Voices After the Fall [Byakuya/Kuukaku]

Meticulous and resolute, Byakuya Kuchiki continued his work in the office of the Captain Commander. In the wake of the Gotei’s disbandment, there was much to discard, much to claim, and even more to comprehend. Seated behind the large desk, Byakuya sifted through stacks of paperwork, having neatly organized those he had already reviewed. Each document held significance in some fashion, and he refused to overlook a single detail.

Byakuya's zanpakuto remained at his side, a constant reminder of the vigilance required in these uncertain times. Though the office now bore his presence, he was wary of any attempts to defile or claim it in his absence. Byakuya would not lower his guard, at least not until order was fully restored. Raising his gaze from the contents of a file, Byakuya turned to the door, sensing an unexpected presence coming his way. There were very few in the building now, so curious, he set the file down and stood, waiting for them to make their entrance.

Watching Kuukaku Shiba enter without so much as a knock was mildly irritating, though Byakuya would never reveal such a sentiment. His plans to operate from this office had yet to be formally announced, so the lack of decorum wasn't truly disrespectful. Besides, he was well aware of her bold and spirited nature; receiving a more conventional entrance seemed unlikely.

Still, traditional formalities would not be abandoned by him.

"Welcome, Lady Shiba," Byakuya greeted, his tone as composed as ever. "If I may inquire, what, exactly, have you heard of our current situation?"

Byakuya’s gaze remained steady. As the copy of Masamune’s final orders briefly reappeared, only to vanish again, he caught a subtle note of disapproval from Kuukaku. While he expected that, he did wonder what she was expecting here—to find some hint of indecision? There was none of that.

“My plans, Kuukaku, are straightforward,” he replied evenly, his eyes closed. “I intend to continue the duties that shinigami have been bound to. The Soul Cycle requires balance, and for that, an effective force must exist.”

Byakuya’s eyes followed her as she took in the room. When she turned back to him, her bluntness was met with a composed, unwavering calm. As it was, Byakuya was walking a line. With his initial plans destroyed, everything he was doing would start from scratch and build up. The only thing he knew he had under control was his own family, and that step had already been taken.

“The Kuchiki began their restoration efforts before the Central Forty-six meeting even occurred,” Byakuya stated bluntly. "Now, I will work to build an efficient force to do, as I said, the job of a Shinigami."

Right now, he was unwilling to say anything further. Much was in the air, and Byakuya would not give half-information to anyone, or any to those who he was uncertain of their motives. Though he had grown up knowing of Kuukaku, they rarely interacted and there was an assumption of little trust between them.

Still, there was one thing he could speak up on...

"I am sorry for the loss of your brother," Byakuya said, his tone a drop softer as he recognized the gravity of the words he spoke. "His dedication and loyalty were qualities I respected, and I recognize the emptiness his absence will leave."

“The report of your brother being a traitor came from Kanae Nagoshi, a known traitor and convicted criminal,” Byakuya stated plainly. “I take her words as seriously as I would any criminals.” Anyone who knew Byakuya at even the most base levels understood his respect for the law, so his words should make it clear that he did not believe the report given by Kanae Nagoshi.

“With the disbanding of the Gotei United, the position of Captain Commander ceases to exist,” Byakuya stated, taking his seat behind the desk with his usual perfect posture. “I am free to speak as I choose. Central Forty-Six’s authority holds little weight—unless, of course, they intend to form a new organization aligned with their own interests. But with the growing resentment toward nobility, such a move would only incite a war, one I would prefer to avoid.”