Author's notes section:
2022-08-21: Hey, here is a preview of the story's next chapter. Please, bear in mind that it is, as mentioned, a preview. Some parts of it might not be included in the final release. I will try to finish this chapter as soon as possible. I would like to clean up some of the tasks in my schedule, and right now, there are many chapters queued there.
2022-08-22: Hey, the chapter is finished. Enjoy. I feel like I need to explain one thing. Usually, Byakuya does not speak much. However, I do not think I can write the story with him saying only from time to time. The problem is that, at least for now, it is far easier for me to make descriptions, plot changes through the dialogues. I will work on that aspect, but as of now, it is what it is.
Don't forget to comment. I really appreciate your feedback.
Note that the dialogues written in italic are thoughts.
As always, I would like to thank you for everything. See you soon :)
Changelog:
[2022-08-21]: A preview has been released.
[2022-08-22]: The chapter was updated, and its final version was released.
Info: As promised, here is the preview for the next chapter. I will try to finish it asap, but as nearly always, I can promise you when the piece will be finished. Anyways, Enjoy :)
Info: Overall, the current plan is for me to write 'My home is where my heart lies' and 'Family tree' alternatively. Between the updates of these stories, I will try to upload other texts. Maybe, just maybe, I will be able to finish some of the short stories. However, I truly doubt that. It seems that most if not all of the stories will be extended both in terms of the time and the number of chapters.
Info: I will try to rewrite some of the older chapters between releasing new ones. I expect to start working on that goal in the middle of January. So, please be informed that the new chapters might take a bit longer to be finished and published.
Bonuses' section:
A new story taking place in the Warhammer 40k universe.
Story of one lost soul: The war call: rewrite.
An entirely new story (possibly Akali x [Irelia, Syndra, Katarina]).
A new short story (Vi x Cait).
An entirely original story (possibly even 2 stories, one taking place in medieval times, the other in the far future)
Bleach story. (Byakuya x Yoruichi / ?)
Naruto story. (Neji x Hinata / Neji x TenTen / Nagato x Konan)
Fairy Tail story. (most likely Erza x Mira)
Maybe some Star Wars?
References:
*bonuses will be worked on when I don't feel like writing the chapters pointed out in the schedule :D
End of the author notes section.
Not much is required to be said regarding the 6th Division Captian, Kuchiki Byakuya. For many, the current leader of the noble Kuchiki clan was a perfect soul reaper. Moreover, many aspired to become as powerful as him in the future. However, others considered Byakuya their role model because of his cold, sometimes even cruel demeanour. Yet only a handful of people could realistically state that they knew him. After all, the noble man shielded himself from the outside world with indifference and coldness.
Unfortunately, just like a book should never be judged by its cover, the rule applied to Byakuya. Deep underneath all of these layers, there was still a man with ambitions, strengths and weaknesses. But, unlike many other people, he could never show his true colours. Due to his past, he was set to atonement for his mistakes forever.
Still, regardless of how his life shaped out, Byakuya liked to have it well organised/planned. After all, he was far more than only a Capitan of the Soul Society's defence. No, instead, he was actively participating in many activities and organisations. Thus, a moment of free time was a luxury for the nobleman. Not to mention that these roles could have sometimes overwhelmed him.
Unfortunately, the man only rarely had been allowed to focus on his carefully crafted plans. Quite frankly, he needed to improvise in most cases as the situation changed rapidly and unpredictably. But, even though Byakuya considered moments like these bothering, he had never given up. In some twisted way, a piece of him was awakened during such events. A part that the man had thought devoured, cast away by the cruelty of his life. His fight against Tsukishima could have been taken as a good example. Yet, regardless of the obstacles thrown his way, he accepted the challenge, cherishing it in the very end.
Although the encounter was concluded as the Kuchiki clan leader's victory, it was a far more complex thread. But, deep inside, he understood why labelling it as a binary outcome was simpler. After all, nobody but him was there, fighting against an opponent with superior technique and abilities. Even though Byakuya won, he did not feel like one. The 6th Division's Capitan sustained quite significant damage. And above all else, one of his weaknesses had been exposed. So, the only competent conclusion for Byakuya was that he needed to get stronger.
More and more often, the Kuchiki clan's leader started noticing a change within himself. As he went through the piles of documents, he began tearing apart his usual schedule. But finally, a couple of his last fights raised a red flag within the man's consciousness. So, logically he needed to reserve additional windows of time for training. Maybe even it was time for him to find someone to push him above his limits? But then the questions arose, "Whom could I trust? Who is proficient enough for me to benefit from?". It was strangely a somehow complex problem for him. One that seemed impossible to solve, at least at the given moment. Thus, the clan's leader decided that he would start training on his own. After all, he knew his limitations better than anyone.
Still, sticking to this plan version appeared more challenging than he had initially anticipated. First and foremost, as already mentioned, the Soul Society was a chaotic place even in times of peace. More often than not, Byakuya's plans needed to be altered due to some unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, when the goal had been set, Kuchiki would do anything to achieve it. And thus, the noble man, in most cases, utilised every single spare moment to train. At some point, he allowed Renji to take some of his duties, so he could focus on his own growth and improvement.
Is it not surprising that some beautiful woods that people swarm during the daytime become horror-like scenery when the night comes in? When the shadows grow to the point of suffocating the light, the darkness begins its reign. Then, even the common sounds of the animals living there start to scare. But, it seemed that for someone, it was not an obstacle. With nearly mechanical precision, swish after swish could have been heard within the deep part of the dark forest.
Long past midnight, Byakuya finally stirred out of seemingly uncontrollable trans. Like the logical man he believed he was, the noble man looked around, somehow surprised by what he saw. Kuchiki remembered clearly that he decided to venture into the woods outside the city's boundaries. But, he could not recall any earlier memories of the place he was currently occupying. Nevertheless, it mattered not, the man concluded as he looked around once again. Although he was not a man who would compliment often, his current surrounding was breathtaking.
Byakuya Kuchiki stood near the centre of a more-or-less circular meadow surrounded by a deep, dark wall made of old trees. Through an approximately 100 metres long area, a stream flowed. Its water lazily paved its way through the meadow, through the wood. Caught by his curiosity, the man approached the stream.
The clouded skies rarely allowed the moonlight to pierce through its thick layers. But, some of these misguided, rare rays went through, allowing the Capitan to take a closer look at the water. Its mirror was nearly crystal clear. Through it, Byakuya could effortlessly notice the small rocks the stream's bottom consisted of. Without overthinking the situation, the man knelt, checking whether the water was suitable for drinking. Funnily enough, he did not realise how thirsty he was till now. But, the state was somehow reasonable. After all, his brutal training had lasted for god-knows how long.
The liquid was cold and refreshing, precisely what the clan's leader needed at the moment. Despite the overwhelming thirst, the man slowly sipped the water, taking a slight pause after each doze. As time went by, his mind began clearing itself, discarding all the unnecessary thoughts that bothered it. But, it also had a side effect; Kuchiki became increasingly aware of his surroundings. Aside from a quiet shimmer of water, complete silence reigned. It felt strangely familiar, scarily familiar. Just as if he travelled back in time.
The 6th Division Captian abruptly stood up, holding his trusted blade close, ready to be unleashed. It was an unfortunate turn of events when the scenery started to resemble a particular memory from his past more and more. As a heavy sigh was allowed to sound, the man turned around only to hear his boots shovelled against stone ground. With a quick glance over the surroundings, he confirmed his speculations. "Oh, so it is precisely that fight," Byuakya uttered in a whisper-like manner. Then, he fixated his gaze on the massive greyish block of solid rocks that loomed in the distance.
The Capitan stood still for the next few moments, mentally preparing for what was to come. But, this moment of hesitation could not have lasted forever. After all, he knew all too well what needed to happen. And… thus, there was no sense in postponing the turn of the time wheel. So, as another slow exhale was allowed to take place, he dashed forward.
Even though Byakuya was considered one of the fastest combatants amongst the Capitans, the journey felt like an eternity to him. Throughout all that, the man's mind was clouded by conflicted thoughts about the upcoming encounter. The last time he fought Tsukishima, he managed to win because his opponent felt too confident. But, this time, it would have been a foolish endeavour to hope for the same to happen. So, the Captain approached the matter logically, as usual, utilising all the time he had been granted.
With his mastership of flash steps, it only took him a brief moment to reach the temporary destination. But unfortunately, he could not locate his opponent, which did not foretell anything good. Still, with all of his instincts on high alert, Byakuya began scanning the soon-to-be battlefield. Nevertheless, it felt fruitless, pointless.
Before Byakuya could react, Tsukishima was mere inched away from him. The Capitan rushed toward the right to dodge the incoming attack without a moment to spare. Sadly, he was too slow, too predictable, or both simultaneously. As the cold steel of his opponent's blade slashed through him, the agonising pain flared inside the nobleman. The Fullbringer did not give him a chance to retaliate. Even though Tsukishima's next attack was unelegant and clumsy, it ripped open the clan leader's torso. As Byakuya's vision began flickering, he already knew that he was going to die. The Captain was stripped of his pride and strengths, left to die just like he lived his entire life, alone. Whilst more and more blood flowed from the wounds, Kuchiki somehow managed to remain standing. The defeat must have been finally admitted when his eyes closed for the last time. Oh, how tragic was it for him to meet his end at the hands of the Fullbringer.
Then, Kuchiki Byakuya woke up, leaving the hellish nightmare in the sleep realm. With his eyes unusually wide open, the man investigated his frame as if expecting to find wounds or scars. Thankfully he found nothing, at least nothing out of place. But, sadly, it was the only reassuring thought that he could come up with. His whole frame was drenched with sweat, his muscles tensed, ready for a fight. No matter what was the cause behind this nightmare, it clearly pictured the problem the nobleman could not deal with. He needed to become stronger cause most likely, he would be on the first line of defence of Soul Society. And… even though the elusive creation of his imagination could not be taken as it was, it presented one of many future scenarios.
"Oh... how low I have fallen?" Byakuya whispered under his breath. "Once, I was considered one of the most prestigious and powerful of the Capitans. But… now? I am but a shadow of my former self. And… it needs to change," he continued the monologue. "My body is weak, fragile compared to other combatants. But, maybe… I should start there?" his mumbling sounded and faded away within the silence of the night.
The clan leader knew all too well that he would not find solitude within sleep tonight. So, instead of lying back onto the mattress, he swiftly raised up and quickly dealt with his bedding. Once it was done, he approached the wardrobe to choose some comfortable clothing to train. There was no point in prolonging the moment for the training to start. With at least a couple of hours still remaining till dawn, this window could be put to better use than self-pity.
A clear goal was set. And… for the 6th Division Capitan, it was more than enough to get back into action. And thus, he left the residence hold, heading toward the garden and the training ground.
Surprisingly enough, the Capitan-General had not summoned the usual meeting for the next few days. At first, the Kuchiki clan leader rejoiced because he could focus solely on his training. But unfortunately, that state did not last long. Byakuya could understand that his superior's decision had been made to give him and the other Capitans a rare moment to catch their breath. However, the nobleman, just like in his own case, found an upcoming issue with that reasoning. Even though they could cherish hard-fought peace for the given moment, it was only a matter of time before some new threat loomed over the horizon.
Nevertheless, the 6th Division Capitan decided to play along, at least for now. After all, without the daily Capitans' meeting, the man had more time for himself. And… as embarrassing it could sound, the nobleman needed as much time as possible. Byakuya knew that he had sloughed with his training for far too long. Even though his control over his soul reaper's abilities remained acceptable, he felt weak, weaker than ever. The problem only worsened if his physical strength had been taken into account. During that memorable session, deep within the night, he realised that without his spiritual energy, he was nobody. And that needed to change.
Throughout these past few days, Byakuya found himself relying on his Vice-Capitan more than he has ever. Every single duty that did not require his personal participation to be fulfilled flawlessly, he had assigned to Renji. In a way, it contradicted the nobleman's beliefs, but the Capitan opted to make this sacrifice for a greater gain in the future. After all, his Lieutenant seemed to read the sudden change as a token of his trust. So, partially, Renji was right, but only partially. Thus, the clan leader did not see a reason to fully explain the situation. Maybe… someday, he would tell his Vice-Capitan what really made him do that. But, for now, it was far too convenient for Byakuya. So, he allowed this misconception to live.
Finally, the Capitans' meeting was summoned after 3 whole weeks. In a way, this window of time that Yamamoto had given them allowed the nobleman to rethink a few things. So, when he was informed about the meeting, he eagerly rushed forward.
It is said that the more things change, the more things stay the same. But, in Byakuya's case, the rule seemed to crumble. But, throughout these 3 weeks, the 6th Division Capitan had found himself and reforged what was broken. Thus, the clan leader allowed this change to be transparent, reflected in his clothing choices.
Surprisingly enough, Byakuya arrived as the first one. Even the Capitan-General, Yamamoto, was not present in a long chamber that the Soul Society defenders used for their meetings. So, the 6th Capitan stood at his usual spot without anything better to do in the meantime. Then, his mind was allowed to venture freely, flooding his subconsciousness in a matter of seconds with millions, if not more, thoughts. Finally, he closed his eyes, preparing for at least a few minutes of solitude and waiting.
"Capitan Kuchiki?" the nobleman heard Sui Feng's surprised voice. "I wouldn't expect you to be here that early," she added, far calmer after a moment.
"Good morning, Capitan Feng," the man responded, using his usual rich voice. "That is something on your mind, is it not, Capitan Feng?" asked. After he opened his eyes, the man glanced over his colleague, finding the woman visibly frowning.
"Oh… sorry, Capitan Kuchiki," the 2nd Division leader uttered. "What caused such a sudden change in your look?" she still asked after a few moments of silence.
"I have realised something throughout these few past weeks," Byakuya said mysteriously.
"And… what could it be?"
"Is it that important for you to inquire?" the 6th Division Capitan asked indifferently.
"Considering that you're most likely the most conservative of us? Yes, it's surprising to me why you're currently resembling Kurosaki Ichigo," Sui Feng inquired, taking her rightful place for the upcoming meeting.
"I have not thought about Kurosaki Ichigo whilst picking this outfit," Byakuya responded calmly. "I have merely wanted for my change to be reflected visually. But… this conversation would need to wait, Capitan-General is approaching, and I need to have a word with him."
"Fine, have your little secrets, Capitan Kuchiki," Feng responded, sighing.
It did not take long for Yamamato's frame to appear in the chamber's doorway. Even though the seasoned warrior had significantly suffered during his fight against Aizen, his body was still clouded by a powerful aura. As if anyone in the Soul Society needed a reminder that the Capitan-General was still a formidable soul reaper even without his left arm. The 1st Division leader did not mind the two already-present officers slowly approaching his seat at the end of the room.
"Capitan-General, may I have a word?" Byakuya inquired as soon as the older man reached the chamber's halfway mark.
"Hmm," Yamamoto hummed. "Something has changed, has it not, Capitan Kuchiki? I assume whatever you want to talk about is somehow related to that matter. Is it not?" the old man continued, turning to the side to face Byakuya.
"Most certainly, Capitan-General," the clan leader responded, bowing slightly.
"Alright, please proceed."
"With all due respect, I strongly believe that the Soul Society defence corp is no longer sufficient for the task it is presented with," Byakuya said. "Our last battles showed that we are no longer as effective as we used to be, or at least as we thought we were," he continued.
"And… what would be a solution for that, Capitan Kuchiki?" Yamamoto asked. For a brief moment, Byakuya could swear that the old man's eyes flickered. But, as soon as the effect appeared, it disappeared.
"I do think we need to expand the defence corp," the Kuchiki clan leader stated.
"Do you have anyone particular in mind, Kuchiki Byakuya?"
"I have thought about at least 2 people," the nobleman responded. "Both were part of the Soul Society but were forced to leave it in the wake of Aizen's scheme."
"So, you would want to expand the corp with 2 additional divisions?" the Capitan-General asked.
"Not necessarily," Byakuya said. "I do think these two would be essential strengthening to us. However, if we found more capable soul reapers that could fill the role of Capitan, I would suggest giving them at least a chance."
"With every day, the similarities between you and your grandfather, Ginrei, fade away," the 1st Division leader uttered. "But, I do not consider it a bad thing… not necessarily. Do tell me, Kuchiki Byakuya, whom do you have on mind for these two spots?" the man asked even though Byakuya was pretty positive he already knew the answer.
"I have thought about Yoruichi Shihoin and Kisuke Urahara," the 6th Division Capitan responded. "Both are capable fighters who could potentially tip a balance in our favour during a battle."
"As I have expected," the old man hummed. "Consider yourself relieved from today's meeting. I want you to find these two former Capitans and inform them about the situation. And… thus, the future of this idea of yours is in your hand, Byakuya Kuchiki."
"As you command, Capitan-General," the nobleman uttered quietly whilst taking a bow. Then, he left, nodding toward Sui Feng as a form of farewell.