Hello! We met again, this chapter took me a bit more to be finished, some problems in RL made me finish the translation only a few hours ago. Again thank you so much for all your kind reviews, you really make me smile while I read it. I hope you will like the chapter, to me it was really funny to write it, I got sad and laugh a lot! I also want to thank you for beeing waiting, I know I said this is a BYARUKI but it's also a way to fill Byakuya's past and understand his actual behavior which Kubo does not explain. Byaruki will come, you just have to wait a few chapters more. Meanwhile you can read A Broken Promise (my other fic) and my sister's fic Of Brothers and Sisters.

I'm sorry because this week I was unable to reply your reviews but I will fix that.

Again: Rei Eien thank you so much for your help with the grammar... you are such a good sis!

Well I will let you read this!


Bleach is not mine, it belongs to Tite Kubo I just took some characters to satiate my desire to Byaruki!

R & R

10 years had passed since Rukia was living inthe home of Mai ...

People walked the streets of Inuzuri turing a blind eye towards the misfortune of others; for the social environment dictated that it was every person for itself. To Rukia this day was not like everyone else's. She had lost the only person who had taken care of her. The old woman, Mai, had died a week before and now Rukia was left alone in the world.

During the years that Rukia had lived with her, the house was always full of kids who were orphans like her. Rukia had been very close to the pain, misery and death that were her constant companionship. Most of the children who Mai gathered in from the streets did not survive; some were sick and others so malnourished that when she gave them some food it was just too late.

Not that Mai had food to fill so many mouths; most of the time she went without food to give to those kids. Rukia knew that was what had accelerated her death. Even though Mai had lived forseveral centuries, the fact that she was underfed and under constant concern to keep kids off the streets, only worsen her health.

When Rukia had learned how to count, she knew there were 14 people at Mai's home, 9 girls, 5 boys and Mai. The number of habitants was in constant change due to the harsh conditions than the people of the 78th District faced. A year ago, Mai had fallen ill and become bedridden. The number of children in the home was waning; if Mai could not feed them, they had to go find their own food. Over the last 3 months the children scattered, leaving Rukia with Mai. Rukia stayed by Mai's side through it all for she was the only person who she felt cared about her and she in return cared about Mai.

The day she died, Rukia felt there was nothing more for her. Many thoughts and questions went through her head as she watched the sunrise.

'Who will look after me?'

'Who will accompany me so that I won't bealone?'

'Mai-san, thanks for everything, I will miss you so much.'

Some tears came out of her violet eyes and ran down her cheeks. Rukia was alone and very sad.

- "Ano...My name is Renji... What's your name?" - Asked a guy with crimson red hair that was passing by and came to see why she was crying.

- "Ru-Rukia" - replied between sobs as she lifted her face to see who had asked the question.

And then Renji saw the eyes he had seen several years ago, but he did not see the baby who he had helped gather then from the door. Now those eyes were on the face of a slightly smaller girl than him, but they haven't that spark of innocence they once had in the past, now they were wrapped in an aura of despair and sadness.

Renji did not know how to approach her or comfort her. He was sure it was his Rukia, but did not want to scare her, so he simply ask more questions.

- "Why are you crying?" -

- "My mom di-died. Well, she was not my mom; but I loved her. She was all I had in the world" - Rukia continued sobbing. She was alone, helpless, and hungry. The pain of losing Mai from her life greatly affects her.

To Renji the news of the death of the person who many years ago was to him as close to she had been to Rukia was devastating. However, he could not afford to mourn; he had to be strong for Rukia.

- "I'm sorry" - Although Renji's voice sounded controlled and comforting to some extent, he was really sad inside. Not only because of the death of Mai, but also for the image of a tearful and helpless Rukia before him. - "Do you have a place to spend the night?" -

- "N-no, some people took her death as an advantage to take over the house and I have been sleeping in the streets for the last 6 days" -

'You will never sleep in the street again Rukia.I promise' Renji tought

- "You can come to live with me if you want. I live with other street children in an abandoned house. We don't have a lot, but at least we are able to get food and have a roof at night" -

Rukia pondered the offer for a few minutes. Not that she had many options, but the guy who made her the offer was behaving very nice to her and gave her the feeling that she already knew him.

- "Okay, thank you" - answered Rukia while wiping the traces of the tears that had spilled with the back of her hand.

When he had received an answer, Renji asked her to follow him. Renji was a boy of few words and for nearly an hour-long journey to his refuge he did not speak to her. He was thinking about Mai and how he never had a chance to say good bye to her. Renji always thought that when hebecame a man and could get a job he would come home to Mai to help her with the expenses of all the children. He never thought that Mai was not eternal.

Rukia looked around; they had left the forest and back to Inuzuri. However, this part of the district was completely unknown to her. She didn't move far from where she had previously lived with Mai; just staying within a small radius of the place she once called "home." Being in this area was for her like being in another world. The new surroundings made her feel insecure, scared and alone.

While she was thinking about this, she noticed than Renji stopped in front of a house that was in pretty bad shape. Inside there was some people, she noticed that because of the sound of some voices and laughter that had reached them where they stood. Renji was the first to approach the door and he saw Rukia's hesitation and nervouness.

- "Oi Hiroshi, Katashi" - Renji yelled as he opened the battered door of the shelter.

- "We were expecting you Renij. We have some steamed buns and vegetables that we stole this afternoon" - Said Hiroshi, who was happy to have something on the table. It had been 2 dayssince they last ate.

- "Who is she Renji?" - Katashi asked staring at Rukia.

- "She's Rukia and from now on she will stay with us" - Renji told in a tone that sound as a command not leaving much room to argue against it, but the boys still had concerns...

- "BUT IT'S A GIRL!" - They shouted in unison.

- "Tsk! It does not matter if it's a boy or a girl. Rukia has nowhere to go and we can help" - Renji replied

- "Pff... I guess you're right" - said Katashi

- "Come in Rukia, I'll show the lair. Are you hungry? Luckily, today we have enough food for you too" - Hiroshi said this as he took her wrist and led her into the place.

While she was walking towards the door Rukia's and Renji's eyes met; he could see than the kindness of his friends had taken off the semblance of concern on her face, but Rukia's eyes were still filled with sadness.

- "Welcome to our family of three though now it's four. Good, thank you" - Renji said as she entered the house and Rukia gave him a grateful smile.


On the streets of Seireitei,a quite excited Byakuya was going to meet his grandfather ...

- "Oji-sama, may I come in?" - Byakuya asked when he knocked the door of the office of his grandfather in the Sixth Division.

- "You may Byakuya" - Ginrei replied as he looked up from the reports he was checking and turned to the door.

Byakuya slid open the office door and entered. He liked coming to the Sixth Division, it made him feel even more important because he knew that when his grandfather decided it was time to retire he was the one who would take the reins of this place as a Captain of the Gotei 13.

- "Sorry to bother you during your work hours, but I have been waiting for an opportune moment to speak with you. I had not been able to because you have not been sleeping in the mansion." -

- "What do you want to discuss with me Byakuya?" -

- "You see Oji-sama" - Byakuya's voice showed emotion, but did not want his grandfather torealized that what he was saying was giving him cartwheels and jumps in his mind because of his happiness - "The other night in my dreams the spirit of my zampakutou called me"-

Ginrei's eyes showed his surprise. He was not aware that Byakuya was able to control his emotions at that level. At the end of the day his grandson was the most impulsive, temperamental and stubborn person he had met in his centuries of living. Byakuya was still very young, but his progress in his education and training to be the next head of the family and Captain of the Sixth Division in the future were remarkable.

- "Are you sure it was your zampakutou?" -

-. "Yes Oji-sama. I never have dreams: I know it sounds strange, but true. This time I dreamed of a man who was addressing me as "Master" and told me clearly that I was in my inner world, whichis why I have no doubts "- Byakuya was sure he had dreamed. Indeed it could not be cataloged like a dream; Byakuya was a boy who didn't fall asleep easily; one who kept tossing and turning in his bed until he finally falls asleep. He oftens wakes up at midnight and is restless, unable to fall back asleep. Although for some months now he would walk through the garden on his sleepless nights and it helped him sleep more easily.

- "I see, then it's time to you to have your zampkutou" - Ginrei showed himself thoughtful and serene and to his surprise Byakuya did too. What he did not know is that Byakuya was internally jumping for joy, celebrating with fireworks of his new achievement. It was admirable how Byakuya had managed to keep a calm face when his mind could be brewing war or carrying out a festival.

- "Souka... Sorry for the question Oji-sama, but do you think that it will be much longer?" - Although Byakuya's voice was controlled his expression was too; to Ginrei he was an open book and he knew he was dying of the desire to start practicing his zampakutou and achieve shikai andbankai maybe. With Byakuya, one never knew.

- "It should not take much time to achieve shikai for you. However, in the meantime continue with your other duties and when the time comes, I will inform you" - Ginrei's eyes turned to rest on thepending paperwork. Byakuya understood that this was the end of their interview.

- "I hope to see you at dinner Oji-sama" - Byakuya said as he bowed in a way to say goodbye to his grandfather.

- "Byakuya" - Ginrei's voice made him turn when he was already on his way to the door.

- "Yes, Oji-sama?" -

- "You must inform Ukitake Taicho about what we just discussed. He knows what to do from here on out" -

- "Alright Oji-sama. I will go to the Thirteenth Division at once to speak with him" - Byakuya bowed again and walked out the door.


While Byakuya was going to meet Ukitake Juushiro he ran into one of the people who he did not like seeing ...

- "Oi Byakuya!" - The resounding voice of Shiba Kaien reached his ears and he could not help but take a mental slap on the forehead. Had Kami planned to ruin such a perfect day putting this guy on his way?

- "Shiba Kaien "- Was the greeting that came from the lips of the young nobleman.

- "Byakuya, how many times have I told you to leave aside the formalities when we talk?" -

- "Apparently not necessary to make me lose my manners" - Byakuya replied with his trademark calm voice that sounded even boring.

- "Tsk ... You never change. Where are you going?" - Asked Kaien pushing him with his elbow, which almost succeeding in driving Byakuya out of his wits.

- "That's none of your business. But if I do not answer, you're going to keep bothering me. I'm on my way to the office of Ukitake Taicho" - Byakuya was not one of those people who like to divulgewhere he will go or what he will do, but over the years he had learned that Shiba Kaien neverrelents in his inquiries until he was satisfy in his curiosity. Once he had done that he would finally leave him alone.

- "What coincidence, I'm going over there! You're very lucky to not have to walk alone; you know I am a great conversationalist!" -

'No kidding?' Thought Byakuya while mentally whipped his head against a tree.


The journey to the office of Ukitake was for Byakuya worst than if he had pulled the nails off his fingers without anesthesia. Shiba Kaien would not stop talking even if his head was dunked in a bucket fill of water. Although things considered, it was not all bad. Byakuya could stay lost in thought as Kaien rarely needed someone to answer him; he was able to carry on a conversation with himself and not realize that the other person was not listening .

- "Ohayo Ukitake Taicho" - greeted Byakuya once he entered the office of Juushiro.

- "Ohayo Juushiro" - Kaien greeted as usual in a more informal manner.

- "Ohayo Byakuya, Kaien, What do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" -

- "True Byakuya. Why did you came here?" - Asked Kaien

- "Shiba Kaien, that's none of your business" Byakuya was already quite disturbed by the presence of Kaien.

'This man does not know what privacy means?' he thought

- "Tsk ... What a character! But seriously tell us why did you come?" -

Juushiro watched the exchange of words from his desk. He could not stop himself from rolling his eyes while seeing those two arguing against each other.

- "Ukitake Taicho my Oji-sama has asked me to inform you of my new discovery" - Said Byakuya trying to ignore the presence of Kaien - "The spirit of my zampakutou few days ago manifested inmy dream" - Byakuya keep silent after giving the information to Ukitake who was meditating the facts.

Kaien was somewhat surprised by the achievement of Byakuya. He knew that the young nobleman has a volatile temper. Although he had no doubt Byakuya would one day reach the level of captain; at some point, things were still relatively fast considering that in addition to their training to become Shinigami, he was being educated in the administration and management of business; not only Kuchiki Clan, but also the administrative activities of the Sixth Division.

- "Well, well, well, then it is time to you to get a zampakutou. Do me a favor Byakuya and be careful when you get it... I do not like children playing with sharp things and I do not want you to go and slash your own fingers... hahahahahahaha "-

Seeing the laughter of Kaien, Byakuya's murderous instincts aroused, the vein in his forehead was chipped and he was thinking of a thousand ways to get rid of him, but an idea came to his mind...

- "Oi Juushiro, I can help Byakuya" - Said Kaien who was at that time rearranging the chair when suddenly he found himself accompanying the chair on the ground. He did not bother to complain to Byakuya, the blow had been worth every second of pain after making him so angry.

- "Shiba Kaien that is not necessary" - Said Byakuya through his gritted teeth.

'By Kami! Am I perhaps a magnet for annoying people? ' he thought

- "Kaien I think Byakuya is right. Maybe you should use your energy in becoming my new fukutaicho and helping me train the division" - Juushiro never missed an opportunity to try to persuade Kaien to become lieutenant of the Thirteenth Division.

- "Tsk ... Juushiro you have been so insistent that you're probably about to convince me" -

- "I've heard that sometimes" - Juushiro replied with his characteristic warm smile.

Byakuya was lost in his own thoughts to pay attention to the conversation between Juushiro andKaien. His mind was currently juggling the idea that in the future Kyoraku Shunsui would be his tutor. There were several things that Byakuya knew about the Captain of the Eighth them was the fact that when he was not cast on the floor after a night of too much Sake, he was chasing women shinigami around the Seireitei with the intention of touching their ass. Another thing that Byakuya knew was that this man did not know the word "hangover"; for centuries no one could see any changes in his five senses because to avoid the inconveniences that come after a night of drinking, he had found the solution was to keep drinking.

- "Byakuya I suggest you go home and rest well. The training will be intense, but remember that you must first talk to the spirit to make it tell you its name and from there we will see how to continue with the physical training" - Juushiro noticed than something had distracted Byakuya and thought it was best to leave him be and then talk to him later.

- "Hai Ukitake Taicho. I take my leave now." - After saying goodbye to Ukitake he looked back at Kaien who was still at his side - "Konbanwa Shiba Kaien" - He said goodbye while clenched his teeth, it was amazing how Kaien managed to get him out of control.

With nothing further to say to Kaien or Juushiro, Byakuya left the office and headed back to the Kuchiki mansion.


One week later...

A week ago Byakuya had spoken to his grandfather and Ukitake, the much awaited appearance of his zampakutou was going to be longer than he expected. He was in a sea of pessimistic thoughts when he felt the reiatsu of Ginrei approaching the Kuchiki mansion.

For several days, Byakuya was waiting by the door for his grandfather. And each day, he saw his grandfather, but he was yet to be given his He had several days waiting in the door, but given that his grandfather came every day without his desired sword today he decided to wait until his grandfather reached the house and if he wanted to speak with him he would sent a maid to do so. So he continued with what he was doing in the shadow of his beloved tree; He was in the middle of another of his masterpieces called "Wakame Taishi ', this time he had available many colors to make perfect his masterpiece, it was decided that the arms of his creation would look better in skin color, while he was in the half of his work his employee Akane called.

- "Sorry to interrupt but I love Kuchiki-sama has arrived and requested his presence at the library" -

- "Ok, I'm on my way" - replied Byakuya

- "Ano, Master do I must gather your things here?" -

- "Yes, take everything to my room, it's almost dinner time and will not continue with it," - Said that, he turned and went to meet his grandfather.

Ginrei was expecting Byakuya with news that would glad the day of the young Kuchiki.

- "Oji-sama, may I come in?" - Byakuya asked as he gently knocked the door.

- "You may Byakuya" -

- "I was told you wanted to see me" - Byakuya said as his eyes rested on the wooden box with the Kuchiki family crest engraved on the cover that was on the desk of Ginrei.

- "Sit down, there's something I want to talk to you" - Ginrei could feel Byakuya's cautious eyes resting on the wooden box.

Byakuya sat in the chair that was located on the opposite side of the desk and waited for him to speak, his eyes never parted from the box.

- "A few days ago I made a request to the Shino Academy and was granted until today, you zampakutou is inside that box" -

Byakuya's hands were quick to take the box, but as he did he turned his gaze to his grandfather and his hands returned to rest on his lap.

- "No need to hide your enthusiasm, I know you're dying to see it and I will not stop you" -

The reaction to the words of Ginrei by Byakuya was to give a look that reflected his excitement and the hands of the heir to the Clan fell forward on the box. When he opened it his eyes saw the most perfect sword he had ever seen. The hilt was covered with silk lilac ribbons and the blade was long but nothing he could not handle immediately.

- "It is perfect Oji-sama" - Although Byakuya's voice came out of his mouth in a restrained tone, for his grandfather, there was no emotion that goes unnoticed. Byakuya had surpassed all expectations that had been settled on him and Ginrei was sure that once he had control of his zampakutou he would be somebody powerful and worthy of going up in history. Byakuya Kuchiki was the most qualified man in the history of the Clan, highlighted in every aspect of his life and had learned to remain calm. His grandson was his pride and was sure he was never going to disappoint him.

- "I think you should go and try to communicate with your inner world to start the process of impregnating the part of your soul than is your zampakutou in the sword, you know the moment this is just an ordinary sword, but it will no longer be when the spirit that resides in your inner world is permeated in it and thus become your most loyal and best ally in battle "-

- "Of course Oji-sama, currently I will put all my effort in this process, with your permission" - With one fluid motion he rose from his chair and gave a nod to his grandfather, he left the library with his newly obtained zampakutou and headed to the shade of his favorite tree as in his mind he went over the teachings and advice that had been given by Ukitake.


When he was in his favorite place he sat on the grass and took a lotus position and placed the sword on his lap, he took a few deep breaths and prepared himself to put his mind blank to enter in his inner world. He had been making attempts for several days and sometimes he had succeeded, but only to see a man with yet unknown aspect who had been ingnoring him.

This time the process of contacting his inner world was shorter...

- "Konnichiwa Master" - said the deep voice

- "Konnichiwa, I hope than today you will show me your face" - was the answer he gave Byakuya.

- "I know that today Oji-sama gave you the Asauchi sword I must dwell" - Byakuya just stood waiting for the spirit to continue talking - "You have proven yourself worthy of knowing by the time my appearance" - After these words the pink halo that always surrounded the spirit and that was what had prevented Byakuya clearly seeing him gradually disappeared.

In front of him was standing a man who was far higher than Byakuya at the time, he was the Samurai fashioned dressed in purple, his hair was waist long and his face was completely covered by a mask.

- "Will you tell me your name?" - Byakuya asked while watching each detail of his appearance carefully of the Samurai before him. He was surprised at that appearance, but years of practice kept his serene face calm as was usual.

- "Bah! That will not be so easy to master, you must first show your worth in combat" - Said the spirit of challenging manner.

- "You yourself are calling me master and dare to challenge me, I find that interesting" - Byakuya said in his usual calm tone and drew the spiritual version of the sword resting on his lap.

The spirit drew his own and the fight begun, they both had great speed and impeccable swordsmanship, his tactics were fluent and gradually the tone of the fight was going up. The sound of metal on both swords was so strong that neither could hear his own breathing. Byakuya's inner world that was a vast garden of green pastures full of sakura trees became the scenario of a fair fought between master and zampakutou.

- "Interesting combat Master, Is that all you got to show me?" - Said the spirit with a little mocking way this time.

- "I do a lot more and move faster, but at this point I see no need to use my skills with my opponent" - Byakuya was annoyed, Who was the spirit believing to belittle that? It was part of his own soul and made fun of him. With a fluid movement forward holding his sword with both hands Byakuya used Shumpo to approach the spirit and pierced his stomach.

- "You are great Master, a worthy bearer of my power" - He said the spirit as he looked down and saw the sword that had pierced him. - "My name is ..." -

Byakuya opened his eyes, stood with sword in hand and said loud and clear voice...

- "Shire Senbonzakura" -


And this is the end of chapter 6! I will publish the next one on September 26th... I will see you guys next friday with the chapter one of A Broken Promise my other ByaRuki fic. Again please leave your review, sometimes I get ideas from your reviews and PM's.

Kisses...

Isabel