Finally, the next chapter. Enjoy!
Ukitake's class at this point consisted of training amongst the different groups. All were a bit shaky on their shikai release, though the constant practice definitely improved their abilities. Dedicating to physical training then became the best course of action, under the careful supervision of Ukitake, Hanatarou, and the newest addition, Kyoraku.
After the hollow incident, Kyoraku took an extreme interest in helping with the class. His intention was not known, but the many times he would glance over to Ukitake indicated concern for the shinigami's well being. However, the pink outfitted captain did little to deter Ukitake's teachings; he would simply watch and observe the classroom.
After class was dismissed, Ukitake walked toward Byakuya as he often did, though something in his voice denoted a change.
"Kuchiki-san, a word, please."
Byakuya waited, attention fixed on the taicho.
"Your ceremony is not long from now, correct?"
"Hai."
"I am aware of your clan's procedure of succession. Have you had any progress in shikai, yet?"
Byakuya bowed his head slightly. Admitting this would be a tough endeavor.
"No, taicho." Feeling a slight sting of failure he glanced at Ukitake.
The grim countenance he wore was no surprise. "Normally continuing with your training would be the best course of action, but time is pressing; you need to know your shikai – most importantly, you need to communicate with your zanpakuto."
Byakuya didn't respond. Mastering his zanpakuto was an important ordeal, especially when faced with Kuchiki Taicho – a well trained and experienced captain.
"For safety reasons as well," Kyoraku thumbed his hat. "A rampant spiritual power amongst a large crowd – especially with an omnidirectional zanpakuto, could be dangerous." His tone was casual and even, discerning no immediate action in his voice.
Byakuya stared. They must have formulated a plan, then.
Prompted by Ukitake, Byakuya followed the two captains to Thirteenth squad. Upon entering the chamber, Ukitake veered into a small room located off of the main hall. Closing the door, the three took places around a small central round table.
It was a tiny room compared to the grand size of Kuchiki estate. There were no windows, the only source of light emitted from a lone candle in the middle of the table. It had been lit for some time, the wax had melted down into the fitting, creating a small pool of hardened yellow material.
Yes, this room seemed like a closet, and it was beginning to make Byakuya a bit queasy.
"This is my meditation room. No one enters besides myself and Kyoraku." Ukitake assumed a cross-legged pose, breathing heavily enough to hear. "I often come here to deal with my illness."
Brown eyes gazed into dark blue ones. "I also resolve internal conflicts here, which I believe may be the problem to your zanpakuto dilemma."
Byakuya mimicked Ukitake's pose, but watched in silence.
"A zanpakuto is the physical representation of a part of yourself. Therefore it has a personality much like your own. My guess is that you need to find the part of you your zanpakuto amplifies and tap into it. At least then you'll be able to communicate."
Ukitake produced a satchel from one of the low drawers in a cabinet behind him. A dish was set out, as well as a small cone that was placed into it. The captain used the candle to ignite the object, and after it burned for a moment, blew out the flame. A wisp of smoke drifted in the air, causing Byakuya to stifle a cough.
"Its bit strong, I know." Ukitake chuckled. "It's a meditation device that I asked Twelfth division to concoct for me. It aids my immune system, however it also inhibits negative energy. Just in case."
Byakuya looked at the two men. Ukitake remained straight and alert in his posture, however Kyoraku had produced a bottle from one of the sleeves of his haori and slumped into a reclined position.
"Hm." Byakuya muttered, still not sure how this fiasco would benefit zanpakuto training.
Why have I been awakened from my slumber?
Byakuya froze, eyes widened. That voice…
Kuchiki Byakuya, I demand an answer. Its tone was not challenging as such, but very direct.
"I…have been attempting to call you."
You are not ready, musuko. The voice was mildly pleased at its response. I could determine that the last time we fought together.
"I do not understand."
What is there to understand, musuko? Your attacks are misdirected and slow. I cannot lend you my power.
Byakuya felt a tinge of heat against his cheeks. It seemed that his zanpakuto enjoyed belittling him and degrading him.
It's not like that, musuko. The tone chided him slightly and he felt a warm sensation flow around him; the spirit seemed to be – comforting – him? You are just not ready.
The admission did nothing to sate Byakuya's mounting frustration. How could he, Kuchiki Byakuya, perfectionist and accomplished future heir, be unprepared?
Don't worry, musuko. Try contacting me again in a few years? Then we shall see if you are better suited.
Byakuya had never felt so much anger burning behind his eyes. He would not accept a disembodied soul telling him how incompetent he was. If it were possible, he would toss the sword off of Sōkyoku cliff just for his own satisfaction.
I guess I can't blame you – then again no one has taught you properly…
He was about to retaliate before the spirit continued.
About me.
Byakuya's emotions had ceased at the admission. "What?"
Do you not know the pain you inflict upon me? Day after day of your lifeless tirade and your faultless façade?
Suddenly Byakuya was overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings, though not his own.
Kuchikis and their senseless drabble. You and your father are exactly the same, and I refuse to listen.
Byakuya's mind raced. He could feel the howl of spiritual pressure contained within the sword. It was so loud, it was deafening. Somehow he knew he brought this on – maybe a test? – from the spirit.
He thought about himself, and the first time they fought. What was it about himself that the zanpakuto embodied?
I will never give in to you!The zanpakuto was angry, a gust of reiatsu blew through out the room and threatened to tear down the interior.
Byakuya was steadily thinking; what was different now than during that battle? The sword at his belt expanded in power exponentially, drawing off of his own reiatsu. He could only guess what would happen if he didn't end this soon.
Wait.
Resolve. He had resolve.
The pulse from the sword diminished a bit, but recovered quickly. The spirit retaliated with another blow. Even Kyoraku with his normally half-lidded expression seemed to tense against the spiritual charge.
You cannot force me to listen…The voice quieted, dripping with hatred and malice.
'Your zanpakuto is a companion, a part of yourself', Ukitake taicho had said. In some way, these voiced opinions are something I truly believe as well, Byakuya thought. If that is the case…
"No - I will not." Byakuya firmly stated, raising his reiatsu to meet that of the zanpakuto. The spiritual force flickered and retreated against the rise of energy.
He thought of that first battle, when Senbonzakura cut down the hollow. The petals were so infinite, they were hard to track down all at once; a few may have never traveled back to the blade. A vision of pain filtered in his mind as the zanpakuto fit the remaining pieces together, unable to wholly connect. This must be the pain of which she spoke, trailed Byakuya, focusing intently on the floating petals.
It was suddenly clear; Senbonzakura needed complete concentration to wield and direct. The petals once separated had to be directed entirely by him and condensed back into one blade.
He could only guess how much pain he must have caused, noting the abundant amount of petals everywhere upon defeating the hollow.
"I…apologize."
The spirit's power wavered and declined slightly.
"I never intended to hurt you."
Byakuya turned to face Ukitake, and bowed slightly in earnest. "I appreciate your help in this matter; I believe that I know now why my zanpakuto has been behaving the way it has."
Ukitake nodded, a smile spreading across his face.
Senbonzakura, though a strong zanpakuto, needed the symbiotic relationship with her wielder to fully unleash and maintain her power. It seemed that instead of amplifying a specific trait, the spirit became infused with them, adding strength to Byakuya's abilities.
"Will you be able to summon and control her?" Kyoraku's eyebrow lifted slightly, denoting his concern.
"I…" Byakuya stopped and felt inside himself. "I believe with proper training I can. Senbonzakura needs complete concentration and I can admit that doesn't concern me; however I do need a confined area to wield her efficiently – that is until I can fully control the petals."
Ukitake seemed to be thinking as hard on the subject as Byakuya. "Yes, I believe that to be the case as well. Do you have any engagements at present?"
Since Byakuya had stopped meeting with his father, he had not led such a full schedule as of late. However he did want to propose the matter of his marriage to Hisana before the ceremony. Still the situation with his zanpakuto was an issue of importance; his entire future with Hisana hinged on how well he performed during his initiation.
"I can afford to delay any meetings if you have something in mind, Ukitake Taicho," Byakuya plainly stated, never taking his eyes off of the captain.
"Good. To our next destination," The pale shinigami stood, leaning against an offered arm from Kyoraku. Byakuya hadn't noticed until now, but Ukitake's breathing had become more labored since entering the chamber; now it was obvious that the captain's ailment had become more aggressive.
"Are you sure about this, old friend?" Kyoraku asked quietly, almost in a whisper. "You really should be resting."
"I'm fine, Kyoraku. My illness is forever, but I believe Byakuya here has more pressing matters…" Ukitake coughed lightly, clearing his throat of the fluid threatening to spill over into his voice.
"Okay," Kyoraku agreed without allowing Ukitake to finish the sentence. "But I'm coming, too."
The white haired shinigami simply nodded and made his way from the room. Byakuya simply followed, silently watching the two acquaintances walking together.
"This," The pale, thin hand gestured, "Is the testing facility." Ukitake's breathing was shaky and uneven, coming in short, labored gasps. Kyoraku motioned for him to take a seat, which he wholeheartedly claimed.
Byakuya only took in the environment, letting the captain regain his composure. The room resembled a metal box, save for a grate in the wall leading to the ventilation shaft. It was a large room, enough to accommodate a one on one battle with ease.
Kyoraku continued in place of the ailing shinigami. "Twelfth division was kind enough to let us borrow this training hall for the time being. This area should provide you with enough space to practice."
"Arigato," Byakuya bowed, "You both have done so much to assist me."
"It's nothing," Kyoraku's lopsided smile showed the glint of his teeth. "Soon you'll be your own captain, eh? More an acquaintance, less a student. Captains tend to look out for one another," Kyoraku settled down next to Ukitake, producing a bottle from inside his coat. Instead of downing the sake himself, he offered the bottle to Ukitake, who only shook his head in response.
Ukitake looked up at Byakuya, pointing to the chamber. "We'll stay out here in the antechamber while you practice inside. Take as long as you need," the pale shinigami weakly smirked.
Shutting the door behind him, Byakuya walked to the center of the room. The bright overhead lights lit every corner of the chamber, causing the matte metal surface to shine in vibrant patterns along the walls and floor. It was surprisingly quiet; though the room was spacious his footsteps did not echo: there must have been some kind of special seal to create this kind of environment.
Byakuya took a breath before beginning. What he was getting himself into, he was not sure; the last time Senbonzakura came to him was in a moment of peril. How would he proceed now?
Taking the blade in his hand, he raised the sword so that he could gaze upon its magnificence. It was a beautiful katana, the metal rippling across its surface like waves in the ocean. The silver craftsmanship was like nothing he had ever seen before, the embossed enamel petals were amazingly detailed. The sword seemed so whole and intact – how could this blade simply scatter into an infinite number of petals so easily?
Byakuya closed his eyes and concentrated on a vision of cherry blossoms falling swirling in the wind. He thought of the teahouse and the sacred tree that stood watched over Rukongai. He thought of Hisana.
Byakuya attempted to rest his forehead of the cool metal; instead of the hardened material he expected, soft, and inconceivably smooth surface greeted him. His eyes opened to an amazing sight – the soft, pink glow of the sword and the tumbling petals of Senbonzakura.
I'll let you try here, Musuko, the voice called out to him. Don't disappoint me.
The entire blade was gone now, petals listlessly rolling across the ground. How could he wield her?
Byakuya thought back to when the hollow attacked him. All he had to do was focus, and the petals followed his line of attention. He imagined a target much like he would in kido practice and intently stared at the empty space.
It was surprising how quick and efficient Senbonzakura was. Unlike kido, the transaction was instantaneous. Petals scraped across the wall and along the metal surface, making an ear splitting screech along the way.
This, thought Byakuya, was very interesting.
The pain in her chest was unbearable, causing her to drop the ceramic tea pot in her hand. In clattered noisily against the bar and fell to the floor, shattering into countless shards. Tea dripped onto the floor from the broken pot, but all that Hisana could focus on was the searing pain tearing at her insides.
It was like someone was ripping at her from the inside.
"Hisana, sweet, are you alright?" One of the other barmaids rushed over to her, avoiding the mess on the floor.
Hisana held up a hand. "I'm alright Mai," she breathed. "Just give me a moment."
Instinct lends itself certain abilities of insight; this capability offers the capacity to understand.
In that moment, Hisana knew something was terribly wrong.