"I know," Sasuke said. "That's why I need stronger reiatsu and more precise control. Cut what should be cut, spare what should be spared."
"As long as you understand." Byakuya sheathed his sword. "That's enough for today. Go back and rest. Digest what you learned today.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you advanced Kido applications and Flash Step. Your Zanpakuto is your trump card, but Kido and Flash Step are the fundamentals. You can't neglect them."
Sasuke nodded and sheathed his sword as well. Ame no Habakiri dissolved into reishi, returning to the depths of his soul.
"Captain Byakuya." He called out to Byakuya as he was about to leave.
"Anything else?"
"Why are you helping me?" Sasuke asked. "I come from the shinobi world. I'm Liuyu's disciple and a potential enemy of the Pure Soul Court.
"By teaching me to use my Zanpakuto and Kido, you're raising a weapon that might turn against the Pure Soul Court. Why?"
Byakuya turned and looked at Sasuke for a long time.
"Because I believe a sword has two edges. It can hurt people, but it can also protect them."
He spoke slowly. "Your future holds countless possibilities. You could become an enemy of the Pure Soul Court, or its ally, or even its protector.
"But whichever path you take, you'll need strength. I'm giving you that strength in the hope that, once you have it, you'll have room to choose."
"Choose?"
"Hatred is an easy choice. It requires no thought, only an outlet."
Byakuya continued, "But forgiveness, understanding, protection-those are difficult choices. They require strength, wisdom, and courage.
"I'm giving you strength in the hope that, someday, when you have the power to choose hatred, you'll also have the confidence to choose another path."
He turned and left, leaving Sasuke alone on the