11th Division.
Renji was sitting with Momo and Izuru, who had come to visit him, on the veranda of the division barracks, chatting.
Being able to see his friends after a long time made Renji quite happy.
Just then, Toshiro, having left the Kuchiki Manor, and Ikkaku walked over together.
"Huh? Toshiro!"
Momo was the first to spot Toshiro approaching.
Ikkaku was subconsciously ignored by her.
"Toshiro, did you also come to see Renji?"
Momo asked with a smile.
"Well, you could say that. But there's another matter as well."
Toshiro sat down beside Momo.
At this point, Renji and Kira also greeted Toshiro.
"Toshi... oh, no, Captain Hitsugaya."
Renji and Kira hesitated for a moment.
"Yare yare!"
Toshiro sighed somewhat helplessly.
As Toshiro became a Captain, then Vice-Captain Commander, his status rose higher and higher. Former friends like Renji and Kira became increasingly reserved in front of him.
Toshiro said with a stern face, "Really, didn't we agree back at Shin'o Academy? No matter what happens in the future, we'll always be friends. So, address me the same as before!"
Momo also said, "Exactly! Like me, I always call him Toshiro or 'Shiro-chan'."
'That's different! You two have that kind of relationship, of course you can call him anything!'
Renji and Kira couldn't help but think sarcastically.
"Alright then, Toshiro."
Renji then said.
"Toshiro."
Kira also called.
"Mhm, that's more like it!"
Toshiro nodded.
Then, Renji couldn't help but ask, "Toshiro, what brings you here this time?"
Toshiro took out something resembling a letter from his person and handed it to Renji. "I came to deliver this."
"What is this?"
After taking it, Renji noticed two large words on the cover: Appointment Letter!
"Appointment letter?"
"Yes, this is Captain Kuchiki's appointment letter for you. I happened to visit the Kuchiki Manor earlier, so I brought it over for you."
Toshiro explained.
Earlier, just after leaving the Kuchiki Manor, Toshiro encountered the Kuchiki Clan's butler, Kuchiki Okuma, who was on his way to deliver the appointment letter to Renji. Upon learning this, Toshiro decided to see Renji personally, so he took on the errand.
Renji hurriedly opened it. It read: Effective immediately, 11th Division's Sixth Seat, Abarai Renji is appointed as 6th Division's Lieutenant.
"This is..."
Renji looked at Toshiro excitedly.
"Yes, that's right. Congratulations!"
"From today, you are the 6th Division's Lieutenant!"
Toshiro said.
"Oh, right. The inauguration ceremony will be held later. So within this month, you can first hand over your duties in the 11th Division, then report to the 6th Division."
Toshiro added.
"Renji, congratulations!"
"Yeah, you finally became a Lieutenant, Renji."
Momo and Kira also offered congratulations.
Toshiro patted Renji's shoulder. "Work hard from now on, Renji."
"Wow... No, no, no..."
"Receiving this appointment fills me with trepidation, Captain Hitsugaya!"
Thump!
Saying so, Renji also knelt on the ground, performing a deep bow.
'Earlier Rukia did this, now Renji too. Should I say, they really grew up together?'
Toshiro inwardly mocked.
"Renji, no need to be so nervous. Get up quickly."
Toshiro said helplessly.
Then, Renji suddenly seemed to remember something, hesitantly saying, "If I'm going to be the 6th Division's Lieutenant... then the 11th Division..."
"Isn't that good?"
"This way, you'll be closer to Kuchiki Byakuya."
Ikkaku, who had been sitting quietly aside, suddenly spoke.
"Ikkaku-san."
Renji turned to look at Ikkaku.
Ikkaku said solemnly, "It's time, Renji. Time to talk to Rukia."
"Even if she's a noble, once you become a Lieutenant, your status should be considered equal."
"You've persisted for forty years. It's time to restore your original relationship."
Hearing Ikkaku's words, Renji trembled and fell silent.
Seeing Renji's expression, Toshiro couldn't help but advise, "Renji, if you want to reconcile with Rukia now, you should go quickly. Rukia is leaving for a one-month garrison mission in the Living World this afternoon."
"Eh? Is that so? Then hurry up, Renji!"
Even Momo felt anxious for Renji.
"No!"
Renji suddenly refused. "Anyway, I'll officially become Lieutenant after the inauguration ceremony a month from now. When she returns, I'll tell her then… I'm already a Lieutenant!"
"Is that your decision, Renji?"
Toshiro looked at Renji.
Inwardly, Toshiro still hoped Renji would go reconcile with Rukia now.
Because Toshiro knew what ironic events would follow.
In the original work, after becoming Lieutenant, Renji's first mission was to capture Rukia. That was how he told her he had become a Lieutenant.
"Thanks, Toshiro. I'll wait until Rukia returns from the Living World. Even if I go now, time is tight. I couldn't have a proper talk with her."
Renji still refused.
"Is that so?"
Toshiro sighed, but didn't press further. After all, the two would eventually get together.
Undergoing more trials might not be a bad thing either.
…
13th Division.
"Well then, Captain Ukitake, I'll be off."
Rukia bid farewell to Ukitake.
"Cough."
Ukitake coughed slightly, then cautioned, "Take care, Rukia. And be careful. Don't let anything happen."
"Yes, Captain!"
Rukia nodded.
Then Rukia turned and left the 13th Division.
Before the Gotei 13's Senkaimon.
"What will I encounter in the Living World this time?"
Rukia stood before the Senkaimon and wondered.
Then, with an inexplicable feeling, Rukia embarked on an unknown journey.