He was actually a very proud person, but beneath that pride lay an almost absolute sense of responsibility and protection.
When it came to the things he cared about, Byakuya could not allow anyone to harm them.
But now, the nearly cruel future laid out before him left him somewhat dazed.
His future self was very strong, far stronger than he was now. Yet even so, before that Quincy, he was like a lamb awaiting slaughter, without the slightest ability to fight back. In the end, he was even defeated by his own Bankai, dragging Renji and Rukia into it as well.
Although Byakuya had not yet met that red-haired young man or the female Shinigami who looked so much like Hisana, he could be completely certain in his heart that they were Rukia and Renji. Watching those two youngsters get ambushed so badly because of him, watching so many squad members die because of his own incompetence—
He felt as though his dignity and pride had been ruthlessly trampled beneath someone's feet. He could feel the unwillingness and regret of his future self!
Even breathing seemed difficult. If not for Captain Kyoraku's call, he might truly have lost control of his emotions. Seeing the worried gazes of Shunsui and everyone around him, Byakuya took a deep breath and said in a voice that nearly trembled:
"I am fine, but I will never allow this future to come to pass! I swear upon the honor of the Kuchiki Clan!"
Seeing Byakuya like that, Captain-Commander felt some heartache. To Captain-Commander, Byakuya was a child he had watched grow up. For Byakuya, being unable to protect his squad members, Rukia, and Renji was a profound guilt. And for Captain-Commander, being unable to protect Byakuya and allowing him to endure such immense pain—was