White Tower

Early that morning, an urgent captains' meeting was called. Standing in formation, the captains listened as the recent murder of Captain Aizen of Squad 5 was discussed. The shocking event confirmed their worst fears—the Ryoka were far more powerful than expected. High-ranking officers had been defeated, and now, even a captain had been killed.

Byakuya Kuchiki stood among them, his eyes closed, listening in silence. Despite his own suspicions, he remained outwardly composed. Acting on emotion was beneath him. His contacts in Central 46 had yet to inform him of any formal ruling on Rukia's execution, yet the decision to destroy her soul using the Sōkyoku—a punishment far beyond the norm—had already been set in motion. Something was not right.

Byakuya had researched past cases involving Soul Reapers who had committed similar offenses. The last known instance had involved none other than Captain Ukitake. The thought made his hand tighten into a fist. He had entrusted Rukia to his former mentor, believing she would be safe under his guidance. Yet, despite Byakuya's warnings, Ukitake had allowed her to face danger—twice.

As the meeting ended, Byakuya did not return to his barracks. Instead, he made his way straight to the White Tower. The situation was becoming increasingly suspicious, and although he knew he could not prevent Rukia's execution, he could at least ensure her safety until the appointed time.

Before he could reach the tower, a voice called out behind him.

"Byakuya."

He stopped but did not turn.

Jūshirō Ukitake stepped forward, his expression uncharacteristically troubled. "Kuchiki-taichō…" he hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Please, save Rukia. She is your sister."

Byakuya finally turned to face him, his gaze sharp and cold. "Is this a habit of yours, Ukitake? Geting your subordinates killed?" His tone was calm, but his words carried weight.

Ukitake flinched, guilt washing over him. Byakuya held his gaze for a moment longer before turning away, ending the conversation without another word.

As he arrived at the White Tower, his eyes narrowed at the scene before him. Several men were attempting to take Rukia away.

His reiatsu surged violently.

Rukia gasped, her entire body tensing as the sheer pressure of his spiritual energy filled the air. With her own reiatsu still suppressed by the red choker around her neck, she was more vulnerable to it than ever. But she didn't have time to focus on herself—her eyes darted past Byakuya to the two figures standing in front of her.

Hanatarō and Ganju.

Her breath caught. They're going to die.

"Run!" she shouted desperately. "You don't stand a chance!"

Ganju, however, scoffed. He had just learned that his new ally, Ichigo, was fighting to save the very woman responsible for his brother's death. He couldn't understand why Rukia was so concerned for them.

"Hey, little prince! I am Shiba Ganju, and I'm here to fight you!" he declared, forcing a smirk. He knew escape was impossible. The only option was to buy time—to act as a decoy so Hanatarō could at least get Rukia to safety.

"Take her and go," he instructed Hanatarō.

Rukia's eyes widened in disbelief. Did he not understand what he was doing? Did he truly think he could fight Byakuya Kuchiki—a man who had never lost a battle and had no reason to show mercy?

Byakuya's gaze flickered with mild recognition. "A Shiba," he noted.

Ganju grinned, trying to mask his fear. "Get ready, little prince," he taunted.

Byakuya didn't hesitate. The moment the words left Ganju's mouth, Senbonzakura was already in motion.

A whirlwind of pink petals filled the air.

In a blink, Ganju was on the ground.

"NO!" Rukia screamed.

Hanatarō trembled as he reached for her, his small frame shaking under the weight of Byakuya's reiatsu. He wanted to help Ganju, but he knew his priority—get Rukia out of here.

Byakuya took a step forward, preparing to strike again.

Then, without warning—

A blur of orange streaked across the sky.

A figure landed between Byakuya and Hanatarō, skidding to a halt.

Byakuya's gaze shifted slightly. Shihoin technology. It was immediately clear to him—Yoruichi Shihōin was aiding the Ryoka.

Behind him, Ukitake arrived just in time to see the newcomer. His breath hitched. The boy standing before them…

He looks just like Kaien.

Ichigo Kurosaki stood firm, battered but unwavering. His zanpakutō was drawn, his expression resolute.

Rukia's heart pounded. He came.

"You idiot," she whispered, her voice tight with emotion. "I didn't ask you to save me." Her eyes darted over his injuries, her frustration outweighing her relief. "Look at you—you're covered in wounds! Leave now before it's too late!"

Ichigo glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "It's my choice," he replied simply. "You don't get a say in it."

Rukia clenched her fists, frustration boiling over. Even now, he refused to listen. They were wasting precious time, yet here they were—arguing.

Then, Ichigo saw Ganju's unmoving body. His entire demeanor changed.

His grip on his zanpakutō tightened as he turned back to Byakuya.

Byakuya, in turn, observed the boy carefully.

This is the man who stole Rukia's power. The one responsible for all of this.

It was too familiar. Just like Kaien Shiba before him. Byakuya had entrusted Kaien to protect Rukia, yet in the end, he had allowed himself to die—by Rukia's own hand and ruined her life.

Byakuya's decision was made.

He drew his sword.

Rukia felt a chill run through her.

"Ichigo, run!" she cried, desperation clear in her voice. "You can't defeat my brother!"

She knew the truth. No one had ever faced Kuchiki Byakuya and lived.

And he did not grant mercy.

to be continued..