Gossip in the Garden [Retsu/Byakuya]

UNOHANA RETSU | BLOODLETTER

Retsu had been secretly monitoring the schedules of her two collaborators. She was waiting for a very specific opportunity. It was after Byakuya had taken a meeting and Yuuto was nowhere to be seen. He might have been with his former subordinate again. Likely a young romance was blossoming there. And while they were being the cute, young couple, it was time for the adults to talk. This would be a conversation that she had alluded to in the founding of whatever they were founding.

The afternoon sun was setting as Retsu entered the office he had rightfully kept. "Byakuya Kuchiki. The two of us need to speak." She made her way to the desk. She seemingly loomed over the desk—despite barely being above Byakuya's sitting eye level. "There are already cheers amongst less-subtle nobles about how you are championing their cause. I wish to know what your opinion on such rumors is."

Hope is a Disease

At last, she was drawing closer. Byakuya had sensed Retsu Unohana hovering just at the edge of his reikaku for some time, yet never fully approaching. Now that his final meeting of the day had concluded, however, she stepped forward. It was clear that Lady Unohana had something she wished to discuss.

"Welcome, Retsu Unohana," he greeted as she entered. "What do you wish to discuss?" Their partnership granted them a level of familiarity; with the gravity of their endeavor, there was no need for rigid formalities between them now.

"Kuukaku came to me recently, wondering something similar," Byakuya responded quickly, standing from his desk. With a wave of his hand, a kido was enacted. A sizeable, round barrier that formed like a ripple outwards, stopping before it hit the walls of the office. They could speak without worry now.

"The nobility have faltered, and anti-noble sentiment infects old bloodlines, breeding a generation both resentful and disloyal. They assert their noble superiority while condemning it in the same breath. The older generations cling stubbornly to outdated ways, while the younger are bitter and reckless, eager to see it all fall. I intend to reshape nobility into something worthy of the name."

UNOHANA RETSU | BLOODLETTER

Byakuya was using some might strong language to describe his peers. It was, in fact, true on both accounts. She had heard stodgy elders speak of how they had lost significant income. She had heard the pampered youth complain about their elders' attitudes. It was not universal among either class, but both were the prevailing opinions. And although it was not surprising that Byakuya had picked up on that, it was surprising how direct he was. Nevertheless...

"Is it your intention to beat them down with force—a hammer striking nails until the board is stable? Or will you be showing what it means to be a proper 'noble?' And on that note, what is proper and noble?" Not of noble blood herself, Retsu only had an outsider's opinion. She could provide what she thought such a thing was, but that wouldn't matter. She only could do the former option of the two.

Hope is a Disease

The question lingered, and Byakuya felt the weight of his responsibility to answer, since their alliance demanded honesty. Byakuya glanced out over the expanse of Seireitei, allowing a brief pause to gather his words.

“Nobility is not a structure that can simply be dissolved,” he began, his voice steady but reflective. “Even with their influence over the Gotei now diminished, the noble houses remain. Wealth endures as long as there is need, and with it, the nobles who wield it. This has been our reality for thousands of years—in both the Soul Society and the World of the Living. That is unlikely to change.”

Byakuya’s gaze held steady, his tone calm but weighted with purpose. “My aim is not to rule with force, but to guide. I would rather serve as a compass than a hammer, shaping nobility into something that embodies honor, duty, and integrity—a standard, I’ve learned, it seems to have never truly upheld.”

UNOHANA RETSU | BLOODLETTER

So if Byakuya were the compass—the lighthouse even, then it would likely be her job to be the looming hammer. Yuuto would be a concealed blade... but in Retsu's mind, the hammer was far more of a threat. It was visible, active, and known. Without those factors, a threat was empty. She nodded. "What we do may not be 'honorable.' The Gotei both of us served in was not 'honorable.' Yuuto Hisakawa has a point in being here because he is an expert on the 'dishonorable.' Are you going to chastise him if he attacks an enemy from behind—or if he balances the cycle in a way that might be 'unethical?'"

"I support you in this because I see a focus that others lack. 'For the people' this, 'for honor' that. If that is what they wish to practice—their insular problems that are minor in the grand scheme, then so be it. When I decided not to join the Gotei United, it was because I thought I had seen capable hands. I thought it might be that perhaps my way of thinking was obsolete. Perhaps it was true, perhaps not. But there is a flaw that these groups that will form to rival us will ignore. I said this to a prospective recruit: I wish for this to be an organization with a foundation so solid that the absence of a single person will not put the realms in jeopardy. We are not immortal nor infallible. The past two centuries have proven this. There will be a time when I die, when you die, and when Yuuto Hisakawa dies. I pray it is not at the same time, but if it is tomorrow, there are certain hard truths that must be confronted."

"And we both know that our third will not ask the questions that need to be asked." Retsu could respect the man's accomplishments, but she was far from trusting a youth on this matter. She was far from trusting someone who previously seemed like was desiring an escape. "Are you willing to have blue blood spilled on the streets of the Seireitei if the nobility impede us?" Retsu worded that carefully. She would not expect Byakuya to step into that mire himself. She knew that. Now to see if he did.

Hope is a Disease

Byakuya was acutely aware of the complexities his mission would bring. As both General in the Daimei and Head of the Kuchiki Family, he walked two distinct paths, each demanding loyalty and vision. Yet, he had already resolved that should any conflict arise, the Soul Cycle would take precedence. This was precisely why he advocated for a council-style leadership; his vote would be but one among three, ensuring that no single voice—not his own, nor that of any other General—could be swayed by nobles, tradition, or any external force.

"Yes," Byakuya replied, his tone firm, leaving no room for hesitation—this was a matter he had already considered. He turned to face her. "Without hesitation."

UNOHANA RETSU | BLOODLETTER

"I thought as much." Retsu nodded lightly. He did seem to understand the second meaning of her words. Or at least, she hoped he did. There was always a chance that he was a bit more dense than she suspected. Retsu Unohana was no fool when it came to people who weren't the slimy, conniving types. Thankfully, Byakuya was seemingly easier to read than most gave him credit for. There was some warmth beneath his cold exterior, and in some ways that was what brought her to this meeting in the first place. She was worried his sentimentality could cloud his judgement.

"I expect them to feel some apprehension or frustration with this. They will be upset at no longer having a single voice to put pressure on. I hope you aware of that and have a plan for it." Retsu held up a finger. "I don't need to hear the plan. Just that you have one. It will likely be you who has to deal with that aspect rather than myself or our third."

Hope is a Disease

“That was intentional,” Byakuya stated, his tone direct. “Many see me as the embodiment of nobility due to the Central Forty-Six’s decision. However, their goals differ significantly from mine. If nobility chooses to obstruct our mission to preserve balance of the Soul Cycle, they will only undermine themselves. They must learn to step aside and allow the work to be done, and if they refuse, they will be handled accordingly." With a light sigh, Byakuya turned to face Unohana, his gaze focused. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"