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Byakuya could not describe half of the resentment he felt for his teacher, Shihoin Yoruichi, who kept driving him around her finger! The captain of the second squad liked to mock her subjects, showing her superiority. She especially liked to make fun of young master Kuchiki. This youngster was always annoyed when he saw her, and he always tried to beat her, although with his current record it was unlikely, but it still colored her boring captaincy. She always made fun of him when she went to the Kuchiki clan. Now Yoruichi has brazenly ripped his rope from his hair and just ran away. «Sassy» - an insult to the captain of the second squad in the head of the young master.
A small shiver from the unknown Reatz ran through his skin, and he turned towards the unknown. On the roof of one of the buildings of his estate, a girl stood, visibly restraining the laughter towards the future head of the clan. The stranger was dressed in black Haori shiniga and white hair stood out against a black background.
- Who are you, and how did you get into my clan’s estate? Byakuya exclaimed, pointing the training sword towards the girl. Comforted by the laughter that had left only pink spots on her face, the girl came down from the roof, moving straight to the young master. Now Byakuya could see the tablet of a fourth-party lieutenant on her left forearm.
- I’m sorry, young master Kuchiki, for not greeting you at once. - Bowing in reverence, said the girl, straightening back. - I am the lieutenant of the 4th Squad, Hitsugaya Sakura, who came here to find Miss Yoruichi. I was told she should be here.
He couldn’t turn to Sakura because she was older and she was a lieutenant, but Kuchiki did it out of neglect. Although she was a lieutenant of Goth-13, her lineage was lower than his, which he thought gave him the right to be familiar. Besides, he was already poking at her as soon as he saw her.
- Yes, a failed attempt to compete with someone who is stronger than you for centuries has led to your embarrassment. - Sakura decided to make a mockery of the situation by keeping a polite tone, because she is not who it began. - But it’s unlikely you could beat her now, at this level. After all, only Uzumaki-san can match Shikhoin-san in speed.
The young master immediately knew who Hitsugaya was talking about. Uzumaki Minato. Byakuya heard about it from his grandfather. The genius who graduated from the academy in just a couple of years, the best graduate of the academy, immediately became a lieutenant. Uzumaki Minato was not from a noble family, but he achieved heights that his peers and ordinary souls did not even dream of. Genius fell in love with the daughter of the previous head of the Uzumaki clan - Kushina, who at that time was in the same squad, but was a regular officer. Because of their positions, they often crossed paths and began to bond. And a year later, Minato was accepted into the family Uzumaki, gave his name, and the head gave him his post, finally deciding to go on the long-awaited vacation. The previous chapter was only pleased that his daughter was able to find a decent husband, though a commoner, but he did not mind. Currently, Uzumaki Minato is the captain of the seventh squad, and his wife, having left the post of officer, is in the last month of pregnancy.
The head of the Kuchiki clan said once that it would be good if a Shinigami like Minato were a member of his clan, even if he was from Rukongai. At that moment Byakuya made up his mind and began working even harder, training so much until his body weakened. Grandfather should not be disappointed in him, because it is Byakuya who will be the next head of Kuchika and he must be strong.
Remembering this, the fervor in his gaze faded and in his place came sadness and memories that he was still weak if he did not immediately discover the presence of cherry. At that moment he saw a small shadow that was approaching him, and something heavy fell on his head. A second later, he realized that it was Sakura’s hand that had started stroking him, trying to take the sadness out of his face and head. It was the first time Byakuya felt this way. The feeling of being supported is appreciated and somehow praised. Ginray was an apathetic man who didn’t even have warm feelings for his grandson, he saw him as an heir, a future head who could not become his son, Byakuya must be strong to support his clan. All the tenderness he wanted was from a girl he didn’t know. Yeah, he knows her name and title, but they’re basically nothing. They won’t even know each other. But Byakue is so pleased that she gives him a little bit of heat and that piece is gone as quickly as it was. He looked up at me. These green eyes now seemed to him so warm and understanding, he remembered the look of his father, who could not be with his son any longer after going to his mother’s. Sakura also had a soft smile on her face, which complemented the image of consolation. In just a few minutes, Sakura was able to win him over with nothing but affection. Byakuya sold his favor too cheaply.
- I have a little brother and I often soothe him like this. You looked so low. I think in the future you will reach great heights, Kuchiki-san, the main thing is not to be disappointed in failure. They learn from their mistakes. The lieutenant finished her monologue.
Kuchiki looked at this girl and could not understand that now the warm feeling ran through his body. Hitsugaya said that it was time for her to go to find Yoruichi, said goodbye, that they would meet again and disappeared from his view. Byakuya said goodbye to her remotely, but thought it would be good to see the lieutenant again and talk about something. The last time he looked in the direction she went, he continued his training.
***
- Grandpa, do you know the lieutenant of the fourth squad?
On one of those small evenings where Byakuya was having dinner with Ginray, the younger one decided to break the silence of the hall and asked a question that was spinning in his head, and he realized that he sounded foolish, because naturally one of the Goth 13 captains would know the lieutenant. Byakuya gave his attention to the rice bowl in his hand, hoping that his grandfather would simply ignore his stupidity.
- Yes, - contrary to the young man’s expectations, the head of the clan answered him, putting a couple more pots of rice in his mouth. - Hitsugaya Sakura, right? - Rather, asking himself a question, Ginray said and went on. Able to shinigami. I was once told that Hitsugaya became a student of Senju Tsunade before she went to the academy grounds. I think if Unohana-san decides to step down as captain of the fourth squad, Hitsugaya will immediately take her place.
Senju Tsunade. This woman was not only a member of the noble clan, she was also the previous captain of the fourth squad, but as soon as Unohana Retsu expressed her desire to take up her post, Tsunade immediately ceded it because they were close friends, saying that she had long wanted to travel in the world of the living, but I couldn’t because I was captain. Shinigami also said that Senju did not like this post because of the large amount of paperwork and meetings, because she was lazy and liked to drink, but if it was necessary to help the wounded, she was always ready. One day, Senju Tsunade came with two children, who were Hitsugaya Sakura and Toushirou. Later, members of the Fourth Party could often see Sakura next to the Captain, but the boy had not been seen since. Tsunade, who had no husband and no children, treated the girl as her own daughter, spoiling her and teaching her medical techniques. The fourth squad was skeptical of the child, believing that Senju’s whims had already crossed the border, but the commander-in-chief, like other captains, was neutral. They didn’t care about the baby if it didn’t interfere with their business. Only Ukitake Jushiro often came to visit the girl who settled in the squad, treating her sweets and playing, if given the chance.
Initially, Sakura behaved quietly in an unfamiliar place, trying not to be caught in the eyes of the Shiniga, but she did not do it well. The girl followed Tsunade because she promised to train her in healing kido, which would help her in the future. During the rounds, Sakura ran out begging to help her brother, who had been ill for several days, and the captain agreed without hesitation, following the girl. The first thing Tsunade noticed when she arrived at her destination were the grass and pestle mortar around the patient, which had already been tampered with. Sakura changed the compress on the boy’s forehead, crying for the captain’s actions. Tsunade sat down in front of the child and began pouring the reanimation into his body analyzing the condition. Common Fever. There was nothing serious that would have threatened the boy’s life and it was clear that his body had responded positively to the reanimation, so Senju decided to finish the treatment with this. The child’s face begins to crack the wrinkles that showed his pain, and he was finally able to sleep properly. Tsunade looked at Sakura, who was smiling happily when her brother was able to sleep properly. Now the girl was staring at the captain, and she ran silently to the other room for something. She came back with the pouch in her hand and started handing it to the woman.
- Thank you for helping my brother! This is the medical fee. Sakura was one step closer, waiting for Tsunade to take the money. The woman herself looked skeptically at the bag in the hands of the child and pushed back to the baby.
- I don’t need the payment. I am a doctor, and I help as much as possible. - Tsunade looked around the room again, drawing attention to herbs again. - Why don’t you tell me why you didn’t call the doctor when you had your first symptoms?
- There are no doctors here, - said Sakura quietly, turning her eyes away as if she was involved in her brother’s deteriorating health. Tsunda was taken aback by what she said. They are located on the outskirts of Rukongai, where there is not always enough food for everyone, despite the medicines and doctors.
- Then how did you know which herbs to pick?
- In the book, - said the girl quietly, 'I can read a bit. Mom taught. There were pictures of plants and it said they helped with pain. You can also rub your hand so you don’t get confused. Sakura said quietly, squeezing as hard as she was waiting for a scream or a stroke.
Tsunade looked at the girl who seemed so weak to her. Maybe mom not in the world anymore, and she’s the one taking care of her brother. So little, and already so much responsibility. But the fact that she tried to fix the situation on her own surprised the captain a little, because then she was probably out there looking for these herbs and where did the kid get the money?
- Mom left some money before she left. - It was like a girl reading her mind. - Said she’d come in handy. I’ve spent a lot of money on food, but there’s plenty more. Take it, please! - Sakura with even more pushy began to put money in Tsunade’s hands, but she was only reproachful. In another situation, she might have taken it, spent it on alcohol, but not on children who were most likely their last.
- I said I don’t need money! - Raising her voice, I told Tsunade, who is tired of this repetition. There was a crease between her eyebrows, showing her indignation, this child too stubborn.
- Then I will repay you with work! - Sakura kept up with her. - Do you need an assistant? I can learn anything, but let me repay you!
- Sister, I’m hungry. - The noise woke the boy, who was dreaming of hearing the voice of his sister and a strange woman.
Sakura immediately collapsed and ran to another room to fetch two cups of rice porridge. One for the brother, one for the guest, and for the guest the portion was much larger. Sakura stretched out a cup to Tsunade and closing her eyes to despair took food. She looked at the contents and put a piece in her mouth to try. There is no salt. These kids don’t even have money for salt. Tsunade became even darker from her understanding and her eyes rose to the children. Sakura was nursing the child from her arms, telling him to open his mouth, while smiling with happiness that it was all over. She cared so much about her brother because he’s her only family and she has no idea what would have happened if he had died. But thanks to Tsunade, this did not happen and so Sakura wants to repay what she can.
- My name is Senju Tsunade. I am the captain of Gotham 13 Fourth Squad. What are your names? asked Tsunada the question, looking directly at the children with determination. She doesn’t understand why, but she wants to take care of these kids, even though they’re not the first or the last kids in Rukong with this life, but maybe they’re just lucky to be the ones.
- My name is Hitsugaya Sakura. My younger brother’s name is Hitsugaya Toushirou. Sakura bowed to the floor realizing who is before her. When Tsunade went on her Rukongai rounds, she filmed the haori of Captain Senju. The captain wore a regular black uniform. Thank you again for your help,
- Sakura-chan, would you like to become a doctor under me?
This question was a blessing to Sakura. She would never count on such an offer from the Goth 13 captain himself. It was as if fate had smiled at her at that moment, that she had agreed, without hesitation, with joy, but had slowed down a bit, remembering what was important. Toshiro had already grasped the edge of his sister’s clothes, as if she was ready to leave and leave with this woman. Sakura looked at her brother and realized not now.
- I’m ready, but not now. - With her head down, her voice much quieter than her previous voice of consent, she pulled her brother’s hand off her clothes and took it with both of her. - I’m sorry, but I can’t leave my brother. Not now. Can we do this later?
- How much later? I don’t think the captain himself suggests a beginning under his wing every day. Tsunade pressed, looking at the reaction of the girl. The next answer will solve everything.
- Yeah, not every day. But even with Toshiro, I’m the only family that can take care of him. So I’ll just wait until I can become a Shiniga and come to you to repay my kindness. - Sakura looked at Tsunade and smiled with sadness in her eyes at the thought of missing such an opportunity.
- All right, - said Senju, putting down a bowl of rice and getting to her feet. - Then follow me.
Sakura frankly did not understand what had just happened, but the woman just took Toshiro in her arms and carried him to the exit. The girl hurried after her and shouted that she would let her brother go, but Tsunade took Sakura and quickly moved them to the barracks of the fourth squad.
From that day on, the child followed Tsunade with a ponytail and taught how to create medicines and medical techniques. Over time, the Shinigami of the Fourth Squad got used to it, and Sakura seemed useful to them in their work. She tried to be quick, quickly understood what to bring, cook. Sakura tried her best to repay Senju Tsunade’s favor. The woman not only trained her, but also gave Toushirou a home in a good neighborhood under the care of an elderly woman. Even though the boy grumbled about not having to deal with him so much, she could have just left with Tsunde that day. He would have understood his sister, but at the same time he was glad that Sakura did not leave him when she received such a gift of fate and even tried to visit him often in a new house. The old lady who took him in was a kind woman who asked her to address her «grandmother». The old lady had no children of her own, so the boy pleased her by accepting him as her own grandson.
Sakura hadn't been home for a long time and Toshiro was unwittingly getting nervous. There had been times when she hadn't been able to visit him for months on end, but now it was bothering him. It had been two years since the captain of the fourth squad had taken her under her wing and two years since he had started living in the area. Life had run its course, but Toushirou was concerned that he was growing slowly to the point that his sister joked that he had dwarfism and she would make a cure for it for her brother. Toushirou did not appreciate the joke and simply slapped his sister on the kneecap. Sakura unlike her brother was growing at her own pace and looked like a normal teenager and was getting prettier, which the guys around noticed. They liked her long white hair and green eyes that stood out about her first thing. Toushirou had dispersed all the suitors saying that her sister attracts all sorts of rabble, Sakura just chuckled and called the younger one her valiant protector. Toushirou felt responsible for his sister and decided that her protection lay on his shoulders. Just as she took care of him, he would protect her.
Toushirou sits on the porch, eating his favourite watermelon, which fit perfectly in this heat and wondering what his sister was up to after all. He was bored without her and in a way lonely, because to his sister he was always the centre of attention, although they might have quarrelled, they always came to make up. Also a girl named Momo, wasn't here at the moment as she had gone to the academy selection process which made Hitsugaya feel even more lonely. Sakura couldn't disappear so silently for four whole months, she had always warned about Tsunade's plans, but apparently something had gone wrong. Toushirou went back to eating his treat trying to forget his troubles, but a familiar shadow appeared before his eyes. Looking up he saw Sakura wearing a white kosoda with red stripes and circular symbols on both sides, and red trousers. Next to her was Momo-chan in the same uniform as her.
- Hello, Squirrel-chan, - was the cute nickname Momo had given the boy because of his white hair and which annoyed him greatly. The girl hadn't decided to call him that out of spite and wanted to stop doing it, but Sakura said that the nickname suited him very well and she allowed Momo to use it even though Toushirou himself was against it.
Toushirou stared blankly at the two girls and just analyzed what was going on.
- Wow, did you have enough brains to get into the academy? Is that why, sis, you didn't come to visit us? I'm amazed. - Hitsugaya exclaimed dryly as he continued eating his watermelon, already looking into his sister's eyes expecting a reaction, which he didn't have to wait long. A light smack went over his head, which was kindly given to him by Sakura. Toshiro started to say that violence is not applicable to children and he spat a watermelon seed right in Sakura's face. An altercation ensued between brother and sister, which Toshiro apparently lacked for happiness.
Sakura got into the academy with ease thanks to a letter of recommendation from Senju Tsunade and her knowledge that the captain of the fourth squad gave her. The professors were expecting some sort of accomplishment from her since Hitsugaya Sakura had received a letter of recommendation from one of the captains, but the girl herself was in no hurry to stand out. Studying wasn't difficult for her, but it wasn't easy either. She just followed the plan and stepped up one course faster than the others, thanks to Tsunade's efforts over the past few years. Sakura was good at kido as she had excellent reatsu control and knew the words by heart. She was diligent and her efforts paid off with a good graduation rate. Even though she was already enrolled in the ranks of the fourth squad, she was still pleased to receive such results. Sakura was even offered the chance to join the thirteenth squad, but she declined. Her hard work paid off.
***
Lieutenant Hitsugaya found herself back in Kuchiki's domain, and all for the same reason - to find Captain Yoruichi. When Unohana asked Sakura to find the captain of the second squad it meant that Tsunade would be arriving soon. The three of them would often get together like old friends and discuss many things over cups of sake. Unfortunately Sakura couldn't join their gatherings due to the fact that she felt a barrier between her and the captains, though the women had once offered her a drink with them, but she was aware of her status and therefore didn't take the risk. Here Sakura from a distance already notices Yoruichi-san who was taunting Byakuya and apparently sensing the lieutenant's reatsu, she hurried away. The young lord was left alone with his bound hands and tried to untangle the knots with his teeth, but it wasn't working out well. Hitsugaya was about to leave, but decided to help the young man with his problem and hurried to free him from his bonds. She silently walked over to him and untangled it. At first Byakuya was taken aback, but then he accepted his fate, following the movements of the girl. A couple of loops and Kuchiki was released and quietly thanked Sakura. This wasn't how he had expected their first meeting. Sakura just brushed it off and started talking about how when she had first met the captain of the second squad, she had decided to tie a bow on her head that she couldn't get off for hours and had to sacrifice her hair to untangle it. A slight smile flashed across her face and made Byakaya feel embarrassed. Today would be tsukumi and Byakuya contemplated inviting the girl to keep him company, though they were unfamiliar with each other, but it was better than spending the day alone for the umpteenth time.
He invites her, and she says yes, promising to bring sake.
Just like that Byakuya was able to summon the girl to his house and it turns out to be not that difficult, but it embarrassed him so much that when Sakura left he felt heat on his face and it was all covered in red. The lieutenant is too frivolous if she agreed to join him in his admiration so easily. Kuchiki pondered. But how happy he was that he wouldn't be spending this evening alone.
As Sakura had promised she brought sake and offered to go out on the terrace to enjoy the view to the fullest. Hitsugaya started to pour sake for Byakuya, he sipped a little as per the rules, and as he was about to pour his own, the young lord snatched the bottle from the girl's hands and filled her bowl to the brim. Byakuya has never had to drink alcohol, much less sake, but he knows from etiquette that a man should not pour for himself, much less a girl. Today is his first time drinking and he really hopes his grandfather doesn't find out about it.
The first few minutes passed in silence, but apparently the alcohol started to work on their system and they started talking vigorously, sharing something of their lives. For instance Sakura told that her brother had once thrown watermelon bones into her chopped ice because he wanted to eat her portion, but she ate it all together with them in spite of that. Byakuya laughed a lot with her stories about her brother and said that he wished he had a younger brother or sister so he wouldn't be so lonely.
- Would you like me to be your sister? - Sakura asked cheerfully bringing her face a little closer. - I had one ragamuffin, do you think I can't handle another?
- So bravely calling me a ragamuffin ha ha ha - Kuchiki only laughed at that. Sakura would fit the role, but he couldn't imagine her as a sister. - I see you as a girl, not a sister. - A glare escapes the boy's lips and he blushes thickly, realizing that alcohol cannot keep a secret.
- Oh so cute, even though we've only known each other for a little while, I can tell you're a handsome and nice guy, I think I could fall in love with you. - Sakura smiled so wide all her teeth were visible and her eyes went to the young lord. - You'll do well in the future, I think Kuchiki-san thinks so too.
All the colour from Byakui's face went away at the mention of Ginrei. If only he had seen the state he was in now he would have been disappointed in him and Sakura would have been in for such a prank too. Sakura, sensing the general atmosphere, even sobered up a bit and got to her feet. She blocked the moonlight from Byakuya and he turned his attention back to her. Sakura's hands were on his cheeks lifting his gaze even higher so they could look at each other. Hitsugaya leaned back a little and swung sharply forward bumping her forehead against the guy. Both hissed in pain.
- Are you out of your mind at all? It hurts terribly! - Kuchiki whimpered rubbing the sore spot and saw the lieutenant squatting doing the same.
- At least you're not sad now. - the girl hissed as she looked up at him, green eyes burning like lanterns in the darkness. - I don't know what kind of relationship you have with Kuchiki-san, but I can tell you one thing, you underestimate yourself! Trying to be the best for someone else when you can't be! You have to be your own best if you want to be the best! - Sakura pointed at him, looking up and down. It looked as if she was scolding her child for her bruised knees, but told her it would heal and that there was nothing wrong with it.
Byakuya looked at Sakura again from a different angle. This was literally their third meeting, but she was making such remarks to him as if they had known each other for years. Being first to himself Byakuya never tried because he wanted to do it for his grandfather, but apparently he got the situation wrong. He should compare more with what he had before. He had never given it much thought, thinking only of how to please Senior Kuchiki. Byakuyu's thoughts turned 180 degrees because of the lieutenant's words behaving too openly. It was as if they were old friends who had decided to talk about their accumulated problems, but the problem was that they weren't. But Byakuya hopes that they will become friends after all. He had no friends within the walls of the house, but perhaps that would soon change.
***
Sakura and Byakuya began to see each other more often after that night and became closer. The lieutenant could drop by Kuchiki's estate and have a little chat with the young lord and he was pleased with that. The young master could start complaining about Shihoin and her jokes, but Hitsugaya only laughed, saying there was nothing she could do. Sakura would talk about what was going on in the squad barracks and the meetings she attended, so Byakuya had up-to-date information on Gotei with her. Sakura also liked to tell the gossip she heard in the shinigami women's club, something the young lord himself didn't realise as he gradually began to listen to them and recount his own observations. They could not cross paths outside of the manor as Byakuya did not leave the classes and training ground until evening, but one day he managed to free himself a whole day off. He immediately shared this with Sakura, and she suggested that he go for a walk in Rukongai as she needed to visit her brother. The young man didn't mind and even agreed to the suggestion. He would like to be somewhere other than his estate.
The next day of their promised outing, Sakura took him straight to Rukongai. Byakuya put on the simplest yukata he had, thinking that workout clothes wouldn't do.
It was the first time Kuchiki could see such a simple environment in the area, some bushes were ungroomed, houses were not flashy, and some were living out their age altogether. Byakuya was looking around at all the details of the new place. And Sakura simply walked showing the way, waving to familiar faces. Approaching closer to the house Sakura began to speed up her step, noticing that Toshiro was sitting on the porch, eating amanatto. He still sat quietly eating it, even as he saw his sister rushing towards him. Sakura enclosed her brother in her arms, ignoring his displeasure and the fact that the treat had fallen out of his hands. He didn't want to show it, but he really missed his sister after all, once she became a lieutenant she couldn't visit him often.
- Toushirou, meet! - Sakura stood sideways to reveal a view of Byakuya, who just stood there and held out his hand to greet him.
- Kuchiki Byakuya, - the young man introduced himself calmly, but the boy was in no hurry to extend his hand towards him and eyed him skeptically.
- Sister, are you gathering rabble again? - Toushirou asked, turning his attention back to his sister who was startled and looked down.
- Rabble? - Byakuya's eye twitched, and a vein appeared on his forehead. - How could such a brat call me, the future head of the Kuchiki clan, a rabble?! - The boy was indignant and was about to pull his ears away from the boy who dared to insult him, but Sakura got in his way.
- Relax Byakuya-kun, he didn't do it on purpose, he's just worried about me. - The lieutenant was trying to smooth things over, but she wasn't very good at it due to the fact that Kuchiki was already blazing with anger and he wasn't ready to calm down until Toshiro was hit. - Toushirou, apologize!
- You keep getting hit on by some trash, so it's not my fault, it's just a reinforced opinion. - Hitsugaya shrugged, pretending not to be involved.
- Rubbish? Byakuya-kun is a good person and the others weren't bad either, you're just exaggerating! - Now Sakura was showing her displeasure. - That's probably why I don't have a boyfriend. You keep everyone away from me!
- What am I supposed to do? I can't let my sister date the scum of the earth! - Toushirou was indignant as he climbed up the porch with his feet to be at eye level with his sister. - I want what's best!
- But it's the other way around!
Byakuya had already cooled down and watched the quarrel between his brother and sister as they worked out who was to blame for Sakura's loneliness. While Kuchiki couldn't figure out whose side he was taking and just listened to the younger one sending his sister's suitors away or telling them nasty things or that his sister wasn't as nice as she seemed. Apparently the suitors believed this easily and stopped courting. Sakura was indignant about not having many suitors and that she was unlikely to find a partner at this rate and resented that who would then be able to pass Toushirou's 'selection'.
- At the very least he should be a lieutenant! You're a lieutenant, so your future boyfriend should be at least that rank too! - Toushirou blurted out after catching his breath. - You need a strong man to protect you. Until I am a shinigami he will have to take care of you. - The boy turned his head away, trying to hide his embarrassment and the fact that he had finally spoken out to his sister.
- Toushirou, I can take care of myself, especially since I don't often leave the confines of the fourth squad. I don't think I need protection within the walls of the hospital. - Sakura cautiously turned her brother's head in her direction, but he was looking at the floor to avoid crossing her gaze. - Especially why would I need someone to protect me when I already have one in the form of you. - The lieutenant made a joke to lighten the mood.
Byakuya just stood back and watched them. He didn't seek to disturb the atmosphere especially when Sakura and Toushirou had come to a reconciliation and now the older one was hugging the younger one by stroking his head. This picture touched Kuchiki's soul and he was even embarrassed by it. The thought in his head was that his brother and sister must often behave like this, but still love and appreciate each other. Returning his gaze to them Byakuya realized that Toshiro had been looking at him the whole time. As soon as the hug ended the younger man began to speak.
- I'm sorry for the insult, Kuchiki-san, - Byakuya was pleased, though there was still a bit of resentment. - But you're still no match for your sister. - This statement shocked the boy and he stared at him with his mouth open, redness streaming down his face. - Short for her and not even a shinigami yet.
- Sakura is a friend to me! - Byakuya denied his sympathy. - And I'm still growing!
- Toushirou, don't make jokes like that, Byakuya-kun is blushing all over his face at your words. Especially since he'll be going to the academy soon and his growth will continue. - Sakura's words cheered the young master up and he relaxed a little. - Which is not the case with you.
A new altercation began and Sakura only smiled, saying that she would make growth vitamins for Toshiro.
***
The next step in Byakuya's life was to enter the academy and meet his zanpakto, Senbazakura. At the first meeting Byakuya was overwhelmed with emotion, and began to question and tell Senbazakura all about it. The spirit sword on the other hand was silent and only briefly responded to his master. After this meeting Kuchiki was even more enthusiastic about learning and shared the happy news with Sakura when she came to visit him. The girl was very happy for him and even told herself how she met her zanpakto and that he just stood there staring at her, not even saying his name, but after a few months he did decide to say his name and then they could begin to communicate and Sakura realized how fiery her spirit sword has a temper and how strict he is. Byakuya had never got to see Sakura's zanpacto in action, and he wanted to see it. Hitsugaya dissuaded him, as the spiritual sword didn't like being used without a direct purpose, even more disliked being called upon for show-offs. Kuchiki came out victorious in this battle after all, and the girl decided to take him out to the range so as not to hurt anything or anyone. Having prepared her target for the attack, in the form of a dummy, Sakura pulled her katana from its sheath and proceeded to unleash it.
- Create an ice prison, Fuyu no Shogun.
As soon as the command sounded from the lieutenant's lips, the atmosphere within the range grew colder and small snowflakes began to swirl around. The sword itself did not change its shape, only the steel was covered in frost and the guard took the shape of a snowflake. Sakura swung her blade and lowered her katana sharply, creating a wind that headed towards the mannequin and instantly covering it with a crust of ice. Sakura then returned the zanpacto to its normal form and returned it to its scabbard. Sighing heavily, the girl began to yell:
- The Shogun is going to scold again!
And Byakuya watched the ice on the dummy, which had begun to slowly melt due to the hot weather. Just a moment ago he could enjoy the falling snow, and already in another it was all gone.
- How, - Kuchiki turned his whole body towards the lieutenant with rapt eyes, waiting for her answer. - How does your zanpacto work?
- First, it cools the temperature in a 100 meter radius and makes it snow, - Sakura was a little taken aback by the young lord's enthusiasm, answering with a delay. - Basically it immobilizes opponents who fall under my blizzard, encasing them in ice. I can selectively immobilize, for example, the legs and the opponent won't be able to escape if they don't have fire skills, and they can also get frostbite if they don't release it in time. I can also use the moisture inside a person to start hypothermia, but that's a risky business.
Byakuya listened intently to the girl and took in what she was saying. He found it interesting. He hadn't used Senbonzakura in battle himself yet, but was really looking forward to it, as he was sure that his zanpacto would be beautiful as a thousand spring flowers are not always seen in life. And he would like to show Sakura his abilities and the beauty of his spirit sword.
It came as a surprise to the future head to meet Toushirou within the walls of the academy as he entered his final year. He had expected the boy to join the ranks of the shinigami, as he claimed, but not this early. They greeted and went on with their business, they had no time for verbal altercations, as much as they would have liked to.
Another unpleasant surprise to Byakuya was that Hitsugaya Toushirou had graduated from the academy in one course and was now graduating with him. Toshiro smiled nastily at Kuchiki-san and the latter was overwhelmed with anger at him, but he decided to hold back. In some ways he was winning over this little genius, namely with his post. Albeit slightly, it lifted his spirits, and also Sakura's presence at their graduation. The girl gave them symbolic graduation gifts. For Toushirou the gift was a turquoise scarf, to which he sarcastically replied that he wasn't chilly enough to wear a scarf in the heat. Sakura simply shut him up by tying the scarf around his mouth. She gave Byakuya a kenseikan with three slits. He already had a kenseikan with two slits that his grandfather had given him, but he couldn't help but accept the girl's gift, especially when such a thing wasn't easy to get, as they were only made for aristocrats.
Byakuya grew happier every time Sakura visited him at the academy, brightening his days. Kuchiki enjoyed the girl's company and he would spend the whole day together with her. When such thoughts began to visit him, the boy couldn't understand what it was, nor could he understand the fact that he waited with bated breath for them to meet. The closer they got, the brighter the emotions became and at one point Byakuya realized that he liked Sakura. Not as a girlfriend or sister, but as a girl. He began to notice more often how beautiful her green eyes were and how her white hair matched them perfectly. He was more embarrassed to notice such details, though he had noticed it before, but now it was more pronounced. Perhaps feelings had begun to build up in him because of Sakura's warm attitude towards him, but that in no way negates what he has now. Kuchiki is ready to accept these feelings and confess to the lieutenant when he gains more confidence. He's even willing to say no, but only if Sakura finds out about his love.
***
After taking over as Lieutenant, Byakuya could finally wear Sakura's gift, which Toushirou didn't, saying it was a rag useless in the summertime, but the girl understood him and was just waiting for the colder temperatures that would make her brother wear the gift. The position of lieutenant carried with it a lot of work, both in the world of the living and in Squad Six. After each mission, a report had to be written or paperwork filled out. Byakuya disliked the paperwork, preferring to fight the empty ones and appease the souls of stranded souls rather than sit in an office. He brightened his drab routine with the evenings when Sakura came to visit him, especially if Toshiro wasn't around, who liked to exchange non-left words with Byakuya, but Kuchiki was used to him as well. Toushirou had become a kind of friend with whom he could argue and compete. Byakuya liked to spend his days like this, enjoying the company and companionship, and was willing to gather like this always.
Sakura and Byakuya were sitting on the roof of the fourth squad building where the lieutenant was working late and Kuchiki went to her himself with a bottle of sake. It had been so long since they had sat and looked at the moon that it reminded them of their first time sitting on Kuchiki's estate. Nostalgia brought a smile to Hitsugai's lips and a slight blush from the alcohol. In the bright moonlight, Sakura's hair looked even more beautiful and vibrant. Byakuya stared at the girl and, evidently because of the effects of the alcohol, had the courage to say so:
- I love you, Sakura, - A moment of silence, only the cicadas chirping, and the girl quickly shifted her surprised gaze to the guy. - I love you, not as a friend or sister, but as a man loves a woman, - Byakuya continued to say, taking his gaze away, examining the filled cup and drinking it in a volley.
Sakura gently took Byakuya's chin and returned his attention to her. Her face began to draw closer and Kuchiki, eyes squeezed shut, expected a forehead to forehead strike, but it didn't come. Only warm lips touched his forehead and lasted only a few seconds. As soon as the lieutenant pulled away she looked straight into Byakui's eyes.
- I can't answer you now. Just wait a little while. - Sakura answered him briefly, lowering her eyes guiltily and filling a cup of sake.
They sat in silence for the remaining hours.
***
Their meetings became less frequent because of that night and Byakuya berates himself for confessing to Sakura. He thinks she was embarrassed after the confession and that she didn't want to offend him, telling him to wait for her answer. Their little meetings were limited to greetings, and at the lieutenants' meetings Hitsugaya looked anywhere but at him, which saddened him even more.
The next meeting of lieutenants ended with everyone deciding to take a break from their work and have a few drinks, and no one was against the idea, after all everyone needed a break.
The merry-making continued until deep into the night and Byakuya, watching Sakura, was already aware that the fourth squad's lieutenant was drunk. She had fallen asleep right over the cup, but was trying her best to remain conscious. Kuchiki sat down in the vacant seat next to the girl and simply rested her head on his shoulder, showing that she could sleep. When Sakura's head changed perspective she wasn't quite sure what had happened, but looking up she saw Byakuya, who kindly offered his shoulder.
- Byakuya-ya, - she stretched his name, getting his attention, - thank you. - A nod from the guy and an awkward silence. - You're such a nice guy, caring. I like you so much. - The last sentence for Kuchika sounded like a thunderbolt from out of the blue. His feelings are mutual. - But grow up. When you grow up, you'll meet an even prettier girl than me.
Those words went over his ears with an unpleasant rattle. Sakura thought his feelings were frivolous and that he would fall in love with someone else because she wasn't good enough. He felt bad for the two of them. For Sakura for thinking he was an unworthy partner and for himself, whom his beloved mistook for a child. But he would prove the significance of his feelings.
***
Byakuya would no longer be able to prove her love to Sakura, for now her body lay breathless in the fourth unit. The colour of her face blended with her hair, and the white cloth was all stained with blood. Her blood. Somewhere off to the side to the whole squad screams, almost panting, Toushirou and is stopped from getting any closer to his sister by Matsumoto Rangiku holding both his hands. Tsunade also rages, sweeping and smashing everything in her path as she rages and cries in grief as if she has lost her own child. Unohana stands silent in one place, just staring at her lieutenant's body. Byakuya himself is as if in a trance, standing and looking at the face of the girl who just a day ago was smiling at him with a blush on her cheeks. He feels as if he is in a vacuum, so he faintly hears what is around him, he is shaking all over, and then a lump comes into his throat, which comes out along with vomit. He can't believe what's happening. He just wanted to visit Sakura as usual, but he heard shouting, which is what he came running to. He hadn't expected to see such a picture. He remotely hears Tsunade ready to strangle those shinigami with her own hands, but she tries to calm her down Unohana, who says that council 46 will deal with the pustified shinigami, but she sprinkles them with every word she knows, saying that they won't even find the culprit. Byakuya hears, but he's still shaking and his breathing is getting heavier, and his eyes are starting to burn with tears, which are now mixed with vomit. He hates the pustified shinigami, but even more so the one who made those shinigami. He screamed out of desperation. Screaming because his emotions were whipping around. Screaming, realizing that he never became a strong shinigami who could protect the one he loved.
***
Byakuya met Hisana. It was the girl who seemed so fragile and tender to him. Her eyes shone with affection and love for him. She brightened his lonely days and awakened in him the feelings he had felt when he was a lieutenant, when he was in love with Sakura.
Since then he had not experienced vivid emotions. He became calmer and devoted himself to self-improvement. His last vivid emotion was when he was at Hitsugai Sakura's funeral, he watched her body being burned and cried softly so only he himself could hear his last moments of weakness. He hadn't given himself any such liberties since then. He trained, prepared to become a head, wasted no time on small talk, only important talk. Byakuya still wore Sakura's gift in memory of her. Occasionally he crossed paths with Toshiro, but they never got beyond a greeting. It was as if they were just acquaintances. Hitsugaya had grown colder, but his temper hadn't gone anywhere. He too was in mourning. Only once could Kuchiki see Toushirou wearing a scarf, a gift from Sakura. It was a cold night and involuntarily Byakuya decided to visit his old friend, but his desire was interrupted by the picture of Hitsugaya wrapping his scarf around his nose, just a second and tears in his eyes and the boy hears her calling for her sister.
After meeting Hisana, Byakuya had stopped wearing the kenseikan given to him by Sakura, as he thought it was rude to wear the gift of a previous beloved girl when he had a new lover. So the hairpin lay in a separate box in a drawer, hidden from prying eyes.
Hisana became a ray of salvation for Byakuya. She gave him love and care, he gave her in return as well, more discreetly. Despite the reproaches of the elders, he took her as his wife, though she was not an aristocrat. He took advantage of his position as head of the Kuchiki, and they turned a blind eye to this. No longer did Byakuya want to lose the man he loved. He wanted them to be connected. He would not repeat past mistakes.
Apparently fate is playing a cruel joke on him for the second time. Hisane is getting worse due to illness and on her deathbed she asks to take care of her sister Rukiya, whom she has abandoned. Byakuya promises to comply with the request, and so with calmness Hisane leaves him. Then he could once again give vent to his feelings, mourning his beloved.
He once again begins to wear the hairpin given to him by Sakura.
After some time, he finds Rukiya at the academy and accepts her into the family. He is willing to be responsible for this girl, if that is what Hisane wishes. He remembers Sakura, who was Toushirou's older sister and how she took care of him. Kuchiki would like to be a good big brother to this girl.
***
Byakuya tries to be cool-headed. The night helps him do this. He must follow the rules. But he has promised Hisana to take care of Rukia, and now he is sentencing her to execution. He can't back down from his principles, he has to be stronger, not give in to his emotions.
A surge of familiar reatsu went through his body. Byakuya hadn't felt it in years and he shouldn't have. That reatsu belonged to Sakura, whom he had already buried in his heart years ago. Perhaps his brain had decided to play a joke on him, but it wasn't the most fortunate, had his thoughts on the treasury led him to this. All right. It will be done with tomorrow. It will all be over tomorrow.
Apparently his brain wasn't messing with him when he felt Sakura's reatsu as she was now here right in front of the execution site holding Rukiya on her shoulder. Sakura looked the same, only her hair was now pink, which further emphasized her name. The girl's gaze lingered on him as well, but she disappeared into the act.
Byakuya needs to deal with the main intruder, Kurosaki Ichigo.
He's losing. Kuchiki Byakuya loses to the temporary shinigami and his pride has been hurt. He's been training all these years and apparently for nothing. Byakuya is ready to take the final blow, but all he hears is the thump of steel against steel. Kuchiki focuses his vision and sees the pink top of his head. Sakura wasn't as small as Hisana, but now Kuchiki could see how much he had grown since that time and how much water had flowed. The girl shouted at Ichigo to stop swinging his sword and that she would deal with Kuchiki Byakuya herself. Kurosaki quickly agreed, asking where she had left Rukiya and the temporary shinigami went in search of her. Byakuya could no longer stand on his feet due to fatigue and began to fall backwards, but there was no hitting the ground with his back, only someone's arms gently hugging him.
- It's been a long time, Byakuya, - the man's name was spoken so fondly that Kuchika's lips quivered. It had been so long since he had heard her voice.
Sakura proceeded to treat herself in parallel telling about her life in Karakuro, how she met Urahara and that he helped her become a shinigami again and how wild the training was, telling how she met Rukiya and that she liked the girl a lot.
- But as soon as I remembered Gotei, I realized I missed you and Toshiro. You've grown so much. Toshiro even became captain, Rukia told me. How quickly everything changes. Even your temper, - Sakura placed emphasis on the last words and Byakuya understood what she meant, for as a young man he would not do such things to his, though not his own, sister. The treatment stopped and the girl helped him stand up. - We need to find Eisen. He set this whole thing up. I'm sure of it.
- Aizen Sousuke is dead, the culprit has not been found.
Sakura looked at him with mute shock, not understanding his words. She's sure he's alive and somewhere he's building more intrigues.
And so her expectations are fulfilled. As soon as Rukia appears at her place of execution, Aizen grabs her and takes the hogyoku from Rukia. As soon as the desired was obtained Aizen tried to kill the girl he was prevented by Byakuya, who covered his sister with his body. He didn't care if Rukia lived or not, he got what he wanted and could now head back to his base.
The battle was lost, but the war was not over yet.
***
Kuchiki wakes up on the sickbay couch with no one around. He hears someone's footsteps and at the same moment the door opens and Sakura walks in with apples.
- Are you awake already? - She sits down beside him and starts to peel the fruit.
She holds the peeled slice to Byakui's lips and waits until he allows himself to be fed. At first Kuchiki resists this, but then still submits, allowing him to show his concern. The apples were quite sweet, which couldn't be happier. He hadn't paid attention to taste in food for a long time. Sakura proceeded with the next fruit and Byakuya only looked at her. She was still just as beautiful, no longer the pale, exsanguinated skin she'd had then, her cheeks blazing with blush, and herself humming some popular song from the world of the living. Kuchiki loved watching this. He hadn't seen Sakura for so long, and hadn't felt cared for in so long, that it made him feel warmer at heart.
- I met up with Toushirou. He never grew up haha. - Sakura started to talk about her meeting her brother and how she was hell to see him, but he decided that she was an illusion created by Aizen. - Toshiro started crying, realising I was real.
She finished peeling and slicing all the apples and starting to feed them to Byakaya. She had a gentle smile on her face and sad eyes from realising she had been gone for so long. Everything had changed so much.
- You know, and I still love you, - Byakuya choked on a bite of apple at those words. - I know you were married and probably don't love me anymore, but I wanted you to know about my feelings, which I was never able to say directly. Thank you for meeting you and thank you for once loving me.
Nerves made Sakura start rubbing her fingers and was about to get up and leave, but Byakuya took her hand and kissed the back of it. The slightly dry skin of her lips touched the skin of Sakura's hand and this kiss was so gentle that she ignored the slightly ticklish sensation.
- I tried to bury my feelings for you after you died and I almost succeeded. I loved Hisana as much as I loved you, but my feelings resurrected, just as you did.
Kuchiki tried to make a joke like he did back then and he succeeded, in a peculiar way, but he succeeded. Sakura smiled and tears began to flow down her cheeks. She didn't know what it was about but she tried to move them away quickly. Byakuya began to kiss the trail of tears on her cheeks and the girl began to smile and laugh even more. Their gazes met and with their heads slightly tilted they touched their foreheads. They sat like this for a minute until Sakura decided to kiss Byakaya on the lips, which she did and he didn't mind. Both covered their eyes and enjoyed the moment of solitude, their moments of reunion. The kiss was interrupted and their eyes met again. Both with a blush on their cheeks, they smiled at each other as they had once done long ago and intertwined their fingers together as they continued their kiss.