Shiroi Mu-ne (White Heart)

White Heart
Shiroi Mu-ne

BLEACH and its characters do not belong to me, damn it.
Written by Olivia


“The meeting will commence now.”

Commander Yamamoto cleared his throat before addressing the white-cloaked Taichos standing in attention before him. As usual, they had taken the formation of standing in 2 lines. Some faces remained the same, some had slightly changed, but the biggest transformation had to be the white-haired figure, standing with his hands crossed, amongst them.

“Taichos, I believe all of you understand that this certain Shinigami replacement living in the other world has always been generating great interest in Soul Society, ever since his unorthodox arrival a long time ago. I have instructed Kuchiki Rukia to bring him before me tonight. I will be submitting him to the tests required from him to become a fully-fledged Shinigami, although it is certain that he will pass. But I feel we owe him an obligation to grant him a proper title, after so long.”

Some of the Taichos nodded their heads in agreement, especially Ukitake and Shunsui. Kenpachi grinned widely, although it might be interpreted as a maniacal one.

“But the tests will take him many, many weeks to complete. And after which, I wish to retain him for a further period for other purposes, of which I shall not reveal for now. However, this means there will be no available Shinigamis in the other world during his absence.”

There was some muttering in response to this.

“Although we’ve never seen the need for a Shinigami to be placed there, we have witnessed the convenience of it. Kurosaki Ichigo has eliminated more Hollows in time before any real damage has been made. This is of more significance. That is why…I have called you all here today.”

The air almost cackled with suspense and tension.

“I want to nominate one of you to take over Kurosaki Ichigo’s place and be in the other world until his return.”

“Yamamoto-sama, this is impossible! How can any of us do this? We’re already up to our necks with work and all other administrative stuffs! Furthermore, we have yet to replace the empty 3 Taicho positions so we’re stretched already!”

Soi Fong stepped out to intervene, her eyes flashing wildly. It was true, the situation in Soul Society was no longer chaotic, but the Taichos were bogged down with too much work. There were a lot of restructuring, the nomination of the top management, and the handling of 3 Divisions left behind by Aizen, Ichimaru and Tousen. It was never easy to choose 1 Taicho, let alone 3. Even though a decade or more had passed, it was still difficult to find a good nominee. The ex-Taichos i.e. Yoruichi and Urahara had no intention of resuming Taicho positions either.

“Soi Fong, it will only be for a few weeks. I am sure it will not have any long-term effects. I already have my nomination in mind.”

A sudden chill seized Hitsugaya Toushiro and he looked right into Yamamoto’s eyes. With that exchange, he already knew who he had chosen. Hitsugaya frowned and stepped out.

“Yamamoto-taicho, if I may -”

“My mind is made up, Hitsugaya.”

“I don’t think the 10th Division can manage in my absence. Matsumoto -”

“She is an able lieutenant. A few weeks will be nothing to her. You trust her, don’t you?”

Trust her to screw up all my paperwork, sleep on the couch in MY room during the afternoons, drink up all the sake we have in the brewery, and probably do some random tasks while abandoning all the work? Yes, I can trust her all right.

“Yamamoto-taicho, please reconsider your proposition.”

“Hitsugaya, you will fit into Kurosaki Ichigo’s surroundings perfectly. The rest look too old, and Soi Fong is too hot-headed. She will attack anyone when provoked.”

At this point, Soi Fong bit her lip and stepped back into the line. But she did not retort, since she knew the old man was right. Also, she was certainly glad she was not nominated.

“Well… if you insist.”

“You set off tomorrow, and assimilate to his environment immediately. You are entitled to unlimited powers when you are there, I have made arrangements for you prior to this. It would be a waste of time if you are forced to ask for the limit to be lifted during an important battle. The enemy probably wouldn’t wait for you to make that request either. With Aizen up there doodling with our enemies, who knows what he might send for his entertainment purposes. As a Taicho, you are certainly well-placed to fight them. Anyone lower than this rank may find some trouble fighting off them.”

“Yamamoto-taicho, you know I don’t need the limit to be lifted. I can cope with 20% of my power. Other shinigamis are just as capable, whether Taicho or not.”

“Hitsugaya, just accept it. You leave tomorrow. The meeting is adjourned.”

Everyone started milling away, some passing him sympathetic glances. Hitsugaya sighed heavily and rubbed his temples slowly. Matsumoto would scream in horror at his departure later. He had not been catching up with paperwork because he was perfecting his bankai, and also spending any available time with Hinamori to polish up her skills. Matsumoto was not happy when the pile of sheets on his desk did not seem to shrink, since Hitsugaya was always the one finishing the paperwork.

“My luck is really running low.”

Hitsugaya muttered to himself as he performed several steps of shunpo (flash step) towards the 10th Division building. As he stepped into the hall, Matsumoto was already waiting for him. She was leaning against one of the pillars, and she pushed herself away from it as he approached.

“I heard, Taicho.”

“That’s fast. I need to pack now.”

“What are we gonna do without you!?”

“Gotta handle it, Matsumoto. Your stage now. Maybe it’s a good chance for you to demonstrate any potential ability to become a Taicho.”

“YOU’RE KIDDING ME!! YOU CAN’T LEAVE US ALONE!”

“You mean I can’t leave the paperwork alone.”

“Taicho! Bring me with you!”

“No, someone has to direct this place. You’re the only one.”

Matsumoto sighed reluctantly and slumped to the floor in defeat. Hitsugaya walked lightly across the tatami mats, arms now crossed and hidden in his cloak’s sleeves. He entered his room and retrieved his luggage. In a few brisk movements, he packed his essential belongings and then walked out again.

“Where are you going, Taicho?”

“To inform Hinamori that I’ll be gone for a few weeks.”

“I know.”

Hitsugaya and Matsumoto both turned around. Hinamori was standing at another doorway, her expression somewhat sombre. She approached Hitsugaya slowly, her eyes averting his. Shyly, she revealed what she was holding behind her back. It was an elegant dark blue bento, coupled with a rich classy shade of magenta chopsticks tied to the bento with a gold string. Matsumoto’s eyes boggled at the expensive-looking box and she wondered what Hitsugaya would say.

“Here, Shiro-chan. I hope you’ll use this when you’re over there. The food inside should last you a few days, I made a lot. I got the guys from the Technology Bureau to get me a packet of those which could preserve food. I’ve placed it inside for you.”

“Hinamori…”

Hitsugaya gingerly took the bento from her and stared at it. He was quite touched from her actions, and he hoped desperately in his absence, Hinamori would be safe. With Aizen and his newfound allies lurking up there, the situation was now much more unstable.

“Taicho, I’ll take good care of her.”

Matsumoto could read Hitsugaya like a book, maybe it was the disadvantage of working with someone for so long. Hitsugaya shot a deadly glance at her, hoping she wouldn’t spill something awkward for Hinamori and him. Matsumoto chuckled under her breath.

“Thank you, Hinamori. Is there anything I can do for you?”

With this, the girl blushed faintly and shook her head. She placed her hands in front of her and retreated a few steps.

Tsk, Taicho, you can be so daft at times.

Matsumoto chided Hitsugaya silently as she noticed that Hitsugaya merely looked at Hinamori in a concerned manner, nothing more. Sometimes, it was difficult to gauge whether Hitsugaya was so overly protective of Hinamori because they were childhood friends and he cherished their friendship, or whether it was because he liked her. She reflected on how Hitsugaya had started to change in obvious ways during this period. He had grown taller, and it seemed he wasn’t stopping soon. His height was now way beyond Hinamori’s, and he was only a few centimetres shorter from Abarai Renji.

Well, almost a head shorter, but still.

His white crown of hair retained the same hairstyle, except that it was a bit shorter now. His face had angled sharply to reflect his growth, big emerald green orbs were now tinged darker. His eyes were now narrower, his pierce more intense. He still wore his zanpakuto (soul slayer) in the same fashion though, slung behind his back.

It’s really no wonder that all the new female students over the past few intakes are infatuated with him. He’s really too clueless to understand, poor fella.

Matsumoto mused to herself as she continued watching Hitsugaya converse with Hinamori. She remembered the one incident when Hitsugaya’s presence was asked at the School for training Shinigamis. When he first arrived, most of the girls made a big brouhaha because he was just stunningly young, handsome and powerful, all clad in the trademark white Taicho cloak. She noted some of the girls breathlessly telling each other that they wanted to join the 10th Division after graduation. Her recollection was then broken when Hinamori bid farewell to her.

“Y-yes, good night to you too, Hinamori-san.”

After Hinamori had left the building, Hitsugaya was silently retreating to his room. Matsumoto thought it was better to leave him alone. She was starting to walk towards her room when Hitsugaya called her.

“Matsumoto, keep your word. I’m counting on you for everything.”

“Yes Taicho. But hey, I know my priorities, so you won’t blame me when I abandon everything for Hinamori, right?”

Hitsugaya frowned and didn’t answer.


The lecture hall was bustling with activity as it was a Monday, and excited chatters were heard about their weekend plans earlier. Ichigo’s clique was not missing Ichigo as he had already mentioned about ‘travelling to the countryside to visit a sick relative’.

Hitsugaya left rapidly after the lecture ended. He was already scouting for a clear coast so he could perform shunpo and get some reprieve.

As he was walking quickly past the long line of shops, his emerald eyes caught the sight of a pink talisman hanging from the Guild Store. He knew Hinamori would really like the design. Then again, there was the question of a guy like him purchasing a pink talisman. Kurosaki had once told him that rumours flew like air particles in schools here. Students lived on these juicy tales.

AH! Just what I need!

Hitsugaya had also noticed that a long black case for carrying art works were for sale too. It was probably for the Design students. It seemed like the right size for his zanpakuto, but it might take some skill to try and fit in the hilt too. Well, he’ll worry about it later. Right now, he was feeling very naked without his trusty companion. It was simply rare for a University student to be wielding a katana, because of its hilt.

“Thank you, please come again!”

The bubbly salesgirl with 2 ponytails blushed a little when Hitsugaya made eye contact with her. He nodded and took his purchase from her. He slung it behind him and felt relieved at the familiar feeling of carrying something behind his back.

Oh well, I might as well…

“Hey, how much is that talisman?”

“This one? Err… it’s for girls.”

“I know. How much?”

“OH! Yes, sorry about that… it’s 6,000 yen.”

“I’ll get it too.”

“For your girlfriend?”

Hitsugaya wondered if the humans in this world were all so rudely inquisitive. No wonder Kurosaki was so obnoxious. He even dared to call him by his first name! Silently, he handed her the money and took the nicely packaged talisman. As he was stepping out of the store, he darted quickly to one of the quieter areas in the school. Then, in a flash, he had disappeared and reappeared on one of the higher branches of a tree. He leaned back gratefully and let out a sigh. He wasn’t particularly hungry, the new experiences and exposure were feeding him already. But he was missing everything in Soul Society, especially the cha siew ramen he would eat every Monday before the 10th Division’s weekly meeting.

Wonder how Matsumoto is coping now.

He closed his eyes, wanting to catch a nap before the next lecture. Then, he was rudely interrupted.

HOLLOW!

Hitsugaya sprang to full height as he stood up and scanned the area. In the near horizon, the clouds were dark purple. He frowned again and made several shunpo to his ‘residence’. It was located in the heart of Tokyo, where it was noisy and crowded much to his despair. Grabbing his zanpakuto, he returned back again in no time. The Hollow had manifested and landed on the ground. It also started to scout around, as though it had gotten wind of Hitsugaya’s scent.

Come get me, big boy.

His white and blue jacket blew in the wind as he stood perched on the treetop. He probably would never appreciate the fact that he looked damn good in dark denim jeans.

“Shinigami… I see you…”

The monstrous voice thundered in Hitsugaya’s direction, and red beady eyes set their target on him. Hitsugaya slowly unsheathed Hyourinmaru from the case he had just bought, which was thankfully the right size to hide its hilt indeed.

“I was getting bored, Hollow. Come entertain me for a while before I eliminate you.”

“Do not underestimate me, Shinigami. I have fought many before, and just as many had fallen. I am not like any other ordinary Hollows.”

Hitsugaya knew exactly what it was talking about. Ever since Aizen had betrayed them, the Hollows were becoming more unique in their powers and dispositions. His sick ambition of culturing the perfect combination of a Shinigami and a Hollow was creating a major tumour for Soul Society.

“And I am unlike any other ordinary Shinigami. Should you kill me, you will find that I am quite exquisite to the taste. But unfortunately for you, you’ll never find out.”

The Hollow surveyed him carefully for a short while. It heaved a bit before laughing heartily.

“Why yes, you are of no ordinary skill. You dressed in ordinary clothing… you’re a Taicho huh?”

“Taicho or not, my Hyourinmaru is hungry. Hollow, let’s hurry up and fight.”

The Hollow looked angry and clenched its humongous teeth together.

“YOU WILL REGRET IT, KID!!”

With a dash faster than the human eye can see, it disappeared. Hitsugaya merely remained still, closing his eyes and hands clenching Hyourinmaru. Bluish-white wisps of spiritual power started emitting from his entire being. Then, he opened his eyes and disappeared too.

A loud roar was heard, and the Hollow came back into view from nowhere, crashing to the ground clumsily. Hitsugaya landed gracefully onto the ground, pointing Hyourinmaru at the Hollow. The blade caught the sun’s rays and shined beautifully.

“Hollow, fight me properly.”

The Hollow chuckled and stared at Hitsugaya disdainfully.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be playing around with you, KID.”

Hitsugaya raised one eyebrow and tried to control his mounting impatience. The Hollow was obviously wanting to make him lose his cool. If he fell for it, he would be playing into its hands. Suddenly, he felt the sharp presence of the change in the skies. Soon, holes were opening up and more Hollows were appearing in large amounts.

“You got your companions to come join in the fray?”

“Why not? I like to share my prey. I am not stupid to go against a Shinigami of Taicho level.”

Hitsugaya looked around, his eyes darting to and fro the new arrivals.

“Hey, I heard that Taichos and Fuku-taichos (Lieutenants) have a power limit. Well, we’re not going to give you the chance to invoke one. ATTACK!!!”

The number of Hollows surrounding him were enough to scare the living daylights of anyone, maybe even a Fuku-taicho. But whether Hitsugaya was the reincarnation of a Heavenly Guardian or not, he certainly demonstrated the authority and charisma of one. With a definitive flick of Hyourinmaru, he closed his eyes and held it firmly across his arms. His spiritual aura suddenly exploded into an inferno, and his eyes turned platinum silver.

For this puny army of Hollows, it’s not even necessary for me to perform Shikai (first release) of Hyourinmaru.

He took aim at the nearest Hollow and gave Hyourinmaru a mighty swing. The blow easily wiped out at least 8 Hollows. Then his following movements were so swift that no one really knew what had happened. The Hollows were, instead, disappearing rapidly.

“No! This can’t be happening!”

The original Hollow was left to see his comrades fall like useless dominos. Hitsugaya suddenly stopped in front of him, Hyourinmaru aimed to strike at its throat. The dust that Hitsugaya’s movements created was slowly settling, his jacket still untouched and unblemished. The wind blew gently at his hair, but Hitsugaya’s eyes were riveting and intense.

“I’m going to exterminate you so I can go to class now. Thanks for giving me a great workout.”