Smack!
A crisp sound echoed.
Ichigo extended his hand, blocking Ganju's fist.
At the same time, sensing Ichigo's Reiatsu, Kukaku hurriedly walked out.
"Sorry, sorry, changing clothes took a bit of time, Ichigo... Ganju, you idiot, what are you doing?"
Roaring, Kukaku kicked Ganju away.
The heavy wind pressure stirred by her fair foot fully illustrated what a 'dear elder sister' meant.
Kicked by Kukaku, Ganju performed a scene of a body skipping across water on the muddy ground.
He bounced up and down repeatedly, finally crashing heavily into the giant arm at the courtyard entrance.
Crack...
The arm holding up Kukaku's nameplate snapped and fell.
Seeing this, Rukia forgot her own troubles for a moment and quickly looked at Ichigo. "Is he alright? Won't this be a problem?"
"Or is this the Shiba Clan's educational method?"
Speaking of educational methods, Rukia became serious. After all, she was going to marry Ichigo in the future. If this was really the educational method, she needed to get used to it early.
Regarding Rukia's thoughts, Ichigo gave a faint smile.
This wasn't a good educational method. It was purely because the Shiba Clan had Soul King lineage, making them tough and durable. Such thing wasn't worth learning.
However, facing his own elder sister's 'education,' Ganju felt extremely wronged.
"Sis, this guy is the one who killed big brother! I want to avenge big brother, what's wrong with that!"
"Shut up!" Kukaku paid no attention to Ganju.
She simply looked calmly at Rukia.
After giving her all to Ichigo, having someone who truly controlled her body, Kukaku no longer dressed as boldly as before, becoming more conservative and reserved. Yet, wearing just a yukata, Kukaku gave Rukia unprecedented pressure.
Because Kukaku's identity to Rukia was somewhat complex at this moment.
She was both Kaien's younger sister and Ichigo's relative, even potentially the 'main wife'.
At the same time, her visit this time wasn't solely for Kaien's matter.
Bowing deeply to Kukaku, Rukia said:
"I am sorry about Kaien-dono's matter!"
"Also, please give your approval for my relationship with Ichigo!"
Given Ichigo's status, his relationship with Rukia certainly didn't need Kukaku's approval.
But Rukia had been in the Soul Society for a long time, deeply influenced by clan concepts.
Now that Ichigo was considered to have returned to the Shiba Clan, Rukia insisted on getting the approval of Kukaku, the head of the main family.
Ichigo let her do as she wanted.
Hearing Rukia's words, Kukaku finally smiled.
"About big brother's matter, I heard the entire story from Captain Ukitake long ago."
"I always thought that as long as you said sorry, I would forget everything!"
"So, it's alright!"
"As for you and Ichigo, I have no objections!"
Saying this, Kukaku helplessly spread her hands. "After all, in this family, Ichigo has the final say!"
"Alright, come in!"
"Huh?" Hearing Kukaku's words, Rukia was a bit confused.
Watching this scene, the live stream audience found it very amusing.
"Don't you understand what 'family emperor position' means?"
"Yeah, mooching with dominance, you think I'm joking?"
"But to be fair, this isn't entirely mooching with dominance. Ichigo himself has strength."
"True!"
After apologizing to Kukaku, Ichigo and Rukia entered the Shiba Residence.
Here, Orihime, Uryu, Chad, and others had been waiting for a while.
According to the Seireitei's message, the Senkaimon for everyone would be ready tomorrow. They had one day left before returning to the Living World. This was their final gathering in the Soul Society.
"Kurosaki-kun, we were just waiting for you and Rukia!" Orihime called out.
"Alright!" Ichigo and Rukia took their seats.
After the intense battles, a lively party began.
Under Kukaku's enthusiastic arrangements, the group about to part drank late into the night.
After everyone else was knocked out, Ichigo swayed back to the room reserved for him in the Shiba House.
However, not long after, the door to Ichigo's room was gently pushed open.
Rukia, who had changed at some point into a pure white yukata with exquisite plum blossom patterns, appeared at Ichigo's doorway.
"Hm? Rukia?" Looking at Rukia, Ichigo was quite puzzled.
Looking at Ichigo, Rukia blushed, gently biting her lip.
In her eyes, captivating ripples shimmered.
Then, steeling her resolve, struggling internally, Rukia finally made her decision and walked forward.
"Ichigo, I made up my mind back when Onii-sama took me away, but there just hasn't been a chance these past days."
"That day when we defeated sister together, I wanted to find you, but being in the Kuchiki House, Onii-sama's gaze was too terrifying, I didn't dare."
"Also, sorry I still can't return to the Living World with you yet. For now, there's only tonight."
"This outfit is said to have been left for me by sister, so I..."
Rukia's later words remained unspoken.
Because at that moment, Ichigo had already kissed Rukia.
A faint scent of plum blossoms spread.
If a flower is ready to be plucked, pluck it. Moreover, the flower had come to him on its own.
A Kido barrier about silencing, which Ichigo temporarily spent game currency to exchange for from the game, deployed.
Tonight, the most beautiful white plum blossom in the Soul Society was plucked, turning into spring mud.
But at the same time.
Seireitei, 1st Division's barracks, Captain's meeting hall.
All Captains were assembled again, except for the traitorous Captains of the 3rd, 5th, and 9th Divisions!
Looking at the Captains before him, Yamamoto tapped his staff.
"The reason for summoning you all today is something you are likely well aware of."
"What are your thoughts regarding Kurosaki Ichigo's future arrangements?"
"Should he be like Ginjo Kugo, made a Substitute Shinigami under supervision, or absorbed into the Seireitei?"
"If absorbed into the Seireitei, based on his human identity, how should it be handled?"
Yamamoto swept his gaze around. His commanding eyes slightly opened, making everyone tense.
The Captains exchanged a few glances.
Finally, stroking the scar left on her palm from stopping Ichigo and Kenpachi's fight in the 4th Division, Unohana's eyes gleamed with a flicker of fervor. She stepped forward first.
"Captain-Commander, I propose absorbing him into the Seireitei!"
"Reason?" Yamamoto said flatly.
"He is strong, has great potential. Such a person should not be left outside the Soul Society!" Unohana stated without hesitation.
Yamamoto looked at the other Captains. "And you?"
Kyouraku, Ukitake, Byakuya, Hitsugaya, Komamura, and the others exchanged glances and said in unison, "We concur!"
Saying this, Kyouraku added, "That Kurosaki boy is really strong, you know!"
"Is that so..." Yamamoto nodded. This was also the result he desired.
"Then, regarding Kurosaki Ichigo's specific future arrangements..." Yamamoto continued.
Kurotsuchi Mayuri: "Assign him to the 12th Division for me to research."
Hitsugaya: "Come to my 10th Division as the 3rd Seat."
Zaraki: "This kid absolutely cannot be given to another division."
Byakuya: "Kurosaki Ichigo is of noble lineage."
Unohana: "I'll just smile and see who doesn't give me respect today."
But unlike the previous harmony, when it came to Ichigo's specific placement within the Seireitei, the Captains had significant disagreements. Fierce arguments began!
Ichigo probably couldn't have imagined what the Soul Society would offer him due to his astonishing performance this time.