Chapter 7

Author's Note: Hello Everyone! I apologize for not updating Search for the Answer in 2 years. I know I shouldn't the excuse of "Life Got In The Way", but it's true. I've just been caught up with work and spending my holidays going back and forth between my city and hometown, I haven't thought of writing. A lot has changed for me these past 2 years. I have a new job with the same company and the 2020 pandemic happened. You'd think I would've maybe started writing or outlining new chapters, but I didn't. It just so happened I discovered that I had wrote Chapter 7 some time ago. Lol! Anyways, I hope everyone is staying safe out there. Enjoy the story!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Bleach. Bleach is the property of Tite Kubo, and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

"Toshiro. You have the powers of a Soul Reaper."

Byakuya's words echoed in Toshiro's mind and it led to more questions than answers. A Soul Reaper? Him a Soul Reaper? That can't be true. Unless… Unless these powers could explain why his room was always cold or why his hair was white. Could this also explain the voice in his dreams?

"A Soul Reaper? Like you?" Toshiro pointed to the Captain of Squad 6 nodded.

"Yes. Very much like me. Every Soul Reaper has different abilities, talents, strengths and weaknesses. Like I said before, you can learn all about this if you enroll in the Spiritual Arts Academy." After explaining, Byakuya reached for his Zanpakuto and showed it to Toshiro.

"Do you see this here?" Byakuya asks Toshiro.

He nodded in response.

"This is a Zanpakuto. A special sword that contains one of the powers for a Soul Reaper. With a special release command, my sword can change shape into something stronger."

As he was listening to Byakuya, Toshiro wondered if he could become strong like him. Looking over to his great grandmother, she was still wrapped up in the scarf and shivering slightly. After some thought and taking in Byakuya's brief explanation on a being a Soul Reaper, Toshiro instantly made his decision. Though, it was not his initial plan, he decided to become a Soul Reaper and attend the academy.

"Byakuya, sir. I have decided. I want to go to the Spiritual Arts Academy. I want to become a Soul Reaper and learn how to control my powers."

Byakuya was surprised to see how quickly Toshiro came to his decision. Often times, most recruits took a few days or at most a few weeks before deciding. As the path of a Soul Reaper was not an easy one and many students at the academy would fail within their first year. It came to kind of a relief for Byakuya as the Captain was ready to further persuade him.

"Good. Once morning comes, I will send for a few of my staff to help you pack and bring your granny to Squad 4 for further check up."

Hisana walked over to Toshiro and gently placed her hand on his back.

"Toshiro. It's quite late. Let's all go to sleep."

Before he knew it, Toshiro fell fast asleep right beside his great grandmother.

Though it was not planned, Byakuya and Hisana thought it was best to spend the night at Toshiro's place. Junrinan was once of the few safer districts, but it was late outside and the couple was tired. Byakuya sent a Hell Butterfly to his estate and he knew his attendant Seike-san would receive the message soon. He knew the household would disapprove of him and Hisana spending the night in the Rukon Districts, but right now he was too tired to care.

"Byakuya?" his wife's voice had interrupted his thoughts and he turned around to face her.

"What is it dear?" He asked.

Hisana knew Byakuya was right in having Toshiro attending the Spiritual Arts Academy. The boy needed to. However, a part of her felt like everything was happening too fast, too soon.

"Don't you think this all a lot for a young boy to take in? Learning he has Soul Reaper powers? A Zanpakuto spirit he can already communicate with? It's so much for him to process. I'm not sure if he's ready or not."

The Head of the Kuchiki Clan thought over his wife's questions and immediately saw that she was right. He did not think to give it a second thought. Yet, he knew it had to be done right away. If Toshiro didn't have the proper training and technique to control his powers, it could've been fatal to not just his granny, but to the rest of this district.

"My dear, I understand your concern, and in the moment I had not given Toshiro the proper time to make a definitive decision. Under these circumstances, everything had to be done quickly. He has no control of his powers and nearly froze his granny. The sooner he is enrolled, the better. If it will ease your worries, I will explain everything again to Toshiro in the morning."

Nodding in agreement with Byakuya, Hisana suddenly felt tired and nearly fell over.

After laying out an extra tatami mat, both Byakuya and Hisana laid down and let the sleep overtake them.