Chapter 2: Second Encounter

All characters and rights belong to Masashi Kishimoto and Tite Kubo
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Sakura groaned as she once again forced herself to awaken. The last thing she recalled was speaking, if you even want to call it that, to some pompous ass, Sasuke wannabe before being knocked unconscious. Rubbing her hand over the area where the man had hit her, Sakura opened her eyes and was shocked by her surroundings. Ten pair of eyes were focused solely on her as she sat in the middle of what seemed to be an ongoing meeting. Various expressions played out on all the individuals' faces, ranging from excitement to surprise to boredom. One pair of eyes immediately caught her attention. Violet eyes merely observed her before slowly sliding close, making it appear as if the man was irritated by this sudden development. The lack of response and recognition instantly had the female on her feet before suddenly disappearing and reappearing in front of the man.

"You asshole."

Silence filled the room as said man slowly opened his eyes and took in the sight of the woman before him. It was easy to recall who she was due to her exotic coloring, but what surprised him was the look of annoyance and clear recognition of who he was. It is a known fact that all souls who have passed have no recollection of their past or meeting with the shinigami, but it seemed this wasn't the case.

"Do you know who I am?"

Another flash of annoyance flitted through those bright green eyes.

"I wouldn't be addressing you if I didn't, although I must say, I am shocked you have deemed yourself to speak. From our previous encounter you had lead me to believe you were either too pompous to deem yourself worthy enough to speak to a lowly soul like me or you were mute. Obviously it is the former, but I will tell you know, I've had to deal with arrogant bastards like you all my life and I did not work my ass off to get where I am today to be belittled in an instant by a man who refuses to give me his name!"

The calm and composed tone in which she delivered her words contradicted the underlying emotion that bled through. Pure unadulterated passion and fire burned in her eyes and the intensity of her gaze unsettled him. A cackle interrupted the staring contest between the two. Swiftly the female broke her gaze, brow furrowed to see who was responsible for emitting that sound. Green eyes were schooled into an emotionless mask as she took in the sight of the man who had laughed. His overly large and muscular physique combined with the wild and aggressive expression that was only enhanced with his shit eating grin served to add to his boorish demeanor. Slowly she took in the sight of the white haori that was similar to the one the man she had just labeled an asshole was wearing. A pink eyebrow arched in response, "You're either a captain or you just wanted to match with the asshole over here."

Zaraki's one eye widened in response before he burst into another round of cackles. The other captains around the table didn't attempt to conceal their amusement while said asshole glared in response.

"Aren't you a gutsy one, too bad you don't have a large amount of reiryoku, otherwise you and I will be fighting pinky."

"What is this reiryoku?"

Seeing it as the perfect opportunity to demonstrate his strength, Zaraki released his reiatsu, everyone within a 100 mile radius could feel the intensity of the spiritual pressure. Used to the unruly man's display, none of the captains flinched, but interestingly the female before them remained calmed and stoic before the man.

"Interesting..."

Her pink brows furrowed as she pondered in thought before slowly closing her eyes. Silently she felt the tight control she usually held over her chakra loosen. Reiryoku referred to one's spiritual power or willpower. Keeping that in mind, Sakura felt power coursed through her as she released her tight restraints. Immediately, Zaraki's own reiatsu began to fluctuate as another reiatsu began to counter his. All eyes widened in response as a battle of wills began to take place among the two. Never have they encountered another whose reiryoku was able to match Zaraki let alone conceal it in such a manner that none of the captains had sensed it. Slowly the already giant grin stretched even wider as Zaraki felt the girl's power. Adrenaline coursed through him as his blood called for him to spar with the girl immediately.

"Enough!"

Sakura's eyes flew open as she immediately regained control. Training with Tsunade and finally getting Kakashi to train and spar with her had greatly allowed her chakra expanses to grow while maintaining her strict control. The fact that this Reiryoku was a reflection of her willpower only made it easier to control. Although the sheer amount of power was surprising even to her.

"It shouldn't be surprising, after all the fire that burns in you is strong. Why else would I choose you to be my master?"

"Fenikkusu?"

"Glad you remembered my name."

"We need to have another discussion soon."

"In due time, now pay attention."

Sakura snapped out of her gaze to see a pair of steel gray eyes that was focused on her. His expression conveyed a sense of gentleness, but the weary gaze and tense shoulders said the man was on guard and ready to attack need be.

"Forgive me, I was lost in my thoughts."

"Understandable, however your sudden appearance and immense amount of power is shocking. How are you able to conceal it?"

"Will you at least give me a name and an idea of who you are and where I am?"

"My apologies, my name is Shunsui Kyōraku, the head of the first division and captain commander of the Gotei 13. You are currently in Seireitei where shinigami and nobles such as the asshole, also known as Kuchiki Byakuya reside."

"Shinigami? Perfect."

It wasn't lost on Shunsui that the girl had completely disregarded the comment of Byakuya being a noble. Amusement was evident, however he was curious as to her statement about shinigami, "Why is it perfect?"

"I was told by Fenikkusu that I needed to train and become a shinigami in order to fulfill my destiny although that remains to be determined," the last part of her statement trailed off, but Shunsui as well as the other captains were intrigued.

"Fenikkusu?"

"My zanpakuto."

Shock was evident on everyone's faces. Never had they met a soul who had recollection of her memories as well as a zanpakuto without receiving any training.

"Impossible! Where is your proof of your zanpakuto? I see you carry no blade with you."

Irritation was clear as day on the woman's expression as she flickered over to the man who spoke.

"Who are you to ask that? As I recall I was speaking with Shunsui-san, not you." Her tone reverted to the deadly calm note. The skeleton looking man that had spoken with suspicion clear in his voice only smirked at the girl.

"Mayuri Kurotsuchi, captain of the 12th division. Now I won't repeat myself girl, where is this zanpakuto you claim you have?"

"Fenikkusu..." was growled out in response. In an instant, a form began to materialize before the captains, features began to sharpen as a tall man dressed in a rich red kimono with long red hair loosely pulled to the side appeared before them. A stoic expression adorned his face but the bright golden eyes conveyed his merriment and annoyance all at once.

"Yes?"

"It can't be..." was whispered from a white haired man who was gazing in shock at the spirit before him. His expression was mirrored by Shunsui who slowly responded to Ukitate's whispered response, "but it is...Fenikkusu?"

A deep red eyebrow rose in response.

"It seems you do have an idea of who I am. Where is Ryūjin Jakka? It's been awhile since I have crossed blades with him."

"He's gone."

"Disappointing. It seems we have arrived at the perfect time, Sakura." Fenikkusu turned to look at his pink haired master. The expression that was belied in her eyes conveyed the torrent of questions she was bond to ask him later. With a short nod, Fenikkusu turned to address the captains.

"As you can see, I am her zanpakuto. She will not be able to use me until we train on a later date. Now that you have seen me, please explain to my lovely master what is going on. Although she is appears calm, she is actually a little spitfire."

A glare was shot at Fenikkusu who smirked before disappearing once again. A string of curses danced on the tip of Sakura's tongue but she restrained herself.

"Che. She will be a wonderful specimen to experiment on."

"Not until she spars with me. I'm Kenapachi Zaraki, captain of the eleventh division." The man with the shit eating grin turned to smile at the woman before him. Unfortunately her attention was focused solely on Mayuri.

"If you think I would allow you to experiment on me, you are sadly mistaken captain Mayuri. I will say this now, touch me and I will KILL you. In regards to you captain Zaraki, a spar sounds enjoyable." This was accompanied by a small smirk as anticipation coursed through her. With everything that happened so far, she needed some release and it seemed Zaraki would be a perfect practice dummy.

"It seems it would be best to introduce ourselves. You already know who I am...Suì-Fēng?"

A petite woman with short hair and two long braids tied in the back turned her steely gray gaze on the girl. " I am Suì-Fēng, head of the second division." Her speech was curt and decisive, hinting at her personality. With a brief nod in the woman's direction, Sakura turned to a energetic looking blonde.

"Hai, Hai. I'm Shinji Hirako head of the fifth division and I must say, you are a gorgeous beauty, although not as wonderful as my hime." With this, a wide smile spread on the man's face as he openly eyed her bosom in delight, causing irritation to course through Byakuya. Surprised at this emotion, he immediately wrote it off at being disgusted by the lack of manners Hirako displayed, thereby tainting his title of captain. Byakuya was amused as he witnessed a flash before a single kunai landed in between Shinji's nether regions.

" My, my, it seems your zanpakuto was correct in calling you a spitfire. I can't imagine what you would be like...in bed."A sly smile fixed itself onto Shinji's face but it was quickly replaced as Sakura's fist connected with his face. The sound of bone crunching ran clear in the air as Shinji flew backward from the impact. His eyes widened in response as blood trickled down his now broken nose.

"Spitfire I maybe, but that is only when I'm dealing with perverts such as yourself." With this statement, a snicker could be heard all around but Shinji smiled as he picked himself up.

"I must say, I think I am in love."

Within moments, Shinji was pinned to the wall with a line of kunai aimed dangerously close to his vital areas. Satisfied, Sakura awaited the next captain to introduce himself.

"Kuchiki Byakuya, head of the sixth division."

"I am honored to finally meet your acquaintance, Captain Kuchiki." The sarcasm was dripping from each word as the girl's green eyed glared was met with an indifferent expression. Once again, anger was bubbling inside of her, but quickly she squashed it. She didn't know why he was able to stir such strong feelings in her, but if he wanted to act indifferent, she could do the same.

"I am Sajin Komamura, head of the seventh division." This time, Sakura allowed some expression to bleed through her emotionless mask. Surprise was clear as day as she took in the appearance of the seventh division captain.

"You are a wolf..."

Komamura tensed as he awaited the typical response he usually received, however he was sorely mistaken when she said, "Fascinating." Brown eyes widened in response as a smile formed on the woman's face, alerting all the males to her beauty. A faint blush formed on Komamura's face as he muttered, "It's nothing special" before turning away from the female. A cough interrupted the moment as the smile vanished, once again the expressionless mask was back in place.

"Tōshirō Hitsugaya, captain of the tenth division." Sakura quirked her head in the direction of the male who spoke and was surprised to see a boy barely at the age of sixteen standing before him. His ice blue eyes stared back at her as if he was challenging her to comment on his appearance. Pale brows furrowed as she recalled moments in which she herself was underestimated or brush aside because of her appearance. A flash of understanding appeared in her eyes as she looked at Hitsugaya before turning away from him. Toishiro was shocked, he had expected some sort of comment but instead all he received was a look of understanding. She would be an interesting one to converse with at a later date.

"Well you already know who I am Pinky and the next one is that Mayuri, head of the 12th division, all that is left is..." Zaraki trailed off as Ukitate rose from his seat and walked over to greet the girl.

"I am Jūshirō Ukitake, head of the 13th division it is nice to..." the white haired man immediately begin to cough, as small droplets of blood could be seen in his handkerchief. In an instant, Sakura's facade faded as she rushed over to the man, hand already glowing with her healing chakra. A soft expression graced her face as she gently helped the man back to his chair before quickly doing a check on his lungs. She wasn't surprised to hear the fluid build-up, making it difficult for him to breathe.

"How long have you been ill?"

Ukitake looked up in surprise before smiling at the girl. The expression on her face made her seem human and approachable.

"All my life, I don't have much longer left."

Pale pink brows furrowed before she gently began to heal the artery that had ruptured due to the coughing. Ukitake felt a sense of calm as the warm sensation of whatever the girl was doing filled him.

"Not true, I can heal you." The confidence in her voice had Ukitate focusing his gaze on her as did Shunsui. "Are you sure?" The two males looked at the girl with hope in their eyes. When she nodded her confirmation a smile broke out on both their faces.

"However, I need to drain your lungs of liquid and you need to take a regiment of medicine for the next year while I monitor your lungs. I am confident you will be 100% soon." The girl smiled in response as she finished her task. Quickly she did a scan of his entire body and she was pleased to see the disease was only affecting his lungs. Once she cleared out the fluid and made the medicine, he would be healthy once again.

"How is it that you are able to cure him? Even our best healer was unable to do so." The girl smiled in response before stepping away from Ukitate. "Time to introduce myself, my name is Sakura Haruno, head ANBU medic, apprentice to the fifth hokage and a ninja from Konohagakure."

"Sakura, how fitting, but what is ANBU?"

"In our village, ninjas are trained in order to reach jounin or for those who are willing or as some have nicknamed, have a death wish, they become ANBU. ANBU is the silent assassination group that is the hokage, our village leader's right hand. We carry out missions that are highly dangerous, with the chance of return being very slim. Most who join ANBU have died in combat or been taking as prisoners. As of late I was lucky to last as long as I did."

"What do you mean?"

A bitter expression flashed across her face before the blank expression returned. "A majority of those who enter ANBU are around sixteen, those who are able to make it to past twenty are viewed as idols, however...what they have seen and done...death would be welcomed by most."

As her words sunk in, Shunsui was already planning his next move. With her skills and background she would be able to easily fulfill one of the vacant seats. Not to mention she was a head medic, making the fourth division perfect for her. A grin appeared on Shunsui's face as he observed the female. Affirming his decision, Shunsui rose from his place.

"Well, miss Sakura, how would you like to be the next fourth division captain?"

A pink eyebrow arched in response to that question. "I don't believe I am qualified for that position."

"Nonsense! You have been trained to fight but you also have skills in healing which is what the fourth division represents. Your reiatsu and control already marks you as captain level at least and you already have your zanpakuto. As of right now, you are qualified for this position."

Sakura took a moment to ponder the opportunity presented before, it was a great opportunity but..."I would like to be trained in the ways of soul society, specifically in combat. I refuse to accept a position and put anything but my best."

Byakuya rose an eyebrow in response to this statement. She was so determined, it was...interesting. Shunsui on the other hand continued to smile as he nodded in response.

"But of course, however you will need to face one of the captains in order to guage your skills..."

"That will be me Pinky." Zaraki immediately stepped forward and began to drew his blade, however he was halted by Shunsui.

"Not yet Zaraki. She needs to obtain her zanpakuto first and take care of Ukitate. Not to mention, she needs a place to stay in order to get used to her surroundings."

Zaraki muttered in response before turning away. "Fine, fine, but I expect a fight soon Pinky."

"Can't wait." A flash of excitement appeared on Sakura's face but she squashed it as she turned to face Shunsui. "Is it alright that the current head of the fourth division as well as the members be present for my fight with Zaraki? Being fairly new, I doubt they would be fond of having a new division head placed before them without any proof of my skills."

"A reasonable request, besides all of the captains will be there to witness your fight. Your presence as well as your zanpakuto has me intrigued."

"Fine."

"In regards to where you shall stay, I believe the Kuchiki residence has more than enough room to accompany you. This won't be an issue would it, Byakuya?"

Sakura tensed as she turned to meet the violet gaze. Tension was thick in the air as the two stared at one another, but there was something else brewing between them. Byakuya broke the connection first before turning to address Shunsui.

"If that is your command." With that Shunsui smiled before nodding in response. He has witnessed the two interacting and contrary to Byakuya's calm facade, the girl had piqued his interest. Maybe she would be the one to free Byakuya from his mental prison. With that thought in mind, Shunsui adjourned the meeting and watched the two walk off in the direction of the Kuchiki manor.