The cherry blossoms danced without wind, showcasing an unparalleled beauty...
But amidst this breathtaking sight lay a chilling intent, emanating from none other than Byakuya.
Whoosh!
Without hesitation, Makoto quickly retreated, deftly evading the barrage of cherry blossom petals, which were in truth countless sharp blades. As he dodged, he called out in explanation.
"Wait, calm down! The Kenseikan and Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze were orchestrated by Captain Shihōin. I was merely caught in the crossfire!"
Byakuya paused slightly, his calm yet sharp gaze assessing the young man darting nimbly through the cascade of cherry blossoms under the night sky.
The unfamiliar youth exuded an air of nobility that seemed to complement the Kenseikan and Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze adorning him. Graceful, poised, and dignified.
Meanwhile, Yoruichi, lurking nearby to enjoy the show, saw the conflict begin to ease and, true to her personality, poured fuel onto the fire with a loud remark.
"Makoto, are you planning to return the Kenseikan and Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze to the heir of the Kuchiki family as a gift of charity?"
Instantly, Byakuya's face turned crimson red. Such provocation was unbearable for a prideful and, as yet, immature young Byakuya.
Makoto, for his part, also found his face turning pale. Yoruichi's words had effectively ensured the conflict could only end through combat.
The honor of the Kuchiki family could never be restored through charity—this was utterly unacceptable to Byakuya.
The petals danced faster and more violently, relentlessly pursuing Makoto. Byakuya himself demonstrated exceptional shunpo, staying hot on his trail.
"You have defiled the honor of the Kuchiki family! Only blood can cleanse this shame! I will personally reclaim the Kenseikan and Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze!"
Unlike the isolated underground space where Urahara Kisuke suppressed spiritual pressure, Byakuya's spiritual energy quickly attracted the attention of many Shinigamis
Although battles within Seireitei were not strictly forbidden, to unleash such flamboyant and destructive power near the Kuchiki estate was bound to draw a crowd. Soon, numerous spectators gathered, including seated officers and even captains.
"Is that the heir of the Kuchiki family?"
"The Kenseikan and Silvery White Wind flower Silk Gauze—no doubt about it, those are the Kuchiki family's symbols."
"What a noble and commanding presence. Such refined features, blending elegance with strength..."
"But when did the Kuchiki heir join Squad Four? And why is that scruffy brat daring to release his zanpakutō to hunt him down?"
"Should we intervene and subdue that insolent fool? Perhaps the Kuchiki heir would be grateful..."
Among the crowd, a few who were familiar with the Kuchiki heir's appearance were left utterly baffled, their confidence wavering.
Did I... misremember? Why does that disheveled brat in the sword-training uniform resemble the Kuchiki heir more than the other one?
Byakuya overheard snippets of these murmurs, and his blood pressure surged even higher. Only one thought consumed his mind.
Eliminate that bastard and reclaim my honor personally!
Even Byakuya, typically composed and dignified, abandoned all restraint. Desperate to clear his name and retrieve the Kenseikan and Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze, he shouted furiously after Makoto, calling him a "thief who stole the honor of the Kuchiki family."
Meanwhile, Urozakuro, ofcouse an opportunist, seized the moment to stoke the flames further. Whispering in Makoto's ear, he gleefully recounted the Shinigamis' increasingly absurd speculations about him and Byakuya.
"How entertaining, Makoto. So, what's your plan? Will you wear the Kuchiki family's emblems, defeat Byakuya, and cement your reputation? Or kneel and beg for mercy?"
Makoto cast a sidelong glance at Urozakuro, frustration evident on his face. Hearing Byakuya's indignant shouts behind him, Makoto grew even more exasperated.
He resolved silently: I must stay far, far away from Yoruichi from now on. That woman thrives on chaos.
As for Urozakuro's suggestion of kneeling to beg for mercy, Makoto dismissed it without hesitation.
He had already explained himself to Byakuya. But given Byakuya's personality and pride, understanding was unlikely.
If fewer people were present, Makoto might have tried to offer a more heartfelt and sincere explanation.
But with the growing crowd of onlookers, this was no longer a personal dispute.
Byakuya represented the dignity and honor of the Kuchiki family, while Makoto, as Captain Unohana's disciple, could not afford to be humiliated publicly. To back down now would disgrace Unohana herself—something Makoto could not allow.
At first, Makoto's intention had merely been to pacify Unohana. But now, Unohana's kind and gentle face appeared in his mind—the warmth of her gaze, her occasional mischievousness, and her calculated kindness. She had even called in favors with the Shihōin family to have Yoruichi teach him shunpo, giving him a better chance at survival.
Truly... once a man lets a woman's shadow into his heart, reason and logic inevitably weaken...
Finally, at a wide-open square, Makoto stopped retreating.
Byakuya skidded to a halt fifty meters away, the swirling cherry blossoms around him sharpening their edge. His voice was cold and unyielding.
"What's this? No longer running, thief? It doesn't matter. Even if you fled to the ends of the earth, I would still personally reclaim the Kenseikan and Silvery White Windflower Silk Gauze."
"I can't run any further. Otherwise, my master will never forgive me..."
Despite the intense situation, Makoto couldn't help but smile at the thought of Unohana's probable schemes.
To Byakuya, however, that smile reeked of arrogance and disdain.
Though furious, Byakuya maintained his principles. He wouldn't resort to ambushes or attack an unarmed opponent. Glaring at Makoto, he shouted:
"Such insolence! Draw your blade, and let us settle this—upon the honor of the Kuchiki family!"
"Very well..."
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