Power to a power

Ikimono walked back into the barracks, but Bykuya stopped her.

"Think about it before tomorrow."

"Very well, as you wish." She pulled away and walked in, leaving Byakuya staring after her.

-Byakuya's house-

Rukia walked in and saw her brother waiting for her.

"Nii-sama?" she stopped.

"Rukia, I need to talk with you."

"What is it?" Rukia asked sweetly.

"I want you to resign as Lieutenant." Rukia's mouth dropped.

"But... w-why?"

"It's too dangerous for you."

"But brother please! I have worked so hard for this. I can do it!" Rukia's voice started to rise. Byakuya stared at her as she pleaded, then he just walked away. Rukia stared after him until he vanished around the corner.

-Squad five Captain's room-

Ikimono sat at her desk with all of her paper work in front of her. A knock on the door broke her concentration.

"Come in!"

Rukia stepped forward.

"Ah Rukia! I am glad you could make it."

"Captain... I need to speak with you."Rukia bowed her head. "I am resigning as lieutenant.

Ikimono closed her eyes and stopped what she was doing to stand up. All of a sudden, she burst out laughing. Rukia gasped and looked up to she her eyes water from laughing so hard.

"Captain?" Rukia raised an eyebrow.

"*hahaha...ha...ha...sorry, but you know your brother is kind of a chicken."

"What?"

"I had told him that I would battle him and winner would decide if you remain Lieutenant. Though it seems he just forced you in to giving in." She lowered her voice and and looked at Rukia with serious eyes.

"NO! Of course not! I am deciding this on my own!"

"It's kind of hard to believe, considering you were extremely grateful when you became lieutenant, and how Kuchiki Byakuya pleaded with me to relieve you. hmmm?"

Rukia sighed and bowed her head.

"I thought so, anyway, you don't have to decide now, why don't you take a couple days." Ikimono smiled.

"Yes Captain. Thank you!" Rukia left.

The following day, Ikimono walked over to the training ground, hoping to see Byakuya there. To her surprise, he was. Sh walked over to him.

"I have to say, I am surprised to see you here." His eyebrows merged together.

"I don't go back on my word."

"I see, very well, shall we?" He nodded.

They stood apart. Neither one drawing their Zanpaktou. The other waiting for the other to attack. Byakuya drew his sword, but Ikimono just stood there.

"Aren't you going to draw you Zanpaktou?"

"Who said I haven't already."

"Oh?" He looked around discretely.

"You can't see him. He might not even be out yet." She smiled. Byakuya raised his Zanoaktou in front of his face.

"Scatter 'Senbonzakura'." He released his Zanpaktou and pink flower petals flew at Ikimono. She stood still staring at him. Just as Senbonzakura was about to crash down on Ikimono, a red force field enveloped her body. The sakura leaves just fell over her body like water on plastic.

Byakuya gasped. "What was that?" He said calmly as Ikimono retracted her force field.

"This is my Muteki no Tate!(invincible shield)"