Inside the Tsugikuni residence, the atmosphere was somewhat quiet. Yoriichi Tsugikuni frowned slightly and sighed softly, "It's that time of year again."
Both of their graduation assessments had concluded, and they had achieved excellent results.
He was currently pondering which Division would be most suitable for them.
There was no need to worry about Hisana; the Sixth Division had already sent an invitation when she was in her first year.
However, Rukia's situation was much more complicated.
Her identity was so special that many people believed she would join the Ninth Division.
But only Yoriichi knew that the Ninth Division was not suitable for her.
Aside from the overcrowded situation, even the weakest Seat Officer there possessed Vice-Captain-level combat power.
Once Rukia joined, becoming an ordinary member, even if she didn't say it aloud, she would probably feel very unhappy in her heart.
If some people treated her with excessive deference due to her status, it might even trigger her rebellious streak...
Just then, Uta noticed the grave, thoughtful expression on Yoriichi's face, so she walked forward with light steps and asked with concern, "What's wrong, Yoriichi? What are you worrying about?"
"Are you worrying about Rukia and the others?"
Yoriichi slowly looked up, his eyes thoughtful, and replied, "More or less, Uta. What do you think of Rukia's personality?"
"..." This question made Uta unable to answer for a moment, as Rukia's personality was somewhat complex.
At her age, she basically changed every year.
After thinking for a moment, Uta gently pulled over a nearby chair and slowly sat down.
She unconsciously fiddled with her fingers while carefully choosing her words: "Proud, confident, gentle, and a little bit willful, more lively than Hisana."
As she spoke, she looked up: "Are you asking this because you plan to arrange for her to train in another Division?"
"Have you asked for her opinion?"
"I haven't asked yet, but Rukia has always followed arrangements. She's too young, and training is definitely essential..." Yoriichi replied, his gaze falling on the Thirteenth Division brochure in front of him.
"Overall, only the Fourth Division, Eighth Division, and Thirteenth Division are more suitable for Rukia."
"Uta, you spent some time in the Fourth Division. What's the atmosphere like there?"
At the mention of the Fourth Division, a glimmer of light flashed in Uta's otherwise calm eyes, and she showed a hint of interest.
She recalled the past, speaking in a leisurely tone, "The atmosphere... it's very good. Captain Retsu Unohana is very gentle. Although she's the first Kenpachi, and a Captain, she doesn't put on airs."
"The Vice-Captain is the same, not to mention the Seat Officers and members."
"Shinigami who are willing to join the Fourth Division generally have no desire for combat."
"Are you planning to send Rukia to the Fourth Division for training?"
At this point, Uta looked up at Yoriichi, her brows slightly furrowed, "Is something not quite right?"
"If I remember correctly, most of what she learned was offensive Kido."
"Although she learned a little Kaido, it's only a little. To gain a firm footing in the Fourth Division, it's probably far from enough..."
"I understand your concerns." Yoriichi Tsugikuni gazed at Uta, his tone steady and calm, "But there's no need to worry. Training of the mind is also training."
"Rukia's conditions in all aspects are quite good right now, but she still lacks some maturity in her mindset."
"Sode no Shirayuki can certainly help her distinguish right from wrong, and even guide her when she's indecisive, helping her make the most accurate judgments..."
"But that's ultimately external power."
"Shinigami must rely on themselves, not completely on their Zanpakuto."
The conversation went in a circle, returning to the initial question: which Division could help Rukia mature in terms of her mindset?
The two pondered this question for a long time and finally arrived at two answers.
It was either the Fourth Division or the Thirteenth Division.
The former focused on healing the injured, and Retsu Unohana's presence was like a calming pill; any Shinigami who entered would gradually have their rough edges smoothed out.
Because the casting of Kaido requires intense concentration.
Staying in the Fourth Division for a long time can cultivate one's character, and after treating the injured, receiving their gratitude also brings immediate satisfaction.
As for the latter, as a purification squad, its duties are very special, responsible for guiding souls in the Human World.
Seeing and experiencing more naturally changes one's mindset imperceptibly...
Both Divisions had their advantages, and Yoriichi was indecisive for a time.
After Rukia returned, Yoriichi told her everything about the matter in detail.
Rukia listened, then fell into silence.
After a long while, she finally looked up and slowly replied, "Is that so? The Fourth Division and the Thirteenth Division... This is indeed a difficult choice."
"Thank you very much for your guidance, Brother. You are right."
"As a student, I indeed still have many immature aspects."
"It's just... will Captain Retsu Unohana or Captain Jūshirō Ukitake accept me?"
Rukia's tone carried a hint of hesitation. She didn't ask why Matsumoto Rangiku could join the Ninth Division but she couldn't.
Matsumoto Rangiku was nearly a hundred years old at that time, which was one reason. Forty years ago, the Ninth Division wasn't as overcrowded as it is now, which was another.
She was only in her fifties this year, still a child both physically and mentally.
Just like Vice-Captain Ise Nanao before.
As Rukia spoke, she suddenly slapped her forehead: "I almost forgot, Sister Uta is the secretary-general of the Female Shinigami Association, and Captain Jūshirō Ukitake is your senior brother, Big Brother."
"Even if I don't perform well, they will surely take me in out of respect for you two..."
"So... the choice is now mine?"
"That's right." Yoriichi nodded, not refuting Rukia's words, "Uta and I have already discussed it. Although we really want to directly assign you to a certain Division, we still have to hear your thoughts."
"If you don't like it, even if Uta and I agree, you probably won't accept it."
"Speaking of which..."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni's gaze inadvertently swept over Hisana, and he suddenly remembered something, "Rukia, do you have someone you like?"
"If you do, I could arrange for you and him to be in the same Division."
"Just like Hisana and Byakuya, so you can look out for each other."
As soon as these words came out, Rukia's thoughtful expression instantly stiffened, and her thoughts couldn't help but freeze.
Then, coming back to her senses, her cheeks immediately turned crimson, as if she had heard something incredible, and she stammered, "Bro... Brother, what are you saying? Is this the time to talk about such things? No, absolutely not!"
She shook her head vigorously, almost seeing afterimages.
Hisana stood by, seeing this, and showed a subtle expression on her face.
She clearly knew her sister's thoughts; even if she had someone she liked, she couldn't admit it now, it would be too embarrassing.
After all, this age is always when one is most sensitive.
One must know, even the relationship between herself and Byakuya hasn't been made public yet...
Does her sister have someone she likes? Hisana secretly pondered, but after much thought, she didn't get a clear answer.
However, it was certain that someone liked her sister.
Yoriichi's gaze was calm, and he smiled: "No need to rush to deny it. It's fine even if you do. My attitude is very open-minded."
"Uta and I met, knew, and understood each other when we were eight years old."
"After so many years, I know very well that some feelings will not change with external conditions."
"Like Toushiro and the others..."
Rukia grew a little anxious. These words sounded as if she was deliberately hiding something.
Although from her behavior it seemed so, she truly didn't have anyone she liked.
There were a few she had a good impression of, but they were all friends.
Rukia wanted to explain, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she suddenly realized that such things only become more unclear the more you explain them.
Because she was a girl...
In her helplessness, she could only turn her pleading gaze to her sister.
However, Hisana was also helpless, shaking her head gently at Rukia, as if saying, just admit it for now.
Anyway, it's harmless. Even if there isn't one now, there will surely be one in the future.
Brother was doing all this for their sake.
It was better to talk about things beforehand, to avoid breaking up a pair later.
"..."
Seeing her sister's expression, Rukia felt even more helpless.
She gently exhaled, forcing down the jumbled thoughts in her mind, and decided to skip this topic.
But at the same time, a figure gradually emerged in her mind.
Unfortunately, it didn't last long before the figure inexplicably dissipated, clearly indicating that the impression wasn't deep enough.
Rukia took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice: "Although I'm very grateful for your concern, Brother, this kind of thing... is still too difficult for me."
"I've heard about your and Sister Uta's story since I was little, but that was a time of turmoil, a rare encounter."
"And Toushiro."
"I don't have a childhood friend I grew up with."
"If I did, I would definitely tell you, but for now, let's not."
"Aren't we discussing which Division I should join?"
"I've decided."
Rukia made up her mind. She looked at Yoriichi Tsugikuni with determined eyes and said solemnly, "I want to go to the Thirteenth Division. The Fourth Division is certainly suitable for me too, but my Kaido technique is really poor."
"Compared to treating the injured, I still prefer combat."
Actually, there was another main reason for choosing the Thirteenth Division, which was that she wanted to hide in the Human World for a bit, to escape reality.
She was only in her fifties and was already facing a situation akin to being pressured into marriage... and this wasn't the way to set people up.
To break up a pair of lovers, there must first be a pair of lovers.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni nodded. Although he wasn't entirely clear about the deeper meaning behind Rukia's choice, he felt her determination.
Good.
That was the aura a Shinigami should have.
As for the words just now...
He was a guardian, and he certainly had to consider the future of his family members.
Besides love, Rukia was the one he worried about the most.
Hisana had Byakuya to look after her after she grew up, but Rukia had no one.
After becoming a Shinigami, having someone who could always look out for her was much better than being alone.
One tree does not make a forest.
...
At a gathering several days later.
"I'm going to the Thirteenth Division, Renji, and Kira. Where are you two planning to go?"
Rukia slightly lowered her voice, looking at the two with inquiry.
"Have you chosen your target Divisions?"
Kira Iziru looked calm, drinking his beverage as if no one else was around, while Renji's expression stiffened slightly upon hearing this.
At this moment, several nobles approached, intending to amuse themselves with Renji, but Renji ignored them.
Seeing themselves completely disregarded, and with Rukia present, the nobles couldn't vent their anger. They cursed under their breath and then left the scene.
—Just a cheap provocation.
Renji watched their retreating figures, letting out a soft hmph in his heart. His gaze then quietly shifted to Rukia, and he replied,
"I haven't chosen yet, because selecting a Division is a major life decision."
"Once you've chosen, it's virtually impossible to switch Divisions unless there are special circumstances."
"My initial choice was the Ninth Division, but unfortunately, they might not want me. My second choice is the Eleventh Division…"
"Rukia, is there anything special about the Thirteenth Division? Why did you choose to go there?"
"Oh, it's nothing but Big Brother's command."
Rukia pouted helplessly,
"He thinks I'm immature. Where am I immature? Although, although… alright, I really haven't grown up yet…"
As she spoke, Rukia secretly glanced at her chest, feeling a bit annoyed.
Being in her forties was truly a bit awkward. Which girl doesn't wish for a perfect figure?
Her sister was a prime example; she was in her eighties, yet her body hadn't developed much, still as slender as when she was forty.
She wouldn't turn out like that, would she?
Whenever she thought of this, she felt a little panicked. It was too terrifying…
Renji didn't know exactly what Rukia meant by 'growing up.' He assumed it was about her physiological age. After a brief thought, he comforted her,
"It's alright. After all, it's your Big Brother's command. I remember the Captain of the Thirteenth Division is Ukitake, right?"
"He and your Big Brother should be very familiar with each other. Perhaps he'll look after you."
"I know, but I don't want to be treated like a child, even though I actually am a child right now…"
Rukia bit her lip and sighed softly.
She looked at the milk in front of her, then glanced at the red wine, grape wine, or sake in front of others, and her mood grew even more melancholic.
However.
When she inadvertently noticed a glass of milk also placed in front of Renji, a subtle glimmer of light suddenly flickered in her dim eyes.
Renji noticed Rukia's gaze, and his face flushed slightly.
He reached out, picked up the milk glass, and gulped down the milk, looking a bit embarrassed:
"Cough… you're making fun of me. Because my development wasn't very good when I was little, my teacher often made me drink milk to supplement calcium, and I just got used to it over time."
"You should know my teacher. In a sense, he is also Captain Tsugikuni's disciple, after all, all Breathing Techniques originate from Captain Tsugikuni."
Rukia nodded gently. She naturally knew Gyomei Himejima, but…
"Can drinking milk make you taller?" Rukia suddenly asked.
Hearing this question, Renji was stunned:
"It… it should be able to, right? At least I'm stronger than before, even though I don't have my teacher's exaggerated muscles."
"Rukia, do you really want to grow taller?"
"Of course!"
She didn't want to be treated like a child forever.
If she could grow as tall as Isane Kotetsu, even if she was still young, no one would look down on her.
Remembering Isane Kotetsu's impressive figure, Rukia decided to find an opportunity to visit her and ask her how she managed to grow to 1.87 meters.
Such a height, even within the entire Seireitei, was extremely outstanding among female Shinigami.
Renji was thoughtful, but unfortunately, due to his limited knowledge, he couldn't offer any effective methods other than drinking milk.
After chatting for a long time, he only remembered one thing: Rukia was going to the Thirteenth Division…
—Let's try…
He hoped Rukia wouldn't misunderstand. He definitely wasn't choosing the same Division as her because he wanted to follow her.
He simply wanted to see the prosperity of the Human World.
...
Thirteenth Division.
"Is the list of this year's newcomers all here?"
Jūshirō Ukitake was uncharacteristically sitting in his office handling official duties. His recovery from lung disease made him energetic and radiant.
He looked at the several documents in front of him, a warm smile gracing his lips.
Beside him, Kiyone Kotetsu stood quietly.
After forty years of tireless effort, she had finally become a Seat Officer. She noticed this scene, and a dazed expression immediately appeared on her face, her eyes filled with admiration.
What a pity, no matter how handsome he was, it had nothing to do with her. She could only watch wistfully, wondering who would benefit in the end…
Kiyone Kotetsu secretly sighed, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in her heart, and quickly explained:
"Yes, Captain. Among the qualified graduates, only fifteen have applied to us. What do you think…"
Before Kiyone Kotetsu finished speaking, Jūshirō Ukitake, scrutinizing the documents, suddenly exclaimed, "Eh?"
"Tsugikuni Rukia?"
"She actually chose the Thirteenth Division? That's quite unexpected."
"Kiyone."
Ukitake raised his eyes and looked at Kiyone Kotetsu, his gaze filled with inquiry.
Kiyone Kotetsu immediately straightened her posture and responded, "Yes."
"Does the Captain have any orders?"
Jūshirō Ukitake had intended to mention visiting Yoriichi Tsugikuni and having Shiba Kaien temporarily handle affairs.
But suddenly, he realized he didn't seem to need to do that.
Because when Rukia made such a choice, Yoriichi Tsugikuni must have known about it.
However, Yoriichi did not interfere…
This indicated that letting Rukia gain experience in the Thirteenth Division was also Yoriichi's idea.
Compared to the Ninth Division, the atmosphere of the Thirteenth Division was undoubtedly gentler.
There were no battle maniacs or workaholics here, making it very suitable for slowly adapting to the Shinigami life.
Thinking of this, Jūshirō Ukitake, who had slightly raised his body, slowly sat back down.
Meeting Kiyone Kotetsu's confused gaze, he gently waved his hand, a relieved smile on his face:
"Never mind. It's fine, fifteen people it is."
"Recently, there have been quite a few souls that need to be guided into the Soul Society from the Human World. The Thirteenth Division is currently short-handed…"
"The arrival of these newcomers will just alleviate the immediate crisis."
"Post the announcement."
"Yes." Kiyone Kotetsu responded solemnly, then turned and hurried off to carry out the task.
By the day of official enlistment, Rukia stood bored in the ranks, wondering when she would be able to go to the Human World.
As she was thinking, suddenly, the corner of her eye seemed to catch a glimpse of Abarai Renji.
For a moment, Rukia thought she might have been mistaken.
But when she fully turned her head, she realized that it was indeed Renji.
No way… Renji, how could he be here?
Could it be…
Rukia's thoughts raced, but before she could ponder further, Jūshirō Ukitake, clad in his Captain's haori, slowly walked from one side to the steps in front of them.
He lightly coughed into his fist, and the room immediately fell silent. He then delivered a welcome speech.
During his speech, he subtly observed Rukia, then his gaze quietly fell upon Abarai Renji not far away…
After the speech concluded, Jūshirō Ukitake, based on everyone's assessment results from the academy, announced several new Seat Officer candidates.
Rukia was promoted to Sixth Seat, and Renji was promoted to Tenth Seat.
Once the appointments were announced, some people were displeased. Rukia was one thing, but who was Renji?
Tenth Seat… A normal Shinigami would typically have to strive for seventy or eighty years to have a chance at this position.
This guy, upon joining the Division, immediately ousted the previous Tenth Seat…
It was only because the Thirteenth Division had always disliked conflict; otherwise, there would surely have been a contest to determine who was superior.
Some people looked at Renji with strange gazes, wondering if this guy had some kind of background.
Before they could even open their mouths to question, Jūshirō Ukitake, as if he had read their minds, immediately dismissed the ranks.
Immediately after, several Seat Officers stepped forward, leading everyone away while introducing various aspects of the Thirteenth Division.
The current Fifth Seat—Shiba Miyako—was also among the group.
As a good friend, she had known about this beforehand. Now, seeing Rukia's appearance, a gentle and kind smile bloomed on her face.
...
On the other side.
Renji was in the crowd, quietly looking at Rukia, when suddenly, a thick arm rested on his shoulder.
"Hey, what are you looking at?"
Renji turned and found the newcomer was Sentaro Kotsubaki, a Seat Officer of the Thirteenth Division.
Sentaro had somewhat dark skin, a healthy bronze complexion, and a goatee on his chin, making him look very sturdy.
His father was both the former Vice-Captain of the Seventh Division and a renowned swordsman.
Influenced by his swordsman father, although he usually wore a stern expression, he was actually very forthright.
After chatting with Renji for a while, seeing his tall stature, he decided to host a welcome party to celebrate and help Renji quickly integrate into the group.
The two chatted, but Renji's gaze remained fixed on Rukia's retreating figure.
Only when Rukia completely disappeared from sight with Shiba Miyako did Sentaro show an expression that said, "I understand."
He patted Renji's shoulder and, pretending to be very familiar, asked,
"Who is that girl to you? You're not interested in Miss Miyako, are you?"
"Kid, I have to admit, you have good taste, but unfortunately, Miss Miyako is already taken."
Hearing this, Renji's face darkened, and he felt a surge of speechlessness.
He really wanted to say that he was looking at Rukia just now, but the words got stuck in his throat and he couldn't utter them…
...
Time quietly flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day to carry out the mission.
Rukia and Renji were assigned to two different cities.
Although the geographical locations were different, the distance between them was not far.
Before departing, both of them initially thought that guiding souls was a relatively easy job.
However, they didn't expect that during the mission, one day, Rukia was following the procedure to search for souls that needed to be guided.
Suddenly, in a secluded corner, she encountered a severely injured Quincy.
This Quincy's condition looked very bad, suspected to be pursued by someone.
And the pursuers came from—the Wandenreich.