In a large training ground, the members of the 6th division were getting their asses kicked by Rukia's squad. They were supposed to spar together, but even without their Bankai and with an overwhelming number of Shinigami fighting against them, the "spar" couldn't be described as anything else than a massacre.
And what were the two captains doing? Talking, of course. Rukia and Byakuya developed a rather good friendship over the month or so they trained together. Even more so than Byakuya intended to develop. Byakuya saw Rukia as more than a promise to his wife, he saw her as his equal. How could he not after exchanging blows with her for the past month?
And after every training session, Byakuya made it a point to spend some time talking with Rukia to know her better. While he originally only wanted to learn about Rukia and her past, Byakuya began to open up to Rukia about some of his own past, struggles, and worries.
But it was this act that made the bond between the develop. Byakuya revealing his vulnerable side was a show of enormous trust toward Rukia. As a result, Rukia began to talk more honestly with Byakuya, and she revealed more about herself.
Finally, Byakuya decided that it was time to reveal the truth. And while he braced himself for Rukia to yell out in anger or have an aggressive reaction, that didn't happen. She simply listened carefully while processing the information.
After a long and awkward silence, Rukia finally spoke. "Honestly? That wasn't as big a revelation as I expected," Ryu said.
"As big as you expected?" Byakuya asked in his monotone voice, but Rukia could tell he was quite surprised.
"It's not that hard to read your expressions and mood, Byakuya. I could tell you were nervous about something every time we talked. Frankly, I expected you to confess your love or something," Rukia chuckled.
"You're not mad?" Byakuya asked with a hint of worry in his tone. "Why would I be mad?" Rukia asked. "You were a loving husband to my sister, and once you discovered my existence you tried searching for me to fulfill your promise. I'm actually glad she ended up with you, living lavishly. I don't think I'd have wanted her to be with me in the 78th district. While it turned out for the best thanks to the Protectors, there was quite a bit of suffering along the way," Ryu spoke with a relieved look.
"I see... So, do you agree to my offer? Will you come live in the Kuchiki household? You're already my sister-in-law and part of the Kuchiki family by definition," Byakuya asked. "I don't think I will. At least, not for now. I don't think I'll fit in that fancy noble society, I prefer to stay here," Rukia said. "That's logical... But come visit once in a while," Byakuya said, causing Rukia to expose a wide smile.
"Sure, you got it," she said as the two watched their subordinates fight. "But in all seriousness, I think we should continue this. My division improved quite a lot from this training," Byakuya said. "Really? I didn't notice. They got to eat grass the same way they did a month ago," Ryu smirked as she teased Byakuya. "...It's a wise decision to leave you out of the noble society," was all Byakuya could reply with, causing Rukia to erupt in laughter.
---
"Hey, Ryu, can I ask for a favor?" Kettei asked as he peaked his head inside Ryu's smithy.
"Yeah, what's up?" Ryu replied as he put down the sword he was sharpening before looking at Kettei.
"Um... Can you change the properties of a Bankai by any chance?" Kettei inquired. "Well, I never tried, but I think it's possible. Why, do you want to change your Bankai? I think it fits you well enough," Ryu asked.
"No, it's not for me. It's for Soifon," Kettei explained. "Oh, so your girlfriend wants to switch up her Bankai? Why?" Ryu questioned. "She says that and I quote, a damned missile launcher isn't a weapon fit for a stealthy assassin," Kettei said as Ryu began laughing hysterically.
"Ryu!" Kettei protested. "Sorry, sorry, I was just imagining an assassin with a missile launcher. Yeah, I should probably help her. Tell her to come here and I'll try to take care of her Bankai," Ryu said in between giggles.
"*Sigh*, I already did. Soifon, you can enter!" Kettei called out.
As Soifon entered his smithy, Ryu once again wondered just how only the shy Kettei managed to land a girlfriend out of the entire team, not to mention a beauty of Soifon's level. He chuckled as he remembered how Nadare's eyes almost popped out of his sockets when he learned that Kettei and Soifon were dating.
But at least it was better than Arashi's reaction. The battle maniac tried to test if "Soifon was strong enough to be with Kettei", and nearly killed the poor girl before Kettei restricted her with Kido.
"...Hello," Soifon said nervously. "Is everything fine?" Ryu asked as he looked at Kettei. "Oh, she's just a little nervous. After all, I told her how powerful you are," Kettei said in excitement.
"Is that right? Well, don't be nervous, I don't bite. Anyway, can you show me your Bankai?" Ryu inquired. With a curt nod, Soifon drew her Zanpakuto before uttering "Bankai!"
When Soifon activated her Bankai, her Zanpakuto, Suzumebachi, transformed into a massive black and gold cannon with intricate engravings. The transformation was a sight to behold, as the small and unassuming sword suddenly grew to become a powerful weapon of destruction. The newly-formed cannon was barrel-shaped and rested on a pedestal that encased Soifon's right arm, allowing her to control it with ease.
The pedestal was designed to be both functional and ornamental, with a polished and graceful look that added to the weapon's aesthetic appeal. It extended all the way up above Soifon's shoulder, forming a face shield that covered the right side of her face. The shield had a design that provided protection from incoming attacks, while also giving Soifon a clear view of her surroundings due to a slit in the material at eye level.
"Hm... I get what you mean. how about this: We'll keep the power, but transform it from a noisy and flashy rocket into a laser. Then that'll be your killing move in long distances. And concentrating all that immense power into a single point instead of making a large explosion will create a much more devastating weapon," Ryu suggested.
"But before we act any further, did you talk with Suzumebachi about this? If you force Suzumebachi to be changed against her will, the trust between the two of you will be completely broken. Forget Bankai, you won't be able to even use Shikai after that," Ryu warned.
"Don't worry, I talked it over with Suzumebachi. She also agrees that her current form isn't optimal. The change you mentioned, can you do it?" Soifon asked hopefully. "Yeah, that'll be an interesting blacksmithing challenge. Give me Suzumebachi and come back in a couple of hours," Ryu said.
---
Ryu had an idea on how to change Soifon's Bankai, but he didn't like it. To change a Bankai was to override the spirit of a Zanpakuto, which was a violent and unnatural act. But Soifon was right. Her Bankai was unfit for an assassin, and the mismatch could lead her to a painful end if she needed to use it in a critical situation.
With a deep breath, Ryu raised his hammer and struck Suzumebachi directly. The impact of the blow was powerful, causing the spirit to shudder and writhe in pain. But Ryu was undeterred, and he continued to hammer away with relentless force. It was what Suzumebachi wanted, so he wasn't going to mess it up.
As he struck Suzumebachi, Ryu could feel it bending to his will. With each blow, he was shaping and molding it into a new form, one that would make the Bankai even deadlier than before. The process was delicate and intricate, requiring a steady hand and immense concentration, but Ryu knew exactly what needed to be done.
Slowly but surely, the modifications took shape. Ryu's hammer strikes created new channels within Suzumebachi, allowing it to concentrate the power of the missile into a single, razor-thin, laser. The process was agonizing for the sword spirit, but Ryu knew that it was necessary if Soifon was to unleash the full potential of her abilities.
"It's done. How are you feeling?" Ryu asked Suzumebachi. He tried to finish the process as quickly as he could. He didn't want to cause unnecessary pain to a spirit that just wanted to help her wielder.
"Ugh... Fine, I guess. Thanks for asking," Suzumebachi answered. "You're welcome," Ryu smiled, causing Suzumebachi to pause. "Um... Did you hear me?" She asked in disbelief. "Yup. Now let's call Soifon, I'm sure you want to do a test run of your new abilities," Ryu replied to the stunned Suzumebachi.