Byakuya Kuchiki, captain of Squad 6 of the Gotei 13, lay against the fallen wall, contemplating his life as the wounds inflicted by his own Bankai drained life from him. Was this it? Was this how he was meant to die? He wasn't able to protect Rukia; he had failed Hisana's will.

As Nodt noticed the captain twitch. He smiled to himself. At least he would be able to toy with the captain some more. He might even try out another form of Senbonzakura. He twisted his medallion counter-clockwise, releasing the Bankai again.

"Senkei Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."

Byakuya saw the familiar three rows of pink swords form around himself and the Quincy. He couldn't believe it. Not only could As Nodt release his own Bankai, but he could utilise the different forms of it? Byakuya stayed still, hoping that the Quincy was just trying out some of the different forms.

"I know you're still alive, Byakuya Kuchiki."

There was the sudden surge of fear through Byakuya's body. He dragged himself to his feet, hoping it would be over quickly. Two swords flew out from the many rows of them. As Nodt took one, and Byakuya found the other in his hand.

"Let's make this fun, shall we?" As Nodt said cheerfully.

Byakuya felt a sudden feeling return to him. Did this mean that his Bankai had become one with him again?

As Nodt was off quickly, using Hirenkyaku to strike Byakuya from the behind. Byakuya whirled round quickly, despite his wounds, to parry the attack. A deep pain emanated from the many cuts on his body. Byakuya focused himself and countered quickly. Luckily, As Nodt had not taken the time to strengthen his 'blut'.

The Senkei sword pierced As Nodt's arm. Blood flowed. His eyes turned to slits.

"Why you…"

As Nodt went on the full offence. It took all of Byakuya's strength to dodge and weave away from the attacks.

"If I have control over Senkei again, then…" Byakuya thought.

As Nodt noticed the captain stop and think, then charged, ready to strike him down.

"DIE NOW, AND LET FEAR BE THE LAST THING YOU FEEL!"

Byakuya was ready.

"Shukei…"

As Nodt stopped,and then felt fear himself. His own power was turning against him.

"...Hakuteiken. I win, Quincy."

The white wings folded out from Byakuya's sword, and he felt his Bankai return to him fully. With one stab, the Sternritter "F" (The Feared) was destroyed.

As the Bankai faded away, leaving Byakuya with his Zanpakuto again, Renji stared, hopelessly.

"You did it…"

"Now is not the time, Renji. Use the Tenteikura to contact the Captains. Tell them there is a way to defeat the Quincies!"