Hi everyone, just some quick things to note; this fic will be very Dom/Sub heavy, but not in a sexual way (as of yet. May change in later chapters depending on what you guys want, so feel free to shoot me requests). It is more psychological domination by way of physicalities. As the summary says, Byakuya has his work cut out for him with this young buck.
If you know and enjoy body language, this is your fic, and if you don't know martial arts, don't worry, just google the moves, I mention them all. (Byakuya needs them now and again to remind Ichigo who's boss.)
it will get more spicy as chapters progress, bringing more characters and encounters into the mix. All I can say now is give it a shot, and I hope you like where this is going. x Love to hear you're thought's.
Let's begin.
The captain of the 6th division finally paused from his writing and locked eyes with the scruffy man before him, unsure if he had heard him correctly.
"So, Captain Kuchiki, whaddya say?" The man gleamed at him from beneath his striped hat.
"Absolutely not. I am not getting involved in your schemes, nor do I have the time or patience to deal with any of the ryoka, especially THAT one. As you well know, as Captain of division 6 I will be fully preoccupied with the investigation of what exactly occurred here this past few weeks and the events that lead to the treachery within the soul society, and the pressing question of what to do about the reestablishment of the Central 46…" Byakuya furrowed his brow. "Not to mention that you, one ostracised from the soul society, should not even be asking me for such a favour in the first place. What makes you so bold as to show your face to me in the first place?"
The light had fully faded from the cloudless sky by the time Byakuya sensed an old familiar presence approaching. He was surprised to receive the late-night visit from the exiled former captain. Byakuya had quickly assumed he had taken an opportune moment with the current state of affairs to come here seeking information on the possibility of re-entering the soul society, which Byakuya would of course deny. And so it made no sense as to what he could possibly want.
There was no reason to raise alarm, as although the man technically should not be here, Byakuya knew his ways. He was not a threat, and he would most likely be on his way once he had rooted out whatever it was he was trying to find here, again most likely information… or in a worst-case scenario, a request. As it turned out, the latter was true.
"Ah, c'mon Captain," Hat and Clogs continued, ignoring the tail end question, "You've seen the latent power the kid has, you know how sloppy and uncontrolled it is. He could be an important asset to the Society when the situation with Aizen comes to a head. Well need every advantage we can get-"
"And why is that my concern? Why can't you keep your projects to yourself and you handle him?" The captain narrowed his eyes.
"Hehe, well, I can to a certain extent, but you know how I am. I'm not that great on the whole 'rules' thing. Never was." He flashed a lobsided grin, hoping to lower the rooms tension a few degrees. "And I think I embody more of a 'good cop' style of teaching, ya know?"
Captain Kuchiki raised an eyebrow. Kisuke smiled.
"As in, tough love ain't my strong suit, but if I know anyone with a mastery of conduct and practice, as well as the few with the strength to manage Ichigo at his current level, it's you." Urahara was suddenly serious. "And there is concerningly few who still can… There's something different about the kid, I'm sure you've sensed it."
They locked eyes in understanding.
"Should he continue to develop his power, rogue as he is, haha, I daresay he could even turn dangerous if he happened to change his ideals. But that's a long shot. The reason I'm asking is that you are the only one I can ask."
"Yoruichi Shihōin?" Urahara shook his head.
"The Shiba woman?" Again, Urahara shook his head.
"I know you have tested his strength and see the capability he has to reach immense levels of power. I believe that even those two could not match him if he really decided to dig in his heels if he didn't want to play ball. Plus, they don't have the qualities you possess, or the knowledge on the art of precision discipline." Kisuke's face turned expressionless. "Plus, the outcome of your previous battle will be irrelevant, if you take this on."
"And just what do you mean by that." Kuchiki quipped impatiently, glancing down once again to his papers.
"I mean, the balance will be restored. You as a first-class captain of nobility, should, and will once again, have the respect of all, including Ichigo Kurosaki. And is balance not the ultimate law of the Soul Society?"
"Are you suggesting that I have somehow lost rank or honour, following that battle? Or that you believe I have to prove myself to the likes of that impertinent brat?" Kuchiki hissed.
Urahara considered all of Byakuya words carefully, before speaking.
"I am sorry that what I said came across so poorly. That is far from what I meant. I simply thought you would consider the opportunity to master the young ryoka through his development, educating him on both the refinement of his spiritual energy as well as the refinement of his manners, for the sake of the soul society and the human world, and for when the time comes for him to be fruitful in battle. If my theories about him are correct, those would be extremely important skills and knowledge to have gained. You would be shaping his design like no one else, as no one currently has the capability to."
Byakuya sighed quietly and met Uraharu's eyes once more. All of what he had said was true. He knew deep inside he was not satisfied with the positions he and the boy were in, as things currently stood. It was not the outcome Byakuya had expected. Yes, he was of a higher rank and class, but the boy respected no such lawful hierarchies, and so as far as he was concerned, Byakuya was just another opponent he had managed to disarm and overcome. He even had the nerve to address him by his first name, which irked him terribly. That could not be allowed to continue.
However, there was a larger and more pertinent element to this case than simply showing Ichigo how to appropriately behave, or personally correcting his disrespect. The main reason the noble captain was even considering considering granting Kisuke's request was that the power the boy had access to was unfathomable, and he currently didn't even know it. His progression rate was unheard of and his spirit was iron-clad, even at this early stage in his development. There would only be a small window of time before he would become too powerful to harken anything anyone had to say. Why should he? Byakuya grimaced at the thought. Urahara was right; at the drop of a hat he could definitely become a danger to the soul society or beyond. They just couldn't be too careful yet. He was young and privy to conversion.
"I'll work on him most of the time; hone his skills and work on fighting," Urahara persuaded, "and when he's exhausted, I'll hand him over to you, for efficiency purposes. He should be a piece of cake then. And if he happens to need a little more work, he's in your hands." He finished with a bowed head and hands up gesture. Do as you please.
Urahara was solemn once more. "That much power without principle is lethal."
"…. Alright. But I do this for the protection of the Soul Society and to restore order within these walls. Since the ryoka are now under protective orders, this is the next most sensible step. Nothing more." Kuchiki concluded, not awaiting a response as he got back to his writings, though he got one anyway.
"That's a great point, Captain Kuchiki. I agree completely with your decision. So… first lesson tomorrow afternoon?" Hat and Clogs called on his way out the door, also not waiting for an answer.
Kuchiki sighed… what had he just gotten himself into. Yes, he knew the history of the Soul Society, the ancient ways, the timeless traditions, (and even the darker aspects of each) better than anyone. Yes, he was a skilled combatant, adept in many disciplines of training, teaching and mastery, passed down from father to son in the Kuchiki Clans rituals, and upheld to the highest degree of performance…. But that being said, this was, felt, dishonourable. Outside of the knowledge of the higher orders, and without any form of clearance, not to mention in collusion with one dishonourably sent off by the very society Byakuya loyalty was sworn to… Undeniably more disreputable actions would be taken along this inglorious journey…
Byakuya was already on his feet, on the way to catch up with Urahara and close down this dangerous undertaking, until he opened his door and-
He hadn't once sensed his spiritual pressure.
Outside, resting on the ornate oak railing and looking up at the glistening moon, was the Captain-Commander himself, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto.
Byakuya instantly bowed his head. "Yamamoto-sama… I-I didn't know you were… I was just-"
"On your way after Kisuke to tell him you changed your mind and would not grant his request to take the young ryoka into your charge?" Interjected the grand master, casually.
Byakuya was at a loss for words, so he remained where he was, the weight of his situation sinking in.
"Tell me," The elder continued, seemingly unaffected by all of this, "What made you consider so strongly taking up this challenge to begin with?"
"I-… Captain Yamamoto-sama, I have disgraced the Kuchiki clan as well as my position in the Soul Society by even entertaining-"
Kuchiki stuttered when he sensed the wise man finally turning to face him.
"It was your intrinsic drive to do what is right, Byakuya." The stoic man continued to gaze down at him. "Since you were a child, you have had a proclivity towards doing what is right."
"However, circumstances arose, and events occurred that made you swallow that yearning, in favor of the law; what others had decided in advance, what was right, regardless of circumstances." He turned towards the moon once again, and Byakuya raised his head to follow his gaze.
"Can you tell me what made you then betray that initial agreement, and instead retract from any further involvement?"
Byakuya contemplated a moment. "It was against the code of the Soul Society.."
"So it was against the rules." He defined. "I recommended you as captain to division 6 based on those ways. The strong instinct to do what is right in the face of adversity as well as your adept fighting ability, which is a force of nature in itself. That is signature of the Kuchiki Clan lineage."
"But if you are still unsure," Yamamoto turned to face his 6th Captain once more. "I give the full permission of Gotei 13. And in lieu of the central 46, I give you their full permission by proxy. You have unrestricted permission to carry out any actions you see fit, for I trust more in your judgement than even you, Byakuya. Now, question nothing more. Especially yourself."
"I understand. Thank you, Captain Commander Yamamoto."
"As the Soul Society thanks you." The old man began to stroll down the decking, before pausing.
"I'm sure you don't need me to explain how, despite your clearance, it would be a far smoother process if you kept the individuals who knew of the operation to a limited few. But as always, I trust your judgement."
"Of course, sir." Byakuya understood; keep things on the down low. He hoped to have it no other way.
He watched the elder continue down the deck, and around the corner, and then Byakuya was alone in the night. There were none of the usual daily spikes in spiritual pressure as people went about their daily businesses. All of the Captains and their lieutenants, all the division members and the support squads, were at rest for the night. All but the raven-haired noble who stood deep in thought as the moon cast a gentle glow from above, coating everything in a peaceful haze of greeny blue.
Yamamoto's words were poignant and wholly unexpected. It was clear he was very concerned, the same as he and Urahara, about this unparalleled anomaly. This boy, who's feats thus far were unfathomable, and his potential, frightening. And for the Captain Commander to display this much concern about him, in a time when the traitor Aizen surely would be the most pressing issue….
In that moment, Kuchiki made a decision to do what he must regardless of personal risk, to ensure the protection of every living soul to exist inside and outside of the Soul Society, even if that meant ultimately, breaking the boy's own.
I'll be quick to update, don't worry.
...Soooo? How'd I do? ;)