Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!

Since that day, Hinamori had grown even more clingy.

She constantly slipped into Shin's office during her free time, much to his increasing exasperation.

Yet every time he scolded her, she'd put on a pitiful, teary-eyed look—like a girl basking in the bloom of first love.

And after that night, the affection meter on the system interface shifted noticeably.

[Affection: 95]

The highest of any girl Shin had met so far.

[Reiatsu Level: Lv. 62]

[Zanpakutō Unlock Progress: 59%]

He glanced at Rukia's status—nearly slipping below 80.

Shin suddenly asked Hinamori, "Isn't it almost time for the Shin'ō Academy cultural festival?"

Hinamori pondered for a moment. "Yeah, it's next month. Captain, are you planning to attend?"

"I go every year, don't I?"

"That's true."

Truth was, Shin could never truly abandon Rukia. If not for binding the Shinigami's Keystone to her, maybe he really would've distanced himself out of guilt.

Of course, that idea only flashed for a moment.

Shin was selfish. Thoughts like that were just ways to ease his own conscience.

In the office, Hinamori had brought her own stool and sat across the desk, chin resting in her hands, staring at Shin as he worked.

Shin couldn't help but ask, "Don't you have anything to do today?"

She widened her eyes. "Nope, I'm off. Being alone's boring, so I came to keep you company."

"You're not keeping me company, you're getting in the way."

"I haven't said a word. How am I bothering you?"

"Exactly. Let me move farther away then." She looked around, pointed to a spot. "I'll sit over there."

Just then, Rangiku Matsumoto knocked and entered, glancing at the scene with a sigh. "You two do realize this is a squad barracks, right? Try to keep it professional."

Shin frowned inwardly, wondering how to get Hinamori out. After a moment's thought, he turned to Rangiku and asked, "You're heading to the First Division's performance review meeting later, right?"

The monthly meeting presided over by Vice-Commander Chojiro Sasakibe. Shin had attended a few with Yoruichi before.

Rangiku nodded. "Yeah."

"Perfect. Take Hinamori with you."

"Her?" Rangiku blinked. Hinamori was still a fresh recruit—no need to bring her to such a high-level meeting.

Although Rangiku didn't think the meeting itself was especially serious, the tradition of bringing a Third Seat or above was well-established. Bringing a non-seated officer might raise eyebrows.

"I've got other tasks lined up for Hitsugaya. Just take her." Shin sounded casual.

He was just looking for any excuse to send Hinamori away.

Hinamori, on the other hand, stood up nervously. "I… can I really go?"

She thought it was a great honor, a mix of anxiety and joy fluttering through her chest.

Rangiku, after some thought, figured it wasn't a big deal. The vice-captains usually brought someone along to take notes anyway—there wasn't any rule that said it had to be a Third Seat.

Besides, sometimes Chojiro would announce confidential orders from the First Division, which was why most vice-captains brought upper-seated officers. Still, letting Hinamori get familiar with such procedures early wouldn't hurt. She was promising—top scores at the Academy, former Student Council officer—someone Rangiku believed would be an upper seat in the future.

She already planned to promote Hinamori to Fourth Seat in a few years.

The current Fourth Seat of Tenth Division was reliable but overly obedient. Anything asked of him, he'd run straight to the Captain with a report. Completely lacking tact in navigating intra-squad hierarchies.

Rangiku set a folder down and said, "Go get ready, then come with me."

"Yes, ma'am!" Hinamori answered immediately.

Watching Hinamori follow Rangiku out of the office, Shin finally exhaled deeply.

Hinamori made him feel powerless. Discipline didn't work—she thought the scolding was flirting.

And Shin couldn't bring himself to truly be harsh—not after what they did, and what they'd keep doing.

Maybe he needed a break somewhere peaceful.

But where?

If he just disappeared, she'd show up at his house. And if she felt he was avoiding her, there'd be a scene.

After some thought, Shin found the perfect escape.

The Human World.

But as a captain, he needed a legitimate excuse.

He hadn't visited the World of the Living since transferring from Fourth Division. Unlike Thirteenth Division, which maintained a permanent detachment there, the Tenth had little reason to engage.

Meanwhile—

Inside the First Division Barracks

Hinamori clutched a notebook, nervously following Rangiku through the stately halls. Her slightly oversized black shihakushō emphasized her petite frame. The bun atop her head gave her a tidy, charming look—like the girl next door.

It was her first time here. Compared to Tenth Division's more relaxed architecture, First Division's grounds felt steeped in tradition and gravitas.

Even the passing squad members seemed more serious, more formidable.

Though that was mostly her imagination.

First Division handled administrative duties. Its members rarely fought, spending more time relaying orders from the Gotei's leadership. They were protected by the Seventh Division.

Rangiku smiled at Hinamori's nervousness. "Relax. Just a meeting. Sit, take notes, and don't interrupt."

"Y-Yes! I'll do my best!" Hinamori replied quickly.

Rangiku's eyes sparkled mischievously. "So, Hinamori… what's going on between you and the Captain?"

Hinamori hadn't expected that. Their current situation was… hard to explain. They'd crossed a line physically, but Shin's attitude had cooled sharply compared to how he'd been at the Academy.

She fumbled a bit. "Nothing really. Back at the Academy, he was my senpai, the Student Council President."

Rangiku raised an eyebrow. "You're not dating? You two seem awfully close."

Hinamori pressed her lips together. "It's… close, I guess, but…"

Rangiku chuckled knowingly. "So you haven't made it official yet."

Hinamori nodded slowly.

Rangiku sighed wistfully. "That's nice."

"You think so? Doesn't it feel a little… weird?" Hinamori asked.

Rangiku stared forward. "What's weird about two people who like each other being together? Labels aren't that important."

She sounded like she was speaking from experience—but didn't elaborate.

They walked a bit more before Rangiku's eyes lit up. "Nanao!"

Up ahead stood two figures—Nanao Ise, Vice-Captain of Eighth Division, and Kasazawa, Ninth Seat.

Rangiku quickened her steps.

She greeted Kasazawa with a grin. "Didn't bring your Third Seat either, huh?"

Nanao adjusted her glasses. "Kasazawa's more diligent."

Kasazawa greeted politely, "Vice-Captain Matsumoto."

Then both Nanao and Kasazawa noticed Hinamori.

Kasazawa recognized her. She really had joined Tenth Division. His expression remained neutral—they'd never been particularly close, despite sharing circles thanks to Shin.

In truth, their past involved some conflict. Shin had once asked Hinamori to apologize, but Kasazawa never gave her the chance. He was cold, especially toward her.

Hinamori, aware of this, had stopped trying to engage him.

Even when they crossed paths at gatherings, they simply pretended the other didn't exist.

Rangiku beamed. "This is our Tenth Division rookie, Hinamori Momo. Top of her Academy class!"

Hinamori flinched slightly. She wasn't the top—graduated early, yes, but she wasn't the same year. She tried to explain but Rangiku pressed a hand to her shoulder.

Nanao calmly said, "Wasn't Kira Izuru the top student? He joined Third Division."

Rangiku chuckled, "He was top in General Ed. Hinamori was top in Kidō. Second overall! And she was Student Council Head of the Organization Department!"

There was clear pride in her tone.

Nanao countered, "Kira was also the Student Council Vice President."

Rangiku pouted. "Do you have to ruin the moment?"

Nanao replied coolly, "Plenty of promising graduates. But Academy excellence doesn't guarantee success in the Gotei 13. Time will tell. Kasazawa's set to rise this year too."

Rangiku shot back, "And Hinamori won't fall short either."

Nanao looked at Hinamori. "Hinamori Momo, was it?"

"Yes, Vice-Captain Ise. Kasazawa-senpai," Hinamori quickly bowed.

Nanao asked, "You know Hitsugaya Tōshirō of Tenth Division?"

Hinamori nodded.

Rangiku added, "They're from the same district. Childhood friends."

Nanao blinked. "Ah… no wonder."

She'd been about to say developing in Tenth Division wasn't ideal—but reconsidered.

Tenth Division had gotten strangely lucky lately, packed with young talent.

Her envy flared quietly.

"Let's go," Nanao said.

The four entered the First Division's meeting hall.

Hinamori noticed the room was already quite full. Rangiku slipped into the crowd with familiar ease, exchanging greetings.

This, Hinamori thought, was the vice-captains' circle. Everyone here, save for her, held some level of seniority.

And then—she saw another familiar face.

Kotetsu Isane.

At the sight of her, countless thoughts flooded Hinamori's mind.

Isane was beautiful—silver hair, a face that always looked gentle yet a touch stern.

A strange bitterness stirred in Hinamori's chest.

To her, Isane had simply gotten lucky—able to spend every day with Shin back when he was in Fourth Division.

No way Shin liked tall women like her.

Not now.

Now… Shin was hers.

Straightening her back, Hinamori puffed out her chest, eyeing Isane like a territorial cat.

Noticing the look, Isane glanced back. Their eyes met in the air—hers filled with surprise, then realization.

She remembered Hinamori—and vividly.

"You know Hinamori from our Division?" Rangiku asked with a sly smile, seating herself beside Isane.

"Ah… I remember. She once said… she wanted to join Fourth Division."

Rangiku raised an eyebrow. She leaned in and whispered something to Isane.

Whatever she said, it made Isane fall quiet.

"…That's fine," Isane replied stiffly.

She seemed awkward. Forced.

Rangiku smiled to herself. "Who'd have thought our captain liked that type. Shows he's still a kid—can't appreciate the allure of a mature woman."

As she spoke, she subtly thrust out her chest—earning several male stares in the room.

Isane didn't respond. She kept glancing at Hinamori, lost in thought.

It's over, she told herself. Whatever Shin does now is his business.

But her gaze dimmed with quiet sorrow.