53 Byakuya (1/2)

”Sorry captain Unohana, just need you for assurance”

Itsuki then told her to sit on the other side of Hisana and have her medical kido ready. Byakuya looked suspicious for this arrangement but still decided to trust Itsuki.

What Itsuki did next, shocked the living daylights out of them. They never expected him to do anything like this, no matter how many different ways they thought he would help her.

Activating his eyes, Itsuki unsheathed his sword and stabbed Hisana's chest right in the middle, not all the way though. Just the tip had entered and was quickly retracted, still Byakuya was shocked.

”ITSUKI!!!”

Byakuya immediately sent a fist towards Itsuki when he saw this. He couldn't think properly; the love of his life was stabbed right in front of him by his best friend. Itsuki dodged the strike and jumped back.

”Byakuya(-Sama), wait”

Two voices interrupted him as he looked behind, Hisana was okay and there was no blood coming out of her. You could tell she was in shock as someone just stabbed her in front of her eyes. What was more shocking was that she didn't feel anything.

”She's getting better, her illness is gone, it's dying out”

Hisana did indeed have a better expression on her face. Looking towards her husband a joyous smile surfaced on her. She wouldn't be a burden to him anymore. Byakuya also had a rare smile on his face when he looked at his wife. He also felt sorry towards his friend that he doubted for a second there. Turning around, he was about to apologise when a fist came flying towards him.

Itsuki's fist hit him right in the nose, sending him flying towards the courtyard outside. Hisana and Unohana were shocked at first but then started giggling. Looking back at Itsuki, they realised that he was already gone.

Unohana then also took her leave and left the couple alone. Remembering that strike, she couldn't wait to have another spar with him.

Returning back to his division, Itsuki saw Soi Fon barking orders one by one.

Soi Fon was still hard working and staunch like in the anime, yet it lessened due to the presence of Itsuki. After giving out these orders, she returned to do her paperwork. Sneaking behind her, Itsuki put his arms around her and pulled her into a hug while blowing into her ears.

A deep blush immediately appeared on her face as she jumped out like a cat when her tail's been stepped on.

”W-w-what d-do you t-think you're d-doing?”

A teasing smirk was plastered on Itsuki's face. This annoyed Soi Fon as she tried to kick but failed as he appeared behind her and rubbed her head. This time she didn't react as she melted with that touch. Realising that she was caving she immediately jumped back to her seat and distracted herself with paperwork although she did take a few glances at Itsuki.

Soi Fon felt inferior when she compared herself to Rangiku. No matter if it was looks, figure or feminine charm she felt she was losing out. She also knew that Rangiku had been with Itsuki even before they joined the academy. Thinking about all these aspects, put her in a massive disadvantageous position.

However, she didn't give up and this was noticed by Rangiku. Realising her feelings, Rangiku had confronted Soi Fon and they were out for like a day. This was a day where Itsuki was in the library, so he never knew that this meeting had happened. It was only until later where they would meet frequently before and after their women association meetings that Itsuki found out. Still, whatever was stated in that confrontation, Itsuki had no idea of what its contents was.

Walking out, he looked over the 2nd Division HQ and saw many people training. Everything was the same, but the intensity of the training and the general atmosphere was far from it. A solemn and strict atmosphere surrounded the place which only got heavier with the presence of Itsuki.

Each week, the Onmitsukido were required for field training and were let loose onto the outskirts to battle hollows, with nothing but a sword. Requirements for Shunpo also increased as he got his training idea from when he trained but only lighter. Rocks were thrown at the subordinates instead of weapons like what Yamamoto did to him.

A few weeks went by with Itsuki, with Hisana's health getting better and better, and Byakuya having endless gratitude within his eyes including a bit of resentment. Remembering that sword strike Itsuki did, he realised that Itsuki had be8en holding back in their spars.

During one of their spars, Byakuya questioned

”Since when?”

Itsuki looked on with a confused look, question marks appeared around him as he looked back at Byakuya,

Gritting his teeth, he finally let it out,

”Since when were you holding back?”

An understanding look flashed thorough Itsuki's eyes as he replied,

”Since the start”

This shocked Byakuya as he never expected that answer. Itsuki realised that he had hurt Byakuya's pride as he continued,

”Don't worry though, you've made me use more of my strength since then”

This instead made him more depressed

'I have never made him use his full strength'

”Let's have a spar with your full strength this time”

Itsuki just nodded as he got into a stance with Byakuya following.