Waterfall Eclipse

Captain Kuchiki

Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Captain Kuchiki

Rani laid her Asauchi on her lap and it quickly transformed into the katana as she started to focus her energy and meditate.

"It's been a while, Rani."

"I know. I am sorry Taki Nisshoku. A lot has been happening."

"I am aware. You tried to end your life just to get away from the Gotei 13. I heard your apologetic thought as you did so."

"Are you mad?"

"No. You had your reasons why. You were protecting your family the only way you thought you could."

"I am glad you aren't mad at me."

"And I am glad you are still alive and training better than ever with me. I am enjoying going up against Zabimaru and Sode no Shirayuki."

"I am glad you are enjoying that. Today you are going against Senbonzakura"

"Really? That will be interesting. I really want to go up against Hyorinmaru, though."

"Captain Hitsugaya's zanpakuto? Really?"

"Yes, it would be fun. Ice against water, but you aren't ready for that yet. I want to go up against his Bankai."

"I am definitely not ready for that."

"I am glad you are aware of that, Rani. Are you okay?"

"I was thinking about something."

"Oh?"

"Wasn't I supposed to battle you to find out your name? To prove I was worthy?"

"Technically, yes. However, I knew you were worthy before you even learned about Jinzen. You were determined and stubborn."

"And that was the basis on just giving me your name?"

"Yes. I won't let it be that easy for when the time comes for Bankai, however."

"I understand, and I am glad about that."

"Now, Senbonzakura, huh? So Captain Kuchiki is training today?"

"Yes. He told me not too long ago."

"This may be an interesting fight."

"How am I supposed to fight him without getting seriously injured? When he scatters Senbonzakura, it's crazy."

"We can do it. It will take some practice, but we can do it."

"In one day?"

"No. Even though you have become stronger, we won't be able to do it just yet."

"Okay."

Rani slowly came out of her meditation and focused on the figure that was standing before her.

"Captain Kuchiki." She said startled after her sight became normal.

"Hello, Tómasu. I am surprised you are this early here." He commented as she stood up and bowed.

"I had nothing better to do. And I find it peaceful here, even though it's a practice field."

He nodded as he pulled out his blade and placed it in front of his face. Rani's eyes got wide.

"No way! He's not going to jump right in, is he?" she asked herself as she quickly backed away.

"Scatter – Senbonzakura."

Rani did not have time to think. She quickly used the Hoho technique Utsusemi to create an image of herself before appearing behind her captain and taking out her blade.

"Rush – Taki Nisshoku." She commanded having her zanpakuto transform into the whip. She pulled her arm back and pushed it forward flicking her wrist to try and stop her captain.

Captain Byakuya was stunned at her quick thinking, but expected something of the nature. He used his knowledge in Kido to create a Bakudo 39 Arc shield so that he would block her attack.

"Not bad, but you are going to have to do better."

Rani gulped as she brought back her whip.

"I thought I had you." She replied then formed a smirk on her face.

"Don't think. Just attack. If you spend too much time thinking of scenarios, you will be defeated in battle."

As he was lecturing her, she was still smirking since she was carefully chanting the spell for Bakudo 61 somewhat quietly. Suddenly, he was held in place, immobile, by the six, wide beams of light. She then flung her whip again and got a hold of his right wrist, or so she thought.

"Remember that I know Kido and Hoho too." He suddenly said from behind.

She suddenly turned around realizing he had just used the same technique. He was about to strike her with his blade, but her quick thinking blocked him.

Rani could not think of a way to defeat him. He was a captain after all, but there had to be a way. She hoped he wouldn't completely injure her before calling it quits. She then looked at her surroundings. She could see some of the squad lining up to watch.

"Damn. We have an audience." She thought to herself and then looked at him.

"I see them too. They'll get theirs in a minute."

Rani quietly laughed as a smile formed on her face.

"That's right, they should be working." She thought to herself as he was bringing his blade in front of his face again.

Rani wasn't completely quick enough to dodge Senbonzakura. She was able to, however, put up a Bakudo 39 Arc Shield to protect her just a little bit.

"Damn!" She said as she fell to the ground. She quickly sat up to assess her damage. A few wounds on her arms, and a small one on her cheek. "God I hate the sight of blood." She mumbled.

Captain Kuchiki walked over to her as he placed Senbonzakura in its sheath. He outstretched his hand and she took it as she stood up.

"Ow." She said as she put pressure on her right ankle. She looked at it and cringed.

"I'll help you get to the Squad Four Barracks." The captain said, feeling guilty.

"No need, Captain Kuchiki." He turned around startled at the sight of seeing Captain Unohana before him. "I trust you didn't mean to let this fight get this far." She said calmly walking past him and getting to Rani, whom she motioned to sit back down.

"No."

"Captain, it's fine. Really. This is what Shikai training with you is, isn't it?" Rani rhetorically asked him as Captain Unohana quickly treated her. "I bet you're sick of seeing me." She partly jokingly asked the Squad Four captain.

"At least I am treating you in your squad barracks and you are conscious." She replied as she wrapped Rani's ankle in gauze. "The blood has stopped, but she is to be on extreme light duty since it might open up again. Am I understood?" The two nodded in agreement.

After Captain Unohana left, he helped Rani up again, and to her dorm, but not before sending a Hado 33 towards the gawking Shinigami.