Suzuki Makoto seemed to have proposed a condition that was easier for Rukia to accept, but in reality, such a condition only placed the young Captain in a greater dilemma.
The reasoning was the same as Byakuya Kuchiki choosing to come to Rukongai with Suzuki Makoto—adopting a young girl from Rukongai was not a major issue in itself. However, allowing a commoner who bore the colors of the Yellow Turbans to come and go freely within the Kuchiki household was a completely different matter.
Especially now, in the eyes of outsiders, he had already begun to have contact with Suzuki Makoto. This would make it easier for other Nobles to turn around and pressure the Kuchiki family, and naturally, the weight of this pressure would fall squarely on his shoulders.
"Is that really okay? I really want to... I really want to see the place where my sister used to live."
A look of pleasant surprise appeared on Rukia's face. If this were the past, when she was begging for food in Rukongai to survive, she would have weighed the pros and cons of such an adoption. But now, with the call of the Yellow Turbans, and being able to attend school with peace of mind and a full stomach every day, the distant and unfamiliar life of a Noble held almost no appeal to her.
"It is acceptable."
No superfluous emotion could be seen on Byakuya Kuchiki's face. He certainly knew what doing this implied, but his love for Hisana Kuchiki made him willing to bear this pressure.
"Then it's settled. Ask the teacher for leave after school today, pack your things, and come with us to the Seireitei. If you have any other thoughts along the way, feel free to chat with Captain Kuchiki at any time."
Suzuki Makoto smiled and finalized the decision.
*
By the time Rukia returned to the classroom, Renji, who was beside her, immediately noticed that her mood was off.
"What's wrong, Rukia? Did the teacher criticize you?"
"No! It's just—I just found out news about my sister."
"Is it that guy from last time?! Do you want me to help you sack him?"
The boy was a little nervous. Rukia had discussed that matter with him before because she was afraid. In the end, the two decided not to speak of it for the time being, but if that person appeared again, they would put a sack over his head and beat him; they absolutely could not let others know that Nobles were contacting them.
"No, it's not that. What that person said last time was true. My sister really did marry a Noble in the Seireitei, it's just that she has already passed away."
"Huh? Really? did that guy show you any evidence? You shouldn't just believe whatever people say; at least investigate it yourself first."
"How rude! This was said by Lord Suzuki himself!"
"Lord Suzuki came personally?!"
He shouted it out involuntarily, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
In a flush of anxiety, Rukia stomped heavily on Renji's foot. Knowing he was in the wrong, Renji instantly buried his head, but the entire classroom had already erupted.
"Renji! What did you say?!"
"Where is Lord Suzuki?!"
Finally, the teacher, who was aware of the situation, suppressed the commotion.
"Ahem. When you graduate, Captains and Lieutenants of the Gotei 13 will come to recruit you. Suzuki Makoto is now the Lieutenant of the 4th Division, so when you graduate, he might come back."
The misunderstanding was considered temporarily resolved, but those students who came from the Yellow Turbans discussed it with great enthusiasm. Some thought of Rukia and Renji's status as members of the Inspection Team, and their eyes filled with envy. No wonder they could know this news in advance; sure enough, these personal guards had their channels.
"Anyway, I will be taking leave for the next few days to go and pack up my sister's keepsakes. Lord Suzuki is personally coming to pick me up—you absolutely must not let this slip out! I don't want others to know about this!"
Renji nodded obediently like a pounding garlic pestle, his face flushed red from the pain in his foot.
*
When the group returned to the Seireitei, they did not make much of an effort to conceal themselves. Byakuya Kuchiki knew very well that trying to keep this matter a secret was fundamentally impossible. Rather than that, it was better to display it openly and generously; this way, at least no one would dare to play dirty tricks in the shadows.
Rukia followed Byakuya Kuchiki to the Kuchiki manor. The young girl was somewhat constrained upon first arriving at such a strange, sprawling estate, but she unceremoniously glared back at the gazes of others.
Seeing those people with strange looks retract their gazes, the girl let out a soft hmph. Lord Suzuki was right; there was nothing so amazing about Nobles after all.
"Here. This is the room where Hisana and I used to live."
"Eh? Do you not live here now, Brother-in-law?"
Byakuya Kuchiki gently shook his head. The memories this place held were simply too many. After Hisana left, he could no longer bear to live there. He simply maintained it in its original appearance, forbidding anyone from entering.
Rukia pushed open the spotless door and saw her sister's memorial portrait at a glance.
She walked over, stroking the portrait. Looking at the sister who looked almost exactly like her, only slightly more frail and gentle, tears flowed out unconsciously.
In truth, Rukia's impression of her sister was already very vague; she only remembered that there was such a person. Coupled with the fact that she had struggled and tumbled through the slums later on, that affection wasn't particularly deep.
But at this moment, seeing her sister's portrait, that emotion stemming from their bloodline echoed in her heart for a long time, unable to subside.
"Sister... did she leave any words for me?"
"Before Hisana left, she pleaded with me to take good care of her younger sister. To care for her as if she were my own sister."
Byakuya Kuchiki looked at the memorial photo, motionless.
"That is why I wish to adopt you as my righteous sister and bestow upon you the Kuchiki surname. I have already arranged everything within the clan. As long as you are willing, you can stay here."
Rukia still only shook her head.
"I don't want to become a Noble."
"If you do not wish for it, then you do not have to add the surname. I will still declare to the outside world that you are my adopted sister. You don't even have to live in the Kuchiki house if you don't want to. But at the very least, I hope you can remain in the Seireitei, because only here can I take good care of you."
"I don't need taking care of. I am a child who grew up in Rukongai; I know how to take care of myself. Suddenly having a Brother-in-law pop up... I'm sorry, I'm not saying you're bad, I just... I'm just a little unaccustomed to it."
Rukia put down the photo and turned around to apologize to Byakuya Kuchiki.
The man simply shook his head.
"There is no need to apologize. I can understand your feelings toward the Yellow Turbans. I said it before: I will not go against your own wishes. I only hope that you can choose me, choose the Kuchiki family, rather than forcing you to make a choice."
The girl breathed a sigh of relief. She had truly been a little worried that the other party would forcibly keep her. After all, among the rumors and gossip she had heard about Nobles, there was never a single good word.
"Are there any more photos of my sister? Could you share one with me?"
"Yes. There are also many clothes and toys Hisana bought for you in the past. Do you want to take them all with you?"
____
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