Byakuya Kuchiki Unveiled: Chapter 9

Bleach: Byakuya Kuchiki Unveiled

Chapter 9 -- Kuchiki Clan Leader

He exited the Garganta in the middle of the Rukongai Forest. He remembered this place well. But he knew he could not linger here. He had no doubts a swarm of shinigami would be on their way shortly.

Over the years, Aizen had forbidden them all from leaving Huecho Mundo before his plans had been revealed, but now that they had been, he had sent him to obtain information about what those shinigami were up to.

But he had his own agenda and he would take care of that before anything else. He had given it a lot of thought over the years and there was one shinigami he was determined to destroy. He had waited too many years not to achieve that goal.
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TeShiera Setsuke paused in front of the fifth division's barracks and took a deep breath as she looked up at its insignia -- Sacrifice, Danger, Pure Love, Humility, Sweetness. Those were the qualities she would have to enforce.

She could scarcely believe she was now the captain of one of the vaunted 13 court guard squads. No member of her clan had been a captain since Yoruichi Shihōin had abandoned them as well as the Gotei 13 over 100 years ago. No member from her line of the clan had ever even come close to captaincy; she was the first. For her to not even make it to the level of first seat like Lieutenant Ōmaeda and yet become a captain was the highest honor someone like her could have possibly hoped for.

But she could do this, she told herself. She was the one who had passed the Captain's Proficiency test. She had been an Onmitsukidō team leader for the past 40 years and though her teams had never had as many members as any of the Gotei divisions, she had managed them with the proficiency of any captain. But she knew she had both Captain Soi-Fon and the former Lady Yoruichi to thank for their recommendations. Captain-Commander Yamamoto would never have noticed her otherwise.

You must be dying to exterminate great evil.
Know that this is the spirit of the Gotei 13.

That was Head Captain Yamamoto's highest commandment.

And she would not be the first captain that disappointed him.

"Kuchiki Byakuya," TeShiera heard someone call and jumped slightly as she spun and found herself face to face with an unknown shinigami; at least he was unknown to her. She had not even sensed his spiritual pressure as he made his sudden, unannounced appearance behind her. Who was he? she wondered. Was he a member of squad 5, or perhaps even squad 6? No, no shinigami would refer to a captain in such an informal manner and certainly not his own captain, would they?

"You startled me," she said attempting to compose herself. "Are you a member of squad five?"

"Kuchiki Byakuya," he repeated without any clarification.

"Who are you?" she asked, narrowing her brows.

"Kuchiki Byakuya," he repeated without answering her question, serving to annoy her.

Captain Kuchiki, TeShiera wondered. Was he even out of medical yet? She knew he had been severely damaged during that skirmish with Aizen and the Ryoka. For even someone at the level of a captain to have been injured by mere humans who did not belong here was…; but no, if the information she had was correct, despite the fact that it occurred during that skirmish, Captain Kuchiki had actually received his injuries as a direct result of placing himself in harm's way to save his younger sister's life when Aizen had attempted to have her killed.

But this shinigami, she didn't know who he was but for him to so blatantly refuse to respond to her inquiries was infuriating; or perhaps it was the casual manner in which he had addressed her and referred to someone she knew to be a fellow captain.

"No shinigami should address a captain so informally," TeShiera reprimanded him; "neither in tone or familiarity. Besides, do I look like Captain Kuchiki to you? And does this look like the squad six barracks to you?"

"Squad six," he repeated as he turned and walked away.

"Shinigami," TeShiera called to his retreating back as he proceeded in the direction of the sixth squad. "Shinigami," she called again. But he neither stopped nor turned around.

She continued to study him momentarily. Who was that shinigami, she wondered. She didn't believe he was being disrespectful to her simply because she was a new captain as much she thought he would be disrespectful to anyone who dared question him. If she truly thought it was her he was being discourteous to, he would have to know there was any number of Kidō spells she could use to bring him to his knees if that was her desire.

She was no pushover herself, and it had been many years, over 110, since they'd last met and she had no idea if she would like him any better now than she had then. But that didn't truly matter, they were both captains now and since she had no idea if there was any change in his character since then, if that shinigami was foolish enough to approach Captain Kuchiki in such a casual manner, he would find out soon enough that the captain of the sixth squad would not be as soft hearted and forgiving as she was.

Shrugging her shoulders, TeShiera decided she would ignore the incident entirely, and entered the dojo of her barracks to begin the first day of her captaincy.

"Everyone listen up," she said, raising her voice to the room full of shinigami sitting about while others were engaged in idle Kenjutsu training techniques. "I am TeShiera Setsuke; the new captain of the fifth division. The first thing I will say is our second seat Momo Hinamori is steadily recovering so hopefully she will be able to return to us soon. I would like to know though, where is our third seat?"

"We lost him in battle, sir," a shinigami's voice cried out.

"We lost him?" TeShiera repeated stunned. "How many others have we lost?" she wanted to know.

"Two unseated officers," someone replied.

"So we've lost the third seat and two unseated officers during the recent battle." TeShiera stated as she considered their future path. "Does anyone know if they had family either in or outside of the Seireitei?"

"No, sir. No they didn't," several shinigami voices rang out.

"Ok, well after I settle in, we will take today to pay homage to our fallen comrades, but I will say in the future I want two things from each of you – hard work and skill. We must exhibit skill in all four of the shinigami fighting techniques from Zanjutsu which includes mastering your shikai, as well as in Hakuda, Hoho and your Kidō abilities. We may not be the 11th squad, but we are shinigami. Starting tomorrow morning, if there are no other pressing issues I will initially observe, then I will select four separate team leads from the best of the bunch to guide your training. And I will say, it doesn't matter what your current level is. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir," TeShiera heard her staff chorus out.

"I have no idea what things were like under Aizen and honestly I don't care. From this moment forward we will train for the first four hours of every day. Then we will break for a one hour lunch and return to train for four hours more," she said, scanning the faces of her team members. She could see disgruntled looks on some faces; but for the most part they seemed accepting of her planned changes. But it really didn't matter because she intended to implement them regardless.

"If anyone has any questions as to why, just think about those Ryoka who recently invaded the Seireitei. Yes, their appearance may have helped in the end, but there were a lot of damages to property and they left a number of wounded shinigami as well. Our squad alone has lost three members. We cannot afford that again. In case you didn't realize, Aizen and his crew played a major role in the destruction that occurred here and he will be back seeking our blood in the process. Let us insure that doesn't happen."

"Okay, who can familiarize me with the rooms in this barrack. I need to select my quarters."

"But Captain Aizen's quarters were on the second floor," a shinigami spoke up.

"Captain Aiz…?" TeShiera turned and studied him scathingly. "Who are you?" she inquired.

"I am fifth seat Daisuke Hiratana."

"Fifth seat Hiratana," she began as she committed his name to memory. "Well fifth seat Hiratana, as far as we are concerned, there was never a Captain Aizen and there definitely is not one now. The world moves on and we have to move with it unless we wish to be crushed in its aftermath. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir."

"Good, so you will be the one who familiarizes me with the fifth squad barracks," she turned and lifted her duffle bag.

"Yes sir, immediately sir. I have this," Hiratana said, relieving her of her load.
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Later that day, having placed his completed day's reports on his captain's desk for review upon his return, Renji headed back to his own desk in time to see the dojo doors swing open as some unknown shinigami entered.

"Who are you?" Renji asked, stopping to confront his visitor.

"Kuchiki Byakuya," the shinigami said without explanation.

"What?" Renji growled not liking the informal manner in which that shinigami referred to his captain.

"Kuchiki Byakuya," came the reply.

Despite the memory that his own captain had attempted to kill him, Renji couldn't stand the fact that a shinigami of unknown rank was disrespecting them both. "Who are you?" Renji barked.

"Kuchiki Byakuya," the shinigami said continuing his evasiveness.

"I don't know who you are or what squad you're with, but I am the lieutenant of squad six and you will answer me," Renji declared no longer concealing his anger, if he ever did.

"Kuchiki Byakuya," the shinigami repeated with clear disinterest.

"Captain Kuchiki has no time for a shinigami like you. What do you want with him?"

"I do not believe that is your concern," the shinigami finally responded.

"My captain is not here. How do you know him?" Renji demanded, his shackles tightening in anger. "Do you know you should not address a captain in such a manner?"

The shinigami simply turned and headed toward the barracks entry.

"Wait," Renji ordered. "Who are you?" he demanded again as he gripped the hilt of his Zabimaru.

"I did not come to kill you, so stand down if you want to live."

"Stand down? What the hell? I don't know where you obtained such arrogance, but…"

"Kuchiki Byakuya is an old acquaintance. It is him, I wish to see," the shinigami finally stated as he flashed through the opened door.

An old acquaintance, Renji stopped and considered that as he stared at the spot recently vacated by that shinigami. He didn't think his captain had any friends, and certainly no shinigami ones. But in some ways, he had to admit, they suited each other. They were both arrogant and standoffish. Though he would not admit it to anyone, he admitted to himself that he resented the fact that this was yet another secret Captain Kuchiki preferred to keep to himself. But still, who was that shinigami, he wondered. Why had he never seen him before?
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It was early morning, when Bisashi had given him the news that grandfather wished to see him when he had time. But he'd gone for an early stroll before encountering him.

"You wished to see me grandfather?" Byakuya asked kneeling in his customary position in front of grandfather Ginrei's office door; showing him the respect he always did.

"Byakuya," grandfather began as he rose from his desk and moved toward him. "Yes, sit down, please," he said pointing to one of the plush tatami mats surrounding his desk as he took a seat on one of the others.

"What is it, grandfather?" Byakuya asked looking up at him. To his surprise, grandfather's eyes appeared dark and sullen. He could not recall having ever seen him exhibit such a look before. It was almost as if he had unpleasant news to divulge that he was reluctant to reveal.

"As I said when you returned, I'm glad you're well." Grandfather stated in a manner that seemed to match the darkness in his eyes. "But you do know the clan members were in such a state of discomfort, this past week until Unohana was able to report that you were improving."

"It was never my intent to cause such an uproar," Byakuya stated, though not quite understanding why his grandfather would be so concerned about his prior health. "It is just that once Aizen's treachery was revealed, I believed I had to…"

"There is no need to explain your reasoning to me," grandfather interrupted. "I just need to know if you fully understand what could have happened."

"Yes, if I had not acted when I did, Rukia could have been killed for Aizen's personal gain."

"No, beyond that," grandfather attempted to clarify. "Byakuya, you are the strongest among us as well as the head of our clan, but even you will not live forever. Do you understand that you almost died? That you …"

"Grandfather, I am a shinigami. My primary duty is to uphold the laws of the Seireitei. You do remember that it is our pledge to be willing to die to exterminate great evil, don't you? What evil could be greater than what Aizen and his cohorts have shown?" Byakuya asked, though not believing for one instant that his grandfather would have forgotten the code he had lived by practically all his life.

"Byakuya, I am not thinking of the Seireitei. I am thinking of the Kuchiki clan. You are a Kuchiki first and foremost; the head of this clan. Do you know what that means?" grandfather demanded.

"Grandfather…" Byakuya began puzzled.

"You can no longer live your life so recklessly," grandfather interrupted. "Especially not when you have yet to produce an heir."

"An heir…?" Byakuya asked confused about the line of conversation. As far as he was concerned, that was something that could be taken care of at a much later date.

"Yes, an heir," grandfather repeated in a tone that was not the least bit complacent. "You do know what that is don't you?"

Byakuya knew grandfather wasn't questioning his intelligence. "Grandfather, is something wrong?"

"Byakuya, you are the 28th head of the Kuchiki clan; a nobleman," Grandfather Ginrei said authoritatively, as if reaching back and pulling from the days when he was the Kuchiki clan leader. "You have broken three laws and we have stood by. We will stand by, no longer."

"Grandfather, I know what I have done and had I not saved Rukia by breaking the law that last time…"

Unfurling himself from the tatami on the floor, Grandfather strode toward a window. "Byakuya what you have done cannot be changed. But I will say for the future, there is one law you will not break. You are the 28th head, but I am the 27th head of the Kuchiki clan and I am also your grandfather. I have no desire to talk about you saving Rukia. You will listen to what I have to say."

"Forgive me," Byakuya quickly stated as he bowed his submission, detecting the strained tone of grandfather's voice. "It was not my intent to be presumptuous." Having previously made the decision to evaluate following the law based on its merits, Byakuya knew he had no intention of breaking any future laws, but what was grandfather getting to.

"When you married Hisana, the clan members conceded to your wishes…"

"Conceded to my wishes? They conceded to nothing," Byakuya baulked, having no desire to concede to what he believed was an untruth. "They made Hisana's life miserable every time they appeared here."

"Perhaps so, but they accepted your marriage as well as the adoption of her sister into our clan, despite knowing the circumstances."

"Circumstances? What circumstances?"

"After Hisana's death I took them aside and asked them to permit you time to grieve."

"What is this about?" Byakuya inquired impatiently.

"You have had fifty years to settle your grief. It is now time to move forward. You are the head of the Kuchiki clan," Grandfather repeated once more. "But there have been no sounds of young Kuchiki's in this manner for over 300 years."

Byakuya stared at him. He realized there was a line of reasoning behind this subject; which meant the talk he had dreaded for so long, had finally arrived. It wasn't as if he didn't believe this topic would be broached one day, but he was uncertain if he was ready for it yet.

"You should be well aware that a leader thinks not only of himself, but his clan members as well."

"Grandfather, what are you saying?" Byakuya asked, not quite understanding why his grandfather would think that his not yet having an heir had anything to do with him thinking of his clan members. They had always been one of his primary concerns.

"I would think you would know what I'm saying," grandfather said with a reluctant gaze. "But if you require clarification, I will say… you will find a suitable female to wed and produce an heir to carry on the Kuchiki name, or you will no longer lead this clan."

"What are you talking about?" Byakuya bellowed in confusion. "I am the head of the Kuchiki clan. If not me, who do you propose to lead?"

Grandfather turned slowly toward him. "Your cousin, or have you forgotten that my daughter also has a son? Command follows your father's line because he was the eldest. Did you forget that the command line could also follow her line, should it be required? If Sōjun had not had you before his death, it would have. If you do not produce an heir, the clan leadership will fall to that line anyway. Do you think it will matter if it fell to them now?"

"Are you speaking of the son of the Kuchiki you told me I should kill if he ever escaped his seal after I took leadership of the clan?"

Grandfather did not respond to that; though believing that situation might well cause problems in its own rights. But hoping his grandson would understand that he didn't do this simply for the concern of the elders, but in the hopes he would comprehend the situation they were in. "Byakuya…"

"So you are saying that it would fall in my cousin's hand to kill his own father?"

"Not if you produce an heir. But do you see how important it is to maintain the status quo?"

"So you are proposing to strip me of my title?"

"Not me," grandfather insisted. "But the clan members will not stand by and allow you to shame us further. The elder members have decided…"

"Decided? Who are they to decide anything? I lead this clan. If they think they can strip of my title, let them try."

"Byakuya, do not think they cannot," grandfather stated dejectedly. "There is an old saying that a King who cares not for his kingdom listens to his own advice while one who does, heeds the advice of his councilmen." grandfather did not mention that was his own personal philosophy, one he had lived by all his life. "Are you prepared to allow leadership to pass to another clan line, or perhaps even that girl you adopted?"

Byakuya's head shot up as he studied him curiously. He could not recall grandfather referring to Rukia as 'that girl' in over 50 years; not since the adoption had been completed. But Byakuya knew these steps were likely being taken now because of his past indiscretions as well as his reluctance to remarry over the years.

"As the leader of this clan, you bear the responsibility of carrying our great house's name. That means you must make decisions that may not seem to be in the best interest of everyone, not even yourself. Much as I had done with Kōga," Grandfather Ginrei closed his eyes and lowered his head slightly as he said that. "Do not give the clan members more opportunity to doubt your leadership."

"Doubt my leadership," Byakuya repeated. Hearing such words stung as he closed his own eyes in thought.

"Grandfather when I married Hisana I took her as my wife for life and she will always be that. It would not be honorable to wed another."

"And she was, but now, her life has ended. Every clan leader is faced with difficult… no, impossible decisions. Did I not tell you what I had to do to my own daughter's husband? Do you not think that was impossible for me? As the current clan leader, you must ensure the survival of the Kuchiki clan."

"I will tell you that they will give you the standard two by three criteria. We will not allow our rule to fall to a lower noble house as Yoruichi Shihōin did. It would take too long to regain our status, if we ever did."

"Two by three criteria?" Byakuya asked, uncertain about what he was saying.

"In two months you will make your decision."

"Two months? Are you saying they will deny me the option of finding love?"

"Byakuya, you told me all those years ago that you had found love. But she is gone. She's been gone for 50 years. She is gone without producing an heir. She left you with nothing except another Rukon resident to care for. You do not require love now. Now you have a responsibility to your clan as well as the Gotei 13. Now, you will find a female that can produce an heir. You must ensure the continuance of our captain's seat in squad 6. You will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure you find a worthy female to wed."

"A worthy female…?"

"One capable of producing an…."

"So you are saying I am to simply wed some birthing chamber?"

"Byakuya, I am saying you must protect our clan's command line in all respects."

"To wed would provide no guarantee we would have this child they desire."

"But there is no chance, if you do not wed. Your chances, though, would be far better if she is a noble or anyone capable of generating her own Reiryoku in this world. And you can ensure her capability beforehand."

"So you are saying they expect me to have her…?"

"Unohana can verify her health before you commit to her. This is a large clan you have many options from which to choose. There are the children of your grand aunt and uncle. You may consider any of your cousins, and…," grandfather hesitated slightly. "We know what you did to save Rukia. She is important to you, isn't she? You may even consider her. You have already elevated her to a status that would be acceptable among the elders and as a shinigami she has already shown she is capable of generating her own spiritual energy."

Byakuya stared at him; allowing his words to sink in, until he came to full realization. "Ruki…? She's Hisana's sister."

Grandfather Ginrei simply returned his glare, as if not understanding his grandson's meaning.

"She is my sister," Byakuya countered in clarification; failing to understand his grandfather's non clarity.

"No, she is not," Grandfather Ginrei quickly contradicted him. "As the senior members of the clan have so graciously pointed out; nobility have often wedded their cousins. And she is even less than that to you. Paperwork can always be modified."

Byakuya stared at him. He could not believe what he was hearing. "This is disgusting. You are all disgusting," he declared, practically leaping from his seat. "I have raised Rukia as a sister for nearly fifty years and I will discuss this no longer."

"Sit down," Grandfather Ginrei commanded. "You are no longer a headstrong child determined to do things his way. You will hear my words."

Byakuya came to an abrupt halt. He had never disrespected his grandfather, and even now, he could not.

"I will not repeat myself," grandfather gave him a serene but stern look. "You have always been headstrong, but that will not work anymore. You are the current clan leader, but do not mistake your clan members for your subjects. They are not and they will de-seat you if need be. You must know their only objective is to protect the clan. I thought that was yours as well."

Byakuya shifted uncomfortably and grandfather was silent momentarily.

"Exactly two months from today, you will provide your decision as to whether or not you wish to forsake your command. Two months after that, you must decide who you will pursue. If you find this love you seek, that is to your benefit. But that makes no difference to us. As long as she is of acceptable blood; then you will wed within two years," grandfather moved toward him and stood just behind his shoulder. "Byakuya consider these events carefully."

Byakuya closed his eyes briefly. It had never occurred to him that his life would take such a heinous turn. "Grandfather, I will consider your words. But I will make my own choice;" Byakuya stated determinedly "Neither you, anyone in this manor or any of the clan members will mention a word of this to Rukia," he said before departing.

Retiring to his bedroom, Byakuya stared at his walls in lost oblivion. He could not believe this. He was the head of the Kuchiki clan, but the clan members were calling him to task. He knew that would not have been possible, if not for grandfather's acquiescence. It had only been through grandfather's acquiescence 55 and 50 years ago, that he had been able to wed Hisana and adopt Rukia. But he could only imagine that even he had had enough of his impetuous grandson.

Moving forward, Byakuya slid open the shoji screen doors leading to his personal section of the garden. He had to think.

No Kuchiki clan leader had ever been deposed; he would not be the first to allow such a thing. He was certain he could defeat them all, if he so chose. But what would that prove? Nothing except he would have no clan members to lead.
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"Lieutenant, Abarai?" TeShiera began as she entered the doors to squad six.

"Captain," Renji said acknowledging the attire adorning his visitor as he leapt to his feet, scattering his paperwork across his desk. "Do you… do you know me?"

"I've seen you so many times over the years. Forgive me for interrupting; I am a former member of Onmitsukidō, but now I am Captain Setsuke of squad five," TeShiera responded. "You are Lieutenant Abarai, are you not?"

"Yes, Renji. Welcome," he said as he gaped at her. Madarame had told him he'd heard that Captain Soi-Fon had recommended her to replace Aizen, but he'd also thought the former Squad Two captain, Yoruichi Shihōin, had had something to do with it as well. But what he hadn't told him was that she was probably a relative of the former captain. She had to be; although he didn't know who she was when he'd heard her name at first because he'd only seen her a couple of times himself, there could be no mistaking that. This new captain had a close resemblance to Yoruichi Shihōin. In fact, from what he remembered of her, they almost looked like sisters. "Can I help you with something?"

"I'm the new guy on the block and I was interested in meeting with your captain. Is he here, or is he still injured?" TeShiera asked, scanning the office.

"Captain Kuchiki has recovered but he took a couple of days off."

"I see," TeShiera said moving further into the office. "Will he be in tomorrow?"

"He said he would, but I'm not certain, you can check then if you'd like," Renji said, curious about what business she'd have with his captain. "But is there anything I can do?"

"Oh no," TeShiera said. "It was nothing urgent, it's just that I've met all the captains so far and wanted to reacquaint myself with Captain Kuchiki. I will return tomorrow then."