Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!

Unohana Retsu still held an untrimmed camellia between her fingers, its crimson bud drooping against the dark brown branch like a drop of blood suspended on a blade's edge.

Shin's gaze swept over her form, over the flower branches, over the black asauchi lying nearby.

In all his time with the Fourth Division, he often saw Unohana practicing kadō and sadō during her spare time. It seemed to be a personal hobby, fitting the image she always presented to the world.

Or perhaps, it was merely something she forced herself to do—things she had no true interest in.

Her loose black hair flowed like ink.

She looked up at Shin as he approached, and her gaze was... strange. Something he had never seen in her eyes before.

He had glimpsed something similar once—in Hinamori's eyes—but compared to hers, this gaze was stripped of many of the things that once irritated him.

What remained was something purer. More raw. More breathtaking.

Shin stopped close to her. Unohana still sat kneeling on the floor. She looked up at him, her neck tilted back at such an angle that it made her seem less composed than usual—revealing more of her throat, her jawline exposed in full.

The warm lighting in the tea room shone directly on her face. Her lashes cast trembling shadows over her cheeks.

As Shin looked down at her like this, a strange feeling crept into him.

He felt sorry for her.

He had done all this—for her. Told Yamamoto Genryūsai it was to save her.

And now she was free from one cage… only to step into another.

Perhaps it wasn't even worth pity. This world was a prison already. Even death offered no release.

The vision Unohana once pursued had always been a doomed one.

In this world, no one was truly awake.

Not Yamamoto. Not Aizen.

All were bound to serve something—fate, law, ideology. Slaves to a purpose. Call it ignorance, if one must—but ignorance, at least, was warmer than numbness.

Shin believed in himself.

What he had done, he believed, had been a good thing.

Rukongai, Junrin'an District

Hitsugaya had barely stepped outside when he found himself face to face with a familiar silhouette.

"V-Vice-Captain?"

Rangiku Matsumoto stood there with a gift box in hand, smiling.

"I heard your grandma's not feeling well, so I thought I'd come visit."

Hitsugaya's heart thudded. "That's… too much trouble! You didn't need to come all the way out here yourself!"

"Junrin'an is right next to Seireitei, you know," Rangiku replied casually. "It's not far at all."

"…"

Hitsugaya's thoughts were already racing. He hadn't expected her to show up here of all places. His excuse for taking leave had been entirely fabricated—and if she found out...

"Where's your grandma?" Rangiku said, already starting toward the house. "I'd like to say hello."

Hitsugaya quickly moved to block her path.

"Ah—she's already gone to sleep. It's quite late."

"This early?" Rangiku narrowed her eyes, growing more convinced she'd been right all along.

"It's not early. She's old, so she sleeps early."

Rangiku's smile faded. "Alright, fair enough. Since it's late… I guess I'll just stay here tonight. Got a spare room?"

"What? No way!" Hitsugaya raised his voice.

"Why not?"

"I mean—it's not proper, you're a woman—"

Rangiku ruffled his hair without restraint.

"You're overthinking it. I don't even see you as a man."

That stung a little—but right now, he had more pressing concerns.

"It's really inconvenient. And you've got work tomorrow, right? Just head back. I appreciate your concern. Once Grandma's better, I'll return."

His words came out in a rush.

Rangiku's smile slowly faded. She glanced inside the house, then placed the gift box in his hands like she was about to leave.

"Well, alright then…"

But just as the words left her lips—she darted past him toward the door.

"Wait—!"

Too late.

Rangiku stopped at the entrance, stunned.

A frail figure emerged slowly from within, swaying with each step.

"Shirō-chan? Do we have a guest?" The elderly woman coughed as she walked. Her thin frame trembled with each movement, as if a breeze could knock her over.

Hitsugaya stood frozen in disbelief.

"Grandma…"

Rangiku snapped out of her daze and hurried forward to support her.

"Hello there. I'm Rangiku Matsumoto, a friend of Hitsugaya's from the Tenth Division. I heard you were unwell and came to check on you."

"Oh, how kind of you. It's nothing serious, just an old ailment acting up."

Hitsugaya stared at his grandmother's Oscar-worthy performance in stunned silence.

Later, after Rangiku had helped her back inside, she stepped outside and looked at Hitsugaya with a long sigh.

"With her like this, maybe you should stay a little longer. She could use the company."

"…"

Hitsugaya bit his lip, lowered his head, and replied softly, "Yeah."

Rangiku rubbed her forehead.

"I really am pitiful."

The words struck Hitsugaya with a twinge of guilt. Maybe ditching everything and running off hadn't been the best choice after all.

"Thanks for coming…"

"Fate's cruel," Rangiku said with a wry smile.

Then she sighed again. "If you really think I deserve thanks, then hurry up and come back to help out when she's better. Do you have any idea what the captain's been making me do while you're gone?"

Hitsugaya muttered, "The captain's… honestly a reasonable guy. I don't think he'd dump everything on someone."

"Oh sure. You're all saints. I'm the villain," Rangiku muttered, pouting.

"Fine. I'll head back."

"…"

Kuchiki Manor

Rukia had just returned home when the butler greeted her with a wide smile.

"Welcome home, Lady Rukia."

She looked a little tired. Lately, her workload with the Student Council had been growing. She now had to juggle her studies and the responsibilities of a council president—a heavy burden.

But her days were fulfilling, and for that, she was grateful.

"Is Brother back?" she asked casually.

"Lord Byakuya is waiting for you."

"Waiting… for me?" Rukia blinked, surprised.

Despite living under the same roof, her interactions with Kuchiki Byakuya were almost entirely limited to formal greetings. He never involved himself in her school life.

"He's in the main guest hall. There's a visitor. Please head there first."

Rukia nodded and made her way to the hall without stopping to rest.

Inside, Byakuya sat in the main seat. Two others were present. One of them she recognized—Saitō Hisaya, third seat of the Sixth Division.

The Saitō family was a noble house affiliated with the Kuchiki clan. Every generation, members of the Saitō family who became Shinigami joined the Sixth Division.

The first captain of the Sixth Division had also been from the Saitō family.

"Brother." Rukia greeted quietly.

Byakuya gave a small nod, but didn't speak. Hisaya addressed her once she sat down.

The younger man beside him was a Saitō family youth, soon to be enrolled in the Shin'ō Academy.

They had brought him to request Rukia's help in looking after him during his time at the Academy.

Nothing major—Rukia had grown used to interacting with nobles ever since moving into the Kuchiki household. They all treated her with utmost respect.

But then Hisaya subtly hinted that he hoped Rukia would groom the Saitō youth as the next Student Council President.

"…"

Rukia fell silent.

The Student Council was no longer what it had been when Shin founded it.

At first, it was just an organization to help out with miscellaneous chores around the Academy. But over the past two years, as its graduates entered the Gotei 13 and proved themselves as elite recruits, the upper brass had begun to notice its significance.

In a few decades, the Council might even become an essential part of a Shinigami's career path.

Given Soul Society's long history, the ranks beneath captain turned over quickly.

Most future seated officers might well be former Council members.

And so—the Council President could one day command serious prestige within the Gotei 13.

Rukia glanced toward Byakuya.

Was this suggestion his idea?

Her current life under the Kuchiki name came with many privileges. The prestige of being Byakuya's adopted sister opened countless doors.

She had no reason to refuse.

But she had already chosen her successor: Shiba Ganju.

Though the Saitō boy would enroll later, he could take over after Ganju graduated.

The problem was, by then, Rukia herself would have graduated. Would she still have any say?

Could she really ensure this kid had the talent?

The Council already had its share of nobles. Many excelled academically—but their character left much to be desired.

Unless… unless she replaced Ganju outright.

But that, she refused to do.

Ganju had worked hard as her assistant. He was talented, diligent, and the top student of his year.

Rukia believed he'd make a better president than she ever had.

But now…

As she wrestled with the dilemma, Byakuya suddenly spoke.

"If he has the ability to be Council President, then let him prove it. If not, no one will agree."

Rukia blinked.

Hisaya looked agitated. "Captain—"

Byakuya shot him a glance. Hisaya immediately fell silent, then bowed.

"I understand, Captain. Forgive us for troubling you, Lady Rukia."

"…"

After they left, Rukia gathered her courage.

"I'm sorry, Brother."

"What for?"

"Saitō's family is important to the Kuchiki clan. If their heir became Council President, it'd benefit us. But I…"

Byakuya was quiet for a moment before speaking.

"These things are never so simple."

"…"

"What is unreasonable need not be done."

"Yes, Brother."

And just like that, the matter passed without conflict.

At most, when the Saitō heir entered the Council, she'd keep an eye on him. If he had potential, she could train him.

Then Byakuya added, "Captain Ukitake of the Thirteenth Division expressed interest in you. After graduation, you may join the Thirteenth."

"The Thirteenth?" Rukia was stunned.

"You don't wish to?"

She quickly shook her head. "No—just surprised."

Byakuya paused, then asked, "Is there a Division you want to join?"

Rukia bit her lip, countless thoughts flashing through her mind.

"I thought… I'd go to the Sixth after graduation."

"The Sixth isn't right for you."

"…"

"I understand. I'll join the Thirteenth."

"Good."

Byakuya said nothing more. He knew she must be wrestling with a thousand thoughts—but if she agreed, then none of them truly mattered.

Rukia left the hall, thoughts churning.

She hadn't expected this. She'd always assumed the Sixth Division was her future.

She had even been mentally preparing herself for it.

Even considered graduating early.

But after the last time she saw Shin, she'd abandoned that idea.

The Thirteenth… might not be so bad.

Any Division was fine, really. She didn't need anything special.

Everything was… just fine.

Rukia lowered her gaze, lost in thought.