"Director?"
Upon hearing the voice of Yakushi Kabuto, Rukia looked with surprise at the silver-haired youth appearing at the doorway of the reception room, almost ready to fly into Yakushi Kabuto's arms.
Yakushi Kabuto, the director who had raised them like a father and older brother, was undoubtedly the person Rukia respected the most!
"The guest is still here."
With a hint of a smile on his face, Yakushi Kabuto tapped Rukia's head with his fingers, smiling and gently reprimanding her: "Rukia, don't be naughty..."
"Yes."
Rukia stood timidly beside Yakushi Kabuto, softly asking about the serious matter: "Um... Director, are you leaving..."
This was the matter Rukia was most concerned about.
Just when Kuchiki Byakuya told her, Rukia was somewhat unwilling to believe it, wanting to hear the truth from Yakushi Kabuto's own lips.
"That's right."
Yakushi Kabuto nodded with a smile, patting Rukia's head before continuing: "This is something unavoidable... People eventually have to part..."
"Director..."
"Alright."
Yakushi Kabuto turned to look at Kuchiki Byakuya sitting in the guest seat, smiling as he spoke: "Rukia, please step back, let me have a proper conversation with the young master of the Kuchiki Clan..."
"This..."
Rukia's expression was momentarily surprised.
However, out of trust in Yakushi Kabuto, Rukia still earnestly nodded and slowly withdrew from the reception room.
After Rukia exited, a serious look flashed in Kuchiki Byakuya's eyes. He might disregard Rukia, but he definitely couldn't disregard Yakushi Kabuto!
Hundreds of years ago, Yakushi Kabuto once served as the Captain of the 8th Squad responsible for intelligence, during which time the presence of the 8th Squad was overwhelming.
To put it bluntly...
The 8th Squad's glory nearly overshadowed any other squad!
Most importantly, the Kuchiki Clan actually owed Yakushi Kabuto a big favor, which was regarding his father, Kuchiki Soujyun, the current head of the Kuchiki Clan who was a close friend of Yakushi Kabuto.
Moreover, on a certain mission, Kuchiki Soujyun led the 6th Squad into danger, and it was thanks to Yakushi Kabuto's intervention that they were rescued.
This favor heeded here...
Otherwise, Kuchiki Byakuya wouldn't have personally appeared at the orphanage to discuss with Rukia but would have directly sent someone to forcibly bring Rukia back to the Kuchiki Family.
Unfortunately.
Although Kuchiki Soujyun was always very talented and kind to others, he still failed to truly possess the aura of a patriarch.
In comparison, Kuchiki Byakuya was more fitting and authoritative as the head of the clan than even his father.
Kuchiki Soujyun hoped that after Yakushi Kabuto joined the Zero Squad, he would protect Yakushi Kabuto's orphanage, but Kuchiki Byakuya did not agree with his father's opinion, which was another reason for his visit to the orphanage.
It was only because of Kuchiki Soujyun's gentle nature that Kuchiki Byakuya didn't face too much pressure to marry the common-born Kuchiki Hisana...
This point did make their father-son relationship quite good.
Therefore, facing his father's close friend, Kuchiki Byakuya hesitated slightly.
Moreover, in some ways, Yakushi Kabuto, who often visited the Kuchiki Clan, actually watched him grow up...
"No need to be restrained in front of me."
Yakushi Kabuto sat opposite of Kuchiki Byakuya, smiling as he poured himself a cup of tea, calmly saying: "I truly didn't expect it, Byakuya has really grown up, already learning to fully consider things from the perspective of the clan..."
"Yes... I want to adopt Miss Rukia."
Kuchiki Byakuya slightly furrowed his brow, gazing at Yakushi Kabuto with a deep voice: "The relationship between my wife Hisana and Rukia, you are well aware, Kabuto..."
If it weren't for Rukia being placed in Yakushi Kabuto's orphanage by Kuchiki Hisana herself, Kuchiki Byakuya might have doubted whether it was a scheme by Yakushi Kabuto, this always-smiling orphanage director with deep thoughts...
"Mm."
The smile on Yakushi Kabuto's lips grew a bit more pronounced as he nodded slowly: "I would never hinder something like this, I also hope Rukia can have a better life..."
"Yes."
Kuchiki Byakuya slowly nodded, saying deeply: "Although we all believe this generation's Patriarch Uehara is kind-hearted, the Thirteen Deadguard by his side..."
"There's no need to worry."
Yakushi Kabuto took a sip of tea, calmly continuing: "I believe Lord Naraku will handle everything well..."
They are all our people.
No need for outsiders to worry about these matters.
Compared to these small issues, they might as well worry about which squad Uehara Naraku will go to after graduation, as Uehara Naraku becoming a captain of a squad would be quite the concession.
The next day.
Quiet Spirit Court.
Shin'o Academy.
Because today was the day when Captain of Squad 5, Aizen Sousuke, announced the results of yesterday's assessment, many students who participated in the assessment gathered at the school.
Uehara Naraku was no exception.
Perhaps today he would graduate from this school.
Though Uehara Naraku hadn't stayed long at this school, which trained Soul Reapers, he still became a legendary figure with extraordinary talent and strength, the talk of the school.
Whether it was past top students like Kira Iziru and Hinamori Momo, or spirited fools like Abarai Renji who refused to be outdone...
All became footnotes to Uehara Naraku.