A/N: See, I promised more Byakuya, didn't I? He'll be in the next couple of chapters, and Sojun will be introduced in a little while too. Aizen will be back later on. Really, I just wanted to throw something fun in here, which is what these chapters serve as. Yoruichi also shows up again.
And Chapter 3: Teacher underwent some changes after I realized that Kaien Shiba wasn't a lieutenant at this time. He was still turning down the position when Ukitake offered it to him. But no major changes occurred. I just changed Kaien Shiba to Hiyori Sarugaki, and that's pretty much it. But Bleach Wiki says that he only turned it down for a few years before he accepted, so he'll be a lieutenant soon in this story. I wonder if he's already a lieutenant by the time Hollowfication comes around? If anyone knows, let me know! Thanks!
18: Boredom
Sakura hated to admit it, but she was bored without her mentor's training sessions. The past couple of days had been spent wandering idly around Kuchiki Manor, and she was now sitting on a bench in the garden. Swinging her legs, Sakura heaved a sigh. It was such a beautiful day, and yet there was no one to share it with.
A warm breeze blew by, rustling the leaves of the trees and causing cherry blossom petals to flutter down. A few strands of hair escaped from her neat bun, but she chose not to fix it. It probably wouldn't stay in place anyway. Sakura closed her eyes, basking in the warmth. It really was a nice day out. If Sousuke were here, they would probably be training outside. Maybe they would take a break for a midday meal and sit in the garden together, enjoying the weather. Maybe he would tuck her flyaway hair behind her ear and smile that soft smile of his. Maybe…
No. No maybes. Sakura shook her head and sighed again, opening her eyes only to be faced with identical slate-gray eyes staring back at her. "Bya-nii?" She questioned curiously, startled by his presence. She had thought she was alone in the gardens, but apparently not. Still, Sakura was surprised that he had sat down next to her without her noticing.
"What are you doing?" Byakuya asked, not bothering with proper greetings. He made sure to sound casual, as if inquiring about the weather, but Sakura could sense the concern behind his question.
"Oh, nothing," she replied, smoothing her hair down. "I was just enjoying the sunshine."
He looked skeptical, obviously not believing her, but dropped the subject. "Well, are you busy right now? Or are you done enjoying the sunshine?"
She laughed. "I'm just about finished."
Byakuya stood up, extending a hand toward his sister to help her up. "Come on then. It's been a while since we've spent time together. I hear there's a festival going on in Rukongai, and Shihoin-taichou promised to take us."
Sakura beamed at her brother. "A festival?" She clapped her hands, delighted. "I can't believe it! And in Rukongai too!"
Byakuya rolled his eyes at her unrestrained excitement. "Yes, I'm excited too. Now let's go, she's waiting."
Sakura nodded, following her brother out of the gardens.