Chapter 41 - The Noble and the Prodigy (2/2)
Byakuya and Ukitake look up to the sky where the reiatsu was coming from. Itachi also looked up and immediately recognized who was approaching.
”It's about time, Kurosaki Ichigo.” Itachi said as Ichigo landed. Ukitake looked surprised upon seeing Ichigo's face. 'Kaien…?!'
Ichigo runs past Rukia momentarily and checks up on Hanataro and Ganju before going back to her. ”I came to save you, Rukia.”
Rukia did not respond but continued to look at him with dreary eyes.
”Why are you making that face for? I came to rescue you so you should be happy!” Ichigo exclaimed.
”Dummy...I told you not to come...I forbade you…” Rukia replied, beginning to tear up. ”Now you're wounded everywhere...you dummy.”
”Get mad however you like later…” Ichigo responded. He turns around and faces Byakuya. ”After I defeat him!”
Itachi and Ukitake stand back as they prepare to watch Ichigo fight Byakuya. Ichigo notices Itachi and looks at him but Itachi shakes his head.
”You're not ready to fight him yet, Kurosaki.” Itachi said. Ichigo looked back at Itachi.
”I told you before, I'm not running away! I'm going to defeat Byakuya and drag Rukia out of here!” Ichigo yelled. He turns around and faces Rukia briefly. ”I'm not going to listen to what you say so don't bother, idiot!” Ichigo said, pointing a finger at Rukia.
”So you're just going to ignore the rescuee's opinion?! What kind of rescue attempt is this?!” Rukia retorted.
”Shut up! You're being rescued so stop babbling!” Ichigo yelled back. Rukia calmed down and regained her composure.
”You're still the same, ignoring everything I say…” Rukia said.
”Of course! You nag and worry about me when you should be worrying about yourself!” Ichigo turned back around and faced Byakuya again.
”So this is the guy you told me about...” Ukitake whispered, leaning in towards Itachi. Itachi replied with a nod and continued watching as Byakuya flared his reiatsu at Ichigo while walking towards him.
'He won't listen to reason. It's best to let him try. I will step in if needed.' Itachi thought.
”Not even a budge? It seems you've grown stronger. I don't know how you've acquired the power of a shinigami, but you should have returned to your life as a human...but now you're throwing your life away.” Byakuya commented as he walked towards Ichigo.
”I'm not throwing my life away. I'm going to defeat you, and then go home!” Ichigo declared.
Without another word, Byakuya vanished and reappeared behind Ichigo. As he draws his blade out to stab Ichigo from the back, Ichigo reacts in time and blocks it.
”I saw that, Kuchiki Byakuya!” Ichigo grinned.
”I see...you've improved much more than I thought. So let me show you the difference in our strength!” Byakuya raised his blade straight up in front of him.
”Scatter -” Byakuya is interrupted as his sword becomes wrapped in cloth. Everyone except Itachi is shocked when a slender, dark skinned woman appears in front of Byakuya.
”So that really was her you met!” Ukitake commented, remembering the briefing Itachi had given him prior to coming here.
”You…!” Byakuya looked at the woman in front of him surprised.
”Yoruichi.”