CHAPTER 5: The Greatest Challenge: Kuchiki Byakuya
"What did you say?"
My tone has a hint of surprise in it, but the coldness seeping from every syllable was evident that Renji backed a few meters away.
I studied him carefully. I couldn't deny that his confession shook my core—and that his seriousness had taken me aback.
The last time I saw him look like that was when Rukia was nearly…executed.
As I contemplated, I thought about Rukia. She deserves to be happy. Well, if he can make her happy, that is.
I closed my eyes and tried to imagine Rukia and Renji…together. Seeing her smile in my mind brought back memories of her—my wife, my Hisana.
I opened my eyes and noticed that Renji was eyeing me intently yet fearfully. I sighed.
I stood from my position and unsheathed Senbonzakura. Renji swallowed nervously and backed a few paces more.
"I'm sure you know Renji how powerful I am and my zanpakutou. Senbonzakura shows no mercy to anyone who goes in its way—and neither do I."
Renji nodded his head, never taking his eyes off my zanpakutou.
I looked at him in the eye. "If I ever see my sister crying or sad in any way and I mean absolutely in any way, Renji, I swear upon my honor as the rokubantai taichou and the head of the Kuchiki Clan, that Senbonzakura and I," I pointed my zanpakutou at his face, "will kill you. Is that understood?"
Renji gulped again and regained his composure. "Yes, Kuchiki-taichou."
He bowed his head and made his way to the door. He paused and looked back at me once more.
"Thank you, taichou. I swear I'll never do anything to hurt your pride, sir."
I quickly turned around in order to ask him how he knew. But he was gone.
As I stared at the spot, I let a smile grace my stoic features.
"I entrust my pride to you, Renji."