Chapter 31: Kuchiki Byakuya 1/2

AN: Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well.

On my deviant art I attempted to color in Kinji's Zanpakuto and Kishin's Zanpakuto. You can check those out on my deviant art page author named: Onetim3. Again, I am not an artist and my drawings and coloring and whatnot are shabby, but I tried my best. There will be an updated picture of Kishin as well, but not until we reach a certain future Chapter in the story.

Also, I try to respond to everyone's reviews if I can, but if not then I apologize. And the reviews by the way seem to be getting delayed on Fanfiction. The story will update with a new review, but the review itself won't be viewable to me until 3-4 days later. Not sure if this is a technical problem with the site or if this is how its supposed to be...but its been doing that for awhile now, just thought I'd share that.

Anyways, as always, thanks for your continued support!

Vocabulary Terms:

*Baka (Bakamono) = Fool/Idiot

*Onii-sama = Big Brother

*Obasan = Aunt

*Chappy = Most popular soul candy with a cutesy personality and depicted as a bunny.

*Ryoka = Traveling Evil(s)/ outsiders not associated with the Seireitei

*Senzaikyu = Palace of Penitence/Repentance Palace

*Sekkiseki = Spirit reducing stone, a special mineral with properties that allows it to repel all reiryoku.

*Shakonmaku = Soul-Warding Membrane. A large spherical barrier surrounding the Seireitei that vaporizes any reishi that tries to pass through the barrier.

*Sokyoku = Twinned Punishment. A giant halberd currently sealed on the Sokyoku Hill and used to execute nefarious criminals of the Soul Society.

*Seijotokyorin = Tranquil Forest of Residential Towers. The living quarters of the Central 46 members that is completely forbidden to all except the members of the Central 46.

*Daireishokairo = Great Spirit Book Gallery. A repository of all the knowledge and history of the Soul Society with restricted access to very few. Even many Captains are unaware of its inner workings.

Reading the story:

-Scene change: "888"

-Rated M Scene: "XXX"

-Hello, how are you? (Someone in their own thoughts)

-Hello how are you? (Zanpakuto Spirit speaking in a Shinigami's mind)

-"Hello, how are you doing?"(Hollow Ichigo taking over Ichigo's body and speaking)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 31

Bam!

A giant rock formation was instantly smashed into pieces casting various earthy debris into the air as dashing sounds of two individuals moving around the secret underground training ground could be heard.

Whoosh!

Shing!

Boom!

Kishin smirked and did a backflip in the air before landing perfectly unharmed on the ground opposite of Ichigo. "You missed again."

Ichigo clicked his tongue in annoyance and tightened his grip around his Zanpakuto. "Bastard. Quit moving around!"

"Hahaha! Your skill with Shunpo has gotten better. I'll give you that, but you're still a far cry away from being able to use it effectively against someone of the Captain class."

Ichigo frowned in irritation as a thick vein popped on his forehead. "Oh yeah? Well then how about this?!" He placed his Zanpakuto in front of him and with his left hand, braced it along his stretched out right arm as he shouted, "Ban...Kai!"

WHAM!

An enormous amount of reiatsu shot out from Ichigo's body and filled the entirety of the underground training hall as dust and debris kicked up into the air. For several long seconds Kishin's vision was obscured from all the debris circulating the surrounding area. When it finally cleared he took note of Ichigo's new form. The top of his shihakusho had transformed into a black slim fitted long coat with the inside colored red whilst still retaining the regular look of the bottom half of his hakama. The giant Zanpakuto in Ichigo's hands that denoted his Shikai had now drastically transformed into the size of what seemed like a regular Zanpakuto long sword completely black in color with some red diamond patterns engraved on the hilt of the blade. A small broken black chain hung loosely at the end of the pommel and the guard had four prongs bent out of shape in the form of the manji. He then heard Ichigo say with confidence in his voice, "Tensa Zangetsu."

Kishin raised his eyebrow in curiosity as he took a moment to feel out the presence being emitted from Ichigo's body. "Tensa Zangetsu huh? The name of your Zanpakuto's Bankai. A pretty impressive aura. Since we've got some time left before the execution why don't you show me what you've got."

Ichigo frowned and pointed his blade at Kishin. "Fine with me, but still not gonna draw your Zanpakuto?"

"For someone like you who just learnt how to activate his Bankai?" Kishin then smirked and placed his right palm out in front of him. "Hado #79: Buki Henkan." In mere moments a burst of crimson reiatsu flowed out from Kishin's hand and into the shape of a red colored standard sized katana. Kishin swung it once to the side causing the wind to whistle as his blade cut the air. "This will be enough to take you on."

Ichigo frowned, gripping the hilt of his Zanpakuto tighter. Even after entering his Bankai he couldn't help but feel as if he was staring at an endless void not knowing if there was ever an end to the darkness. He thought that after learning Bankai that he'd be able to bridge the gap between him and Kishin's power and see just how much further he needed to walk before he caught up, but a bead of sweat dripped down the side of his forehead as he realized that he was still too ignorant of how powerful Kishin truly was. Even in the face of his Bankai Kishin remained unfazed. It really made him wonder where Kishin got his confidence from. On top of that Kishin continued to pull out more and more tricks and abilities out of nowhere that he didn't even know was possible. In all honesty it reminded Ichigo a bit of Urahara and how that hat n'clogs never seemed to be backed into a corner.

Kishin smirked and motioned with his pointer finger for Ichigo to attack. "What're you waiting for? Scared?"

Ichigo grit his teeth and retorted, "Who'd be scared of you?! AHHH!"

Ting!

Kishin swung his Kido sword in front of him, blocking Ichigo's initial attack.

Clang! Cling! Clang!

He continued to block and parry every one of Ichigo's moves matching blow for blow with his Kido blade in hand. He blocked to his left and twisted his body swinging right for Ichigo's neck, however Ichigo was able to react in time and ducked his head to dodge.

FWISH!

The sound of Kishin's blade cutting the air echoed loudly in their ears. Ichigo attempted to counter by swinging his blade up diagonally towards Kishin's chest, but Kishin leaned to his right just enough to dodge the attack. He then struck out horizontally at Ichigo's chest causing Ichigo to dash back to dodge.

FWIIIP!

The sound of Kishin's blade tearing through Ichigo's shihakusho resounded in the training space. Just as Ichigo regained his footing he widened his eyes in shock as he noticed how the Kido sword in Kishin's hand had instantly transformed into a long spear. The long spear gave Kishin more reach as he stabbed forwards right for Ichigo's chest.

"UH!" Ichigo awkwardly leaned to his side, barely able to avoid the attack. It was then he was caught unprepared again as Kishin swung the spear at Ichigo's disoriented side, not giving him time to catch his breath.

"GUH!" Ichigo groaned out in shock as he instinctively brought his sword up to block.

BAM!

The sound of the two weapons clashing created a fierce whirlwind to generate at the center point of their intersection. Kishin grinned and tightened his grip on his spear as he firmly planted his feet on the ground and made a torquing motion with his body letting him overpower Ichigo's stance and sending him flying off into the distance.

Bam!

Boom!

Bam!

Crack!

Ichigo rolled several times through the air crashing into several giant boulders before being able to stabilize himself. His chest moved rapidly up and down as he worked to steady his breathing. Kishin nodded in approval as the weapon in his hands transformed once more into a katana. "Not bad. Your physical abilities have certainly drastically increased ever since you entered your Bankai."

Ichigo frowned feeling a bit dejected as he stood in the rubble of rocks beneath him. "Why? Why can't my speed keep up with you? I even entered Bankai."

Kishin looked on indifferently and said, "Isn't it obvious? In your base form you can't even read my speed. Entering Bankai may have boosted your overall power several times greater than what it normally is, however even then you're only slightly above the average Shunpo master. I'm simply better than that. I'm not your everyday run of the mil Captain class fighter. You're gonna have to train a lot harder and a lot longer if you want to catch me."

"Then what about your weapon? What the hell is it? Why did it transform?"

"Oh this?" He said while lifting up his blade. "This is an advanced Kido spell that lets me utilize my reiryoku to generate a weapon that can transform into many others. What do you think? Not as durable as a Zanpakuto, but still pretty useful wouldn't you agree?"

Ichigo frowned and got into another battle stance as he focused all of his attention on Kishin. "Tch. Not as durable you say? Then I'm gonna break it."

Not too far away was Yoruichi as she sat watching the two of them spar. She felt a bit nervous for Ichigo so she ventured to say, "Oi, Kishin. At least train him. Don't just beat him into the ground."

Kishin gave her a hesitant look before awkwardly scratching the side of his cheek. "Ahhh, what a pain, but fine. You're right that he needs to experience some sort of equal pressure if he's going to improve at all."

A thick vein popped on Ichigo's head as he glared at both Yoruichi and Kishin disapprovingly. "Oi! You both looking down on me?! Who says that I'd go down that easily?"

Kishin shook his head and blurred next to Ichigo near instantly causing Ichigo's heart to skip a beat in shock.

KLANG!

BAM!

"GUUUH!" Ichigo shouted as he barely had time to block Kishin's attack before crashing and rolling across the ground.

"You know you should really think before you talk. Those kinds of words are reserved for opponents of similar strength. Right now the words you should be saying are please teach me and I won't give up and thank you." Kishin simply remarked.

Yoruichi slapped her palm to her face as she whispered to herself, "How is that considered giving Ichigo equal pressure..."

Ichigo huffed and panted as he regained his footing. Once more he brandished his sword and Shunpo'd by Kishin's side striking out at Kishin's arm.

Fwish!

Kishin took one step back avoiding the attack and slashed upwards with his Kido blade. Ichigo quickly brought his sword down and blocked the attack before kicking out with his leg at Kishin's head.

Fwip!

"Uh?!" Ichigo let out in shock as Kishin easily caught his leg.

"Nice try." Kishin remarked as he swung Ichigo through the air several times before slamming him into the ground.

"GAH!" Spit and saliva came flying out from Ichigo's mouth as he felt the impact shake his entire being. Kishin didn't stop as he threw Ichigo into a giant boulder causing it to smash into nothing but rubble. Then following right after he appeared behind Ichigo and stabbed him in the right leg with his Kido blade.

Schlick!

"AHHH!" Ichigo screamed in pain.

Kishin smirked and placed his hand right on Ichigo's back preventing him from turning around. He then pulled out his blade and pushed Ichigo down into the ground slamming him into the rocky terrain.

BOOM!

A giant crater was formed as dust and rock debris flung out from the hole. Ichigo lay in the crater injured and bleeding and disoriented whilst Kishin stood atop of Ichigo's flattened body.

"What a disappointment. You even used your Bankai but is this all you can do? Come on now Ichigo. What happened to your Getsuga Tensho? Surely you can use your Shikai ability in Bankai right?"

As if Ichigo had been woken up from a stupor the light in his eyes shook in realization.

Uh? Getsuga Tensho? That's right! I still have Getsuga Tensho! How could I forget!

Ichigo groaned and swung backwards with his blade forcing Kishin to dash off of him and into the distance. He then struggled to stand and brandished his sword in hand as he fueled his reiatsu into his Zanpakuto. Immediately a fierce swirl of dark black reiatsu with a tint of red in it began to flow around his Zanpakuto. Ichigo glared at Kishin and said, "Thanks for reminding me, but you might regret it."

Kishin smirked and rested his Kido blade against his shoulder. "I'm glad you keep gaining more and more confidence, but so far that confidence hasn't done you any good against me. Might want to hold your tongue and speak after you land a hit on me. In fact, I'll allow your words if you can make me draw my Zanpakuto."

Ichigo gritted his teeth realizing that while he didn't like hearing what Kishin said, it remained a fact that Kishin really hadn't drawn his Zanpakuto the entire fight. In fact, Kishin didn't utilize his Shikai or Bankai while he was already in Bankai. It made his heart quicken and his stomach drop wondering just how much more powerful Kishin would be if he utilized his Zanpakuto. In the end he steeled his resolve and shouted, "Getsuga...TENSHO!"

ZING!

A giant black and red slash of reiatsu erupted from Ichigo's blade heading right for Kishin.

Kishin stared on unperturbed, and right before the black Getsuga could reach him, he Shunpo'd off into the distance avoiding any damage. It was then that Ichigo shouted once more, "Getsuga Tensho!"

ZING!

Another dark black Getsuga came crashing down at Kishin to which he smirked and dashed out of the way. A giant gaping trench was formed from where Ichigo's attack had landed causing Kishin to let out a whistle in approval. "Phew. Not bad not bad. A pretty fearsome attack. No doubt I'd sustain some serious injuries if I'm hit by something like that."

Ichigo frowned and heavily panted wondering how Kishin could still keep his cool. "You...huff...huff...you bastard. GETSUGA TENSHO!"

Once more Ichigo shot forth a giant black Getsuga at Kishin. This time Kishin didn't move and stared at the black Getsuga expectantly. Just as the attack arrived 8 meters in front of him he slashed out with his Kido blade and shouted, "Hado #78: Zangerin!"

FWOO-SWISH!

BOOM!

A crimson ringing slash of Kido crashed into a raging black slash of reiatsu causing a giant blast to occur in the surrounding space. A giant cloud of smoke spread into the air and obscured everyone's vision for several seconds before dissipating. Both Ichigo and Kishin were unharmed and left in the midst of the opposing attacks was a deep and giant trench. Kishin cocked his head to the side taking a moment to appreciate his work whilst Ichigo stood on the opposite side feeling a bit lost and dejected. His Bankai didn't work against Kishin nor did his strongest attack. He was at a loss for what to do.

How? How can he be this strong? Why? Even my Bankai isn't enough? Not even the Getsuga Tensho? He hasn't even drawn his Zanpakuto yet. He hasn't even used his Shikai. He hasn't even used Bankai.

Kishin noted Ichigo's look of dejection and silently pondered to himself. He instantly transformed his katana into a spear and said, "Heads up!"

"Huh?!" Ichigo responded, however it was too late. Kishin threw the spear in his hands right at Ichigo not giving him time to recollect himself.

PSH!

"AHHH!" Ichigo screamed as the spear pierced his left hand, however it didn't stop there. Kishin threw it with such speed and force that it dragged Ichigo through the air pinning him into a giant rock formation in the distance. Kishin then arrived before Ichigo and snatched away his sword before brandishing it in his hands and using it to stab Ichigo right in the center of his chest.

SCHLICK!

"AHHHH!" Ichigo screamed in agony as blood spilled out of his wound.

Yoruichi widened her eyes in shock and shouted in alarm, "Kishin! Stop! You're going to kill him!"

Just as she approached she stopped in her tracks as Kishin motioned for her not to move. "Don't interfere, Yoruichi. I know what I'm doing. Just watch."

Yoruichi felt conflicted, but in the end she refrained from interfering. Ichigo began to lose consciousness as his life force was leaving him.

Am I so much weaker compared to him? Yoruichi said that I've obtained a Captain's level of strength so why? Why can't I compare to him at all? Why am I losing?

You're weak!

An echoed high pitched voice spoke within Ichigo's head.

Huh? Who's talking?

Hahahaha! Kekekeke! Stand aside. I'll kill that bastard for you!

Wha-?!

Kishin furrowed his brow as he noticed a change happening to Ichigo. He was writhing and shouting seeming to be in agony. His reiatsu was starting to rise exponentially and some white reishi matter began to condense on the left side of his face. Kishin smirked and dashed back just as Ichigo gripped his own Zanpakuto that was impaled in his chest to slash out at Kishin.

WHAM!

Ichigo's attack missed hitting the ground by his side causing a giant crater to form from a single swing. Yoruichi widened her eyes in shock and stammered, "D-Don't tell me! I-Is he Hollowfying?!"

Kishin placed his hand on the hilt of his Zanpakuto and nodded. "That's right. You should know that he had that potential already."

Yoruichi nodded and grit her teeth. "I knew it was possible, but I didn't think it'd happen so soon. This is bad. If he can't control it th-"

Kishin waved his hand in the air to cut her off. "There's no time for him to train in his Hollowfication, but I needed to bring it out. He needed to experience it at least once so he knows what the sensation is like."

It was at that moment that a loud eerie cackle interrupted their conversation as Ichigo stood with half a mask on his face in the distance seeming to have lost his marbles. "Hahahaha! I'm free! Hahaha! Yo! Ichigo! You suck! You have no idea how to control and utilize the power of your Bankai! You're letting your reiatsu crush your own body!" He then turned to stare at Kishin and dashed with incredible speed shouting, "I'll get rid of this guy for you! Hahaha! Getsuga Tensho!"

ZING!

Kishin smirked and shook his head disappearing right before he could be hit by the black Getsuga.

"HUH?!" Masked Ichigo stared disbelievingly as Kishin had Shunpo'd with even greater speed than he had ever used before when they fought previously. It was then Masked Ichigo heard Kishin's voice behind him. "Only half a mask? Not enough to beat me."

"KEH!" Masked Ichigo shouted in alarm attempting to slash his blade behind him, however Kishin was faster and kicked Masked Ichigo into the ground.

BOOM!

Another large crater was formed from where Masked Ichigo laid sprawled out like a pancake. As Kishin was falling down to the ground Masked Ichigo turned around and slashed upwards shouting in his Hollow voice, "Getsuga Tensho!"

Kishin smirked and finally unsheathed his Zanpakuto shouting back, "Saku, Sekiken Zansatsu!" His Zanpakuto instantly transformed into its Shikai release state firing out a powerful blade of crimson blooded reiatsu. He fueled his blade with just enough power to cancel out Masked Ichigo's attack.

BOOM!

A giant plume of smoke erupted into the air. Kishin narrowed his eyes and noted the disturbance in one part of the smokescreen. It was then that Masked Ichigo appeared heading right towards him. Kishin quickly swung his sword to the right blocking an attack from Masked Ichigo before sliding his blade down aiming to cut Ichigo's throat.

SHING!

FWISH!

A loud screeching sound echoed in the area from their grinding blades before the sound of the wind being cut followed suit as Masked Ichigo had managed to duck backwards to avoid being hit. Masked Ichigo quickly backflipped midair to reorient himself to face Kishin, but by then Kishin had already appeared before Masked Ichigo and placed his palm against his face.

"UH!" Masked Ichigo exclaimed in shock with his Hollow voice.

Kishin's face remained indifferent as he shoved Masked Ichigo through the air throwing him into several tens of giant boulders.

BAM! BOOM!

CRASH! BANG!

Thud!

Kishin arrived right in front of Masked Ichigo's flattened form on the ground and said nonchalantly, "What's wrong Ichigo? You gonna let yourself be controlled like this? A bit pathetic don't you think? You trained to obtain your Bankai all this time just to have it stolen out of your control soon after."

Masked Ichigo groaned and struggled to crawl back into a standing position. He glared at Kishin with anger and hate and prepared for his next attack, but then he paused as if paralyzed in place. His hand reached for his mask and started to pull it off.

Get out!

"AGH! N-No! What do you think you're doing?! Ichigo you damn fool!"

I said BEAT IT!

"AHHH! Stop it! The only way you stand a chance is to let me take over! You idiot! Sto-"

AAAAAHHHH! OUT!

PSHHH!

With one last final pull Ichigo tore the mask clean off of his face causing the mask to disintegrate into dust.

"Phew!" He breathed out a sigh of relief. He returned his attention to Kishin while struggling to hold his sword. "Sorry about that...I'm ready."

Kishin just stared at Ichigo's frame for a few moments before laughing. "Ha! Hahaha!"

His response left Ichigo completely dumbfounded. "Eh? Wha-What?"

Kishin just shook his head and sheathed his Zanpakuto. "Forget it. This is good enough. You've got a feel for what it's like to fight with your Bankai. You got a sense of what it's like for your Hollow to interfere and you were able to wrestle back control from it. This'll do for now."

Just as he started walking away he paused when he heard Ichigo call out to him. "Wait! What do you mean that's it?! I can still keep going!"

Kishin glanced over his shoulder and shook his head. "Have you taken a look at yourself? You're bleeding out from your chest and leg. Your bones are shaking. Your muscles can barely keep you moving. Don't forget. In a few hours from now the execution starts. Why don't you take that time to heal up and rest. I'm entrusting Rukia's safety to you."

His words brought Ichigo back to his senses as realization struck him. It was then he took note that he was badly wounded and felt all the pain hit him at once.

"UGH!" He fell to his knees struggling to breathe as Yoruichi appeared by his side. Ichigo struggled to keep his eyes trained on Kishin and asked, "I fought Kenpachi a while ago. He was a Captain, but he wasn't anywhere near your level of strength. Just how many guys are as strong as you?"

Kishin gave a thoughtful look before replying, "As strong as me you ask? Hmmm...then I guess two? I'm not sure about the true strength of some of the other Captains, however I can definitely say that there are two who are as strong as I am, maybe even stronger."

Ichigo clenched his hand into a fist and asked, "Two...who are they?"

"They're Aizen Sosuke and the Captain Commander Yamamoto. You'll definitely die if you fight either one. Luckily you probably won't have to. Just go soak in the hot spring and heal up." He then started heading to the hot spring himself when Ichigo bombarded him with more questions.

"What happened to me? You sounded like you knew what was going on."

Kishin let out a sigh and was about to answer when he felt a message ding on his denreishinki. "Hm?" He flipped open the device and read the contents of the message before he furrowed his brow and stared off in the direction of the Senzaikyu.

"What is it?" Yoruichi asked.

Kishin clicked his tongue and typed something back before putting away his denreishinki. "Seems that Renji is locked in a fight against Byakuya."

"Eh?!" Yoruichi exclaimed bewilderedly. "Why?" She ventured to ask.

Kishin just shrugged his shoulders. "He probably wanted to rescue Rukia. Tsk. Now I have to go and save his ass. There's no way that he'll beat Byakuya. And...given how I sort of angered Byakuya a while ago he might be itching to kill someone. That someone might just be Renji."

Yoruichi narrowed her eyes in confusion. "But why are you saving him? That doesn't really seem like your style."

"Haha, you're right. It's not, but I promised Rukia that I'd look out for him. Regardless of how I feel about the guy he's still her childhood friend." Before he could leave he heard Ichigo ask once more, "Wait. You haven't answered my question. What happened to m-"

"Just ask Yoruichi. She knows." He quickly interjected before blurring into the distance. His voice echoed in the space as he said one last thing. "Next time we meet will probably be above the Sokyoku Hill. Don't be late."

FWISH!

With that he had completely left the secret training ground. When he arrived above in the Seireitei he frowned and noted two reiatsu signatures coming from the direction of the Senzaikyu.

Definitely Renji and Byakuya. Tch. So troublesome.

He gave his legs a quick stretch before dashing with incredible speed in that direction. "Can't let Renji die. Not sure if Byakuya would be kind enough to let him live this time around. Especially after I riled him up a few days ago."

The sound of battle grew louder and louder as he neared ever closer to the site of battle. He could feel Renji's reiatsu fluctuating knowing that he was being placed under extreme pressure. "If this goes on much longer then he really will die...EH?!"

It was then he felt the density of Byakuya's reiatsu exponentially rise in the area causing him to frown. "Don't tell me...he used his Bankai…"

With one final leap off of the roof of a building he arrived right atop one of the many tall towers nearby that overlooked a giant open space of blue colored tiles just in time to witness the scene of Renji being cut in a multitude of areas unable to do anything against the blizzard of Byakuya's pink colored cherry blossom blades of his Bankai.

Thud.

Renji's body fell to the ground completely bloodied, staining the ground beneath him in a pool of his own blood. His life force quickly leaving him. Kishin breathed a sigh of relief, noting that Byakuya was kind enough to hold back and not immediately mince Renji into a pile of ground meat. Renji's hand was still gripped tightly to his broken bone-like sword that was transformed into a giant tan colored bone bamboo snake with a giant white skull and red lion's mane. At least, that was the form that his Bankai took on before being completely broken by Byakuya's Bankai.

Byakuya stared down at Renji's beaten frame emotionlessly and slowly walked forward whilst speaking aloud, "Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. It summons forth a thousand blades that rise from the ground scattering infinitely more blades into the wind. It is impossible to know their numbers much less to read and predict the trajectory of their path. Avoiding them is near impossible. There is nothing one can do but simply watch as one watches the wind. One can do nothing but stand motionlessly in place, frozen and still, and then be swept away from this world."

Byakuya then stopped a few feet away from Renji before continuing on his speech, "Shall I tell you the difference between you and I?"

Renji fought to maintain his consciousness as he struggled to look up at Byakuya. His broken Bankai transformed into smoke before returning to its basic sealed Zanpakuto state. Byakuya still kept that indifferent stoic facial expression as he didn't break eye contact from Renji's unwilling look and continued, "It's class. A beast may see the moon reflected on the water's surface, but trying to capture it will only result in sinking into the water. Your fang will never reach me...Never. Be proud of the fact that you were felled by this blade and still retain a Human form, though I must say that I am quite surprised. Renji. I had expected to find Chigetsu Kishin making his way here to act on a foolish decision, not you. As he is the one who has no regard for the law or authority."

As Byakuya started to walk away, Renji struggled to get into a crawling position. His breathing extremely shallow and ragged. Kishin, who was standing and watching atop a tall tower in the shadows, sighed and noted how severely injured Renji was. He couldn't detect anyone's reiatsu in the vicinity that could reach Renji in time and save him from death, noting that in a minute or two, Renji would breathe his last breath and die so without waiting any longer he appeared right before the Lieutenant's dying frame and stepped on his back.

"AHH!" Renji shouted in pain as the pressure of Kishin's foot on his back agitated his wounds.

Byakuya also paused in his step and turned to look over his shoulder in shock, but his expression soon turned into hostility. "...Lieutenant Chigetsu...no. You are no longer a Lieutenant."

Kishin completely ignored Byakuya and kept his foot pressed down on Renji's back. "Don't get up. You'll die faster."

Renji gritted his teeth trying to muster some strength to resist, however he couldn't move a muscle and was forced to remain lying on the ground beneath the weight of Kishin's foot. "Damn you Kishin...what are you doing here? Get off me. I'm going to defeat Captain Kuchiki and save Rukia."