Chapter 6: Training

A/N: Apologies all for the delay. I've been busy job hunting and applying for colleges. Enjoy!

The early morning rays fluttered across the sleeping beauty's face, causing her to awaken with a start. In an instant she was alert, scanning her surroundings as a tribute to the countless years she had been programmed to do so. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she was reacquainted with her room located in the Kuchiki manor. Tidbits of what had occurred the day prior flitted across her mind as she gently rose from her futon. A quick check of her body and she was pleased to find her chakra was restored and she was no longer experiencing fatigue although…

The silence in the room was interrupted by the sound of her stomach crying out for substance. Seeing how she was going to need to hunt down some food before she began mixing the medicine for Ukitake-san and doing a quick check up, she turned to leave but was stopped by the sound of her screen door sliding open. Surprise was apparent on her features as she took in the sight of the stoic male that was the head of the house, but it was quickly replaced with irritation as she recalled his request to address him as "Kuchiki-sama." Unwilling to do so, she remained silent as her expression reverted to the typical impassive emote she was used to adopting. A stare off began between the two, as Byakuya could already sense the reason behind her silence and it served to amuse him, however he had matters to attend to.

"You appear to be well." The statement ended the little contest between the two. A quick nod of her head was the only response he received which served to irk the male. Although he did not convey his irritation, Sakura could sense it and it pleased her minutely, however a part of her felt guilty for he was the one who had carried her back and was forced to stay with her. Mentally berating herself she quietly spoke, "I am fine now, I just needed to rest although I do need to find some food before I head back to examine my patient."

"You will not be able to visit Ukitake-san until later today. He has been called into a meeting with some of the other captains to discuss some affairs."

"He should be resting!" This time, Sakura made no attempt to hide her irritation. Quickly she searched for her shoes as she contemplated the damage the white-haired idiot would cause. He was acting worse than some of her male comrades she used to treat back in Konoha! The thought caused a stinging sensation in her chest as she recalled all her friends she had left behind. Silently she wondered if they were doing well. An image of Tsunade-sama sneaking some sake behind Shizune's back appeared in her mind. A soft smile graced her features as she recalled the silly antics that her shishou was notorious for implementing when it came to her sake. There was also her team…abruptly she ended her train of thought for she knew if she began to reminisce about them, it would cause her too much pain that she was unwilling to face right now. There were more important matters at hand. Her emotions could be dealt with later.

"You mean you will continue to repress them until you are driven to your breaking point."

"No, I meant I will deal with them later. I have an idiotic patient to deal with."

"Yes, deal with later just like you did in the past. I still recall that one night after that particularly dreadful mission. Instead of facing the pain head on you overworked yourself to the brink of death. Tsunade-sama was quite upset when you woke up. She even forced you to go to Ibiki-san to undergo a mental health check."

As if on cue, the memories began to overwhelm her as she recalled the evaluation she was forced to undergo that would ultimately determine her status in ANBU.

"Haruno-san, do you know why you are here?" Ibiki's deep voice echoed throughout the sterile room, reverberating against the dark walls and inadvertently increasing the sensation of being confined in a small space. It was an intimidation tactic that was taught to all of those who entered ANBU, and it would be the first time Sakura would be at the receiving end of it. She was already irritated that she was being forced to undergo a mental evaluation, however…

"My hands are tied Sakura. Your ANBU captain reported everything that happened during the mission. Based on the events that occurred, your status of being ANBU is being re-evaluated."

"But, Shishou! It was my first mission. You should know more so than anyone else that all of the training we are forced to undergo is nothing compared to being out the field."

"Yes, I do know, but that doesn't change anything. Truth be told the matter would've been pushed aside, but your recent erratic behavior and carelessness is blowing this all out of proportion."

"…I know...I'll be fine, it won't happen again."

A tired expression aged the hokage's features as she took in the sight of her 18-year-old apprentice who had long surpassed her. The dark rings underneath the normally vibrant green eyes and the sickly pale skin screamed of her recent neglect. From a medical standpoint a mental evaluation was necessary and honestly Tsunade agreed with the sentiments from her council in this matter. If Sakura was going to allow a mission to affect her this much, she just wasn't cut out for ANBU. Steeling her resolve, amber eyes focused on her weakened pupil.

" If you fail, you will be stripped of your rank as ANBU. The matter is no longer up for discussion."

Tsunade-sama's words still rang clear in the back of her mind. Mentally sighing at her current predicament, Sakura ran her fingers through her limp hair as a sign of frustration.

"Yes, Ibiki-san."

"Very well, let's begin. Tell me Haruno, why have you been working yourself to the bone, declining missions, not reporting to your ANBU squad and most importantly avoiding any contact with your fellow shinobi unless it is a medical emergency?"

Unsurprisingly, Morino-san knew everything that had occurred these past months and it irked her, because that meant she was being tailed by some operative. Irritation was laced through her words as she replied, "I was taking a break and I am needed at the hospital Ibiki-san. As you recall I am currently head of the hospital and Shizune-san was only temporarily taking my place while I was away on a mission."

"Isn't Shizune-san capable of running the hospital on her own? Surely you did not need two months to clean up after her, unless of course you are implying she is incompetent."

Green eyes narrowed in response to Morino's statement. "I was not implying that at all. Do not twist my words Ibiki. I may be fresh in ANBU, but I know all of the interrogation tactics and they will not work on me."

The battle-scarred male raised his hands as a gesture of defeat as he reclined in the chair across from her. "Alright, Haruno. It is just a habit. Now, why would you join ANBU if you already have your hands full with the hospital?"

"I needed to prove myself."

"To who?"

"Who do you think? You aren't the head of the intelligence unit for no reason." The sarcastic remark rolled off Ibiki as he examined the female before him. Of course, he heard about her failed seduction mission two years prior and her mental state was questionable at the time, but she surprised everyone when she began to focus on training and within two years' time, she applied for the ANBU test and passed. However, the most surprising thing was how she cut off her ties with her sensei and then Naruto when he finally returned. It was apparent to Ibiki Sakura was trying to prove to herself she was strong, and in his eyes, she had succeeded and surpassed everyone's expectations, but since her return from her first assignment, she had relapsed into the girl two years ago.

"Alright. Then Haruno-san, why not tell me what happened on your mission that caused you to react so vehemently?"

"The mission is classified."

"I have already obtained clearance from the Hokage. Now, shall we begin, or would you rather stay here in this cozy little room all night? Or, should I just fail you and we can continue on our way?"

A frown accompanied her glare as Sakura took in the scars that adorned Ibiki's face. Irritated that she was backed into a corner, she grudgingly acquiesced.

."Taichou, what is our mission?" The feminine voice was muffled against the jaguar mask that was concealing the individual's face. Her infamous pink hair was henged over, transforming the bright locks to a nondescript shade of ebony. The three-man cell continued making their way through the forested area, as the one that was addressed as taichou answered his newest addition to his team.

"Jaguar, you will address me by my codename once we are out of Fire country. The mission itself is fairly simple, we need to eradicate a small syndicate that has been threatening to overthrow the current daimyō. More details well be given once we enter Wave county."

"Apologies Hawk."

"You are still fresh. This mission will also be used as an evaluation to determine if you are suited for ANBU. I honestly don't give a damn if you pass or fail. My priorities are completing the mission and ensuring everyone returns in one piece. Do not disobey any of my orders, is that clear?"

"Hai." The affirmation rang clear in the air as the team continued their trek towards their destination. A few more hours passed before the trio reached the port that would take them into wave territory. Relief washed over Sakura as she leaned against the railing of the small ship they had boarded. On her captain's command, she removed her mask, enjoying the fresh air and the sensation of the wind blowing against her heated skin. A small smile graced her lips as she reveled in the lullaby the gentle waves created. Minutes passed in peaceful silence until she sensed someone moving behind her. Immediately tensing in preparation for a possible assault, Sakura reached for the kunai hidden under her cloak but stopped the moment she recognized the unknown man.

"Taichou."

"You can call me by my name, Sakura. It is safe to do so."

"Hai, Tatsuo-san." The figure stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight to examine the woman before him. As of late she had been able to keep up with them just fine and from what he had seen during the ANBU exams, she was more than well prepared for the current task at hand, although her training as a medic would be problematic at times, especially for this mission. Mentally wary of what was to come, Tatsuo shook off his concern as he addressed his team mate.

"I need to brief you on the upcoming mission. Yoshio-san has already been informed of his task and is resting for the night."

Sakura nodded in response as she briefly took in the taller male's profile. His dark eye was weary as he continued his examination of the endless ocean. A slight breeze ruffled his shaggy brown hair, revealing the long scar that served to blind his left eye. Just from his stance alone, Sakura could tell he had other wounds that hadn't heal properly, but it was a characteristic she had come to expect from members of the ANBU. After all, each scar was a symbol of each mission they had been able to complete and return alive. Silently she returned her gaze to the ocean, as she listened to her assigned task.

" The group we are looking for is situated on the outskirt village located in Wave territory. Once we dock it will take at least an hour traveling at full speed to reach our destination. The goal is to eradicate the entire syndicate and that mean, no one can live."

A few minutes passed as Sakura registered the meaning of his statement and briefly nodded her head in response. Tatsuo was pleased to see she wasn't questioning him and continued with his briefing.

"Yoshio and I will enter first in order to begin the assassinations. You will follow shortly after. You are charged with eliminating all the houses located in the south side of the village. We will all meet at the entrance once the mission has been completed."

"Hai."

"Be ready to leave at dawn, we will reach the port in a few hours, get some rest until then. Tomorrow will be a long day."

"Alright."

Satisfied with his briefing, he rose from his position to stretch his sore muscles before heading towards their corridors. Just as he was about to disappear inside his cabin, he stopped in front of the door.

"One more thing Sakura. Tomorrow, we will be fighting against the enemy. Don't forget that."

All was silent as three shadows danced along the tree branches before arriving at the entrance of the seemingly abandoned village. The clouded sky hindered the moon's gaze, providing a blanket of darkness which worked in the individuals advantage. With a brief signal, the two males entered first, both disappearing in separate houses, leaving the lone female to her own devices. Within a matter of minutes both of the figures reappeared on the rooftops, indicating it was time for Sakura to complete her task. Quickly she took off in the direction of the south side of the village, her sights set on the first house that came into view. With practiced ease, she slipped inside the home, stealthily moving in the shadows before locating her prey. Two targets, an elderly male and female couple, fast asleep. Briefly she examined their serene features before quickly slipping out her vial of lethal poison she had worked on with Shizune back in Konoha. Although it would be quicker and more efficient to just slit their throats, she personally believed the fast-acting poison was more a more humane and cleaner way to assassinate the two. Locating the jugular vein, she quickly stabbed the man with the deadly concoction before hurriedly doing the same to the female. Within a matter of seconds, she could already feel the heart rate weakening before shutting down completely. Satisfied, the masked woman quickly moved on to do the same with her other targets before heading back to meet with her teammates at the entrance of the village.

She wasn't surprised by the sight of her comrades drenched in blood, milling around at the gate. Both froze in shot at the sight of her still pristine uniform which had Tatsuo weary she was unable to complete her task. Just as he moved to check on the South side of the village, Sakura stopped him with a single word.

"Poison."

A single black eye focused on the jaguar mask, skepticism evident in their murky depths. Seeing the weariness, Sakura continued to elaborate. "I worked on a poison after I heard I was being assigned my first ANBU mission. I prepared a big batch that was just enough to take out the entire South side of the village. I also double checked to make sure they were dead."

"Hmm, that is a great alternative, however were you not concern one of them might wake up before the poison was able to take affect?" The gravelly voice that belonged to Yoshio rang clear in the night as Sakura quickly shook her head in response.

"It is easier for me since I'm a medic and I can find the quickest vein that would carry the poison to the heart in a matter of seconds."

"Ahh maybe it's time I refresh my memory in medical ninjutsu. It would save me the trouble of washing out the bloodstains after each mission." This was accompanied by a chuckle from Tatsuo who only shook his head in response.

"You did well Jaguar. It's time to head out." Just as Tatsuo turned to leave the rustling of leaves being crushed halted his advance and had everyone reaching for their kunai.

"Okaa-san?" The trembling voice that belonged to a little boy had Sakura immediately relaxing as she took in the sight of the child standing before her. Green eyes widen in response as she took in his blood-stained clothes and tear-filled eyes. Almost instinctively, Sakura moved to comfort the boy, but a strong hand gripped her shoulder, halting her advance.

"No one is allowed to live," was whispered against her ear, causing Sakura to flinch in response to her captain's cold statement.

"He's just a child!"

"It does not matter. Get rid of him." The cruel tone that Tatsuo adopted contradicted how he was truly feeling inside. In all honestly, he had ensured only Yoshio and him would have to dispose of the children to shield Sakura from having to go through that experience, but seeing how one was left alive, it was the perfect opportunity to test whether or not she was capable of being ANBU.

A soft cry filled the once silent night, as Sakura focused her attention on the hysteric little boy. The sight had her heart breaking in response. Seeing the difficult position she was currently in, Yoshio moved to dispose of the child but Tatsuo prevented him from doing so.

"She needs to do it." The two shared a look of understanding as Yoshio withdrew himself and watched the scene with sorrowful eyes.

"I…I…" Her shock made it impossible for Sakura to maintain her façade as her mind continued to process her captain's demand. He was only a child, an innocent. She couldn't kill him when he hasn't done anything wrong. Clenching her fists in response, Sakura tried to think of a solution but she was backed into a corner. Lost in her inner turmoil, she was brought back to reality when she felt a small tug on her thick robe. Surprised she glanced down and meet the scared gaze of the little boy.

"Ne…please…help me…" In between the sobs, she heard the desperate plea. Biting her lip in response she began to back away from the little boy, as if she was fearing his touch. Seeing her retreat, the small boy began to toddle after her, once again his small chubby fingers reached for her.

"Jaguar, kill him."

"I can't…please don't make me do this."

"Are you disobeying my orders?"

"No…I just can't kill him. He's a fucking child!"

"I told you he is the enemy! What use would it be to even keep the damn kid alive? He'll just be orphaned and then what? He will either die on the streets or he could become an avenger and seek out to destroy Konoha. We don't need another Sasuke!" Tatsuo's cruel words cut deep with Sakura as she froze in response to her ex teammate's name whose past seemed to be playing out before her, but this time there would be no survivors. Tears prickled in her green eyes as understanding appeared on the boy's expression as he listened to the ongoing banter. Fear contorted his features as he quickly turned to run away. The sound of his soft footsteps had Sakura steeling her resolve. A flash of sliver scattered in the air, as the shuriken hit the little boy's retreating back with pinpoint accuracy. Within seconds his tiny body fell to the ground as his blood began to seep from his wounds. Quickly, Sakura flashed over to the boy, crouching beside his fallen form. Green eyes meet brown eyes as she watched his face contort with fear and pain. No longer able to stand the boy's suffering, she reached for her kunai, the familiar sensation of the blade caused the pain she was experiencing in her chest to sharpen. Seeing the weapon caused tears to form as the young boy shakily asked, "Dōshite?"

Unable to give him an answer, Sakura swiftly slit the boy's throat. The still warm blood splattered against her, staining her hands and uniform, almost as if it was her initiation into ANBU. A few tears escaped her eyes as she quietly whispered, " Gomen'nasai," before regrouping with her teammates. Sorrow was evident in Yoshio's eyes as he clasped her shoulder as a gesture of comfort. Tatsuo moved to do the same, but Sakura brushed his hand aside. Understanding was apparent in his lone eye.

"You did well Sakura. Congratulations, you are now a true ANBU member."

"Fuck you."

Silence filled the dark room as the two individuals who occupied the space continued to stare at one another. Minutes passed before the sound of paper shuffling interrupted the silence, as Ibiki rose from his seat.

"You passed."

A shock expression appeared on her face as she processed Ibiki's declaration.

"What?"

"I said you passed. You will not be stripped of your ANBU ranking."

"But…why?"

A sigh escaped past Morino's lips as he returned to his seat to address the girl. "From what you have told me, your reaction is expected. Hell, everyone has that same reaction after their first ANBU mission. I would've been more concerned if you had returned whole with no emotional trauma."

"Then why the evaluation?"

A single black eyebrow rose in response to her question as he gestured at her face. Curious as to what he was pointing at, Sakura quickly moved to clean the indicated area and was once again surprised to find her cheeks were damp, as if she had been crying.

"That's why. As you know, all shinobi are stubborn asses who refuse to receive treatment when they are injured. The same can be said when it comes to dealing with their emotions…just look at Kakashi for example."

An image of her sensei's trademark, eye crinkle smile filled her mind, causing her to nod in response. Seeing that she understood, Ibiki continued. "Hence the need for a mental evaluation. Most of the time it is like a therapy session, forcing the individual to recount the mission and causing them to deal with their emotions they have kept hidden. As you know, the shinobi life is very difficult and controversial. Once you become ANBU it is amplified due to the missions you are assigned. Some may believe it is the high-risk missions that account for the high death rate, but that is only part of it. The mental stress of what you are forced to due and endure take a toll and bottling everything up does not help. Nor does overworking oneself to the brink of death." A pointed look was directed at the woman who had a sheepish expression on her face. Nodding her head in response, Ibiki once again rose from his seat and turned to leave the room.

"One more thing Sakura. Although it is vital to control your emotions and maintain and indifferent façade, it is alright to feel guilt and regret. You may be a tool for Konoha, but you are still human. Don't forget that." With that, the head of the interrogation unit left the room, gently closing the door shut behind him. He silently leaned against the door, eyes shut and arms crossed as if he was waiting for something. Minutes passed before the sound of a broken sob could be heard. A small smile appeared on his thin lips as he quietly removed himself from the door, leaving the pink haired woman to her own devices as she finally allowed herself to be human again.

Byakuya watched in silence as the dazed look that had occupied the female's jade green eyes began to clear, as if she had awakened from her recollection of some distant memory. Curiosity bubbled with him as a part of him yearned to discover what she was reminiscing…could it be related to her past life or was it centered around the male named Itachi? Grey eyes sharpened in response at the thought of that man occupying the woman's mind. Irritation began to well within him. Here he was trying to complete his task and the damn girl was wasting his time, sitting there thinking about a man. How pitiful, although a small part of him that he would vehemently ignore challenged his reasoning, citing it was his desire to be the only man that occupied her thoughts that caused the irritation.

His silent monologue was interrupted by the sound of rustling fabric. Focusing his attention on the woman, he was surprised to find her green gaze was locked onto him, a tired expression adorning her features.

"Apologies, Kuchiki-sama. I was lost in thought. I will tend to Ukitake later today after the meeting is adjourned. If there is nothing else, please leave. I have matters I need to attend to."

An inky black brow rose in response as he observed the sudden shift in mood. Moments earlier she was ready to drag Ukitake back to bed rest, but now she looked as if she had just performed another draining healing session. He quickly concluded the swift change in emotions was related to whatever she was reminiscing moments earlier. Once again his curiosity began to swell but he brushed it aside as he knew now was not the time to inquire what was plaguing her. After all, that would be a violation of their agreement.

"As do I, however I was told to bring you this." With a slight gesture, Byakuya retrieved the second katana he had placed against his waist. Deftly he undid the knot before handing it over to the woman. Surprised was the first emotion she felt as the torrent of old memories were quickly cast aside at the sight of her new blade. Narrowing her eyes in response to the feel of the blade in her hand, she quickly withdrew her weapon from its dark sheath, admiring the quality of steel used to forge the katana. A smirk twisted her lips as she fluidly swung her newfound instrument with a deadly grace that caused grey eyes to become fixated on the lethal beauty. Satisfied with her examination of her new weapon, she quickly sheathed her sword, breaking the spell she had cast upon the black-haired male.

"Arigatou gozaimasu, Kuchiki-sama." A brief nod of his head was her only response as Byakuya prepared to leave. Pausing at the doorway he addressed the woman. "I will have food brought to your room." With that the man vanished causing a small smile to appear on the pale pink lips.

"He's not that bad."

"Hmph, if you are done ogling the man's backside, it is vital we begin to train now." The rancor that dripped from her zanpakutō's words did little to faze Sakura.

"I was doing no such thing, but I will say he does have a nice ass. Almost makes up for his personality."

"Really now? As I recall you were always fond of the stick-in-the-mud-monotone-expressionless-male type."

" I grew out of that stage."

"Only took you 5 years." Sakura had to refrain from sticking her tongue out in response to Fenikkusu's remark. Settling for rolling her eyes, she faced her zanpakutō who was currently fixated on the blade that was resting on her lap.

"It's a beauty. Whoever forged it is a genius."

"Agreed. It will be the perfect vehicle for you to wield me." A smirk appeared on Fenikkusu's face as his eyes took in the ebony stained sheath and the bright red handle that mirrored his own fiery locks. He was very pleased, however it would matter not, if Sakura did not learn how to access her reiryoku. Focusing his golden gaze on his mistress, a serious expression graced his tanned features.

"Meditate."

Seeing Fenikkusu's expression, she immediately did as she was told. Cutting herself off from the world, Sakura slowly allowed herself to relax as she drifted off into a meditative state. Time seemed to slow as Fenikkusu's deep voice surrounded her.

"Open your eyes."

Green was the first color that greeted her as the familiar settings of training ground three came into focus. The memorable three wooden pillars were located in the middle of the training ground, serving to break up the forested area that surrounded the open field. A smile graced her features as she took in the sight of the mountain range acting as a backdrop to the greenery, adding a pop of color that was only highlighted by the strip of river that ran through the forest. Happy memories began to resurface, reminding Sakura of a simpler time where her only concern was a certain raven-haired boy. A small chuckle escaped her lips as she compared her younger self to her present self. The once naïve little girl was replaced with a harden shinobi that only lived to serve her country.

"You have come quite far from where you were, but there is still much for you to learn." Out of nowhere, Fenikkusu materialized before her, still dressed in his lavish kimono but this time his smirk was no longer in place. With practiced ease he withdrew his own blade before brandishing it before her.

"Come at me, without your chakra. You can only fight with your weapon." With a flick of his hand, the katana Sakura was observing earlier appeared before her. A determined glint entered her eye as she quickly fell into the familiar stance, waiting for Fenikkusu to make his move. Minutes passed before her zanpakutō disappeared. Immediately her senses were heightened as she tried to locate him. Vainly she searched for a chakra signature but there was nothing. Confusion filled her, and it was only heightened when the sound of Fenikkusu's laughter resonated around her.

"Chakra will not work in this battle, Sakura." As if to prove his point, a sharp pain radiated from her arm. Immediately she assessed the wound, quickly healing it, while keeping an eye out for another attack. On cue, the sound of cloth ripping could be heard as another flash of pain overwhelmed her.

"Shit." She could feel the breeze brushing against the open wound on her back. The slick sensation of blood dripping from the laceration had her muttering curses in response as she redirected her chakra to begin the healing process on the injury.

"You are nothing more than an immobile target. Maybe you aren't worthy to wield me." Angered coursed through Sakura as she feebly attempted to dodge the oncoming strike, but she failed as another gash appeared on her right leg. Luckily, he had missed her femoral artery, otherwise it would've been fatal. Panic began to well within her, but she quickly began to calm herself. She had found herself in worse situations before and made it out alive. This would be no different. Silently she pondered her move. Right now, it was Fenikkusu's advantage and there was no distinguishable pattern with his attacks. The safest move would be moving out of the open field and taking that battle to the forest, that way she would be able to use the rustling of the leaves to alert her as to when her target would attack. Pleased with her plan, she quickly went through the familiar hand signals before disappearing in a wave of cherry blossom petals.

"Finally making a move? You will not be able to hide from me." The haughty tone did little to phase her as Sakura peered behind one of the branches, trying her best to pinpoint Fenikkusu's location. Coming up empty handed, she quickly recalculated her next move.

"Found you." The ghost of the whisper caused a shiver to run down her spine as she braced herself for the oncoming assault. As if he was wielding the wind as his blade, a flurry of attacks was thrust upon her. A barrage of cuts and lacerations, each ranging in size and depth littered her body, the impact resulting in the surrounding trees being splattered with her blood. A coughing fit seized her as she tried to minimize the blow.

Her continuous hacking did little to Fenikkusu who was observing her from his own hiding spot. To say he was disappointed was an understatement as he watched his mistress's crouched form. "Che." A part of him was angry at himself for having to hurt her, but the other side knew it was necessary. Unless she was able to figure out the lesson he was trying to impose upon her, she would never be able to become a captain, let alone wield him. Mentally preparing himself, he vanished once again, this time his aim was to disarm her of her weapon.

Sakura could sense another attack was coming but she was at a lost as to how she would be able to dodge it. "Look underneath, the underneath." Kakashi's words echoed in her mind as the feeling of dread began to overtake her. Replaying her ex-sensei's teaching, a realization began to dawn on Sakura. She was no longer alive…therefore her chakra would be useless in this fight since she was against her zanpakutō, which was a spirit. That means she would need to use her reiryoku. Sakura recalled her display of power before the captains earlier this week. If she just mimicked what she did then, that might help her. Sliding her eyes shut, she tried to call forth her reiryoku. Seconds past but nothing was happening. Confused, Sakura's eyes flew open as a shooting pain erupted from her right hand.

"Weak." The word seemed to echo around her, as the pink haired woman cradled her hand as she took in the sight of Fenikkusu, armed with not only his blade but also hers. "Defenseless as well. Tell me Sakura, what will you do now?" A smirk twisted his features as he slid into the Niten Ichi-ryū stance, revealing his mastery of the dual blade fighting style. In a flash he disappeared, graciously allowing his mistress some time to determine her next move.

Sensing her zanpakutō's leniency, for she knew if this was a true battle she would've been dead by now, Sakura quickly recollected her thoughts. She needed to figure out how to access her damn reiryoku before the next attack. Biting her lip in response, she closed her eyes again as she forced herself to concentrate. Instinctively, the familiar flickers of blue chakra surrounded her, but it seemed to waver as another color began to form before disappearing. Focusing her attention on that flash of color, the chakra laden world seemed to vanish as a vast array of color filled her vision. Curiosity filled her as the colors began to settle, recreating the familiar settings of training ground three, but this time every item was surrounded by a different color. Taking in the sights around her, Sakura began to piece together what she was seeing. Reiryoku was referred to as one's spiritual power and willpower…that means every living thing has some sort of reiryoku in them. The colors were what made it characteristic to that item, hence the trees were surrounded with a faint green. It was similar to the concept of chakra, but chakra was something that one needed to train in order to detect and use. It wasn't necessarily an innate ability that people had, whereas reiryoku was more natural and it was already predetermined as to how much each being had, so there wasn't an opportunity to increase one's reserve such as chakra. It was that final piece of information that seemed to click for Sakura as everything fell into place, causing a smile to appear on her face.

Curiosity welled within Fenikkusu as he witnessed the smile appear on his mistress's features. It contradicted her current predicament and appearance. Releasing a small sigh, he prepared himself for his final attack. If she couldn't stop him or at least dodge him, she would fail his test. Silently he prayed she would be able to. Steeling himself, Fenikkusu launched himself at Sakura, brandishing his swords as he prepared his assault.

A fiery red color appeared in her sights causing Sakura's grin to widen even further. With a mighty sweep, a splash of blood splattered across Fenikkusu's face as a look of pure shock replaced his trademark smirk.

"I found you, Fenikkusu." The light tone belied the situation he found himself in as his mistress's bare hands were clutching both of his weapons preventing his attack. A teasing glint could be found in her expressive green eyes which matched her wide smile. Even in her current predicament with both of her hands injured, fresh blood flowing down her arms and her tattered remains of her kimono, she was still able to smile like a child who had just bested her sensei at hide and seek. A chuckle began to rake through Fenikkusu's body as he withdrew his blades, flicking off the blood on the pristine steel before sheathing his and returning the other to his mistress.

"That you have." With a gentle hand, he helped Sakura to her feet, before examining the damage he had caused. Pleased that it wouldn't be permanent or prevent her from wielding her blade, Fenikkusu released her as he stepped back and examined his mistress.

"How were you able to find me, Sakura?" The curiosity was evident in his tone causing Sakura to smile at him in response.

"You're reiryoku is a fiery red Fenikkusu. A stark contrast to the surroundings which range from different hues of greens and blues. Although it does make sense since your name translates to phoenix. Which means my reiryoku is the same shade of red correct?"

"…Hai." A satisfied smile appeared on his thin lips as his mistress was able to pass the lesson he was bestowing on her. "It appears you have differentiated between chakra and reiryoku?"

"Yes. I just needed to look underneath the underneath."

A red brow rose as the familiar saying greeted his ears. "Kakashi?"

"Of course. Now tell me Fenikkusu. Why was I not able to access my reiryoku, like I did that time I was standing before the captains?" It was the question he was waiting for and seeing how his mistress was able to defy his expectations, he proceeded to answer her truthfully.

"That was my doing. You did not know what reiryoku was nor did you know how to wield it so I was controlling it. I need to wait until you are able to control reiryoku before I relinquish my own control."

"How long will that take? The spar with Zaraki-san is in a few days."

"A few days, maybe less. Seeing how you possess remarkable chakra control, you will be able to control your reiryoku just as well. The first step was learning how to detect and differentiate the two, which you succeeded in doing so just now."

A frown marred her expression as she contemplated Fenikkusu's words. "We should continue to train then."

"No, you need to heal yourself and rest. Every wound you obtain in this world is reflected in the real world." With a quick gesture of his hand, Sakura glanced down at her appearance and grimaced in response.

"Fine, I need to see Ukitake-san as well. I might be able to ask him for books regarding reiryoku and what not…" Fenikkusu could sense his mistress's train of thought and a pleased smile graced his lips. She wouldn't be able to sit around and wait for him to teach her. Another chuckle escaped his lips as he wondered if his mistress really needed to train with him. Now that she unlocked the secret she could probably figure out how to control her reiryoku on her own. If that was so, it would make it even more interesting on their next battle. Speaking of which…

"Sakura, once you are able to control your reiryoku and wield it properly, we will be able to spar. If you succeed in defeating me, I will teach you one of my techniques you will be able to use in battle. However, since you were able to defeat me today, I will impart my command seal to activate me in battle. 'Reveal yourself, Fenikkusu'. In doing so, you will see my weapon form, however until you practice exerting your reiryoku control, you cannot activate me. Your katana will remain nothing more than a katana."

A determined expression appeared in her eyes as she listened to Fenikkusu. A strong fire was ignited within her as the desire to wield her zanpakutō grew.

"What will the next battle be like?"

A soft chuckle could be heard as a smirk danced on Fenikkusu's lips. The only response Sakura received was the sound of bell tinkling as the familiar settings began to fade and she was once again reacquainted with the real world.

"Byakuya-sama!" The shouting of his name had him immediately alert as the doors to his office flew open. The pale stricken face of one of his servants heightened his unease as he waited for his servant to proceed.

"The…the girl. She's bleeding profusely in her room and I don't know what…" Before the servant could even finish, Byakuya had already flash step in front of Sakura's room. A pang of worry filled him as his mind ran with different possibilities as to what could've happened. Was it an attack? Did someone infiltrate his manor? Unable to continue his mental tirade, he swept open the screen door and entered the room. The sight that greeted him had him instinctively sliding the door close, before his male servant could enter the room. He mentally reminded himself to only have female servants serve Sakura as he watched her attempt to bandage a deep gash that was located on her lower back, leaving the abnormally long scar and her back, bare for all to see. Seeing her struggle, he walked over and gently took the bandage from her and proceeded to wrap the cloth around her injury. Immediately his advances were halted by her hand, which served to shock him as he saw it was heavily bandaged.

"What happened?" His cold tone surprised Sakura as she turned her head to examine him. A small smile danced on her lips as she simply said, "training." Immediately understanding grew in his grey eyes as he relaxed. Silently he waited for the woman to release his hand and allow him to finish.

"Why are you helping me?"

"You needed the help. Why aren't you healing yourself?"

"I need to allow myself to heal naturally at times. It isn't good to constantly heal myself over minor wounds." Releasing Byakuya's hand, he continued his work, allowing the silence to fall upon the two, but neither felt inclined to say something as both found comfort in the companionable peace. It wasn't long before he had finished his task, stepping back and turning away to allow the female to dress herself. While doing so, he took in the sight of the shattered porcelain littering the floor along with the now cold food. Even after all that training she still has not been able to eat. A frown marred his features as he briefly turned his head to glance at the woman. Taking in her pale face and bandaged body, he felt irritation course through him. Making up his mind, he spoke. "You will join me for dinner. The servant will guide you there in ten minutes." With that, the usually silent man left, leaving Sakura to ponder over the surprised invitation.