The broken heart

Enough

The following 2 weeks seemed like a moment and an eternity simultaneously. Considering the amount of pain the 6th Division Captain had gone through, it was no surprise that each day had posed a more significant challenge to keep going, to muster enough strength to crawl out of bed and follow the rigorous schedule. Yet, strangely enough, Byakuya's pride kept him going no matter what he had gone through.

The most unfortunate realisation of that period was how the nobleman perceived time. It would not have been an overstatement if he had said that he could no longer distinguish one day from another. Still, Kuchiki was willing to make this sacrifice if he had become stronger. In his mind, it was a bargain worth making.

Nonetheless, the raven-haired man was not someone who would openly complain. Hence, he endured whatever was thrown at him silently.

But sadly, this morning was no different. The nobleman woke up from a dreamless slumber, feeling a burning sensation spreading rapidly throughout his body. At first, the captain dismissed it as an unpleasant nuisance, but he was soon forced to change his mind. The man's initial attempt to stand up was utterly fruitless as he found his muscles too stiff and weak to support his weight. It felt miserable not to be able to stand up on his own.

It took Byakuya the better part of the next 5 minutes to raise his upper body to a sitting position. Finally, with this partial success, he decided to literally crawl out of bed, looking for something to support him. It is worth mentioning that this decision was only taken as he was alone in his own room. Otherwise, he would have never allowed anyone to see him in such a weak and pathetic state. But, nonetheless, all of this felt like a battle against his own body.

Another 10 minutes had passed before the nobleman found the strength to stand up. Though he had achieved his temporary goal, he felt exhausted, as if he had already been through his sparring session with Unohana. But that was yet to come.

Sadly, there was a seed of doubt residing in the man. Given his current state, he feared he might not be up to the challenge. After all, he did not want to waste his fellow captain's time. But, yet again, admitting his weaknesses was out of the question. So, in the end, he changed into his usual uniform before leaving the manor. Perhaps, it was just him, but the man felt like he was moving three times slower than normal. Nonetheless, the nobleman pressed forward despite all of these, readying himself to face whatever the first Kenpachi had planned for him.

Kuchiki arrived earlier, just like Unohana had asked him to. However, when he entered their sparring ground, it turned out that the 4th Division Captain was not there. That supposedly minor fact surprised the man. Even though he considered himself obsessed with perfection and punctuality, some of these cases could be freely translated to Retsu Unohana. As far as the man's memory could reach, he did not remember a single time the 4th Division leader would have been late. But, apparently, there always must be that first time. Hence, without any obvious alternative, Byakuya started fighting against his shadow. In the nobleman's head, there were two reasons for such a decision. First and foremost, there was absolutely no reason for him to waste any time even though his teacher was not there. Secondly, considering his current condition, it would be wise to warm up before confronting someone with such prowess as the first Kenpachi.

"I see you started already," Retsu's voice immediately filled the cold, empty cavern. "Are you ready?" she questioned after a few moments of pause. Although the precise question he had in mind was never uttered, Kuchiki noticed the subtle hesitation in the otherwise stoic woman.

"Yes," the raven-haired man responded quietly, nodding slightly. "Let's begin."

Unohana said nothing, instead unsheathing her sword and starting the onslaught.