Chapter 3: The Flames That Never Die
"People Talking"
"People Thinking"
"Sword Talking"
"Techniques"
AN: Yes this is the same story from before. I erased a lot of chapters to redo the story.
Naruto calmly and silently walked through the halls of the Kuchiki compound. He looked at Soi Fon to catch her stealing a glance at him. She quickly looked away.
After a moment of walking she said, "Excuse me, but"
"Must I say it again?" Naruto interrupted. "Hostages do not speak unless spoken to."
Soi Fon looked down. She looked around in an attempt to find an escape.
"Not a wise thing to do," Naruto said as if reading her mind. "I wonder what would happen to your master if it was revealed that she sent an enemy spy into our compounds."
Soi Fon's eyes widened. He was right. She had infiltrated into the compound. She really was his hostage. But if that were true then why was he walking her to dinner? Soi Fon looked down in shame.
"I'm really weak," she thought to herself, "Yoruichi-Sama trusted me and is awaiting my report, but I was easily captured."
She was so deep in her thoughts that she hadn't realized that Naruto had stopped and she bumped into his tails.
"Watch where you're going, girl," Naruto said. "We don't want an accident."
He turned his attention to the servant girl in front of him. Oddly the servant was glaring at Soi Fon. Naruto greeted the servant. Her expression changed instantly.
"Dinner is ready Naruto-Sama," the servant said in a kind tone.
Naruto nodded and asked, "Can you please tell Byakuya that I'm inviting a guest for dinner?"
The servant's expression changed again. She gave Soi Fon a nasty glare before turning back to Naruto and smiling.
"Of course Naruto-kun," she said before realizing the kun at the end.
She blushed and quickly rushed away. Naruto watched her with a small smile on his face. He turned to Soi Fon.
"Come," He commanded.
The two walked past a few more corridors before reaching the dining hall. Naruto stopped at the entrance.
"Be sure to return that ribbon to Byakuya." He told Soi Fon before opening the double doors.
Byakuya looked up as Naruto entered. He was waiting for him before he started eating. When the servant told him that Naruto was bringing a guest, Byakuya had to see whoever it was for himself. He saw a cute petite girl standing behind Naruto and frowned. The girl was wearing a Militia-Corp uniform. His frown grew when he recognized the girl as one of Yoruichi's personal bodyguards. He looked up at Naruto who was watching his every expression with a sinisterly calm expression. It was then that Byakuya understood. He smirked and slowly stood up.
"Welcome," he greeted Soi Fon. "So you will be joining us for dinner?"
Byakuya walked towards Naruto in an elegant manner. Soi Fon took an unconscious step back causing Naruto to inwardly smirk at the girl spy. What happened next surprised him. In a speed Naruto had never seen before, Byakuya appeared next to him and swiped the training sword hidden by his tails.
In a fluid motion Byakuya unsheathed the sword and slashed at Soi Fon. Naruto smirked as he pushed Soi Fon away from the slash. Byakuya Shunpo'd behind the girl and placed the dulled sword around her neck.
"Where is your master?" Byakuya asked in a sinister tone.
"As expected," Naruto thought walking to a seat. Soi Fon was scared.
"Yoruichi-Sama said that this man would go wild every time he saw her," she thought. "What do I do?" She asked herself.
Luckily Naruto came to her rescue.
"Her master sent her to return your ribbon," he said. "I have no doubt that she is on her way now."
Yoruichi landed in the Kuchiki manor with expert silence. She quickly searched the area before fading away into the darkness. She waited for the guard outside the entrance to open the door. Before the door closed she quickly slid into the building. She had been sure Soi Fon would have returned by now. What was holding her up?
"Where are you Soi Fon?" Yoruichi thought as she traveled through the corridors.
Byakuya pondered Naruto's words. He looked at Soi Fon then to Naruto. He nodded and released her.
"Yoruichi-Sama wanted me to give this back to you," Soi Fon said as soon as she was out of Byakuya's grasp.
Something told her that it would have been best if she hadn't mentioned Yoruichi's name. Byakuya's eye twitched at the site of the red ribbon. He slowly reached out and took the ribbon. Naruto seeing the expression on his face and the way his hands shook with apparent righteous fury smirked in interest.
"Now we wait for the final piece," Naruto thought.
A moment of silence passed and Naruto stood up.
"Byakuya," Naruto said. "Prepare yourself."
Naruto could sense a new presence inside the building and it felt familiar. He smirked when he realized who the presence belonged to. His smirk increased as the presence came closer and closer. Byakuya and Soi Fon both froze when they sensed the presence. Byakuya turned to the doorway. His hair covered his face. He took the ribbon and tied it in his hair.
"Naruto," he called, "come with me."
Naruto walked towards the door. "I was planning to," he replied.
He cracked his knuckles and rolled his shoulders. Naruto pulled a second hidden sword from his tails and held it up. This one was not dull. Its blade was kept clean and sharp. This blade was meant to kill.
"I get the weak sword?" Byakuya asked staring at Naruto's blade.
"Would you go for a killing blow?" Naruto asked.
"Who knows," Byakuya replied with a smirk.
"Stop" Soi Fon exclaimed. She knew what the two were planning to do. "If you wish to harm lady Yoruichi you'll have to go through me."
Naruto and Byakuya stared at the girl as if she had lost her mind. The presence was getting closer and closer. Naruto and Byakuya disappeared and reappeared next to Soi Fon ready to strike. Suddenly Byakuya flew toward the entrance and bust through the doors while Naruto flew into the dining room table.
"Isn't two against one a bit unfair for nobles?" A feminine voice asked.
Naruto stood up covered in food. No drenched was the appropriate word.
"Shihoin Yoruichi," Naruto said in a pissed off tone. "You've made a very big mistake."
Byakuya burst through the doors poised to strike. Yoruichi grabbed Soi Fon and the two jumped away. They dashed toward the entrance, but Naruto appeared in front of them.
"Did you get faster?" Yoruichi asked dodging a swipe from Naruto.
Byakuya appeared from above with an overhead slash. Soi Fon jumped and met his blade with her own hidden sword. In a fluid motion she spun in mid-air and kicked Byakuya away. Byakuya fixed himself and landed next to Naruto.
"Shihoin Yoruichi," Byakuya said in a monotone voice as he pointed his sword at her, "You will pay."
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow.
"Are you still upset about the ribbon thing?' she asked placing a hand on her hip. Byakuya glared at her as if she grew another head.
"You sent your lackey here to insult me." Byakuya replied.
Yoruichi smirked and said, "I sent her here to return it to you. I only came here because you were holding her hostage."
Yoruichi finished glaring at him. Byakuya's rage slowly disappeared. Naruto frowned at this.
"I didn't keep her here, Naruto did?" Byakuya said ending with a question.
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow. Naruto smirked as he shook his head. He turned to Yoruichi with a serious face.
"Don't let her lies fool you," Naruto said. "If that's the only reason she had sent that girl here then why…" Naruto drifted off. "No need for explanations." Naruto pointed his sword at Yoruichi. "I'm covered in food. Someone has to pay for this and sadly it's you. Let's be done with this."
"Naruto, did you set this whole thing up?" Byakuya asked.
Naruto smirked.
"This should be interesting," he thought. He turned to Byakuya, "What if I did?" he replied in a serious tone.
Naruto was now surrounded by all three Shinigami. He leaned back in time to avoid a strike from Byakuya. Naruto forgot his surroundings and did a one-eighty back flip to counter only to hit Soi Fon. The two fell with a grunt. Naruto felt something soft on his lips. He looked up to see his lips on Soi Fon's. He blushed and quickly got up only to be tackled by Byakuya. Yoruichi helped Soi Fon up as Naruto and Byakuya wrestled. The two watched the two boys wrestle when a clearing of the throat was heard. Everyone looked at the entrance to see Ginrei Kuchiki staring at them in disbelief.
"Grandfather?" Byakuya exclaimed.
Naruto and Byakuya now both covered in food quickly stood up and bowed. A draft from outside blew into the dining room solidifying the awkward moment.
- Later That Night -
"We'll see you guys later." Yoruichi said with a smile as she and Soi Fon waved goodbye.
Naruto scoffed and turned to walk back in, when someone grabbed him. He felt something soft on his lips and realized that it was Yoruichi kissing him.
"It doesn't mean anything," she said with a smile as she put an arm around Soi Fon, "I just didn't want Soi Fon to have her first kiss alone."
Naruto was silent.
"You said you didn't like Shinigami," Yoruichi continued, "we plan on changing that."
Naruto kept his face passive, but he had to admit that the two of them were cute. Soi Fon smiled at him and the two Shunpo'd away. Naruto turned and walked inside followed by an open mouthed Byakuya. That night Naruto laid awake in thought. He touched his lips. A small smirk spread across his face.
"Interesting," Naruto said.
He heard a groan of annoyance and smiled. Naruto had kissed girls before, but only when he was alive and sadly he had forgotten most of those times. That night Naruto had a dream of him in a large hot spring surrounded by girls from all over. It was the best dream he ever had.
The next morning Naruto woke earlier than usual. Today was important to him. He was supposed to meet Yamamoto. Naruto got dressed in normal Shinigami attire. He reached the captains meeting hall where he saw the head captain waiting for him.
"Good morning." Naruto said with a respectful bow.
The head captain looked at Naruto in confusion.
"Since when do you respect your elders?" Yamamoto asked.
Naruto smirked and rose before crossing his arms.
"I don't, but I respect you." Naruto answered in a sarcastic manner. The head captain chuckled. "So what did you want to see me for old man?"
"Follow me." The head captain said.
Naruto nodded and followed. The two walked for a good moment taking in the sites. It was silent until the head captain asked Naruto, "Do you know what a Shinigami is?"
Naruto was surprised by the question.
"No, I don't," he replied truthfully.
"Shinigami are balancers," Yamamoto answered. "We guide the souls of the dead and eliminate those whose souls cannot be redeemed."
"Redeemed?" Naruto said to himself. "And what gives the Shinigami the right to judge that?" He asked.
"Nothing," Yamamoto curtly replied. "But as I said we are balancers and to balance we must keep peace and to keep peace we must exterminate great evil. That is the will of the thirteen court guard squads and all Shinigami."
"But what do you consider evil?" Naruto asked.
"The world is not black and white, Naruto. I will not tell you that hollow are evil, because I see you as a way of change."
Naruto looked at the head captain. '
"A way of change? What does that mean?" Naruto thought.
He stopped walking and looked at their destination, the Sokyoku Hill. The two reached Sokyoku Hill in minutes. Naruto felt at ease close to the giant blade.
"I believe that you will one day change Shinigami and hollow. That's why I want you to communicate with the sword that stands for the Shinigami." Yamamoto said.
Naruto looked at Yama in confusion but remained silent. Yamamoto walked up to the giant halberd. He tried to place a hand on it only to be pushed back by an invisible force. He turned to Naruto who was watching in fascination.
"Did you see how the sword repelled me?" Yamamoto asked. Naruto nodded and kept silent. Yamamoto walked to Naruto and stood beside him. "You are special, Naruto. You have been reborn as a Shinigami and a hollow. I believe that you have the potential to be the strongest out of all of us." He said looking at Naruto with a fatherly smile. "But, to gain that power you must use both gifts that have been given to you and I believe that first you have to become a true Shinigami to do this."
Naruto listened intently as Yama finished. He looked at his tails then to Yamamoto.
"Do you say that because you're afraid that my hollow side will take over?" Naruto asked turning his site to the Sokyoku.
When Yamamoto didn't answer, Naruto walked towards the giant blade. Yamamoto watched him with studying eyes. Naruto reached the halberd and reached out to touch it. The air around Naruto started to crackle. The reiatsu around Naruto began to increase. His tails waved around madly as he felt the power of the sword. Black fire began to form around Naruto and the halberd. For some reason the black fire reminded Naruto of something, someone, but what and who? The ropes holding the blade snapped and the fire became a geyser. It surrounded Naruto and blocked him from Yamamoto. Yamamoto stepped back at the sheer heat coming from the black flames.
Naruto was completely surrounded by black flames. The more time passed the more Naruto began to remember something. The flames began to burn Naruto but he felt no pain.
"Call my name," a voice echoed in his head. "Call my name or you will burn."
Naruto looked down to see that just as the voice said the black flames where slowly burning his legs.
"My name is…," the voice said fading away.
Naruto looked at his legs the flames had reached his ankles. He looked around. All he saw was the black flames.
"Call my name," the voice said again.
This time it was different. Naruto could make out the tone of the voice. It was distressed.
"Do you wish to burn?"
Naruto then realized that the more the flames burned him the more he remembered. A name was slowly coming to him.
"I…It…" Naruto said trying to memorize the name.
"Call my name."
The flames reached Naruto's stomach. Naruto looked at his hands that where now slowly burning away.
"Itachi," Naruto said.
The flames continued to burn him and Naruto remembered more.
"Itachi, Sasuke, Madara," Naruto said.
How he knew those names was a mystery to Naruto, but they were the first names that came to him. Naruto then realized that the flames where still burning and that the more he remembered the flames speed increased. The flames had now reached his neck and Naruto was now a floating head.
"My name, my name," the voice yelled. "Do you want to burn forever?"
Naruto saw no other way and smiled as the flames burned his remaining head.
Naruto's eyes snapped open. He slowly stood up and looked around. Everywhere he looked he could only see white.
"Where am I?" he thought as he looked at his feet.
Feeling that it was safe, Naruto took a step. When his feet hit solid, yet invisible ground he smirked. The smirk quickly vanished when he heard laughter.
"Who's there?" he asked out loud.
The laughter increased. Naruto kept silent.
"He does not understand the importance of his dance," a deep, mature voice said.
"That's not like you, Naruto," Another voice said. "You never gave up before so why now?"
"Just how many voices are there?" Naruto thought in confusion.
He turned to his tails that were flailing wildly. He put his hand to his head and groaned. His head was beginning to throb. He groaned even louder as the pain increased.
"What's wrong?" a voice asked.
Naruto didn't look up, but grabbed his head tighter as the pain started to pound. The laughter inside his head was growing.
"S…shut," Naruto started.
He coughed up blood as his chest began to tighten. The voices on the outside were silent, but the laughter inside Naruto was overwhelming. Naruto scrunched up his face in a mix of pain and concentration. He slowly stood up fighting the pain and noise.
"SHUT UUUUUUUUUUP!" Naruto yelled.
A dark red aura exploded from Naruto and covered everything. Naruto wiped the blood of his lips. The pain and laughter were gone, as though it had never been there.
"Well done," a calm voice said from behind.
Naruto perked up. The voice was different than the rest. Unlike the others that were everywhere this voice was coming in one direction. Naruto slowly turned around. There stood a young man in his early twenties. Naruto stared into the man's red eyes.
"Uchiha Itachi," Naruto said.
"Naruto," Itachi said with a stern look on his face. "Have you given up?"
Naruto stared at Itachi and looked down.
"So many things have happened. Why is it that all I remember is you and the others?"
"Because you promised to meet us again in the next life," another voice said behind Naruto. Naruto turned to face Uchiha Sasuke. "Naruto," Sasuke greeted.
"Sasuke, Itachi why are you guys here?" Naruto asked.
"Our power is with you," a mature voice said. "Yet you give up. Perhaps I underestimated your own power."
Uchiha Madara appeared to the right of Naruto. A realization struck Naruto.
"Am I dead?" Naruto asked.
"No, not yet," Madara answered crossing his arms.
Why am I here?" Naruto asked.
The three Uchiha walked up to him. Madara placed a hand on Naruto's back. Sasuke placed a hand on his left shoulder. Itachi place a hand on his right shoulder.
"Naruto our wills are with you. You're not alone," Itachi said.
"Naruto, you have to surpass everyone," Sasuke said.
Madara shook his head and said, "Till this day I still don't understand the meaning of will, but my power is yours."
Light began to engulf Naruto.
Naruto understood it now. He felt power entering him. He wasn't alone. He was never alone.
"We'll meet again," Naruto said.
"We'll be waiting," Itachi replied.
The three smiled at him and disappeared.
Naruto snapped awake. He was completely surrounded by black flames. The flame was burning around his right eye.
"Call my name," the voice said.
"Amaterasu," Naruto yelled.
The flames stopped burning and began to dance around Naruto. Naruto's body slowly came back as if it had never been burned. Naruto heard an angelic voice and looked up. A black crow flew from the black flames and landed on his shoulder. The crow had a unique feature. On each wing was a pure white feather gently hidden by the other black feathers and its eyes where bright silver.
"I hear your call," an angelic female voice emitted from the crow. "I am Amaterasu-ōmikami: (The great kami who shines in the heaven). My flames will forever burn for you."
Naruto looked at the crow and smiled. This was his power. The black flames began to rise up and take shape. They took the form of a giant black phoenix.
"You're the Sokyoku?" Naruto asked. The bird nodded. "Will you fight with me too?" The bird nodded again.
"Soon when you are ready," a voice said.
Naruto blinked as the Phoenix flew into the air and disappeared. As itdisappeared the halberd began to crack revealing a large and long black scythe. The handle was slightly curved and had Millicent carvings. The top of the pole was a large phoenix head the curved inwards to attach to the blade. The blade itself was huge and set inwards. The whole thing radiated a feeling of death. Naruto stared at the scythe with awe. The wall of black flames slowly died down with Amaterasu on Naruto's shoulders.
He felt a presence behind him and turned to see Yamamoto and every Shinigami in soul society staring at the scythe as if they was expecting it to come to life. Many Shinigami who had felt the power from the Sokyoku had come to witness the spectacular event.
"Old man," Naruto said when Yamamoto walked up to him. "I'm stronger now. I'm ready to become a Shinigami."
- A Month Later -
"The entire Kuchiki compound was filled with excitement. All the servants where preparing for a huge feast. Today was a big day after all. In the captains meeting room Naruto stood in front of the head captain and Ginrei Kuchiki. The other captains stood in attention. Naruto was garbed in formal Kuchiki attire. Byakuya stood behind him in the same attire.
"Naruto," Ginrei said stepping up to him. I, Kuchiki Ginrei head of the Kuchiki clan inaugurate you into the Kuchiki clan. From henceforth you shall be known as Kuchiki Naruto."
Ginrei place the noble Kuchiki necklace around Naruto's neck. Naruto bowed and the captains clapped. When Naruto got up Byakuya placed a hand on his shoulder. Naruto turned to him. Byakuya smiled.
"Welcome to the family, brother," Byakuya said.
Naruto smiled at his new brother.
- Later that night –
Naruto lay in bed wide awake. So much was happening. He released his sword and became a Kuchiki. Next week he and Byakuya would go to the academy and face their best students as a graduation test. Naruto wasn't in the mood to sleep so he left the room and decided to take a stroll.
When Naruto stepped into the cool night air he called Amaterasu. The black crow materialized from thin air in a flash of black flames before landing on his shoulders.
"What's the matter?" She asked him.
"Not much," Naruto thought looking at the moon.
"Something is wrong. I feel it in your heart."
"I know I'm not a Shinigami and I'll never try to be, but,"
Naruto was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard, "Hey."
Naruto looked to see Shihoin Yoruichi standing on the walls of the compound waving at him. Amaterasu flew into the sky.
"What do you want?" Naruto asked in an annoyed tone.
Yoruichi made a pout face. She jumped down next to him.
"Oh so now that you're an official Kuchiki you're too good to talk to us commoners?"
"Very funny," Naruto replied in a sarcastic tone. "Why are you here?"
Yoruichi looked at him and gave a sly smile.
"I came to see you of course," she said.
"And why would you do that?" Naruto asked completely unfazed.
"Because I like you," Yoruichi replied getting up close to his face. Naruto paused. Naruto looked at her for a second and she began to laugh. "Just kidding, just kidding," she said.
Naruto scoffed and looked away. He wouldn't admit it but a blush had crept its way on his face.
"What's your real reason for coming here?" He asked after gaining back his composure.
"I was actually passing by when I saw you," Yoruichi replied.
"Is that so? Well then you should be on your way," Naruto replied.
He turned to walk away. Yoruichi gave him a sad smile. She turned to walk away as well when Naruto called out to her.
"Yoruichi thanks for coming to see me," he said.
Yoruichi watched him walk away and smiled.
- The Next Day –
Naruto and Byakuya were training together. The two had their Shinigami tests a week from today. The two would have to face two registered Shinigami. Because they were of the Kuchiki clan, their opponents would be top class fighters. In preparation for this, the two were currently meditating on the training field. After a good hour of meditation they began sparring.
"Naruto, show me your shikai," Byakuya demanded shooting a pale lighting.
Naruto side-stepped the attack and dashed at Byakuya.
"There's no need for that," Naruto replied. "I can beat you without it."
Byakuya jumped back and took a stance.
"I see," he said, "Then I will force you to use it. Scatter, Senbonzakura."
This was Naruto's first time seeing Byakuya's shikai. He watched in interest as Byakuya's blade separated into tiny pink petals. The petals began to surround him.
"What's this?" Naruto thought looking around.
Suddenly Naruto felt multiple cuts all over his body. Naruto fell to one knee.
"The petals are blade fragments?" Naruto thought as he fought the sharp pain all over his body.
"This is my shikai," Byakuya said. "Senbonzakura is the ultimate attack. How can you dodge a thousand blades?"
Naruto nodded in respect of his brother's power.
"I see," he said. "Then let me return the favor." Amaterasu landed on Naruto's right shoulder. "It'll be over in a second," he warned.
Naruto helped Byakuya up.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine," Byakuya answered. His clothes were completely torn and had scorch marks all over. "You're power is unbelievable," Byakuya said looking at Amaterasu as it gently peck Naruto's hair.
"Do not tell anyone about it," Naruto replied. "You're the only one who's seen it."
"Do you plan on revealing it at the test?" Byakuya asked looking around.
Naruto nodded.
"If it's needed," he said.
The two continued to train during until night came.
- That Night -
"Why do you train?" Byakuya asked while the two relaxed outside.
After a hard day of training the two always relaxed in the moonlight. Naruto took a deep breath. He truly loved the night. It was serene and quiet.
"That's a weird question," Naruto replied.
"No it's not," Byakuya said sitting up. "You, whose power is above all else, what do you wish to achieve?"
Naruto thought for a moment. What did he want?
"I want," Naruto started, "I want everything."
- A Week Later –
Naruto and Byakuya quietly sat in the waiting room. After a week of severe training, the awaited day had finally arrived. The arena was pack with Shinigami who wanted to see the two Kuchiki prodigies fight. A special area was made for the captains and vice captains. Naruto could hear the cheers of the Shinigami and smirked. The two sat in meditative silence until a brown haired Shinigami arrived. The Shinigami bowed to the two and held out a clipboard.
"Kuchiki Byakuya, your opponent will be child prodigy Hitsugaya Toshiro."
The name caused Naruto to look up. A small smile appeared on his face.
"Child prodigy," Naruto thought.
Byakuya stood up slowly walked toward the entrance. Naruto waited a second before following in suite. He stopped at the entrance and watch as Byakuya stepped into the arena. The crowed exploded into cheers, but Byakuya remained stoic. He took his side of the field and stood in a dignified manner befitting a Kuchiki. Toshiro came out of his side wearing an official Shinigami uniform. On his left arm was the badge for vice-captain.
Naruto smirked at it.
"Let's see what the so called prodigy can do," he thought.
Byakuya and Toshiro bowed to each other. The gong sounded and Toshiro went on the offensive. He drew his sword and raised his spiritual pressure. The other students watched in awe at how high the boy's spiritual pressure was going. .
"Just a warning," Toshiro said, "I won't hold back."
He went into a stance where he held the blade with both hands and twisted it so that the flat side faced Byakuya. Toshiro flash stepped and appeared next to Byakuya. He went for a horizontal strike when Byakuya jumped back and disappeared. Toshiro searched the entire ground but couldn't see or sense Byakuya anywhere. Byakuya appear behind Toshiro and went for a pierce. Toshiro twisted his body barely dodging the blade.
"Hado #4 Pale lightning," Byakuya said.
Toshiro's eyes widened when a large concentrated bolt of lightning appeared from Byakuya's finger and shot straight at him. He kicked off the ground and flipped through the air. He saw a shadow and looked up. Toshiro twisted his body barely dodging Byakuya's drop attack. He increased his power output and met Byakuya's blade. The two jumped back and faced off. The crowd went wild.
"I can't make any more mistakes?" Toshiro thought.
He didn't have time to come up with a strategy when Byakuya appeared in front of him with a barrage of strikes. Toshiro was able to dodge them but before he could retaliate Byakuya disappeared.
"Bakudō #61 Rikujōkōrō (Six Light Rod Prison)."
Six beams of light slammed into Toshiro's midsection. Byakuya appeared in front of Toshiro. Byakuya placed his sword near Toshiro's neck.
"You've lost," Byakuya said.
Toshiro smirked.
"Is that so?" he asked.
Suddenly Toshiro's body froze and he split in half. Byakuya jumped back in time to avoid a stream of ice from hitting him. Toshiro appeared behind Byakuya and charged while increasing his output of power. The area began to get colder and colder. The students in the crowds sat at the edge of their seats. Some began to shiver as the temperature dropped. Even a few teachers that were watching started to shiver. Toshiro smirked when he saw Byakuya's left hand slightly shivering.
Byakuya dodged a strike from Toshiro. He raised his arm to counter when the air became thicker.
"What is this?" Byakuya thought. He jumped away from Toshiro. Toshiro didn't give chase but increased his output even more. The air became frigid.
Toshiro explained when Byakuya looked at his own shivering hand, "I can control the temperature of the water molecules in the air. No matter where you go my attacks will always hit."
To prove his point Toshiro swiped the air. Suddenly Byakuya slid back as if an invisible whip had hit him.
"Truly impressive," Byakuya complimented when gained his composure, "But your power is lacking."
With a stoic face, Byakuya disappeared and reappeared in front of Toshiro. The two clashed blades and the crowd watched in stunned silence. Toshiro grunted when Byakuya nipped his cheek with the tip of his blade. He flipped back to avoid a pale lightning from Byakuya.
"Release your sword," Byakuya said closing his eyes. "Or you may die."
The spiritual pressure that exploded from him completely surprised everyone in the arena. Toshiro let his own power explode to keep himself up.
"The real battle starts now." Naruto thought from the sidelines.
"Scatter, Senbonzakura," Byakuya commanded.
A wave of pink petals circled the air as Byakuya's sword separated. The crowd was stunned at the beauty. Suddenly the pink petal shot at Toshiro. Multiple cuts appeared all over Toshiro as the petal cut him. Toshiro jumped away from the petals. He was panting in pain.
"His attacks are brutal!" Toshiro thought watching the petals in case they moved.
"Release your sword, or you will die," Byakuya said again.
Toshiro slowly stood up. He nursed the cuts as he looked down. The temperature began to decrease even further. Naruto could sense a great power surrounding Toshiro.
"Alright," Toshiro said, "if you want to see my true power that badly," he glared at Byakuya and let his power explode.
Toshiro jumped into the sky and yelled, "Rain upon the frosted frozen sky, Hyorinmaru!"
Naruto watched in interest as Toshiro's blade grew slightly. A chain sprouted from the hilt and at the end a crescent shaped blade. But the truly interesting thing was that the clear sky was slowly darkening. Naruto's eyes widened as water infused with ice erupted from the tip and surrounded Toshiro. The water created a giant flow of ice shaped like a Chinese dragon. Toshiro swiped the sword a few times before pointing it at Byakuya. The dragon charged at the Kuchiki. The spectators all watched in awe as the dragon froze everything in its path. Senbonzakura's petals shattered the dragon into water but it reformed.
Byakuya quickly tried to shoot pale lightning at the dragon, but it curved away from the blast. He tried to jump away from the dragon but found that he was frozen to the spot. The dragon collided with him and covered him in ice. When the dust cleared Byakuya was frozen in a large chunk of ice surrounded by mist. The crowd exploded in cheers.
Toshiro landed with a thump. He waited for Byakuya to respond but the guy was completely encased in ice. The crowded started to cheer at the apparent victory when pink petals circled the ice and shattered it. Toshiro's eyes widened when Byakuya appeared unharmed from his attack. Toshiro prepared to create another ice dragon. Byakuya returned his sword to its normal state.
"What is he doing?" Naruto thought watching in confusion.
"The title prodigy truly belongs to you," Byakuya praised with a stoic voice. "So be proud that you will be the first to fall at the hands of my bankai."
The crowd was in awe. Naruto's eyes widened.
"Impossible!" He thought staring at Byakuya.
"Bankai," Byakuya commanded.
Byakuya dropped his sword and it phased into the ground as if it were a pool of water. The sword created multiple ripples that turned the entire arena black. Then a forest of countless giant blades rose from the ground and covered the entire field.
"Scatter, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms).
The blades shatter in a tsunami of pink petals that instantly covered Toshiro. The entire arena exploded in dust. When it cleared Toshiro was face down on the dirt covered in blood. Byakuya sealed his bankai and walked over to Toshiro's body. The match was over in an instant.
"Your power is impressive," he said, "but it pales in comparison to the thousand blades that create Senbonzakura."
Byakuya turned and walked away the crowd that was in awe and shock exploded into cheer. Byakuya looked up at Naruto who was watching with a frown. When Byakuya was out of the view of the crowd he smirked at Naruto.
"Surprised?" Byakuya asked Naruto in the waiting room.
Naruto smirked and said, "No, I felt the power in you. I just didn't know you had unlocked it already."
"Nothing ever surprises you," Byakuya replied with a smile.
"Not true, but I am proud of my brother."
The two nodded at each other. The brown haired Shinigami returned and looked at Naruto.
"Kuchiki Naruto, your opponent will be vice-captain of the 5th Division, Ichimaru Gin."
Naruto's tail gently swayed.
"Vice-captain?" Naruto replied. He began to walk toward the arena with Byakuya following. "I guess I can't take it easy," Naruto thought as he stepped into the arena.
His opponent is a Vice-Captain, Show em what you got Naruto
TBC
