'What a complete waste of my time,' A man with shoulder-length, black hair and green eyes thought in disappointment, before sitting himself down on the base of a tree. He stared around at his surroundings, glaring at the weak men he just killed in less than a minute.
This man had no name; no reason. He was just a nameless barbarian who walked around the dangerous districts of the Rukongai, challenging many who had the guts to accept it. Unfortunately, they were not enough at all. They did not quench his thirst for blood, or his desire to fight. They were not time-worthy, which angered the man greatly. He sighed, before leaning his back against the tree.
All of the sudden, he heard the sounds of soft giggles from not very far. He grabbed his sword and stabbed the ground with it. He placed his hand on the hilt, before examining the area. He sees nothing, in exception of the men he slaughtered, but he hears something. Out of nowhere, a young girl, who physically looked around three, had pink-hair and pink eyes, crawled over to him. She wore a simple purple kimono with a red obi wrapped around her petite waist.
She was strangely not fazed by the violence she has just witnessed, as she merely gave a high-pitched giggle, that annoyed the unnamed man. She reached for his sword, and touched it, her small hands suddenly soaked with blood. She looked at the red substance with curiosity, before giggling again.
The dark-haired man's grip on the hilt of his sword, realizing this girl was left all alone in such a hazardous area. He bent forward and asked, "Kid... what is your name?" After receiving no reply from the girl, except for a tilt of her head indicating she was confused as hell, he nodded in understanding, and leaned back on the blood-soaked tree. He looked down on her, while she blinked back at him owlishly, "You don't have one?"
Again, she did not reply. She just continued to stare at him with a look of confusion. After a few minutes, the man sighed and said, "Neither do I."
He stood up, and pulled his sword out of the dirt. He began scribbling a kanji character on the ground, before he nodded and looked at the girl. "Yachiru," he announced, looking at the kanji he wrote on the ground, "the name of the only person I cared about... I'll give it to you." He paused, before deciding on a name he will take, "I'll be Kenpachi. The title given to the strongest shinigami in every generation. From this day forward, it will be my name."
The pink-haired girl stared at the kanji, before she repeated her new, given name, "Ya... chi... ru." She blinked, before smiling. The two shared a quiet moment, until they heard moans coming from the west foliage.
Kenpachi whipped his head at the direction, while Yachiru continued to look at his bloody sword admirably. "Yachiru," He muttered, walking towards the sound, "come here. Stay close to me." Yachiru did as told, and walked near him. She grabbed on his tattered pant leg, before they walked through the bloody foliage.
The two looked around frantically, before they spotted a girl with the same pink hair that Yachiru had. She was lying on her back, unconscious. She was breathing fast. It seemed the girl was having a horrible nightmare of some sort. But, that doesn't mean Kenpachi was going to drop his guard. He whispered to Yachiru to stay behind him, before he made his way towards the trashing pink-haired teen. She was wearing a red kimono with a ragged, green obi tied loosely around her waist. He kneeled down beside her, before shaking her.
She suddenly opened her eyes to show big emerald-eyes. She shrieked seeing Kenpachi's face, before instinctively clenching her hand into a fist, and punching him square in the face. He grunted in pain, before reaching for his bleeding nose. The young woman crawled a few yards away from the intimidating man, until her back hit a tree.
They stared at each other for a few seconds – Kenpachi glaring at her, while the girl with emerald-green orbs tittered, a nervous smile on her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn't utter a word.
He scowled. That girl packed quite a punch. It hurt like hell. And pain was something that Kenpachi barely feels, especially from a mere punch! He was about to scare the girl into saying 'sorry', until she beat him to it.
"I-I'm so sorry!" He looked at her to see her on both feet, shaking noticeably, while her whole body was bent in a bow.
He raised an eyebrow, before he chuckled, mildly amused by the girl. He stood up from where he was once sitting on and clutching his nose in pain, and shook his head. "You're quite an interesting brat now, aren't you? Do you have a name?"
The roseate straightened up, before biting her lip. She closed her head, before shaking her head. "No, I'm sorry, but I do not. I don't even remember how I got in this—" She looked around, her eyes widening when she noticed all the blood, "—... place."
Kenpachi nodded, before he informed the girl of where she currently was, "You are in the Kusajishi district. One of the most dangerous area of the Rukon District. It's the 79th actually. The most dangerous amongst them all is the 80th, Zaraki district."
The teenager nodded slowly. "I see," She trailed off, before she questioned, "May I ask what your name is?"
"Kenpachi," was his simple reply. He suddenly examined the girl, narrowing his eyes. "If you don't mind, little girl, I'd like to give you a name."
The girl replied reluctantly, "A n-name?" The man nodded. It seemed like he wasn't giving her a choice, because of the glint in his green eyes. She gulped audibly, before she conceded, nodding her approval, "Well then... since I am in need of a name... sure."
"Sakura will be your name, alright little girl?" The guy said, wearing a shit-eating grin.
The young woman's emerald-orbs suddenly widened, and she grabbed her throbbing head. Her sight began to fade, until all she could see was a blurry image of a blond-haired man with an idiotically big grin, similar to Kenpachi's. She clutched onto her head tightly, hearing the boy calling out to... her?
'Sakura-chan, Sakura-chan! Let's go to Ichiraku's! I hear old man Teuchi is giving discount for a congratulatory to your promotion to jōnin!' His voice was distant... echoing in her mind. He seemed so close... yet so far away. Beside him stood a man with a pale complexion, and short black hair. He was wearing a naval shirt and regular pants.
'Come on, ugly.' He said, almost looking as if he was forcing himself to smile.
All of the sudden her vision turned into nothing but darkness. She looked around frantically, until she saw a man with chicken-butt hairstyle, wearing a blue shirt with a long collar, and white khaki shorts. All he said was a mere, 'Thank you.' Yet, somehow... to her, it felt painful to hear.
Her vision returned to normal, and she saw Kenpachi. She heard giggles emitting from behind him and she leaned forward to see a cute roseate girl like herself. She smiled weakly, "Hey, there. What's your name?"
The girl squeaked slowly, "My... n-name? Ya... chi... ru."
Sakura nodded. "So, Yachiru is your name! That's a beautiful name you got there! Who gave it to you?"
Kenpachi answered for her, "I did, you pink-haired bafoon—" Another shit-eating grin was on his face, "—and yeah, her name is nice."
Sakura laughed mockingly. "You have a dry sense of humor, Kenpachi-san," she said looking serious.
Kenpachi just gave her a blank look, before he replied sarcastically, "Thank you." They looked at each other for a few minutes, before they began laughing their ass off. "Kid, stop calling me Kenpachi-san. It's annoying."
The girl shrugged. "Alright, then... Kenpachi-niisan!" She drawled out teasingly, fighting the urge to giggle at the look on Kenpachi's face. It was absolutely priceless!
"Damn it, Sakura! Don't call me that! You're making me sound like a damn wuss!" Sakura stuck her tongue out. Kenpachi shook his head, before he smiled toothily, "I like ya, kid. You've got spunk. You can come with Yachiru and I."
Sakura smiled gratefully, before she interrogated, "Where are we heading?"
Kenpachi gave a simple answer, "Sereitei."
Five years later...
"You stupid idiots! You two seriously have the worst sense of direction ever! That man clearly told us that Sereitei was directly ahead of us! He even told us that we would get there much quicker if we took that route! But, what the hell did you two do? You turned left! LEFT! The direction we came from! I swear you two can be such a migraine sometimes!" Sakura hollered after her adoptive siblings.
Kenpachi rolled his eyes, before rubbing his temples. "Believe me, Sakura. The feeling is mutual. If I would have known that you were a rambling, nonstop pink-haired monster back then, five years ago, I wouldn't have invited you to come along with Yachiru and I!"
Sakura snorted, before she forced herself to run faster. She grabbed Yachiru, who was perched on Kenpachi back, and stuck her foot out under his. His eyes widened, and he found himself flying near an empty carriage. He sat up, and glared at the roseate devil, "See what I mean?"
Sakura tilted her head, replying innocently, "Whatever do you mean by that, Kenpachi-niisan?"
Kenpachi rolled his eyes for the millionth time that day. He stood up and bent backwards, placing his hand behind him, as he stretched. He looked around and noticed the sunset. He nodded, before he said, "C'mon Sakura. We need some well-needed rest." He led them to an alley.
Kenpachi walked into the dark to nap, while Sakura and Yachiru stayed out in the remaining light to play. Sakura watched as Yachiru began drawing a flower. She smothered a yawn, before she stood up and walked near the dark. She sat down and leaned against the wall, watching her little pink-haired imouto.
She smiled when Yachiru grinned at the picture she jsut drew on the ground. A picture of their family, which consisted of Kenpachi-niisan, herself, and Yachiru. They were merrily swinging their swords around in wild arcs in the picture.
All of the sudden, she heard someone hollering like a banshee from outside the alley. She reached for her sword, just in case trouble was stirring. She heard some of the words the voice was screaming out, "Who wants to fight? I need a good challenge!"
Sakura's eyes turned into slits. 'What a moron,' she snarled out mentally, 'Whoever that is, he picked a bad time to disrupt our peace. Messing with Kenpachi-niisan when he's in a good mood is a bad idea. Same goes for me. I've grown quite annoyed to people who ruins my mood. Guess I picked it off from niisan."
The voice continued, "There must be one or two of you who wants to die!"
Sakura smiled toothily. 'What a coincidence, there's Kenpachi-niisan and me! Except, we won't die—' She chuckled quietly, '—he will.' Yachiru suddenly giggled loudly when she finished with her drawing. Sakura palmed her face. "Oh shit. Quiet down, Yachiru!" Sakura whispered sharply.
Unfortunately, the sounds of feet running on ground was heard. Sakura sighed, before she stood up, still hiding in the shadows like a ninja. She unsheathed her sword from its red scabbard and waited for someone to appear.
The screaming banshee skidded to a stop to see a pink-haired girl, who looked less than six years old, drawing figures on the cement with a white chalk. He twitched, before he stuttered, "W-What the!"
"If you were smart, you'd leave," Yachiru chanted cutely, as she synonymously drew figures on the ground, "Ken-chan and Saki-nee are in a good mood today!" She went on her knees, and looked up at the man seriously, but failed, "Unless you enjoy alot of pain, you should go!"
The bald man, Sakura noticed, smiled smugly, not taking her little sister seriously. He perched his sword on his shoulder, snorting at the pink-haired girl, "Ugh, yeah right. Your 'friends' are in a good mood! Like, that's any reason to worry." He waved her off, forcing himself to not laugh at the idiotic roseate.
"You sure are stupid," Yachiru suddenly sneered, causing the bald man to frown deeply, "they will lose all control! Well, Ken-chan will actually! Saki-nee is more patient than he is! But, when you fight 'em, they're really good! That's when they end up having fun!"
"What's that?" The man shouted, waving his sheathed sword over Yachiru head. That's when Sakura decided to step in and intervene. But, her older brother, who was supposed to be resting suddenly stood up and came out of his hiding spot.
"Hey," he said, a tint of anger in his voice, "Don't even think about it." He looked down at the slightly intimidated man, before letting out a spike of his reiatsu. A small yellow beam of light suddenly erupted from him and caused the cloth draped on his shoulder to be shredded to pieces.
The man backed away, sweating at the killer intent. Kenpachi glared. "Are you gonna run?" Dust flew off in every direction, after his reiatsu spike.
Even after sweating bullets, and feeling insanely scared around the presence of Sakura and Yachiru's brother and father figure, he gulped audibly and stayed courageously, even having the guts to answer back, "No, I prefer to stay."
He jumped back, preferring to fight in a bigger area than the small, tight alley they were currently in. "My spirits are high, so let's have a little fun!" He shouted, feeling hyped up all of the sudden, after finally finding a real challenge.
Sakura stepped forward, sheathing her sword back in its scabbard, before scooping Yachiru in her arms, and walking out of the area. She mumbled something about, "Stupid, dumb barbarians. Have nothing better to do with their life, but fight, fight, and fight."
Sakura looked around her after finding a safe spot, seeing people surrounding them. 'They must've felt Kenpachi-niisan's high spiritual pressure, and that's why they're here.' She chuckled, feeling sorry for the bald man, before standing near a feminine man.
"Ikkaku..." The man warned.
"I don't want you to help, Yumichika!" That bald man, Ikkaku, bit back.
"I know that..." Ikkaku's best friend trailed off. With that, Ikkaku placed his sword horizontally across his face, and pulled his sword out of its navy blue sheath. He smiled, examining Kenpachi's chipped and worn-down blade. "You're strong," Ikkaku conceded, before grinning a shit-eating grin similar to Kenpachi's from before, "... or so it seems."
Kenpachi said nothing, but a mere, "Yeah..."
Ikkaku kept babbling, which was a frustration to Kenpachi, "I am strong as well."
Kenpachi scowled. "That's it. No more talking," He paused, suddenly lifting the balls of his feet up, "Now, fight!" He ordered, charging to Ikkaku. He swung his sword, causing Ikkaku to go on defensive and block it with his own sword. The impact was surprising. It was so powerful that it caused a crater below the spot Ikkaku was standing on. Everyone in the crowd, in exception of Sakura and Yachiru, gaped at the display of power.
While Ikkaku was still shielding himself from the sword, which Kenpachi kept pushing on him, causing him to curl his toes and hopefully glue himself to the ground, he was wondering just who in the world he was, 'Who is this guy? Not only is he strong,' Kenpachi brought his sword up high and began swinging it on Ikkaku's sword in rapid motions, 'He's incredibly fast!' Ikkaku's eyes widened, when he realized that Kenpachi was about to swing a powerful sweep. He jumped out of the way, glad that he did, because if he stayed on his spot, he would have been cut in half.
Kenpachi's sword hit the ground, causing debris to fly everywhere, while Ikkaku was already breathing hard. The two rosettes' brother suddenly grinned widely when blood appeared on Ikkaku's bald head after a small cut from his sword. The blood trailed down from his bald head to his mouth. Ikkaku licked the red substance, a smirk suddenly on his face. "Heh, this is fun," he said, going on offensive, "In fact, this is the most fun I've had since I came here!" He charged at Kenpachi, jumping in the air and landing back near the man. He used the land as an advantage and swung his sword. Unfortunately for him, Kenpachi saw right through it and blocked it with his zanpakutō.
"Ah, good for you." Kenpachi said sarcastically, swinging his sword.
As the two continued to fight, the crowd watched in astonishment. "Who is this guy," Ikkaku's feminine friend, Yumichika, said in amazement, "His strikes are so fast, I can hardly see it." A voice behind him suddenly interrupted him.
"It is quite a miracle that you can even see any of it at all. My brother is strong. I'm sorry, but your friend cannot possibly hope to defeat him." He whipped his head sharply towards the voice to see a beautiful pink-haired girl with the softest hair he's ever seen.
"OOOH! Hello there! What conditioner do do you use?" He asked, swooning at her soft hair, while his best friend fought relentlessly in the background.
The pink-haired woman sweatdropped, before Yachiru said, "Ken-chan is smiling! But, it's a shame really... it's almost over." She frowned, looking rather disappointed at the short amount of time. Yumichika's eyes widened, before he looked back at the battle.
The pink-haired girl was right, not even a second later, he suddenly witnessed the first defeat of his best friend. "Ikkaku!" Yumichika screamed worriedly at his fallen friend. Everyone in the crowd, after that, scrambled away, fearing that Kenpachi might turn on them.
Just when Kenpachi was about to turn and walk away, Ikkaku spoke up, "W-Where are you going? Finish me off!"
Sakura appeared, Yachiru perched on her shoulder. She pulled on Kenpachi ragged clothing, and begged desperately, "Kenpachi-niisan! Please, let's go! We don't need to shed anymore blood! Just ignore the fool and let's head off to Sereitei!"
Kenpachi shrugged her off. "In a minute, Sakura," He turned to Ikkaku and scowled, "Sorry, I've got no obligation to hand over your suffering."
Ikkaku stood up and forced himself to speak, "I'm a warrior! I have my pride! Kill me!"
Kenpachi suddenly stomped up to him and grabbed him by his collar. "Shut up. If you like fighting so much, then stop whining and moaning for me to kill you. Don't accept loss, then wish for death! Never admit defeat until you're dead!" Sakura fought the urge to roll her eyes. Her brother always wanted to say that after battle, "If you lose and managed to live, then consider it your lucky day. When that happens, only think about surviving. After all, there's a goal in your future."
Ikkaku whispered in a strained voice, "What's that?"
"Live and dedicate yourself on killing the one that left you alive." They continued to stare each other down for a few seconds, before Kenpachi smiled, "You know, I didn't hold back while I was fighting with you. You have plenty o' luck and that's why you're alive. Live and try to kill me another day. See you around." He let go off the man's collar and turned around, walking away with his family.
"Wait," Ikkaku shouted, "Tell me your name! Don't go! Not until you tell me what your name is!"
Kenpachi looked back and replied, "Kenpachi. Kenpachi from Zaraki."
"... Kenpachi from... Zaraki...?" Ikkaku repeated, watching as the three siblings walked away.
"Hello, it's been awhile. How are you doing?" A feminine man wearing a pink kimono with flowery patterns, greeted as he entered the hut that his friend was currently resting in. He smiled, seeing his bald friend stuffing his mouth full with the food he prepared for him.
"Yumichika," Ikkaku said, watching the dark-haired man sit back on a chair a few feet from his bed, "I'm fine." He grabbed the bowl with soup in it and began wolfing it down, sighing in content once he devoured it all.
"So, you brought some news or what?" Ikkaku questioned, after slamming the bowl on the table.
"Yes, I've heard something that's very interesting. I heard Kenpachi and his siblings joined the Thirteen Court Guard Squads."
Ikkaku's eyes widened, before he repeated everything his friend said, just to register it in his slow mind, "The Thirteen Court Guard Squads..."
Yumichika nodded, explaining, "Yes, I heard that Kenpachi defeated the captain of the Eleventh Division in a single blow and he immediately became the new captain. Being a captain is probably the best way for him to fight as much as he wants."
"So, he plans to protect this disgusting world? Kenpachi..." He smiled, shaking his head, "It can't be. That's not his style." Even though he doubted Kenpachi having anything to do with the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, he reached for his sword and placed it between his kimono and obi. Yumichika did the same.
"Wanna go take a look?" The dark-haired Yumichika asked.
"Nothing can stop me from tracking him down. I'd go to the gates of hell to find him." He stood up from where he was sitting on the bed and walked out, followed by his best friend.
"I knew you'd say that."
Yachiru peeked over the window, seeing the men clad in black lining up straight across each other. "Oohhhhh... They're all we have to work with this time."
A member of the division looked back to see the pink-haired girl. "Ugh, what is a child doing here? Now go on! Get away!" He shooed rudely to the confused Kusajishi Yachiru. She flipped over the open window and introduced herself.
"I'm co-lieutenant Kusajishi Yachiru!" She giggled, before running childishly towards the screen doors, "Ken-chan! Saki-nee!" It opened to reveal a grumpy man with a scar on his left eye, followed by another pink-haired girl.
Kenpachi skimmed the room keenly. The men clad in black backed away a few steps, fearing this new captain of theirs. "I'm the Captain of Squad 11, Kenpachi Zaraki. Listen carefully, I don't care where you're from, how old you are, or about your personal life," He began to walk towards a seat, followed by his pink-haired siblings, "I'm not going to condemn any of your viewpoints, nor will I send you down—" He sat on the seat, "—There's something that I want! What I want is very simple... your strength. Strength and will. If you're strong and know how to fight, then you and I will get along very well."
Everyone in the room began to mutter to each other. "Sounds good to me!" A familiar voice shouted through the muttering. They looked to their side to see a bald man leaning against the wall, "Here I am, as you've suggested." Kenpachi and the bald man, Ikkaku, stared each other down, until they both snorted.
Unexpectedly a heavy book connected softly with Kenpachi's head. "Kenpachi-niisan, don't be such a selfish jerk. You're the captain of the squad now, you should be more responsible," She shook her head, before looking at Ikkaku, "And you, Madarame-san better not encourage him with your barbaric ways."
"And who are you to tell me that?" Ikkaku harrumphed stubbornly.
Sakura replied seriously, before grinning, "Your worst nightmare. I am Kusajishi Sakura, co-lieutenant of Squad 11. You see my brother, and I are actually quite the same. What we want is simple, your strength and will. But, there's something else I want from you too."
They paused wondering what this other thing she wanted was.
She smiled an innocent, yet deadly smile, which reminded them very much of the Captain of Squad 4's very own. "All I want is your cooperation. I am a law-abiding person, and I don't really appreciate people harrassing the rules. So, I'll tell you all this now... whoever drinks, and will not send their reports in on time will be punished greatly..."
While Sakura continued with her endless rules, everyone moaned, thinking that they would rather be killed by a hollow right about now.
A frown emerged on a pink-haired girl's features as she stared at the room before her. She was mad – no, fuming goddammit! Every single seated and unseated officers of the Eighth and Eleventh Squad, that including her squad's third seat Madarame Ikkaku and fifth seat Ayasegawa Yumichika, laid unconscious on the floor with drool flowing down their chins. Of course, that excluded the narcissistic fifth seat, who definitely seemed slightly more sober than the rest of them.
Having heard the pink-haired fukutaichō enter, Yumichika looked up and gulped anxiously. He stood up staggeringly, before walking towards her in slow, quiet steps. By now, the rosette's face was as pink as her rosy-pink locks. And Yumichika swore, he saw steam exit through her ears!
Coughing nervously, Yumichika decided to adjust the customized, orange cloth placed around his shikahushō collar, before finally having the courage to stammer what he wanted to tell her, "F-Fukutaichō! P-P-Please understand why we had a... party!"
The fukutaichō's mouth gaped, and she furrowed her eyebrows, boring her deathly pair of emerald-eyes at the fifth seat who suddenly found the wooden floor to be so interesting. Was there ever a good reason for a bunch of obnoxious dimwits like them to gather and party? She thinks not! She finds that very reason enough as to why they shouldn't even have partied to begin with!
Not before long, a throbbing vein appeared on her temple; it, growing bigger and bigger when Yumichika continued with his excuse, "You see it was a welcome party from the Eighth Division! Their taichō said that he can't have us new members feeling like we're not exactly feeling at home yet, so..." He trailed off, noticing the dangerous atmosphere all of the sudden. His eyes landed on his fukutaichō, whose eyes were looking down at the floor beneath her with hands clenched tightly.
Yumichika's pink-haired lieutenant suddenly whipped her head up at him so fast, she swore she had a vicious whiplash. "Ayasegawa Yumichika," she growled each syllables of his name and surname slowly, looking dangerously murderous as she did so, "it was a welcome party. A welcome party! Aren't those parties supposed to be formal?" It was more of a statement than a demanding question.
Yumichika poked his forefingers together in anxiety, before stammering, "We found formal parties... boring?" He finished, unsure. He looked up hoping she bought all that crap he just said.
Unfortunately she didn't. "You maggots!" The pink-haired fukutaichō screamed venomously at the squad members. As if they were androids, whom automatically did tasks without command, they sat up rapidly with fear in their eyes, not even the least bit hungover!
There was pregnant silence; no one dared to talk; no one dared to move; no one dared to breathe! Until everyone chose to shriek after the innocent-looking, though inhumane, girl finished what she wanted to say all along, "You're dead."
Although, it was easier said than done.
Sakura sighed, as she simultaneously rubbed small circles on her aching temples. She's had just about enough of it. She was the only one who was working her ass out in the Eleventh Division, while everyone had other busy (though stupid) things to worry about.
Of course, after the episode of her exploding in front of Eighth and Eleventh Division and the Eighth Division's taichō Shunsui Kyōraku, everyone bustled themselves into working. And, believe it or not, that was the last time she actually managed to get them all to work.
So as of now, she's been trying to get them to work but to no avail.
And of course, Sakura was pissed – no, beyond pissed. Her niisan would not shut up about being bored to death and saying something around, "There ain't no more barbarians around here except for Ikkaku and I. I want a fight." He was in no good mood lately, especially because the only reason he joined the Thirteen Court Guards was to have battles, but what happens? Captains are not permitted to fight one another, unless there was another taichō as a referee. Of course, Zaraki didn't mind this rule, so he went and asked a captain, though they refused, saying that Zaraki was a special case, and that Zaraki might go insane and let loose all his power. He is a walking powerhouse, after all.
Sakura sighed. Kenpachi did sound pretty desperate for a fight.
To that, the rosette smirked. If it's a fight he wants, it's a fight he'll get... though the fight can definitely wait. She had work to do! For Soul King's sake, Sakura was the only one who does paperwork around the place!
She continued to walk around the barracks, hearing some commotions here and there, but that's about it...nothing too exciting like the usual.
She sighed again for the millionth time. Maybe she can visit the Shinigami Academy with Yachiru to check out the students. It was said by Yamamoto-sōtaicho that the seniors were going to graduate soon, so it wouldn't hurt to observe some kids' abilities. And if one student satisfied the uptight, sassy Kusajishi Sakura, they'll surely be recruited to the Eleventh Division.
But that's the problem.
Everyone of the Shinōreijutsuin were scared of the said division. If Sakura was happy of one's potential, she would merrily talk to the student, asking the very question that would cause them running, "When you graduate, would you like to be recruited to the Eleventh Squad?"
Sometimes Sakura herself wanted to sprint away from her division too.
Unfortunately, she just couldn't. She shook her head. Oh well, there's nothing I can do about it...especially when I have an insane squad, and an even more insane family.
Sighing for the umpteenth time, Sakura decided to go on a walk near the Sixth Division. The Six Division somehow reminded her of something... someone, but she just couldn't put her head to it. Every time she visits Byakuya-taichō's barracks, a blurry, unrecognizable picture of what seemed to be four people comes across her mind. Whoever it was, she could see shades of yellow, black, silver, and a shocking shade of familiar pink. The shade of pink made her firmly believe that it was a picture of her and her past-life's loved ones, without a doubt.
Nodding herself off her reverie, she continued her trek towards the Sixth Division. Finally arriving, she settled near a cherry blossom tree and decided to have a little nap that wouldn't harm anybody.
"Excuse me, ma'am... but may I please ask why you are sleeping here?" A feminine voice said, as the owner shook Sakura's body softly.
Sakura fluttered her eyes stupidly for a while, before standing up and nearly making the soft-spoken woman to fall on the green grass. The pink-haired fukutaichō was abruptly alarmed, even if the woman who scared the lieutenant shitless seemed harmless and fragile.
Sakura squinted her eyes at the woman, "Who are you?"
The soft-spoken woman smiled kindly and bowed in her plain, navy blue kimono. Although plain looking, it was beautiful on her. It complimented her shining purple eyes which had a small tint of blue in them. Her hair was jet-black and short. A short strand of frayed hair was at the middle of her kind face. "Hello, I am Kuchiki Hisana; wife of Byakuya-sama."
Hearing that, Sakura sputtered rather dumbly at her, "W-Wait, what? Byakuya-sama's wife? You're Kuchiki-taichō's wife? I didn't even know that he had a...! O-Oh, my god―" By now she was on her knees, bowing down like an idiot, "―I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm veeeery sorry, Lady Kuchiki! I was very rude for being so casual around you! I didn't know–"
Even though her squad was known to contain nothing but barbaric morons, Sakura still had her manners, goddammit! So right now, she was so embarrassed that she was red all over.
"It is alright. I do not mind and as you have told me, you did not know that I was Byakuya-sama's wife. And please do not call me Lady Kuchiki, please refer to me plainly as Hisana."
"But, Lady Kuchiki–!"
Hisana gave a reassuring smile, "No worries...I'm sorry, I didn't get your name."
Sakura looked down, blushing in chagrin. "Ano...it's Kusajishi Sakura...Jūichibantai-fukutaichō."
Hisana gasped, stunned. "Goodness gracious. You are full of awe, Kusajishi-fukutaichō! Being a fukutaichō is amazing as it is, but of the Jūichibantai is beyond amazing. You must be very gifted. I have heard from Byakuya-sama that the Jūichibantai specializes in combat. Is that true, Kusajishi-fukutaichō?"
Sakura almost looked proud for a moment, but held her excitement in, pretending it was no big deal, "Oh please, Lady Kuchi― errr... Hisana. You are embarrassing me, and please... call me Sakura. Besides, I only managed to be a lieutenant due to my brother being the captain of my squad."
Now Hisana looked more stunned, and practically shouted, "Are you telling me that Zaraki-taichō is your brother?"
Sakura couldn't help but guffaw, as she waved her hand. "Yes, yes. He is my brother!" She replied proudly.
Hisana shook her head and inhaled a breath of air, before examining Sakura's face, "I apologize but I do not see a resemblance! I have seen your brother before and he seemed rather..." She paused, having no words to described Sakura's brother nicely.
Sakura laughed, "Yes, yes, I know. He looks rather scary, doesn't he? But inside, you should know that he is a big softie." She tried to sound convincing because everyone knows that her brother's appearance matches his personality perfectly!
Hisana nodded at Sakura, "That is reassuring, Sakura. Would you like to come to the manor? We can continue our conversation there."
Sakura gasped, "I don't want to impose—"
"Nonsense, Sakura! Besides, I don't have much friends! So, shall we?" Hisana insisted persistently, as she gave Sakura a look that the roseate just couldn't say 'no' to.
Sakura grinned gratefully. "Aw, alright. I do not have much too, so I appreciate the fact that you called a stranger like me, whom unknowingly trespassed in your property, a friend."
It was all true, what Sakura just said. Though she did have friends, they were all boys. That including Ikkaku, Yumichika and Makimaki. Kenpachi-niisan and Yachiru doesn't count, due to the fact that they were family.
Hisana joked, "Maybe we can even be the best of friends, Sakura-chan!"
Sakura gaped at the honorific used after her name. She looked at Hisana who just looked at her obliviously for seconds before sighing and smiling, herself. "Yeah... maybe, Hisana-chan."
A Few Days Later...
"Hisana-chan, maybe we should visit the academy... I've gotta do some recruiting soon." A roseate fukutaichō told her friend, whom thought about her request.
"Hm, perhaps we could even bring Byakuya-sama with us. I hear he'll need to go there soon anyway with his lieutenant for recruitment of future graduates."
Sakura hesitated, before nodding, "Who is his lieutenant anyway, Hisana-chan?"
Hisana pinched her chin, thinking, "I think his name was Uchiha Itachi. Byakuya-sama mentioned something about Uchiha-fukutaichō graduating in a year after he attended the academy."
Sakura's eyebrow rose as a migraine suddenly caused her to flinch and grab her head.
"Are you alright, Sakura-chan?" Hisana placed a hand on her shoulder, worry evident in her eyes.
"Y-Yeah... just a migraine."
"Then, I guess we'll have to cancel our visit for today. Maybe tomorrow is a better choice to."
"A-Alright..."
The Next Day...
"We mustn't underestimate it!" A feminine-looking man wearing the usual shikahushō stated out, as he grabbed his pink-haired co-lieutenant who seemed to have been having a great time, as she looked jubilant at the caterpillar-like hollow that slaughtered Shinigami that sprinted towards it.
The hollow howled, apparently pissed at the lowly officers who stood on his way.
Kusajishi Yachiru, the younger of the Eleventh Division's lieutenants, applauded loudly. "Did you see that, Sakura-nee! The hollow just killed that Shinigami like it was nothing!" She shouted excitedly towards her older sister.
Her older sister gave her a look. "Yachiru, I don't think a monster killing some of our comrades is something... interesting. I think it's horrible―" She kneeled down to the girl's eye level, giving her a strict look "―And you should too."
She looked down in shame, pouting. "Sorry, Sakura-nee..."
"Yachiru, ignore this killjoy. You're only trying to have some fun." Someone twice as tall as Yachiru retorted, as he walked towards them, with his long sword in his hands.
"What was that, Kenpachi-niisan? You think murder is something to laugh at? Huh! No wonder Yachiru's mind is corrupted with these ideas of thinking that killing is fun."
While the two continued to argue and so, Yumichika and Ikkaku were still staring at the hollows that were coming too close. Ikkaku, deciding that he had to do something about them, said, "Alright then, I'll go."
Hearing him say that, Kenpachi and his monstrous, young sister stopped what they were doing (which was apparently strangling each other to death) and glared at him.
"Hold it!" Kenpachi demanded, causing Ikkaku to stop on his tracks.
"Captain!"
"Get the man who fought first to pull out. You're all in that way!" He continued, walking past the higher officers who served under him. Yachiru beamed at that and cheered him on.
"Go, Ken-chan! Go, go, GO!" She shouted, as the man was about to leap off the cliff they were on. But before he could, his stubborn, older co-lieutenant had to stop him.
She gave him a squint of her eyes, before sneering, "I'm coming with you, niisan."
He sighed, knowing that refusing was not an option when it came down to his adoptive sister. He nodded, replying, "Do as you wish, you damn brat."
She growled sarcastically at his insult, "Gee, niisan, I love you too."
Before Kenpachi can shout back, Yachiru jumped, screaming ecstatically, "So what, I love you all!"
Kenpachi and Sakura chuckled at that, before running off towards the hollow.
"C'mon, give 'em a beating!" Yachiru continued to cheer.
Nodding, Sakura yelled at Kenpachi, "I'll take the right, okay?"
"Sure!"
With that, they went to their own respected battles.
Sakura landed in front of the giant hollow. Its tails were swaying around, hitting trees that surrounded the area. With that mere observation, Sakura already knew how to defeat it.
Pulling her sword out of its sheath, which was placed between her shikahushō and obi, she shouted her command to bring forth her shikai, "Initiate a tremble upon your approach, Chikyūtoumi (The Earth And The Seas)!" Her usual nodachi suddenly morphed into another type of weapon, which resembled a guandao, due to it being long, pole-like and double-edged. Surrounding the area around her hilt were four strange ax-like blades.
With that mere command, a quake suddenly caused the ground to shake unceasingly. The hollow lost its balance and fell on the ground. It growled impatiently along the way, and tried to get back on its feet. But before it could, it was too late.
"Chikyūnoikari (Earth's Wrath)!" She yelled, before leaping up and going down again with a falling axe kick on the hollow's mask. The mask cracked, before the rest of what was the hollow was finally obliterated to pieces.
Sakura landed gracefully on the ground, grinning. "Well, that was fun."
Kenpachi deadpanned, "Wasn't killing something not fun?"
The pink-haired girl poked him harshly on the chest, "This is a different case, you asshole." With that, she walked away, leaving the Great Kenpachi of Zaraki to stroke his abused chest.
"Jeez. How can a petite, innocent-looking midget be so inhumane?"
Today was the day, Sakura cheered. Today was the day they will visit the academy! By they, she meant Byakuya, his quiet lieutenant, Hisana, Yachiru and, believe it or not, Kenpachi.
They all stood there standing in front of the gates of Shinōreijutsuin. Sakura looked at Hisana and Byakuya and whistled. They were wearing some pretty expensive looking robes. Hisana wore a beautiful white furisode with red camellia flowers decorated on its swinging long sleeves. Of course, a white exaggerated robe fit only for a noble draped on her shoulders. As for Byakuya, he wore his Shinigami uniform beneath his own robe. His robe had dangling, gold objects that was attached to a string; the string itself also attached to his haori collar.
Beside them, Sakura felt exposed. She was only wearing her normal Shinigami uniform. And this goes for that Itachi guy, and Yachiru. At least Kenpachi looked important with his captain haori.
Guards stood near the giant gates. They seemed to study the group, before nodding, "You may pass."
And to that, they did. Sakura was stunned to see academy students standing around the exit. Most of them were gazing at Sakura, Yachiru and Kenpachi.
"Who are they?"
"Idiot! That's the Jūichibantai taichō and co-fukutaichōs!"
"What! I believe that the man is the captain, but those fragile-looking girls are his vice-captains? That's just unbelievable!"
Kenpachi suddenly towered before the kid who just said that, "You dare insult my siblings?" He challenged, "You should know that I trained them myself. If you see them as not capable, then I shouldn't be too. Ain't I right, brat―?" Before he could continue, sudden pain suddenly emerged to his abdomen.
"Niisan," the culprit began, as she glared at the student who was scared shitless at the moment, "they're not worth your time." She walked up to the student and bent over to his eye level, "Child, don't insult us because you and I both know that you wouldn't last a day as a Shinigami if you try."
The student nodded, "H-Hai, ma'am! G-Gomen!"
"Just remember that being too judgmental won't take you far in life."
With that, she walked away with a grumbling older brother and admiring fans.
Now, all they needed to do was to go to the office for confirmation of their visit.
Arriving at the office...
The secretary gasped at the sight of the Eleventh Squad's symbol, the Yarrow Flower, before nodding herself off her reverie. "Good day to you, jūichibantai-fukutaichō. May I ask why you are here? I apologize, but your visit is rather unexpected. You didn't make an appointment." She forced herself to be courteous to the Combat-Squad's Second-In-Command. She has heard about the pink-haired girl, but never thought the rumors were true. Of course the rumors has said that the Jūichibantai's fukutaichō was innocent-looking, but dangerous. And as the secretary looked at the vice-captain's emerald eyes, she saw a tint of mischief and she felt as if her eyes were saying, "I won't take your crap."
Sakura furrowed her eyebrows at the fidgeting woman. "Stand still, woman. And don't call me jūichibantai-fukutaichō because you should have known that there are two co-lieutenants―" This was when Yachiru decided to pop up from behind the older pink-haired girl's shoulder and give a Victory sign. "―of the Eleventh Squad. Call me Sakura-fukutaichō; Zaraki-taichō's sister.
The woman sweat dropped at how unbelievably blunt the girl was. "H-Hai...jūichi—er...Sakura-fukutaichō. I apologize for my lack of formality."
To that, Sakura replied in incredulity. "Lack of formality? Please, woman. You're more formal than all members of the Jūichibantai combined. Now, give my sister and I a pass. And would you hurry up and inform your damn principal that we're here! We've already wasted enough time." She looked at the clock that was across her, and sighed.
"But, ma'am...you must give me a reason why you are visiting at school hours..." The secretary stammered nervously.
Sakura groaned. "To evaluate some students! Now, shut up. I'm only going to be here for the future graduate's zanjutsu, hohō, and kidō classes! Is that a good enough reason for you!"
The other woman managed to weakly whisper, "U-Understood, ma'am! Please excuse me...I'll go inform our principal!"
Sakura muttered, "Everyone just has to be so nosy."
After informing the office of their visit, the group immediately went off to the Zanjutsu building, which seemed to tower most buildings due to its humongous height.
They walked and walked, the sounds that could only be heard was of Sakura and Hisana chatting. "So, it's your first time here, right Sakura-chan?"
"Aa, not exactly, Hisana-chan. But, I must say, this place is amazing."
"Yes, that was my first reaction."
"Your first reaction," Sakura started, giving Hisana a look, "What was your next"
"Annoyance."
That caused both friends to laugh gracefully. Byakuya heard them and couldn't help but smile at the sight of seeing his wife so happy. "Hey, you noble bastard! Why are you smiling like an idiot for?" Byakuya heard that barbarian of a captain yell.
The smile disappeared and he glared at the man, "I think that is none of your business, barbarian."
Hisana and Sakura looked at the two, and chuckled, "You think they could be best friends, too?" Sakura asked.
"Of course, Sakura-chan."
Before the two can continue laughing, someone suddenly appeared behind Hisana and grabbed her.
"Where have you been, Rukia?"
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor Bleach.
beta-reader: Madame Yuko
author: you're beautiful.
edited: 4 February 2012.
