Byakuya Kuchiki x Reader

Chapter Three

You know it will take some time for your now ex-subordinates to bring your things, so you head towards the training ground, eager to strengthen your skills as much as possible.

As you train you wonder to yourself just how much stronger you'll need to become to earn your clan name back. Surely your clan elders know of your promotion already, yet no word has been sent.

You think over previous generations, and what they had accomplished before getting their names back. Some became captains, that would surely be enough, however that was still a long way away for you, given that all captain positions were already held.

Some others achieved great feats, defeating impossibly strong hollows or other enemies. Saving entire armies of soul reapers, all rare cases. It seemed impossible, but there was one thing you knew would put you on the fast track.

Your detestable older brother. The disgrace of the family. He did serious damage to your family's image, and committed serious crimes. If you could track him down and kill him... it would be perfect.

Deep in thought you hadn't even noticed, Byakuya had been walking by, and stopped. Curious about your abilities, he watched as you trained, fighting the air, pushing your speed to its limits. But before you could react two soul reapers appeared before you with their flash step.

"Y/N, we have finished bringing your things to your room" one said bowing deeply. Both the men looked star struck, blushing and smiling like girls meeting their celebrity crush. You smirked to yourself, you enjoyed the way they got so flustered just to talk to you.

"Very good, thank you boys" you shot a flirty smile at them.
"I- I know we're not in the same squad anymore Y/N but... please let us help you anytime you need... just- just send us a butterfly and we'll do whatever you ask!" The other man begged.

"Of course, now off you go" you continued to smile at them, knowing full well you'd probably never actually do that. The two men bowed again and scampered off.

That's when you turned your attention to your captain as he began approaching you. You hoped he didn't take any notice of that interaction.
"Captain" you announced with a bow "What brings you here?"
"I was simply passing by, I thought I'd see your skills for myself"
"Yes Captain, shall I continue then?"
"No need, I saw enough. But those two, what was that about?" He eyed you, his expression impossible to read.

Byakuya kept his demeanour steady, however he was feeling something, he couldn't pinpoint what that feeling was but he didn't like it.

"Oh... they are just some subordinates of mine from division two" you reply, trying to downplay the interaction.
"They seem particularly fond of you.." Byakuya kept a steady voice, trying to sound as uninterested as he could.

"Yes Captain, I suppose I was quite popular in my old squad. But not to worry, it won't interfere with my duties to division six" you spoke with confidence, trying to subtly reassure your captain. You assumed that was his concern.

"Good, then while I'm here I might as well test your abilities out myself, you won't know what you need to work on if you only train alone"

You're a little surprised by the sudden suggestion, but more than happy to spar with a captain. After all, someone like Byakuya is perfect to train against, he's someone who won't go easy and won't coddle you and tell you what you want to hear. Captain Soi fon was the same, and you owe it to that fact that you are as strong as you are now.

"Yes Captain, would your prefer hand to hand or shall we use our zanpakto?"
Byakuya takes a moment to contemplate the decision before replying "for today we will stick with hand to hand, I'd like to see how you hold up as an expert in it"

"Yes Captain" you reply, moving into position on the dirt training arena. Byakuya moves into position as well, standing some distance away. He stands still, hands at his sides, he doesn't appear ready however he gives a nod to signal you to begin.

In a flash you charge forward, swinging your right fist towards his side, and he blocks it with ease. Your left hand counters from above, down towards his shoulder.

He side steps, and misreads your next move. You duck low and swing out your right foot, catching his ankle. Though the kick makes contact, the force isn't enough to throw off his balance and he very slightly winces in pain. For a moment you pause, feeling a little guilty that you hurt him, despite that fact this is a sparring match.

Byakuya takes advantage of your hesitation, and lands his own blow into your left side, as he moves to throw a second blow you jump high into the air, dodging the attack while simultaneously setting up your next move.

As you fall you extend your leg, aiming down onto his shoulder. As he prepares to block your leg, you bend your knee, pushing your foot off his hand.

You flash behind him with your hand flying towards his face from the side. But it connects with his wrist. Then you react fast and throw your left hand down into his shoulder, impacting him hard. His attempt to block is too slow and he catches your left hand after it's already struck.

Your feet hit the ground, forcing your arm upwards, still held by your captains hand. You freeze as you notice that your hand is lightly resting against his face, his skin is so soft and warm, it doesn't match his personality at all.

Byakuya peers over his shoulder to look at you for a moment before letting go. He turns to face you.
"You're impressive, I can see why you've earned that expert title. It won't take much more for you to become a master of hand to hand"

"Thank you Captain " you say with a bow. Your breath is becoming slightly laboured and Byakuya notices.
"You should work on your stamina, that'll be enough for now"

"Yes Captain I'll work on it"

"I'll be sure to let you know if I have some free time to spar again, I think we can both learn from each other". A smile spreads across your face.
"Thank you Captain I'd love to spar again sometime"

"You should go check on your things now, don't trust those two with your belongings so easily.."
Puzzled by his comment you bow again and watch as your captain walks away.

He doesn't seem as scary as other people have described, sure he is very stoic and has a kind of rigidity to the way he speaks, but he certainly doesn't seem cruel or mean in anyway.

You blush a little as you recall moments ago, when you both seemed to pause with your hand resting on his cheek. For a moment you begin to wonder if his heart skipped a beat like yours, but before you can even complete the thought in your mind you shake it away. Focus. You must focus on becoming stronger.