Leadership

The morning following the incident, Unohana was exhausted – three times Gin had been almost stable, and three times his vitals had plummeted the instant she began to think he was out of danger. Gin's reiryoku had been overstressed and unstable due to Gin's forced use of Bankai with a life-threatening injury, and he'd essentially repeated the feat, this time with Shikai. A compounded reiryoku injury was extremely difficult to treat, as conventional healing Kidō restored the patient's reiryoku and worked with it to heal the body. As reiryoku was quite literally a Shinigami's life force, such a method typically worked astoundingly well in keeping the patient alive while addressing the wound.

But this time, the wound was not to Gin's body, but to his reiryoku itself. He'd overstressed his power, and it was beginning to fail to maintain his vital functions. Unohana had had to use her own reiatsu and manually keep Gin alive until her fukutaicho, Kotetsu Isane, had arrived to do the same, leaving Unohana able to perform the delicate procedure. It was difficult, very difficult, to guide someone else's power into a healing state, and there were several ways it could go horribly wrong.

But Unohana had had centuries to perfect her healing prowess, and so when she left the operating room that morning, she was tired but triumphant; Gin would survive. Just to be sure he would not risk compounding his condition another time over, Unohana had also put him into a medical coma that would last for the next several days unless removed prematurely.

The next pressing issue was Hinamori. It was clearly apparent that her life was truly in danger, by Kurosaki Ichigo or by some unknown entity was unclear, but in either case additional precautions were warranted. Though Unohana was still certain that Kurosaki and his group were not behind the assassination attempt, a sliver of doubt had wriggled its way into her mind: Was Hinamori-chan right? Is Kurosaki after her? She resolved to speak with Hitsugaya-taicho at the earliest opportunity and determine what he had discovered.

In the meantime, she needed to arrange better protection. Whoever it was had apparently effortlessly surprised and knocked out Hisagi-fukutaicho, and would have succeeded in killing Hinamori-chan had Gin-san not performed his self-mutilating act of protection. But considering that it was simply not practical to have a taicho guarding her full time – Tōsen was an exception, as with his Hollow powers and taicho-level abilities, it was simply asking for trouble to not place a high-level guard – the protections would have to be based in Kidō. For now, however, Unohana could not afford to leave Hinamori alone.

"Isane-chan."

"Hai, taicho?" the fukutaicho responded instantly. Kotetsu Isane was tired as well, but she was also aware that there were many things that had to be done before she could rest.

"Please contact the 11th Division to set up a guard rotation around Hinamori-chan's room, and prepare a Mirror Door inside to prevent any further unwanted intrusions."

"Hai!"

At the same time, Kyōraku was quickly making his way to the Senkaimon; he wanted to catch Ichigo quickly – there was precious little time before the Central 46 would reconvene. He'd woken painfully early, much to his Nanao-chan's stunned astonishment, already visited the 12th Division and had his limiter seal applied and a gigai procured.

Strangely though, Kyōraku found himself somewhat apprehensive. His upcoming conversation with the Substitute Shinigami would shape events to come for some time; this he was well aware of. He'd spent the necessary wait time at the 12th Division planning how he would broach the subject, but the taicho had found himself unable to figure out a way to make it work. We'll get to it, Kyōraku reassured himself. Just some small talk, maybe over some tea or sake, and everything will fall into place. I just hope the Central 46 doesn't find out I'm doing this, or it could make things very complicated.

If the Central 46 discovered the lengths Kyōraku was going to at this moment, it would severely hamper any argument they could make that Ichigo wasn't a threat. Kyōraku, as acting sōtaicho, by all rights should have simply summoned Ichigo to Soul Society if Ichigo were a respectable member of the Gotei 13. To instead go out of his way to meet the Vizard on his own turf was indicative of the opposite, that Ichigo was on par or superior to Kyōraku in status. Every little thing is about status to those nobles, Kyōraku grumbled with a sigh.

But it was unfortunately the truth – Ichigo, for better or for worse, could be considered the ruler of Karakura Town, spiritually speaking. No one knew whether Soul Society could or would even attempt to enforce anything if Ichigo put his foot down, especially with his transcendent strength. Worse still, as Hitsugaya-taicho had pointed out during their meeting the other night, Ichigo had several perfectly valid reasons to hate Soul Society. What it came down to, was that the two of them would be discussing relations between Soul Society and Ichigo's group.

Kyōraku stopped in front of the giant double-doors that marked the gateway between worlds. "Open the Senkaimon."

The Shinigami stationed there saluted sharply and began doing as ordered. A Jigukuchō was presented to Kyōraku, and he nodded silently. The Jigukuchō would allow him to go directly to the living world without having to make his way through the Dangai.

Several minutes later, Kyōraku stepped through the Senkaimon in the living world, the butterfly fluttering away. Taking a moment to attempt to sense Ichigo's reiatsu, he was pleasantly surprised to find that he could in fact locate it. Perhaps keeping his reiatsu in a transcended state is mentally draining? the acting sōtaicho theorized while entering his gigai.

When he was finished, Kyōraku stretched his legs and arms, acclimating to his new body. He was dressed in black slacks and a long-sleeved button-up light blue shirt, with a dark navy blue jacket over it, left open. He had forgone a hat this time on the 12th Division's suggestion, so instead a long, colorful scarf adorned his neck, with reds and yellows as the prominent hues.

Fully adjusted, Kyōraku set off at a brisk walk.

Ichigo was just finishing breakfast with the rest of his family when he sensed a familiar presence heading his way. But it was not so familiar that he knew who it was immediately… Nor if they were friendly or otherwise. It was a Shinigami, that was for certain, but Ichigo couldn't tell anything else. He sighed. Of course, I can't get a single day to myself without SOMETHING spiritual.

Might as well get used to it, Ichigo. I don't think that's ever gonna change.

Ichigo gave a mental glare at his Hollow half before getting up from the table, turning to face the doorway. "Thanks for breakfast, Yuzu."

His little sister smiled warmly. "I'm glad you liked it, Ichi-nii." Then she saw Ichigo's expression. "Is something wrong?"

Ichigo's eyes didn't leave the door. "Just an unwanted visitor coming our way. Stay inside for another few minutes."

"Is it… a Hollow?" Yuzu whispered.

The Vizard suddenly realized that he was accidentally scaring his sister. "No. It's one of the good guys, the Shinigami."

"Then why is the Shinigami unwanted?"

Ichigo blinked; Yuzu was still too young and too naïve to understand all the nuances of complicated relationships. He was about to open his mouth, but Karin interrupted with a half-bored, half-irritated expression on her face, her eyes closed as if trying to ward off stupidity. "Yuzu, the Shinigami is coming to see Ichigo, meaning that something stupid has happened or is going to happen and they probably want help." She opened one eye and gave her fraternal twin a "You should already know this" look. "So while the Shinigami is a good guy, Ichigo doesn't want him visiting because that means more trouble."

"Oooooh," Yuzu acknowledged, nodding her head. "Stay out of trouble, Ichi-nii!"

"I'll try," Ichigo agreed, impressed at how Karin had succinctly explained the basics of his working relationship with most of the Shinigami forces in a way that Yuzu could work with. He headed for the door, picking up his schoolbag and slinging it over his shoulder. "See ya later."

"Have a good day, Ichi-nii!"

Karin merely waved an acknowledgment, but Ichigo knew she wished him well too. As soon as he had left the house, Ichigo's expression changed as he put on his typical scowl, eyes serious. He was half-tempted to simply put his reiatsu in its transcended state and evade the Shinigami for the rest of the day, but Ichigo knew he would have to deal with them at some point.

Instead, Ichigo began walking towards the presence. Several minutes later, he spotted the Shinigami in question, though he was hard to recognize without his pink haori and straw hat. "Kyōraku-taicho."

"Kurosaki-san," Kyōraku greeted warmly, before his voice lowered. "I apologize for interrupting what must be a busy schedule, but this is rather urgent. Is there someplace we can sit and talk privately? I expect our conversation may take some time."

"Ah." Ichigo thought quickly, momentarily lamenting how his teacher was going to kill him for skipping school again. Then again… "Follow me."

Ichigo led the Shinigami taicho back to his home and asked him to wait momentarily. Quickly going up to his room and opening the closet, Ichigo was entirely unsurprised to see a sleeping lion plush atop Rukia's mattress. He poked him in the eye.

"Ow! Ichigo, what the…!" Kon shut up immediately upon seeing how serious Ichigo was.

"Kon, I need you to go to school for me today. No crazy antics this time," he warned.

"Fine, but I expect to see Rukia soon!"

Ichigo gently pressed his Shinigami badge against the plush, popping out the green pill form of the Mod-Soul, and then quickly tossed it into his own mouth. A moment later, he emerged from his body in his soul form, with Kon in control of his body.

Before the Substitute could open his mouth to threaten Kon with what he would do if the Mod-Soul misbehaved, Kon merely sighed and waved his hand. "I know, I know. If I do something that gets you in trouble, I get the Bostov treatment again. See ya, Ichigo!" With that, the Mod-Soul leapt out the window, closely followed by Ichigo himself.

"Sorry about the wait," Ichigo apologized to Kyōraku as Kon ran to school. "I don't normally have much use for my gikongan, so I don't bother to keep him around."

"It's no problem," Kyōraku waved away easily. "I understand entirely."

"I'm afraid I don't have a private office or anything like that, but my home and Inoue's home have become the traditional meeting places for when we need to work with Soul Society," Ichigo explained as he opened the door to his home again. "We should have enough privacy here." Not to mention, I am NOT showing him the Vizard warehouse, and I think he might have a problem with Urahara's shop.

As fortune would have it, Yuzu and Karin had left for school before Ichigo and Kyōraku had arrived, and Isshin was already busy in the clinic, leaving the Vizard and Shinigami to meet in private. Ichigo moved into the kitchen to heat the kettle for some tea, and then sat across from Kyōraku at the table. "So, why are you here?" Ichigo asked directly, hoping to get to the point. "If something happened, Soul Society normally sends Renji or Rukia. The way I understand it, you're one of the most respected and senior taicho, so why are you here in person?"

Kyōraku was taken aback by Ichigo's abrupt directness, but took it as an opportunity to speak candidly. "The reason I'm the one here, rather than Abarai Renji or Kuchiki Rukia, is due to the situation at hand. There is what many would consider a problem, and unfortunately for all sides concerned, the many are Soul Society's government. That problem, is you."

The Vizard narrowed his eyes. "And just how is that?"

Kyōraku coughed politely, hiding his discomfort about Ichigo's suddenly intimidating expression. "Ah, what do you know about Soul Society's government?"

"There is the Gotei 13, made up 13 Divisions, all of which have taicho, and they all answer to the sōtaicho. There's a Kidō Corps, and the Onmitsukidō, which I don't know anything about. I know that everyone obeys a group of people called the Central 46, who supposedly got their authority directly from the Spirit King according to Aizen. The Central 46 attempted to kill the Vizard one hundred years ago when they accidentally gained Hollow powers, and were killed by Aizen so he could try to execute Rukia by Sōkyoku," Ichigo summarized.

The acting sōtaicho nodded. "As you've probably surmised by now, the previous Central 46 was a group of xenophobes who had grown secure in their power and could not move with the times. In all honesty, Aizen probably did us a favor when he killed them, but don't tell anyone I said that."

Ichigo snorted in amusement and nodded. Just then, the kettle rang, and Ichigo rose to pour them some tea. When he'd sat down again, he resumed where they'd left off. "You were saying, about the Central 46?"

"Yes." Kyōraku sipped his tea, thinking how to best describe the situation. "While Aizen was a threat, the Gotei 13 took over control of Soul Society. But now that Aizen is dead, we have to put our affairs in order and give control back to the new Central 46. But, given the history of the Central 46…"

"You're worried they'll overreact to hearing about me," Ichigo stated bluntly, setting down his own tea. "Shinigami with Hollow powers, strong enough to kill Aizen when none of the rest of you could. If they're even close to as xenophobic or power-hungry as their predecessors, then they would order you to execute me by any means necessary, wouldn't they?"

"Sadly, yes," Kyōraku agreed. "Kurosaki-san, you have many supporters in Soul Society, amongst nobles and taicho and officers alike. The Vizard are your allies, and you have friends in Hueco Mundo as well as your group of empowered humans. To put it bluntly, politically it looks like you're gathering an army, and that scares a lot of people. You're simply too strong, and it's unreasonable and frankly impossible for us to seal your power away, since you've transcended our understanding."

"You wouldn't be here if you didn't have some solution," Ichigo observed with narrowed eyes.

"We need a way for you to appear as though you're loyal to Soul Society," Kyōraku explained. "It increases the chances of the Central 46 being lenient as they'll see your supporters as to their benefit."

"Get to the point."

"As you wish." Kyōraku set down his tea and looked his companion directly in the eyes. "I want you to become taicho of the 5th Division."

Ichigo stared at the taicho disbelievingly. "You can't be serious."

"I am very serious, Kurosaki-san. If the Central 46 gives the order to have you killed, many of the Gotei 13 will rebel. Others will not and would stop at nothing to have you killed. Soul Society and Karakura would become a battlefield. Having just fought a war, Kurosaki-san, are you really so eager to enter another?"

"I should be asking you the same question," Ichigo said dangerously. "Is Soul Society really so eager as to challenge someone whose power is beyond their comprehension, with an army at his back? I will not tolerate a threat to my home!"

"Of course not, and no one expects you to," Kyōraku denied quickly, carefully watching Ichigo's eyes. Black tendrils were beginning to creep along his left eye, overtaking the normal white. He's angry, and defensive. But I have to make him understand! "But we answer to the Central 46, and they do not understand the horror of war, nor do I think they will understand that you do not pose a threat to our home."

Closing his eyes, Ichigo took a deep, calming breath and forced himself to relax in his chair. After another few moments, he decided what his next question should be. He opened his eyes, and Kyōraku was relieved that they were back to normal. "Why not just abolish the Central 46? You've been doing fine without them, right?"

"It's a question I've considered myself," the acting sōtaicho concurred, glad that the topic had strayed away from war. He took another sip of tea before continuing. "The problem is that we have to be legal about it if we want to maintain our benevolent image, which is necessary for us to continually gain new recruits through the Rukongai. I have Ukitake-taicho looking into it right now, but I do not expect much."

They sat in silence for a minute, drinking their tea pensively.

"Are there really no other options?" Ichigo finally questioned.

"None that I could think of," Kyōraku admitted. "Not outside you attending the Shinigami Academy, and quite frankly, that would be rather pointless. If a noble family adopted you, that would be something, but I have no influence with them." He set his tea down again. "Kurosaki-san, you seem very opposed to my offer. May I ask why that is?"

Now it was Ichigo's turn to delay for time as he took another sip. "I disagree with Soul Society's policies," he finally said. "In the short year that I've been involved in spiritual events, I've learned the fate of any being who doesn't subscribe to Soul Society's definition of normal. The Vizard were to be executed but were instead exiled thanks to Urahara and Yoruichi. The Quincy were massacred to almost the last man because their leaders were much the same as your Central 46's: stubborn and foolish, according to Ishida. The Bount and Mod-Souls were sentient beings created by Soul Society, but they too were killed without mercy for no fault of their own. I was given power by Rukia to protect my family, and in return I am cut down by Byakuya and left to die." Ichigo shook his head. "I don't want to be chained to the will of people who are unwilling to see things from another perspective.

"Another problem is that I have no guarantee that what happened to the Vizard won't also happen to me," Ichigo continued. "If I work in Soul Society, it becomes that much easier to end my life. Here in Karakura, there are very few Shinigami and I am familiar with every one of them.

"But if I had to sum it up in one phrase, it would be 'I don't trust you.'"

"I see," Kyōraku murmured. And he truly did. I don't really trust the Central 46 either. But then, he got a wicked idea from what Ichigo had said. He began to smile. "Then let's cheat."

"Huh?" Ichigo blurted, confused.

"If there is anything my Zanpakutō has taught me, it is that there is always a chance to cheat, to play the loopholes," Kyōraku stated with a smirk. "The Central 46 will find out one way or another that you have Hollow powers. We can't avoid that. We also can't choose who will be in the Central 46, nor can we unduly influence their positions. But right now, the Gotei 13 still has control of Soul Society. It's our move. So instead of trying to pacify them, let's silence them."

"What? How do you plan to do that?" Despite himself, Ichigo was interested.

Kyōraku's smirk just grew bigger. This is going to be fun. "We change the rules."

Hitsugaya was hard at work with more paperwork when he heard a knock on the door. Looking up and privately glad for the distraction, he set the papers he was working on aside. "Come in."

Soifon stepped in quickly and confidently. "I just felt you should know that I have performed my inspection; none of my Onmitsukidō is unaccounted for. I am continuing the investigation, but as you were first on the scene, do you have any information that could be of use?"

Hitsugaya shook his head, his face stony. "The only information I have that you may not know is that the perpetrator did not carry his Zanpakutō. I'm sure you are already aware that Gin held the assassin back at great harm to himself."

The assassin nodded; she was well aware. "My sources reported that to me as well. I will consult Kurotsuchi-taicho to determine who else has access to high-level suicide pills." She swept out the door before Hitsugaya could say anything more.

The ice-user sighed and looked at his paperwork. Soifon's visit had reawakened the emotions of the previous night to a lesser degree, but Hitsugaya knew he couldn't continue his work. I won't be able to focus. I should see Hinamori… See how she is. And tell Unohana-taicho what happened last night, in any case.

He stood and quietly left, taking his time on his walk to the 4th Division so he could cool his head a little. I'll drop by the 12th Division later so I can get my seal and gigai to go talk to Kurosaki…

Several minutes later, Hitsugaya entered the 4th Division barracks, and immediately spotted one of the people he wanted to speak with. "Unohana-taicho!"

The head healer turned towards him and Hitsugaya found himself in a private room almost before he could blink. "What happened last night?" she asked quickly.

"The assassin committed suicide before I could reach him, using a pill that dissolved his body entirely," Hitsugaya informed. "Soifon is interrogating Kurotsuchi to determine who all has access to them. How's Gin?"

Unohana sighed heavily. "He'll pull through, but I had to put him in an induced healing coma, and it's too risky to wake him for more details."

"Does Hinamori know what happened?"

Unohana shook her head negatively. "No, I felt the knowledge would only hinder her recovery process, especially as she fears Kurosaki-san coming to claim her."

"Right," Hitsugaya murmured, but now his thoughts were taking a different turn. Would Kurosaki have an idea of who would be doing this? It was a strange idea, but Kurosaki had a variety of friends in strange places. Vizard, Arrancar, Urahara and Yoruichi… Perhaps he's heard something, or one of his friends has a useful ability that could help. Something else to ask him when I talk to him today.

"Hitsugaya-taicho?"

"Hm? Oh, sorry," the diminutive taicho apologized. "Just had a thought that I should look into later. Is it possible for me to see Hinamori now?"

Unohana gave him a sympathetic look. He looks entirely too young to be shouldering such burdens. But he's proven himself up to the challenge quite admirably. "Yes, follow me." As they were walking towards Hinamori's room, she spoke quietly to her comrade. "Remember, Hitsugaya-taicho… try to avoid the sensitive topics, and make sure she knows you're her friend and still support her."

Hitsugaya nodded, his throat dry as they approached the guards in front of Hinamori's room. Passing through and entering the room itself, Hitsugaya was unsurprised to see a Mirror Door set up.

"Shiro-chan!" Hinamori cried in pleasant surprise, seeing her old friend and standing up.

"It's Hitsugaya-taicho," Hitsugaya grumbled good-naturedly.

"I'll leave you two alone," Unohana suggested, and left a moment later.

Hitsugaya sat down in the chair available to him. "Momo… are you ok?" It was the first time he'd used her given name in a long time, but he had really worried about her.

Hinamori smiled. "I'm fine, Shiro-chan. I'm all better, see?" She stretched exaggeratedly, popping a few joints. "Unohana-taicho told me you'd tried to see me a couple of times. Sorry I wasn't awake."

"It's alright," the white-haired taicho reassured his best friend. "You needed to heal."

"Shiro-chan? Do you know why Unohana-taicho put up a Mirror Door?" Hinamori asked concernedly. "Did something happen?"

"She told me that you were afraid that Kurosaki was going to come get you," Hitsugaya related. "The Mirror Door is probably for your benefit – Kurosaki has almost no experience in Kidō, and the amount of power he'd need to break it would be easy to detect and intercept, so it's the perfect defense." Nothing he'd said was a lie – the Mirror Door was for her benefit, and it was a good defense against Kurosaki. But he still felt a twinge of guilt for omitting the attempt on her life last night.

"Ah, that does make me feel better," Hinamori admitted. "So, what's new?"

"Well, Matsumoto actually did all of her paperwork for a change the other night…"

Hinamori gasped aloud. "Really?"

"I was pretty surprised too…" Hitsugaya agreed, drawing her into the intrigue and away from troubling topics. "… I've been thinking about it but I can't come up with any good ideas on what changed. I really need to know so I know whether it was a one-time thing or if she's finally being a little responsible. Can you think of anything that it could be?"

"Well…"

Meanwhile, Soifon was talking to Kurotsuchi-taicho, who seemed rather disinterested. "I need to know who has access to those suicide pills!"

"Which suicide pills?" Mayuri asked dispassionately, still staring at his computer screen.

"The body-disintegrating type."

"You'll need to be a little more specific…"

Soifon couldn't believe the man was being so unhelpful. And when she thought about it, she felt a wave of disgust for the scientist – he'd created more than one type of body-disintegrating suicide pills?

"Well, I don't have any more specifics," Soifon snapped. "All I know is that the man's body was completely disintegrated, with his clothes left in a river…"

"Ah, the clothes were left untouched? One of the earlier versions, then," Mayuri decided. "Nemu!"

"Hai?" the quiet girl responded emotionlessly.

"Fetch the records for who has access to our suicide pills, types 1076 to 1312."

"Hai, taicho." She left the room immediately.

Two hundred and thirty-seven types of body-disintegrating suicide pills? Soifon thought in disbelief. And he knows them well enough to simply spout the numbers?

"Now then, Soifon-taicho… I do believe I have information you would be interested in hearing," Mayuri brought up with a smile, finally turning from his monitor. "It appears that Kurosaki Ichigo left the living world for a few hours last night by way of Garganta."

"Hardly surprising. He was probably visiting the Arrancar who worked with us against Aizen," Soifon replied, completely uninterested. She'd anticipated that happening sooner or later.

"There is more, however. In the aftermath of the fight with Aizen, there is a great deal of leftover reiryoku in the air of Karakura. Accordingly, there had been a few Gillian appearances in Karakura, which were promptly taken care of. However, not one Menos-class Hollow has appeared since Kurosaki left."

That caught Soifon's interest. "Do you think perhaps he went on a hunting mission?"

"It's possible. Probable, even," Mayuri assessed. "I'm curious what happens if a Vizard eats Hollows like they do… I also want to know whether he prefers eating them or simply purifying them like any other Shinigami. Next time you spy on him, let me know and I'll give you a monitoring device for you to subtly plant."

"Very well." Inwardly, Soifon was quite pleasantly surprised. "You've found something that works even if his reiatsu is in its transcended state?"

"I won't know for certain until it is tested, but I have my confidence that it will work," Mayuri said confidently, turning back to the monitor. "In the meantime, there is something very interesting going on that I really must attend to. Nemu! Where are those records?"

"Right here, sir."

Soifon almost jumped – Nemu might very well have been an assassin herself, the way she'd snuck up on them. Then again, she mused, that was probably the intent. Kurotsuchi wanted an assistant who would blend into the background when he didn't want her, and would be able to take care of whatever he needed done without complaint.

"Give them to Soifon-taicho, and then go have a look at our experiments, see if there are any unplanned changes. I am going to be quite busy for some time."

"Hai." Nemu quietly gave Soifon-taicho the records before walking off, just as silently as before.

"Just what exactly is so terribly interesting?" Soifon couldn't help but ask, seeing Mayuri's devoted expression.

"Oh, nothing you'd be concerned about. It appears that Hell is moving closer to the living world and Hueco Mundo, which is unusual enough to be interesting. That doesn't happen unless there has been a large influx of Hell-bound souls… I'm busy calculating the possible effects on the other known dimensions."

"Could the residents of Hell make their way into the living world?" Soifon asked.

"While I imagine there must be a way, there's been no recorded case of that ever happening, so the chances are slim," Mayuri answered in a bored voice. "I suppose a Shinigami could enter Hell and return with one of them, but not only is it forbidden to enter Hell, all the records on how to do so have been destroyed to prevent the attempt. Only the sōtaicho knows how, just in case, and I have yet to convince him to share the secret. A shame, too, I would so like to run some experiments on them…" His eyes lit up. "Oh, perhaps this latest development will help persuade him! I will need more data…." Mayuri never noticed that Soifon had already left.

That's interesting indeed, Kurotsuchi… Soifon thought to herself. That's an option I didn't know existed earlier… If Kurosaki threatens Soul Society, then perhaps I can persuade Yamamoto-sōtaicho to reveal how to open the gates of Hell, and simply trap Kurosaki in there. That would be far simpler, and probably less risky, than using his mother as blackmail for any length of time.

"I swear I will come at you with all of my power!"

Soifon shivered at the haunting memory of Kurosaki's pledge. Of course, it would still be far better to have Kurosaki working for Soul Society… If only I can get Hinamori out of the way… She stopped cold in her tracks, narrowing her eyes. Hinamori doesn't need to die… just be rendered powerless until she's ready to work with the rest of Soul Society again. The Maggot's Nest would work well, but she's well-known and of high rank, and the Nest isn't meant to be common knowledge. In the next meeting I'll suggest binding her powers until such time as she can work with Kurosaki.

She decided that would be her primary plan for the time being, though she would not neglect her backup plans, just in case.

Hitsugaya stood, feeling much better about the day – Hinamori had brightened his spirits considerably. And, much to his surprise, she hadn't once mentioned Aizen or Kurosaki after the initial question. "I'm sorry to go, Momo, but…"

"Yeah, I know," Hinamori agreed. "Duty calls?"

"It always does. I'll try to come by tonight after dinner, if that's alright?"

"Sure! I'm always glad to see you, Shiro-chan!"

Hitsugaya gave her an exasperated look. "How many times do I have to tell you, it's Hitsugaya-taicho!"

"You'll always be my Shiro-chan, Hitsugaya-kun," Hinamori said quietly.

The icy taicho melted a little. "Yeah, I know, Momo… I'll always be your 'Shiro-chan' just like you'll always be my first and best friend." They shared a quiet smile, remembering their days as children, before the Shinigami Academy. "Alright. I'll see you tonight, Hinamori-fukutaicho."

"I look forward to it, Hitsugaya-taicho," Hinamori chirped.

As soon as Hitsugaya closed the door, Hinamori slumped onto her bed, her smile fading. She'd really enjoyed her time with her childhood friend, but as soon as he was gone, the ache was back. Aizen-taicho… Why did you have to die?

The door opened unexpectedly, and Hinamori was unable to hide her emotions by the time Unohana stepped inside. "Good morning, Hinamori-chan," she greeted warmly. Seeing the expression on her patient's face, her smile wavered a little. "Did you not enjoy your time with Hitsugaya-taicho? I can keep him out if you'd prefer."

"No!" Hinamori blurted, then shrunk in on herself. "No, please. I like talking with him."

"Then what's wrong?" Unohana pressed gently.

"I'm… just missing Aizen-taicho," Hinamori admitted. "Why did he have to die, Unohana-taicho? Why couldn't we have just found a way to make peace? Why did Soul Society let Kurosaki kill him?"

Unohana hadn't expected to come across this question for some time, so it was a bit of a surprise to hear it so soon. "There are a few reasons for it," she began as gently as she could. "You will not like what I have to say, but I promise you that I speak only the truth as I know it."

"I know, Unohana-taicho," Hinamori acknowledged. "You're one of the most truthful people I know."

"Then trust me, and hear me out before speaking, alright?" Hinamori nodded. "Thank you. Aizen died because he made some very poor choices, and because he attempted to sacrifice the people Kurosaki Ichigo had sworn to protect. I understand Aizen even kidnapped and threatened to kill Kurosaki-san's mother in front of him."

Hinamori gasped, but said nothing yet. That… that can't be! No way would Aizen-taicho do that!

"Every report, from every taicho and fukutaicho available at the time, confirm this," Unohana went on quietly. "That was a very poor decision of Aizen's part; if he had not done that, then I feel it could have just as easily ended with him being taken capture, rather than killed. But Aizen made it extremely personal to Kurosaki-san. Can you say that if someone had threatened your family, you would not do the same? Do you not feel the same way towards Kurosaki-san right now? If you had had the opportunity last night, would you not have struck him down as surely as he did Aizen?"

Hinamori could say nothing, but the silence spoke volumes. Unohana nodded, seeing she understood. "If Aizen had targeted another town, another group of people, someone else, I'm not sure if Kurosaki-san would have killed Aizen. We may never know.

"Why did Soul Society let Kurosaki-san kill Aizen? The reason for that lies in the deeds Aizen performed before his public betrayal. Aizen admitted to you, and you have told me, that he killed a great many people when trying to finalize his Hōgyoku, and even more when experimenting with Hollowification. He also killed the Central 46, and attempted to murder Kuchiki Rukia. Such things are expressly forbidden, and so Aizen committed treason. If it had been anyone else, say, Kurotsuchi-taicho who had done such things, would you have argued against killing him for treason?"

Hinamori swallowed hard. "No… but Aizen had a higher purpose in mind!" Hinamori argued.

"Perhaps, but do the ends justify the means? Where is the limit, Hinamori-chan? Thousands of people? Millions? Billions? How many until it becomes not worth it?"

"I… I don't know," Hinamori whispered.

"Everyone has a different idea of what is worth it, and what isn't," Unohana told the fukutaicho quietly. "Aizen believed that replacing the Spirit King was worth sacrificing hundreds of thousands of unwilling souls. Kurosaki-san believed that saving those hundreds of thousands of souls was worth sacrificing the one soul threatening it. I believe that the only life a person has a right to sacrifice, is their own, and only then in defense of others.

"There are no right answers that everyone can agree upon, Hinamori-chan. You must find your own answers, and stay true to them. It is the journey of finding those answers that help us grow as people." Unohana would have reached out to hold Hinamori's hand, if it were not for the Mirror Door in the way. As it was, she merely pressed her hand against the glass, and was gladdened when Hinamori pressed her own hand in the same place, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But I offer my condolences for your loss, Hinamori-chan. Aizen was very special, to you especially. Death is a terrible thing, but you should take comfort that he will be reincarnated someday, and perhaps you will be with him again in your next life. For now, make him proud by growing into a person that both you and he can be proud of."

Hinamori burst into tears, loudly sobbing. Without warning, the Mirror Door shattered and Unohana found herself holding Hinamori to her shoulder, rubbing her back soothingly as the fukutaicho's hands clenched around her taicho haori.