In recent days, a major event had shaken Soul Society.
Kuchiki Ginrei had officially stepped down as captain of the Sixth Division, succeeded by his grandson, Kuchiki Byakuya.
As a division traditionally commanded by nobility, the Sixth Division's captaincy had always belonged to either a Kuchiki or a member of their affiliated noble houses.
A similar tradition existed in the Second Division, historically led by members of the Shihōin family. Although the current Second Division captain, Soifon, wasn't a Shihōin herself, her Feng family remained closely affiliated.
Rukia had requested a day off to attend Kuchiki Ginrei's farewell ceremony.
Ginrei was stepping down not only as captain but also relinquishing his position as head of the Kuchiki clan.
Held simultaneously was Byakuya's inauguration as the new captain of the Sixth Division.
Byakuya, recognized as the Kuchiki clan's most talented heir in centuries, had long performed exceptionally as lieutenant, having already mastered Bankai at a remarkably young age.
Today, Rukia saw many influential figures she'd rarely encountered—every active captain of the Gotei 13 attended, along with councilors from Central 46 and numerous prominent nobles.
Observing how respectfully they all treated Ginrei and Byakuya, Rukia felt firsthand the vast influence wielded by the Kuchiki name within Seireitei.
Throughout the day, several people approached her to chat.
Most were young noblemen from families subordinate to the Kuchiki clan. What made Rukia feel particularly awkward was how these young men—dressed impeccably and eager to impress—flocked around her.
It was almost unbearable.
After living with the Kuchiki for some time, she understood a few realities.
As one of the Four Great Noble Houses, the Kuchiki was among the highest-ranking families in Soul Society. Thus, their family members usually married nobles from subordinate houses.
In other words, if Rukia were ever to marry, her husband would likely be selected from among these very men fussing around her today.
Of course, there were exceptions: high-ranking seated officers from the Gotei 13 were also considered suitable candidates for Kuchiki marriage.
Rukia wore an elegant white kimono provided by the clan, forcing herself to maintain a polite smile. Yet, seeing these men hovering around her irritated her deeply.
She found herself thinking of Kaichō. Given his talent, Nobu's future would undoubtedly surpass mere seated-officer status.
Even lieutenant or captain positions wouldn't be beyond his reach.
On the other side of the ceremony hall…
Kuchiki Byakuya, newly adorned with a captain's haori, chatted briefly with several fellow captains.
"Is that Rukia over there?" Ukitake Jūshirō asked, glancing toward the girl surrounded by nobles.
He couldn't help softly remarking, "She really looks like her…"
Byakuya remained calm, offering no response.
Among current captains, Byakuya was relatively close to Ukitake—though Ukitake was famously friendly with everyone.
Captain Aizen of the Fifth Division was similarly amiable.
"She's still attending Shin'ō Academy?" Aizen Sōsuke asked gently. "I saw her there during a previous visit. Why not have her join one of the divisions already?"
"It's only her second year," Byakuya replied simply. "She can enter a division once she's ready."
Ukitake chuckled. "You're rather strict. There are easier administrative positions in the divisions, and she'd improve faster within the Gotei 13."
Aizen asked further, "Do you plan on bringing her into the Sixth Division eventually, Kuchiki-taichō?"
"No," Byakuya stated flatly.
Ukitake nodded thoughtfully. He guessed Byakuya simply didn't want Rukia lingering around him every day.
"If you don't mind, the Thirteenth Division would gladly accept her," Ukitake offered warmly.
"I'll consider it," Byakuya answered.
When the ceremony ended, Rukia quickly returned home with other members of the Kuchiki clan, finally letting out a sigh of relief.
Renji could never imagine what I went through today…
...
Evening.
Byakuya returned home after handling some affairs at the Sixth Division headquarters. After spending a short while conversing privately with Kuchiki Ginrei, he allowed Rukia to meet him.
"Did you need something?"
Rukia immediately felt her brother's aura had grown even more intimidating since becoming captain, making her anxious.
"Brother, Shin'ō Academy will soon hold this year's cultural festival. I wanted to ask if you might attend."
"Cultural festival?" Byakuya paused briefly. He recalled a similar event last year—where Ginrei had first met Rukia at the academy.
Rukia quickly explained, "This year's festival will be even grander. Kaichō is putting a great deal of effort into it and inviting more outside guests. I hoped you could spare some time to relax and enjoy the festival, Brother."
"I understand," Byakuya replied without indicating clearly whether he would attend.
Rukia didn't dare press further. With a polite bow, she prepared to leave, but Byakuya unexpectedly called her back.
"Brother?"
"How are your grades at Shin'ō Academy?"
Rukia's heart suddenly tightened. Previously, Byakuya had never once asked about her life at school—he rarely paid her any attention at all.
Since adopting her, the Kuchiki family treated her more like a mascot than anything else.
Rukia quickly organized her thoughts and cautiously answered, "My Kidō scores are decent. My other grades are average."
She blushed slightly in embarrassment after speaking.
"Are you ranked first in Kidō class?" Byakuya asked directly.
Rukia grew even more embarrassed. "Top five… probably…"
Every student in the advanced class was exceptional. Achieving a top-five Kidō ranking was largely thanks to the private instructor arranged by the Kuchiki family.
The top student in her class was actually Kira Izuru—consistently excellent in every subject. In Kidō, he fell slightly behind Hinamori, while in swordsmanship, Renji edged him out slightly.
"I understand. You may leave," Byakuya stated dismissively.
Byakuya had genuinely been unaware of Rukia's performance at the academy. To him, these minor details were irrelevant, as he held no particular expectations for her future success.
Before adopting her, he had thoroughly reviewed Rukia's records. Back then, her performance had been merely "ordinary."
After assigning her four private instructors to tutor her daily, he was now curious about her improvement.
If her current performance was "acceptable," he could consider having her graduate early. As a Kuchiki, spending unnecessary time at the academy was a waste in his view.
Rukia anxiously wondered why her brother suddenly cared about her academic performance.
This incident, however, stirred a newfound resolve within her.
Even if it's for no one else, I must work harder—I can't slack off if I want to keep up with Kaichō!