This fic follows the canon closely and each subsequent chapter takes place after a particular event in the canon occurs, illustrating the subtle effect it has on Kuchiki Byukuya and subsequently his division and the people around him.

Prologue

The sixth division, a symbol of pride and honour in the Gotei 13. The division's flower, the red Camellia signifies "righteous reason", befitting that of the Kuchiki house, whose head is always traditionally the captain of the sixth division. The Kuchiki clan has been charged with compiling and protecting the history of Soul Society and with that duty, the clan deeply respects the laws and values set by their ancestors. As a result, to the lay people, the Kuchiki clan is a figure of law and order, devout followers of justice, impartial even to their own brethren.

Among the 13 divisions, the sixth division has amassed the highest proportion of noblemen and noblewomen, no doubt a result of the Kuchiki clan's influence. To a nobleman Shinigami from a minor house, serving in the sixth division is an honour and a source of pride for his house. Serving as a seated officer in the sixth division under one of the Four Noble Great Houses is the greatest distinction one could ever bestow on his clan and his name would be recorded in the annals of his house, to be remembered for all eternity. It is even said that the presence of a seated officer in a minor house could elevate its ranking greatly, giving it a more significant presence and influence, especially in forging alliances.

As a result, Shinigami in the sixth division had, for the lack of a better word, a big ego which is frequently taken as arrogance by other members of the Gotei 13. Sports competitions such as kickball and soccer which were derived from the Living World were seen as "trivial pursuits" and beneath those of the dignified sixth division. As such, the absence of the sixth division at such events was not surprising.

In the sixth division itself, members followed a strict schedule, designed by the captain himself to ensure that members were able to train at maximum productivity such that they can better improve their skills. While other divisions such as the 2nd division, 4th division and the 11th division had their division members specialize in a specific area, the 6th division valued all-rounded development of Shinigami in Hakuda, Kido, swordsmanship etc. Therefore, while the 6th division members were not as skilled in specialized areas as other division members, they were the most versatile, able to adapt to any situation efficiently and effectively.

Rule-breakers were frowned upon in the 6th division. No matter how high-ranking a Shinigami may be, as long as he violated one of the sacred rules, he would be dealt the punishment fairly. Never in the history of the 6th division has leniency been given to a member who broke the rules. Even minor offences such as drinking after stipulated hours or entering other division barracks during allocated practice times were not overlooked and the offending Shinigami is either given a month of cleaning duty or 2 weeks in the isolation cell. Unlike the 11th division, where rules were blatantly flaunted nearly every second of the day, the 6th division had no tolerance. Even after the respective punishments were given, the offending Shinigami would be subject to discrimination and isolation from his fellow division members, forever being cast aside and side-lined.

A strict hierarchy in the 6th division existed and formalities could not be neglected when one was conversing with another. The complex web of noble house standings, seniority, seated officers thus made it tedious for fellow division members to talk to one another, even idle chatter was fraught with difficulties. The captain's status as the head of the Kuchiki clan only served to accentuate the hierarchical nature of the 6th division. The captain resided in premises separated from those in the barracks. A huge manor is erected in the centre of the division compounds, with walls bordering the perimeter. While the walls could be easily overcome by anyone possessing decent Shunpo skill, every division member knew better than to attempt such a reckless and senseless endeavour.

The captain rarely showed his face and anyone who wanted to meet the captain, excluding his lieutenant, had to gain approval from the Soul Society administration, followed by the Kuchiki clan's own administration and finally the vice-captain's approval. The bureaucratic red tape involved simply made the captain inaccessible to his own subordinates, emphasizing his nobility status.

Every year, at the start of spring, the new recruits would be ushered into their respective divisions. Each division had their own individual, unique welcoming ceremonies. Division 1 had a traditional "passing the fire" ceremony. Division 3 had a solemn and depressing performance, signifying despair. Division 8 had a luxurious sake drinking ceremony under blooming cherry blossoms. Division 11 had a fighting festival among the new recruits.

The different ceremonies have evolved through the centuries and decades, each representing the essence of the Division that the new recruits would soon be a part of. However, there lies one exception to the above. Ever since the first Kuchiki clan head took command of the 6th division, the ceremony has never changed through the various wars, upheavals and conflicts. The ceremony is simple, the captain addresses the new recruits in the assembly area of his manor, the only time they would ever be inside. With an emotionless face, the captain begins.

"If we do not follow the rules… Who will?"

Whew~ Initially I did not have a prologue in mind, but I guess midway through writing, I wanted to illustrate the state of the 6th division, its background (or how I rationalized it would be) and give my story a solid foundation. But it did get a bit more lengthy than I thought. Hope it didn't put you off haha BUT starting from the first chapter onwards, there will be more action and also the entrance of Byukuya, Renji, Rukia, Ichigo etc... and cameos too from other characters too hehe!

~Please look forward to the next chapter!~

Reviews are much appreciated and thank you to those who reviewed my previous story!:3