed sometimes with so many people aware. He had to pick and choose when and where he would fight hollows, sometimes even having to lure them away so nobody else would find out his true identity. Only a select few knew who he was in the Human World, most notable were Kuchiki, Kurosaki, and the rest of their friends. They might know him, but they rarely ever see him as he tries to keep his contact with them to a minimum.

Say, Hitsugaya-taichou, have you been in contact with Matsumoto Rangiku? I'm sure she would offer you assistance. Is she still part of your division?",

Hitsugaya's teal eyes slightly widened at first when he heard Byakuya's lips move. He most definately knew the name as it came off the tip of his tongue. He watched his lips as he remembered who Byakuya had referred to. It was noneother than his first Fukutaichou, Matsumoto Rangiku. He remembered her quite clearly. She could be playful, a pain, and lazy all at the same time, however she was always serious when she needed to be and understood there was a time to joke and a time for business. Or so he liked to think because thats how she played off to him during those years he was with her.

Come to think of it, he hadn't even known what happened to her after the Gotei 13 disbanded. He never heard from her again since that incident. Perhaps she left the Spirit World in search of something more fun. He could just imagine Matsumoto in the Human World snacking away, watching TV, and going to a health center of some sort. Then again a grin crossed his face when he realized that she would have to 'Work' to get all of that. Hitsugaya lowered his eyes slightly in rememberance of the past.

"Well...No I haven't Kuchiki Taichou. I haven't really been in contact with anyone since...the 'incident'" He preferred not to try to find people after the Gotei 13 disbanded. In particular, Hinamori, Momo. Incident had a dual meaning in his life. For him, it was the time when Momo had become disillusioned, and the other was when the Gotei 13 seperated. Clearly Byakuya would probably think of the latter unless he knew more to it than Hitsugaya assumed which was a pretty good assumption since Byakuya always was well informed.

After the brief pause of reflection, Hitsugaya brought his eyes back up to finish. "I haven't had contact with Matsumoto at all, nor do I know if she returned to the Gotei 13." He would like to think she would come straight back to her original position, however times have changed since the Gotei 13 reformed. It was even trouble for him to obtain his position of Taichou again, but he pulled through as usual.

[Fluffernutter__xx]

"Yes, I'm keeping tabs on the population's spiritual releases. It does promote concern though to hollow attacks. More and more will become attracted to the town if the rate of spiritual awareness keeps up. Soon the entire town will be on a hollow's list to eat."

"You'd better hope that doesn't happen. And it shouldn't. Don't worry- they won't leave you out in the mortal realm alone. At least, not for long. When you release yourself from gigai to fight a hollow, just make sure you're not letting too much reiatsu off. It's a trivial matter. You should go to ninth division and pick up some of their memory replacers.", Byakuya replied, turned stern to know his suspicions were confirmed. How much easier it would be, if shinigami could completely seal off their reiatsu from nearby humans. Then, all they would have to use were their memory replacers created by the twelth division on the ones who could still see the shinigami. If only it were that easy... but, it isn't, and it may never be.

"Well...No I haven't Kuchiki Taichou. I haven't really been in contact with anyone since...the 'incident'"

Byakuya knew what Hitsugaya had meant when the latter said "incident". Ever since Aizen had faked his death and betrayed Soul Society along with Ichimaru Gin and Kaname Tosen, Hinamori Momo had been far from herself. Byakuya had been informed of her nervous breakdown, and how she had went after Hitsugaya as the letter said that he had been the killer of Aizen. Truly, Byakuya didn't really know what he would've done if he had been in Hitsugaya's place, and he hadn't heard the full story at all.

Then after the Gotei 13 had seperated, nobody had really kept in contact with each other. Shinigami seemed to mean nothing to people during the 50 years of peace. Oh, how people could allow themselves to be so naive, Byakuya did not know. Not that it mattered anymore, because another barrier probably wasn't going to happen, unless people wanted to block off hollows forever and let them all keep coming to Hueco Mundo instead of being purified.

"I haven't had contact with Matsumoto at all, nor do I know if she returned to the Gotei 13."

Byakuya remained quiet, hesitating to speak once more. Though, he knew what he was going to say next. He looked up and away from Hitsugaya, up into the gloomy stars once more. His gaze turned back to the younger shinigami. Then he spoke.

"She's still alive, you know. Maybe you should pay her a visit. If you'd like to know, I had several run-ins with her during the last times of peace. Before Gotei 13 had reassembled, I had seen her. I think she wants... to see you again, Hitsugaya-taichou."

[Elite]

"You'd better hope that doesn't happen. And it shouldn't. Don't worry- they won't leave you out in the mortal realm alone. At least, not for long. When you release yourself from gigai to fight a hollow, just make sure you're not letting too much reiatsu off. It's a trivial matter. You should go to ninth division and pick up some of their memory replacers.",

Nodding at Byakuya's reguard for spiritual aware humans, Hitsugaya made a mental note to perhaps stop by ninth division as he suggested. While it was a pretty good idea, he always tried to be careful reguardless to not let humans see what was going on, except for the few such as Kurosaki and the rest of them. To them it was natural almost to see such elements in everyday life, not to mention the stories they were probably told by their parents. Besides, most of the hollows he had to fight were rather weak and not even worth using a Bankai over.

Perhaps he would use such devices on some of those new people he began to discover? Did they deserve to know what was going on? Perhaps, since some of them even fought hollows on their own accord. He did his best to take the fights to remote sectors of the city, or even fight them at the most prominant time, the night. Reports on the television indicated various things from gasline explosions to hit and run car accidents. All of these of course made Hitsugaya roll his eyes over, but then again not everyone was spiritually atuned.

"She's still alive, you know. Maybe you should pay her a visit. If you'd like to know, I had several run-ins with her during the last times of peace. Before Gotei 13 had reassembled, I had seen her. I think she wants... to see you again, Hitsugaya-taichou."

He very well assumed that Matsumoto was alive, there was really no doubt at all. Even though all of her faults and weakness, Matsumoto was a good friend and ally. She wasn't weak at all while on the job...however this was slightly questionable while lounging around. He hadn't seen her for...fifty years! It wasn't that he hated her or despised her presence...it was just things were hard for him after Aizen had left and did his whole show. He had meant to meet her again, even if she iritated him sometimes. As much as he hated it, he would've gone with her on an outing to dinner or something at the very least to keep contact with her.

No doubt she would want to see him again. Sometimes she seemd so lonely despite her outgoing personality all the time. It was probably a bit of her troubled past that she had opened up to him before about. It was surprising she turned out the way she did sometimes, quite amazing. He was slightly surprised that Byakuya of all people had run into her while the Gotei 13 was no more. He wouldn't have expected him of all people to be any place where Matsumoto might have been. Then again, she might have changed a bit since his last encounter with her.

"I believe...it would be quite a good turn of fate to have her back." Hitsugaya eyed the ground for a moment, rather uncertain how to proceed. Accepting the fact he would welcome Matsumoto back as his Fukataichou, there was still one part of the puzzle bothering him. This was the drama surrounding Hinamori, Momo. While it might not have been the best time to ask and as much as it was against his will, Hitsugaya uttered the sentence before he could catch himself.

"Bya...I mean...Kuchiki Taichou. Do you know...what became of Hinamori, Momo?" He couldn't believe he was getting so careless! He almost had blurted out the noble's first name with no respect what so ever! How could he have ever let something like that slip? It wasn't like him, however he soon credited the fault at thinking of Momo who had wished had changed somehow since his last encounter with her. Something inside him said no, but a small part of him wanted to believe she changed.