A short drabble set at the very end of Ichigo's and Byakuya's battle. Hope you enjoy.
Ichigo braced the bulk of his weight on his zanpakuto; his breaths came in shallow pants as exhaustion muddled his mind.
"You wanted to know…why I would have Rukia killed."
Ichigo forced his aching body to move, to face the 6th division captain, Byakuya Kuchiki.
Those who have committed a crime must be tried and punished. That is the law of the Soul Society."
Just because it's the law, you'd even have your younger sister killed?" Ichigo panted.
Affection towards kin? How pointless…"
"What?" surprised echoed through the battered shinigami, as his mind struggled to comprehend what he was hearing.
"Compared to the law, such feelings are worthless. Since the beginning I have never possessed such troublesome emotions." Byakuya turned to face the Ryoka boy, silent pride glinting in the depths of his granite gaze. "The Kuchiki are one of the Four Great Noble Families of the Soul Society. We must serve as an example to the all the Shinigami. If we abandon our duty and disobey the laws then who will follow them?"
"If I was in your position I would fight the laws!"
Granite orbs widened at the teenagers declaration. I see…even at the beginning I was not his enemy. All along this boy has been fighting the judgment of the Soul Society…such an arrogant boy. "Kurosaki Ichigo the strength of your resolve has shattered my blade. I shall no longer pursue Rukia. The victory is yours." You have done admirably, Kurosaki Ichigo.