25 Chapter 35: Death By Loyalty

It was silent noting was heard in the Seireitei. Not a soul in sight either, just silence. Entering the Senzaikyu I saw Rukia taking a long look outside. My escort stood ready to take her to the Sokyoku for her execution.

"Ready?"

Rukia didn't respond turning around she approached as a sign she was ready. We began to escort her as we walked it was slow. Something luxury to her since it was a small delay for her. Rukia didn't mutter a word, my hands shook. I had to grip my swords hilt to keep them from doing so. As got closer we could see the Gallow. As we walked out onto the rocky land I saw all 13 Squads ready. Getting atop the Gallows we began to prepare her for Sokyoku.

"Don't be scared" I whispered

"It's okay...I'm not" she said with a small smile

As we finished I returned to my Captains side. Standing by his side he glanced at me. Captain Shunsui knew this was hurting me, but didn't say a word.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto stood apart from us. As he confronted the accused.

"Rukia Kuchiki, you are guilty of breaking the Law of the Soul Society what say you?" He announced

"I am"

"Then I hereby sentence you...to death" he said tapping his cane on the ground twice

Those taps echoed as a subtle rumble began. A large hole appeared as intense heat flooded out. Fire came out, it whipped and fluttered as it formed into a massive bird. It narrowed its eyes at Rukia and spreaded its wings. She seemed ready to accept her fate.

"Roar!"

As it flapped its wings something we didn't expect happened. A figure appeared on the Gallows, I knew who it was Ichigo Kurosaki. Everyone awaited for something to happen. As it clashed it did with Ichigos energy. A massive explosion destroyed most of the Gallows. The wood burnt as it was also broken in two. It was then I saw Renji appear on the far side of Sokyoku Hill.

"Renji! Get ready!" He said holding up Rukia

"Wait!"

Then by my upmost surprise, he threw...Rukia. Seeing her small form flying threw the air as it crashed into Renji.

"What the hell were you thinking!?" Renji shouted

"Go! take her! Far away from here!" Ichigo shouted

Renji hesitated for a moment then ran with Rukia. They ran far as he could carry them. Ichigo jumped from the Gallows and stood facing us.

"I'm not going to let you go after them" he said

Captain-Commander Yamamoto looked at his Vice-captain and nodded. Soi Feng did the same, as Captain Unohana. The three Vice-captains charged Ichigo releasing their Shikai. Not his Zanpakuto Ichigo, threw a palm strike to Isane, then a uppercut to Chojiro, and then broke through Omaedas Shikai to his stomach.

"He's improved" I said quietly

Seeing Byakuya move he rushed over as he neared him. Their blades clashed as sparks flew, from what I could see Byakuya was struggling. Ichigo pushed him back as the two faced off.

"Don't interfere" a voice said behind

"And why would I do that?" I asked still focused on Ichigo and Byakuya

Yoruichi held her hand ready as if ready to strike.

"You knew I was behind you?"

"Yes"

"So you're not going to disarm me?"

"I'm not the one you need to worry about" I said

She seemed confused till a yellow blade came into her vision.

"Yoruichi" Soi Feng growled

"So focus on me, you forgot about her didn't you?" I asked

Yoruichi lowered her arm, and then focused on her former protégé.

"Soi Feng"

"Yes, Kakashi?" She said dead focused on Yoruichi

"Go somewhere a bit more private to settle your grudge" I said

Soi Feng was a bit hesitant, but did as told when the two of them flashed away.

"Yoruichi" Ichigo said

"You should be worried about the problem in front of you" I warned him

Ichigo glared at me as he returned his gaze to Byakuya. Ichigo held his blade tight.

"When I'm done here, I'll go after Rukia and I'll deliver the killing blow myself" Byakuya said as he saw Renji leave

"So you would really...kill your own sister?"

Byakuya didn't answer him, or hesitate at his question.

"Release your Bankai or I will kill you where you stand" he growled

"Don't ridiculous, you may have defeated three Vice-captains, but it is a 1000 years to early for you to face my Bankai" he retorted

Byakuya then held up his blade, and held it close to his face.

"Senbonzakura"

His blade then turned to sakura petals and flowed through the wind. Ichigo didn't kindly to him just using his Shikai. He held his sword and as he slashed down a powerful wave of energy shot out. It rushed towards Byakuya making his Shikai disappear.

"So that's your Zanpakutos power" I said

"Yes, Kisuke Urahara told me that he could only teach me the stances, but the only real one who teach me about Zangetsu was itself" Ichigo answered

I looked at the blade as did Byakuya whose blade was back in its standard form.

"Very well then I'll use it, but beware that it'll more than you can handle"

Byakuya held his blade upside down then let it drop. It fell into the ground like a drop of water, then massive blades came out the ground.

"Bankai"

Then the blades turned to sakura petals and flowed like a wave.

"Senbonzakura Kageyoshi"

Ichigo could feel the power burst from its true form. The petals flowed towards the human, Ichigo attempted to flash away. As he did the petals redirected themselves. Striking downwards as the petals retreated off Ichigo. An crater inside the ground, he seemed bloody from the attack. Getting up Byakuya seemed surprised.

"You survived"

"Damn, I knew I wouldn't be able to, just had to try" he gasped

"You fool, you make it sound like you could've easily evaded it" he said

Getting to his feet Ichigo glared at Byakuya. Holding his blade tight the 'Substitute' Soul Reaper began to gather energy. Byakuya eyes widen as he could see the strong energy. Then he said that one word.

"Bankai"

A surge of energy burst out, it brighten probably able to see from a mile. As the tower of energy soon disappeared. Looking on as the dust cleared, I could see his Bankai.

Ichigo had different robes on, but in his hand was a black blade. I could feel the power radiating from it.

Tensa Zangetsu"

"So this is his Bankai" I whispered

"Do you really think a tiny blade like that could defeat me?" Byakuya asked

I shook my head Byakuyas once humble and kind self, was replaced with pride and coldness.

Just as he was about using his Zanpakuto, Ichigo flashed in front of him. His blade close to his throat and the Captain surprised. Seeing that Byakuya would actually have to get serious. I moved a few feet away just so I wouldn't get dragged into this.

Ichigo jumped away as he held his blade, Byakuya then began to move the petals. A wave flooded, but Ichigo dodged it easily. It had seemed Byakuyas Senbonzakura wasn't fast enough to reach him in time. It was then he began to move fast enough to leave after images. Ichigo moved in striking though the petals blocked any attempt at striking. Byakuya had on the run, seeing him use his palms made the petals move twice as fast. Trying put distance between him and the wave Ichigo was put into a tight spot. No matter how high he jumped or which way he moved the followed. As flew in the air they did as well, Byakuya had caged him. Before the petals could strike, Ichigo struck at every direction. Dispersing the wave Byakuya eyes widen.

"So he scattered Senbonzakura, ironic to say the least" I said

Ichigo then flashed behind him, as he went to thrust. Byakuya caught it his hand bled as the two faced off. I didn't know what they were saying due to me staying away. Both of them then jumped away, but Byakuyas blood and spiritual energy began to form into pink flames. They shot up into the air and made a black dome I no longer had an idea of what was going on.

"Troubling"